"What's in a name? That which we call a roseBy any other name would smell as sweet."
– Shakespeare

When considering something as completely, partly, or not at all a subject of human construction it is crucial to incorporate a distinction in naming.

It’s necessary to distinguish that the way humans identify something does not influence its existence. Such a separation needs to be recognized in order to properly evaluate an object or idea’s properties. The connotations that are associated with the subjects in question should be critically disposed in order to reach its intrinsic value - & at that level is it able to be evaluated as completely, partly, or not at all of human construction.

Music as a purposeful expression?

I find that the value of music is dependent on the strenth of the emotions it provokes, seeing as my own subjective requirement of music is the provocation of emotional response. If attempts at music are made without being able to inspire strong feelings, or if I am unable to connect with the intended purpose/response of the sound - then that music to me is bad.

Here we can derive the purpose of music. The emotions that one particular piece of music represents identifies its purpose. Maybe this is where the definition lies - organized sound & language that somehow intrinsically owns, represents & insights undeniable emotions.

Can a chord be known as sad? Maybe through cultural separations or even just opposing perceptions in different minds society could disagree on the "sadness" or "happiness" of a single chord. In my opinion, the individual is capable of valuing the same chord as both sad & happy. Such a perception depends on one's own emotions prior to listening as well as the intentions of what one wants to hear.

"Because a song can take you back instantly to a moment, a place, or even a person. No matter what else has changed in you or the world, that one song stays the same, just like that moment. Which is pretty amazing, when you actually think about it." -Sarah Dessen

Songs, bands & even entire albums of music can trigger distinct and encompassing memories. Since music can be such an emotional experience particular sounds insight complete memories of places, people, smells, seasons, emotions & recollections of how/who I was when such songs existed as the soundtrack to my life.

Everyone can listen to the same songs - exact same melodies, rhythms, and sounds. But the sensations music triggers in the individual is completely subjective & unique.

At least in my life, music is the most powerful incitement of memory, alongside smell. Often times smells excite memories corresponding with music and vice versa - all transcending back to a certain time. Most important & fascinating to recognize is how emotionally charged we are and they way simple senses like sounds and smells can trap the memories of these feelings.

aesthetics - (as defined by dictionary.com)
1.the branch of philosophy dealing with such notions as the beautiful, the ugly, the sublime, the comic, etc., as applicable to the fine arts, with a view to establishing the meaning and validity of critical judgments concerning works of art, and the principles underlying or justifying such judgments.
2.the study of the mind and emotions in relation to the sense of beauty.


"Beauty is no quality in things themselves: it exists merely in the mind which contemplates them." - David Hume

I find aesthetics to be distinctly important in one's life. The pursuit of aesthetics is not vain. For example, I desire environments that are clean, pretty, smell good & in these places I am more comfortable and ultimately this enhances my level of happiness. I don't think it's shameful to actively pursue, make judgements and decisions based on aesthetics.
At the same time, what is aesthetically pleasing to the individual is completely subjective & is much more important to some people than others. It is powerful to recognize how beauty exists in the world.

I Am a Mute Iraqi, With a Voice by Weam Namou

I am an Iraqi
but was never asked,
personally,what was better?
Saddam threatening to destroy me if I crossed him, politically?
Or tons of deleted uranium, napalm,
bullets, explosives
and other unfamiliar concoctions,
besieging me
at some hidden corner of my street?

I am an Iraqi, but was never asked, personally,
what I wanted?
Freedom to vote for men and women I know little about,
who may or may not better my life,
or to safely be able to step out of my house?

I am an Iraqi,
but was never asked, do I want democracy
or the tradition of my ancestry?

I am an Iraqi,
but was never asked, personally,
by those who've come to rescue me,
have we really benefited you, my dear,
since the day we came near?
Or have we simply made a mess
of your little hut?


I don't believe that the US is at war with Iraq in order to spread democracy. But, if that is now the intention, do our efforts have integrity?

Harmony within unity?

Where would a globalized culture come from? Our deep-rooted diversity would eventually produce conflicts in an attempt for unity, unless such variance is embraced.
When the whole world has something to work for/against we may then be able to cooperate through ignoring our differences.
We, however, are not as definitively distinct from one another as we might claim – patriotism tends to instill faulty notions of uniqueness.
Keeping cultural distinctions alive are important – I think it is crucial to acknowledge these distinctions in efforts for unity. Recognize human rights, act accordingly, and do not attempt to infringe on the differences in culture.

Patriotism is a loyalty stemming from geographical coincidence. Maybe we just want something to be proud of, something to embrace. Perhaps we desire unity & that is the fundamental reason for why we develop such patriotism - we want to feel united with one another & we use geography of nations in order to do so.

"All words are pegs to hang ideas on."
- Henry Ward Beecher

Words are comprised out of necessity to label and describe legitimate notions. Language is the expression of meanings through words. It would be impossible to dismiss a word unless its connotation has completely disappeared. Even so, it is still necessary to have a word to describe the notion that is no longer entertained.

Although the word "patriotism" fails to exist with clear significance & its proper connotations vary with opinion we would be losing something from disposing of it.

"One of the greatest attractions of patriotism--it fulfills our worst wishes. In the person of our nation we are able, vicariously, to bully and cheat. Bully and cheat, what's more, with a feeling that we are profoundly virtuous."
- Aldous Huxley

In my opinion, blind loyalty dissolves integrity. Informed support & critique are valuable and therefore, patriotism should not be dismissed.