Peer Web quest

I decided to complete Mike Hong's web quest.



Although many people tend to focus on racism toward blacks and homosexuals, racism within the Asian culture is still very much present. Most people in the U.S. focus on the racial discrimination against African Americans and neglect to realize the discrimination against the other races, especially Asian Americans. The prejudice against Asian Americans prevents them from getting a good job, embracing their unique culture, and overall living a fulfilled and happy life. The fact that many Americans fail to recognize the racism toward the Asian American people, doesn’t allow for any progress to occur or discrimination to end.

After reading through and receiving a more thorough education on the racism against Asian Americans I now realize there is much more discrimination than I originally thought. Like I stated in my above paragraph, I was aware that there was discrimination toward Asian Americans but I feel as if bigotry toward other races (such as African Americans) is much more talked about. America needs to realize there is prejudice against other races too, especially Asian Americans. Reading about the current status quo of racism against Asian Americans doesn’t change my original answer by much, it simply makes me more aware. Asian Americans are discriminated against in the work place, when applying to colleges, and in sports. Because basketball is seen as an African American and white sport primarily, Asian Americans receive terrible treatment, less playing time, and loss of promotion opportunity. In an article titled “Asian-American Basketball Players struggle with Discrimination” Jeremy Lin describes prejudice displayed against him daily, “I hear everything: ‘Go back to China. Orchestra is on the other side of campus. Open up your eyes,’ ” Lin said. “They’re yelling at me before, during and after. I’m an easy target because I’m Asian” (par. 6). Jeremy Lin is a skilled, talented basketball player and the fact that he is an Asian American should not affect the way he plays or his future.

Not only are individual people discriminating against Asian Americans, but large institutions and educated, intelligent people are doing the same. There was recently an investigation at Princeton University to see if they are discriminating against Asian Americans, by capping off the number of students they admit. Jian Li filed a lawsuit in 2006 when he was rejected from Princeton after having perfect SAT scores, first in his class, and participating in numerous extra curricular activities (Siegler). This article too has opened my eyes to the truth about quotas. How could a student with the perfect application still be rejected? Asian Americans are now racing prejudice against the universities that they wanted to be admitted to, and it is a shame.

I think it is very tragic that there has been more discrimination toward Asian Americans after the Virginia Tech shootings occurred. Just because one mentally disturbed male who happened to be Asian committed such a horrific crime, does not mean the race as a whole should accept responsibility for his actions. People’s views on Asian Americans are now skewed, thinking that anyone in that race could be the next mass murderer at a high school and college, and that is so very far from the truth. It is a shame that people associate crime with the race of the person that committed it; every other person that is a part of that race is innocent and should not be penalized for another’s actions.

The American Dream

The myth of the American Dream is a theme explored throughout T.C. Boyle’s novel, “The Tortilla Curtain” when two of his main characters cross the border into Southern California. The illegal immigrants, Candido and America, travel to the United States in hopes of finding a better life, also known as the American Dream. America mentions several times in the book what her personal definition of the term means: buying an apartment. To America, living in their own apartment with running water and a refrigerator means that the couple has finally reached the better life they dreamed of. Using the links and sources I have provided for you below you will gain an understanding of what the American Dream was, what it is now, and how it varies from person to person. After using the research to develop your own opinion on the matter, you will use the questions below to guide you and then create an original blog post. Although you must read the information I provide, you are not required to have research in your blog post; the blog post is purely your opinion.



Questions to focus on for your blog post:

How has the concept of the “American Dream” changed? Do you think there is a general understanding of the “American Dream” now, or has it become a personalized goal? Considering the downward spiral of America’s current economy, do you think it will continue to be a place to come for financial security and employment opportunity?



Sources:

Delicious: http://delicious.com/giordaki
(make sure you listen the song on the youtube link AND read the lyrics)

Itunes: Go into itunes and type into the search engine “illegal immigration” then click podcasts, then from podcasts go to the second row, the last one on the right and suscribe to the podcast, “I’m the Divider”. You must listen to these episodes of the podcast.

Peer Blog: http://www.csquaredc.blogspot.com/ Corey Cantor's Blog

Blog from outside of class: http://www.hyperorg.com/blogger/mtarchive/002173.html

School database: http://www.questiaschool.com/PM.qst?a=o&docId=5025008152



Quotes to think about:
"His dreams were real. He wasn't flying through the air or talking with the ghost of his mother or vanquishing his enemies-he was stalled i the garbage dump in Tijuana, stalled at the wire, and America was sick with the gastro and he didn't have a cent in the world after the cholos and the coyotes had got done with him" (Boyle 18).

"He was dreaming still, dreaming with his eyes open, images shuffled like cards in a deck till he didn't know what was real and what wasn't" (Boyle 20).

" I want one of those houses. A clean white one made out of lumber that smells like the mountains, with a gas range and a refrigerator, and maybe a little yard so you can plant a garden and make a place for the chickens. Thats what you promised me, didn't you?" (Boyle 29).

"He was saved. He was alive. There was no sky, there was no earth and the wind drove at them with pellets of rain and the water crashed at his feet, but he was alive and breathing and huddled in the arms of his wife, his thin beautiful shivering girl of a wife" (Boyle 354).

Socratic Seminar #2 - The Tortilla Curtain

Socratic Seminar Questions
1. What did you think of the book?
2. How did the switching of narrators each chapter help you to better understand the book? Did the alternating ever become irritating? Did you have a preference as to who was narrating? Kyra, Delaney, Candido, or America? And did you feel like you were able to get to know one couple better than the other?
3. After reading "The Tortilla Curtain" do you have a different view on immigration?
4. Does the novel depict the experience of illegal immigrants well? Is it too farfetched?
5. The American Dream is a term with a definition that varies from person to person. What is America and Candido's dream? After the tragic mudslide, do you think that dream is still attainable?
6. How do the powerful usages of nature from the Coyote to the Forest Fire and finally the flood impact the novel?
7. It seems as though Candido and America receive much of the reader's sympathy. Do you sympathize at all with Delaney or Kyra?
8. Should this novel be considered controversial (socially, culturally, politically)? If yes, why?
9. Why does Delaney fall so far from his moderate views? Is he considered more of a radical against illegals or a common stance?
10. Does anything really change from the beginning of the novel to then end? Everyone is in a similar place at the end—what differences are there?
11. How do you feel about the end of the novel? Was it an optimistic ending or tragic?

Racist Myths About Mexican Immigrants

How has the stereotype of the Mexican immigrant created a hatred for them across America? The ridiculous racist myths people believe, not only make Americans out to be extremely ignorant but also end up turning the misconception around. Americans actually prove these myths to be true while Mexicans are the innocent ones, standing by the proving these common racist myths wrong. The racist myths many people believe about Mexican immigrants are beautifully listed in an article compiled by Chris Schefler as he questions, “who has a greater right to live and work here [America]” (Schefler 2001). In the article “Racist Myths about Mexican Immigrants”, Schefler lists his first myth: All Mexican illegals are looking for free hand out from people in the U.S. Schefler proves this theory to be false stating that most poor AMERICANS are constantly approaching by passers, asking them for spare change. Poor Mexicans merely find clever ways to collect their money, like selling things such as jewelry. Even if a Mexican happens to be more poor than an American, you will never see them asking for a handout. Mexicans understand that when they come to this country, they must earn their money through hard work and by a free ride from the American people. Ignorant Americans may believe “illegal” Mexicans simply expect to live on handouts, but it is the poor Americans that expect this.
Schefler’s second myth concerns the immigrants and taxes. Most of the population believes “Mexican ‘illegals’ pay no taxes, contribute nothing to our society or our economy, then rape our social services systems for free, unearned benefits” (Schefler 2001). The former statement could not be more false. Mexican workers DO pay taxes and the work for the lowest of the low when it comes to jobs. The pay for these workers is usually minimum wage or bellow minimum wage. This very often results in high profits for the illegal employer causing the worker to pay higher taxes (Schefler 2001). Because these workers fear they will be deported, they hardly apply for social services or even file for income tax returns. They will however seek medical attention and a primary education (because they are necessities). It is rather convenient that California recently passed a law that requires medical care providers and schools to deny their services to illegal immigrant, the only two social services they even use (Schefler). Schefler’s third and final myth may be the most absurd yet, illegals are criminals and because of this, they must be punished. Illegal Mexicans are not criminals (for the most part). Most illegals are simply in search of work in order to support their families.
I for one see the outrage against the Mexican immigrants as ridiculous and unnecessary. The American people are placing their anger in the wrong people. The Mexicans do not beg or ask anything of the people that live here; they pay their taxes, and work the worst jobs in order to support their families. So why is there so much animosity? How did the immigrants become responsible for the economic troubles in our country? If anything it is our own fault. Employers hire illegal immigrants every day, well aware that they are “breaking the law by employing undocumented workers” (Schefler 2001). These concepts and myths can all be seen within the first one hundred pages of the novel “The Tortilla Curtain” written by T.C. Boyle. Boyle describes the life of an illegal couple living in Southern California. The struggles of trying to maintain a job, find food, and simply trying to survive in general are seen through Candido and America. Their lives change and are affected by Delaney and his wife Kyra when Delaney accidentally hits Candido while driving, Candido is badly injured, but due to fear of being deported, the refuses to go to the hospital. Candido, along with other Mexicans, goes against the previously listed stereotypes. This only demonstrates the ignorance that is displayed by many people in the United States (and other countries).
Novels like, “The Tortilla Curtain” help many to see just how absurd stereotypes can be. They provide a justification for many of their actions, and an accurate portrayal to the mexican immigrant's life. The plain truth is: mexican immigrants are looking for ways to support their families, not live off the American people. And thanks to some brave people, the stereotype is only closer to becoming false.

Source:
http://academic.udayton.edu/race/02rights/guadalu4.htm

The O.C.

The popular teen melodrama TV show, The O.C., that portrays its characters as young, skinny, beautiful residents of Newport beach in southern California, suddenly takes a turn and gives the female main character a girlfriend. On the surface, Marissa Cooper is the stereotypical rich, popular girl in high school but, those close to her slowly learn she is the “suffer in silence” type: constantly passing out on front lawns after long nights of drinking, “accidentally” overdosing on drugs, and creating a seem of endless love triangles. Her straining relationship with her mother and decaying family are the motives for her self-destructive behavior and well into the second season, Marissa becomes interested in Alex, a girl. Viewers can find Marissa’s switching of teams either expected or completely shocking. People either applaud her for breaking the stereotype of a girl in her environment, or predictable due to her rebellious behavior. So the real question is: Does Marissa develop true feelings for another female? Or is her relationship a stint used to ignite tension and irritate her mother?

The answer to the former question is easy: Marissa is looking for another way to piss her mother off. Even Julie (her mother) is able to see through her actions. Another controversial issue surrounds Marissa’s curiosity: ratings. With season one’s ratings that had an average of about ten million viewers, The O.C. expectedly came in strong with their second season premiere of eight million viewers. But, as the season dragged (yes, dragged) along ratings slowly began to plummet. When ratings drop that low with a series that had so much promise the previous season, writers inevitably become desperate. I for one see Marissa’s lesbian relationship for about 5 episodes as an act of desperation. Bravo to The O.C. for taking a risk but if the relationship was simply a ploy to gain more viewers, then shame on them.


The growing suspicion of the ratings stunt was confirmed by Marissa and Alex's inevitable break up. Both Marissa and Alex acted completely out of character, causing the relationship to come to a hault very quickly. Once the writers got what they wanted out of the two week relationship, they put a stop to Marissa's bi-sexual ways and traveled down the road of Ryan and Marissa again. The relationship and confusion Marissa went through would have been genuine and related to teens across the nation watching the show, if the intention wasn't so painfully obvious. Although I’d like to think The O.C. would be willing enough to take a chance and break the stereotype of the gay teen, the story line was most likely a way to simply raise ratings. The motivations of the writers and of Marissa were corrupted. The writers weree looking for more viewers who are interested in seeing their favorite main character begin a relationship with another member of the same sex. Marissa Cooper was looking for yet another way to torment her mother and continue the same vicious cycle of hatred between the two. Once Marissa realizes Alex is looking for a real relationship, one that involves paying rent, taking out the garbage, doing the laundry, etc. she gets out faster than she bought that new Chanel bag last week.

Are girls victims of gender bias in our nation's schools?

Women: We think we have come so far, but have we really?

A recent article I came across inspired me to address the issue of educational and intellectual difference between girls and boys in the school environment. Bnet, Business Network.com takes a closer look into this subject, revealing how males are usually favored in the school systems while females quickly become victims of gender bias. It seems that even three hundred years later women still struggle to be seen as equals to men in the classroom. In the 1700’s the home was essentially the classroom for girls, learning skills to accommodate their domestic lives, while boys received a top-notch education. (Sadker & Sadker 1) Although we have made an incredible amount of progress, girls can now attend school (with boys!), the intelligence and potential of the female population is often overlooked.

Since teachers are the adults that spend the most time with children (apart from their parents) their opinions and actions affect students greatly. When a teacher disregards a female student, her self-esteem is lowered. This will eventually lead to the inevitable: body image. In more cases than none, girls in high school end up focusing more on their physical appearance than on their minds. (AAUW 2) This shift of focus is seen by authority figures and girls’ academic schedules gradually become less rigorous, allowing for the boy population to enroll and excel in more math and science courses (is this why I’m always asking Corey for help in math analysis?). Girls are able to see this difference between the sexes and “are rewarded for their conformity to classroom rules by simply being ignored” (Sadker & Sadker 2) this undoubtedly effects the quality of their education.


As a high school senior, I can first hand see these shocking, upsetting trend s continuing. All (or the majority) of girls around me are too concerned with their body image and physical appearance. Their minds take the back burner and as a result, the males exceed. Although we may be victims of gender bias, focusing too much on our bodies is not helping our case, in fact, it is giving all girls in school systems a bad name. But, it’s not all our fault! Popular culture and the media have corrupted the teenage girl’s mind; endless models in magazines, stars on television, and in the movies very often appear to be underweight, “It has been estimated that as many as 66 percent of high school girls are engaged in dieting. The stress of dieting and appearance undoubtedly uses energy that is necessary for learning in school” (Pipher and Sadker & Sadker 3). So ladies, this is my message to you: stop focusing so much on appearances. Sure a hot body is nice to look at, but an empty head is useless.


Source:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCG/is_2_30/ai_105478982

Girl

Heyah :) My first post is an assignment given in class based on the poem "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid. The poem is a narrative, mostly in the voice of the girl's mother, describing the ways which one becomes the perfect housewife. At the end of the poem, the girl's voice is finally heard when she questions her fate about becoming the housewife while following a strict set of rules. The poem raises many questions and brings to light the rules or expectations people are forced to follow in order to stick to the status quo of their various groups. My adaption of the poem lists the ways in which a singer or performer can become successful, by taking care of their voice in a very specific way. As a singer I have become well aware and have learned how to live with these rules, as have many other performers. Half way through writing I realized the ridiculous amount of rules and restrictions there are. I incorporate my voice at the end of the poem asking something along the lines of, "What if I don't follow all these rules? Can I still do what I love?". Are all these rules necessary in order to be successful? As a singer or in any other field? Is only talent not enough? My optimistic side likes to think that for me, and others, talent can be enough. The realist in me knows that in order to be successful (as a singer or in any other field) one must follow the expected, set guidelines. Below this you'll find my poem "Singer".

After you read the poem, check out these two blogs exploring the similarities and differences between the two genders.

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Drink plenty of water, at least 8-10 glasses everyday to lubricate your vocal cords; don’t drink caffeinated beverages because they create mucus and harm the quality of the voice; regular voice warm ups are necessary especially before auditions and performances; warm up gradually, starting with demanding warm up exercises demand more of your voice; don’t strain your voice; your voice often needs a rest; get at least eight hours of sleep or your voice will lack energy; rest before a performance to avoid stress and strain; do not eat while singing or before a performance, they could result in mucous and fatigue; do not eat sugary or creamy foods specifically; do not sing on an empty or full stomach because it affects your breathing; avoid alcohol; do not smoke because it can irritate and cause the vocal cords to swell; do not talk the day of a performance, talking can hurt your vocal cords more than singing can; use a steamer to moisturize your voice; take a steaming hot shower; boil water and inhale its vapors; always use a microphone to prevent straining of your voice; always be able to hear yourself for feedback; receive vocal training; attend vocal training at least once a week to improve your voice; stretch your range; use various types of exercises to help develop your different voice qualities; develop a speaking voice for your singing voice because the two go hand-in-hand; listen to yourself while singing; record yourself; breathe from your diaphragm; breathing from the diaphragm helps the voice project and you will have full control over your voice; do not take shallow breaths; drop your jaw, it will improve your vocal tone; learn how to position your larynx to change your sound; determine the different positions of your tongue while singing to determine vocal tone; know when to go into a higher register, pushing certain notes can sound almost like you’re screaming and you end up pushing your voice too much; while in your high register do not allow your voice to thin out; learn how to blend your head and chest voice to create a mix; know when to add resonance to notes; know your vocal range; choose songs that are in the right key for you; before you perform a song, know that you can reach all the notes comfortably; after a performance or a voice lesson cool down your voice; stay in shape; wear earplugs when you are at loud events to prevent damage to your hearing; your ears are the key to your voice, helping you stay in tune; during a performance, establish a positive energy and confidence; your posture and physical presence is very important on stage; relax; learn to have impeccable diction while singing, to make sure the audience understands your every word; sell the song and believe in the lyrics; your facial expressions should reflect the lyrics; practice in front of a mirror; never perform a song the same way twice; you should constantly change your style; you must be versatile; immediately recognize dynamics, they make the song; find the perfect voice teacher and receive an excellent music education in order to be a successful performer; what if I don’t receive a top-notch musical education?; will all my talent and efforts to become a performer go unnoticed?