Poo Bandits

Poo bandits....oh jeez.

Thoughts on the School System

I recently was in a discussion with friends about the current school system. One of the noted problems was the age based learning system. Children learn at different speeds and levels. In my opinion, to hold a child back learning wise, or to pass them when they fail to gain the necessary knowledge is only harmful. I fully support teaching children in methods detailed to their learning style and pace. I personally would like to have studied classical texts for critical and theoretical purposes. Naturally, this would be done to skill level. Some time ago I read a book on how to get children (and adults) to love learning. It focused on working with one's natural talents/abilities and what have you in order to have them learn for themselves. For example, if they loved the outdoors, hikes would be considered a school activity, as well as learning plant names, weather patterns etc instead of a traditional desk style system. Or, in the matters of politics and language, reading classics (age appropriate naturally - no Shakespeare for kindergarten) then writing on them and studying them in detail with less teacher input and more self innovation. I am curious to your thoughts on the matter.

Prostitots Getting Younger and Younger

I came across this video today and was shocked. Sure, sexualizing children is not a new phenomenon, but this dance is still disturbing. These girls are around the age of eight. Eight is an age where boys still have cooties. I do admit that their dancing skills are good; however, their outfits and sexual moves are repugnant. They are just children! Even if the children aren't affected, this is fodder for the sickos out there. I have no more words.

ETA: just found this one as well. international dance competition

Depersonalization

As promised here is more information on my depersonalization. I at first thought to write a documentary style post detailing what depersonalization is, but I will forgo that approach and write how depersonalization affects me and my life.

I have had depersonalization (DP) since I was a child - about eight years old. I cannot say for certain whether it was always there, or if it came and went. I know it has grown in severity the past few years. During childhood and adolescence I would have "shifts" every few months. Shifts are when my view of myself and the world changes. They are hard to describe, but basically I will go from being aware of my body (feeling inside it, a part of it), to feeling like I am watching a movie. Sometimes these shifts were not from "normal" to DP, but from one level to another. I catagorize DP into different levels of severity. For example,

1 - slight feeling of separation, but able to overcome it
2 -
3 - not connected to self and body, limbs and face are unfamiliar in the mirror, or to my face
4 -
5 - I have no conscious thoughts, all words, actions and phenomenon seem foreign. There is no feeling of being "me"

For level five, I cease to feel like I exist. Sure, I know I do, but I have no connection to myself or my mind. I cannot think to myself, or even comprehend that I (And sometimes the world) actually do exist. I feel like time is irrelevant and that nothing is truly real. (note, this does not mean I am psychotic, I still differentiate between reality and fantasy/dreams).

Naturally, it is a disconcerting feeling, although by level four or five, I no longer notice. For the past few months I have fluctuated between level four and five, hitting level three once or twice. As I write this I am at level five. It is difficult to interact with others, as I cannot follow long complicated conversations, and have trouble remembering things. I also feel separated from humanity which makes interactions awkward and stressing. Furthermore, I get dizzy and physically ill if I get agitated. On bad days, I cannot concentrate for more than 30 seconds before I space out. It is difficult to retain new information, or to be productive. Thus, I am unable to become employed (not even factoring in high anxiety) because I cannot be reliable. DP is not well researched, and there really is no treatment or cure. The majority of psychologists have very little idea what it is or why it comes about.

For some, it comes as a result of substance (primarily pot) abuse, while for many others it is a bodily defence against trauma. For some there is no apparent cause. Treatments can be medications to relieve anxiety, or therapies but no method is proven to work. Currently I am on a SSRI (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) which serves mostly to alleviate severe anxiety and depression. In my experience the only treatment which sometimes works is anti-histamine which makes me able to focus better.

This post is brief, but I hope it gives an idea as to what it is like to live with depersonalization. I'll answer any questions if you have them.

The Skinny Jeans Defence

Just Unbelievable! Skinny Jeans = Consent

My Long Absence

Dear readers, though you may have all disappeared by now. I have had many a trouble these last few months. A couple years ago I suffered a trauma which left me with PTSD. I have also struggled with depression, anxiety and a rare disorder called depersonalization for years. This past year, in combination with a flare in my PTSD, caused me to quit schooling, and spend time mentally regrouping. I have decided to rejoin the blogging world in an effort to occupy my time as I am unable to work. I hope to hear from you and regain my blogger status. My focus may change to reflect my struggles, but I remain true to my Tory roots. Until then, fair well.