A Christmas Poem to My Classmates...Happy Holidays!

Recipe for Christmas All Year Long

Take a heap of child-like wonder
That opens up our eyes
To the unexpected gifts in life—
Each day a sweet surprise.

Mix in fond appreciation
For the people whom we know;
Like festive Christmas candles,
Each one has a special glow.

Add some giggles and some laughter,
A dash of Christmas food,
(Amazing how a piece of pie
Improves our attitude!)

Stir it all with human kindness;
Wrap it up in love and peace,
Decorate with optimism, and
Our joy will never cease.

If we use this healthy recipe,
We know we will remember
To be in the Christmas spirit,
Even when it's not December.

By Joanna Fuchs

Best Wishes, Alana C.

I.R.#2-The Woman Warrior: Prose Analysis #2 of 2

Pg. 171; Paragraph 3


           My mouth went permanently crooked with effort, turned down on the left side and straight on the right. How strange that the emigrant villagers are shouters, hollering face to face. My father asks, "Why is it I can hear Chinese from blocks away? Is it that I understand the language? Or is it they talk loud?" They turn the radio up full blast to hear the operas, which do not seem to hurt their ears. And they yell over the singers that wail over the drums, everybody talking at once, big arm gestures, spit flying. You can see the disgust on American faces looking at women like that. It isn't just the loudness. It is the way Chinese sounds, chingchong ugly, to American ears, not beautiful like Japanese sayonara words with the consonants and vowels as regular as Italian. 


Analysis:


            This piece of passage firstly helps us see the symbolism of how a Chinese emigrant is portrayed through American eyes. The presented diction plays the imagery very well, especially where it repeats about the Chinese shouting being able to be heard blocks away, the big arm gestures, and the spitting. I myself see this in movies, as well and (with no offense intended) I can agree with what this passage is implying. But because these emigrated individuals are different, there is no reason for us to discriminate, nor for them to alter themselves because of discrimination. I gained this idea in my readings, and must I say, society has changed and acceptance is here.
            Secondly, in America, this is the perceived Chinese. But, back at their home, the Chinese are strict and skilled. There shall be no reason for chaos. There is order and expectations. Why now in America are they depicted as these types of human beings? The passage reads, "It isn't just the loudness. It is the way the Chinese sounds, chingchong ugly, to American ears, not beautiful like Japanese sayonara words with the consonants and vowels as regular as Italian." It seems as if coming to America has changed the Chinese point of view-from ordered to chaotic, from traditional to optional, from directed to wanting to feel "American-feminine." Describing your own people as "chingchong ugly" is another hint that Kingston was probably not as proud being a Chinese in America as she would be if she were back in China.
             In conclusion, this passage vaguely, but surely presses into the Chinese's image in America and adds another puzzle piece to the idea of Chinese emigrants' struggles and changes in direction to the American way.

I.R.#2-The Woman Warrior:Reader Response #4 of 4

         This last section of my reading is primarily focused on the final chapter, titled, "A Song for a Barbarian Reed Pipe." The whole story has come together in determining the truths of Chinese emigrants to America. In the place of a girl-throughout the expanse of the story- a lot of the passages define shame; how you are admitted into a shameful bubble and how you are treated because of it.
         A term repeated in the story is "American-feminine." Kingston, being a Chinese girl born in America, always felt the need to fit into the picture in American life. In my previous post, I mentioned recently reading of how the Asian-American emigrants are the fastest growing discriminated-against ethnic group. To collect information from the passages in the story, Chinese girls were under pressure just for being girls. Girls, in China, were considered the least favored sex, who would either become wives or slaves. I've come to realize that Kingston's fantasies of being a warrior were a sign of hope and dignity. I sense that it signified strength. Kingston did not want to be put down. If anything she may have wanted recognition and honor, because it is what she deserved, same for other Chinese girls. Chinese girls were constantly put straight to shame because they were girls. Boys were given the ultimate pride: the toys, the outings with uncle, the training, etc. Girls were the servants getting ready to be married to men with money who would go out to work and send the women money while she  cared for her family. I cannot agree with this. However, all this "women-being-lower" talk has been a part of cultures worldwide. Men were always the dominant sex.
          On account of raising a Chinese daughter, Brave Orchid (Kingston's mother) had cut her daughter's tongue so that she would not get tongue-twisted as she was raised. This did not work in Kingston's favor, for she was tongue-twisted anyway. But, I just can't understand why a mother would do such a thing as drastic as that. Why couldn't the mother have the hope to be content, no matter how her daughter had turned out? I'd really like to do more research and find out how morals differed between the Chinese and Americans. There was also a moment in the book where Kingston confesses to her mother that she had taken the life of a spider. This immediately offset her mother and she spoke no more of it. How strict, really, is it in a Chinese household? I do remember having a classmate in elementary school. Her name was Hannah L. Because my mother is a teacher at my elementary school, she had a conference with this girl's mother at the time. The mother tells my mom that her daughters do not watch television. They listen to music and play instruments and no matter how rocket-high their grades were already, they received tutoring on the side for advancement. This amazed me. I continue to wonder about their state of mind, expectations , racial thoughts as they get competitive, etc.
           All-in-all, I observed that Maxing Hong Kingston had come a long way in a hard life of being a Chinese emigrant to the United States of America. There was enough evidence to show that discretion was tight in the Chinese revealing themselves to the Americans. The Chinese children were asked not to disclose certain information to Americans. Evidently, growing up was already challenging because of that. What about making friends? Or sharing?  This has been another interesting read and an addition to my position on feminism, and I have to say that I can definitely compare privileged girls in high society, to those in foreign countries who are trying to get past in America; changing, reinventing, and converting themselves. I pray that females never shy away from their dreams and goals in life. Females are not servants, or slaves, or strictly wives. Females are their own warriors who fight every day just for the simplest things. Through this we can become the true heroes because firstly analyze what's within.

I Really Did Not Like What He Said

Here it goes...

I was reading this article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20101215/ts_yblog_thelookout/rick-scotts-bold-education-plan-draws-bevy-of-critics#mwpphu-container

, then I came across this comment that immediately peeved and irked the heck out of me.

You can't really read it, but here is what John 3 said:

"Public school systems in this country have failed and arte going to continue to fail and that one of the reasons that the public school systems have fallen way behind european schools. I know that in public school system sex education and sports are more important than any other subjects and both should have nothing to do with a tax payer based school system. Yes I believe in school vouchers so a parent can send their kids to a private ,home based or public schools and that judge has overstepped his bounds and needs to keep their mouth shut and quit interfering in rights of others as well as the teachers union which is nothing but socialism.Public school systems have failed since the 60s .Right today you got young people graduating High School that cant read good cant halfway write and some graduate top of class and have no desire to get a job .So whats wrong with public school system in the U.S they have fallen flat"

This dude also named John replied:

"Are you speaking for yourself. Or, has the level of your illiteracy been acquired through hard work and dedication?"

My response:

Yes, where have you acquired such skill; such literacy?

I dislike your hasty generalizations towards public schools in the US. I also find objectionable the information you interestingly provided for us readers. Firstly, sex education and sports are not more important than any other subjects nor do I find that my school is largely biased on what subjects prove to be superior over others. Denying the fact that I may prioritize and excel in certain subjects over others, it doesn’t mean that I miserably fail the rest. Most, if not all, subjects are considered equal and are given credit that way (depending on the school’s curriculum.) Secondly, again, not all public schools are “failures” or have “failed since the 60’s.” There are always those sour apples and our schools in the US try their hardest to locate and separate those from the good so the rest will remain unaffected; however, they can’t get all of them. Similarly, the police are perpetually haunted by those who tend to slip under the radar and avoid being caught. (If we were discussing our nation’s security…that’s a different issue)

Finally, I grew extremely peeved after reading what you asserted on your two concluding sentences: “Right today you got young people graduating High School that cant read good cant halfway write and some graduate top of class and have no desire to get a job .So whats wrong with public school system in the U.S they have fallen flat”

Now, where you obtained such questionable information, I can’t bear to fathom, but be assured that we aren’t all idiots and rebels as you seem to perceive us to be. I was enormously impressed with your diction and syntax when you said “cant read good cant halfway write.” My response: What were you saying? Here’s my advice, before going around and criticizing the homes of others, why don’t you check if your house is in check first? It would be horrendous if someone proved you to be the opposite of what you truly are: a well-educated man(?) Also, it won’t hurt to prove you wrong one last time when I emphasize that I plan on getting a job after graduating top of my class while taking classes at a University. In fact, I am close friends with the other top-notch students and most already have a job and I know a myriad of respectable teachers that would vouch for us; no questions asked. We’ve toiled and endured quite a lot of hardships to get where we are and I am not going to let some (insert insulting adjective and derogatory noun) bad-mouth otherwise.

I commend your bold claim, but before you make anther statement that would prove to be folly, I suggest that you do a considering amount of research because you never know who’s going to be stomaching your words.

I.R.#2-The Woman Warrior:Reader Response #3 of 4

          Continuing on with my reading, I have grown to be so appreciative and accepting of this different ethnic background. Because this book is majority talk-story and fantasizing from Maxine Kingston's point of view, all I could really analyze are the experiences and the diction that the author uses. I'll have to admit that the images created in the lines are very abstract and full of meaning. To think of old China-and even old Asia, generally- is to think and feel art. I go on to read with respect towards people and traditional practices as the characters do amongst each other in interaction with their customs.
           When I read that Maxine Kingston's mother, had lost two children, happening to be Kingston's rightful siblings, I began to wonder. How much grief to people in this culture actually feel and experience? Do they believe in happiness in the life after the one lived? Or, do they believe it is simply what's destined for the individuals? Another point that came across was when I previously remembered reading of how girls are not the desired choice when a woman is bearing a child. In this section, I read that Kingston's mother had used money she received from her husband to attend medical school. I am struck once again with the mode of feminism, and I think, "That is great!" Way to make something of yourself. I saw that no matter how dishonoring a girl may be in old China, girls still have willpower, self-esteem, and determination. If I were a girl in old-China, I'd feel shameful for just being a girl if I had to hear that I'm a problem almost every day. It's nice to see that in Kingston's stories and characters, there is strength rising in the hearts of the females; carrying a child about to be born from an unknown man to your family and making a sacrifice to remove the same from your family, fantasizing of life as a Chinese warrior, hearing the accomplishments and dignified stories passed down from your mother. It's truly amazing. I really believe that all this talk-story empowers life and gives it a meaning. Not only is Kingston's mother passing the value of independence to her, but also the value of being yourself and knowing just how great a potential you have if you set your mind to it.
             Now, in total contradiction to what I just expressed myself on in response to this section, I come across another scenario. Old Chinese slave girls for sale. ENOUGH SAID. Really?! The book outlined that Kingston's mother, known as "Brave Orchid" in this section, had hassled on the idea that her daughter Maxine's birth had cost her $200 during the time when girls were being given away as slaves for FREE. You could say this makes me red in the face. Here I am thinking the Chinese were respectful. But my new idea is that they demand respect, but don't give it when there is any hint of shame in the picture. As an American citizen, we go by the U.S. Constitution, which promotes civil rights, liberties, and ultimately, the pursuit of happiness. (*gasp) What a big difference between cultures, basically on the values of respect.
            I am glad about one thing, though. My question had been answered. What "ghosts" are mentioned in the book? Who are they and how do they exist? Brave Orchid explains to her daughter and teaches her that the ghosts are plainly the white Americans since Kingston's family had become immigrants to the U.S. I recently read in the A.P. American Government textbook that the fastest growing population of discriminated immigrants to the U.S. are the Asian Americans. This saddens me. What a time Kingston's family must have been having. Their way of life must have been dramatically altered, just to search for better. As Mrs. Griffin stated once, America is "the gift that keeps on giving!"

Orwell’s “1984” --Prose Analysis 2 of 2

Independent Reading #2

Orwell’s “1984” --Prose Analysis 2 of 2

“He thought of the telescreen with its never-sleeping ear. They could spy upon you night and day, but if you kept your head, you could still outwit them. With all their cleverness they had never mastered the secret of finding out what another human being was thinking.” Pg. 138

It’s amazing at the amount of information you can pull from a passage…

The telescreen is a machine that records and watches what you do and say. It can hear you, see you and it even broadcasts important information (like news). In this passage the telescreen is referred to like a human and this is called personification. This machine (non-human being) is given the sense of hearing and sight. It is also given certain humanly characteristics such as cleverness and the act of spying on someone.

Delving into a deeper level, why would Orwell make Winston refer to the telescreen like a much abhorred person? Why is Winston referring to this machine like a person? In my opinion, humans are the most dangerous creatures on this planet. We are capable of many beautiful and wonderful things, but on the flipside, we are also capable of the most horrendous of things (i.e. the destruction of humanity, and the society they live in serves as an excellent example). Humans bring life and destruction. That is why Winston is referring to the telesreen as if it is a living human. By emphasizing how human it is, is Winston hinting on how the telescreen and those who monitor him become the cause of his inevitable destruction? Is this foreshadowing of what will happen to Winston?

Orwell’s “1984” --Response 3 of 4

Independent Reading #2

Orwell’s “1984” --Response 3 of 4

Pgs.132-197

This particular section contained a lot of information and a lot went on in the course of a few chapters. One particular part that I surprisingly enjoyed was when Winston read the book that O’Brien gave to him to read after Julia and Winston visited his flat. The complexity and the amount of knowledge that the book held is astonishing.

It’s quite amusing how I read this entire section in one sitting while waiting for my doctor to arrive. That’s how tedious the whole waiting period was. There were moments where I would have to stop, reread and then brood about a particular paragraph or conversation in the book. Some of the other patients would stare at me in complete curiosity because of my perpetually creased brow. That’s just how fascinated I was. I finally understood more of the operations and functions of previous societies and how Oceana came to be. I especially found pleasure with Orwell’s reference to the classes (i.e. low, middle and high classes). The book written by Goldstein claimed that every society had their Low, Middle and High. For Oceana, the Low would be the Proles, the Middle being the Outer Party and the Inner Party would be the High. Everything stated in this book is true. There was this particular quote in the book that I can’t quite locate that states that if you keep the society ignorant of what they could have, then they won’t want it and believe that what they have is the best that they could ever obtain because they wouldn’t know any better. Of course that’s common sense, but the blatantly wise statement of such an idea is both horrifying and amazing.

Also, the part about having constant war so that the society can keep the peace was amazingly exhilarating. That statement is a paradox, but in Oceana, it is found true. If the society is in constant war with no one really hurting each other and just constantly depleting supplies that your nation manufactured, then that society would be frozen from progress. A perpetual war is just like perpetual peace (which, by the way, never really occurs.) With no outcome, everyone in the society would be kept in constant routine motions and they would be forced to not think otherwise than their common goal.

Another wonderful statement would be when the book states that whoever has control of the past has control of the present and future because if you think about it, it’s quite true. If you had all documents of the past re-written to fit your present, you can control the outcome of the present, therefore creating your future. The “they” who want to hold this power is the High. The problem is, which is stated in the book, is that the Low, Middle and High are in constant changes. The Middle would want what the High have and would rebel with the Low calling it a rebellious act for freedom and “liberty.” Once the Middle have won and have succeeded in throwing the High off their thrown, they become the High and proceed to toss the Low back to where they belong, so really, the Low just stay where they’re at while constantly wishing for a change. Then, the cycle repeats itself.

Doublethink is a newspeak word where you would have to hold two contradicting thoughts and accept both. As a very logical person, I had a hard time comprehending how this is done. Another part of that rule is that if another thing comes up and replaces that of which you accepted already, you just accept it without hesitation. I ask how this is even possible. It’s just wrong. That just goes against everything I was brought up to believe in. It goes against reasoning. If two things are contradicting, it obviously means one is wrong and the other is right; unless both do not supply enough information to discredit the other and both are correct.

I apologize with the jumbled thoughts, but like I asserted earlier, there was a significant amount of information and my mind is recovering from shock. I seriously was mind-blown with all these epiphanies. One thing I’m sure of: I would never survive in Oceania. I’m too opposite; different. I do not conform and I don’t bode well with incompetent, bigoted authorities. I'm glad I live in this society. How would you feel if you were forced to even think a certain way and you would be immediately annihilated if you do otherwise?