Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Quickwrite #11
I thought the video was very interesting. I've seen people pose the question, would men say the same thing to women on the street and to their mothers? I think some people separate the dignity of a human being from the dignity of someone they know. Most people who catcall and yell things at people on the street probably wouldn't do the same to mothers, sisters, friends, and girlfriends. Certain places are much worse than others, and it is honestly insane to think the practice of catcalling and street harassment hasn't gone out of style. I know very few people who like being yelled at on the street, or having vulgar and disgusting things said at them as they walk by. It often is targeted at young women, who often feel vulnerable and repulsed by the "compliments". In my own personal experience, it can truly make you feel disgusting and wrong, sometimes just really mad. The first time I was catcalled was when I was 14. Then over the course of three years I have accumulated experience with dealing with street harassment. It is hard to retaliate or defy the person yelling at you, because often you would be alone. They is also the element of safety that should be taken into account. I carry pepper spray on my keychain for times when I feel in danger, and try to keep walking by.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Quickwrite #10
So, what do you think? View YouTube.com: "'Slap her': Children's reactions" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2OcKQ_mbiQ) and then reflect on how you feel about how these Italian children reacted to the topic – Would anything be different if they were American children? Why or why not? Explain.
I think, or at least I would hope, that young American boys would feel the same way about violence. I think that the reason why little boys are taught not to hit girls is flawed in both ways. Some of the responses were valid like "Jesus does not want us to hit each other" or "I'm against violence", but some were just "don't hit girls they are too pretty". Everyone should be taught as children that despite physical differences, violence inflicted on another human being is wrong. I think many people understand that now, but teaching little boys not to hit pretty little girls never works. After a while they aren't just little girls anymore and people forget about childhood innocence. Anger heats up and the "don't hit a girl" ideology fails. A non0violent approach to raising children is always best, but not for the reason that little girls are too weak and too pretty to be hit. Be that as it may, teaching children not to hit girls because they are girls is still better than the alternative.
I think, or at least I would hope, that young American boys would feel the same way about violence. I think that the reason why little boys are taught not to hit girls is flawed in both ways. Some of the responses were valid like "Jesus does not want us to hit each other" or "I'm against violence", but some were just "don't hit girls they are too pretty". Everyone should be taught as children that despite physical differences, violence inflicted on another human being is wrong. I think many people understand that now, but teaching little boys not to hit pretty little girls never works. After a while they aren't just little girls anymore and people forget about childhood innocence. Anger heats up and the "don't hit a girl" ideology fails. A non0violent approach to raising children is always best, but not for the reason that little girls are too weak and too pretty to be hit. Be that as it may, teaching children not to hit girls because they are girls is still better than the alternative.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Quickwrite #9
So, what do you think? View YouTube.com: "These Disney Princesses Will Creep You Out, For A Good Reason" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VM9uT636o0) and/or "Domestic violence campaign uses Disney princesses" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC3j7w4FT88) and then reflect on how you feel about the use of Disney princesses in a domestic violence campaign – Is it appropriate or inappropriate to use these childhood figures to communicate an adult message? Explain.
I agree that domestic violence is a horrific and underestimated crime. Just the fact that 1 out of every 4 women will experience violence from an intimate partner is a shocking statistic, but it goes so often unreported and untreated. I think that because the disney character drawings are getting so much attentions speaks volumes to it's intent. The artist wanted to create a splash, to bring awareness. We are seeing in now if our class, news covers and articles have been reading it, and now we are all having a discussion and thinking about the issue. This is reason alone to attest to the effectiveness of the use of disney character art in a campaign. It's a though provoking subject matter, and I think the images are not obscene.
I agree that domestic violence is a horrific and underestimated crime. Just the fact that 1 out of every 4 women will experience violence from an intimate partner is a shocking statistic, but it goes so often unreported and untreated. I think that because the disney character drawings are getting so much attentions speaks volumes to it's intent. The artist wanted to create a splash, to bring awareness. We are seeing in now if our class, news covers and articles have been reading it, and now we are all having a discussion and thinking about the issue. This is reason alone to attest to the effectiveness of the use of disney character art in a campaign. It's a though provoking subject matter, and I think the images are not obscene.
Monday, May 9, 2016
quickwrite #8
So, what do you think? View YouTube.com: “Super Bowl 2015: Domestic Violence PSA” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z_zWIVRIWk) and then comment on the issue of domestic violence, especially on the difficulty of reporting. Explain.
I think the ad was really well done. I think it was a way to speak out about the threat and fear without explicitly showing it. I would assume a more to-the-point ad could be triggering for some people, but I can still appreciate the subtlety of it. At first it sounded weird and then the tone of the music and lighting changed to show the true nature of the call. I have seen and heard about reporting domestic violence, and how hard it can be when the partner is still in the house or room or wherever and posses a threat. I have heard that there are now ways, like shown in the video, to have the person report it in an undetectable way. If someone is scared or hurt and their partner's had acted out in an abusive way, it is easy to see that calling the police openly would only worsen their anger and aggression and put that person in more danger. I remember reading an article in a magazine at the airport a while back, it was focusing on the issue of guns in relationship. It stated that the likelihood of a domestic abuse situation turning to murder increases by 5 times for a women in abusive relationships when firearms are present or owned. Although this relates specifically to gun owners in relationships, it just shows the very real danger of escalation in a violent attack. This can be caused by a person trying to report an issue, and the abusive partner acting out of anger because they are reporting it. When I heard that the call in the ad was a real call, that made it so much more real. The 911 operator took a while to catch on to the "code" the woman was trying to use. I'm glad he eventually got her help, but it shows just how hard it can be.
I think the ad was really well done. I think it was a way to speak out about the threat and fear without explicitly showing it. I would assume a more to-the-point ad could be triggering for some people, but I can still appreciate the subtlety of it. At first it sounded weird and then the tone of the music and lighting changed to show the true nature of the call. I have seen and heard about reporting domestic violence, and how hard it can be when the partner is still in the house or room or wherever and posses a threat. I have heard that there are now ways, like shown in the video, to have the person report it in an undetectable way. If someone is scared or hurt and their partner's had acted out in an abusive way, it is easy to see that calling the police openly would only worsen their anger and aggression and put that person in more danger. I remember reading an article in a magazine at the airport a while back, it was focusing on the issue of guns in relationship. It stated that the likelihood of a domestic abuse situation turning to murder increases by 5 times for a women in abusive relationships when firearms are present or owned. Although this relates specifically to gun owners in relationships, it just shows the very real danger of escalation in a violent attack. This can be caused by a person trying to report an issue, and the abusive partner acting out of anger because they are reporting it. When I heard that the call in the ad was a real call, that made it so much more real. The 911 operator took a while to catch on to the "code" the woman was trying to use. I'm glad he eventually got her help, but it shows just how hard it can be.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Quickwrite #7
Quickwrite #7: So, what do you think? Read the following statement on marriage by a former TV show star and then, rather than agree/disagree and defend your position, try to understand his point of view and then comment on this statement in light of what you have know of marriage. Explain.
A lot of people don't know that marriage comes with instructions... And, we find them right there in God's word... [Husbands are] to love their wives and not to tell their wives that they need to submit to them... Wives are to honor and respect and follow their husband's lead, not to tell their husband how he ought to be a better husband... When each person gets their part right, regardless of how their spouse is treating them, there is hope for real change in their marriage.
I think that I somewhat agree and disagree. I think that his view of spouses as equals is both respectful and just, however I differ in opinion in regards to his second statement. I completely disagree with his idea that a husband "leads". I don't think it is entirely radical or "too feminist" so see a relationship as equal parts, acting symbiotically. When he says, "not to tell their wives they need to submit it them" and then in the same statement imply husbands are meant to lead he basically contradicts himself. I can see how an interpretation of the bible might suggest a husband-led marriage, but I think that forcing a wife or a woman into any submissive or "following" role is against the idea of "love thy neighbor" and various religious teachings that say to give dignity to the human person, of any gender. Also, when he says "not to tell their husband how he ought to be a better husband" is more reminiscent of an unhealthy relationship. If anything, partners should work together to better themselves, and be the best person both for their spouse and the world in general. It is my belief that anybody should accept change, especially when one partner is upset with the way they are treated or something of that sort. Their "part" in a relationship is not dependent on the ancient roles that are set in society. If partners follow a leading/following style relationship, one person is bound to be disrespected as human being. One person is not more valuable in the relationship than the other, and communication is crucial.
A lot of people don't know that marriage comes with instructions... And, we find them right there in God's word... [Husbands are] to love their wives and not to tell their wives that they need to submit to them... Wives are to honor and respect and follow their husband's lead, not to tell their husband how he ought to be a better husband... When each person gets their part right, regardless of how their spouse is treating them, there is hope for real change in their marriage.
I think that I somewhat agree and disagree. I think that his view of spouses as equals is both respectful and just, however I differ in opinion in regards to his second statement. I completely disagree with his idea that a husband "leads". I don't think it is entirely radical or "too feminist" so see a relationship as equal parts, acting symbiotically. When he says, "not to tell their wives they need to submit it them" and then in the same statement imply husbands are meant to lead he basically contradicts himself. I can see how an interpretation of the bible might suggest a husband-led marriage, but I think that forcing a wife or a woman into any submissive or "following" role is against the idea of "love thy neighbor" and various religious teachings that say to give dignity to the human person, of any gender. Also, when he says "not to tell their husband how he ought to be a better husband" is more reminiscent of an unhealthy relationship. If anything, partners should work together to better themselves, and be the best person both for their spouse and the world in general. It is my belief that anybody should accept change, especially when one partner is upset with the way they are treated or something of that sort. Their "part" in a relationship is not dependent on the ancient roles that are set in society. If partners follow a leading/following style relationship, one person is bound to be disrespected as human being. One person is not more valuable in the relationship than the other, and communication is crucial.
Friday, May 6, 2016
Quickwrite #6
So, what do you think? Comment on the film adaptations of A Raisin in the Sun, the 1961 version starring Sidney Poitier and the 2008 version starring Sean Combs.
I was not there for most of these films, but from what I have seen it looked fairly accurate. I don't quite know how to comment on it because of my absence.
Talk about the "Good Times" episode.
I liked the tv show, it was an interesting sit com style that I have never been exposed to. I think it shared similarities to A Raisin in the Sun, it was about receiving money to purchase a new home, and running into issues to get it. Overall, the family had their differences but they all wanted a common goal. At the end, they weren't able to buy the new home because of gentrification. However, despite that, the family stuck together and remained happy because they were together and they knew that one day they could achieve their dream.
I was not there for most of these films, but from what I have seen it looked fairly accurate. I don't quite know how to comment on it because of my absence.
Talk about the "Good Times" episode.
I liked the tv show, it was an interesting sit com style that I have never been exposed to. I think it shared similarities to A Raisin in the Sun, it was about receiving money to purchase a new home, and running into issues to get it. Overall, the family had their differences but they all wanted a common goal. At the end, they weren't able to buy the new home because of gentrification. However, despite that, the family stuck together and remained happy because they were together and they knew that one day they could achieve their dream.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Quickwrite #5
So, what do you think? Should Walter Lee have accepted the money from Mr. Lindner? Why or why not? Explain.
I think that it is hard to do either. On one hand, racism with exist despite the money, and accepting it wouldn't change their social status. If anything, taking money from Mr. Linder would be interesting, because at the end of the day Mr. Linder is on the wrong side of history and he is losing money. The money would help their family considerably, and would allow them to move up as long as Walter changes. A part of this change would mean that Walter would need to "man up" and change himself. This change would also demand Walter to deny the money and take control of his own life but the lives of the family. Social changes don't occur as long as old, rich, white people keep buying their power. Denying the money made a statement that Walter and his family will make a stand against the rich, old, white people that want to buy power.
I think that it is hard to do either. On one hand, racism with exist despite the money, and accepting it wouldn't change their social status. If anything, taking money from Mr. Linder would be interesting, because at the end of the day Mr. Linder is on the wrong side of history and he is losing money. The money would help their family considerably, and would allow them to move up as long as Walter changes. A part of this change would mean that Walter would need to "man up" and change himself. This change would also demand Walter to deny the money and take control of his own life but the lives of the family. Social changes don't occur as long as old, rich, white people keep buying their power. Denying the money made a statement that Walter and his family will make a stand against the rich, old, white people that want to buy power.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Quickwrite #4
According to the data presented by the bay area study, many people see the bay area as a great place for education and entrepreneurship. The opinions presented are most likely from the more middle to upper class people, which would explain why many have an optimistic view on life in the bay area. A large amount of people believe that the education and quality of life is the highest in the country here in the bay area. Just from the data my group has collected, I would be inclined to disagree. Not many people have access to a great public school system or jobs. Because the cost of living is so high, a lot of many people struggle financially. In the lower-income places, the public school systems suffer. Where as pretty much next door in a higher income area, the public school systems are the best in the country. This juxtaposition of wealth within the bay area would lead some people to believe it is great, but it all depends on your income and social class.
Quickwrite #3
So, what do you think? Now that your data is organized as a visual text in a chart or graph, how does that inform/influence your thinking and writing? Explain.
More than anything it shows how some places are similar, and how others are not. It also demonstrates how wealthy some places in the bay area are. Most of the cities in San Mateo, with the exception of East Palo Alto and a few others, the rate of poverty is well below 10%. Considering that the national average for poverty is about 15%, the people in San Mateo particularly are sheltered from the rest of the experiences of the country. However, because places like East Palo Alto exist in the bay area, the residents of the more affluent areas have to be aware of the disparity of wealth around them.
More than anything it shows how some places are similar, and how others are not. It also demonstrates how wealthy some places in the bay area are. Most of the cities in San Mateo, with the exception of East Palo Alto and a few others, the rate of poverty is well below 10%. Considering that the national average for poverty is about 15%, the people in San Mateo particularly are sheltered from the rest of the experiences of the country. However, because places like East Palo Alto exist in the bay area, the residents of the more affluent areas have to be aware of the disparity of wealth around them.
Quickwrite #2
So, what do you think? Describe your initial research, especially data that you found from 1970-2010 – What did you find? What does it say? Explain -- Make some inferences or conclusions about that data.
What I found in my initial research is that there is a wide variety from city to city for average income and the types of jobs owned. In Atherton, the rate of poverty is half that as in East Palo Alto. To me, this showed the unequal distribution of wealth just within one county in one area. These places are not entirely far away from each other, and some parts of Redwood city contain high levels of poverty as well, and Redwood City and Atherton border each other. The quality of life based on income and race changes drastically over a few miles.
What I found in my initial research is that there is a wide variety from city to city for average income and the types of jobs owned. In Atherton, the rate of poverty is half that as in East Palo Alto. To me, this showed the unequal distribution of wealth just within one county in one area. These places are not entirely far away from each other, and some parts of Redwood city contain high levels of poverty as well, and Redwood City and Atherton border each other. The quality of life based on income and race changes drastically over a few miles.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Quickwrite #1 (4/6/16)
I read this poem a few years ago in a lit course over the summer and remember truly loving the work of Langston Hughes. This poem, amongst other good works, struck me deeply. It is simple yet profound and although that is a typical description, it is accurate.
Hughes' poem questions the manner in which a dream is deferred and how it affects its holder. I believe that when a dream is deferred, it lingers and hangs silently on the shoulder of the beholder. It remains waiting but disappearing slowly. It changed the way a person sees life because they cannot see the optimistic future that they had hoped for. It takes away drive and motivation as it is deferred. It is easy for people to give up on the dream that they so deeply long for because it appears to difficult, or near impossible to achieve.
Hughes' poem questions the manner in which a dream is deferred and how it affects its holder. I believe that when a dream is deferred, it lingers and hangs silently on the shoulder of the beholder. It remains waiting but disappearing slowly. It changed the way a person sees life because they cannot see the optimistic future that they had hoped for. It takes away drive and motivation as it is deferred. It is easy for people to give up on the dream that they so deeply long for because it appears to difficult, or near impossible to achieve.
quickwrite #6
So, what do you think? Based on the texts by Chopin, Cleaver, King, Newton, and Tan, the documentary The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, and your experience/observation, how do you define the twentieth/twenty-first century definition of the American Dream in light of the minority American experience?
I think that the minority experience and "American Dream" are in many ways similar but adopted differently in a modern atmosphere. Many desire the ability to thrive and gain success in America. However, restrictions and hurdles remain in place. The difference is now, many people ignore these hardships and continue to feed the perception that everything is fine. Police brutality, poverty, and oppression continue to be large issues faced by minority groups. This undoubtably affects the "American Dream". I think that the American Dream is different for different people, particularly for minority groups. For many upper-class and white Americans, they American dream is do own a nice house, have a nice family, a good education, and a high-paying job. However, for many minority groups, the American Dream is more to find security and equality, a better future. Particularly in the late 60's, many of these people wanted a revolutionary shift in American Society. This previously unattainable freedom was still somewhat out of reach because of the power imbalance. Police brutality and the corruption of the government and judicial systems seemed to keep the minority power and freedom at bay despite their desperate desire. There is still a large criminalization of most to all minority groups in the U.S. The black community is deemed as thugs and low-life criminals, Hispanics and the Latino community are seen as thugs as well with a focus on free-loading immigration, and Muslims and middle easterners are seen as terrorists out to destroy America. Each of these groups, and more, experience unique struggles with achieving equality an the "American Dream". For many, I would assume as I cannot speak for any of these groups, that a sense of equality and respect is the most important. Without this, many will remain in the lower class and continue to struggle as a result of this injustice and inequality.
I think that the minority experience and "American Dream" are in many ways similar but adopted differently in a modern atmosphere. Many desire the ability to thrive and gain success in America. However, restrictions and hurdles remain in place. The difference is now, many people ignore these hardships and continue to feed the perception that everything is fine. Police brutality, poverty, and oppression continue to be large issues faced by minority groups. This undoubtably affects the "American Dream". I think that the American Dream is different for different people, particularly for minority groups. For many upper-class and white Americans, they American dream is do own a nice house, have a nice family, a good education, and a high-paying job. However, for many minority groups, the American Dream is more to find security and equality, a better future. Particularly in the late 60's, many of these people wanted a revolutionary shift in American Society. This previously unattainable freedom was still somewhat out of reach because of the power imbalance. Police brutality and the corruption of the government and judicial systems seemed to keep the minority power and freedom at bay despite their desperate desire. There is still a large criminalization of most to all minority groups in the U.S. The black community is deemed as thugs and low-life criminals, Hispanics and the Latino community are seen as thugs as well with a focus on free-loading immigration, and Muslims and middle easterners are seen as terrorists out to destroy America. Each of these groups, and more, experience unique struggles with achieving equality an the "American Dream". For many, I would assume as I cannot speak for any of these groups, that a sense of equality and respect is the most important. Without this, many will remain in the lower class and continue to struggle as a result of this injustice and inequality.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Quickwrite #5
So, what do you think? Comment on the documentary The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution.
Like we said in class, not much has changed in the light of racial prejudice and injustice. There aren't laws that explicitely target a minority, but it is perhaps more dangerous not too. There is no solid, written, legislative actions but there are so many instances where the judicial and law enforcement systems target minorities unjustly. It is harder to combat a hidden monster because so many believe it all ended in the 60's during the Civil Rights Movement. There is a huge issue with criminalization of minorities that leads to police brutality and mass incarceration that negatively impacts an entire race and community. These injustices are not written as laws but are still so heavily prevalent. These things apply to a lot of different minority groups, not just African-Americans, so now these issues are widespread.
Like we said in class, not much has changed in the light of racial prejudice and injustice. There aren't laws that explicitely target a minority, but it is perhaps more dangerous not too. There is no solid, written, legislative actions but there are so many instances where the judicial and law enforcement systems target minorities unjustly. It is harder to combat a hidden monster because so many believe it all ended in the 60's during the Civil Rights Movement. There is a huge issue with criminalization of minorities that leads to police brutality and mass incarceration that negatively impacts an entire race and community. These injustices are not written as laws but are still so heavily prevalent. These things apply to a lot of different minority groups, not just African-Americans, so now these issues are widespread.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Quickwrite #4
So, what do you think? In the episode “All Prologue” from the TV series The Wire, during a prison book club meeting on The Great Gatsby, the convicted gang member D’Angelo Barksdale says:
He’s saying that the past is always with us, and where we come from, what we go through, how we go through it, all this [stuff] matters… It's like you can change up, right, you can say you somebody new, you can give yourself a whole new story. But, what came first is who you really are and what happened before is what really happened. And it don't matter that some fool say he different cuz the only thing that make you different is what you really do, what you really go through…
So, what do you think? Do you agree or disagree with D’Angelo’s analysis of Jay Gatsby? Why or why not? Explain.
I agree with it. Jay Gatsby remains stuck in the ideals of his past and feeds upon them. His whole outwardly persona relies on these desires and troubles. The idea that his difference from others is entirely in what he does and not what he feels/thinks is also true. We can only perceive the actions of others, not their thoughts. Jay Gatsby gave himself a new story because he was unsatisfied with the one he had, the problem was that he simultaneously relied on this "old story" and the old actions and stories of his past rather than acting in result of the present.
He’s saying that the past is always with us, and where we come from, what we go through, how we go through it, all this [stuff] matters… It's like you can change up, right, you can say you somebody new, you can give yourself a whole new story. But, what came first is who you really are and what happened before is what really happened. And it don't matter that some fool say he different cuz the only thing that make you different is what you really do, what you really go through…
So, what do you think? Do you agree or disagree with D’Angelo’s analysis of Jay Gatsby? Why or why not? Explain.
I agree with it. Jay Gatsby remains stuck in the ideals of his past and feeds upon them. His whole outwardly persona relies on these desires and troubles. The idea that his difference from others is entirely in what he does and not what he feels/thinks is also true. We can only perceive the actions of others, not their thoughts. Jay Gatsby gave himself a new story because he was unsatisfied with the one he had, the problem was that he simultaneously relied on this "old story" and the old actions and stories of his past rather than acting in result of the present.
Monday, March 7, 2016
Quickwrite #3
I love both the song and video for "Formation" while also recognizing it doesn't speak to/for me. I Can recognize the beauty in it and seeing the message it puts across. In the image of Beyonce on the flooded police car in New Orleans, I think it sends the message that the police don't "protect and serve" the black community. The overarching theme of the video is about the black experience, particularly in the south and in relation to police brutality. The little boy dancing in front of the police wall in riot gear is particularly powerful because it shows the imbalance of power and unnecessary force. The hoodie could relate to the case of Trayvon Martin and also the many other cases of racial profiling that ended in the death of many innocent people from fatal shots fired by the police. Same story withe the image if the graffiti that says 'Stop Shooting Us'. In the video and in the half time performance, she wears and performs in a way that refers to the black panthers and how that relates to the black lives matter movement. Down to the lyrics, I think 'Formation' is an incredibly powerful song.
Quickwrite #2
I think the adaptation of the Great Gatsby was very accurate to not only the details of the plot, but also the overall tone and feel of the novel. I loved the portrayal of pretty much all of the characters and the setting. I think the movie brought a lot of the imagery to life from the novel. I noticed in some of the scenes that the dialogue was almost if not exactly the same as what was in the novel. The true encapsulation of Gatsby is what impressed me the most because the film captured his ambition and spirit. I also felt that Tom and Daisy were played well in accordance to their nature from the novel. My only complaint was some of the way it was edited and shot. There was a lot of added in overlays and things that both distracted from the idea and also added to it. At times I felt it was unnecessary but some of the party scenes could have used the elaborate editing but meh.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Quickwrite #1 (2/22/16)
In life, it often takes just one moment to do or say something that you can never take back. Discuss a time that you did or said something that you couldn’t take back and knew was a mistake. Explain.
I would like to think that I have mended relationships that have been damaged by my words. In the instance that I said to my sister "you ruined everything for me. You messed up the family". I definitely have a lot of regret for those words. Although, tension was always high for the 4 years between 2011 and 2014. My sister got really sick, and not in a way where I felt she was helpless. She had anorexia, or in better words still does, and I felt like she could have gotten better if she just wanted to. It seemed like she was going through the motions of treatment and when they felt like she was getting better she would relapse in a worse way and be back where she started. This happened maybe 6 or 7 times. Each time she just seemed not to care, and not to think about how hard we were all trying, and how much we all had sacrificed. For me, I gave up in school and in my social life. It took a while for me to get back into the social scene and even then I didn't have more than a couple friends. At first I was so angry that she stole my parents from me. At the time I had experienced some problems like any average middle school does with teasing. I needed my parents but they were so busy trying to help Natalie and she didn't even care. That made me so angry that I refused to visit her for a few days. After a while I just wanted to help. That lasted for a year but I got so fed up when she just never wanted to heal. Although I had always had some level of anxiety for most of my life, it became uncontrollable in the later years of middle school and then high school. I blamed my sister's constant ailment for my worsening mental state. I blamed the stress my family dealt with during those years. I used to have an overwhelming fear of planes, now its moderate. I would have a panic attack starting the minute I sat down and when the plane took off I couldn't breathe. I would cry uncontrollably and I felt like I was dying, but because my sister was in treatment in Utah I had to do this 4-8 times a month. Eventually I lent up again and Natalie and I worked towards a better relationship. We would write letters while she was away and called when we could. It seemed to get better but we often fought when I came to visit. When she came back and was finally home and in treatment here, things got worse. I saw her struggles because she was in my house. She would fight with my parents over eating and practically everything. I couldn't go into my own kitchen because they were fighting over a cup of pasta of a cup and a half. I just wanted to her want to get better. One day we were fighting over something dumb in her car. Eventually I got so pissed off that I just got out, told her she ruined everything, and slammed the car door. With us, we usually we avoid each other for a couple hours and apologize. I apologized for what I said, blamed it on my emotional state at the time. I really did feel bad because I know the gravity of those words. She said it was okay, but I knew that was something she felt bad about. I didn't want to be responsible for her feeling bad because that's not what I wanted. To some extent I always wanted her to recognize how much stress she brought me and the rest of us, but I also know that it wasn't easy for her either. She struggled the most from her eating disorder. Now, she is in recovery and in college. For the last year we have been on really good, close terms. I can say now that she is one of my best friends, and I am glad that both of use have moved on and become better people.
I would like to think that I have mended relationships that have been damaged by my words. In the instance that I said to my sister "you ruined everything for me. You messed up the family". I definitely have a lot of regret for those words. Although, tension was always high for the 4 years between 2011 and 2014. My sister got really sick, and not in a way where I felt she was helpless. She had anorexia, or in better words still does, and I felt like she could have gotten better if she just wanted to. It seemed like she was going through the motions of treatment and when they felt like she was getting better she would relapse in a worse way and be back where she started. This happened maybe 6 or 7 times. Each time she just seemed not to care, and not to think about how hard we were all trying, and how much we all had sacrificed. For me, I gave up in school and in my social life. It took a while for me to get back into the social scene and even then I didn't have more than a couple friends. At first I was so angry that she stole my parents from me. At the time I had experienced some problems like any average middle school does with teasing. I needed my parents but they were so busy trying to help Natalie and she didn't even care. That made me so angry that I refused to visit her for a few days. After a while I just wanted to help. That lasted for a year but I got so fed up when she just never wanted to heal. Although I had always had some level of anxiety for most of my life, it became uncontrollable in the later years of middle school and then high school. I blamed my sister's constant ailment for my worsening mental state. I blamed the stress my family dealt with during those years. I used to have an overwhelming fear of planes, now its moderate. I would have a panic attack starting the minute I sat down and when the plane took off I couldn't breathe. I would cry uncontrollably and I felt like I was dying, but because my sister was in treatment in Utah I had to do this 4-8 times a month. Eventually I lent up again and Natalie and I worked towards a better relationship. We would write letters while she was away and called when we could. It seemed to get better but we often fought when I came to visit. When she came back and was finally home and in treatment here, things got worse. I saw her struggles because she was in my house. She would fight with my parents over eating and practically everything. I couldn't go into my own kitchen because they were fighting over a cup of pasta of a cup and a half. I just wanted to her want to get better. One day we were fighting over something dumb in her car. Eventually I got so pissed off that I just got out, told her she ruined everything, and slammed the car door. With us, we usually we avoid each other for a couple hours and apologize. I apologized for what I said, blamed it on my emotional state at the time. I really did feel bad because I know the gravity of those words. She said it was okay, but I knew that was something she felt bad about. I didn't want to be responsible for her feeling bad because that's not what I wanted. To some extent I always wanted her to recognize how much stress she brought me and the rest of us, but I also know that it wasn't easy for her either. She struggled the most from her eating disorder. Now, she is in recovery and in college. For the last year we have been on really good, close terms. I can say now that she is one of my best friends, and I am glad that both of use have moved on and become better people.
Friday, February 5, 2016
Quickwrite #11
Lunch with an enemy-
If I were to sit with someone I disliked to eat a meal, I'm not really sure who it would be. There are a lot of people I would rather just not spend time with, but not "enemies". If I had to choose, maybe the girl that constantly berated me in middle school. I wouldn't have much to say to her because at this point I have moved on from what she did. I know that I would steal feel self conscious about what I'm eating because she used to call me fat and things like that. I would probably eat something small in fear of judgement. We would probably somewhere somewhat nice, again out of avoiding judgement. I'm not sure what we would talk about considering I cut the friendship off a while ago. Knowing how this kind of thing usually works out, we would probably just sit there awkwardly.
If I were to sit with someone I disliked to eat a meal, I'm not really sure who it would be. There are a lot of people I would rather just not spend time with, but not "enemies". If I had to choose, maybe the girl that constantly berated me in middle school. I wouldn't have much to say to her because at this point I have moved on from what she did. I know that I would steal feel self conscious about what I'm eating because she used to call me fat and things like that. I would probably eat something small in fear of judgement. We would probably somewhere somewhat nice, again out of avoiding judgement. I'm not sure what we would talk about considering I cut the friendship off a while ago. Knowing how this kind of thing usually works out, we would probably just sit there awkwardly.
Monday, February 1, 2016
Quickwrite #9
I think affluenza is real because it is often those who are financially privileged who ignore the rules and disrespect others. That is not to say that only rich people are ignorant and unable to recognize one's actions, but there is probably a correlation. These people feel as though they would not have to be responsible because they are privileged. Also, they also don't recognize the privilege they have, but instead see their advantage as a part of their status and being earned. The feeling of financial stability and excess could lead to the feeling of invincibility and entitlement. They could moralize their ignorance and the actions they do in their own favor.
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Quickwrite #8
The American dream as it is known as today usually consists of the idea of freedom and opportunity. Most people who seek the "American Dream"are usually immigrants who are seeking a better life. In modern society, it is directed more towards wealth and success. Most Americans are aware that the American Dream is harder to achieve than it is advertised. Wealth is the amount of money one has, or the wealth of assets and power. Wealth is very important in American society. It is a material desire to achieve stability and happiness through the ability to buy things that are desired or not worry. In our current society, very few people are rich, and many are struggling. The rich see the income gap as an issue for the lower class, and taxes and welfare as handouts. It is important to understand that everyone wants the American Dream, and that most people want to better themselves to achieve it.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Quickwrite #7
The painting appears to be in abstract style, so it is not as straight-foward. From what I can tell, it looks like a few people on the floor of a house being attacked by outside forces. These forces being possibly a bull, a ghost, and a dog. These beings look to be coming into the home from the outside, and from the expression on the man's face, it is an attack. If I were to title this painting, I think I would call it Ghost. Either because there is a ghost coming in, or because it's a cool name.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Quickwrite #6
I believe that knowledge and imagination are incomparable. To me, both are important aspects of a healthy mind, but not mutually exclusive. Imagination is necessary because it keeps the mind in balance, but in the same way knowledge is equally important to understand the world. I think that it some ways you could way one more heavily than the other, however this depends on the particular instance rather than a general statement of truth. Rationality is paired with emotion and knowledge so in regard to that balance, both are important and incomparable.
Friday, January 15, 2016
Quickwrite #5
I don't really have a reoccurring nightmare or dream or any particular character that haunts me, but when I was younger I did. I watched E.T. for the first time when I was around 7 or 8 and was terrified of it. The alien, E.T. scarred be for some reason, so much so that in my dreams and imagination, a mutated alien figure resembling E.T would constantly terrorize me. I adopted a fear of turning my back to windows, so that when I had to turn away or walk away from a mirror, I would yell or scream and run to get away as quickly as possible. It didn't help that there was a huge window behind the stairs, so every time I went down them, I would run, scream, and flail my arms. Not only that, but I had a fear that the alien creature would be where I could not see it in the room; behind the closet doors, under be bed, in the dark corner of my room at night, etc. This continued for months or maybe a year until I gradually grew out of it.
Monday, January 11, 2016
Quickwrite #3
I think that Bernie Sanders fights against injustice. He advocates for the middle and lower class against the rising income gap and the super-rich. Although this is his main argument or idea, he maintains an equal view on Americans. He doesn't believe some of the racist ideology present in many candidates such as most of the republican party. I think that with his plan to tax the rich and set forth presidents and programs to help the lower class and shrinking middle class, Bernie Sanders can help fight against the cruel and unjust distribution of wealth in the United States. Like all candidates, he is not perfect, but I think that by running and promoting a fair economic system, he is helping the country.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Quickwrite #2
As a kid, I often would hear people use complicated words and attempt to use them in my own dialogue with others. I wanted to sounds more mature or intellegent, but I did not always completely understand the meaning of the word. I could asertain with the context the original person used to what the general idea of the word was, but when I used it, it was a little off. Sometimes people would correct me, other times I would just have to learn from using the words or hearing it more times. If I felt like I didn't understand enough, I would use a dictionary and find the real meaning. It would have been better if I had done that from the start, but I suppose I was too prideful or determined. A different yet memorable example is when in 1st grade we had different Giants baseball players come to our school and read books to kids in classrooms. Our player was reading a book about the first African-American baseball player in MLB. I remember, as soon as he said "racial" I thought he had said Rachel, and shot my hand up to tell him it was my name. Luckily I brought my hand down pretty quickly and didn't embarrass myself too badly.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Quickwrite #1 (1/5/16)
When I was 11, my sister was taken to the hospital for heart failure because of an eating disorder that had gone undetected. I was waiting for my mom to pick me up at school because it was pouring rain and I couldn't walk home. I kept waiting and tried calling her a few times. Eventually she answered and told me that she was on her way to the hospital, that my sister was in trouble, and that I had to get home myself. I was in shock, and I was terrified. The phone consisted of 15 seconds at most, so it was hard to make sense of what was happening. I called my friend at the time, and she said that it "sucked" but she had to go to dance, so that conversation ended just as quickly. I walked home, and waited for my parents to call. When they finally came home, they explained that Natalie was very sick, that her body was falling apart because she restricted her food and overexercised. At first they wouldn't say she was anorexic, but just had an "eating disorder not otherwise specified" (EDNOS) because she didn't fit the weight requirement. I became angry and so upset that I refused to see her. I hated her for being stupid enough to do this to herself and my family, and upset that now I was tossed aside. It was selfish and irrational, but I was a kid. I was asked to grow up and deal with the situation like an adult, but I was barely in 6th grade. To some extent, I think I failed, at least for a while. For years I resented her, for getting healthy, then sick again, and sicker still. In and out of treatment, sometimes out of state, jostled my family around more than a middle schooler would like. It took so long to forgive my sister and recognize that mental illnesses are not a choice, and that there are things in life you can't control. I matured and tried to help her, my family, and myself deal with the eating disorder.
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