Final assignment. Does not include pictures.

Francesca Furci

Writing with Public Purpose

Faces and their vital role in human connection

“A face is like the outside of a house, and most faces, like most houses, give us an idea of what we can expect to find inside.” While our face makes up only a small percentage of our image, it can easily be understood that it provides the most information in regards to the current situation an individual is in. It can display happiness, despair, interest, insecurity, and many other qualities that are crucial to human interaction. In reading what is said without words through a person’s face, we can become better communicators, friends, and lovers.

 In the given image we see a young woman with a smile on her face. Her eyes are forward, and connected, and she seems confident. With these things in mind we are open to the fact that she is approachable, thus likely a good candidate to socialize and interact with. One study showed that, “genuine smiles, and potentially other social cues, may be useful social reinforcers and therefore important in the control of social behavior on a moment-to-moment basis during interaction” (Bangor, Shore). This truly supports the idea that a smile is the most important social cue, and with it, social interaction has the ability to thrive.

 On the contrary, when someone presents a facial expression as shown here, it can be assumed that they are upset. Behind these simple emotions, one study found that these facial expressions are driven by increased mental usage (Gendolla, APA). This makes sense that the person would then be less prone to socialize. Not only is there something that is bothering them emotionally, but in turn, they are mentally exhausted from the thought processes. It is obvious then, that the social clue would be to refrain from excessive social interaction with individuals under this stress. Of course this is not to ignore those who are close to the person and may relieve some stress, but as a whole, social interaction with those who present these signs is not a favorable condition.

             While the above two faces seem to be common sense, and easily understood. This ideas span beyond the simple ideas of happy and sad. This picture shows the perfect example of curiosity. This may be an individual that would be inclined to interact social with some social prompts. This usually includes something that causes comfort, or intrigues the person at hand. This can be identified as someone with wide eyes, and a slightly open mouth. Their body language may be shifted away, but their eye contact provides proof of interest. This person is someone that you can engage with, but must proceed with the proper content.  While this next example is humorous and comical in the sense that it is exaggerated and in the form of a child, it accurately depicts the features of someone who is enraged, the perfect candidate for someone that would be least likely to interact socially. Their mouth would be closed, and often contorted, their eyes small, and their eyebrows arched in. As stated with the sad individual up top, the mental processes are high here. This, along with the enraged emotion, makes this person someone that is not good to continue interacting with. The facial expression, as the social cue, alerts us that this person should probably be left alone.

            While these expressions and social cues seem to come natural for most of us, they are not part of many peoples’ common sense. Approximately fifteen million people over the age of thirteen live with social disorders in America, with one of the main struggles being the inability to recognize and act on social cues like facial expressions (ADAA). This leaves out the countless school age children that are not diagnosed until they reach an appropriate age. For us, these ideas seem simple, with no reason to be defined, but in my future profession as a school psychologist, I will spend every day helping students who simply cannot grasp these concepts. As a social individual in today’s society, it is our job to not only read these cues, and present them as accurately as possible, but to also understand that many individuals we encounter are unable to do so, and an understanding of this can make a significant impact on their lives.

A wild statistic that I found while researching for my paper was that 15 million people are diagnosed with social disorders in our country. This includes the inability to do something as simple as recognize the difference between a smile and a frown. In addition to these 15 million people, so many school age children struggle with this during the crucial times of lunch and recess, but they cannot be clinically diagnosed until age 13. I found this so crazy because at that age, socializing is so important. It comes so natural to most of us, but to struggle with that must seem so impossible.

When searching for a quotation to open my paper I found one that truly encompassed exactly what I was trying to say.
“A face is like the outside of a house, and most faces, like most houses, give us an idea of what we can expect to find inside.”
This shows that a face can really tell you so much about a person's thoughts, feelings, and situation at the time. It was a great jump off point for my paper.  

final paper

In thinking more about my final paper, and how I can possibly relate it to my major, something I am highly interested in, I have decided to focus on human connection and interaction. The emotions that draw to people together, for a variety for reasons, and what provokes certain situations. I have found samples of pictures I would love to have as part of this to support what I am going to say about these different scenarios. Among the obvious situations depicted above, I would also like to include not to "picture perfect" scenarios, and express what may lay behind those as well.

Commonweal

I read a very opinionated column by Jo McGowan entitled "Simplifying Sex". It attacked the church's approach in regards to premarital sex, and birth control. This article was written with a strong voice with ample opinion to support the author's ideas. McGowan writes of how the church belittles sex, and does not conform to the needs of it's people in today's day and age. The author claims that the church sees sex without the purpose of pregnancy is simple for pleasure, and that pleasure alone can lead to destruction and hurt, but he goes on to state that many human actions are simply for pleasure, and even the act of becoming pregnancy can arguably a form of pleasure. I felt the most poignant statement in this article was made when McGowan wrote, " Every human activity has the potential to become unbalanced. Having children mindlessly, year after year, as former generations of Catholics did, is just as harmful to the social good as the refusal to connect sex with pregnancy". I think the best thing about this article was that the author not only took a stand against the Church, but used the Church's values to back up his point. It was truly eye opening, well-written, and informative.

Second Half Paper

For the next assignment I have a few ideas, all of which I am pretty set on expressing as a photo essay. I have taken various photography classes at SHU, and I feel that photo essays can be very powerful, especially when photographs and words are used together to say something about a controversial topic, or an idea that we often take for granted that the author may have something more to say about.

One idea would be to focus on the lives of children and display how they differ among race, income, gender, etc.

Another idea would be to focus on something intangible like human relationships and interactions, and display how those vary greatly, but nonetheless, all serve a purpose.

Another thought is to pick an organization on or off campus and display all aspects to reveal the whole image of the group and its individual members.

Meeting with Paul Ekman

After landing in sunny California I quickly unpacked at my hotel and rushed outdoors to explore San Francisco. I quickly became enthralled by the hustle of the city. I observed the Spanish influenced buildings, and noted how amazing it was that they were able to squish so many building, people, and activities is such tiny spaces. While my claustrophobia sets in while visiting any city, it seemed particularly strong here.

After calming down, and creating a simple cognitive map of the area around me, I reached into my pocket for a folded index card. As I unfolded the index card, I noticed remnants of my jean pockets lingering in the creases, and sighed with relief that the washed out blue color had not spread onto my crucial writing. I read the directions to the University of California (San Francisco) library, and promptly decided hop on a cable car, followed by a short bus ride. Upon my arrival, I was greeted on the front steps by arguably UCSF's most notable retired professor, Paul Ekman.

His strong handshake, and short stature went along with my preconceived notion that his body held more knowledge and wisdom than any small area seemed capable of. As we entered the library I noticed the predictable stacks of books in their artistic, yet abstract lines. I breathed in that smell that only can be duplicated by old pages touch by many hands. After wondering slightly, he directed me to a small table in the corner surrounded by two couches.

His relatable personality naturally engaged in a conversation that started with life as an undergraduate psychology student, just about our only shared quality. I quickly inquired about his time spent as a Clinical Psychology Officer in the US Army, and he chuckled as if this was something he was repetitively asked about. Nevertheless, he recited what seemed to be a script of information, stories, and feelings. While I found myself wanting to know every detail about his time there, I knew we had to move on.

"Why lying?" I asked. With ease, comfort, and pride, Ekman went on to explain his interest in lying, and his proof of how much we can learn about and from it. He explained that the connections between repetitive behaviors, facial expressions, and lying are just as present as any other successful hypothesis. While he was on the verge of beginning to speak in terms that no amount of psychology schooling could help me understand, he stopped himself. He is too considerate for that. We wrapped up our warm and easy conversation with suggestions he had for me, and him noting the significant points he hoped I grabbed from his work. While I felt as if I was in the presence of greatest, he presented himself much like the grandfather of my best friend. We laughed a little, and decided we had covered everything.

After walking me back to where I would meet my bus, he waved and strolled back into the bustle of the sidewalk.

People Observations

5 people in the mohog :

1) There is a pretty blonde girl giggling to herself as she types away on a laptop. Has her boyfriend sent her words of kindness ? Is she gossiping about another girl ? Is she reading a funny joke or story ? Regardless, she seems confident enough to be careless regarding the fact that she is seated alone, and drawing attention to herself.

2) There is a large boy in a frat jacket roaming in what seems like an aimless fashion. Is he looking for a specific person, a place to fit in, or does he have a destination ? He seems worry free, and far from stressed or rushed.

3) There is a small, younger looking girl tucked away in the furthest corner of a both, crying, surrounded by three friends. She seems distraught, inconsolable, and embarrassed. I am forced to wonder why she would not escape to her room, but rather be one step away from slipping under the table of the dining hall.

4) There is a table full of men, clearly staff at the university. They are all in similar attire. As I watch them converse, I notice one to be particularly uninterested and uninvolved. From the looks, he seems as if he fits in, but his social actions are particularly minimal. I wonder if he is having a bad day, or if her personality keeps him this quiet. Are thoughts running in his head, or does he wish to be somewhere else?

5) There is a fashionably dressed girl running through the room on her cell phone. She is forced to swing her overized tote over the heads and chairs of many as she passes through. While that alone seems to annoy her, I wonder what else is causing this panicked look and phone call. Is it something life changing, or a minute detail that will not matter tomorrow ?

In continuing my research on my chosen public intellectual, I found some very interesting information. In his studies on the US military, in regards to psychology, he explored the idea that Infantry Basic Training has a positive psychological impact on the recruits. After conducting a study, Ekman found that there was no evidence of that, especially shown in the lack of growth in ego-strength. He actually found the opposite of what he was looking for, when his data showed an increase in aggression and impulsive behavior. The evidence also proved that the recruits appeared to be less likely to acknowledge their own responsibility in conflict, and more likely to react aggressively to these situations.

I found this information to be particularly interesting because we often view the military as such a positive, honorable thing, and we understand the physical sacrifice that many make, but this study brought up the idea that these men and women are even sacrificing psychologically before they are even out of training.

pretty picture

I chose this photography because I think it perfectly displays the power of a single image. While photographs not only capture a moment in time, they are also able to evoke emotion. For all that these photographs have to offer, I consider it one of the greatest art forms.

Paul Ekman

I chose Paul Ekman as my public intellectual to research. He is a psychologist who first received his Ph.D from Adelphi. He had the unique job of being a Clinical Psychology Officer in the US Army, and upon his return to civilian life, he did various studies on emotion, facial expression, and body language. He manages the Paul Ekman Group, LLC, a company that produces training devices that relate to emotional skills. Through this group he is also researching psychology in national security and law enforcement. He has written countless pieces, and appeared on many large television stations. I chose him because I am a psychology major, and I have a particular interest in some of the topics that he researches. I think his vast knowledge base in many different areas, gives him a mind that many things can definitely be learned from, and I look forward to benefitting from these scholarly experiences that he shares. Some of his articles include Becoming Versed In Reading Faces, Similarity of Facial Expressions in Response to Emotion-Inducing films in Reared-Apart Twins, Would you Lie to Me?, Psychological Reactions To Infantry Basic Training, and Why Don't we catch Liars?.In studying his work, I will become familiar with these articles as well as any others that may come up as interest to me.

Lately, my family and friends have been talking a lot about all of the surfacing information regarding UFOs and extraterrestrial life. While at first I found these stories to be bogus and immature, after gathering some information, I may be convinced. There is an overwhelming amount of speculations regarding life other than Earth, but there are some particular aspects of this that I find especially interesting. First, some are saying that our government, and many others, have known about, and had some contact with extraterrestrial life for decades now. I understand preparing the people, and revealing this properly, but to keep something like that for so long, seems wrong in my mind, but also a reason I still believe this may be untrue. I also do not think that the thirty plus countries that apparently are aware of this, would also be able to keep it in, there are not that many trust-worthy people in this world. Another concept that baffles me, is that they are more advanced than we are, with some sources saying they have enough technology to cure cancer. If so, I doubt our government, or any other for that matter, would be keeping so much distance. If their technology was so great, why would we not want to mingle, and learn from them. Maybe because they are dangerous ? But in that case, why have they not attacked us yet ? Clearly, there are a lot of "ifs" when considering this topic, but I imagine that is how any thoughts would go regarding a topic so unknown. What made me so motivated to think about, and research this was a link to sent to me by my dad, that addresses a deathbed confession from a man that used to be involved in the CIA, expressing our involvement with extraterrestrial life and the building of UFOs, and video of UFOs from the Mexican Air Force. I have attached this video below. Aside from research and data, I have spoken about this topic to many friends. Many think I am crazy, and many are already convinced that all of this as real, but the most significant conversation was when my roommate and I asked a friend in the army about this via a text message, and he simply responded that he was not authorized to speak on that topic. That was enough to freak me out. As a whole, I find this whole concept something very probable, and I have begun to consider it as an idea of the present, not the future. However, there is still a large part of me that finds this absurd. I look forward to more information surfacing regarding this topic so that I can continue to form an educated opinion.

VIDEO

post secret

Since high school, I have been intrigued by the Post Secret books and website. As this concept has evolved, it has become somewhat of a blog. The idea is that people who feel the need to express their secret actions or feeling, do so through designing a post card, and mailing it in. Originally they were published in a book, and then later, they began posting them consistently on a website. People often comment back and forth either to the designer of the postcard, or a general comment regarding the secret or the visual aspects of the image. The two postcards I have chosen to share struck me for different reasons. While not all of the secrets revealed are heart-wrentching, I find that the majority have negative connotations. It is natural to assume that most positive aspects of our lives, we don't keep secret. I find it interesting that people choose to share their secrets with the world by the means of this trend, and while their best friend may not be aware of their secret, the world will know that a person exists with these emotions. As a psychology major, I understand that sometimes people receive comfort in expressing things they usually cannot, and I wonder how many people read the comments that people post on their postcard. I wonder if they are put at ease by the support or feedback, or hurt by those that critique them. Also in terms of psychology, without posting to this website, you can still feel as part of a community. When scrolling through these secrets, many are vague, and a apply to the majority of people at some point in their life ( such as the two pictures I chose to share). It allows for those who do not even participate, to realize that they are not alone, and their feelings are shared among many. This is often a comfort that we find in group therapies, but here it is simply found on visiting a website. Not feeling alone can make all the difference to someone who is hurting, and this website provides that feeling of shared emotions.

The two postcards I chose to share are both from people who are struggling. One, from an individual who missing her childhood, and another from someone who is not having the experience that they feel they are supposed to be. I find them both relatable for a few reasons. While personally, I am comfortable with the place I am at in my life, there are always moments where these secrets could have easily been mine. When dealing with life's complicated decisions and situations, it is hard to not wish I still have the simple life of a child. The innocence and happiness is uncanny to that of anyone in their twenties. Therefore, the first postcard struck a nostalgic chord in my heart. In regards to the second postcard, I was emotionally moved particularly because it addresses an individual in their senior year. While I would never dream of labeling my senior year as the "worst year" of my life, it certainly has had its ups and downs, and while the high points have been memories that will remain unsurpassed for many years, the lows have also been present. While society often addresses this time in our life as nothing but greatness, it is interesting to consider the contrary.

Overall, I think the concept of this website is fantastic. It allows for the sharing of emotion, ideas, and artistic expression. It provides comfort, conversation, and critique. It is a unique concept, and I am surprised it has not become a bigger trend, especially among the young adults of our country.

things that stopped me in my tracks

Moments:

1) Went with my aunt to pick out her wedding dress.

2) Received an emotional e-mail from someone of the past.

3) Attended my first sorority meeting since my term as Vice President ended.

Connections:

I think the common themes that were brought up in all of the situations that stopped me in my tracks were change, and the end of something whether it had a good or bad connotation. In the first instance, I went with my aunt, who happens to only be seven years older than I am, and grew up in my house, to select her wedding gown. While it was a very happy event, I think the idea of a family change, and the end of her seeming just as young as I am, and only being part of our family arose feelings of discomfort for me. When I received the e-mail from a person of the past, prior to even reading it, I was stopped in my tracks. I was worried how my feelings, actions, and ideas would change based on reading it, and how my connections with this person might be altered as well. I was anxious that life as I know it, in regards to this social aspect, could end based on what this person would have to say. In the last situation, I was reentered into my sorority as a general member, and offered only a seat in the crowd, rather than the spot I've held for the past year at the front of the room. This was a great step forward for the sorority as a whole, but personally, the change and the end of that term caused some emotional turmoil.

The connection of change and endings is not a surprise to me. I am openly able to admit that these concepts are two things that frazzle me, and many others. As a senior that is approaching graduation, I constantly witness my peers struggle with these concepts in the idea of what will happen after college. In knowing that these two concepts bother me, I can go forward prepared to deal with them because they are ultimately out of my control. They are a crucial part of life, inevitable aspects of our every being.

State of the Union

While President Obama spoke on a plethora of topics the other evening, one specific section stood out to me. For two different reasons, it was the section on education. First, I was drawn to how he spoke of improving our schools, the importance of a good teacher, and the significance of proper resources because I am currently studying to become a teacher. It was nice to hear that even our president values teachers, and is considered with their success and well-being. As I sit through class each day learning of the trials and tribulations of being a teacher, it was relieving to hear that our government is aware of those hardships, and looking to ease them or the betterment of our schools, the teachers, and most importantly, the students. I loved his thoughts on keeping children in school until they are eighteen, however, as much as I would love to see it come to be, I am not sure it will ever happen. Obama continued on as he spoke to higher education. He spoke to making it "imperative" and not a "luxury". As a college senior, I have seen, and continue to see, many of my peers struggle to pay for college. I wonder what their life would be like if their loans were not approved, or their parents did not get a full paycheck. I think of those students here at SHU, and at all colleges across the country, that drop out because they can't afford it, falling short of becoming the best person they are possible of being. A world where this did not exist is again, ideal, but hardly likely. I would love for these ideas to come to fruition, however, a serious shift in all aspects of our society would need to occur.

Regardless of an individuals opinion on President Obama, it is almost undebatable that he is an effective public speaker. As I listened to this address, I could not help but notice certain things he does that really ropes you in. I think this is relevant to this class because an effective public speaker is really an impressive writer of another kind. He convinces his listeners, and gets you on board with what he is saying almost prior to you even processing the words he is saying. This is a quality we may all wish to have in our writing. His individual stories that include his opening about the troops, and the struggle of his grandparents after World War II make him believable, and real to the audience. We see an insight to his life that make us convinced he is more of a human, and regular person, rather than an untouchable figure. He also strikes emotional chords at optimum times. In both the beginning and the end, he focuses on the troops, people that regardless of your opinion on the war, the majority of our country idolize. He speaks of their coming home, their death, and their success in capturing Osama Bin Ladin. These are issues that regardless of your political party and ideas, produce an emotional response. This tactic makes your heart feel for these people, thus subconsciously making the listener on board to support them. Often, without knowing, we find ourselves on board with everything the speaker stands for, all because of this part in a speech or writing.

Overall, I believe that Obama delivered crucial information, cutting-edge ideas, and emotional anecdotes all in an effective manor. His speech was both enlightening and motivating. In a country under so much distress, even while addressing those problems, he seemed to provide excitement, happiness, and a promise for a better tomorrow.

:)

I think is a beautiful quote partnered with a wonderful image. In a world where so many say "follow your heart" and others say "use your head", this combines the two perfectly. While I wish it was as easy as the image makes it seem, it is still a vital thought that I hold near and dear to my heart. I know it is important to follow your heart, and do what "feels" right, but the importance of bringing sanity, and logic to these situations is crucial as well.

Other Blogs

http://www.perezhilton.com/

This blog focuses on celebrity gossip and rumors with a humorous attitude. While I find it entertaining and comedic at times, it often holds nothing but criticism and opinions. It exploits the lives of many people in the spotlight, and often jumps to conclusions that are not true. Not all posts are harmful as it reports the death of Joe Paterno and the announcement of Beyonce and Jay-Z's baby, but sometimes it goes as far as to post a picture of famous super model, and comment on her weight gain of SO MUCH weight, which probably translates to five pounds. Regardless, millions read this blog every day to remain "up" on the latest news, and it may arguable be the most popular form of guilty pleasure amount young adults. This blog proves that while anything can, and will, be posted on the internet, there is nothing wrong with ready it for entertainment, taking it with a grain of salt, and forming your own opinions.

http://schoolpsychologistfiles.blogspot.com/

This blog addresses many popular trials and tribulations of being a school psychologist. Being that this is the field I wish to go into, I found it insightful, entertaining, and easy to use. It is extremely interactive using poles and surveys, and always makes a place for readers to add their point of view. There is a ton of help from other psychologists who contribute and feed off of each other. I think the best asset of this blog was a section for parents to express their feelings on how school psychologists should and currently do deal with their children. It allows for the professionals to see what is appreciated and what is not. I think this is a great blog because it appeals to many people, while still remaining on one common topic.

http://kidney-garden.blogspot.com/

This blog is that of a kindergarten teacher. It covers everything from great lesson plans, awesome books, troublesome students, and adorable stories. She also often posts things unrelated to teaching that may also grab the attention of teachers as well. Other teachers are able to communicate through this blog by posting their ideas, or by using others. She enhances the blog by using pictures and video to explain projects, and display her classroom set up.

Movie Response

I thought that the movie we watched in class was very interesting and revealed an aspect of the media that I am positive exists, but we rarely ever address it. It was enlightening to see Janine stand up for what she felt was right, and struggle with delivering news that may not have been completely true. Many times we see news casters or writings just regurgitate the information given to them, but I think that heart behind the matter, in either a positive or negative direction, in a crucial missing piece. We are so concerned with being politically correct, and remaining unbiased, that we lack the emotional and moral dignity that should back up our personal actions. This idea is relevant to our class because we are beginning a blog that people will read, and whether it is just the small amount of students in our class, or countless people who access social networking, our ideas are entering the minds of others. We have a responsibility, just like Janine did, to make sure those ideas are not only true, but also a testimony to how we feel, and what we believe. If we conceal what we believe to be true, we could miss out a breakthrough message.