Michael Moore & Rhetoric
16 years ago
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Grammer Post: Comma, Comma and Comma
Comma's can be very helpful or in my case they can be the cause of a red mark on your papers. I struggle with comma's most of the time. I thought I was getting proficient in the introduction comma but soon found I needed a refresher. I found this site at Purdue in their OWL and hope it helps you as well. They are other links when you get into this site so have fun cruising around.
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/03/
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/03/
Friday, July 3, 2009
America The Beautiful
D'Souza presents a different view of the Islamic world than what I am used to hearing. He states their intentions are to submit us to a central type of government. I always thought they were just trying to destroy us completely and not have any survivors. D'Souza also states that the Islamic community is a community that has been at war with democracy for many centuries and the battle with Russia, in the Cold War, just a detour for several years. These concepts were new to me. being informed that the Islamic world wants to rule us was aggravating to understand. The fundamentalists movement within the Muslim community is difficult to understand, especially when the US was helpful to them in fighting off the Russian invasion.
In the end of his piece D'Souza comments on the patriatism of the Americans. He states, "Only now are those Americans who grew up during the 1960s coming to appreciate the virtues - indeed the indispensability - of this older, sturdier culture of courage, nobility, and sacrifice. It is this culture that will protect the liberties of all Americans...."(778) Why did it take so long for the 1960 generation to come to an appreciation of a national identity? Specutlation might didcate that the inidividual was searching for more freedom and the government at this time was willing to allow for it. Especially with the "Warren Courts" controlling the Supreme Court. This idea of individualism helped the majority of the population forget about the national identity. It tool the events of 9/11 to bring the country the idea of unity one more time.
D'Sousa in his final paragraphs make the outward attack on the Muslim ideals. He compares the results of the American society with Muslim society and concludes that the person who is produced in the American sociey is , "confident, self-reliant, tolerant, genreous, future orientated.." What a bold statement to call the Muslim fundamentalist a "wretched , servile, falistic and intolerant huamn being..." If what he states is true about the Islamic Society of wanting to control every movement, then America will continue to unite to keep out freedom. If these people are so high and mighty, then why participate in the worst parts of our society of gambling, drinking, and strip clubs just before they commit the greatest act that will secure their eternal life? Maybe, just maybe, they are not as happy as they think they are living in their caves and hiding from the civilized world.
In the end of his piece D'Souza comments on the patriatism of the Americans. He states, "Only now are those Americans who grew up during the 1960s coming to appreciate the virtues - indeed the indispensability - of this older, sturdier culture of courage, nobility, and sacrifice. It is this culture that will protect the liberties of all Americans...."(778) Why did it take so long for the 1960 generation to come to an appreciation of a national identity? Specutlation might didcate that the inidividual was searching for more freedom and the government at this time was willing to allow for it. Especially with the "Warren Courts" controlling the Supreme Court. This idea of individualism helped the majority of the population forget about the national identity. It tool the events of 9/11 to bring the country the idea of unity one more time.
D'Sousa in his final paragraphs make the outward attack on the Muslim ideals. He compares the results of the American society with Muslim society and concludes that the person who is produced in the American sociey is , "confident, self-reliant, tolerant, genreous, future orientated.." What a bold statement to call the Muslim fundamentalist a "wretched , servile, falistic and intolerant huamn being..." If what he states is true about the Islamic Society of wanting to control every movement, then America will continue to unite to keep out freedom. If these people are so high and mighty, then why participate in the worst parts of our society of gambling, drinking, and strip clubs just before they commit the greatest act that will secure their eternal life? Maybe, just maybe, they are not as happy as they think they are living in their caves and hiding from the civilized world.
Grammer Corner: To Be Verbs
UUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGGG! I am now officially a self-conscious writer. I was gaining confidence in my writing until I was enlightened with the horrible use of "to be" verbs. Just had to erase another sentence because of the stupid to be verbs. I completed some research on to be verbs and found several sites. I posted two of those sites one of which I believe helps me to understand that in some situations "to be" is ok as opposed "not to be."
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/passive.htm
http://www.unc.edu/~dcderosa/Draftworkshops/tobeverbs.html
I personally recommend the second site because it gives insight great insight to finding the dreaded "to be" verbs in your writings. This piece contains a great idea to save time when reviewing and editing your writing. Good luck!
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/passive.htm
http://www.unc.edu/~dcderosa/Draftworkshops/tobeverbs.html
I personally recommend the second site because it gives insight great insight to finding the dreaded "to be" verbs in your writings. This piece contains a great idea to save time when reviewing and editing your writing. Good luck!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
I'm Black, You're White, Who's Innocent
"What great power than that of nonresponse, the power to let a small enemy sizzle in his own juices, to even feel a little sad at his frustration just as one is also complimented by it." (Steele, 532) This is great advice to anyone, even if it does not pertain to racism. This comment is a liberating piece of writing. Steele does a wonderful job of explaining racism and how it affects both people. I really enjoyed the fact that he laid no particular blame to a race. He holds both races responsible. What a refereshing look at such a subject. There were many things I agreed with him on. I enjoyed how he explained innocence and how it applies to both races. If one race is claiming innocence then more than likely they are experiencing some form of racism.
I really enjoyed the part where he explains how the people who were recently liberated in the civil rights era have not improved themselves. Steele has a way of looking at the facts and pointing them out in a logical fashion. I could see why in the introduction he is not liked by those of his race. How many people are willing to listen to the facts being interpretted to say that you have been given chances and yet you still refuse to follow up with them. He states the example of how so many of his people were dropping out of college. He also stated that this was much higher than that of the whites. He then realtes the idea that black on black crime is an all time high and the white's have not been around.
Steele then brings up the unthinkable. He states that the black people are concerned that they will lose their power of innocnce, thus losing the controlling power of guilt over the white man. I would have more empathy with a people that actually capitalize on all the benefits that government has to offer, than I am with a group of people that have won their independence and do nothing to live the dreams of great organizers and leaders before them. I have wondered what Dr. King would think if he was able to view the people of today compared with the circumstances he was presented with when he was alive. Would he lead the same pity party or would he be furthering the events to help all people be equal. I believe he would be willing to say that when he was alive there was never even dreaming of a black man for President. Steele is a brave individual for going against his race and the attitudes they have adopted. He may eventually be able to persuade the disbelievers that life is good and the oppotunities are endless.
I really enjoyed the part where he explains how the people who were recently liberated in the civil rights era have not improved themselves. Steele has a way of looking at the facts and pointing them out in a logical fashion. I could see why in the introduction he is not liked by those of his race. How many people are willing to listen to the facts being interpretted to say that you have been given chances and yet you still refuse to follow up with them. He states the example of how so many of his people were dropping out of college. He also stated that this was much higher than that of the whites. He then realtes the idea that black on black crime is an all time high and the white's have not been around.
Steele then brings up the unthinkable. He states that the black people are concerned that they will lose their power of innocnce, thus losing the controlling power of guilt over the white man. I would have more empathy with a people that actually capitalize on all the benefits that government has to offer, than I am with a group of people that have won their independence and do nothing to live the dreams of great organizers and leaders before them. I have wondered what Dr. King would think if he was able to view the people of today compared with the circumstances he was presented with when he was alive. Would he lead the same pity party or would he be furthering the events to help all people be equal. I believe he would be willing to say that when he was alive there was never even dreaming of a black man for President. Steele is a brave individual for going against his race and the attitudes they have adopted. He may eventually be able to persuade the disbelievers that life is good and the oppotunities are endless.
Two Ways a Woman Can Ger Hurt
KIlbourne introduces several views on commercial ads. If I was to guess I would say she is against them. The old adage of "sex sells" is very prevalent in our society of people who need to be entertained at a moments notice and the ads have to appeal to everyone quickly. Does this objectify women and does this cause them danger? I would agree with both of her conclusions. Women are objectified in our culture. This places them in harms way because once a person, man or women, sees a particular gender in a certain light it is difficult at best to change this labeling. Kilboune introduces the idea that a woman's rapist was not punished because she wore certian underwear that told the all female jury that her morals were questionable. I come back to the idea that "NO means NO" and no person has the right to give up thier personal responsibility to control themselves when another rejects their advances.
This brings me to my next point. When are Americans going to accept responsibility for thier own actions. Too many times I read where the offender of a crime is suing the victims for compensation for getting hurt while attempting to break the law. What the hell! Why can't we be responsible enough to know that the ads that are placed are fiction. Have we become such a mindless society that we have to have others tell us what to wear or what to think? On that note if people are willing to believe a 30 second commercial as a standard for living, all we can hope to do is control everything that comes across the airwives. We must remove everything that will give the potential offender the opportunity or thought to commit the crime. Yeah sounds ridiculous to me to. This is wherre Kilbourne and I disagree.
You cannot expect to give a journalist freedom to print what they want based on their opinion and then not allow others to do the same. Have the ads gone to far? Yes they have, but they are working. That is the kick in the pants if you ask me. These advertisers would not use them unless they are working. So maybe we ought to teach the people to think for themselves and know that just because a woman wears clothes that are somewhat revealing she is not advertising for any person to violate her rights. Money talks. When the money stops talking the advertisers will start walking and attempting new ways to accomplish the age old feat of trying sell one product to many.
This brings me to my next point. When are Americans going to accept responsibility for thier own actions. Too many times I read where the offender of a crime is suing the victims for compensation for getting hurt while attempting to break the law. What the hell! Why can't we be responsible enough to know that the ads that are placed are fiction. Have we become such a mindless society that we have to have others tell us what to wear or what to think? On that note if people are willing to believe a 30 second commercial as a standard for living, all we can hope to do is control everything that comes across the airwives. We must remove everything that will give the potential offender the opportunity or thought to commit the crime. Yeah sounds ridiculous to me to. This is wherre Kilbourne and I disagree.
You cannot expect to give a journalist freedom to print what they want based on their opinion and then not allow others to do the same. Have the ads gone to far? Yes they have, but they are working. That is the kick in the pants if you ask me. These advertisers would not use them unless they are working. So maybe we ought to teach the people to think for themselves and know that just because a woman wears clothes that are somewhat revealing she is not advertising for any person to violate her rights. Money talks. When the money stops talking the advertisers will start walking and attempting new ways to accomplish the age old feat of trying sell one product to many.
Killer Culture
From the Boy Scout Motto to the "bug" chasers was quite a stretch for me. I will give Kupelian the credit he deserves for being able to take his thoughts through so many problems of today while he is watching his son in a Scout meeting. Kupelian brought out several points that I thought were worth repeating. He drew comparisons of the cultures of today with the wicked cities of the Old Testament, Sodom and Gomorrah. In drawing these comparisons he showed how simple it is for cultures to fall so far so fast. He provides a solution with a specific goal of withdrawing our children from the public school sytem. Though I do not agree with his solution I am inclined to agree with him on theory of degradation of society.
When forming his comparisons with the Old Testament cities, he descibes them as being the ultimate place of societal degredation. In the 1950's movie, these two cities were made to embrace all that was horrible and thought to destroy cultures of decency and prosperity. I was caught off guard when Kupelian compared our culture to these two cultures. I was always under the impression that these two cities embraced even more worthless cultural habits than we might as Americans. Kupelian clearly showed that we are worse than those two cultures of their time. We have as a society been forced to accept this degradation as the ability of the people to express themselves. I have always felt that I might have been born several years too late because I differ so much with the mainstream of society. I do not accept that people will harm their bodies and chase disease all in the name of self expression, but I do acknowledge that this country was set up to allow for such ideals of expression.
Finally, his ideas of seperating our children from the public schools is ridiculous. The way to change a society is not to withdraw from it, but to live in it and represent your ideals to be appealing to others. I take for example the Polygamists. They have had little success in changing societies views of them by reclusing themselves from the mainstream public. They have taken this idea of seperation to an extreme, but what does Kupelian think will happen with the children when they have to particiapte in society to make money or got to college? He does bring up good ideas of placing our children in wholesome activities and being a strong part of their lives. This is good advice no matter what civilization a person lives in. It is more critical now that parents teach their children what is expected of them, because if we are not willing then their are many who are just waiting for the opportunity to do so.
When forming his comparisons with the Old Testament cities, he descibes them as being the ultimate place of societal degredation. In the 1950's movie, these two cities were made to embrace all that was horrible and thought to destroy cultures of decency and prosperity. I was caught off guard when Kupelian compared our culture to these two cultures. I was always under the impression that these two cities embraced even more worthless cultural habits than we might as Americans. Kupelian clearly showed that we are worse than those two cultures of their time. We have as a society been forced to accept this degradation as the ability of the people to express themselves. I have always felt that I might have been born several years too late because I differ so much with the mainstream of society. I do not accept that people will harm their bodies and chase disease all in the name of self expression, but I do acknowledge that this country was set up to allow for such ideals of expression.
Finally, his ideas of seperating our children from the public schools is ridiculous. The way to change a society is not to withdraw from it, but to live in it and represent your ideals to be appealing to others. I take for example the Polygamists. They have had little success in changing societies views of them by reclusing themselves from the mainstream public. They have taken this idea of seperation to an extreme, but what does Kupelian think will happen with the children when they have to particiapte in society to make money or got to college? He does bring up good ideas of placing our children in wholesome activities and being a strong part of their lives. This is good advice no matter what civilization a person lives in. It is more critical now that parents teach their children what is expected of them, because if we are not willing then their are many who are just waiting for the opportunity to do so.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Girl
I have to admit that I did not follow this reading very well. The questions at the end only added to my confusion because I could not answer them. This will be a best guess scenario to decipher this writing.
This writing is about advice from an older women to a younger girl. The statements of scheduling and how to conduct herself elude to the fact that the speaker has had some experience in the areas being discussed. The tone sets the idea that the information being given contains a condescending feel. There is no room for the recipient to respond or protest to the information provided. This advice may have been given by a mother to a daughter.
Several things are repeated in this writing. Some of the statements clarify the sex of the speakers. "Sundays try to walk like a lady and not like the slut you are..." these appear to be harsh words of advice to another person whether a daughter or not. This leads the reader to believe that the adviser has some irritation with the recipient. This also caught me off guard. When I began reading this piece I believed to to be the advice of a mother to a daughter and then the statement of calling the child a slut. If the intended affect was to shock the reader I feel it did a very good job.
This writing is about advice from an older women to a younger girl. The statements of scheduling and how to conduct herself elude to the fact that the speaker has had some experience in the areas being discussed. The tone sets the idea that the information being given contains a condescending feel. There is no room for the recipient to respond or protest to the information provided. This advice may have been given by a mother to a daughter.
Several things are repeated in this writing. Some of the statements clarify the sex of the speakers. "Sundays try to walk like a lady and not like the slut you are..." these appear to be harsh words of advice to another person whether a daughter or not. This leads the reader to believe that the adviser has some irritation with the recipient. This also caught me off guard. When I began reading this piece I believed to to be the advice of a mother to a daughter and then the statement of calling the child a slut. If the intended affect was to shock the reader I feel it did a very good job.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Grammer Corner: Who & Whom
I have recently been struggling with this concept. When should I use who and when should I use whom. If mixed up an English instructor will be very unhappy. Who says ignorance is not bliss! I have successfully avoided learning the difference between the two for quite some time.
The rule states: ""Who" and Whoever" are subject pronouns; "whom" and "whomever" are in the objective case."http://web.ku.edu/~edit/whom.html
Now that I know the rules hopefully I will be able to distinguish between who and whom.
The rule states: ""Who" and Whoever" are subject pronouns; "whom" and "whomever" are in the objective case."http://web.ku.edu/~edit/whom.html
Now that I know the rules hopefully I will be able to distinguish between who and whom.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Framing Class, Vicarious Living, and Conspicuous Consumption
Diana Kimball has a chip on her shoulder. While reading her essay I was often questioning whether she understands the idea of entertainment or whether she sees some sort of conspiracy in everything television produces. She was able to find fault in every show she watched. WOW! People become to dependent on television for their view of the world. Since my returning to college I have had little time to watch television. When I do find time to watch television, I am not looking for my opinion. I am looking for a place to be able to avoid life for the hour or so.
Kimball suggests that the motive for media is to bring in money. I do not know if she realizes that she is living in a capitalistic society, but maybe someone should tell her. You show me a news agency that will cater to her type of reporting called civic journalism and I will show you a broke news agency. I believe that her ideals are noble. Should the reporter go beyond the story? I think some agencies have done this, but the segment are short. The news agencies are competing for people and ratings.
I know that by reading her biography that she is well schooled in the media and how it represents social and racial classes. I am also aware that she is a professor. With all this in place I believe that her article missed the point of television. It is for entertainment and not for family values. In one of our earlier essays we read about finding work. Even though this young man wanted his family to live like "Beaver", he did not find his life a total loss when his family would not cooperate. How many families view the news and shows and say, "This is not what I believe!" It seems as though people spend way too much time trying to find some sort of symbolism in everything around us. What ever happened to just entertainment?
Kimball suggests that the motive for media is to bring in money. I do not know if she realizes that she is living in a capitalistic society, but maybe someone should tell her. You show me a news agency that will cater to her type of reporting called civic journalism and I will show you a broke news agency. I believe that her ideals are noble. Should the reporter go beyond the story? I think some agencies have done this, but the segment are short. The news agencies are competing for people and ratings.
I know that by reading her biography that she is well schooled in the media and how it represents social and racial classes. I am also aware that she is a professor. With all this in place I believe that her article missed the point of television. It is for entertainment and not for family values. In one of our earlier essays we read about finding work. Even though this young man wanted his family to live like "Beaver", he did not find his life a total loss when his family would not cooperate. How many families view the news and shows and say, "This is not what I believe!" It seems as though people spend way too much time trying to find some sort of symbolism in everything around us. What ever happened to just entertainment?
From Seven Floor Up
I had a hard time following this poem. I could not tell if the author had some sort of reverence for the homeless or disgust. After reading it twice I believe that she is distancing herself from the homeless because maybe she feels deep inside that she could be homeless in a matter of moments herself. She compares homelessness to death, a fact with which we all cannot avoid. This to me shows her denial. Denial is the first step to acceptance.
I do like the way she compares the homeless man to a revolutionary person. I believe she has some reverence for him as she views him because she does not see him as small like most of might when looking at him from seven stories up. Instead she compares him to an individual who led people. Does she see him as a leader? I think she admires his ability to live without the conveniences she missed while in the wilderness. She comments on hugging a toilet. There is dependence on modern conveniences.
Her final line seems to sum up all of her thoughts. She realizes that she has it easy as she considers it her birth. I believe that she can feel some empathy for this homeless man and some respect as he forges on in the November cold. At least I think it is cold by her description of the wind and bare trees.
I do like the way she compares the homeless man to a revolutionary person. I believe she has some reverence for him as she views him because she does not see him as small like most of might when looking at him from seven stories up. Instead she compares him to an individual who led people. Does she see him as a leader? I think she admires his ability to live without the conveniences she missed while in the wilderness. She comments on hugging a toilet. There is dependence on modern conveniences.
Her final line seems to sum up all of her thoughts. She realizes that she has it easy as she considers it her birth. I believe that she can feel some empathy for this homeless man and some respect as he forges on in the November cold. At least I think it is cold by her description of the wind and bare trees.
Money
This poem by Gioia was excellent. I enjoyed how the phrases and sayings were put together to form an opinion about money. It gained a rhythm in the second verse for me when it was getting "chocked up, forked over" and shelled out. This is how money moves for most of us fast.
The second to last verse explains wealth. How many people make more money once they already seem to have it. The rich get richer and the poorer get poorer. It seems that the more money people have the faster they can make it and make a tremendous amount more. Examples of these type of people are all around us. Many famous peoples children have made a name of their own even though they stand to inherit the fortunes of their fathers.
The last verse is my favorite. We definitely do not know here money has been and we definitely put it our mouths. Our culture has come to accept that money speaks volumes when dealing with most anyone. Money make the world go around is a saying that my father used to tell me. Being out in the world now any strengthens his words.
The second to last verse explains wealth. How many people make more money once they already seem to have it. The rich get richer and the poorer get poorer. It seems that the more money people have the faster they can make it and make a tremendous amount more. Examples of these type of people are all around us. Many famous peoples children have made a name of their own even though they stand to inherit the fortunes of their fathers.
The last verse is my favorite. We definitely do not know here money has been and we definitely put it our mouths. Our culture has come to accept that money speaks volumes when dealing with most anyone. Money make the world go around is a saying that my father used to tell me. Being out in the world now any strengthens his words.
Serving in Florida
This essay was very thought provoking. How many of us are living this same nightmare over and over again. The only difference is Ehrenreich knew she could leave at any time and was only forced to stay in her situation because of her desire to fulfill some experiment. She was able to touch on several points that people find themselves in. Those points dealt with the eventual acceptance of the lifestyle and also with the dynamics of the work place. To many people in this country have to live paycheck to paycheck in order to survive.
It is amazing what people can and will accept in order to survive or to obtain the next paycheck. Ehrenreich found herself devouring advil and other over the counter drugs just so she could go to work. She also felt that she was not able to miss a day of work for fear of not being able to pay her rent. With the economic turn of 2008 many of the people of today find themselves in this postition. She was able to protray the desperation of her co workers by noticing that they could not leave the lives they had. Her friend who was living in a trailer behind the place where she worked was a great example of the working homeless in this country. People soon work to live who have been in this situation because of being so dependent on the paycheck.
Dependency on this paycheck creates a social network that people who have not been in this situation will not understand. Ehrenreich describes the dynamics of the workplace wonderfully. People become afraid to offend those that control their paycheck. These middle management enforcers gain a large amount of control over people. Her boss "BJ" was described as being one of those personalities. She was so focused on moving people out of the restaurant that she forgot that they were the people paying her paycheck. Those that feel this same oppression begin to form bonds and sometimes hidden mutanies. Ehrenreich finally had her final mutany when she left.
It is amazing what people can and will accept in order to survive or to obtain the next paycheck. Ehrenreich found herself devouring advil and other over the counter drugs just so she could go to work. She also felt that she was not able to miss a day of work for fear of not being able to pay her rent. With the economic turn of 2008 many of the people of today find themselves in this postition. She was able to protray the desperation of her co workers by noticing that they could not leave the lives they had. Her friend who was living in a trailer behind the place where she worked was a great example of the working homeless in this country. People soon work to live who have been in this situation because of being so dependent on the paycheck.
Dependency on this paycheck creates a social network that people who have not been in this situation will not understand. Ehrenreich describes the dynamics of the workplace wonderfully. People become afraid to offend those that control their paycheck. These middle management enforcers gain a large amount of control over people. Her boss "BJ" was described as being one of those personalities. She was so focused on moving people out of the restaurant that she forgot that they were the people paying her paycheck. Those that feel this same oppression begin to form bonds and sometimes hidden mutanies. Ehrenreich finally had her final mutany when she left.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
"I Just Want to be Average"
I found it difficult to follow Rose as he recalled his days in the vocational track and then eventually into the college prep track. Some of the tales he tells might remind some of us the injustices felt when the paddle was wielded in our direction. The administrators of school used different rules than what can pertain to now. Corporal punishment is no laughing matter when you are in High School. The feeling of humility and discouragement come quickly especially when it is done in front of everyone. Rose makes a quote from his gym teacher that would bring a smile to any student who had to deal with this type of teacher.
Teacher: "'Rose'? What the hell kind of name is that?"
Rose: "'Italian, sir,' I squeaked."
Teacher: "Italian! Ho. Rose, do you know the sound a bag of shit makes when it hits the wall?"
Rose: "No, Sir."
Teacher: "Wop!"
If a teacher was to pursue this line of questioning today and tell this kind of joke, I can think of at twelve different government agencies that would be involved with his/her discipline. It can be told that rose grew up in a different time.
Rose recounts his most astonishing revelation when he was attending his vocational education classes. When a Ken Harvey was asked to give the usual answer to wanting to work hard and succeed, his reply caused thought for Rose. His reply, "I want be average." Rose continues to think of this concept for a great deal of time. It still is with him to this day. Rose admires the work that would have to go into being just average. A person would have to know what to say and when to keep up the persona that they were just average. To know when to be quiet and when to answer correctly and when to answer wrongly. Rose wisely comes to the conclusion that it would be easier to just be himself and try his best, when he wanted to.
Roses best would not come until he met his match with an English teacher. One must always be aware of an English teacher. They unlike science and math teacher have a way of unlocking hidden communication talent. A science and math teacher will give the students plenty of opportunity to regurgitate and memorize information. An English teacher will ask your opinion and expect you to reply coherently and legibly. Rose was able to unlock his ability to communicate with people when his English teacher raised the bar and expected him to succeed. We all need the support of a teacher or two to boost our ability and believe in us to succeed.
Teacher: "'Rose'? What the hell kind of name is that?"
Rose: "'Italian, sir,' I squeaked."
Teacher: "Italian! Ho. Rose, do you know the sound a bag of shit makes when it hits the wall?"
Rose: "No, Sir."
Teacher: "Wop!"
If a teacher was to pursue this line of questioning today and tell this kind of joke, I can think of at twelve different government agencies that would be involved with his/her discipline. It can be told that rose grew up in a different time.
Rose recounts his most astonishing revelation when he was attending his vocational education classes. When a Ken Harvey was asked to give the usual answer to wanting to work hard and succeed, his reply caused thought for Rose. His reply, "I want be average." Rose continues to think of this concept for a great deal of time. It still is with him to this day. Rose admires the work that would have to go into being just average. A person would have to know what to say and when to keep up the persona that they were just average. To know when to be quiet and when to answer correctly and when to answer wrongly. Rose wisely comes to the conclusion that it would be easier to just be himself and try his best, when he wanted to.
Roses best would not come until he met his match with an English teacher. One must always be aware of an English teacher. They unlike science and math teacher have a way of unlocking hidden communication talent. A science and math teacher will give the students plenty of opportunity to regurgitate and memorize information. An English teacher will ask your opinion and expect you to reply coherently and legibly. Rose was able to unlock his ability to communicate with people when his English teacher raised the bar and expected him to succeed. We all need the support of a teacher or two to boost our ability and believe in us to succeed.
Against School
Gatto seems to have a concern with education in this country. He compares it to the Prussia way of schooling which has been documented as the worst in the world. Gatto solidifies his comments with renowned educators within the American system, who ratify his position of a bored students. Gatto also has thrity years of experience in the school system as a teacher and another twelve years as a student. He claimes that the purpose of schooling is to make the majority of people conform to the ideas that are presented by and elite few. This brainwashing takes place in the schools by repaticion and boring texts. Gatto maintains the points by reiterating the six keys to education presented by Alexaner Inglis. The six principles contain adjustment, integration, diagnostic, differentiating, selecting, and propaedutic. Each of these functions has the end goal to get the students to obey blindly and to be sorted to the education and eventually careers that they will have in the future.
I can not agree with Gatto completely. I will agree that most teachers are just there to help with this process of getting students to pass the acedemics and not challenging the learning of the individual. Teaching in my opinion has become very subjective to the teacher and every student who is striving to excell knows that they must appeal to this subjective intent in order to receive the grade that they feel they deserve. With this being explained, is it not the students job to retreive the education that they will need in the future to succeed? No teacher is willing to hold a students hand until the student is safely in a career. Students of today need to raise the bar themselves and challenge the learning sytem to learn. Gatto expalins that several genious's of our time have not gone to school which left them open more creativity and eventually many great discoveries. These discoveries were great, just how much more could be accomplished with learning from the past so that the laws and principles that have been learned will not have to be relearned.
Gatto does redeem himself by forcing the idea of parents to help their children succeed. Parents should be aware of their childs education and what his/her needs are. Parents can teach children to excell and not make the same mistakes or to make the right choices as they did. Gatto also suggests that students should not be afraid to be alone to examine the inner thinking of themselves. The greatest inventors had to sacrifice their ties to the communities in order to make the great discoveries of our time. Students should not be concerned with having time to think about problems and situations. The ability to do this may bring about the next greatest discoveries in the world.
I can not agree with Gatto completely. I will agree that most teachers are just there to help with this process of getting students to pass the acedemics and not challenging the learning of the individual. Teaching in my opinion has become very subjective to the teacher and every student who is striving to excell knows that they must appeal to this subjective intent in order to receive the grade that they feel they deserve. With this being explained, is it not the students job to retreive the education that they will need in the future to succeed? No teacher is willing to hold a students hand until the student is safely in a career. Students of today need to raise the bar themselves and challenge the learning sytem to learn. Gatto expalins that several genious's of our time have not gone to school which left them open more creativity and eventually many great discoveries. These discoveries were great, just how much more could be accomplished with learning from the past so that the laws and principles that have been learned will not have to be relearned.
Gatto does redeem himself by forcing the idea of parents to help their children succeed. Parents should be aware of their childs education and what his/her needs are. Parents can teach children to excell and not make the same mistakes or to make the right choices as they did. Gatto also suggests that students should not be afraid to be alone to examine the inner thinking of themselves. The greatest inventors had to sacrifice their ties to the communities in order to make the great discoveries of our time. Students should not be concerned with having time to think about problems and situations. The ability to do this may bring about the next greatest discoveries in the world.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Grammer Corner: Commas
Commas have traditionally been a problem. When do I use them and when should I rewrite to omit them. The comma is a such a versatile tool that I am learning when and when not to use them. I have trouble with them because there are times I would like the reader to pause and I found out that is grammatically incorrect to add them. UUHHHHG!
The rule I will share with everyone today is: Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause. This can be found at:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02/
The rule I will share with everyone today is: Use a pair of commas in the middle of a sentence to set off clauses, phrases, and words that are not essential to the meaning of the sentence. Use one comma before to indicate the beginning of the pause and one at the end to indicate the end of the pause. This can be found at:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02/
Idiot Nation
I am not a big Michael Moore fan and when I saw he was the author, this was troubling to me. I have to admit that I have not seen any of his works for several reasons. The main reason I find is that he offers no solutions, but will ridicule those in charge. So I believe that the people in charge are doing a good job? No, I do believe that they are doing what they can whether right or wrong. With that said I was not to shocked to read about his disgust for the public school system. He expressed great discontent toward the administrators and the politicians. I would like to see what his solution is. I was surprised to find out that I agreed with his position on the amount of money spent to maintain the libraries. I have to admit that this is a shame. If only he could have left it at the facts instead of blaming the politicians. I do agree with the quote that the worst thing the country can do is close the libraries early.
Learning about the corporate sponsorship was astonishing to me. I know that we live a capitalistic society and we spend millions of dollars on advertising to get people to buy products. I did not realize that the advertisers started with the high school students. I have to admit that I don't see a problem with the corporate sponsorship. I have owned my own business and at times it was hard just to keep my employees working and paid. I can not imagine what it must take for a large corporation to manage its affairs. These corporations could just as easily spend their money on other advertising and not get a double benefit. I have to admit that I do not believe that corporate America owes the public freebies or handouts (unless they have taken "bailout" money in the past year). I am not opposed to corporate America spending a little money on the school system.
A last and final thought. I enjoyed Michael Moore's ideas on how to become involved in change. He challenged the students to learn the rules and operate within them. What a brilliant idea. Rebel in the right direction, challenge authority and stay out of trouble. His whole essay could have been about this rebellious plan. Overall, he ended his essay with class and style in my book. I would like to see students challenge the system on their own to make changes from within. I would finally like to say that it ultimatley comes down to the student to learn more and understand more. If the student is to take initiative, there is always a way to succeed.
Learning about the corporate sponsorship was astonishing to me. I know that we live a capitalistic society and we spend millions of dollars on advertising to get people to buy products. I did not realize that the advertisers started with the high school students. I have to admit that I don't see a problem with the corporate sponsorship. I have owned my own business and at times it was hard just to keep my employees working and paid. I can not imagine what it must take for a large corporation to manage its affairs. These corporations could just as easily spend their money on other advertising and not get a double benefit. I have to admit that I do not believe that corporate America owes the public freebies or handouts (unless they have taken "bailout" money in the past year). I am not opposed to corporate America spending a little money on the school system.
A last and final thought. I enjoyed Michael Moore's ideas on how to become involved in change. He challenged the students to learn the rules and operate within them. What a brilliant idea. Rebel in the right direction, challenge authority and stay out of trouble. His whole essay could have been about this rebellious plan. Overall, he ended his essay with class and style in my book. I would like to see students challenge the system on their own to make changes from within. I would finally like to say that it ultimatley comes down to the student to learn more and understand more. If the student is to take initiative, there is always a way to succeed.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Changing American Families
Aulette was very informative about the changing nuclear families that exist within racial and economical categories. I did not believe that the upper-class families fit the stereotype prevelant in society. Aulette did mention that this was the hardest group to obtain data from. The idea of protecting family money was of most interest to me. It almost seems as if the idea of wealth in their mind is to prevent the loss of the family wealth. With this wealth they act resposnsibly by volunteering within the community. Accordingly this allows them power and prestige within the community.
I lived in Detriot for 2 years. While I was living there I was able to interact with the commuties like the "flats" that Aulette eluded to. As I interacted with those communities I found that even though the full sense of the "matriarchal" society was not present, there was a strong female presence in the homes that we visited. This presence clearly set the tone for the family and through my obeservations made many of the family decisions. These decisions were made even if the father was present and especially when the father was not present. The idea that it is not a matriacrchal society did not fit the observations I had made while I lived in Detroit.
The working class middle family fits the ideal american family that I grew up with. We were taught to marry for love and not money, we were dependant on extended family for support and help and finally we were taught to leave the work at work and be home at home. The majority of people may agree with Aulette that it is almost impossible to make this seperation everyday. Many families that I grew up saw the work of the father and mother brought home just so they could make ends meet and also keep up on the work load. Alaong with exposure I would like to add that work ethic was taught within the confines of the family as a way of survival. It was passed from generation to generation.
I lived in Detriot for 2 years. While I was living there I was able to interact with the commuties like the "flats" that Aulette eluded to. As I interacted with those communities I found that even though the full sense of the "matriarchal" society was not present, there was a strong female presence in the homes that we visited. This presence clearly set the tone for the family and through my obeservations made many of the family decisions. These decisions were made even if the father was present and especially when the father was not present. The idea that it is not a matriacrchal society did not fit the observations I had made while I lived in Detroit.
The working class middle family fits the ideal american family that I grew up with. We were taught to marry for love and not money, we were dependant on extended family for support and help and finally we were taught to leave the work at work and be home at home. The majority of people may agree with Aulette that it is almost impossible to make this seperation everyday. Many families that I grew up saw the work of the father and mother brought home just so they could make ends meet and also keep up on the work load. Alaong with exposure I would like to add that work ethic was taught within the confines of the family as a way of survival. It was passed from generation to generation.
What We Really Miss about the 1950"s
I was really surprised when I read this essay about the 1950's. I must admit that I was always and individual who wanted to return to the 1950's where life seemed so simple and not so complex. I was startled to learn that the 1950's when compared to the 1980's and 1990's was actually worse socially. I had no idea that the country was still trying to recover from the 1930's depression and post WWII problems. It was disturbing to be reminded of civil rights violations against people because of their color and race. I would imagine that this discrimination also included religious values. I really believed that the 1950's were a wonderful time for the people of our country. It turns out it was a time of great growth and prosperity brought on by the government and private business.
I used to sit at the feet of my grandfather when he would talk about his experience in WWII. I was amazed at the appreciation he had for those men he served with, but even more impressed with his desire to be with his family. Even though the author hinted that the families were not completely ideal, I think some of them were. My grandfather believed in working to support his family, but when he was forced to chose between his family and work he would choose his family. I believe that through his example I formed my opinions of the 1950's, which consisted of strong family units and bonds. The author revealed some of her appreciation to the neighborhoods in suburbia where people formed bonds with those of similar aspirations. I still cling to this notion of strong families and strong neighbors.
I would have to agree with the author on her position with the media and some of the authority figures of the time. She mentioned that the media would not air commercials about milk in fear of offending the soda enterprises and that the psychologists of the time blamed the maternal caring of the young men as a weakness. The media played a huge part in determining how the 1950's were interpreted by anyone who looks in the past. The idea of the perfect family being portrayed on television was the center of it all. The author makes a tremendous revelation when she states that people watched the perfect family on television to forget about the troubles at home. Is not this the same practice of today? To find some relief from the daily troubles and to project ourselves into another time for peace from the daily grind. Overall I was really impressed with this essay.
I used to sit at the feet of my grandfather when he would talk about his experience in WWII. I was amazed at the appreciation he had for those men he served with, but even more impressed with his desire to be with his family. Even though the author hinted that the families were not completely ideal, I think some of them were. My grandfather believed in working to support his family, but when he was forced to chose between his family and work he would choose his family. I believe that through his example I formed my opinions of the 1950's, which consisted of strong family units and bonds. The author revealed some of her appreciation to the neighborhoods in suburbia where people formed bonds with those of similar aspirations. I still cling to this notion of strong families and strong neighbors.
I would have to agree with the author on her position with the media and some of the authority figures of the time. She mentioned that the media would not air commercials about milk in fear of offending the soda enterprises and that the psychologists of the time blamed the maternal caring of the young men as a weakness. The media played a huge part in determining how the 1950's were interpreted by anyone who looks in the past. The idea of the perfect family being portrayed on television was the center of it all. The author makes a tremendous revelation when she states that people watched the perfect family on television to forget about the troubles at home. Is not this the same practice of today? To find some relief from the daily troubles and to project ourselves into another time for peace from the daily grind. Overall I was really impressed with this essay.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Introduction
My name is Alan Dressler. A reluctant first time blogger. I am currently enrolled in Dixie State College and have been working toward and associates. I am married with four children and have 4 classes left to go before my associates. I am looking forward to finishing this goal and looking on to the next. I am a private person who enjoys the outdoors preferably hunting or fishing with my kids.
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