Joshua Paris
5/09/09
Ms. Brown
Précis IV
Article IV explained the devastating realism of social rejection. Through this article it also informs the audience on how not only does the outcast who receives the social rejection finds it hard to make friends in general, but also can experience a life of loneliness. It is a harsh reality for the individual because the outcast wants to be just like the “in crowd.” With a definite collaboration between articles I, and IV we can see that temperance plays a role in this harsh cycle and the way they see the world and react to things around them. Some individuals are born with traits that are just different from other peers around them, and because of this they are treated different and do not have the same luxury of socializing and making friends as easy as others. As the article progresses, it not only shows how hard it is for the outcast, but gives some suggestions that may help make life easier for them. The last subject the article touches on is social acceptance. The danger of social acceptance is the disconnection from reality. Teenagers often go out to bully people that are not a part of the social acceptance, which can be anything from clothes and make-up to music and behavior, in order to defend their social "truth" and make sure the rest of the people agree with it. A social truth backed up only by a small acceptance, often breaks down and gets replaced by reality again; this is why people living by social truths get so addicted to their version of what reality is.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Proposal/Thesis
Joshua Paris
5/10/09
Ms. Brown
Proposal/Thesis
Psychological adolescence is a study that scientists have studied for years. It is an undeniable truth that no matter how kids are born, they all have a similar mind frame in there growth patterns. In the movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, this example is portrayed thoroughly. Through this movie, you can see that no matter how someone is born physically, or may appear on the outside, there mind is at the stage it should be at there true age in life. To better establish this argument, we will explore the mind of the human body through adolescence, the journeys the mind takes through life, and how it reacts to the things around it at the particular age in time thus proving that the mind is a journey, and from the time you are born until the time you die it is at the age where it should be.
5/10/09
Ms. Brown
Proposal/Thesis
Psychological adolescence is a study that scientists have studied for years. It is an undeniable truth that no matter how kids are born, they all have a similar mind frame in there growth patterns. In the movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, this example is portrayed thoroughly. Through this movie, you can see that no matter how someone is born physically, or may appear on the outside, there mind is at the stage it should be at there true age in life. To better establish this argument, we will explore the mind of the human body through adolescence, the journeys the mind takes through life, and how it reacts to the things around it at the particular age in time thus proving that the mind is a journey, and from the time you are born until the time you die it is at the age where it should be.
Bibliography (Cites)
Joshua Paris
5/10/09
Ms. Brown
Cumulative Bibliography
Article I
http://ezinearticles.com/?Adolescent-Psychology&id=354549
http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/development/temperament_and_your_child.htm
http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/development/
Article II
http://www.loveletterbox.com/love_advice_loving_without_losing.htm
Article III
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=why-do-we-forget-things
http://education.calumet.purdue.edu/vockell/EdpsyBook/Edpsy6/edpsy6_long.htm
Article IV
http://anthropology.suite101.com/article.cfm/who_is_the_social_outcast__
http://www.corrupt.org/articles/social_acceptance/
http://ezinearticles.com/?Choice-and-Social-Acceptance-in-Human-Organizations&id=36963
5/10/09
Ms. Brown
Cumulative Bibliography
Article I
http://ezinearticles.com/?Adolescent-Psychology&id=354549
http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/development/temperament_and_your_child.htm
http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/development/
Article II
http://www.loveletterbox.com/love_advice_loving_without_losing.htm
Article III
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=why-do-we-forget-things
http://education.calumet.purdue.edu/vockell/EdpsyBook/Edpsy6/edpsy6_long.htm
Article IV
http://anthropology.suite101.com/article.cfm/who_is_the_social_outcast__
http://www.corrupt.org/articles/social_acceptance/
http://ezinearticles.com/?Choice-and-Social-Acceptance-in-Human-Organizations&id=36963
David Fincher (Biographical Note)
Joshua Paris
5/10/09
Ms. Brown
Biographical Note
David Fincher
David Fincher was born on August 28th of 1962 in Denver, Colorado, and grew up in Marin County, California. Reportedly it were Spielberg's "Jaws", Ridley Scotts "Alien" and a 'Making Of' featurette on "Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid" that made him want to become a filmmaker. Fincher earned his first hands-on experience working for John Korty at Korty Films in Mill Valley, when he was only 18 years old. Since none other than George Lucas lived in Fincher's neighborhood, he went on to work for Lucas' visual effects company Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), where he quickly assembled such namely titles as "Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi" (1983) and "Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom" (1984) to this filmography. And to this day the experience of having worked behind the camera before taking the director's chair can be witnessed in Fincher's perfectionism and competence all across the board of filmmaking. David Fincher left ILM in 1984 to pursue his own career, directing music videos and tv-commercials. One of his earliest, if not even his very first work was the now infamous commercial "Smoking Fetus" for the American Cancer Society -- at only 22 years of age! Fincher was offered to direct Rick Springfield's concert film "Beat Of The Live Drum" and a few of his music videos, worked for The Motels and Sting and his career took off and reached an early climax towards the end of the 1980's, working for clients that included Nike, Coca-Cola, AT&T and pop-superstars Madonna, George Michael, Billy Idol, Foreigner and Michael Jackson.
In 1987, at age 25, Fincher co-founded production company Propaganda Films with (among others) director Dominic Sena, which was a platform not only for producing high-quality music promos but also feature films such as "Wild At Heart", "Red Rock West" and "Being John Malkovich".
5/10/09
Ms. Brown
Biographical Note
David Fincher
David Fincher was born on August 28th of 1962 in Denver, Colorado, and grew up in Marin County, California. Reportedly it were Spielberg's "Jaws", Ridley Scotts "Alien" and a 'Making Of' featurette on "Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid" that made him want to become a filmmaker. Fincher earned his first hands-on experience working for John Korty at Korty Films in Mill Valley, when he was only 18 years old. Since none other than George Lucas lived in Fincher's neighborhood, he went on to work for Lucas' visual effects company Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), where he quickly assembled such namely titles as "Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi" (1983) and "Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom" (1984) to this filmography. And to this day the experience of having worked behind the camera before taking the director's chair can be witnessed in Fincher's perfectionism and competence all across the board of filmmaking. David Fincher left ILM in 1984 to pursue his own career, directing music videos and tv-commercials. One of his earliest, if not even his very first work was the now infamous commercial "Smoking Fetus" for the American Cancer Society -- at only 22 years of age! Fincher was offered to direct Rick Springfield's concert film "Beat Of The Live Drum" and a few of his music videos, worked for The Motels and Sting and his career took off and reached an early climax towards the end of the 1980's, working for clients that included Nike, Coca-Cola, AT&T and pop-superstars Madonna, George Michael, Billy Idol, Foreigner and Michael Jackson.
In 1987, at age 25, Fincher co-founded production company Propaganda Films with (among others) director Dominic Sena, which was a platform not only for producing high-quality music promos but also feature films such as "Wild At Heart", "Red Rock West" and "Being John Malkovich".
Precis Article I
Joshua Paris
5/10/09
Ms. Brown
Précis-Article I
Article one was ultimately about the stages and aspects of adolescence. This in turn refers to the problems in children minds that can have positive or even negative effects on them. There are also traits in a child from birth that gives them different approaches to the world as they see it called temperament. It is a distinct trait in there personality. These traits also determine how the child goes about learning about the world around him/her. The article also informs readers on the parents’ roles, and the typical feelings they have through the child’s personality. Parents can mold their parenting strategies to the temperamental characteristics and personality of the child. This makes the parents feel more effective as they more fully understand and appreciate their child’s unique personality. In essence, children need to have activities to help them grow in a healthy development. This process, as the article informs, influences the development of fine and gross motor skills, language, socialization, personal awareness, emotional well-being, creativity, problem solving and learning ability. The article goes on to let us know that, moral development becomes imperative for a respectable person in society thus signaling that parents need to respect children and require respect in return. In that regard, parents must teach by example. This means not just showing this quality to the kids, but also to other adults as well. Finally, as the articles conclude, parental love helps them develop a positive self concept. Parents who spend quality and quantity time with their children as well as love them abundantly have children who have higher levels of moral development.
5/10/09
Ms. Brown
Précis-Article I
Article one was ultimately about the stages and aspects of adolescence. This in turn refers to the problems in children minds that can have positive or even negative effects on them. There are also traits in a child from birth that gives them different approaches to the world as they see it called temperament. It is a distinct trait in there personality. These traits also determine how the child goes about learning about the world around him/her. The article also informs readers on the parents’ roles, and the typical feelings they have through the child’s personality. Parents can mold their parenting strategies to the temperamental characteristics and personality of the child. This makes the parents feel more effective as they more fully understand and appreciate their child’s unique personality. In essence, children need to have activities to help them grow in a healthy development. This process, as the article informs, influences the development of fine and gross motor skills, language, socialization, personal awareness, emotional well-being, creativity, problem solving and learning ability. The article goes on to let us know that, moral development becomes imperative for a respectable person in society thus signaling that parents need to respect children and require respect in return. In that regard, parents must teach by example. This means not just showing this quality to the kids, but also to other adults as well. Finally, as the articles conclude, parental love helps them develop a positive self concept. Parents who spend quality and quantity time with their children as well as love them abundantly have children who have higher levels of moral development.
Precis Article II
Joshua Paris
5/10/09
Ms. Brown
Précis-Article II
Article II was essentially about the journey’s that love can take someone. It explains a few key ingredients necessary for a relationship to have success. Also, it not only explains the importance of what two people can do to make a happy successful love and relationship, but also explains how it is important not to lose yourself in the process. Although the relationship may work, losing yourself will make you ultimately unhappy, and cause you to have what is known as a half-hearted relationship. This leads to you wanting control over the relationship trying to see if he measures up to your expectations. This is mainly guided because of fear and only can be handled if both partners find a happy medium. Overall, the article explains how no how you define love matter; relationships are about loving each other. It is wise that you find somebody that is like you. (Which the article also gives you multiple questions to ask yourself when you are trying to find what kind of partner is right for you) Finally, the article encourages the reader to listen to your heart, because it is much smarter in these matters than you are. It is important not to think about love so hard but rather feel what is right for you and when you love, love without hesitation and with all your heart. Love is a choice, and if you choose it wholeheartedly, you are never going to lose it because it teaches you to become a better human being in general.
5/10/09
Ms. Brown
Précis-Article II
Article II was essentially about the journey’s that love can take someone. It explains a few key ingredients necessary for a relationship to have success. Also, it not only explains the importance of what two people can do to make a happy successful love and relationship, but also explains how it is important not to lose yourself in the process. Although the relationship may work, losing yourself will make you ultimately unhappy, and cause you to have what is known as a half-hearted relationship. This leads to you wanting control over the relationship trying to see if he measures up to your expectations. This is mainly guided because of fear and only can be handled if both partners find a happy medium. Overall, the article explains how no how you define love matter; relationships are about loving each other. It is wise that you find somebody that is like you. (Which the article also gives you multiple questions to ask yourself when you are trying to find what kind of partner is right for you) Finally, the article encourages the reader to listen to your heart, because it is much smarter in these matters than you are. It is important not to think about love so hard but rather feel what is right for you and when you love, love without hesitation and with all your heart. Love is a choice, and if you choose it wholeheartedly, you are never going to lose it because it teaches you to become a better human being in general.
Precis Article III
Joshua Paris
5/10/09
Ms. Brown
Precis-Article III
Article III was fundamentally informative on the psychological aspect of memory, and ways that we remember things and the reasons why we forget. In the article, it explains that many of our memories comes from a sense of detail, and because of this detailed imagery, we develop a sense of long term memory. Although we can hold lots of things in long-term memory, the details of the memory aren’t always crystal-clear and are often limited to just the gist of what we saw or what happened. There is also a very important kind of memory called Semantic memory which stores facts and generalized information. It contains verbal information, concepts, rules, principles, and problem-solving skills. Episodic memory stores information as images, semantic memory stores information in networks or schemata. Information is most easily stored in semantic memory when it is meaningful - that is, easily related to existing, well-established schemata. The key point of this section is that information is stored in the long-term memory in a structured fashion - with elements of knowledge chained together or organized in schema related to specific topics. Information is likely to be effectively entered into long-term memory to the extent that the learner actively interacts with the information in working memory. It is impossible to actively interact with information without making connections with existing information, and these connections facilitate storage of information even if the learner is unaware that information is being transferred to long-term memory. A large amount of permanent learning occurs automatically, without conscious effort on the part of the learner. In other instances, the learner or observer may make deliberate attempts to transfer information to long-term memory.
5/10/09
Ms. Brown
Precis-Article III
Article III was fundamentally informative on the psychological aspect of memory, and ways that we remember things and the reasons why we forget. In the article, it explains that many of our memories comes from a sense of detail, and because of this detailed imagery, we develop a sense of long term memory. Although we can hold lots of things in long-term memory, the details of the memory aren’t always crystal-clear and are often limited to just the gist of what we saw or what happened. There is also a very important kind of memory called Semantic memory which stores facts and generalized information. It contains verbal information, concepts, rules, principles, and problem-solving skills. Episodic memory stores information as images, semantic memory stores information in networks or schemata. Information is most easily stored in semantic memory when it is meaningful - that is, easily related to existing, well-established schemata. The key point of this section is that information is stored in the long-term memory in a structured fashion - with elements of knowledge chained together or organized in schema related to specific topics. Information is likely to be effectively entered into long-term memory to the extent that the learner actively interacts with the information in working memory. It is impossible to actively interact with information without making connections with existing information, and these connections facilitate storage of information even if the learner is unaware that information is being transferred to long-term memory. A large amount of permanent learning occurs automatically, without conscious effort on the part of the learner. In other instances, the learner or observer may make deliberate attempts to transfer information to long-term memory.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Claude McKays Poet/Poem Analysis
1.Well a harlot is anyone who is born to a low class. McKay uses this word to belittle the high class people such as the Pharoahs and people who believe that they are somehow better than everyone else. Insightful as the end of this poem is, the audience is empowered knowing that we are nothing compared to the almight God.
2. He is saying that black people are hogs because just like hogs we are being controlled, contained, and shut down by the white man. We were nothing to them but slaves to be controlled and jump when the say jump. Eventually we fight on, and fight those who oppose us, and learn to fight for independence and what we want, and through that we are free.
3. McKays language is much different because he doesn't beat around the bush with his feelings. He lets the audience know exactly how he feels about a situation, and you can feel the anger through his words. Through his amazing balance between zeal and word choice, the reader feels the same emotions that he feels assuming that they can relate to what he is saying. By reading what he has to say, blacks can see the harmful affects of what will happened if we let ourselves be shut down and controlled.
2. He is saying that black people are hogs because just like hogs we are being controlled, contained, and shut down by the white man. We were nothing to them but slaves to be controlled and jump when the say jump. Eventually we fight on, and fight those who oppose us, and learn to fight for independence and what we want, and through that we are free.
3. McKays language is much different because he doesn't beat around the bush with his feelings. He lets the audience know exactly how he feels about a situation, and you can feel the anger through his words. Through his amazing balance between zeal and word choice, the reader feels the same emotions that he feels assuming that they can relate to what he is saying. By reading what he has to say, blacks can see the harmful affects of what will happened if we let ourselves be shut down and controlled.
Poem/Poet Analysis
1. The rivers are Euphrates, Congo, Nile, and the Mississippi. Langston Hughes is able to create two meanings for the theme of roots since on the one hand they refer to the deep roots like trees have as well as “roots” in the historical and familial sense. Through these images and details, it is clear that it addresses themes that are much larger than simply rivers or human veins—it is a statement on the whole of African American history as it has flourished along rivers, which gave life and allowed “human veins” and firm historical roots.
2. I believe this poem is about how blacks were treated unequally.This is during the Harlem Renaissnace, it shows how the blacks will overcome. They will be eating with white people soon. He will be inviting them to eat with him. This is obviously a peace of art that helped Harlem become the neighborhood it became in the 1930s.
3. Well quite frankly, the boy doesn't have a say so in anything because the white man never listens to him nor does he believe him! Blacks have fought for decades trying to be heard and trying to get rid of this degrading attitude. W.E.B. Du Bois and Alain Locke would have objected to this poem simply because this poem has a lot of degrading words about black people which is totally not true and there lies the objection.
4. McKay is harder with his poems than Hughes. McKay uses harsh messages/words that put an aggressive tone into racism. It gives the audience a urge to stand up and do something about the hard struggles that they endure.Hughes is softspoken if you will ;he takes a more subtle approach in his message in writing. He would encourage them saying "we can do it" while McKay on the other hand would say something like, "Time to put an end to all this!"
5. He was saying how white people like to steal black peoples music, and say that its there own, and that it is originated from them! Using "black stories" and to keep us down. In addition, they added there own little piece of "white" in it if you will. Yes this still goes on today, but it has became somewhat of a normalicy to humans today and less of a public issue.
6. Because America is the problem! We claim how we are all free, and all have equal rights, but for a black man, you are not an African American, you are a black man living in America. It is very subtle, but whites do have somewhat of an upper hand and they create this illusion that everyone is treated equal, but in a deeper reality it is not so. Africa does have problems just like any other continent, but they are more warm hearted than America.
2. I believe this poem is about how blacks were treated unequally.This is during the Harlem Renaissnace, it shows how the blacks will overcome. They will be eating with white people soon. He will be inviting them to eat with him. This is obviously a peace of art that helped Harlem become the neighborhood it became in the 1930s.
3. Well quite frankly, the boy doesn't have a say so in anything because the white man never listens to him nor does he believe him! Blacks have fought for decades trying to be heard and trying to get rid of this degrading attitude. W.E.B. Du Bois and Alain Locke would have objected to this poem simply because this poem has a lot of degrading words about black people which is totally not true and there lies the objection.
4. McKay is harder with his poems than Hughes. McKay uses harsh messages/words that put an aggressive tone into racism. It gives the audience a urge to stand up and do something about the hard struggles that they endure.Hughes is softspoken if you will ;he takes a more subtle approach in his message in writing. He would encourage them saying "we can do it" while McKay on the other hand would say something like, "Time to put an end to all this!"
5. He was saying how white people like to steal black peoples music, and say that its there own, and that it is originated from them! Using "black stories" and to keep us down. In addition, they added there own little piece of "white" in it if you will. Yes this still goes on today, but it has became somewhat of a normalicy to humans today and less of a public issue.
6. Because America is the problem! We claim how we are all free, and all have equal rights, but for a black man, you are not an African American, you are a black man living in America. It is very subtle, but whites do have somewhat of an upper hand and they create this illusion that everyone is treated equal, but in a deeper reality it is not so. Africa does have problems just like any other continent, but they are more warm hearted than America.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Clique of the GHETTO
The kids you "don't want to mess with" - that's the image. Baggy clothes, silver chains, and rap music is usually what comes to mind when you think about the ghetto group at your school. The style of clothing in this group is usually sporty. Jerseys and brands such as Ecco and Sean John seem to be the norm. Just like any other group in high school, a certain style of music goes along with this group, usually rap and hip-hop.In high school, many people may shift to a different style and enter new groups. Usually this clique ends up in fights, in jail, murdering, or getting killed because of the stupid mentality that they have. There is a very low success rate of success in this clique because they care too much about what other people think of them, and that education is for fools.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Their Eyes Were Watching God Quote
The quote that stook out for me the most was when Hurston stated that "Before the week was over he had whipped Janie. Not because of her behavior justified his jealously, but it relieved that awful fear inside him. Being able to whip her reassured him in possession. Not brutal beating at all. He just slapped her around a bit to show he was boss."I felt bad for Janie when Mrs. Turner’s brother came home because Janie got beaten for Tea Cake’s jealously. I loved this quote because Tea Cake’s felt the need to do this because it not only made him feel better but also because this was the way the husbands were supposes to treat their wife. They were the boss; there was no equal medium back then, but in their relationship there was. Tea Cake’s allows her to have an equal say or he at least wants her to. Another reason why Tea Cake’s beat Janie was because he feared that she would leave him. I felt like Janie allowed him to do this because she knew his intentions and why he did it. Relating this quote to what some people refer to as the "Roaring Twenties" where woman start to gain more independence, and are doing whatever it is what they want to do, we can see the change that women endured to be where they are now is phenominal. I personally believe that men should not hit there wives or any woman for that matter. It shows weakness and cowardness. Many women felt that they needed a man to survive, and they would take anything from there husbands. In our modern day in time, woman are more independent, and 9 times out of 10 if there man hits them and slaps them around, they would turn on Beyonce's song "Irraplaceable" and say "to the left to the left." It has always been hard for women to earn the same respect as men. Women have endured a lot through the years to get where they are today, but the fight for respect still continues. In this novel, Janie is on a journey of self-discovery and to achieve independence and self-understanding, but she does not do so until she is nearly forty years old. Many obstacles stood in her way that was one of many fights toward woman becoming recognized for independence.
If I was to see what will happen to the future, I would say Janies life continued as an independent woman, she couldn’t help but to think that she might fall in another relationship filled with the same struggles of her other three. She remembered how much easier life use to be as a child, and the hardships she’s had to endure being in the real world; the first time she had true intimacy, the feeling she struggled with knowing her intimacy eventually ended. Janie had fell in love after her marriage ended. Although her marriage is on a successful road now, there is still that doubt in her mind that something could go wrong and she’ll end up back at square one. However she knows that she’s an independent woman, and she doesn’t need a man like she felt in her early years.
If I was to see what will happen to the future, I would say Janies life continued as an independent woman, she couldn’t help but to think that she might fall in another relationship filled with the same struggles of her other three. She remembered how much easier life use to be as a child, and the hardships she’s had to endure being in the real world; the first time she had true intimacy, the feeling she struggled with knowing her intimacy eventually ended. Janie had fell in love after her marriage ended. Although her marriage is on a successful road now, there is still that doubt in her mind that something could go wrong and she’ll end up back at square one. However she knows that she’s an independent woman, and she doesn’t need a man like she felt in her early years.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wealth (agreed with Lapham)
Laphams's view of "the American Faith in money is somewhat correct. What is Wealth When one asks themselves "what is wealth," people immediately think of money. They think of nice cars and big houses. People think of power and the ability to have control over others. When I was in elementary school I believed this same thing. Now that I am in highschool my outlook on what wealth is has changed dramatically.
To me wealth is contentment and knowledge. With these two things will come the greatest wealth a person can achieve. Money does not necessarily mean contentment although some people think that it does. Wealth is not having money, property, and power if these things cannot make a person truly content. These things do not necessarily bring wisdom either. When I think of wealth a quotation comes to mind. It was said by Henry David Thoreau: "Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations... Their authors are a natural and irresistible aristocracy in every society, and, more than kings or emperors, exert an influence on mankind." I believe that if one chooses to enrich their mind and strive for knowledge that they are truly wealthy. Wealth is the ability to enrich and influence. With knowledge one can do these things. Wealth is not taking things for granted. In many ways knowledge can help you achieve success. With knowledge one can look into the past and see the mistakes that others have made. The person with knowledge will not repeat these mistakes. Knowledge can help one make the right choices in life. If one can make the right choices in life and live a good life then they can truly have wealth. Wealth is not the ability to take everything for granted. Wealth is not greed and malice towards others. People sometimes put so much stress on wealth. What I believe is that if one should spend their life gaining wealth than what truly was the purpose of life. When one dies all the wealth will not go with them. Wealth is not the endless struggle to gain more riches than another. If one is obsessed with this idea how can one truly be wealthy. When one struggles for material items such as money there will always be an emptiness inside them. This emptiness will never be filled no matter how much money they can attain. Pretty soon the need for money will destroy a person. I have seen how money can corrupt individuals. Wealth is not being famous and having everyone know who you are. Others may know who you are but if you do not know who you are what is the point of all this fame. Wealth is not the ability to gloat and boast to others about your riches. The more a person does this they will become more lonely in life. When one brags they expect others to feel bad and jealous. This person feeds of these feelings of jealousy. If people are indifferent and do not pay attention then the person will never be complete. How can someone like this truly be wealthy?
When I think of wealth another quotation comes to mind. It was said by Titus Lucretius Carus: "But if one should guide his life by true principles, man's greatest wealth is to live on a little with contented mind; for a little is never lacking." I believe that wealth is contentment. Wealth is happiness. Without contentment one can never truly be wealthy. I think that money cannot always bring this contentment. A person must be at peace with his mind and his heart. If a person can achieve this peace then any amount of money will be enough for them. Of course, not many people can achieve this level. One way is religion. If a person is religious and is in pursuit of inner peace than they are wealthy. It they can find happiness in this way then their life truly has a purpose. It really does not matter what religion one follows. If this religion gives them peace then it is the true giver of wealth. I believe that a middle-class worker with a family and a modest income can easily be more happy than a millionaire with seven wives and no morals. Another way a person can acquire wealth is through family. To have someone whom you can pass down your experiences and knowledge is true wealth. To love and to be loved is wealth. Having people to take care of and having responsibilities makes life interesting. A life without these things can never truly be content. Basically I believe that wealth is something that someone cannot necessarily achieve through wealth and fame. One needs knowledge and contentment. With religion, education, and family a person can reach these goals. Wealth is not unhappiness and ignorance. With these things one does not have wealth and life has no purpose. I hope after someone reads this they can have more insight into what wealth truly is.
To me wealth is contentment and knowledge. With these two things will come the greatest wealth a person can achieve. Money does not necessarily mean contentment although some people think that it does. Wealth is not having money, property, and power if these things cannot make a person truly content. These things do not necessarily bring wisdom either. When I think of wealth a quotation comes to mind. It was said by Henry David Thoreau: "Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations... Their authors are a natural and irresistible aristocracy in every society, and, more than kings or emperors, exert an influence on mankind." I believe that if one chooses to enrich their mind and strive for knowledge that they are truly wealthy. Wealth is the ability to enrich and influence. With knowledge one can do these things. Wealth is not taking things for granted. In many ways knowledge can help you achieve success. With knowledge one can look into the past and see the mistakes that others have made. The person with knowledge will not repeat these mistakes. Knowledge can help one make the right choices in life. If one can make the right choices in life and live a good life then they can truly have wealth. Wealth is not the ability to take everything for granted. Wealth is not greed and malice towards others. People sometimes put so much stress on wealth. What I believe is that if one should spend their life gaining wealth than what truly was the purpose of life. When one dies all the wealth will not go with them. Wealth is not the endless struggle to gain more riches than another. If one is obsessed with this idea how can one truly be wealthy. When one struggles for material items such as money there will always be an emptiness inside them. This emptiness will never be filled no matter how much money they can attain. Pretty soon the need for money will destroy a person. I have seen how money can corrupt individuals. Wealth is not being famous and having everyone know who you are. Others may know who you are but if you do not know who you are what is the point of all this fame. Wealth is not the ability to gloat and boast to others about your riches. The more a person does this they will become more lonely in life. When one brags they expect others to feel bad and jealous. This person feeds of these feelings of jealousy. If people are indifferent and do not pay attention then the person will never be complete. How can someone like this truly be wealthy?
When I think of wealth another quotation comes to mind. It was said by Titus Lucretius Carus: "But if one should guide his life by true principles, man's greatest wealth is to live on a little with contented mind; for a little is never lacking." I believe that wealth is contentment. Wealth is happiness. Without contentment one can never truly be wealthy. I think that money cannot always bring this contentment. A person must be at peace with his mind and his heart. If a person can achieve this peace then any amount of money will be enough for them. Of course, not many people can achieve this level. One way is religion. If a person is religious and is in pursuit of inner peace than they are wealthy. It they can find happiness in this way then their life truly has a purpose. It really does not matter what religion one follows. If this religion gives them peace then it is the true giver of wealth. I believe that a middle-class worker with a family and a modest income can easily be more happy than a millionaire with seven wives and no morals. Another way a person can acquire wealth is through family. To have someone whom you can pass down your experiences and knowledge is true wealth. To love and to be loved is wealth. Having people to take care of and having responsibilities makes life interesting. A life without these things can never truly be content. Basically I believe that wealth is something that someone cannot necessarily achieve through wealth and fame. One needs knowledge and contentment. With religion, education, and family a person can reach these goals. Wealth is not unhappiness and ignorance. With these things one does not have wealth and life has no purpose. I hope after someone reads this they can have more insight into what wealth truly is.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The Death Penalty
The death penalty is a very controversial issue. Many people have different opinions about how a criminal should be disciplined. Over 80% of Americans favor the death penalty.Presently, thirty-eight states have the death penalty, but is the concept of "alife for a life" the best way to castigate a criminal? Of the thirteen states that do not have the death penalty, is crime more likely to occur there than instates that have the death penalty? The idea of putting another human to death is hard to completely fathom. The physical mechanics involved in the act of execution are easy to grasp, but the emotions involved in carrying out a death sentence on another person, regardless of how much they deserve it, is beyond my own understanding. I know it must be painful, dehumanizing, and sickening. However, this act is sometimes necessary and it is our responsibility as a society to see that justice be served.
Capital punishment has proven to have good benefits upon the country in determining the consequences that criminals deserve. This is needed to ensure the safety and moral values of society. If this is the case, there is no need for us to consider the expenses involved in the death penalty. Certainly human lives are more important, for it may easily be yours. We should not abolish capital punishment, but hold our country accountable for properly exercising the death penalty upon those who deserve it.
Also, there is debate over the morals and effectiveness of such a harsh sentence. Most commonly, the death penalty is challenged as a violation of the Eighth Amendment, which says that the U.S. cannot use "cruel and unusual" punishment. Due to the fact that "punishment" is a legal infliction of suffering, it must be somewhat "cruel.” As for being unusual, it is anything but, due to the long history of its usage. People will plunder, take advantage of others, and commit crimes as long as it is in their best interest to do so. The purpose of our entire criminal justice system is to protect the rights of life, liberty, and property for all its citizens. To do this, the punishment for crime must be harsh enough to deter potential criminals. Under this mindset, the death penalty makes perfect sense. Here is a punishment that truly makes a criminal pay for his crime, stops the criminal from committing it again, and deters other criminals from committing the same crime.
Capital punishment has proven to have good benefits upon the country in determining the consequences that criminals deserve. This is needed to ensure the safety and moral values of society. If this is the case, there is no need for us to consider the expenses involved in the death penalty. Certainly human lives are more important, for it may easily be yours. We should not abolish capital punishment, but hold our country accountable for properly exercising the death penalty upon those who deserve it.
Also, there is debate over the morals and effectiveness of such a harsh sentence. Most commonly, the death penalty is challenged as a violation of the Eighth Amendment, which says that the U.S. cannot use "cruel and unusual" punishment. Due to the fact that "punishment" is a legal infliction of suffering, it must be somewhat "cruel.” As for being unusual, it is anything but, due to the long history of its usage. People will plunder, take advantage of others, and commit crimes as long as it is in their best interest to do so. The purpose of our entire criminal justice system is to protect the rights of life, liberty, and property for all its citizens. To do this, the punishment for crime must be harsh enough to deter potential criminals. Under this mindset, the death penalty makes perfect sense. Here is a punishment that truly makes a criminal pay for his crime, stops the criminal from committing it again, and deters other criminals from committing the same crime.
Monday, January 26, 2009
First time I met someone who became important to me
The beginning of my sophomore year of high school, I tried out for the school musical. It was an incredible experience that I would relive if I ever had the opportunity. During auditions I met many cool people that I never knew before. All of them had an affect on my life in some kind of way, and I would never forget them. One in particular that changed my life, was my now best friend forever Johari Mackey.
When I first met Johari we were auditioning for the school musical. We were in the dance portion of the audition, and I was and still am a horrible choreographer. I first noticed Johari because we were both next to each other at the back of the stage. I was impressed that she was just a freshman with so much talent being able to pick up dance steps so easily and perform them well also. Not only could she dance, but she had a voice to match! We really had great chemistry from the start. I’ve always liked to be around girls I could talk to who are not judgmental. It was amazing how Johari just got me, and I got her. Eventually, when the directors posted the people who made the cast, I was ecstatic that Johari and I made the cast! Are relationship was great before, but after the musical, our relationship grew even further.
As time went on as well as rehearsals, I noticed Johari and me spending more and more time together; on the bus, sitting together wherever we were. We spent so much time together that a boy asked us if we were boyfriend and girlfriend. I was about to answer no, until Johari came out and told him we were best friends. We have many things in common such as, our careers, and our colleges we want to go to, and the things we like to do in our free time.
After the musical was done and over, Johari and I decided to join the speech team. During this period, we spent Saturdays around each other. This was also the time I noticed how much Johari meant to me. It was an awkward feeling for a week or so because I had never in my life had a friend as close as her before, and I honestly couldn’t and still can’t imagine my life without her in it.
Now it is a new year, and Johari and I are still best friends forever. We have gotten into arguments about things, and sometimes some arguments were worse than others. However our friendship is real, so we learn how to forgive each other, and that’s what keeps our friendship strong. When I look back on this year and a half I’ve known Johari, I can’t believe that someone entered my life, and became so important to me like she did. When I think of how I met her and how I never expected someone like her to enter my life, I always think of the quote, “life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.”
When I first met Johari we were auditioning for the school musical. We were in the dance portion of the audition, and I was and still am a horrible choreographer. I first noticed Johari because we were both next to each other at the back of the stage. I was impressed that she was just a freshman with so much talent being able to pick up dance steps so easily and perform them well also. Not only could she dance, but she had a voice to match! We really had great chemistry from the start. I’ve always liked to be around girls I could talk to who are not judgmental. It was amazing how Johari just got me, and I got her. Eventually, when the directors posted the people who made the cast, I was ecstatic that Johari and I made the cast! Are relationship was great before, but after the musical, our relationship grew even further.
As time went on as well as rehearsals, I noticed Johari and me spending more and more time together; on the bus, sitting together wherever we were. We spent so much time together that a boy asked us if we were boyfriend and girlfriend. I was about to answer no, until Johari came out and told him we were best friends. We have many things in common such as, our careers, and our colleges we want to go to, and the things we like to do in our free time.
After the musical was done and over, Johari and I decided to join the speech team. During this period, we spent Saturdays around each other. This was also the time I noticed how much Johari meant to me. It was an awkward feeling for a week or so because I had never in my life had a friend as close as her before, and I honestly couldn’t and still can’t imagine my life without her in it.
Now it is a new year, and Johari and I are still best friends forever. We have gotten into arguments about things, and sometimes some arguments were worse than others. However our friendship is real, so we learn how to forgive each other, and that’s what keeps our friendship strong. When I look back on this year and a half I’ve known Johari, I can’t believe that someone entered my life, and became so important to me like she did. When I think of how I met her and how I never expected someone like her to enter my life, I always think of the quote, “life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.”
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Bernice Bobs Her Hair!
"Bernice Bobs Her Hair" by F. Scott Fitzgerald teaches a very important lesson about superficial popularity, and the cruel pressures which demand that individuals conform to the standards of a social set. It was interesting to watch the development of the main character, a quiet, passive person who longed for popularity, then found it, then lost it, and finally became strong and independent. The story is about an eighteen-year old girl named Bernice who is visiting her snobbish cousin, Marjorie. At first, Bernice is considered boring and dull by Marjorie and her friends, because she can't make witty conversation and doesn't dress fashionably. Bernice finally agrees to let Marjorie teach her how to be popular. According to Marjorie's superficial formula for popularity, conversation must be carefully planned and rehearsed in order to shock and amuse the audience. For conversational purposes, Marjorie suggests that Bernice use the topic of bobbing her hair.
When I read this story, I can see how it can appeal to the audiences’ pathos. Many people have had problems with trying to be something they’re not, and would do almost anything to be popular even if that means losing themselves in the process. In this story, you can see that happening pretty quickly with Bernice. However, you can see why Bernice would want to change because of how her cousins treat her. Nobody wants to be the oddball in the crowd, and usually just wants to fit in and be like everyone else. From this story you can tell that F. Scott Fitzgerald knows what he is talking about with peer pressure and the urge to fit in, therefore establishing the credibility that he is trustworthy in the message he is trying to get across to the audience.
'Bernice Bobs Her Hair' is a story that incorporates sexuality and innocence at the same time. Indeed, the fundamental basis of this story is the concept of social acceptance, an idea that appears to escape the young woman's self-perception; as a means by which to draw attention to herself, she decides to do one of the most shocking things imaginable which is to cut her long tresses. This can show how this drastic cry for acceptance is one that Fitzgerald utilizes in order to demonstrate the lengths to which people will go to become one of the crowd, clearly illustrating the ethos and pathos of society.
When I read this story, I can see how it can appeal to the audiences’ pathos. Many people have had problems with trying to be something they’re not, and would do almost anything to be popular even if that means losing themselves in the process. In this story, you can see that happening pretty quickly with Bernice. However, you can see why Bernice would want to change because of how her cousins treat her. Nobody wants to be the oddball in the crowd, and usually just wants to fit in and be like everyone else. From this story you can tell that F. Scott Fitzgerald knows what he is talking about with peer pressure and the urge to fit in, therefore establishing the credibility that he is trustworthy in the message he is trying to get across to the audience.
'Bernice Bobs Her Hair' is a story that incorporates sexuality and innocence at the same time. Indeed, the fundamental basis of this story is the concept of social acceptance, an idea that appears to escape the young woman's self-perception; as a means by which to draw attention to herself, she decides to do one of the most shocking things imaginable which is to cut her long tresses. This can show how this drastic cry for acceptance is one that Fitzgerald utilizes in order to demonstrate the lengths to which people will go to become one of the crowd, clearly illustrating the ethos and pathos of society.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
II
1. Alliteration- the repitition of initial sounds in adjacent words or syllablesAllusion- An implied or indirect reference to literatureMetaphor- A figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between themSimile- A figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by like or as
2. Abraham Lincolns Gettysburg Address. Because he's referring back to history and he is referring to Lincoln's desires for America during the reconstruction.
3. "unalienable Rights" of " Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happpiness"Bible: " and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."
4. Let freedom ring; Go back
5. Justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
6. Until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
7. Allusion; As a reminder of what African Americans have been through. With torture and pains; the invisible chains or leashes held on colored people. One hundred years later they were still unable to live equally.
8. Go back; let freedom ring
9. To let the people know that this is eventually going to happen regardless of teh opposings' desires. To remind people of his vision as a dream.
10. King speaks of cashing a check that had insufficient funds. King makes us think about the wrongs taht have been done to colored people. He makes you think of the literal meaning of times and how its almost like he took the past to predict the future. It seems as though he was giving America a heads up off what was going to happen in the new millenium. He also referrs to the wrongs of wanting cash, the "freedom" check. Then going to cash it but it has insufficient funds meaning they didnt get the freedoms promised.
III
1. Kings dream was not only freedom for all but also to have equality amongst everyone. Though he was speaking as the voice of African Americans he also made it clear that he not only wanted a better life for the fellow people but also those of future generations and for everyone all around. He fought as a peace activist. However his great speech seemed to touch many peoples hearts, which is what it was meant for. It was meant to make people realize how they should want to live. His speech gave hope for people to also be brave. Peace was the main idea of his speech and was also the way that he wanted future people to live. He wanted what was promised for the people of America originally when the Declaration of Independence was signed. All his of his words were from sources such as the Bible and Gettysburg Address, to prove his words to be correct for what he was saying. He also wanted everyone to act together as one as THE United States.
2. Segregation, Discrimination, Stealing freedoms and rights from Negroes.
3.Having the rights to Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. However many people would take the American Dream to mean freedom and happines and riches and wealth. Many foreigners come to pursue the riches and fame or riches or even just more money then what they were getting in their country.
4. These are specific areas where acts of racial discrimination and segregation have happened. They could also be places where civil wrongs have been done such as a lynching. these are also southern areas where segregation was most popular.
5. Yes, because he was a man who fought for equal rights and he made it so plain without saying that the white man has done us wrong. He made that as an underlying meaning while keeping in mind his audience and who they are and the possible effects of him saying something wrong or racially corrupting. His speech gave many people faith that "We Shall Overcome Someday".
IV
1.The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.
2a. I believe that everyone has a conscience even if people does not like a person because of their skin color, I believe that deep inside themselves they still don't want any brutal pain and harm to come to that person. The KKK did many horrible things to southern blacks, which may have sparked the conscience of the rest of the country
2b.
3. I believe that todays skinheads are just as dangerous if not more dangerous than back in history. Skinheads today are not talked about and brought out in the public eye as much as it was back then, therefore, with this known by them, they feel like they can get away with anything, and feel that they are more superior to any other person. So yes, they are dangerous, if not more.
4. I believe that Kings' dream has been accomplished, and stepped on at the same time. You have African Americans and Caucasians getting along with each other, however Martin Luther King, as well as many other civil rights activists did not give there lives so that we could become thugs, gangsters, drug dealers, and dropouts. It makes me furious when I see thugs out on the street, and fighting, and killing each other. They don't realize the opportunity that they have to be somebody in this world. Its basically as if they don't even realize, or care that in the past it was almost impossible for black man, and especially a black woman, to get a propper education to make something with their lives, and to see them throw that away for drugs and "the thug life" is degrating not only to Martin Luther King, but to themselves.
What remains to be accomplished is the abolishment of racism. Although it may be something that will never be gone, it still is a need for this country. Also, we need to get people who does not want education within their lives, and doesn't strive to be something in this world, in some kind of system, because they make it that much harder for people who do try to be something and contribute to society. A perfect example is school. How you have the class clowns, and the diligent working students. The diligent working students could learn so much more if it wasn't for the class clowns interupting the class all the time.
1. Alliteration- the repitition of initial sounds in adjacent words or syllablesAllusion- An implied or indirect reference to literatureMetaphor- A figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between themSimile- A figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by like or as
2. Abraham Lincolns Gettysburg Address. Because he's referring back to history and he is referring to Lincoln's desires for America during the reconstruction.
3. "unalienable Rights" of " Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happpiness"Bible: " and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."
4. Let freedom ring; Go back
5. Justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
6. Until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
7. Allusion; As a reminder of what African Americans have been through. With torture and pains; the invisible chains or leashes held on colored people. One hundred years later they were still unable to live equally.
8. Go back; let freedom ring
9. To let the people know that this is eventually going to happen regardless of teh opposings' desires. To remind people of his vision as a dream.
10. King speaks of cashing a check that had insufficient funds. King makes us think about the wrongs taht have been done to colored people. He makes you think of the literal meaning of times and how its almost like he took the past to predict the future. It seems as though he was giving America a heads up off what was going to happen in the new millenium. He also referrs to the wrongs of wanting cash, the "freedom" check. Then going to cash it but it has insufficient funds meaning they didnt get the freedoms promised.
III
1. Kings dream was not only freedom for all but also to have equality amongst everyone. Though he was speaking as the voice of African Americans he also made it clear that he not only wanted a better life for the fellow people but also those of future generations and for everyone all around. He fought as a peace activist. However his great speech seemed to touch many peoples hearts, which is what it was meant for. It was meant to make people realize how they should want to live. His speech gave hope for people to also be brave. Peace was the main idea of his speech and was also the way that he wanted future people to live. He wanted what was promised for the people of America originally when the Declaration of Independence was signed. All his of his words were from sources such as the Bible and Gettysburg Address, to prove his words to be correct for what he was saying. He also wanted everyone to act together as one as THE United States.
2. Segregation, Discrimination, Stealing freedoms and rights from Negroes.
3.Having the rights to Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. However many people would take the American Dream to mean freedom and happines and riches and wealth. Many foreigners come to pursue the riches and fame or riches or even just more money then what they were getting in their country.
4. These are specific areas where acts of racial discrimination and segregation have happened. They could also be places where civil wrongs have been done such as a lynching. these are also southern areas where segregation was most popular.
5. Yes, because he was a man who fought for equal rights and he made it so plain without saying that the white man has done us wrong. He made that as an underlying meaning while keeping in mind his audience and who they are and the possible effects of him saying something wrong or racially corrupting. His speech gave many people faith that "We Shall Overcome Someday".
IV
1.The belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others.
2a. I believe that everyone has a conscience even if people does not like a person because of their skin color, I believe that deep inside themselves they still don't want any brutal pain and harm to come to that person. The KKK did many horrible things to southern blacks, which may have sparked the conscience of the rest of the country
2b.
3. I believe that todays skinheads are just as dangerous if not more dangerous than back in history. Skinheads today are not talked about and brought out in the public eye as much as it was back then, therefore, with this known by them, they feel like they can get away with anything, and feel that they are more superior to any other person. So yes, they are dangerous, if not more.
4. I believe that Kings' dream has been accomplished, and stepped on at the same time. You have African Americans and Caucasians getting along with each other, however Martin Luther King, as well as many other civil rights activists did not give there lives so that we could become thugs, gangsters, drug dealers, and dropouts. It makes me furious when I see thugs out on the street, and fighting, and killing each other. They don't realize the opportunity that they have to be somebody in this world. Its basically as if they don't even realize, or care that in the past it was almost impossible for black man, and especially a black woman, to get a propper education to make something with their lives, and to see them throw that away for drugs and "the thug life" is degrating not only to Martin Luther King, but to themselves.
What remains to be accomplished is the abolishment of racism. Although it may be something that will never be gone, it still is a need for this country. Also, we need to get people who does not want education within their lives, and doesn't strive to be something in this world, in some kind of system, because they make it that much harder for people who do try to be something and contribute to society. A perfect example is school. How you have the class clowns, and the diligent working students. The diligent working students could learn so much more if it wasn't for the class clowns interupting the class all the time.
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