A story

In class some interesting stories from told by my classmates about their past. We were asked after everyone had shared to find the messages in each of the stories. Some of the stories held messages about making decisions under the influence of alcohol, and others held some more somber truths. One classmate shared a story about his janitorial work in the past, and about how a fellow worker instead of him had to clean up some sort of rancid mess in a restroom stall. The message was difficult for me to find, but the student who told the story seemed very regretful of his actions in the story so I knew he at least was conveying some sort of message. The only message I was able to come up with was that sometimes the universe makes you do gross things, and sometimes it lets you off and someone else has to do it. In the end the task must be completed but one conscious-mind will not always be forced to do the undesirable tasks. It is a positive message when taken in the first person, but in when taken in the third person it is not so positive. It reminds you that life will not always be a breeze, and one day something will happen that bursts your bubble of happiness. I'm sure in the mind of the man who had to clean up the mess he was having some very interesting thoughts. Perhaps he thought about why he had his current job, and whether he was happy with his life. Maybe being forced to do something completely disgusting forced him to recall his childhood dreams and the event finally pushed him over the edge, inspiring him to start living his life for himself again. It could have also thrown him into some sort of depressed spiral, which is what my classmate fear, but if that was the case the man had some other psychological issues that may have been more a cause.
Perspective of events involving multiple people is a very interesting topic to talk about, it is sad however how some people can totally disregardful the others and assume that their perspective is the only one that matters.

Observation

One of my favorite things about my job is the fact that we have a southwestern wall made entirely of glass. My job isn't exactly difficult, so I often find myself gazing or watching people as they go by, and from this I have learned how little people observe. After my manager was robber at the store, the company put in a few cameras and an electromagnetic lock on the door to help her feel safe. After the first few days of using the lock we noticed that people were failing to see the large red button that says "Press to Exit". We figured the problem would go away if we put up a sign that instructed people how to use the door, but it did not. I put up a sign with an arrow, we put up a sign on yellow paper, but eventually I just began turning the lock off due to frustration.
Through this window I can also see our parking lot. It's nothing too spectacular, rectangular shape with one corner cut out to spill into another lot. Ten spots on one side, and maybe six or seven on the other. Much like every other parking lot in the city, we have a designated handicapped parking spot. I believe I have seen this spot properly used twice. More often than not people will pull into the area marked for unloading handicapped friendly vehicles, but they won't be straight the first time, so they will back up, look down in front their car to obviously see these bright yellow lines and pull forward anyway.
Perhaps I am overly observant. Through our window I get to spot Venus as it becomes visible around 5:30. I get to watch people trip over the same crack everyday, and watch them get parking tickets only to seem baffled as if this "No Parking Anytime" sign appeared from thin air while they were away. But that's not to say I see everything, I too miss what others may see as obvious, and that's what I find so interesting. Because of my interests and life-style I am able to notice and appreciate the small things with-in these fields. Whenever I notice these small things or changes, I can't help but become frustrated when people can't appreciate their magnificence. However I must think of my same view but from the outside. My interests and beliefs are totally unique, as are everyone's, and they force me to see things others do not, but this can't mean I am the only one to notice them. I wish I could be part of another conscious mind to see if the changes are as bold and beautiful to witness.

WIFM

WIFM
What's in it for me?
Whenever we discuss the WIFM barrier, which describes the mindset of the receiver, I can't help but become frustrated. I become frustrated because of my interest in the universe and when trying to explain the value of space exploration, the WIFM barrier becomes a shell that with out something tangible to show value, becomes impenetrable. You can explain to them that there are billions of stars in our galaxy, and that there are billions of galaxies containing billions of stars, but the populace seems to be more focused on short term and trivial things than trying to understand the truly unbelievable. I feel mean when I say things like that but it seems like being mean is an effective way to instill a message. All of the advertisements I see on TV seem like they are trying to tell me that my life is pointless unless I have their product. One day I am shown that only if I have a clean shaven face will I get an attractive woman to touch my cheek, the next I am told my masculinity will be questioned if I do not drink some soda. Maybe it is just my abortive reception of advertising but that doesn't seem like anyway to gain customers. It's not just on television, even walking around I recently saw an advertisement that said "You just proved these signs work." All I can imagine when I read that is some guy talking to me with his mouth full. I assume that phrase is used to answer the question; why should I advertise on this small sign on the side of a trash can? Instead of giving information on how much it costs to advertise, the dimensions of the sign, or any large print contact information, the company saved their sweet breath by telling the interested clients that they are an idiot if they don't make the obvious choice and show this alleyway what their business is all about!

Power

In class on Monday we discussed the use of writing to gain power. What I find interesting is how powerful writing truly can be. Whenever I listen to the radio at work they are often playing older blues music, or the occasional classical piece. They always follow every few songs with a little blurb about the artist or the song they had played. One of the most important things they emphasize is the timelessness either the lyrics or the composition. I often find the same trait being given to poems, literature, and films. This timelessness gives it infinite relevance to anyone because they discuss a problem always found in the human experience or they challenge the normal structures and limits of human creativity. The most powerful pieces of literature seem to be religious texts. Granted these stories tend to carry the same message, one which most of the followers can't seem to grasp, they were all written by humans who wanted people to think a different way. Machiavelli's The Prince shows us how people will do terrible things for power, and I believe it carries with it the message for us to be aware. If we are aware of how dreadful people can be when they have a thirst for power we can be more cautious and aware of the actions they take. By being aware of these things we can prepare ourselves and counter these manipulative tactics. This message can be found in the bible I found out. Matthew 10:16 says, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." I am sure the message of awareness can be found in many tales and stories from the past.