Escape

In the videos Escape and Going Down In History, we see many different ways one can escape what they are dealing with and going through in life. In Philadelphia, we meet troubled teens who are able to get away and escape to a horse stable where they can pick a horse and ride freely through the city and get away from daily problems. One boy described it as, "Instead of him watching people, people see him on the horse and watch him." Then we meet Mike, who has been disabled his whole life and had always been taken care of by his mother. He had finally had enough and set out for an assistant to get away from his mom. Although he wasn't able to physically get up and get away from his mother, he found other ways of escaping that. He painted his nails, wore black and even got a girlfriend which took up more time away from his mother. In other stories, we saw two inmates physically escape out of jail. Although it wasn't a figurative way of escaping, they did so creatively. The two wound together a 3 mile long ladder out of dental floss in hopes of getting out of jail successfully. From the video, we also saw a man who created war scenes, based on how he felt about the situation. He had been through many hardships in his life but took it out on creating scenes where he got the revenge.
I believe these videos about escaping have to do with writing by it being another way of escaping. Like we saw in the videos, there are many ways to escape. People use writing as an outlet to escape the real life problems and to get out what they are really feeling.

Group 5&6 activities

Obituary:
Today we have come to say goodbye to the well known stereotype. Stereotype lived a long life filled with many history making moments. Stereotype had siblings prejudice, discrimination and violence. With it's siblings, they brought to us the Holocaust, racial and sexist remarks, dreadful high school, short lives of many teens, bullies, and it's latest- cyber bullies. Stereotype came to the end of it's road when teens took a stand and stopped judging and started becoming friendly with each other. Condolences can be sent to stereotypes siblings and friends. Stereotype will never be forgotten.


End Note:
This obituary was difficult for me to come up with due to stereotyping having no positive facts. Stereotypes are bad and can lead to something worse. I wrote about prejudice, discrimination and violence being it's siblings because stereotypes has led to just that. From stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination and violence, we received the terrible holocaust, bullies and cyber bullies, and deaths of teens. This subject isn't something to write a nice obituary about, but it gave the point of what stereotyping has brought us and how it has progressed. In Sondra Theidermans article "Stop Stereotyping: Overcome Your Worst Diversity Enemy", she gives tips on how you can stop judging and stereotyping others. I feel if people were to practice these, stereotyping could stop, which is also what I refer to as the end of the road for stereotypes.



Magazine Ad:

Inside this issue of "All American", you can get the back-to-school look! On page 54 you can find which stereotype you fit best. We have looks for jocks, preps, geeks, scene and more! Don't miss out on this great guide to help you get through high school.


End Note:
I chose this picture because it is very stereotypical. You have the typical jock, prep, geek and scene kids that you can find in basically any high school. High school is big on stereotypes, that's why I chose this magazine ad to represent where you can find the perfect stereotypical clothes for whatever stereotype you unfortunately fit into.

Group 3&4 activites

Tabloid

End Note:
For the tabloid activity, I chose to do this picture of Nicki Minaj because she is a very outgoing person. She shows that she is outgoing by making a CD of her own rather than just being featured in other artists' songs, her choice of outfits and hair styles are always different, and she is comfortable with who she is. She doesn't change to make more fans, she has fans due to who she is. I got this idea from the image below because often times, people who do outgoing things are stereotypes as strange or "looking for attention."

Comic Strip

I couldn't find a comic strip to actually put up, so here is one written out instead.

Nerd girl and Popular boy on social website

First Box: girl gets the courage to ask him on a date.

Second Box: Popular boy leads her on and makes her think they will go on a date.

Third Box: Next day, Popular boy and his girlfriend show the conversation to everyone at school and the nerd girl gets harassed and bullied.

End Note:

The most obvious stereotype thought of in middle school and high schools are the "popular kids" not wanting to be associated with the "nerd kids." Stereotypes are popular in middle schools and high schools because everyone is trying to fit in and "find themselves. In Gregg MacDonalds article "Cyber-bullying Defies Traditional School Bully Stereotype", he talks about the stereotype of bullying becoming worse due to the internet. You can make someone feel secure with their emotions by the "protection" and "security" of the internet, when really it can just be used against you.

Group 1&2 activities

Menu
"Standing Out Sandwich"-Great for bullies! Includes harsh comments and rude actions towards those being different and being stereotyped. Also comes with the possibility to end ones life.


End Note:
I have done a great amount of researching stereotypes and bullying and all cases have an outcome. Whether the outcome is just bringing it up to an adult, or causing someone to end their life, stereotyping is still serious. In Riki Wilchins article "Teenage Terrorism", she brings to us real stories about children being bullied and harassed to a point where stereotyping and bullying shouldn't go.

Infomercial
Product- Stereotypical Cheerleading Doll
With the holiday season approaching, your kids will be making Christmas lists hoping for everything they asked for to be under the Christmas tree. But how about getting them what they really want? This doll is best for young ages to grow up thinking cheerleaders only date football stars, wear uniforms daily, are ditzy and smile and make facials 24/7. Every little girl should have one so they can go to high school knowing what it's like to be a "real cheerleader".
*May cause harassment, experience bullying, and feel put down against others for being a typical cheerleader.

End Note:
For this activity, I chose this "product" because this seems to be the "typical" stereotype. Although it's wrong to stereotype, it still happens. Everyone should be aware of stereotypes, but should also be aware that it can be stopped. At a young age children are sponges and the experiences they go through portray in their teen to adult lives. If children can see at a young age what a "typical" stereotype is, they can recognize it in their later years to overcome stereotyping and learn how to not stereotype. In Sondra Thiedermans article "Stop Stereotyping: Overcome Your Worst Diversity Enemy", she gives tips and tricks on how to stop stereotyping.

Group 6- Magazine Ads

 This magazine ad appeals to me because it is flashy and eye catching with its fashion. I enjoy fashion and every bit of this ad catches my attention.

This magazine ad would appeal to those who take working out to the extreme. It would catch the attention of anyone, but would appeal to those who would someday want to be like this or just like getting "swoll". I personally think it's gross.

Spoof Ad-Stereotype

research blog 5

Thiederman, Sondra. "Stop Stereotyping: Overcome Your Worst Diversity Enemy | Monster." Career

Advice, Interview Questions, Salary Comparisons, and Resume Tips from Monster. Web. 23 Oct. 2011. <http://career-advice.monster.com/in-the-office/workplace-issues/Stop-Stereotyping/article.aspx>.

In Sondra Theiderman’s article “Stop Stereotyping: Overcome Your Worst Diversity Enemy,” we learn that stereotyping is a factor in our life that can be hard to overcome. Thiederman states, “The most powerful source of stereotypes, however, is our own negative experiences.” We grow up experiencing situations which later in life lead to stereotypes. For example, if we experience a man being sexist, we then tend to think all men are sexist. At young age we form to the situations we experience and have throughout the rest of our lives. As much as we try to stray away from these experiences, knowing that not all men are sexist, other factors in our lives plant stereotypes within; “Our family, friends, coworkers and the media all easily implant these inflexible categories on our impressionable minds and hearts,” explains Thiederman. But in order to overcome stereotyping, we need to take action and realize the effects on our lives that lead us to believing stereotypes. As Thiederman explains, “Just because one person takes advantage of status does not mean they all will.” We need to come to terms with ourselves and realize that one person is not the same. Everyone has their own beliefs and opinions, so we should not stereotype and categorize people into such groups. Thiederman also gives three steps on how to eliminate stereotypes; Identify Stereotypes, Look for Consistency, and Push Stereotypes Aside. “One challenge to ridding ourselves of stereotypes is the fact that we are unaware of what they are,” states Theiderman. We are blind to stereotyping and to realize it is to overcome it. Once we can identify stereotypes, we can look for the consistency. Sondra explains, “Ask yourself: "Do I have these reactions before or after I have a chance to know the individual?" If the answer is before, these are your stereotypes.” Once we are then aware of the identities and consistency, we can then move to pushing stereotypes aside. How we learn things when we are young is through practice and repetition. Sondra puts, “Stereotyping is a habit. Just as it is learned through repetition, it can be unlearned through practice.” Stereotyping is a learned habit and can become slowly “unlearned” by forming new habits of ridding stereotypes.

Sondra’s three concepts on how to let go of stereotyping, Identify Stereotypes, Look for Consistency and Push Stereotypes Aside, I found very useful. It is hard to just stop stereotyping especially if you have experiences from when you were younger, but with these steps make it easier to do. To identify what you are doing and the thoughts you are thinking make it easy to notice the “bad habits” and judgments you are making about others. Seeing what situations and experience are the same or consistent help you identify what is a stereotype/judgment and being aware of your judgments helps you to push those thoughts aside.

I chose this article because after learning about what stereotypes can do to others, I wanted to learn about preventing or eliminating stereotypes as much as possible. This article gave simple steps on how you can identify and eliminate stereotypes and judgments from your everyday life. Sondra touches on how experiences from when you’re younger can stay with you when you are older. I liked the examples she used to show how those experiences basically can be imprinted in your life and being able to notice it will help you eliminate it. 

Research log 4

MacDonald, Gregg. "Cyber-bullying Defies Traditional School Bully Stereotype." The Washington Post:

National, World & D.C. Area News and Headlines - The Washington Post. 02 Sept. 2010. Web. 18 Oct. 2011. <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/01/AR2010090102648.html>.

In Gregg MacDonald’s article “Cyber-bullying Defies Traditional School Bully Stereotype”, he explains to us that bullying itself is a stereotype. In today’s world, we are very much consumed in the technology around us. Teens have always faced bullying and stereotypes in school, but with the technology surrounding us, it has become more vicious. Ilana Reyes, a high school counselor, says “It is so easy to say negative things through texting and online because you are not face-to-face with the person you're talking about.” Research shows that more girls have become cyber-bullies than boys, girls are more likely than boys to partake and experience cyber-bullying, and girls are more often than boys shown to report such bullying to a teacher or parent. Studies also show that “cyber-bullying victims were almost twice as likely to have attempted suicide compared to youth who had experienced no cyber-bullying.” Some cases have been so bad that in Virginia, making a written threat, including text messaging, e-mails, instant messaging and internet, is a Class 6 felony. Linda Crabtree, a friend of a mother who lost her child to committing suicide due to cyber-bullying, has decided to step in and do what she can about the bullying. She wants to learn the online “teen lingo” in hopes of spreading the words to parents about what is going on online.

After reading this article, it made me realize that there are even stereotypes about bullying. Due to all the technology, it has led to cyber-bullying- using information and communication technologies such as e-mail, cellphones, text messaging, instant messaging and Web sites to support deliberate, hostile behavior intended to harm others. Now with this technology created it makes bullying as easy as pushing a button. It was also interesting to read that in Virginia it is a felony for harassment and bullying in texts, e-mails and instant messaging. I feel that more states should follow this law, too many kids are being harassed and taking their lives over something that could easily be prevented.

I chose this article because I didn’t realize that certain stereotypes were a stereotype itself. I have learned a lot about the role of stereotyping but would still like to know more ways people are trying to prevent it. Like Virginia, are there any other states that take cyber-bullying as serious as making it into a felony?  Or are there anymore groups and parents such as Linda that have created ways to help parents prevent the discrimination and harassment that go along with bullying and stereotyping.

Research Blog 3

Stump, Scott. "Teen’s Parents: After Suicide, He’s Still Being Bullied - TODAY People - TODAY.com."

                Today. TODAY.com: Matt Lauer, Ann Curry, Al Roker, Natalie Morales - TODAY Show Video,

News, Recipes, Health, Pets. Web. 15 Oct. 2011. <http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44684938/ns/today-today_people/t/gay-teens-parents-bullying-continued-after-his-suicide?GT1=43001>.

In Scott Stumps article, “Teen’s Parents: After Suicide, He’s Still Being Bullied”, he explains that 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer, who committed suicide on Sept. 18^th, is still being bullied. Jamey posted videos online about being bullied and harassed for being gay and also contributed to the “It Gets Better Project”, which aims to support gay and lesbian teens who are discriminated and harassed. Jamey would openly talk to his parents about being bullied in middle school and then “became more withdrawn about it” when he entered high school. All Jamey wanted was to be heard and to have someone listen. In one of his last online posts Jamey said, “I always say how bullied I am, but no one listens. What do I have to do so that people will listen to me?’’ Jamey made a shirt for Lady Gaga reading, “It Gets Better”, and after his death Gaga dedicated a song to him at a concert stating,” “Let’s do this one for Jamey,’’ and later adding, “Jamey, I know you’re up there looking at us. You’re not a victim.’’ After Jamey committed suicide, the bullying wasn’t over. Jamey’s sister attended a dance when a Lady Gaga song came on and Jamey’ friends started chanting for him and the bullies that harassed him started chanting, “You’re better off dead!” and, “We’re glad you’re dead.” Jamey’s father, Tim, stated in the interview, “I don’t know why anyone would do that. They have no heart, that’s basically what it comes down to.” Jamey’s suicide captured Ricky Martin’s attention as he tweeted, “How many lives do we have to lose to finally stop the harassment, hatred, the bigotry and the abuse?’’  Police are now investigating if Jamey was a victim of harassment and bullying which lead to his suicide. Jamey’s father stated, “If you believe in homosexuality is right or wrong, that’s your right as an American, but it’s no reason to bully someone and hate them.” Jamey’s parents want to carry on Jamey’s message and get across to others that bullying is a serious subject.

In this article, many disturbing comments were made about Jamey and who he was as a person. The students that bullied and harassed him even after his death really shows how heartless they are just as, Tim, Jamey’s father said. Those students were stereotyping him for being gay, which I do believe lead to his suicide. The police that are investigating if the harassment had anything to do with Jamey’s suicide is shocking to me. In my opinion, it is obvious that it had something to do with Jamey’s suicide. From this article, I also learned about “It Gets Better Project”. I didn’t know this group was around, and I think it is great what they are doing for teens.

I chose this article due to the mass amounts of bullying to Jamey, both alive and dead. It really captured my attention to read that even after students went as far as making someone’s life so bad that they commit suicide, the don’t even stop after he has passed. I would like to keep reading up on acts of bullying and stereotyping. From this article I learned about the “It Gets Better Project”, and hope to learn about more programs that deal with bullying and stereotyping.

Research blog# 2

ALBERTA, EISEMAN. "The View From: Fourth and Fifth Grade; Between City and Suburb, Helping

                Children Make New Friends." New York Times 07 Dec. 1997: 2. Academic Search Premier.

                EBSCO. Web. 11 Oct. 2011.

In Eiseman Alberta’s article, “The View From: Fourth and Fifth Grade, Between City and Suburb, Helping Children Make New Friends”, she explains how important it is for children at a young age to learn to be friends with kids not only from their school, but between suburban and urban areas. They first started their tasks by gathering one hundred fourth grade students in an auditorium to watch different examples of stereotypes and discriminations. The students were encouraged to ask questions and make comments on the skits and even “booed” at the bad parts. They then created an orientation day which introduced the Historical Society’s “We’re Writing Connecticut History,” which is a program that combines 16 different fourth and fifth grade students from Hartford metropolitan area. They were scheduled for 13 daylong visits to focus on history, and required them to interact with each other. ''The purpose of the program is to build sustained interaction between urban and suburban kids,'' said Christine Ermenc, head of youth programs for the Historical Society. During the program, students were broken up into small groups to get to know one another, which most were confused about, but then talked about their likes and dislikes. ''We consider our program a baby step -- a half-step to another half-step,'' said David M. Brown, interdistrict coordinator for the program. Mr. Brown, who says  he is very committed to this program also states, ''I wanted to get involved in the anti-segregation issue. I would like to see racial balance in the schools achieved by whatever means are possible. It's good for the kids and good for the adults.”

In this article, it is brought up that teaching children at a young age that segregation is okay and that nothing is wrong with it. I do believe it is very smart to teach children these important things at a young age that could later lead to harsh stereotyping as they grow up. The concept of bringing urban and suburban children together to learn and study is good way of getting the point across of anti-segregation without making it solely about the idea of anti-segregation. I found it interesting that they got this concept across without directly touching on it.

I chose this article because I strongly believe that subjects taught at a young age stick longer through life. If this activity was taught in a high school or middle school it wouldn’t work as well due to cliques and stereotypes already being made. Doing this to a group of fourth and fifth graders is the perfect age also because they are just learning and forming, without knowing, groups of friends and cliques. This helped me with my question of what awareness is going around for stereotypes, but it still doesn’t assure me that stereotyping is being taken seriously. I would like to find out more of what precautions or disciplinary actions are being made when stereotyping and bullying takes place.

Research Blog-1

Wilchins, Riki. "Teenage terrorism." Advocate 874 (2002): 72. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO.  

              Web. 9 Oct. 2011.

In Riki Wilchins article, “Teenage Terrorism”, she writes about wanting to get the point across to teachers, parents, and administration about how serious stereotyping in schools can be. Wilchins states, “Too often we shrug off stereotypes and name-calling as just another part of growing up.” Stereotypes can be harmful and can end up in tragic situations. Riki then gives three stories about teenagers who have dealt with stereotypes and bullying. Her first story is about 13-year-old Aaron Vays, who moved from Russia to New York to pursue is figure skating dreams. At school, he was punched, kicked and tripped for doing something he loved and was very good at. After reporting the harassment to the school, Aaron was transferred to a new school and the bullies were never punished. At his new school, Aaron was again bullied and got beaten up so badly he was hospitalized. Riki’s next story was about Charles “Andy” Williams who was sentenced 50 years in prison for a school shooting that left two students dead. He was “frequently taunted as ‘wimp’ and ‘bitch’” by classmates but yet “didn’t know what sparked his outburst.” Last, Wilchins tells a story about 18-year-old transgender Ukea Davis and 19-year-old Stephanie Thomas. Both dropped out of school due to harassment and worked secure full-time jobs. On August 12, Ukea and Stephanie were sitting in a car when another car pulled up beside them and opened fire. Both suffered from more than 10 bullets to the head, neck and chest. Wilchins says that “86% of teens report that there is bullying and taunting at school,” yet some people can just dismiss it like it’s nothing.

I knew that there was bullying in schools and was hoping to figure out if stereotyping had a role in such bullying. After reading Riki Wilchins article “Teenage Terrorism”, I have learned that yes, stereotyping does play a role in bullying. Ukea and Stephanie would still be alive today if they weren’t stereotyped and teased for being transgendered. Aaron Vays wouldn’t have been hospitalized as a child, and the two classmates of Charles Williams would still be alive too if he hadn’t lashed out like did. I’ve heard of stories like these vaguely, but now reading about them makes me shocked. To also read that 86% of teens report bullying or taunting makes me wonder why it still gets dismissed as “just another part of growing up.”  

I chose this source because the titled really captured my attention because the tragic stories of bullying and stereotyping in schools really is “teenage terrorism.” After reading these stories, I would still like to look into the roles of stereotyping and bullying to see if it’s more than what I’ve heard and read. I also want to know what awareness is going around for such acts of bullying and stereotyping and see if it is taken seriously or not. Middle school and high school is a tough time for teens, and to throw bullies and stereotypes into the mix makes it worse.

Stereotypes/Bullying

I do believe that stereotyping and bullying has become a huge part of our world. It has consumed people’s lives to the point of letting others take their own lives. It’s hard to be a teenager in high schools and middle schools in today’s world due to the number one requirement; fitting in. Cliques are being formed more and more throughout schools and even singling one person out to make them feel like they mean nothing in this world. Everyone wants answers to the main question; Why? What makes anyone better than someone else? Families lose loved ones because of others being “caddy” and bullies for no reason at all. I feel it is important for others to know more about these situations. You can never know enough information about a subject and that’s just what people need; to know more. On the news the other day, a 14 year old boy took his own life for not fitting in because he questioned his sexuality and was bullied for it. What I don’t understand is why people care about someone else’s sexuality or beliefs. We’re all entitled to our own opinion and it shouldn’t be taken away. I know that means the bully in that situation can voice their opinion, but what gives them the right to hurt someone so badly to take their own life away? Growing up I always wanted to fit in of course, but being “the cheerleader” and being with the people I chose to hang out with made me stereotyped and bullied. People automatically judged that I thought I was better than everyone so they treated me rudely. It doesn’t make sense to me why some people don’t let others have a chance. Bullying and stereotyping is becoming too common and more awareness needs to be made. I myself would love to get a better understanding of these situations so I can do what I can to prevent the small cases and larger cases of bullying and stereotyping. No one should lose their life or loved ones due to this cause.

World Citizenship

Elise Boulding writes in the essay "Can There Be World Citizenship” about cultures, states and the United Nations coming together as one. For one, I don't know how possible that would be. There are so many different cultures and even different types of cultures within one to just join them all together and learn the same roles as one another. In one of my Psychology classes we are learning about cultures and how within one culture and their beliefs, there are more cultures and more beliefs. It would be difficult to take that away in a sense from those who are dedicated to their ancestry; you can’t just cut ties of that and have them learn something new. I feel like this relates to the “What is Freedom” free write we had to do in the beginning of class. We all have our freedom in our own cultures and customs ways. Bringing everyone together may show a sense of peace throughout our countries by being on the same page, but I also believe it would take away some freedom away. As Elise says in the beginning of the essay, the way she grew up was different than others. She came home and practiced her Norwegian lessons at the table under her mothers supervision. I feel if we all joined to one citizenship, we would be taking something away from someone.  

Generations

In the articles Generation Me by Raina Kelley and Why-Worry Generation by Judith Warner, they explain that the generation we are now in are nothing but about ourselves. As Jean Twenge, a professor in the department of psychology at San Diego State University and author of “Generation Me,” says, “It’s not confidence; it’s overconfidence.” We are too “cocky” about ourselves and know it too. This information doesn’t shock me or surprise me. I know they are talking about a generation as a whole, but my class has always been known to be terrible. I grew up in the environment of a terrible class and a terrible generation. I feel just because we were being told how terrible we were, we did nothing but live up to those expectations. But it’s not always like that. We hear restrictions and “gossip” about ourselves and we prove them wrong. Besides, isn’t that what growing up is? To be confident in what we want and do and not let it break us down. Sure we could use help in taking criticism, but maybe others should think about giving it constructively first. Judith does give reasons of why this generation may be acting in those ways; and who knows, it could be true. But I do believe that we act the way we do because others are looking down upon us and not giving us a chance. Some have the right idea to take what life has given and hope for better things one day, and others are too cocky to think outside themselves. Not everyone is the same, obviously, so to be judging everyone as a whole seems kind of wrong to me.

Ericcson's Lies

White Lie-That shirt looks really nice on you.
Facade-She's preppy because shes wearing a cheerleading uniform.
Ignoring Plain Facts-Although we only have four girls, or five girl stunt will be perfect.
Deflecting- The national ranking team is terrible, they have no chance.
Omission- She was dropped because her shoes were slippery and some other things just went wrong too.
Stereotypes and Cliches- She's the captian of the cheerleading squad, she must be dating the captian of the football team.
Groupthink- Everyone agrees that the new dangerous stunt would be perfect for the routine in two days.
Out-and-Out Lies- That stunt was clearly 155ft high, and the professional dancers that we all are won us the whole competition.
Dismissal- So what if they won Nationals, our routine is better.
Delusion- If the grass was more dry I would have done that really difficult stunt right the first time.

Project Rant:

To the guy at the pool;
I was really happy to be hanging out with my roommate at the pool provided by our dorm. We were enjoying the sun and all it has to offer, not bothering you or the two girls you were with. I understand it’s a public place and you can talk as loud as you want, I didn’t mind. But then your phone rang. First sentence out of your mouth, “Just hangin’ at the pool with some freshman,” and you look our way. Yeah, we’re freshman; 18 and in college, not 14 and starting high school. Next sentence out of your mouth, “Yeah man, what time is happy hour?” And that’s when I find you pathetic. One; rude enough to make the slightest gesture towards us to call us out being freshman and two; your old enough to drink and STILL living in dorms. You would think that by now, since your 21, you would be living with your friends, in an APARTMENT. I’m not one to judge and jump to conclusions; I mean maybe you just moved here and don’t know anyone. But I think it’s safe to say that before you open your mouth to call someone out, think about your own situation. Good for you going to school, going to happy hour, it’s really awesome that your 21 and have nothing better to do but call out freshman minding their own business while you and your girls wait for happy hour. You sure do inspire me sir.

Rules for Blog

I'll keep it short and simple,
Comment on whatever you'd like, be honest, but be polite. Thanks!

Reading responses-8/29

"Why I like vicious, anonymous, online comments"


The author Matt Zoller Seitz touches base on how the internet can and is used as a mask. The internet allows others to post, comment,write articles, and express on whatever they please. To such posts comments and articles, others are then allowed to say and express what they feel in response. As Matt said, it is not as filtered as writing actual letters by going through the process of writing, editing, sealing, stamping and mailing; which then breaks the "mask". On the internet, there is a wall which makes people feel invincible which then leads to sometimes hateful and rude responses. For those who post things on the internet, they are trying to be "heard" and allowing others to view it as well, but to those viewing it, they are also wanting to be "heard" as well. The internet makes people hypocritical, as in they most likely wouldn't say these things in person, they make think such thoughts but never express them. With the mask of the internet, such thoughts can be expressed.

"Join the Civilogue"


Like Matt, the author of "Make our Ugly Discourse Better: Join the Civilogue", he tells us how the internet is used as a "mask", but to take those anonymous comments and response to them politely. Just because the internet puts up a wall for others to post and comment anonymously, doesn't mean there shouldn't be a response back; a polite one. Freedom of Speech is definitely okay, but saying rude comments in person or behind the "mask" is never okay. Find a happy medium and have a normal discussion. Not everyone agrees and likes the same things, but that gives us no reason to be hateful, especially when its behind a "wall".

The American Life "Two Wars"

In the video This American Life “Two Wars”, an Iraqi man came to the U.S to seek who is for or against the war. Many people who approached the booth titled “Talk to an Iraqi”, discussed what they knew about the war and what they thought the Iraqis wanted and needed, instead of actually asking him who could fulfill their answers. People also never compared the times between then and now. They weren’t as informed as they once were and didn’t care to be informed on the new news. What I didn’t understand was why people didn’t give the Iraqis in America a chance. Once they would see someone of that race, there would be automatic judgment. Not only why didn’t we give them a chance after few attacked us, but why did the U.S troops invade their land rather than attacking a few targets? Many people say they attacked their whole land because they were enemies. But how do they know who the enemy is and who the innocent are? One interviewee, Mike, a U.S Marine, commented they need to be “able to get rid of all terrorists” in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, and he doesn’t feel bad at all. Not all Iraqis attacked the U.S, so not all Iraqis should be attacked by the U.S. The Iraqi interviewer says he now feels like he is looked at differently for living in the U.S. He sees that people in the U.S don’t have worries about what’s going on in Iraq. We live such “peaceful” lives to stop and worry about what’s going on in a country we “don’t get along with”. Although, not all the interviewees had no understanding; mothers, daughters and wives of soldiers were the most understanding of the war in Iraq because they know what it feels like to be away from their loved ones. Others said that the war makes it all okay because they are fighting for U.S “freedom.” I don’t agree with the war because how does it make it right that are we fighting for our freedom when we’re taking away someone else’s. Yes, Iraq attacked us and killed many loved ones, but that doesn’t mean we need to go attack their whole country killing all Iraqis.

English 2-butte

First assignment