(no subject)
One man looks down the street and sees a confrontation; he immediately makes a decision as to who is to blame and/or who is wrong in the incident, and takes action. He kills the 'wrong-doer' and receives a round of applause from onlookers. This man acted in what he believed was the appropriate manner, for he believed he was helping clean up society. He continues these same actions day after day, "righting wrongs" and dealing with "bad guys". No one questions his motives or his authority, they simply accept him as a leader.
Another man, at a different time and place, looks at the world around him and doesn't like what he sees. Actually, he despises what he sees, and decides to make changes. He starts a reform movement to change his country, to make society a different and better place to live. He also kills many people he considers 'wrong-doers' to make the country a better place to live. This man also acts on his own morals, and does not need to first seek approval from his fellow citizens. No one questions his motives or authority, they simply accept him as a leader.
The first man mentioned was Superman (or another superhero, if you wish). The second man? Adolf Hitler. Mind you, before I get called a Nazi or any of that (don't even start...), I'm not calling Hitler a Superhero or Superman a fascist. But Fritz spoke of this in my English class today, and I found it quite interesting. Why do Superheroes exist... and should they? Who are they to judge what is 'good' and what is 'bad'? Just because a man is faster than a speeding bullet, does he have morals like that of a god? And who is to judge these morals, anyway? Hitler acted as a Superhero would, in that he took it upon himself to make the world a better place. The trouble with him was that his idea of a better place was quite messed up - in my opinion, anyway. His supporters believed in him, as many comic-book lovers believe in Superman.
This would be an interesting topic to write a paper on, eh?
****
Anyway, enough random'ness, I suppose. I haven't updated in quite some time. Last semester ended okay, I got a decent (but not great) GPA, spent the holidays relaxing, sleeping, hanging out with friends, vsiting with family, going to the movies, and generally just taking a breather from the craziness that is UMich.
But now I'm back. Classes started yesterday, and I have to say I'm quite happy with all of mine, despite the fact that I'm in class at 8:30am 4 days a week and 9:00am the other day. My classes seem like they will be awesome, though. Biology is great, the reading is quite interesting so far; German is amazing, GSI Jason is going to a ton of fun. Calc won't be too bad, I don't think [yes, I can already see myself regretting this in about 2 weeks, heh]. English is going to be very good, I think - the novels seem interesting, and Fritz is verry intelligent and enthusiastic. UC280 will be a blow-off, but we already knew that. I haven't started back on my job yet, but that will start on Monday and eat up any free time I have. Goody.
Hm. I suppose that's all I have to say, I suppose. I need to really crack down this semester, I'm already crazyfreakingoutstressed. But that's okay. We have a 3day weekend next week, right? Haha.
I suppose I should head off, so I'm at least semi-awake for class tomorrow. I need to get better sleeping patterns.
Another man, at a different time and place, looks at the world around him and doesn't like what he sees. Actually, he despises what he sees, and decides to make changes. He starts a reform movement to change his country, to make society a different and better place to live. He also kills many people he considers 'wrong-doers' to make the country a better place to live. This man also acts on his own morals, and does not need to first seek approval from his fellow citizens. No one questions his motives or authority, they simply accept him as a leader.
The first man mentioned was Superman (or another superhero, if you wish). The second man? Adolf Hitler. Mind you, before I get called a Nazi or any of that (don't even start...), I'm not calling Hitler a Superhero or Superman a fascist. But Fritz spoke of this in my English class today, and I found it quite interesting. Why do Superheroes exist... and should they? Who are they to judge what is 'good' and what is 'bad'? Just because a man is faster than a speeding bullet, does he have morals like that of a god? And who is to judge these morals, anyway? Hitler acted as a Superhero would, in that he took it upon himself to make the world a better place. The trouble with him was that his idea of a better place was quite messed up - in my opinion, anyway. His supporters believed in him, as many comic-book lovers believe in Superman.
This would be an interesting topic to write a paper on, eh?
****
Anyway, enough random'ness, I suppose. I haven't updated in quite some time. Last semester ended okay, I got a decent (but not great) GPA, spent the holidays relaxing, sleeping, hanging out with friends, vsiting with family, going to the movies, and generally just taking a breather from the craziness that is UMich.
But now I'm back. Classes started yesterday, and I have to say I'm quite happy with all of mine, despite the fact that I'm in class at 8:30am 4 days a week and 9:00am the other day. My classes seem like they will be awesome, though. Biology is great, the reading is quite interesting so far; German is amazing, GSI Jason is going to a ton of fun. Calc won't be too bad, I don't think [yes, I can already see myself regretting this in about 2 weeks, heh]. English is going to be very good, I think - the novels seem interesting, and Fritz is verry intelligent and enthusiastic. UC280 will be a blow-off, but we already knew that. I haven't started back on my job yet, but that will start on Monday and eat up any free time I have. Goody.
Hm. I suppose that's all I have to say, I suppose. I need to really crack down this semester, I'm already crazyfreakingoutstressed. But that's okay. We have a 3day weekend next week, right? Haha.
I suppose I should head off, so I'm at least semi-awake for class tomorrow. I need to get better sleeping patterns.