10 Fascinating Things I Learned About the World In 2015

Theres a lot more controversy going on than you think.

Tatiana Diaz de Leon, 12 January 2015

The saying that we, as humans, learn something new every day is more than the true.
Even when new information is presented, whether it is welcomed or not, it is absorbed and
known. The end of every year marks a time to reflect on the past years accomplishments,
mistakes that were made, and new knowledge that was gained. The most general and interesting
information to reflect upon is the issues that occur in the world around us, specifically because of
the impact they can have on our lives. In the past year, I gained much new knowledge on the
many controversies that continue to plague our world.
Here are a few fascinating things I learned about the world in 2015:

1. White men with guns seem to really wreak havoc.

From numerous school shootings to multiple instances of police brutality, it has become
more evident that there are problems with the way certain situations are handled. Mentally
and/or emotionally unstable males shooting up schools has been a large contributor to the
extra emphasis on the debate over gun control recently. It is only a little safe to assume that
these males are in this state, otherwise it would be a bit like another case over morals and
intentions. A majority of police brutality cases revolve around the still prevalent issue of
racism in the U.S. Arguments continue to ensue over whether these cases truly are accidents.
However, what is clear is that it is difficult to trust people with guns.

2. Sexism and gender norms contribute to rape culture in the U.S.

When people think of a culture it is usually something personal and sentimental that is
intended to be preserved; however, rape culture should not be. A Rape culture is created
people in a community where rape is prevalent and sexual violence is normalized and
excused in the media and pop culture. I learned that because society encourages men to be
masculine, tough, and strong it fosters men to exert dominance in order to keep up. Women
are portrayed to be weaker and more vulnerable; therefore, rapists are psychologically
produced by the influence of gender norms in the media. Is it possible de-construct ideas so
ingrained in the human mind since the beginning of time?

3. Common core has good intentions but bad results.

The new system of education implemented into American schools is not having the desired
effect. It intends to promote more critical thinking within specific subjects and teach lessons
at a slower, more in depth pace. In this way, a student is supposed to be more prepared for
college classes and life. However, the even more interaction between students and teachers
within this program does not prepare students for a more independent college life. The results
from the new tests do not show good results either. Is anyone really enjoying this new
confusing way of learning?

4. There is a debate about violent video games.

Some argue that people who play violent video games are more likely to be violent in real
life. There was a case of a child who drove a truck and crashed, claiming that he saw it in a
video game. The video games encourage the bad behavior such as running away from cops.
Rewards are given for actions such as this. On the other hand, some people believe people
who play violent video games exert their frustration and stress through that activity; thus
keeping chaotic behavior from being exhibited in real life. Both cases are true but it is
difficult to tell which is more prevalent. Nonetheless, video games and technology continue
to grow rampant in our world, so who is to say what else can ensue from these things.

5. Bunny rabbits are being harmed in science labs all around the world.
One automatically thinks of a rat when animal testing is mentioned. There has been the
fictional and chaotic version of chimpanzees and the underdog beagle. The reality is that
numerous amounts of animals everywhere continue to be severely harmed by be used as
testers of different cosmetics and hygiene products. This year I learned that rabbits are the
most commonly used test animal. People can buy safe products such as Bare Minerals so that
advocating such cruelty is avoided.

6. Vegetarianism greatly benefits the environment.

The amount of meat one consumes greatly affects our environments and ecosystems. The
more meat that is consumed, the more resources and space is needed to raise the animals that
are slaughtered. Many people assume vegetarians are sensitive people who would cry if an
animal dies; however, many vegetarians are vegetarians because of their desire to preserve
our earth for as long as possible. The cattle that needs to be raised causes the need for new
land to keep them on. Next thing you know, sections of rainforest, specifically the Amazon,
are chopped down to make room for cattle who are eventually killed.

7. People think they can control other peoples lives and deaths.
Sometime in late 2015, the governor of California signed a bill that legalized physician
assisted suicide. Of course, there are rules and regulations to be qualified for this process.
One must be terminally ill and have six or less months to live as well as be mentally sound
according to doctors. There are many people, specifically religious groups, which continue to
argue about the morality of such a thing. Despite a decision being made, it seems the issue
will never be fully resolved. If someone is in excruciating pain and only has three months to
live, why not let them out of their suffering?

8. Drinking milk is actually humanely unusual.

Many people all over the world drink milk in other drinks or simply by itself. In 2015, I
learned that milk is a naturally unusual thing to drink the way that we do. I was told that,
technically, people are not supposed to drink milk after the age of about 3. Only babies drink
milk from their mothers breasts, but adults still drink milk and another animals! I learned
that initially we humans were a bit lactose intolerant, but after so many centuries of drinking
it, around body has gotten used to breaking down its components easily for most.

9. There are still people who immediately associate being healthy and fit to being
skinny.
Many people believe the wrong things about losing weight and getting fit. When one is
healthy, their diet is reasonably nutritious and their physical abilities are fairly sharp. When
people work out, they can get fit, and inevitably gain muscle. Muscle is known to be heavier
than fat; therefore, when one is more fit, they may weigh more. There are people who rely on
losing weight by not eating. What is the point of getting thinner if one is not healthy and fit at
the same time? The only way to truly get the most out of an accomplishment is to do it the
best way possible.

10. Music will always be the most universal way to connect with other people.
A majority of the most listened to songs in the world are in English even though not
everyone in the world speaks that language. Even if one cannot understand the words that are
spoken in a song, they are still able to tell whether it is a good song. The diversity of different
music and the different sounds that different instruments make allows the expression of
messages through compositions. Almost every person in the world enjoys music in their own
ways. The seemingly endless diversity in music is what allows people to relate with others in
the way that music makes them feel. This year I am beginning to see the incredible impact
that music has on the human race and what a subtle but strong tool it really is.