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!
Friday, March 28, 2008
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.
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