Valeria+G's+Final+AmEx+2015+Speech

** When humans attack **
Humanity has evolved over the course of 200,000 years, evolving into such an advanced species that we've found cures for diseases, established societies, and pushed the need for education, business, and culture. We’ve placed ourselves higher than any other species on the spectrum, however If we as humans see ourselves as a sentient and intelligent race then why do we exhibit such crazed primal, animalistic behavior? I understand human nature is flawed in the way we act towards each other and in society at times. Scientifically humans are animals. We parallel with some animal characteristics. I'm not trying to state that all animals are savages but at times humanity can closely resemble the most savage of the animal kingdom.

Similar to eels who shock anything that comes off as a threat, humans have the tendency of excluding or destroying anything seen as ominous. Fearing the unknown we resort to solutions such as creating devastating weapons to ultimately destroy what frightens us. During WWII, the United States reacted like a cornered animal and created the nuclear bomb before anyone else in order to express dominance, causing other nations to fear the power of the newfound weapon. The consequence of this is that we created a weapon of mass destruction which made us seem animalistic or monstrous. We vaporized and demolished entire cities filled with civilians. Other countries are also at fault for such horrid acts in the form that they basically dehumanized their citizens during the same war. The construction of concentration camps by the Nazis began with the purpose of eliminating the Jews, forcing them to rely on animal-like instincts in order to survive, seeking the basic needs of shelter, food, and water which they were denied. Though we cannot forget the past we must look to the future where humanity rationalizes problematic situations, doesn’t act like animals, and does not dehumanize others.

Deception among humans isn't uncommon. A person may be well known as gentle and respectable among a group but it isn't until they are in a different environment that their true colors show. Though it may not seem like it, dolphins are abusers in disguise. I blame society and Sea World for painting them as lovable creatures when in reality they physically abuse and gang bang females. The point isn't to ruin the image of dolphins for you. It's to show parallels in the way in which we may perceive someone and the reality in which they behave. Specifically when dealing with domestic abusers, abusers prey on the weak and torment them whether it be physically, mentally, or verbally. Similar to how predators hunt their prey, singling out the weakest. At times acquaintances of the abuser may not even realize that the person is an abuser or the brutality the abuser is exhibiting on their significant other. For example, a respectable businessman while at work could be the most approachable guy until he gets home, gets drunk and lashes out verbally or physically. This form of aggression is what seems beast like, losing control, slipping into a primal, vicious mindset and hurting loved ones in ways that cannot be forgotten. Though abuse and domestic abuse has no finite solution and is a sensitive topic it is something we need to purge from society.

There is this notion known as hive mind where a bee will attack a threat releasing pheromones into the air signaling the rest to follow creating a swarm. Similarly, humans follow this same notion of mob mentality especially during Black Friday's, concerts, mosh pits, or riots. When one leads we follow. For example during the last two minutes of class usually if one student begins packing up slowly the sound of zippers, and closing of books signals others to do the same even if the teacher is in the process of wrapping up a class. It has been made obvious from dates ranging back in history that we have seen humans gather and follow using their numbers to overwhelm in horrific situations such as the French revolution, spilling blood in the streets and beheading those seen as the enemy for the purpose of creating social and economic equality. Though today there may not be as much bloodshed as there was during the eighteenth century revolutions, modern riots may not be equally as dangerous but have the same structure of resorting to violence whether it be the riots in Los Angeles during the 90’s or the Disneyland riots, it brings out the worst in people, bringing out a new sense of confidence due to mass size. Humanity should be sophisticated in the way we voice our opinions when gathering as a whole. Peaceful protest should be the option groups chose to take when dealing with an issue.

Overall, as a species, we see ourselves as a sophisticated race and often we distance ourselves from the idea that we ourselves are animals. We are flawed in which we operate and our instincts can get the best of us at times however, In the America I want to grow old in I want human beings that don't resort to behavior such as violence, I want people to respect each other and rationalize decisions. If we think of ourselves as high and mighty in the animal kingdom we should be what we believe we are.


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