Week 12
1704 words by missnay1
Blog about how your project is coming along. Post at least one picture related to the implementation of your project. How was Jesus counter cultural? Is your project counter cultural? Explain
I do not have any pictures from the actual event that was held for my project at this time. The only visual aid obtained was a copy of the Medicaid brochure.
There has only been a few new changes made to the project since the time of my last update. I am currently still working on the improvements for the second event. I am working along with the Medicaid office of LaPlace, LA to come up with new events to get people to come out to a sign up event for free healthcare. The idea is still to set up a booth at the fairs for people to come and enjoy themselves while still receiving free information on the Medicaid programs. Many ideas are floating around. We are thinking about soliciting more of the programs so that people can see all the help that is available to them. That might make them more motivated to take on the challenge of trying to receive the free help.
I recently went to my mother’s office just to observe the work that she does on a day to day basis. She allowed me to talk to a few of her me clients. I had the opportunity to talk to two of them. Both clients were above the age of 25 years old. The question I asked them both was why did they wait until now to try and receive healthcare insurance. The amazing response that linked both answers together were PREGNANCY! Both were mothers to be. Within the conversation I came to the conclusion that neither of them had insurance before they became pregnant. So, this means that they were not getting the proper check ups they needed in order to keep themselves healthy. As a woman, we should make it a MUST to go to the doctor at least once a year and because of their circumstances, they were not awarded a chance to do so. These situations broke my heart because I never experienced anything like that before. Fortunately, both women were qualified for the health insurance. I will try to reach out to people sin those type of situations. No one should have to live like that. I know that it is impossible to help EVERYONE. But, just maybe if I reach out to a few then those few can reach out to someone else and the chain can continue.
Counterculture is a sociological term used to describe the values and norms of behavior of a cultural group, or subculture, that run counter to those of the social mainstream of the day, the cultural equivalent of political opposition. A general example would be a competing, dissenting culture that wishes to change the nature of, or at least the dominance of, a predominant culture in a particular society. It is a neologism attributed to Theodore Roszak. Although distinct countercultural undercurrents have existed in many societies from time to time, here the term “counterculture” refers to a more significant, visible phenomenon that reaches critical mass, flowers and persists for a period of time. A countercultural movement expresses the ethos, aspirations, and dreams of a specific population during an era.
Jesus was definitely counter-cultural because in his teachings he went outside of what his culture ordained and deemed as good. Even in his actions his story of the Good Samaritan, or his talking to the woman at the well, even the fact that he was accused by the Sanhedrin of fellowshipping with Gentiles and those outside of the Jewish law. He even spoke and interacted with leapers and those outcasted by the majority of Jews. He extends his message to everyone who will listen and obey, not just the Jews. Up until Jesus’ message, the Jews considered themselves, and only themselves, God’s people. They had been given the promise land, which was very problematic (as evident today in the continuing wars in the Middle East). If you wanted to adopt their religion, you had to adopt their entire culture, including the traditional rituals and practices that proved to be a point of conflict after Jesus’ death. Jesus was counter cultural because he promised the Kingdom of God to every Jew and every Gentile, and also preached a message of love for your enemies. In fact, the Gospels vary in style and exact events at times because they were written for different audiences. It is very ironic that Jesus’ message was so counter cultural, but yet, his message, his title, and what he represented on earth serves as the major breaking point between the three biggest religions that all acknowledge the same heritage. It is funny that a message of love and unity can create the complete opposite actions.
My project on the lack of healthcare is also counter cultural as in American culture promotes the continuation of the different levels of society. We are not integrated but just de-segregated in many aspects of our culture. My project goes against that stereotype of what culture is and embraces those that are not in majority and those actually seeking to help. When someone is in need, a person should not judge the amount of help you grant them looking at where they are from, where they work, or what things they could afford. These types of things do stand out when observing a person at first glance, but it should make someone want to help them not disown them. I would like to think that I too am counter cultural the more I engage in my project. This class has taught me to look outside of my “little box” and look into the world outside of my cultural. I am just not going to limit my help only to those who I feel fit into my cultural, but to everyone who is in need of help.