Lucifer...

I started reading another new book called "The Lucifer Effect" and I am really intrigued. The writing is so eloquent that I find myself re-reading passages, trying to re-absorb the words and delicate construction of the thoughts and sentences. Just read...

"In contrast to the 'banality of evil,' which posits that ordinary people can be responsible for the most despicable acts of cruelty and degradation of their fellows, I posit the 'banality of heroism,' which unfurls the banner of the heroic Everyman and Everywoman who heed the call to service to humanity when their time comes to act. When that bell rings, they will know it rings for them. It sounds a call to uphold what is best in human nature that rises above the powerful pressures of Situation and System as the profound assertion of human dignity opposing evil."

Goosebumps, right? I know.

The thesis of the book is that all humans are capable of evil given the right circumstances and social pressures. But, even more interesting is the claim that these pressures are not extreme or hypothetical scenarios. They are quite common and most of us have succumb to these forces in varying degrees and at various stages of our lives. I started reading the book today and I got an immediate sense of total fear. It was incredibly strange because it felt like I was in danger, but the book wasn't telling me about a terrorist attack, new contagious disease or government intrusion... it was telling me that I was capable of evil. I immediately started to fall into a classic logical fallacy as I assumed that I was the exception to the rule... But, there is no evidence to support this conclusion. There have been plenty of times when I have made the noble social choice, but there are also moments of weakness when I have made surprising poor choices.

The author of this book is the creator of the famous 1970's Stanford Prison Experiment (http://www.prisonexp.org). If you have never read about it, I suggest you do. It will startle you. A group of students were assigned the roles of prisoners and guards in a mock jail for two weeks. Both groups of students began to identify with their roles so strongly that the experiment had to be ended after six days for fear of both physical and psychological damage to the participants. And if that isn't enough for you, read about the Milgram experiment that was conducted during the 1960's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milgram_experiment). While neither experiment was perfect, they demonstrated a frightening side of human nature.

Nonetheless, I am going to continue my reading. Fear of human nature isn't an emotion I have ever felt before, so it will be interesting to dig a little deeper.

On a different topic... I really enjoy Wednesdays. I feel like they are my day. I don't have to work, but most everyone else does so I can just spend the day with myself. I wake up late, go to a museum or park, see a movie, read a book, go to the beauty salon, or just take myself to lunch. Most days I share with kids, coworkers, parents and friends. But, on Wednesdays I have nothing to do except enjoy the day. Saturdays I can clean and recover from my Friday night on the town, but Wednesdays are quite pleasant.

I've been thinking about my trip next year. I keep brainstorming new adventures or new things I'd like to do. For example, I'd like to spend more time in Buenos Aires. I also might like to go to Europe during the Spring and not during the Winter when it is going to be much colder. Originally I had planned Europe in January and February. Back home for March. Asia for April, May, June. And South America for July and August. Coming home for the end of August and starting school in Korea in September 2009. But, now I am re-evaluating. Maybe... South America in January and February. Europe in March and April. Home in May. Asia in June, July, August and then start school in Korea in September. Not to mention there are all the places I want to be... I want to go to the World Debate Championship in Ireland in December 2008. But, I want to be home for Christmas 2008. But, I also want to celebrate New Years 2009 in a different country. And there is a list of over 30 countries I need to whittle down in order to make a logical journey. But, for all my complaining... This is the fun part. My dad always said that for every trip you need to be willing to say, "We'll do that next time." Even if there may never be a next time, trying to include every single site and experience in one journey will ruin the whole journey. So, I'm just going to include the things and places that fit together and remind myself that if I can't do it this time, I'll do it next time!

Onto a different subject... I don't like being laughed at. I can't help it. I thought I got used to it, but I was at the police station today getting fingerprinted for some immigration paperwork and the snotty police officer started laughing at me. Come on! What does a girl have to do? I am dressed nicely. I am polite. I bring all the paperwork. I researched exactly which office I needed to go to so I wouldn't bother anybody. Cut me some slack! But, once again these experiences only increase my patience for other foreigners. I've never said it and rarely thought it, but there have been a few times when I have been annoyed by someone who couldn't speak English in the United States. NEVER AGAIN! Never. Learning another language isn't easy. And living in a world of unfamiliar words, expressions and social customs only makes the task of learning the language seem even more insurmountable.

Last tidbit... I have this semi-awesome, semi-annoying Korean pop song stuck in my head. Sing La La La by The Turtles. Youtube it. Or don't. It will be stuck in your head all day and you'll only be able to understand the chorus.