Would I Cross The Border? (A Response To Marisa's Blog)

At first, I did not think that I would say this – however, if given the opportunity I would illegally enter the United States. Just reading a few of the qualifications required to apply for citizenship made me think “If I was living in Mexico, could I really do this?” Obviously the most ideal situation would be to do everything by the book and within the law, but when in a desperate search for liberation these immigrants just don’t want to wait; they want to enter America as soon as possible, by any means necessary.
The border patrol is most definitely an issue, yet if 250 million illegal immigrants cross over every year, its clearly not infallible. Many of the guards or army patrols are located around the heavily populated areas like San Diego or El Paso. A lot of illegal immigrants have found success in assign through the mountainous regions or desert areas. But many have died in attempting to do so as well.
In researching what I would do if I were put into this situation the only thing I could not understand was the overall appeal of “The American Life.” Yes, we have freedom that many other countries do not have but most illegal immigrants worry so much about flying under immigration radar that they never fulfill the dreams they had when they first set forth to America. Fake social security numbers, not being able to register for a license…that is definitely not the American Dream that these immigrants have.

- Rachel Rosenthal

Native Son

Should this be the new cover for Native Son? 

In Native Son by Richard Wright one of the obvious themes was racism and prejudice. In the novel, Bigger, the main character was a black man who wound up in a rather tough predicament ending up with him in a lot of trouble. One of the underlying themes of the novel that I chose to focus on was the battle Wright created between Capitalism and Communism. 

Many claimed the author was actually a Communist himself but what I think he was trying to do was have people make a decision for themselves. Which is more conducive to a successful, functioning society - Communism or Capitalism? 

For this assignment I would like you to look through the links on my delicious webpage 

After doing that create a blog post to your own webpage discussing which is better...

If the my delicious does not work (which it often doesn't)

the links are also here!

http://www.conservative-resources.com/capitalism-vs-communism.html

http://whyperspective.wordpress.com/2008/10/25/communism-vs-capitalism/

http://www.worldsocialism.org/articles/what_is_capitalism.php

http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/5282

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/african/afam011.html

Refer to these quotes to have a better understanding of what Richard Wright was trying to say in his book:

QUOTE ONE 

"'Listen, Bigger,' said Britten. 'Did you see this guy [Jan] act in any way out of the ordinary? I mean, sort of nervous, say? Just what did he talk about?'
'He talked about Communists. . . .'
'Did he ask you to join?'
'He gave me that stuff to read.'
'Come on. Tell us some of the things he said.'
Bigger knew the things that white folks hated to hear Negroes ask for; and he knew that these were the things the Reds were always asking for." (Wright 109)

QUOTE TWO

“[Bigger] had discovered that he had spoken to Max as he had never spoken to anyone in his life; not even to himself” (Wright 359)

* Max is a prominent Communist figure in the book and Bigger's attorney 

QUOTE THREE

“[The rich people] want to keep what they own, even if it causes others to suffer” (Wright 427).

Winning the Race

black is beautiful...

The modeling world does not really pride itself on diversity. Yes, fashion designers make casting calls sifting through hundreds of models to try and find “the right look,” but to an untrained eye the women stomping down the runways are primarily all skinny, tall, blonde, and white. In an article called Italian Vogue: Black is the new black, from CNN’s “Black In America” series, Pop Culture correspondent Lola Ogunnaike discusses the new fashion magazine issue where every single model gracing the glossy pages – are black. The issue is refreshing for those who have yearned for diversity in the fashion world and, “more importantly, it reminds you that black women come in all shades, their hair in all textures and they are not to be forgotten.” (Ogunnaike 4). However it also augments the fact that there are a “dearth of black models; how they’re seldom booked for fashion shows or featured in editorials” (5). Overall the article is short and sweet and just barely skims the issue at hand – the fact that black models need to have a special all black edition to even be featured in a magazine.
The article clearly states that many fashion designers prefer their models light skinned, skinny, and blonde. This Italian Vogue was considered revolutionary in the sense that they have broken a taboo for featuring only African American models.
The absence of black models on the covers of fashion magazines has long been a complaint inside the industry. The justification frequently given is that such covers "do not sell". Are customers shying away from a magazine when they see a beautiful black woman gracing the cover? Perhaps there is a deep-set fear inside each of us when we see someone of a different race. Not necessarily a fear of the person and who they are, but just a fear of that person being “different.” With the election of our 44th and first black president our country seems to be taking a step in the right direction in abolishing racism. But this issue, which was intended to celebrate the beauty of black women, only reminds us of the narrow mindedness that still exists.
If you were to try to count the number of nameless white models that are in the fashion industry it would be impossible. The only black models that are walking the catwalk and getting hired for ad campaigns are major pre-established names in the industry. By sheer luck were these beautiful women were able to break the barrier between racial discrimination and the fashion world. Being that there are so few of these black models that have done so, the level of difficulty is proven. But why are these top execs refusing to use these black models? Upon further research it was uncovered – its all about money. As mentioned before, magazines with African American women on the cover do not sell as much as magazines that have pale waif-ish figures.
Is it because America does not see that black woman as a beautiful creature? In Richard Wright’s novel “Native Son”, which has a dominant racial inequality theme, Bessie a black girl from the slums of Chicago is Bigger, the main character’s, significant other. She sees her boyfriend cavorting with his white employers and does not even consider sitting down, instead quickly backing away and ridiculing Bigger much later. Bigger introspective discussion proves that he does not even categorize Mary Dalton, the wealthy white daughter whom he drives around and his girlfriend Bessie in the same level of beauty. Mary is held up on a pedestal, which is essentially unreachable for Bigger, whereas Bessie is disposable and trite to him. Bigger often mentions the milky white skin and soft flowing hair of Mary but never admires Bessie’s features.
Discussions about the lack of diversity on high fashion runways took place after the all black issue of Italian Vogue hit the newsstands. The question on everybody's lips quickly became: Is fashion racist? The next logical question was: If so, what is anybody supposed to do about it? Can we change peoples mind to see diversity as beauty? Although it was only one issue in one country, this magazine has caused a lot of buzz inside and outside of the fashion world. To shift America's views of what is beautiful is a slow process.. but.we have only just begun. 

by rachel rosenthal 

Socratic Seminar Time!

NATIVE SON - BOOK ONE 

1) What did you think about the opening scene of the book. After reading to the end of book one, do you think it was a good start?

2) Book One is called “Fear”…why do you think Richard Wright chose this word as the title?

3) At one point, Bigger says how he hates his family because they were so poor and will always be poor. Could you ever emphasize with this feeling of regret that he has?

4) Why do you think Bigger carries a gun all the time, everywhere he goes?

5) Knowing Bigger’s shaky background if you were in Mr. Dalton’s shoes would you hire him? Why or why not?

6) Bigger is angry at the fact that Jan and Mary were not being prejudice to him and being so accepting. Do you think you’d feel as uncomfortable and mad if you were in his position?


7) What are your views on Mary Dalton, Mr. Dalton’s daughter. Do you find her annoying or harmless? What do you think of her death?

8) Bigger was subject to racism by the Dalton family and by other white characters. Do you think he also took part in racist thoughts against white people?

9) What’s the significance of Mrs. Dalton, Mary’s mother, being blind. Why didn’t Richard Wright just make her normal?

10) If the police find out that Bigger killed Mary they will most likely charge him with rape as well, and sentence him to death. If this predicament occurred today, where a black man working for a wealthy white family committed manslaughter what would happen? Would it be that much different from back in the 30’s?

Splendor of a Different Gender

two female politicians - two verrrrry different ones...

50 years ago just the concept of a woman as president would have warranted odd looks. Even ten years ago female politicians met a lot of opposition. But aren’t we all created equal? Many said that when Hillary Clinton decided to run for president that sex differences would diminish. But as the race to the white house proceeded, rather than having men and women move towards to equality, the inequalities were augmented. In a blog article from www.PortrayingPolitics.net, research writer Mervi Pantti discusses the stereotypes of women in politics. He states, “There has been concern that the modern bias facing women in politics is that the media simply use traditional frames built around the dominance of men in coverage of women, which makes it difficult for women to be portrayed as anything other than outsiders.” (Pantti, 2). Women politicians have one of two roles to play when in front of the media. They can either use the tactic of “self-trivialization” (3) or they can be stoic but face the brand of being a bitch. Pantti says “women who achieve the same results as men [are] ‘unique’” (4). But will there ever be just a run of the mill female politician?
When Sarah Palin and her pageant participatory past assumed the role of Republican Vice Presidential candidate everyone from CNN to SNL associated her with sex. For Hillary Clinton…the media did not. Because Palin wore expensive suits, high heels, and a big smile she was considered to be the unqualified bimbo. Reporters everywhere said that her attractiveness would no doubt have a negative effect on her campaign. Many voters did little to consider her as an actual politician instead just jumping on the band wagon by making fun of her. For Hillary Clinton it was quite the opposite. The media barely portrayed her a woman. They poked fun at her pants suits and claimed she would not be where she was if her husband, former president Bill Clinton, was not as achieved as he was. She was basically the antithesis of Sara Plain but receiving the same amount of public criticism. What does the media want out of a female politician? If being physically appealing hurts the chances of success but being solely goal oriented and very driven makes you “cold hearted” is there any female that will fit the bill?
Many people of past generation never imagined an African American man would become president. With women, it’s even harder for America to consider them as a possibility for presidency. “The new celebrity culture in politics does not seem to offer an alternative frame for women.” (Pantti, 2). Many women politicians feel they need to exploit their gender, for instance female politicians playing bimbo. This may hinder progress toward equality in media representations. Successful women are forced to fit into narrow-minded stereotypes through conventional frames by the media. All women need to work and dedicate their efforts the change the American public’s views. Instead of having “female politicians” there should only be “politicians”.

- Rachel Rosenthal 

Its Not Easy Being “Obscene”

think you can spot which one of these is not like the others?

Three years ago a new “family drama” aired on ABC. Casted in the problem-ridden, baggage-toting Walker clan were mostly unknown actors and actresses sprinkled with some major names from expired television fame. Playing the neurotic over controlling mother, Nora Walker, was everyone’s favorite nun from the 60’s, Sally Field. Kitty Walker, public political figure and temporarily ostracized daughter was Calista Flockhart, otherwise remembered as the emotionally stunted lawyer Ally McBeal. Later in the show, Rob Lowe would be introduced as Kitty's love interest and future husband, Senator McCallister. 
After only one year Brothers and Sisters had become known as the little show that could, tackling controversial topics like the War in Iraq, bisexuality, September 11th, interracial relationships, and homosexuality (just to name a few). Sally Field won best actress at the 2007 Golden Globes in her speech paying homage to the writers who created a real show for real people to relate to. Following suit with the controversy that surround the show. Field even got herself censored.
In watching one particular episode from the show’s third season, “Its Not Easy Being Green,” I noticed how original and innovative Brothers and Sisters truly is when dealing with a gay character.
The episode has multiple plot lines following its copious amount of characters, but the most noteworthy revolves around republican US Senator Robert McCallister (husband of Kitty Walker) and gay lawyer Kevin Walker (played by Matthew Rhys). Kevin who was recently hired by Robert to help run his campaign for governor of California, is preparing to go on a quail hunting trip with the Senator. Never one for the hunting trips his late father used to force him on, Kevin is less than pleased when he learns about this one. Although he has to play the part of an enthused hunter, though he is miserable. Before actually gearing up and heading out to shoot Kevin remains visibly sulky about this planned venture, saying he’s less the hunter and more the “gatherer” type.
After hearing endlessly offensive gay jokes from the Republican’s with money that both Robert and Kevin are trying to win over, Kevin channels his inner angst and shoots the first quail of the day. Surprisingly, Kevin ends up being the best shooter in the field, but when Robert's friends take their liberal insults a little too far when they call him a “creampuff of a son.” Needless to say, Kevin looses it.
“Ever since I got here, I’ve been coddled like some half-wit or straight-out insulted … I’m a crack shot, but clearly that’s not enough to impress you. It’s not enough that I wear button- downs … and eat red meat … and smoke the occasional cigar. You can’t see past your own bias to see I … Kicked … Your … Ass!”
At dinner, Robert basically orders Kevin to make amends with the potential funds for Robert’s campaign. After apologizing and using Robert's patience with him as a sign of his loyalty to those who support him, Kevin seems to flip the light switch and gains the support of those they were trying to impress all day long.
In other American television shows there have been gay and lesbian character in both daytime and primetime, however many of those characters either made guest appearances or were of minor importance. Often they received little storyline beyond coming out. However on Brothers and Sisters, Kevin Walker is the rare gay character who was already come out, not only to his family but also in the workplace. The stated goal of the show to treat Kevin as an equal to, no better or worse than, the straight characters which is something completely unique to this program.

Imitation Is The Sincerest Form Of Flattery...

the epitome of the "perfect" wife

Everyone always wants to be different. We aim for individuality and originality. But in both my Creative Writing and English classes I've been getting the assignment to read a poem or short story, and then copy the style. 

Wanting my OWN voice to be heard, I was reserved to this teaching style. Yet, after having to imitate my fourth poet, I was finally able to flip the light switch and I realized the significance of all of this. 

By writing in another author's style, our teachers are hoping that we embody the spirit of the author and the mindset.

My latest assignment was to read the prose poem, "Girl" by Jamaica Kincaid. It basically outlined the rules that girls inevitably live by. Don't wear slutty clothes. Eat in a lady like fashion. Walk in a lady like fashion...you get the idea

Us students were asked to lay out the rules and regulations for a social circle we might fit into.

I chose "Perfectionist". Not because I'm a perfectionist but because my mother is one.

and without any further ado...my poem 

Perfectionist
Wake up exactly an hour before you need to leave; not a minute before and certainly not a minute after. Head straight to the bathroom don’t stop to make any detours like watching the news or checking your email. You should have designated a specific time slot for those kinds of events. Fix your makeup and fix your hair. How many times do I have to tell you that the back of your head should not be neglected when fixing your hair? Clean up the bathroom and shut off the lights. Eat breakfast. Pack lunch. Contemplate what you want for dinner. I do not want to see shrugged shoulders and furrowed brows when I ask you what you are in the mood for tonight. Always do your work directly after coming home. Always write down what you have to do in priority order. This is how you color code your closet and this is how you arrange your closet according to what season it is. Right now its mid winter so you put all your sweaters and pants up front like so while you store the airy tops and short shorts in the back like this. This is how you clean a window. This is how you polish a fork. This is how you sort the laundry; fold the laundry; iron the jeans; iron the delicates, like silk and chiffon. Pay close attention here, because I am about to teach you how to make a hospital corner when making the bed. Don’t forget to make the pillows perfectly symmetrical to each other. Please let that stain be a figment of my imagination. This is why you need to plan ahead and think of a backup outfit just in case anything goes wrong. This is why I tell you to buy a shirt only if you can think of three pairs of pants that you will wear it with. This is how you set the table. Fold the napkins in triangles; never in squares. It goes salad fork, dinner fork on the left and the soup spoon and the knife on the right. The glass is about three centimeters from the tip of the knife. Where did I learn this? Nowhere really, I just think that this setup makes the best presentation. This is how you write a proper thank you note. Do not use the word “funner.” It’s “more fun” and it’s not me and my friend went to the movies; its my friend and I. This is how you spell necessary; n-e-c-e-s-s-a-r-y. I know that one always gave me trouble as well, and this is how you spell perfectionist; m-e.

- Hope everyone has enjoyed!

Also...here are some links to some of the "perfectionist" things I mentioned in the poem like How to Properly Set Your Table 

Ten Flagrant Grammar Mistakes That Make You Look Stupid 

Tips for Organizing Your Closet