We made it! I cannot help but feel a sense of relief and amazement. This semester was incredible intense. I was challenged in so many ways in this class particular. The content we educational and entertaining at the same time, the activities kept me on my toes, the high standard pushed me to a higher level.
I know you all are going to roll your eyes when I say this, but I really like the Exploring Literature book that we read. It tied the reading from On Bullshit, Animal Farm, Reading Lolita in Tehran into our lessons so well. The questions that we had to answer for each week was tedious to say the least, but would I have read much of the book if I did not have to answer the questions? No, probably not! I would have skimmed enough of it to formulate a decent assignment.
The Discussions board in this class was different than in any other online class. I have never had to answer a question from our current readings from a classmate and then formulate one of my own. I feel that this requirement proved to be another check-point for me. You really cannot just formulate a question if you don’t have a clue what the book was talking about.
In other classes that I have taken you get very little opportunity to read other students work. Unless you have a study partner that you work closely with, you are really just kind of doing your own thing without anything to compare it to. In this class everything is out there. I was able to read so many other types of writing. I found that the blogging made it a personal class opposed to some of the other online classes.
I have learned that I really need to read the instruction slowly and clearly. I cannot rush through then. I learned the different types of communication, why they are necessary and how individuals and groups use them. I have learned that when I am analyzing a piece of literature, or anything for that matter, that I need to go word, by word, sentence by sentence, paragraph by paragraph. I have learned that everything does not need to be a narrative. I have the tendency to write in narrative only. I have been difficult to write in the analytical or critical sense.
Not only have I grown academically, but individually. I have been faced over and over again with my natural ability to procrastinate and underestimate. I wait till the last minute because it really doesn’t take long to pump out a 7 page paper…Yeah Right!!! I need days, or even weeks to write anything worth posting. I know this now. This semester I was overloaded with life and work and school. I have learned to guard my schedule to put myself in the position to succeed in all aspects of my life.
Most of all I learned college is hard. I am graduating with my AS in Biological Sciences and man has this last two semesters kicked my butt! I know that each class that I take from here on out I will be ready to put in the time.
I hope that I have really learned these things and at the end of next semester I will not be saying the same thing.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Have you ever went to the gym feeling like you just had the best workout ever only to wake up in the morning only to find that you had muscles that you never knew existed in acute pain? The assignments in this class exercised every writing muscle in so many different ways.
Blogging was something I always associated with those really creative, perfect mom types of people. Probably because it is the overachievers that always have them, so you can imagine my dismay upon discovering I was not only going to have to write a blog, but also reply! I found it completely enjoyable. Blogging was one of the many highlights in the class. Not only did I enjoy writing in a relaxing setting, it gave me a chance to feel more comfortable about just throwing something out there and seeing what happens. I had a blast reading others blogs. Having to write responses allowed each of us to interact, I enjoyed getting the feedback as well as writing them. This was not a completely weak area for me, but I definitely needed the practice and appreciated relinquishing the misconception that only certain people could have a blog.
The group work that was assigned was incredibly challenging. I learned so much from my peers in this class. I was challenged by the diligence and expectation of those in my group. The PDR’s are a two edged sword. Not only did I have to read what others thought of my writing, but I was forced to use the tools that I had been learning in order to evaluate other essays. This put everything into practice; you know that muscle that was aching after the workout? Well, it did not have time to get flabby again because of this particular aspect of the class.
The discussion boards were very thought provoking. Some of the questions asked were difficult to answer. Sometimes trying to come up with a question to ask was harder than answering! This helped to view reading in a different light. I am not a critical thinker or reader in any way shape or form! I could no longer just read and take the information at face value, but to think deeper within and ask yourself, how this affects me, what would I do, or have done. How do I relate? These are incredible valuable lessons for me because in my previous reading I was reading at a very shallow level. Analytical thinking is not a skill I was in the practice of using…at all.
The essays were intense! I have never spent so much time delving into anything as deeply as I did when writing an essay for this class. I learned to analyze each and every word, and then every phrase, every sentence and paragraph. Analyze the author, their abilities and their qualifications. Just because they got published does not mean that they are qualified to sway anyone in one way or another.
Let’s face it, for some of us writing is painful. It takes forever to write anything good, and it is humbling. Just when you think you have figured the writing thing out, you find out that you still suck. I know that I have grown in my writing abilities in the last 16 weeks in each and every way mentioned above, but I know that I have more to learn than I thought. The most valuable lesson that I will take away from all of these exercises is that I will have to practice; I will have to take my time when writing. I will not wait and attempt to “pump” out a good essay in a couple of hours. Writing a good paper feels good; I feel that I am equipped with all the tools in order to accomplish that. I am now challenged to always do my best when writing, never take anything for granted and always ask “why”.
Thank your Jennifer for designing such an amazing learning experience or “workout” for us all. I will miss being pressed to excel and write. Have a fantastic summer everyone!
Blogging was something I always associated with those really creative, perfect mom types of people. Probably because it is the overachievers that always have them, so you can imagine my dismay upon discovering I was not only going to have to write a blog, but also reply! I found it completely enjoyable. Blogging was one of the many highlights in the class. Not only did I enjoy writing in a relaxing setting, it gave me a chance to feel more comfortable about just throwing something out there and seeing what happens. I had a blast reading others blogs. Having to write responses allowed each of us to interact, I enjoyed getting the feedback as well as writing them. This was not a completely weak area for me, but I definitely needed the practice and appreciated relinquishing the misconception that only certain people could have a blog.
The group work that was assigned was incredibly challenging. I learned so much from my peers in this class. I was challenged by the diligence and expectation of those in my group. The PDR’s are a two edged sword. Not only did I have to read what others thought of my writing, but I was forced to use the tools that I had been learning in order to evaluate other essays. This put everything into practice; you know that muscle that was aching after the workout? Well, it did not have time to get flabby again because of this particular aspect of the class.
The discussion boards were very thought provoking. Some of the questions asked were difficult to answer. Sometimes trying to come up with a question to ask was harder than answering! This helped to view reading in a different light. I am not a critical thinker or reader in any way shape or form! I could no longer just read and take the information at face value, but to think deeper within and ask yourself, how this affects me, what would I do, or have done. How do I relate? These are incredible valuable lessons for me because in my previous reading I was reading at a very shallow level. Analytical thinking is not a skill I was in the practice of using…at all.
The essays were intense! I have never spent so much time delving into anything as deeply as I did when writing an essay for this class. I learned to analyze each and every word, and then every phrase, every sentence and paragraph. Analyze the author, their abilities and their qualifications. Just because they got published does not mean that they are qualified to sway anyone in one way or another.
Let’s face it, for some of us writing is painful. It takes forever to write anything good, and it is humbling. Just when you think you have figured the writing thing out, you find out that you still suck. I know that I have grown in my writing abilities in the last 16 weeks in each and every way mentioned above, but I know that I have more to learn than I thought. The most valuable lesson that I will take away from all of these exercises is that I will have to practice; I will have to take my time when writing. I will not wait and attempt to “pump” out a good essay in a couple of hours. Writing a good paper feels good; I feel that I am equipped with all the tools in order to accomplish that. I am now challenged to always do my best when writing, never take anything for granted and always ask “why”.
Thank your Jennifer for designing such an amazing learning experience or “workout” for us all. I will miss being pressed to excel and write. Have a fantastic summer everyone!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Not A Seven Page Paper!!!!
A seven page paper analyzing dialogue between Reading Lolita in Tehran and Pride and Prejudice is due tonight. Hmmm…this will be fun. Can't I just put a toothpick in my eye? No? Alright then...to begin my long and painful endeavor I must first find the book that will be my main text. What did I do with that book! Ok. The only logical thing I can do is pray. Dear God….Oh please let me find my book…quickly. Please let it be somewhere on my desk. (This will be a task only the brave will be able to endure…so many things on my desk). These kinds of assignments are so very time consuming. Really, that is the only thing that I find to be my problem. Just like most of us, I want to get an assignment, whether it be work or school, sit down for an hour or so and Viola! A completed project! Not very likely in this case.
So there I sit, looking at the instructions. This seems so deep! So many places to find information. Crap! I am really going to have to read this stuff! So I figured maybe if I start out with an outline and then just fill in information under each heading it will make life easier, maybe. See I have this problem grasping concepts. I can read the same instructions as everyone else and get something completely different! The sad thing about that is that I am 37 years old and I figured that out just last month. Bad. It explains so much!
Back to the paper. Since there is such a small section in Reading Lolita in Tehran devoted to Pride and Prejudice I think that I will start there. This will give me an idea of what my focus will be on. If there were not such a creation as Double Stuff Oreo’s I really do not know how would ever defeat this monstrous paper. I have already consumed half of a package and I have 4 points for my 7 page paper. I’m going to need to go to Wal-Mart. Yes…I need to do that now. I will come back to my paper later.
As I resume this hideous task ahead of me (cookies at hand) I decided to go back over the instructions, due to my very great ability to miss important information, and mentally get things in shuffle. Ooh. I missed the part about 5 sources. Five sources! On what?! What will I use these sources for? Where are those cookies?! I must convince myself that this is really no big deal. Really…I mean its only two books, five sources, and 7 pages; ok…I needed a really good quote! Ah Ha! How do you eat an elephant? One bit at a time.
One bite at a time, the first thing I need to do is to complete my outline. At least I will be much more familiar with the issues that I have to analyze. Once I have them in different categories, with examples from each book and a source to back up the meaning, the similarity type or difference, then I can begin the excruciating process of turning this jumbled mess into a paper. Yikes…panic….no, your fine….really….Oh gosh…I’m going to fail!
So there I sit, looking at the instructions. This seems so deep! So many places to find information. Crap! I am really going to have to read this stuff! So I figured maybe if I start out with an outline and then just fill in information under each heading it will make life easier, maybe. See I have this problem grasping concepts. I can read the same instructions as everyone else and get something completely different! The sad thing about that is that I am 37 years old and I figured that out just last month. Bad. It explains so much!
Back to the paper. Since there is such a small section in Reading Lolita in Tehran devoted to Pride and Prejudice I think that I will start there. This will give me an idea of what my focus will be on. If there were not such a creation as Double Stuff Oreo’s I really do not know how would ever defeat this monstrous paper. I have already consumed half of a package and I have 4 points for my 7 page paper. I’m going to need to go to Wal-Mart. Yes…I need to do that now. I will come back to my paper later.
As I resume this hideous task ahead of me (cookies at hand) I decided to go back over the instructions, due to my very great ability to miss important information, and mentally get things in shuffle. Ooh. I missed the part about 5 sources. Five sources! On what?! What will I use these sources for? Where are those cookies?! I must convince myself that this is really no big deal. Really…I mean its only two books, five sources, and 7 pages; ok…I needed a really good quote! Ah Ha! How do you eat an elephant? One bit at a time.
One bite at a time, the first thing I need to do is to complete my outline. At least I will be much more familiar with the issues that I have to analyze. Once I have them in different categories, with examples from each book and a source to back up the meaning, the similarity type or difference, then I can begin the excruciating process of turning this jumbled mess into a paper. Yikes…panic….no, your fine….really….Oh gosh…I’m going to fail!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Style and Email
Style
This word has a different connotation for all of us. But for right now we are going to consider style and the way we communicate online. Just as we communicate using different styles verbally in different situations, depending on who we are communicating with, it would make sense that this would carry over into our email, blogs, etc.
I am a relatively “cut to the chase” type of person. I don’t really like to wade through a lot of irrelevant information in order to locate the important nugget that I was looking for. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good story…but in certain situations I just want facts. So you can see already that my communication style is complicated.
When I am communicating via email, I tend to be very conscience of who I am emailing. I think that emails carry a tone. Unfortunately it all depends on your own experiences on how you “read” these emails. In my head something sounds fine, but when read out loud by someone else it sounds short and irritated. This is usually not what I’m going for, but because I am so direct, I can come across rude or snobby. I use a lot of words like, I was thinking, I was wondering, sorry to bother you, I have a quick question for you, just let me know when you get a chance. I have found that this smooth’s out any rough edges that may come across in an email.
When I am on the phone the other caller usually asks “are you still there?” several times. I am not very good at saying things if I really don’t have anything important to say. This trait actually works well with email because there is never an awkward silence. These are usually more friendly emails and I generally don’t have to worry so much about tone. If you know me, I am rarely upset, or mad in any way, when my emails are read by friends they can pretty much guess that, even though, it may sound abrupt, there is nothing wrong.
I have had to really come face to face with the implications that my communication style says about me as a person. As I have gotten older, I have come to terms with the fact that I am not your typical “girl”. I am not insecure nor do I feel the need for everyone to like me. This can come across as rude. The first time that I noticed this came out in simple communication was during an email. It made it clear to me that I have to be super careful about offending others that have the sensitivity trait.
You can see how personal style has so much to do with the way we communicate. In my case, I don’t do a lot of what most would call girl talk. I do not get involved in gossip, I don’t read novels, and I am not creative in any way shape or form. This comes across quite bluntly and can offend readily. My facial expressions are what have saved me from seeming rude. There is no body language in email, except for the smiley faces, so you can see that I have to use discretion when communicating via email.
This word has a different connotation for all of us. But for right now we are going to consider style and the way we communicate online. Just as we communicate using different styles verbally in different situations, depending on who we are communicating with, it would make sense that this would carry over into our email, blogs, etc.
I am a relatively “cut to the chase” type of person. I don’t really like to wade through a lot of irrelevant information in order to locate the important nugget that I was looking for. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good story…but in certain situations I just want facts. So you can see already that my communication style is complicated.
When I am communicating via email, I tend to be very conscience of who I am emailing. I think that emails carry a tone. Unfortunately it all depends on your own experiences on how you “read” these emails. In my head something sounds fine, but when read out loud by someone else it sounds short and irritated. This is usually not what I’m going for, but because I am so direct, I can come across rude or snobby. I use a lot of words like, I was thinking, I was wondering, sorry to bother you, I have a quick question for you, just let me know when you get a chance. I have found that this smooth’s out any rough edges that may come across in an email.
When I am on the phone the other caller usually asks “are you still there?” several times. I am not very good at saying things if I really don’t have anything important to say. This trait actually works well with email because there is never an awkward silence. These are usually more friendly emails and I generally don’t have to worry so much about tone. If you know me, I am rarely upset, or mad in any way, when my emails are read by friends they can pretty much guess that, even though, it may sound abrupt, there is nothing wrong.
I have had to really come face to face with the implications that my communication style says about me as a person. As I have gotten older, I have come to terms with the fact that I am not your typical “girl”. I am not insecure nor do I feel the need for everyone to like me. This can come across as rude. The first time that I noticed this came out in simple communication was during an email. It made it clear to me that I have to be super careful about offending others that have the sensitivity trait.
You can see how personal style has so much to do with the way we communicate. In my case, I don’t do a lot of what most would call girl talk. I do not get involved in gossip, I don’t read novels, and I am not creative in any way shape or form. This comes across quite bluntly and can offend readily. My facial expressions are what have saved me from seeming rude. There is no body language in email, except for the smiley faces, so you can see that I have to use discretion when communicating via email.
Friday, May 6, 2011
I don’t know about you, but when I think of comics or cartoons, my first thought is not directed towards adult entertainment. I think of Garfield, Batman, Archie, etc. Since I don’t spend a lot of time reading the newspaper, I rarely bump into them in the newspaper, which, is exactly the place that I think of to look for them. I find that a large amount of cartoons are geared more towards adults, not always found in the newspaper ,but on TV.
This becomes obvious when you take into account The Simpsons, South Park, and the like. Not only would I never allow my children to watch them, I would not watch them myself. I find them intensely crude and lacking any type of entertainment value. I do not find them a bit amusing. I do realize that it is a personal opinion, and that I am not right and everyone else not wrong.
I would not consider these to be offensive to me, although I find them disgusting, I don’t particularly understand the mentality of those that enjoy them, and think very little of those adults that allow their children to watch this form of entertainment. I am disgusted but not offended.
While pondering this topic, I decided to look up some political cartoons to see what is really circulating out there. I found cartoons that poked fun at presidents, different wars, and other political issues. There were a couple of cartoons that poked fun of victims of Katrina in Louisiana.
I am unwilling to discuss the actual content of the cartoons, but I was completely mortified that anyone would consider it, not only funny, but also believed that others would find this humor funny.
These people have had their entire lives destroyed and altered by one very catastrophic event. They lost their homes, land and worst of all their family members. The pain and feeling of loss is hard for me to imagine. Some ridiculous person thought that they could gain something, probably in the form of money and fame, by targeting these victims as the center of a sick joke.
I cannot imagine the type of person that would possibly find this form of entertainment funny. To be able to take a disaster, whether it is a personal disaster or a community disaster, and laugh at it, I find it to be cold and inhumane.
This becomes obvious when you take into account The Simpsons, South Park, and the like. Not only would I never allow my children to watch them, I would not watch them myself. I find them intensely crude and lacking any type of entertainment value. I do not find them a bit amusing. I do realize that it is a personal opinion, and that I am not right and everyone else not wrong.
I would not consider these to be offensive to me, although I find them disgusting, I don’t particularly understand the mentality of those that enjoy them, and think very little of those adults that allow their children to watch this form of entertainment. I am disgusted but not offended.
While pondering this topic, I decided to look up some political cartoons to see what is really circulating out there. I found cartoons that poked fun at presidents, different wars, and other political issues. There were a couple of cartoons that poked fun of victims of Katrina in Louisiana.
I am unwilling to discuss the actual content of the cartoons, but I was completely mortified that anyone would consider it, not only funny, but also believed that others would find this humor funny.
These people have had their entire lives destroyed and altered by one very catastrophic event. They lost their homes, land and worst of all their family members. The pain and feeling of loss is hard for me to imagine. Some ridiculous person thought that they could gain something, probably in the form of money and fame, by targeting these victims as the center of a sick joke.
I cannot imagine the type of person that would possibly find this form of entertainment funny. To be able to take a disaster, whether it is a personal disaster or a community disaster, and laugh at it, I find it to be cold and inhumane.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Media and Propaganda
Language, Media, Doublespeak and Wordplay: how they affect us daily
I realize that I have chosen a controversial issue to use my newfound skills of acknowledging different kinds of word tricks that are bestowed upon us as citizens. I felt that this particular issue is perfect because it exposes the propaganda of each side efficiently. All of the participants in this debate use some words that will, they hope, win the hearts and minds of all those listening. By using the media, the propaganda of each ones statements begin to spread and catch like a wildfire. Due to the sensitivity of Section 8 in Lancaster you will see a clear example of how words can be used to put forward one’s own ideas and beliefs.
In an article found in Our Weekly Fran Paolinelli, wrote “Half the people receiving Section 8 housing vouchers are neither elderly nor disabled, nor is there any incentive for them to get off the program, according to a report from the Los Angeles County housing authority.” Notice, how she is pointing out that section 8 is for those who would be qualified as elderly or disabled. This is identifiably propaganda because there is no rule that states that these are the only two qualifiers, this is her way of influencing the reader into believing subconsciously that is the only reason one should receive this housing benefit.
After you believe that all those other people are on it un-neccessarily, she give you the information to really make you upset, not only should normal people not be able to benefit from Section 8 but there is no incentive for them to get off! So now you have all these well equipped people sitting there receiving discounted housing assistance and they never have to try to get off. There are some that have been accepting this assistance for 16 years
When asked in another article, Maria Badrakhan, acting assistant executive director for the Housing Authority, stated that “Lancaster is an attractive location because of "the affordability, the quality of housing and the willingness of landlords to participate in the [Section 8] program," she said. In his essay, Doubts about Doublespeak William Lutz coined this type of political wordplay as a euphemism, a word or phrase designed to avoid a harsh or distasteful reality. The reality here is that investors ( willingness of Landlords) bought these new, large homes (quality of housing) with the intent that they are guaranteed a paycheck from the state while only a small portion actually comes from the tenant(affordability). ! Lets’ put the icing on the cake, in the article is a picture of a beautiful, two-story house, built in 2006, 6 bedroom, 3 full bathrooms, and normal lease for this house would be $1995.00 a month but it is Section 8.
When you take a look at the way the two sides approached the situation the manipulation on both sides is apparent. I cannot help but wonder why they did not just simply state their case.
Side 1: Look, it’s not fair for able bodied people to receive this much help for this long. I am all for helping out but these people are living with this assistance for 16 years?!
Side 2: Yes, but it is only fair to give under privileged families an equal opportunity to live in a decent home while getting on their feet.
Compromise: You can only be on Section 8 for X years, (plenty of time to get a degree and a job) and then you pay in full your own rent. If you are cited for inappropriate conduct or receive complaints totaling X amount, you forfeit any and all Section 8 privileges for the rest of your life. Why is this so hard?!
I realize that I have chosen a controversial issue to use my newfound skills of acknowledging different kinds of word tricks that are bestowed upon us as citizens. I felt that this particular issue is perfect because it exposes the propaganda of each side efficiently. All of the participants in this debate use some words that will, they hope, win the hearts and minds of all those listening. By using the media, the propaganda of each ones statements begin to spread and catch like a wildfire. Due to the sensitivity of Section 8 in Lancaster you will see a clear example of how words can be used to put forward one’s own ideas and beliefs.
In an article found in Our Weekly Fran Paolinelli, wrote “Half the people receiving Section 8 housing vouchers are neither elderly nor disabled, nor is there any incentive for them to get off the program, according to a report from the Los Angeles County housing authority.” Notice, how she is pointing out that section 8 is for those who would be qualified as elderly or disabled. This is identifiably propaganda because there is no rule that states that these are the only two qualifiers, this is her way of influencing the reader into believing subconsciously that is the only reason one should receive this housing benefit.
After you believe that all those other people are on it un-neccessarily, she give you the information to really make you upset, not only should normal people not be able to benefit from Section 8 but there is no incentive for them to get off! So now you have all these well equipped people sitting there receiving discounted housing assistance and they never have to try to get off. There are some that have been accepting this assistance for 16 years
When asked in another article, Maria Badrakhan, acting assistant executive director for the Housing Authority, stated that “Lancaster is an attractive location because of "the affordability, the quality of housing and the willingness of landlords to participate in the [Section 8] program," she said. In his essay, Doubts about Doublespeak William Lutz coined this type of political wordplay as a euphemism, a word or phrase designed to avoid a harsh or distasteful reality. The reality here is that investors ( willingness of Landlords) bought these new, large homes (quality of housing) with the intent that they are guaranteed a paycheck from the state while only a small portion actually comes from the tenant(affordability). ! Lets’ put the icing on the cake, in the article is a picture of a beautiful, two-story house, built in 2006, 6 bedroom, 3 full bathrooms, and normal lease for this house would be $1995.00 a month but it is Section 8.
When you take a look at the way the two sides approached the situation the manipulation on both sides is apparent. I cannot help but wonder why they did not just simply state their case.
Side 1: Look, it’s not fair for able bodied people to receive this much help for this long. I am all for helping out but these people are living with this assistance for 16 years?!
Side 2: Yes, but it is only fair to give under privileged families an equal opportunity to live in a decent home while getting on their feet.
Compromise: You can only be on Section 8 for X years, (plenty of time to get a degree and a job) and then you pay in full your own rent. If you are cited for inappropriate conduct or receive complaints totaling X amount, you forfeit any and all Section 8 privileges for the rest of your life. Why is this so hard?!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Little Intrigues
Little Intrigues
If you have a busy schedule, then it is likely that you don’t get a lot of time to sit and watch the news, or to read through a favorite news website in order to find the most recent happenings. If you are like me, you will depend on the “one liners” in the headlines that intrigues you into feeling the need to read it.
I open my yahoo mail up every day and when I do, there are lists of things that show up that are considered top news. Unfortunately, I do not get time to open them up and read about them, but at least I have a vague idea of what is happening. I then take this information with me once I have gotten my children ready for school, downstairs for breakfast. This is where a good chunk of my daily intrigue comes from. I get to turn on the news for about 15 minutes before running out the door. Next, to the car we go, we live about 22 minutes away from the kids school which give a lot of time for tidbits of information between songs in the car (that is only if I am not giving spelling test, or some other type of review while driving). This is enough bits and pieces of information to keep me curious all day.
By the time I get to work I have so many questions! I usually ask “hey did anybody hear about __________? This is where I get the rest of the information to try to fill in the blanks. It at least relieves my intense curiosity for a while. I have to admit, by the time I get home, depending on the news that day, all I want to do is turn on the news. Between baseball practice, games, a busy dancing daughter, and my school schedule, this is not always possible. In the desperate times of deep curiosity when the daily news was quite interesting, I pull out the big guns! I call my friend. He knows everything! This way I do not have to try to fish around channels, or the internet in order find the conclusion or running story of what is happening. It works quite well.
There are a few snags to my system. One of them being, when you rely on bits and pieces of information coming from different sources you can never be sure of the slant you are getting. The way the informant perceives the information and then retells it is impactful. Simple connotations can lead you to believe a positive is a negative or the other way around.
It is important to consider you sources. A liberal person or news cast may find something to be good news. I’m sure everyone is familiar with prop 8 so we will use that. Depending on the side you are on, a gay rights parade is either good news or bad news. They way you see it will affect the way you report, if you are for it you will report the success of the parade, or the abuse that was displayed by the opposing side, however; if you are against it the reports will show the more as much opposite information as possible.
If you have a busy schedule, then it is likely that you don’t get a lot of time to sit and watch the news, or to read through a favorite news website in order to find the most recent happenings. If you are like me, you will depend on the “one liners” in the headlines that intrigues you into feeling the need to read it.
I open my yahoo mail up every day and when I do, there are lists of things that show up that are considered top news. Unfortunately, I do not get time to open them up and read about them, but at least I have a vague idea of what is happening. I then take this information with me once I have gotten my children ready for school, downstairs for breakfast. This is where a good chunk of my daily intrigue comes from. I get to turn on the news for about 15 minutes before running out the door. Next, to the car we go, we live about 22 minutes away from the kids school which give a lot of time for tidbits of information between songs in the car (that is only if I am not giving spelling test, or some other type of review while driving). This is enough bits and pieces of information to keep me curious all day.
By the time I get to work I have so many questions! I usually ask “hey did anybody hear about __________? This is where I get the rest of the information to try to fill in the blanks. It at least relieves my intense curiosity for a while. I have to admit, by the time I get home, depending on the news that day, all I want to do is turn on the news. Between baseball practice, games, a busy dancing daughter, and my school schedule, this is not always possible. In the desperate times of deep curiosity when the daily news was quite interesting, I pull out the big guns! I call my friend. He knows everything! This way I do not have to try to fish around channels, or the internet in order find the conclusion or running story of what is happening. It works quite well.
There are a few snags to my system. One of them being, when you rely on bits and pieces of information coming from different sources you can never be sure of the slant you are getting. The way the informant perceives the information and then retells it is impactful. Simple connotations can lead you to believe a positive is a negative or the other way around.
It is important to consider you sources. A liberal person or news cast may find something to be good news. I’m sure everyone is familiar with prop 8 so we will use that. Depending on the side you are on, a gay rights parade is either good news or bad news. They way you see it will affect the way you report, if you are for it you will report the success of the parade, or the abuse that was displayed by the opposing side, however; if you are against it the reports will show the more as much opposite information as possible.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Hateful Words
Sticks and Stones
Remember when you were little and your parent told you that words can’t hurt you? I think that was the first time I ever doubted my parents. I remember when I was teased for the first time. It not only scarred me emotionally it created an insecurity that lasted a long time. When somebody says something to you that makes a connection to something that carries a negative connotation in your own mind it can be hurtful.
The truth is, without previous knowledge, some things don’t pack the same punch as they do when combined with a sack full of previous insults and negativity. When you describe someone using their physical attributes only, you generally leave out adjectives like fat; wrinkly, old, ugly, black, brown, scrawny, etc. (I could go on). Every one of my children when they were between the age of 2 ½ and 4, each one of them used at least one of these words to describe someone. Unfortunately, we were usually in a public place and they were not using their “inside voice”. I was devastated and in some cases I pretended not to know who that loud child belonged to. Other times I picked up my child and ran around the isle before the intended target could process what had just happened.
It was only after I had a talk with the offending child and explained how it made people feel when fat or black is used as a defining term for who they are. You see my children were correct. The person was black, ugly, wrinkly (in one case, extremely wrinkly) or whatever. The problem was not that it was a dishonest or mean attack against the person. The problem was that along with the particular word came a negative connotation. Not until they learned that these terms can be deemed as hateful did they fully understand the concept.
Until the stereotype is understood, one may go a lifetime without being aware of the unkindness’s that surround them on a daily basis. There are people that are so sheltered from different scenarios that they cannot fully appreciate the impact they can have. The word itself is not what is painful. It is the implication that is placed onto the person involved.
Being black is not hurtful. It is the pain and degradation that they have endured through the years. When a white person labels someone as black, due to the year’s whites fought to keep them inferior, it can come across as hateful words.
It is important that we are all sensitive to those around us. We all have stereotypes that we wish to avoid. When these stereotypes are so carelessly placed on our shoulders to wear proudly by those around us, whether it is intentional or not, human nature would throw us into the natural “fight or flight” reaction.
The truth is that stick and stones do hurt. But so do words. At this moment I want you to think of a time that someone said something awful to you. Were you able to dodge it like you could a stick? Names and unkind words can stick with you for years, leaving an imprint on you that are extremely difficult to escape.
Remember when you were little and your parent told you that words can’t hurt you? I think that was the first time I ever doubted my parents. I remember when I was teased for the first time. It not only scarred me emotionally it created an insecurity that lasted a long time. When somebody says something to you that makes a connection to something that carries a negative connotation in your own mind it can be hurtful.
The truth is, without previous knowledge, some things don’t pack the same punch as they do when combined with a sack full of previous insults and negativity. When you describe someone using their physical attributes only, you generally leave out adjectives like fat; wrinkly, old, ugly, black, brown, scrawny, etc. (I could go on). Every one of my children when they were between the age of 2 ½ and 4, each one of them used at least one of these words to describe someone. Unfortunately, we were usually in a public place and they were not using their “inside voice”. I was devastated and in some cases I pretended not to know who that loud child belonged to. Other times I picked up my child and ran around the isle before the intended target could process what had just happened.
It was only after I had a talk with the offending child and explained how it made people feel when fat or black is used as a defining term for who they are. You see my children were correct. The person was black, ugly, wrinkly (in one case, extremely wrinkly) or whatever. The problem was not that it was a dishonest or mean attack against the person. The problem was that along with the particular word came a negative connotation. Not until they learned that these terms can be deemed as hateful did they fully understand the concept.
Until the stereotype is understood, one may go a lifetime without being aware of the unkindness’s that surround them on a daily basis. There are people that are so sheltered from different scenarios that they cannot fully appreciate the impact they can have. The word itself is not what is painful. It is the implication that is placed onto the person involved.
Being black is not hurtful. It is the pain and degradation that they have endured through the years. When a white person labels someone as black, due to the year’s whites fought to keep them inferior, it can come across as hateful words.
It is important that we are all sensitive to those around us. We all have stereotypes that we wish to avoid. When these stereotypes are so carelessly placed on our shoulders to wear proudly by those around us, whether it is intentional or not, human nature would throw us into the natural “fight or flight” reaction.
The truth is that stick and stones do hurt. But so do words. At this moment I want you to think of a time that someone said something awful to you. Were you able to dodge it like you could a stick? Names and unkind words can stick with you for years, leaving an imprint on you that are extremely difficult to escape.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Can You Really Separate Self-Respect from Happiness?
If you had to chose
What would you say is more important, happiness or self-respect? The best way to really tell is to imagine yourself with only one. Would you give up happiness for self-respect, or would you be more willing to give up your self-respect to achieve happiness. What if one of them leads to the other and that is why you chose it.
As an individual attribute self-respect is the more noble choice of the two. Self-respect has been defined as possessing a proper respect for oneself as a human being, or regard for one’s own standing or position. Happiness, on the other hand, would come across as a goal to be reached, the result of some long term task. It is defined as a state of well being and contentment, a pleasurable or satisfying experience.
There isn’t any one of us that would deny the fact that we all wish to achieve real happiness. It is why we go to school, work hard, and build relationships. Happiness may not have been the initial reaction to the question of which is more important, but it would be a likely candidate for a number one goal.
Self-respect is an idea that we all hold dear and is yet so hard to hold onto. The possibility of it being snatched from our light grip plays with us daily. Every day, if self-respect is the most important, it is challenged by temptations in so many different aspects. We have to make decisions each day to stay true to this ideal that is oh so very slippery. Slippery not because it is not available, but slippery because self-respect can be compromised by a choice to be silent when you should speak up, sometimes it calls for silence when you want to yell. Can you be proud of the positions that you took today? Did you stand true to yourself no matter the cost? What would you give up for this idea of respecting yourself? Your job, your friends, your family relationships? These are all high costs for this noble choice.
My son is in the 4th grade. He has been homeschooled for most until this last year. He started public school and within the first week he experienced bullying for the first time. There was a little boy in his class and the other kids said unkind things to him and about him. They would trip him on the way to class, etc. This bothered my son deeply. When he disclosed the scenario he had witnessed, I informed him of his options and the consequences to those choices. He chose to go to the principle, instead of pretending not to notice it was going on. I was very clear that if he told, he would most likely be the next target. He went, fully informed of the potential, and pointed out the children that were doing the bullying.
He is only in 4th grade, and yet he knew, without the ability to verbalize it, that he would not be able to rest with himself knowing that he did not stand for what he knew was right. Could it be that his choice to respect himself also came from the same desire to possess happiness, or can you really know happiness without self-respect?
What would you say is more important, happiness or self-respect? The best way to really tell is to imagine yourself with only one. Would you give up happiness for self-respect, or would you be more willing to give up your self-respect to achieve happiness. What if one of them leads to the other and that is why you chose it.
As an individual attribute self-respect is the more noble choice of the two. Self-respect has been defined as possessing a proper respect for oneself as a human being, or regard for one’s own standing or position. Happiness, on the other hand, would come across as a goal to be reached, the result of some long term task. It is defined as a state of well being and contentment, a pleasurable or satisfying experience.
There isn’t any one of us that would deny the fact that we all wish to achieve real happiness. It is why we go to school, work hard, and build relationships. Happiness may not have been the initial reaction to the question of which is more important, but it would be a likely candidate for a number one goal.
Self-respect is an idea that we all hold dear and is yet so hard to hold onto. The possibility of it being snatched from our light grip plays with us daily. Every day, if self-respect is the most important, it is challenged by temptations in so many different aspects. We have to make decisions each day to stay true to this ideal that is oh so very slippery. Slippery not because it is not available, but slippery because self-respect can be compromised by a choice to be silent when you should speak up, sometimes it calls for silence when you want to yell. Can you be proud of the positions that you took today? Did you stand true to yourself no matter the cost? What would you give up for this idea of respecting yourself? Your job, your friends, your family relationships? These are all high costs for this noble choice.
My son is in the 4th grade. He has been homeschooled for most until this last year. He started public school and within the first week he experienced bullying for the first time. There was a little boy in his class and the other kids said unkind things to him and about him. They would trip him on the way to class, etc. This bothered my son deeply. When he disclosed the scenario he had witnessed, I informed him of his options and the consequences to those choices. He chose to go to the principle, instead of pretending not to notice it was going on. I was very clear that if he told, he would most likely be the next target. He went, fully informed of the potential, and pointed out the children that were doing the bullying.
He is only in 4th grade, and yet he knew, without the ability to verbalize it, that he would not be able to rest with himself knowing that he did not stand for what he knew was right. Could it be that his choice to respect himself also came from the same desire to possess happiness, or can you really know happiness without self-respect?
Friday, March 25, 2011
It' Not What You Said......
It's Not What You Say...It's How You Say It
What you say is often taken differently than how you intended it based on your delivery of the message alone. We all heard the cliche statement made from our parents when we were young "It's not what you say, its how you say it." Usually this statement was made during some altercation between siblings. However; it can apply to all our relationships, whether those be personal, business or just an acquaintance. Most of us would agree that we pay more attention to body language than the actual words that are spoken, which can provide many opportunities for misunderstandings, especially in gender differences.
Delivery of your message makes up half of what it is that you are trying to say in the first place. The receiving party can usually tell how the speaking party really feels about the subject in which is being discussed just based on how they behave towards it. Have you ever spoken with someone that is completely excited about a subject? It's completely contagious! The same goes for someone that is super NOT excited about a particular subject. You don't need them to flat out say..."I really don't care...whatever." Their behavior exudes the attitude and opinion they have already succumbed to.
I think gender makes our body language of high importance while in a conversation. Men and women perceive things very differently. Although I am not male, I would venture to guess that when a man is in a conversation the overriding thinking is generally "Yeah...she wants me" Men have a much more macho, I've got the information you need kind of attitude. Now please don't take this in the wrong way. I realize this is quite a generalization! The funny thing is...is women generally feel the same! We just express it differently than each other.
I think that women attempt to portray an attitude of sexy and smart at the same time. There are those that think its cute to be stupid...or act blonde. How that comes across to the male population...I really don't know...feel free to comment on that, all you men out there. How do you feel about sexy smart vs.. sexy dumb?
How about all you women? How do you feel about overconfident, macho, I can do it all men? (I fear I am having a Jerry MaGuire moment and come to regret the moment I hit post button)
Well, this blob completely went in a direction that was unintended and it sounds super sexist. I really am not...after thinking about interactions between men and women I really feel like there is usually some kind of initial "are you attracted to me or not" scenario. I also can admit that once that is figured out you are free to converse in a more relaxed way. Although, once you are relaxed, I think that is when the real barrier hits. How we perceive the opposite sex and how we come across to them.
Really I think that the variables that are involved in the many communication differences are so vast, and that is why there are and will continue to be so many books and seminars on how to communicate effectively.
You can tell someone they look nice.. and by the way you say it they can tell if you are being sarcastic or honest..or at least think they can tell.
What you say is often taken differently than how you intended it based on your delivery of the message alone. We all heard the cliche statement made from our parents when we were young "It's not what you say, its how you say it." Usually this statement was made during some altercation between siblings. However; it can apply to all our relationships, whether those be personal, business or just an acquaintance. Most of us would agree that we pay more attention to body language than the actual words that are spoken, which can provide many opportunities for misunderstandings, especially in gender differences.
Delivery of your message makes up half of what it is that you are trying to say in the first place. The receiving party can usually tell how the speaking party really feels about the subject in which is being discussed just based on how they behave towards it. Have you ever spoken with someone that is completely excited about a subject? It's completely contagious! The same goes for someone that is super NOT excited about a particular subject. You don't need them to flat out say..."I really don't care...whatever." Their behavior exudes the attitude and opinion they have already succumbed to.
I think gender makes our body language of high importance while in a conversation. Men and women perceive things very differently. Although I am not male, I would venture to guess that when a man is in a conversation the overriding thinking is generally "Yeah...she wants me" Men have a much more macho, I've got the information you need kind of attitude. Now please don't take this in the wrong way. I realize this is quite a generalization! The funny thing is...is women generally feel the same! We just express it differently than each other.
I think that women attempt to portray an attitude of sexy and smart at the same time. There are those that think its cute to be stupid...or act blonde. How that comes across to the male population...I really don't know...feel free to comment on that, all you men out there. How do you feel about sexy smart vs.. sexy dumb?
How about all you women? How do you feel about overconfident, macho, I can do it all men? (I fear I am having a Jerry MaGuire moment and come to regret the moment I hit post button)
Well, this blob completely went in a direction that was unintended and it sounds super sexist. I really am not...after thinking about interactions between men and women I really feel like there is usually some kind of initial "are you attracted to me or not" scenario. I also can admit that once that is figured out you are free to converse in a more relaxed way. Although, once you are relaxed, I think that is when the real barrier hits. How we perceive the opposite sex and how we come across to them.
Really I think that the variables that are involved in the many communication differences are so vast, and that is why there are and will continue to be so many books and seminars on how to communicate effectively.
You can tell someone they look nice.. and by the way you say it they can tell if you are being sarcastic or honest..or at least think they can tell.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Generation or Gender?
The Generational Gender Gap
While growing up there are some distinct differences between my relationship with my mother and my relationship with my father. I spent a lot of time “doing” with my father but a lot of time talking with my mother.
I never wondered if my dad loved me, or if he would be there for me if I needed him. We did not have long, deep discussions of how to handle problems or anything, but what we did I will forever remember. My dad had two girls I think he had a hard time relating to us so instead of trying to have a meaningful conversation he showed us his love by giving of his time. He would cut down broomsticks and tape them together and turn them into double barrel shotguns and we played Miami Vice. Not the one that is on now…the old one! I remember spending countless hours playing baseball with him, just throwing the ball back and forth. This was a subject of conversation. He would talk forever about the how to’s of baseball and all that I would need to know in order to be a good player. I don’t think he knew how to relate to us girls.
My mom on the other hand was the opposite. She knew just what to say and when to say it. I remember countless hours with her sitting on her bed while she spoke of all the lessons that she encountered as a young girl. It was my mom that told me that I could do anything I wanted, and that it is wrong to put someone down just to lift someone else up. She was the one that I cried to when my best friend moved out of state.
As my sister and I got older the communication between my dad and us became stronger and stronger. He was more willing to share thoughts and ideas with us. He spends time encouraging me to keep going even though it is very difficult. He seems to have reached a point in his life that he did not feel as though he could not relate to girls.
The relationship with my mom also evolved into a beautiful friendship. We still talk and bounce ideas off each other, but now she is less likely to share her thoughts and opinions. Maybe it’s because she feels that she has done her job and unless we ask for her opinion she doesn’t give it.
Unfortunately, I cannot come up with the solution the question of whether there is a difference in gender communication between generations because I feel that this is pretty coming in households everywhere. Men are more uncomfortable as a general rule in sharing and communicating feelings, emotions and even sometimes just an opinion for fear of it being misunderstood. Women are more likely to talk in a personal situation while men hold their tongue. This is the same pattern we see in our homes as well.
While growing up there are some distinct differences between my relationship with my mother and my relationship with my father. I spent a lot of time “doing” with my father but a lot of time talking with my mother.
I never wondered if my dad loved me, or if he would be there for me if I needed him. We did not have long, deep discussions of how to handle problems or anything, but what we did I will forever remember. My dad had two girls I think he had a hard time relating to us so instead of trying to have a meaningful conversation he showed us his love by giving of his time. He would cut down broomsticks and tape them together and turn them into double barrel shotguns and we played Miami Vice. Not the one that is on now…the old one! I remember spending countless hours playing baseball with him, just throwing the ball back and forth. This was a subject of conversation. He would talk forever about the how to’s of baseball and all that I would need to know in order to be a good player. I don’t think he knew how to relate to us girls.
My mom on the other hand was the opposite. She knew just what to say and when to say it. I remember countless hours with her sitting on her bed while she spoke of all the lessons that she encountered as a young girl. It was my mom that told me that I could do anything I wanted, and that it is wrong to put someone down just to lift someone else up. She was the one that I cried to when my best friend moved out of state.
As my sister and I got older the communication between my dad and us became stronger and stronger. He was more willing to share thoughts and ideas with us. He spends time encouraging me to keep going even though it is very difficult. He seems to have reached a point in his life that he did not feel as though he could not relate to girls.
The relationship with my mom also evolved into a beautiful friendship. We still talk and bounce ideas off each other, but now she is less likely to share her thoughts and opinions. Maybe it’s because she feels that she has done her job and unless we ask for her opinion she doesn’t give it.
Unfortunately, I cannot come up with the solution the question of whether there is a difference in gender communication between generations because I feel that this is pretty coming in households everywhere. Men are more uncomfortable as a general rule in sharing and communicating feelings, emotions and even sometimes just an opinion for fear of it being misunderstood. Women are more likely to talk in a personal situation while men hold their tongue. This is the same pattern we see in our homes as well.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Are we educating or teacing?
To Educate or Teach
It's been said that the 8th grade graduation test in the 1800 could not be passed by many college graduates. What has happened to our country? Perhaps we have allowed the education system to slowing disintegrate. As our country has become more focused on getting the most stuff and not what can I do to be better. We are now evaluating this decline in education and attempting to create some way out. Program improvement or NVLB has been initiated by the government to turn this broken system around. Unfortunately, creating an environment in which children want to learn is not the goal.
What is the focus of our country? I think the intentions were good, but teachers are now having to teach for tests and teach for learning. Where is this going to bring us? Frustration and failure is seem to be the result. Kids are graduating with no higher success rate. Just a couple generations back, there was not much discussion about leaving and going anywhere else. Traveling seemed like a luxury that only the rich could afford.
There is a much greater desire to travel and learn new things about different cultures. Teenagers today are looking to go oversees for the experience of it all and not just the education. There is a renewed appreciation for other cultures, however; I do think that there is somewhat of a phobia due to the high immigrant influx.
Students are able to respect others for many differences in opinion and religion, not like out parents. I think there is a level of fear when you start discussion the induction of a non-citizen most likely because of the large push to protect our borders.
I think that we need to remember that the strength of a nation is only as strong as its weakest member. We need to remember that knowledge is power, not just your typical knowledge but the kind of knowledge that you attain only after you study and regenerate information. Our kids are so hungry for real learning. The kind of learning that changes lives.
I think that to assume that American would be fooled into loving another religion or state of beliefs is to assume that Americans are not smart enough to be able to identify a bad religion. If we spend our time to educate the right way then we should not haveto worry too much about their decisions once they are grown.
It's been said that the 8th grade graduation test in the 1800 could not be passed by many college graduates. What has happened to our country? Perhaps we have allowed the education system to slowing disintegrate. As our country has become more focused on getting the most stuff and not what can I do to be better. We are now evaluating this decline in education and attempting to create some way out. Program improvement or NVLB has been initiated by the government to turn this broken system around. Unfortunately, creating an environment in which children want to learn is not the goal.
What is the focus of our country? I think the intentions were good, but teachers are now having to teach for tests and teach for learning. Where is this going to bring us? Frustration and failure is seem to be the result. Kids are graduating with no higher success rate. Just a couple generations back, there was not much discussion about leaving and going anywhere else. Traveling seemed like a luxury that only the rich could afford.
There is a much greater desire to travel and learn new things about different cultures. Teenagers today are looking to go oversees for the experience of it all and not just the education. There is a renewed appreciation for other cultures, however; I do think that there is somewhat of a phobia due to the high immigrant influx.
Students are able to respect others for many differences in opinion and religion, not like out parents. I think there is a level of fear when you start discussion the induction of a non-citizen most likely because of the large push to protect our borders.
I think that we need to remember that the strength of a nation is only as strong as its weakest member. We need to remember that knowledge is power, not just your typical knowledge but the kind of knowledge that you attain only after you study and regenerate information. Our kids are so hungry for real learning. The kind of learning that changes lives.
I think that to assume that American would be fooled into loving another religion or state of beliefs is to assume that Americans are not smart enough to be able to identify a bad religion. If we spend our time to educate the right way then we should not haveto worry too much about their decisions once they are grown.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Charged Words
Opinions and Charged Words
My daughter came into my room and told me that she is working supper hard to clean up her bedroom! She shares a room with her sister, whom also informed me that she was cleaning supper hard as well. Unfortunately, the both felt as though the other sister was not working nearly as hard as they, themselves, were working. You see, my older daughter was cleaning up all of the items that had been scattered all over the floor while her little sister was just working on the dirty laundry. However; her little sister came and told me that she has been working on gathering all of the clothes that had been scattered all over the floor, including her sisters’ towel! Her big sister on the other hand had only been picking up little things off the floor!
They have both twisted the story to be favorable to themselves while condemning the other to the gallows to be hung. Birk and Birk in their essay Selection, Slanting, and Charged Language have given this act a term called “slanting of facts”. This is done quite often in many different situations. The use of “charged words” is something much like slanting but can be of a more manipulative tool in the process of writing.
Just as I used my children to provide the example of slanting of the facts I will use another example from the same two girls that used previously. This is the way each one would recount and describe their experience at Chuck E Cheese.
Emma: Nana! You are never going to believe who we saw! Chuck E Cheese was there! He is so cute! He had a cute little hat on that matched his vest and was so nice to all the kids! He walked through the play-place and was dropping free tokens all over the floor!
Whitney: Oh Nana! I was awful! This horrible mouse came through the play-place! He was wearing an evil top hat and shirt that made him look like a wicked magician! As he walked through the play-place, he threw stuff at the kids they were trying to play!
Believe it or not this is the account of each girl’s point of view. Please not that the facts are the same, it is the use of what these “charged words” that leave us with a very clear account of how each child felt during the experience. Charged words are used anytime feelings, attitudes, judgments and values are being expressed. These charged words lead us in a very different direction from each other.
We feel the way each child felt during their experience, without them. It is the difference between listening to someone read the dictionary or encyclopedia. There are no attitudes or emotions expressed in these forms of communication. Could you imagine a day without expressing information with any imprint of how you felt one way or the other? No slanting, everything neutral facts. This is what Birk and Birk may have been referring to when they stated that without charged language, life would be but half life.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Indiference vs. Silence
Indifference vs. Silence
How are these two connected? What, if anything, do they have in common? When these two different words are spoken they are rarely used as synonyms. Rarely are they even thought of in the same context. It is my hope that these two words would change the way we conduct ourselves on a daily basis.
The dictionary definition for indifference means to lack interest or concern; unimportant. The definition of silence means absence of any sound or noise, stillness, the state or fact of being silent. These two words do not equate to similar meanings, but they are uses synonymously to express two devastating moments in history.
In a letter written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. he is saddened by the silence of the so called good people. As he participated in many protests and actively tried to persuade men with any power to finally stop the emotional and physical abuses toward black men, women and children. During his endeavor he met people that he would not consider to be bad or evil, only silent. He found that there were people around him that would not condone the suppression that blacks were suffering and yet they were silent to what was going on around him. In his letter to the clergymen at Birmingham he states “We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but to the appalling silence of the good people.” (Goshgarian)
The silence that he was speaking of was actual silence but it also was symbolic of indifference in this specific case. Those that sat in silence and watched while blacks were suppressed were in fact indifferent to their existence in general. They simply made no sound, no noise, no uprising in regards to the injustices that fellow mankind were suffering. In the full sense of the term they were indifferent.
In a speech made by a Holocaust survivor he spoke of indifference directly. He related the indifference to some of the people to the world to the silence that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of in his letter. There were people that knew what was happening and yet they still maintained commerce with Hitler. He equates indifference with silence when he states that “indifference elicits no response” (History Place), it provokes a silence. Both of these scenarios represent the ability of humanity to be inhumane.
I am always appalled by the fact that so many men were drawn into Hitler’s ideology and showed a complete indifference for life. To be able to separate families while knowing the fate of each man, woman and child is indifference at its most despicable state. How a man could support such despicable acts on humanity is beyond my comprehension. I cannot comprehend such depravity apart from an extreme case of indifference.
In the case of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the same is true but in a much different sense of the word. Although I cannot personally imagine myself trying to enforce such laws as black only and whites only I do wonder what side I would be on in a place and time when the cultural norm was prejudice. Would I be indifferent to people because I had accepted what was always know?
Works Cited
Goshgarian, Gary. Exploring Language. New York: Pearson, 2010.
History Place. 2011. 25 February 2011 <http://www.historyplace.com/speeches/wiesel.htm>.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Illiteracy
To Be Illiterate
By Marie
If you have ever been to court you know what it’s like sitting there waiting for your name to be called. It’s the perfect place for nosey people due to the fact that everything is said out loud, there is no privacy. It’s like being on the set of a sitcom.
As I sat there trying not to be interested in my fellow citizens dilemmas, there was a man that was called up to be next. The judge called his name and pointed to a young lady standing in line. He very eagerly went over and stood right by her. I should take a moment to tell you that the first thing the judge explained was that once you are called to the front you make a single file line in the isle way and she will see four people in a single file line. That said; you can see the frustration of the judge when the man stood right next to the first lady called.
The judge waved him over to the isle, only he did not understand that part so he just got closer to the lady. At that point the judge yelled “What are you doing? Get away from her!” The bailiff took him by the arm and helped him to his spot. When it was finally his turn, he told the judge that he needed a Persian interpreter. Ah Ha! Now it made sense. He didn’t understand anything going on around him!
I couldn’t stop thinking about how that would feel! Could you imagine looking around you at signs and having no idea what they are telling you? Do they say “Do not enter” or “Caution”? Could they be telling you that there is free coffee, or that you are in a 20 item or less isle? More importantly if your child has chicken pocks or some highly contagious disease to wait in a separate lobby.
Here is a list of things of some things that, just this last week that absolutely required literacy : I verified that the pharmacy made the correct medicine for my daughter, I filled out paper work to be re-reimbursed for my school costs, I wrote a note to my daughters school to inform them why she was absent. I sent and read multiple emails from individuals on a personal and business level. I paid bills. I researched different active ingredients in cough medicine for my older daughter. I also helped that same daughter memorize lines for the musical she is in. We worked on homework together. My son studied for a Social Studies test, in which I quizzed him.
There are adults out there that are illiterate and cannot help their children in school. They undoubtedly sign things that the content to which they have signed are a complete mystery to them other than what they are told. It would be very similar to that poor man that had no idea what was going on around him. I can think of so many different things that I encounter every day that requires me to read on some level. Just try it. Go a whole day without reading or writing a single thing. I imagine it would be similar to the “white fog” (Goshgarian) Helen Keller talks about as she describes the world around her.
Works Cited
Goshgarian, Gary. Exploring Language. New York: Pearson, 2010.
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