THE MEANING OF LIFE

معنى الحياة .. أن تعطي للحياة معنى

2007-05-20T02:26:00.000-07:00

معنى الحياة

To Michael ..

2006-12-15T07:39:00.000-08:00

The term is almost done, and no official blogs any more! However, who said that writing is associated with homework? One of my favorite habits is writing. Honestly, I wanted to write my opinion about this activity, and I planned to send a massage to you to read my view about it. Any way, you demand that now and I’m ready for it.

I believe that the idea of blog was great. For me, it was fun, useful, and way to think more than it was homework that we have to do it. The idea itself is unique for many reasons. Firstly, I was excited to write my view about many things, especially that you gave us the freedom to write about any thing. Secondly, when I write I know that there are people would read my articles, and this point would make me more careful about my words, phrases, and ideas. Thirdly, I think it would be a stimulus to achieve creative writing, not just for regular articles.

I heard about blogs, and I was aware that it would be common and important. Unfortunately, I’m a lazy man! So, thank you to give us this chance. Actually, I planned to create a blog in Arabic language, but I got something more benefit than what I wanted.

I read almost all my classmate articles, and most of them were great. Also, it was clear that some articles were written in a hurry, and I think it was under presser of homework. On the other hand, some topics were really bad in my opinion.

If you ask about my recommendation, I’ll tell you: don’t deprive the next students of this chance. I really enjoyed with my blog, and I will continue to post new topics, so don’t forget to visit “The Meaning of Life” from time to time.

Against Legal Marriage for Homosexuals

2006-12-15T00:52:00.000-08:00

Sexual deviation is not new in the world. One can read a lot about people in the past that were not heterosexual, but the news these days shows that those people demand to make their relationship legal. They want legal marriage for gay and lesbian couples. This action will destroy the great institution of marriage if governments allow it. Morality, religion, health, and social norms all are against the marriage of lesbians and gays, so gay and lesbian marriage should not be allowed.

Weinberg (2006) defined homosexuality as “sexual attraction chiefly to individuals of the same sex. People-especially men- who are homosexual are also called gay. Many female homosexuals call themselves lesbians” (p. 307). Some heterosexuals, who are married and have children, have also had a homosexual experience or participate in homosexual activity. However, people who are regularly attracted to individuals of both sexes are called bisexuals (Weinberg, 2006, para. 2). Sometimes circumstances lead some people to behave in unwanted way. Therefore, it has been documented that homosexuality often spreads out among prisoners, especially those who are sentenced to a long term penalty. Also, homosexuality could be more common among sailors who participate in long voyages. On the other hand, some researchers think that there are special genes that control sexual orientation. Other experts believe that social and psychological factors play an important role with sexual orientation. Many countries consider homosexuality as illegal behavior. However, other nations, such as Canada, the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom do not have legislation that prohibits homosexuality.

Gays and lesbians often talk about freedom and their rights to live in the way they want. Some people completely agree with this opinion, but other believes that there is a limit to freedom. Otherwise, people could do any thing in the name of freedom. Therefore, most people do not agree with those people. However, they are free to continue their behavior. Also, it is their choice to establish any relationship that makes them happy or comfortable, but that should be allowed out side of the institution of marriage because most people believe that homosexual marriage is an unnatural relationship.

Homosexuals in 1980 faced a moment of the truth when AIDS was discovered in Europe and North America. AIDS, which is considered one of the most dangerous diseases nowadays, was discovered in the beginning among gay communities. Homosexuality was the main medium of transfer of the AIDS virus (Weinberg, 2006, para. 13). In the United States, until 2002, almost 300,000 men had gotten AIDS, and nearly 420,000 had died. About 60% of them were men who had sex with other males (Forrest & Kanabus, 2004, p. 1).

Furthermore, Forrest and Kanabus (2004) reported “In the United Kingdom, the United States and a number of other European countries, HIV and AIDS have affected young gay men more than any other group of people. In the U.K and U.S especially, the percentage of young gay men who have been infected with HIV and the percentage with AIDS are much higher than those among other groups such as heterosexual people or children” (2004, p.1). Obviously, this report emphasized that there is relationship between homosexuality and AIDS. Therefore, diseases were associated with homosexuality. Moreover, because the sexual relationship between males is subject to healthy problems, it is necessary for gays to know the new products of condoms. In 1996, concentration of gays started the Mpowerment project in California. This project was trying to find solution for safer sex between gays, and “the project successfully raised awareness about the risks of unprotected anal sex throughout the community and reduced unprotected anal sex among gay men” (Forrest & Kanabus, 2004, p.2). Now, what kind of relationship is it that needs like these projects and research to make safer sex and need condoms? I know that parents sometimes use condoms for birth control, but not to protect themselves from diseases. Studies have also asserted that homosexuals have sex with more than one partner and sometimes two persons at the same time (Forrest & Kanabus, 2004, p.3). So, because this fact about homosexuality and diseases, the marriage of homosexual would increase these diseases among their children, and that means expand AIDS and HIV among a society.

One of a marriage’s purposes is to create children. So, if homosexuals consider themselves as a family, how can they produce children? We know that it is impossible physically. Many believe that marriage is the natural relationship between a man and a woman. Therefore, the marriage of a homosexuals consider as an action against life, and families because gay or lesbian couples can not increase the number of people, but they have destroyed the existence of many humans on the earth. In fact, gays and lesbians argue that they can adopt children. However, many studies emphasize that homosexuals are not fit to be good parents. In 1997, Dr. Cameron the chairman of the Family Research Institute explained in his important research “Same Sex Marriage” some facts about homosexual marriage. First, this marriage can not live for long time, and some studies appeared that some marriages finished after only one year. Second, this marriage would increase health problems. Third, the rate of domestic violence is more noticed among “homosexuals’ families”. Fourth, and equally important, Dr. Cameron’s research showed the bad influences of homosexual parents on children. Actually, there are three main negative effects. Firstly, children will be confused about the concept of gender which may lead those children to be gays or lesbians. Secondly, children that live with homosexuals parents might have psychological problems because their parents are different than those of other children. Another issue that children would face with lesbian and gay parents is that children may possibly be sexually harmed by a parent’s friends or by the parents themselves (Dr. Cameron, 1997).

In their research about homosexual parents, Dr. Paul Cameron and Kirk Cameron (1996) articulated that “5 of the 17 reported sexual relations with their parents; a disproportionate fraction reported sexual relations with other caretakers and relatives” (1996, p.757). The study was performed in six American cities to answer main question which was “does the homosexuality of parents affect the sexual orientation or experiences of their children?” Studies like these which are based on scientific realities, have led many to believe that homosexual parents can not shield his or her children from danger. What is the natural outcome for children who have homosexual parent? Studies emphasized the possibility that for children who live with lesbian or gay parents the likelihood to be homosexual is high because of the example they live with. Besides, “because the parent’s worldview and behavioral standards are disturbed, the child would be more apt to socially and psychologically disturb than would children raised by nonhomosexual parents” (Cameron, 1996, p. 765). Moreover, as explained above, the relationship between homosexuality and diseases, it is possible that parents could provide their children with one of the killing diseases AIDS or HIV.

Although that Christianity considered one of the tolerant religions in the world, but this did not prevent some Christian groups to against the marriage of homosexual. “And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet” (Rom 1:27). This is a part of the Bible showing the opinion about the relationship between couples of the same gender. Additionally, Abrahamic religions such as Islam and Judaism as well consider homosexuality as unnatural behavior, however, this paper will focus on Christianity and American churches’ view about the marriage of homosexuals.
In November 2006, three significant Christian groups in the United States took a clear stance against lesbians and gays when they consider the homosexual behavior as “sinful”. The bishops of the nation’s Roman Catholic churches expressed that homosexuality is a disorder. Another strong measure was taken by the largest Baptist group in North Carolina. The leaders of the group “expel any congregant that condones homosexuality” (Cooperman, 2006). Finally, a third action against the marriage of homosexuals was by the Presbyterian Church when it gathered about 3 million of its members to oppose marriage of two lesbian women (Cooperman, 2006).

Marriage of homosexuals should be illegal. This is not just my opinion, but based on religion, logic, psychology, health, and culture. All of these are against this relationship. Marriage is a great institution that should be protected because it depends on morality and society has to keep this value for the ancient institution of marriage. The great union between a man and a woman is a symbol of life. In contrast, the marriage of homosexuals is completely against the beautiful meaning of life.

References

Cameron, P. (1997). Same Sex Marriage: Til Death Do Us Part? Retrieved December 13, 2006, from http://www.biblebelievers.com/Cameron1.html

Cameron, P. & Cameron, K. (1996). Homosexual Parents. Adolescence, v31, 757-776.

Cooperman, A. & Whoriskey, P. (2006). The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. Church asserts moral authority. Retrieved November 21, 2006, from http://pewforum.org/news/rss.php?NewsID=11922

Forrest, S., & Kanabus, A. (2004, October). Are young gay men particularly affected by HIV and AIDS? Retrieved November 21, 2006, from htt://www.avert.org/aidsyounggaymen.htm

George, R.P., & Tubbs, D.L. (2004). Same-Sex Marriage Will Undermine the Institution of Marriage. In M. E. Williams (Ed.), Sex Opposing Viewpoints (pp. 49-53). Detroit: Greenhaven Press.

The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. (2003). Religious beliefs underpin opposition to homosexuality. Retrieved November 21, 2006, from http://pewforum.org/docs/index.php?DocID=37

Weinberg, M. S. (2006). Homosexuality In World Book. (Vol. 9 p. 307). Chicago: World Book, Inc.

Lincoln City

2006-11-30T05:32:00.000-08:00

I can say now that I reached to the Pacific Ocean! I think it was the farther area I visited so far. Lincoln City, another city in Oregon I loved it. It was Thanksgiving, and we had two days off plus the weekend. So, it was good chance to see the ocean. My plan in this holiday was to visit Seattle, but I couldn’t resistance the lured of the Pacific Ocean. I’m always weak against a sea.
So, the last Thursday, I went with my wife to Lincoln City. The way to there took about two hours from Portland, but it was really worth it. During our trip we saw farms, cows, and stables of horses. I believe that all seaboard cities are nice wherever its located. In addition, usually the people of these cities are friendly because they get some of the elements of their cities such as the openness on the other cultures.

I noticed that the weather was colder than Portland. However, this didn’t prevent us to enjoy with the beach. The beautiful city has many hotels and motels on the beach. So, next time I will get a seaview room. In addition, there were many seafood restaurants on the cost. Unfortunately they were closed because the Thanksgiving. However, we find a local nice restaurant near from the beach. Actually, it was unique restaurant for two reasons. First, it has pasta with shrimp made in very special way! The explanation here is hard because you have to try this dish to know what I mean! Second, all people in this place were old! Staffs, costumers, even the man who was playing on the piano!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Friends of Saudi Arabia

2006-11-20T01:19:00.000-08:00

November 16 was one of the remarkable nights in Portland for me. I invited to attend the party that organized by Friends of Saudi Arabia organization at Marriott hotel. I went to this event with Ms. Geddes the AES Director at Lewis&Clark College and two of my friends: Mustafa and Siraj. The mission of this organization is to increase the relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Numerous of personalities spoke in this night. One of them was Mr. H. Delano Roosevelt the Executive Spokesperson of the organization and grandson of U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. However, the most influence speech I heard in that night was given by American lady had worked in Saudi Arabia at 1952. I think her age now about 80. Unfortunately, I forgot her name, but I remembered her words. She was the first computer programming in Saudi Arabia! She talked about her experience in Saudi Arabia in that time, when my country was beginning the first steps to become modern nation. The old lady was talking about her friendship with a small boy. The boy was just 9 years old. She taught him English and she was following his school reports. Even after his parents died, and he moved to his uncle home, the lady was still taking care of him. Later on, she left Saudi Arabia. When she return to Saudi Arabia on 2000, the lady met her little friend, but with his sons and grandsons! Her speech was really emotional. I wanted to cry but I could prevent my felling! That night was full of friends of Saudi Arabia in the U.S.

As a Saudi citizen, is it a good idea to study in the U.S? I asked myself this question while I wait the scholarship and visa process. Actually, I will be honest with you that I didn’t stop too much with this question. Indeed, I put all these worries behind me, and when I came here I realized that I was right. Even with the broken of the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the U.S after September eleven events, we need to defeat on our wounds for our future. In fact, I didn’t want to writ a political article, it’s just Saudi student feeling about few months I lived here in Portland.

I thought that I know about the American values from movies or the American programs in the T.V or from books. I think that there are details you can’t know it from these sources, but you have to visit a community to explore the realty of this culture or that.

Exceptional Dialog!

2006-11-08T00:58:00.000-08:00

Something strange happened to me last week and I want to share you with it. Actually, I’m not sure if that event was dream or real. It was night, cold, and the rain was showering. I was sleep when I hearing my name. It wasn’t my wife’s voice because she was sleeping beside me. Although that my name was clear when I heard it, I felt that sound wasn’t human voice. The sound came from living room. Usually, thieves don’t take permission to steal people! So it wasn’t thief as I thought. In addition to that, I don’t have any pets that possible to become talking! TARG, again. I heard my name twice.
I decided to face this thing. Slowly I went out of my room. In the darkness, I was looking for light switch. It seems that “the thing” knew that because it told me: we can make a conversation without light, just set and relax!
Something to drink! I said, but without response. In fact, I became familiar with that. So, I sat on the chair. I couldn’t see anything, but I could know that the sound was coming from my table. Something on my table was talking to me! Many things were on my table. Could be the bill of electric company to remind me about a due date?! Or may be the novel that I bought one month ago and I didn’t read it until now. Many things, but couldn’t remember.
I heard a big sigh. That thing was deeper than I thought. “It is hard to use me and when you finished your behalf you abandon me immediately”. That thing said. Actually I think that sometimes we have to leave things, places, even people. It doesn’t mean that we aren’t faithful, but simply time is up.
“Every time you use me, I became diminishable”. I felt sad because I caused harm for it. When the aurora became, I could see my dialogist.

Can you expect what it was?!

The Last Thursday

2006-11-01T03:24:00.000-08:00

Portland is the city of roses, and festivals as well. I think it’s hard to be objective if you want to talk about something you love, and I’m in love with this beautiful city! Also, it’s hard to talk about all what Portland has. So, I will write just about one segment about Portland which is The Last Thursday.
The Last Thursday is local festival. Actually, it is art walk, which is held every last Thursday in a month, year round, in the galleries, studios, restaurants and other art venues on Alberta Street. It is located in the Concordia and King neighborhoods in northeast Portland. The first time I heard about this festival was the last summer. I had taken communication class and it’s required to make a presentation about any of Portland’s neighborhoods. So I was exited to visit it. My wife and I went to this monthly festival which was really interesting for us. The street was completely full with people, visitors, and those who wanted to sell something or doing something to get money. First of all, we walked around the street, and during that we ate corn which was really delicious. As her habit, my wife bought local earrings! Actually, they were really special because they were made simple material and they were colorful.
In addition to restaurants, coffee shops, and stores, The Last Thursday is considered a walk art. During our walk we saw a wonderful painting, and the big surprise for us was when we discovered a small theater based on youth’s effort.
Our visit to The Last Thursday wouldn’t be the last one. I’m looking to the next last Thursday to visit this neighborhood again, and to attend the next show for our friends in the small theater! Alberta Street is really unique neighborhood. So don’t miss the next last Thursday this month!

Friends

2006-10-25T23:02:00.000-07:00

Friends!!

I think most of us know this success series. I have been watched this series for a years. Maybe there were moments you wished that you have like these good friends. I’m sure you have a friends, at least that what you thought! However, I want you to think about it again, how many (real) friends you have? Is this question make sense to you now?! There is a good Arabic expression said that “my disasters appearing my real friends”. Unfortunately, there are friends we find them beside us just in an easy life, and when we really need them we can’t find them. To discern your “friends” remember your hard time, and see what faces will appear to you … those feces are your friends!
Friendship is important part in our life. I believe that nobody can live without good relationship with people around him or her. In fact, friendship is something more than just good relationship with people. Truly, it's that feeling toward a people that appearing your care about them. So, imagine your situation without friends, without person you can talk with him or her about your problem, your thoughts, or your love! Someone can keep your secrets.
On the other hand, did your friends consider you as a real friend? You can answer this question, just remember if they participates you with their anxieties or worries because I think that it’s significant signal for trust. Therefore, the trust consider essential component to make a solid friendship.
After this article, did your friends decrease or increase!!

Who am I?

2006-10-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

I’m a normal person, human. My name is TARG. I’m 28, married, and I have a boy whose name is NASER. I am a student at Lewis & Clark College. I'm studying English this year. I graduated from King Abdul-Aziz University in Saudi Arabia. I came to the U.S. to learn English and get a Masters. My blog is required for writing class this semester, and I think that it’s a good chance for me to communicate with people around the world.
My hobbies are reading, traveling, swimming, and playing football (soccer). Also, I like writing poetry and articles in Arabic. So, I hope that I can continue this hobby in English as well. My purposes in this blog are increasing my English language and communicating with people to find out their opinions and to give my thoughts about many things that we can discuss.
Finally, my blog “The Meaning of Life” is based on your comments, so let us share our opinions and let us find this meaning together.