The documentary Sound and Fury was about an extended family and their decision on whether or not to allow their children to receive cochlear implants. The film followed Peter and his wife Nita, both of whom were born deaf, and their three deaf children. It also follows Peter's brother's family consisting of Peter's brother, Chris, Chris's wife Mari, and their twins, one of which was born deaf. The call on whether or not a cochlear implant would be the best for their children was not an easy one to make. In the end Peter and Nita decided to keep their children completely inside the deaf culture and to decline the implant. Chris and Mari on the other hand, decided to forgo the procedure and could not have been more pleased or grateful with their decision.
While I see Peter and Ninas' side of the issue, I agree with Chris and Maris' side. Peter and Nina, knowing nothing other than the deaf world, thought that if their children were to become hearing children, they would loose touch with their deaf self. They would stop signing and never look at deaf culture again. I see how this could be concerning as the deaf culture is a culture all in its own and should be respected but Chris and Mari were right in saying that by keeping their kids deaf, they would be withholding opportunities from them. By not allowing their daughter to receive the cochlear implant she wanted, I believe that they were restricting her in life. Like I said, I understand that Peter and Nina want their daughter to be a part of deaf culture but why not allow her to be apart of two cultures?
I think part of my opinion stems from my slight experience with deaf people. Although not completely deaf, my mom is deaf in one ear. She was not born deaf, but a complication during surgery caused the surgeon to have to close her right ear. While this is nothing like actually being deaf, my brothers and I experience acute experiences that a deaf person might. People will be talking to my mom on her right side and she won't hear a thing. Sometimes this comes off as rude or as if my mom is just stupid. My mom can't see this, but my brothers and I see it all the time. We also have to sit a certain way at restaurants so that my mom can be on the side of the table she will be able to hear on. Based off this and based off when my mom shares her frustrations of being only half deaf, I would love if my mom was able to receive a cochlear implant. That's why I would be all for cochlear implants for those who are completely deaf.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Fear of Firetrucks
It’s super ironic and very stupid, but I am afraid of firetrucks. I say this is ironic because firetrucks are supposed to be my “friend.” They are supposed to help me and all other people when in need. They are a powerful, big, red superhero. I think their quality of being powerful and big is what gets to me. Now I don’t mean to jump to the worst possible scenario, but what what if a big powerful firetruck runs you over? You don’t stand a chance! When I was younger I would cry and hide behind my parents when firetrucks rolled past us during a parade. My favorite kind of candy is lying in the middle of the road. Do I want it? No! What if that oncoming firetruck forgets to brake and crushes my body? Again, this is a worst case scenario but in the world of intense fears, it is very real.
My fear of trains stems from the same place as my fear of firetrucks. Trains, in addition to being big and powerful cannot break quickly like a firetruck can. It takes a train upward of two miles to come to a complete stop and so if you get in front of a train it will squash you like a steam roller. Want another worst case scenario? You are in your car and suddenly it stops. On the train tracks. Then a train comes and hits you. You’re dead. Or another terrible event would be a train tipping off it’s tracks and into a lake. I’m talking about the narrow bridges that go across large bodies of water. Due to the weight of the train, anyone and anything in that train is going to drown and you are going to die.
What may be the weirdest part about my fear of firetrucks and trains is that I am not afraid of other large vehicles and machines like diggers and concrete mixers. One would think that if my reasons for being scared were because the vehicles were big and noisy, one would also think that I would be scared of all like vehicles. The other peculiar thing is that I have never had any sort of traumatizing event pertaining to firetrucks or trains. I think the problem is that Entertainment goes crazy with action movies and then my imagination runs wild.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Political Ad Response
I watched the John F. Kennedy jingle from 1960 and an add for Barack Obama from 2012. Both adds put the candidate in the positive spotlight and both candidates ended up winning their particular election.
As far as ethos goes, I do not think either add used much of it. Kennedy's ad was catchy and exciting, but it made many claims that were not backed up and that were not easily credible. Saying that Kennedy is, "willing to try new things," and, "Old enough to know but young enough to do," sounds nice but how does anyone really know that it is true? It is hard to tell who someone is when the only glimpse you get of a person is through media so we have to relay on media to inform us with the truth. That doesn't however make it credible. Obama's add started off by saying that a previous add created against Obama by his opponent, Mitt Romney, was false. While it is easy to believe that Romney really did create a false add against Obama, it is difficult to find ethos in Obama's add because I had no knowledge of Romney's add. Obama then went on to talk about how he has small business owners' backs. This is slightly more credible only because Obama was running for reelection in this particular campaign so the people had already seen what he could and did do.
What both adds had in common was their use of pathos and logos. Due to the, in my opinion, lack of ethos, it was necessary for the candidates to use pathos and logos because without it there would be no connect to the voters. People are warmed by knowing that their leader is kind, educated, and willing to do what is best for them and so that's what Obama and Kennedy said they would be and do.
As far as ethos goes, I do not think either add used much of it. Kennedy's ad was catchy and exciting, but it made many claims that were not backed up and that were not easily credible. Saying that Kennedy is, "willing to try new things," and, "Old enough to know but young enough to do," sounds nice but how does anyone really know that it is true? It is hard to tell who someone is when the only glimpse you get of a person is through media so we have to relay on media to inform us with the truth. That doesn't however make it credible. Obama's add started off by saying that a previous add created against Obama by his opponent, Mitt Romney, was false. While it is easy to believe that Romney really did create a false add against Obama, it is difficult to find ethos in Obama's add because I had no knowledge of Romney's add. Obama then went on to talk about how he has small business owners' backs. This is slightly more credible only because Obama was running for reelection in this particular campaign so the people had already seen what he could and did do.
What both adds had in common was their use of pathos and logos. Due to the, in my opinion, lack of ethos, it was necessary for the candidates to use pathos and logos because without it there would be no connect to the voters. People are warmed by knowing that their leader is kind, educated, and willing to do what is best for them and so that's what Obama and Kennedy said they would be and do.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
"Blurred Lines"
I would like to start off by saying how happy I am that Mr. Kunkle did not show us the original "Blurred Lines" video. Clicking play on the video inserted into Tricia Romano's review of this controversial song was a mistake for me. I watched about twenty seconds and then called it quits. Putting the original video aside, I originally had thought that "Blurred Lines" was an outrageously nasty song that shed a false light on women. After reading Jennifer Lai's review, my opinion changed. Is this song "bad?" Yes. Is it as "bad" as some people so strongly claim it to be? No. I respected Lai when she said, "Is Thicke being kind of a dick by assuming he could 'liberate' her? Yes. But is he forcing her to do anything? No." This quote is a complete 180 from Romano's review where she claims that "Blurred Lines" is rapey.
As far as whether or not "Blurred Lines" is sexism disguised in a song, I think it is. Even though I would not go so far as to call the song "rapey" I would agree with anyone who says that it is downgrading women. Robin Thicke is is basically taunting women with himself and making them act ridiculous for his own enjoyment. He portrays them as needy and immature. I imagine White Goodman at the end of Dodgeball. Robin Thicke would be White Goodman and the food would be the girls. Nasty. Nasty enough that no one has to watch the video.
While it may be hard to escape seeing the video, and definitely from not hearing the song altogether, it is possible to avoid it. The, for lack of a better term, problem, is that those who claim to be so outraged by the video and lyrical content still listen to the song and songs far worse.This then given the artist the green light to create more songs and videos just like the last and receive more fame and fortune. That discussed person has just made the song no so bad after all. That is the very reason that pop culture today is so risque. Do I personally think it's right? No. Do I still listen to "Blurred Lines" and other questionable yet catchy songs? Yes.
As far as whether or not "Blurred Lines" is sexism disguised in a song, I think it is. Even though I would not go so far as to call the song "rapey" I would agree with anyone who says that it is downgrading women. Robin Thicke is is basically taunting women with himself and making them act ridiculous for his own enjoyment. He portrays them as needy and immature. I imagine White Goodman at the end of Dodgeball. Robin Thicke would be White Goodman and the food would be the girls. Nasty. Nasty enough that no one has to watch the video.
While it may be hard to escape seeing the video, and definitely from not hearing the song altogether, it is possible to avoid it. The, for lack of a better term, problem, is that those who claim to be so outraged by the video and lyrical content still listen to the song and songs far worse.This then given the artist the green light to create more songs and videos just like the last and receive more fame and fortune. That discussed person has just made the song no so bad after all. That is the very reason that pop culture today is so risque. Do I personally think it's right? No. Do I still listen to "Blurred Lines" and other questionable yet catchy songs? Yes.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
"Call of the Wild"
"Call of the Wild" by Jack London pulls the reader into the thick of the Klondike region of Canada with a dog named Buck. Buck, a saint bernard, sheep dog mix, lived a privileged life being a wealthy estate owners greatest companion. He would spend his days parading around his master's acreage playing with the children and going on the occasional trip with one of his master's employees. Buck's entire world was flipped upside down when he was secretly sold off into the violent grueling dog sledding business. Men had struck gold in the Klondike region. After being shipped north by train and boat, after being beaten by a man with a club, and after being witness to the innocent death of a weaker dog, Buck knew that death by such cruel violence would not be his fate. Throughout his journey Buck encountered various experiences and soon knew that he wanted to be alpha male. Buck worked hard to earn his spot as top dog and after a fight to the death Buck was victorious. Over the course of time Buck was sold to various owners, his second to last being the worst. They ran out of food mid-trip and if their dogs survived you could count their ribs they were so thin. Buck hit his breaking point and was miraculously saved by his final owner, John Thornton. Love was something Buck had never known until meeting John Thornton. Together Buck and Thornton made many discoveries about the world and about Buck's miraculous strength. Regardless of Buck's love for Thornton, there was always something pulling Buck away. It was the call of the wild. The call of the wild got the best of Thornton when one day Native Americans burned his home and murdered him while Buck was out in the wild. Buck returned to the camp minutes to late and out of furry killed every Native American still alive on the property. It was then that Buck knew that the only thing left for him to do in life was run free and run free he did. Buck joined the wold pack and the rest went down in Native American history.
For me, "Call of the Wild" was one of those books that grabs your attention at the start but then mellows out for the majority of the story. Then, BAM! The story suddenly bursts with excitement and before you know it the book is over. While at times it was hard to stay focused on the story when it lacked action, London's writing style kept me interested. He used lots of imagery and was able to paint a beautiful nature scene in my mind. London also did an excellent job of using complex words surrounded by simpler ones so that the reader could infer what the complex word meant using context clues.
One could argue that the theme of this book was the American Dream. Last year in American Novels I studied the American Dream and it's deep rooted connection to American literature. While I did not read "Call of the Wild" in that class, I should have! Each of Buck's various owners held their own American Dreams whether they be to strike gold, or to become wealthy in another way. Buck too carried a dream with him; Buck wanted to be "top dog". Nothing other than death itself could stop Buck, nor his owners, from reaching their American Dreams and I think that is powerful. For someone to want something so bad that only death could prevent them from not achieving their goal is truly amazing to me.
In addition to a unique and interesting theme, I also enjoyed the Native American influences on "Call of the Wild". Native Americans have always struck me as fascinating and I was happy to read how London was able to intertwine Native Americans into his story. In the last chapter of the story, London tells the tale of the Ghost Dog. The Ghost Dog whos body toward over the other wolves and whos fur coat shone with colors unique to the other wolves, stole from the Native American camps and mystified them with his stealth. Their were many stories about the Ghost Dog, and the Ghost Dog was Buck.
For me, "Call of the Wild" was one of those books that grabs your attention at the start but then mellows out for the majority of the story. Then, BAM! The story suddenly bursts with excitement and before you know it the book is over. While at times it was hard to stay focused on the story when it lacked action, London's writing style kept me interested. He used lots of imagery and was able to paint a beautiful nature scene in my mind. London also did an excellent job of using complex words surrounded by simpler ones so that the reader could infer what the complex word meant using context clues.
One could argue that the theme of this book was the American Dream. Last year in American Novels I studied the American Dream and it's deep rooted connection to American literature. While I did not read "Call of the Wild" in that class, I should have! Each of Buck's various owners held their own American Dreams whether they be to strike gold, or to become wealthy in another way. Buck too carried a dream with him; Buck wanted to be "top dog". Nothing other than death itself could stop Buck, nor his owners, from reaching their American Dreams and I think that is powerful. For someone to want something so bad that only death could prevent them from not achieving their goal is truly amazing to me.
In addition to a unique and interesting theme, I also enjoyed the Native American influences on "Call of the Wild". Native Americans have always struck me as fascinating and I was happy to read how London was able to intertwine Native Americans into his story. In the last chapter of the story, London tells the tale of the Ghost Dog. The Ghost Dog whos body toward over the other wolves and whos fur coat shone with colors unique to the other wolves, stole from the Native American camps and mystified them with his stealth. Their were many stories about the Ghost Dog, and the Ghost Dog was Buck.
Choice Essay: "A Short Essay on the Life of a Pianist"
My second choice essay proved to be far superior to its precursor. "A Short Essay on the Life of a Pianist" by Graham Fitch captured what is like to play piano because you love it, but then also what it is like to put on a show and perform. Fitch also wrote what it takes to have a career in piano performance versus piano teaching and why, at the end of their education, many people find that they just don't have what it takes to successfully have their dream career. "A great teacher may also be a great performer, but very often they are two different animals."
I am not sure if Fitch knew it, but he not only wrote an essay for pianists, but also for any instrumentalist as well as any athlete. Being a piano player, I related to this essay no problem, but I found that I could switch piano with oboe with swimming and still find a a strong connection. To be able to craft such a versatile yet still very accurate essay is amazing to me.
"The secret of performance is to be able to get out of one's own way, and to free up the mind so it is not beset by doubts and insecurities (and therefore tensions) during the process of performing." I think any performer or athlete can agree that that quote from Fitch's essay could not be anymore true. Never in my life have I been able to perform a musical peace accurately and with a freed mind. My nerves have always had the upper hand. "Errors lead to terrors and then to possible paralysis." I know Fitch's statement is true because on the rare occasion that I am able to numb my mind before I race in a swim meet, I have been able to get out of my own way. After any of my best races ask me how I went so fast or ask me what I thought about my flip turns and I would have no clue. I turn off my mind and just let my body do what it knows so well how to do.
"Many find solace in the act of playing, a channel for self expression, an appreciation of the music, and the deep satisfaction of mastering an instrument." Fitch described those who live to perform but he also described the person in the quote above. I am the above person. While I am no wear near mastering the piano, I find that it is my outlet. No matter my mood, piano can fix it. It's like Bob the Builder! Anyway, Fitch truly knows what it is like to play alone not to impress others but to heal yourself. "I was just as smitten with music itself as I was with the piano."
To top off a wonderful essay, Fitch's writing style was perfect for his piece. Just like music, it crescendo and decrescendo. His use of unique words were black keys and the others were white. The piece ended calm like when a movie fades to dark.
I am not sure if Fitch knew it, but he not only wrote an essay for pianists, but also for any instrumentalist as well as any athlete. Being a piano player, I related to this essay no problem, but I found that I could switch piano with oboe with swimming and still find a a strong connection. To be able to craft such a versatile yet still very accurate essay is amazing to me.
"The secret of performance is to be able to get out of one's own way, and to free up the mind so it is not beset by doubts and insecurities (and therefore tensions) during the process of performing." I think any performer or athlete can agree that that quote from Fitch's essay could not be anymore true. Never in my life have I been able to perform a musical peace accurately and with a freed mind. My nerves have always had the upper hand. "Errors lead to terrors and then to possible paralysis." I know Fitch's statement is true because on the rare occasion that I am able to numb my mind before I race in a swim meet, I have been able to get out of my own way. After any of my best races ask me how I went so fast or ask me what I thought about my flip turns and I would have no clue. I turn off my mind and just let my body do what it knows so well how to do.
"Many find solace in the act of playing, a channel for self expression, an appreciation of the music, and the deep satisfaction of mastering an instrument." Fitch described those who live to perform but he also described the person in the quote above. I am the above person. While I am no wear near mastering the piano, I find that it is my outlet. No matter my mood, piano can fix it. It's like Bob the Builder! Anyway, Fitch truly knows what it is like to play alone not to impress others but to heal yourself. "I was just as smitten with music itself as I was with the piano."
To top off a wonderful essay, Fitch's writing style was perfect for his piece. Just like music, it crescendo and decrescendo. His use of unique words were black keys and the others were white. The piece ended calm like when a movie fades to dark.
Choice Essay: "Growing Up to Soon"
It was harder than I had anticipated it would have been to find an essay on my own. Kudos to you, Mr. Kunkle, for finding five! The first essay I found was written by an anonymous author who I inferred to be a girl. I chose this essay because lately growing up has been on my mind. Each day I am swarmed with emails and brochures from colleges and each day it seems as if someone new expects me to know exactly what I want in life. I'm not ready for that!
The individual who wrote "Growing Up to Soon" didn't even get a chance to decided whether or not she wanted to grow up quickly or if she wanted to ride her childhood out as long as she could. When she was twelve she was faced with the difficult task of raising her baby sister almost entirely on her own and when she was seventeen she began to raise her baby brother. She said that, "I was about twelve and should've been enjoying my childhood rather than getting a taste of the adult world." To me, that is sad because when I was twelve I was playing outside with my brothers and I am only four years older than my youngest brother. While I had began to babysit, I sure could not care for a new born baby all on my own! The writer expressed how she missed out on a lot of fun activities, especially during summer time, because she had to care for her younger siblings. It was nice to finally read that, "I repressed the memories of the summer and forgave my parents for what they put me through. I love my family..." I am happy that the writer was able to find light at the end of the tunnel.
The individual who wrote "Growing Up to Soon" didn't even get a chance to decided whether or not she wanted to grow up quickly or if she wanted to ride her childhood out as long as she could. When she was twelve she was faced with the difficult task of raising her baby sister almost entirely on her own and when she was seventeen she began to raise her baby brother. She said that, "I was about twelve and should've been enjoying my childhood rather than getting a taste of the adult world." To me, that is sad because when I was twelve I was playing outside with my brothers and I am only four years older than my youngest brother. While I had began to babysit, I sure could not care for a new born baby all on my own! The writer expressed how she missed out on a lot of fun activities, especially during summer time, because she had to care for her younger siblings. It was nice to finally read that, "I repressed the memories of the summer and forgave my parents for what they put me through. I love my family..." I am happy that the writer was able to find light at the end of the tunnel.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
"If Men Could Menstruate"
I think I am speaking for all girls everywhere when I say that, if only this essay could become a reality! "If Men Could Menstruate" by Gloria Steinem was the perfect essay to end the summer with because it was, in my opinion, quite comical. Then again, it angered me quite a bit.
Steinem's voice was very strong throughout the entire essay. I think her voice was a key factor in why I enjoyed reading this writing. As a reader I was never confused as to who's side Steinem was on or as to where she was going next with her writing. I enjoyed her creativity as well as how straight forward everything was. Maybe I'm completely wrong, but from her writing I would guess that Steinem is one of those people who can crack a hoke without a smile and just keep talking leaving the listeners chuckling to themselves.
What bothered and slightly angered me about this is that while obviously the essay is full of imaginary information, it isn't far from what could be the truth. Think of it as the constant struggle of those striving to be considered popular. When the unpopular kid wears a shirt with Elsa and Olaf on it they are picked on for being childish and weird. When the already popular kid wears the same shirt they get compliments and people think it's funny in the best way possible. I know that was a weird example and it definitely was not the best, but I think you got the point and can envision your own similar scenario. Steinem recognized that, in her own words, "men-stration" would create the same type of situation and I think that is bad. Guys are grossed out by women getting their period but if they had it, would it be glorified? That would just be plain hypocritical. Also, would the government really provide free tampons and pads? Do they think women choose to menstruate? No way!
I did find it funny though that Steinem thought that men would then compete to see who had the "better" period. Girls try to hide their period and it would just be odd if it were an openly discussed topic. The idea of designer pads was also quite amusing. I pictured guys showing off their pads as if it were their car. "Dude, look! Mine has Nicholas Cage on it!" That would just be weird!
Steinem's voice was very strong throughout the entire essay. I think her voice was a key factor in why I enjoyed reading this writing. As a reader I was never confused as to who's side Steinem was on or as to where she was going next with her writing. I enjoyed her creativity as well as how straight forward everything was. Maybe I'm completely wrong, but from her writing I would guess that Steinem is one of those people who can crack a hoke without a smile and just keep talking leaving the listeners chuckling to themselves.
What bothered and slightly angered me about this is that while obviously the essay is full of imaginary information, it isn't far from what could be the truth. Think of it as the constant struggle of those striving to be considered popular. When the unpopular kid wears a shirt with Elsa and Olaf on it they are picked on for being childish and weird. When the already popular kid wears the same shirt they get compliments and people think it's funny in the best way possible. I know that was a weird example and it definitely was not the best, but I think you got the point and can envision your own similar scenario. Steinem recognized that, in her own words, "men-stration" would create the same type of situation and I think that is bad. Guys are grossed out by women getting their period but if they had it, would it be glorified? That would just be plain hypocritical. Also, would the government really provide free tampons and pads? Do they think women choose to menstruate? No way!
I did find it funny though that Steinem thought that men would then compete to see who had the "better" period. Girls try to hide their period and it would just be odd if it were an openly discussed topic. The idea of designer pads was also quite amusing. I pictured guys showing off their pads as if it were their car. "Dude, look! Mine has Nicholas Cage on it!" That would just be weird!
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Adam vs. Eve ("The Great Lawsuit")
I have to be honest and say that this essay confused me. Even reading it through three times could not clear my confusion so I am still feeling unsure of what to write. I did however pull three separate trains of though from the essay. The first being that women are lesser than men. The second being that while it may seem as though men wear the pants, they are really being controlled by women and their sexuality. The third being that everyone is equal in the eyes of God so does anything else really matter?
From the start of the essay I assumed that the entire essay would be about women oppression. Margaret Fuller started off strong with an introductory paragraph about men living off the work and earnings of women. Fuller even goes as far as to say that, "...in a world of men, a true feeling towards women as towards slaves." She also touched upon education and power and how it was not seen as something a woman should have. I think, for the most part, Fuller was right to say what she did about women oppression. Fuller saying that women were thought of as nothing more than slaves was a stretch for me but I really liked how she said that in the current times, a woman with power can be sexy. I mean just look at Beyonce!
The third paragraph had me thinking that maybe the essay would be double sided. Maybe Fuller would take both sides. She said that, "All men are privately influenced by women..." Fuller made a fantastic point in saying that men do have to cater to women in some way so that the women will stick around and give the men what they want. In that way women hold the power. If the woman is not happy, the man is not happy either.
As the essay came to a close I noticed more and more biblical references. Then the essay took a religious twist. The final two sentences said exactly what I believe should be true of our world. "If the negro be a soul, if the woman be a soul, appareled in flesh, to one master only are they accountable. There is but one law for all souls, and, if there is to be an interpreter of it, he comes not as man, or son of man, but as Son of God."
From the start of the essay I assumed that the entire essay would be about women oppression. Margaret Fuller started off strong with an introductory paragraph about men living off the work and earnings of women. Fuller even goes as far as to say that, "...in a world of men, a true feeling towards women as towards slaves." She also touched upon education and power and how it was not seen as something a woman should have. I think, for the most part, Fuller was right to say what she did about women oppression. Fuller saying that women were thought of as nothing more than slaves was a stretch for me but I really liked how she said that in the current times, a woman with power can be sexy. I mean just look at Beyonce!
The third paragraph had me thinking that maybe the essay would be double sided. Maybe Fuller would take both sides. She said that, "All men are privately influenced by women..." Fuller made a fantastic point in saying that men do have to cater to women in some way so that the women will stick around and give the men what they want. In that way women hold the power. If the woman is not happy, the man is not happy either.
As the essay came to a close I noticed more and more biblical references. Then the essay took a religious twist. The final two sentences said exactly what I believe should be true of our world. "If the negro be a soul, if the woman be a soul, appareled in flesh, to one master only are they accountable. There is but one law for all souls, and, if there is to be an interpreter of it, he comes not as man, or son of man, but as Son of God."
Monday, August 18, 2014
Is Google Making Us Stupid?
I found it funny, although also quite sad, that throughout this essay the author said again and again how it is becoming increasingly harder for individuals to read through longer essays, when his essay itself is seven pages long. It makes me wonder if those who read "Is Google Making Us Stupid?" ever finished the essay or if they simply skimmed the surface because they were unable to focus on seven long pages. As the author, Nicholas Carr put it so well, "Once I was a scuba diver in the sea of words. Now I zip along the surface like a guy on a Jet Ski." That quote scares me in a way because I never want it to be true of myself. Speaking literally, I love the water and am fascinated by what is below the ocean's surface and I just wouldn't be myself if all I did was stay afloat. What makes it scary is that I seem to be floating up to the surface and it seems as if it is getting harder to sink again.
Another part of this essay that I found to be disturbing was the fact that this mental change due to the use of search engines like Google is, just like everything else, driven by money. The internet is spying on you. It tracks what sites you frequent and then puts adds for those sites on various other sites you visit. These ads are flashy and distracting and draw your attention away from whatever your reason for visiting the site was. How does this make anyone money? Well, sites pay other sites to post their ads and then people buy things because of those ads. The people in charge of the sites really don't care that they are ruining peoples' concentration as long as they themselves are making money. That is just one more part of our world that is being controlled by money.
This essay brought up the difference between real and artificial intelligence. Real intelligence is the intelligence that a person gains from attending school and artificial intelligence is the knowledge people accumulate for a short period of time from the internet. Just like the quote about scuba diving vs. jet skiing, this is a scary concept. The fact that people are starting to have more artificial intelligence makes me wonder what people will do in the future when large scale problems arise. When your faucet is leaking, yes, it is great to be able to quickly watch a YouTube video on how to fix it, but what if a never before known of epidemic breaks out? Or what if global warming becomes a scary reality and humans are forced to move into outer space on a ship like something from Wall-e? Then what? Google does not have the answer for such questions and that is why real intelligence is so important. We need to know what to do in these types of situations and so in this case, I would have to say that yes, Google is making us stupid, or at least less prepared.
Does all of this mean that Google is bad though? No. Google, and all other search engines, are very helpful! While writing this very piece I used Google to listen to music, and to find out whether to underline or italicize movie titles in essays. Am I more stupid because of it, no. However if Google is something you rely on like a baby does it's mother while it is still very young, yes, Google very well may be making you more stupid.
Another part of this essay that I found to be disturbing was the fact that this mental change due to the use of search engines like Google is, just like everything else, driven by money. The internet is spying on you. It tracks what sites you frequent and then puts adds for those sites on various other sites you visit. These ads are flashy and distracting and draw your attention away from whatever your reason for visiting the site was. How does this make anyone money? Well, sites pay other sites to post their ads and then people buy things because of those ads. The people in charge of the sites really don't care that they are ruining peoples' concentration as long as they themselves are making money. That is just one more part of our world that is being controlled by money.
This essay brought up the difference between real and artificial intelligence. Real intelligence is the intelligence that a person gains from attending school and artificial intelligence is the knowledge people accumulate for a short period of time from the internet. Just like the quote about scuba diving vs. jet skiing, this is a scary concept. The fact that people are starting to have more artificial intelligence makes me wonder what people will do in the future when large scale problems arise. When your faucet is leaking, yes, it is great to be able to quickly watch a YouTube video on how to fix it, but what if a never before known of epidemic breaks out? Or what if global warming becomes a scary reality and humans are forced to move into outer space on a ship like something from Wall-e? Then what? Google does not have the answer for such questions and that is why real intelligence is so important. We need to know what to do in these types of situations and so in this case, I would have to say that yes, Google is making us stupid, or at least less prepared.
Does all of this mean that Google is bad though? No. Google, and all other search engines, are very helpful! While writing this very piece I used Google to listen to music, and to find out whether to underline or italicize movie titles in essays. Am I more stupid because of it, no. However if Google is something you rely on like a baby does it's mother while it is still very young, yes, Google very well may be making you more stupid.
Friday, July 25, 2014
The Ethics of Living Jim Crow
This essay set the ball rolling in the first ten words of the opening sentence. "My first lesson in how to live as a Negro..." Immediately I picked up my sparkly blue gel pen and circled those ten words adding a note that no one should have to "learn" to live any differently than the next guy. No one should have to learn to take the blow, physically or mentally, of someone who's only reason for being "above" someone else was created in their very own mind. No one should have to worry about crossing into the "wrong" side of town, the distinguishing factor determining the right side from the wrong side for a person being their skin color. Some people may develop anger as a result of reading about such injustices, but I developed disappointment. Disappointed in what the American culture used to be like, and in what it, in some cases, continues to be today. In some ways reading about issues like Jim Crow Laws and their harmful affects on people who are no different than myself make me ashamed to be associated with white people because I am, well, white.
The first story within the essay focused on the unfair living conditions of the narrator growing up black in the Arkansas. The narrator was forced to watch the white kids bask in their artificial glory and green lawns while he was restricted to yellow grass and a crumbling brick home. What bothered me most about the boy's first "lesson" in the ways of living Jim Crow was that it was detrimental to his self esteem and pride. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not wishing that the boy would be cocky and have a head full of air, I just wish he would not have been told to be the weaker man. After getting hurt in a fight between him and his white neighbor kids, his mother scolded him. She told him he needed to be a good boy, to hide, and to let the white kids win. Living Jim Crow meant that he needed to praise the white people, make them feel better, and in return turn himself into a coward.
Many of the lessons he learned were learned through being employed by wealthy white men. His first employer seemed like a genuinely nice man and that fact was true for a long time. As soon as the boy made a mistake though, his boss suddenly became two faced and the boy was thrown under the bus. The white man also had told him that he should not want to get smart. He should only want to learn a skill. From his various work situation, the boy learned that he was to be unintelligent and to follow what the white folks said to a tee. This is just as wrong as the lesson he learned from his mother because everyone has the capability to learn and should be able to do so if they wish. Education is a battle.
So, my disappointment came from the actions of the white people. Who ever said they had the power to downgrade the black people? I realize that not everything is fair, and not everything should be fair, but not one single person gets to decide their skin color so why hold it against them? In my opinion, there is no point in being angry over what has occurred in the past for there is nothing anyone can do about it now. I think disappointment is alright, and even valuable because it can drive people to do better than they have previously done. Yes, Jim Crow Laws were terrible, but move on. Read the stories, the essays, the history books, and learn from them. Notice what went wrong and what went right and then do better.
The first story within the essay focused on the unfair living conditions of the narrator growing up black in the Arkansas. The narrator was forced to watch the white kids bask in their artificial glory and green lawns while he was restricted to yellow grass and a crumbling brick home. What bothered me most about the boy's first "lesson" in the ways of living Jim Crow was that it was detrimental to his self esteem and pride. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not wishing that the boy would be cocky and have a head full of air, I just wish he would not have been told to be the weaker man. After getting hurt in a fight between him and his white neighbor kids, his mother scolded him. She told him he needed to be a good boy, to hide, and to let the white kids win. Living Jim Crow meant that he needed to praise the white people, make them feel better, and in return turn himself into a coward.
Many of the lessons he learned were learned through being employed by wealthy white men. His first employer seemed like a genuinely nice man and that fact was true for a long time. As soon as the boy made a mistake though, his boss suddenly became two faced and the boy was thrown under the bus. The white man also had told him that he should not want to get smart. He should only want to learn a skill. From his various work situation, the boy learned that he was to be unintelligent and to follow what the white folks said to a tee. This is just as wrong as the lesson he learned from his mother because everyone has the capability to learn and should be able to do so if they wish. Education is a battle.
So, my disappointment came from the actions of the white people. Who ever said they had the power to downgrade the black people? I realize that not everything is fair, and not everything should be fair, but not one single person gets to decide their skin color so why hold it against them? In my opinion, there is no point in being angry over what has occurred in the past for there is nothing anyone can do about it now. I think disappointment is alright, and even valuable because it can drive people to do better than they have previously done. Yes, Jim Crow Laws were terrible, but move on. Read the stories, the essays, the history books, and learn from them. Notice what went wrong and what went right and then do better.
Friday, July 4, 2014
"Talk of the Town"
September 11, 2001 is a day that haunts Americans to this very day. Due to the horrific events that occurred, many Americans live their lives in fear. America has altered the ways in which it operates in attempt to make every aspect of life ultra safe. Airports have increased security, and schools lock their doors to everyone, including the students. While everyone shares the same idea that 9-11 was indeed a terrible event, not everyone shares the same opinion on where America is headed now. John Updike speaks about his 9-11 experience with the idea that America will continue to shine just as they always had. Susan Sontag dug deeper into what America, the government in particular, has become since the attacks and believes that America, while it may still be strong, is being controlled by fear.
Updike witnessed the September 11th attacks from his tenth-floor apartment room not even a mile away from the twin towers. At first he describes the event as curious, as if it were just a T.V. show, not a reality. Then, once it becomes evident that the event was indeed real, Updike goes into further detail of 9-11. Throughout that day the attacks were broadcast on the news. One by one the shining towers collapsed into a heap of debris spewing smoke that cloaked the majority of the city. When dawn rose again the next morning though, Updike was able to look beyond the smog and still notice how, "The fresh sun shone on the eastward facades, a few boats tentatively moved in the river, the ruins were still sending out smoke, but New York looked glorious." If New York could prove to still be glorious on one of the worst days in American history, surely the rest of America could do the same.
Sontag saw a more frightening angle of the 9-11 attacks. She noticed how, in her own words, "Politics, the politics of a democracy-which entails disagreement, which promotes candor-had been replaced by psychotherapy." The psychotherapy developed as a result of the attacks. Sontag wrote how the government has convinced America, or at least tried to convince America, that the attacks are behind them and that it is alright to move on. America is okay. America is still strong. "But that's not all America has to be." That line, referring to America being strong, is the line Sontag ends with and it sums up her essay perfectly. Americans should be strong but they cannot be stupid, and stupid yet strong is exactly how Americans are acting today.
Updike witnessed the September 11th attacks from his tenth-floor apartment room not even a mile away from the twin towers. At first he describes the event as curious, as if it were just a T.V. show, not a reality. Then, once it becomes evident that the event was indeed real, Updike goes into further detail of 9-11. Throughout that day the attacks were broadcast on the news. One by one the shining towers collapsed into a heap of debris spewing smoke that cloaked the majority of the city. When dawn rose again the next morning though, Updike was able to look beyond the smog and still notice how, "The fresh sun shone on the eastward facades, a few boats tentatively moved in the river, the ruins were still sending out smoke, but New York looked glorious." If New York could prove to still be glorious on one of the worst days in American history, surely the rest of America could do the same.
Sontag saw a more frightening angle of the 9-11 attacks. She noticed how, in her own words, "Politics, the politics of a democracy-which entails disagreement, which promotes candor-had been replaced by psychotherapy." The psychotherapy developed as a result of the attacks. Sontag wrote how the government has convinced America, or at least tried to convince America, that the attacks are behind them and that it is alright to move on. America is okay. America is still strong. "But that's not all America has to be." That line, referring to America being strong, is the line Sontag ends with and it sums up her essay perfectly. Americans should be strong but they cannot be stupid, and stupid yet strong is exactly how Americans are acting today.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Meet Cora Stube!
Hello fellow AP Compers! I'm Cora, you may know me as Coe, Stubes, Stuby, or any other variation of my name. I will try to keep this short and sweet but if you know me, you will know that, for the most part, I have a lot to say. Here we go!
1. I will start with the one thing I'm pretty sure everyone knows about me, I swim. I have no exciting swimming stories or accomplishment to share with you guys, I just really love the sport. When in the water, I feel free and like I can do anything...except breath. To me, it is a great feeling. It might sound cliche for a swimmer to say they wish they were a mermaid, but I really do!
2. Music brings so much color and light into my life I don't have any idea what I would do without it. No matter what my mood may be, I can always find the perfect song. Not only do I enjoy listening to music, but I also enjoy making music. I have been playing piano since I was four, oboe since 6th grade, alto saxophone since freshman year, and I am currently teaching myself to play trombone. When I play a song and fill it with emotion I am put into a spell that is left unbroken until my hands leave the keys and the sounds die away.
3. I am Katniss Everdeen. Okay, not really, but a girl can dream! I am an archer though. My brother, Ryan, and I both shoot at both the Stoughton and Oregon conservation clubs.
4.I do this thing called German Wheel, I think it's pretty neat. It is kind of hard to explain without YouTube, but it is basically gymnastics inside a human sized hamster wheel. Every free Sunday I have, I go to the Madison Circus Space. The Circus Space is super cool because everyone, seriously, everyone, is welcome! The people there are, as you might guess, super unique and mindblowingly talented.
5. There are five people in my family. My dad, Ed, is a tree hugging, healthy eating, wrestling enthusiast. He used to own a bakery so he also makes some pretty darn good deserts. My mom, Jean, is a preschool teacher at CLM and she likes to read about healthy living. She has been through a lot but no matter how easy it would have been for her to give up, she didn't, and I admire her for it. My brothers, Ryan and Roy, are way cooler than me but if anyone tells them I said that... Anyway, Ryan will be a sophomore, and Roy will be an eighth grader. They are a dangerous duo! Together they enjoy lighting things on fire, skidding in gravel with their bikes, and juggling.
Alright, well, that was a little more lengthy than I anticipated, but I warned you! I like English classes and I like people so I look forward to seeing you all in class this Fall!
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