Growing up in my small-town community, I never really thought about the possibility of owning millions of dollars worth of diamonds. I had always pictured, of course, that one day I would receive one when I grew up and fell in love. Personally, I believe that every girl at some point dreams of owning a 5 carat ring, just as every girl dreams of being a princess at least at some point in her young, innocent life. But then, like always, girls grow up and mature, realizing that "happyily ever after" may not include that shiny rock that she once wished for. Personally, after watching Blood Diamond and researching the issued a little more thoroughly, I have decided that, though I may still purchase a diamond at some point in my life, it is no longer as important to me as it once was. My first question to the jeweler would be, of course, if the diamond was conflict free or not. I have heard stories though, of this question getting individuals kicked out of the jewelry store.
In today’s society, I feel that TV and music have an incredible influence on today’s youth and young adults. I, for one, am a stunning example of this. Upon having seen Blood Diamond, I had once not thought anything about buying diamonds before. Now, on the other hand, I am acutely aware of what some individuals had to go through just to let some rich, greedy American, have a 50,000 dollar engagement ring on her finger. Overall, I feel that America, though it seems cannot do much to stop the illegal trafficking of conflict-diamonds (just as it loses the fight against illegal drugs all the time), it can at least make the small effort of asking before buying their spouse, date, or self, some bling-bling.
Ishmael Beah
Monday, January 28, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Let Them Be Little
On the issue of child soldiers fighting in wars for their countries, I must say that no child should ever have to be forced to do such terrible things like those documented in Blood Diamond and A Long Way Gone. It is hard for me, a nineteen-year-old, American teenager in today’s society, to imagine what it would be like to go through what Ishmael Beah and numerous other child soldiers went/go through. Honestly, I feel like there is no set age in which an individual knows or fully understands what they are fighting for. Is it safe to say that one is fighting for one’s freedom or is it a possibility that one is actually fighting for another individual’s personal gain?
Upon further reading of A Long Way Gone, I realize that the consequences of children fighting in a war where guerilla tactics seem to be the only military strategies used by the fighters on each side of the war are ones that are not easily dismissed from their minds later in life. The effects of the war on these children include nightmares, migraines, night sweats, and very intense flashbacks. Oftentimes, these health issues are hard for adults to take, let alone eight-year-old children.
Overall, I believe that there are no possible solutions to this problem. We face just as many problems in the U.S. today as we do around the world. Just because something is categorized as illegal in our country, does not mean that people quit doing. I think that it is way too hard for someone to regulate such a very widespread problem.
Upon further reading of A Long Way Gone, I realize that the consequences of children fighting in a war where guerilla tactics seem to be the only military strategies used by the fighters on each side of the war are ones that are not easily dismissed from their minds later in life. The effects of the war on these children include nightmares, migraines, night sweats, and very intense flashbacks. Oftentimes, these health issues are hard for adults to take, let alone eight-year-old children.
Overall, I believe that there are no possible solutions to this problem. We face just as many problems in the U.S. today as we do around the world. Just because something is categorized as illegal in our country, does not mean that people quit doing. I think that it is way too hard for someone to regulate such a very widespread problem.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
AbOuT mE......
Hello World!
I am so happy to now be an "official" blogger. To start things off, I will let you all in on the exciting life that I call mine. My hometown is this very small area off the beaten path called Fairland, Indiana. I attended Triton Central High School where I played basketball, volleyball, and softball. Though you probably aren't able to tell by looking at me now, I was, at one time, a very driven athlete that worked hard to maintain her fitness. I must admit that college changes you. Moving on... I am currently attending Purdue University, where I am newly majoring in the classes that will hopefully put me on the path to become a Radiation Therapist, but yet, who REALLY knows what they want to be at the ripe old age of nineteen? As of now, I live off of campus with my sister and my puppy Oliver. I enjoy beach combing, eating ice cream on hot, summer days, and just kicking back and enjoying life. I am definitely not a cold-weather person, and I will one day lobby to have colleges cancel classes on wet, rainy days. No one should have to walk through the mud-puddled sidewalks that make up the paths to classes. Though I am not entirely boring, I do love to read and enjoy many different types of books. I love chinese and mexican food, but hate anything spicy. As of January 1, 2008, I am doing my best to eat healthier and work out at least four times a week. I will have to see how that all pans out. Well, I think that mostly everyone who is reading this has now gotten a small taste of my life. Much Love!!!
I am so happy to now be an "official" blogger. To start things off, I will let you all in on the exciting life that I call mine. My hometown is this very small area off the beaten path called Fairland, Indiana. I attended Triton Central High School where I played basketball, volleyball, and softball. Though you probably aren't able to tell by looking at me now, I was, at one time, a very driven athlete that worked hard to maintain her fitness. I must admit that college changes you. Moving on... I am currently attending Purdue University, where I am newly majoring in the classes that will hopefully put me on the path to become a Radiation Therapist, but yet, who REALLY knows what they want to be at the ripe old age of nineteen? As of now, I live off of campus with my sister and my puppy Oliver. I enjoy beach combing, eating ice cream on hot, summer days, and just kicking back and enjoying life. I am definitely not a cold-weather person, and I will one day lobby to have colleges cancel classes on wet, rainy days. No one should have to walk through the mud-puddled sidewalks that make up the paths to classes. Though I am not entirely boring, I do love to read and enjoy many different types of books. I love chinese and mexican food, but hate anything spicy. As of January 1, 2008, I am doing my best to eat healthier and work out at least four times a week. I will have to see how that all pans out. Well, I think that mostly everyone who is reading this has now gotten a small taste of my life. Much Love!!!
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