Pac-man and The Theory of Mind (Part 1)

        

(Photo credit: https://www.mobygames.com/game/game-gear/pac-man/promo/promoImageId,57172/)

        Pac-man is a video game in which a player controls a yellow creature called Pac-man going around a maze and eating the small dots. The goal of the game is to help Pac-man finish eating all the dots in the maze. The challenge of the game is the ghosts running around the maze. The ghosts will chase Pac-man once they see him. If Pac-man is caught by one of the ghosts, he will lose a life.  Pac-man has three lives within a level. If he loses them all, the player will lose the game.

    

        Pac-man is a two-dimensional world. The player has the superior view of the maze. He or she can observe all the ghosts, dots, and Pac-man. The player witnesses all of their existence. Unlike the player, Pac-man is unable to see them all. Although Pac-man is in the game, he can’t observe what is happening in the maze as much as we do. He can only witness, acknowledge a thing when he faces them. This reminds me of the principle “Esse est percipi” of the philosopher George Berkeley.

        “Esse est Percipi” means “To be is to be perceived”. Berkeley didn’t believe in the existence of matters, which represents immaterialism. According to Berkeley, our perceiving mind and ideas were the only things that exist (BBC, 2015).  In other words, he assumed that we recognize an object not because it exists external to our perception. If a matter doesn’t exist, then why do we feel hurt when we kick a big rock? 

        Berkeley explained that our sensory experience with the rock verified its existence (BBC, 2015). Sensory experience consists of hearing, touching, and actions that physically interact with a thing. Because we can perceive our sensory experience with our mind, we can acknowledge the existence of the rock by seeing and kicking it. If a tree falls and nobody is there to see it, how can we verify the existence of this phenomenon? 

        In this case, Berkeley claimed that if something exists but we don’t have any sensory experience with it, God would be the one who witnessed it (BBC, 2015). This means God’s sensory experience will verify one’s existence when we are unable to do so. However, according to Berkeley, we don’t directly discuss with God about what happened to the tree. Instead, we look at the fallen tree and assume that God saw it fall. 

(Photo credit: Painting A Portrait of Glory (Ephesians 2:10 KJV)

        The dots are the only thing of which Pac-man can be aware. In the game, the maze is built up with small dots lying on most of the paths. Each path has a chain of dots lying on it. Because one dot is behind the other, it’s easy for Pac-man to keep track of them. In other words, there is always a high probability that the dots are in front of him. This set-up helps Pac-man face and eat the dots everywhere he goes. He perceives this sensory experience in mind, which helps him verify the existence of the dots almost consistently.

        On the other hand, Pac-man can’t verify the existence of the ghosts running in the maze at the beginning of the game. The reason is that he hasn’t had any sensory experience with them. Assuming that Pac-man faces a ghost in the middle of the game, when he runs away, he won’t be able to verify that the ghost is still chasing him or if the ghost is moving. However, that doesn’t mean the ghost no longer exists in the game. According to Berkeley, when Pac-man sees the ghost again, he will learn that the ghost is still running around the maze. This phenomenon happens because the player has witnessed the movements of the ghost since the last time Pac-man and it met.      

Eurus Thach.

References:

[BBC Radio 4]. (2015, Aug 6). Esse est Percipi - ('To be is to be perceived') [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iBryNYU49Y. 

Don't Rain on Streisand's Parade! [Part 2]

     Don't Rain on Streisand's Parade!

Link to part 1: http://eastyblog.blogspot.com/2019/11/dont-rain-on-streisands-parade-part-1.html

(Photo from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/143833781818629027/)

         At the beginning of her music career in the early 1960s, Streisand took a shoot in the singing audition for the Broadway play The Sound of Music. Having the first rejection couldn’t stop her desire was still burning passionately. According to Lamb (2019), thanks to the comedian Phyllis Diller, Streisand officially became a paid singer working at Bon Soir nightclub, where her talents and sense of humor combined and created lively performances (par. 6). That was similar to what happened to the main character in the movie Funny Girl (1968). 

         Streisand has great ambitions. After top-charted albums with Grammys and an Oscar award, she started writing songs and brought home an Academy Award with the original single “Evergreen” (1976), which appeared in the top money-making film A Star Is Born (1976) co-starring her (Lamb, 2019, par. 13). After all of these successes, Streisand didn’t settle down to only acting and music.

        In the 1980s, Streisand involved in the film industry and became the first female producer and director. Her first project, Yentl (1983), received rejections from many Hollywood studio at first when they found out that the director and the main actress of the film would be Streisand. However, the rejections couldn’t stop her. Shortly after Yentl (1983) was released, Streisand received the Golden Globe Award for Best Director and became the first certified female director (Lamb, 2019, par. 15). This reminds me of her song in the 1960s, which implies the unstoppable, inner strength of femininity.  

        “Don’t Rain On My Parade” (1964), which appeared in the film Funny Girl (1968), was about a Rebel who controlled her own life. Nobody could tell her how to live or rain on her parade (see Appendix B). She just simply wanted to spend her life doing what she enjoyed. It’s hard to deny the popularity of “Don’t Rain On My Parade” (1964) in its time when the women's liberation movement had successfully impacted the society’s thinking about women’s freedom. 

         The song began with a direct, powerful message: “don’t tell me not to live”. After singing the word “don’t”, Streisand paused a bit. This pause didn’t portray hesitation. Instead, it showed her persistence and even her stubborn when she ignored others’ advice. With the wonderful chest voice and resonance, Streisand had made the song a powerful declaration, an anthem for the feminine world.     
   
        However, what makes Streisand an icon of feminism are her philanthropy and her support for women, minorities, and LGBTQ community. She never misses a chance to speak up for them. Since 1986, through the Streisand Foundation, she has successfully raised fund for feminine and humane organizations like Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center,  Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Feminist Majority Foundation, the Rape Foundation, and Brennan Center for Justice. She is also a supporter for political, environmental, and educational institutions like Center for Economic Policy Research, the Nation Institute, Environmental Media Association, Climate Reality, the UCLA Foundation, the Cambodian Children’s Fund, etc (Influence Watch, n.d., par. 4). With her contributions, in 2004, Streisand received the Humanitarian Award from Human Rights Campaign.

        Always standing up for justice, Barbra Streisand shows her insecure feelings toward the U.S. government with her original song “Don’t Lie To Me” (2018) in the album Walls. The song reflects unequal judgements and protection from the politicians. It carries the message that everyone deserves the truth and equal rights. The highlight of the song is the powerful question “how do you sleep when the world is turning?” (see Appendix C). In this song, Streisand has portrayed a Rebel who is asking for liberation.     

(Photo from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/464855992784126572/) 

   
        Barbra Streisand is an influential figure who inspires people, especially women, to fight for their rights and start giving back to the community. In many cases, she seems to be a Rebel that ignores the rules or social standards for a woman. However, she is a Wonder Woman to the majority with the openness in her thinking and speaking. 

Eurus Thach.

________________________________

References:

Greenwald, M. (n. d.). “Don’t Rain On My Parade” [Review of the song “Don’t Rain On My Parade”]. Allmusic. Retrieved from https://www.allmusic.com/song/dont-rain-on-my-parade-mt0028617657.

Iskowitz, M. (1998). Streisand and Brolin on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Barbra Streisand Archives. Retrieved from http://barbra-archives.com/bjs_library/90s/brolin_star_walkoffame.html.

Lamb, B. (2019). Barbra Streisand Biography: Her Life and Career [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.liveabout.com/barbra-streisand-biography-4586388.

Sony Music Entertainment. (n. d.). Biography [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://barbrastreisand.com/biography/.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2019). Barbra Streisand: American Actress, Singer, Director, Producer. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barbra-Streisand.

Wikipedia. (n. d.). Barbra Streisand discography. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbra_Streisand_discography.

Don't Rain on Streisand's Parade! [Part 1]

Don't Rain on Streisand's Parade!

(Photo from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbra_Streisand)

     In front of the landmark Chinese Theater, on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a shiny pink star has always been reflecting a glorious history of the powerful Barbra Streisand (par. 1, Iskowitz, 1988). In April of 1942, a rose blossoms under the sunbeam of the Spring Goddess. Like a rose with a passionate smell and sharp thorns, Streisand impacts the male industries and areas like films and political attitudes with her powerful and respectful femininity. Hence, during the 1960s and 1970s, our rose, Barbara Joan Streisand had refined the female stardom with multiple talents and ethnic outspokenness (par. 1, Britannica, 2019). Streisand symbolizes the urban Wonder Woman of her time with the strong independence, admirable career achievements, and powerful impact on liberal politics.

     Starting with the first winning in a Manhattan small local nightclub’s amateur talent contest, Streisand devoted more to music. Her singing engagements in Greenwich Village cabarets had brought her the ticket to the musical industry. She took the chance to be Miss Marmelstein in the Broadway musical I Can Get It for You Wholesale (1962). Although it was a small comic role, Streisand had stolen the stage light. Receiving attention from the public, her image was spreading on television. Thanks to the generous host, Streisand received more audience's approval in the Judy Garland Show. With this trigger, she released a series of The Barbra Streisand Albums (1963 -1964) and People (1964). The Barbra Streisand Album, her first album, has brought her many honorable awards. Two of them are from the Grammy academy for The Best Album of The Year and The Best Female Vocal Performance (par. 2, Britannica, 2019). Also, her fourth album  People (1964) reached the top 1 in the US peak chart positions (Wikipedia, n.d.). However, the success couldn't limit her talents with only the music industry.

     Barbra Streisand had made a breakthrough in the musical Funny Girl (1964), which was turned into a movie in 1968. She received an Oscar for The Best Actress. Streisand was in the role of Fanny Brice (1891 -1951), a young woman from a slumdog neighborhood with great ambitions of being a musical star. From the beginning, Brice stood out from other colleagues with her clumsiness and loose outfits. Although her appearance wasn't special, she had high self-confidence with her talents.
The film reflected the heavy expectation of the Compliant stereotype of women before the 1960s. It was when a female’s appearance decided her whole life. "When people pay good money in the theatre, especially the male elements, they want something extra to look at… If a girl isn't pretty, like a Miss Atlantic City. All she gets in life is pity and a pat",  Brice's aunt made her statement. However, since her first success, she was unstoppable.

     By gratefully appearing as a pregnant lady in a wedding dress and performing "His Love Makes Me Beautiful" (1964), Streisand had created a great impression in the musical industry. Both Brice and Streisand had made an iconic phenomenon since. Nowadays, this highlight scene still gains the audience's amazement and laughter in every Funny Girl musical plays.

     "His Love Makes Me Beautiful" (1964) is a musical song about a woman who gains self-confidence via her lover. A Compliant, "strictly a female female" ("I Enjoy Being a Girl", 1958), who needed a man to feel pretty. After the line "Ziegfeld presents her with justifiable pride" (Appendix A), the audience expected to see a grateful bride with gentle walking and gestures. Fanny Brice (played by Streisand) had turned everything upside down. She stepped out, in the audience's amazement with a huge belly. The audience busted out laughing. With this joke, the film had claimed that a woman was beautiful despite how her appearance changed. "Thank you for putting such a beautiful dress on a pregnant woman", a female audience told Ziegfield. "His Love Makes Me Beautiful" (1964) was portraying an appreciated Compliant.

(Photo from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/434456695275422272/)

     Barbra Streisand, with her great acting, raised her voice whenever she sang the word "beautiful" or the phrase "of my love's affection". At the same time, she looked down her belly with an overwhelming face. She questioned in silly tone "I'm beautiful? Oy" and the expression "Oy" completely stole the show. Streisand's voice was natural. Her funny facial expressions were so real as if she was being herself instead of Brice.   

Eurus Thach

_____________________________________________________________________
References:

Greenwald, M. (n. d.). “Don’t Rain On My Parade” [Review of the song “Don’t Rain On My Parade”]. Allmusic. Retrieved from https://www.allmusic.com/song/dont-rain-on-my-parade-mt0028617657.

Iskowitz, M. (1998). Streisand and Brolin on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Barbra Streisand Archives. Retrieved from http://barbra-archives.com/bjs_library/90s/brolin_star_walkoffame.html. 

Lamb, B. (2019). Barbra Streisand Biography: Her Life and Career [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.liveabout.com/barbra-streisand-biography-4586388. 

Sony Music Entertainment. (n. d.). Biography [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://barbrastreisand.com/biography/.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2019). Barbra Streisand: American Actress, Singer, Director, Producer. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barbra-Streisand.

Wikipedia. (n. d.). Barbra Streisand discography. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbra_Streisand_discography. 

The Nostalgic Time of Equal Educational, Political Access, and So Forth, For The Achievement of Gender Equality (Part 2)

     Race interacts with gender in many ways. I grew up in Vietnam, a country whose citizens are still influenced by traditional gender roles. Traditionally, Vietnamese people follow four virtues called “Công-Dung-Ngôn-Hạnh”. This consists of good domestic skills, good-looking appearance, gentle speech, and exemplary conduct. Being a traditional Vietnamese woman means being an individual who can take care of the chores and her look, speak modestly, and live harmoniously with her husband and children. On the other hand, traditional Vietnamese men are expected to be the provider of the family. The identities of his children and his wife are recognized through the relationships with him. In the past, sons had more opportunities to have higher education since they were expected to bring home glorious achievements (Bui, 2019).

     Vietnamese also hold a similar belief to the “rule of thumb” discussed in Lutze and Symons (2003, p. 321). Men gain control through their social privileges and authority. That is how domestic violence begins (Lutze & Symons, 2003, p. 321). As a child, I witnessed many men physically and verbally abused their wives. One of the bystanders told me that they did so to gain power over their partners. From this experience, I learn that a wife's happiness depends on her husband. To avoid such a suffering marriage I tell myself to learn my man thoroughly.

     Vietnamese people have made many changes to gender roles. Nowadays, both the female and male population have equal educational opportunities. Many men share chores with their wives. Also, more and more women enter the workforce during motherhood.

     Witnessing this changing process, I am inspired to fight for my career path and personal achievements.  Although my relatives expect me to financially and emotionally dependent on my future husband, I receive support from my parents for my decisions. They said it was vital for a woman to gain independence and have equal authority in marriage.

     However, fighting over power in a romantic relationship is not a smart step to achieve this goal. Besides high education, my mother always tells me that a woman needs to adjust her behaviors to gain respect from her husband. These behaviors aren't the ones discussed in the reaction essay of Lutze and Symons (2003). Instead of being a compliant or a weak woman (p. 320), a woman should know how to use her gentleness. Gentleness in the female population, in my opinion, reflects a modest and wise attitude. If a man is associated with power, it will not be a smart decision for a woman to use it against him. She could use a gentle attitude or speech to talk him down. Unlike helpless compliance associated with women in the past, this gentleness contains an internal feminine strength. Coco Chanel had an interesting quote about this topic, “gentleness doesn't get work done unless you happen to be a hen laying eggs.”

     To achieve gender equality, I believe women should have the freedom to participate in activities, educational, and political field. This belief reflects a gender perspective called liberal feminism. According to Lutze (n.d.), liberal feminists claim that limited opportunities in education for women are the cause of gender inequality (p. 4). Many friends of my parents always encourage my brother to study hard and achieve materialistic goals. Meanwhile, they wish me to find a good husband and become a happy housewife. The reason for this phenomenon might be because there weren't many women went to universities at the time. 

     Like other girls who live in traditional homes, my mother wasn’t allowed to go to school. Growing up in the rural, she helped her parents all day on the field. She enjoyed school so much that she spent her sleeping time studying. However, with the traditional view of gender roles, her father made her stay home and found her a husband. He said it was a waste of money to send a girl to school because she would end up being a housewife in the future. When I heard this story, I was disappointed about how people kept maintaining such an unhealthy stereotype about gender roles. 

     As a female individual in the twenty-first century who receives the chance to equally access higher education, political participation, and so forth, I am responsible to reach my fullest potentials. In doing so, I would receive academic respect from my male partner. The academic achievement is the preparation for gaining the impact in the workforce and the respect for my political views or voting. With this belief and effort, hopefully, I will be able to use my success as an example to teach my children about equal respect for both femininity and masculinity.

Eurus Thach.

References:



Bui, M. (2019). Vietnamese Traditional Gender Roles [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.itourvn.com/blog/vietnamese-traditional-gender-roles.



LaViolette, A. D., & Barnett, Ola W. (2014). It could happen to anyone : why battered women stay (Third edition.). Los Angeles: SAGE.



Lutze, F. E., & Symons, M. L. (2003). The Evolution Of Domestic Violence Policy Through Masculine Institutions: From Discipline to Protection to Collaborative Empowerment. Criminology & Public Policy, 2(2), 319–328. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-9133.2003.tb00128.x.



Lutze, F. E. (n.d.). Perspective on Gender Theory [PDF file]. Retrieved from https://apps.aoi.wsu.edu/onlinemedia/transcripts/crmj403_3_art%20(c092).pdf.

The Nostalgic Time of Equal Educational, Political Access, and So Forth, For The Achievement of Gender Equality (Part 1)

     The term “socialization” is defined as a learning process through which an individual fits in society (LaViolette, Barnett, 2014, p. 18). It begins at birth with observation and reinforcement. LaViolette and Barnett (2014) claim that we tend to practice rewarded behaviors and avoid punished ones. We also learn these behaviors by observing others’ reinforcement (p. 18). “Socialization” consists of “gender socialization” through which one acknowledges stereotypes about gender roles.   

     It’s undeniable that gender socialization has an impact on our lives. Like many girls, I was taught to behave in a dress. When I was in kindergarten, my parents used to buy me floral dresses and tech me graceful poses. Since I was encouraged with praises, I learned that was how a girl should behave. That was my first stereotype about gender roles. Before kindergarten, I was interested in superheroes, machines, and soccer suits. I gave up this interest because being a “princess” seemed to make my parents happier.

     My elementary school teachers used pink and blue colors for gender categorization in our classes. Besides that, my clothes were mostly pink and bright. From that experience, I learned to associate different genders with different colors.

     During the eighth grade, I watched a movie in which a woman was a professional Taekwondo fighter. “Girls can also be fighters,” I told myself. Despite the disagreement from my parents and siblings, I registered a Taekwondo course. It was a great experience. The instructors encouraged me a lot since I was one of the few female learners in the class. My mother used to say that a girl supposed to involve in graceful and gentle activities like cooking or sewing. Fortunately, my family eventually changed their minds after I persuaded them that Taekwondo would be a useful self-defence for women.

     This milestone has influenced many of my decisions including pursuing my dream major and working during motherhood in the future. I believe that women can have equal access to any field as men do. With this belief, I am planning to get a PhD degree in Psychology. This is the greatest motivation I get from practising this non-traditional view of gender roles.

     There are also disadvantages for holding this thought. During high school, since being independent of men was my target, I ignored my male classmates' help. Moreover, I didn't pay any attention to my appearance. “If men aren't stressed about their look, why women have to be so," I told myself. At that time, I judged girls who prefered their appearances over their academic success. I desired to show people the internal strength of being a woman so much that I always criticized and thought too intensely. This resulted in the isolation I got from my classmates, which supercharged my antisocial thoughts.

     I got so carried away by the wish of not letting my life be influenced by others that I argued with my mother many times. I tried to show her my right to make decisions with sharp words, which hurt her many times. Realizing this, I learned to adjust my attitudes more gently.

Eurus Thach.

References:

Bui, M. (2019). Vietnamese Traditional Gender Roles [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.itourvn.com/blog/vietnamese-traditional-gender-roles.

LaViolette, A. D., & Barnett, Ola W. (2014). It could happen to anyone : why battered women stay (Third edition.). Los Angeles: SAGE.

Lutze, F. E., & Symons, M. L. (2003). The Evolution Of Domestic Violence Policy Through Masculine Institutions: From Discipline to Protection to Collaborative Empowerment. Criminology & Public Policy, 2(2), 319–328. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-9133.2003.tb00128.x. 

Lutze, F. E. (n.d.). Perspective on Gender Theory [PDF file]. Retrieved from https://apps.aoi.wsu.edu/onlinemedia/transcripts/crmj403_3_art%20(c092).pdf. 

The Synergistic Relationship Between Sexual Violence and Rape Culture

     Female youngsters grow up with the belief that sexual violence among men should be expected (Hlavka, 2014, pp. 339, 344). They misperceive these violent behaviors as romantic gestures or sexual stimulations. In doing so, young women normalize sexual violence, which accidentally empowers the unforeseen rape culture. The reason is, according to Morczek (2015), “sexual violence and rape culture have a synergistic relationship” (p. 50). In other words, sexual violence and rape culture strengthen each other’s existence.

     Hence, the beginning of rape culture was triggered by social perceptions towards genders. Traditional gender roles invoke thinkings and fantasies of male victimizers and female victims (Belknap, 2001). Because of this, underreported cases in which men are victims attract less social attention. Male victims had been eliminated from the definition of rape for a long time in our history. Before 2012, rape was defined by the Code of Hammurabi as the violation of female virginity against a woman’s will by a male offender (Morczek, 2015, p. 51).

     Since these scenarios, in which women are sexually abused by men, has been implanted in the community for centuries, rape culture is still acknowledged based on this foundation. According to Buchwald, Fletcher, and Roth (2005), feminists suppose that the view of gender-based violence, in rape culture, is expected and assumed to be a harmless social fact. This results in the growth of sexual violence against women. Besides rape, “sexual victimization also covers sexual coercion, verbal and visual harassment, and most stalking behaviors” (Fisher, Daigle & Cullen, 2010, p. 3).

     Repeated sexual violence, despite physical and mental injuries, is believed to be less offensive (Dines, 2010, p. 63; Deming, Covan, Swan & Billings, 2013, p. 466). In the rape culture, violence continues to occur without any penalty. Instead of being viewed as a crime, violent expressions and language associated with sexual activities are considered sexually attractive (Buchwald et al., 2005, p. xi).

    The fact that victims perceive rape culture and sexual violence as understandable manners reminds me of two Stockholm syndrome characteristics. They are viewing the abusers as “good guys” and “denial or rationalization of violence and anger toward the abuser” (Graham, Rawlings & Rigsby, 1994). In spite of the injuries caused by the abusers, the victims still have an emotional relationship with them. The similarity between the patients who have Stockholm syndrome and the female victims discussed in Morczek’s report (2015) makes me question if young girls are trained to have an unhealthy mental life.

     We don’t know if the violent expressions in Morczek’s report (2015) occurs within a romantic relationship. Either being in a romantic relationship or not, a woman experiences a violation of her mind or bodies, like unwanted sexual contact, should be considered as a victim of sexual victimization (Fisher et al., 2010, p. 3). In Morczek’s report (2015), sexual violence isn’t seen as a crime in the rape culture (p. 50). The male and female victims seem to view themselves as followers of traditional gender roles. Sex-role stereotypes are the rules that they choose to obey.

    Although I am not a victim of sexual violence, reading about the rape culture invokes many emotional aspects in me. I used to be sexually assaulted in both verbal and physical way. Each time my body was violated, either I was on my date or not, I was so shocked that I froze. However, I never reported them. The reason is that I couldn’t stand the frustration and the shame talking about them.
This thinking of mine might be influenced by the rape culture. When women are expected to be silent and “enjoy” the violation of their minds or bodies (Morczek, 2015, p. 50), their words seem to be powerless. The worst reaction I have ever received was how others normalize it. Since then, I don’t feel safe telling people these unfortunate stories.     

    Some people manipulate the rape culture for their benefits. Last year, in Vietnam, Hung Manh Do, a 48-year-old man, tried to kiss a girl in the elevator without her consent. Despite her resistance, Hung succeeded. His behavior was recorded by the camera in the elevator. After the release of the video, the only legal punishment he faced was the fine of 8,66 dollars. That was how Hung got out of the crime (Dong, 2019).

     This frustration made the young female victim speechless. Fortunately, Hung couldn’t lead a peaceful life after that. After the case ended, the Vietnamese community on social media criticized Hung and shared his photo. Media sensationalism, according to Morczek (2015), strongly impacts and shapes public opinion on sexual offenders (p. 51). Under such pressure, Hung eventually apologized to the girl. However, the girl still stayed silent. However, the girl still stayed silent.

     I also knew a woman experienced both domestic and sexual violence. She shared that her husband forced her to be naked in front of her child. Like the women discussed in the rape culture (Morczek, 2015, p. 50), she didn’t speak up. However, unlike them, she didn’t accept or enjoy it. She ended up divorcing him.

     Instead of leading a better life, she was always haunted by the painful past. Hence, she is still suffering from battered woman syndrome. The reason is the self-destructive coping behaviors she learned during the abuse (LaViolette, Barnett, 2014, p. 162). She spends her earnings on drinking and lives in poverty.

     Rape culture is potentially harmful to every human being. It threatens a human’s right to protect the physical property like his or her body and the mental property like his or her emotional stability. If the law couldn’t help the victims receive a better life, it’s our responsibility as a community to support and protect them. 

Eurus Thach.

References:

Belknap, J. (2001). The invisible woman : gender, crime, and justice. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Buchwald, E., Fletcher, P. R. & Roth, M. (2005). Transforming a rape culture. Minneapolis, MN: Milkweed Editions.

Deming, M. E., Covan, E. K., Swan, S. C., & Billings, D. L. (2013). Exploring Rape Myths, 

Gendered Norms, Group Processing, and the Social Context of Rape Among College Women: A 

Qualitative Analysis. Violence Against Women, 19(4), 465–485. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1177/1077801213487044. 

Dines, G. (2010). Pornland : how porn has hijacked our sexuality. Boston: Beacon Press.

Dong, P. (2019). Vụ "cưỡng hôn" bị phạt 200 nghìn đồng: Quá nhẹ và không đủ sức răn đe. Lao Dong. Retrieved from https://laodong.vn/ban-doc/vu-cuong-hon-bi-phat-200-nghin-dong-qua-nhe-va-khong-du-suc-ran-de-663344.ldo. 

Fisher, B. S., Daigle, L. E., & Cullen, F. T. (2010). Unsafe in the ivory tower : the sexual victimization of college women. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.

Graham, D. L. R., Rawlings, E. L., & Rigsby, R. (1994). Loving to survive: Sexual terror, men’s violence, and women’s lives. New York, NY: New York University Press.

Hlavka, H. R. (2014). Normalizing Sexual Violence: Young Women Account for Harassment and Abuse. Gender & Society, 28(3), 337–358. https://doi.org/10.1177/0891243214526468

LaViolette, A. D., & Barnett, Ola W. (2014). It could happen to anyone : why battered women stay (Third edition.). Los Angeles: SAGE.

Morczek, A. (March/April 2015). The Synergistic Connection Between Sexual Violence and Rape Culture. The Sexual Assault Report, 18(4), 49-64.

10 Resources in Pullman, WA that Can Help You With Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

     The first resource is Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse (ATVP). They have three main contacts. One for 24/7 services 1-877-334-2887. The other two are 1-509-332-HELP (4357) and 1-208-883-HELP (4357). Besides people who seek help for themselves, the contacts are also available for everyone who wishes to support these victims. This organization aims to provide urgent and supportive services for sexual and domestic violence victims, survivors and their children. Moreover, they also provide knowledge and education related to this field.

     Their emergency services are shelters and crisis intervention to these male or female victims and their dependent children. Besides that, many support services like court support, therapy, family and child advocacy, transportation, food and clothing, employment and school assistance are also provided.

     ATVP is supposed to be a discrimination-free place. However, the website is only available in only English. Some immigrants, who are not familiar with this language, might have some difficulties accessing to ATVP’s services. On the other hand, ATVP is thoughtful when they have “Quick Escape Button” on the top of the website, on which the victims can click and move to a random Wikipedia page. This might help them avoid the attention of the abusers.

     The second resource available in Pullman is Cougar Health Services. After-hours telephone nurse line is 509-335-3575. The line for crisis support service is 509-335-451.

     Cougar Health Services provide emotional support, medical care, and reporting for domestic or sexual violence victims. They also provide Green Dot bystander intervention program for students to learn about the signs and interventions for domestic or sexual violence and sexual harassment. 
Although Cougar Health Services provide psychological and medical services, they lack emergency services. Victims who are in life-threatening situations are encouraged to dial 911. Moreover, Cougar Health Services are not efficiently available off-campus, which is not a good option for victims who are not students.
 
     The third resource is the Pullman Regional Hospital. The 24/7 phone number of the Emergency Department is 509-336-7359. They also encourage victims to dial 911 in life-threatening situations.

     Their aim to support victims of sexual assault and rape. They have a service called Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), which provides forensic medical examinations. Within 4 days of the assault, a victim would receive a professional evaluation from a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. The nurses will identify and care for injuries, collect physical evidence, assess the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and give preventative treatment, give crisis information and referral to support services, etc.

     Pullman Regional Hospital helps victims collect evidence for an efficient report. Besides the exam, they also help victims contact the support services available in the community. They should have this service translated to different languages and attached to many places to get victims’ attention.

     The next resource is on the Psychology Today website. In Domestic Violence Therapists in Pullman, WA section, there are many therapists available for domestic or sexual violence victims who are looking for interventions and mental treatments. This resource is inclusive since different counsellors are willing to help. However, it is only a good option for the victims whose fiance is stable and their children to strengthen their resilience.

     City of Pullman Police Department is also a great local resource for these victims and their children. The victims can dial 911 anytime to get physical, urgent support. This resource is the most inclusive. They also have to help the victims contact with available local services.

     The Whitman County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office offers a Victim / Witness Coordinator is another good resource for these victims to receive assistance with restitution benefits. The victims contact one of the prosecutors via phone number 509-397-6250. Their responsibilities are gross misdemeanor prosecution, file and prosecute felony complaints, victim and witness support, child support enforcement. Because they work based on the Washington State Legislature, this resource should be inclusive.

     Washington State Department of Labor and Industries also support domestic or sexual violence victims. Their contacts are 1-800-762-3716 and 360-902-5355. They are responsible to pay for the Sexual Assault Nurse Exam (SANE) and additional medical or mental health treatment via a crime victim’s compensation claim. To receive these services, the victims will need to cooperate with law enforcement or participate in the criminal justice system and file a police report.

     WSU Office of Civil Rights Compliance & Investigation (CRCI) provides criminal investigation for the victims who involve sexual assault. They could be contacted via 509-335-8288. The limit of this organization is that only WSU students would be contacted by a representative from the WSU Office of Civil Rights Compliance & Investigation.

     These victims and their children can also get help from the Washington State Domestic Violence Hotline via phone number 1-800-562-6025 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday. They would help the victims connect the nearest domestic violence program and resources, including safe shelter, advocacy, counseling and legal assistance. Moreover, their missions also include crisis assistance, emotional support, and safety planning.

     The National Sexual Assault Hotline is similar to the Washington State Domestic Violence Hotline. The victims can contact 800-656-4673 to get help. Unlike the state’s hotline, this national hotline works 24 hours, which is more appropriate for victims who are available in the evenings. 


 Eurus Thach


References:

Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse. (n.d.). About ATVP [Blog post]. Retrieved from http://atvp.org/aboutus.shtml.
Cougar Health Services. (n.d.). Violence Prevention [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://cougarhealth.wsu.edu/violence-prevention/.
KING Staff. (2016). Resources to help domestic violence victims. K5 News, Health. Retrieved from https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/resources-to-help-domestic-violence-victims/361205012.
Office of Civil Rights Compliance & Investigation. (n.d.). Investigations [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://crci.wsu.edu/.
Pullman Regional Hospital. (n.d.). Sexual Assualt Treatment & Resources: Providing healthcare and treatment to victims of sexual assault and rape [ Blog post]. Retrieved from https://pullmanregional.org/patient-care/services/emergency-care/sexual-assault-treatment-resources.
Psychology Today. (n.d.). Domestic Violence Therapists in Pullman, WA. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/domestic-violence/wa/pullman.
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. (n.d.). Sexual Assualt Victims [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://lni.wa.gov/claims/crime-victim-claims/sexual-assault-victims#information-for-victims.
Whitman County. (2018). Prosecutor [blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.whitmancounty.org/Page.aspx?pn=Prosecutor.
WSU Police. (n.d.). Reporting a Sexual Assualt [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://police.wsu.edu/sexual-assault-investigations/elements-section/.

What I Have Learned from Child Abnormal Psychology Class

     The first specific issue that we have covered in class that impresses me is gaining information about the child’s age and how long the symptoms have lasted. This is the basic and initial step to do when we approach a young patient. Before attending the class, I always misperceived that it was important to focus on the symptoms first because it might be the shortest way to diagnosis and intervention. However, after the first few lectures, I acknowledge that it is not always necessary to make a diagnosis for a child’s problems.

     Besides creating a stigma for him or her, we might limit the interventions. Moreover, we might miss some other symptoms that are outside of our diagnosed category. To make a proper intervention for a child, we should focus on the specific symptoms and find a way to make it better. I feel grateful for learning this lesson right at the beginning of the course. Moreover, I appreciate the fact that professor Barry keeps reminding us of it, which makes me remember it better. If I accidentally miss this piece of information, I will trap myself in great confusion when I study counseling psychology in depth. 

     Age is an essential factor since we can acknowledge if the patient is in the onset age of a disorder. Moreover, this information will help us know if the described behaviors are normal at the patient’s age. For example, chewing largely non-nutritive items might be normal for toddlers who haven’t learned much about categorizing food. However, if a teen persistently picks paper as his enjoyable snack then it’s time for serious consideration.

     Asking “how long” is undeniably important. Each disorder will be officially diagnosed after a certain time. For instance, a ten-year-old child is more likely to have pica if she keeps eating non-edible items for over a month. Also, a child before age 18 might be diagnosed with Tic disorder or Tourette syndrome if he has sudden, involuntary motor movements and vocal utterances for at least a year.

     My favorite aspect we have learned in class is reinforcement. Since the beginning of the class, I have had an interest in reinforcing and how it shapes our behaviors or helps rehabilitation. I believe in the influence of reinforcement on humans’ mind.

     In the past, I used to think that it might be a myth to apply reinforcement to anyone with moderate psychopathological symptoms or disorders. When we learned about youngsters with intense substance use, I suggested reinforcement as an intervention. At that time, I thought my idea wasn’t persuasive because the patient in the given case was a teen. However, professor Barry made me gain more confidence in this idea. He said that we shouldn’t deny the influence of reinforcement on people from different walks of life. Moreover, it is also a motivation used by parents and other significant ones as a protective factor to improve one’s behavior or thinking. Since then, I have always considered reinforcement in every disorder or symptom’s intervention. One day, when I have children, I will apply reinforcement to help them shape their healthy behaviors. It will be much better than stressful punishments.

     Last but not least, the final issue which is impressive to me is the compromise between children and parents. Hence, the bond between parents and children strengthens the mental health of both children and parents, which also helps them understand each other more. During the lesson about conduct problems, students were given the situation that a child crying in the middle of the mall to get what he wanted. Professor Barry presented us with a surprisingly simple way to deal with it. He suggested that parents should talk to their children before coming to the mall, which means making a friendly, positive compromise. He said that if the child still showed negative expression during the shopping anyway, we can remind the child of the compromise so he or she can recall the punishments or rewards they could receive from his or her behaviors.

     This suggestion is wonderful since I grew up in an Asian country where people favor physical or verbal punishments. I don’t want to hurt my child. Moreover, I hope he or she will respect me. To achieve these goals, I need to respect him or her first. Hopefully, with what I have learned in this class, I can help my child gain balanced mental health.   

Eurus Thach.

Domestic Violence Through "Runaway Love" & "Independence Day"

Both Independence Day and Runaway Love are about domestic violence and emotional neglect.

Unlike Runaway Love, Independence Day’s message is about a mother who decides to set herself and her child free from painful days. This happens right after the Crisis Phase in the Cycle of Violence (2019). Why doesn't she escape from the fire? This is because she might feel guilty toward her child or she knew she couldn't be emotionally stable enough after the escape. According to the “battered woman syndrome" addressed by the book It Could Happen to Anyone (2014), a woman who involves in domestic violence is more likely to have “behaviors brought on by victimizations, learned helplessness behavior, and self-destructive coping behaviors" (p. 162). Based on this section of the book, we can be more empathetic to her decision. Since this domestic violence is long-term, it has shaped her tolerance and coping mechanism in a negative way. Also, she might feel stressful to explain things to her daughter after she kills her dad. This pressure might strengthen her decision somehow.

Runaway Love includes different stories with a similar background as domestic violence. In the video, a child tries to tell her mother that she is sexually abused by her stepfather. However, her mother doesn't believe her. Shouldn't the mother trust her daughter? To explain this, let's consider the Power and Control circle (n.d.). The stepfather might use emotional abuse to make the mother feel useless and doubtful of herself, which makes her unable to judge him. It might also because of the Clam/Honey Phase in the Cycle of Violence (2019). She has been comforted by her husband with sweet talk, loving messages that she completely believes in him. One more reason is that she might be abandoned by her previous husband, which strengthens her love and trust for the present one. Similar to other mothers in the video, she is left no choice but emotionally and physically neglects her child.

All the mothers in both videos can't leave because she believes that the man would change (LaViolette, Barnett, 2014, p. 40).

Eurus Thach.

_______________________

References:

Barnett, O. W., & LaViolette, A. D. (1993). It could happen to anyone: why battered women stay. Newbury Park, Calif.: Sage.

Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs. (n.d.). Power and Control. Retrieved from https://www.theduluthmodel.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/PowerandControl.pdf. 

Walker, L. (1979). Cycle of Violence, The Battered Woman. Retrieved from https://www.shelterforhelpinemergency.org/get-help/cycle-violence. 

[Martina McBride]. (2010, Mar 8). Martina McBride - Independence Day [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VPpAZ9_qAw.

[Ludacris]. (2010, Jan 14). Ludacris ft. Mary J. Blige - Runaway Love (Official Video). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISvMS6s41vY. 

Should We Focus More On Intervention or Prevention Mental Health Problems and Disorders among Youngsters?

     Although the prevalence of mental health problems and disorders among youngsters is low, the focus on intervention is undeniable. Intervention, in other words, is a method that prevents patients’ symptoms from going worse. When researchers study interventions for different patients with different levels of impairments, they target the psychopathological symptoms and behaviors from mild to moderate level. Within the range of mild level, they aim to find the early signs of the mental problem or disorder. Therefore, if an adolescent or a child exhibit abnormal behaviors with a low frequency, we can keep track of them and try applying a few mild level interventions.

     Many people may argue that developing prevention is a better way to keep youngsters mentally healthy without suffering psychopathological symptoms. Understandably, children should not receive the intervention after an amount of time feeling unhappy or psychologically unstable. However, mental syndromes are various and hard to identify separately. Many syndromes share similar symptoms and signs. Moreover, the causes of a symptom can also vary. Looking for prevention for a specific symptom is like diving in the ocean to find a perfect fish out of thousands.

     Despite that, there are ways to improve youngsters’ mental health. Children and adolescents still emotionally depend on family. Parents and siblings can either a protector or a threat to their mental problems. The most important and basic thing for parents to do is to genuinely listen to their children. By showing respect and interest in their children, the youngsters will be able to appreciate their values and beings. This is a good sign that leads to a healthy mental life.

     Taking a closer look at eating disorders among teens, if the cause is about the distorted body image and altered appearance culture, comments from people around them are one of the most essential motivations for them to starve themselves or make a great effort to throw up. Researchers concluded from their studies that young patients who have this disorder tend to be influenced by society and their beloved ones. Besides medical and behavioral treatment for this disorder, all of these unhealthy activities can’t be ended successfully without mental support from their families.

     According to Smith, Robinson, and Segal(2019), what family members could do is to learn more about the eating disorder their youngsters are having. Besides that, avoiding negative comments about youngsters’ appearances is also necessary for recovery at home. It’s a good idea to have meals together as a family, which improves their eating habits and makes mealtime more enjoyable and relaxing. Smith et al. (2019) state that another thing to do is to help these youngsters gain more self-confidence through what they are good at. Hence, parents can encourage them to involve in activities that they might be interested in. One of the most negative, common things parents accidentally do in these situations is to blame themselves. Instead, she (2019) claims that parents should focus more on how to deal with eating disorders within their children.       

     To prevent this situation from occurring, boosting a youngster’s confidence is a good start. Family members should give compliments to each other’s appearance. Moreover, parents should comfort youngsters when they are teased with their look.

     Paying attention to children and adolescents is not always an easy task. However, if we invest enough mental support from the beginning, we can reduce the prevalence of psychopathological symptoms within our youngsters. In doing so, youngsters will appreciate their values and feel being loved.

Eurus Thach
_______________
Reference:
Smith, M., Robinson, L., & Segal, J. (2019). Helping Someone with an Eating Disorder. HelpGuide. Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/helping-someone-with-an-eating-disorder.htm.

Article Critique: Adolescent Social Networking by Oberst and Colleagues (2017) [Part 2]

     According to Oberst, Wegmann, et al. (2017), female participants scored higher in SNI (p. 55). Hypothetically, psychopathological symptoms might mediate higher SNS use in girls than they do in boys. The researchers explain that girls are more likely to involve in online communication, which causes distraction from their daily routine, brings them undesired outcomes like unhealthy relationships, disconnection with their families, etc. Since then, these female SNS users are supposed to develop higher anxiety and negative consequences of intense involvement in SNS (p. 57). 

     However, since Oberst and colleagues (2017) studied only social media users from Spanish-speaking Latin-American countries (p. 54). Their conclusion might not be ideal enough to apply to female social media users from other cultures. With this limitation, the relevant findings for females in this research can only be used as a stereotype, a potential idea for further studies with a larger sample. In my opinion, these findings are agreeable to some degree.

     Mood disorders like anxiety and depression in female adolescents, according to Steingard (n.d.), are more than twice as high as they are in male adolescents (par. 1). Anxious youngsters, without proper mental care, can develop unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with their psychopathological symptoms, which mediates impairments in their studying and relationships (par. 9). Inappropriate coping mechanisms can vary from bottling up their emotions to seeking secure feelings through some intense activities.

     If an anxious female adolescent chooses to intensely involve in SNS to feel safe, she will likely to be distressed by public criticism. This stress comes from the failure to stay connected with others. It is FOMO discussed in Oberst and colleagues' research (2017) (p. 53). To satisfy her needs, it is reasonable for her to spend more time checking social media. When more female adolescents engage in SNS to cope with their anxiety, the relevant findings to females in Oberst and colleagues' research (2017) seem to be more persuasive and understandable.

     A study conducted in Dutch by CBS organization (2019) shows that 91 percent of female adolescents were on social media like Facebook and Instagram, which is more than male adolescents (83 percent) (par. 4). From this result, we acknowledge that girls from this culture and similar cultures form higher SNS use habit. This habit is maintained during their depression and anxiety. Since this is not a healthy activity to cope with these psychopathological symptoms, its negative consequences like more serious disconnection with others are reasonably predictable. As long as the number of girls who in SNS use nowadays increases, the number of female youngsters who have SNI also increases.

Eurus Thach.
_________
References:

CBS Staff. (2019, May 27). Girls more on social networks than boys. CBS. Retrieved from https://www.cbs.nl/en-gb/news/2019/22/girls-more-on-social-networks-than-boys.  

Newport Academy Staff. (2017, March 27). Looking for ‘Likes’: Teens and Social Media Addiction [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/mental-health/teens-social-media-addiction/. 

Oberst, U., Wegmann, E., Stodt, B., Brand, M., Chamarro, A. (2017). Negative Consequences from Heavy Social Networking in Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Fear of Missing Out. Journal of Adolescence, 55, 51-61.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.12.008.

Shepherd’s Hill Academy Staff. (n.d.). Teens and Social Media Addiction. [Blog post]  Retrieved from https://www.shepherdshillacademy.org/resources/teens-social-media-addiction/.

Steingard, R. (n.d.). Mood Disorders and Teenage Girls: Why They Are More Vulnerable Than Boys, and What Signs and Symptoms You Should Look For. Child Mind Institution, Depressive and Mood Disorders. Retrieved from https://childmind.org/article/mood-disorders-and-teenage-girls/. 

Article Critique: Adolescent Social Networking by Oberst and Colleagues (2017) [Part 1]

According to Oberst, Wegmann, Stodt, Brand, Chamarro (2017), severe social networking sites (SNS) use affect the mental health of adolescents. They study the role of fear of missing out (FOMO) and the intensity of checking SNS on mobile devices from this walk of life (p. 51). The purpose of this research is to study how these two factors mediate the negative consequences for young SNS users with psychopathological symptoms, like anxiety or depression (p. 57).   
The researchers (2017) used the cross-sectional method. They collected the available answers from the online questionnaires of the participants from age 16 and 18. These social media users were from Spanish-speaking Latin-American countries (p. 54).
Oberst, Wegmann, et al. (2017) conclude that the participants with psychopathological problems, especially female adolescents, are more likely to develop FOMO. This contributes to the maladaptive use of SNS and its negative consequences to these social media users. The result of this research is supposed to be a potential for further studying of SNS addiction (p.58).
The research reflects one of the biggest mental crisis of adolescents nowadays. Within the digital age, children have earlier and more access to mobile devices and access them. Newport Academy (2017) reports that many teens get used to social media since age 13. This technological attraction accidentally turns into a nightmare when addiction occurs among youngsters. According to Newport Academy (2017), one in every two teens believes that he or she is addicted to mobile devices. Teens can either spend their time chatting, playing games, or checking social media. The most favorable activity of all is social media involvement, which is chosen by 76% of teens (par. 2).

Oberst, Wegmann, et al. (2017) provide a persuasive aspect of how social media addiction is a product of psychological equifinality. Teens are more likely to stick with their phones when they have unstable, insecure feelings toward a situation or themselves. For instance, a teen can't help checking Facebook because he is afraid that he might miss an outstanding event, a meme, or a trend. He feels distressed by the fear of being left behind. Based on the material of Oberst, Wegmann, et al. (2017), he is suffering FOMO. A teen also tends to engage in social media more often when they feel unsatisfied with themselves or disconnected with people around. Shepherd’s Hill Academy (n.d.) claims that involving in the virtual world might help unhappy teens gain confidence. They suppose that social media is a safe place where they can receive attention and comforting messages (par. 7). In these cases, teens use social media as a shield to protect their emotional stability.

Understandably, teens with psychopathological problems who have poor self-control will suffer tolerance. When they repeatedly use social media to ease their anxiety and release their stress, they tend to increase the amount of time going online, which negatively affects their daily routine. Moreover, Newport Academy (2017) claims that intense social media use also increase anxiety in many teens. On the other hand, poor self-control in this activity can cause withdrawal. Teens will find it difficult to reduce social media time. Whenever they are not online, they can't stop thinking about being on social media (par. 9).

Poor self-control has a direct effect on the amount of time that an adolescent uses social media. Since it relates to our thinking and resistance, if one has SNS addiction, cognitive-behavioral therapy is an ideal choice to cope with this mental impairment. However, the therapy requires cooperation between the patient and the therapist. How can an adolescent realize that they need help with their intense SNS use before the negative consequences come to him or her? This is the remaining question that could be addressed in further studies. Because it's always the patients who decide the start and the success of their treatment, they should seek for help on time to prevent undesired outcomes that can further affect their emotional stability.

Oberst and colleagues (2017) studied the differences in SNI in different genders. However, the research has limited information about the LGBT+ community among adolescents. It gives readers confusion about whether the researchers were studying the psychopathological symptoms associated with biological sex or gender identity. In this case, the remaining question for further studies would be if LGBT+ adolescents are more likely to suffer FOMO. LGBT+ adolescents tend to cope with the greater stress from physical changes. They can also suffer isolation, prejudice from peers and the community. Studying this aspect means providing society with a chance to feel empathy and support LGBT+ adolescents.

To measure the correlation between psychological effect and FOMO, negative consequences, Oberst and colleagues (2017) used self-reports such as Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), FOMO scale, the intensity of social network use, and Cuestionario de Experiencias Relacionadas con el Movil (CERM) which determined negative outcomes from intense mobile phone use (p. 54). The result showed that HADS- depression affected directly to CERM. On the other hand, HADS- anxiety had an indirect effect on CERM. HADS- anxiety and HADS- depression had a direct effect on FOMO which developed social network intensity (SNI) and CERM. However, both HADS- anxiety and HADS- depression had no direct effect on SNI (p. 56).

Through this report, we understand that both anxious social network users and depressed ones tend to suffer FOMO. They can either experience negative outcomes from this fear without the intense mobile phone use or increase the amount of social network use and get distracted from their daily life. Moreover, the terms "FOMO" and "negative consequences of mobile device use" were explained thoroughly and supported with specific examples (p. 53). Therefore, “the effect of psychopathological symptoms such as depression and anxiety lead to FOMO and negative consequences of mobile device use” is a clear conclusion drawn from the study (Oberst, Wegmann, et al., 2017, p. 58).

There is also a group of depressed social network users experience negative consequences using SNS without FOMO and SNI. The explanation for this case remains unclear. Because of that, if I could make a small change to the conclusion to make it more accurate, I would add that the word "might" or "can" before the phrase "lead to FOMO".


Eurus Thach.

__________________

References:

CBS Staff. (2019, May 27). Girls more on social networks than boys. CBS. Retrieved from https://www.cbs.nl/en-gb/news/2019/22/girls-more-on-social-networks-than-boys.  

Newport Academy Staff. (2017, March 27). Looking for ‘Likes’: Teens and Social Media Addiction [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/mental-health/teens-social-media-addiction/. 

Oberst, U., Wegmann, E., Stodt, B., Brand, M., Chamarro, A. (2017). Negative Consequences from Heavy Social Networking in Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Fear of Missing Out. Journal of Adolescence, 55, 51-61.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.12.008.

Shepherd’s Hill Academy Staff. (n.d.). Teens and Social Media Addiction. [Blog post]  Retrieved from https://www.shepherdshillacademy.org/resources/teens-social-media-addiction/.

Steingard, R. (n.d.). Mood Disorders and Teenage Girls: Why They Are More Vulnerable Than Boys, and What Signs and Symptoms You Should Look For. Child Mind Institution, Depressive and Mood Disorders. Retrieved from https://childmind.org/article/mood-disorders-and-teenage-girls/. 

Diagnosing on Children and Adolescents (part 2)

     Over-diagnosing or under-diagnosing may bring unwanting consequences to children and adolescents. The syndromes will go worse from the original. In other words, a seasonal depression may develop into a major depression. Another more fortunate case can occur is that the syndromes don't change at all. To picture the scene of under-diagnosing, imagine that a child has a fever but his mother only gives him vitamin. The mother in this situation lacks medical knowledge. It seems to be ridiculously obvious in the physical world for an individual who acknowledges some common medical knowledge. However, in psychological language, can that person identify what “fever" or “vitamin" is? That person might end up like the mother in the situation above when he or she tries to treat the child's mental problems. Over-diagnosing is similar but in the scene that the mother gives her child medicines for hemorrhagic fever. The chances of wrong diagnosing are not always low, especially to the people whose psychological knowledge needs more improvements.

     Let's say the parents have some basic psychological knowledge and find a proper treatment for their mentally ill sons or daughters. All they need to do is heading straight to the essential goal of reducing the syndromes with patience. However, both parents have jobs. How many people can balance families, who now need more attention,  and work, which always requires attention, at the same time? The unfulfilled treating process can affect the victims negatively. Specifically, the child might feel abandoned or even create a greater distance to his or her parents.

     Diagnosing is a thing that every parent should do to know their children better. Parents can also be great psychiatrists if they can guarantee positive outcomes for their patients. However, if they need more improvements and knowledge in the field, it's time for seeking help from the specialists. During the professional treating process, parents can stay involved and help their children overcome mental issues. Receiving positive effort from both professional psychiatrist and parent, it's more positive that the child will heal quickly.           

Eurus Thach.     

Diagnosing on Children and Adolescents (part 1)

     In the century of technology and civilization, mental health has received a myriad of attention from the community. Hence, besides bacteria and diseases, people are protecting their beloved ones from psychological causes of mental illness. Since more and more painful stories about suicidal teenagers are published and shared, the cautions have increased in society. Parents start caring more about the behaviors of their children and adolescents. In the digital age, it is not hard to find an article about a mental issue. When online diagnosis becomes popular among the parents, children and adolescents can either receive an effective treatment or a risky, reverse effect for their mental problems.

     Now, let’s discuss the advantages of this method. Since the Internet includes a large amount of data about mental health among the young generation, many parents decide to use this source to diagnose their children and adolescents. The benefits of diagnosing using online sources are saving time and budget for every family. It’s the fastest way to acknowledge whether a teenager or a child is typical or atypical. Through some typings and several clicks, parents can now form a general theory about their sons and daughters’ mental situations, save them from confusion. Based on the available syndromes, parents can find ways to treat the mental problems for their young, beloved ones. At this point, two main decisions might come to their mind: treating the victims themselves or seeking help from an expert in the field. Why does the first decision seem to be dominant in the game? The reason is that mental treatments are always provided on psychological websites. Are the sources trustful? Only if they are published by the specialists. Are the published treatments effective? They obviously work great. So what is the problem here? 

Eurus Thach.

Power and Conflict - Hunger Games (2012)

Power can control the conversation. People use power to influence others and events. Everyone can grant power to affect the situation. In the video presented in the class, the character Katniss, who was only a normal citizen with no influence in the society, was an example. She had no voice to fight against the government and its cruelty through the killing game called the Hunger Game. However, when her sister Prim was chosen to be the participant in the game, Katniss shouted in the middle of the crowd that she would volunteer to replace her sister. Depends on the individual, the power can be ethical or unethical. The government in Katniss's world represents for the unethical power. Especially, they use their influence to run the killing game with their own interest and force citizens to participate. Although Katniss has the power to change the event, she can't stop it from happening. The Hunger Game still on and she can do nothing about it. In this case, the power between the government and Katniss is imbalanced. The government and the noble grant their power through the resource currency, which means their properties help them gain influence.

Eurus Thach.

Some Thoughts About Society In The Photograph I Took

The road to my home is also a piece of art because it sparks joy to me. When my fiance was stopping for the red light on the way home, I looked outside. The cars, the sunset, the traffic lights, and the trees had created a harmony altogether. Their presences support each other's original beauty. Every object in the scene presents its own kind of grace. With no doubt, I ensure each of them can be well solo in a frame. However, the viewer (or the photograph taker) decided to zoom out the lens to see a bigger picture. She sees different individuals co-exist in society with their own unique style. A small group of identification, personality, or same thinking can survive without the others but it is the others who help elaborate on the success of a whole community in various ways. 

Variation is bittersweet. Me and my fiance, two ordinary individuals were on the same moving vehicle. My gut tells me that together, we're a team. I felt the warmth, the affection sitting next to the person with whom I would start a life journey. Although there are always influences under many circumstances from other groups of individual, one more happy moment is one more bag of treasure. The influences might leave good or bad effects. No matter what they are, we decide to co-exist with them. Well, we can't elaborate the strength with only joy. The strength elaborated would be a masterpiece.

 It's 5 minutes from this location to my home, it's long enough for me to expect and imagine all the hugs we were about to give to each other after a long day at school.

Eurus Thach.

Power and Conflict - Domestic Violence

Apparently, we can't change how people grant or use their power. However, we can learn who to grant power to influence and change events. For example, in a long-lasting relationship, we have a male partner who has more control to ask and expect the other partner to satisfy his needs. The other partner can't either fight against him or deny his power. The suggested solution is that the victim should learn how to grant power with a power currency which the perpetrator can't expect. The victim can contact their family, friends, or seek help from the community to get them protected. In this case, the victim grant power through the social network currency.

Eurus Thach.

Threat of Bacteria and Gene Defects on Pharmaceutical Value of Cow Milk in Producing Human Antibodies, Proteins that Fight Pathogens (Part. 2)

Results

     The success of the USDA/Agricultural Research Service is revealed through the numbers:

“71 percent of the mammary glands that were exposed to S. aureus from nontransgenic animals became infected--compared to only 14 percent for the transgenic animals” (Bliss, 2005, par.8). 

The scientists from the article of the Times (2017) report that “when calves that were modified were tested, they showed an increased resistance to the TB bacterium” (par. 6). In Xu et al. (2011)’s experiment, after introducing the environmental impact in transgenic cows, a report records on page 1044 that:

“GE–cows expressed high content of these three proteins, the highest content was up to 25.96 μg/ml of lysozyme (paper being submitted), 3.4 mg/ml of lactoferrin (Yang et al. 2008), 1.55 mg/ml alpha lactalbumin (Wang et al. 2008).”

While the proteins in human milk are 0.03–3 mg/ml (lysozyme), 2.0–5.8 mg/ml (lactoferrin), 1.8–3.1 mg/ml (alpha-lactalbumin). The proteins of the milk from transgenic cows after the experiment is utterly higher than the ones in bovine milk whose amounts are 0.05–0.22 μg/ml (lysozyme), 0.03–0.49 mg/ml (lactoferrin), and 1.47 mg/ml (alpha-lactalbumin).

Discussion

    Genetically engineered cows with diseases are the biggest liabilities in pharmaceutical development. Being aware of this, scientists have tried their best to control the loose of bacteria attack.

     One of the common diseases, tuberculosis, can now be prevented by using “gene editing tool called Crispr Cas9 to remove and replace pieces of the genetic code, opening up the prospect of a future where culls may not be necessary” (Whipple, 2017, par. 3) with no side-effects. Another common disease is the “widespread bacterial infection called mastitis” (Bliss, 2005, par. 1) now have a positive, temporary solution. With the use of gene-transfer technologies, Robert J. Wall and his team were trying to build “a transgene--genetic material” to produce “a naturally occurring, antimicrobial protein called lysostaphin” (Bliss, 2005, par. 4). Although this results in more than 80 percent animals and cows are protected, the milk containing lysostaphin will have to pass to the careful food safety testing by the government. This reveals that not all transgenic cows who are treated can provide standard medical products.

     Why vaccines are no longer the top priority of development and studying? Many institutions such as Tractor Supply Company (n.d) suggest using various antibiotics and vaccines for the cattle: “Biologicals are products designed to stimulate an animal’s immune system in response to an invasion of viruses or bacteria” (par. 6). Despite that, not every bacteria can be prevented by this way, especially the mastitis-causing bacteria. Rosalie Marion Bliss (2005) writes that “vaccines, antibiotics and a cow's own immune system cannot effectively fight the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, a major cause of mastitis” (par. 3). Therefore, the gene assessment is more focused on than the development of biologicals and antibodies.

     Besides the diseases, gene deficits also cause problems for the medical products of transgenic cows. Interpreting this phenomenon, Xu et al. (2011) points out that transgenic cows can be affected by the environment, especially bacteria from soils, because of their gene system (p. 1044). Moreover, the cause can be from the gene of their families. How can we produce a transgenic cow without the gene deficits?

     The results from Xu et al. (2011)’s paper have proved the efficiency of assessing “the potential environmental impact of transgenic cows” before introducing them into the environment. This makes up the gene that naturally helps them survive in the environment like other animals. The experiment successfully shows the number of high proteins in transgenic cows milk. Another suggestion from the Veterinary World (2008)’s paper is to “mate ‘normal’ cows with genetically modified bulls so that the next generation of calves will produce the desired protein” (p. 319). Although this sounds ideal, this method contains a high risk of being attacked by the bacteria. According to Xu et al. (2011), the appropriate method is to insert the extra gene into cows:

“The most likely environment for HGT (Horizontal gene transfer) to occur is the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (Farthing 2004), because many species of bacteria may develop natural competence, or the ability to take up naked DNA, in the GI tract (Kelly et al. 2009).” (p. 1044)

Both of the papers mention this method. Since then, there is more support for inserting the extra gene is an ideal solution for this problem.


     The further work in this paper is to study the development of gene assessment effect on transgenic cows. The reason is gene assessment can solve both problems from the threat of bacteria and gene deficits. By studying and researching about this topic, pharmaceutical development will have an evolution of natural medicine.

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References:

Bliss, R. (2005). Transgenic Cows Resist Mastitis-Causing Bacteria. USDA/Agricultural Research Service. Retrieved from https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2005/transgenic-cows-resist-mastitis-causing-bacteria/.

Magnus, P. (2008). Transgenic Milk. Veterinary World, 1(10), pp. 319-320. Retrieved from http://www.veterinaryworld.org/2008/October/Transgenic%20milk.pdf.

Potenza, A. (2016). Are These Genetically Engineered Cows The Future of Medicine? The Verge. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/3/13819482/genetically-engineered-animals-drugs-sab-cows-pharming-future.

TestBiotech. (2017). Genetically Engineered Cows. TestBiotech. Retrieved from https://www.testbiotech.org/en/limits-to-biotech/cow/basic_paper.

Tom Whipple Science Editor. (2017). Genetically Engineered Cows Are Resistant to Tuberculosis. Times [London, England], p. 12. Retrieved from GALE.

Tractor Supply Company. (n.d). Livestock Antibiotics and Vaccines. Tractor Supply Company. Retrieved from https://www.tractorsupply.com/know-how_pets-livestock_cattle_livestock-antibiotics-and-vaccines.

Xu, J., Zhao, J., Wang, J., Zhao, Y., Zhang, L., Chu, M., & Li, N. (2011). Molecular-based Environmental Risk Assessment of Three Varieties of Genetically Engineered Cows. Transgenic Research, 20(5), pp. 1043-1054. Retrieved from ProQuest. doi: 10.1007/s11248-010-9477-3.



     Eurus Thach.

Threat of Bacteria and Gene Defects on Pharmaceutical Value of Cow Milk in Producing Human Antibodies, Proteins that Fight Pathogens (Part. 1)

Abstract

     Cows are now a potential source for pharmaceutical development by the values of their milk, which helps human prevent diseases. For that reason, scientists believe cows should be one of the top picks for genetical engineering in order to provide humans with antibodies. Although the results are promising, the process is still running slow. The reason is the attack of bacteria among cattle is still on the loose. Scientists are trying to assess the environmental impact, which is believed to be an effective solution. Besides the environmental issue, transgenic cows also have to deal with gene defects. One of the suggestions that stand out is to use the gene-transfer technology.   

Introduction

     Thanks to the advances of biotechnology, the pharmacy has been developing with more natural aspects. Hence, the pharmaceutical purpose, “animals can now be generated”, according to Xu, Zhao, Wang, Zhao, Zhang, Chu & Li (2011), “ for the production of dairy, meat, or fiber” (p. 1043). Despite that, scientists favor animals that produce eggs or milk (Potenza, 2016, par. 8). Cows, chicken, goats, general cattle are now on running experiments. This paper focus on reporting the dairy production of cow and the problems go with it such as bacteria and gene defects.

     Why cows are medically potential source? Alessandra Potenza (2016) shares that:

“The genetically altered cows are particularly valuable because they create polyclonal antibodies, antibodies that can attack bacteria, viruses, and even cancer cells in multiple areas.” (par. 13)

Cows are natural sources for medicine. The term “natural” doesn’t only mean the origin of this species but only reveals the character of the benefit they carry. Specifically, the polyclonal antibodies created from transgenic cows are “the natural way our bodies fight diseases” (Potenza, 2016, par. 13). The rich source of proteins such as lysozyme, lactoferrin, or alpha-lactalbumin is the reason cow milk is valuable ( Xu et al., 2011, p. 1044). The amounts of lysozyme and lactoferrin and alpha-lactalbumin are especially approximate to the protein value in human milk.

     With such beneficial contribution, still, many cows are not healthy enough for the success of genetical engineering. TestBiotech organization (2017) reports that in 2014, “hundreds of attempts to genetically engineer a cow that would produce hypo-allergenic milk” (par. 2). The reasons include gene deficits and diseases. Since then, scientists have been researching solutions to improve gene system and prevent diseases for transgenic cows. 

Materials and Methods

     Diseases, the attack of bacteria, is the main factor that makes cow milk unsafe for human use. In order to find a prevention for diseases in genetically engineered cows, I find and study the research that contains the keywords transgenic cows, diseases, prevent, bacteria. To deal with mastitis-causing bacteria, Rosalie Marion Bliss (2005) suggests assessing lysostaphin, an antimicrobial protein. This experiment results in success with positive numbers. Another solution for preventing common diseases in transgenic cows reported by Tom Whipple Science Editor (2017) is that “scientists used the tool to insert a tuberculosis resistance gene” (par. 3). This article states that this solution brings a positive result though there aren’t specific numbers for it.

     Gene deficits are also the reasons the milk of transgenic cow can’t reach the basic standards to be released into the market. This means a transgenic cow can’t have a healthy life because of its gene system. The research of Xu et al. (2011) interprets that genetically engineered animals such as cows lack the conditions to survive in the environment, which impacts their transgenic products. These scientists (2011) suggest that “the potential environmental impact of transgenic cows should be assessed before they are introduced into the environment” (p. 1044). There are specific numbers which are easy for me to make comparisons between the protein amount in human milk, bovine milk, and cow milk, which reveals the success of the experiment.
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References:

Bliss, R. (2005). Transgenic Cows Resist Mastitis-Causing Bacteria. USDA/Agricultural Research Service. Retrieved from https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2005/transgenic-cows-resist-mastitis-causing-bacteria/.

Magnus, P. (2008). Transgenic Milk. Veterinary World, 1(10), pp. 319-320. Retrieved from http://www.veterinaryworld.org/2008/October/Transgenic%20milk.pdf.

Potenza, A. (2016). Are These Genetically Engineered Cows The Future of Medicine? The Verge. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/3/13819482/genetically-engineered-animals-drugs-sab-cows-pharming-future.

TestBiotech. (2017). Genetically Engineered Cows. TestBiotech. Retrieved from https://www.testbiotech.org/en/limits-to-biotech/cow/basic_paper.

Tom Whipple Science Editor. (2017). Genetically Engineered Cows Are Resistant to Tuberculosis. Times [London, England], p. 12. Retrieved from GALE.

Tractor Supply Company. (n.d). Livestock Antibiotics and Vaccines. Tractor Supply Company. Retrieved from https://www.tractorsupply.com/know-how_pets-livestock_cattle_livestock-antibiotics-and-vaccines.

Xu, J., Zhao, J., Wang, J., Zhao, Y., Zhang, L., Chu, M., & Li, N. (2011). Molecular-based Environmental Risk Assessment of Three Varieties of Genetically Engineered Cows. Transgenic Research, 20(5), pp. 1043-1054. Retrieved from ProQuest. doi: 10.1007/s11248-010-9477-3.

   

     Eurus Thach.

Introversion Is A Healthy Choice and An Appreciated Lifestyle

     Susan Cain (2012), a lawyer, shares her experiences transferring into extroverted and thoughts about introversion. “In the 20th century”, she (2012) claims, the world started favoring the charismatic type of personality that the introverted personality has been underrated. Especially, educational institutes always pick teamwork as their top encouragement, even if the activity is individual dependence like creative writing. Obviously, teamwork is what we need in the modern lifestyle. However, according to Susan Cain (2012), too much teamwork has created a lack of balance of the introvert-extrovert spectrum. The first observation of the introverted traits was love soft-speaking and an amount of quiet time on their own. This private time doesn’t have any relation to being mellow, it is just one of the ways people choose to enjoy their life or their youth. Exemplifying for such common, misunderstanding situation, Susan Cain (2012)  recalls her summer camp experience from her childhood. Growing up favoring reading, Susan Cain had her suitcase packed and filled with books for the camp.  When Cain was caught reading books, the counselor expressed her worry about Cain’s introversion. She encouraged Cain to be outgoing with “R-O-W-D-I-E”. One of her campmates even came and wonder if Cain was being so mellow. Through the stories, Cain implies that the world needs to see the importance of the introversion. Specifically, Cain reveals, the introverted are great leaders and deep-thinking individuals, which is as worth appreciating as the extroverted.

     From this video, I have learned that influences on other people don’t only involve extroversion, the introversion also has its unique impact on others through its deep-thinking speciality. Although the introverts have their difficulties communicating with others such as making eye contact or the fear of wasting others’ time, they can make efficient communication thanks to the properly stimulations. What I mean is to create an environment when the introverts can gain confidence as much as the extroverts to express their ideas to the crowd. To this idea, Cain (2012) suggests creating a chatty, friendly meeting in the workplace as well as working privately. This point, I believe, relates to the principles “become genuinely interested in other people” (Carnegie, 1937, p. 74), and “remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language” (Carnegie, 1937, p. 88). Both of these principles can supercharge one’s confidence and the friendliness of a conversation. In doing so, the introverts will believe that they are important and their ideas are listened, which make them comfortable to express themselves in a later communication. Moreover, the emotion- sharing, which is “a form of communication that we talk about our emotional experiences with others” (McCornack, 2014, p. 76), might also be a solution. Interpreting my suggestion, Rosario Cabello and Pablo Fernandez-Berrocal claim in their research that “ the level of perceived social support interacted with emotional intelligence to produce higher positive affect” (2015), which indicates that emotion-sharing is a way to make the introverts feel happier working with others. However, too much emotional expressions, such as venting: “allowing emotions to dominate our thoughts and explosively expressing them (McCornack, 2014, p. 82)”, creates the opposite effect. In her article, Elizabeth Scott revealed that the introverts “are often more affected by the moods of others, which can lead to “contagious” stress reactions” (2018).

     If you are worried about someone's lack of outgoing trait, it's ok. However, you don't have to worry that he or she will close his or her heart. How about trying your best to get to know more about that individual and his or her choice of living? Communication efficiency is the key to a person's soul and opens our world. It links people together, either one's introvert, extrovert, or ambivert.

Eurus Thach.

References:

Cabello, R., & Fernandez-Berrocal, P. (2015). Under which conditions can introverts achieve happiness? Mediation and moderation effects of the quality of social relationships and emotion regulation ability on happiness. PeerJ, 3. Retrieved from NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4614904/. doi:10.7717/peerj.1300.

Cain, S. (2012, March 2). [TEDx Talks]. The power of introverts [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0KYU2j0TM4.

Carnegie, D., 1937. (2005). How To Win Friends And Influence People. Cornerstone Publishing, Self-Improvement-eBooks.com.

McCornack, S. (2014). Interpersonal Communication and You: An Introduction. Boston, New York: Bedford. St. Martin’s.

Scott, E. (2018). Stress Management for Introverts. Stress Management, Management Techniques. Retrieved from Verywell Mind https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-management-tips-for-introverts-4065397.