Weblog 2

     Social justice means treating everyone fairly, and not discriminating. There are two contrasting themes of social justice in "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas." These are evident in the contrasting views of the children and the adults.
     There is a child locked in a dark, cold, dirty, small room in the basement of one of the buildings of Omelas. The child sits in its own excrement, gets beat, and is naked. The people of Omelas won't let the child out of the room because it is said that the child would ruin all their happiness.
     Most of the the people that come to see the child are young citizens of Omelas. The children don't understand why the child is locked in the dark room. They get disgusted thinking about the child living in the dark room. They want to do something to help the child, but they know that the city of Omelas will suffer pain if the child is set free. The young citizens know that this child is not getting treated justly. They believe that it is unjust to make one person miserable for the happiness of many.
     The parents and older citizens of Omelas on the other hand, believe that it is just to leave the child in the room. They believe that happiness for the community is more important than the happiness of the child. They teach everyone that the child must remain locked up in the room, or the city of Omelas will fall to evil and guilt. The older citizens of Omelas don't believe this to be cruel or unjust, they see it as a necessary thing for the city to be happy.
     These aspects of the theories are explicitly defined by Le Guin. However, there are some aspects of the theories of social justice that are not explicitly defined. It is implied that the children are more thoughtful of others. They know that they wouldn't like to be locked up, so they don't want the child to be locked up. The adults on the other hand, only think about themselves, they don't want to feel pain,sorrow, or guilt. They don't care that the child is not happy. They would rather help themselves, than help others in need. The children know that it is right and just to help the child in need, even though he might be gross and smelly. I think Le Guin is implying that we should help people in need, such as the homeless and less fortunate than us. We should not always think of ourselves. I also think that Le Guin is implying that we should try to put ourselves in other people's shoes, and treat them how we would like to be treated. I believe this because the youth of Omelas feel bad for the child, but the adults do not. Therefore, the young children can imagine themselves in the dark room, but the adults cannot because they are much older.

Weblog 1

Personal Information:

1. Ryan Ferra, Cleveland, Ohio, rferra15@jcu.edu
2. Ryan
4. I play baseball and basketball.  I went to all-guys high school.

Learning Style and More:

5. Respect, trust, and confidence must be present for me to take intellectual and creative risks in class.

Technology Section:

6. I believe the most important technological invention was the
7. I believe these technologies to be essential in my life:
      a. Computer
      b. Cell Phone
8. Experience with:
      a. Computers: I would say that my computer knowledge is average. I don't know everything about them, but I can figure a lot of things out even if I don't have prior experience.
      b. Digital Media: I would say that my digital media experience is average also. I know a fair amount about different electronics such as computers, cell phones, video games, televisions, etc. I would say that I am the most proficient with cell phones.
      c: Social Media: I would say that my social media experience is average. I don't know much about social media, besides Facebook.
      d. My Technical Proficiency: 6

About Dr. Shutkin:

9. a. Where are you originally from?
    b. What is your favorite food?