B.N.W. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This project was based on dystopias and how society can be deceiving. We read the
book Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. It showed us how the people in the
society might think that they are happy but it is all just an illusion. After
reading the book, we wrote an essay on what happiness really is and how to
achieve it. To finish the project up, we made an art project to illustrate our
thoughts on the effects of happiness.
book Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. It showed us how the people in the
society might think that they are happy but it is all just an illusion. After
reading the book, we wrote an essay on what happiness really is and how to
achieve it. To finish the project up, we made an art project to illustrate our
thoughts on the effects of happiness.
The
Illusion Of Happiness
BY
MAX JAYE
Happiness is a natural pursuit for humans that sources us with the motivation to not only
survive, but enrich our lives. Humans as a whole, in my opinion, are the
happiest species because we find happiness in things that other species can’t
such as sports, and close friends. I think that happiness is the compilation of
confidence, or being self-satisfied, synergy, or flow, meaning, or reasoning
behind what makes you happy, and illusion.
I think that happiness is very complicated, and can be derived from many different
things, but the most common one, is confidence, or being comfortable in your own
skin. In the movie, “Happy,” they show how intrinsic happiness is stronger than
extrinsic happiness. To me, this shows that someone can only be so happy with
extrinsic things, but when they are happy with themselves, and not
self-conscious, there are almost no limits. For example, in “Happy,” they also
show the story of a very attractive woman who gets caught in a very tragic
accident in which she gets hit by a truck. The truck crushed her face, therefor
crushing her confidence and making her feel ugly. She mentioned that she wished
that she would die and considered killing herself just to get out of her life.
Then, she meets the love of her life who re-enforces her and makes her feel
beautiful. The moral of this story is that she got very sad and depressed
because she did not feel comfortable with how she looked and never felt that way
before, which clearly shows how important confidence can be. In my opinion, it
is not just confidence alone that made her happy, for example, it could have been the fact
that she did not feel like she was always being judged or she felt more equal,
but regardless, if it is any of those things, confidence can bring them along,
in turn, bring happiness. In conclusion, confidence and whatever comes with it,
can be a clear source of happiness.
Another thing that makes us happy is synergy or flow. In the film, “Happy,” they show
how a surfer, who does not exactly live a wealthy or what some might consider
objectified life, but shows to be just as happy as anyone because he engages in
physical activity and experiences synergy with nature regularly. I felt
connected with the surfer because I have also felt so in tune with sports that
when I am playing them, nothing else is even in my mind and I can just forget
everything. They also said, that when the body is participating in physical
activity, it releases large amounts of dopamine. While it can be argued that
dopamine does not directly translate into happiness and can sometimes be false,
I disagree. I think that our definition of the word “happiness” means the
release of dopamine and the actual word can be interpreted falsely. To
elaborate, one thing that definitely doesn't make us happy is owning objects and
material. In the film “I Am,” Dacher Keltner says that what Americans lost, “is
a sense of our communal tendencies, and we privileged the ideas of
self-interest, the idea of materialism is the path to self happiness.” By saying
this, he was showing that even though we based our economy off of it and
Americans in general, obsess over material, it does not make us happier, but
instead it distracts us from the real sources of happiness such as community and
family. In conclusion, I think that synergy is a very large part of whatever
makes us happy but materialism does the opposite.
I think that happiness cannot exist without meaning and that meaningless happiness
is similar to fake happiness in that, it doesn’t exist. In the article, “There’s
More to Life Than Being Happy,” by Emily Esfahani Smith, it states that,
“Research has shown that having purpose and meaning in life increases overall
well-being and life satisfaction, improves mental and physical health, enhances
resiliency, enhances self-esteem, and decreases the chances of depression.” I
think that this is true because when people feel like they are helping a cause
or the community, they do not feel useless or like they do not matter to anyone,
which happens to be one of the worst feelings that one can have. For example, a
happiness with meaning can be something like volunteering at a homeless shelter
for some people. In my opinion, that happiness will stay with someone for a long
time and make them feel genuinely warm inside. Then, take meaningless happiness,
such as eating candy. I think that, even though I call it happiness, it is not
true happiness. Sure, it might make someone feel joy in the moment of eating the
candy, but it is hard to remember because it brings no significance to our
brains, and has no meaning. In conclusion, I think that meaningful happiness is far more powerful than
meaningless happiness due to the human brain’s natural desire to matter or feel
important.
I think that happiness does not come alone and can create many obsessions, and
illusions throughout society. For example, in the film, “I Am,” Tom Shadyac
shows how he became materialistic throughout his whole life because he thought
that that would make him happy, until he realized that he wasn’t. This is one of
the costs of happiness; that it confuses us and we become so obsessed on how we
can achieve it, that we stop seeing what true happiness is. I think that another
problem with happiness is people try to benefit off of our need for it, and can
use it literally as a bribe. For example, every day, Americans see
advertisements that have us convinced that if we buy their product, we will
become happy. And how does that help the advertisers? Well, it simply gives them
more money to spend on useless products and “life enhancements.” In conclusion,
it is not happiness itself that has problems, but it is the way that people
change it that gets dangerous.
I think that happiness is the type of thing that has to be left alone to stay
authentic and is very easy to alter. In my opinion, as soon as humans get their
hands on happiness, they will change it through socialism, and false
prioritization. If I had to tell a friend how to find happiness, I think that I
would tell him to imagine a place where there is no judgement, and no society,
where he could just do whatever he wanted to do, and to pursue whatever that
thing was. I think that the more that we decide what happiness really is and how
to achieve it, the more confused we get, but if we were actually able to decide,
it would be crucial to our will to survive and motivation to unite as one group.
In conclusion, I think that happiness is so complicated that human explanations
can’t define it and we will never know what it really is.
B.N.W. PROJECT REFLECTION
If I were going to advise someone on how to find happiness, I would not know where
to start. I think that it would help a lot to know that person and what makes
them feel joy. If I didn’t I would tell them to do something that most people
gain happiness from, such as giving to the community, playing sports, or
spending time with family and friends. I would also tell them to stay away from
things such as obsessing over materials, and wealth because they do not
attribute a lot to overall happiness. Last but not least, I would tell them that
they should not seek out the path to happiness from other people and that they
are the only one who can actually know what makes them happy.
This summer, I was planning on playing a lot of video games and watching T.V. or possibly working.
After reading that article and completing the happiness project in Humanities, I
have come to realize that electronics will only make me temporarily happy while
doing things such as giving to the community or playing a sport. Also, I
realized that while working feels good, all it does is make me money which buy
me material things that do not contribute to my happiness as much as people
thought. I think that I might try to play baseball over the summer and play less
video games. Another thing that I learned through this project was how much
spending time with family can make someone happy. After learning that, instead
of just considering it, I realized how true it was and how a lot of my good
memories were with my family. Now that this project is over, I have a lot of
thinking to do, but I can almost guarantee that my plan for this summer will no
longer involve electronics.
This project impacted my life by making me think about what happiness really is
compared to what I thought it was. I realized that doing things like watching
television and eating candy do not really make me as happy as I thought. I
noticed that I can not remember any “good times” eating candy or playing
video games unless they involved my family or friends. This has not just made me
think about happiness, but every idea that society forces on us. I have realized
that society is deceiving and selfish. For the first time in a long time, I have
questioned almost everything that I thought to be true and reflected honestly.
This project has made me a lot more of a critical thinker and I will never
forget it.
Model UN
In this project, each person was assigned a country that is a member of the United
Nations. Then, we were introduced real-world problems that the UN was actually
working on solving, and each wrote a policy paper on it. In these papers, we
explained the issue, what our country sees as the most fit solution, and why
they do. Then, we each wrote a resolution. This resolution was basically putting
the solution from our policy paper into the form that the UN would use. After
that, we wrote a speech on which, of the four resolutions that made the docket,
we chose and why other countries should choose that. Last but not least, we read
our speeches to the public and our classmates and reached consensus on a
resolution.
Here is a link to my policy paper on the North Korea nuclear issue:
https://docs.google.com/a/animashighschool.com/document/d/1Z9KozxXxK3B3UhNGRoKhDG6wWmjj3TfddFtVc5VbIKY/edit
Here is a link to my second policy paper on the Israel/Palestine issue:
https://docs.google.com/a/animashighschool.com/document/d/1coETL1cKslRwpM5mUJFmnZCwb_75A_BBmmVJeI3-HsA/edit
Here is my first resolution:
https://docs.google.com/a/animashighschool.com/document/d/1NN8EUkrDxhrkcLtxTiYMrSXIwvpdgMsBP80BiHXI4DM/edit
Here is my second resolution:
https://docs.google.com/a/animashighschool.com/document/d/1Ifb1maLqnTf_zGBm6IDvvMVojpVhTFzhX8SgwKOtj3Q/edit
Project Reflection
If another student asked me why the MUN project was important, I would probably
explain to them that it helps give us an open mind on new problems that are
introduced to us and it also shows us how hard it can be for certain problems to
be solved. It gives us an open mind by making us argue from a standpoint that we
might not necessarily agree with, so we have to run a mile in someone else’s
shoes.
I think that I used a lot of empathy in this project. I did this by arguing from
Syria’s perspective (which I did not agree with at first) and making it
my perspective. More specifically, to use this, I tried literally acting like I was the Syrian
representative and I had all of the ongoing issues inside Syria to keep in mind
as well. This helped me make decisions closer to the ones that a Syrian
representative would.
The greatest challenge that I faced in this project was making a realistic solution
while satisfying Syria’s needs. I had a lot of trouble with this, but I worked
through it by researching things that might act as a compromise for both parties
and utilizing them in both of my papers.
I think that the most interesting speech was Easton’s because it was well thought
out, very rehearsed, and it gave me another thing to think about while trying to
reach consensus. He also emphasized being able to compromise with other forces
which brought me to the realization that helped the most vital part of my
resolution be agreed upon.
What were you most proud of about your mask? Why?
I am most proud of the ideas I got for my mask and how I really followed through
with them. I felt really uncomfortable making the physical drug (marijuana) on
my mask because it is not really appropriate in school. I was really pleased
when Sara gave me permission to do it because I felt trusted and I felt like she
was listening to the message I was trying to send in my essay. I am so proud of
myself because I felt like it would be frowned upon by certain teachers but my
message was so strong that it was almost necessary for me.
Quote the section of your essay that you are most proud of and describe, in detail,
why you are proud of it.
“While that definition of socialization is true, I don’t think that covers all of it. I
think socialization is the way certain groups conform to their identities in
order to fit the expectations that society carries.” I like this part so much
because I explain how I view socialization. Even though my friends didn’t think
that the two definitions were too different, I did because I said “expectations”
and the other definition didn’t.
What will you remember most in this project? Why?
I will remember my mask from this project. I will remember it because I worked the
hardest on it and I am the most proud of it. I think the fact that it is a
physical thing that you can hold helps me remember it while just thoughts on a
piece of paper are not easy to remember. The last reason that I will remember my
mask more then my essay is because I put so much thought into it, even when I
was in Mountain Middle School.
Which habit of heart and mind do you need to work on in your next project to get better
at project based learning? Why do you need to improve that habit of heart and
mind and how will it help you?
My weak habit of heart and mind was evidence on this project. I did not really
back up my points as strongly as I would have hoped. If I did have more
evidence, not only would I get a better grade on the essay part of the project,
but I would really feel satisfied with myself and my opinion.
I am most proud of the ideas I got for my mask and how I really followed through
with them. I felt really uncomfortable making the physical drug (marijuana) on
my mask because it is not really appropriate in school. I was really pleased
when Sara gave me permission to do it because I felt trusted and I felt like she
was listening to the message I was trying to send in my essay. I am so proud of
myself because I felt like it would be frowned upon by certain teachers but my
message was so strong that it was almost necessary for me.
Quote the section of your essay that you are most proud of and describe, in detail,
why you are proud of it.
“While that definition of socialization is true, I don’t think that covers all of it. I
think socialization is the way certain groups conform to their identities in
order to fit the expectations that society carries.” I like this part so much
because I explain how I view socialization. Even though my friends didn’t think
that the two definitions were too different, I did because I said “expectations”
and the other definition didn’t.
What will you remember most in this project? Why?
I will remember my mask from this project. I will remember it because I worked the
hardest on it and I am the most proud of it. I think the fact that it is a
physical thing that you can hold helps me remember it while just thoughts on a
piece of paper are not easy to remember. The last reason that I will remember my
mask more then my essay is because I put so much thought into it, even when I
was in Mountain Middle School.
Which habit of heart and mind do you need to work on in your next project to get better
at project based learning? Why do you need to improve that habit of heart and
mind and how will it help you?
My weak habit of heart and mind was evidence on this project. I did not really
back up my points as strongly as I would have hoped. If I did have more
evidence, not only would I get a better grade on the essay part of the project,
but I would really feel satisfied with myself and my opinion.
Tragedy Script
Garrett Hagen
Jimmy Pope
Max Jaye
The Chocolate Affliction
Prologue:
Babafemi is a mother whose child was taken from her and sent to work as a child slave on a cocoa farm. She will be given a second chance by an Australian reporter who is studying human trafficking. It takes place on the the Ivory coast, West Africa. They are in a small village where children are taken and sold to cocoa farms.
Chorus:
(Chorus is the Australian reporter who is helping babafemi get her son back.)
We will get your son back, I promise.
Babafemi: I don’t know if this is a good idea, they are animals.
Chorus:
We will go get your son doug,
our laziness can’t overcome love,
we need to get him free,
from companies like Nestle and Hersheys
we will end his absentee
these kids need to be free
so they grow up and see
other world issues across the sea
just like me
Scene 1:
(They start their trek to get Doug The next morning. They leave the village and walk into the dark shaded jungle. It is very chilly, fog and mist roam the air as sounds from screaming monkeys and chirping bugs.)
Babafemi: We’re almost here. How should we go about completing this task? They have security on every side.
Chorus:
Please, please be ever so cautious
for the people that take kids for chocolate
happen to be very, very obnoxious
Babafemi: So we’ll act like buyers so they’ll trust us and let us onto their farm, and then well find Doug?
Bill: Excuse me, why are soliciting on my property? We don’t take kindly to people who steal.
Chorus:
Please, please don’t go off on a rant
for purchasing chocolate is why we come on your land.
We do not long to steal when
purchasing this substance is our deal.
Bill: You have come to the right place. Come right this way. Who is she?
Babafemi: I am his partner, Babafemi. I come with the same need as my friend.
Bill: Pleasure to meet you, come right this way, now how much chocolate are you interested in? We have different ages, dryness, and quality. Your wish is my command.
(Bill keeps talking)
Babafemi: (Whispers under breath) I’m going to go look for him. Someone around here might direct me to him.
Chorus:
I’ll stay here so we don’t add suspicion
I will stay here and study all the malnutrition
These children here require medical supervision
Although, I don’t have any kids in my vision
If we see child labor, we won’t go snitching
Child labor is very disturbing
They make these children feel very unnerving
They treat them like they are not deserving
(Babafemi leaves)
(Babafemi walks through the jungle, seeing many children, none however, are her son. She asks people around her if they've seen her son.)
Henchman: What are you doing, why are you here?
Babafemi: I’m looking for my son. If you allow me to go on my way we will have no problem.
Henchman: He is not here, this is a cocoa farm not a daycare.
Babafemi: I am no fool, I know you keep children here, I was told by a reporter this is where he was. He’s seen you commit these unspeakable crimes with his own eyes.
Henchman: Whoever told you that was incorrect, there are no children working here. You must leave now or I will call my supervisor and he will force you out of here.
Doug: Mom!
(Henchman holds Doug back)
Babafemi: Give me my son.
(Slaps Henchman and grabs Doug)
Babafemi: We must go, we are in danger. Come Doug we must be swift.
Chorus:
Scene 2:
(Babafemi and doug are frantically running from the henchman who is yelling for them to come back. Babafemi finds reporter and runs to safety.)
Chorus:
We should be safe my dear
we are in danger but we shan’t fear
for in one minute the chopper shall be here
(Henchman appears from the bushes and shoots at Babafemi, hitting her in the lungs)
Doug: Mom!
Babafemi: Leave me here. My only wish is for you to grow up happy. I have completed my task, now it is my time to go. Please, leave me.
Doug: Okay
(Doug and Chorus run to safety)
Chorus:
Don’t worry son, you’re okay. Now you’re safe
I will take you home so you and your friends can reunite once again. Everything will be like it once was.
Doug: My mom sure is neat for doing that!
Chorus:
Yes, your mother is a hero
and that fellow sure is a weirdo
your mother gave her life
which is the ultimate sacrifice
she’ll be remembered for paying the proper price
Greek Tragedy Project Reflection
1. I am most proud of the visual component of this project. The part that I liked the most within that was the idea of having lego people be the characters but using real voices. I like this idea so much because, using real voices allows us to incorporate more emotion into every line and I like the lego idea because I feel like if we were to actually act it out, our classmates might not take us seriously given how well they know us. I am very impressed with the final product of our visual component and I believe that is the best part of our project by far.
2. If there were an incoming freshman and I was told to advise them on how to succeed on this project, there are a couple of things that I would tell him or her. First, I would say to use your time wisely. I am not saying that my group didn’t use it wisely but if we hadn’t, it would have been a really close call regarding deadlines. Second, I would tell him or her to adapt the script as much as you can and check the rubric often. I noticed that some groups had really good scripts but they did not address the rubric as much as they did at the beginning of the project. Third, I would tell them to really try their hardest to come to school. I understand that they might need sick days but it puts a lot of pressure and weight on their partner(s) when they are gone.
3. I think that working with partners went really well. I like the idea of learning how to collaborate, compromise, and combine ideas because I think it will help a lot in the future. I also think that it takes a lot of stress off the project when you have someone to share it with. I think the challenging part of working with partners could have been getting assigned with partners that we are not compatible with. My group was, and we worked very good together but I know that it would have been a very difficult project if that were not true.
4. I think the most challenging part of this project was making a tragedy storyline out of a real life issue. It was hard to make it realistic, entertaining, and informative. We overcame this by thinking of multiple storylines, and choosing the one that was the best in all of those areas.