"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.