Who Am I?
Yet to be defined, continually writing, seeking truth, hoping for wisdom, dancing in moments of freedom, singing from the heart, dreaming while awake, ready to listen if you need an ear. ;)
If you really want me to summarize who I am:
1. I'm a writer with a novel in the works, a growing collection of poems, and a few messy side projects consisting of disorganized notes on preplanned short stories. I wish I was more prolific, but alas, college comes first.
2. I'm a psych major with interests in personality, abnormal, and social psychology. And no, I don't go around "psychologizing" people, which leads me to my next point.
3. I'm a forward-thinking individual who likes to ask questions.
For instance, why do most people insist on describing themselves in terms of situations and then assign trait labels to others? (E.g. "I failed the exam because I didn't get enough sleep and could not focus." / "He failed the exam because he's lazy and never studies.")
Why do people either underestimate or overestimate their own reactions and behaviors?
To what extent do one's behaviors reflect one's attitudes?
How is it that the neurons in our motor cortex fire several milliseconds before we are even conscious (aware) of our intention to move?
How does language (particularly vocabulary, having concepts for certain things) influence the way we perceive, interpret, and act on the social world?
The paradox of literacy: Sure, most people in the U.S. can read and write. However, why is it that people often misspell words and exhibit poor grammar? Is the Internet to blame for this, or should we consider text-speak/chat-speak as a new outlet for creativity in the ever-changing progression of language usage?
The "colonial mentality" and notions of ideal beauty:
Standards of beauty in the Philippines, for instance, emphasize having a paler complexion. Just look at the skin-whitening products at any SM mall. In the United States, however, people tend to want a healthy-looking tan complexion to the point where there are such things as bronzers and tanning salons. It gets even weirder when one considers how popular American pop culture is in the Philippines and how beauty is a central theme in the life of a celebrity. What's up with that?
Just a few of the things that cross my mind sometimes. So, with that said...
Hello, world, who never wrote to me.
With no smoke, no mirrors, this is yours truly,
Julianne
☮
