Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Through the lens of Wong Kar-Wai’s 1997 Hong Kong gay film Happy Together,
this paper seeks to examine the intersection between gender and communication, in
which gay people perceive and pursue as members of minorities. Specifically, a
metaphoric criticism is applied to anatomize the definitions of happiness that the two
Chinese male bodies in Happy Together manifest in their diasporic lives in Argentina.
I first identify three major metaphors employed in the film to illustrate the
communication between two gay people, as well as that between them and other
people. The discussion is then extended to the triangular interaction among the
recurring tenor—vehicle metaphors of light—guidance, waterfall—circulation, and
cigarette—intimacy. My analysis concludes that human’s happiness, regardless of
sexual orientations, reflects two layers of affections, one with their lovers, the other
with families.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Marriage is an important part of American society, and can be linked to happiness in several ways. Research has established a link between marital status, divorce history, and happiness, as well as happiness in marriage and general happiness. This paper seeks to confirm that link, as well as discover one between marital status, divorce history, marital happiness, and life outlook. Data are taken from the General Social Survey. Eight hypotheses are examined, and seven of the eight finds support, establishing links between divorce history and life satisfaction and overall happiness; marital status and life outlook, life satisfaction, and overall happiness, and self-reported happiness in marriage and life outlook, life satisfaction, and overall happiness. While the research found that there is a relationship between divorce history and life outlook, it is inverse, meaning that divorced people are more likely to find life exciting. This is the opposite of what was expected.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: My essay argues that that Rawls?s notion of an objectively happy life is far from satisfactory. A rational person, I contend, would want reasonable assurance that achieving his or her major life goals would be a subjectively happy experience.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Public policy aimed at increasing happiness poses a dilemma for liberal democracies because people are not good at predicting what will make them happy. I discuss how democracies might pursue happiness while continuing to honor citizens? autonomy.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: We use a simple micro-economic model to explain why self-reported happiness is positively correlated with wealth and religiosity but that people in rich countries consume fewer religious goods than people in poor countries.