Topic of Choice

The topic I decided to talk about today was about these blogs! I hate them so much. I always forget to check them, and I end up losing points. I’m more of a person who likes to turn in hand written stuff, like worksheets instead of all this technology assignments. I know that it makes life a bit easier, but I just hate it. Im not one to be attached to my laptop all the time, believe it or not, so I forget to get on the internet. Im not even much of a phone person as well. I’m old fashion when it comes to school and loves paper better. I also hate it because I’m at that point during the year where im starting to slowly run out gas. And on top of all this we have other classes and our paper to worry about. The last thing on my mind is to check the blog assignments. I suppose they are easier to check and read, but its also an easier way for us to lose points, and I do my work all the time, and are the few that are in class. So I wish we should get rid of this! Even though I’m kind of late with this request since it is winding down to the last weeks. But just for next time, I’m just suggesting that this needs to be abolished! No more blog assignments! Please! I’m pretty sure everyone else might agree.

My Patterns of Error

For the 3-4 things that I do wrong in my essays, the first would have to be :

1) My thesis statements.
I think that they are strong, it just turns out that they are not. Everything needs
To connect more, and I notice that I doesn’t. Its like I start off in one direction and
And next thing I know, I switch topics. That’s never a good thing, so maybe
I should write my thesis later on, rather than before.
2) Page numbers.
I need to remember to add those! Always forget.
3) Clarifying my sources.
I need to be more specific when it comes to which sources and quotes that
I decide to use. Also, I need more paraphrasing, instead of direct quotes.
That’ll help me to fully understand what the person is saying.
4) Staying professional.
My personality tends to come out in my writing a lot, which isn’t a good thing.
I usually say “so what?” or something along those lines to help prove my
Point, but that doesn’t make my evidence stronger from belittling my opponents
Side of views.

Extra Credit

      For this extra credit assignment, I wanted to talk about what I am doing in my teaching program. Since it is a teaching program, I was required to have twenty hours of observation of a class room to pass the class. I ended up picking Rickover Naval Academy, my high school, since most of the kids in my class picked theirs as well. I picked my sophomore reading teacher to observe, and had a blast. She is the funniest person as an individual as well as a teacher. We learned the story of “In Cold Blood” and watched the movie Capote, who was the author of the book. It was very interesting, and showed how murder can effect people so much, it ruins their lives, as well as Capote. He got so into it where he was losing his mind and his career over the obsession of one of the killers. He ended up falling in love with this man, and was destroyed when he was killed because of the crime committed. This was the last book he wrote he was so distraught, ultimately ending his career as a journalist. It was quite interesting, and I really want to read the book now. We also learned about using a database for their research paper as well. I learned about a lot more websites that can be used for me, and I was thankful for that. Having all this information about where to find sources was amazing, and to think I learned about this at my high school. We never got to use databases before, and knowing that they can now is interesting. Public schools are really progressing when it comes to research, which is an over all good thing.

Assignment 10 - Research for research question

I wanted to pick a topic that was interesting to me and something that effected a lot of people. Since I picked the topic of Disney princesses of the Disney Classics and how they effect children negatively, I found great research and sources for both sides. For my research database experience, I ended up typing in words that had to do with all Disney classics and how they subconsciously instill stereo types of how girls should be, as well as the men that they pick. The words I used were, DISNEY CLASSIC, DISNEY NEGATIVITY, and also DISNEY POSITIVE. I wanted to get both sides on the topic of whether the Disney Classics are good for children or bad for their self esteem. All the sources I found were very fruitful and helpful, and I seriously like that I picked this topic. Everything is interesting, and I feel that since we have all watched these classics as children, we are all effected by it whether we believe so or not.

Most of the sources I found helped me to prove my point as to it being negative. Because of the evidence that there is death in mostly all the Disney classics, this proves that children are learning things too early on that should be learned earlier. Although this is my opinion, it is still a good point. Most of the kids who watch Disney classics are young, and finding out about death before their parents tell them can be traumatizing. Information such as this is a big help for me, and so my source hunting was very helpful and all I thought it was going to be. Death was the thing that I found most compelling, and I can’t wait to learn more about it, and how it pays a important role in Disney.

Thesis:

Disney Classics are shown to people of all ages, yet when looked at more thoroughly, Disney installs negative thoughts of self esteem and perception to children who are forced to conform to stereo types subconsciously. Although the classics are meant for entertainment only, they have a deeper effect on the brain more then anyone could imagine.

My sources helped me to come up with this thesis, because they helped to support my idea of the negative side of Disney. Also, knowing the other side helps to counter the argument, and know how to prove everything even more.

Topic of Choice

My topic of choice would have to be about our research papers. I'm actually really excited to be able to research whatever we want. When I had to write research papers before, it was about things that I wasn't really into. I mean, we had to pick things that we sort of wanted to learn about, but in the end, it was boring still. Even though my classmates are picking topics that have to do with the importance of the government or society, I picked something that I thought was fun and interesting to read and research. Since we all have seen the Disney classics, I thought that bringing them up again and surfacing the subliminal messages that are sent to children, would be a good research paper. I know that many think that Disney is innocent, but there are controversies that are brought up when they are really thought about. The fact that they are all skinny, and half don't have mothers is strange. What is even stranger is the fact that they have to constantly play that card of having to have a prince come and save them. Almost none are independent, with the exception of a few, and I find that fascinating that Disney is instilling this in children's mind for years. Even the way the men look isn't realistic. All of them are gorgeous, with big chins and great personalities when in actuality, many men aren't like that at all. Disney hands out princes like there is no tomorrow, when in real life, it takes hard work and time to actually find one.

Research Paper Ideas

Does Disney subliminally influence younger girls to grow up believing they should look and act a certain way to win a prince?

Or

How will young girls perceive the adult world when given the influence of the classic Disney movies?

Reflecting On My Progress

• Looking back at my first blog post, I believe that I am making great progress and achieving the goals that I wanted to complete at the beginning of the semester. I wanted to improve my vocabulary and writing as well, and I feel that I am following that road completely.
• I feel that the peer editing of our essays have helped me a lot and that it is very beneficial. Once I write a paper, I believe that it is near perfect until someone peer edits it. They point out things that I hadn't noticed, and that really helps. I tend to write a paper all in one sitting, instead of breaking it apart because I feel I get lost and leave myself hanging. So since I do that, its hard to reread a bunch of pages over and over to find mistakes, after I spent two hours doing the essay. My brain gets fried, and having someone point out my mistakes is refreshing. I feel like I learn more.
• I really like this English class, but I would like to have more homework. Even though most college students would think that was stupid, I think it'll help. Especially since our essays are pulled apart so far, this helps to keep things in mind still. Last time I completed my final draft two weeks before it was due, and even though we still talked about the topic, I felt disconnected because since I completed the paper, there was no reason for me to actually still think about the discussions. Having more assignments would really help to keep students focused more, and not to space out during lectures.
• I believe my writing progress have stayed the same since the beginning of the semester. I like to think of myself as a decent writer, and therefore I stick to my way of writing. I try to change it up sometimes, so I was rather happy when we got to use our opinions on the first essay that was done. Usually, we are told to just talk of the facts, that it is a strict paper, but to actually be allowed to talk about our thoughts was interesting. I really hope I get to write more papers like that in my future classes.
• I believe my writing has improved slightly since the beginning of the semester. Having more experience with using outside sources can always improve, and using the database was actually kind of fun. I have a nerdy side when it comes to English class, so I don't mind writing research papers and learning all there is to know.

Joining The Conversation

There are two points that involve the thought as to whether a bachelor's degree is worth it or not at all. Some believe that there are other ways to get a good job rather then having to spend another four years in school right after graduating high school. Because some sources will provide helpful information for alternative routs, people begin to undermine the actual significance of a bachelors degree, when in actuality, it is worth it. It is shown statistically that a bachelors degree will help to win someone a job upon complition of the four years, and that that person is going to make a bigger salary while working. Schooling isn't for everyone, but it is proven that it is a good choice when it comes to wanting to make more money and to gain a job that one is actually interested in.

Are Four Year Degrees Worth It?

People now in days are confused at to whether they believe a college degree at all is a
good one. Because of the cost of college and how much time it takes to pursue a
greater education, people don't think that it is worth it. I do, in fact believe that a
college education is worth while. Since I am currently a college student, I know the
pros and cons about getting this education and how much money this will take. Loans
are what gets me through the payments, which I know in the end will cost more for
me to pay them back. But because I am studying for a bachelors degree, that will help
me to get a job faster and be able to actually pay off the debts and loans that I owe.
Sitting in school for a whole four years wasn't what I had in mind after graduating high
school, but after I looked around at other kids my age with nothing to do with their life,
I knew that I didn't want to be like them. I wanted to better myself and with a degree I
know I have a better chance at getting a better career, easier and have my life set.
Because money is a big factor, it helps me to not want to pursue my education, but when
realizing that I will evenutally make enough to pay it off, it doesn't bother me as much
as some of my fellow students.

Practice Summarizing

One thing that I feel strongly about is the act of abortion and how I think it should not be allowed. I believe that some people abuse this, both killing the child growing inside them, as well as hurting themselves repeatedly. They need to learn how to use birth control or other means of protection from getting pregnant, rather then going to get an abortion. There are other options as well as adoption if they wont want to keep the baby, rather then murder. The only exception to this is if a woman is engaged in sexual intercourse without her consent, or in other words raped, and doesn’t want the baby for the fact of them not wanting the sex in the first place. If it is too painful for them to carry the baby around for 9 months, then I can see the reason as to abort them. But then again, that is killing and it is not the child’s fault for his or her parents action. It depends on the individual, but I for one do not agree.

Other people believe in free will and abortion should be remained legal. They think that it is the mothers choice, to abort the child if they are not ready. Although there are other means of not getting pregnant in the first place as I said before, or to give the baby up, people still insist that an abortion is easier and faster then having to carry the child around. Free will and the individuals beliefs is what truly matters to these people, not thinking that the baby should have a choice this early on. They may see the negative side of killing a child off, but people keep having abortions and as long as they keep going, it’s never going to go away.

Dont Blame the Eater...But I Do.

   The essay that I decided to write about was the “Don’t Blame The Eater” article. This argumentative essay talks about how there are children who are suing McDonalds for “making them fat” or having them gain weight. The author, believes that it is fast food restaurants fault for not providing nutrition facts on their products. They don’t give a clear warning about their products negative sides, such as the obese rate increasing as well as diabetes because this food is so bad for your body if eaten multiple times per day.
Not once does he blame the eater, being as he was in that position as well growing up. His parents were split, and didn’t have enough time to make food, therefore he went to all the fast food restaurants available just to get something in his system. He compares these problems to tobacco, leading thoughts to conclude that this food is as well as addicting and bad for your body, like nicotine that is put in cigarettes. Overall, he talks about how he believes that they shouldn’t be blamed, and that it is not the eaters fault.
   I was very much interested in this essay, because unlike the writer, I do blame the eaters. Yes, you can have fast food once in a while, but not all the time. Its someone’s own personal responsibility to make themselves a healthy snack before their day so they don’t have to eat all the fatty junk that they are complaining about. If someone was really passionate about their weight, they would make time for themselves as well as their children if they are too young to make food for themselves. Restaurants are there to make money, as bleak as that sounds, but they don’t care about the health of individuals. Even if they put nutrition facts on their products, people will still eat it knowing the risks. As well as cigarettes; people know it causes cancer and kills the lungs, but still the cigarette companies are making money like there is no tomorrow. I am personally interested in this topic, because I find it redundant that the person is blaming products when themselves are personally doing it. Like the writer had said something along the lines of, its like blaming a fast car for getting a speeding ticket. The car didn’t push the gas on its own, as well as the food doesn’t jump in someone’s mouth. People just try and blame others for their mistakes, and not take responsibility for their actions.

Assignment 2

The Allstate TV ad, “Pink SUV Mayhem” starts off with a grown man driving in a pink SUV pretending he is a teenage girl. The “girl” finds out from a text that her best friend kissed a boy she liked, causing the driver to be in an “emotional compromise” which is causing his driving to spiral out of control and hit a parked car a couple feet away. Driving off, the man talks of the terror of having to pay for the damage of your parked car yourself if you have other “cut rate insurance” instead of Allstate. He then states his signature line, of “Get Allstate and better protect yourself from Mayhem, like me.”

The “Pink SUV Mayhem” commercial depicts slight sexism and teenage attention span while the crash is happening. The man begins to talk in slang texting terms, such as O-M-G, oh my God, to show that the person driving isn’t focused entirely on the crash. They are using the O-M-G phrase to talk about the friend kissing the boy, without even blinking an eye to the accident. The sexism essence is given when you notice he is in fact playing a teenage girl, after he himself points it out, and is also driving a pink SUV complete with a blinged out phone and sunglasses a top his head. Also, the way the teenage responds to the text is obvious that it is a girl, by the way he talks and responds. This commercial is aimed towards both sexes, that they need to get Allstate, because there are drivers out there that are emotionally unstable at times, mostly during their teen years, and if they are women. I personally like the Allstate commercials, because they do point out the real problems people face, unlike other ones such as Geico, just showing that it’ll take only 15 minutes to sign up with them. Although there is sexism towards women in this segment, its still entertaining and enjoyable to watch, which Allstate aims for, so that the person watching remembers the entertainment and actuality of the commercial that they immediately sign up.

First Blog For English 102

I have decided to take English 102 because I am majoring in Education to teach English for high school students. I then later on want to teach in elementary schools. Teaching is what I would like to do for the rest of my life, and is also my dream. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to teach and help others in educating them, so this is very exciting for me. English and writing in general has always been my strength when it came to other subjects in high school, and hence me wanting to teach English to other students after I get my degree. This class will help me to advance my writing and reading skills as well as help me learn to teach lessons that will educate my future students about this subject. I plan on taking more English classes, and to never stop learning this type of material as I continue my education even after I start my career. I am often a person who talks during discussions about the material that we have read, but not as a know it all, but as someone who has a lot of questions. Even if I understand something, I like to get all the concepts right so that I gain the most out of everything. Since teaching English is my passion, I know that I must learn all there is to know, before teaching. I know that that is impossible, so I will be learning for the rest of my life. A person can never know too much about anything, and that’s how I feel when it comes to English in general. (: