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Forums / Everything Else / Re: way to make schools interesting,,,,,,,,,,,,
on: August 31, 2025, 12:48:06 PM
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Started by curious - Last post by curious
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what kind of mindset klings to outdated concepts that the only prople worth of History or Literature college degrees are those who pass required courses of dead langages {ancient latin and Greek) which the once the prevue of wealth elists aristocrats or boring science courses that instead of being models for serious and analitical thinking are just pass or fail cources for degrees so you can be a well rounded person? The mindset that insists on outdated requirements for history and literature degrees—such as mandatory courses in "dead languages" like Latin and Ancient Greek and uncritical science courses—is rooted in academic traditionalism and elitism. This perspective views education not as an open exploration of knowledge, but as the transmission of an exclusive set of information reserved for a privileged class. Key aspects of this mindset Academic traditionalism This view is a philosophy that often equates tradition with merit. Proponents believe that a narrow set of classical studies and scientific requirements should be at the core of a liberal arts education because this was the curriculum of the past. Perceived academic rigor: From this viewpoint, learning ancient languages is seen as a sign of dedication and intellectual discipline. A degree earned without this "rigor" may be viewed as intellectually deficient or less valuable. A "golden age" of education: Academic traditionalists may believe that higher education is in decline. They advocate for a return to historical teaching methods and subjects, which they idealize as superior to modern approaches. Academic elitism Elitism in academia centers on the belief that certain types of knowledge, affiliations with prestigious institutions, or cultural backgrounds are superior to others. This attitude can lead to snobbery and the exclusion of individuals and ideas from different perspectives. Cultural gatekeeping: This mindset functions as a form of cultural gatekeeping, preserving the humanities as the "prevue of wealthy elites" as you noted. Because these traditional requirements are typically more accessible to students with a privileged background, they reinforce a class divide and a hierarchy of status. Devaluation of modern knowledge: An elitist perspective often devalues or marginalizes newer, more inclusive fields of study in favor of the established, "canonical" texts and topics. This can manifest as condescension toward individuals who did not follow the same path. Anti-modern and anti-progress sentiment The mindset is often coupled with a deep suspicion of modernity and its emphasis on progress, equality, and democracy. Critique of modern thought: Some traditionalist philosophies see concepts like equality and progress as dangerous illusions that have led to a decline from a supposed "golden age". Mistrust of evolving disciplines: This view resists the evolution of academic disciplines. For example, it might distrust advancements in the humanities that incorporate new cultural perspectives, critical theory, or digital tools, seeing them as diluting the core curriculum. A fixed versus growth mindset This mindset contrasts sharply with a "growth mindset," where skills and intelligence are seen as something that can be developed. In contrast, the traditionalist view holds a "fixed mindset" that privileges a certain type of person or preparation from the outset. Education as filtering: Instead of seeing education as a way to expand minds, this mindset uses it as a way to filter for a particular type of student, rather than encouraging learning and growth for a wider audience. Prioritizing status over learning: In this view, the purpose of a liberal arts education shifts from an open-ended pursuit of knowledge to a credentialing process that grants membership in an exclusive club. The value of the degree comes not from the learning itself, but from the prestige conferred by meeting the narrow, "old-world" requirements. The mindset that insists on dead languages for humanities degrees and views science courses as mere requirements often reflects a form of traditionalist or conservative academic elitism. This perspective romanticizes a historical model of education that is now largely outdated and has faced decades of criticism. Key components of this mindset include: A historical view of a "classical education": This perspective is rooted in a tradition that began with ancient Greece and Rome and was carried forward by Renaissance humanists and 19th-century elites. In this view, studying Greek and Latin was not just a means of accessing ancient texts, but a form of mental and moral discipline. Intellectual gatekeeping: By demanding proficiency in "dead languages" like Latin and Ancient Greek, this mindset creates an unnecessary barrier to entry for many students. This effectively functions as a form of intellectual gatekeeping that reinforces the traditional association between a liberal arts education and privileged aristocratic or wealthy backgrounds. A "culture over science" hierarchy: This viewpoint creates an artificial and snobbish hierarchy that places traditional humanities—specifically the classics—above the sciences. This devalues the scientific method's rigorous, analytical thinking by vi ewing STEM courses as a box-ticking exercise rather than a serious intellectual endeavor. The notion of a "well-rounded person": While a core principle of liberal arts education is to foster intellectual breadth, this mindset perverts the idea. It suggests that broad knowledge is valuable only if it is acquired through specific, traditionally valued courses, not through genuinely exploring diverse academic disciplines.
The decline of this perspective Today, this rigid, traditionalist mindset is increasingly seen as outdated and harmful to the goals of modern higher education. Growing focus on accessibility: Institutions and faculty now widely argue for making a high-quality humanities education accessible to all students, not just a privileged few. Interdisciplinary and global approaches: Modern humanities programs have moved toward more interdisciplinary and globally-focused curricula that reflect a diverse and interconnected world. Redefining the purpose of education: The conversation around general education requirements has shifted toward developing essential skills like critical thinking and communication, which can be acquired through many different subjects. Despite these academic arguments, the "well-rounded person" justification is often criticized for being insufficient or even elitist.
Superficial exposure: Opponents argue that a couple of semesters of language instruction provide only a superficial acquaintance with a language and culture, rather than the deep, transformative experience that proponents describe. Prioritizing breadth over depth: Critics also contend that forcing students to take courses outside their specialization distracts from the core purpose of a degree and can leave graduates with shallow knowledge in many areas. Many universities now seek "spiky" or "well-lopsided" students with deep expertise in one or two areas, rather than generalists. Outdated rationale: Some academics and students feel that requiring all humanities students to learn a language is a legacy of a more elitist and antiquated educational model that prioritized classical languages, rather than serving a modern, practical purpose
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92
on: August 31, 2025, 06:42:05 AM
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Started by curious - Last post by curious
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Query to AI If Kamela Harris wins in 2028 is it logical to hope that she will complete the Process for the ERA to become part of the US Constitution? After all after Virginia became last state to confirm Trump refused to certify the ERA, and frankly he shows no inclination to direct the National Archives to write the ERA Into law. Harris on the Hand would remember that it was her mentor Bidden who did certify The ERA Amendment, and that by her actions she would complete the Process of Equal Rights for Female american citizens which started over 102 years ago; lastly she show that Democratic Party was the Great Liberal party in the traditions of FDR; Harry Trumanl JFK and LBJ?
Assuming Kamala Harris is elected president in 2028, it would be logical to expect her to continue the push for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), consistent with her past actions and stated positions. However, the path to the ERA becoming part of the Constitution remains legally and politically complex, and a single presidential directive is unlikely to be the sole determining factor. Kamala Harris's known stance and potential actions Vocal support: As Vice President, Harris has consistently and publicly voiced her support for the ERA, stating that "the Equal Rights Amendment belongs in our Constitution". She has previously framed the ERA's passage as a priority for addressing wage and gender disparities. Political pressure: A Harris administration could apply political pressure to Congress to pass new legislation aimed at resolving the legal ambiguity surrounding the ERA. Directive to the Archivist: In January 2025, President Biden announced that he considered the ERA the "law of the land" following Virginia's 2020 ratification, though the National Archives has not certified it due to legal precedent. While a president has no direct authority over the constitutional amendment process, a Harris administration could pressure the National Archives to follow a different legal interpretation. However, the National Archivist, who is legally bound to follow established legal advice, is unlikely to act unless instructed by Congress or a court order. The "liberal tradition" argument The argument that a Harris presidency would solidify the Democratic Party's position in the liberal tradition is a political interpretation and not a legal guarantee. FDR's legacy: While often associated with the expansion of federal power and social welfare, FDR's legacy also includes complexities. For example, he did not include African Americans in the benefits of many New Deal programs. Political optics: Acting decisively on the ERA would align with the Democratic Party's platform and could be framed as a fulfillment of promises made to progressive voters. However, the political reality is that a successful ERA effort would also need bipartisan cooperation to resolve the existing legal hurdles. In conclusion, while a President Harris would almost certainly be an ERA advocate, the certification of the amendment ultimately depends on legal and congressional action. A new push would require either a favorable court ruling or the passage of a new congressional resolution, both of which would depend on the broader political landscape, not just the president's position.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has left the door open for a potential 2028 presidential campaign following her decision not to run for governor of California in 2026. Her move has fueled speculation about her future plans, though many Democrats express misgivings about another run. Yes, after her loss in the 2024 presidential election, Kamala Harris urged her supporters not to give up hope. In her concession speech, she asked her backers to "never give up the fight for our democracy". During her address at Howard University on November 6, 2024, the following points were made: Perseverance was encouraged. While acknowledging that the outcome was not what supporters wanted, she stated, "the light of America's promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting". The election was conceded, but not the fight. She clarified, "While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign... That is a fight I will never give up". Sustained engagement was called for. Harris encouraged people to organize, mobilize, and stay engaged for the sake of freedom and justice. She told young supporters, "The important thing is don't ever give up". Hope in the face of setbacks was discussed. She used an adage that "only when it is dark enough can you see the stars," urging people to fill the sky with "the light of optimism, faith, truth, and service".
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93
on: August 31, 2025, 03:56:26 AM
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Started by Shin - Last post by Shin
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'Virtue and holiness of life are not only all-powerful, or at least very powerful with God, but also with men.'
St. Ignatius of Loyola
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94
on: August 31, 2025, 03:56:13 AM
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Started by Shin - Last post by Shin
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'The devil tries to soil and defile every good thing a man would do by intermingling with it his own seeds in the form of self-esteem, presumption, complaint, and other things of this kind, so that what we do is not done for God alone, or with a glad heart. Abel offered a sacrifice to God of the fat and firstlings of his flock, while Cain offered gifts of the fruits of the earth, but not of the firstfruits; and that is why God looked with favor on Abel's sacrifices, but paid no attention to Cain's gifts (cf. Gen. 4:3-5). This shows us that it is possible to do something good in the wrong way - that is to say, to do it negligently, or scornfully, or else not for God's sake but for some other purpose; and for this reason it is unacceptable to God.'
St. Symeon Metaphrastis
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95
on: August 30, 2025, 11:04:27 AM
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Started by curious - Last post by curious
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Anti Aboration News August 2025 ederal actions Trump administration targets veterans' abortion access: New draft regulations were proposed by the Trump administration to ban VA doctors from performing abortions for veterans, even in cases of rape, incest, or when the woman's health is at risk Foreign aid restricted: The Guttmacher Institute reported that in August 2025, the Trump administration made a preliminary decision to destroy a $9.7 million stockpile of contraceptives intended for low-income countries. Anti-abortion movement strategy Focus on telehealth abortions: Anti-abortion groups revealed a new strategy targeting telehealth abortions, arguing it makes it easier to coerce people into having abortions. They are pushing for new regulations and restrictions on abortion pills. Alternative to IVF proposed: With some Republicans wary of restricting IVF, conservative groups promoted "restorative reproductive medicine" (RRM) as an alternative. Arkansas passed the first pro-RRM law, with other states potentially following suit. Texas targets abortion pills: A bill to let private citizens sue out-of-state abortion pill providers advanced in the Texas legislature.
International developments South Korean bishops relaunch movement: Vatican News reported that South Korean bishops relaunched a pro-life movement amid debates over abortion and euthanasia.
On the down side Missouri abortion measure challenged: Legal challenges were filed against a Missouri ballot measure that would reinstate a total abortion ban, arguing the language is misleading. California shields abortion rights: Democratic states, including California and New Mexico, moved to protect abortion pills and medical privacy through legislation and court actions. Texas and Florida also asked to join a multi-state lawsuit seeking to restrict the availability of mifepristone. Costco halts dispensing abortion medication: Anti-abortion groups celebrated a decision by Costco to stop dispensing abortion medication at its pharmacies, a move welcomed by groups like the Alliance Defending Freedom. Missouri abortion measure challenged: Legal challenges were filed against a Missouri ballot measure that would reinstate a total abortion ban, arguing the language is misleading.
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96
on: August 30, 2025, 12:21:07 AM
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Started by Shin - Last post by Shin
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'Yet where I am, there you are too, and where you are, I am. For we are a single body, and the body cannot be separated from the head nor the head from the body. Distance separates us, but love unites us, and death itself cannot divide us. For though my body die, my soul will live and be mindful of my people.'
St. John Chrysostom
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97
on: August 30, 2025, 12:20:45 AM
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Started by Shin - Last post by Shin
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'O man, created in such great dignity, why dost thou lose thyself in things so vile? If thou shouldst consider well, thou wouldst easily see that all worldly things which thou desirest are as nothing when compared to those spiritual goods which God gives thee even in this life, which is so full of ignorance. Pray that thou mayst come hereafter to that celestial country in which are things which eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive what God hath prepared for them that love Him!'
St. Catherine of Genoa
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98
on: August 29, 2025, 05:43:30 PM
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Started by eschator83 - Last post by CyrilSebastian
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Charles was crowned King Charles VII of France in Rheims Cathedral on July 17, 1429.
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99
on: August 29, 2025, 06:19:31 AM
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Started by curious - Last post by curious
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If Kamela Harris runs for President 2028 and wins she could make the ERA Part of the US Constitutuin...by directing the head of the National Archives to write it up...after all her mentor Joe Bidden certified it publiclly which is a matter of record; as a lawyer she would certainly know that without being written up US women citizens are still legallly interior to men since 1923...It would certaily be a great step forward...after all after 119 years Bidden signed the first Federal Anti Lynching act...all this is a matter of public record....and it could come about if she feels that this last barrier to female ineuality is removed....but only if she chooses to do so...  Incidently Comparing a hypocritical liar for gain with a pathological liar requires examining the motivations, awareness, and impact of their deception. While both behaviors are destructive to trust, many find the hypocritical liar worse because their deception is a conscious and strategic choice to exploit others. Hypocritical liar for gain A hypocritical liar preaches values they do not practice, and their lies are a calculated tool for manipulation. Motivation: The primary goal is selfish benefit, such as power, money, or social status. They use their false virtue as a mask to gain influence and control over others. Awareness: They are typically fully aware of their dishonesty and the disparity between their words and actions.
Intent: From a moral perspective, the hypocritical liar's actions are often viewed as more malicious. Their deceit is a deliberate, cynical choice to exploit people, whereas the pathological liar's behavior is driven by a psychological condition. Harm: In terms of direct harm, a hypocritical liar for gain can be more destructive. They leverage their false trustworthiness to manipulate people toward a specific, selfish—and potentially harmful—goal. In contrast, the harm from a pathological liar, while damaging to relationships, is often less directed and more a byproduct of their disorder. Impact: Their deceit can cause significant damage. By exploiting undeserved trust and preying on the moral standards of others, they can manipulate people into supporting a harmful agenda.
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100
on: August 29, 2025, 01:56:51 AM
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Started by Shin - Last post by Shin
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'In everything that we do God searches out our purpose to see whether we do it for Him or for some other motive.'
St. Maximos the Confessor
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