Some media scholars say that Internet makes people shallow. I turned up my nose at this opinion, because I think Internet is just another form of media and the content doesn't change at all. However, what I saw today makes me rethink this issue.
A few days ago, a famous Chinese scientist passed away. He had made great contribution to the space engineering of China. Today is his farewell ceremony. Renren.com, which is very similar to Facebook.com and enjoys great popularity among students in the mainland of China, has added a webpage on its website. The users can post some words that they want to say on the page. Up to now , there are more than 200 thousand messages on that page.
Here comes the point. Is this act enough to memory the scientist? Students log on to Renren.com and find there is a website. They just incidentally input some characters and this is it. They might feel that I did something and I was aware of that. After doing that, they just do what they want to do with a quiet conscience.
I think this is kind of pathetic. Is the great scientist only worth some keyboard percussions? The design of the memory webpage just simplified the memoriam activity. It became more entertaining and less serious. We lost the solemn and respectful sense and the whole procession is just like a mere formality.
Who should be responsible for this? The webmaster or the users? Neither of them is false. I think it's the Internet should be blamed. Just like I said at the beginning, Internet makes people shallow. The form of Internet decides what people would do in the Internet. McLuhan had said the medium is the message. It seems that his theory was proved once again.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
How unwritten rules circumscribe our lives
On the train people sit face to face. Some people feel that it is an awkward situation. If you look forward, you will see the other passenger's face.That behavior will make the other passenger uncomfortable. Otherwise, you have to pretend to look at the ground or out of the train window. I believe most people would take the second measure except young kids who will directly look at you with their innocent eyes.
However, this is not a rule you can find in the law book. No one is going to be in jail if he insists of doing this. It seems that there is a invisible angle floating over you head telling you that you'd better not do this. To be more specific, the unwritten rules play an important part in our lives. In many occasions, the invisible angle over your head will instruct you.
Every time I go to the library I am interested about how the student choose their seats. A guy picks up a book which he wants to read and he looks around to find a desk. If there is another empty table, he would never choose a nearer desk where there is already a person. Even though the desk could accommodate 4 or 6 people. If there is no empty desk at all, he definitely will choose to sit diagonally but not face to face. This occasion occurs to everyone. It seems that there is a very clear principle(actually there isn't) that when people face with the choice of where to sit. The principle is very clear—stay away from the other guy as far as possible.
The invisible angle will come out to remind you when you see the old man get on the bus. After a long day's work, you are tired and exhausted. However, the invisible angle just doesn't want to make you feel well if you let the old stand by you. Here comes the same question, you won't be suited if you don't offer your seats. Why does everybody still invite the old to be seated?
The reason is that we all share the same values.Most people in the society agree that we should follow some rules. Some of them are incorporated into legislation while others are not, but they still affect our lives a lot. Sometimes they even are stronger than the written ones. We can't pretend they do not exist.
However, this is not a rule you can find in the law book. No one is going to be in jail if he insists of doing this. It seems that there is a invisible angle floating over you head telling you that you'd better not do this. To be more specific, the unwritten rules play an important part in our lives. In many occasions, the invisible angle over your head will instruct you.
Every time I go to the library I am interested about how the student choose their seats. A guy picks up a book which he wants to read and he looks around to find a desk. If there is another empty table, he would never choose a nearer desk where there is already a person. Even though the desk could accommodate 4 or 6 people. If there is no empty desk at all, he definitely will choose to sit diagonally but not face to face. This occasion occurs to everyone. It seems that there is a very clear principle(actually there isn't) that when people face with the choice of where to sit. The principle is very clear—stay away from the other guy as far as possible.
The invisible angle will come out to remind you when you see the old man get on the bus. After a long day's work, you are tired and exhausted. However, the invisible angle just doesn't want to make you feel well if you let the old stand by you. Here comes the same question, you won't be suited if you don't offer your seats. Why does everybody still invite the old to be seated?
The reason is that we all share the same values.Most people in the society agree that we should follow some rules. Some of them are incorporated into legislation while others are not, but they still affect our lives a lot. Sometimes they even are stronger than the written ones. We can't pretend they do not exist.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Journal 11.4
I don't have any religious belief, even though I think some principles of the Buddhism or Catholicism are very meaningful. The reason is that I already know the supernatural beings don't exist. Why do the adherents of Jesus keep telling me that God is always there? Isn't that statement ridiculous? I am a rational man and if I believe what they said then I am totally an idiot.
The lecture I attended toady definitely changed something in my mind. The topic of this lecture was about the meaning of life. The lecturer was the famous cardinal bishop Shan Kuo-Hsi who got cancer in 2006. Most time of the lecture, he was telling several instructive stories which had affected his life, but what really shocked me was this sentence:God is nothing but love.
God is love. This explanation suddenly made me feel refreshed. I can't stand an imaginary man calling himself dominating all the creatures but I could accept love being the God, because everyone in the world needs love and love can make the world better. I don't know whether this explanation about God is officially admitted by the Roman Church, but it's more convincible.
The catholics I saw are all kind and nice. They care about other people and they would like to help those in trouble. However, they dreamed of seeing the Pope. I have seen some crazy followers dying to kiss the feet of Pope. I don't know what other people would think, but I believe this is not right and this could lead to a disaster.
One friend of mine had experienced this embarrassment a few days ago. She went to a temple and happened to meet a famous religious leader. What surprised her was everyone but her knelt down. My friend knew the Buddhist leader was famous and respectable but the leader didn't deserve to be knelt. Finally she compromised since she didn't want to be considered as alienated by her fellows.
Actually all I want to say is I wish there is more rationality in the religion. Maybe I am too strict but I do believe only by being more rational religion can exist in the future.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
政治經濟學
第二章 政治經濟學的本質
前言 政治經濟學的定義；政治經濟學研究范圍和主題的擴展；政治經濟學研究的長遠目標（外生，內生）；使用政治經濟學研究途徑來解釋政治現象；市場失靈與政府失靈；新制度主義；新政治經濟學；經濟學是否價值中立？
你要尋找的就是你會發現的 1.一個經濟體的定義
2.經濟行動者的本質
3.世界經濟的原動力
經濟體的本質 經濟制度的產生；政治與經濟研究的整合
經濟體的嵌入物 霸權穩定論
結論
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
English writing assignment 2
topic Facebook
thesis statement Facebook.com is popular nowadays.
supporting ideas 1.Facebook is a virtual community where people can communicate with each other.
2.Facebook provides many kinds of interesting games.
3.On Facebook.com, people can experience something which is not going to happen in the real world.
It is reported that eight thousand million minutes are spent on Facebook.com each day in the whole world. The tornado of Facebook is sweeping over different countries, different races and different countries. Every one has to admit that Facebook is popular nowadays. Why does this website have such a magic power?
First, Facebook satisfies users' social needs. Nowadays people are too busy at work to make contact with their families or friends. It is quite common that you won't see your siblings until next Spring Festival comes. While, Facebook could help you as a virtual community where you can communicate with each other. You can write a blog or post some photographs to inform you friends what you are doing. Besides, you can make new friends on Facebook, even though you never met each other.
Second, Facebook is a website which provides a lot entertainment. People can find thousands of interesting games here. Of course Facebook is not a professional game website and that is not its advantage. However, the games on Facebook have their unique charms. People do not need to spend much time on it, but by playing them people can have fun and release pressure.
Last but not least, peoople feel excited using Facebook because they can experience something new. For example, a lot of people are attracted by a program called happy farms. You can grow plants on your own farm and harvest gains when they come to macurity. However, the essence of the game is that you can steal crops from the farms of your friends. Stealing is illegal in the real world but it's OK in the virtual world. People like to reap without sowing.
It should not be surprised that so many people love Facebook since it satisfies the needs perfectly. The website provides a virtual place where you can communicate, where you can have fun and where you can feel exciting.
thesis statement Facebook.com is popular nowadays.
supporting ideas 1.Facebook is a virtual community where people can communicate with each other.
2.Facebook provides many kinds of interesting games.
3.On Facebook.com, people can experience something which is not going to happen in the real world.
It is reported that eight thousand million minutes are spent on Facebook.com each day in the whole world. The tornado of Facebook is sweeping over different countries, different races and different countries. Every one has to admit that Facebook is popular nowadays. Why does this website have such a magic power?
First, Facebook satisfies users' social needs. Nowadays people are too busy at work to make contact with their families or friends. It is quite common that you won't see your siblings until next Spring Festival comes. While, Facebook could help you as a virtual community where you can communicate with each other. You can write a blog or post some photographs to inform you friends what you are doing. Besides, you can make new friends on Facebook, even though you never met each other.
Second, Facebook is a website which provides a lot entertainment. People can find thousands of interesting games here. Of course Facebook is not a professional game website and that is not its advantage. However, the games on Facebook have their unique charms. People do not need to spend much time on it, but by playing them people can have fun and release pressure.
Last but not least, peoople feel excited using Facebook because they can experience something new. For example, a lot of people are attracted by a program called happy farms. You can grow plants on your own farm and harvest gains when they come to macurity. However, the essence of the game is that you can steal crops from the farms of your friends. Stealing is illegal in the real world but it's OK in the virtual world. People like to reap without sowing.
It should not be surprised that so many people love Facebook since it satisfies the needs perfectly. The website provides a virtual place where you can communicate, where you can have fun and where you can feel exciting.
Monday, October 26, 2009
journal 10.19
October 19th, Monday, Cloudy
A few minutes ago, one of my classmates who also came to Taiwan as exchange students was talking to me through MSN. "I have brook up with my girlfriend yesterday. " I was surprised by this message and asked him why the relationship was ended. He just kept silence, sending some suspension points to me.
A few minutes ago, one of my classmates who also came to Taiwan as exchange students was talking to me through MSN. "I have brook up with my girlfriend yesterday. " I was surprised by this message and asked him why the relationship was ended. He just kept silence, sending some suspension points to me.
In the first half year of 2009, I would never imagine they could break up, since they always hooked up with each other. They shared the same interests and they looked so matched. Everyone around them agreed that they were born together. Even a guy who had a little crush on the girl held the same opinion.
I think both of them had thought about what would happen after they guy came to Taiwan. Would the distance affect their relationship? I believe they both had a suspicious of that. At that time, I had joked with the guy, "Chances are that your girlfriend will abandon you if you are not by her side!" I didn't know that the joke would come true.
If the guy didn't come to Taiwan, would they end up together? I doubt that because they have to face the "distance" issue two years later when they are graduated. As I know, they are from different provinces. It will be perfect if they find satisfied jobs in the same city but who knows what will happen in the future? The guy may stay in Xiamen or go back to their hometowns or go to bigger city like Beijing or Shanghai, so may the girl.
I am kind of pessimistic about the college love. Of course there are successful examples around, but there are more failed couples. So many factors could affect the relationship especially when the couple graduate from the college and face the practical problems.
I will take their experience as a lesson, hoping I can find my Miss Right soon.
If the guy didn't come to Taiwan, would they end up together? I doubt that because they have to face the "distance" issue two years later when they are graduated. As I know, they are from different provinces. It will be perfect if they find satisfied jobs in the same city but who knows what will happen in the future? The guy may stay in Xiamen or go back to their hometowns or go to bigger city like Beijing or Shanghai, so may the girl.
I am kind of pessimistic about the college love. Of course there are successful examples around, but there are more failed couples. So many factors could affect the relationship especially when the couple graduate from the college and face the practical problems.
I will take their experience as a lesson, hoping I can find my Miss Right soon.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
journal 10.25
October 25th, Sunday, Sunny
"Mayday is going to hold a minor concert today in Kaohsiung to thank their fans that 55555 tickets were sold out in just one weekend." We heard this information through the radio in the train. Even though our schedule was tight, we still decided to go to see their performance.
When we got the central park where this concert would be held, there were already hundreds of people waiting for the show. Most of them were teenagers and college students, crowding in front of the stage, shouting Mayday's name.
Finally, after 30 minutes from the established time, Mayday appeared on the stage. The atmosphere there was extremely hot. I was not one of their fans, but I couldn't help but waving hands with them and singing the sangs.
I did feel the power of Idol, who was able to make all the people excited. Everyone in the scene was crazy and they seemed like using the drugs. I was also involved in the heat.
After the excitement, I want to figure out where did the power come from. Music itself can't explain all parts of the phenomenon. Everyone has a MP3 or CD player and they don't behave as they were in the concert. Besides, the idol himself must have a charming personality. It doesn't need to be amiable, sometimes the personality of the idol could be cool, like Faye Wong, but it has to be unique and distinct.
I think the most important reason that fans showed unbelievable craziness in the concert is about the time and the place. The concert just provided proper time and proper place. The fans are mostly young and they need a place to release their emotion after listening to the rock style music. It will be strange if they wave hands or scream in the public places or at home, but it is the right thing in the concert or KTV. If lot of people gather together ,the "improper behaviors " thing isn't a problem any more.
I didn't buy the ticket for the Mayday concert. I am regretting now.
"Mayday is going to hold a minor concert today in Kaohsiung to thank their fans that 55555 tickets were sold out in just one weekend." We heard this information through the radio in the train. Even though our schedule was tight, we still decided to go to see their performance.
When we got the central park where this concert would be held, there were already hundreds of people waiting for the show. Most of them were teenagers and college students, crowding in front of the stage, shouting Mayday's name.
Finally, after 30 minutes from the established time, Mayday appeared on the stage. The atmosphere there was extremely hot. I was not one of their fans, but I couldn't help but waving hands with them and singing the sangs.
I did feel the power of Idol, who was able to make all the people excited. Everyone in the scene was crazy and they seemed like using the drugs. I was also involved in the heat.
After the excitement, I want to figure out where did the power come from. Music itself can't explain all parts of the phenomenon. Everyone has a MP3 or CD player and they don't behave as they were in the concert. Besides, the idol himself must have a charming personality. It doesn't need to be amiable, sometimes the personality of the idol could be cool, like Faye Wong, but it has to be unique and distinct.
I think the most important reason that fans showed unbelievable craziness in the concert is about the time and the place. The concert just provided proper time and proper place. The fans are mostly young and they need a place to release their emotion after listening to the rock style music. It will be strange if they wave hands or scream in the public places or at home, but it is the right thing in the concert or KTV. If lot of people gather together ,the "improper behaviors " thing isn't a problem any more.
I didn't buy the ticket for the Mayday concert. I am regretting now.
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