February 2, 2018

In Middleton, post-conference
Journal Prompt 4
Potential “LOI”

Before the group conference, my thoughts about the Inquiry project were positive. As an

academic student, the constant struggle of available time to invest towards curiosity of life is

difficult. Thus, a portion of a college course dedicated to the research of a chosen open-ended

question is desirable. My thoughts about the project have changed minimally after the group

conference; however, the question I brought forth was met with enthusiasm by surrounding

peers. This personal connection between peers and my inner curiosity was surprisingly

satisfying. I doubted the mental ability of a randomized sample of students to detach oneself

form bias and address society.

The question, “Why do middle-class Americans dogmatically rely on societal standards

to feel content?”, possess the most potential as a “LOI”. The question intrigues me constantly, as

the general population attributes useless negative responses to surrounding products, people,

products, and services as life’s default. This is not to say negative opinion is wrong in my eyes,

rather it remains imperative to apply negativity in forms of criticism. Criticism involves a

depiction of downfalls within one’s experience, thus resulting a negative response aiding towards

betterment of the entity in attention. I intend on integrating an aspect of other cultures and the

lifestyles they attempt to live in their society.

February 20, 2018
In Middleton, Post-class
Journal Prompt 6
Questions from pg. 46 in CR

1) What prior beliefs, ideas, or notions about the topic do I bring to this project?

2) What personal experiences made you come to these conclusions (Reference to Q#1)?

3) Before researching the topic, what were your thoughts about it?

4) What are you thinking about it after looking into the topic?

My preconception going into the project is humanity’s instinctual pack mentality

overrides rationality, thus diminishing individualism and original thought. American citizens are

no acceptation, I believe America is arguably a prime example of a “Cookie-Cutter society” for

lack of a better term. The notions of “Freedom”, engraved into the foundation of America

supposedly enables the pursuit of happiness. Through my observations, expressions of happiness

or even contentment with life seems nonexistent within majority of Americans.

Throughout my life I’ve habitually observed the techniques used by a source

(advertisement, news broadcast, etc.) when attempting to create a message to reach large

populations. Recently, I have unintentionally found myself analyzing the impressions these

messages have on behavior, emotion, and biases of those around me. Analysis of human

behavior has extended into to the questioning of how society has shaped my own biases and

morality.

Before working knowledge of the topic, I thought humanity’s pact instinct was a

preliminary mechanism which continues to shape the formation of societal norms. My

perspective within western culture has made me question alternative societies and how/why

ideals differ among cultures. Research offered additional thoughts about the role human instincts

play within a society. Also, it sparked thoughts of constant cultural impacts by the economic and

political styles of a society.