Empathy

This is a symbol of empathy:


<http://www.debellsworth.com/images/empathydrawnredblue.jpg>

"The Empathy Symbol stands for 2 sides reaching out, and reaching into each other to really understand what the other is feeling and experiencing. (Debellsworth, 24 September 2007) "

At times, it is easy to figure out how one is feeling at the moment. You can tell by their face expression, behavior, or their response. However, most of the time, it is hard to tell what the other person is thinking or feeling about something because he or she might be hiding their feelings and keeping it all to themselves inside. It is also hard to describe certain feelings with words, because they are too strong.

What is the real definition of success?

Success has numerous definitions because people interpret the word differently and they have different views and opinions regarding the word. To me, success is accomplishing a goal or a dream, which requires a lot of time and effort. It is not about being famous, popular, or gaining more intelligence or earning a high salary. It is not also about appearing on television or on the first page of the Los Angeles Times. Whether something is small or big in size, more or less important is not the question. The question begins with whether or not the success fits each person. Just like everyone wears different sizes, it is the same concept when considering this kind of ambiguous word. It has to fit to be considered as "just right" or "perfect." Yet many young people are blinded by society that many people choose careers that will earn a lot of money or that will help them gain good reputations. Instead of discovering what one's special talents or interests are, they make hasty and foolish decisions caring so much about how other people will judge them.

I have to think for a moment if I am making a brainless decision in my life right now. I have to ask a question to myself: "Why do I want to be a nurse?" My main reason was to help and take care of people who are in need, but is this something I really wanted to do?

Frequently mentioned Countries

Some countries include:

• China
• Guatemala
• Indonesia
• Cambodia
• Phillippines
• Korea

The countries that were mentioned above are suffering from harsh working conditions and low wages. These countries appear frequently on the clothing, toy, and home appliance tags. At first, I was not aware of the problem that these countries were facing. I did not really care about where things came from and where they were made. When I bought clothes, I would see the style, the color, and the brand and then decide if I wanted to buy it or not. However, after doing research on sweatshops, I decided to support other countries that was not involved in sweatshops. I decided to be wise in making decisions, because I realize that it can determine whether to save or kill one's precious life.

Globalization

It is true that globalization is affecting everything in the world, as of today. The more it spreads to other countries, the more we familiar ourselves with, not limited to, other products and traditions. Like everything on this earth, it has advantages and disadvantages as well. An advantage could be the spread of the new idea to other countries and giving them options whether or not they want the item to be made and export to their countries for profits. On the other hand, a disadvantage could be destroying what the country once thought brilliant and replacing it with the most recent version.

Wal-Mart Video After Thoughts

After watching the Wal-Mart video, I was very disappointed. I had the same feeling of disappointment when I was researching about Walt Disney. It is very sad to see big companies doing things that we imagine would not happen. I have never been to Wal-Mart before and I heard from people that everything there is cheap, so since I am thrifty, I was planning on visiting the store when I had the chance. However, I do not intend on going to the store anymore for the sake of their employees. I want to help them in any way that I can for them to receive whatever they deserve as human beings and also as workers in the company.

My Huge Disappointment

I was very disappointed when I was researching about Walt Disney's sweat shops. The Responsible Shopper website gave me a lot of information on the topic and I was just amazed at what I was reading. For example, some quotes include:

“The Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) found that Walt Disney World uses more than 80 extremely toxic cleaners, as opposed to just 12 that are non-toxic and which are used in the animal park out of safety concerns for the animals. The toxic cleaners, according to CHEJ are used children visiting the park "bathe, eat and play." CHEJ and community groups in Florida are urging Disney to use safer cleaning products for the sake of the children. (Center for Health, Environment and Justice, 17 September 2007)”

“Workers that produce Disney toys, books, and clothes are typically forced to work long hours under harsh conditions, with compensation that is below poverty level. (Responsible Shopper, 17 September 2007)”

Hong Kong-based Students and Scholars against Corporate Misbehavior (SACOM) found three factories that manufacture Disney products routinely violated Chinese labor standards. (China Labor Watch, 27 July 2006)”

"It does not have to be like this. But what happens when workers dare to stand up to ask that their basic rights be respected? When young women in Bangladesh, being paid just five cents for every $ 17.99 Disney shirt they sewed, asked for one day a week off, the Walt Disney Company responded by pulling its work from the factory. These women needed these jobs, but they also wanted to be treated as human beings. The message Disney is delivering to workers across the developing world is that if you dare to raise your voice, you too will be fired and thrown out on the street with nothing. (Global Issues, Local Arguments, 49) ”


If the workers at the factories are happy, everyone will be happy. By satisfying their needs, they will work more efficiently. As a result, profits will soar, which will be more productive. They should realize and look after what is more beneficial to them. Aside form what is right and wrong, are they making a wise decision? The answer to that is "No" because they are not. They are not thinking outside the box. Sweatshop workers had to suffer the cruel working conditions and risk their life to make a living. It is sad to imagine exactly how they are treated in the outside world.

Proust Questionairre

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Having all needs and wants.

What is your greatest fear?

Heights.

Which living person do you most admire?

God, family, and friends.

What is the trait that you most deplore in yourself?

My height.

On what occasion do you lie?

When it is truly necessary.

Which living person do you most despise?

People who swears in God's name.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Fo sho!

What is your greatest regret?

Taking too many Advanced Placement classes in high school.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My family.

When and where were you the happiest?

At the amusement park.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My face.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Graduating high school wth high honors.

If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?

A bird.

What is your most treasured posession?

My photos of family and friends.

Where would you like to live?

In Paris.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Being talkative

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Responsibility, sense of humor, and sincerity.

What do you most value in your friends?

Trust.

What is it that you most dislike?

People being conceited.

How would you like to die?

Praying to God at church.

What is your motto?

Try my best in everything I do and never give up.