Ethnocentric America?

In my summer Anthropology class (held online) we have to participate in discussions on subject matter from the book. For one particular chapter we had to discuss ethnocentrism. This is the belief that the ways of one's own culture are the only proper ones. Here is the question presented:

"Although all cultures across the world display some degree of ethnocentrism, some are more ethnocentric than others. In what ways is your own society ethnocentric? Considering the modern fact of globalization (as described in Chapter 1) do you think ethnocentrism poses more of a problem in today's world than in the past?"

What are your views on this? Personally I think that yes, the US does have this "we do it the best way" mentality sometimes, but compared to alot of countries we are sometimes more accepting of non-traditional ways. For instance, in some countries, not following the government mandated "norm" will get you killed. I would like to believe that the US is somewhat more forgiving in many ways. Of course, in some ways there's a long way to go. Take for instance north vs south. Growing up in the north I thought that the Civil War ended a long time ago. But when I moved to the south I found there are people who are still bitter about it and hate northerners. I don't see it too often here but I have encountered it.

For the second part of the question, I believe that given technology of today with telephone, television, internet, books, etc we are all more exposed to things across the world that 100 years ago we wouldn't have been. I mean, even when I was young I remember teen magazines with a classified section at the end that gave peoples names, interests, and addresses. You could have a penpal. It was the coolest thing when you got a letter back from someone in another state! Now look at us. Look at MySpace! Most likely you are from another state or even another country. As a "common" person would I have been able to reach you without the internet giving my thoughts on this subject? I think that ethnocentrism is less of a problem these days than it was 100 or even 500 years ago because we are exposed to so much more.

But I was really surprised to see just how many people felt differently than I did. I thought that there was more faith in us as Americans. Yes, sometimes we can be arrogant, but I would like to think we aren't that bad of a country. I think it's normal human nature to look at something that's different a little weird. But people have the freedom to keep alot of their own traditions in their own home. They don't have to turn 100% "American". They can remain individuals.

Take for example the Pastoralists in Africa. For years they were able to survive drought by moving to other parts of Africa. Now the governments won't allow them to move across borders and therefore they are forced to stay in the same drought stricken area. That results in starvation and death and other problems. All because their government wants control. You do things their way.

I guess I'm not 100% sure of how I feel about this. I see both sides, but I was really stricken by the bashing that went on in our class discussion boards. For once I kept my mouth shut. I'm just there to earn the grade that I work for and to get out of there, not to deal with drama.

Myrtle Beach Day One!

Ok this is my first time in Myrtle Beach. Like I said before, this is the closest I was able to get to Virginia Beach. I used to live there and it killed me to leave. I've been dying to go back but was never able to. I literally feel like I left a part of me there. But as soon as we got to our oceanfront room I changed into my swimsuit and got everyone ready to go out.

Ahhhh it was so nice to hit the sand again! To feel it under my feet and wash from under my toes. It's just the little things! And the water was perfect. Colin wasn't even scared of the sand or the water! When Cody was little he was so scared of getting on the sand and wouldn't even go close to the ocean! But Colin had his buckets and shovels. We went right away looking for shells. That was the coolest thing to him. He had this starfish shaped thing (that ironically he's playing with it right now!) and was making little "Patricks" in the sand - like SpongeBob SquarePants. He get a kick out of it!

Marty had a blast in the water too. We took turns staying with Colin. The other person went out deeper in the water with Cody and we'd get swept off our feet by the waves! I got hit by one strong one in particular and I took a rough tumble but I'm cool. Cody took a couple real bad ones but all in all it was so much fun! We laughed so hard our stomachs hurt!

Later we went to the hotel pool and swam in the kiddie pool (Colin was in HEAVEN with it!) And Cody, Marty, and I (2 at a time) hung out in the hot tub. It's was HOT. But once I was used to it it was ok.

We went back to the room, I took a shower, and then we walked to a restaurant up the road. It was a pricey place and the service sucked! Marty and I had Crab Stuffed Flounder with Hollandaise sauce. The food definitely wasn't worth the money we paid. I'm pretty disappointed. But we paid and left. It was after 10:00 pm by this point. Afterwards we all walked the beach barefoot and did more shell hunting. The breeze was AWESOME and there was a thunderstorm off in the ocean. We turned around and went back when we found a Jellyfish washed up on the beach.

Well, now I think I'll call it a night. I'm never down this early. I got a beach to hit tomorrow!!!

Oh and I found out the other day my best friend is joining us on Tuesday!! Kenzie, her husband, her daughter (who I swear is getting married to Cody one day), and their 1 year old son. We all get along great and we'll have SOOOOO much fun!!!!

The Paranormal

Ok, you may have read my blog the other day from the house we went to check out that had the double murder in it. Things like that gets me thinking about the bigger picture. Is there anything to be afraid of? Do ghosts exist? I, almost without a doubt, believe in the possibility. I'd love to hear from all of you. Have you ever experienced anything "paranormal"? Seen a ghost? Been to a place that just wasn't quite "right"?

Back in my home town there was a place called the Tuberculosis Hospital that is basically in ruins today. I even hear that it was torn down in the last few years. But I visited there back when I was in high school and that place scared the hell outta me!!! There's videos on youtube about it and everything (just search for Lima Ohio tuberculosis hospital or tb hospital). There's websites dedicated to it as well.

I can't sleep!

I've got so much on my mind. One thing is going to Myrtle Beach. We're all real excited and went shopping today for stuff for our trip.

My best friend told me a few weeks ago about a house in her neighborhood that's for sale. Today we went and walked through the house. Now I can't stop thinking about it. Here's the thing.

Back in January 2 people were killed in the house. When my friends husband went through the house a few weeks before us he said the carpet was tore up in the living room and the bedroom where the people were found. When we went there today they had the carpet replaced.

The lady (Rachel Buser) was my age. She was safe in her own home and someone came in and in the blink of an eye took her life! Her husband (Jay Nevels) was just younger than Marty. Do I think I could handle living in that house, especially since my husband doesn't get home until real late at night? No, most likely not. I'm not psychic and I've never "seen" a ghost, but I definitely believe the negative energy from something as tragic as this can affect a physical place. I don't think I could handle wondering "What's that noise?!" all the time. I have to admit I didn't feel incredibly spooked when I was in the house. However when going into the bathroom in the master bedroom I felt really sad. That's when I got to thinking about everything. It seems like these were some nice people from what I've read online. It's just so sad. I've got to clear it out of my mind.

A candid look at my emotions on this day

Ok, I'm determined NOT to get depressed today. It's my brothers birthday. I can't believe he'd be 27 this year. Damnit I should be calling him up today teasing him about being an old dude. I know I can never understand the pain he felt that led him to take such drastic measures to deal with things.

I'll admit, there were a few times YEARS ago when I wanted to take my own life. My life hit an absolute rock bottom. I felt the world would be better off without me. I was in such an abusive relationship and felt I had nowhere to go. Noone to run to. I couldn't see into the future. I wanted to go away, I thought I wanted to die, but I realize that I just wanted the situation to change.

Now I count my blessings literally every day. I thank God every single day for the husband I have, for the beautiful children I have, I could do without diabetes but for the most part I'm healthy. We're comfortable financially, we have a nice place to live, we have two vehicles that are paid off, clean clothes on our back, plenty of food... all that. I'm blessed. I'm happy.

But back then I didn't see all this in my future. I felt trapped. Was this how David felt the night he chose to take his own life? He had a beautiful little girl. Damnit how could he leave her?!?!?!?!!!! Or did he feel so worthless that he felt she'd grow up happier without him, like I once felt about my own child? What if someone saw him that night and diverted his attention away from his plans and he lived to see another day? Would he be looking back right this minute remembering the night he almost took his life? Would HE be the one counting his blessings and thanking God that he's alive?

When my brother looked at his life why couldn't he have thought that he at least had a sister that loved him so much? Why? Cause I screwed that up. I should have been closer to him. I should have talked to him more. All the love I express for him now doesn't really matter does it? Can he see the tears that are running down my face and the pain I feel inside of me? Can he know that I'm so damn sorry?

I can't even step foot in the state of Ohio. I don't want to see every place that I once saw my brother. If I'm here in Georgia, nothing is missing. Nothing is out of place. The last time I was in Ohio I said goodbye to my brother at his funeral. I don't want to go back.

I've got all this off my chest now. I've let it go. I hope for the rest of the day I can be more at ease. So many people tell me he's at rest. He's happy now. That's all I want. I want it to be true. I wish I knew for sure. I will never, ever forget the night when I was in Ohio for my brother's funeral. The night that I felt a gentle tug at my hair and an intense flood of emotions. Only three words "It's ok, Sis". I believe in the possibility of the "dead" contacting the living. I've just never experienced it before that night. I spent years second guessing myself. Did he make contact with me? It sounds crazy! But I don't care anymore! I KNOW without a doubt he did. He wanted me to know he was at rest. "It's ok, Sis"

I'll end this blog by reposting an older blog:

When David was in high school he started hanging with "the wrong crowd" and found himself in a gang and on drugs. He started dating this girl during this time. Him and her ended up having a very precious girl, Illana. That's what it took to turn his life around. He cleaned himself up and got his GED and went on to college to be a firefighter/paramedic just like our dad. For someone so young to go out and become a paramedic is quite a feat!

(From the webpage):

One thing I always remembered about him is that he was a "Little Mike" (Mike is our dad's name). My dad is a firefighter/paramedic and my brother just always seemed to want to follow in his footsteps. Literally. Even the way they walked was the same. His dream came true the day he got his paramedic's license.

I don't know why David is gone. I take comfort in believing his is with God. The stress of everyday life and the stress of his line of work, helping others, gone now being held in the comforting arms of God. I simply believe that he was sent here with a purpose. He was to help so many people. And he did. He touched many lives. But it doesn't answer all of my questions. There's still a huge "Why?"

The Most Touching Funeral

If my brother ever felt like noone cared about him, he had the truth slap him in the face at his funeral. There were two visitations the day before his funeral. The second one lasted longer than we expected. The line wrapped around the room and out the door and continued through the hallway. There must have been 200 people there that night alone. The day of his funeral the room was packed. People even stood in the hallways packed in. My brother touched so many people.

Leading the procession were firetrucks and ambulances from departments all over the county. There was a line of cars that continued for miles, I'm sure. The city was shut down for quite awhile. Natalie said that he always enjoyed making people mad. My dad said "This is for all of you people that wouldn't pull over for him when he came through with lights and sirens." That's the funniest statement I heard during such a difficult time. It still makes me laugh.

My brother had a beautiful spot, within sight of my grandmother and grandfathers site. He had a beautiful view from the top of a small hill.

Three doves were released that day as Life Flight, a medical helicopter that my brother always dreamed of flying with, flew over. Quite honestly, we were just worried that the doves and the helicopter wouldn't mix right without a mess. But even if they did run into each other, my brother would have wanted it that way. :-)

Life Flight stopped over where my brother was, bowed down to him, turned around and sped upwards to the sky. I heard it it symbolized carrying him off to heaven. Everyone there knows the story of the first dove. After it was released, it flew over to one of the ambulances like it was about to land on it. But instead, it flew to a tree overlooking everybody. It stayed there the entire time and watched, while the other doves flew away. Everyone said it must be David watching us. So we decided to put it to the test. Since I was his mean big sister, it was me who had to walk over to the tree, stand under the bird, and wait for it to poop on me. Then we'd know it was David. I actually hoped it would have. But he was constipated because he didn't poop on my head. Either that, or my brother wanted to be nice.

The Story of Life Flight

The way I understand it, while my brother was in paramedic class, he always made first in the class. Until the very end. There was a girl in the class who was struggling. David tutored her to help her pass. She ended up making first in the class in the very end by just a hair. My brother made second. Whoever was able to make first in class would have the opportunity to fly with Life Flight. My brother was so upset that he didn't make it. But in the end, it was Life Flight that bowed to him and carried him off to Heaven.
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Things a diabetic just doesn’t want to hear...

Ok I’m really not happy about having to go back on insulin. Probably for good now. So I’ll warn you, I’m a little touchy. I’m SO exhausted and just want to stay in bed for a few weeks.

From here on out I’m not telling ANYONE I’m diabetic (in person, at least). Everyone seems to think it’s ok to watch every bite I eat and then tell me how they think it’s not good for me. Diabetic or not, it’s SO rude to point out what someone is eating WHILE they are eating. Nothing aggravates me more than someone looking at my food in front of everyone saying "You can’t eat potatoes!" "You can’t eat rice!" "You can’t eat bourbon chicken!" It’s embarrassing and makes me feel like shit. Yeah people might think they’re "helping" me, but they’re hurting me so bad. A relative of mine used to be real bad at that. If she called and I was cooking something she’d find SOMETHING wrong with what I was eating. Even if it was corn it’s "bad".

Someone in "authority" at my school is real bad at that. She could be eating something way worse than me and if I call her on it she says "Well, I’m not the one who can’t metabolize sugar". I mean damn. That sounds like middle school "Well at least I have more money than you do". There’s nothing I hate more than diabetes. I don’t want ANYONE else the rest of my life know that I have it. I wish there was a cure for it because then I could tell people "Yeah I’m cured" even if I wasn’t. Everyone is quick to criticize but when I WANT to take care of myself it’s an inconvenience to everyone "You’re going to the dr when?!" And it’s almost like "that someone" teases me. She makes me go 7-8 hours between meals. If I snack it’s like everyone looks at me like "OMG!"

Diabetes is like a Scarlet Letter. I hate diabetes. I didn’t ask for it. I don’t want it. I HATE IT!!!!!!! Damn I want to cry so bad right now.

So to everyone who knows a diabetic, please don’t offer up unsolicited advice on what they’re eating. I mean, there’s tactful ways of bringing it up, but not while they’re eating. And don’t assume that a diabetic is doing something wrong and that’s why they have diabetes. Even with a type 2, you hear that obesity contributes to diabetes. Don’t assume that because someone is a type 2 they have it cause they’re fat. I "got" diabetes when I weighed less than 150 pounds. Alot of people gain weight with diabetes and it’s harder for them to take it off. Nothing like your body thinking you’re starving it (because your cells aren’t getting the sugar it needs) so many things go into effect like kicking up your appetite, when the last thing you need is food! Hell, I gained more weight with diabetes than I ever did in my two pregnancies combined. And alot of the meds pack on the pounds as well. I’m not trying to make excuses, just trying to explain a few things. It’s amazing how little people know and that’s ok. That’s where education comes in. I’m sure I don’t always say the right things to my patients because I’m learning something new or whatever. But I’m trying to learn so much about so many things so that I can be a good nurse.

Have you hugged a diabetic today? (God knows I need a big one)

Sorry... those are my two cents. Sometimes you just need to feel sorry for yourself for a few minutes LOL

Why do I need ANOTHER class?!?!?!

I went to my endo today. I’ve been on insulin before but after my son was born my numbers were so good I quit taking it. So I’ve been maxed out on Glucophage for several years. My dr just tried me on Glipizide. I went for my follow up today. Apparently it didn’t work :-( I’m starting on insulin again. He said oral meds don’t work on me. I’m so mad. PLUS he’s making me take an insulin class although I’ve ALREADY been on insulin and I’m a freaking nursing student and I know insulin and injections inside and out. Heck I give insulin to my pts in the hospital! Just another way to get money I guess.