|
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thats Better
Overcoming stereotypes and being proud of your own personal identity is a theme that runs through both essays by Wilson and Anzaldua. Wilson talks about how people identify us by the way we look, "...people get so twisted over female presentation and what exactly is feminine that my bald head is a cause for pause." (22). I think that her main point was that there will always come a time when your identity is questioned or harassed but you should not take it seriously, it is a part of who you are and who you want to be. It should not be at the scorn of others, that you feel the need to redefine yourself. As for Anzaldua, her essay was all about how people perceive you by the language you speak. Although she herself speaks a couple different language and many variations of the same, she only feels her true identity when she can freely speak her native tongue. she emphasizes the fact that one should not be ashamed of their language.
I agree with both authors arguments on identity as they are equally strong. It is easier for me to relate to Wilson about meeting America's standard then Anzaldua's challenging dialects, only because I, myself, only speak one language.
Overcoming stereotypes and being proud of your own personal identity is a theme that runs through both essays by Wilson and Anzaldua. Wilson’s concerns are mainly about the people identify us by the our outward appearance, "...people get so twisted over female presentation and what exactly is feminine that my bald head is a cause for pause." (22). She talks about an experience she had with a white man, which she coined with the name Redneck man, and how he jumped to conclusions from the boyish haircut she adored. I think that her main point was that there will always come a time when your identity is questioned or harassed though you should not take it seriously, it is a part of who you are and who you want to be. It should not be at the scorn of others, that you feel the need to redefine yourself. In short she argues that it is unfair to be humiliated by something as personal as your identity. As for Anzaldua, her essay was all about how people perceive you by the language you speak. She speaks many variations of English and Spanish, she feels ashamed rather the intelligent. I know that trying to learn Spanish over the last two years has been at times agonizing for me, it still gives me pride that I can string together some intelligible sentences. She speaks about the shame she feels when talking with Latinos, Mexicans, and “Americans” not wanting to humiliate herself by using the tex-mex language that is most comfortable. She argues that being ashamed of her language has in turn made she self-conscious of her identity. In her words “Ethnic identity is my twin skin to linguistic identity-I am my language. Until I can take pride in my language, I cannot take pride in myself.” (58)
I agree with both authors’ arguments on identity, as they are equally strong. It is humiliating and hurtful when someone makes fun of your identity. Throughout elementary school I was always made fun of for my last name, which is Foote. I am proud of it now but then it made me more introvert and unwilling to stand up for myself/ It is easier for me to relate to Wilson about meeting America's standard then Anzaldua's challenging dialects, only because I, myself, only speak one language. Both of the authors experiences are those I can relate to though. I see students making fun of other students over their accents, improper English, race, clothing, sex, anything you name it, everyday throughout the campus. I do think that both of the authors would agree with each other because thought their experiences are not identical, the both have the same foundations. I would have to say that Anzaulda did not in turn judge those that judged her as Wilson did with redneck man, as that seems to me to be a bit hypocritical.
Overcoming stereotypes and being proud of your own personal identity is a theme that runs through both essays by Wilson and Anzaldua. Wilson’s concerns are mainly about the people identify us by the our outward appearance, "...people get so twisted over female presentation and what exactly is feminine that my bald head is a cause for pause." (22). She talks about an experience she had with a white man, which she coined with the name Redneck man, and how he jumped to conclusions from the boyish haircut she adored. I think that her main point was that there will always come a time when your identity is questioned or harassed though you should not take it seriously, it is a part of who you are and who you want to be. It should not be at the scorn of others, that you feel the need to redefine yourself. In short she argues that it is unfair to be humiliated by something as personal as your identity. As for Anzaldua, her essay was all about how people perceive you by the language you speak. She speaks many variations of English and Spanish, she feels ashamed rather the intelligent. I know that trying to learn Spanish over the last two years has been at times agonizing for me, it still gives me pride that I can string together some intelligible sentences. She speaks about the shame she feels when talking with Latinos, Mexicans, and “Americans” not wanting to humiliate herself by using the tex-mex language that is most comfortable. She argues that being ashamed of her language has in turn made she self-conscious of her identity. In her words “Ethnic identity is my twin skin to linguistic identity-I am my language. Until I can take pride in my language, I cannot take pride in myself.” (58)
I agree with both authors’ arguments on identity, as they are equally strong. It is humiliating and hurtful when someone makes fun of your identity. Throughout elementary school I was always made fun of for my last name, which is Foote. I am proud of it now but then it made me more introvert and unwilling to stand up for myself/ It is easier for me to relate to Wilson about meeting America's standard then Anzaldua's challenging dialects, only because I, myself, only speak one language. Both of the authors experiences are those I can relate to though. I see students making fun of other students over their accents, improper English, race, clothing, sex, anything you name it, everyday throughout the campus. I do think that both of the authors would agree with each other because thought their experiences are not identical, the both have the same foundations. I would have to say that Anzaulda did not in turn judge those that judged her as Wilson did with redneck man, as that seems to me to be a bit hypocritical.
The good, the bad, and the ugly
The revision piece was an easy pick. I mean when you look back on a work you have created you always think to yourself…well I should have added this or this word sounds a lot better here…right? Once again I decided to choose another discussion board assignment. There were a couple reasons for this 1.) I didn’t spend enough time on it 2.) I did not answer all questions asked of me in the assignment and 3.) I did not include enough questions or statements that would invoke replies or questions from my classmates. For this assignment we were asked to read “Due Looks Like a Lady” by Kathy Wilson and “Hoe to Tame a Wild Tongue” by Gloria Anzaldua and discuss similarities and differences of the two. What was each author’s main point? Do you agree with their main points? Do their experiences coincide with your own observations or experiences?...etc. So to make amends with myself I have rewritten this post, answering all questions asked of me and going more in depth into my thoughts on their arguments. Hopefully everyone can see the improvement.
Oh the trees!
The authors use metaphors comparing trees, roots, and leaves to their ancestry for I think, many reasons. The roots of the tree represent the oldest, strongest parts of their ancestry and origins where as the leaves are represented by the newer generations, still connected but making their own paths. The image of a tree is so strong and wise in itself, is the image we want others to see in our own families.
I am not African
Africa waters the roots of my tree, but I cannot return.
I am not Taina.
I am late leaf of that ancient tree
My roots reach into the soils of two Americas
Taino is in me, but there is no way back. (96)
This passage uses the tree metaphor, as the daughter is the late leaf, very much apart of that tree grounded by it stretching roots, but setting a new path all its own. I also really liked the metaphors used in the lines:
The table has a cloth woven by one, dyed by another,
embroidered by still another.
I am a child of many mothers.
They have kept it all going. (96)
I think what the author is trying to say is that though the cloth had been and will be colored, changed, and challenged over the years the original fabric remains the same, the threads still hold strong. The lifestyles and outlooks of the generations will change but the connection within is still there. This metaphor, as with many of the others in the poem, relate to all people in ways unique to them.
I am not African
Africa waters the roots of my tree, but I cannot return.
I am not Taina.
I am late leaf of that ancient tree
My roots reach into the soils of two Americas
Taino is in me, but there is no way back. (96)
This passage uses the tree metaphor, as the daughter is the late leaf, very much apart of that tree grounded by it stretching roots, but setting a new path all its own. I also really liked the metaphors used in the lines:
The table has a cloth woven by one, dyed by another,
embroidered by still another.
I am a child of many mothers.
They have kept it all going. (96)
I think what the author is trying to say is that though the cloth had been and will be colored, changed, and challenged over the years the original fabric remains the same, the threads still hold strong. The lifestyles and outlooks of the generations will change but the connection within is still there. This metaphor, as with many of the others in the poem, relate to all people in ways unique to them.
My Choice
There were many pieces I had to choose from when selecting my writers choice, all of which I am proud of. In the end I decided to use a discussion board piece, regarding the poetic language and metaphors used in a poem. That poem was called Ending Poem written by mother and daughter Rosario Morales and Aurora Levins Morales. I love reading all types of poetry, so I was excited about this assignment. Although I love it, I’m not always the best at interpreting it line for line. My favorite part if my interpretation is the lines, “The roots of the tree represent the oldest, strongest parts of their ancestry and origins where as the leaves are represented by the newer generations, still connected but making their own paths. The image of a tree is so strong and wise in itself, it’s the image we want others to see in our own families.” I feel that I had a good understanding of the message the authors were trying to portray. Also that I was successful in explaining my thoughts to my classmates. I’ve included the poem below, as it was very well written, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Ending Poem
By Rosario Morales and Aurora Levins Morales
I am what I am.
A child of the Americas.
A light-skinned mestiza of the Caribbean.
A child of many diaspora, born into this continent at a crossroads.
I am Puerto Rican. I am U.S. American.
I am New York Manhattan and the Bronx.
A mountain-born, country-bred, homegrown jibara child,
up from the shtetl, California Puerto Rican Jew
A product of the New York ghettos I have never known.
I am an immigrant
and the daughter and granddaughter of many immigrants.
We didn’t know our forbears’ names with a certainty.
They aren’t written anywhere.
First names only or mija, negra, ne, honey, sugar, dear
I come from the dirt where the cane was grown.
My people didn’t go to dinner parties. They weren’t invited.
I am caribeña, island grown.
Spanish is in my flesh, ripples from my tongue, lodges in my hips,
the language of garlic and mangoes.
Boricua. As Boricuas come from the isle of Manhattan.
I am of latinoamerica, rooted in the history of my continent.
I speak from that body. Just brown and pink and full of drums inside.
I am not African.
Africa waters the roots of my tree, but I cannot return.
I am not Taìna.
I am a late leaf of that ancient tree,
and my roots reach into the soil of two Americas.
Taìno is in me, but there is no way back.
I am not European, though I have dreamt of those cities.
Each plate is different.
wood, clay, papier machè, metals basketry, a leaf, a coconut shell.
Europe lives in me but I have no home there.
The table has a cloth woven by one, dyed by another,
embroidered by another still.
I am a child of many mothers.
They have kept it all going.
All the civilizations erected on their backs.
All the dinner parties given with their labor.
We are new.
They gave us life, kept us going,
brought us to where we are.
Born at a crossroads.
Come, lay that dishcloth down. Eat, dear, eat.
History made us.
We will not eat ourselves up inside anymore.
And we are whole.
Ending Poem
By Rosario Morales and Aurora Levins Morales
I am what I am.
A child of the Americas.
A light-skinned mestiza of the Caribbean.
A child of many diaspora, born into this continent at a crossroads.
I am Puerto Rican. I am U.S. American.
I am New York Manhattan and the Bronx.
A mountain-born, country-bred, homegrown jibara child,
up from the shtetl, California Puerto Rican Jew
A product of the New York ghettos I have never known.
I am an immigrant
and the daughter and granddaughter of many immigrants.
We didn’t know our forbears’ names with a certainty.
They aren’t written anywhere.
First names only or mija, negra, ne, honey, sugar, dear
I come from the dirt where the cane was grown.
My people didn’t go to dinner parties. They weren’t invited.
I am caribeña, island grown.
Spanish is in my flesh, ripples from my tongue, lodges in my hips,
the language of garlic and mangoes.
Boricua. As Boricuas come from the isle of Manhattan.
I am of latinoamerica, rooted in the history of my continent.
I speak from that body. Just brown and pink and full of drums inside.
I am not African.
Africa waters the roots of my tree, but I cannot return.
I am not Taìna.
I am a late leaf of that ancient tree,
and my roots reach into the soil of two Americas.
Taìno is in me, but there is no way back.
I am not European, though I have dreamt of those cities.
Each plate is different.
wood, clay, papier machè, metals basketry, a leaf, a coconut shell.
Europe lives in me but I have no home there.
The table has a cloth woven by one, dyed by another,
embroidered by another still.
I am a child of many mothers.
They have kept it all going.
All the civilizations erected on their backs.
All the dinner parties given with their labor.
We are new.
They gave us life, kept us going,
brought us to where we are.
Born at a crossroads.
Come, lay that dishcloth down. Eat, dear, eat.
History made us.
We will not eat ourselves up inside anymore.
And we are whole.
To Conform or Not to Conform?
First off I think it best to state my own view on non-conformity. I would think of it as someone who didn't quite fit in to his or her surroundings whether it be by lifestyle, appearance, or choices made. Many times it may be done purposefully, others it may not. Off the Map challenges not only my own, but most others perceptions of conformity in many ways. They used the character William Gibbs as an extreme way to show non-conformity, but also used the father Charlie, and his best friend as well for minor play-offs. The taxman, otherwise known as William, first comes to the small town in New Mexico experienced in the big city ways and lifestyle. Right off the bat you notice the difference between him and the Groeden family by the way he is dressed and how he interacts with the family itself. When we are first introduced to Charlie he is walking towards the Groeden home when he sees Mrs Groeden, standing nude, gazing over her garden in the golden sunlight. He is so awestruck by the perplexity and beauty of it that he just stands there, unable to speak a word. After a few feverful days from being stung by a bee he realized that this simplistic way of life, so drastic from his own, was what he wanted most. He wanted to conform to that lifestyle. I think in most cases people choose not to conform because they want to be an individual or unique, not realizing that no matter how alike two people may be no two can be the exact same. William is an example of assumption three, that the individual choose communities that will accept them for who they are and not want to change them.
As for Bo's father Charlie, depression has become more widely accepted but is still not seen as something that is in the "norm". It affected not only him but everyone in the family, Bo especially, because he no longer spent the quality time with her that was once a staple. His depression can be seen as non-conformity in ways with the family, but in his relationship that grew with William, he fit right in. Like many others in the more populated parts of the world than which Charlie lived in, William was depressed too. During one of their daily night time talks Williams shares his feeling about his depression and what had caused it, allowing Charlie to feel relief that he wasn’t “broken”, depression could take hold over anyone. As for her dads best friend, Bo touched upon the fact that she thought he might be homosexual. She looked at the choices he made in his life, like not having a girlfriend or wife and the fact that he spent so much time with her family to make that assumption. This again is a touchy topic that is not in the "norm" but is becoming a more popular way of life.
I really enjoyed this movie, it was a good watch but also made you think about it. It tested non-conformity in all the characters in some small way or another. The characters in which I noticed it the most were William, Charlie, and Charlie's best friend by the choices they made, lifestyles they held, and what willingness they had, if any, to conform. This movie made me think a lot about those communities that I do conform and call my own and those that I do not.
As for Bo's father Charlie, depression has become more widely accepted but is still not seen as something that is in the "norm". It affected not only him but everyone in the family, Bo especially, because he no longer spent the quality time with her that was once a staple. His depression can be seen as non-conformity in ways with the family, but in his relationship that grew with William, he fit right in. Like many others in the more populated parts of the world than which Charlie lived in, William was depressed too. During one of their daily night time talks Williams shares his feeling about his depression and what had caused it, allowing Charlie to feel relief that he wasn’t “broken”, depression could take hold over anyone. As for her dads best friend, Bo touched upon the fact that she thought he might be homosexual. She looked at the choices he made in his life, like not having a girlfriend or wife and the fact that he spent so much time with her family to make that assumption. This again is a touchy topic that is not in the "norm" but is becoming a more popular way of life.
I really enjoyed this movie, it was a good watch but also made you think about it. It tested non-conformity in all the characters in some small way or another. The characters in which I noticed it the most were William, Charlie, and Charlie's best friend by the choices they made, lifestyles they held, and what willingness they had, if any, to conform. This movie made me think a lot about those communities that I do conform and call my own and those that I do not.
Conform With Me
In favor of my critical thinking piece, I chose to pick my second timed write. For this assignment we were asked to watch a movie, Off the Map to be exact, and then at the end of the week were provided a prompt to write about. Sounds like a piece of cake, right? Well not so much for me, given that we were only allowed an hour to get our thoughts typed out, logically, that is. When writing anything, from small discussion board posts to the ever-dreaded papers, I have always need a lot of time to think about what exactly I want to say, exactly how I want to say it. I mull ideas over in my head as I’m standing at the cash register ringing up customers’ purchases, trying to focus on what the math instructor is teaching today, or just as I’m drifting off into sleep. Considering that we were able to see the prompt only when we began the write, this was a challenge for me.
This piece shows my ability to not only, think critically on a topic, but in a quick manner as well. We were asked to delve into the movie and discuss nonconformity of the characters or even settings. I felt that when I said, “He wanted to conform to that lifestyle. I think in most cases people choose not to conform because they want to be an individual or unique, not realizing that no matter how alike two people may be no two can be the exact same. William is an example of assumption three, that the individual choose communities that will accept them for who they are and not want to change them.” it showed that I was giving my opinion on the topic from personal experience. I also made and example with how it also fit in with another reading we had had on a similar subject. I hope that you enjoy my little essay and that you too might watch Off the Map to see what you have to say about it.
This piece shows my ability to not only, think critically on a topic, but in a quick manner as well. We were asked to delve into the movie and discuss nonconformity of the characters or even settings. I felt that when I said, “He wanted to conform to that lifestyle. I think in most cases people choose not to conform because they want to be an individual or unique, not realizing that no matter how alike two people may be no two can be the exact same. William is an example of assumption three, that the individual choose communities that will accept them for who they are and not want to change them.” it showed that I was giving my opinion on the topic from personal experience. I also made and example with how it also fit in with another reading we had had on a similar subject. I hope that you enjoy my little essay and that you too might watch Off the Map to see what you have to say about it.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Ullman's concerns about de-socialization through the Internet are, in my opinion, valid. The world today seems to be more and more impersonal than ever. Imagine living the "normal" life yet in doing so never having to leave the comfort of your own home. Sound enticing at first, right? With all the ever-expanding options of the Internet you can pay all your bills, work from home, have groceries delivered, or further your education all at the tips of your fingers if you chose. It seems a bit dramatic, I know, but a definite possibility. There is the down side as Ullman points out in her essay, we will lose the middle man in the process. No longer will we need to try and make some small talk with our friendly cashier or ask for help installing that new sink at the hardware store. With less and less person-to-person interaction, more and more online communities have become available. You can talk with other first time moms, make your own ever-popular myspace page, and even find your "soulmate" on the computer. Many people spend vast amounts of time in these Internet communities but how can you really know the people at the other end of the computer. Chatting online can't even compare to chatting with someone in person, you can't see his or her facial expressions, body language, or overall personality. I'm not all against computers, as they certainly have made my life a lot easier, I just think we need to pull away a bit. Go outside, join a hiking group or something else to your likes.
De-socialization at Our Fingertips
For my pick on audience awareness, I decided to use a discussion board response I had to a reading assignment. The assignment was to read the essay The Museum of Me by Ellen Ullman and evaluate her concerns. Were they relevant, accurate, or right? We were to read and respond back to some of our group members. I found that most of my group members had much of the same opinions I did, which allowed us to bounce ideas off each other.
In my post I referenced the Ullman’s name right off the bat, and a few times in between, which being read by my classmates, was completely acceptable and understood. Had the assignment been to write to someone who had not read the essay, a good summary would have been in need allowing the reader a better understanding of the background information. My classmates were able to understand what I trying to say and also agree with, question, or just provide general feedback.
In response to my post, fellow classmate, Pedro Ironwing says, “I completely agree with your point, "With all the ever expanding options of the internet who' s to say that you ever really need to leave the comfort of your own home. You can pay all your bills, work from home, have groceries delivered, further your education." I think that not only does the Internet de-socialize some, but I have also been thinking about something else during this activity and reading. It is tangential, but would you agree that not only is the Internet taking away social opportunities for some, but I also think it contributes to our over-stressed American lives.” His ideas about the subject gave me a new way to look at it as well.
In my post I referenced the Ullman’s name right off the bat, and a few times in between, which being read by my classmates, was completely acceptable and understood. Had the assignment been to write to someone who had not read the essay, a good summary would have been in need allowing the reader a better understanding of the background information. My classmates were able to understand what I trying to say and also agree with, question, or just provide general feedback.
In response to my post, fellow classmate, Pedro Ironwing says, “I completely agree with your point, "With all the ever expanding options of the internet who' s to say that you ever really need to leave the comfort of your own home. You can pay all your bills, work from home, have groceries delivered, further your education." I think that not only does the Internet de-socialize some, but I have also been thinking about something else during this activity and reading. It is tangential, but would you agree that not only is the Internet taking away social opportunities for some, but I also think it contributes to our over-stressed American lives.” His ideas about the subject gave me a new way to look at it as well.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Reflection
Over this last school year, and even more so this last quarter, I have thought a lot about myself and my identity. I am a caucasian female eighteen years of age working on a degree in business administration and accounting. I was raised along with my brother by my mom and grandma, who always taught me to work hard and be strong. “Don’t rely on a man,” my grandma would often say, “Make sure you can be self supporting first.” That has been something that stuck with me over the years. I’ve held a steady employment since I was fifteen while doing decent in school. I moved out at the age of seventeen during the beginning of my much-awaited senior year. I’ve always liked school, I love to learn new things and always keep an open mind to new ideas and topics. I really looked forward to furthering my education at college and still do. On too many occasions though, I find it hard to balance my time with hours of homework, full time employment, and trying to maintain what little bit of social life I have kept in my clutch. I have learned that though I like the freedom of online classes they may not be the right choice for me. As for my personality, I’m generally a pretty quiet person; I enjoy just sitting back and thinking whenever the chance comes by. My friends depend on me as the reasonable one, I always question whether or one of their ingenious ideas will go as planned. My generation is America’s future and I want to make positive that it is a bright one.
As for the topics discussed over the course, identity, community, and tradition, I can definitely say that what was covered has increased my knowledge and ways of thinking. I have always been open minded but many of these readings and discussion boards made me think more in a different perspective. Identity was the first topic we covered. The readings like High School’s Secret Life by Emily White and Dude Looks Like a Lady by Kathy Wilson caused me to step back and look at how I view and respond to another’s identity. Never would I tell someone “Take your boy–lookin’ ass on somewhere!” as Wilson experienced but I do find myself holding some of the same stereotypes, like “redneck man”. When I read this I found it to be a bit hypocritical, because though she was angered at the fact that she was being stereotyped, she herself was doing it. Since then I have tried to stop labeling people and catch myself more often when it slips into my head.
Community was the next subject that opened my eyes. I realized just how much communities, especially to myself, are an important aspect of life. There are so many communities individuals can be involved in like being a student, a parent, a worker, part of an Internet group, or a sports team. I feel support from these communities and I know I in turn give the same favor to those in my communities. Community is also the culture in which you are surrounded. In “Blaxicans” and Other Reinvented Americans, Rodriguez talks about how living in a certain parts of the city mainly inhabited by Chinese made him think of home when he saw certain house colors in books or magazines. He says “Culture is fluid. Culture is smoke. You breathe it. You eat it.” Along with some communities it is constantly changing.
The most recent topic we discussed was tradition. It has been tradition every year in my family to bake dozen of gingerbread cookies every Christmas. It’s sad to say though that this was one of the few things that we did together besides watch TV, we ate dinner together most nights but it was a rarity that we ever really spoke more then a few sentences before finishing and disappearing off to our own adventures. Thoroughly Modern Dining by Richard Pillsbury discusses the fact that our once home baked, thoroughly fussed over, but made with love; family meals and celebrations are no longer being spent in the home but restaurants. Well that makes it easy one would think, not having to spend the day in the kitchen. What happens though, to the bonds the family builds when helping each other cook or decorate or even clean up? As our surrounding culture is becoming more and more fast paced we are beginning to lose a sense of family. Let us not rely on others to do the work.
Over the quarter we have done various discussion boards, timed writes, and papers. I have chosen four pieces that represent, audience awareness, critical thinking, revision skills, and a writers choice that I hope you will enjoy.
As for the topics discussed over the course, identity, community, and tradition, I can definitely say that what was covered has increased my knowledge and ways of thinking. I have always been open minded but many of these readings and discussion boards made me think more in a different perspective. Identity was the first topic we covered. The readings like High School’s Secret Life by Emily White and Dude Looks Like a Lady by Kathy Wilson caused me to step back and look at how I view and respond to another’s identity. Never would I tell someone “Take your boy–lookin’ ass on somewhere!” as Wilson experienced but I do find myself holding some of the same stereotypes, like “redneck man”. When I read this I found it to be a bit hypocritical, because though she was angered at the fact that she was being stereotyped, she herself was doing it. Since then I have tried to stop labeling people and catch myself more often when it slips into my head.
Community was the next subject that opened my eyes. I realized just how much communities, especially to myself, are an important aspect of life. There are so many communities individuals can be involved in like being a student, a parent, a worker, part of an Internet group, or a sports team. I feel support from these communities and I know I in turn give the same favor to those in my communities. Community is also the culture in which you are surrounded. In “Blaxicans” and Other Reinvented Americans, Rodriguez talks about how living in a certain parts of the city mainly inhabited by Chinese made him think of home when he saw certain house colors in books or magazines. He says “Culture is fluid. Culture is smoke. You breathe it. You eat it.” Along with some communities it is constantly changing.
The most recent topic we discussed was tradition. It has been tradition every year in my family to bake dozen of gingerbread cookies every Christmas. It’s sad to say though that this was one of the few things that we did together besides watch TV, we ate dinner together most nights but it was a rarity that we ever really spoke more then a few sentences before finishing and disappearing off to our own adventures. Thoroughly Modern Dining by Richard Pillsbury discusses the fact that our once home baked, thoroughly fussed over, but made with love; family meals and celebrations are no longer being spent in the home but restaurants. Well that makes it easy one would think, not having to spend the day in the kitchen. What happens though, to the bonds the family builds when helping each other cook or decorate or even clean up? As our surrounding culture is becoming more and more fast paced we are beginning to lose a sense of family. Let us not rely on others to do the work.
Over the quarter we have done various discussion boards, timed writes, and papers. I have chosen four pieces that represent, audience awareness, critical thinking, revision skills, and a writers choice that I hope you will enjoy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)