Those DAM CATS!!!

My fiance has cats, before I met him he had six cats. "How odd I thought a man to have six cats." I have never known a man to have so many cats, maybe dogs but not cats. Myself, I am a dog person, though they are a lot of work and so I guess with my busy life of children, work, school and home is why I do not have a dog.

But there is still this cat situation in the house! Since the combining of two households my fiances and mine. We have cats and though they kept in the master bedroom and not allowed to wander the house, there still is this conflict between my fiance and me about these DAM CATS. There are only two now because six cats were just one to many. Its been five years, and I have been without a space of my own in this house. Since I have allergies due to the cats I have not slept in my bedroom for four and half years!!!!! What the hell??????????? 

The cats have completely taken over the master bedroom upstairs. There is no place for me in this house, No room of my own to escape a long hard day of work, school and children. No place to rest my head at night which means no intimacy. I can count on both hands the amount of times in one year, sad but true! No romance  either, its all very sobering as I have watched these years passed by. My only place is a small closet by the garage to hang a few of my clothes the rest my clothing in a storage bin that sits in my office. My jewelry, make-up, purses (3 to be exact) and shoes sit on a small shelf in the closet and on the floor. 

I fight off spiders and ants during the year that seem to make their way into my closet and because this is the desert a field mice or two. Last year I threw away lots of clothes because the thought of a mouse in the house in my clothes...yuck! Well at least I got to buy replacements! Either way I can not breathe nor move. My sentimental knick-knacks sit in boxes because  I can not put them in a room of my own. 

But what is most frustrating is I can not say a thing about these cats to my fiance or he blows up with false accusations. Granted in the beginning I used to say how much I detested cats in general mind you. I tired to be nice and understanding to these two farrow cats, but they are just mean cats. Their cute names China and Kitten is something of a joke. Kitten is the really mean one, although he has no front claws his teeth are huge! He once bit my fiance once right through his nail! China I think if kitten where around might be nice, but this one has her claws. Either way I just really dislike these cats! 

Today I mentioned how yesterday I went quickly into his room for a cup of cat food, to give to another orange cat outside that comes around the yard. This kitty looked thin and hungry so  I went to grab some cat food and water. Besides this particular cat brings dead mice that have been behead and disemboweled to my door. He is out earning his food. Either way I went to grab some cat food and Kitten was hissing at me as usual then ran out and charged at me, so I had to yell and stomp my foot down. I do this to show who is boss...yahhh right! Kitten ran back under the bed. I told my fiance this and today, as usual he thinks I am being silly like the cat is really going to bite me like a dog. I say, "Well you never know, cats have their means just like dogs." I really should have said nothing about this whole situation! It just gets him in a bad mood and me frustrated that he refuses to understand or acknowledge what I am saying about these stupid cats. He always turns my words and meaning of what I am saying about this situation of the stupid cats. 

BlahBlah, "You ALWAYS say this or that about the cats" really? I have not mentioned anything about the stupid cats I seldom do, if my fiances asks me to get something from his room I say "No you go get it, I have allergies" But what happens I usually go get it, then he cats hiss at me, I find this annoying especially when they try to charge me. He is never there when they charge me but says it did not happen. There was a time I early on I used to sleep in that room, but I would wake up sick eyes swollen skin itchy. Until one year I got sick and had some sort of bacteria on my cheek from the stupid cats. I think they were wiping their ass on my pillow. Anyways I got sick for a long time so sick that I could not fight off a viral infection and end up with shingles! SHINGLES people!!!! It sucked so bad I spent my days laying on the couch some days I could barely move without pain to get up and used the potty. Still I went to work, school and took care of my kids. It took a year to recover, this is all insane.

Years passed and I still had no bedroom of my own. I once slept on the couch for a year until I notice my poor $1000 couch was suffering. Then I used to sleep on the floor in the living room, but that really sucked. So I bought an air mattress...except that did not last either. Finally I am now sleeping in my small children's room..on the lower bunk. Hmm this really sucks! All the while these cats have a master bedroom with a huge closet and bathroom. It is my fiances room. You think he would keep it clean, but nope. I used to imagine when we first move in here where I would I put things in the master bedroom and how I would decorate it. Now I pass the department stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, and dream of one day having a room and being able to buy that $300 comforter set. Will that ever happen? I often wonder. 

I came from a big family and so never had my own room or bed. I had to share it with 6 sisters! SIX. We had to share at times sleeping with one another, actually for some reason I did with my step sister who would wet the bed. Geeeezzzz I hate those days! Funny I wonder now if then was preparing me for now? 

Now that I have calmed down from the cat discussion with my fiance this morning, I'm just going to say, I HATE THESE DAM CATS!!!! 

Last Blog

Final and Last Stop…

Do you feel beaten? Left trudging back from the battle grounds of College work, slump over in defeat or head up in accomplishment from lasting the whole 16 weeks through? I have no clue just yet by next week I will defiantly need a chiropractor from nights spent up typing my last few thoughts out after having worked an eight hour work day and coming home to unfinished dishes and laundry, bills unpaid and the trash barrel yet to be pulled out to the curb.

I defiantly learned a lot about my self this term. It is a risk on ones GPA to succumb to the arrogance of conquering a challenging class like English 103, specifically if it is Professor Gross’s class. While the Professors intentions were well meaning I feel that I may have a few gray hairs from the stress. However was it all well worth it?

Absolutely! I love to read though more often for myself then to fill a requirement. However I would have not selected Reading Lolita in Tehran or Animal Farm, this is one thing that I enjoy about being in an English class or any course that introduces you to reading literature or essays. It introduces an individual to various aspects of writing styles, characters, plot, cultures and so forth. It helps us make connections to periods of time and issues, as well why we write, who are we writing for and what the connection is.

Another part of this course that was enlightening was essays we read in Exploring Language. Chapter two in particular was helpful to me. We all struggle with writing for me it is often my usage of small words. Reassurance by an author perspective of using small words I believe helps with having the confidence to write for others. In Richard Lederer essay The Case for Short Words (122), he states a rule, “Here is a rule: Use small old words where you can. If a long word says just what you want to say, do not fear to use it. But know that our tongue is rich in crisp, brisk, swift, short words.” This help with reassuring me that my writing style is still my. Lederer goes further to say, “Make them the spin and the heart of what you speak and write. Short words are like fast friends. They will not let you down.” I actually felt better about my writing after having read this essay and using small or complex words to facilitate my reading and writing abilities.

The essay topics introduce use to the complexities which exist in technology, cultural, communicating with others, the language which exists between social groups and gender. I believe helped to gain understanding and self awareness of how we write and who we are writing for, and to think critically when reading and writing. This was all important and lead to the fostering of a community within the class in exchanging our thoughts through blogging and sharing ideas.

All the work was intense although I feel that it help all of us become better writers by addressing our weakness and helping us to build and reinforce them. I take from this an understanding of areas within the writing and reading process that I need to address in order to become a better writer. 

To the Editor

This is an open letter to the Editor,

            I’ve just returned from Akron, Ohio. Where I was in attendance for the Women’s Rights Convention the year is 1851. The hall was full of women all white and one colored woman by the name of Sojourner Truth, she was a tall woman weathered in the face from the sun her features however soft. Most of the white women gasp at seeing this woman, Sojourner Truth though none had the nerve to have her removed from the hall. So she stayed as she was a woman and was this not a place for women’s interests?

During the first day of the many sermons that filled hall we mostly heard from ministers from many religious sects that were men. They had been there to remind us women of our duties and of duties of men. As I was just thinking that I had not come so far and risking my marriage to hear the sermons of a man’s view. On the duties of women to her family and Church. It is of the second day of speeches that Ms. Sojourner Truth rose and took to the podium. Many of the women were offended and even suggested that she not speak. Though no one intervene nor prevented her taking the podium.  

It is of this that I write to you, of the moving speech she delivered. I have never been so moved by such reasoning as when she stood there with such strong convictions when she addressed the hall of women. She was loud and powerful commanding the room for undivided attention. Ms. Truth compared the lines between men and women to those that stood there before her preaching to us women about having “Intellect,”  and what would we do if vote or own property.

Ms. Sojourner Truth stated that she had, “borne thirteen children most had been taken and sold off into slavery.” She was commanding by addressing the hall “Ain’t I a woman.” For she bore the marks of child birth but had to endure seeing almost all wrenched from her and sold.

Again she became louder when she belted out, “Ain’t I woman…for wanting to help into carriages and lifted over puddles…for having to plough and plant.” And here these men that spoke before her about a women’s place and the duties of a man to perform such tasks. Yet she continued to address the room of women and men about the origins of Christ. Explaining this she said, “Where did your God come from? From God came woman. Man had nothing to do with him.” To address the statement made, “women can’t have as much rights, ‘cause Christ wasn’t a woman.”

I was moved by Sojourner Truth her speech to the hall of women, she was powerful and moving. She had the courage to step forward and deliver an inspiring speech. When no other woman had step up to address the issues and the purpose for convening this Women’s Convention. I was truly inspired to advocate change to the life of the colored women. The realization came to me that we women have the same common interests of equality fighting for the same freedoms.

Thank You

Last Blog

Final and Last Stop…

Do you feel beaten? Left trudging back from the battle grounds of College work, slump over in defeat or head up in accomplishment from lasting the whole 16 weeks through? I have no clue just yet by next week I will defiantly need a chiropractor from nights spent up typing my last few thoughts out after having worked an eight hour work day and coming home to unfinished dishes and laundry, bills unpaid and the trash barrel yet to be pulled out to the curb.

I defiantly learned a lot about my self this term. It is a risk on ones GPA to succumb to the arrogance of conquering a challenging class like English 103, specifically if it is Professor Gross’s class. While the Professors intentions were well meaning I feel that I may have a few gray hairs from the stress. However was it all well worth it?

Absolutely! I love to read though more often for myself then to fill a requirement. However I would have not selected Reading Lolita in Tehran or Animal Farm, this is one thing that I enjoy about being in an English class or any course that introduces you to reading literature or essays. It introduces an individual to various aspects of writing styles, characters, plot, cultures and so forth. It helps us make connections to periods of time and issues, as well why we write, who are we writing for and what the connection is.

Another part of this course that was enlightening was essays we read in Exploring Language. Chapter two in particular was helpful to me. We all struggle with writing for me it is often my usage of small words. Reassurance by an author perspective of using small words I believe helps with having the confidence to write for others. In Richard Lederer essay The Case for Short Words (122), he states a rule, “Here is a rule: Use small old words where you can. If a long word says just what you want to say, do not fear to use it. But know that our tongue is rich in crisp, brisk, swift, short words.” This help with reassuring me that my writing style is still my. Lederer goes further to say, “Make them the spin and the heart of what you speak and write. Short words are like fast friends. They will not let you down.” I actually felt better about my writing after having read this essay and using small or complex words to facilitate my reading and writing abilities.

The essay topics introduce use to the complexities which exist in technology, cultural, communicating with others, the language which exists between social groups and gender. I believe helped to gain understanding and self awareness of how we write and who we are writing for, and to think critically when reading and writing. This was all important and lead to the fostering of a community within the class in exchanging our thoughts through blogging and sharing ideas.

All the work was intense although I feel that it help all of us become better writers by addressing our weakness and helping us to build and reinforce them. I take from this an understanding of areas within the writing and reading process that I need to address in order to become a better writer. 

Useful

Reading and Writing Freely

This semester we have focused on so many aspects of the reading and writing process. I certainly thought by English 101 I had done it all, but this English class has introduced me to other aspects of writing to consider.

First out of the gate was blogging. I had would have never thought an English Professor would actually use this tool in their class. It just seemed to be a social networking device that some individual could share their thoughts with others or as a journal. Though I think it helped encourage me a little more to write with the thought of reaching others out there. It became a useful tool that helped me be attentive towards my grammar and consider the forum to which I was writing for. The responding aspect of blogging was helpful it introduced me to various styles of writing out their by other persons. It was also another way that students of English 101 could again share thoughts and interact with one another like group work did.

Group work was interesting! It was like entering the classroom on the first day and getting to one another. Then allowing for the transference of ideas and opinions to happen and take place. It was constructive criticism from others that helped me see areas in my writing that needed improvement. I think it helped out a lot with my development in writing and deconstruction and analyzing essays. Group work I think was challenging at first however I believe the process itself help me focus more on what exactly was being asked of me to write and it helped me with teamwork skills because usually I tend to be a loner and work on my own.

What I found helpful was the discussion boards early on, as I was having technical difficulties with blackboard and understanding what was specifically that I had to do. So it was great to get homework help when I needed it, I am still working with some formatting issues and submitting. The Reading discussion forums was another great tool that was useful in helping to examine closely the plot, references made to history and similarities and characters of our reading. The generation that other students came up with through their examination through reading and then responding in the forum was insightful. It was useful to have others connect ideas and help me thinking or relate others during my reading.

What was great this semester was the peer draft reviews, PDR’s. The PDR’s were awesome! I love hearing from others what they thought of my essay’s and getting that feed back. I am not that confident when it comes to essay writing my first thoughts are that, “Am I doing this right?” or “This seems extremely boring and I am sure the Professor has heard it all before.” I was not too sure when we first had to do them but they helped to catch mistakes or unclear thoughts in my papers.

Essay’s are at first hard to get started then they run over and somewhere there I do not know what the heck the writer is talking about. This is were the PDR’s become helpful and provide insight into our essays by having other read it then answering . Writing and reading is most defiantly rough. It is great to have had these tools this semester. I think they have helped me with writing essay and considering a border spectrum of people. It has also help me understand reading effectively and what to look for.

Kill Me Now or at Least Drop by & Help Me!!!

Aguuuhhh!!! ! I hate this!!!

First off I hate research papers! That is all I have been doing this spring semester, is researching for this class and another class that I’m taking. One would think that after the first couple of papers that some things would fall right into place. This has not happen and I am beginning to wonder if it ever will.

I am stuck! My mind can not go any further! I have an idea but putting all the information together is difficult and it becomes confusing. I am hoping it all just makes sense. My best bet is to just write it out then go through it all once again. This is how I will spend all day tomorrow putting my thoughts into some form of psycho babble another weekend gone to hitting the books. I hate it! Because I need to be spending my time with math since I have such a difficult time with that. What makes if difficult about this online class is I just have this belief that I am doing it all wrong. What is this a revelation? Yes! I can say it I am afraid to fail. If I fail at least I tried right? Wrong because I will have to take it again so then I have wasted these weeks..

It has become difficult because I spend my time looking for research material that has some substance. By this I mean that has logic, not boring and worth considering. I just think that Professors and teachers have seen it all; it must get redundant after a while, right? So, my desk is piled high in research material and of books that must be read. I have been slowly been reading, reading and reading all week long. In the wee hours of the night between bedtime stories and putting children to sleep after a long day of work and school, I am exhausted by ends day. I am sure we all our right?  

Here we are week 14, what should have been easily thrown together, a few words “blah, blah, blah” and all is said and done. If I was a person that did things have half ass then it would be alright. Then I could justify loading my papers up with quotes from Dr. and so forth. Yet because I am not I am still reading and writing papers. It is Friday night no time for date night or hanging out, a quick bite and off to work I go to work the night shift. Tomorrow will come and finally a few hours to finish reading and drafting my papers. I am almost out of copy paper and my ink is low, I will be exhilarated once this term is done!

 After the first couple of papers you develop a knack for evaluating certain data, concepts and consider other arguments to base your own argument off of. Unfortunately for me I have drowned myself in a stack of articles and such. They sit not more than a foot and half from me, a constant reminder of how much more reading I will need to do before the night is done. Well time to go finish my shift at work. 

Something is Missing

Email vs. Ordinary Conversation

Email is different in many ways from ordinary conversation. The benefit of email is that it has the ability to reach a greater audience globally. It can also be translated from one language into another in order to keep businesses connected. Not only does it help bridge the communication gaps between businesses it is how many of our leaders in government exchange important information at local and national levels. Email is the point or in depth. It is this that makes it considerably different from ordinary conversation that takes place every second of the day. However while it connects us does not necessary allow us to make connections emotionally with one another. To create a social acceptance of how we feel to one another and your ideas and thoughts that we are conveying to one another in the process of communicating with one another.

Communication through email is vital because of the many ways we can reach and stay connected. We can communicate and expanded on our ideas and thoughts without being interrupted. Although it does take away from the personal relationship that ordinary conversations tend to develop throughout time. Though it is as Robert Kuttner the author of, “The Other Side of E-Mail” stated, “It steals our time and our privacy…brings a kind of pseudo-urgency that demands an instance response…Email creates false intimacies.”

What is this need in us that demands an explanation once an email is sent from our inboxes? This is where the upper hand in communication is given to ordinary conversations that take place in the present. For me email allowed me to make new friends in other countries and stay connected with family. Yet it also consumed my time as I waited for their responses, I would constantly check my inbox impatiently waiting for a response. Unfortunately with all this technology you can not control other individuals in order to get email. This is what Kuttner was referring to in his essay; email “Steals our time.” Waiting on email responses dwindling our time away, when in reality responses could come in hours it not days. An ordinary conversation is not this way. Responses are right away then done and over with easily.

Not only is email time consuming but it also hinders our ability to connect with another emotionally, as Kuttner stated, “Email creates false intimacies.” When we converse with one another in person directly our body language is a form of non verbal communication. Body language is important aspect to the process of communication it aids us in letting us know whether an individual is interested in what we have to say. It also aids so in determining if a person becomes offended, happy, or sadden by what we have said. Body language helps promote understanding, acceptance and clears any miscommunication.

Email while its does have its advantages over ordinary communication it lacks to draw a connection between individuals. This is a problem because, “Email creates false intimacies.” (Kuttner)

 The intimacies enable us to be connected to one another with out them they tend to promote social discord in society. For one reason we do not always tend to speak as we write or rather email. Especially now with the added features of online dictionaries, thesaurus or spell checker, we tend to edit our true instinctual responses out. We also do not tend to have the flexibly in of sharing our ideas with out being interrupted. So how does emailing allow a healthy follow of ideas to be exchanged, it does not. The truth is emails lack the substance of ordinary conversations. Exchange of ideas and the ability to share laughter in that instance or simply good company.   

The Importance of Editorial Cartoons

Editorial cartoons play a major part in America culture. They are visual metaphors that can be found in a variety of newspapers and magazines. Often they express a silent view of one or more parties or issues. Editorial cartoons are a form of nonverbal communication and are vital to American culture because they help shed light on issues that effect many American issues.

Many people in America believe that editorial cartoons do nothing but create tensions on the issues which they are communicating. Although this might be so they do however they do open the issues up on difficult topics to be discussed. Editorial cartoons have been used as a form of expression on political, social, and local issues to express an opinion on or about. In American culture it is like a voice to many Americans that may have a different view on these issues. They

Editorial cartoons are one form of communication that informs the reader of what is happening or has happened without ever having to read a lengthy report. They also do more to poke fun at the issues by providing a humorous view on the issues. Editorial cartoons provide entertainment to the public because they are not drawn to exact scales and are often distorted and mis proportion.

How ever at times some groups find them offensive. For example this past week a political cartoon was emailed and to a constituent in California by a friend she then forwarded it on to people in her personal contacts. The editorial cartoon was about President Obama the issue was about the on going saga of his birth certificate. The problem was that some individuals began to break down the images and decided that it was an attack on ethnicity. President Obama was drawn with big ears and being held by monkeys. Some have said that it was an attack that referred to blacks as being monkeys because in history or political satire they were often being referred to as such. Or like in the last cartoon when Obama took office an editorial cartoon was drawn of two white cops shooting a monkey dead and stating, “That they need to get someone else to sign the stimulus bill.”  Many persons have a problem with editorial cartoons because of this. As they do entertain though go further to keep such stereotypes alive.

Editorial cartoons are however vital to American culture because they do help with the conversation and debate over tough issues. Eliminating them would be a mistake because they are another form of communication and if we did then it would open discussions on restricting our rights to freedom of speech.   

Another Time

Another Time

Everyday before September 11, 2011 I was up to beat on current issues. Mostly I would read articles in newspapers, Time or Newsweek Magazine, Life Magazine. In the evenings I would spend my time watching Dateline, 20/20, 60 Minutes, or Nightline. What can I say I loved knowing what was going on in the world, my addiction was CSPAN, CNN, and MSNBC were some of my favorite news television. However the day came when things changed.  Not just for me but for all us.

When the Twin Towers were brought down by terrorists, it was uncensored maybe to much to comprehended. That morning I was at home getting ready for work the television was on in the living to MSNBC and I heard my fiancé gasp and yelled out, “Jenny, Jenny get in here!” Being a mom I thought something was wrong with my little baby girl. So I ran from the bedroom and was annoyed at seeing my fiancé watching television and holding our daughter, who was just sleeping. Annoyed at this sight I did not even catch what going on until it was again pointed out to me. Turning around I caught the vision of the plane going right into second tower and then a reporter and his camera man catching people jumping from the towers, talking about it expletively. This was the last time that I quit staying on top of issues and world events.

What had changed? Was it a new baby or just too busy of a life? After having spent sometime on this over the last few years and giving it consideration for my English blog this week. The only assumption I can draw is the events and how they were being reported. What followed was information over load, united though against one another when our views are not politically correct. The changes within the media and which stories are consider being news worthy. Like Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Mel Gibson and Charlie Sheen. Another change since the 9/11 is especially the news stories that are being reported, heinous acts against one another, murder, kidnappings. Current issues seem to be one act being committed and each one that follows is much more disturbing than the last.

So we ask ourselves where do we turn to now, where can we find a place that will address an issue that we are interested in without having to see every third article about another celebrity at Betty Ford or in court that day? The internet, this is one place I can access issues that I am interested in rather than what is now being consider “the current issues.” Its simple to just Google an issue like, the Dow, Libya and such. Since I do not watch much news anymore most of the time I rely on word of mouth then I will use a search engine read a few articles. The internet is handy though you have to play close attention to what is being said and by whom. Many of the sites are liberal groups, watchdogs, or from a religious group. Sometimes articles from these sites tend to misconstrue or mislead people or over play on the fears of society by “making mountains out of mole hills.”

Today I rarely watch the news, it had become something of a circus of anchors being catty there is no point to it and you have stay watching it until they reveal the actual story you have been waiting for two hours later. It’s ridiculous! I do not read as many papers of magazines theses day either, I mostly rely on word of mouth and the internet these days. This way I surpass learning about how far society has fallen.

The Problem with Language

Some years ago I was in a line at a grocery store, and there was a lady ahead of me. She was purchasing a couple boxes of cereal, milk and a few jars of baby food. Behind me in line was a young man and woman and they also had just a few of the basics. As we are all waiting in line patiently to check-out, I heard the man behind me say, “Oh great lets get over into another line she has three vouchers of food stamps or Wic checks. I’m tired of these people that come here to get a free hand out.” I look up to see that he was addressing the method of payment that the woman in front of me was paying for her items. Stunned I along with the checker and woman just stared at the man and this lady friend as they exited the line and into another.

 As all three of us just stood their silently looking at one another my mind started to dismantle in my head this (bleeps) guy’s conversation with his lady friend. He did not say Hispanic but he implied it by insinuating that she was probably from Mexico by stating, “these people that come here.” Yes, she was Hispanic but did he have first hand knowledge that she may be from Mexico? As I looked at the woman I asked if she was alright and with tears in her eyes she said quietly in a barely audible voice, “Yes, thank you.” Then I looked down at my son who was 4 years old and I became infuriated.

But why was I infuriated, his statements were not directed to me. It then really bothered me that this fellow was stereotyping and was discriminating against Hispanics. He was being prejudice by the language he used to direct his obvious disdain of social programs and people that use it. Rather he had drawn the conclusion that Hispanics from Mexico coming into the United States for a free hand out. I was angry because I also was being insulted, because I too am Hispanic.

My ancestors are American Indian and Mexican Indian mixed. My mother’s ancestors are American and Irish mixed. Though to keep things simply I just say, I am Hispanic or Latina. Why is this important? Because many of us today are not just of one particular race nor do we practice one culture. It can be difficult in society today to be seen as just a person or just a person using another method of payment. 

Society sees color and it has always seen the color of someone’s skin to distinguish between races or groups of people. Though we have to look in depth and see why this is a problem today. We are all at fault for propelling this ugly little monster and division in society. Although there are those with a wider net then just one person alone. This is media outlets and how they use language to help create this growing trend in America, that one particular race is the problem for certain economic hardships or groups of people responsible for certain behaviors in a community.

Media outlets are important highways for communication to travel between keeping the public informed though it is also the problem. The media uses certain language to get people hyped, boost ratings and generate a forum of debate. Unfortunately it also creates animosity between the races. Although the media is not forth coming in blatantly stating, “Mexican’s are coming to America to take advantage of programs like food stamps, Medi-care and cash aid. It’s how they use of words that infer such ideas when reporting. This then helps to create stereotypes like, “Mexicans are mostly gardeners and work in the janitorial services. When in reality as stated by Franziska Castillo a writer for Latina Magazine (Sept. 2010 Issue), “In America’s 25 biggest meteropolises, an immigrant is more than likely to be your boss than deliver your dinner.” Castillo obtained such information from the Fiscal Policy Institute, also states, “…half of immigrants hold white-collar-jobs and 11% of them are executives and managers, while just 7% work in food service.”

So why is this important, you may ask? Well first off to help one another recognize that sometimes we all need help at one time or another and it is not one race or group of people or persons. Secondly that we all being to recognize that we are all responsible for the language we use in society. Not just the media but we too need to be aware that we are also helping to contribute to the growth of prejudicial language. Lastly to change what has gotten out hand. 

Inspired to Read

I recently went to my son’s initiation for Demolay in Pasadena. It was yet another crazy weekend. Unfortunately it was an all day event with many different chapters around the valley coming together. There were parents, family members and of course their boys. One can only socialize so much before the hall tends to erupt in loud chatter and you can not even continue a conversation. Quietly I retreated to the dinning area where at least I could hear my own thoughts instead of the ruckus in the adjacent hall. To occupy my time I always tend to bring something or rather have some sort of book or class work that must get done with me. I had with me a book from English class.

Reading quietly I heard an older man say, “Wow I do not think I have seen someone actually try to sit and read in such a long time. Except for magazines and newspapers or a Reader’s Digest.” I said “You have got to be kidding right?”  The gentleman stated, “Well I’m sure the ones I have seen were reading, but who can tell these days? Its either on line or trendy gadgets like Nook and ipad.” He explained to me it was just a long time since he actually saw someone that had an actual book.

This gentleman’s revelation lead me to think what a shame that not many people read books until it’s required in their early school years or college. Whether it is on a trendy gadget or not, not many people actually pick a up novel. Why is this? Have we become a society reliant on information via the internet, gossip magazines, newspapers and media sources that tell us how to feel nowadays? How can I recommend a great read if people are not willing to take the first step? Let me tell you how, by blogging and so here it is folks. Why I would recommend that you read Reading Lolita in Tehran.

Reading Loltia in Tehran is a tremendous riveting read of fiction. Creatively mastered to connect the reader into the world of the women of pre and post Republic Iran. A truly depictive work of fiction that will have you enthralled and connected to the lives of the women of Tehran.

Limited by the regime of what to teach and to whom she can teach Azar Nafisi, takes control by selecting a few dedicated and promising students into her home to discuss works of fiction. What they find and come to know of one another connects them with each other and will deepen your understanding of the true sentiments of these women that must face and live with such restrictions on their own personal self set by their culture, beliefs, religion and political agendas of those in power.

I recommend Reading Lolita Tehran because it is truly an eye opening novel. That will give you the reader a birds eye view into the lives of the people of Iran and what it is to deal and survive such hardships and stigmas placed on the men and women of Tehran.

 After reading this novel it has truly shaped my view of the people and their many hardships that they endure and continue to endure to this time within their own society. 

Silent Appearances

Silent Appearances

Verbal communication is essential for the foundation of all professional and personal relationships. It is how we communicate and share our ideas, thoughts, express and show affections. Though it is not the only way we communicate or connect with others. Another form of communication which we use in conjunction with verbal communication is nonverbal communication. It is how most of us form decisions of others. Nonverbal is a silent form of communication that refers to body language and appearance. A form of communication that we use as a tool to help us evaluate others though we rarely apply it to our own persons nor do see the “vibes or cues” that we project to others.  

Nonverbal communication are vibes or cues that we give others through gestures, facial expression, eye contact, touch, body language, space and voice. It is also how we dress and is also our mental attitude. Many of us become aware how others see us as they begin to show interest or concern yet we do not take the time to see ourselves. We may address certain issues about ourselves when issues arise or are addressed by others.

We all have heard the old saying that, “First impressions are important.” Though just how important are they? It did not occur to me just how important nonverbal communication was until after getting to know my department manager.

I often considered myself an approachable person at time a little quite but not a recluse. I am well liked, funny, a little sarcastic and I have plenty of friends. How could I not be approachable by others? It was not until after getting to know my department manager and developing a friendship did I actually find out how at times I came off at being unapproachable maybe even a little aggressive. My department manager at the time said she was a little nervous about me at first because I always had a serious expression on my face was quite and seemed somewhat standoffish at times.

Facial expressions are most important it’s what people notice about you right off. The face is extremely expressive it is the first thing about us that people see. Without words we can display what we are feeling sad, happy, scare, angry and much more. Facial expressions can display welcoming or unwelcoming attitudes towards others a smile can be warm and inviting just as gestures can be. What’s more is that eye contact can be construed rude and offensive in certain cultures or a sign as being uninterested. Touch is another form of nonverbal communication we can express our concern for others show interest or intimacy. Though so is body language if we distance ourselves or invade personal space it is considered rude or may seem intimate. Just as our voice display personal emotions and feelings so does our sense of style reflects so much of who we are as a person.

Considering all this I had to evaluate myself after being told that I was unapproachable. I realized that my facial expressions tell a lot about me. I do not always smile even though inside I am genuinely happy and content. This would make me seem unapproachable and maybe not a friendly person. My body language is a public display of how I feel if at the time I have something on my mind I have a serious expression and tend to do walk hurriedly like if propelling me to a solution. Often I dress casual and though I like colors it was often hard wearing light colors around small children. So I tend to wear dark colors this might seem a little scary to others maybe unwelcoming. If I am at work I tend to busy myself and do things quickly this can be perceived as annoyed by others possibly. Many times we do not see our outer selves or how our appearances can be perceived by others. These vibes or cues we give is a form of nonverbal communication that we never use when evaluating ourselves but rather those around us, it is silent but a very useful tool.       

Communication Gaps

Communication Gaps

            Communication between members of the same sex is often based on the disclosure information with one another. Women tend to be more forth coming with one another and develop bonds through the exchange of information. These relationships are based on four qualities: physical, intimacy, intellectual exchanges, emotion disclosure, and shared activities. With men communication with one another is a delicate obstacle because they do not often disclose information with one another but rather that they grow closer to one another by doing things together. Though most communication between members of the same sex often exhibit more than one of these qualities it’s important that we clarify these qualities.

            First off the physical quality would be interaction with one another the bonds of a relationship which exists between parents and children, friends, and family. This means the caring and physical closeness. The second quality intimacy is closely related to that of the physical quality in that it is the personal contact and emotion within relationships between men and woman or within the same sex but also intimacy bonds between others. Intellectual exchanges would be the exchange or ideas and thoughts. With either co workers, Professors or classmates just to name a few. Lastly shared activities the actions we do with one another.

            It is important that we understand these qualities because they help us understand the basis of communication between members of the same sex. Communication between women is often easier with one another yet this does not mean that obstacles do not exist. For women some of these obstacles can be emotions, positions, culture or content of the message. An example of this is the interpersonal relationship which exists between mothers and daughters. Although the four qualities exist communication is based on the amount of disclosure of information shared. When little information is shared with one another the relationship between mothers and daughters is often strained and affects the process of communication even when all or little of the qualities exist.  

            Communication between men is mostly by the way of shared activities. Men do not disclose as much information as women tend to do with one another. This is not saying some men do not however only that the majority of men do not. Though these relationships can also display more than one of the four qualities the interpersonal relationship which may exist between men is often demonstrated through shared activities. Perhaps because men are not vocal or disclose with one another by sharing their feelings as women are. For example the relationship which existed between the author Guinan and his father in his essay he mentioned the gap of differences which existed between them and the sharing of information. Guinan also mentioned that his father shared activates with him but not emotions of disclose the personal feelings.

            So is communication between mothers and daughters or fathers and sons difficult or easier?  I do believe that communication between mothers and daughters is less complex than fathers and sons. Women are just more willing to disclose information with one another but are also more emotional with one another. Whereas men tend to be less emotional or disclose information with one another and establish their bonds by shared activities. I believe all relationships tend to be complex and rather its more of a feeling with which we are comfortable with that promotes healthy communication between one another. 

Foreign Language In College

Studying a foreign language should not be a requirement towards a degree for graduation by Colleges and Universities. Foreign languages should be left up to the student to decide whether or not to take it as an elective. Students could benefit if Colleges and Universities offered some classes that would normally only be offer once a year or by having students take a class that helps them out long term.

 The author Douglas McGray states, “Although half of all college-bound Americans say they hope to study abroad, only 1 percent actually follow through on those plans.” (4) The reality is that many students having graduated settle into life and do not further or are unable to full fill the ambitions they had in college. What ever reason it would be logical if students could take a class in their field of study or be able to take supporting courses. Offering students the chance to take supporting classes may helpful to allow students further exploration into their field of choice.

The author McGray of, A World of Language also states, “…nearly half of those students travel to just four countries in Western Europe; Britain, France, Italy, and Spain.” What would be the sense of requiring students to take a class when only half of 1 percent of students ever travels outside the United States? There is a saying, “That if you plan to travel to a foreign country then one should learn the language before visiting a foreign country.” Also considering that not everyone attends a University or College manages to learn on their own or by tapes how to speak a foreign language.

In reality those that benefit from learning a foreign language is in actuality those seeking a career in military service. Servicemen and woman will most likely be stationed overseas at least more than twice during their contract with the service. Often these service persons will be required to learn a language and about the culture. Those in the service and in careers that deal with others internationally would benefit immensely from learning a foreign language. Though whether it should be a requirement for a degree should not be the case. The service trains and often employs civilian instructors to teach foreign languages to its people. Not many of military service men and women enter into college but rather leave high school to go directly into the service.  

Requiring a student to take a foreign language course with the possibility of never utilizing it is a waste of time and money. Many students already make sacrifices to attend college and Universities. Let alone the skyrocketing fees of classes and textbooks is constantly rising every year. Requiring a student to invest their time and money into a class that they will never use is unethical. Students already full fill a language requirement in high school in order to graduate. Most of these students take it just to fill the requirement before graduation and many never have any interests in the languages they are enrolled in. The time and money comes directly out from a student’s pocket, instead of trying make this a requirement for graduation it should just be allowed to be taken as an elective.  

Putting My Stamp On It

Personalization

            I dread the task of writing papers whether for English classes or any other of my classes. It’s a tedious long journey as I must now come up with a clever way to write about subjects that I’m sure instructors have heard numerous times. How do you come up with ways to deliver an essay that will intrigue your audiences and keep them hanging on wanting more? I used to be told that I had a good imagination when I was a kid. I think this has helped me though or least I hope so. Possibly I’m just as any other person that has read many books in his or her time and just knows what keeps the attention of a reader.   

            When I write I try to express in detail main points, I want to captive my audience but get to the point so as not to drag it on. I found that words can be very powerful. This is why I try to be very descriptive, I like to try and bring the reader into a story or at least move them in some way. I have found in many of my writings that I tend to express a lot of myself when I write. This is why selecting words to accurately gain the credibility and attention of a reader is important. It’s important to choose words that will captivate but also persuade them and possibly influence their thoughts so to change their views in some way. Like a politician soliciting for a cause, I want the readers’ attention.

            “They are fighting Words,” I think this old saying explains the importance of how I choose words when writing. As we have read in our text this past week by the author Amir Taheri who wrote about “The Semantics of Murder.”  Wordings can hold strong meanings so it’s important to know your audience. A good writer wants express themselves but also to be logical about it. Using words that will demonstrate your credibility to readers is essential. I want to be able to relate to my readers. Does this mean I write to their level or my own? I have yet to answer this one, but I sort of believe you should write sensibly. You do not want to sound like a pompous know-it-all.

Influencing a reader’s opinion can be difficult you can lose the reader just within the first few lines. I like trying to incite my readers along by using words that would likely to lead them to believe what my intentions are. Views and opinion can be changed but you want to ease the reader with a nudge not by pushing them or forcing them.

My personal stamp when I write is to be creative with words I want to influence the reader by giving them a visual of what they are reading when I write to keep their attention. Being able to relate or influence a reader’s opinion is having the sense and credibility. The majority of people act on emotions by using words that are descriptive to play on reader’s emotions that move people to action. This is most often the route I take that is my personal stamp when I write.

To the Editor

This is an open letter to the Editor,

            I’ve just returned from Akron, Ohio. Where I was in attendance for the Women’s Rights Convention the year is 1851. The hall was full of women all white and one colored woman by the name of Sojourner Truth, she was a tall woman weathered in the face from the sun her features however soft. Most of the white women gasp at seeing this woman, Sojourner Truth though none had the nerve to have her removed from the hall. So she stayed as she was a woman and was this not a place for women’s interests?

During the first day of the many sermons that filled hall we mostly heard from ministers from many religious sects that were men. They had been there to remind us women of our duties and of duties of men. As I was just thinking that I had not come so far and risking my marriage to hear the sermons of a man’s view. On the duties of women to her family and Church. It is of the second day of speeches that Ms. Sojourner Truth rose and took to the podium. Many of the women were offended and even suggested that she not speak. Though no one intervene nor prevented her taking the podium.  

It is of this that I write to you, of the moving speech she delivered. I have never been so moved by such reasoning as when she stood there with such strong convictions when she addressed the hall of women. She was loud and powerful commanding the room for undivided attention. Ms. Truth compared the lines between men and women to those that stood there before her preaching to us women about having “Intellect,”  and what would we do if vote or own property.

Ms. Sojourner Truth stated that she had, “borne thirteen children most had been taken and sold off into slavery.” She was commanding by addressing the hall “Ain’t I a woman.” For she bore the marks of child birth but had to endure seeing almost all wrenched from her and sold.

Again she became louder when she belted out, “Ain’t I woman…for wanting to help into carriages and lifted over puddles…for having to plough and plant.” And here these men that spoke before her about a women’s place and the duties of a man to perform such tasks. Yet she continued to address the room of women and men about the origins of Christ. Explaining this she said, “Where did your God come from? From God came woman. Man had nothing to do with him.” To address the statement made, “women can’t have as much rights, ‘cause Christ wasn’t a woman.”

I was moved by Sojourner Truth her speech to the hall of women, she was powerful and moving. She had the courage to step forward and deliver an inspiring speech. When no other woman had step up to address the issues and the purpose for convening this Women’s Convention. I was truly inspired to advocate change to the life of the colored women. The realization came to me that we women have the same common interests of equality fighting for the same freedoms.

Thank You

Being Illiterate

I believe we all have felt helpless and incapable of being unable to read directions in a foreign language. This is how I would think of being illiterate might feel, like being lost or being unable to communicate through speech. It is frightening to even consider of being illiterate. Especially after looking back at every book, magazine or yes gossip magazines as filthy trash as we know them to be that I’ve read. Not to mention how someone might not be able to function in a world like ours today where a person could easily be swindled out of their homes if they were illiterate.

            For me being illiterate would be immensely scary as I love to read books. As cliché as it may sound I’ve read books to my children when they were little right before bedtime. It’s almost like a right of passage that a child may later say they were read to as a child. I enjoy this time with them and being able to bond through reading. I believe introducing books early while children are small and helping them to read is encouraging. Especially since now that we have an overload of electronic devices at their fingers. Being illiterate would rob me of my time with my children and helping them to learn to read and expanded their minds. It may sound ridiculous that a story about farm animals can help expanded a child’s mind. I see only that it enables them make dreams of their own, use their imagination to create and be able to write and understand what they are writing. Being illiterate would not only hurt me but my children because as parents it’s our responsibility to ensure that we provide them with the tools to become whomever they are suppose to be. Illiteracy robs both a parent and child.

            I believe we all have taken literacy for granted we become careless with the belief that others have our best interest at heart. Isn’t that what we also teach to our children to help and assist others?  Though it’s ridiculous to even consider this because many people do not think of others but themselves how others behave towards one another should be proof of this. I recently was chastised by my brother for Text Speech on my Facebook account. It’s now in writing this that I understand even though this is a nifty way for abbreviating what we say, should we. Should a person who is literate make themselves sound and be perceived by others as being illiterate or are we all just hurting ourselves. My belief is that we are hurting ourselves because potential employers now have access to such sites as MySpace and Facebook. Our comments and thoughts can and in some recent cases may have been the decision for obtaining employment. Though these social sites are a way to express our own individuality it may also go further by hurting those who are illiterate. As these people require help from programs from public libraries that may receive funds through monies from Federal grants.

            For me being illiterate would be frustrating and scary. It would defiantly hurt my dreams of being a detective with the Sheriffs and especially bonding with my children by reading to them or helping them with homework. I would feel as though I were disabled unable to further any chances of being employed in a career that I’m interested in or provide for my family. This is why I strive not only for myself but for my family the importance it is to write and read.  

My Critical Thinking Skills

I had the belief long ago that to think critically you had to be some brainy person or someone with a degree. Then I started college and professors would say, “I want you to think critically before writing your paper.” I must admit I had to look it up in the dictionary my first year in college. Though I finally came to understand in my own terms what it truly means to think critically. Critical thinking means to be an investigator, a gather of information, then to evaluate the weigh all evidence that will help you arrive at a logical and reasonable answer through analysis.

            As they say people have different learning styles I believe it’s important for a student or individual to be aware of this. How we learn is important so that we apply it when thinking critically. In order for me to evaluate any material I read I often underline words, dates, and names. I often make notes in the margins of books and write down any thoughts I may have at the time. Usually writing down my thoughts while evaluating any reading material helps greatly. As many times your first initial thoughts may be clearer to understanding the outcome. I say this because many times we over analyze a lot of the time and arrive completely at different place then what is being asked or what the information actually is.  

This is the problem when critical thinking becomes a flaw within my personal life. As I’m sure with most of us we are all emotions and less reasoning at times in our life. I am not great using my critical thinking skills with those close to me but rather with other aspects in my life. This is because I over analyze and possibly misconstrue things. But honestly how many of us haven’t done this. Some things do make sense like to think critically about how we feel about political parties, education and career options. As like many of us I put my skills to use when it comes to voting on propositions. To me they can be very confusing. I do not know if anyone has read those darn booklets all the way through but I have! Simple things, ideas and situations where I do not have to consider others into the process makes it less complicated. I am able to make a concise decision after considering all aspects and where my decisions are best. There are some things in life you can just do though I tend to believe we all use our critical thinking skills most of the time.

I do expect my critical thinking skills to get better over time. Possibly even with those select few in my personal life where emotions get the best of me. I have to honestly say that over the course of my time in college they have gotten better and enable me to evaluate many of my beliefs. At this time my critical thinking skills have grown however I tend to arrive at too many ideas. My belief is that English 103 will help my analysis skills by organizing my thoughts and ideas systematically that would allow me a better understanding of what I write, read and how I view it. As a person I stand for what I believe and unwavering. Though at times my beliefs have changed at times and I might have been wrong in making decisions. I suspect by the end of this term I may have reevaluate some other beliefs if the logic can justified of course. But change is good if its for the best so I will embrace what ever may come.