Essay #5...

Mark Twain's classic novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, was a great book to read but I have to say a very hard one to understand. Difficult in many aspects and points of view, in its huge controversy topics that it includes, you find a great variety of things to expect, in which you find entertainment discussing it. The book has several critical controversies, over the ending, race, gender and sexuality. My writing will focus on " gender and sexuality". The book has an enormous expectation from the reader to analyze the relationship between Huck and Jim. Leslie Fiedler, demands this focus in gender and sexuality by writing her essay "Como Back to the Raft Ag'in, Huck Honey!"
The existence of being together Jim and Huck is not well accepted by Leslie and therefore argues that the case of Negro and the homosexual should be something much spread in its dimension of study and have these problems come to one solution at the same time.
The situation of the Negro and the homosexual in our society pose precisely opposite problems, or at least problems suggestion precisely opposite solutions: Our laws on homosexuality and the context of prejudice and feeling they objectify must apparently be changed to accord with stubborn social fact, whereas it is the social fact, our overt behavior toward the Negro, that must be modified to accord with our laws and the, at least official, morality they objectify. (520)
The way Fiedler states that these problems having them as opposite problems in the society are definitely not something that she agrees with. In my personal view I don't agree with this quote because these two problems are not the same ands then should not be treated as the one. The reason for me to think like this is simple to explain. I believe that the Negro is something more related to the respect and history problem. We can see that this is something that can be talked about and at the same time can be harmful to others. In the other hand the sexuality aspect is is not the same as the color of skin issue. This has to do gender and personal interests there are no history background in this and the way the society judges it has an impact in the person's life. This two problems cannot be seen as one because the roots are different they don't grow from one same thing. The consequences are also very distinct from each other.
If we apply it ti the book, I can clearly see that Jim was so close to Huck not because he was Negro but because of the time they had to be together and journey they both get in at the same time. The expression of care and friendship was strong between them because they only had each other. Let's not misunderstand this concept and want to see it different point.

Blog 10: " Essay 5"

In my essay #5 I'm going to employ the "They Say/I say" template and engage a conversation with one of the critical essay's from the book. I have in mind to manage a "geneder and sexuality", from Leslie Fiedler. I will be taking the author statements, perspectives and arguments. Then I will share my insights and points of view regarding her discussion topic.
The Possible quotes that migth be in my essay are the following....

Leslie writes:
The situation of the Negro and the homosexual in our society pose precisely opposite problems, or at least problems suggesting precisely opposite solutions: Our laws on homosexuality and the context of prejudice and feeling they objectify must apparently be changed to accord with a stubborn social fact, whereas it is the social fact, overt behavior toward the Negro, that must be modified to accord with our laws and the, at least official, morality they objectify.

My response for this quote is, I say that I agree with the writter I also think that the Negro and the homosexuality is been seeing from two different aspects in our society in which I believe is something that should be manage as one problem and not two in opposite directions. The sense of fact of the homosexuality is very contradicted byy the masculine aspect seen from the society. The prejudice is observe from a different angle as a relationship between two human beings pointing out the skin color.

Another quote that is probably going to form of my final essay is the following, wrote in Leslie Controversy over gender and sexuality:
At the focus of emotion, where we are accustomed to find in the world's great novels some heterosexual passion, be it Platonic love or adultery, seduction, rape, or long-drawn-out flirtation, we come instead upon the fugitive slave and the no-account boy lying side by side on the raft borne by the endless river towards an impossible escape, or the pariah sailor waking in the tattoted arms of the brown harpooner on the verge of their impossible quest.

"The tenderness of Huck's repeated loss and refinding of jim..." This lines say the reason for this characters feel like this towards each other and why they had to go through this journey even though it might be misunderstood but possible to occur because of the situation. It is more in our mind that we want certain things to be a certain way.

I have just wrote a little about how might my essay possibly will look and even though it is just part of it it will have more to it. I am aware I am missing my Thesis statement and there is no correlation so far but I will work more on this during my weekend.
Please help out in commenting anything and thanks for your feedback. :)

Blog #9 "George Barich"

It's a difficult one.... I can see this case from both points of views, as bad and good. But i will go with the negative aspect of it. I don't agree with the council member just for the only reason that this can cause a huge controversy, which it all ready has! I think that having used the logo was a wrong idea. I mean come on there are many more things out there that can be fun or funky, but why necessary this black face? We need to be aware of what we use and where, maybe this guy have a good heart but he didn't see a consequence by doing this. I do see his point of view when he says he is not the only one doing this, actors and other people uses this for several reasons, movies, entertainment, etc., Although, just for the fact that this has to do with our present president Obama has maybe cause a double effect among the people that have seen it.

Topic #1 "The N-Word"...

Words can have a strong effect on people and can provoke a powerful feeling with in them. For example the N-word is a very strong word that can be very challenging to use. The cause and effect of such word can be very significant to people. I think that the use of the N-word in the book is used too many times. In my point of view it should only be included in the beginning of the book, maybe just the first couple chapters. Its unnecessary to mention it over and over.

Points I will include in my Essay about the N-word:
* It is demeaning.
*It is racist.
*The way it is being used in the book? Examples...

Blog #7 "SATIRE"...

Satire is its strong vein of irony or sarcasm, but parody, burlesque, exaggeration, anddouble entendre are all frequently used in satirical speech and writing. This word is full of negatism which I Interprete as a disrespectful way of talking about someone or something. An example I found in you tube was about a religion aspect where there are asking if... Satire of religious leaders should be allowed? In this video I was able to see how they where using several religious leaders and making fun of them. Although some peoples opinion in this same video was that satire can be used with anybody and there where no excusess for other people. The link to this video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG-SFbjSxuo where you can see it and give your own opinion about.

Blog #6 " Enterpreting Jim..."

In my personal opinion I think Jim is just a normal human being that is an African American that escape from slavery and is trying to reach or have his freedom. I personally think that the way he speaks is just his normal and regular way of expression. According to some research I did for the minstrel show, it is define as a comic variety show, usually fetures white actors in black faces. Which I dont really think he is an example of a minstrel because he doesn't do any of those shows as in a musical thing. Although i do think he is contrubuting to a double conciousness reaction sometimes. I say this becuase the way he sometimes is with Huck and for his thoughts.

Blog #5 Racism/Sexism

I definitely think that racism and sexism is still around and that we are still having so many issues with this topic. It can be exposed in many bad ways as jokes and criticism but the worst part of it is when you are been pointed out because of your skin color or gender. The controversy over race is by far strong and alive in today's day. We sometimes ignore that we are still surrounded by people that don't like certain people. In my personal view, I believe that the way we are responding to all this racism is just creating a worst environment. I think that it doesn't matter how you look like or what is your skin color, respect and opportunities is not a privilege but a right.
One of my experience over the spring break was in a store at the Mall, I was very shock to see that some of the staff members from this store where like following around all the time this colored people just because they where black. I was really disappointed to see how people are labeling other humans being only because of their appearance. I think this topic is really important to all of us and that we have to do something about it. Making jokes out of this is not the solution for it. Creating debates about it will not get us where we want to be and treating people wrong for what they look like is a huge mistake.

Essay #3 < Prompt. 3 "Mother Tongue">

I was brought to California when I was two years old. My first language is Spanish although I think it is now becoming more “Spanglish”. There is no such thing as the word “spanglish” but I make mention of it like this trying to connect English and Spanish as just one. Trying to manage two languages at the same time is a difficult task that creates a confusing and unsecure mind whether I am pronouncing the word right or wrong. Another of the things I have also gotten use to from my family is the way they have manage to learn their English. Sometimes I realize that the way they translate the language is not the correct way but it really doesn’t matter to me because I understand what they are saying. My family’s English is not the perfect English and not even my English is perfect. The main reason of learning a new language besides your native tongue is to communicate with others and open new opportunities. My parents at first where afraid of speaking English in public because they were not confident enough with the language, but know days they think different. They realize that even though they might not have the right word or accent, the importance of expressing their thoughts and rights go among all barriers of any language.
When I was little, I remember only speaking Spanish at home, my parents did not have yet incorporated the English language into their life’s. I was raised with my first language until going to school once I went to pre-school a new language was introduce into my vocabulary. I had no problems with my education being bilingual. Although when I turned nine years old my parents started to notice that the English language was becoming a great influence in my life, they where starting to get worried about my Spanish side. As a result of observing me grow up in this country with English surrounding me every where we went, they made a rule at home which was “From the door and in only Spanish was going to be spoken and from the door and out it was my choice”, basically what they wanted me to do is practice my first language at home with them all the time, which now a days I give thanks to them for that ruled they had when I was a child. Moreover, I still have that rule within me and when I go home with my parents the language I speak is Spanish. On the other hand, my parents do appreciate the way I grew up with two languages at the same time. Being able to translate English to Spanish and vice versa is a blessing. Although there are times where I get stress with one of the two languages because of the spelling or the pronunciations of some words...
Please Note that these are only my first two paragraphs. There is more to be written. I'm going to be giving more examples.
& sorry if it was posted after 9 am. I was not ready. :(

Blog #4 . . .

These two images are clearly sending multiple messages to all those who see the ads. The most bombarded humans with this kind of ads are the kids. I say this because they are always aware of what is on the T.V, what new toy is in stores and now days what is also going on the world wide web (www)!!! It is necessary to say that the main message being transmitted through this pictures is that it is normal to be fat because if someone like Barbie is, why not yourself. Or that you are alright if you are at home watching T.V having a few extra pounds because if Superman is, you might as well do the same thing. One very important fact that we can all see is that very popular toys are being use. Why? For the only reason that is to grab the children's attention 100%. Looking at this ad from a very different perspective I can say that the contribution of this kind of ads are causing a huge pressure on young people to be thin. Moreover, the side effect of this can become extremely negative by creating a eating disorder in all kids. For the only reason that they don't want to look fat and as a result they don't want to ingest food into their bodies because it makes them fat! My final thoughts about this is that we need to be very careful with what we show on the media. Therefore if we want to have good healthy kids we need to be aware of what kind of ads and images we show to them because its not just the picture but, the subliminal message.

Blog # 3...

Radiohead: All I need.

In this video I can clearly see the argument that is being presented to the viewers. We can all tell that they are comparing the life of two young kids with a very different way of life. It's sad to see how the Chinese boy is being exploded with the labor over in his country. In the other hand we have this American kid that wakes up and gets ready for school. Although there is a big difference between their life's styles. There is still a similarity which is the age. The way the video was exposed and the song incorporated to this video it was really well done I suggest. It makes me value all things no matter how simple they are like in this case the shoes... Its important to know more about the things we buy and the Country we live in. The video has many messages and they can all be taken from a different point of view, but something we can all see is the way kids are treated in another place. Moreover we know that not everything is easy to do and that we don't have an idea of how much effort and sacrifice somethings take from peoples life to be made.

Essay #2

Prompt #3

The television has become a very important resource to have at home. I consider and this electronic device can be use in two very different ways, either for good or bad. The influence it has nowadays in our life is incredible but real. Today we wake up and one of the first things we do is maybe turn on the T.V, even though we might not even be looking at it. We are at home and this device is on most of the time. When we eat, instead of sitting in the table where we are suppose to be we go to the couch in front of the T.V. It is bedtime and the television once more goes on and that is if it's not on because other wise the television is running pretty much 24/7. The consequences of watching so much T.V can be a very high percentage in or life time and moreover it causes a big difference in our life. After reading the excerpt of Marie Winn, "Television: The Plug-In Drug" I realized that there is a lot going on referring to the T.V and family issues. Therefore, I strongly agree that television interferes with family life and keeps families from interacting in meaningful ways. The television is one of the main factors that cause families life style to change, create a gap of communication between them and the opportunity for expressing within the family.

Blog # 2 "Freedom of Speech"

I believe we have the right to express our selves at school. I understand that sometimes their are rules that we have to follow, but regarding to the dress code I think their should not be many issues going on because of this. We should be conscious with what we wear. I agree that their are people that sometimes we do things on purpose and have a purpose with the message of the
T-shirts. Even though we are in a country where we can do almost everything, we still have to analyze what we do against others and how we can disrespect some persons. In this case where the schools banned the kids t-shirts was wrong in my point of view. The reason why I disagree is because there are more t-shirts with more violence and worse messages and don't do anything about it...

*Favorite Song?

To tell you the true I don’t really have a favorite song. I like many song’s but not just one! Although I think I focus more on the lyrics than any other thing. I mean, I’m not into the rhythm or the artist I just like what the message is all about. There is a song that I have in mind at the moment. For example, I’m not who I use to be, I think that’s the name. Well any way I like this song because it gives a testimony of a life of a young man that change thru time. The style of living and the things that he did is just a memory for him. I feel connected to this song because I feel I have change in a way. Moreover if I haven’t really change I know that throughout the time there will be changes in my life that maybe I’m not going to like or maybe I will, but the whole point is that I’m never going to be what I was yesterday or what I’m going to be tomorrow.

Essay #1

The Goals of Education

Ever since I was a child, my parents have always motivated me to be a successful student at school. The early grades of school are critical for all students. For me, my parents taught me how to have the desire to reach a goal, an education goal, which would help me in my life and would help others as well. Throughout the years I have learned that all of us have the right to go to school and to prepare for a better tomorrow. Many of us have the opportunity to achieve certain dreams and desires, but not all of can get to the end of this process. All human beings can create a beautiful picture in their mind of what they want to become one day if they go to school and graduate. In my personal opinion everything can be possible if you aim in the same direction always. The goals of education should be accessible to all students, challenging but possible to accomplish, and rewarding.
I have read articles that explain how the educational system is full of goals. For example, a teacher can have the goal of developing a good presentation for a class. The goals of education have to be accessible to all children starting with their pre-school and going all the way thru high school. The first couple years we rely on the parents of the child to get him/her to school and help the child to finish their school year. No matter what your financial situation is as a parent, or the personal circumstance you are in, the responsibility of having your children accomplishing their basic learning skills will fall on you and will make a huge difference when they finish their elementary school. I remember that my mother would always wake me up early in the morning and would say to me, “Up, up, time to go to school and learn something new.” And she was right; there would be no day that I wouldn’t bring home with me a new word or knowledge of something I had had no idea about. It is very important to get started on your education at the age you are required. There are public schools as well as private. There should be no reason to stop going to school.
There are countries where going to school is an issue because there is no access to it. Transportation or lack of instructors is the need of society in rural areas. The consequence of this may not be big at the beginning of their life, but after they grow older the situation changes. Having access to education might become an obstacle to have education goals. I consider and this problem should be resolve for a better life of others. Everybody should have the access of education and have the resources to be able to assist their first years of preparation at school.
In my personal aspect all goals have a challenge with them. Moreover everything in life is a challenge. Having the capacity and courage to overcome those challenges in education is within us. I understand that maybe at the beginning of our education everything seems smooth and easy, but when you start another level of education, it is then when your difficult times come. When you start to struggle with some subjects or projects that seem very challenging to your goals of education also come to a turning point of failure sometimes. I can assure that any goal of education includes some bad experiences and maybe sour moments that you wish you didn’t have. Even though it doesn’t mean that you should give up or not continue toward your goals, sometimes we have to learn from our mistakes, which is something I have learned in my personal experience of my goals of education. Coming to college has been very challenging for me. For example, the first couple semesters were the scariest for me. Maybe the reason for this was because I did my high school in another country and my first language is not English. However, with all those challenges I did not stop thinking of coming to school. I think that it doesn’t matter how big the challenge is. What matters the most is how you are going to solve or demolish the challenges.
Having a goal in your education will help you get further in your learning process. Going to elementary school for six years is very important for your next couple of years in school. Those first years of knowledge are like the base of the pyramid, on which the future depends. When you continue on and your next step is middle school, you get more desires in you heart; you get an idea of how beneficial school is and how well you will live if you try to reach a higher goal of education. There is a recompense that you gain throughout the years of your learning process. There is no doubt that the more you go to school, the more you can tell that there is a big value in acquiring all the experience. The things that help you reach goals may not be the best of all, but the days you spend dreaming of all the goals you want to reach one day makes the difference in you to continuing or to giving up with “all this school stuff”.
I am a very positive person and I try my best to accomplish all those good thoughts that I have when I’m at school because I know that there is much more than just learning in being a smart person. We all have goals in education, I’m sure. I know that they are all different and maybe opposite if we compare them, but in my personal point of view, there should be access, challenges and rewards as the goals of education.