My Values

     I would definitely say that the values I hold dear to me are much more in line with the "emerging values" listed in the textbook. Among these that I use to guide my everyday life are: Physical Fitness, Youthfulness, and Concern for the Environment.
     As an athlete physical fitness is hugely important to me. I am determined to never be a stereotypical "fat American". Soccer , biking, and hacky sack (foot bag) are my activities of choice, but I love to stay active anyway I can. My zeal for physical fitness likely comes from my three older brothers (with four boys we were always on the run) and my friends, who are athletes as well. I also believe that it comes from a disgust of the state of our nation and the way that we are viewed by the world. Over 35% of  adults living in the United States are obese and I am determined not to be one of them.
     Youthfulness is another value which I hold near to my heart. It is my personal belief that you have to get old, you don't have to grow up. Although this isn't entirely true I feel that if you keep a youthful attitude you are more likely to be active, fun, and healthy; both mentally and physically. This year my dad turned fifty years old, he is still fairly active, despite the signs of aging, and loves to snowmobile, go boating, camping, and hunting. I believe I have acquired this value from my girlfriend who is determined to never let age dictate how much fun you can have. After all, it's just a number.
     Concern for the Environment is more than just a value to me, it is a passion. I always try to go out of my way to do good for our Mother Earth, whether it be picking up litter, car pooling, recycling, or paying a little extra for Eco-friendly products. For example, today in class I had a tube of  "Save the Earth" Gum from Project Seven. The idea is that for every tube of gum you buy, they plant one fruit tree, thus providing food and eliminating CO2 from the air. If I have the option I will always buy a product made from materials that have a minimal footprint on our environment. I believe that this value was instilled in me by my love for the outdoors. As previously stated my brothers and I were always running about, especially in the woods near my house. My family also does an annual trip up to Big Lake, near Boulder Junction, Wisconsin. I am so passionate about the environment that I am considering making it my profession. It has impacted my daily life in many, many ways. The inserts of my shoes are made from Eco-friendly cushioning, I chew "Save the Earth" Gum, and my girlfriend and I are both very passionate about our planet.



The questions for the day are: What are your major values?  How do you use those values in your daily life, and where did those values come from (what makes you value them)?

Social Group

  Social Group

My social group has affected nearly every aspect of who I am, from the clothes I wear to the way I talk. I have found that I tend to act differently depending on the social clique I am around. When I am with my teammates from soccer, I tend to act more like a "jock" than when I am with my core friend group. Since I started dating my girlfriend I have become much more picky about the clothes I wear and my appearance in general. I find that I am much more apt to wear something that she likes. Likewise I find myself wearing similar clothes as my friends to feel more a part of the group. I often find  that I will use phrases I have heard my friends or girlfriend say without even thinking about it. Sometimes I feel bad about myself for following the trends of those around me, but most of the time it doesn't really bother me because I know that I ultimately am my own person.

Gender

Being a male has impacted who I am as an individual, how I view myself, and how others view me. I wear clothes that society expects a male to wear; I wouldn't wear a dress or anything that would be viewed as "feminine". I talk and carry myself as a male is expected to. When I look at my reflection I am often critical of my lack of muscle tone because, as a male, I am supposed to be fit, muscular, rugged, and lean. In my relationship I view myself as a provider and protector. I feel badly if I can't pay for things for my girlfriend because, as a male, I see myself as the breadwinner. However, I have not let the social norms completely dictate who I am as a male; I am not afraid to express my emotions or talk about my feelings.

Home

My home life has left a major mark on the person that I have become. Growing up in a rural small town has given me an appreciation for open space and left me with small town values. I can't ever imagine life without a yard to be able to stretch out in. Growing up with three older brothers has made me somewhat competitive, especially academically. Because I have older siblings, people who have known my brothers associate me with them and I strive to be, in some ways, more than my brothers.  My parents' divorce has made me, in some regards skeptical of relationships, and in some regards, wiser about them. It has also, I believe, left me with some mental or emotional scarring; I have anxiety issues which likely stem from my parents fighting.

Religion

My religion (or rather a lack there of) has had some roll in creating the person I am today. Because I am agnostic atheist I never really felt that there was ever a higher order or any puppet master pulling the strings so I have always felt in control of my own fate and known that anything you want you have to get for yourself. I don't have any problem with my lack of faith, but when my mom found out that I am not a believer it really bothered her and it still does. My lack of God makes some people view me as "lost" or  "inexperienced" but they are entitled to their own opinion, it's not going to change what I think. I have also found that my, in a sense, neutrality on religion has allowed me to become a much more accepting and open minded person.

Teen

There are many cliches associated with being a teen, I have found that, even more so as of late, I can easily fall into these cliches. I have found myself to be much more rebellious in recent months, lying to my parents, staying out late, not taking what authority figures say at face value. I have also been craving nothing more than independence and freedom. I am often cynical of the world I see around me because I have recently opened my eyes to some of the malpractice and outright stupidity that goes on around me. Naturally, because I am a teen I sometimes see myself as knowing more than I actually do and others, mainly my mother, see me as just another angsty know-it-all teenager.