SAIL

By Lori Lawson

After class last week, I couldn’t help but to wonder whether diversity was really just a tagline without justification here at Mason. Our speaker’s thought provoking comments regarding Mason having a large variety of students that do not intermingle if it involves crossing ethnic, cultural, or socioeconomic lines eventually drove me to action – even if that just means Googling the issue. While the first few results were nothing more than GMU’s typically emphasis diversity, a few lines down a found exactly what I was looking for: an article entitled From Fenwick to Fairfax Detention Center in a Flash: GMU Police take it too far, for the last time. Sketchy sources and potential bias aside, the article still brings up a valid point – how are different groups at Mason truly interacting with each other?

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For my post for this week I will be discussing happiness 🙂
click the link below and read.

http://www.inc.com/kevin-daum/5-ways-to-make-your-own-happiness.html

Now considering that leadership comes in a variety of ways overall the need to maintain happiness is vital to a successful campaign.

Here is my question:

What makes you happy when leading any group?

In higher academia, colleges and universities pride themselves off cultivating a well-rounded innovative, scholarly, and professional setting for college students to learn in and enhance their preparatory skills for the job industry and adulthood. However, due to recent statistics colleges may not be bringing in the most qualified suitors for one of the most important positions to forward the continuity of the whole package a college can provide. There has been a growing concern in higher education with the demand for university and college presidents. This crisis has led to unequipped potential candidates for a college or university presidential position. Most of the faculty and staff at colleges are choosing not to pursue a higher position as the president of the specific university due to the not-so-glamorous duties and responsibilities of the job. In most instances, the potentials for a college president are previous non-academic positions such as: development, finance, and enrollment or admissions. As having one of the most prestigious leadership positions in a college environment, it is essential to have a well-rounded candidate who can only strengthen and improve the ethos of the campus, as it is the goal of the president additionally. If higher education wants to maintain its value, then it is time to start hiring the right candidate to put in a leadership position rather than ruin the traditional core of college at its most questioned time in society.

I encourage college students or academia junkies to pursue The Chronicle of Higher Education’s article, “The Imminent Crisis in College Leadership.”

http://chronicle.com/article/The-Imminent-Crisis-in-College/124513/

To be a good leader you have to believe in yourself – be sure of yourself and confident in the choices you make. Otherwise, how else would you expect for others to follow you?

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With the inception of new technologies the age of the social networking has emerged. Ideas and information are now more accessible than ever and Americans have the ability to voice their opinions in ways like never before. With these concepts in mind a new form of social activism has emerged. The idea of signing pledges online, ‘liking’  pictures on Facebook to support a cause, forwarding e-mails to raise awareness and more recently the use of hashtags on Twitter to advocate a cause, a movement or even just mutual feelings, ie: #longhairdontcare. All these are just some of the ways Americans are reaching out, voicing their opinions and uniting those around the world. But is all this really making a difference?

Like any argument, this debate has two sides and it’s important to observe each carefully.

Recently, a video made by Invisible Children regarding the Lord’s Resistance Army and its leader Joseph Kony went viral on almost every social network. The 14 minute short film raised awareness of millions around the world within a matter of a few hours. The clip was followed up by hashtags over Twitter such as #stopkony or #kony2012, url links to the video on Facebook as well as criticism from several skeptics. However, the movement is worth mentioning due to the unprecedented momentum it produced throughout the masses as well as the heightened awareness which resulted.

However, in opposition, some critics have ventured to discount social media as a means of producing significant social change. Malcom Gladwell published an article titled, “Small Change: Why the Revolution Will Not Be Tweeted” in 2010 regarding his hesitations and reservations regarding the extent social networking is working to produce social change. Gladwell makes the argument that the Internet serves rather as a mask for individuals to hide their true faces behind when supporting particular people or causes as a means of tip-toeing around coming off too strong.

However, in an additional article, Cathy Davidson makes an attempt at compromising these two opposing views through stating the following, “The existence of social media neither necessitates nor preludes social activism”. She notes the events of the 20th century such as the civil rights movement and how social media worked to facilitate further action as well as raise awareness following the actions of key activists such as Rosa Parks. She goes on to say that individual actions are facilitated by social media, however, social media itself is insufficient to be counted as a means of  significant social change. Click here for more

With each of these perspectives in mind, this idea can be related to how we are to lead in the generation we find ourselves in today. The bottom line is, activism requires ACTION. In order to make a difference, we must reach beyond the keyboard in front of us, beyond the world wide web and immerse ourselves in what true action and activism should look like.

“People seldom do what they believe in they do what is convenient, then repent” – Bob Dylan

I am sure that all of us or the majority of us have watched the Presidential Debate last night. At the beginning I thought I had my set mind made up as a declared Democrat, but I wanted to keep my mind open. I have discovered to be moderate and see both sides. However, in order for me to make a smart decision as a young voter, I want to know both candidates plans and HOW they are going to implement their way of action to fulfill all these promises. I was disappointed in the more hostile debating style that both candidates had, especially Romney. This DOES NOT mean that I am biased against the Republican side. I thought that he had some good points, but didn’t show how he was going to do it. President Obama could have also done a better job. I feel like leadership is not about all that talk, but action and how you are going to get things done. Instead of bashing the other side, an individual should focus on oneself to show that they are the right decision. Here comes the question of whether “Obama and Romney were too aggressive”, which I read in another blog that can be found under this link: (Aggressive Presidential Debate). Also, the Washington Post commented on the debate, stating, “A far more aggressive President Obama showed up for his second debate with Mitt Romney on Tuesday, and at moments their town-hall-style engagement felt more like a shouting match than a presidential debate. The two men challenged each other on the facts, talked over each other and stalked each other across the stage” (Washington Post).It is sad and disappointing to me to have an inmature debate, which portrays the future of our nation for the next four years. I hope that the next debate will be for the people, rather than egos. All I care about is to make the right and best decision to vote for the better good of America.

I think it would be safe to say that Remember the Titans is one of my favorite movies ever! I have probably seen it over a dozen times, yet every time I always walk away reminiscing about the same line. “Attitude reflects leadership, captain.” To me this line demonstrates just how powerful leadership can be. Read the rest of this entry »

Government has become such a prevalent topic these past few months and only grows even more important each day. Democrats want this, Republicans want that, and Rodrigo wants everyone to take a seat and listen for two seconds. Though I may not be the most politically active person, or the most knowledgeable on the issues, all I know is that people really need to refocus their role in the elections as voters, activists, and as people in general. I went to work this past weekend with a pretty happy mood, all ready to make money and eat free food.

This was all thrown off Saturday night when a couple came in and asked who I was voting for. Though I do identify myself as a Democrat for my own reasons, I felt awkward telling the couple that I supported Obama, but quickly hoped to dismiss that statement by asking what they would like to order. The topic was not dismissed, the couple stated to badger me on why I did so and it got to a point where they were talking loudly about how I was Mexican and that’s probably the only reason I’m voting for Obama. I didn’t know how to tell them that I supported Obama for personal reasons and that I was not Mexican. They continued to talk about how Romney was the best choice for everyone and how he knew best, continuing that conversation aloud for a very long time, and making me the epicenter of that. When they left, I was left with the question of how a leader would approach this situation. I didn’t tell the couple off during their meal, and even though they left no tip, I wished them a good day and went on with my work.

My one complaint that I do tell people when talking about that encounter is that leadership is also seen through the people that represent a leader. The couple could have been Obama supporters, and if I was to say I supported Romney, they might’ve done the same thing. People should not be so dogmatic on their ideals, and even when they disagree, there is a degree of respect that needs to be displayed so that nobody is left feeling insulted and awkward. This sort of confrontation/argument, in my opinion, can be done with more class instead of the whole “you’re right and I’m wrong” ordeal. Richard Van De Lagamaat, a philosopher, dwells into the meaning of truth and also touches on how dogmatism is detrimental for the search of a greater truth. People should not be forceful of their ideals, if you disagree don’t be rude in just saying that. A polite, “I also think that…” or “On the other hand…” Saying “I disagree” and never giving a reason, or even saying why, is not a sign of a good leader or representative. Others have ideas and rights too, respect them. To be honest, I feel like I should just vote for Betty White at this point since she is much more adorable.