Chinese Cultural Revolution Photos

(My picture is the firs one in the "Mao Cult" section.)

This picture is of a crowd of people who look to be demonstrating. They are holding up posters of Chairman Mao and look to be in favour of him and his beliefs. It is evident that to them, Chairman Mao is a god, and believe everything that he says. They will do whatever he tells them to and never go against him, no matter how outrageous he is being. It is possible that these people are red guards. This relates to the book because in the book, just like in the picture the people are brainwashed into believing that Mao knows everything. They are made to be under the impression that they don't need to think for themselves because Chairman Mao will think for them, and anything that he thinks is right.

GPA College Bound

When I saw my grade point average, I was a little bit disappointed. My goal was to have a 4.0 cumulative high school GPA. It is only the second semester of freshman year and I am already getting less than a 4.0 in one of my classes. Which is going to bring my overall GPA down from a 4.0. Even though I am only getting an A minus and I realize it is not the end of the world, I still feel like because it is only freshman year and I am already not doing as well as I would like to be, with three years to go I should make sure that I am always paying attention to where I am at with my grades. I should always be aware of so that as soon as I start to slip I will notice and get right back on track

I think that my next step is going to be narrowing in on my humanities assignments. I am going to try to get the best possible score that I can on every single assignment because I know that every point will help. I am hoping that before the year is over and my semester grade is final that I will have gotten my grade up to a solid A, however if that is not the case I still have back-up plans. I not too concerned with this grade because I know that further down the road I will be given the chance to take honors classes. I am happy to know that if my GPA is not where I would like it to be by the time that opportunity is presented I will still have a chance to increase my GPA then. But I also know that I should not drift without trying and rely on honors, as I know that the material will be very difficult and I will have to be very focused to earn the benefits that taking honors classes would give me.

Internship Talks

1)While watching the Internship Talks, I was struck by the variety in the experiences people had. Some people found their internship to be extremely beneficial and thought they made a wise decision, while others said that if given the opportunity to redo their internship experience somewhere else they would have. It really showed me that your internship has the potential to be a very enjoyable experience that you can benefit from greatly, but for that to happen you have to take the internship finding process seriously.

2)Right now I can honestly say that I have no idea what I might want to do for and Internship. Given the talks I know that the internship could really help me so even though I am not exactly sure what I might want to do right now, I know that it is never too soon to start planning.

3)I though the first two talks, the ones about the first ride to the bakery, and the scratchy red chair painted the most elaborate pictures for me. I think that this has a lot to do with the fact that both of these scenarios were perfect candidates to be described through a vignette. With the first one, I think she did a really good job of describing her emotions and what was going on inside of her, whereas with the second one I think her strength was with describing her surrounding and what was going on outside around her. Even though they were each depicting different aspects of their experience, I got a very clear feel of what that particular moment was like for both of them.

Part II

I think that Suheir and Marjane were both effected by a revolution of some kind. They both seemed very fed up with stereotypes that were brought on by parts of the revolution. Attacks that had brought people to think that Suheir probably had some relationship with the people that did these morbid things because of nothing other than the shade of her skin and the type and placement of the vowels in her last name. They recognized that even though men in powdered wigs were not pointing muskits at one another in neat and careful formats, the fact that people and their opinions on everything political, social, and religous were being changed because of the current events happening around them, they were in the middle of a revolution. A cultural revolution. By recognizing this, I think that is how they can be thought of as defining it. They are defining revolution, at least a cultural revolution, as what was happening all around them in their culture.

In my opinion, Marjane and Suheir were never really saying the definition of a revolutionary, but they taught us their opinion of a revolutionary by being one. By standing up and speaking out about what they believe in. By just being involved, choosing to know enough to make their own informed decision. Marjane had said that she had read too many books to believe what she was told. From an age before most children can be interested in political issues independently from their parents, she was asking questions that her parents found hard to answer. She would choose to go to demonstrations, and she kept an ever-curious mind about everything political in her country. In Suheir's case she was being a revolutionary by writing her poetry. Writing it alone could have been enough, it was her choosing to think for herself and, choosing as an individual she would not go along with ways she did not think were right. She didn't stop there. By reading her poetry to others her ideas, and the qualities of her independent free-thinking mind were able to spread like wildfire. Not necessarily feeding her ideas, but putting people in a state of mind to conceive their own. Neither of these women had to demonstrate to prove their being a revolutionary, the fact that Marjane did certainly didn't hurt. But when they choose to think about what is going on around them, and be independent and informed, make their own decisions and not give into brainwash, by doing this they are being revolutionaries. By encouraging others to do this, not with their ideas, but with those that they have come up with, they are even better revolutionaries.

I believe that Suheir and Marjane have both seen war. The disgust and disbelief they sometimes are overcome with when talking about gruesome acts of war bring me to assume that these things that others can only imagine, have been real for them. I think that regardless of whether or not either of them thinks war can be necessary in some situations, should never be called upon, or is always the answer, they have a common belief on war that can be universally shared by all those who have seen it. They understand how big the impact war has is, on everything. Society, homes, civilization, culture, people. Families. Mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, and the list goes on. Even friends, people you barely knew. Neda Babalevy. Marjane was not her best friend, but that doesn't change the fact that she couldn't bring herself to a conclusion that there was any reason for Neda's death. War killed some, and changed others. Like Marjane's mom, who during the war decided to berate those who took more than they needed, and turned around and did the same herself. An act by a woman who, by the way Marjane described it, it was very out of character for. Suheir had to experience the affects of war as well. The effects on her culture, and how that effected the way others would treat her. It's effects on her family, her brothers. I can not imagine that with all of the bad experiences war has brought between the two, that either Marjane or Suheir could bring themselves not to detest it. I honestly am not able to say if they think that war may ever be necessary, in any situation, by any means, but I can say that I don't think they believe that war is something that should be taken lightly.

Suheir Hammad & Marjane Satrapi on War

One line that stuck out to me was, "I will not hate for you or even hate you. I will not kill for you. Especially, I will not die for you." I liked this line because she was taking a stand, but at the same time being respectful to the person she was disagreeing with. Often times people who say that hate is wrong, will hate anyone who thinks hate is right. This just demolishes their point. Even though she was not agreeing with some people, she was standing by her own philosophy in not hating them. Another line that struck me was, "Everyone can be wrong." I liked this one because I agree with what she is saying. I like how even though she is preaching her own opinions she recognizes that there is room for mistakes in anyone, including herself. By recognizing this I feel like people can only become wiser. I also really liked the line, "This heartbeat is louder than death.Your war drum aint louder than this breath. huh" I like this one because it makes you feel like love really is stronger than hate, and the good in the world can overpower the evil. Like one kindhearted soul can be more relevant than a thousand of those who are chanting mean things. The final line that I really appreciated was, "Do not fear what has blown up. If you m‬ust, fear the unexploded." I really enjoyed this one. I think that she is trying to tell us that what has happened has happened and there is nothing we can do to change that, but the only way to turn a negative experience positive is to learn from it. Learn that how and why we should prevent it from repeating. That's why we should "fear the unexploded."

I feel like both Marjane and Suheir were simply fascinated by the world. Not necessarily disgusted by the morbid acts people can bring themselves to do to others. But genuinely interested in people, and thoughts, and feelings, and human connection, and love. Between parents and children, and husbands and wives, and anywhere else it could be found. They both seemed to be curious. I got the feeling both of them had "seen war", not just Marjane. They both seemed very emotional and very passionate about society and politics. I think they both disapproved of war and couldn't find a reason for it.

In Suheir's work, I really did find the way that she put each word together very perfect. The way in which she chose to decorate her thoughts and ideas with different words and the order she placed them in was very effective and beautiful. I also felt like because she read it with a different emotion for every concept, and so much passion behind each one, it made it so that her ideas were more relatable and you could really take on her perspective behind the things she was telling you. What struck me about Persepolis was not the details in the story, or the way it was crafted, but a part of the story itself. It really got me thinking about what it must have been like for everyone involved when Marjane had to move away from her parents. There must have been others in situations similar to hers and that entire part of the story was very enlightening.

Islam

Topic: Role of men in Islam.

There is a clear role of men in Islam. It is to be the educated one. The one that works and supports the family. The man in Islam is the leader of the household. Though, the woman/mother is the one who is to be honored the most. The more respectful, kind, and civil a man is to his wife, a better a man of Islam he is. The man is the one who has the final word on all matters that pertain to the family. Although, the woman is allowed to seek higher education if she wishes to do so, the man must be the one to grant her permission. This must also not conflict with her ability to perform her role as the wife/mother which revolves more around working around the house, and caring for the children. In many countries where the Islamic Religion is tied into the country's politics, women are restricted from doing many things that men are not restricted from doing. This is because people may see that the things they are doing could be shameful to Islam when done by women, but not by men. For example, in Saudi Arabia, a country of Islamic rule, women have a very strict way of dress that they must follow at all times when out, and for men the dress is barely restricted if even at all. Women showing their bodies is seen as shameful, so they must be covered from head to toe and men can wear whatever they want.

Asia Current Events (Thailand)

Thailand is in the southeast part of Asia. It is southeast of Burma. Thailand is next to two bodies of water. These are the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. At 198,115 square miles, Thailand is not one of the biggest countries in Asia, but there are still many smaller than it. In 2010 it was estimated that almost 66 million people make up the population of Thailand. In Thailand, the official language is Thai.

In April of 2010, 87 deaths consisting of largely civilians, but still some military were brought on by a new group of protesters in Thailand called, the "red shirts". This is an opposition movement, and there has been speculation that it is funded by Thaksin Shinawatra, who was once a prime minister, but is now a fugitive. The army's efforts to mitigate the "red shirts" had been unsuccessful, because they would use bombs and grenades to prevent the army from being able to shut them down. This would result in the army firing back, and thus lives of civilians and members of the military were lost. The "red shirts" would also carry out attacks on government officials.

STREET ART

1) I noticed that the artists really didn't care about how their art effected them. They were more concerned about whether or not it was effecting society. They didn't worry about money, or about becoming famous, and in a lot of cases the artists even strives to keep their identities a secret. They did try to get there art out there as much as possible but they were not promoting themselves as individuals to get praise, they were promoting their cause. When doing our work we should definitely feed off of this and always keep in mind why we are doing this art piece. We are trying to accomplish a mission and trying to do it by reaching out to people. I feel like the more we can remember that every step of the way, the better impact our statement will have in the end.

2) What I found very interesting about the various works done by all of the different artists was how simple some of the things were. Some ideas were very simple but they still produced a mass outcome. However, even though some of the ideas were very simple, every artist took every aspect of what they were doing very seriously. They certainly had fun with it, because it was an enjoyable experience but each one of them had an extremely evident passion for what they were doing. I also found it cool how the artists were all able to come up with a signature style of art. Even though the genre of all of their work was technically categorized as street art, you were definitely able to decipher what work belonged to who.

3) A big part of what I though the artists proved necessary to get their point across was getting their work out there everywhere that they could. Even if you have the most amazing art piece ever with a completely moving message that could change the world, if nobody ever sees it then it is a waste, and the artists knew this. Another key is also making their work stand out, and doing outrageous things. If someone sees your work and it looks just like any other piece of art they could see somewhere else they will not think it is worth their time to stop and look at it. It also helps when not only your art, but also how it came about is unique. When you take it upon yourself to put your art in a gallery where it does not belong people start to talk. You become news and that makes more people interested in what you have to say.

Harrison Bergeron Political Cartoon

The message in my cartoon is pretty much that the government (represented by the lady on the pedestal) are hypocrites who are trying to manipulate the people into believing they are interested in the benefit of society, when really they are only interested in helping themselves. In the cartoon the actions of the government (the lady on the pedestal) mirror those of Diana Moon Glampers in "Harrison Bergeron". She preaches that everyone should be equals, and to ensure this that everyone should wear handicaps so people who are above average can be brought down to a level that is equal with everyone else. However, Diana herself does not wear handicaps. Hmmmmm.....

"The Metamorphosis" Part 3

2) I think that by turning Gregor into an insect, Kafka was showing how Gregor had kind have been treated like an insect all along. Even before Gregor was turned into an insect, he was the only person in his family responsible for providing. He was being treated like his value to them was not because they loved him or they were his family, but because he made it so that they were able to be content with their easy lives. Gregor had to go to work every single day. He had to get up early, and deal with the annoyance of his bosses. He had to do whatever he was told and envied other people at different jobs. His family didn't understand how much he was doing for them, and they never pitched in.

1) I think that Kafka chose a cockroach because when you think of a vermon, or an animal that is not seen as good, a cockroach is definitly something you think of. I think he wanted the story to show how Gregor's family despite how he provided for them for all that time before he was a bug, so quickly turned their back on him when things turned badly. If he wanted to turn his character into an animal for the purposes of making his life horrible, what better animal to make him than a roach? I think he also was able to use the fact that to most people, roaches are ugly or disgusting, and his family wasn't able to look past his physical appearance and remember who he was inside. If Gregor was turned into a giant unicorn, or a puppy, or a frog Kafka wouldn't have been able to get the point across as well that his family was being rather shallow, and didn't look any deeper than Gregor's looks.

"The Metamorphosis" Part 2

The Samsa family members each benefit and harm each other in different ways. Some members harm others more than they benefit them, and others do the opposite. In the Samsa family, Gregor seems to be the member that is most beneficial to the other members. Gregor benefits his family by providing for them. Gregor is his family sole source of income. Without Gregor sacrificing to support his family, they would not be able to lead the life of leisure that they currently are. "Should his sister earn money, a girl who was still a seventeen-year-old child whose earlier life style had been so very delightful". Whereas there are also members of the Samsa family who's impact is just the opposite. Such as Gregor's dad. Gregor had to work for the family, because his dad is and old man who is fat and should not have to work. "his father was old, he was a healthy man who had not worked at all for five years and thus could not be counted on for much" Although he is apparently not in any condition to work and provide for his family, we learn when he wants to kill his cockroach of a son he has no trouble chasing him around the house pelting him with apples.

RULES:
1)WE DO NOT SERIOUSLY ATTEMPT TO CAUSE HARM TO OUR FELLOW FAMILY MEMBERS, JOKING IS FINE THOUGH
2)TRY TO ALWAYS ACT WITH OUR FAMILY'S BEST INTEREST IN MIND
3)LOTS OF OPEN COMMUNICATION IS A MUST/LISTEN AND TAKE IN TO CONSIDERATION YOUR FAMILY'S OPINIONS
4)WE DO NOT TURN OUR BACK ON OUR FAMILY MEMBERS IN THEIR TIME OF NEED
5) IN THE OFF CHANCE ONE OF OUR FAMILY MEMBERS TRANSFORMS INTO A GIANT COCKROACH, DEATH BY APPLES IS NEVER THE SOLUTION

Grade: I would give the Samsa family a C. This is because all of these rules have broken by at least one family member so far in the story. Though it is never easy when your son/sibling is turned into a bug, the way the Samsa family and especially the dad in particular are handling it doesn't seem to be working very well. If all of the above rules were applied to the approach the Samsa family took to dealing with their son's unfortunate situation, the outcome probably would have been much less tragic for all parties involved and especially Gregor. However they do not fail because you can tell, that they do love each other. Even Gregor's dad, he loved him, he is just not a very good problem solver. So, C.

"The Metamorphosis" Part 1

Answering Question 2:

Before being turned into a bug, Gregor didn't have a very exciting life. Every day he did the same thing: got up, went to work promptly, worked hard, and came home only to do nothing, or more of something pertaining to his work. As humans, most of us do have some sort of routine when it comes to going to work or school, but then when we come home we usually do a variety of things. Even if they aren't at are own will and we have more tasks we mus complete, we still don't do nothing or the same thing every single day. This would cause most humans to go crazy due to the lack of excitement and variety in their life.

Gregor was being used to pay off his parent's/family's debt to his boss. Although he didn't complain, how could this not make Gregor feel dehumanized? He was being forced to work for his family's benefit not his own. His family acted like Gregor's only use to them was like that of how some would use an animal. They keep him around not because he is meaningful to them, but because it is beneficial for them because he can provide them with service.