Sunday, November 6, 2011

Illegal Immigration Does Not Threaten America by: Richard Raynor

In Richard Raynor's essay, "Illegal Immigration Does Not Threaten America" he speaks about immigration and all the disadvantages they face. First, Raynor shares the story of a mother of five children who is an immigrant. The mother struggles to live in California everyday, with no job and little help from the government all she can do is have hope in America. Raynor mentions that just like Maria, many illegal immigrants share the same nightmare as her. The author then continues with another story where he states that America is filled with different nationalities and cultures. Those illegal immigrants suffer very much here in America, they have to face many hardships but they stay here because they only wish to prosper. Illegal Immigrants have to work low paid jobs because they have no choice, as well as having to pay higher rent. Richard Raynor doesn't think that immigrants make or break America but instead are a contribution to our country since many of them create small businesses. Immigrants deserve to get a break after having to endure such harsh treatment.

I agree with Richard Raynor, i don't think that Immigrants are as bad as the government make it seem. I think that they need to be cut some slack because I think that the only reason they come to America is because they want to work and live a better life then they did in their countries. They are not trying to take any one's jobs, just make some money to support their families. It's sad that Illegal immigrants are so limited in life here and have very few opportunities. Everyone should be given the chance to work and try to live a better life.  I think people should really think about the remarks they make and how it makes people feel because when i read that all Latinos are lazy i felt bad because i myself was born here but I'm considered a Latino. Just like every person in this world, immigrants are in search for prosperity and a better life.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

I'm not willing to settle for the crumbs by Kim Severson

In the essay "I'm not willing to settle for the crumbs" by Kim Severson, she expresses her view on gay marriage  and equal rights as well as shares her personal experience with the situation. Severson wishes to marry her girlfriend and going through the beautiful experience of a wedding and everything else that comes with a marriage. However, unfortunately gay marriages are only permitted in several states like in Massachusetts. Though that was one of the few options she had to marry her girlfriend she refused because it would've been an unfair wedding. Severson wanted everything a straight couple would receive and all the advantages, she didn't want to pay higher taxes or collecting legal files, etc. Severson believes everyone should receive equal treatment and not be limited in life. Last, Kim Severson and her girlfriend decided to wait on their marriage because it's not fair to get little recognition simply for being gay. As Severson states, "It's my wedding damn it. I don't want the crumbs. I want the whole cake" (508).

I truly enjoyed this essay because i think it's a very interesting topic. I as well believe in equality for everyone it does not matter what sexual orientation we come from. No one should feel like they are less or like they cannot do certain things simply because they are gay. It is completely ridiculous and unfair that in order to get married you would have to travel to different places and not have that beautiful experience like everyone should. Getting married is more then just a paper but simply having all your loved one's celebrating your happiness with you means a lot and the fact that gay people aren't given this opportunity is very unfair.  Last, having to pay even a dollar more than a normal straight person would is very harsh. People and the government should think about how much harm and pain it causes gay people to know that there are certain things in life that they can't do.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

We Are Training Our Kids to Kill by: Dave Grossman

In Dave Grossman's essay "We are training our kids to kill," he speaks about the effects of the media. According to Grossman violent movies and video games impact kids a lot and trains them to learn to kill. Dave Grossman expert in the field of killology explores his beliefs and shares his experiences. He informs us about how the military works and the tactics they use to train the soldiers to kill. Grossman makes a comparison between the training used there and the media because the media is also training kid to kill though at the moment kids do not know it. He explains how in several wars many of the soldiers did not want to kill and many times didn't because it is not natural to kill humans but instead that's why they are trained. Over the years the rates of deaths and crimes have risen not only in the wars but in several countries as well due to the media. It was proven that media is a cause for violence because there was a study where two countries were observed and compared the crime rates, both had the same ethnicity and stuff except one didn't have TVs which was the one that had less crime rates. Moreover Grossman explains the three tactics used for training to kill which is extremely similar to what the media prepares young kids do to. Hence, media highly plays a major role in kids life and if the kids continue to have access to the violent media there won't be a solution to fixing this problem.

At first i thought that this essay was boring because i didn't understand how it would relate to kids and video games but then i realized the big similarity they share. It was interesting to seed what the soldiers have to go trough in the military and the way they are trained to do such a terrible thing "kill". I don't understand if some soldiers don't want to kill then why do they joined or if they are forced to join then i think that is absolutely unfair. I do think video games and all other media train kids to kill and it's sad to think of how big this problem is and nothing is being done instead more and more violent video games are being released for kids to play with. Something should definitely be done about this situation to prevent crime rates and deaths to increase. It's scary to walk out and not know if you might be the next victim of a shooting just like the example of the man in the store. Violent media should be banned or somehow kids should not be allowed to watch it until a certain older age but I'd rather it be banned for good.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

How Bingeing Became the New College Sport by Barrett Seaman

In Seaman's essay "How Bingeing Became the New College Sport," the author addresses the problem of pregaming and the major effects of the legal limit for alcohol.  Pregaming is when college students gather in door rooms or apartments and drink as much alcohol before heading to parties (491). According to Barrett Seaman this is frequently seen in young 18, 19, and 20 year old possibly for the reason that they're not allowed to legally drink and feel the temptation and need to do it secretly. Seaman shares some of his experiences with drinking in college and mentions how through some of his visits he saw undergraduate students who had done severe heavy drinking which lead to many alcohol poisning, and even some deaths. For instance, he states he saw a freshman "who had consumed 22 shots of vodka" in a dorm (491). However, the author believes that the actual alcohol isn't the problem but instead the problem is the law of 21 being the legal age for drinking. Seaman thinks that because the underaged kids are prohibited to drink leagally they are more tempted to do it but if the drinking limit where to be lowerd to 18 then yes at first they would drink a lot but eventually they would get bored of it and they'd settle down to get their other priorities straight. Hence, Barrett Seaman hopes that pregamers are allowed to come out so they can begin to learn to have control over alcohol like any adult.

I really liked this essay, I feel like i understand it better because of the discussion we had in class. This topic is always great to talk about because many can relate to it and it's a problem in our daily life's. I agree with Seaman because I think that the age does not matter at all at either age people are going to have the same experience. First, they are going to go all out on drinking but eventually they will learn to control it and not abuse it so much. Like he said "it's a forbiden fruit" and i feel since teens know they can't have it then they are that much more tempted to drink. I think people should be allowed to drink at 18 because all they are trying to do is have a good time and it's only a matter of time till one starts to learn to control their drinking and it won't be a problem anymore. Seaman addressed a really great point and i completely agree with him.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

"Our Unhealthy Obsession with Sickness" by Frank Furedi

In the essay "Our Obsession with Sickness" by Frank Furedi, we see several problems involving health all around the world and how it is affecting our nation. The author points out several issues in which many can relate to. First, Furedi mentions "medicalisation" which he refers to as the problems that people face on a daily basis and are reinterpreted as medical ones (484).  He provides example of situations like this, for instance now when people are described as shy the term changes and becomes social phobia. It seems as if by one simple term or condition too many extremes are taken that aren't necessarily needed. Furedi's next point is "a presupposition that illness is as normal as health" which he states that now a days it's completely normal to be ill and everyone is viewed as potentially ill. Moreover, he addresses that health is used to make sense of the human experience and last the issues of politicisation of health. The government takes advantage of the global problem and since illness is increasing they are benefiting more with profits. Frank Furedi presents a lot of interesting points that people need to take into consideration more to prevent each other form getting ill and living a healthy and happy life.

I absolutely enjoyed reading this essay. It was informative and i thought that the issues addressed are a wake up call to many because in the end we are the one's who get affected by the issue. I felt like i could relate to the part where he mentions that government benefits from people being ill because I recently had surgery and luckily i had insurance to pay for it other wise it would have been a lot of money needed. I think it's sad they they take advantage of people because their are some people that truly need help and it's sad that the little money earned has to be used for their medical needs. One should be precocious and do anything we can to maintain our selves healthy.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

"Homeplace" by Scott Rusell Sanders

In the essay "Homeplace" the author Scott Rusell Sanders points out the issue about how often times people in our culture tend do a lot of moving and exploring rather than remaining in one place and finding the precious value of that land. First, Sanders speaks about the Millers, a family who lived in Ohio and truly saw their home as more then just a house; their home was their life, memories, it was everything to them. Though the family home suffered from three harsh tornadoes they refused to move out and kept rebuilding it every time. He couldn't comprehend why they remained there and didn't flee and later realized why stating, "... it was a particular place, intimately known, worked on, dreamed over, cherished" (339). The determination of the family to stay there shows that people can really learn to appreciate everything about their home and be more familiarized then those who move a lot. He believes that those who stay put in a single location will be more knowledgeable of the world . Though many might argue his point of view he rebuttals by exclaiming," ...to understand your life as woven into the local life does not prevent you from recognizing and honoring the diversity of other places, cultures, ways" (341). Hence, Sanders believe that those who move frequently are harming our world even more because by their leaving their homes, the government takes over to create shopping centers and what not creating bigger problems for people. People should stop seeing their home as just a house but more of a place where they build thousands of memories. Homes are to be cherished.

This essay really captivated my attention. I thought that the points the author addresses are great. It made me think about one of the homes i used to live in when i was small. I remember it was my favorite place to be as a kid, so many memories in that place and sadly we had to leave that place which made me really sad because i loved that home and i was really adapted to it. I think he's right when he says that if you stay in one place for a longer period of time you will be more knowledgeable of it and learn to cherish it more. However, i didn't really like that he included other author's and parts of their pieces and views because it kind of threw me of  bit. Other then that I really liked reading this essay!

Friday, October 7, 2011

"Multi- Colored Families" Tamala Edwards

In the essay "Multi- Colored Families" the author Tamala Edwards introduces the international topic on multi racial families. Edwards shares several stories about families that have adopted kids from different race and she shows the struggles that both the parents but most importantly the children have to deal with everyday. Tamala Edwards provides examples of how the attitudes and rude remarks made from people have a big affect on their lives because it causes their kids insecurity and only creates a big world of wonder for these children. Furthermore, through the great amount of research and statistics provided, some families explain some sacrifices they made in order for their children to feel like they fit it rather then isolated. They mention how some move to certain communities, and go to particular churches simply for their children to feel involved. Also, parent's say that though sometimes they feel like yelling at people for asking absurd questions they learn to respond calmly because they know their children might see this and act the same way. (272) In addition, we see how the issue of bi- racial families is present in many places and how people have tried to change and address the issue because they want everyone to feel equally. Multi-colored families face struggles in their everyday lives, and shouldn't have too, therefore everyone should mind their own business and treat each other equally with no judgement.

This essay was really informative. Until I read this essay, I had really never given much thought to the topic but now I realized how much a person's actions and attitude can affect others. Like mentioned in the article, it is enough that these parents have to explain to their kids why they are a certain color and other people's remarks are really unnecessary. Everyone should mind their business and only worry about their life's because they don't know how it might hurt others. Also, I think it is sad what these families have to endure, I can only imagine how hard it must be. I also liked how the author included many facts like how she mentions all the actors that have adopted children. I think it's great the process for adopting so long and asks a lot of questions to the adopters because it shows that they're really considerate and they want the best for the kids. They want to make sure the children not only receive love but that the parent's are involved in their lives and try to teach them about their cultures, ethnicity, and so on. This was a great essay and really informative. The topic was good because it is widely seen.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

"The Barrio" Robert Ramirez

"It is a home, but it is more than this." (391) The author Robert Ramirez explains in his essay "The Barrio" the hardships people face from the cold Anglo world. In this essay we are able to see the background of the author's life and his view on the "Barrio." The Barrio is made up by people of low class, people who isolate them self's from the real world and create their town, a place of warmth and unity. Through the author's detailed descriptions of the Barrio ranging from the Tortilleria, barbershop, and the cantina where young men become men, we are able to see more than just than this place. We see the people and the daily struggles they faced . He describes that these families at times were unable to pay up to the standards of the city, and also that kids had to be selling newspaper barefooted to help support their families. However, despite all the struggles they endured, they loved their lives and were happy to be living in a barrio with their families. The Barrio to them was their home and escape from the Anglo world. To them, "the barrios is closeness." (392)

So far this essay has been one of my personal favorites. First, the visual imagery the author provided was great because I felt like i was seeing the barrio and I really enjoy being able to visualize. I like that he touched upon the point of how these people created their own little place of comfort to exclude themselves from the problems of the Anglo world. It made me think of my English class last year because that classroom was a place where everyone knew each other and many memories were kept there. We saw that classroom as our own little escape from the drama of high school. I like that i was able to make that connection.  Also, I thought that his incorporation of the Spanish words was great, it gave it it's own style and again i was able to make that connection since Spanish is my second language. After reading, about the struggles of these people I'm glad and thankful that my life is pretty stable and I don't have to be put trough these situations. I really enjoyed reading this essay!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

"Beliefs about Families" by Mary Pipher

In the excerpt "Beliefs about Families" by Mary Pipher, we learn about the different types of families. First, the author mentions that a biological family is a family where you're tied by blood. However, not many people can actually they have biological family members and for that reason, the author mentions that usually people create new family within friends. Those who take the time to visit you when in need, or help you with any small situation are the one's who are your family because even though we all have biological families, they might be absent throughout our entire lives. Mary Pipher also mentions people in her life that she saw struggle and loose their biological families so they as well created their new family with friends or aunts and uncles. In addition, Pipher states that Americans hold two versions of family, the idealized and dysfunctional version. She goes in detail about the various types of cultures and how as years pass cultures and families change more and more but especially Americans. Hence, according to the author we live in a money driven culture which affects family. It is important  to find a family where one can be happy.

I really enjoyed reading this piece because i found it to be really informative to learn about the different types of families. I like that I was able to relate to it a lot because I have biological family who have not been here for me but yet I found a family within friends and those are the people that I see as my family. Also, it was good that the author included some of her personal experiences because I'm sure many where able to understand better her topic and idea of families by creating a connection just like I did. I didn't really understand when she began talking about all these culture and the effect but other then that I enjoyed reading "Beliefs about Families."

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Hey Nostradamus! Reg

During the last part of Hey Nostradamus! by Douglas Coupland, the last character Reg confesses and puts an end to many of our questions. Reg expresses his thoughts and feelings on certain aspects, many of which relate to Jason and his bad attitude towards him. While Reg is giving us and insight on his life and thoughts, he appears to be currently writing a letter for his son Jason hoping that one day he comes across it somewhere in the forest. First, Reg mentions events from his childhood, where we discover that the reason why he was so cold and harsh with Jason was because as a kid his father would treat him poorly as well. Though Reg tried to be completely opposite from his father he was just the same cold heartless man. However, Reg did change towards the end and realized how much his attitude hurt his loved one's. Next, Reg reminisces on the important people in his life like,his wife, Kent, Ruth and Jason and how because of his religion and stubbornness, he chased them away. He remembers how insane and weak he was when he received the news of Kent's death leading to one of the reason's he lost Ruth. He says that she left him because he was ashamed of being with her since he didn't want to take her to Kent's funeral and because he refused to divorced his wife. Furthermore, Reg goes in detail about his life and feelings and how he was affected by everything that he experienced in his life, especially knowing that he caused most of the pain. Hence, towards the end Reg says that though Jason remains missing he hopes one day he will appear and find his letter, also that when Jason appears he will go knocking door to door shouting, "Awake! Everyone listen, there has to be a miracle my son who once was dead is now alive. Rejoice! All of you! Rejoice! You must! My son is coming home!" (244) Reg was truly a great man with good intentions who unfortunately hurt many.

Sadly, the book is done! unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed by the ending because i would've liked to know what happened to Jason and whether he died or not. I also wanted to know if the secret of the twins was to be ever discovered. I did like this last chapter though, i felt it brought answers to many questions i had about Reg. Now, I completely understand where Reg was coming from. I completely misjudged him, Reg turned out to be the complete opposite of what I thought he was. He was a loving man, who desired for the best towards his family. I'm sure i will continue to read more books from this author because i truly enjoyed this book. It was a great novel and recommend it to many!

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Hey Nostradamus! ; Heather (part two)

During the second part of Coupland's third part, we see how Heather continues to desperately seek the help of the psychic Allison . Heather discusses what she believes of herself and the world as well, she comes to a decision and chose to quit her job as a stenographer. Next, Heather continuously calls ALlison for any messages from Jason. However, once ALlison realized how desperate and needy Heather was, she began taking advantage of her and draining her bank account. Allison not only made her pay for meals, car repairs, but thousands of dollars for these "messages." Heather saw that she was being controlled and made a move and began to investigate who this psychic was. One day she went to ALlisons home and spied on her and saw what seemed to be an argument between Allison and her daughter. Later that night, Heather went to Reg's home and told him all about it. Reg explained his point of view which lead her to believe that ALlison's daughter had been seing JAson as well. Heather furiously followed JEssica, ALlisons daughter to put an end to her questions and doubts. Sure enough, Jessica politely told her that her mother was lying to her, that weeks before Jason's disappearance he left her a paper with things to say to Heather to make her happy. With the truth discovered, Heathe flew the scene and went to confront ALlison. With threats and physical confrontation, Heather was able to get the truth out of ALlison and she demanded to give her "that" paper. Once all of this was resolved, Heather came to her senses and realized Jason was dead but for some reason after weeks of desperation and frustrating nights, Heather was finally able to sleep in peace.

I thought this part of the book was so breath taking! It was so interesting to read this especially the scene of her findin out the truth about the messages. In my opinion, Allison was very harsh in taking such advantage of this poor woman who all she wants is to find her boyfriend. I'm even more surprised of HEather that she was willing to pay such a huge amount of money to some stranger. I guess that when people are so desperate they will do anything! Also, I found it interestig about how she felt about CHeryl. She had no reason to be jealous of her especially because she was dead but yet she was. Overall this part was truly eye catching!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Hey Nostradamus! ; Heather:2002

In the third part of "Hey Nostradamus!" by Douglas Coupland, the third character Heather is introduced. Heather is Jason's former girlfriend who is a a court stenographer. Jason and Heather met at a Toys R us, she says that she noticed how Jason seemed sad and therefore was surprised when they had this long conversation over a giraffe which holds great significance towards the end. Soon Heather and Reg often discuss their grief and worries over Jason's mysteriously disappearance. It remains unknown whether Jason is dead or alive but with a very optimistic attitude Heather one day calls Chris for a favor. Chris who's now married to Barb, looked through the governments face data system to find Jason's analog. Then since she and Reg spend a lot of time together she confesses to him that she visited the analog but was worthless because it just made her more anxious to find Jason. After, Heather receives a call from a psychic; Allison and she tells her about these words " Oh I say" (168) that in some form relate to Jason. Both agreed to meet and talk but Heather ends up very disappointed because Allison has no answers for her and she thinks she's just some crazy lady. In the end, Heather finds herself in an unhealthy state of being, she believes she has gone crazy and little by little is loosing faith on finding Jason.

I am glad to see that after all this time Reg seems to slowly come to his senses and is beginning to change for the better. I see that people do really change all they need is time and someone to understand them. I think it's great that Jason found himself a girlfriend, he really deserved to find someone who made him happy after all that he's faced. Heather appears to be a good person especially since she's so worried for Jason. It's sad that she starts to loose it a bit because then again that would be another tragedy! I am curious to know what's going to happen with the twins and if the truth is ever going to come out for all of them to know. I liked this section, i thought it gave a lot of important information to clear the understanding of the whole massacre and the characters' life's.

Hey Nostradamus! ; Jason (pgs. 44-146)

In the second half of the Jason's narration in Coupland's novel, "Hey Nostradamus!", Jason continues to present events from his life. First, Jason's father Reg fell in his kitchen and was hospitalized due to his injuries. Then, Jason is asked to bring some personal belongings to his father by one of the nurses and as he goes to the apartment to gather them, Jason observes in depth Reg's apartment. As Jason goes to the hospital he is doubting whether to go in and see his father or not because he hasn't had communication with him for some time now. However, he enters the room and has small talk with Reg but then finally, Jason confronted Reg on why he had accused him of a murderer years before. Reg replies to him, "Your soul was perfect. If you'd died in the cafeteria, you'd have gone directly to heaven. But instead you chose murder, and now you'll never be totally sure of where you're headed." (101) and Jason frustratedly leaves. Also, Jason mentions that he began to receive letters from Cheryl's mother, father, and her brother Chris which involved "fake words" according to Chris. The letters talked about the massacre, many apologies, the Youth alivers, and last Cheryl's funeral but Jason didn't pay much attention to the letters. In addition, as Jason's still writing the letter to his nephews, he mentions in it a time when he and a few friends got drunk and somehow was almost killed by a Russian named Yorgo but then Jason had the opportunity to kill Yorgo with a rock just like he did in the massacre but Jason realized that he was a man with a good heart and not a killer, he wasn't going to win much by killing again. Then at the highest point in this chapter, Jason reveals that when Kent died, him and Barb flew to Vegas to marry because that was the condition he proposed to Barb if she wanted him to do her the favor of getting her pregnant. Ironically enough, they ran into an old high school friend which sadly Barb had to kill because he had witnessed their presence in Vegas and also, Jason somehow had a connection to Reg because she killed him. Hence, to end the chapter Jason's mother calls him announcing the great news that Barb was pregnant which appeared to be his sons. Jason lived a troublesome life.

With all this read, I came to a greater understanding of not only Jason's action but also I was able to understand a bit more of where Reg was coming from. I thought it was great that Jason tried to connect to his father once again and also that he didn't kill Yorgo because that really shows that Jason is a good and pure hearted man. I can also say that once again the saying "Don't judge books by it's cover" was right because at first I didn't have many great things to say about Reg i thought he was a heartless man but now that I continued to read I realized that I was wrong. Reg is not so bad after all he's just like any person in need of a lot of help, understanding, and companionship. This made me take in mind to always get to know people better before one can make judgements about them, jumping to conclusions is not a good idea! Also, I was extremely shocked to hear that the twins are Jason's kids and not Kent's. I think this was a pretty cynical thing to do but I guess sometimes people act impulsively and don't think about things twice. I think both Barb and Jason did this desperately because they didn't want to end up alone. Again, this novel continues to impress me!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Hey Nostradamus! ; 1999: Jason (pgs.43-92)

In the first half of the the second chapter of Coupland's novel, "Hey Nostradamus!" one of the main characters, Jason describes what his life has become years after the Delbrook massacre, and also allows the audience to receive a better understanding of what happened the day of the shooting by narrating how he experienced the awful incident. We are able to see the issues he is dealing with such as those of his view on humanity, the hypocrite people,his terrible relationship with his father Reg and lastly, the death of his brother Kent and how poorly he coped with them leading to an unsuccessful pitted life. Jason tells his story in his truck alongside the beach with his adopted dog Joyce while writing a letter to his nephew's and reminiscing on events from the past hat highly impacted his life. Moreover, the day of the massacre we see that after Jason killed the head shooter, he struggles letting go of Cheryl and accepting her death but is forced to be separated from her. He then goes to the lot and lays on her truck covered in her blood, soon after he is awaken and escorted home. Once Jason arrives home, his mother is shaken and worried about his being and the cops explain the incident and how he was a hero however, Reg had shame and called his son a "murderer" causing the authorities and people to question Jason. After Jason is proven innocent, he goes in depth about all he has had to dealt with Reg. Reg's attitude towards Jason was extremely negative and the cause of an end to their relationship. Hence, at the end of this first part, after questioning attending his brother's memorial he decides to go to support Barb and after the service gets drunk to escape all the phony conversations. Also, Reg states that one of the twins doesn't have a soul and Barb furiously kicks him out of her house. Clearly Jason has not a had a pleasant life overall but the fact that he is still standing and living day by day shows that he wants to do something with himself.

I thought that this chapter was very helpful to my understanding of why Jason appeared so odd in Cheryl's story. I felt sad because Jason seemed like a good person and the fact that he struggled more than a usual person has makes me think about how my whining sometimes is extremely ridiculous and unnecessary. I really liked that he talked about his father a lot because it made me think how it's sad that there are people out there just like Reg that use religion for the justifications of one's bad actions. I think this man is crazy however i think that instead of being left alone someone should have tried to talk to him and talked some sense into him and made him understand how much religion was affecting others but mainly himself. As i continue to read, i keep wanting to continue because i find it really interesting. I enjoyed reading Jason's part of the story and getting a better understanding of the massacre and his life in general.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Hey Nostradamus! ; 1988: Cheryl

 In the first part of the novel Hey Nostradamus! by Douglas Coupland, we see through the character Cheryl Anway's point of view what occurred the day of the tragedy at her high school cafeteria.Cheryl was an ordinary religious girl living in Vancouver, part of the Youth Alive! group who lived a doubtfully and secretive live who would've never imagined that on a usual routined day, her life was about to come to an end. As she narrates the scenery of that very awful day, Cheryl also discusses what was occurring in her life. Cheryl had recently flown out to Las Vegas to elope with her high school sweetheart Jason and the morning of the incident they discovered that she was pregnant. With all this in mind, while in math class Cheryl scribbled on her binder the words, "God is nowhere/ God is now here" (9) which appeared to be her last will. Suddenly it was lunch time and like every other day she met with her lunch bunch group in the cafeteria in the table causing most attention the centered table. Then it all began; the end to the life's of thousands of students. Three students shot kids for no apparent reason  and just like everybody else Cheryl and her group hid under the table with fear and as quiet as possible. Unfortunately, her friend accidentally moved a can making noise which brought attention to the table and that was it for Cheryl Anway. She was shot and left to die slowly leaving behind her loving husband and an unborn baby joining the other souls in heaven.


Though I have read very few works I must say this novel is one that I definitely enjoy reading. After reading this first part i felt very intrigued by it, it made me want to continue reading and search for more answers. I love the techniques that Coupland uses such as the great amount of analogy's and all the visual work he uses. As i read i was able to paint a clear image of the scenery and everything that was happening in the cafeteria which i really liked. Also, I found some of the points that Cheryl brought up to be fairly interesting because they made me think a lot and made me really think about the world and everything that goes on in my life. For instance, she points out how much religion had to do in my life and how sometimes people only pray when they need from god. Her story itself was interesting, I feel like many can relate to it because it's a young love sort of thing. Hence, it made me sad and angry to think that there are actually heartless people who would have the guts to do such a thing and take away the lives of so many young people who have their whole life ahead of them. Makes me wonder how bad their lives must be to do such a cruel act. Over all I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to continue reading.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

The Library Card

In "The Library Card" the author Richard Wright, one day came across an article catching his attention because of a harsh statement made about H.L Mencken. It made him wonder what he had done for him to be so harshly criticized, so he decided to take interest and check out a few of his books to learn more of this pitted man. However, since he was black it was not permitted for them to check out books. After having trouble on asking for a library card, a Pope let him borrow the card. With that taken care of, Wright made several trips to the library after having read the Mencken books. He not only learned a lot about the view on blacks through the books, he began to feel something different and he developed a passion for reading and learning about the world. Though he once tried to write, he failed but didn't give up his reading because he said he wanted to keep reading and feeling. Sadly, it was unknown what happened with this man's life but it was great that through these books he gained a lot of knowledge on the history of the blacks but helped him gain a different perspective towards the world. Wright chose to head South and surely he will seek a better life.


I absolutely found this piece fascinating. It made me feel bad because i can only imagine how terrible the experiences must have been for colored people during that era. It also makes me realize that sadly even though racism is supposed to be abolished in some places it is still present. The circumstances they were put through was awful and harsh i believe no one should ever have to face such treatment. Also, i was  impressed that Wright instead of following the crowd, he decided to read and learn about what was going on in the world. He took initiative and that simple move of getting a library card might have changed his life completely for the better. It makes me think and imagine all the possible things there are that we can do to progress in our lives and just like Wright it might begin with reading a book. I received a better understanding of what was dealt with during that time and i must say i am glad that i have not experienced a situation like him. This story was very interesting to me.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

"Only Daughter"

In the essay "Only Daughter" by Sandra Cisneros, the author shares the issue she faced of  being the only daughter in a family of six sons and her battle to win her dad's approval, respect, and simply some attention. Being an only daughter forced her to spent much of her time alone, which she used wisely to think, imagine, and to prepare herself. After 6 years of  school, instead of her father being proud of her, he disappointingly shook his head because after all that time she was still left with no husband. Sandra continued to desperately try and make her father be proud of her but even with outstanding awards after ten years of professionally writing, her father took no interest in her not knowing that everything she wrote was for him. One Christmas she flew home excitedly to show her dad a book of hers that had recently been published in Spanish. After her father was done reading it, he stated "Where can we get more copies of this for the relatives?" those words meant the world to her. Sandra Cisneros had accomplished a big goal in life; she won her dad's approval but most important she stopped being an outcast from the family and became the only daughter, a writer.

This essay made me reflect on experiences I have faced in life. Besides it being interesting it had many good points. I liked how she talks about her family and culture and where she comes from because I feel like I can relate to it. It made me think of what she must have felt like because in a way it's the same for me, except that it is expected a lot from me from my father because I am the only girl and the eldest too. It also shows how sometimes it's the small things that matter in life, and how something simple can mean so much to a person. Like she states when her father read her book, "Of all the wonderful things that had happened to me last year, that was the most wonderful." It inspires me to always try and better myself and to continue to try and built a stronger relationship with my father.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me

In "The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me" by Sherman Alexie, we are able to see a variety of interesting points. Sherman Alexie demonstrates his passion for books and how they played a very important role in his life; they were an extreme contribution to his career and life. At the beginning of the essay, the author provides plenty of background information.Though financially challenged, his father managed to continue addingbooks to his collection. Those books came in hand for Alexie because through those books he learned to read, write, and now share with the world his appreciation and devotion to books with the world. Also, the author mentions a lot what a paragraph is and how he came to a clear understanding of what it was, he learned by making a few comparison's like "my family's house" and "each family member existed as a separate paragraph..." Furthermore, Alexie states that he learned how to read with a "Superman" comic book. He made assertions of what the characters were saying in the pictures and continued to do so until he learned to read. Lastly, he says how even though it was expected for Indians to do poorly academically, he refuse to be a part of that statistic and instead aimed high and succeeded in his studies. Now we see that all those factors in his life helped him become the writer that he is now. Just as Sherman Alexie learned to read with a comic book anyone can be as successful by taking one step at a time.


I thought this essay was very interesting and intriguing. Unlike many of the things I read, this made me want to keep reading it. I found it interesting how he compares it to the house and his family members. It not only made me understand a paragraph better but it influenced me to find examples that will help me understand things in general better. His essays is very straight forward which i liked, I did not have to stop often to look up words and stuff. Hence, i believe it gives a glimp of hope to many and inspires them to not give up and pursue their goals.