Blog 8: Language Barrier

Speaking a native language without a native tongue.  Being in a  foreign to a country and learning to live and speak a language one doesn't quite understand would be hard.  Americans have trouble speaking and writing English so, I'm sure someone from another country would have difficulty.  The English language can be learned it has to be studied and put into practice.

The daughter was brought up in a home where proper English was not spoken.  She was compared to other Asians and Americans when testing was involved.  She was determined to prove she could test higher in language skills.  She and her mother learned English.  Her mother did not speak proper English.  This was embarrassing to the daughter.  The daughter called, her mother's English, broken.  The mother did not put her words in the proper order.  She understood the meaning, but those around her could not understand what was being said.
 
We as Americans have these same problems.  We speak one way, but are expected to write another.  I know that I am having this problem myself.  The daughter does prove language can be overcome.  She becomes a writer, and is successful.  She has published books.  She is an inspiration that we can overcome what we put our minds to.

Blog 6: Finding Onesself

We have to look inside ourselves, not outside, to find our true selves.  One has to be honest and realize change is a part of life.  Everyone has change in their lives.  Whether it be accidental, intentional, or natural-change is a part of life.





When the girl was young she felt as though she was the most beautiful person, and so did others around her.  They even had high expectations for her future.  As she became older, she became more rambunctious.  She was upset when her brothers received guns and she was left to play with her bow and arrow.  One fatal day, they were playing, she was shot in the eye by her brother.  This was the accident that changed her life.  He swore her not to tell, and she did not.  She lost the sight in her eye and it changed her looks, she felt for the worse.  Life brings the unexpected, the loss of sight in one eye brought this young girl questioning looks and unanswered questions.

After she was married and had a child she realized she was still beautiful.  Her daughter told her that her eye looked like the world.  She knew then, she had not lost her beauty.  There are many ways to look at life, one way, is from the inside out.  If we could all see life like a child.  They do not see the ugly, and they look for the beautiful in people.  Look at life as if you may not see it tomorrow. Who knows you may not.

Blog 7 : The Storm of Life

These two stories had interesting titles.  "The Storm" was accurate, it was about rain, and Calixta and Alcee's feelings for one another.  The feelings they had were a storm within themselves.  They found themselves not being able to deny and giving into one another.  "The Lottery," this title fit the story, but I always thought this to be a happy time.  This story was about the dread of knowing which family would win and who would be chosen for the stoning.  The parents in both stories worried about the welfare of their children and keeping them safe.  The families in the stories were poor.  They cooked their meals at home and I feel like the families loved one another.

The differences in weather were night and day, "the Storm" was about a sudden rain storm that blew in from no where and "the Lottery" was about a sunny clear day in June.  There were differences in marriage beliefs, one was more leniate and the other more strict.  In "the Storm" Calaxita decided to give in to her feelings and commit adultery while her son and husband were out in the middle of a horrible rain storm.  In "the Lottery" the women stood behind their husbands, and were only able to go before them if they were not in attendance.  The two stories ended very differently.  "The Storm" had a happy ending.  Everyone made it home okay, had dinner, and was able to enjoy the rest of the evening.  "The Lottery"  had a very sad ending.  I almost feel like the boys in the story enjoyed gathering the stones a little to much.  I thought the lottery was supposed to be fun, but this version of the lottery is not something I would want to have a part of.  When the "winning" family was chosen and the last slips of paper were drawn the woman was stoned.  I assume to death.  This is very sad.  How could someone be so heartless.  I did not enjoy this reading at all.

Blog 5: Teens Cry

There is something to be said when children are hurting children.  I realize they are teenagers and get mixed up, but life isn't so bad that one needs to take another life.  We have had three deaths in two weeks, all teenagers.
The shooting has been declared accident or suicide, this is still being investigated.  The stabbing was done intentionally.   The hanging is declared suicide, but still being investigated. These teens were all known among our teens, at home, in someway. We have all been affected in some way, threw our children, relatives, friends, or just hearing about it.
I think we should go over some gun safety rules with our children. They need to know individuals make the gun a weapon. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of these things. We also need to learn self-control, and there are many ways to handle problems. We just have to take the time to figure out the right way to handle them. We also have to take responsibility for our actions. I feel great remorse for these families. I have been upset myself, I can't imagine what these families are feeling. I have three children (all teenagers) of my own, they knew some of these teens. I pray daily for their safety, and that they will make the right decisions in life.  I can not imagine myself in this situation and I hope I never do.

Blog4: The Use of a Woman

Women have a choice in how they are portrayed.  Women have to take care in the way they dress, carry themselves, and be willing to stand-up for themselves.  Cofer's wanted people to realize how prejudice effects others.  There are many differences in people, even in the acting career.  In this story, Latina prejudice was brought out.  I believe Cofer was speaking to everyone, but even directed more toward film producers and fellow actors.

Cofer uses clarity, she gives background information about the Latina culture.  She gives specifics on the relationships they have with others.  Cofer adds interest by showing how colorful their culture is (clothing, make-up, jewelry, decorations).  Then she shows the dark side, by telling how they are mistreated and taken the wrong way.  She persuades by letting it be known a Latina woman can be educated, taken seriously, and they are human beings (have feelings) like the rest of America.

I feel that these Latina women were abused and taken advantage of.  They were used as slaves in a regular work environment.  They were given a job daily and expected to stay until the job was finished.  It did not matter if the job lasted longer than eight hours, they were only being paid for eight hours.  In the film industry-they were made to be who they aren't; they had to dress and speak as white Americans. The men expected to be able to take advantage of them.  They felt these women were there for them to have their way with.  It did not matter they may have a relationship with someone else.  I realize all ethnicity are taken advantage of to some extent, but some worse than others.  We all need to take a lesson in respect; treat individuals the way we would want to be treated.

Blog 2: The Fight to Choose Your Country

Living in America and being an American is different for those that are Chinese living in America.  Elizabeth Wong grew up in a culture that wasn't her own.  The Chinese culture is very different from America.  Wong is a Chinese girl longing to be an American, but her family longs for her to have knowledge of the Chinese culture.   

There are many differences between the two:  America isn't as structured and strict when it comes to teaching their students.  American schools are kept remodeled, smelling fresh, and taking time to talk through situations.  The Chinese schools aren't remodeled, therefore smelling aged, and the language sometimes sounds of loud chattering.  The principal always stands erect with his nervous hands behind his back, one fears of what he may do with them.  Surprisingly, the Chinese children are expected to attend classes in the afternoon to learn more about their heritage,discipline, and respect. While the American children are outside playing with their friends. 

Wong struggles with the decision of wanting to be an American.  Americans have the freedom to choose many things like:  education, jobs, and our culture is more widespread.  The Chinese are committed to their set cultures, and want their children to learn and protect their heritage.  I feel that Wong struggled with the idea of choosing the American culture over her own.  I think she felt she would be betraying her own culture.  A person is born who they are meant to be, and Wong felt that in the end.

Blog 3: Insurance-Make Me Buy It!

Obama care- does anyone really know what it is?  I have read three articles and talked to my mom, who watches the news constantly, and I didn't really get a lot of information.  From what I can gather, it's a policy to force individuals to get insurance.  I would say the main concepts are the people in  government are being greedy, and forcing Americans to do something they may not can afford. 
On the positive, everyone will have to get insurance.  There are claims, in the Bloomberg site, that cost of insurance will be lower, but I really do not see how it will be possible.  It's great that someone is able to make a dollar from someone who can't afford it.
Negatively, everyone will have to carry insurance or be penalized.  This, to me, is unconstitutional; we live in America and should be able to decide if we need insurance.  Also in the NY Times it spoke of medicaid and medicare as if it cost the government billions to fund them.  I pay in to medicare everytime I get a pay check; therefore it shouldn't be costing the government anything. 
I would have to say that I'm against the Obamacare plan.  I believe we as voters should have a say, we are the one's being affected by the plan.  I think we should all do our duty, take care of ourselves, and not depend on someone else to take care of us.

Blog 1: Contract of Life

I believe that one shouldn't use someones work without properly marking the text.  Quotes, statements, and specific wording should be marked with quotations and endnotes.  Information obtained from internet sources also follow these same and specific guidelines.  I agree to spend the appropriate amount of time in research and documentation that it takes, so that, I myself do not commit plagiarism.
Other items concern academic integrity are attendance, morals, and ethics.  Attendance is an important part of getting an education.  One should attend classes regularly and be prepared for class.  When a student attends a school function, they should conduct themselves appropriately.  One should have respect for those around them. 
College is a privilege.  Everyone does not attend so, one should take advantage of the opportunity if it comes to them.  One should apply themselves the best they can.  If assistance is needed, ask, the help is available.  Integrity should be within ourselves and for the school one is attending.