The Panopticon

The set up of a Panopticon building is something that I found very interesting. After learning that English philosopher Jeremy Bentham designed it in the late 18^th century and it was considered to be “the perfect prison”, I was curious to see if the design was actually implemented anywhere.

The Presidio Modelo was a model prison of Panopticon design, built on Isla de Pinos in Cuba. It was built between 1926 and 1928 under the rule of Gerardo Machado and had the capacity to house up to 2,500 prisoners. Many “famous” prisoners were held at this prison at one point, including Fidel Castro himself. After Fidel Castro came to power in 1959, Presidio Modelo was used to jail counter-revolutionaries, homosexuals, Jehovah's Witnesses, and anyone else considered an enemy to the Socialist Cuban State. The prison was active until 1967 when it was shut down by the government. It now serves as a museum and has been declared a national monument while the old administration building is being used as a school and research center.

Raul Cuero Interview Reflection

After watching Raul Cuero's interview about creativity, I was amazed that someone who had gone through so much could still have such a positive outlook on life. Despite all the challenges he's faced, he remained optimistic through it all and lived by several principles that I think we could all benefit from implementing into our day-to-day lives.  

 Cuero always tries to look at the bigger picture, no matter what the situation may be. I think this is a very important lesson to keep in mind as you truly don't know everyone's story, where they come from, or how they were raised. If someone says something to offend you or even has a differing opinion regarding a sensitive subject, realize it could be the nature of where they're from to think and act the way they do. Bottom line, try not to take things so personally and hold grudges.

 Another thing Cuero pointed out was everyone's natural fear of failure. We're so afraid of failing when trying something new that we end up missing the intensity needed to obtain and complete an objective. We need to learn to let go of the "what ifs" and take things as they come. It doesn't matter the size of the task we're faced with, letting go of our grievances even day to day can do us all some good.

 The last thing Cuero mentioned that I find beneficial to remember is that good things take time, and everything is a process. Patience is something I for one know I'm lacking, but remembering to take a step back every once in a while along with a little self-encouragement is enough to get anyone back on track.

Definitions

Art

Origins: Middle English, from Old English eart; akin to Old Norse est, ert (thou) art, Old English is is

1. the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power
2. works produced by human creative skill and imagination
3. creative activity resulting in the production of paintings, drawings, or sculpture
4. the various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, literature, and dance
5. the various branches of creative activity, such as painting, music, literature, and dance
6. subjects of study primarily concerned with the processes and products of human creativity and social life, such as languages, literature, and history (as contrasted with scientific or technical subjects)
7. a skill at doing a specified thing, typically one acquired through practice
8. something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings

Technology

Origins: Greek technologia systematic treatment of an art, from technē art, skill + -o- + -logia -logy

1. the use of science in industry, engineering, etc., to invent useful things or to solve problems
2. a machine, piece of equipment, method, etc., that is created by technology
3. the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry
4. machinery and equipment developed from the application of scientific knowledge
5. the branch of knowledge dealing with engineering or applied sciences
6. the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science
7. the application of this knowledge for practical ends
8. the terminology of an art, science, etc.; technical nomenclature

About Me

My name is Maxie-Lew and I’m a freshman from Connecticut. I'm super excited for this course. I have a feeling it's the first time I'll actually enjoy doing my assignments. The first class was a little intimidating to start off, especially once I found out that I'm the only freshman. However, I’m really looking forward to all the areas and topics we’ll be covering. I’ve never done a blog for a class before but I think it’s a really creative way to get the whole class to engage with each other, and I’m excited about having the freedom to be expressive with my assignments.

I’ve never really been great at explaining who I am to people but I’m giving this my best shot. I’m on the Varsity Women’s Rowing Team here and I love it. Despite having to wake up at 5:30am six out of seven days of the week, it’s truly something I’m thankful to have the opportunity to be apart of. I love being on the water, even though the river here is pretty nasty. I get the to see the sunrise every morning and that enables me to start off the day on a good note. In addition, I’m pretty outdoorsy and like to hike back home and am obsessed with my dogs.