Okay, last part, last blog, last……..well, I wish I could say week. Last full week I guess. That’s something to cheer about :). I’ve been waiting for this all semester. Just please don’t let summer fly by….let it go slowwwwwww please…
Well what can I say? It’s been nice knowing you guys. Class was really fun, and dare I say interesting at times. I was glad that our class was a whole group of really diverse, understanding people. I still hate politics with a passion, but I was glad the class wasn’t heated debate every time. I know those times were interesting, but I’m just glad everyone was on good terms. I wish you all good luck with your papers, and good luck in life.
Don’t really have much else to say, but I do need about sixty more words. Well, I can guess I can reflect a little on how much I’ve grown. I’ve learned to see arguments better-in terms of seeing some fallacies and propaganda. I don’t know if I can argue better though. I didn’t break out of my shell as much as I would have hoped. But I will in time I’m sure. Overall, I do think I can write a better paper. I just wish I would learn how to prioritize my life.
Well, I’m out. See you guys later and good luck again. I hope whatever major you’re pursuing works out for you. And always keep an open mind-I find that that works best in life.
BYE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Last Week-Part 4-
Lately I’ve been thinking of becoming an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) in Japan. It’s weird actually. I hate grammar (to a degree) and I was never any good at it, but being an English teacher might not be so bad. I could definitely put these Japanese courses to good use. And I’ve never visited another country before, so that’s always a plus. But I would have to worry about culture shock, and I have read/heard that being a gaijin (foreigner/outsider) is not a good thing in Japan. All of that aside though, being an ALT is both tempting and completely out of the question.
I wanted to be teacher when I was a kid (you know, after wanting to be an archaeologist, a marine biologist, etc.). But later, I decided against it. I don’t really like speaking in front of a room of people, and being a teacher would be a big challenge actually. Most teachers just make you read out of the book, copy way-too-many-pages of notes, or listen to them lecture the whole class. To be a really good teacher, it would take a lot of skill and talent. And what really turned me off even more was the thought of teaching some of the kids I went to school with. You would have to put up with rowdy kids, angry parents, and just a whole lot of crap. Being a teacher just did not seem too appealing to me.
But what the hell?... I’m still considering this job…
Last Week-Part 3-
I’m probably not really in a position to complain about what classes I have to take though; I still have no idea what my major is. I tried ‘experimenting’ this semester, as weird as that sounds. Last semester I took a General Psychology class and really liked it. I didn’t feel as though, ‘this is my major for SURE,’ but, I still liked it. I get bored to tears by most of the subjects I take at school, so finding one that really interested me was pretty cool. Psychology would be a great major because you can apply it to so many things. I would definitely need a Doctorate in it though. A Master’s at the very least.
The other major I have always considered is art. I don’t know what exact subfield, but I’ve always though (and have been told) that art is the major for me. I tried it this semester, and I’m still not sure. Near the beginning, I thought that I just wasn’t cut out for it. I would come to class and get incredibly bored drawing whatever was in the middle of the room. But it got better as the semester went on; I could feel myself improving too. At home, I do like to draw when I have the time. It’s not that I have no interest, but rather, I’m just indecisive.
The other major I have always considered is art. I don’t know what exact subfield, but I’ve always though (and have been told) that art is the major for me. I tried it this semester, and I’m still not sure. Near the beginning, I thought that I just wasn’t cut out for it. I would come to class and get incredibly bored drawing whatever was in the middle of the room. But it got better as the semester went on; I could feel myself improving too. At home, I do like to draw when I have the time. It’s not that I have no interest, but rather, I’m just indecisive.
Last Week-Part 2-
Teachers and parents are always saying, “It’s good to be a well-rounded individual.” I think that’s a good thing- well, at least it sounds good putting it like that anyway. But having to go through all of these extra courses really makes me rethink that. I thought college was going to be focusing mainly on what our major is, and taking a few English or Math classes on the side. I never really thought I’d end up taking a Sociology and Biology class. The classes are interesting for the most part, and I like my professors, but in the end…I just don’t see the point.
Right now, I can only keep reminding myself that having a little bit of knowledge in a variety of fields is a great asset. You can know everything about one particular subject, and that’s great, but knowing nothing about anything else is…pretty lame. I really would like to have a basic understanding of Biology, or a basic understanding of Japanese (I would like to be fluent in Japanese actually). I guess I just don’t see why I have to study something like it’s going to be my major. But damn. That’s an old age question I’m sure everyone is tired of hearing, and I’m probably (actually definitely) not the first to ask.
Right now, I can only keep reminding myself that having a little bit of knowledge in a variety of fields is a great asset. You can know everything about one particular subject, and that’s great, but knowing nothing about anything else is…pretty lame. I really would like to have a basic understanding of Biology, or a basic understanding of Japanese (I would like to be fluent in Japanese actually). I guess I just don’t see why I have to study something like it’s going to be my major. But damn. That’s an old age question I’m sure everyone is tired of hearing, and I’m probably (actually definitely) not the first to ask.
Last Week-Part 1-
So it’s finally the end, and I’m pretty glad. I’m going to miss a lot of people from my classes, but it’s not like I won’t ever see anybody again (I hope not anyway). I’m just glad for summer to be here and for this semester to be over; I’ve been waiting since early February. This semester was definitely harder than the last, and it was really taxing too. It’s could’ve been worse, yes, but that doesn’t make it any better.
This semester made me question why I was in college actually. I just couldn’t help but think, why am I doing this; why am I here? In middle school it was all about getting into high school. In high school it was all about getting into college. So what am I “getting into to” in college? A job? I don’t think I need to know every single step of photosynthesis to hold a job that doesn’t concern Biology. I even said to myself, ‘Now I know why people drop out of college; they don’t want to put up with all of this crap’. And that’s probably a big reason, other than failing out. I just couldn’t see why knowing all of this was going to help me make it through life.
This semester made me question why I was in college actually. I just couldn’t help but think, why am I doing this; why am I here? In middle school it was all about getting into high school. In high school it was all about getting into college. So what am I “getting into to” in college? A job? I don’t think I need to know every single step of photosynthesis to hold a job that doesn’t concern Biology. I even said to myself, ‘Now I know why people drop out of college; they don’t want to put up with all of this crap’. And that’s probably a big reason, other than failing out. I just couldn’t see why knowing all of this was going to help me make it through life.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Summer
Wow, it’s hard to believe next week is the last full week. I can’t be sad though, I am way too happy. Of course summer vacation is going to be awesome (and I can actually sleep for the next few months), but just being able to say this semester is OVER will be the best. I can’t wait.
I don’t know if it’s just because I got all of the hard classes this semester or something…..maybe I just overloaded myself, I don’t know. This semester has been very tiring, and there was ALWAYS something that needed to be done. I just feel like I was never given a break this semester. I never had a weekend completely void of homework. Even this weekend, I have a lot of work to do.
I hope summer doesn’t throw me off too much though, in terms of work. I’d hate to have to come back next year, and have even more work to do. But I hope the summer will be relaxing nonetheless. I currently don’t have any vacation plans (*gasp*), but just laying around the house is fine to me. Just as long as there is no school work, it’s fine with me.
I don’t know if it’s just because I got all of the hard classes this semester or something…..maybe I just overloaded myself, I don’t know. This semester has been very tiring, and there was ALWAYS something that needed to be done. I just feel like I was never given a break this semester. I never had a weekend completely void of homework. Even this weekend, I have a lot of work to do.
I hope summer doesn’t throw me off too much though, in terms of work. I’d hate to have to come back next year, and have even more work to do. But I hope the summer will be relaxing nonetheless. I currently don’t have any vacation plans (*gasp*), but just laying around the house is fine to me. Just as long as there is no school work, it’s fine with me.
School Thoughts Again
It’s crunch time in school right now, and picking classes for next semester is making life even more hectic. As I studied for a Biology test last week, I couldn’t help but think, ‘WHAT is the point of all this?’
Is it really necessary to know every step of photosynthesis to achieve success in life? Do I have to know how to apply the Pythagorean Theorem to a room to figure out its total size, when I have no intention of being a carpenter/flooring contractor/what have you? Need I write these blog posts every Friday to become a billionaire in the future?
All of these classes are for the general education program. I guess they would like us to be well-rounded individuals, and it makes sense. However, I cannot see myself applying a lot of this in daily life. Some of it is helpful, and then some of it just seems like busy work.
Right now, I just don’t see the point of it all. In elementary school, it was all about moving up to the next grade. In junior high, it was all about getting into high school. In high school, it was all about college, college, college. Now, what is this about? I can see taking classes that pertain to my major, but what about everything else? Maybe I will eat my words and really use what I learn, but for right now, I just don’t see how knowing the entire process of photosynthesis will help.
Is it really necessary to know every step of photosynthesis to achieve success in life? Do I have to know how to apply the Pythagorean Theorem to a room to figure out its total size, when I have no intention of being a carpenter/flooring contractor/what have you? Need I write these blog posts every Friday to become a billionaire in the future?
All of these classes are for the general education program. I guess they would like us to be well-rounded individuals, and it makes sense. However, I cannot see myself applying a lot of this in daily life. Some of it is helpful, and then some of it just seems like busy work.
Right now, I just don’t see the point of it all. In elementary school, it was all about moving up to the next grade. In junior high, it was all about getting into high school. In high school, it was all about college, college, college. Now, what is this about? I can see taking classes that pertain to my major, but what about everything else? Maybe I will eat my words and really use what I learn, but for right now, I just don’t see how knowing the entire process of photosynthesis will help.
The Can't Think of a Good Title Blog Post
Next topic: foreign languages. I take Japanese right now, and it’s not a very difficult language (yet, anyway). There’s a lot of stuff to remember, but the gist of it is not hard to learn at all. Despite this, I find myself sucking at it really bad. I take this class with a couple of Honor students and some other people good at foreign languages. They’re awesome, and I feel like I can’t compare, ever. I’ll admit I don’t study enough (at all), but they really don’t either. They just hear it, and pick it up. I wish I could do that. It goes in one ear and out the other for me. And, it’s a universal fact that conjugating verbs SUCKS in ANY language.
They say you should apply whatever foreign language you are learning to your everyday life. This makes sense, but it’s a little difficult. I’m constantly surrounded by English, so of course I want to speak English. And practicing out loud would be very awkward for other people. They won’t know what I’m saying, and will probably think I’m wasting time. I think I’ll just keep the practicing mental, or on paper.
And, one day I will learn kanji. It’s going to be rough, but I’ll learn it.
それじゃ、また後で。
They say you should apply whatever foreign language you are learning to your everyday life. This makes sense, but it’s a little difficult. I’m constantly surrounded by English, so of course I want to speak English. And practicing out loud would be very awkward for other people. They won’t know what I’m saying, and will probably think I’m wasting time. I think I’ll just keep the practicing mental, or on paper.
And, one day I will learn kanji. It’s going to be rough, but I’ll learn it.
それじゃ、また後で。
Random School Thoughts
So, I’ve got to pick classes for next semester. I find this extremely hard to do, considering I don’t even know what my major is. Well, the good news is, no more math classes. I’m terrible at math, so this is great news. Well, depending on if I pass the course I’m in now; I think I will.
There really is a love/hate relationship with those classes that are no homework, only 3 or 4 tests all semester. You love the idea of no homework at the time, then you make a not so hot grade on a test, and you realize that’s all you have. It’s annoying to have only 3 shots at a decent grade; and if you fail one, you can forget making an A in the class. I would rather have the homework as a backup grade. It would be annoying but it would make my life easier.
I wonder why teachers only give tests though. Is it for them or us? Do they just not want to have to grade all of that, or is there no point to it? Maybe they figure no one will do it, and don’t even assign any? My guess is the first one. The classes I usually don’t have homework in are huge classes (100 students or more), so I wouldn’t want to grade all of that.
There really is a love/hate relationship with those classes that are no homework, only 3 or 4 tests all semester. You love the idea of no homework at the time, then you make a not so hot grade on a test, and you realize that’s all you have. It’s annoying to have only 3 shots at a decent grade; and if you fail one, you can forget making an A in the class. I would rather have the homework as a backup grade. It would be annoying but it would make my life easier.
I wonder why teachers only give tests though. Is it for them or us? Do they just not want to have to grade all of that, or is there no point to it? Maybe they figure no one will do it, and don’t even assign any? My guess is the first one. The classes I usually don’t have homework in are huge classes (100 students or more), so I wouldn’t want to grade all of that.
Time to Move On
Well, as for news-that-no-one-wants-to-remember, the Tigers lost on Monday night. It was sad yes, we were so close. I don’t really keep up with sports, but even I was feeling a little bit of the pain from that one. However, it’s all said and done. No need to dwell on it. What my point is, as we brought up in my art class on Tuesday, I think people just get a little too emotional over sports. I have nothing against getting excited and cheering, that’s not what I mean. I’m talking about crying your eyes out because a sports team lost.
It just seems like people put a little too much focus on something like sports. They’re a form of entertainment and we love them, but there are more important things out there in the world. I’m not really into sports myself, so I can’t really relate to the people who feel very passionate about them. It’s fine to play and love them, but there is more to life then winning a game. And after you win, you get what, bragging rights for a year? A year will go by fast trust me. We’ll get ‘em next year as they say.
It just seems like people put a little too much focus on something like sports. They’re a form of entertainment and we love them, but there are more important things out there in the world. I’m not really into sports myself, so I can’t really relate to the people who feel very passionate about them. It’s fine to play and love them, but there is more to life then winning a game. And after you win, you get what, bragging rights for a year? A year will go by fast trust me. We’ll get ‘em next year as they say.
Friday, April 4, 2008
This Week
I thought this week was going by really bad. I had a massive Biology test I thought I failed, and I also thought I failed my graded piece in art class. I’ve been really lazy all week, and putting things off even more than usual. I just thought it was the crappiest week of the semester, next to a few others.
Well turns out this week wasn’t so bad after all. I made a B on my Bio test (well, a C as a raw score, but B with the bonus points), which was amazing because I thought I epically failed. My art teacher also decided not to grade the drawings we did on Tuesday, which made me really glad. We have to critique them in front of the class, and I just did not want to even look at that thing again.
I would really hope this week would teach me to get my act together, but I doubt it. I used to be on top of things pretty well back in the 10th grade and below. Now I’m just extremely lazy and I procrastinate, and I can’t seem to get things done. Like everyone else, I have a million other things I’d rather be doing, and that’s what I focus on.
I hope someday I’ll be more on top of things. But right now, I just want to sleep….
Well turns out this week wasn’t so bad after all. I made a B on my Bio test (well, a C as a raw score, but B with the bonus points), which was amazing because I thought I epically failed. My art teacher also decided not to grade the drawings we did on Tuesday, which made me really glad. We have to critique them in front of the class, and I just did not want to even look at that thing again.
I would really hope this week would teach me to get my act together, but I doubt it. I used to be on top of things pretty well back in the 10th grade and below. Now I’m just extremely lazy and I procrastinate, and I can’t seem to get things done. Like everyone else, I have a million other things I’d rather be doing, and that’s what I focus on.
I hope someday I’ll be more on top of things. But right now, I just want to sleep….
Should we Forgive and Forget?
Yes, most definitely. What’s the point of keeping those negative feelings and hatred around? None of us in this generation were alive then, so we are not solely responsible. Passing on negative views about a certain race makes no sense. We need to both forgive and forget.
Forgiving is the hardest part I think. You can’t forget until you forgive, so the forgiving must come first. People always have a hard time admitting their mistakes. This makes the forgiving really hard. Let’s say you pre-judge someone of another race, only to find out they were not that way at all. You might feel embarrassed you were wrong and won’t admit it, or you just will never even think you were wrong. A lot of people turn a blind eye to what’s in front of them. They keep going along with their stereotypes and pre-judgments, refusing to see what’s there. And people just won’t forgive. They have the mind set that they are right, and that their opinion is tops.
If we can get over this forgiving deal, then the forgetting shouldn’t be too far away. Things might still be a bit shaky even after forgiving, but after reconciling with your own feelings, you’ll forget. Life’s too short to harp on one thing forever.
Forgiving is the hardest part I think. You can’t forget until you forgive, so the forgiving must come first. People always have a hard time admitting their mistakes. This makes the forgiving really hard. Let’s say you pre-judge someone of another race, only to find out they were not that way at all. You might feel embarrassed you were wrong and won’t admit it, or you just will never even think you were wrong. A lot of people turn a blind eye to what’s in front of them. They keep going along with their stereotypes and pre-judgments, refusing to see what’s there. And people just won’t forgive. They have the mind set that they are right, and that their opinion is tops.
If we can get over this forgiving deal, then the forgetting shouldn’t be too far away. Things might still be a bit shaky even after forgiving, but after reconciling with your own feelings, you’ll forget. Life’s too short to harp on one thing forever.
Forgiving and Forgetting
A big difference, but the two can go hand-in-hand. To forget something entirely is disregarding it completely, never coming back to it unless you are reminded. In a way, it almost seems like it is forgiving. Not really, there is no official forgiveness there. But it seems like if you never touch the topic again, people might think you have forgave and forgot. You don’t seem mad anymore, so you must have reconciled, right?
Well to forgive is one thing, forget is another. Forgiving leads to forgetting, it’s not the other way around. If you truly have no intention of forgiving, then you won’t forget. We see it everyday after all-ghosts of the past still holding strong in people’s minds. Whether it has something to do with Jim Crow Laws or the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, it’s there. People won’t forgive, and that means no forgetting either.
It’s really sad how that stuff is still around. It happened so long ago, and you would think people would have forgotten, if anything, by now. But like I said, they won’t forgive. They pass on their thoughts and ideas to their kids, who then pass it on to theirs…it’s like a cycle. A pretty unjustified cycle too, considering the kids weren’t even alive at the time.
Well to forgive is one thing, forget is another. Forgiving leads to forgetting, it’s not the other way around. If you truly have no intention of forgiving, then you won’t forget. We see it everyday after all-ghosts of the past still holding strong in people’s minds. Whether it has something to do with Jim Crow Laws or the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, it’s there. People won’t forgive, and that means no forgetting either.
It’s really sad how that stuff is still around. It happened so long ago, and you would think people would have forgotten, if anything, by now. But like I said, they won’t forgive. They pass on their thoughts and ideas to their kids, who then pass it on to theirs…it’s like a cycle. A pretty unjustified cycle too, considering the kids weren’t even alive at the time.
WHO is allowed to speak about race?
Well my first thought was “Everyone.” Why wouldn’t anyone be able to talk about it? I know we have freedom of speech and everything, but that aside, anyone can address the issue. I think the problem is is that we don’t talk about it.
The thing is, if ‘race’ starts getting thrown around in conversation or debate, things get real heated, real fast. It almost makes you think NO ONE can talk about race. Why talk about something that makes everyone upset? After all, none of us are perfect, and all of us have pre-judged someone based on their looks or skin color. It’s like none of us are in the position to be the mediator of the race argument.
Well I don’t know who the mediator is going to be, but anyone can talk about race. None of us are that perfect, non-judging individual after all. I don’t think it’s a topic left up to politicians, or anyone else in charge. It’s not something that should be avoided either. I don’t like starting big arguments are getting people mad, but if it needs to be spoken about, it should be spoken about. I don’t see why people get upset over the topic anyway (just with the fact that it’s brought up I mean), but I always think “Oh no…” when it does. I guess it’s just our culture.
The thing is, if ‘race’ starts getting thrown around in conversation or debate, things get real heated, real fast. It almost makes you think NO ONE can talk about race. Why talk about something that makes everyone upset? After all, none of us are perfect, and all of us have pre-judged someone based on their looks or skin color. It’s like none of us are in the position to be the mediator of the race argument.
Well I don’t know who the mediator is going to be, but anyone can talk about race. None of us are that perfect, non-judging individual after all. I don’t think it’s a topic left up to politicians, or anyone else in charge. It’s not something that should be avoided either. I don’t like starting big arguments are getting people mad, but if it needs to be spoken about, it should be spoken about. I don’t see why people get upset over the topic anyway (just with the fact that it’s brought up I mean), but I always think “Oh no…” when it does. I guess it’s just our culture.
Do we have a problem talking about race?
Memphis is supposed to be one of the most racial/discriminatory cities in the country (or so I hear), and yet we have a problem talking about race? Well, it’s not a Memphis thing-it’s everywhere. Race is always a no-no topic. You don’t want to say anything regarding the topic, or else you might disrupt the ‘peace.’
As we spoke about this is in class, I analyzed myself, to see how I saw “race”; and I’m sure everyone else was too. I do agree that background has a lot to do with it. Why wouldn’t it? I think I’m more afraid to talk about it than most other people actually. I’ve went to a private school my whole life. I’ve gone to school with very few African American kids. Race was never really a topic, as we were mostly white children. Every time this topic comes up, I’m not scared of the topic itself, but rather what will be said. Not that I don’t like speaking entirely, but I’m always a little hesitant.
I’m hesitant to the extent of using “black” actually. I know it sounds crazy, but I use “African American” a lot of the time, especially when talking in front of the class or a group. I thought about it, and I can’t explain it. I don’t really like using “white” kids or “Asian” kids either. I do use the terms I’m sure, but I don’t like using them in the sense that ‘black kids are this,’ ‘’white people are that, ’those Asian kids…’. I do probably say some of those things, I’m not little Ms. Perfect preaching to you here.
But yes, I do think there is a problem. We just avoid it for different reasons, but mainly not to step on anyone’s toes. And I hate stepping on people’s toes, so I definitely avoid the topic.
And I’m very nervous putting this blog post up actually….
As we spoke about this is in class, I analyzed myself, to see how I saw “race”; and I’m sure everyone else was too. I do agree that background has a lot to do with it. Why wouldn’t it? I think I’m more afraid to talk about it than most other people actually. I’ve went to a private school my whole life. I’ve gone to school with very few African American kids. Race was never really a topic, as we were mostly white children. Every time this topic comes up, I’m not scared of the topic itself, but rather what will be said. Not that I don’t like speaking entirely, but I’m always a little hesitant.
I’m hesitant to the extent of using “black” actually. I know it sounds crazy, but I use “African American” a lot of the time, especially when talking in front of the class or a group. I thought about it, and I can’t explain it. I don’t really like using “white” kids or “Asian” kids either. I do use the terms I’m sure, but I don’t like using them in the sense that ‘black kids are this,’ ‘’white people are that, ’those Asian kids…’. I do probably say some of those things, I’m not little Ms. Perfect preaching to you here.
But yes, I do think there is a problem. We just avoid it for different reasons, but mainly not to step on anyone’s toes. And I hate stepping on people’s toes, so I definitely avoid the topic.
And I’m very nervous putting this blog post up actually….
Friday, March 28, 2008
Cherry-Picking
People are blogging about cherry-picking this week. I haven’t researched yet, but I know what it is from Mr. Lord’s interview. In fact, I was thinking something like it Wednesday night when I was typing Part 3. As I went through a list of statistics, I knew I wanted the ones that supported what I wanted to say. Most of them did, so I wasn’t too worried. But some of them did go against my opinion. I decided to include those in a small paragraph, because I remember Wendy talking about presenting both sides evenly.
It makes me think though; do I need to represent both evenly, or just focus on mine? It is an opinion paper, so I thought my opinion would be prevalent. If I do need to focus on both sides, wouldn’t my opinion be masked by the opposing side’s? People might not know what I’m arguing about if I don’t write it clearly enough.
But I guess that’s just it; I need to write it so that people don’t get confused. It’s hard to be forward about your own side when you have to be fair with presenting the other side too though.
I guess that’s going to be Tuesday’s lesson. I really want to get this worked out so I can do Part 4 right. I don’t want to have to rewrite anymore of that paper!
It makes me think though; do I need to represent both evenly, or just focus on mine? It is an opinion paper, so I thought my opinion would be prevalent. If I do need to focus on both sides, wouldn’t my opinion be masked by the opposing side’s? People might not know what I’m arguing about if I don’t write it clearly enough.
But I guess that’s just it; I need to write it so that people don’t get confused. It’s hard to be forward about your own side when you have to be fair with presenting the other side too though.
I guess that’s going to be Tuesday’s lesson. I really want to get this worked out so I can do Part 4 right. I don’t want to have to rewrite anymore of that paper!
Stacy Sullivan
The last reader of the night was Ms. Sullivan and I was very interested to hear her reading. Even after researching I was still afraid I wouldn’t know what she was talking about, but I think I kept up pretty well. It was cool to get to hear a first-hand account on this kind of thing. It made it seem more authentic in a way. Or more personal I guess you could say.
I thought it was interesting how an army that started out with only 30 people would eventually liberate an entire country. Speaking of which, I had no idea that was the country that just got liberated. I remember hearing about it in the news, but I didn’t know it was the same nation Ms. Sullivan talked about. Now that I think about it, it’s neat to know where it started years ago and connect it to today. It doesn’t seem that long ago, but I wonder how Ms. Sullivan feels about it.
I think the readings have given me a little more insight on the paper; though, I do feel a little bad because I don’t think I’ll end up with half as much research as these three people have. But I think I can make my paper sound at least a little better.
I thought it was interesting how an army that started out with only 30 people would eventually liberate an entire country. Speaking of which, I had no idea that was the country that just got liberated. I remember hearing about it in the news, but I didn’t know it was the same nation Ms. Sullivan talked about. Now that I think about it, it’s neat to know where it started years ago and connect it to today. It doesn’t seem that long ago, but I wonder how Ms. Sullivan feels about it.
I think the readings have given me a little more insight on the paper; though, I do feel a little bad because I don’t think I’ll end up with half as much research as these three people have. But I think I can make my paper sound at least a little better.
Joshua Prager
Out of all three of the readings I found this one the most interesting (and I’m not even that big a sports fan). As Mr. Prager read about life back in the ‘50s, it really amazed me how much people were into baseball back then. After the Giants won, people were claiming it was the greatest day of their lives, naming their kids after Bob Thomson and everything…I really liked the way he wrote because it put me back in time a little. Mr. Prager spoke about how he liked to write a lot about the time, and I think that’s a really cool way to approach things. It didn’t feel like a history lesson, but more like insight on the early ‘50s. The first thing I thought of is how much things have changed; I don’t hear people obsessing over baseball much these days… Maybe in another 30 years he’ll write about a cheating scandal on American Idol. That would be hilarious.
I also like how he didn’t chastise Thomson by humiliating him or writing bad things about him being a liar and cheater or something. It was nice how he was made out to be a good guy. Makes me wonder what I would do if someone was telling me to cheat like that. I think all of us would be very tempted to just go along with it like Thomson did. Especially considering how much baseball players make…
I also like how he didn’t chastise Thomson by humiliating him or writing bad things about him being a liar and cheater or something. It was nice how he was made out to be a good guy. Makes me wonder what I would do if someone was telling me to cheat like that. I think all of us would be very tempted to just go along with it like Thomson did. Especially considering how much baseball players make…
Christine Keneally
Ms. Keneally spoke about the evolution of language in the reading last night. It’s weird because this thought has crossed my mind sometimes. I’m taking a foreign language, and sometimes I think. ‘How do they translate all of these things from one language to another? I know it’s possible, but it must take forever…’ It just makes you think where words really come from. What I find amazing is how people came up with so many different kinds of language. According to Wiki (Sorry Wendy T-T), “As of early 2007, there are 6,912 known living human languages.” That’s 6,911 different ways to say the word “rock.” Fascinating 0_o.
And of course there’s the whole issue of language evolving itself. I’m not sure how long it took, but we went from grunts to future tense in language. We also made different words from words themselves; like how the word ‘participate’ is just a bigger word for the phrase, ‘to take part in.’ If you were to ask me right now, I would say we are at the peak of language as of now. Maybe we add new words to the dictionary every year, but in terms of using and understanding language, I always thought we’ve reached the height.
But I’m probably wrong. Language is a factor of evolution. So if people keep evolving, won’t language evolve as well?
And of course there’s the whole issue of language evolving itself. I’m not sure how long it took, but we went from grunts to future tense in language. We also made different words from words themselves; like how the word ‘participate’ is just a bigger word for the phrase, ‘to take part in.’ If you were to ask me right now, I would say we are at the peak of language as of now. Maybe we add new words to the dictionary every year, but in terms of using and understanding language, I always thought we’ve reached the height.
But I’m probably wrong. Language is a factor of evolution. So if people keep evolving, won’t language evolve as well?
Thursday, March 27, 2008
George Lord Interview
I found out a lot of interesting facts in this interview this morning. Way too many to fit in this blog post even. But I’ll share some of the stuff I found most interesting:
I think I just read somewhere the other day that the US is 2 years behind that of other schools in foreign countries. Course, we’re always hearing stuff like that on the news. But according to Dr. Lord, we only look bad in the tests scores because of when they’re testing us. Other countries are tested in math when their students are 22 years old; our students are tested before they have even learned the math. I never put that into consideration-the way the testing is done. I just always bought what I heard about the US being so behind. It definitely makes me rethink some things. Good thing I’m not focusing on the education factor in School Assessment mostly, or I would really be thrown for a loop.
What really caught my attention was this statement: If kids in the public school have a control for income (meaning if every kid in the schools received the same income), they would do better than private. Whoa. That really goes against everything we hear…It also makes you think about the amount of poverty in the schools. I had looked into poverty a bit for Part 2 of the Paper, but never poured hours of research into it though. Maybe I’ll get back to it though; everything seems to be leading to it.
My topic is school violence, so all these statistics about education weren’t really of any interest to me. I think I will have to tie it in though, maybe. Writing this blog now, I realize there are a lot of things I need to rethink.
I think I just read somewhere the other day that the US is 2 years behind that of other schools in foreign countries. Course, we’re always hearing stuff like that on the news. But according to Dr. Lord, we only look bad in the tests scores because of when they’re testing us. Other countries are tested in math when their students are 22 years old; our students are tested before they have even learned the math. I never put that into consideration-the way the testing is done. I just always bought what I heard about the US being so behind. It definitely makes me rethink some things. Good thing I’m not focusing on the education factor in School Assessment mostly, or I would really be thrown for a loop.
What really caught my attention was this statement: If kids in the public school have a control for income (meaning if every kid in the schools received the same income), they would do better than private. Whoa. That really goes against everything we hear…It also makes you think about the amount of poverty in the schools. I had looked into poverty a bit for Part 2 of the Paper, but never poured hours of research into it though. Maybe I’ll get back to it though; everything seems to be leading to it.
My topic is school violence, so all these statistics about education weren’t really of any interest to me. I think I will have to tie it in though, maybe. Writing this blog now, I realize there are a lot of things I need to rethink.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Thinking About My Major
I scheduled my classes yesterday; well, I haven’t picked the times yet, but I met my advisor. The first thing they ask you, of course, is your major. Well, I’m still undecided, and apparently that’s bad. I figure I could maybe make it through the first couple of years deciding what I want my major to be, but apparently not. I’m still doing what I call ‘experimenting.’
I really want to think this out before rushing off to prepare for some major I might end up changing. My advisor gave me a link to this ‘career beam’ sight that’s supposed to help me pick a major. I tied taking one of the tests-it was supposed to assess my interests. I wasn’t really interested in any of the things they had listed, and ended up getting ‘logical’ as my highest interest. I really don’t want to be a budget analyst.
The thing is, I scored 0 for business. That…….makes no sense….
I haven’t finished all the tests yet, but I’ve taken a million like this before. I don’t know if it’ll give me the answers I want or not. I’m sure it won’t present me with the perfect major I need to go into. I just need to give this a lot of thought; waiting it out doesn’t seem to be working.
I really want to think this out before rushing off to prepare for some major I might end up changing. My advisor gave me a link to this ‘career beam’ sight that’s supposed to help me pick a major. I tied taking one of the tests-it was supposed to assess my interests. I wasn’t really interested in any of the things they had listed, and ended up getting ‘logical’ as my highest interest. I really don’t want to be a budget analyst.
The thing is, I scored 0 for business. That…….makes no sense….
I haven’t finished all the tests yet, but I’ve taken a million like this before. I don’t know if it’ll give me the answers I want or not. I’m sure it won’t present me with the perfect major I need to go into. I just need to give this a lot of thought; waiting it out doesn’t seem to be working.
Writing Prompt 3
“Each year, many teenagers run away from home. What do you think are the chief causes?”
This could be due to a lot of things. I think one of the main causes might be tired of home life, or school life. When you’re a teen, you conflict with your parents all the time. You think you know what’s right, and that they don’t know anything. Parents have a tendency to get up in their kids’ business-for good measure, but it does get annoying. They claim to care, and that’s why they do it, but it doesn’t make it any less annoying. Kids might run away to escape from all of that.
Parents can also be too demanding, as well as school. Parents push their kids to make good grades (some even straight A’s), and school is always asking for something. Juggling all of your responsibilities, with demanding parents and school on top, can be a huge load.
So, the main reason is probably this: it’s just a way to escape. Being a teen has a lot of troubles and hurdles to get through. For the kids running away, it’s probably too much for them. It’s sometimes easier to run away from your problems than face them.
This could be due to a lot of things. I think one of the main causes might be tired of home life, or school life. When you’re a teen, you conflict with your parents all the time. You think you know what’s right, and that they don’t know anything. Parents have a tendency to get up in their kids’ business-for good measure, but it does get annoying. They claim to care, and that’s why they do it, but it doesn’t make it any less annoying. Kids might run away to escape from all of that.
Parents can also be too demanding, as well as school. Parents push their kids to make good grades (some even straight A’s), and school is always asking for something. Juggling all of your responsibilities, with demanding parents and school on top, can be a huge load.
So, the main reason is probably this: it’s just a way to escape. Being a teen has a lot of troubles and hurdles to get through. For the kids running away, it’s probably too much for them. It’s sometimes easier to run away from your problems than face them.
Violent Games and Movies Part 2
I do think there is an age you should let kids engage in this kind of activity though. I don’t think a five year old should playing Grand Theft Auto, or watching some rated R movie. But for older kids who just play the games and watch the movies for fun shouldn’t be penalized. I just think the relation is ridiculous.
What really caught my attention was the fact that the parents were suing these companies. It was probably they who bought the Nintendo toy gun and let him watch cable in the first place. I really don’t understand their reasoning.
This article made me think of this violence argument in general. People are always arguing over how much violence is displayed in the media, and the effect it has on their children. Tip-don’t let your kid watch it. You can’t protect them from everything, especially when they have a remote in their hand and cable television. But you can do things like parental control and you can do a little monitoring. For games: read that giant, bold, black letter in the corner. Then, turn the game box around, look in the lower right-hand corner-and presto. It tells you all the potentially dangerous and violent stuff in the game. Yeah, the kid can probably still play violent games if their friends have them or an older sibling lets them, but agree with Finney-it’s not the sole cause for what makes a psycho.
What really caught my attention was the fact that the parents were suing these companies. It was probably they who bought the Nintendo toy gun and let him watch cable in the first place. I really don’t understand their reasoning.
This article made me think of this violence argument in general. People are always arguing over how much violence is displayed in the media, and the effect it has on their children. Tip-don’t let your kid watch it. You can’t protect them from everything, especially when they have a remote in their hand and cable television. But you can do things like parental control and you can do a little monitoring. For games: read that giant, bold, black letter in the corner. Then, turn the game box around, look in the lower right-hand corner-and presto. It tells you all the potentially dangerous and violent stuff in the game. Yeah, the kid can probably still play violent games if their friends have them or an older sibling lets them, but agree with Finney-it’s not the sole cause for what makes a psycho.
Violent Games and Movies Part 1
“Dec. 1, 1997 - Three students were killed and five others wounded in a hallway at Heath High School in West Paducah, Ky. One girl is left paralyzed. A 14-year-old student pleaded guilty but mentally ill to murder and is serving life in prison. When asked why he did it, he said he didn't know. "
"The parents of the deranged teen who shot and killed other teens at his school in Padukah, Kentucky have decided to sue Sony, Nintendo, Sega, and Time Warner to apparently make up for their complete lack of parenting. Movies and video games do NOT make psychos. There are plenty of people who aren't potential killers, yet they have played violent video games since their pre-teen days and have watched R rated movies since then as well.”
This was the same story I wrote about in my blog last week and in my paper. The part that caught my attention most was the part about the parents suing video game and cable companies. Dee Finney, the author of this statement, feels that this was due to a lack of parenting. It seems obvious, but according to a book I picked up (where I first read about the incident), the parents of the shooter were always there for their son and were very good parents. Maybe so, maybe not, but the topic I want to get into is about violence in the media.
This is actually one of those topics that makes me a little mad-people blaming games and movies for violence. I’m sure there are a few instances where these two things might be related, but for the most part, I think not. Just like Finney says, there are lots of kids who play violent games and watch movies at a young age, but they don’t do these kinds of things.
I do think there is an age you should let kids engage in this kind of activity though. I don’t think a five year old should playing Grand Theft Auto, or watching some rated R movie. But for older kids who just play the games and watch the movies for fun shouldn’t be penalized. I just think the relation is ridiculous.
"The parents of the deranged teen who shot and killed other teens at his school in Padukah, Kentucky have decided to sue Sony, Nintendo, Sega, and Time Warner to apparently make up for their complete lack of parenting. Movies and video games do NOT make psychos. There are plenty of people who aren't potential killers, yet they have played violent video games since their pre-teen days and have watched R rated movies since then as well.”
This was the same story I wrote about in my blog last week and in my paper. The part that caught my attention most was the part about the parents suing video game and cable companies. Dee Finney, the author of this statement, feels that this was due to a lack of parenting. It seems obvious, but according to a book I picked up (where I first read about the incident), the parents of the shooter were always there for their son and were very good parents. Maybe so, maybe not, but the topic I want to get into is about violence in the media.
This is actually one of those topics that makes me a little mad-people blaming games and movies for violence. I’m sure there are a few instances where these two things might be related, but for the most part, I think not. Just like Finney says, there are lots of kids who play violent games and watch movies at a young age, but they don’t do these kinds of things.
I do think there is an age you should let kids engage in this kind of activity though. I don’t think a five year old should playing Grand Theft Auto, or watching some rated R movie. But for older kids who just play the games and watch the movies for fun shouldn’t be penalized. I just think the relation is ridiculous.
Floyd Skloot Interview
I unfortunately forgot about this reading and didn’t get to hear it. The interview was interesting though; it’s cool to see how a writer’s mind works.
The part I found most interesting was how he talked about not wanting to be a spokesman. It always seems like people in those positions want to endorse products or stand for a group or something. Maybe on the outside it kind of seems selfish to only want to stand for yourself. It reminded me of Mr. Everett’s interview too; both authors didn’t think of the audience when writing. It does seem selfish, you always think a writer writes to reach out to people. I think they do, but like Mr. Skloot said, a story will find its own audience.
I found it funny how he said he leaves a pen and pad everywhere. That reminded me of my Sophomore English class in high school, when we read about Emily Dickinson. I believe she did the same thing too-leave pens and notepads everywhere. I just thought it was an interesting connection.
He said his first venture in writing was sending in ‘publishable’ poems to ‘justify’ being a poet. I think everyone feels that way at first, a lot still do, I bet. I think it’s great that you can get to the point where it’s only the art that drives you. I hope I make it to that point someday too.
The part I found most interesting was how he talked about not wanting to be a spokesman. It always seems like people in those positions want to endorse products or stand for a group or something. Maybe on the outside it kind of seems selfish to only want to stand for yourself. It reminded me of Mr. Everett’s interview too; both authors didn’t think of the audience when writing. It does seem selfish, you always think a writer writes to reach out to people. I think they do, but like Mr. Skloot said, a story will find its own audience.
I found it funny how he said he leaves a pen and pad everywhere. That reminded me of my Sophomore English class in high school, when we read about Emily Dickinson. I believe she did the same thing too-leave pens and notepads everywhere. I just thought it was an interesting connection.
He said his first venture in writing was sending in ‘publishable’ poems to ‘justify’ being a poet. I think everyone feels that way at first, a lot still do, I bet. I think it’s great that you can get to the point where it’s only the art that drives you. I hope I make it to that point someday too.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Writing Prompt 2
70. “Competition is a destructive force in society.”
What? Who came up with this? I can’t even see the someone agreeing to this…when you say competition, I think a race, businesses competing, or products. Competition isn’t dangerous-it’s necessary. If there was no competition in business, a single company would have a monopoly over the whole industry. What good is it only buying from one business? Maybe you like them, but not everyone else does. Besides, who’s to say they won’t become corrupt from all of the power?
I think competition is an important driving force. It makes people push onward. It’s the foundation of sports-and just about everything else. People need to compete and challenge each other. What fun is it knowing you’re the best just because know one stands up to you? You might be no good at all. You need people to challenge and overcome, to prove your own talents, or even self-worth.
Looking at it from a more moral-perspective, I guess I can see why people would agree. People competing will most likely lead to fighting-entire countries fighting over natural resources for instance. Competition is what drives people to the edge, and the extreme. Sometimes that extreme does entail hurting, lying, and cheating. But, looking at competition as a proving factor, as well as a factor that is more equal, I think competition is necessary. I couldn’t see civilization without it.
What? Who came up with this? I can’t even see the someone agreeing to this…when you say competition, I think a race, businesses competing, or products. Competition isn’t dangerous-it’s necessary. If there was no competition in business, a single company would have a monopoly over the whole industry. What good is it only buying from one business? Maybe you like them, but not everyone else does. Besides, who’s to say they won’t become corrupt from all of the power?
I think competition is an important driving force. It makes people push onward. It’s the foundation of sports-and just about everything else. People need to compete and challenge each other. What fun is it knowing you’re the best just because know one stands up to you? You might be no good at all. You need people to challenge and overcome, to prove your own talents, or even self-worth.
Looking at it from a more moral-perspective, I guess I can see why people would agree. People competing will most likely lead to fighting-entire countries fighting over natural resources for instance. Competition is what drives people to the edge, and the extreme. Sometimes that extreme does entail hurting, lying, and cheating. But, looking at competition as a proving factor, as well as a factor that is more equal, I think competition is necessary. I couldn’t see civilization without it.
School Violence Story
For the last section of our paper, part two, I focused on the causes of my issue (school violence) rather than history. I know this was the history section, but I figure finding what causes the problem might lead me to where it all began. Like any issue, there is no one cause, and any cause given can be easily negated.
Most people think it’s the parents fault when there is an act of school violence-and let’s be honest, it usually is. But this book I was researching spoke of two parents who supported their kids and were always there for them; their mother had earned a teaching degree, yet stayed at home to support the children. That’s not your typical portrayal of a school shooter’s parents. So why did their son, Michael (who was only 14), open fire on a prayer group at school? His parents were there for him…well, for his sister anyway. He had your typical portrayal of a ‘perfect’ older sibling; she was band leader, valedictorian, and made good grades. People would always compare Michael to his older sister. His parents tried not to, like good parents, but of course other people didn’t.
Typing this now, it reminds me of my grade school days. It was even worse with the comparing for me because I have a twin. People expect you to be like the other. My sister made better grades than me and always won more awards at the end of the year. People would just say to me “Why aren’t you more like Chelsea?” This didn’t happen often, thankfully. Plus, I somehow got smart when entering high school (I discovered this thing called ‘studying’) and had my revenge >:D. Luckily, being compared never got to me as much as it got to Michael. But I can understand where he’s coming from. I don’t support it, or even completely understand it, but I can see it.
Most people think it’s the parents fault when there is an act of school violence-and let’s be honest, it usually is. But this book I was researching spoke of two parents who supported their kids and were always there for them; their mother had earned a teaching degree, yet stayed at home to support the children. That’s not your typical portrayal of a school shooter’s parents. So why did their son, Michael (who was only 14), open fire on a prayer group at school? His parents were there for him…well, for his sister anyway. He had your typical portrayal of a ‘perfect’ older sibling; she was band leader, valedictorian, and made good grades. People would always compare Michael to his older sister. His parents tried not to, like good parents, but of course other people didn’t.
Typing this now, it reminds me of my grade school days. It was even worse with the comparing for me because I have a twin. People expect you to be like the other. My sister made better grades than me and always won more awards at the end of the year. People would just say to me “Why aren’t you more like Chelsea?” This didn’t happen often, thankfully. Plus, I somehow got smart when entering high school (I discovered this thing called ‘studying’) and had my revenge >:D. Luckily, being compared never got to me as much as it got to Michael. But I can understand where he’s coming from. I don’t support it, or even completely understand it, but I can see it.
Andrew Couch Speaking
I went to the first 1020: Think Globally, ACT Locally speaking today. Again, it was just for the requirement, I didn’t even know what the topic was….I knew it had to do with water issues or something. Well, as usual, these readings turn out to be more interesting than I thought. The topic wasn’t water, but alternative fuels. I’ve heard that story before about a guy powering a car with vegetable oil; turns out this was that guy-Andrew Couch. He didn’t talk about that part much, but rather what we can do to save power and resources.
The information that got everyone’s attention was the fact that there is petroleum in EVERYTHING we eat; yes, eat. It’s kind of hard to wrap your brain around that….it’s not seen, smelled, or noticeable in any way on our food. It’s just one of those things that’s there, and you try not to think about it…
When he was speaking, I (probably like everyone else) was thinking how wasteful I was. How much stuff do I waste in a day? Well I turn the water off when I brush my teeth. No use leaving it on when the toothbrush is in my mouth. My whole family reuses water bottles; but then again my mom does buy more bottled water occasionally. We all drink can drinks, guilty there. I probably shower for longer than I need to. I go through so much paper it’s not even funny.
I always figured I was someone who didn’t waste a lot, but guess I have to reconsider that. I think, just as long as people aren’t too frivolous, and don’t waste money on things they don’t need, we can conserve what we have, at least a little while longer.
The information that got everyone’s attention was the fact that there is petroleum in EVERYTHING we eat; yes, eat. It’s kind of hard to wrap your brain around that….it’s not seen, smelled, or noticeable in any way on our food. It’s just one of those things that’s there, and you try not to think about it…
When he was speaking, I (probably like everyone else) was thinking how wasteful I was. How much stuff do I waste in a day? Well I turn the water off when I brush my teeth. No use leaving it on when the toothbrush is in my mouth. My whole family reuses water bottles; but then again my mom does buy more bottled water occasionally. We all drink can drinks, guilty there. I probably shower for longer than I need to. I go through so much paper it’s not even funny.
I always figured I was someone who didn’t waste a lot, but guess I have to reconsider that. I think, just as long as people aren’t too frivolous, and don’t waste money on things they don’t need, we can conserve what we have, at least a little while longer.
Super Size Me: Part 2
What people probably find most amazing about this film is the fact that McDonald’s can do that much damage to your system. Or the fact that one guy can eat McDonald’s every day, all day, for 30 straight days. The man started out in perfect health-even above average for his age; but after only one month of fast food, he practically did irreplaceable damage to his liver. In fact, he couldn’t touch fast food for at least a year after that.
Eating McDonald’s this much at one time is something I’m sure not everyone does; some people probably have it once a day at max….okay maybe twice. But I doubt they know fast food can tear you apart on the inside if you eat it too much. It looks harmless enough.
I don’t ever really eat fast food. And it’s not because of the film or health threats. I never have the money for one thing, and it’s more convenient for me to bring a lunch. I won’t deny it tastes good though. As a kid, everyone used to go to McDonald’s all the time. I always wanted to go too, but I’m glad my mom didn’t start that trend. It could’ve led to an unhealthy lifestyle for me now. Screw the hamburgers; I just wanted the toys anyway.
Eating McDonald’s this much at one time is something I’m sure not everyone does; some people probably have it once a day at max….okay maybe twice. But I doubt they know fast food can tear you apart on the inside if you eat it too much. It looks harmless enough.
I don’t ever really eat fast food. And it’s not because of the film or health threats. I never have the money for one thing, and it’s more convenient for me to bring a lunch. I won’t deny it tastes good though. As a kid, everyone used to go to McDonald’s all the time. I always wanted to go too, but I’m glad my mom didn’t start that trend. It could’ve led to an unhealthy lifestyle for me now. Screw the hamburgers; I just wanted the toys anyway.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Super Size Me: Part 1
For Biology class, we had to watch the documentary Super Size Me. It was just for bonus points, but I rented it and watched it over the break. I was interested in it already because I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. The film was a little different than I had originally thought.
The first section of the movie annoyed me a bit. It was, as you would expect, a bunch of statistics about how “fat” America is. And of course there were plenty of scenes of obese people to accompany those statistics. For example, the film stated that one in three Americans is overweight (if I recall correctly). I hear statistics like this all the time. With all of the diet commercials on TV, it’s hard not to think our nation is fat. When it came to my attention, I looked around myself. Walking through the mall, school, or anywhere else, I tried to see if we really are as fat as they claim. You know, most people I see are either skinny or perfectly fine in terms of weight. I didn’t see a huge problem (or at least not as bad as they claim). I just found this part a bit annoying because they brought up the case about the two teenagers suing McDonald’s. I don’t know anyone who would sue McDonald’s for making them “fat.” So, in addition to feeling like we are all fat, the film made it look like America was a bit stupid in general.
A section of the film contained the director asking little kids whether they knew whose face was on the poster he would hold up. It was kind of funny, but mostly sad. Most couldn’t identify George Washington, but they immediately recognized Ronald McDonald. I can understand what the film was getting at with this point, but it just left me shaking my head and feeling very dumb. I mostly felt guilty though. I was probably just like those kids at that age-knowing Ronald before knowing basic U.S. history.
The first section of the movie annoyed me a bit. It was, as you would expect, a bunch of statistics about how “fat” America is. And of course there were plenty of scenes of obese people to accompany those statistics. For example, the film stated that one in three Americans is overweight (if I recall correctly). I hear statistics like this all the time. With all of the diet commercials on TV, it’s hard not to think our nation is fat. When it came to my attention, I looked around myself. Walking through the mall, school, or anywhere else, I tried to see if we really are as fat as they claim. You know, most people I see are either skinny or perfectly fine in terms of weight. I didn’t see a huge problem (or at least not as bad as they claim). I just found this part a bit annoying because they brought up the case about the two teenagers suing McDonald’s. I don’t know anyone who would sue McDonald’s for making them “fat.” So, in addition to feeling like we are all fat, the film made it look like America was a bit stupid in general.
A section of the film contained the director asking little kids whether they knew whose face was on the poster he would hold up. It was kind of funny, but mostly sad. Most couldn’t identify George Washington, but they immediately recognized Ronald McDonald. I can understand what the film was getting at with this point, but it just left me shaking my head and feeling very dumb. I mostly felt guilty though. I was probably just like those kids at that age-knowing Ronald before knowing basic U.S. history.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Our Littlemindedness
Robert Frost said, "We come to college to get over our littlemindedness." Discuss in relation to your own experiences.
I figure now would be a good time to reply to that Robert Frost writing prompt (you know, correctly….), since I’m a little tired of blogging about school assessment.
So, we come here to get over our “littlemindedness”…that one word is really the kicker in this quote. Our littlemindedness? Is he saying we’re ignorant? Oh yeah, he is.
You know, I think he’s actually right. College is A LOT different than high school, or at least it is from my perspective. I’ve met and seen all kinds of people while I’ve been here. I think by “littlemindedness” he means our small view of the world we have before we enter college. I’m not saying college gives us this worldly view, but it definitely is a step up. College is composed of all kinds of different people, even people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. We come here not only to further our education, but immerse ourselves in this type of community. I know that doesn’t sound like one of our objectives when entering college, but it happens. You can’t help it. I’m glad I get to be apart of this, and I do hope to get a over at least some of my littlemindedness.
I figure now would be a good time to reply to that Robert Frost writing prompt (you know, correctly….), since I’m a little tired of blogging about school assessment.
So, we come here to get over our “littlemindedness”…that one word is really the kicker in this quote. Our littlemindedness? Is he saying we’re ignorant? Oh yeah, he is.
You know, I think he’s actually right. College is A LOT different than high school, or at least it is from my perspective. I’ve met and seen all kinds of people while I’ve been here. I think by “littlemindedness” he means our small view of the world we have before we enter college. I’m not saying college gives us this worldly view, but it definitely is a step up. College is composed of all kinds of different people, even people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. We come here not only to further our education, but immerse ourselves in this type of community. I know that doesn’t sound like one of our objectives when entering college, but it happens. You can’t help it. I’m glad I get to be apart of this, and I do hope to get a over at least some of my littlemindedness.
Writing Prompt Response
“The failure of public schools is not ruining society. The failure of society has ruined the public schools.”Copyright © 2005, 2006, 2007 by The IUP Writing Center.
This is a writing prompt from the 19th, but reading it reading now I’ve seen that it really does relate to my topic of school violence and school assessment in general. I’ve seen this point argued from both ends-especially the first part. People just feel like uneducated children are the cause for a lot of issues. If you think about it, it seems logical. People have to know how to think, work, and follow orders to make it in the real world and function in the work force. So, public schools are the ones to blame, right?
Well, the second part of this statement is what throws supports of the first for a loop. The society blaming the schools for their own failure, is actually the cause itself? It’s hard to bend your mind around it, really. I’ve been so used to hearing how it’s everyone’s fault involved with the schools (like the teachers and school boards) for the state they are in now. So what has society done that has caused the failure? When you think about it, what is a school? A place made up of kids who learn…but isn’t that place technically made up of society? They may just be children, but they belong to the parents who vote and work within society. Society pays for the public schools, as well as makes a lot of decisions surrounding them.
In short, society is what directly affects the public schools. And public schools directly affect society, whether it be in a smaller or larger way, is left up to you.
This is a writing prompt from the 19th, but reading it reading now I’ve seen that it really does relate to my topic of school violence and school assessment in general. I’ve seen this point argued from both ends-especially the first part. People just feel like uneducated children are the cause for a lot of issues. If you think about it, it seems logical. People have to know how to think, work, and follow orders to make it in the real world and function in the work force. So, public schools are the ones to blame, right?
Well, the second part of this statement is what throws supports of the first for a loop. The society blaming the schools for their own failure, is actually the cause itself? It’s hard to bend your mind around it, really. I’ve been so used to hearing how it’s everyone’s fault involved with the schools (like the teachers and school boards) for the state they are in now. So what has society done that has caused the failure? When you think about it, what is a school? A place made up of kids who learn…but isn’t that place technically made up of society? They may just be children, but they belong to the parents who vote and work within society. Society pays for the public schools, as well as makes a lot of decisions surrounding them.
In short, society is what directly affects the public schools. And public schools directly affect society, whether it be in a smaller or larger way, is left up to you.
Timeline Thoughts Again
Another issue I thought of when reading the timeline was where kids are getting these guns. I watched the film Bowling for Columbine for one of my movie reviews and was instantly reminded of while reading this. When I saw the movie, I wasn’t exactly agreeing or disagreeing with Michael Moore (the reason being I didn’t know whether to believe the film or not; the facts seem so blown out of proportion). This whole thing just go backs to the issue of gun control and gun laws in general.
I don’t know if I’ll cover this in my paper. I’m sure I’ll touch upon it, but I don’t want my paper to turn into an entire report about it. My topic is school assessment after all. But, after looking at this timeline, school violence and gun control just seem to go hand in hand.
Even more so than guns, the psychology of it all was confusing me. Just what is it that causes people to do these things? Obviously there’s no one answer, and there can be a million different factors. I’m sure every case is different in some way. I feel like I’m going to go into this too once I start writing the anecdotes and other portions of the paper.
I don’t know if I’ll cover this in my paper. I’m sure I’ll touch upon it, but I don’t want my paper to turn into an entire report about it. My topic is school assessment after all. But, after looking at this timeline, school violence and gun control just seem to go hand in hand.
Even more so than guns, the psychology of it all was confusing me. Just what is it that causes people to do these things? Obviously there’s no one answer, and there can be a million different factors. I’m sure every case is different in some way. I feel like I’m going to go into this too once I start writing the anecdotes and other portions of the paper.
School Shootings Timeline
I decided to change my topic for the paper; little did I know that this topic was going to blow my mind beyond all reason.
I decided to change to school violence; it’s been in the news lately, and I am interested in covering it. Christa posted a timeline on the discussion boards, and I was reading through it before going to type this blog.
The first thought that crossed my mind was, “Are they really this frequent?” There are at least 3 for every year. Not only that, a lot of them are fairly recent. I don’t keep up with news often, I’ll admit, but I generally tend to hear when a school shooting occurs. I’ve heard about the infamous Columbine shooting and the Virginia Tech shooting not too long ago. But the sheer number of shootings on this list blows my mind. I never heard about any of these shootings from 2006, except the one involving the Amish schoolhouse. I always school shootings were a national thing, on news and everything. I’m either out of it or wrong, I don’t know which.
What I found grotesque besides the frequency of these shootings was the details surrounding them. For example, a majority of the shooters I read about were under 20; a lot of them age 14 or 15. It really is one of those times when you shake your head and think “The world is in a sad state…”
I decided to change to school violence; it’s been in the news lately, and I am interested in covering it. Christa posted a timeline on the discussion boards, and I was reading through it before going to type this blog.
The first thought that crossed my mind was, “Are they really this frequent?” There are at least 3 for every year. Not only that, a lot of them are fairly recent. I don’t keep up with news often, I’ll admit, but I generally tend to hear when a school shooting occurs. I’ve heard about the infamous Columbine shooting and the Virginia Tech shooting not too long ago. But the sheer number of shootings on this list blows my mind. I never heard about any of these shootings from 2006, except the one involving the Amish schoolhouse. I always school shootings were a national thing, on news and everything. I’m either out of it or wrong, I don’t know which.
What I found grotesque besides the frequency of these shootings was the details surrounding them. For example, a majority of the shooters I read about were under 20; a lot of them age 14 or 15. It really is one of those times when you shake your head and think “The world is in a sad state…”
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Writing
I was actually going to respond to a writing prompt Wendy put up about Robert Frost, but I misread it and came up with this. It reminds me a lot of what Mr. Everett said:
I have actually felt this coming into this English class. I always thought I was a pretty decent writer. I get the job done, and people tell me I’m good at writing papers. So when starting 1020, I wasn’t really worried about the writing aspect at all. I’m a pretty ramble-y writer, so length usually doesn’t get me down. I make pretty good grades on my papers too, and teachers leave good comments sometimes. But that day that Wendy put people’s sentences on the board, and started tearing them up word-for-word, I felt I really didn’t know the first thing about writing. I just put whatever I think on paper, I don’t get really technical with it. I do pay attention when I should support what I say, put quotes, or start a new paragraph. But breaking down a sentence that much, to the point where you can’t use ‘to be’ verbs really though me for a loop. I thought maybe I wasn’t that good after all. Reading over these magazine articles and really paying attention to how these people right has made me see that I don’t really know that much about writing at all. But I think that I can get better, and I hope to prove it in this big paper.
I have actually felt this coming into this English class. I always thought I was a pretty decent writer. I get the job done, and people tell me I’m good at writing papers. So when starting 1020, I wasn’t really worried about the writing aspect at all. I’m a pretty ramble-y writer, so length usually doesn’t get me down. I make pretty good grades on my papers too, and teachers leave good comments sometimes. But that day that Wendy put people’s sentences on the board, and started tearing them up word-for-word, I felt I really didn’t know the first thing about writing. I just put whatever I think on paper, I don’t get really technical with it. I do pay attention when I should support what I say, put quotes, or start a new paragraph. But breaking down a sentence that much, to the point where you can’t use ‘to be’ verbs really though me for a loop. I thought maybe I wasn’t that good after all. Reading over these magazine articles and really paying attention to how these people right has made me see that I don’t really know that much about writing at all. But I think that I can get better, and I hope to prove it in this big paper.
Friday, February 22, 2008
School Assessment Blues
I’m still researching for the project, and my mind keeps going in several different directions. I have not researched as hard as I should have, but even doing a little bit of researching has left me confused. There are so many subtopics within the big topic to go through…school assessment can be so many things. I have found plenty of statistics on MCS right now, but only very little for the opposition. It seems pretty obvious which side I am going to take, but I want to explore both sides. It will make a more effective argument.
At first I thought that maybe teachers were the problem…then I went to students…then that article about school boards we had to read for class got me thinking…something I read made me question school policies period. I’m not sure if I should just focus on one thing, or attack all of this at once. I’m sure, in actuality, the problem is a mixture of all these. It’s easy to blame the whole problem on one thing like I tried to do, but it just makes the argument too general. The issue is probably a complicated network of all of these things, interwoven and complex. I’ll have to go through all of this and really think about where the real troubles lie.
I hope anyone doing school assessment is having better luck than I am.
At first I thought that maybe teachers were the problem…then I went to students…then that article about school boards we had to read for class got me thinking…something I read made me question school policies period. I’m not sure if I should just focus on one thing, or attack all of this at once. I’m sure, in actuality, the problem is a mixture of all these. It’s easy to blame the whole problem on one thing like I tried to do, but it just makes the argument too general. The issue is probably a complicated network of all of these things, interwoven and complex. I’ll have to go through all of this and really think about where the real troubles lie.
I hope anyone doing school assessment is having better luck than I am.
Uniforms?
Memphis City Schools Anti-Uniform
Once again I am searching for more about School Assessment, and I came across a petition to stop school uniforms. Before clicking the ‘back’ button, I skimmed it a little bit, and a phrase caught me. It says “our schools need serious work, and school uniforms are an attempt at a quick and easy fix that is simply not possible.” …………What? School uniforms……fixing problems?? I always thought that was just a rumor. Actually, I don’t even see students wearing school uniforms anymore, not much anyway.
Back to the topic, the petition says that this is unjust. Now, I’m not typing this to make a big uniform argument, but is this really the problem? I checked to see who has written this, and it just says ‘The Undersigned.’ Clicking that just leads me to the signatures. Who wrote that opening paragraph? Was it really ‘concerned students’ or someone else? Whoever wrote this feels that uniforms are unjust and a big problem. Why are MCS students made to wear uniforms? Is it really to fix all of the problems the schools have or is there some underlying agenda to all this? If the schools’ standards are low, will uniforms make the students appear more proficient or even educated?
Rhetorical questions are all I can come with at this point. Making a petition to stop something like uniforms should be the last thing you need to petition for in MCS.
Once again I am searching for more about School Assessment, and I came across a petition to stop school uniforms. Before clicking the ‘back’ button, I skimmed it a little bit, and a phrase caught me. It says “our schools need serious work, and school uniforms are an attempt at a quick and easy fix that is simply not possible.” …………What? School uniforms……fixing problems?? I always thought that was just a rumor. Actually, I don’t even see students wearing school uniforms anymore, not much anyway.
Back to the topic, the petition says that this is unjust. Now, I’m not typing this to make a big uniform argument, but is this really the problem? I checked to see who has written this, and it just says ‘The Undersigned.’ Clicking that just leads me to the signatures. Who wrote that opening paragraph? Was it really ‘concerned students’ or someone else? Whoever wrote this feels that uniforms are unjust and a big problem. Why are MCS students made to wear uniforms? Is it really to fix all of the problems the schools have or is there some underlying agenda to all this? If the schools’ standards are low, will uniforms make the students appear more proficient or even educated?
Rhetorical questions are all I can come with at this point. Making a petition to stop something like uniforms should be the last thing you need to petition for in MCS.
Teachers, School Boards,or...........?
On Trolls and the Memphis City Schools
I was searching for some Memphis City School propaganda a few days ago when I ran across this. This is one of the few things I have found that actually defends Memphis City Schools rather then presenting a load of statistics, tearing them down. It’s short, not even an authority is stating this, but it made me wonder a little bit.
It brought me back to that discussion we had at the beginning of the year-is it the students or the teachers? According to the Gates of Memphis, the children attending MCS are actually thirsty for knowledge and are capable of much more than they are presented. The article even goes to say: “wonderfully unaware they are supposed to be idiots...” Now, what do you think that means? Does it mean the schools are keeping them at a sub-standard level? Or is the media who keep presenting them as illiterate, severely under educated students?
It’s hard for me to think every kid attending a Memphis City School is thirsty for knowledge. The article probably did not mean that, but it was indicating something close enough. This short article makes me rethink my standpoint a little bit. Well, not so much my standpoint, but rather the opposing side. I have barely taken them into consideration, considering every time I search for this I find nothing but statistics on how poorly our schools are performing. Maybe these students really are doing better than what we are fed to by the media, or maybe they do have a drive for learning that is downtrodden by the low standards of the schools. Now I ask myself the question-Students, teachers, school boards, or school policies themselves? Or maybe all of the above?
I was searching for some Memphis City School propaganda a few days ago when I ran across this. This is one of the few things I have found that actually defends Memphis City Schools rather then presenting a load of statistics, tearing them down. It’s short, not even an authority is stating this, but it made me wonder a little bit.
It brought me back to that discussion we had at the beginning of the year-is it the students or the teachers? According to the Gates of Memphis, the children attending MCS are actually thirsty for knowledge and are capable of much more than they are presented. The article even goes to say: “wonderfully unaware they are supposed to be idiots...” Now, what do you think that means? Does it mean the schools are keeping them at a sub-standard level? Or is the media who keep presenting them as illiterate, severely under educated students?
It’s hard for me to think every kid attending a Memphis City School is thirsty for knowledge. The article probably did not mean that, but it was indicating something close enough. This short article makes me rethink my standpoint a little bit. Well, not so much my standpoint, but rather the opposing side. I have barely taken them into consideration, considering every time I search for this I find nothing but statistics on how poorly our schools are performing. Maybe these students really are doing better than what we are fed to by the media, or maybe they do have a drive for learning that is downtrodden by the low standards of the schools. Now I ask myself the question-Students, teachers, school boards, or school policies themselves? Or maybe all of the above?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Guantanamo Bay Propaganda Article
I just got through reading the article we had to read about Guantanamo Bay. I have always heard about Guantanamo Bay, but I actually don’t even know what it is. No, I’m not kidding. Yes, I know, I’m way too apathetic about these issues.
Well, I decided to look up what it is on none other than Wikipedia. I can tell from the article it seems to be a place where they keep supposed terrorists to interrogate them. Well, that’s just what I inferred from the article anyway. According to Wiki, it’s actually a U.S. military detention camp. According to the opening paragraph, the detainees will eventually be released, while 6 of them are will be prosecuted for 9/11. That’s not the kind of information I got from this article.
The article says one man was subjected to cruel treatment while being interrogated in the camp-doused with water and kept in an air-conditioned room to induce hypothermia and menaced by a dog for example. If I had read this maybe a month ago, I would of thought “That’s awful!” or “How can they do that?!” I know that’s exactly what the article writer want us to think. Which means this is definitely propaganda. Now I simply think to myself, “Where is he getting this information?” or “Is telling the whole story or is he even telling the truth?” This article hasn’t given me a side to argue for on this topic, nor has it given me an opinion. This article was way too one-sided, and now I’ve learned to look at the bigger picture. I know this author or the magazine has an agenda to fill. Plus I was already skeptical of the statistics. This is all propaganda and that’s obvious.
I realize it’s going to be way harder to research for the paper, given that I have to shift through all of the propaganda now. It’s going to be hard to find the ‘real’ facts. Maybe I won’t actually find them at all, but just use a ton of propaganda for research instead. I just have to be sure and really recognize it when I see it.
Well, I decided to look up what it is on none other than Wikipedia. I can tell from the article it seems to be a place where they keep supposed terrorists to interrogate them. Well, that’s just what I inferred from the article anyway. According to Wiki, it’s actually a U.S. military detention camp. According to the opening paragraph, the detainees will eventually be released, while 6 of them are will be prosecuted for 9/11. That’s not the kind of information I got from this article.
The article says one man was subjected to cruel treatment while being interrogated in the camp-doused with water and kept in an air-conditioned room to induce hypothermia and menaced by a dog for example. If I had read this maybe a month ago, I would of thought “That’s awful!” or “How can they do that?!” I know that’s exactly what the article writer want us to think. Which means this is definitely propaganda. Now I simply think to myself, “Where is he getting this information?” or “Is telling the whole story or is he even telling the truth?” This article hasn’t given me a side to argue for on this topic, nor has it given me an opinion. This article was way too one-sided, and now I’ve learned to look at the bigger picture. I know this author or the magazine has an agenda to fill. Plus I was already skeptical of the statistics. This is all propaganda and that’s obvious.
I realize it’s going to be way harder to research for the paper, given that I have to shift through all of the propaganda now. It’s going to be hard to find the ‘real’ facts. Maybe I won’t actually find them at all, but just use a ton of propaganda for research instead. I just have to be sure and really recognize it when I see it.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Rebecca Skloot's Reading
I went to this reading last night at the pink palace, and honestly, I really wasn’t thrilled to go. I learned from Percival Everett’s reading that I shouldn’t prejudge these things, but this one was going to be nonfiction and about DNA. Even though we are learning a little bit about it in Biology, I still wasn’t that excited, but figured I should get my credits out of the way.
The talk actually consisted of a very interesting-but true-story where scientists were able to grow cancer cells from this one woman’s malignant tumor-completely without her knowledge or consent. The discussion went from what I thought what going to be a science lesson to a really huge ethical, moral dilemma.
The issue that the topic kept coming back to, or what I thought was the issue, was the notion that scientists see people as test subjects. Well, this was just one part of a large discussion, but I felt this was the core of it all. Not only did a doctor take cells from this woman without her consent, but her family was also lied to and manipulated later by other scientists. These scientists didn’t care what measures they took, as long as they got their research material. It was like people weren’t even human to them, though they are human themselves. This actually touches upon a topic I don’t really like to get into myself, but it does cause you to think.
I kept thinking how I would react in that situation. If I had parts of my body (no matter how small) taken from me without my consent to be researched and analyzed, and sent out all over the world. It’s a scary thought. Personally, I don’t think it’s right at all. I think people do own things like their own cells. I realize that this is for the good of science and definitely our future, considering they were studying cancer. But I don’t think the measures they used to achieve those goals were right at all.
Well I can say this. I definitely can’t go to the doctor without being extremely paranoid now.
The talk actually consisted of a very interesting-but true-story where scientists were able to grow cancer cells from this one woman’s malignant tumor-completely without her knowledge or consent. The discussion went from what I thought what going to be a science lesson to a really huge ethical, moral dilemma.
The issue that the topic kept coming back to, or what I thought was the issue, was the notion that scientists see people as test subjects. Well, this was just one part of a large discussion, but I felt this was the core of it all. Not only did a doctor take cells from this woman without her consent, but her family was also lied to and manipulated later by other scientists. These scientists didn’t care what measures they took, as long as they got their research material. It was like people weren’t even human to them, though they are human themselves. This actually touches upon a topic I don’t really like to get into myself, but it does cause you to think.
I kept thinking how I would react in that situation. If I had parts of my body (no matter how small) taken from me without my consent to be researched and analyzed, and sent out all over the world. It’s a scary thought. Personally, I don’t think it’s right at all. I think people do own things like their own cells. I realize that this is for the good of science and definitely our future, considering they were studying cancer. But I don’t think the measures they used to achieve those goals were right at all.
Well I can say this. I definitely can’t go to the doctor without being extremely paranoid now.
Friday, February 15, 2008
School
Whining about school while blogging seems to be the new pink, so I figure I should try it.
Well, I now know why some people just quit after high school. School gets old, real fast. College is interesting, and I like it WAY better than high school, but there is work. I had my fair share of work in high school too, I know what to expect. I guess last semester was much easier and I didn’t have as much; and now I’m just lazy(er).
Researching for this project all the time gets tedious. And the blogging. Yes, blogging, I still don’t really like you.
These past two weeks I had to do drawings for my art class, and those take a while to do. With all the other homework and the fact that I’m a HUGE procrastinator piled on top of that, I’ve been busy. Japanese is getting harder, and I’ve got to start studying for that more often. I’m horrible at foreign languages, and they just don’t ‘click’ with me. I have to work really hard at them. There’s also the fact that the Japanese have 3 different writing systems -_-. Why can’t they have just one?
Now I’m one word away from 200……there we go, I’m home free. See you guys Tuesday. Alright, this marks my lamest post yet. YES.
Well, I now know why some people just quit after high school. School gets old, real fast. College is interesting, and I like it WAY better than high school, but there is work. I had my fair share of work in high school too, I know what to expect. I guess last semester was much easier and I didn’t have as much; and now I’m just lazy(er).
Researching for this project all the time gets tedious. And the blogging. Yes, blogging, I still don’t really like you.
These past two weeks I had to do drawings for my art class, and those take a while to do. With all the other homework and the fact that I’m a HUGE procrastinator piled on top of that, I’ve been busy. Japanese is getting harder, and I’ve got to start studying for that more often. I’m horrible at foreign languages, and they just don’t ‘click’ with me. I have to work really hard at them. There’s also the fact that the Japanese have 3 different writing systems -_-. Why can’t they have just one?
Now I’m one word away from 200……there we go, I’m home free. See you guys Tuesday. Alright, this marks my lamest post yet. YES.
Brainstorming Thoughts Again
School shootings are happening a lot lately…they seem to be coming more and more. My project is on school assessment, so this interests me. Earlier I thought it was partly the teacher’s fault for the shootings; even the movie I reviewed, To Sir, With Love, kind of supported this. Well, Wendy questioned if it really is the teacher’s job, and if they should take time out of class to discuss it.
To be honest, I really have no idea. Every shooting is different, and who knows what’s going on in the minds’ of those shooters. It may not be the teacher’s fault at all. I’m not saying that they are to blame; they’re not parents after all. But to me, a school should educate kids on issues like that. If teachers AND parents just choose to ignore them, then things like shootings can happen. I’m not saying that teachers should be obsessed with the idea or make a special class for the issue, but teachers should at least be involved with the students. It sounds so obvious, just typing this, but I’m sure there are at least some teachers out there who don’t care at all.
I’m not confident in this post at all. I really have no clue what I’m talking about, and I definitely need to look into this more. As of right now, this is just what I think….and who knows? Maybe it’ll change completely…..
To be honest, I really have no idea. Every shooting is different, and who knows what’s going on in the minds’ of those shooters. It may not be the teacher’s fault at all. I’m not saying that they are to blame; they’re not parents after all. But to me, a school should educate kids on issues like that. If teachers AND parents just choose to ignore them, then things like shootings can happen. I’m not saying that teachers should be obsessed with the idea or make a special class for the issue, but teachers should at least be involved with the students. It sounds so obvious, just typing this, but I’m sure there are at least some teachers out there who don’t care at all.
I’m not confident in this post at all. I really have no clue what I’m talking about, and I definitely need to look into this more. As of right now, this is just what I think….and who knows? Maybe it’ll change completely…..
Bowling For Columbine Review
For my other movie review, I watched Bowling for Columbine. My first time watching a Michael Moore film, so I really didn’t know what to expect.
I didn’t have much of an opinion going into it, and I still don’t have much of one coming out. When I sat down to write the review the next day, a lot of things occurred to me. The side that supported guns in the film was portrayed as stupid pretty much. But the side that didn’t was shown in a much better light. I really didn’t like this honestly. The film seemed way too one-sided. For a more affective argument, he should’ve explored the opposition’s opinion in a more favorable light. He should’ve shown them more evenly, but then it really wouldn’t be propaganda I guess. He definitely wants people to believe what he says, or at least get people thinking and questioning; I guess Moore feels his side is the only one that can do that.
It was obvious he had a huge agenda in the movie. There really wasn’t as much on Columbine as I’d thought there would be. He touched upon (or fully covered) several different issues, some of which were too far out there for me. It seemed like a huge collection of his beliefs.
I wish there would’ve been more on Columbine though, I mean, Columbine was in the title of the movie…
I didn’t have much of an opinion going into it, and I still don’t have much of one coming out. When I sat down to write the review the next day, a lot of things occurred to me. The side that supported guns in the film was portrayed as stupid pretty much. But the side that didn’t was shown in a much better light. I really didn’t like this honestly. The film seemed way too one-sided. For a more affective argument, he should’ve explored the opposition’s opinion in a more favorable light. He should’ve shown them more evenly, but then it really wouldn’t be propaganda I guess. He definitely wants people to believe what he says, or at least get people thinking and questioning; I guess Moore feels his side is the only one that can do that.
It was obvious he had a huge agenda in the movie. There really wasn’t as much on Columbine as I’d thought there would be. He touched upon (or fully covered) several different issues, some of which were too far out there for me. It seemed like a huge collection of his beliefs.
I wish there would’ve been more on Columbine though, I mean, Columbine was in the title of the movie…
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Let’s Not Get Out the Vote Essay Response
I did a blog post like this a little while ago, and the speaker sounds exactly what I was trying to get across in my post. This article triggers the idea I immediately had about voting- what good would I do voting and not knowing anything about it? I’d rather remain apathetic as the article states; it would be far smarter than thinking I’m an American citizen just because I went out and put a mark on a piece of paper or punched a button on a computer.
The speaker stroke me as intelligent, you could tell by his word choice. I can tell this is an old article, so I envisioned him as a middle aged, well dressed man writing this at this desk. I think this man might be just a normal citizen actually; if he was a part of either of the two political parties, than he would be advocating for people to vote-not against it. I can’t really pinpoint any political affiliation to him…He just seemed nonpartisan to me. He wasn’t arguing for the rights or beliefs of either of the parties, but rather the right of voting itself-a right belonging to anyone of both parties.
I always have trouble stating what the audience of an article or speech might be, and this time it’s not any different. To me, he just seems like he’s aiming at anyone who votes. He spoke of those who vote intelligently, stupidly, and those who just don’t. That’s everyone who calls or doesn’t call themselves voters. His audience might be for those who don’t vote precisely. He was arguing for the right to not vote, a right I’m sure non-voters hold high. Those who don’t vote are probably being pressured by those who do, and this article was most likely written in accordance.
I remember, back when I watched MTV a few years ago, they always had commercials telling teens and young adults to get out and vote, and ‘make your voice be heard.’ They didn’t say anything like getting out and reviewing the candidates or learning more about political issues, but just getting out and voting period. Probably because a lot teens and young adults don’t care to review the candidates or learn more about political issues. MTV was just campaigning for kids to get out and vote-no matter who or what they voted for and how much they knew beforehand. These commercials were entirely different than the article. Instead of aiming for everyone regardless of age group, the commercials aimed solely at teens and young adults. Its message was much more simple-get out and vote, we don’t care how or what for.
The source essay, in the end, was just simply arguing for the right to not vote. Voting apathy is far more effective and reliable than voting because of stupidity. This argument works very well for me, as a non-voter. I don't vote simply because of apathy, and I’d much prefer it that way. Casting a retarded vote for someone I don’t even know about is about the worst thing I could do. This article proves it, not only thorough plain statements, but also through things like math. It appeals to me because I agree with it so much, and it taught me a lot of things I didn’t know-like the votes cancelling each other out. A part of me does feel a tiny bit guilty for not voting-it’s my ‘duty’ after all. But I just can’t stand to go out and do something where I have no idea what I’m doing. Voting is important, and I’m not going to waste the opportunity. Teens that like and are interested in politics can go and vote. But teens like me who couldn’t care less should not. We wouldn’t be doing anything worthwhile and wouldn’t be benefiting anyone, except maybe the party not in power as the article states.
It doesn’t surprise me at all that this article was written in 1955-I could tell just by reading it. But I know its message applies even now, and especially back then as well. The issues might change, but the factors surrounding them do not. Corruption and Voting Rights-it’s been around and will always be around.
This article only states a single fact: Times change, people do not. People were apathetic then, before, and now. People stealing and lying in campaigns has been around and will continue to be around. The issues or parties or anything like that doesn’t even matter. People and their thought processes have been the same forever. And people’s thought processes is what directly affects things like voting and political parties. So if people don’t change, then those won’t change either.
The speaker stroke me as intelligent, you could tell by his word choice. I can tell this is an old article, so I envisioned him as a middle aged, well dressed man writing this at this desk. I think this man might be just a normal citizen actually; if he was a part of either of the two political parties, than he would be advocating for people to vote-not against it. I can’t really pinpoint any political affiliation to him…He just seemed nonpartisan to me. He wasn’t arguing for the rights or beliefs of either of the parties, but rather the right of voting itself-a right belonging to anyone of both parties.
I always have trouble stating what the audience of an article or speech might be, and this time it’s not any different. To me, he just seems like he’s aiming at anyone who votes. He spoke of those who vote intelligently, stupidly, and those who just don’t. That’s everyone who calls or doesn’t call themselves voters. His audience might be for those who don’t vote precisely. He was arguing for the right to not vote, a right I’m sure non-voters hold high. Those who don’t vote are probably being pressured by those who do, and this article was most likely written in accordance.
I remember, back when I watched MTV a few years ago, they always had commercials telling teens and young adults to get out and vote, and ‘make your voice be heard.’ They didn’t say anything like getting out and reviewing the candidates or learning more about political issues, but just getting out and voting period. Probably because a lot teens and young adults don’t care to review the candidates or learn more about political issues. MTV was just campaigning for kids to get out and vote-no matter who or what they voted for and how much they knew beforehand. These commercials were entirely different than the article. Instead of aiming for everyone regardless of age group, the commercials aimed solely at teens and young adults. Its message was much more simple-get out and vote, we don’t care how or what for.
The source essay, in the end, was just simply arguing for the right to not vote. Voting apathy is far more effective and reliable than voting because of stupidity. This argument works very well for me, as a non-voter. I don't vote simply because of apathy, and I’d much prefer it that way. Casting a retarded vote for someone I don’t even know about is about the worst thing I could do. This article proves it, not only thorough plain statements, but also through things like math. It appeals to me because I agree with it so much, and it taught me a lot of things I didn’t know-like the votes cancelling each other out. A part of me does feel a tiny bit guilty for not voting-it’s my ‘duty’ after all. But I just can’t stand to go out and do something where I have no idea what I’m doing. Voting is important, and I’m not going to waste the opportunity. Teens that like and are interested in politics can go and vote. But teens like me who couldn’t care less should not. We wouldn’t be doing anything worthwhile and wouldn’t be benefiting anyone, except maybe the party not in power as the article states.
It doesn’t surprise me at all that this article was written in 1955-I could tell just by reading it. But I know its message applies even now, and especially back then as well. The issues might change, but the factors surrounding them do not. Corruption and Voting Rights-it’s been around and will always be around.
This article only states a single fact: Times change, people do not. People were apathetic then, before, and now. People stealing and lying in campaigns has been around and will continue to be around. The issues or parties or anything like that doesn’t even matter. People and their thought processes have been the same forever. And people’s thought processes is what directly affects things like voting and political parties. So if people don’t change, then those won’t change either.
Monday, February 11, 2008
To Sir, With Love
I just watched To Sir, With Love yesterday. It was a good movie, but I thought the formula for the movie was a little ‘been there, done that’ in terms of movie themes. Of course, it is from the ‘60s, so I wasn’t too surprised.
The British slang kept throwing me off a bit, because obviously I didn’t know what they were saying. I also don’t know if I liked Mr. Thackeray’s character very much (he was the teacher). He just seemed so…bland at parts. But I guess he was supposed to be that way. Overall, I liked the movie though.
I got a little stuck writing the review. I really didn’t know what I wanted to say when I started. Right at the end though, I got a stroke of inspiration from thinking about it a little more. It was hard to see since the movie covered so many issues, but I tried to relate it to school assessment.
One of the themes of the movie was supposed to be racial issues, but I really didn’t see that much. I saw more of social issues and things like that. Being a movie from the ‘60s, I thought that it would be entirely about racial issues, but it wasn’t. At times I thought that this couldn’t really happen and that it was too perfect of an ending, but I bet I’d be surprised. This movie helped me see that teachers matter a lot more than I thought.
If anyone is doing school assessment, you should give To Sir, With Love a try.
The British slang kept throwing me off a bit, because obviously I didn’t know what they were saying. I also don’t know if I liked Mr. Thackeray’s character very much (he was the teacher). He just seemed so…bland at parts. But I guess he was supposed to be that way. Overall, I liked the movie though.
I got a little stuck writing the review. I really didn’t know what I wanted to say when I started. Right at the end though, I got a stroke of inspiration from thinking about it a little more. It was hard to see since the movie covered so many issues, but I tried to relate it to school assessment.
One of the themes of the movie was supposed to be racial issues, but I really didn’t see that much. I saw more of social issues and things like that. Being a movie from the ‘60s, I thought that it would be entirely about racial issues, but it wasn’t. At times I thought that this couldn’t really happen and that it was too perfect of an ending, but I bet I’d be surprised. This movie helped me see that teachers matter a lot more than I thought.
If anyone is doing school assessment, you should give To Sir, With Love a try.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Admitting You Don't Know Anything
On Monday I couldn’t decide what the quote “Writing is admitting you don’t know anything” meant. To me, writers always seem like they knew more than your average person (if they wrote really good stuff). Nonfiction and fiction writers always seemed to be very insightful, fiction writers especially. So when Mr. Everett said that line, it left me very confused.
When we went to the interview on Tuesday in class, he pretty much answered it for me: Once you start writing, you realize how little you know.
After hearing that, I wondered why that didn’t come to me before as the meaning, but I guess it all depends on how you approach it.
Once you begin looking into what you want to write about, I suppose you realize things are much deeper than you thought. Researching one thing leads to another, you find connections and get even more questions in your mind. You realize how small things can be, and how truly big the world is.
I’ve learned that getting into this project. I knew at the start I didn’t know anything about public schools or their policies. Trying to research and go even deeper into the topic, I realize how small my mindset was when entering. Coming out of it, maybe I’ll be able to say “I really don’t know anything about school assessment”. ;)
When we went to the interview on Tuesday in class, he pretty much answered it for me: Once you start writing, you realize how little you know.
After hearing that, I wondered why that didn’t come to me before as the meaning, but I guess it all depends on how you approach it.
Once you begin looking into what you want to write about, I suppose you realize things are much deeper than you thought. Researching one thing leads to another, you find connections and get even more questions in your mind. You realize how small things can be, and how truly big the world is.
I’ve learned that getting into this project. I knew at the start I didn’t know anything about public schools or their policies. Trying to research and go even deeper into the topic, I realize how small my mindset was when entering. Coming out of it, maybe I’ll be able to say “I really don’t know anything about school assessment”. ;)
Too much Work, Not Enough Drive
I just Wendy’s blog post about “Too Much Work.” I have seen some people blogging about how much school sucks, and I have to agree. No, it really does.
I completely understand what Wendy was talking about, ‘if you work hard, it’ll be worth it’ thing. Or at least I hope so. I don’t have the best work ethic to be sure, but I do get my work done.
College still doesn’t match up to my Junior year of high school, but I’m sure I’ll be eating those words in a few semesters here.
As far as ‘burden’ goes….well, you do give a lot of work Wendy, I’m not gonna lie ^^’. Last semester I just had to write a few 3-4 page papers and do some reading in the book…so I’m not used to all of this work in an English class XD <--(this is a laughing face…). Your not majorly unfair or anything, I’m just lazy and I hate homework :\.
I just can’t seem to get these blog posts done, and end up doing them all (or most) Friday night. I’m still not 100% into this blogging, so it’s kind of troubling. I’m seriously going to try to do them more often. ‘Try’ being the key word there…
Yes, I’m getting back to work Wendy.
I completely understand what Wendy was talking about, ‘if you work hard, it’ll be worth it’ thing. Or at least I hope so. I don’t have the best work ethic to be sure, but I do get my work done.
College still doesn’t match up to my Junior year of high school, but I’m sure I’ll be eating those words in a few semesters here.
As far as ‘burden’ goes….well, you do give a lot of work Wendy, I’m not gonna lie ^^’. Last semester I just had to write a few 3-4 page papers and do some reading in the book…so I’m not used to all of this work in an English class XD <--(this is a laughing face…). Your not majorly unfair or anything, I’m just lazy and I hate homework :\.
I just can’t seem to get these blog posts done, and end up doing them all (or most) Friday night. I’m still not 100% into this blogging, so it’s kind of troubling. I’m seriously going to try to do them more often. ‘Try’ being the key word there…
Yes, I’m getting back to work Wendy.
School Assessment Research Again
Searching for propaganda the other day, I found some interesting articles on my topic. Funny how I couldn’t find them before when I was doing the actual research for the paper -_-.
I found a MCS research, evaluation, and assessment site, with results on the TCAP and ACT tests. I checked the TCAP first, and the site provided me with a list of schools and their results.
For example, A.B. Hill school only scored 47% proficient in 2003, and has only increased to 51% since 2006. The next school on the list, Alcy, scored an 80% in 2003, but has dropped to 75% in 2006. I thought our schools were looking bad based off these first two results, but looking further down the list, we really aren’t doing so bad.
For example, Bruce went from a 46% to an 80%. Carnes went from a 37% to a 73%. Fairley Al. went from a 39% to an 80%. These are some pretty drastic changes in only 3 years. Maybe our schools are more on top of it than everyone thinks.
While it does look like most of the schools are doing increasingly better, there are still quite a few who are barely improving at all. This gives me some good information for both sides of the issue.
It was said in class Tuesday that a good argument brings up both sides of the spectrum, and this is definitely true. I will definitely use this for the ‘our schools are doing better than you think’ side.
Source: http://memphisdemo2.extranet.urbanplanet.com/sites/974cdc6f-b867-4129-8e23-506faae79343/uploads/Tbl_2_Grade_5__2003-04_to_2005-06__2-20-07_.pdf
I found a MCS research, evaluation, and assessment site, with results on the TCAP and ACT tests. I checked the TCAP first, and the site provided me with a list of schools and their results.
For example, A.B. Hill school only scored 47% proficient in 2003, and has only increased to 51% since 2006. The next school on the list, Alcy, scored an 80% in 2003, but has dropped to 75% in 2006. I thought our schools were looking bad based off these first two results, but looking further down the list, we really aren’t doing so bad.
For example, Bruce went from a 46% to an 80%. Carnes went from a 37% to a 73%. Fairley Al. went from a 39% to an 80%. These are some pretty drastic changes in only 3 years. Maybe our schools are more on top of it than everyone thinks.
While it does look like most of the schools are doing increasingly better, there are still quite a few who are barely improving at all. This gives me some good information for both sides of the issue.
It was said in class Tuesday that a good argument brings up both sides of the spectrum, and this is definitely true. I will definitely use this for the ‘our schools are doing better than you think’ side.
Source: http://memphisdemo2.extranet.urbanplanet.com/sites/974cdc6f-b867-4129-8e23-506faae79343/uploads/Tbl_2_Grade_5__2003-04_to_2005-06__2-20-07_.pdf
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Propaganda Searching
Well I’m searching for some propaganda and I came across this Memphis City School Teachers website that had the slogan: Be the difference in our city schools. Apply now.” That doesn’t seem like much, I’m not even 100 percent sure it’s propaganda, but it stroke as a little odd. A picture on the main page also said: “How will you change Memphis? Teach.” It seems like propaganda for teachers. To me, these quotes say that Memphis City School Teachers really do change and empower students to be better people. Now, I’m not saying they don’t, I’ve never been taught by a City School teacher, but this goes against what I have heard about Memphis City School teachers.
In class a couple of weeks ago one student in our class talked about how his Spanish teacher didn’t really teach and he wasn’t able to learn any Spanish (I’m not entirely sure that’s all correct, but I think that’s what he said). I have always heard of public school teachers being like this. Not really teaching the kids or challenging them. Of course, it’s probably just a stereotype.
As I got more to thinking about it, I was just going to discard that ‘propaganda’ about the teachers. But then I remembered the school shooting that happened a couple of days ago. If the Memphis City School teachers are really doing their job, then why are we having things like school shootings and violence? Maybe it was mostly home or parental issues, but the teachers count too. Shouldn’t teachers be doing the job of helping teach kids about violence?
If anyone has their own ideas or experiences about City School teachers feel free to leave a comment (I need it). Are they really as bad as I hear?
In class a couple of weeks ago one student in our class talked about how his Spanish teacher didn’t really teach and he wasn’t able to learn any Spanish (I’m not entirely sure that’s all correct, but I think that’s what he said). I have always heard of public school teachers being like this. Not really teaching the kids or challenging them. Of course, it’s probably just a stereotype.
As I got more to thinking about it, I was just going to discard that ‘propaganda’ about the teachers. But then I remembered the school shooting that happened a couple of days ago. If the Memphis City School teachers are really doing their job, then why are we having things like school shootings and violence? Maybe it was mostly home or parental issues, but the teachers count too. Shouldn’t teachers be doing the job of helping teach kids about violence?
If anyone has their own ideas or experiences about City School teachers feel free to leave a comment (I need it). Are they really as bad as I hear?
Monday, February 4, 2008
Percival Everette's Book Reading
Well I just got back from the book reading by Percival Everett a few hours ago. Honestly, it wasn’t as bad as I’d thought it would be. I mean when you say the words ‘book reading’ together, it usually doesn’t entitle anything fun. But it was interesting.
What I liked about it was, number one, he wrote fiction, and number two, the novel he read parts of was non-linear and total brainstorming. It was interesting to hear how someone else freely thinks and writes instead of being subjected to a boring account of some historical event (not that history is bad, but it can be made really boring). It was definitely different.
For example, he dropped the f-bomb repeatedly in one of his segments. The most memorable quote was the opening: “I come from a nation of stupid fucks.” Now that’s a keeper.
I liked the readings, but the part I liked best was actually the Q & A at the end. I’ve never heard an author answer questions like that, so getting insight as to how their mind works or what they think was cool. I got a lot of good quotes from that like, they way a writer writes is the way he understands the world. Or to write you need to stop thinking and play. Or writing is a way admitting you don’t know anything (or something like that. I didn’t get it word for word). Just listening to those words really causes me to think. I mean, to write you need to stop thinking and play? Or writing is admitting you don’t know anything? That’s pretty deep.
I think what he was trying to say was to just let your heart or your feelings do the writing. Experiment or ‘play’ with words and ideas and don’t get too caught up with ‘Does it make sense?’ or ‘Is that correct?’. Your fiction story would probably be a lot better.
As for the other quote, “Writing is admitting you don’t know anything”, I haven’t come up with a good translation for that one! I’ll think about it more, and if it’s another free blog week I’ll expand on it.
See you guys in class tomorrow!
What I liked about it was, number one, he wrote fiction, and number two, the novel he read parts of was non-linear and total brainstorming. It was interesting to hear how someone else freely thinks and writes instead of being subjected to a boring account of some historical event (not that history is bad, but it can be made really boring). It was definitely different.
For example, he dropped the f-bomb repeatedly in one of his segments. The most memorable quote was the opening: “I come from a nation of stupid fucks.” Now that’s a keeper.
I liked the readings, but the part I liked best was actually the Q & A at the end. I’ve never heard an author answer questions like that, so getting insight as to how their mind works or what they think was cool. I got a lot of good quotes from that like, they way a writer writes is the way he understands the world. Or to write you need to stop thinking and play. Or writing is a way admitting you don’t know anything (or something like that. I didn’t get it word for word). Just listening to those words really causes me to think. I mean, to write you need to stop thinking and play? Or writing is admitting you don’t know anything? That’s pretty deep.
I think what he was trying to say was to just let your heart or your feelings do the writing. Experiment or ‘play’ with words and ideas and don’t get too caught up with ‘Does it make sense?’ or ‘Is that correct?’. Your fiction story would probably be a lot better.
As for the other quote, “Writing is admitting you don’t know anything”, I haven’t come up with a good translation for that one! I’ll think about it more, and if it’s another free blog week I’ll expand on it.
See you guys in class tomorrow!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Memphis Blogs
Okay, it’s Friday night and I’m officially out of things to say. I know all of our blog posts were supposed to be about Memphis blogs this week, so I guess I’ll just talk about Memphis blogs in general.
Before that though, it seems like no one from our class is posting this week. I don’t blame you. I just did 4 blog posts today and it is tiring. I had a ton of work and that 3 page paper we had to do this week. Someday I will learn how to prioritize my life. Someday. But Wendy, can we shorten up on the number of weekly blogs……please? I know I’m fighting a losing battle here…
Back to Memphis blogs, I’ve already stated in comments that they are a little boring. They really do help my report, but it was hard to blog about them this week. I guess not much is going on this week. Well, most of them were about politics, and politics is not my thing. I managed to find a few interesting posts though, or at least interesting enough to blog about. I found a bunch of stuff on the presidential race, but couldn’t talk about that. I don’t keep up with it.
Yes, I’ve reached 200 words, so I’m out.
See you Tuesday.
Before that though, it seems like no one from our class is posting this week. I don’t blame you. I just did 4 blog posts today and it is tiring. I had a ton of work and that 3 page paper we had to do this week. Someday I will learn how to prioritize my life. Someday. But Wendy, can we shorten up on the number of weekly blogs……please? I know I’m fighting a losing battle here…
Back to Memphis blogs, I’ve already stated in comments that they are a little boring. They really do help my report, but it was hard to blog about them this week. I guess not much is going on this week. Well, most of them were about politics, and politics is not my thing. I managed to find a few interesting posts though, or at least interesting enough to blog about. I found a bunch of stuff on the presidential race, but couldn’t talk about that. I don’t keep up with it.
Yes, I’ve reached 200 words, so I’m out.
See you Tuesday.
Watchdog Post
“THE POLITICIANS WANT TO TAKE AWAY YOUR VOTE. THEY WANT TO APPOINT YOUR SHERIFF, YOUR TAX ASSESSOR, YOUR TRUSTEE AND OTHER CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS. THEIR PLAN IS CONSOLIDATION AND THIS IS THE FIRST STEP.”
Well, still trying to find Memphis blogs to blog about and I ran across this one. What caught me was the line: “to retain the right to choose your own Sheriff, Tax Assessor, Trustee, Register and County Clerk. Letting the Mayor appoint these important jobs gives any Mayor too much power over your lives and pocketbook.”. I just thought to myself, ‘shouldn’t people get to vote for that kind of stuff anyway?’ I know I’d be displeased being a tax-paying Memphian (and I will be as soon as I actually move out >_<).
I’m all for freedom, so letting the Mayor control me like that would make me a little ticked off. Especially controlling my nonexistent pocketbook.
I think people should sign this petition-‘it’s for a good cause.’ 100,000 signatures is a lot, I hope they make it. More voting could be a good thing, at least it gives people the thought of knowing they can control something. Of course voting does leave the chance of someone uncapable being elected. But I’d rather take that risk personally.
Well, still trying to find Memphis blogs to blog about and I ran across this one. What caught me was the line: “to retain the right to choose your own Sheriff, Tax Assessor, Trustee, Register and County Clerk. Letting the Mayor appoint these important jobs gives any Mayor too much power over your lives and pocketbook.”. I just thought to myself, ‘shouldn’t people get to vote for that kind of stuff anyway?’ I know I’d be displeased being a tax-paying Memphian (and I will be as soon as I actually move out >_<).
I’m all for freedom, so letting the Mayor control me like that would make me a little ticked off. Especially controlling my nonexistent pocketbook.
I think people should sign this petition-‘it’s for a good cause.’ 100,000 signatures is a lot, I hope they make it. More voting could be a good thing, at least it gives people the thought of knowing they can control something. Of course voting does leave the chance of someone uncapable being elected. But I’d rather take that risk personally.
TN Schools Rank 16
“good news i think”
This post at a Field Guide to Urban City Memphis stated that Tennessee ranked 16th in the nation for public education. That’s a pretty good piece of info for my paper. It does go against everything I looked up though XD.
In one of my earlier posts I had stated that I had heard Tennessee fell pretty low in a nation-wide school ranking (we’re talking bottom five here). This was…around 3 years ago I think. Three years is a lot of time to improve, but I’m also hearing and reading that the schools are getting worse. They did just get rid of the Gateway test, so maybe standards are being raised. Either that or all of the other schools in the country are seriously slacking.
Looking at the image thumbnail, Tennessee scored a C+. That’s average, but it could be a bit better. I’m not so much a perfectionist that I’d keep trying to get an A+ or something, but it’s definitely a start.
This is just Tennessee though. What about Memphis schools ranking? I’m sure I can find something once I look it up. I need to find what Memphis schools rank in a state-wide or even nation-wide review. That would definitely help me write more for my report.
This post at a Field Guide to Urban City Memphis stated that Tennessee ranked 16th in the nation for public education. That’s a pretty good piece of info for my paper. It does go against everything I looked up though XD.
In one of my earlier posts I had stated that I had heard Tennessee fell pretty low in a nation-wide school ranking (we’re talking bottom five here). This was…around 3 years ago I think. Three years is a lot of time to improve, but I’m also hearing and reading that the schools are getting worse. They did just get rid of the Gateway test, so maybe standards are being raised. Either that or all of the other schools in the country are seriously slacking.
Looking at the image thumbnail, Tennessee scored a C+. That’s average, but it could be a bit better. I’m not so much a perfectionist that I’d keep trying to get an A+ or something, but it’s definitely a start.
This is just Tennessee though. What about Memphis schools ranking? I’m sure I can find something once I look it up. I need to find what Memphis schools rank in a state-wide or even nation-wide review. That would definitely help me write more for my report.
Voting Post
“decisions, decisions...”
I just read this post over at a Field Guide to Urban Memphis. I completely agree about the voting issue. I’m already 19 years old, but haven’t even registered to vote. And I’ll be honest-it’s a lack of caring. Politics just doesn’t interest me at all. I’m sure I’ll change a little when I really get out there in the working world, but for now I’d rather remain blissfully ignorant (in terms of what’s going on in politics).
Back to the post, I like the part about not voting because of apathy rather than ignorance. What good would I do voting and not knowing what the hell I’m doing? I could very well help someone get into office I wouldn’t even like or agree with. I guess people just do it to say “I’m a citizen. I vote.” or so that they don’t feel useless maybe. Voting is very important, don’t get me wrong, but I’m all for people knowing what and who they’re voting for. The only way to do that is for people to really look at and review the candidates. You’ve got to know what they’re standing for and what they believe. And try not to get it of a cheesy campaign poster.
I just read this post over at a Field Guide to Urban Memphis. I completely agree about the voting issue. I’m already 19 years old, but haven’t even registered to vote. And I’ll be honest-it’s a lack of caring. Politics just doesn’t interest me at all. I’m sure I’ll change a little when I really get out there in the working world, but for now I’d rather remain blissfully ignorant (in terms of what’s going on in politics).
Back to the post, I like the part about not voting because of apathy rather than ignorance. What good would I do voting and not knowing what the hell I’m doing? I could very well help someone get into office I wouldn’t even like or agree with. I guess people just do it to say “I’m a citizen. I vote.” or so that they don’t feel useless maybe. Voting is very important, don’t get me wrong, but I’m all for people knowing what and who they’re voting for. The only way to do that is for people to really look at and review the candidates. You’ve got to know what they’re standing for and what they believe. And try not to get it of a cheesy campaign poster.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Memphis Blog Response
Last night I was researching for some articles to get me started on the project and I ran across this one from the Smart City Memphis Blog (smartcitymemphis.blogspot.com) entitled, "Yo! What About The Other Failing Schools?".
The first quote that struck me was this one: "to be judged as proficient in reading in Tennessee classrooms, an eighth grader has to answer only 40 percent of the questions right...Last time, we got one of our children’s report cards, that test score was a solid "F" no matter who calculated it."
It also states that the percent you need to score right to pass has also dropped from 51 percent to 40 percent in the past few years.
To pass a test not even answering half of the questions right is insane. Getting a 69 or below on test (out of a 100 percent) was failing when I was in the eighth grade. And this is the reading test. I read earlier that our math was in bad shape but it looks like reading can use some work too. Reading is a necessary skill of life, and to pass kids along when they haven't learned the skills they need at that age is crazy.
Checking out some other resources, like the Shelby County report card from the TN Department of Education website, it seems like schools really are falling over the years. The Memphis Blog also stated that "And the fact is that the board has looked the other way year after year as traditional public schools affecting the lives of tens of thousands of students fail to meet standards even as the standards themselves were being reduced." Kids' grades are getting worse and worse (according to this and that report card too) and yet they keep lowering the standards?!
It's sort of like here at U of M. They keep lowering the minimal ACT score to get in (as I heard from a professor I had last semester), but that doesn't mean the standards to stay here are lowered. If anything, the standards should be raised to get kids up to the level they need to be.
Being only 13 or 14 years old as an eighth grader, and knowing that I didn't even need to get half the answers right to pass, I doubt I would be working exceedingly hard to improve my reading abilities. That's probably the mind set of a lot of people. As long as we pass, then it's okay right?
The first quote that struck me was this one: "to be judged as proficient in reading in Tennessee classrooms, an eighth grader has to answer only 40 percent of the questions right...Last time, we got one of our children’s report cards, that test score was a solid "F" no matter who calculated it."
It also states that the percent you need to score right to pass has also dropped from 51 percent to 40 percent in the past few years.
To pass a test not even answering half of the questions right is insane. Getting a 69 or below on test (out of a 100 percent) was failing when I was in the eighth grade. And this is the reading test. I read earlier that our math was in bad shape but it looks like reading can use some work too. Reading is a necessary skill of life, and to pass kids along when they haven't learned the skills they need at that age is crazy.
Checking out some other resources, like the Shelby County report card from the TN Department of Education website, it seems like schools really are falling over the years. The Memphis Blog also stated that "And the fact is that the board has looked the other way year after year as traditional public schools affecting the lives of tens of thousands of students fail to meet standards even as the standards themselves were being reduced." Kids' grades are getting worse and worse (according to this and that report card too) and yet they keep lowering the standards?!
It's sort of like here at U of M. They keep lowering the minimal ACT score to get in (as I heard from a professor I had last semester), but that doesn't mean the standards to stay here are lowered. If anything, the standards should be raised to get kids up to the level they need to be.
Being only 13 or 14 years old as an eighth grader, and knowing that I didn't even need to get half the answers right to pass, I doubt I would be working exceedingly hard to improve my reading abilities. That's probably the mind set of a lot of people. As long as we pass, then it's okay right?
Friday, January 25, 2008
Teachers (School Assessment Project)
Some people in class Tuesday thought it was the teachers’ fault for kids’ failing or not learning the material, while others thought it was the students’. I think it a bit of both actually. I think that if you stuck me in a room, with a math book and everything else I would need, and I actually had the drive and desire to learn math, I don’t think I would be able to do it. I’m naturally bad at math, and I need someone to help me. Same thing with foreign languages. If someone isn’t there pronouncing it or helping me get through the tough grammar sections, I can’t do it. It helps a lot to have the teacher there to go over the material, talk about it, and provide examples.
I’m not totally disagreeing with the ‘it’s the student’s fault’ opinion either. The student needs to have the drive and desire to learn the material. I hate math most of the time, so I usually don’t want to learn it. I tend to zone out when math is the topic. Math doesn’t ‘click’ for me very easily, so I often don’t want to even try to learn it. When I do want good grades though, I really try to listen to the teacher and actually try to get it. It makes a big difference. When I actually do the work and put effort into it, I find that I can understand it and that I can get good grades in math.
I still need a teacher to help me though, or anyone else who’s good at math. I could have all of the best math books and resources in the world right on front of me, but it really wouldn’t make a difference without the guidance.
I’m not totally disagreeing with the ‘it’s the student’s fault’ opinion either. The student needs to have the drive and desire to learn the material. I hate math most of the time, so I usually don’t want to learn it. I tend to zone out when math is the topic. Math doesn’t ‘click’ for me very easily, so I often don’t want to even try to learn it. When I do want good grades though, I really try to listen to the teacher and actually try to get it. It makes a big difference. When I actually do the work and put effort into it, I find that I can understand it and that I can get good grades in math.
I still need a teacher to help me though, or anyone else who’s good at math. I could have all of the best math books and resources in the world right on front of me, but it really wouldn’t make a difference without the guidance.
Thursday In Class Writing
Well, I’ve chosen the issue of school assessment. I remember we talked about city schools and teachers when the issue came up. When we talked about whether it was the student’s fault or the teacher’s fault, I knew I had an opinion on that.
Like I said, I’ve gone to a private school my whole life and I’m not sure of the difference. I’ve heard that private schools are a lot better academically than public schools, but I’ve also heard they’re about the same. I think it would be interesting to look at this from my point of view, since I don’t know much and I have the ability to compare public school to life in a private school.
I’ve always heard Memphis city schools are in bad shape. I always just believed this, so I want to try looking into it more. I heard a statistic once that said Tennessee schools were ranked…something like 45 or 46 in the nation (out of all 50 states). I heard this a few years ago from a history teacher I had, so I’m not sure if that’s word for word correct. If it is, than that’s pretty bad. I really want to know if there is that big a difference between the public and private.
Reading over what I wrote Thursday in class, it just seems like “Yeah, duh. Of course there’s a big difference.” It seems pretty obvious. But then again, it’s only rumors I’ve heard. I’m going to really have to look at what the curriculum is in Memphis city schools. Most of the people in our class seem to have gone to a public school…guess I should ask you guys!
Have a good night and see you Tuesday.
Like I said, I’ve gone to a private school my whole life and I’m not sure of the difference. I’ve heard that private schools are a lot better academically than public schools, but I’ve also heard they’re about the same. I think it would be interesting to look at this from my point of view, since I don’t know much and I have the ability to compare public school to life in a private school.
I’ve always heard Memphis city schools are in bad shape. I always just believed this, so I want to try looking into it more. I heard a statistic once that said Tennessee schools were ranked…something like 45 or 46 in the nation (out of all 50 states). I heard this a few years ago from a history teacher I had, so I’m not sure if that’s word for word correct. If it is, than that’s pretty bad. I really want to know if there is that big a difference between the public and private.
Reading over what I wrote Thursday in class, it just seems like “Yeah, duh. Of course there’s a big difference.” It seems pretty obvious. But then again, it’s only rumors I’ve heard. I’m going to really have to look at what the curriculum is in Memphis city schools. Most of the people in our class seem to have gone to a public school…guess I should ask you guys!
Have a good night and see you Tuesday.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Brainstorming
Thanks for the nice comments on my first blog. It usually takes some time for me to open up so my posts will get better. Hopefully I won’t get too informal, because then these posts would be nothing but emoticons and some l33t. :P (Oh, great. There’s one now.)
I'm trying to think up a good topic to use for class tomorrow. I liked anything we talked about that had to do with school, since I've been going to school for so long.
I've gone to a private school my whole life, so I didn't know what to say about issues like bussing or public school teachers. On the topic of teachers though, I think I can come up with a lot to say. Teachers in private schools usually didn't 'pass' us along, but I've had easy ones that give grades. Some people in class thought it was the student's fault for not learning, while others thought it was the teacher's. I think it is a bit of both, so I think I would like to expand on that. (<--- Did you notice how much I said ‘I think’ in this paragraph?)
Things like religious fanaticism also interest me, but I’m not sure if I can talk about that. That’s really a topic that gets me riled up, so I’m sure Wendy would rather me go with that instead of a topic I don’t like. I know that kind of sounds like a bizarre topic, but I really want to talk about it, at least more than the political issues. Another thing that I would like to talk about is violence in the media. These are a couple of topics I have an opinion on so I think I’ll bring these to class tomorrow.
I just checked the 1020 blog and it seems like we have to stay within the topics we talked about in class Tuesday. I don’t think either of the things I mentioned fall under any of that either. Dangit.
Oh, well. I’ll think of something.
Later.
I'm trying to think up a good topic to use for class tomorrow. I liked anything we talked about that had to do with school, since I've been going to school for so long.
I've gone to a private school my whole life, so I didn't know what to say about issues like bussing or public school teachers. On the topic of teachers though, I think I can come up with a lot to say. Teachers in private schools usually didn't 'pass' us along, but I've had easy ones that give grades. Some people in class thought it was the student's fault for not learning, while others thought it was the teacher's. I think it is a bit of both, so I think I would like to expand on that. (<--- Did you notice how much I said ‘I think’ in this paragraph?)
Things like religious fanaticism also interest me, but I’m not sure if I can talk about that. That’s really a topic that gets me riled up, so I’m sure Wendy would rather me go with that instead of a topic I don’t like. I know that kind of sounds like a bizarre topic, but I really want to talk about it, at least more than the political issues. Another thing that I would like to talk about is violence in the media. These are a couple of topics I have an opinion on so I think I’ll bring these to class tomorrow.
I just checked the 1020 blog and it seems like we have to stay within the topics we talked about in class Tuesday. I don’t think either of the things I mentioned fall under any of that either. Dangit.
Oh, well. I’ll think of something.
Later.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
First Weekly Blog Post
Hi everyone.
I glanced at some people's manifestos from the links on the 1020 blog and realized mine sounds a little too formal. I didn't think we could be be this relaxed when typing essays. I did get more relaxed when I got to my beliefs though. It wouldn't have sounded right to say what I think using words I don't normally use when I speak.
Well, this is my first time blogging, and I'm not even sure what to do. Doing five of these a week sounds like a load to be honest. Wendy scared me in class today when she said 750 words every time -_-. My social life and free time would have been shot dead. It takes me a long time to write stuff, but I generally tend to be a motor mouth anyway when I type.
I'm sort of nervous about this blog truthfully. Today in class I realized I couldn't argue for the issues, or I didn't even have an opinion on the issues. So stating my beliefs which other people will read and comment on kind of makes me nervous. I'm sure I'll be able to do better as time goes on though. I usually don't make people mad when I state my beliefs, so it'll be okay. The thing is, I'm pretty laid back and can go either way on a lot of things. Unfortunately, I'm pretty easily swayed too, so I hope that changes by the end of the semester. I hate going back and forth so much!
Anyway, I've never had a class that used the internet this much, especially an English class. I think it'll be interesting, but I'm not much of a blogger to be honest! (You could probably tell) Hopefully I'll think of more interesting blog posts from here on out.
See you guys in class!
I glanced at some people's manifestos from the links on the 1020 blog and realized mine sounds a little too formal. I didn't think we could be be this relaxed when typing essays. I did get more relaxed when I got to my beliefs though. It wouldn't have sounded right to say what I think using words I don't normally use when I speak.
Well, this is my first time blogging, and I'm not even sure what to do. Doing five of these a week sounds like a load to be honest. Wendy scared me in class today when she said 750 words every time -_-. My social life and free time would have been shot dead. It takes me a long time to write stuff, but I generally tend to be a motor mouth anyway when I type.
I'm sort of nervous about this blog truthfully. Today in class I realized I couldn't argue for the issues, or I didn't even have an opinion on the issues. So stating my beliefs which other people will read and comment on kind of makes me nervous. I'm sure I'll be able to do better as time goes on though. I usually don't make people mad when I state my beliefs, so it'll be okay. The thing is, I'm pretty laid back and can go either way on a lot of things. Unfortunately, I'm pretty easily swayed too, so I hope that changes by the end of the semester. I hate going back and forth so much!
Anyway, I've never had a class that used the internet this much, especially an English class. I think it'll be interesting, but I'm not much of a blogger to be honest! (You could probably tell) Hopefully I'll think of more interesting blog posts from here on out.
See you guys in class!
Monday, January 21, 2008
My Manifesto
Throughout history people have communicated their thoughts, beliefs, values, and
motives through statements known as manifestos. A manifesto is an individual’s or entire group’s intentions, motives, or views written as a statement (Webster). A manifesto is meant to declare what it is exactly someone or a whole group of people believe in, most notably done in a list format. Some famous manifestos include the Declaration of Independence and The Sharon Statement. The Declaration expresses the beliefs that all men are created equal, every person has unalienable rights, and that a government derives it powers from the consent of the governed (National Archives). It is these beliefs, written in the form of a manifesto, that govern the United States of America. The Sharon Statement also expresses the beliefs of a single group (the Young Americans for Freedom) in the form of a manifesto. The Statement declares that liberty is indivisible, political freedom and economic freedom must coexist, and international Communism is the single greatest threat to US liberties (Sharon Statement). Using these manifestos as guides, I have constructed my own manifesto which encompasses my own beliefs and values.
As a student of English 1020, I believe that I will gain valuable knowledge and argumentative skills from this class. I will listen to my peers and be completely open to their views and opinions while forming and thinking about my own. I will learn new ways to approach and look at things, and be mindful of other’s approaches as well.
As an individual in this English class, I believe:
Every person is created equal and there are no exceptions
Anyone’s opinion is as good as another’s
To be truthful about what you believe, but also keep in mind others’beliefs who are listening to you
In being understanding and not overly biased
That there is good in everyone
I believe in freedom, but also that there should be laws to keep people in check
Everyone is entitled to freedom or to make their own choices
I believe in fairness
I believe everyone has rights
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion
You can amount to anything if you put your mind to it
That everyone is good at something
You should always try your hardest and try not to give up
There is a higher power
Hard work gets rewarded
That skipping class in college is a bad idea
I believe somewhat in the idea of karma-that wrong actions will eventually receive just punishment
Letting people make their own decisions instead of forcing them to believe something
That failure, hardship, and pain are a part of life
I believe in the conservation of resources
Sometimes simple is best
Money should be saved and not wasted
You can learn something new everyday
School can be boring but it’s necessary
That learning can be enjoyable
You should always follow your heart-but use your head too
That stereotypes are not cool
There’s not the “best” of anything (no “best band” or “best artist,” etc.); it’s all opinions
Everyone and everything has their good points and bad points
Personality is the key to a person-not looks
People are not always what they’re cracked up to be
There’s no such thing as ‘perfection’ and there’s always room for improvement
That celebrities and reality shows are overrated
That if television died, it would not be the end of the world
That clothes cost too much
That video games might rot your brain, but that doesn’t make them any less fun
You should meet deadlines, but it’s better late than never
One should always be honest
I believe you should never act like someone or something your not
You should always be true to yourself
Popularity and fame always has its downfalls
You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover-or a person for that matter
Finally, I believe that a 750 word essay is a lot longer than I thought
All of these beliefs and more I forgot to mention are a part of my own manifesto. I try to live my life everyday following what I believe and what I think is right. Even if my opinions or ideas differ greatly from another’s, I try to be as open and understanding as I can. Although I don’t like stepping on people’s toes, I don’t like when people misjudge or misunderstand me either. I may not always think but I always try to listen.
As a student in this class, I hope to better explain my views and formulate my own ideas. I hope to listen to what somebody says and effectively pick out their opinions and thoughts. Finally, I hope to become a better arguer of what I think and believe is right.
Sources:
The Sharon Statement (http://www.fiu.edu/~yaf/sharon.html)
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (http://www.webster.com/dictionary/manifesto)
The National Archives Experience (http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/declaration_transcript.html)
motives through statements known as manifestos. A manifesto is an individual’s or entire group’s intentions, motives, or views written as a statement (Webster). A manifesto is meant to declare what it is exactly someone or a whole group of people believe in, most notably done in a list format. Some famous manifestos include the Declaration of Independence and The Sharon Statement. The Declaration expresses the beliefs that all men are created equal, every person has unalienable rights, and that a government derives it powers from the consent of the governed (National Archives). It is these beliefs, written in the form of a manifesto, that govern the United States of America. The Sharon Statement also expresses the beliefs of a single group (the Young Americans for Freedom) in the form of a manifesto. The Statement declares that liberty is indivisible, political freedom and economic freedom must coexist, and international Communism is the single greatest threat to US liberties (Sharon Statement). Using these manifestos as guides, I have constructed my own manifesto which encompasses my own beliefs and values.
As a student of English 1020, I believe that I will gain valuable knowledge and argumentative skills from this class. I will listen to my peers and be completely open to their views and opinions while forming and thinking about my own. I will learn new ways to approach and look at things, and be mindful of other’s approaches as well.
As an individual in this English class, I believe:
Every person is created equal and there are no exceptions
Anyone’s opinion is as good as another’s
To be truthful about what you believe, but also keep in mind others’beliefs who are listening to you
In being understanding and not overly biased
That there is good in everyone
I believe in freedom, but also that there should be laws to keep people in check
Everyone is entitled to freedom or to make their own choices
I believe in fairness
I believe everyone has rights
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion
You can amount to anything if you put your mind to it
That everyone is good at something
You should always try your hardest and try not to give up
There is a higher power
Hard work gets rewarded
That skipping class in college is a bad idea
I believe somewhat in the idea of karma-that wrong actions will eventually receive just punishment
Letting people make their own decisions instead of forcing them to believe something
That failure, hardship, and pain are a part of life
I believe in the conservation of resources
Sometimes simple is best
Money should be saved and not wasted
You can learn something new everyday
School can be boring but it’s necessary
That learning can be enjoyable
You should always follow your heart-but use your head too
That stereotypes are not cool
There’s not the “best” of anything (no “best band” or “best artist,” etc.); it’s all opinions
Everyone and everything has their good points and bad points
Personality is the key to a person-not looks
People are not always what they’re cracked up to be
There’s no such thing as ‘perfection’ and there’s always room for improvement
That celebrities and reality shows are overrated
That if television died, it would not be the end of the world
That clothes cost too much
That video games might rot your brain, but that doesn’t make them any less fun
You should meet deadlines, but it’s better late than never
One should always be honest
I believe you should never act like someone or something your not
You should always be true to yourself
Popularity and fame always has its downfalls
You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover-or a person for that matter
Finally, I believe that a 750 word essay is a lot longer than I thought
All of these beliefs and more I forgot to mention are a part of my own manifesto. I try to live my life everyday following what I believe and what I think is right. Even if my opinions or ideas differ greatly from another’s, I try to be as open and understanding as I can. Although I don’t like stepping on people’s toes, I don’t like when people misjudge or misunderstand me either. I may not always think but I always try to listen.
As a student in this class, I hope to better explain my views and formulate my own ideas. I hope to listen to what somebody says and effectively pick out their opinions and thoughts. Finally, I hope to become a better arguer of what I think and believe is right.
Sources:
The Sharon Statement (http://www.fiu.edu/~yaf/sharon.html)
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (http://www.webster.com/dictionary/manifesto)
The National Archives Experience (http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/declaration_transcript.html)
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