Nine teens charged in bullying that led to girl's suicide

Any article about suicide is sad to read, but some like this one just makes me angry. The story details the purposeful and sustained bullying by teen peers at a high school in Massachusetts.

I wonder if it's possible to have enough self-esteem at age 15 to fend off this campaign of hatefulness? We will discuss in class the research that indicates that self-esteem in adolescent females tends to diminish over the four years of high school.

• What was the preceding event that triggered the bullying?
• What might have been some of the recent changes for Phoebe that might have contributed to her sense of isolation?
• What needed to happen to protect Phoebe, and why didn't it happen?
• What do you think is the sociological function of bullying? Why do you think it is so difficult to control?
  

Here is the article...

Nine teens charged in bullying that led to girl's suicide
[click here to visit article]

Please work to help curb bullying in your community.
-Jeff
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Photos of overweight mom spark backlash

In our Husr 224 textbook, Nathaniel Branden states that we build our self-respect when we defend our worth against unnecessary criticism.

I thought that the attached article featured a quote from the person who is the subject of the article, that demonstrated good defense of her worth.

• What was the woman criticized for?
• How did she defend her worth?
• What elements of her statement do you think make good examples of a person with self-respect?
• What did the woman suggest might be the reason that people were being cruel?
  

Here's the article...

Photos of overweight mom spark backlash
[click here to view]

Don't forget, you have the right to defend your dignity!
-Jeff
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The luckiest man in pajamas

I was drawn to this article because of the intriguing headline. But very soon I was on the verge of tears.

This is a story of hardship being neutralized by the overwhelming power of friendships. The man who is the subject of the story has built an amazing following of friends who have volunteered to become caretakers and companions. Certainly anyone who can pull of this amazing feat must have oodles of self-esteem that is attractive to others.

• What are the multiple hardships that this man has faced?
• What are some examples from the story that imply he has self-respect and self-efficacy?
• What qualities and characteristics discussed in lecture do you think this man has used in his life to defend his self-esteem against hardships?
• Has his story inspired you to consider doing something differently in your own life?

Here's a link to the story...

The Luckiest Man In Pajamas

[read article here]

I'll leave you with this thought... learn how to smile with your eyes!
-Jeff
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To save his life, hiker cuts off arm

I don't really have a fascination with grotesque stories, but I do think that this story provides an extreme example of someone placing such a high value on their life as to do the unthinkable.

If you get queasy easily, then maybe another article would be better for you to read than this one.

Okay, you're still reading, so here's the story... a hiker exploring the wilderness gets trapped by a boulder, and ends up cutting off his own arm with a pocket knife to free himself.

• How might this suggest examples of self-regard and self-efficacy?
• Could you do it? Would you do it?

Here's a link to the article...

To Save His Life, Hiker Cuts Off Arm
[read article here]

You've got to hand it to this guy, he pulled off something amazing!
-Jeff

Postscript, 2011: This event has been turned into a movie in current release, titled "127 Hours"

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British Social Policy And The Construction Of The Problem Of Self-Esteem

British Social Policy and the Construction of the Problem of Self-Esteem

This is a lengthy and cerebral article in a British newspaper that provides an alternative [and critical] view of the concept of self-esteem. The author suggests that the term "self-esteem" is too broad, is inappropriately attributed to individual and social problems, and has been eaterly adopted by institutions and governments who seek to advance their agenda to benefit society and its' people.

Here are some conversation starters:

• Do you believe that the concept of self-esteem is valid, or merely a feel-good attempt at cheerleading people who are down?
• What do institutions (schools, governments) have to gain by promoting self-esteem education and programs?
• Is there a downside to the concept of self-esteem?

Making People Feel Good About Themselves: British Social Policy and the Construction of the Problem of Self-Esteem
-Jeff
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The lowdown on upbeat

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Why is it that happiness has to be pursued, anyway? Why don't we just buzz with euphoria 24/7/365?

Well, a local university has established a doctoral program for studying the fleeting nature of happiness and well-being.

• What does the PhD program hope to address?
• Why might this field of interest be so under-explored, do you think?
• What is a technique that the researchers plan to utilize, to explore the nature of happiness?

The Lowdown on Upbeat
http://articles.latimes.com/2007/mar/15/local/me-happy15

As the wise philosopher Bobby McFerrin once wrote, "don't worry, be happy".
-Jeff
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Why he lit himself on fire and leapt to death

I'll just warn you that this is a pretty serious post involving true human trajedy... suicide. But the story gives some insight into the struggles one man had with many challenges throughout his [brief] life.
In class we'll discuss the similarites and differences of mental disorders and self-esteem. As you read this news account, consider some of the factors in this person's life that may have delivered challenges to his self-esteem.

• What messages might he have drawn from his family environment?
• What factors might have limited his ability to form a meaningful support system?
• How was he attempting to make good out of bad with his life?

A-List Had Something to Say: Why He Lit Himself on Fire and Leapt to Death

As I will mention in class, suicide is a long-term solution to a short-term problem.
-Jeff
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