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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