Mid-Year Symposium

I listened to a few presentations today and learned:


1) Commercials are now more than ever focused on making the statement that women are submissive and that men are in control (i.e. consider the following advertisement that the presenter was talking about: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/MJJmQ4D4Ymc/TcO43idRFZI/AAAAAAAAAAM/nS0LM6ztbU4/s1600/HEIRARCHY+FOR+BLOG.jpg). The idea that males are dominant is prevalent in commercials


2) New perspectives on controversial products


and unfortunately I could only stay for my section of the presentations.

"Research" Paper: Essay 4!

     *Sigh* Today we got back our 3rd essay and "research" paper proposals. I was happy to see that I had done well with both and that essay 3 did not need much revision. My proposal seemed to be well under way too, suggesting that I can now start powering through the "research" paper...woo! 

     So far I have written my "research" paper proposal, researched some topics ("watches AND technology", "watches AND history", and "watches AND fashion"), and have read my five articles. Out of these five articles, I have determined that only three of them will probably end up working, so I might have to find five more resources between now and Friday to include in my annotated bibliography, instead of the three that I had thought -- grr! :(. This makes me really mad and rather worried about my project! (Student panic attack--better hope that I don't suffer from fainting). Additionally, I have worked on the annotated bibliography and summarized some of my articles and tried to find the key points of each. As per Professor Williams' suggestion, I looked at the abstract too. I am really hoping that I do NOT need to find more than three additional sources between now and Friday...I don't have the time! In addition, I have selected some quotes from my articles that I will be using to support my essay. 

     I have to admit that my favorite article is actually a broadcast transcript that I found in the database Academic Onefile (at least I think that this is where I found it...I don't have it with me this second). In this broadcast there is actually some pretty good support for my essay. I am really looking forward to use it to support my paper. I feel like after I complete my outline, find a few more sources, and complete the annotated bibliography, I will be able to write a "research" paper relatively easily. One part about this assignment, however, is ambiguous to me-- is this supposed to be an argumentative "research" paper, or just a "research" paper that includes sources that support my thesis? 

What is Convergence Culture?

            The reading that probably spoke the most to me was Henry Jenkins’ article What is Convergence Culture?.  In this article Jenkins introduces Dino Ignacio, a Filipino-American high school student whose story had “circulated in the fall of 2001” (Jenkins, 703). Ignacio had created a collage, using Photoshop™, of Sesame Street’s character Bert. Ignacio’s collage suggests that Bert had formed and was maintaining a connection with past terrorist leader Osama Bin Laden. The response to Ignacio’s behavior, needless to say, was not very peaceful. In fact, his collage was the cause of much controversy. People (specifically Americans) were shocked and “outraged” to see Sesame Street characters used and represented in such a disrespectful and misconstrued manner. Not only did his collage affect how people from other nations view Americans and their forms of entertainment, it also did most likely affect what people view the message of Sesame Street to be. If I saw his collage, I know that I would be furious. Something that I enjoyed as child used in such a manner repulses me!

On a side note, when a person uses and changes things to make a specific statement, oftentimes his actions and decisions heavily impact others more than he can imagine. 

Call me ridiculous...

But...Happy belated Thanksgiving y'all. "Like" this post if you dare!

"How *dare* you! I'll decide when I'm done!!" (Blog on "This is How We Live")

Ellen DeGeneres’ article This is How we Live was the most interesting article that I have read so far this semester. I truly enjoyed DeGeneres’ comical yet semi-witty (ironic and sarcastic) jibes at different forms of media and/or technology. At the beginning of her article she takes a rather scholarly tone/voice, however after she states her belief “Frankly, I think that modern technology is hurting us” (DeGeneres, 638), her tone/voice becomes very animated and personal. The two funniest sections of the paper were her dialogues about CD packaging and toilet paper/automatic toilets. One interesting thing about DeGeneres’ article was that no matter how comical she got, her article remained coherent and her points were easily understood :).

Weekly Reading: Joshua Bell

The reading that spoke the most to me was the one on Joshua Bell. I really liked how Weingarten introduced Bell by providing details about Bell's whereabouts, dress, and object in his possession-- a violin, instead of just stating his name. The author approaches his subject, Bell, in a somewhat formal and less frequently thought of manner and thus his approach is compelling. This reading spoke to me because I am a musician myself and like Bell, I am used to playing in front of large audiences who are knowledgeable about music. Bell’s choice to play music on his violin in a Metro station was quite audacious because the responses from his listeners could have been very negative and discouraging. Later on in the article when Weingarten writes that Bell had to sell his Stradivari violin I was troubled because it is a very coveted instrument.

Perhaps an important point that we can all take away from this article is: no matter who we are, we can share our joy with others regardless of the setting. 

Time to wrap up the community project and delve into the mid-term portfolio

*Sigh of relief* The community project is drawing to a close. I went to see Professor Williams today for a 15 minute conference that proved to be worth the time. Her input was very valuable and I was able to wrap up my community essay. I have now changed the title from something generic to something creative and fun. I have also revised my thesis to include (directly mention) the name of my community. Now it is time for me to focus on my mid-term portfolio. I have so far collected my 2 blog entries, 2 in-class writings, and the drafts with comments and finals of my two essays (the essay that went with my identity collage and my community project essay). Now it is time to delve into the process of working on the introduction for my portfolio. Writing this introduction should not present to much of a problem as long as it sounds well-thought out and follows the criteria. I am looking forward to Wednesday to storm through the project and get some advice from Professor Williams. 

Update on Group Project

This project has definitely allowed us all to work on the different roles that each person can play in a group and/or community setting. It has allowed us the opportunity to take turns listening to and leading others. We have met three times, and each time we meet, we think of something unique to integrate into our project. We plan to power through our class time tomorrow and possibly get together later on in the day to finalize the project. 

Is it a "White Lie"?

I have recently been thinking about the readings from our textbook. The reading that spoke the most to me was probably the one about "avatars". When I see the word "avatar" the movie Avatar comes to mind and it is easy for me to forget the negative usage of avatars. In today's society it is not uncommon for someone to want to present themselves as someone who they believe would be more accepted. Perhaps the most common utilization of avatars is through social-networking venues. Young people of today's generation often use cartoon characters as a means to identify and protect themselves. This type of behavior is acceptable for this age group, however, it can lead to continued misrepresentation later on in life.  Oftentimes older people deceive others by using cleverly altered pictures and captions to convey what they want people to see. I believe that this is dishonest and inappropriate unless used for protection. People should not worry about the perceptions of others, they should just be content with who they are. 

Update on Project Number 2

Yes, I have changed my topic to the "Barbershop Chorus Community".I have now observed another barbershop chorus rehearsal and have learned more about what ties these men (and two teenagers) of diverse backgrounds together. In addition to a love of music, most of these men are connected in some way to one another because of their past. In general, the older men like to socialize and tell one another stories about how they served in wars or their past military experience. I was rather amazed to see how many of these men were veterans and talked with extreme ease about their experiences (even if the experiences themselves were emotionally disturbing). Also, many of these men who attended armed forces' academies (such as the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, etc.) were active participants in barbershop quartets :). So far I have interviewed two of the members of the chorus and each one told me what he loves so much about the chorus (primarily the camaraderie). The other thing that the younger told me was that he just loves to sing. 


To be updated more later :)

Assignment 2 Brainstorm

For this project I am considering writing about a senior center community or the catholic community here at BSU. I have always been intrigued by the philosophies behind specific religions and how each belief system corresponds to others. I have also been intrigued by the senior center community (not so much how they dress or what ties them together) but rather how they interact among themselves, what belief system they convey through their body language, and what their background is. Furthermore, also what shaped their lives. This topic could be a bit difficult to write about considering that they do not have a similar dress code, however it may present an interesting twist to a universal topic.


(I will update and/or edit this post when I have more ideas).


This topic has changed...

Brainstorm about what I will include in my Identity Collage

The Identity Collage will most likely contain all of the following:

1. Three themes that are a part of/show my identity
2. Various pictures indicating those themes
3. Colorful fonts for the title of each page/descriptions/etc. 
4. Some links/websites that relate to my identity/themes
5. Some music clips/video clips that I believe reveal my personality/identity/themes
6. Some quotes that are relevant (i.e. for one theme, I might use a Tchaikovsky quote)
7. A picture of myself
8. Arguments that reveal my identity 

(More will be added to this list if possible when further thoughts come to mind)