Its 12:02 am. Some where over the course of time the idea of ‘midnight’ as being the time when one should be sleeping, lest demons come to possess oneself, has been lost. Boredom, confusion, clubbing and random thoughts have replaced the fear that maybe once used to haunt our ancestors. Although watching “The Shining’ before going to bed, may help to restore that fear in some of us.
Boredom as I see it now, has become a chronic disease which has spread among several thousands of people across the country, including me and my friends. The irony is that in this 21st century we are exposed to more forms and methods of entertainment than ever before, yet the level of boredom among teenagers and adults has reached an alarming rate. Have all the forms of entertainment become monotonous to us? Or do we simply refuse to be entertained and would rather sit all the live long day chatting on the internet and complaining to our friends about how boring life has become that we could possibly die?
Life back in the 12th century with only barbaric wars somehow seems more appealing to me now, than sitting in front of my 16inch computer monitor, browsing through a little social network known as 'facebook' without a reason.
The internet is infectious. Undoubtedly it is an outstanding source for any kind of information, not to mention an incredible means of communication. It however, has also introduced the instant messaging service, which maybe is absolutely essential to many, while most stay glued to their computer screens chatting with friends who may even be living in the house next to theirs! When the internet has replaced mobility, why blame kids for obesity?
It is 1:26 am now and somehow I have gone through almost an hour and a half without being able to complete this little piece of writing. When my instant messaging windows keep blinking in orange like a constant fire alarm, it’s hard to stay focused.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Scratch Scratch!
I woke up today scratching, scratching my legs like a lunatic, as if digging up land in search of gold. And wait it gets better, the itching is not just restricted to my legs but apparently extends to my arms and neck, not to mention my left cheek!
Regardless of the tempestuous cyclone that I had stormed up in my brain, I failed to figure out atleast one reason that may have triggered my insane allergy. With the pace and intensity of my scratching I soon expect to reach my bones as I have already succeeded in revealing flesh at many a different places all over my body!
Allergy is like a pest or rather one of those impossible little children you see every time you go to a restaurant, who keep on screaming their tiny heads off for attention. The frustrating part is I am giving my allergy attention, more so than anything else, yet it refuses to calm down for even a minute! It has reached such a horrific state that I almost feel like it is worse than the time I had chicken pox, or maybe my mind is a little exaggerated in its thoughts. I am in a dilemma.
As I type the words my right wrist feels like I put it inside a blender. I had scratched the skin at the right corner of my wrist, just where I place it as I type and it looks and feel appalling. To make things worse, the friction between my wrist and the surface of my computer table almost has me on the verge of crying out loud, yet the itching continues there, what more could I scratch? It goes beyond me!
I presume it is about time I stopped typing. My hands need me for my own self loathing scratching action!
Regardless of the tempestuous cyclone that I had stormed up in my brain, I failed to figure out atleast one reason that may have triggered my insane allergy. With the pace and intensity of my scratching I soon expect to reach my bones as I have already succeeded in revealing flesh at many a different places all over my body!
Allergy is like a pest or rather one of those impossible little children you see every time you go to a restaurant, who keep on screaming their tiny heads off for attention. The frustrating part is I am giving my allergy attention, more so than anything else, yet it refuses to calm down for even a minute! It has reached such a horrific state that I almost feel like it is worse than the time I had chicken pox, or maybe my mind is a little exaggerated in its thoughts. I am in a dilemma.
As I type the words my right wrist feels like I put it inside a blender. I had scratched the skin at the right corner of my wrist, just where I place it as I type and it looks and feel appalling. To make things worse, the friction between my wrist and the surface of my computer table almost has me on the verge of crying out loud, yet the itching continues there, what more could I scratch? It goes beyond me!
I presume it is about time I stopped typing. My hands need me for my own self loathing scratching action!
Grading - A Barrier to Learning
“Grading hinders teaching and creates a bad spirit, going as far as cheating and plagiarizing” - This line taken from Paul Goodman’s essay ‘A Proposal to Abolish Grading’ may seem insanely absurd to most, while others might just agree to the message being conveyed by this statement. Being a student myself, I couldn’t agree more with this particular statement along with the entire essay where Goodman clearly explicates the adverse effects that accompany the grading system and how the average student is made to compete against one another, often compelling one to feel rejected and like a failure. We often tend to forget that the purpose of education is not merely for the grades, but more importantly to attain knowledge. Goodman suggests an alternative method where teachers and students should discuss each student’s progress individually, helping one to ascertain his/her own competence rather than comparing the potency of students. Hence, students would be able to apprehend their performance in school without the curse of grades hanging above their heads. I consider this to be an excellent proposal which should be considered favorably by our intellectuals and professors for it will undoubtedly be benefiting for our students and may lead to a better society overall.
A child is introduced to the grading system at the beginning of school life. It may not seem quite as harsh during the early school years, but by the time a child reaches middle school grading tends to act more like a burden rather than a blessing that encourages a child to study and do better. With more distractions and forms of entertainment in this 21st century, the primary concern should be to try and keep children focused and interested in studies, not to repel them. A student who may not have prepared for a certain test, but is nevertheless capable, is usually terrified of receiving a bad grade and hence the only way out is cheating. Not only are we depriving our students from gaining knowledge in a neutral atmosphere, we are, ironically, teaching them the methods of misdemeanor during tests as they are left with no other options. Most parents in our dormant consevative society prefer to be distant from their children. Their perception of getting respect from their children is to behave a manner that would make their children scared of them. Parents, like teachers often judge their children on the grades they obtain. This plays a major role in demoralizing a child, as the child would simply seek for a good grade regardless of the methods undertaken in obtaining it. Such situations also leave pupils frustrated and lead to a lack of self confidence and determination. The concept of gaining knowledge seems have become obsolete.
The worst effect of grading however can be experienced in college. The sudden pressure of studies, part-time jobs, hectic schedules, combined with the desperate desire for getting a decent grade, leaves a student devastated. I am in my second year in college and I can assure that getting a good grade in college is anything but easy. There have been numerous occasions where I had to cheat just to ensure that I didnt end up with a bad grade. Today learning comes only second to grading, for a decent grade can assure a respectable job and the core motive for spending nearly one-third of a person’s life in education, is to get a decent job. The biggest challenge that students today are facing after graduation is at the work place. One might not be completely capable despite the grades obtained in college (which maybe due to cheating and plagiarizing). As this scenario is beginning to become a widespread, it is palpably a drawback for the society at large, not to mention economic growth for a nation.
The harsh reality is that people have been so reliable on grades for so long, that to many, studies appear to be worthless without grades. Steps should be taken to make people comprehend the need for an alternative, as suggested by Goodman and it should be now. Each individual has their own uniqueness and consequently separate talents at which they can excel. Would it not be better to nurture those talents and help one to prosper at what a person is already good at, rather than comparing one to the other in a meaningless manner? It is only then, that the majority of our working population may find pleasure in their work and we could help create a more harmonious and prosperous future for our students.
A child is introduced to the grading system at the beginning of school life. It may not seem quite as harsh during the early school years, but by the time a child reaches middle school grading tends to act more like a burden rather than a blessing that encourages a child to study and do better. With more distractions and forms of entertainment in this 21st century, the primary concern should be to try and keep children focused and interested in studies, not to repel them. A student who may not have prepared for a certain test, but is nevertheless capable, is usually terrified of receiving a bad grade and hence the only way out is cheating. Not only are we depriving our students from gaining knowledge in a neutral atmosphere, we are, ironically, teaching them the methods of misdemeanor during tests as they are left with no other options. Most parents in our dormant consevative society prefer to be distant from their children. Their perception of getting respect from their children is to behave a manner that would make their children scared of them. Parents, like teachers often judge their children on the grades they obtain. This plays a major role in demoralizing a child, as the child would simply seek for a good grade regardless of the methods undertaken in obtaining it. Such situations also leave pupils frustrated and lead to a lack of self confidence and determination. The concept of gaining knowledge seems have become obsolete.
The worst effect of grading however can be experienced in college. The sudden pressure of studies, part-time jobs, hectic schedules, combined with the desperate desire for getting a decent grade, leaves a student devastated. I am in my second year in college and I can assure that getting a good grade in college is anything but easy. There have been numerous occasions where I had to cheat just to ensure that I didnt end up with a bad grade. Today learning comes only second to grading, for a decent grade can assure a respectable job and the core motive for spending nearly one-third of a person’s life in education, is to get a decent job. The biggest challenge that students today are facing after graduation is at the work place. One might not be completely capable despite the grades obtained in college (which maybe due to cheating and plagiarizing). As this scenario is beginning to become a widespread, it is palpably a drawback for the society at large, not to mention economic growth for a nation.
The harsh reality is that people have been so reliable on grades for so long, that to many, studies appear to be worthless without grades. Steps should be taken to make people comprehend the need for an alternative, as suggested by Goodman and it should be now. Each individual has their own uniqueness and consequently separate talents at which they can excel. Would it not be better to nurture those talents and help one to prosper at what a person is already good at, rather than comparing one to the other in a meaningless manner? It is only then, that the majority of our working population may find pleasure in their work and we could help create a more harmonious and prosperous future for our students.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
River Of Joy
The early years gave birth to it
Youth and innocence nurtured it
Lonesome company embraced
From one to many
It conquered little hearts
Built an impeccable wall of trust
And brought a river of joy
The zenith was reached
Years later
It wandered in delusion
From one to the other
Could find no pleasure
Like a clever ruse
It could only bruise
Penchant was lost subtly
But the memories returned vividly
Joy there was, plain wonderful joy
Decadence had begun
Defamation followed
Politics and misconceptions
Tore down the wall
Little pain too was felt
But none was to be regretted
For friendship is not for life.
Youth and innocence nurtured it
Lonesome company embraced
From one to many
It conquered little hearts
Built an impeccable wall of trust
And brought a river of joy
The zenith was reached
Years later
It wandered in delusion
From one to the other
Could find no pleasure
Like a clever ruse
It could only bruise
Penchant was lost subtly
But the memories returned vividly
Joy there was, plain wonderful joy
Decadence had begun
Defamation followed
Politics and misconceptions
Tore down the wall
Little pain too was felt
But none was to be regretted
For friendship is not for life.
Women Empowerment in Bangladesh
With the outstanding advancements in economics, technology and the growing literacy rate of the world population, women empowerment has also increased noticeably among the nations of the world. Yet the society at large is perceived as male-dominant which even in the dawn of the new millennium remains unaltered. As the eternal fight for women rights still continue, several western countries claim to have set equal rights for men and women and consequently women are said to be given the privilege of equal freedom as men. If acutely examined the scenario is not as such. Rather, women empowerment is still kept in the shadow. Only a small proportion of the leaders of the nations across the world are females, which if not a major issue, can at least convey a pretty clear message of who holds the highest authority of running a nation. A significant example would be the United States of America, for till today there have been no women president of the United States and it palpably shows that despite women working in demanding jobs in several sectors of the different industries, authority of running the world’s most influential and powerful country, still remains under the grip of the male.
However in Bangladesh, the leaders of the two most dominant and influential political groups of the nation, are women. They have both had their shares of being the Prime Minister of the country more than once, and their popularity among the people of the country is overwhelming. As ironic as it sounds, since the country is still much deprived of women empowerment, women prime ministers in this case do not exactly represent the state of the average woman of the country. It should be noted that apart from the prime minister, most of the remaining members of the parliament are men, revealing the fact that women empowerment is yet to be taken seriously. Sadly, despite having women leaders for much of the time span after the country’s independence, women empowerment is still not a widespread. A large proportion of the conservative society refuses to see women working beside men, and the several campaigns that speak for women’s rights seldom seem to raise awareness among the ignorant males of the society not to mention many such women.
There are various factors that refrains women empowerment. Initially there is the basic perception of the society, of women as not being as smart as men. Although a large number of women are now working in several sectors of the country’s different industries, most married women still continue to be housewives. This can be a cause of a woman having doubts about her own abilities but most often it is the husband who refuses to let his wife get employed or attain adequate education required to obtain a respectable job.
Secondly, in the rural areas and suburbs, women are not given the opportunity of proper education and in today’s fast-paced world education is a vital necessity for one to be employed.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is also common and hence women are not inclined towards working for fear of losing their dignity.
Women are also judged on their physical ability and almost never hired in strenuous jobs.
Lastly, superstitions considering women working in the society may also play a role in the refraining of women empowerment. Many short-sighted employers view women as a symbol of causing adverse effects on their business.
Regardless, women empowerment has definitely improved over the past years in Bangladesh at a slow pace, but the effects have been positive. The result can be observed in our everyday life. For example, even a couple of years ago it would be hard to imagine seeing a woman driving a car in the capital city but today, a small proportion of women are driving cars and not just in the capital city. Women are doing errands that were previously only done by men and they are more involved in business and technological sectors than they had ever before.
In the conservative society where the average person still believes in several vague superstitions, it is a long way to go for women empowerment. I believe for any nation to function proficiently the male and female should both participate and consist of the working population for only the men cannot guarantee economic growth and welfare of an entire nation when almost half of the population (ie. Women) is unemployed. The road ahead for women empowerment definitely looks promising but there is still a lot to work on and with due time, women empowerment can be regarded as a widespread.
However in Bangladesh, the leaders of the two most dominant and influential political groups of the nation, are women. They have both had their shares of being the Prime Minister of the country more than once, and their popularity among the people of the country is overwhelming. As ironic as it sounds, since the country is still much deprived of women empowerment, women prime ministers in this case do not exactly represent the state of the average woman of the country. It should be noted that apart from the prime minister, most of the remaining members of the parliament are men, revealing the fact that women empowerment is yet to be taken seriously. Sadly, despite having women leaders for much of the time span after the country’s independence, women empowerment is still not a widespread. A large proportion of the conservative society refuses to see women working beside men, and the several campaigns that speak for women’s rights seldom seem to raise awareness among the ignorant males of the society not to mention many such women.
There are various factors that refrains women empowerment. Initially there is the basic perception of the society, of women as not being as smart as men. Although a large number of women are now working in several sectors of the country’s different industries, most married women still continue to be housewives. This can be a cause of a woman having doubts about her own abilities but most often it is the husband who refuses to let his wife get employed or attain adequate education required to obtain a respectable job.
Secondly, in the rural areas and suburbs, women are not given the opportunity of proper education and in today’s fast-paced world education is a vital necessity for one to be employed.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is also common and hence women are not inclined towards working for fear of losing their dignity.
Women are also judged on their physical ability and almost never hired in strenuous jobs.
Lastly, superstitions considering women working in the society may also play a role in the refraining of women empowerment. Many short-sighted employers view women as a symbol of causing adverse effects on their business.
Regardless, women empowerment has definitely improved over the past years in Bangladesh at a slow pace, but the effects have been positive. The result can be observed in our everyday life. For example, even a couple of years ago it would be hard to imagine seeing a woman driving a car in the capital city but today, a small proportion of women are driving cars and not just in the capital city. Women are doing errands that were previously only done by men and they are more involved in business and technological sectors than they had ever before.
In the conservative society where the average person still believes in several vague superstitions, it is a long way to go for women empowerment. I believe for any nation to function proficiently the male and female should both participate and consist of the working population for only the men cannot guarantee economic growth and welfare of an entire nation when almost half of the population (ie. Women) is unemployed. The road ahead for women empowerment definitely looks promising but there is still a lot to work on and with due time, women empowerment can be regarded as a widespread.
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