Saturday, January 31, 2009
On the Playlist
Keane- Again & Again
My song for the moment but it will most likely be replaced by something off Springsteen's new album. More to follow on that.
Reclaiming a Business Education
As I near the end of my MBA program, I can say that I have learned much, not from the actual coursework but mostly from my fellow classmates. These classmates have offered me a glimpse into their experiences and attitudes and how these have shaped their understanding of the world. I believe that I can claim that much of what I have learned is more of an example of what to avoid both in action and thought.
It is not much of a surprise but these business students, more often than not, fit the mold of the stereotypical business student. They focus on the financial bottom line and do not seem to examine the consequences of their choices. I feel like one of the most pivotal tools that I have ever been taught is always to critique what I am taught. Not necessarily to analyze each piece to death but rather to not merely accept everything as truth. I don't see my fellow business student viewing their education through the same critical eye. This has been and continues to be disheartening.
In light of recent events, I feel as though it is time to start educating business students to focus on actively seeking to improve the lives of others rather than just not causing harm, whatever that may mean. This is a focus on what is their "self-interest," a basic piece of justification for the capitalistic system. It should be taught that "self-interest" isn't just what is good for the person but also the group as a whole. That if the whole is improved, this will, more likely than not, improve everyone's situation and not leave the margin behind. Some may say this sounds socialistic. It could be but it is not exclusive to that system. It is about understanding the consequences of choices. It is an understanding of "I am because we are."
An easy example of this is the fact that currently one of the biggest concerns facing the United States is the state of the health care industry. The country has a huge number of uninsured who have helped lead to the astronomical rise in health care costs. In our current climate, more and more people are being laid-off and, as a result, are losing their health care packages, if their employer provided them with this insurance. So the numbers of people who are uninsured are rising, just magnifying the need to address the health care problem. If we want to help save the economy, a great way to do it would be through universal health care. This would eliminate much stress on families with huge piles of bills that they cannot pay and also provide an economic boost from the government. It would have a significant effect on the future of this country.
Many do not believe that it is in their "self-interest" to have universal health care. Many years ago, many thought it was a bad decision to have a social security system but now, everyone would be up in arms if social security was discontinued, even if they don't "need" it.
With that being said, here is an article that inspired this post.
From a Jesuit publication, America:
What's Good for Business?
It is not much of a surprise but these business students, more often than not, fit the mold of the stereotypical business student. They focus on the financial bottom line and do not seem to examine the consequences of their choices. I feel like one of the most pivotal tools that I have ever been taught is always to critique what I am taught. Not necessarily to analyze each piece to death but rather to not merely accept everything as truth. I don't see my fellow business student viewing their education through the same critical eye. This has been and continues to be disheartening.
In light of recent events, I feel as though it is time to start educating business students to focus on actively seeking to improve the lives of others rather than just not causing harm, whatever that may mean. This is a focus on what is their "self-interest," a basic piece of justification for the capitalistic system. It should be taught that "self-interest" isn't just what is good for the person but also the group as a whole. That if the whole is improved, this will, more likely than not, improve everyone's situation and not leave the margin behind. Some may say this sounds socialistic. It could be but it is not exclusive to that system. It is about understanding the consequences of choices. It is an understanding of "I am because we are."
An easy example of this is the fact that currently one of the biggest concerns facing the United States is the state of the health care industry. The country has a huge number of uninsured who have helped lead to the astronomical rise in health care costs. In our current climate, more and more people are being laid-off and, as a result, are losing their health care packages, if their employer provided them with this insurance. So the numbers of people who are uninsured are rising, just magnifying the need to address the health care problem. If we want to help save the economy, a great way to do it would be through universal health care. This would eliminate much stress on families with huge piles of bills that they cannot pay and also provide an economic boost from the government. It would have a significant effect on the future of this country.
Many do not believe that it is in their "self-interest" to have universal health care. Many years ago, many thought it was a bad decision to have a social security system but now, everyone would be up in arms if social security was discontinued, even if they don't "need" it.
With that being said, here is an article that inspired this post.
From a Jesuit publication, America:
What's Good for Business?
Friday, January 30, 2009
Haiku Friday
Am I at climax?
Or is this falling action?
Where do I stand?
Could my life, my death
be told in a million ways?
Would my truth be lost?
You told my story-
the one I live everyday.
I didn't do that.
His past hurt for years
Freedom came when ink left pen
Praise the Lord today.
You cried foul all week
Then you remembered my friend
And justice reigned.
Iron and Wine
As I close my eyes tonight;
You're here in my mind.
Or is this falling action?
Where do I stand?
Could my life, my death
be told in a million ways?
Would my truth be lost?
You told my story-
the one I live everyday.
I didn't do that.
His past hurt for years
Freedom came when ink left pen
Praise the Lord today.
You cried foul all week
Then you remembered my friend
And justice reigned.
Iron and Wine
As I close my eyes tonight;
You're here in my mind.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Some More Economic Stimulus Articles to Bore You
Here are a couple of articles about Obama's proposed stimulus package that offer a critical eye.
Economic Stimulus or Simply More Misguided Spending?
A Stimulus with Merit, and Misses Too.
Then finally, this last article is about non-profits and how they will be affected by the recession. A sad sight to see as those who are the most vulnerable will more than likely be or already are the hardest hit by the recession. Unfortunately, organizations whose focus it is to address the needs of this set of people are also struggling and many may have to close. All this does is just compound the effects on the marginalized.
Credit Crisis is Leaving Charities Low on Cash.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
A word off my chest + The Cool Kids
I just heard the new Lil' Wayne song, Prom Queen. Decent enough but serious, Wayne? Prom Queen? That's your musical subject? PROM QUEENS? You are 26 years old. And a rock song for your new rock album? Obviously you're out solely for the money. Since 15 year old girls love you, they'll eat this Prom Queen song up like Pop Rocks. Have fun rocking your concerts in the 'burbs with Miley, homey!
BUT... Chicago still has The Cool Kids and a new video!
The Cool Kids - Pennies
BUT... Chicago still has The Cool Kids and a new video!
The Cool Kids - Pennies
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
