Blog Reflection
This is my first year that I've had a blog and it has been a really cool experience for me. I think doing assignments online is much more efficient than the traditional ways because we get to use our addiction to technology that some may think is harmful. We take advantage of these things to improve our schoolwork. For instance, typing online is a lot faster than writing in our notebooks. Writing online allow you to search any questions up, including tools like the dictionary. However, using technology to do homework may also be negative because we might find ourselves going on social websites instead of completing assignments. Also, some can also take advantage of writing online by saying things that might hurt others because they can't say it face to face. Being online creates a shield that keep you away from others and also be in touch.
Keeping a blog has improved my literary skills in many great ways. It allows access to my peers' writing at my fingertips and helped me learn from them.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Sunday, May 17, 2015
The book, The Virgin Suicides is a group of mysterious boys recalling the year when all five Lisbon sisters who they have developed an obsession on committed suicide. The reason behind the suicides are unknown, and the community continue to search for an explanation for their tragic acts.The Lisbons sisters grew up in an extremely isolated environment with strict parents who limit their social activities. I think their parents may be the cause of their tragic acts, because they are "protecting" the girls from the outside world and rarely lets them leave the house.
When Cecilia attempted suicide the first time, she was found in time to be saved and survives the attempt. But when the doctor tells her she is too young to understand how bad life is, she says "Obviously, Doctor. You've never been a thirteen-year-old girl." I think that is a sign of Cecilia protesting to the world. She wants to bring attention to her and her sisters' situation and is attempting to change her parents. Of course, she sort of succeeded when her parents allow the girls to throw a party several weeks after Cecilia returned from the hospital. Mrs. Lisbon contributes a big part to Cecilia's attempted suicides because she wants to be in constant control over the girls' lives. The plan backfired when Cecilia attempted suicide again and succeeded. This shows Cecilia is done with life.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
The Secret life of Bees
In ' The Secret life of Bees' by Sue Monk Kidd, there are many issues circling around racism. The book is set in a time period where racism was one of the major societal issues. Two characters, Lily who's white and Rosaleen who's black running away from a place where races were separated by both laws and attitudes. Lily experiences racism in ways that made her learn about life and understands prejudice in a new way.
One way Lily understands racism is through the people around her. For example, a beekeeper named Zach who's black and wants to become a lawyer despite the barriers in his way. Lily falls in love with him but Zach reminds her of their difference and their relationship would be impossible in the present world. When Zach was unjustly imprisoned, Lily finds out the horror of racial prejudice. She learns even though Zach didn't do anything wrong, he is still blamed because of his skin color. The imprisonment changed Zach and makes him even more determined to become a lawyer to fight these things. Lily experiences what it is like to be judge based solely on her skin color when people criticize her for living with African Americans. Because it is the people shes living with that treats her better than her own race.
Another way Lily experiences racism is through religion. Lily comes across a picture of a black Mary and she was shocked because Jesus' mother has always been portrayed as a white lady. "I could read her though: If Jesus' mother is black, how come we only know about the white Mary?" The issue here is how religion is shown as being racist and how all religion portrays are revolved around white portrayals. Because that religion is always portrayed as white, people automatically relates anyone related to religion is white.
In conclusion, there are many ways racism is portrayed in the story. The theme really fit well into the story because racism is one of the biggest problems at the time period. The story clearly depicts how a young white girl deals with the problem, especially when the people she cares about is black.
One way Lily understands racism is through the people around her. For example, a beekeeper named Zach who's black and wants to become a lawyer despite the barriers in his way. Lily falls in love with him but Zach reminds her of their difference and their relationship would be impossible in the present world. When Zach was unjustly imprisoned, Lily finds out the horror of racial prejudice. She learns even though Zach didn't do anything wrong, he is still blamed because of his skin color. The imprisonment changed Zach and makes him even more determined to become a lawyer to fight these things. Lily experiences what it is like to be judge based solely on her skin color when people criticize her for living with African Americans. Because it is the people shes living with that treats her better than her own race.
Another way Lily experiences racism is through religion. Lily comes across a picture of a black Mary and she was shocked because Jesus' mother has always been portrayed as a white lady. "I could read her though: If Jesus' mother is black, how come we only know about the white Mary?" The issue here is how religion is shown as being racist and how all religion portrays are revolved around white portrayals. Because that religion is always portrayed as white, people automatically relates anyone related to religion is white.
In conclusion, there are many ways racism is portrayed in the story. The theme really fit well into the story because racism is one of the biggest problems at the time period. The story clearly depicts how a young white girl deals with the problem, especially when the people she cares about is black.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Non-fiction Critical Analysis
In "Marriage for All?" by Patricia Smith, the author want to convince readers that same-sex marriage should be allowed because of the shifting opinions from the public. One thing the author does is by comparing statistics concerning same-sex marriage; for example, same sex was legal in only 17 states a year ago but now is legal in 36 states out of 50, and a 2014 Gallup poll showing 55 percent of Americans favor gay marriage. She also include different perspectives from the public. TV shows like Ellen, Will & Grace, and Modern Family all feature gay couples. She also says even athletes like Jason Collins of the Brooklyn Nets and Michael Same announced to the public their sexual preference. Lastly, the author includes the opinion coming from a professional person from Harvard which provides more credibility. She says, " Harvard law professor Lawrence Tribe wonders if the justices might avoid deciding whether gay marriage must be allowed everywhere by simply requiring states to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states." This indicates the Supreme Court might not base their final decision on what each state government suggests, but on what the public really believes since the time is shifting.
Patricia Smith wants to convince readers that gay-marriage should be allowed because people believe in different things now. One way she achieves her goal is by intentionally including a map of states that shows the number of states same-sex marriage is legal in. The map shows same-sex marriage is legal in 36 out of 50 states in 2015 comparing to 17 states out of 50 in 2014, which means more than half of the country accepts gay marriage. By doing this, the author is reminding the audience that a majority of people in the country has positive opinions or has shift opinions on gay marriage. Another way the author achieves her goal is by using titles like "Marriage for all?" and "Shifting Attitudes". This makes the reader think marriage has no true definition and is a right guaranteed for everyone, not matter if they are female or male. Therefore the author achieves her goal by using different crafts to convince readers what she thinks about the issue.
After reading this article, I think the Supreme Court should insist all 50 states to allow same-sex marriage. I think it is not up to others to say which gender people should marry because of some traditional beliefs. It is up to one to decide who they want to marry and remain together for the rest of their lives.
Patricia Smith wants to convince readers that gay-marriage should be allowed because people believe in different things now. One way she achieves her goal is by intentionally including a map of states that shows the number of states same-sex marriage is legal in. The map shows same-sex marriage is legal in 36 out of 50 states in 2015 comparing to 17 states out of 50 in 2014, which means more than half of the country accepts gay marriage. By doing this, the author is reminding the audience that a majority of people in the country has positive opinions or has shift opinions on gay marriage. Another way the author achieves her goal is by using titles like "Marriage for all?" and "Shifting Attitudes". This makes the reader think marriage has no true definition and is a right guaranteed for everyone, not matter if they are female or male. Therefore the author achieves her goal by using different crafts to convince readers what she thinks about the issue.
After reading this article, I think the Supreme Court should insist all 50 states to allow same-sex marriage. I think it is not up to others to say which gender people should marry because of some traditional beliefs. It is up to one to decide who they want to marry and remain together for the rest of their lives.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Girl In Translation
Girl In Translation by Jean Kwok is about a young Chinese girl who just immigrated to the United States with her mother from Hong Kong and struggles to find her place in New York City. Kimberly and her mother immigrated to America along with the help of her aunt Paula, hoping to start a new life despite her dad's death. Yet, Kim begins to experience the brutality of the world around her, and learns that she can help herself only by working harder.
While reading this text, I was thinking about the first social action inquiry question, what really difficult or complex things are happening in the text? Identity is a large issue that Kim struggles with. She's a normal schoolgirl at day, but a factory worker at nigh. For a while, Kim skipped school because she can't deal with the fact that she once was the best student in class back in Hong Kong, but now she can't even communicate with her teachers. Kim can't fit in at the factory where her mom works or at school where she once really enjoy.
Another complex issue is child labor. Although it is illegal for children to work in factories because of the harsh environment, Kim is forced to work in order to improve her life. In addition to that, Kim's aunt, Aunt Paula would always find excuses to give them the lowest payment. This is because she takes advantage of Kim's mother's vulnerability. They made skirts for 1.5 cent cents each everyday. Kim worked as soon as she got to the factory after school and all day during breaks. She would do her homework on the way to the factory or at school to save time. Until she has the ability to earn money, Kim depends on the factory to live.
In conclusion, Kimberly struggles with her responsibility and learns to move on in order to make her life better. Kimberly finds her own way to fit in and to fulfill her dreams.
While reading this text, I was thinking about the first social action inquiry question, what really difficult or complex things are happening in the text? Identity is a large issue that Kim struggles with. She's a normal schoolgirl at day, but a factory worker at nigh. For a while, Kim skipped school because she can't deal with the fact that she once was the best student in class back in Hong Kong, but now she can't even communicate with her teachers. Kim can't fit in at the factory where her mom works or at school where she once really enjoy.
Another complex issue is child labor. Although it is illegal for children to work in factories because of the harsh environment, Kim is forced to work in order to improve her life. In addition to that, Kim's aunt, Aunt Paula would always find excuses to give them the lowest payment. This is because she takes advantage of Kim's mother's vulnerability. They made skirts for 1.5 cent cents each everyday. Kim worked as soon as she got to the factory after school and all day during breaks. She would do her homework on the way to the factory or at school to save time. Until she has the ability to earn money, Kim depends on the factory to live.
In conclusion, Kimberly struggles with her responsibility and learns to move on in order to make her life better. Kimberly finds her own way to fit in and to fulfill her dreams.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Blog Revision
http://aflurryofwisdoms.blogspot.com/2014/10/ya-reading-response.html?showComment=1415327962667#c5471979183866192851
In the book "Will Grayson, will grayson" , the authors John Green and David Levithan alternates between the diverse lives of two boys whose name is both Will Grayson and their meeting in a porn store. The first Will Grayson written by John Green, whose name is always capitalized throughout the book, goes on with his life by not caring much about anything because of his outgoing best friend, Tiny Cooper. The second will written by David Levithan whose written in lower case goes through his life on the other side of the town without much friends except an admirer and an online relationship with someone who goes by the name Isaac. Relationship is a theme incorporated by the writers into the book to teach readers lessons about life.
Whether it is friendship or love interests, family or peer acquaintances, relationship is a continuous theme throughout the book. For example, the first Will Grayson (written by John Green) is depicted in the beginning as a guy who thinks relationships are unnecessary drama. Will thinks as long as he doesn't much about life, he get to live through it quietly. However, when he met Jane who he've always thought is lesbian but shes not, he realizes he need to be more assertive in his life. As a result, he decides to pursue Jane and finds that he enjoys having her in his life. In fact, he finds that her advice really helps him in all of his relationships. " W kiss. Her hands are freezing on my face, and she tastes like coffee and the smell of onion is still stuck to my nose, and my lips are all dry from the endless winter. And it's awesome." Will finally learn to enjoy his life and actually caring for someone he loves. He learns that relationships are part of life and he has to accept that.
Another relationship portrayed in the book is between Will and his best friend Tiny Cooper. Tiny Cooper is depicted in the book as gay and Will is constantly being harassed being Tiny Cooper's best friend. People in school thought Will is also gay and begins to bully him about it. Will is embarrassed being Tiny Cooper's friend and being seen in public with him. But as Will's relationship with Jane advances, Jane's advice changes his mind. Will realizes Tiny Cooper is important and he needs him in his life. " Being in a relationship, that's something you chose. Being friends, that's something you are. But I do chose you. We've been friends too long to pick, but if we could pick , I'd pick you." Will realizes his relationship with Tiny Cooper is important and learn to accept Tiny for who he is.
In conclusion, the complicated relationships between characters can really teach readers different lessons about life. We have to accept people for being who they are and shouldn't try to change that. We have to live on life and always try harder to make life better. We can see the goal of the two authors and readers are able to relate better.
In the book "Will Grayson, will grayson" , the authors John Green and David Levithan alternates between the diverse lives of two boys whose name is both Will Grayson and their meeting in a porn store. The first Will Grayson written by John Green, whose name is always capitalized throughout the book, goes on with his life by not caring much about anything because of his outgoing best friend, Tiny Cooper. The second will written by David Levithan whose written in lower case goes through his life on the other side of the town without much friends except an admirer and an online relationship with someone who goes by the name Isaac. Relationship is a theme incorporated by the writers into the book to teach readers lessons about life.
Whether it is friendship or love interests, family or peer acquaintances, relationship is a continuous theme throughout the book. For example, the first Will Grayson (written by John Green) is depicted in the beginning as a guy who thinks relationships are unnecessary drama. Will thinks as long as he doesn't much about life, he get to live through it quietly. However, when he met Jane who he've always thought is lesbian but shes not, he realizes he need to be more assertive in his life. As a result, he decides to pursue Jane and finds that he enjoys having her in his life. In fact, he finds that her advice really helps him in all of his relationships. " W kiss. Her hands are freezing on my face, and she tastes like coffee and the smell of onion is still stuck to my nose, and my lips are all dry from the endless winter. And it's awesome." Will finally learn to enjoy his life and actually caring for someone he loves. He learns that relationships are part of life and he has to accept that.
Another relationship portrayed in the book is between Will and his best friend Tiny Cooper. Tiny Cooper is depicted in the book as gay and Will is constantly being harassed being Tiny Cooper's best friend. People in school thought Will is also gay and begins to bully him about it. Will is embarrassed being Tiny Cooper's friend and being seen in public with him. But as Will's relationship with Jane advances, Jane's advice changes his mind. Will realizes Tiny Cooper is important and he needs him in his life. " Being in a relationship, that's something you chose. Being friends, that's something you are. But I do chose you. We've been friends too long to pick, but if we could pick , I'd pick you." Will realizes his relationship with Tiny Cooper is important and learn to accept Tiny for who he is.
In conclusion, the complicated relationships between characters can really teach readers different lessons about life. We have to accept people for being who they are and shouldn't try to change that. We have to live on life and always try harder to make life better. We can see the goal of the two authors and readers are able to relate better.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Blog Post
In the article " Bagging Plastic" by Ian Lovett, the author wants us to know how many countries has take action to ban plastic shopping bags because of the environmental issues it causes. One thing the author does is by providing statistics that shows the number of plastic wastes. " In 2012, Americans generated about 32 million tons of plastic wastes, including shopping bags and beverage bottles, and recycled only about 9 percent of it, the Environmental Protection Agency says."
He also includes a list of major cities and countries-like the United States and San Francisco- that have bans on plastic shopping bags. These details help readers understand how serious the issue is and the actions that has been taken.
The author hopes to persuade readers that plastic bags are harmful and should be banned, as well as to inspire readers to take action. One way he achieves his goal is by intentionally including pictures like a boy paddling through a plastic-strewn waterway and a turtle chewing on a plastic bag. The images tend to stir up emotions in readers' mind to feel bad for the poor animals and also people who live near plastic-strewn waterways. He also encourages readers to feel sorry for sea creatures by including subtitles like " Choking sea turtles&whales". This really tell readers how serious this problem is.
The way the author have written about the issue showed me another side of it and kind of sifts my opinion. He makes me think plastic bags can influence all the living things on Earth and not just us. Plastic bags should be banned to reduce the number of problems on Earth.
He also includes a list of major cities and countries-like the United States and San Francisco- that have bans on plastic shopping bags. These details help readers understand how serious the issue is and the actions that has been taken.
The author hopes to persuade readers that plastic bags are harmful and should be banned, as well as to inspire readers to take action. One way he achieves his goal is by intentionally including pictures like a boy paddling through a plastic-strewn waterway and a turtle chewing on a plastic bag. The images tend to stir up emotions in readers' mind to feel bad for the poor animals and also people who live near plastic-strewn waterways. He also encourages readers to feel sorry for sea creatures by including subtitles like " Choking sea turtles&whales". This really tell readers how serious this problem is.
The way the author have written about the issue showed me another side of it and kind of sifts my opinion. He makes me think plastic bags can influence all the living things on Earth and not just us. Plastic bags should be banned to reduce the number of problems on Earth.
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