Blog Post #8

"Caring for your Introvert"

by Jonathan Rauch

Writing in your journal, explain whether you are an introvert or an extrovert. Cite examples to illustrate your characterization.

If I had to choose a side, I would say extrovert. Even though this author seemed to share dislike for extroverts, I think I am one. Jonathan Rauch said that a "common misconception (between introverts and extroverts) has to do with introverts being more intelligent, more reflective, more independent, more level-headed, more refined, and more sensitive than extroverts." I absolutely disagree. Just because extroverts enjoy spending time with others and having a good time, doesn't mean they are insensitive, dumb or bad listeners. It seemed very stereotypical.

As an extrovert I love spending time with people, getting to know them and having fun. But I also need my alone time, personal space and privacy or else I'll go crazy. It actually feels like a mixture of both lifestyles. An example of me being a extrovert might include my absolute love for boardgames. The reason I love playing boardgames is because of the time spent with friends and loved ones. Every morning when I wake up, I ask myself, "Why am I getting up this morning?" The answer is usually along the lines of "my friend needs me," or "my teacher is counting on me," or anything similar. This seems like an extrovert trait to me because I love pleasing those people.

Ever since I've been young, it has been really hard for me to be all alone. My mom used to think there was something wrong with me because, unlike myself, my mom is an introvert. Spending more than 20 minutes by myself was almost torture. As time has gone by, I have developed the need for personal space and privacy but it can only last for about a day or two. Longer than two days,without seeing people, might make me psycho. Another funny thing about me spending time alone, is the fact that I usually watch a movie or some type of TV show so the feeling that someone is in the room will always be there.

I am an extrovert and I am proud of it.

Blog Post #7

"Web Of Risks"

by Brad Stone

Are social-networking sites a good way for students to interact with others?

   I think the main reason that people use social-networking sites is because they are trying to express themselves but don't know how to verbally. They can either be very useful tools or can be a distraction for things that need to get done. Personally, I use networking sites to stay connected with my friends and family. Even when I live across the world from someone, I can still look at their pictures, enjoy their witty comments and let them know how much I care. I think that social-networking sites are a great way for students to interact with each other. It must be used it moderation, but so is everything else that society is complaining about.

Are other forms of campus interaction preferable?

   Your personal life is private, but if you are going to put it onto the internet, that privacy is gone. If you are drinking, partying, or using foul language, that's your business but don't create a Facebook group called "Dobbs 2nd Floor Alcoholics." I think that if it's on the internet, it's free for anyone to view, and this includes potential employers. Not every consequence is going to seem fair, such as the case of Jason Johnson. He was attending a Baptist school that had the rule of "living a Christian life-style," which didn't include homosexuality. Sadly, since he posted on his MySpace page about his homosexuality, and the school president saw it, he was expelled. Again, that doesn't seem fair but if the school has that rule, he shouldn't be attending that school.

Justification/Argument:

   Privacy is definitely a big issue, but if you aren't using those protecting security details, then it's fair game. I don't know if this makes me sound like an old person, but there are rules for a reason. Not all rules are fair, but they are there for a reason.

Blog Post #6

Responding to Using Comparison - Contrast for a Purpose
Essay Chosen: "The New Trophy Wife" 

1) Compare and/or contrast today's trophy husband with the trophy husband of some time in the past: There aren't a lot of examples of "trophy husband" from the past that I can think of but there are a lot of successful women who might of been in that situation. It seems like women in the past that were VERY successful, never got married. An example could be Louisa May Alcott who was a famous author but never got married. I wonder if success for the female used to be a turn off for the men of different time eras? But now in our culture, many men seem to be marrying "articulate, aggressive women" who might have a higher income then they do. Why is this? Women have been pushing and pushing for generations to be able to vote, get an education and have equal rights as men. Society has had to shift and make way for these powerful women and because of this, "trophy husbands" have been born.

2) Cite another common piece of wisdom that is not borne out by experience and observation, and to inform readers, contrast it with reality. Use examples to support your contrasts: Something that I was thinking about when reading "The New Trophy Wife" was in the sub-heading, "A Confidence Gap." In paragraph 23, it says "If high-aiming women are more marriage-eligible than ever, why don't they seem to know it?" No matter what type of education of experience that women get, they are born with the innate responsibility of being a women. She is a women and those feelings can't be shut down forever. It was interesting about the statistic of high-achieving women that are gaining success are less likely to have children and marry. Another piece of "common knowledge" could be the sentence in paragraph 11 that states, "Many of today's grooms believe that through positive or negative example, their own moms set the stage for a high-octane wife." There is no survey or statistical evidence but it seems to be implied. I agree that men look up to their mothers, but what other role models are out there that have been tainting the views of women throughout all of history?

Blog Post #5 Process Analysis

"Shoot to Kill"

Do you think the families of the Columbine victims should sue Jefferson County? 

Give the reasons for your view:

First off, that question could go either way. (which is probably why it was asked.) 

For me it makes sense why the families would want to find some type of blame and so they sue. But what happened at Columbine, in my opinion, is nobody's fault. Those students that were shooting everyone are the ones that needed psychological help. Yet, because of the slow response of the police officers that were keeping protocol, changes were made. Even though the changes didn't happen overnight, the lawsuits pushed  law-authorities to revise the rules and in turn, make the world a better place to live. 

#4 Homelessness

Reading Response to Jonathan Kozol

"Untouchables."

 

Choosing five questions to respond to:

1) According to Kozol, what are the prevailing attitudes towards the homeless?

Many negative thoughts and actions towards the homeless people. It has become a type of bacteria growth that is rotting the minds of all Americans. First they feel pity, then it quickly escalates into annoyance and dislike.

2) To what extent are government officials and general public part of the problem of homelessness?

They treat homeless people as "vermin" with such a dislike that it affects the way the public feels. There was even an example of Columbia Point where they sent people without homes to all live on a specific island. Sadly, it got so bad that a friend of Kozol's thought that it was identical to Alcatraz. When the government treats human beings like animals, it shows their true character of being animals themselves.

3) In paragraph 38, Kozol says that we are afraid of homeless children. What are we afraid of?

I think the biggest fear we face when thinking of homeless children, is the unknown. We aren't sure where they came from and we don't know where they are going or how they will get there. A big question mark hangs in the air and everyone is afraid to go near it or even contemplate what will be done with the "homeless children."

4) Are any examples particulary moving? Which ones? Why do they affect you the way they do?

The example in paragraph 23 was extremely sobering in my eyes. A homeless man was set on fire and was blazing for over four hours without anyone doing anything. When asked why observers didn't respond sooner, they replied that he was "nuclear waste," that needed to go. I also focused my attention on the story of the homeless woman who had pneumonia and died on Christmas day. No ambulance was even called. I think the reason they affect me is because I dislike seeing people suffer but it hurts me even more when no one does anything about it. Our society has become so self-centered and lazy that it gives me hardly any hope for the future. We are "a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes." -The American Creed. 

5) Has your perception of the homeless changed as a result of reading "Untouchables"? Explain. 

My perception has definitely changed and been enlightened. Living on the outskirts of civility, in Ephraim, Utah, it's easy for me to ignore the outside world and only focus on myself and my surroundings. This article of sadness, weariness and social exhaustion is a mind opener for all those who are willing to see another way. When I began reading this story, I noticed that I was slightly repulsed by the information. It's uncomfortable to read about frozen bodies, homeless children and the disgusted politicians. But when you put it into perspective, it would be much more uncomfortable being homeless.

Post #3

My Narrative Essay will be about the one and only time my older sister cut my hair.
It was so short, and so ugly that it was entirely shaved off.
I'm writing about this event because of how much of an impact it made in my life.
My hair was straight and beautiful.
But then I was disgraced and entirely bald.

Chapters 4 & 5 (Post #2)

There is so much information within these chapters that it's almost hard to grasp it all.

But I did enjoy the useful words that were written.

 

In Chapter 4, I really liked the story called "Struck By Lighting" by Gretel Enrlich and the visual imagery that was really interesting to read. I think those types of stories help me as a writer because it captures the attention of the audience and makes me want to do the same. Also the fluid word choices are spectacular and fun to read. The 4th chapter was overall very "descriptive." (<-- Ha ha.) I like what was said on pages 110 & 111 because of the differences in similes and metaphors that can sometimes get me confused. It was very useful information.

Chapter 5 seemed similar in some ways to Chapter 4, but it explained a lot about "expressing your feelings" and "relating your experiences." Combining patterns for a purpose was a good section that explained the cause-and-effect when telling a story. I think that way of writing can also capture an audience. What is useful about this chapter is the large amount of written stories that are examples.

Patterns For A Purpose is a well written English book that is very helpful for those who want to become a better writer.