6/3 ARW Response

I have not been able to write blog posts from last week because of the research paper and other events such as lives for UNBRAND, an A Capella group or taking Eiken. Therefore, I will catch up as soon as possible.

On June 3rd, we had two classes of ARW. In the first class, Rab gave us his brief biography and we learned that his bias, or strong opinions rather, is originated from his profound experience and career. He mentioned how having bias is not a bad thing. The important thing is to have an opinion and to listen to a counterargument that stimulates and impacts your idea and then to sharpen my opinion based on that counterargument. In order to do this as proficient as possible, I have to read all the time, as Rab did and still does. Connecting knowledge from several different subjects: this is the purpose of liberal arts and significance of attending ICU. However, having bias without any evidences or reasons is same as not having an opinion at all. "I think this car is good because I just feel so" is not convincing at all.

We also watched several videos. The first one was the press conference taken place few weeks after Fukushima radiation. I was astonished to watch the content. The person who is answering the questions from reporters not only equivocates but also states that he cannot guarantee people in Fukushima to evacuate. I wondered why he says something very risky and controversial. He could have just said they will do their best. More surprisingly, this press conference was never reported on the media. Another video was on the perception of risk. I would never try out any of those, especially     one with a bicycle.

The second class of the day was interesting too. I never knew there is a test that people take to avoid being drafted to war. The score George W. Bush got was hilarious: 26/100! It is one point away from being too dumb. I knew that he got into Yale with legacy system, but did not expect him to be that unintelligent. I also learned that "unfairness of the profit calls for another war."

The Young Turks is an interesting and funny program that mentions various topics: political, economic to something completely irrelevant. I don't think it is reasonable to fire a teacher for his or her appearance and to consider children's catfight a big issue.