Justice

I think that human nature both aids and impedes justice. Humans have a natural desire for fairness, but personal gain can often come in the way of justice being carried out. Take a trial for example. A third party witness, who had nothing to do with the conflict that is being examined, is likely to give an honest opinion, for the sake of fairness. However, if one of the people who is directly involved gives a testament, it is likely to be tainted by what the person wants to achieve. Something else that affects justice is capitalism. People have a tendency to twist stories, to fit their own desires. This links back to the previous statement because it is an element of human nature to search for a solution that is beneficial to yourself. Something that could be beneficial to justice is the personal morals of most people. Typically, honesty is a typical trait in most people. This aids justice because it is a vital component of giving someone a fair chance, to either be convicted or deemed free of all charges. 

Museum Trip

I think that being a witness means acknowledging and recognizing that a particular event happened, even if you weren't necessarily at the scene of whatever happened. If you heard what happened from someone else, then you are a witness. I don't think that I was particularly transformed by the experience we all had in LA, although it was a very meaningful experience. It was definitely a learning experience, and I was impacted by what we saw, but I don't think I was transformed by it.

Outside Reading Q2

The protagonist Lee Waite in "Sixty Acres" by Raymond Carver is faced with making two important decisions. He has to decide whether he will brave the danger, and go confront the hunters who are invading his property, or just let them go and avoid the danger. After he decides to face the hunters, he needs to choose whether he will simply chase them off, or report them to the local authorities.

Waite proves to be a kind hearted, peace loving person, but with a streak of courage in him. He goes out to face the hunters, even though he knows that he is placing his personal safety at risk, to protect his property. Once he meets the hunters, and sees that they are no more than boys, his kindheartedness comes to light, as he simply asks them to leave his property, and doesn't report them to the police. One of the bigger decisions I've made, that could possibly compromise my own safety, was in the fourth grade in Denmark. A bunch of bigger kids were bullying my friends, wiping snow in our faces and such. The easiest thing to do would be to just accept the uncomfortable experience, and then move on. However, I got angry and decided to tackle one of the bigger boys and give him a faceful of snow to. I definitely made the right decision, and gained respect both among my peers, but also with the older kids.

Time Capsule

1) For family and childhood, I would put a hammer in the time capsule, because for as long as I can remember I have been working or playing with tools.
2) For heritage, I would leave a knife, to symbolize the Vikings
3) For accomplishments and achievements, I would put some woodwork that I have made
4) I don't have anything particular to leave behind for a legacy, other than the nordic symbol for persistence

Child of the West

I definitely do identify as a child of the west, seeing as how all my ancestors have been firmly rooted in Scandinavia. I also believe in the western point of view: that everyone should have a fair chance at a life of peace and prosperity. I have a strong connection to the nature and location of the west, particularly Denmark, where I am born. I identify as a child of the west, but I do not in any way discriminate other cultures. I think I have a gift in my ability to integrate into other cultures and countries.

Ice and Fire

On the front of the mask, there is a dividing line in the center, separating the colors of blue and red. The blue represents the tranquil side of my consciousness, full of peace and quiet, while the red represents fury, and the will to keep fighting. On each side of the mask, there is a symbol on the brow. On the tranquil side, there is the nordic symbol for peace, representing my desire for peace and quiet. On the red side, there is the nordic symbol for warrior and strength, representing my temper, readiness to defend the honor of me and my family, as well as my decisiveness. Underneath the eye on the blue side is a reversed arch, symbolising the smile lines of the face. On the red side, there is a regular arch, indicating the facial expressions of a frown. On the flip side of the mask, there is the symbol for Shotokan karate, one of my favorite pastimes. It represents skill, precision, and strength. Also, there is a symbol for the business that resides a few yards away from my house in Denmark, which shows where I'm from. My home's garden goes directly down to the banks of the fjord, and I see much of myself in the deceptively calm waters. One day, the water may be choppy and rough, unnavigable and unfriendly. However, on another day, the water is calm and reflective, the icy water helpful and peaceful. This represents how I am very well, and the way my mood can swing from the red to the blue in a short amount of time.

Legacy

What do you want people to remember you for in the future?

I want to be remembered as a kind person, who had a strong sense of right and wrong. I hope that my grandkids and great grandkids will know me as someone who always likes to have fun, but is also ready to take a serious note when the situation dictates. I want the ideals and beliefs that I have now to be passed down to the next generation, and the generations after, creating a strong legacy. Personally, I believe that one should be both lighthearted and serious, whatever you feel is right.