Hmmmm

Almost every day of my life I am bombarded with concepts that are sometimes so incredible, my jaw drops and I am left in dazed wonderment. Sometimes the things I learn are so "out there" that I ask myself "why?" Three things that I always felt were inexplicable was the rise of the neo-Nazi party in Germany. The "I'm the victim" mentality of incarcerated inmates. And finally, why many people won't accept responsibility for their actions.

Firstly, one of the worst things that ever happened to Germany was the rise of the Nazi political party. The Nazi's brought out the worst of humanities aspects in a culture that is normally very friendly and open. So why are the new Nazi's being allowed to rise in the political structure? Haven't the German people learned from the past? In today's world, no culture can subscribe to isolationism; also, it's been shown that all cultures have something to offer, that there are bright, articulate people in every part of the world.

Secondly, I have found that most of the inmates I've encountered are victims, at least in their own minds. The usual excuses are "It's not my fault I had to steal, I didn't have any job skills" and "everyone is against me." It is never the individual's fault that he or she was involved some kind of criminal activity. If the so-called "victims of the state" acted in a sensible manner and as adults, they never would have been incarcerated. The simple truth is, if one acts in a delinquent manner, no matter of social standing, one will be treated accordingly.

Finally, the most incomprehensible idea I've encountered is that many people won't accept responsibility for their actions; it is always someone's fault, but never one's own. The plain fact is, if I want to be regarded as a mature adult, I must take the punishment for anything I might do. But in the world today, it seems that putting the blame on someone else is a regular past-time. "He makes me crazy!" "She pushed me over the edge." "If only she had stopped, I never would have done that." Since when have others controlled the way a person acts in such ways as those listed? Instead people should say "I let him get me upset." "I allowed my temper get away from me." And "I granted her the power to control me." Outside influences will create situations that I may not be able to control, but I will accept the responsibility for the actions I perform. That is what being an adult is about.

There will always be influences in my life that will stupify me. The important thing is that even if I can't control what is going on with those events, I can control how I act, for I am the "master of my ship." Whoever can't, might as well never leave his or her home.