Monthly Archives: February 2015

Passion

Fears Episode 13: Atychiphobia

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Atychiphobia is defined as the the abnormal, unwarranted, and persistent fear of failure. It is classified as a type of specific phobia, which means that it amounts to an irrational fear. Between 2 and 5 percent of the American population is affected by it. However, as is the case with many phobias, this represents the number of people who have an actual phobia of failure. Especially with Atychiphobia, we must once again note that the severity of a fear can range quite widely – and most often than not may not even be technically classified as a “fear”. For instance, it would be hard to come across an individual who liked the idea of failure, but still those affected by the phobia are much more rare. Possible signs and symptoms of Atychiphobia may include irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, nausea, overall feelings of dread, nervousness, stomach disorders, flushing of the face, perspiration, muscle tension, tremulousness, and faintness. An Atychiphobe could have an impaired willingness to attempt certain activities thus leading to a loss of self-confidence and motivation, and therefore even depression. Possible causes of Atychiphobia could include demeaning parents or family members, traumatic and/or embarrassing events that arise from minor failure early in life, or an individual experiencing a significant failure and being ill-equipped to effectively cope with it. In addition, some individuals who struggle with phobias have a genetic predisposition toward anxiety, exacerbating their Atychiphobia. Society also plays a role by being inherently competitive, and thus creating another climate where failure has large implications. Society also places much emphasis on perfection, causing an Atychiphobe to base themselves solely on this value. Possible treatments of Atychiphobia may include among others self-help, Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SRI), a combination of behavioral /cognitive and medicinal therapies, counseling, the development of healthier belief systems, or more serious and general methods such as hypnotherapy and systematic desensitization.

Fun Fact: Atyches, the root of Atychiphobia, is Greek for “unfortunate”.

 

 

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Civic Issues Blog

Gender/Sexuality/Rights 2 – Abortion – “Tennessee AG weighs in on how far abortion restrictions can go”

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On November 1st, Amendment 1 passed in Tennessee. This amendment paved the way for more abortion-related restrictions that any lawmaker has been able to enact in nearly 15 years. Voters even approved the addition of new language to the state constitution that would explicitly eliminate the right to an abortion.

Since November, legislators have not hesitated to introduce a plethora of bills furthering the regulation of abortions. But how far can those legislators go without betraying the U.S. Constitution? Tenessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery III has written a 5-page legal analysis detailing just that. Already, Republican State Representative Rick Womick said Tuesday that he is working on a bill that require abortion providers to perform ultrasounds, describe to a woman what is shown in the ultrasounds and turn up the volume so she can listen to the fetal heartbeat if one exists. However, his newer version will require abortion providers to offer the choice to a woman on whether she would opt to do so or not, an effort he hopes will survive a legal challenge. State Senator Mae Beavers, another Republican, has proposed a measure to reinstate a required medical counseling law previously struck down by the state’s Supreme Court. Senator Mark Green, also Republican, introduced a bill that would require medical and surgical abortion care to be performed in a “licensed ambulatory surgical treatment center.” Other representatives have voiced support behind a bill to require a 48-hour mandatory waiting period before any abortionary procedure.

But getting all of these new bills and proposals through congress will still not be easy. Even with the Tennessee Constitution more flexible than ever, Slatery has reminded the state that any new law has to meet standards established by the U.S. Supreme Court that it does not impose an “undue burden” on a woman seeking an abortion. Under this “undue burden” rule, proposals to impose physician-required counseling of women, two-day waiting periods, and many other requirements have been found unconstitutional. In addition, Slatery noted that different courts have reached different decisions using that analysis.

Those who support abortion rights in Tennessee find Slatery’s opinions “heartening”. Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee said, “The attorney general is saying ‘don’t rush to pass laws’ that duplicate what was on the books prior to the 2000 Tennessee Supreme Court decision”. That decision concluded that there was a fundamental right to abortion for women in the Tennessee Constitution, a right that Amendment 1 has since removed.

 

Passion

Fears Episode 12: Sciurophobia

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Sciurophobia is defined as the fear of squirrels. Although it is a less common phobia, it is more common than one would think, affecting over 250,000 Americans. However, especially in the case of this phobia, it should be noted that only the most severe forms of a fear of squirrels can be termed Sciurophobia, as many people may simply dislike them or prefer to avoid them. A few possible signs and symptoms of Sciurophobia may include an increase in heart rate, sweating palms, rapid breathing, and knots in the stomach. However, these symptoms can be present in varying degrees, and are not the only possibilities. The potential causes of Sciurophobia are where this fear’s traits become a bit hazy. This is due to the fact that although the fear has become widely known and discussed, and although it is still scientifically treated, research on it is still being conducted and there is still major research left to do. Although some scientists are claiming that some causes of Sciurophobia may be genetic, through years of evolution, there is no real evidence there are any historical or evolutionary bases behind this phobia. However some psychologists are discussing the possible effect of Sciurophobia becoming a social trend, as seen through viral videos and much posting throughout the internet. Of course, there is always the most feasible cause, which is psychological trauma linked to squirrels, possible due to an imprinting incident of some kind. Possible treatments for Sciurophobia may include Exposure Therapy, Self-Help, Talk Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, and some medicines.

Fun Fact: The species of squirrel that has become such a legend at Penn State is the Eastern Gray Squirrel.

 

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RCL Blogs

Response to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1963 Letter from a Birmingham Jail

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MLK begins reframing the discourse around his activities involving civil disobedience by setting up a discussion of laws, obeying them, and then eases in to various forms of civil disobedience. I think that he does a very good job of both providing background and then citing various examples.

I also admire the way he presents non-violence. He delves into plenty of detail. He is also a very eloquent writer (in addition to his speaking) and he makes it hard to argue with his points.

I think that it is very important that they are both addressing them as it clearly seems to be a common theme. If these tensions are not addressed, the essential unity both leaders are looking for would be at a major loss.

 

RCL Blogs

Response to Malcolm X’s 1964 Speech at the Founding Rally of the Organization of Afro-American Unity

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Malcolm’s rationale for the creation of this organization is to have unity in order to have progress. This unity should be both on a national and an international level. He specifies that it is more powerful, beneficial, and efficient to unite with people that look alike, and can thus better empathize with each other’s position.

In terms of the self-defense policy, I think that there is merit to the quote “Tactics based solely on morality can only succeed when you are dealing with people who are moral or a system that is moral”. I also find it interesting how this slightly contradicts with MLK’s non-violence ideals and the whole practice of the “turning the other cheek”.

Education is not just something he wants bettered and equalized for the children. Education itself provides awareness of the world and one’s condition in it. This awareness is especially important when addressing society’s situation and being able to understand and demand what is deserved.

Passion

Fears Episode 11: Acrophobia

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Acrophobia is defined as the extreme or irrational fear of heights. It is therefore defined as irrational. It is one of the most common phobias, affecting up to approximately 10% of the US population. The degree of fear varies and the term phobia is reserved for those at the extreme end of the spectrum. Many people also confuse Vertigo with the fear of heights, which is more accurately defined as a spinning sensation when one is not actually spinning. Although it can be triggered by Acrophobia, the terms should not be used interchangeably. Possible signs and symptoms of Acrophobia include a panic attack in high places, breathlessness, dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, dry mouth, feeling sick, shaking, heart palpitations, and the inability to speak or think clearly. Other side effects of Acrophobia may also include a fear of dying, becoming mad or losing control, a sensation of detachment from reality or even a full blown anxiety attack. Possible causes of Acrophobia may include a traumatic experience involving heights. However, the fear of falling is one of the most commonly suggested inborn fears. It has also been similarly theorized that the fear of heights is an evolved adaptation to a world where falls posed a significant danger.  Researchers have argued that fear of heights is an instinct found in many mammals, including domestic animals and humans. However, it should be noted that while an innate cautiousness around heights is helpful for survival, an extreme fear can interfere with the activities of everyday life, such as standing on a ladder or chair, or even walking up a flight of stairs. A more biologically-based cause is found in a person’s struggle with maintaining balance as height increases and the images sent to the brain cause dysfunction in equilibrium. Feasible treatments for Acrophobia include but are not limited to drugs such as traditional anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines, newer options such as antidepressants and beta-blockers, hypnosis, positive thinking, gradual desensitization, and even possible virtual reality.

Fun Fact: In the general population, twice as many women as men are affected by Acrophobia.

 

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Civic Issues Blog

Gender/Sexuality/Rights 1 – Gay Marriage – “No appeal on marriages ‘an early Valentine’s Day gift'”

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On March 22, 2014, more than 300 same-sex couples got married in Michigan. This was due to the March 21st striking down of a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriages by U.S. District Judge Bernard Friedman. However, on March 23rd, the decision Friedman had made was frozen by a U.S. appeals court.

The state of Michigan had initially refused to recognize the hundreds of marriages. The American Civil Liberties Union then challenged this refusal on behalf of eight of the couples. For almost a year, the ACLU tried to make clear the argument that the legality of the 323 marriages should not be affected as the state’s prohibition was not in effect on the day the weddings took place.

Finally, on January 15th, U.S. District Judge Mark Goldsmith ordered the state to recognize the 323 same-sex marriages that took place during the one-day window and gave the state until tomorrow, Friday, February 6th, to decide whether it would appeal. Governor Rick Snyder announced that the judge has determined that same-sex couples were legally married on that day, and that he and the state will follow the law and extend state marriage benefits to those couples.

However many are unhappy about this new development. They accuse Governor Snyder of neglecting his elected responsibility to the law and to the people of his state.  They claim that it is his job to defend the Michigan Marriage Amendment, which was decided on by 2.7 million Michigan voters in 2004. But officials predict that Governor Snyder will not appeal because it would be an unnecessarily divisive move.

Either way, the once-again legalized couples are in full celebration. The law had been upheld and state marriage benefits re-extended. Frank Colasonti Jr., 62, said that now his partner and him no longer have to worry about their marriage “sticking” or have to live “under a dark cloud of confusion and uncertainty”. He said that with both his and other couples’ vows and love being acknowledged and recognized, the governor has truly given them “an early Valentine’s Day gift”.