Monday, December 1, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Public Space; Public Opinion
After reading the essay, I immediately thought of all the times I have been judged in public. Not, of course, to the extent to which a black man may have suffered more racial profiling, but profiling of characteristics excluding skin. I believe that public opinion, including things like public folklore, are really what directly correlate with how a person determines feelings about a new individual. Public folklore being stories about how people with long hair are hippies etc,... Now, in a contemporary world, it is really sad how often and easily such judgement is placed upon others. I say it, because I am guilty as well. And yeah, sometimes I guessed correctly, but I would say that most of the time it really ruins any opportunity I had to become close with what was probably a great person.
The streets of big cities, are no so much where I have had problems with other people. I think college is actually, the best example in my life, of people whom relay such negative sentiments about those unlike them. Now, albeit, Miami isn't as bad as its stereotypes make it out to be, there are some rather stereotypical individuals whom fit right in. With the hundreds of other versions of that person. It doesn't make them bad, just homogenous. And mostly this, because of the trait they share. That they do not like or enjoy the presence of those different to them. So, when a kid with long hair, scraggly facial hair, and his hood up walks by, it isn't hard to get some dirty looks. Of course, THOSE individuals are few and far between. The kind who actually look directly at you, and wait for eye contact, so as to make sure they hold a disdain for your existence. Your clothes, your hair, of course these are all relevant to how people feel about you. At first.
I'm only speaking on the pre-introduction standpoint. But, having lived in big cities, and small towns, it is very easy to figure out what bothers people. In high school, my work schedule and showering schedule often conflicted with public schooling schedule. So if I missed a shower before school, I could look pretty rough. Some good greasy and stringy hair. Yet, when you work until 2 a.m. and school starts at 7:30 a.m. I was looking for another half hour of sleep over a shower. But public opinion wasn't concerned with facts, moreso that you looked dirty and must be poor. One of the things I noticed with rando people, was how my presence was taken with just different hair. Until I grew my hair out, I was easily referred to as "white boy" by any person willing to use the term in a demeaning sense. Then, when my hair was long, and I could manage some facial scruff, it really stopped. I looked different, so I was treated differently as well.
Now, in another environment the pattern held true. I get my hair cut and shaved up, so that when I worked in an office, I looked presentable. Well, if I needed to run an errand to a rather questionable part of town, the scorn of someone who showed up in a suit, was very visible. Through eyes you could just feel the burning 'rich white boy' burning into your back. Towards the end of the summer, I hadn't kept up with shaving and hair cuts. So looking more like the area, got those same people to hold doors open for me as I passed through. Just loosen the tie, and lose the razor, and I made friends.
The streets of big cities, are no so much where I have had problems with other people. I think college is actually, the best example in my life, of people whom relay such negative sentiments about those unlike them. Now, albeit, Miami isn't as bad as its stereotypes make it out to be, there are some rather stereotypical individuals whom fit right in. With the hundreds of other versions of that person. It doesn't make them bad, just homogenous. And mostly this, because of the trait they share. That they do not like or enjoy the presence of those different to them. So, when a kid with long hair, scraggly facial hair, and his hood up walks by, it isn't hard to get some dirty looks. Of course, THOSE individuals are few and far between. The kind who actually look directly at you, and wait for eye contact, so as to make sure they hold a disdain for your existence. Your clothes, your hair, of course these are all relevant to how people feel about you. At first.
I'm only speaking on the pre-introduction standpoint. But, having lived in big cities, and small towns, it is very easy to figure out what bothers people. In high school, my work schedule and showering schedule often conflicted with public schooling schedule. So if I missed a shower before school, I could look pretty rough. Some good greasy and stringy hair. Yet, when you work until 2 a.m. and school starts at 7:30 a.m. I was looking for another half hour of sleep over a shower. But public opinion wasn't concerned with facts, moreso that you looked dirty and must be poor. One of the things I noticed with rando people, was how my presence was taken with just different hair. Until I grew my hair out, I was easily referred to as "white boy" by any person willing to use the term in a demeaning sense. Then, when my hair was long, and I could manage some facial scruff, it really stopped. I looked different, so I was treated differently as well.
Now, in another environment the pattern held true. I get my hair cut and shaved up, so that when I worked in an office, I looked presentable. Well, if I needed to run an errand to a rather questionable part of town, the scorn of someone who showed up in a suit, was very visible. Through eyes you could just feel the burning 'rich white boy' burning into your back. Towards the end of the summer, I hadn't kept up with shaving and hair cuts. So looking more like the area, got those same people to hold doors open for me as I passed through. Just loosen the tie, and lose the razor, and I made friends.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Ideas of Sequence IV
1. Graphic Story
2. Photo Essay
3. Movie
4. Wiki
5. Web page
Ideas.
1. Current Events ex. (Somali Pirates)
2. Political Ideology
3. Miami and Your Money
4. A Comic Universe
5. Grammar Nazis
What is the main goal of the project?
What are you, the professor, looking for with this project?
2. Photo Essay
3. Movie
4. Wiki
5. Web page
Ideas.
1. Current Events ex. (Somali Pirates)
2. Political Ideology
3. Miami and Your Money
4. A Comic Universe
5. Grammar Nazis
What is the main goal of the project?
What are you, the professor, looking for with this project?
Monday, October 27, 2008
Panopticism
Panopticism is a term, which I just learned through reading. Upon revealing this new term, further thoughts question modern day uses. The most common thing I can relate would be the use of public surveillance and subways.
In London, they have what is known as the "Ring of Steel." It is a system of surveillance cameras around London used with the intention of reducing crime rates. The roads these cameras are placed upon are small and narrow. They force travellers into more easily observable areas. There have even been use of temporary cameras in England.
In New York City, there is a system very smiliar to the "Ring of Steel." It is in Lower Manhattan. The city started to install surveillance to help prevent crime and terrorism. The subways though, are the tool in which the city keeps people better monitored. Of course the subways are meant to help alleviate traffic on the streets and highways, but by leading them into smaller more observable areas, they also achieve an easily observable crowd of people.
In London, they have what is known as the "Ring of Steel." It is a system of surveillance cameras around London used with the intention of reducing crime rates. The roads these cameras are placed upon are small and narrow. They force travellers into more easily observable areas. There have even been use of temporary cameras in England.
In New York City, there is a system very smiliar to the "Ring of Steel." It is in Lower Manhattan. The city started to install surveillance to help prevent crime and terrorism. The subways though, are the tool in which the city keeps people better monitored. Of course the subways are meant to help alleviate traffic on the streets and highways, but by leading them into smaller more observable areas, they also achieve an easily observable crowd of people.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Sanitized Reality
In their view of Walt Disney's reality, the Salamones speak of how Disney created a new reality. One that was far cleaner and far more of a dream world, to be in place of reality. The constant kindness and goodness flowing from characters reflect the sanitization. They also speak of "Main Street." The fictitious community centers surrounding a city hall where the community activities form an epicenter for local life. Everything is cleaner, everything looks nicer, and everything makes a borderline attempt at replacing what you thought your youth was like. By imaging your own childhood shared such memories as a kind old jolly mayor that ventured about the Main Street speaking with the commonfolk.
In small towns, there are sometimes an unbelieveable amount of churches. Literally, you could find a different church every block. These small town congregations like to craft their own reality for their children and neighbors. They may keep their children from R rated movies, Halloween, and public schools. This desire to keep young ones sheltered results in a separate reality relevant to only those who create and those who experience it.
In small towns, there are sometimes an unbelieveable amount of churches. Literally, you could find a different church every block. These small town congregations like to craft their own reality for their children and neighbors. They may keep their children from R rated movies, Halloween, and public schools. This desire to keep young ones sheltered results in a separate reality relevant to only those who create and those who experience it.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Ann Richards
Ann Richards was the Governor of Texas between 1991-1995. She passed away in 2006. When listening it becomes painful at first to realize this may very well be your grandmother talking. Upon first glance she appears to an oldy with a loud mouth. In reality, she was just that, a very active Democrat for her time in the party. But that loud mouth proved to be entertaining and rallying for her fellow Democrats. When listening, it isn't her tone, or any special manner of preparation. It's that she is a quick-wit speaker showing off her grace and charm, as an old Southern lady, with a sharp distaste for those in the opposing political party.
The main terms playing to Ann are her diction, warrant, and logos. She often related to her audience through some of the most regular means. In the linked video, she tells a story of how she was stoppd in an airport. A rather common thing, and it works for her. She is able to assume that people have been stopped and searched. I think it worked, because as she goes on the crowd's laugh grows. In her story there are some hooks on her "body suit" and this results in an awkward run in with a security worker and supervisor. Of course to her, it's a chance to let people know she's experiencing the same things regular Americans are.
Her diction, is perfect for her voice. An old southern accent decorates her rather plain and uninteresting voice, and accompanies her sarcasm. What would just as often turn people off, helps enhance the tools which she employs. Ann's story of the airport is full of saracastic remarks and humor that probably won't play too well with an audience adjusted to only the most grand of speakers.
I think the hardest part to come to terms with in her speech would fall under ethos. An appeal to the speaker herself. As shallow as it may be, in the latter part of career she looked old. A younger audience would generally be turned off by the thoughts of such a figure speaking in front of them. Her will sometimes be very boring, requiring the audience to hear the message. But once getting over her age and first glance boring appearance, she's a very funny speaker.
Ann Richards-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LA1dfHqLTc
The main terms playing to Ann are her diction, warrant, and logos. She often related to her audience through some of the most regular means. In the linked video, she tells a story of how she was stoppd in an airport. A rather common thing, and it works for her. She is able to assume that people have been stopped and searched. I think it worked, because as she goes on the crowd's laugh grows. In her story there are some hooks on her "body suit" and this results in an awkward run in with a security worker and supervisor. Of course to her, it's a chance to let people know she's experiencing the same things regular Americans are.
Her diction, is perfect for her voice. An old southern accent decorates her rather plain and uninteresting voice, and accompanies her sarcasm. What would just as often turn people off, helps enhance the tools which she employs. Ann's story of the airport is full of saracastic remarks and humor that probably won't play too well with an audience adjusted to only the most grand of speakers.
I think the hardest part to come to terms with in her speech would fall under ethos. An appeal to the speaker herself. As shallow as it may be, in the latter part of career she looked old. A younger audience would generally be turned off by the thoughts of such a figure speaking in front of them. Her will sometimes be very boring, requiring the audience to hear the message. But once getting over her age and first glance boring appearance, she's a very funny speaker.
Ann Richards-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LA1dfHqLTc
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Thick England and It's Lesser Known Library
1. Of the selected readings from Writing and Place, which piece used thick description effectively? How? Be sure to incorporate a few quotes from the piece in your blog entry.
Out of the four picks for effective thick description, I believe they are all adequate, but find the piece about England to contain the most visual experience. Jamaica Kincaid tells us of her childhood and how important England was to her youth. She comments on how most of the things in her life were "Made in England" (101). Kincaid explains how adament the education of England was when she compares "This is England" to "This Jerusalem, the place you will go to when you die but only if you have been good" (101).
Kincaid notices some patterns about her life in her childhood. Her breakfast is English, her manners are English, and yet she has never been to England. The English way of life affects all that her family does. Her father was one who held the English way of life dear, that she believed a picture of an Englishman "caused him to wear the wrong hate for a hot climate most of his long life (102).
Eventually Jamaica Kincaid made it to England, and she did not like it a bit! England had been so scarred into her being that she did the best she could to reject it. When she visits with a friend, she finds everyone rude, but she says "I liked the conductor being rude; his behavior seemed quite appropriate" (107). Her vision of England is painted in the people. How everyone seems rude, is likely related to her bias against the country. And I think that the mention of people, helps further her dislike of the country, as she portrays them in a negative manner. She really wants nothing to do with it. Finally Kincaid visits the Cliffs of Dover, but only her to her disappointment. "And so there they were, the white cliffs, but they were not that pearly majestic thing I used to sing about..." (109). And finally she ends with how all her views of England "...should jump and die and disappear forever" (109).
The thick description on this piece is not so much the tangible world, but the description of her emotions and life. Throughout this piece I find it easy to envision her as a small child, and easier still to imagine within the loathing she feels of what was once supposed to be where she belonged
2. Comment on effective (or ineffective) techniques employed in either "The Church Uptown" or "Lane Library: A Living Learning Community."
After having read the piece about Lane Library, I felt as though I myself belonged to the small refuge. The place which offers it's joy to anyone of any age group. The piece makes use of thick description to the fullest extent. Kara Dailey details some parts of the library so well, I could make a decent attempt to map out the building. Between it's rays of light and it's hidden chairs for young adults; the paper really wants to let you know about the library. Dailey also shies away from restricting the library's visitors to any specific individual. It brings in adults, high schoolers, college students, and children, all of whom come to enjoy what this small place has to offer. It appears that the library may be somewhat of a cultural ritual. Those in the area, who find themselves visiting throughout their lives, and growing up in this library, are graduating from the children's section to young adults, and so on into adulthood.
Out of the four picks for effective thick description, I believe they are all adequate, but find the piece about England to contain the most visual experience. Jamaica Kincaid tells us of her childhood and how important England was to her youth. She comments on how most of the things in her life were "Made in England" (101). Kincaid explains how adament the education of England was when she compares "This is England" to "This Jerusalem, the place you will go to when you die but only if you have been good" (101).
Kincaid notices some patterns about her life in her childhood. Her breakfast is English, her manners are English, and yet she has never been to England. The English way of life affects all that her family does. Her father was one who held the English way of life dear, that she believed a picture of an Englishman "caused him to wear the wrong hate for a hot climate most of his long life (102).
Eventually Jamaica Kincaid made it to England, and she did not like it a bit! England had been so scarred into her being that she did the best she could to reject it. When she visits with a friend, she finds everyone rude, but she says "I liked the conductor being rude; his behavior seemed quite appropriate" (107). Her vision of England is painted in the people. How everyone seems rude, is likely related to her bias against the country. And I think that the mention of people, helps further her dislike of the country, as she portrays them in a negative manner. She really wants nothing to do with it. Finally Kincaid visits the Cliffs of Dover, but only her to her disappointment. "And so there they were, the white cliffs, but they were not that pearly majestic thing I used to sing about..." (109). And finally she ends with how all her views of England "...should jump and die and disappear forever" (109).
The thick description on this piece is not so much the tangible world, but the description of her emotions and life. Throughout this piece I find it easy to envision her as a small child, and easier still to imagine within the loathing she feels of what was once supposed to be where she belonged
2. Comment on effective (or ineffective) techniques employed in either "The Church Uptown" or "Lane Library: A Living Learning Community."
After having read the piece about Lane Library, I felt as though I myself belonged to the small refuge. The place which offers it's joy to anyone of any age group. The piece makes use of thick description to the fullest extent. Kara Dailey details some parts of the library so well, I could make a decent attempt to map out the building. Between it's rays of light and it's hidden chairs for young adults; the paper really wants to let you know about the library. Dailey also shies away from restricting the library's visitors to any specific individual. It brings in adults, high schoolers, college students, and children, all of whom come to enjoy what this small place has to offer. It appears that the library may be somewhat of a cultural ritual. Those in the area, who find themselves visiting throughout their lives, and growing up in this library, are graduating from the children's section to young adults, and so on into adulthood.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
40 Pages of Reading on the First Day
1. Of Anne Lamott's writing advice, what can you take to heart?
I think she said it best with the section about shitty drafts. It's really encouraging to know that you aren't the only person in the world who can't work out a real masterpiece the first time around.
2. Write about why group work fails or succeeds. Incorporate Roskelly's thoughts to strengthen your point or refute Roskelly's ideas.
I think the idea of group working being so black and white, succeed or fail, is really too bold to completely refute one side or the other. When first introduced group work can prove something rather intimdating. Roskelly makes the connection that people think back to when they were a bluebird or a bear. But! Once students get past the fear of putting forth their ideas, a sort of synergy comes into play. Roskelly writes about students he has put into groups. Roskelly mentions how students build off of one another, and keep the ideas flowing. This way, if one person has run dry, another member of the group picks up, and the cycle continues for progress.
3. Ronald writes from the point of view of a writing instructor. Respond to Ronald's struggles with the issue of style.
I have always struggled with style, because I can dress it up, but it's like i'm putting clothes on a ghost. I'm making something that isn't there look nice. I agree that style should be appreciated and taken into consideration, but I also believe that the real message should not be lost regardless of it's delivery. That is, if a great delivery even has a message, or that if a boring and uninteresting delivery has the most profound idea ever known to man. Ronald sparks in my mind, that there has to be a balance somewhere, and it should never be just one aspect taken into considerationg with the writing.
I think she said it best with the section about shitty drafts. It's really encouraging to know that you aren't the only person in the world who can't work out a real masterpiece the first time around.
2. Write about why group work fails or succeeds. Incorporate Roskelly's thoughts to strengthen your point or refute Roskelly's ideas.
I think the idea of group working being so black and white, succeed or fail, is really too bold to completely refute one side or the other. When first introduced group work can prove something rather intimdating. Roskelly makes the connection that people think back to when they were a bluebird or a bear. But! Once students get past the fear of putting forth their ideas, a sort of synergy comes into play. Roskelly writes about students he has put into groups. Roskelly mentions how students build off of one another, and keep the ideas flowing. This way, if one person has run dry, another member of the group picks up, and the cycle continues for progress.
3. Ronald writes from the point of view of a writing instructor. Respond to Ronald's struggles with the issue of style.
I have always struggled with style, because I can dress it up, but it's like i'm putting clothes on a ghost. I'm making something that isn't there look nice. I agree that style should be appreciated and taken into consideration, but I also believe that the real message should not be lost regardless of it's delivery. That is, if a great delivery even has a message, or that if a boring and uninteresting delivery has the most profound idea ever known to man. Ronald sparks in my mind, that there has to be a balance somewhere, and it should never be just one aspect taken into considerationg with the writing.
A Good Writer
1. What is good writing?
I'm guessing, that I think like most people, in saying that good writing is something both inventive and concrete. A good piece of writing can capture your attention, give you the story, and make you feel better for having read it.
2. How do you become a good writer?
Unfortunately a lot of work. I would love to have some wonderul innate writing ability, but personally it comes with revision after revision and the input from readers.
3. What questions do you have about writing?
How can I better organize my thoughts, and keep them flowing?
4. What are the most difficult and easiest things for you to accomplish as a writer?
The easiest thing is fluff. I can ramble and come up with a lot of words, but coming up with real content that is both organized and relevant tends to keep me trying.
I'm guessing, that I think like most people, in saying that good writing is something both inventive and concrete. A good piece of writing can capture your attention, give you the story, and make you feel better for having read it.
2. How do you become a good writer?
Unfortunately a lot of work. I would love to have some wonderul innate writing ability, but personally it comes with revision after revision and the input from readers.
3. What questions do you have about writing?
How can I better organize my thoughts, and keep them flowing?
4. What are the most difficult and easiest things for you to accomplish as a writer?
The easiest thing is fluff. I can ramble and come up with a lot of words, but coming up with real content that is both organized and relevant tends to keep me trying.
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