Evaluation

After taking this course, I have gotten A LOT better at writing essays. It used to be something I really hated. It is now more bearable. I now know how to approach essays and write them in an organized fashion. It is also easier for me to form a thesis and stick to it now, and my essays are now more clear and stick to the main point.
Blogging has also been interesting, I had never done it before this course. I like the freedom to be opionated as I want, and being able to see other's thoughts on issues we discuss in class. I think it has made me more aware of the world around me, and has forced me to read newspapers, watch the news, and take part in class room discussions.

Project

I made this poster because of a discussion we had in class. We talked about how images of different black celebrities had been altered. People's skin was made lighter, they were made to look thinner, males that were suppose to be villains were made dark, and beast-like. Hollywood often decides what image celebrities will have in the publics eye, based on what cells or makes headlines.

Blogs I've Commented On:

http://e-ademuwagun.blogspot.com/2010/10/political-correctness.html

http://houstontx11.blogspot.com/2010/11/xmas-list.html

http://motherreborn.blogspot.com/2010/11/cultural-fusion.html

http://nestorkimbo.blogspot.com/2010/11/single-or-double-families-in-us.html

http://nickelsdimes-nic.blogspot.com/2010/11/non-violence.html

A letter to raise awareness:

Dear Mr. Ribeau,
I am a sophmore at Howard University. Since my first year here at Howard, I've felt as though The Mecca is my second home. I have, however, been very concerned with the fact that our reading period is relatively short.
After reviewing the academic calendar on the Howard website, I have found that since the year 2000, the universitiy's reading period has only been 2-3 days long. This has grown to be a great concern among students. Final exam grades make up a very large portion of final grades. Students should have an appropriate amount of time to prepare for examinations that weigh so heavily on their GPA. Also, after studying the academic calendars of other colleges and universities, I have found that most have a reading period of at least seven days. This includes Hampton University and Morehouse College.
Howard University is fortunate to have a student body that consists of scholars who genuinelly care about their grades. Because of this an extention of the reading period would be greatly welcomed and more than taken advantage of by students.
Thank you for your consideration. My fellow students and I are hopeful that an extension will be applied for future semesters at Howard University.
Sincerely,
Elaine

Hollywood Horror

               In class we looked at various images of black celebrities. For each celebrity there was two different photographs that were taken of them, most of these came from magazines. But while comparing the different images, we were able to see the distortion that had taken place.

               Skin color and weight were altered. Black, female celebrities had photos where there skin was made to look lighter than it really was. Different angles were used to make them appear thinner. And we also saw a black, male athlete who was made to look like a dangerous beast, similar to King Kong.

               I found these pictures to be a reminder, a reminder that what sells to the public is what matters most in Hollywood. I worry for celebrities today. I think they have little say over what magazines hit the shelves, and what images are presented to the public. I can’t imagine how I would feel if I was told that the only image good enough to represent me and carry on my career is one that was completely altered.

               The United States is considered the ‘melting pot,’ home to people of all different cultures and creeds. Also, the United States is one of the most obese nations! How is it that a country made up of these components, can have such a narrow definition of beauty, so different from the people it contains?

Stereotypes

               There has been much talk in my Freshman Composition class about stereotypes. I think the discussions we have had just go to show how powerful words are, and how infectious ideas can be. The talk of stereotypes also raises the question “How can they be defeated?” How can you stop ignorance from developing into a person’s way of thinking or even their beliefs?

               My mother always said that ignorance and racism begin at home, and my father always agreed. Children are the products of parents. Things like words, thought, religion, respect, moral, and tradition are often passed on from parent to child.

               Luckily, most children to not stay at home forever, and most parents do not outlive their children. I believe this makes the time that children spend in the outside world crucial. Eventually those outside of home can be just as infectious. As much as I’d hate to say, this provides some need for political correctness.  In the work place, at school, even in public areas, the words we say carry on. We choose what flows through the air. But, regardless of what we choose, what we say will be heard. So perhaps by discouraging stereotypes, minding what we say, and carrying ourselves appropriately (meaning not proving our stereotype true in the way we carry ourselves), we can begin to break down the walls that stereotypes have placed in front of us.

Environmental Injustice

               With so much talk of environmental awareness, I find myself feeling somewhat guilty. I’ve never really given the state of our environment much thought. We hear a great deal about global warming and natural disasters, like hurricane Katrina, and even the earthquakes that have devastated Haiti. But usually, talk of helping the environment only really occurs after something has gone wrong. Our country is dealing with war, a bad economy, issues with health care, and the loss of jobs. These are the things that affect our daily lives, and so, these things become our main focus.

               Also, a natural disaster is something that occurs on a relatively large scale. Often we only see ourselves as one person, not as a group or a collection of able bodies. I think this mindset prevents me, and many others from doing our part to help the environment.

              

Self Assessment

Part 1: Blogging has been interesting. I find myself wanting to convey some great, brilliant, and powerfull message. Unfotunately, I dont feel that I have one yet, just a series of opinions, about several different topics, all of which I dont know are making that much of an impact. I do however, enjoy the fact that I can reach so many so easily, I guess websites like facebook accomplish this as well, but blogging, I think, requires more intelligent thought then posting a status update.
The blog has also brought me to think a little bit more on topics I would not have otherwise given a moment of my time, and I find myself keeping up with current events more than I did before.
Part 2: Through the expository writing aspect of this course I have grown tremendously. As a writer, my pieces have become more organized, and therefore make more sense, and my vocabulary has improved as well. I find my self doing more research and also using resouces like the theasourus for refference and improvement of my papers. I also think I have a better understanding of the MLA format, and I know how to better credit my sources. I am also more confident in using technology, especially blackboard, as I have never used it more for any course.

Howards 2010 Convocation

I was lucky enough to be able to attend this years convocation.
The guest speaker waas Dr. Ben Carson, and it was amazing to here about all the accomplishments he made. It was especially interesting giving the fact he completed a surgery that no one else had done successfully before, and also because it turns out, he wasn't such a great student.
It is nice to know that no matter where you come from, or what state your in, you can always accomplish your goals.
He was pretty funny and an interesting speaker given his "I dont really care what anyone thinks" attitude. He didnt focus on being politically correct, just on getting his message across, and I very much liked that.

Words That Spoke To Me

            

http://www.curlynikki.com/2009/11/black-latino-identity-naturally-leslie.html

               I have to say, I really connected to Roberto Santiago’s Black and Latino. And I have also come to a very simple and plain conclusion: He’s Puerto Rican, he’s black, and he’s Boricua and Moreno. And so am I.

               My father, who is 100% Puerto Rican and 100% Black, has passed on much wisdom to me, and many of his profound thoughts. But, one of the best things he’s ever said to me was “Don’t say ‘I understand’ when you don’t understand.” I feel as though many would read this article from the outside and quickly come to the conclusion that these were the writings of a Hispanic man who wanted to assimilate himself into another culture. I feel as though many would view this as some sort to inner conflict and say, “I get it, it’s confusing, but you’re still just Puerto Rican, so get over it.” But, many just don’t get it.

               I am 50% Dominican, 50% Puerto Rican, and 100% Black. I know the numbers don’t add up, but my math is flawless. This is the blood that runs through my veins. Unfortunately the titles “Puerto Rican,” “Black,” or “Hispanic,” can’t really break down my blood or my makeup. The truth is these titles can only give you an idea of where the majority of my ancestors spent their time. So, it’s not about the color of my skin or what language my family speaks at home. It’s not about how black or white people see me. It’s not about the music I listen to, the clothes I where, the religion I follow, or the way I speak. It’s about blood. It’s about what runs through my veins and flows throughout me. It’s about knowing who I am, and most importantly, knowing who I am when no one else does. 

               It’s so important to know who you are and where you come from, if you don’t, the outside world will try to decide that for you.

Contradictions of Rev. Terry Jones



Rev. Terry Jones

How is it possible for someone who is head of a church to attempt to lead a group of people into an act of hate? How is possible for someone who is supposed to uphold and preach the values of the bible, to preach the destruction of something so many people consider holy.

               It can be understood that someone has their own beliefs and religious values, but what cannot be understood is when someone feels it necessary to take on the responsibility of putting down another person’s values that contradict their own.

               Also, considering the fact that this is a reverend of a church, a church that should be following the bible; it is difficult to believe that Rev. Jones never preached tolerance, peace, good will towards men, and that we should all do unto others as we would have done unto us. So for him to advertise the burning of the Quran is complete hypocrisy.

Diagnostic Assignment Based on Obama's Speech

             

  How do you improve race relations in a country as diverse as the United States? How do you improve relations when you are dealing with many peoples of different nationalities, creeds, religions, and ideals? How is it you begin to take on the project of constructing a nation that is as tolerant as it is varied in its people? This is a task that seems overwhelming to say the least, and even more so when you consider the vast amount of hate that exists among the hundreds of thousands that call this land home. This hate rooted in ignorance and misunderstanding is also what makes the path to a better America more visible.

               Like a building, we must work from the ground up. And when starting from the ground, we start with the children of America. A person’s first perceptions of the outside world are sculpted by the perceptions of their mother or father. Home is where a child will first pick up stereotypes, opinions, ignorance, and even hate. This is precisely why we see children standing within the circles of KKK meetings, or marching and chanting proudly the wishes of destruction for the American people as they participate in demonstrations to promote the Jihad. But because children are so impressionable, and their future is so sculpted by their childhood, we can raise them up to be understanding, nonjudgmental American adults who appreciate the differences in others.

               The walls of America’s structure would come from the parents or adults that come above the children (or ground). These walls affect the workplace, what is voted for, businesses, corporate structures, and basically all that is allowed and constricted in America. With this role comes a lot of power, and with this power, comes the responsibility to shape a country where all can be respected and live peacefully, happily, and free from prejudice. American adults have the authority to protect themselves and each other from unjust laws and treatment, because of this no one should have to experience racial slurs in the workplace, a law that violates civil rights based on looks or ethnicity (SB 1070 in Arizona) or struggle to break any glass ceiling.

               Finally we arrive to the roof over America. This roof consists of those who came before us; our grandparents, great grandparents, our elders, and ancestors. From the words they leave us, we can get a sense of the time that came before ours. We can see what wisdom they gained, and also what ignorance and learn from both. If we are smart enough, if we listen enough we can learn from their mistakes and failures, and also from whatever success they might have grasped.  

               The road to building up America to all that its constitution stood for is a large task, but one that every American, young and old, can take on.