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To start, here is one of several entries from the Oxford English Dictionary, for NATURAL:
{dag}I. A natural condition or attribute.
1. In pl. The inborn mental or physical endowments of a person; natural gifts or powers of mind (or body). Occas. as pure naturals in same sense (cf. sense 3a). Freq. with possessive adjective. Obs.
2. Natural disposition, inclination, or character. Obs.
3. a. in one's (pure) naturals[after post-classical Latin in puris naturalibus]: in a purely natural condition, not altered or improved in any way; completely naked. Obs.
b. Natural form or condition. Obs.
4. A normal feature or attribute. Obs. rare{em} 1.
5. In pl. Normal bodily features or characteristics, as opposed to those which are subject to illness or disease. Freq. contrasted with NON-NATURAL adj. 1. Obs.
II. A person or thing having a natural, unaltered, or unrefined quality or attribute.
6. a. A natural thing or object; something having its basis in the natural world or in the usual course of nature. In modern use: a natural product, a product that has not been processed or manufactured.
b. The genitals. Also in pl. Cf. NATURAL PARTS n. Now rare (arch.).
7. A person having a low learning ability or intellectual capacity; a person born with impaired intelligence. Cf. NATURAL FOOL n. Now Irish English, arch., or hist.
8. {dag}a. A person whose moral or spiritual sense is either unawakened or uneducated, or is deduced only through human reason. Cf. NATURAL adj. 9. Obs.
{dag}b. A mistress. Obs.
c. orig. U.S. A person naturally endowed for (a role, etc.) or at (a skill, etc.); a person having natural gifts or talents; a thing naturally having qualities necessary for success, or making it particularly suitable for (a particular purpose).
9. the natural.
{dag}a. The real thing or person; real life. Obs.
b. That which belongs to the natural world or occurs in the ordinary course of things.
10. Music.
a. A note in a natural scale. Cf. NATURAL adj. 13.
b. The sign {natural}, applied to a note to signal the cancellation of its former sharpened or flattened value, and hence a return to its value in the natural scale.
c. Each of the keys on a keyboard instrument (now usually coloured white) which produces a note in a natural scale.
{dag}11. A style of wig made from human hair. Cf. natural wig n. at NATURAL adj. and adv. Special uses 2. Obs. rare{em} 1.
12. a. In any gambling game: a combination or score that immediately wins; esp. (in craps) a score of seven. Also (in extended use): a period of seven years' incarceration.
In quot. 1762, perh. referring to a particular card.
b. Cards. A hand in pontoon (blackjack) totalling 21 in the first deal of cards.
13. colloq. (orig. Eng. regional (south.)). = NATURAL LIFE n.; now usu. in in all my natural, for the rest of my natural.
14. The off-white or beige colour of unbleached and undyed fabric.
15. Archaeol. Undisturbed soil or rock, below the levels affected by human activity.
16. U.S. A black hairstyle in which the hair is not straightened or bleached; spec. an Afro.
17. On a cut diamond: a small area of the surface of the crystal left in its original condition; = NAÏF adj. 2.
18. Math. = natural number n. at NATURAL adj. and adv. Special uses 2. Chiefly in pl.
III. A person or thing of or from a designated region; a native.
19. a. A native of a place or country. Now rare (chiefly hist.).
{dag}b. A plant, animal, or product native to a particular country, region, etc. Obs. rare.
{dag}20. A native language. Obs. rare{em} 1.
{dag}IV. A person having an interest in nature.
21. a. A naturalist. Obs.
b. A nature poet. Obs. rare.
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ReplyDelete2/27/10, "Reasonable Faith" (by William Lane Craig): "The deliverances of the physical sciences alone are taken as authoritative guides to our understanding of the world, and the confident assumption is that the picture of the world which emerges from the genuine sciences is a thoroughly naturalistic picture."
ReplyDeleteIntroduction: Page 16 of book.
Analysis: This is a comparison between a view of the world from a spiritual - there is a God - sense and a completely atheistic standpoint. It is questioned earlier on if reason and religion are at odds with each other, and the standpoint taken at the time is that they are. What is being suggested is that science defines the natural world, it is what we are comfortable with, it is what we live in after-all. This quote is interesting because it comes from an academic/science view that is somewhat contrary to the Ethnic Studies route of thinking about what is "natural."
"What Odor?" Commerical w/ Billy Mays: "The secret is the non-toxic, all-natural formulation of 41 essential oils that eliminates the worst odors."
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn0i93IeSIo
Analysis: In this commercial, product spokesman Billy Mays is endorsing a spray that neutralizes foul odors. It is marketed toward consumers who are environmentally conscious. Mays does an excellent job of choosing keywords which emphasize the product's intent of both eliminating stench and not making an adverse environmental impact. The word "all-natural" connotes ideas of familiarity, trust, and environmentalism. Grouped with other words such as "non-toxic", "formulation" and "essential oils", it can make the consumer believe that this product has been scientifically proven to be safe and friendly for everyone.
"Battle to remain abnormally lean touchy subject in ski jumping" -Phil Taylor, Sports Illustrated: "It's a familiar story -- we look at the athletes' bodies and they seem unusual somehow. We think about what lengths they might have gone to in order to achieve such an abnormal build. Whatever it is they did, we wonder: Is it natural? Is it healthy?"
ReplyDeletehttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/olympics/2010/writers/phil_taylor/02/16/skinny.ski.jumpers/index.html?xid=cnnbin&hpt=Sbin
Analysis: In this article, the writer takes an in-depth look into the athletes of ski jumping. The athletes in this particular sport choose to be lean and underweight in order to maximize the distance of their jumps. The writer questions the health implications of the athletes choosing to restrict their caloric intake and asks: "Is it natural? Is it healthy?" In this context, "natural" is used in place of average, healthy, and socially acceptable. Most professional athletes adhere to a strict diet and rigorous training to be in optimum shape. It is a lifestyle that many would not be able to follow. Is it strange that athletes would choose to be underweight or overweight in order to excel in their sport? The general public would think it is.
"Human Nature" Performed by Michael Jackson. Written by Steve Porcaro and John Bettis. Produced by Quincy Jones.
ReplyDeleteExcerpt:
(Chorus)
If they say -
Why, why, tell 'em that is human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
If they say -
Why, why, tell 'em that is human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
Complete lyrics <a href="http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Human-Nature-lyrics-Michael-Jackson/2279B841A33347254825688E00369FB2>here</a>.
Analysis:
In this context, nature - specifically, human nature - is used as a euphemism, explanation, and even excuse for sexual desire. Take note of verse 3:
"Reaching out
To touch a stranger
Electric eyes are everywhere
See that girl
She knows I'm watching
She likes the way I stare"
The song makes no allusion to romance; rather, it couples 'human nature' with the act of "touching", "staring", "reaching", and tasting ("If this town/Is just an apple/Then let me take a bite").
The chorus suggests that one's acts may be subject to question by an ambiguous "they" ("If they say/Why, why- "). This suggests that the action or emotion described in the lyrics may scrutinized as taboo or unexplored by the general public. The answer which the lyrics suggests to feed to the ambiguous questioner is "tell 'em that is human nature". This answer is assumed to suffice, as though to paradoxically explain that human nature cannot be explained.
"Human Nature" was released in 1983, during a time in which contemporary rhythm & blues emerged as a genre (Gazzah, Miriam (2008), Rhythms and Rhymes of Life: music and Identification Processes of Dutch-Moroccan Youth, Amsterdam University Press, pp. 98, ISBN 9789089640628). About.com guide Bill Lamb describes "Human Nature" as a song which "set down a blueprint for what would become known as adult r&b" (http://top40.about.com/od/albums/fr/mjacksonthril25.htm).
Some critics categorize r&b and specifically African American music (The new blue music: changes in rhythm & blues, 1950-1999, p.172"). Many authors today analyze and critique the assumptive and degrading links made between r&b, sexual desire, black artists and, consequently, African Americans (Ward, Brian. "Just My Soul Responding: Rhythm and Blues, Black Consciousness, and Race Relations". University of California Press: 1998. p. 14 (http://books.google.com/books?id=ibrrPmSpLTAC&lpg=PR9&ots=8fViXNFVFP&dq=rhythm%20and%20blues%20sexually%20suggestive&lr=&pg=PR9#v=onepage&q=&f=false).
"[C]ivil rights are grounded in natural rights. Natural rights are grounded in human nature, human nature is a rational substance in relationship - the intelligible end of the reproductive act is reproduction." -- Ryan Sorba, at CPAC (Source: News Blaze. 22 Feb 2010. http://newsblaze.com/story/20100222112135j112.nb/topstory.html and )
ReplyDeleteRyan Sorba spoke at CPAC, and ended up going "off script at CPAC and denounced the organizers for allowing a gay Republican group, GOPride (sic), into the conference" (Talking Points Memo. 23 Feb 2010. http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2010/02/natural_outlaw.php)
Other links:
Post-conversation between Ryan Sorba and openly gay conservative Alex Knepper - http://race42008.com/2010/02/20/my-fight-with-ryan-sorba-the-kid-who-denounced-goproud/
CPAC - The American Conservative Union. Described on their website as "America’s Oldest and Largest Grassroots Conservative Organization" (http://www.cpac.org/)
GOProud - (From Website) "GOProud is committed to a traditional conservative agenda that emphasizes limited government, individual liberty, free markets and a confident foreign policy." (http://goproud.org/)
Analysis:
Here again, we find the use of the concept of human nature ambiguously defined as having to do with the sole purpose of reproduction. This action of defining is used as a part of Sorba's political agenda (i.e., eliminating gay rights). Sorba alienates gays from the human race in his proclamation of reproduction as natural and, consequently, sexual acts that do not lead to reproduction as ‘unnatural’.
Sorba also couples civil rights with natural rights. The mention of natural rights is reminiscent of such ideas as Manifest Destiny and biblical calls to spread to Christianity. Under such ideologies, acts of tyranny were excused and justified as good, purposeful, divine, and thus, natural. Even when others attempt to argue with Sorba over his idea of what is natural by pointing out discrepancies in the animal kingdom and in many humans (including Sorba himself), Sorba, Sorba does not acknowledge why some creatures on earth may exist/partake in ‘unnatural’ manners and behaviors. The fact that not all living things are accounted for in his definition of what is natural should be a red flag of hypocrisy and paradox to Sorba. Instead, he makes illogical and unreasonable explanations, blinding himself to the incongruencies in his logic.
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ReplyDeleteLeonard, Christopher. “Monsanto Stomps Down Budding Seed Competitors.” USA Today 14
ReplyDeleteDec. 2009. 7 Mar. 2010 < http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2009-12-14-monsanto-practices_N.htm>
Analysis: The genetic monopolization of the natural bounty by Monsanto Company, the world’s largest seed developer, is perpetuated by its aggressive business practices which restrict competitors from participating in the multibillion-dollar market for genetically altered crops: “With Monsanto’s patented genes being inserted into roughly 95 percent of all soybeans and 80 percent of all corn grown in the U.S., the company also is using its wide reach to control the ability of new biotech firms to get wide distribution for their products, according to a review of several Monsanto licensing agreements and dozens of interviews with seed industry participants, agriculture and legal experts.” In addition, this online article discusses how Monsanto has complete domination on how their product is to be utilized by smaller companies (who appear to have been coerced into utilizing Monsanto products in order to avoid financial ruin), thus the violation of U.S. antitrust laws on behalf of Monsanto are under investigation.
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ReplyDeleteColvin, Geoffrey. “What it takes to be great: Research now shows that the lack of natural talent
ReplyDeleteis irrelevant to great success. The Secret? Painful and demanding practice and hard work.” Fortune 19 Oct. 2006. 7 Mar. 2010
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2006/10/30/8391794/index.htm
Analysis: This online article asserts that natural talent is a myth and that success basically boils down to personal motivation. Noel Tichy, a University of Michigan business school professor who’s worked with managers for over 30 years, states that “some people are much more motivated than others, and that’s the existential question I cannot answer – why.” Winston Churchill, Vladimir Horowitz, Michael Jordan, John D. Rockefeller, and Bill Gates are some of the “great” individuals who have debunked the myth-of-talent hypothesis through their shared commonality of deliberate practice, an explicit and time consuming activity of practice which pushes an individual outside his or her comfort zone towards a higher level of competence, feedback, and repetition.
Elliot, Valerie. “Organic food has no health benefits, study finds.” Times Online 29 July. 2009. 7 Mar. 2010
ReplyDeletehttp://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/real_food/article6731910.ece
Analysis: Online article on how scientific investigation over a span of 50 years has yielded information which states that the nutritional values of organic food and non-organic food have no significant variations whatsoever. According to Dr. Alan Dangour, a public health nutritionist, organic foods contain more phosphorus and acid: “Phosphorus is an important mineral but it is available in everything we eat and is not important for public health. Acidity is also higher in organic produce but acidity is about taste and sensory perception and makes no difference at all for health.”
Reed, Jennifer Booth. “‘Do not resuscitate’ vs. ‘allow natural death’.” USA Today 2 Mar. 2009.
ReplyDelete10 Mar. 2010.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-03-02-DNR-natural-death_N.htm
This online article observes how words affect end-of-life decisions for families whose loved ones are on life support. ‘Do not resuscitate’ are words with a negative connotation. When surviving family members are asked to sign a DNR request, “they believe they are giving up, condemning a loved one to death.” On the other hand, the utilization of ‘allow natural death’ has a more humane tone to it, and it opens up a discourse about death without guilt or shame. Furthermore, it allows surviving family members to locate specific end-of-life decisions for their terminal family member. According to Frank Chessa, director of clinical ethics at Maine Medical Center, none of the above terminology should be utilized by hospitals; rather, “explaining patients’ options with specific examples of potential life-prolonging therapies” and “lengthy, specific end-of-life order sets to decide on everything from CPR to dialysis to intubation to blood transfusions.”
"'We like to think that the migration path between Wii households and PlayStation households is a natural path,' said Peter Dille, Sony's senior vice president for marketing and PlayStation."
ReplyDeleteTerdiman, Daniel. "Sony unveils Move, its PS3 motion controller" CNN.com, 11 March 2010. http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/03/11/cnet.sony.move/index.html?hpt=Mid
Analysis: Sony has recently unveiled a new peripheral device for their Playstation 3 console device. Sony hopes to increase sales of their products through this new device. In this quote, the Sony vice president of marketing uses "natural" to create an association between the Nintendo Wii console, which is currently the most popular gaming console, and the Playstation 3, the gaming console with the least sales. Sony hopes to draw comparisons between the two consoles as they have motion-sensing technology and lure Wii owners to purchase their console with their similar gimmick.
"One hundred years later, evolution continues for Smithsonian's Natural History museum" (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/08/AR2010030804014.html)
ReplyDeleteSmithsonian National Museum of Natural History: http://www.mnh.si.edu/
"About Us": http://www.mnh.si.edu/about.html
"The Museum is dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world through its unparalleled research, collections, exhibitions, and education outreach programs... Whether looking at the history and cultures of Africa, describing our earliest Mammalian ancestor or primate diversity around the world, examining ancient life forms including the ever popular dinosaurs, or exploring the beauty of rare gemstones such as uniquely colored diamonds, the Museum’s temporary and permanent exhibitions serve to educate, enlighten and entertain millions of visitors each year."
Analysis: It's interesting to think that our Keywords project is to problematize the word "natural (and/or organic..)", yet here is the word natural alongside the word "history", another keyword/site for contestation.
The museum boasts its exhibits on the "cultures and history of Africa" alongside mentioning “our earliest Mammalian ancestor and primate diversity”. To be honest, I’ve never been to the Natural History Museum, so I do not know how they chose to portray the history and cultures of Africa. Do present the period of time when Africa was colonized? Do they include a history about slave trade? Do they present these occurrences in history as “naturally occurring”?
Secondly, considering the other exhibits housed in the museum, it seems that unless other histories and cultures of peoples are also presented (with accuracy and dignity, of course), the choice to display the “history and culture” of Africa perpetuates the exoticization of the African culture and even the hint of primitiveness of their culture. To place man/woman in this museum called Natural History at all is to assume that humankind’s history is in fact natural (as opposed to socially constructed, manipulated, or chosen). The Smithsonian also previously had an exhibit in which visitors could learn about the diversity of Indigenous communities throughout Mexico.
In any case, this museum seems to choose exhibits about animals, gems, and mammalian ancestry to represent what is “natural history”. Perhaps, in this case, “natural” is to mark a contrast from what is held in the eighteen other Smithsonian museums (http://www.si.edu/Museums/). Considering that the Smithsonian includes a zoo, though, perhaps “natural” in “natural history” refers to what has gone extinct (is this why they include an exhibit about history and cultures of Africa?) and has changed over time (again, because I have not seen any of these exhibits, I do not know where they present changes to species and people as “naturally occurring”). (Side note: notice that in addition to an exhibit about African culture and history, there is also a Smithsonian African Art museum and an African American history and culture museum).
Natural hair: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qppnX71oSlE)
ReplyDeleteThis is a webpage under the “Style” (i.e., hairstyles) from the website AfroHair.com. (http://www.afrohair.com/styles/natural/#links)
Analysis:
The commercial for this hair care product reminds the viewer “there is no such thing as bad hair, just bad hair care.” I’m unsure of whether the image that this product promotes is that Black hair is naturally beautiful, or that Black hair has the potential of being “naturally beautiful” in the sense of straight, thick, and shiny.
The commercial probably intends the former, as apparent by the options for hair styles found on their webpage. Judging by the various braids and non-chemical ways of styling the hair, “natural” then implies chemical free and/or maintaining the dignity of Black hair rather than changing one’s hair to look like that of another race’s.
On the other hand, these two advertisements were on their webpage when I first visited the site: (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/K2IQxWLX8M0YYkU0bpjdCw?feat=directlink)
Regardless of what the advertisers meant when they used the word “natural”, the juxtaposition of “natural” Black hair with an invitation to “naturally” alter one’s hair convolutes the meaning of natural hair.
n alternative ideology are disposable products made from natural sources. The Natural Year Phone is made of hay, sans screen and soft keys.(http://www.yankodesign.com/2008/12/08/now-thats-a-grassy-phone/)
ReplyDeleteAnalysis:
In this case, "natural" seems to refer to nature (more specifically, plants, animate objects, biodegradable objects, not human made...)
This keywords project is making it difficult for me to say anything without using words like "organic", "alive", "grows", etc. Those are the words that I wanted to use to describe this form of "natural", but I figured that using such words would pose more questions rather than answer any.
"This website explores our changing notion of nature. How nature™ has become one of the most successful products of our time, yet much of what we perceive as nature is actually a simulation: a romanticized idea of a balanced, harmonic, inherently good and threatened entity. " (http://www.nextnature.net/about/)
ReplyDeleteAnother webpage of theirs: http://www.nextnature.net/2008/12/i-want-my-organic-coke/
Analysis: This website is a gold mine. I don't want to say anything about it except for "Go visit it now!" because I don't want to shortchange the creators of the website for the work that they've already done as far as analyzing what is "natural".
"From the Cape Cod seashore in Massachusetts to the untamed wilds of Alaska, Mr. Udall left a monumental legacy as a guardian of America's natural beauty." Schudel, Matt. "Stewart L. Udall, 90, interior secretary was guardian of America's wild places," Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2010/03/20/ST2010032003530.html?sid=ST2010032003530
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: This article highlights the political and environmental impacts of former Interior secretary Stewart Udall. Udall was focused on spreading conservation through his policies. The term "natural beauty" is used to highlight the magnificence of nature and the importance in protecting it from human construction. The term can also connote the idea that beauty can be an inherent trait rather than a social standard.
"Latest 'Pirates' Movie Looking For Natural Women," Popeater.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.popeater.com/2010/03/22/latest-pirates-movie-looking-for-natural-women/
Analysis: Disney is currently looking for actresses for their next installment of the "Pirate of the Carribean" franchise. The article lists the physical description of the desired actress along with the requirement that the woman have "real breasts". The term "natural" in the headliner refers to women who have not had breast augmentation performed. Natural contrasts the elective artificial implants that many women opt to have in order to appear more attractive or boost confidence. Disney is selective in their choice of actress because they have a definition of beauty which they wish to portray in their movies.
"Naturalistic: When used with reference to the arts in gerenal, a term referring to a mode of representation that is detailed, detached, and objective. When applied to literature... refers to a literary movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century... "realistic" fiction." ~definition from Marisol's book
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: Though the word is not strictly "natural," the definition of "naturalistic" opens the corridor of thought towards our own keyword. We see it as representative of something that is separate from the common identity (detached) and carrying its own strict regulations.
"Organicists commonly use the analogy of a plant growing from a seed to explain how the form of an organic work develops from a seminal insight into a subject. By contrast, mechanic form is shaped externally by rules and conventions, rather than developing out of the subject's essence. Organic works are in a sense inseparable from authors and their choices of subjects." ~definition of Organic Form from Marisol's book
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: Organic is placed in contrast to the word mechanic in this definition, and instead of following rules and guidelines to research and development, the organic is connected to the writing of the author and the response of the subjects.
"According to the concept of naturalization, what is 'natural' in any given society - what is accepted as self-evidently and transcendentally 'true' - is actually historically constructed. 'Natural' knowledge has been naturalized: that is, made to seem natural by means of IDEOLOGY. The process of naturalization is thus contingent upon sociopolitical systems." ~ another definition from another of Marisol's books (sorry)
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: Just from this definition, it's difficult to define what IS natural because natural has already been historically defined for us. So, in order to discover the "true" natural we would have to trace back through history the many paths "natural" has taken and decide for ourselves what really is of the norm. It's hard to differentiate what is natural from a historical aspect and natural that is natural - in essence, what is natural for us has already been defined by how the world is shaped around us, and it's near impossible to impossible to ever split the two identities (it'll never be fully possible to find a true natural).
"Organicism is an IDEALIST theory of texts which holds that a work is like a living organism in that it is autonomous, self-contained, and complexly organized around interdependent parts, none of which is greater than the whole. The work grows from its conception in the artistic imagination, obeying intrinsic laws and deriving its form from its own nature." ~ definition from Marisol's book
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: Very similar to the post of "Organic Form" made above; however, this one more details the literary Organicism. Like the above post, it really is described as growth from a seed - no two plants are alike. It may start out similar (writing has certain caricatures), but then following it's own God given plan, it grows out in whatever direction is desires at the whim of the author. This is a reflection of a natural that is both defined by historicity and by self. It is natural to follow the guidelines set forth by scholars throughout the ages, but it is our own choice as to how it is developed; and Organicism takes it to another level - the artists own decision, adding the artistic element to the writing - "deriving its form from its own nature."
A picture from googling "Natural." It's a cell-phone that is bio-degradable.
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: The juxtaposition of natural and technology is evident in this photograph. In this day-and-age we see technology has counter to "nature" and the natural. Yes, "nature" is commonly synonymous to "natural" and we can note that humans beings are counter-nature (thus, we are a bit unnatural). But here, this cell-phone is degrading (for some reason or another), and when it's broken, well, it can be returned to the earth unlike the cell-phone we all have in our pockets which are made of hard plastic.
I think it is of interest that humans can be termed as unnatural. We are one of the few species that are out to ruin the planet, deplete her resources, and crush the natural pattern. It is "natural" for all species to "survive," but human beings have taken that out of the natural level.
Mr. Natural (comics): a comic strip depicting a guru like man who spouts "nonsense" about a materialistic world that needs to change its behavior. The following comic strip depicts his battle with a "god" or the modern world.
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: Again we have a man representing nature (the natural, the earth), who is at odds with a well-dressed kid (modern society). Nature does everything within its power to rid of this unnatural being, but it's impossible. The last box of the cartoon, Mr. Nature is stampeded into the earth by a mob carrying signs of Modern Society.
This is very reflective on the ethnic studies view upon the word "natural." As it is defined, it is defined through history and the slow (or not) change of society, and how that is impressed on the individual. As time moves on, the unnatural (modern society) becomes the natural, and the old natural (living in peace with the earth) is stamped out.
Physics - Latin Physica: Natural Science
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: From a science-y perspective, physics is the most basic science (also very complicated), but in its essence it is the study of how the earth is, why we are how we are: at the basic level - motion, collision of particles, actions and reactions. Not counting all the formula and the derivations, physics is the very essence of natural - natural without history molding us, natural without ideas and guidelines affecting us. But it's also important to remember that this sort of "natural" is not natural to the human condition. Humans were created with consciousness and a will to be different; so, though physics governs us and holds us to the ground (gravity), there are certain aspects to life that we have free reign over.
(the above was from webster's definition of physics)
ReplyDelete"I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness." Romans 6:19 (NIV)
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: This is the depiction from the Bible on the inevitable destruction of mankind for their choice of sin (relationship separate from God), which is due to free-will and man's pride. So, the natural is described as disobeying God. In some sense, it could be seen that God desires us to be unnatural in order to follow His will; however, it is important to remember that the original "natural" was created in His likeness (Genesis, creation), but after the fruit (Knowledge of Good and Evil), human spirit/pride became the norm, and our desire to be free of any controlling element depicts our lives.
What we now consider natural is not submission, but rather freedom from all regulations - moral, authority - to follow our own desires.
In conversation with a friend about "naturally resolving issues" we talked about how she termed "natural" as letting things move along as "fate" dictated, and so i stated that the "unnatural" would be to influence it. The end result came to us declaring that the "natural" is not natural because it is the decision to do nothing, and the "unnatural" perhaps not so natural since it is a decision on its own.
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: this conversation was particularly intriguing because it covered some topics of being able to accomplish things, and being able to do things for oneself. The term natural seen here is one assumed to be untouched - like how many view the "natural" world: pristine, before human corruption. However, it is clear (was clear) to me that not deciding, and choosing not to do anything was not natural, choosing to live life in a follow the way of the river manner is essentially unnatural. "Only dead fish float downstream" characterizes a lifestyle in that way. The natural solution is to strive, succeed, and conquer (that is human nature). Perhaps, at times it is natural to stand by, but never to stand idly by.
"The Gibson Girl personified the new 'natural woman' who am into vogue at the turn of the century." Fraser, Laura. Losing It: America's Obsession with Weight and the Industry That Feeds on It, 28.
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: The quote is taken from a book looking back on America's focus on thinness and society's idea of the ideal woman physique. The Gibson Girl is the manifestation of a more active woman with a thinner physique than the traditional voluptuous Victorian woman. Over time, America has progressed to accept women with incredibly thin physiques as the social desire. The quote above is the first transition from the Victorian woman to the Gibson Girl as the "natural woman" that every woman should strive to be.
"Nobody likes to hear the alarm clock ring in the morning, and if you’d rather be woken up in a more natural way, you’d want to check out the updated version of the Verilux Rise & Shine Natural Sleep System... [It] increases the sound gradually, while also increasing the brightness [of the lamp], obviously an effort to help you wake up..." Source: http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2010/04/verilux_rise_and_shine_natural_sleep_system.html
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: This ad implies that to wake up abruptly by an alarm is an unnatural way to wake up and that to wake up gradually (by something increasing in volume and a light becoming increasingly brighter). Perhaps this ad is implying that a more natural way to wake up is when you don't have to set an alarm and you instead wake up by the rising sun and the sounds of outside as the day begins. I thought that this clock was an interesting contrast to the natural simulation sounds (http://www.naturestapestry.com/soundmachines.html) that my ex-roommate used to use when falling asleep. In both cases, attempt to simulate non-human-made sounds and events with human-made products.
"Fungus Fascination: Photographer inspired by unexpected natural beauty" source: http://www.thedailynewsonline.com/articles/2010/04/01/entertainment/6624985.txt
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: In this case, 'natural' seems to imply non-human-made, undisturbed/not manipulated, not decorated, not enhanced, and not posed.
"Eclipse' director Conor McPherson is a natural at the supernatural" source: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/31/1556906/eclipse-director-conor-mcpherson.html#ixzz0jshbLEec
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: The writer implied that someone who is a "natural" at something is someone who is talented in that field. As for "supernatural": "'I wanted it to be supernatural,' said McPherson... 'But I wanted it to be something I hadn't seen before, and the ghost of someone who still is alive is something I hadn't seen.'" I find it interesting that the term supernatural has such a prefix when the speaker may also mean 'unnatural' (with the implication that 'natural' is something ordinary, expected, or usual).
"Choose natural foods -- ones with ingredient lists you can understand… or better yet, eat whole foods and snacks like organic raisins, raw nuts, and fresh fruit, with no ingredient list at all."
ReplyDeletesource: Treacherous Trans Fats - The World’s Unhealthiest Food, By: Beth Greer, Super Natural Mom (http://www.healthywealthynwise.com/article.aspx?author=Beth%20Greer,%20Super%20Natural%20Mom&title=Treacherous%20Trans%20Fats%20-%20The%20World%E2%80%99s%20Unhealthiest%20Food&Article=5898)
Analysis: The writer seems to imply that 'natural' foods contain ingredients that are considered to be common and everyday, perhaps such as "milk", "nuts", "oats", or other items that we find on food labels. The contrast might be ingredients such as "xanthum gum" and "sodium phosphate". She implies that if we know the ingredient, it is probably natural, and it is probably healthy for us. The writer also implies that organic foods have no ingredient list at all... this claim implies that she is under the impression that organic foods come straight from the farm and were not processed or treated in any way.
Lastly, her title of "Super Natural Mom", in contrast to "supernatural", is understood to mean all-natural, rather than than unnatural.
"I envision a world in the near future where people won't ask "is it organic?" but say, "of course, it's organic!" source: source; http://www.johnpatrickorganic.com/#/about/
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: Here we find that 'organic' continues to hold a positive connotation for an item. After some research about why Patrick considers his clothing 'organic', it seems that he uses recycled materials (http://www.ecouterre.com/12138/john-patrick-organic-fall-winter-2010/john-patrick-organic-fall-winter-2010-4/?extend=1), organic cotton (http://www.ecouterre.com/12138/john-patrick-organic-fall-winter-2010/john-patrick-organic-fall-winter-2010-11/?extend=1), and Harris tweed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harris_Tweed). I'm not sure if this was intentional, but as a bonus, his clothing line seems to only include earthy tones (blues, browns, muted tones...) and vintage, i.e., recycled styles. Maybe I'm looking into it too much.
Organic electronics - "It is called 'organic' electronics because the polymers and small molecules are carbon-based, like the molecules of living things." source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_electronics
ReplyDelete(organic chemistry - source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_chemistry)
Analysis: I don't think that there's much to analyze, except that this article defines organic as "carbon-based" and related to living things (though not exclusively living). I would argue that 'organic', in this case, has a positive connotation once again: "Conductive polymers are lighter, more flexible, and less expensive than inorganic conductors. This makes them a desirable alternative in many applications. It also creates the possibility of new applications that would be impossible using copper or silicon."
Silverleib, Alan. "Ancient skeletal remains shed new light on evolution", CNN.com. http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/science/04/08/hominid.discovery.skeleton/index.html?hpt=C2
ReplyDelete""Australopithecus" means "southern ape," the researchers noted. "Sediba" refers to a "natural spring" or "fountain" in Sotho, a local language in South Africa."
Analysis: This article tells of a recent discovery in South Africa of skeletal remains from an extinct species that predates modern humans. The skeletons may provide clues to the evolution of humans. The skeletons have been named "Australopithecus sediba." As revealed in the quote, "sebida" means "natural spring" or "fountain." The remains may have been named as such because the remains were washed into an underground pool. Using the term "sebida" to name fossil remains gives the connotation of significance and scientifically proven. Evolution seems natural and undeniable to many.
Baffour, Fritswa. "Leela James: Strength of Mind", Singersroom.com. http://www.singersroom.com/interview/artist-v-210.asp
ReplyDelete"Embracing your natural talent is the first step you have to take in order to become a professional."
Analysis: The following quote is the opening sentence to an interview conducted with singer Leela James. The term "natural talent" has been associated with many professionals excelling in their respective fields, including music and sports. It would seem that many of these individuals were born with this amazing gift that was endowed upon them since birth. This may bring the argument of nature vs nurture, but many assume that certain individuals have unique abilities that are just simply given.
"Jessica Simpson: 'I don't have anything to prove'" The Marquee Blog, CNN.com. http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/08/jessica-simpson-i-dont-have-anything-to-prove/
ReplyDelete"What do you think of Simpson’s natural look?"
Analysis: Jessica Simpson has recently done a photoshoot for Marie Claire magazine in which she claims to have no makeup and no photo edit. This greatly contrasts typical fashion magazine pictures of celebrities and models as they are depicted to be flawless. The blog entry asks the readers of their opinion of Jessica Simpson's "natural look." Social norms make it unacceptable for famous figures, or anyone, to appear au naturale. People must adhere to a certain appearance to be presentable.
"Ryan Perry fills in and looks natural in closer role"
ReplyDeleteFrom The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100410/SPORTS0104/4100395/1129/SPORTS0104/Ryan-Perry-fills-in-and-looks-natural-in-closer-role#ixzz0kkDqRzOZ
Analysis: The article details the impressive performance of Detroit Tiger Ryan Perry as the closing pitcher. The headline reads that Perry looks "natural" in his closer role. Normally a relief pitcher, Perry filled in as the closer as the normal closers were in a need of rest. The writer uses "natural" because Perry played a role he does not normally do and exceeded expectations. His performance may lead him to become a closer in the future, but for the present, he is receiving his accolades for his 4-2 save against the Cleveland Indians.
Dreher, Christopher. “What Kevin Trudeau doesn’t want you to know: The author of the
ReplyDeletebestselling “Natural Cures ‘They’ Don’t Want You to Know About” claims to be a
consumer advocate in the Ralph Nader mold. But the infomercial king just wants your
cash.” Salon 29 Jul. 2005. 9 Apr. 2010.
http://dir.salon.com/books/feature/2005/07/29/trudeau/
Analysis: Online article about a bestselling book which conceptualizes the word “natural” as some sort of a health industry secret that is being denied to the public for profit sustainability. Statements found within, such as “The sun does not cause cancer. Sun block has been shown to cause cancer” or “All over-the-counter nonprescription drugs and prescription drugs CAUSE illness and disease” are problematic ones to say the least! Thus a natural cure works on two levels: a physical disconnect from science-based remedies and an overarching psychological acceptance that these remedies are poisonous.
Stark, Lisa. “7-Up Ad Claims Soda is ‘100 Percent Natural’: Group Threatens to Sue Beverage Maker for Using the Healthy Title.” ABC News 11 May 2006. 9 Apr. 2010.
ReplyDeletehttp://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=1951838
Analysis: According to Cadbury Schwepps, the maker of 7-Up, their product is “natural” because it is sweetened with sugar made from corn (high fructose corn syrup). According to Daniel Fabricant of the National Nutritional Foods Association, “‘Natural’ as it stands, is not currently defined by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), so there is some issue there.” Thus a homogeneous application of the “natural” label on foods and such does not necessarily mean that those products are indeed nutritious.
“Arsenic poisoning: Arsenic is known best as a deadly poison, although in small doses it does have medical benefits. BBC News Online looks at the workings of the chemical infamous for its deadly effects.” BBC News 27 Sep. 1999. 9 Apr. 2010.
ReplyDeletehttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/medical_notes/459078.stm
Analysis: Arsenic is an odorless, flavorless semi-metallic naturally-occurring chemical that is oftentimes discharged from rocks into underground water supplies. Nonetheless this online article states that arsenic “is all around us in the environment and we are all exposed to small doses on a regular basis.” The positive connotation of “naturally-occurring” processes, without any artificial aid, is challenged. Not everything that originates from nature is good (for humans).
Nandi, Jayashree. “Jumpers succumbed to a natural impulse.” indiatimes 23 Feb. 2010.
ReplyDelete9 Apr. 2010.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/-Jumpers-succumbed-to-a-natural-impulse/articleshow/5609178.cms
Analysis: This is an online article about several individuals who opted to jump off a burning building. Psychologists call this “natural impulse” the ‘fight or flight response.’ I think that this kind of binary (either/or) explanation, regarding the actions of individuals embedded inside disastrous situations, constructs a narrative in which survivors become heroes and the dead become cowards. Forensic and clinical analyses regarding the mindset of individuals trapped in stressful situations somewhat strips away the actual experiences of said individuals. Stating that someone died due to his or her “natural impulse” has a tendency to oversimplify the chain of events which led up to that person’s death.
Carey, Dachary. “What Is the Facebook FarmVille Game?” Life 123 2010. 9 Apr. 2010.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.life123.com/technology/online-games/farmville/farmville-game-2.shtml
Analysis: This is a pro-FarmVille online article which briefly explains what it is, how it works, and its objective. The author states that FarmVille improves relationships between friends: “When you make your Facebook friends neighbors […], you can help out on their farm and make money. You can also send one another gifts, which can be quite costly if you buy them, but are free when you receive them from a friend. This encourages you to connect with friends on Farmville and also to grow the game organically by inviting non-players to participate.”
The clicking of a mouse and typing on a keypad or keyboard is vastly different from harvesting an actual farm (or a garden for that matter). A computer application is no substitution for living organisms, regardless of how “organically” a player “grows the game.” A technological disembodiment of identity occurs when the lived experience is replaced by a virtual existence.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAllen, John. “Natural attrition: The ‘organic’ way to downsize a company.” Houston Business
ReplyDeleteJournal 13 Feb. 2009. 9 Apr. 2009.
http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2009/02/16/smallb4.html
Analysis: The author of this online article argues that companies should favor the gradual reduction in the number of employees by “natural” means instead of outright layoffs: “Over the course of a year, some of your employees will accept new jobs, leave for family reasons, move out of state or decide to retire. In fact, U.S. companies lose an average of 23 percent of their work force annually due to voluntary turnover.” Henceforth retaining, retraining, recognizing and rewarding valuable employees is pivotal in effective “organic” downsizing.
“Natural” and “organic” are being viewed through the lens of the upper echelon as a benefit for them, but not necessarily for their lower level employees who share the brunt of the downsizing effects.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNatural born citizen and U.S. President eligibility
ReplyDeleteSection 1 of Article Two of the United States Constitution sets forth the eligibility requirements for serving as President of the United States:
“No person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty-five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.”
The grandfather provision of the "natural born Citizen" clause provides an exception to the "natural born" requirement for those persons who were citizens at the time of the adoption of the Constitution. The term Natural Born Citizen had been used as early as 1777 in a letter from Thomas Jefferson[1], in his role as correspondent for a committee of the Continental Congress, to American ambassadors in Europe.
Additionally, the Twelfth Amendment states that: "[N]o person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States." The Fourteenth Amendment, adopted in 1868, defines a "Citizen" of the United States, but not a "natural born Citizen." Its Citizenship Clause provides that "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are Citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside."
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_born_citizen_of_the_United_States
The Center for Theology and Natural Sciences
ReplyDeleteSource: http://www.ctns.org/about.html
Their "About" page: "CTNS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to research, teaching and public service. The central scientific focus of CTNS is on developments in physics, cosmology, evolutionary biology, and genetics, with additional topics in the neurosciences, the environmental sciences, and mathematics. With regard to the theological task, CTNS engages in both Christian and multi-religious reflection. The Christian theological agenda focuses on the various doctrinal loci of systematic theology. The multi-religious agenda attends primarily to theological issues arising from the engagement between the sciences and religious traditions such as Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and indigenous spiritualities."
Natural Science
ReplyDeleteSource: Wikipedia
"In science, the term natural science refers to a naturalistic approach to the study of the universe, which is understood as obeying rules or laws of natural origin.
The term natural science is also used to distinguish those fields that use the scientific method to study nature from the social sciences, which use the scientific method to study human behavior and society; from the formal sciences, such as mathematics and logic, which use a different (a priori) methodology; and from the humanities."
Naturalism (philosophy)
ReplyDeleteSource: Wikipedia
"Naturalism is divided into two philosophical stances:
Methodological naturalism (or scientific naturalism) which focuses on epistemology: This stance is concerned with knowledge: what are methods for gaining trustworthy knowledge of the natural world? It is an epistemological view that is specifically concerned with practical methods for acquiring knowledge, irrespective of one's metaphysical or religious views. It requires that hypotheses be explained and tested only by reference to natural causes and events. Explanations of observable effects are considered to be practical and useful only when they hypothesize natural causes (i.e., specific mechanisms, not indeterminate miracles). Methodological naturalism is the principle underlying all of modern science. Some philosophers extend this idea, to varying extents, to all of philosophy too. Science and philosophy, according to this view, are said to form a continuum. W.V. Quine, George Santayana, and other philosophers have advocated this view.
Metaphysical naturalism, (or ontological naturalism or philosophical naturalism) which focuses on ontology: This stance is concerned with existence: what does exist and what does not exist? Naturalism is the metaphysical position that 'nature is all there is, and all basic truths are truths of nature.'"
Naturalization (citizenship)
ReplyDeleteSource: Wikipedia
"Naturalization is the acquisition of citizenship or nationality by somebody who was not a citizen or national of that country when he or she was born.
In general, basic requirements for naturalization are that the applicant hold a legal status as a full-time resident for a minimum period of time and that the applicant promise to obey and uphold that country's laws...
Nationality is traditionally based either on jus soli ("right of the territory") or on jus sanguinis ("right of blood"), although it now usually mixes both. "