Journal 5

The Basic Human Needs theory is very intriguing to me, and it makes sense to me that all conflicts find their root in some base human need for recognition. Even large scale conflicts, such as the conflict in between Israel and Palestine, can be reduced to personal need. For the Israelis, it is a need for identity that comes with land and recognition as a legitimate people (because they identify themselves with other Israelis). The Palestinians also tie their identity and history to the land, which their great grandparents owned. Both groups are looking for security, self determination, and power as individuals which is then manifested into the group mentality. In order for this international conflict to be resolved, there must be some sort of mediation, with decategorization and recategorization on an interpersonal level. In order to achieve a genuine solution to the conflict rather than just a resolution, satisfaction of those Basic Human Needs is necessary. I do wonder if there are any universal needs that can be identified as the most important human needs, since there is so much discrepancy among conflict theorists, and whether or not BHNs are conflict causing. I would assume that the deprivation of BHNs is conflict causing, but human needs themselves do not inherently cause conflict. Perhaps if the need is frustrated long enough then it would augment into a worse conflict, such as the transformation of security into the need for dominance.

Group

I expect our group to be on time to meetings, finish work in a timely fashion, and be prepared for oral presentations. My main problems will be to finish my work thoroughly before I come to meetings and presenting orally. I have a tendency not to put enough research into my oral presentations, and I hope I'll be able to put forth more effort. I hope that I'm able to put in some hours in the library simply researching our topic as this will help my understanding of the conflict and because of this it will also be much easier to talk about it. I think our group has an interesting combination of characters. Completely capable members who may have trouble staying on task. Once the final project rolls around and we have sufficient research for our project I'm sure it'll come together well. The personalities of our group seem to be well suited for a conversation oriented type class as no one in the group is shy to share their mind. This will certainly be a benefit when we have to present our topic to the class. The members so far have been punctual and well prepared for class.

Journal 4

Having seven other roommates can open the door to many kinds of conflicts. These conflicts seem very normal on the surface, someone’s playing their music to loud, someone didn’t clean up after they ate, someone isn’t cleaning the bathroom when they should be or someone just locked you out of the room. These issues may seem typical but once you look at them in the light you can see things like the values of the people in the conflict, what needs they feel need to be met and their communication skills. The issue about having the stereo up to loud can be caused by certain values. Maybe this person feels that the other shouldn’t play there stereo so loud and should be more respectful in the space they share. Or maybe the conflict is caused by Basic Human Needs, such as recognition or security. The level of these conflicts can also change. One moment the conflict could be just between two people and it seems like it has been taken care of, and then next second the whole room could know about it and everyone could be ready to enter the conflict. And in some cases these conflicts could also affect people that don’t live in the room but who go there quiet frequently. In the end these conflicts can either be resolved or left unresolved which can cause some damage between the eight people and could lead to some broken friendships.

Journal 5

I thought the Social Identity theory was pretty compelling and not something you think about when you think of a conflict. This theory is based on the idea that everyone wants to have a positive social image and to get this image sometimes conflicts are necessary. This idea of society makes me think of wolves fighting between each other to decide who will be the alpha male and, in some ways, as social groups do have positions like the alpha male, the leaders, and the followers. This theory also made me look at sports in a different way, because it used the example that winning in sports would improve a self-image. The example makes sense because, even though most people play sports for the competition, there is a social aspect to being on a sports team that some people like. This theory was also different because to resolve it you have to look at the bigger picture, you have to see people on the football team not just as football players but as athletes, which makes them seem similar and this reduces the need to socially conflict with them. But this theory makes me wonder if there is another way resolve this theory, other then just accepting people? So the thought of social identity makes you think of your social life and how sometimes you do use conflicts to make a positive effect on that identity.

Conflict for me..

Conflict for me is like an algerba equation. Algebra is something I'm good at and I always come up with the right answer. When getting into a conflict there are many different variables that come out with different solutions. By putting the right variables in the right place I can get the solution that i want. Also, I may have to remove some variables from the equation in order to make it all work. There are times when i try my hardest to get the best solution and it seems impossible, but I know that I've tried my hardest to resolve the conflict. What happens after that is out of my control and my conscience rests peacefully knowing that I did all that I could've done. Some equations have no solution and once you've stressed out all variations of the arrangements of the variaables sometimes it is just a bad equation and needs to be recognized as such.

MV.

Journal 4

I notice that there is a power base, from the RA in the conflict, who has power invested in her by the school, and the other party in the conflict is simply a student. The underlying issue is complex, and based in basic human needs, values, and miscommunication. While I realized the complexity of the conflict, the fact that one of the major causes of the conflict is based in basic human needs reveals just how deep the conflict goes. It also makes the conflict much more deep rooted, and that could open up possibilities for more aggression. The conflict is taking place both in an interpersonal and intragroup arena, and there is a lot of overlap between the two. This means that the interpersonal dynamics within the group can greatly influence the conflict as a whole. There is also an issue of stereotyping and mirror-imaging, as part of the communication issue. The two opponents in the conflict are trying to show each other their differing points of view, but they are projecting their own world view on the conflict which makes it more difficult to resolve. Each sees the other as a mirror-opposite of them and has trouble realizing the things they have in common. The conflict is then much more rigid. Looking at conflict through the process of conflict analysis reveals makes the conflict seem much more structured. Conflict analysis allows you to approach a conflict from a non-emotionally invested point of view, and to see things differently that you would if you were only thinking of your own interests or point of view. Conflict analysis allows you to be impartial, which makes for more effective mediation and conflict resolution.

Journal 3

I believe that our group will work very well together. We have similar personalities and all of us have strict work ethics. Group projects are difficult for me, because I like to do all the work by myself. However, we set out the expectations for the group at the beginning of the process, and I think the clarification of what is expected will make the group work much smoother. Our topic is very engaging, and I think that we can learn a lot about the conflict we are focused on, through both individual work and out discussions together. I hope that I will continue to work well with my group mates and that I will be able to blend my personal research and writing style with their styles that will certainly be different. Our personalities mesh very well together, and I think we all have a similar working styles; we all expect to do a lot of work, and we will also hold the other members of our group to the same standards. The only thing that may be a problem would be that each member is very certain about what they want to achieve/study, etc, and if we want different things it may be difficult to chose one. Ultimately though, I am sure we would reach a consensus.

My conflict metaphor

For me conflict is like writing a research paper. I tackle conflict with an academic point of view and method. You can begin with some background knowledge or with none at all, which can be very intimidating. Whether it is a conflict that I am struggling through or another person’s conflict that I am mediating, I first have to research. I want to know every side of the story. I look in depth, I want to figure out why I am feeling the way I am or why the other people are having problems. For me, the solution begins with defining the problem. I search for a long time to try and discover the root of the problem, whether the basis is on family life, religious tension, ignorance, etc. If I am trying to understand a conflict then I have to look at it from all angles, and sometimes I over-think the problem. Then I begin to piece it together, and look at what is most important, what factors have the most influence on the solution. As I put the problem together I continue to add in new things that I missed before, or cut out things that I realize are not contributing factors. And then by the end I hopefully come to a conclusion, where the problem is solved and all the loose ends are tied together.

Hannah Miller

Conflict for me...

Conflict in my life at the moment is mostly internal, focusing on my back and forth inner debate about what is important in my life and what things I should be focusing my attention on. And that kind of conflict is extremely stressful. I feel differently about conflict when it is internal versus the external kind of conflict between friends, and I usually find conflicts that I am personally involved in much more stressful. I do think that conflicts matter, because without some sort of conflict many situations and ideas would simply stagnate. I want to learn about the roots of conflict this semester, and the different ways in which people react to conflict.

Hannah Miller

Conflict in my life as of now

At the moment I feel rather at peace with the outside world, but inside I'm battling. It's a daily struggle to be productive and simple do homework for example. Often times I find myself wondering why everything around me needs to be organized and why not simply let it go. Why do my laundry? Why make the bed? Why fold clothes? Why eat healthy? I've convinced myself that if I do not take care of my daily actions more pain will result than pleasure... Pain seems to be the catalyst of change, but if I know I function better being organized why is it so difficult to stay on top of things? Internally this conflict tears me apart. Conflict with the family is natural and it seems the older I get the more values I share with my parents and the conflict is beginning to fade away.

If a conflict is particularly violent it makes a strong impact on how I feel about the conflict. If for example I see a fist fight, I'll think why? Why has it come to such an extreme measure? It will extremely difficult to come to a mutual understanding afterwards because the solution was reached not because of understanding, but because of submission. I typically view this type of conflict as unhealthy and short lived unless held into check by violence. On the other hand if both sides present their issue with the other side, it seems that through knowledge a long term solution can be found where both parties are satisfied.

The conflicts that matter most are the ones that will directly effect our lives. Whether it be a conflict with a family member that will either create harmony or hatred. Conflict on the international level is particular important in an ever globalizing economy. If countries need to interact with each other it needs to be out of mutual consent and beneficial to each party.

I'd like to learn how to approach conflict in order to resolve it where both parties are satisfied. Learning how to enter a conflict where the problem can be confronted without feeling intimidated or defensive. I'd like to think of it as a conversation learning about the other side and not so much of how to impress my opinion on a problem or visa versa. I'd also like to learn how to deflect the anger of a problem and attack the trouble from a different angle instead of strait on where no ground can be lost.

Metaphor

To me conflict is like traveling. There is a definite start and end, but the journey is where the learning occurs. Like traveling a conflict can be enormous as in traveling to a 3rd world country and seeing life as you hadn't imagined, or it can be as simple as walking to Weis from campus and having trouble with the self checkout station. A travel destination can be known like coming back to Juniata, or it can be something never experienced. The outcome of a trip can be a positive experience, if you are traveling to meet a significant other or a trip can be taken to have to fire someone from there job. In all the chaos of travel there is always a beginning and an end when you return home. With a round trip ticket the ends are defined, where as a one way ticket may bring more conflict, a swifter resolution, or a new life altogether.

Conflict For Me Is Like A Soccer Game

For me conflict is like a game of soccer. Before the game, like before a conflict, everything seems fine and I’m just having a good time but when the game starts I become more serious and focused. At the start of a game I also try to make a few goals to go after, and at the beginning of the game my biggest goal is to win. After the first few minutes of the game, the initial confrontation, the game can become fast-paced or calmer. I can also choose to stick back on defense more of the time or push forward and go on the offensive. And once again my choices are made by my goal, which is to either win the conflict or end the conflict without losing to much. Just like in a conflict, a soccer game can bring up a lot of feelings, anger, determination, sympathy, shame and most importantly regret. These feelings have a lot to do with how I play during the game. A soccer game also depends a lot on momentum, whether we have or it or the other team does. When playing soccer, I prefer to play defense, but even though I prefer to play defense I’m constantly thinking about how to go on the offensive. Sometimes when the game is to fast-paced and I know my team needs team to get back to help I need to slow down the game by kicking the ball out of bounds. And like a conflict, sometimes other teammate’s actions can frustrate me, like if they foul someone and it leads to a penalty. A game can also be more team based or it can be more one-on-one with an offender. Sometimes the game can be a league game where a lot of people are paying attention and sometimes it’s more like a scrimmage where not that many people are there; but in my town word a lot of people hear about how the scrimmages went. A game can also differ depending on the ref, sometimes the game is dirty and involves more violent conflict and other times I have to play clean to make sure you make it to the end of the game. But besides the ref I also have to decide how I want to play, like if I feel like playing a cleanly or throwing some elbows when I get the chance. How I choose to play is mostly based on how the other team plays against me, if they play dirty so will I. Like a conflict a soccer game isn’t a short thing, and even if we’re winning we have to pay attention to everything going on. To go along with that, I have to preserve myself during a game, I don’t want to do anything rash in the first few minutes but toward the end when I’m getting tired I’m more likely to make rash decisions. Lastly, the biggest similarity between my conflicts and soccer is the feeling at the end of a game. Sometimes I feel good that we won, other times I feel that you could’ve done more but we still won. And on the other side, when I lose I can feel terrible because I might have messed up a lot, other times I feel like the other team outplayed us and just had more skill and sometimes I feel completely embarrassed at how badly we lost. My conflicts are also different then a soccer game in some ways. For one, sometimes fights aren’t worth finishing and there’s no reason to continue the conflict, so I just push it away and leave but in a soccer game I can’t just give up. And sometimes in a conflict even when I win I still feel like I lost.