1/Summarize the film while also synthesizing content you learned in Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Magic Realism, and any of the eras reported in the previous week by you or your classmates.
Pan's Labyrinth is a film directed by Mexican film maker Guillermo del Toro
The story is set in the immediate aftermath of the Spanish Civil war and tells the strange story of a young girl believed to be a princess presiding over an underground kingdom. Her recently remarried mother is pregnant and will soon bear a child for her husband Captain Vidal, who to say the least is a rather slimy character. Ofelia finds herself lonely and spends most of her time entertaining herself, usually caught up in her own imaginative play. The soon to birth mother and family relocate to the the country. Ofelia's mother lies in bed weakened by her pregnancy, while the father continues in his military escapades. General Franco has ordered that a nearby group of fighters be put down. This provides the character Ofelia time to explore her new surroundings. She soon wonders into a stone labyrinth that is inhabited and presided over by a mythical faun named Pan(There is also the roses on top of the mountain part). Pan goes to great lengths to convince Ofelia that she is the lost princess of legend and tasks her with three dangerous tasks that must be completed to return home to her father that she loves dearly. The third task requires the blood of an innocent be spilt, (her soon to be born brothers), but she refuses and in the end it is her blood that is spilt when she is shot by the step father. In all honesty I could barley watch this movie and I am disappointed that it was the only one I got a hold of quickly. The story is over all gruesome and hard to follow. The historical aspects are very biased and maybe not for people who do not view things in the same way the director does. To watch for class, OK I guess but I couldn't really get through the whole thing. The film is very much about oppression be it political or social. Sorry about the summery becoming a personal review, but I really disliked this film on a level I have not know since seeing Dude Wheres My Car.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Week 5 Due 7/16 Thurs
1. Research the Internet on the topic of 'Independence Period' era of Latin America
2. In a paragraph, tell us what "Independence Period' means.
The Independence movement in Latin America began shortly after the Colonies of North America fought their own war of independence to break away from the British Empire in 1776. The thirst and desire for independence grew through out the new world from that point on and in Latin America began to come to a head in the early years of the 19th century. Spain’s Empire in the New World began to crumble , and by 1825 all that was left were a few islands in the Caribbean.
3. Research the Internet on any 1 of the topics below
Father Hidalgo of Mexico
4. Tell us why you chose the topic
I chose this topic for various reasons, but the most important aspect of Father Hidalgo life was how he went about his business. His love of discussion and politics lead him to use the tertulias, that were indeed a part of life that was pretty exclusive to the wealthy as a recruitment tool for people of a like mind, mostly other priests and it is believed that one of these priest that he invited into the inner circle betray him by informing the viceregal authorities of the groups desire to separate the colony from Spain in King Ferdinand’s name.
5. Tell us 3 interesting facts about your topic in 3 separate paragraphs.
a. The very fact that a priest started a movement by inviting friends to discuss issues of the day is fantastic, the events that followed from these small gatherings is most amazing.
b.My children: a new dispensation comes to us today. Will you receive it? Will you free yourselves? Will you recover the lands stolen three hundred years ago from your forefathers by the hated Spaniards? We must act at once… Will not you defend your religion and your rights as true patriots? Long live our Lady of Guadalupe! Death to bad government! Death to the gachupines! To this day besides the bit at the end the line remains fantastic to this day. That is a real line from his call to mass(Hidalgo's Grito) on September 16th
c.The needless slaughter of people by his insurgents left the general with very little tools to recruit new members, many locals residing in the areas surrounding Mexico City probably would have followed his lead had he put his men under stricter orders regarding who and what can be destroyed.
6. Cite your sources used for this component and tell us why these sources are credible.
http://www.inside-mexico.com/laentrevista2.htm
http://www.mexonline.com/mexican-independence.htm
The oldest and most trusted online guide to Mexico
They tell you that their fantastic right on their home page banner, what more could one want?
2. In a paragraph, tell us what "Independence Period' means.
The Independence movement in Latin America began shortly after the Colonies of North America fought their own war of independence to break away from the British Empire in 1776. The thirst and desire for independence grew through out the new world from that point on and in Latin America began to come to a head in the early years of the 19th century. Spain’s Empire in the New World began to crumble , and by 1825 all that was left were a few islands in the Caribbean.
3. Research the Internet on any 1 of the topics below
Father Hidalgo of Mexico
4. Tell us why you chose the topic
I chose this topic for various reasons, but the most important aspect of Father Hidalgo life was how he went about his business. His love of discussion and politics lead him to use the tertulias, that were indeed a part of life that was pretty exclusive to the wealthy as a recruitment tool for people of a like mind, mostly other priests and it is believed that one of these priest that he invited into the inner circle betray him by informing the viceregal authorities of the groups desire to separate the colony from Spain in King Ferdinand’s name.
5. Tell us 3 interesting facts about your topic in 3 separate paragraphs.
a. The very fact that a priest started a movement by inviting friends to discuss issues of the day is fantastic, the events that followed from these small gatherings is most amazing.
b.My children: a new dispensation comes to us today. Will you receive it? Will you free yourselves? Will you recover the lands stolen three hundred years ago from your forefathers by the hated Spaniards? We must act at once… Will not you defend your religion and your rights as true patriots? Long live our Lady of Guadalupe! Death to bad government! Death to the gachupines! To this day besides the bit at the end the line remains fantastic to this day. That is a real line from his call to mass(Hidalgo's Grito) on September 16th
c.The needless slaughter of people by his insurgents left the general with very little tools to recruit new members, many locals residing in the areas surrounding Mexico City probably would have followed his lead had he put his men under stricter orders regarding who and what can be destroyed.
6. Cite your sources used for this component and tell us why these sources are credible.
http://www.inside-mexico.com/laentrevista2.htm
http://www.mexonline.com/mexican-independence.htm
The oldest and most trusted online guide to Mexico
They tell you that their fantastic right on their home page banner, what more could one want?
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Week 4
1.What does MoLAA stand for?
Museum of Latin American Art.
2.Explain what you see on the above video clips
In the first clip you are shown a barrage of different pieces belonging to the various exhibitions that have been held. The camera man also gives you close ups of the pieces and a little background on it's history and creator(i.e. country of origin, where the artist resides and so on.)
3.What did you learn from the video clips
1The Museum of Latin American Art is located in Long Beach California
2. Laura Hernandes was born in 1960 in Mexico
3 Diego Linares was born in 1965 Argentina
4What is one specific work in this location that attracted you? Give us the name, and related background info which you must do more research on google.com.
I had a really hard time locating some in depth information on the artist Miguel Antonio Bonilla, but if you look at the sites permanent collection list you will find the piece by the aforementioned artist entitled The Knot. This is a fairly recent work, its credited on the web site as 1994 and that the artist was born in El Salvador. From what little information I found on the art and artist I have come to the conclusion that the artist is know for his comical handling of difficult topics that many nations everyday citizenry Latin or otherwise have to deal with. In this piece I am assuming that the artist is touching upon his homelands many notoriously corrupt government agencies and how they operate in unison to promote their own causes other than the people's. A police officer an politician are standing facing a big blue sky filled with white fluffy clouds passing by. The two of them have turned their heads towards one another and are connected by a brightly coloured candy cane growing out of each of their mid-sections and are met in the middle forming a huge knot that in my mind represents the corruption that the two scumbags helped foster to the detriment of their own people and homeland.
Museum of Latin American Art.
2.Explain what you see on the above video clips
In the first clip you are shown a barrage of different pieces belonging to the various exhibitions that have been held. The camera man also gives you close ups of the pieces and a little background on it's history and creator(i.e. country of origin, where the artist resides and so on.)
3.What did you learn from the video clips
1The Museum of Latin American Art is located in Long Beach California
2. Laura Hernandes was born in 1960 in Mexico
3 Diego Linares was born in 1965 Argentina
4What is one specific work in this location that attracted you? Give us the name, and related background info which you must do more research on google.com.
I had a really hard time locating some in depth information on the artist Miguel Antonio Bonilla, but if you look at the sites permanent collection list you will find the piece by the aforementioned artist entitled The Knot. This is a fairly recent work, its credited on the web site as 1994 and that the artist was born in El Salvador. From what little information I found on the art and artist I have come to the conclusion that the artist is know for his comical handling of difficult topics that many nations everyday citizenry Latin or otherwise have to deal with. In this piece I am assuming that the artist is touching upon his homelands many notoriously corrupt government agencies and how they operate in unison to promote their own causes other than the people's. A police officer an politician are standing facing a big blue sky filled with white fluffy clouds passing by. The two of them have turned their heads towards one another and are connected by a brightly coloured candy cane growing out of each of their mid-sections and are met in the middle forming a huge knot that in my mind represents the corruption that the two scumbags helped foster to the detriment of their own people and homeland.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Week 3 due 7/6 EXTENSION
In 1879 Columbia during a time of war and disease a lowly telegraph worker named Florentino fell in love with a girl named Fermina, Florentino begins to write her love letters and is quite smitten. When the father becomes aware that his daughter has been exchanging letters with a boy from the lower classes he moves her country side. He wants his daughter to marry up and Florentino's position in society is not considered up in her fathers eyes. Florintino and Fermina continue to communicate by telegram despite her father objections. Florentino bids his time and waits for the day that he can see his love, the years begin to roll by until they finally meet again. Fermina drops a bombshell on Florentino by declaring that upon seeing him she has come to realise that she is in fact not in love with at all. Shortly there after Fermina becomes ill and it is feared she had been struck by the cholera epidemic. The father calls in a doctor to care for his daughter and the doctor and Fermina build a relashinship, and are married shortly there after.I think marring a doctor had much more appeal to the family than a telegraph operator. Florentino is heart broken, He tries to leave the area and forget about Fermina, but ends up having sex with a female passenger and feels even more distraught.Seeking to find comfort for his broken heart he turns to the arms of many different women, none of which feel the void left by his love.Upon returning he sees Fermina and her husband and she has now become pregnant.He decides to out wait the husband and will win her back after his death, he begins working for his uncle and falls in love again with a married woman. When her husband finds out about the extra marital affair he becomes enraged and cuts her throat. With the passing of his mother it dons on him that his life mission was to love and be with Fermina. With the passing of Fermina's husband Florentinos plan comes to fruition and he is reunited with his love.
Some elements in this story can easily be related to some of Freire's ideas. The whole idea of class appropriate relationships and obeying the social order are all challenged in this story. I also think the bottom line is that love and affection knows no border, no wealth. or man made title. The other point is that usally in life the most appealing thing are those forbidden.
Some elements in this story can easily be related to some of Freire's ideas. The whole idea of class appropriate relationships and obeying the social order are all challenged in this story. I also think the bottom line is that love and affection knows no border, no wealth. or man made title. The other point is that usally in life the most appealing thing are those forbidden.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
a. Using 2 distinct websites, find the definition of "Interdisciplinary Studies",
1)According to Wikipedia (2005)
Interdisciplinary work is that which integrates concepts across different disciplines. New disciplines have arisen as a result of such syntheses. For instance, quantum information processing amalgamates elements of quantum physics and computer science. Bioinformatics combines molecular biology with computer science. An interdisciplinary team is a team of people with training in different fields. Interdisciplinary teams are common in complex environments such as health care.
2)University of New Hampshire (2004) states the following:
Interdisciplinary Extension work integrates the knowledge and perspectives of multiple areas of expertise to holistically solve problems through research and education.
b. Using 2 distinct websites, find the definition of "Latin America",
1)Latin America
those areas of South and Central America whose official languages are Spanish and Portuguese
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Latin+America
2)Latin America
that part of the Western Hemisphere south of the U.S., in Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, & South America, where Spanish, Portuguese, & French are the official languageshttp://www.yourdictionary.com/latin-america
c. Find a list of countries that make up "Latin America",
d. Find a list of countries that make up the "Caribbean".
Latin America and the Caribbean
List of countries
AnguillaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArubaBahamasBarbadosBelizeBermudaBoliviaBrazilBritish Virgin IslandsCayman IslandsChileColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorGrenadaGuatemalaGuyanaHaitiHondurasJamaicaMexicoMontserratNetherlands AntillesNicaraguaPanamaParaguayPeruSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSurinameTrinidad and TobagoTurks and Caicos IslandsUruguayVenezuela
e. Cool fact: use any website (eg any you found, or www.google.com videos, www.youtube.com using the keywords Latin America or Caribbean), tell us something you didn't know, worth 1 percent of total semester grade
Antigua was once called "Wadadad"
Trinidad and Tobago is the birthplace of calypso music
In Negril Jamaica buildings are not allowed to be built higher than the palm trees
Columbus called Tobago "Bellaforma"
The mongoose in Barbados are said to never cross a road unless someone is watching
Mount Gay Distilleries Ltd in Barbados produced the worlds oldest rum under the label "Mount Gay"
Barbados has never been successfully invaded by a Foreign power
Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean
In the Caribbean there are some oysters that can climb trees
In Tobago goat racing is one of the most popular sport
The Arawaks were the first Caribbean people encountered by Columbus
Aruba has only 12 roundabouts
Hotel Caribe was the first hotel in Aruba. It opened in 1934
St. Elizabeth in Jamaica was the first town to have electricity
Pico Duarte (10,417 feet) is the highest point in the Caribbean
The Abaco Islands are known as the "sailing capital of the world"
Ernest Hemingway called the Bahama island "Bimini" home
Jamaica has 120 rivers
The first slaves in Barbados were white
In 1751 George Washington stayed in Barbados for six weeks
Part 3: Review the work of 10 classmates from week 2, with one item you want to share from each and include this in your blog.
1Amber/Paul received his criticism with grace and even under went a self-criticism project to look at the sexism that appeared in his language.
2Ana/ I love the quote she fond attributed to Paulo, "It is solely by risking life that freedom is obtained"- Paulo Freire
3Andrea/Paulo Freire was also appointed director of the Department of Cultural Extension of Recife University (Brazil).
4Angelina/ This is another great quote that I quite fancy "It is absolutely essential that the oppressed participate in the revolutionary process with an increasingly critical awareness of their role as subjects of the transformation." -Paulo Freire
5Becky/ Has shown us a link to a real cool web site http://www.newfoundations.com/GALLERY/Freire.html
6Caitlin/A saying that I read on one of the websites I was researching described dialogue being used as ‘the divide where teachers and learners can be transcended as learners develop their consciousness.’ I really like this quote because it suggest as the student learns more and more from the teacher, eventually their knowledge of the topic will come to be equal, and then that student can go on and teach others
7Charles/ I like how Charles summed up his opening paragraph,"For example, participatory research would help design a needed technology for farm workers, and would seek input from the actual workers; rather than developing a product which may or may not be of use to the workers, since it excluded their input".
8Dale/ I enjoyed this," His programs are designed to avoid the political agendas of the oppressors". We need a whole range of programs with a very similar tone in many areas of our own modern society.
9Desiree/I had never ran in to this, but I like it. He felt it was best to have more of a democracy than a dictatorship in the classroom.
10Erin/Simply, it seems that a lot of Freire’s work had to do with finding new and equalized ways to administer the distribution of knowledge.
1)According to Wikipedia (2005)
Interdisciplinary work is that which integrates concepts across different disciplines. New disciplines have arisen as a result of such syntheses. For instance, quantum information processing amalgamates elements of quantum physics and computer science. Bioinformatics combines molecular biology with computer science. An interdisciplinary team is a team of people with training in different fields. Interdisciplinary teams are common in complex environments such as health care.
2)University of New Hampshire (2004) states the following:
Interdisciplinary Extension work integrates the knowledge and perspectives of multiple areas of expertise to holistically solve problems through research and education.
b. Using 2 distinct websites, find the definition of "Latin America",
1)Latin America
those areas of South and Central America whose official languages are Spanish and Portuguese
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Latin+America
2)Latin America
that part of the Western Hemisphere south of the U.S., in Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, & South America, where Spanish, Portuguese, & French are the official languageshttp://www.yourdictionary.com/latin-america
c. Find a list of countries that make up "Latin America",
d. Find a list of countries that make up the "Caribbean".
Latin America and the Caribbean
List of countries
AnguillaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArubaBahamasBarbadosBelizeBermudaBoliviaBrazilBritish Virgin IslandsCayman IslandsChileColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorGrenadaGuatemalaGuyanaHaitiHondurasJamaicaMexicoMontserratNetherlands AntillesNicaraguaPanamaParaguayPeruSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSurinameTrinidad and TobagoTurks and Caicos IslandsUruguayVenezuela
e. Cool fact: use any website (eg any you found, or www.google.com videos, www.youtube.com using the keywords Latin America or Caribbean), tell us something you didn't know, worth 1 percent of total semester grade
Antigua was once called "Wadadad"
Trinidad and Tobago is the birthplace of calypso music
In Negril Jamaica buildings are not allowed to be built higher than the palm trees
Columbus called Tobago "Bellaforma"
The mongoose in Barbados are said to never cross a road unless someone is watching
Mount Gay Distilleries Ltd in Barbados produced the worlds oldest rum under the label "Mount Gay"
Barbados has never been successfully invaded by a Foreign power
Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean
In the Caribbean there are some oysters that can climb trees
In Tobago goat racing is one of the most popular sport
The Arawaks were the first Caribbean people encountered by Columbus
Aruba has only 12 roundabouts
Hotel Caribe was the first hotel in Aruba. It opened in 1934
St. Elizabeth in Jamaica was the first town to have electricity
Pico Duarte (10,417 feet) is the highest point in the Caribbean
The Abaco Islands are known as the "sailing capital of the world"
Ernest Hemingway called the Bahama island "Bimini" home
Jamaica has 120 rivers
The first slaves in Barbados were white
In 1751 George Washington stayed in Barbados for six weeks
Part 3: Review the work of 10 classmates from week 2, with one item you want to share from each and include this in your blog.
1Amber/Paul received his criticism with grace and even under went a self-criticism project to look at the sexism that appeared in his language.
2Ana/ I love the quote she fond attributed to Paulo, "It is solely by risking life that freedom is obtained"- Paulo Freire
3Andrea/Paulo Freire was also appointed director of the Department of Cultural Extension of Recife University (Brazil).
4Angelina/ This is another great quote that I quite fancy "It is absolutely essential that the oppressed participate in the revolutionary process with an increasingly critical awareness of their role as subjects of the transformation." -Paulo Freire
5Becky/ Has shown us a link to a real cool web site http://www.newfoundations.com/GALLERY/Freire.html
6Caitlin/A saying that I read on one of the websites I was researching described dialogue being used as ‘the divide where teachers and learners can be transcended as learners develop their consciousness.’ I really like this quote because it suggest as the student learns more and more from the teacher, eventually their knowledge of the topic will come to be equal, and then that student can go on and teach others
7Charles/ I like how Charles summed up his opening paragraph,"For example, participatory research would help design a needed technology for farm workers, and would seek input from the actual workers; rather than developing a product which may or may not be of use to the workers, since it excluded their input".
8Dale/ I enjoyed this," His programs are designed to avoid the political agendas of the oppressors". We need a whole range of programs with a very similar tone in many areas of our own modern society.
9Desiree/I had never ran in to this, but I like it. He felt it was best to have more of a democracy than a dictatorship in the classroom.
10Erin/Simply, it seems that a lot of Freire’s work had to do with finding new and equalized ways to administer the distribution of knowledge.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
1)Paulo Freire was much more then just a man who felt the need to educate the poor, he was a man that built and help promote the idea that students were far more than just empty banks that need to be filled with information and facts. Though, not the originator of this concept its impact on learning can not be understated. Mr. Freire promoted the idea that challenging the norm can open ones own mind to new trains of thoughts and provide individuals with fuller lives. Though, I am not convinced that all the concepts and history that have been attached to critical pedagogy are ideas that I wholly subscribe to, they can not be dismissed outright and deserve a good look.
2)When I thought of Paulo Freire I never once thought of the Black Consciousness movement or apartheid for that matter, but there he was. I found his whole idea of teaching colonized populations outside the ideals and concepts of the colonial oppressors to be outstanding and very productive in that it allows the native population to keep their identity while at the same time having outside influences around them would help empower them and kind of level the playing field. Lets face it what is important in my life and education may not be the same as the needs as say the indigenous people of our own nation.
3)The third and final thing I found fascinating about Mr. Freire was the amount of love and compassion that seemed to flow from this man. In the pictures of him with his wife they both seem to glow and enjoy their lives work together which began in 1944 after their marriage. The pair had five children and I have began to wonder more and more about the personal life of this man. If you just look at the number of places he lived and posts he filled around the world one can help but wonder how this would affect his family and personal life.
Source1.http://www.paulofreire.org/Capa/WebHome2.http://www.ukzn.ac.za/cae/pfi/index.htm3.http://criticalpedagogy.org.il/Default.aspx?alias=criticalpedagogy.org.il/english
Part 2
1Desiree / I learned the she has spent the last couple of semesters focusing on mainly math and sciences and is hoping to enjoy a change of pace by taking this class
2. BeckyJean/ BeckyJean does not have much interest in politics, but she enjoyed the speech given by President
3. Erin,/ Erin stated that communication with all the world's communities needs to be improved.
4.Tarissa/ Was struck by Oprah's statement that Nelson Mandela did not regret the 27 years he spent in prison and was able to come out with a sense of forgiveness; he even stated that if it was not for prison that he would not have been able to achieve the most difficult task of his life, to change himself.
5.Jenna/ Is taking this class because she needs it to fulfill her G.E. requirements
6.Dale/ Has taken several classes in Spanish and is hoping to gain some insight into Latin culture through this class
7.Mary/ Mary learned that Saddam Hussein was the leader of Iraq.
8.Amber/ I learned that Amber thinks of Mexico when she thinks of Central America
9.Andrea/ When Andrea thinks of the world she thinks Big, beautiful, diverse, culture, music, race, dangerous, peaceful
10.Ryan/ He knows people in Brasil
2)When I thought of Paulo Freire I never once thought of the Black Consciousness movement or apartheid for that matter, but there he was. I found his whole idea of teaching colonized populations outside the ideals and concepts of the colonial oppressors to be outstanding and very productive in that it allows the native population to keep their identity while at the same time having outside influences around them would help empower them and kind of level the playing field. Lets face it what is important in my life and education may not be the same as the needs as say the indigenous people of our own nation.
3)The third and final thing I found fascinating about Mr. Freire was the amount of love and compassion that seemed to flow from this man. In the pictures of him with his wife they both seem to glow and enjoy their lives work together which began in 1944 after their marriage. The pair had five children and I have began to wonder more and more about the personal life of this man. If you just look at the number of places he lived and posts he filled around the world one can help but wonder how this would affect his family and personal life.
Source1.http://www.paulofreire.org/Capa/WebHome2.http://www.ukzn.ac.za/cae/pfi/index.htm3.http://criticalpedagogy.org.il/Default.aspx?alias=criticalpedagogy.org.il/english
Part 2
1Desiree / I learned the she has spent the last couple of semesters focusing on mainly math and sciences and is hoping to enjoy a change of pace by taking this class
2. BeckyJean/ BeckyJean does not have much interest in politics, but she enjoyed the speech given by President
3. Erin,/ Erin stated that communication with all the world's communities needs to be improved.
4.Tarissa/ Was struck by Oprah's statement that Nelson Mandela did not regret the 27 years he spent in prison and was able to come out with a sense of forgiveness; he even stated that if it was not for prison that he would not have been able to achieve the most difficult task of his life, to change himself.
5.Jenna/ Is taking this class because she needs it to fulfill her G.E. requirements
6.Dale/ Has taken several classes in Spanish and is hoping to gain some insight into Latin culture through this class
7.Mary/ Mary learned that Saddam Hussein was the leader of Iraq.
8.Amber/ I learned that Amber thinks of Mexico when she thinks of Central America
9.Andrea/ When Andrea thinks of the world she thinks Big, beautiful, diverse, culture, music, race, dangerous, peaceful
10.Ryan/ He knows people in Brasil
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Week 1 Videos
Well as a lover history I did not really hear anything about Muslim nations that I was not already aware of to a certain degree. The part about the various inventive, medical, and scientific contributions Muslim societies have helped advance and promote throughout their history was quite refreshing. The idea of promoting a clean start, a blank lot to begin building a new relationship with Muslims at home and around the world, one built on mutual respect and understanding was the highlight of the speech for me
The idea of dialogue, understanding and that a shared future should be the common bond among the various nations is a wonderful idea, but the president goes on to reiterate that extremism in any form will be fought against and actively put down. The main objective of fighting these forces is not a war against Islam, but of murders that indiscriminately kill without regard. The President went to great lengths to show how Islam and the Quran are at odds with extremism.
This speech can hold true to many nations, cultures, and people. I have held many stereotypes about peoples of Latin heritage, not quite to the extreme misunderstanding that has been fostered between the Jewish state and the Palestinians, but most all of us travel through life's journey holding on to unproven assumptions and stereotypes without ever haven taken the time to open a dialogue or seek out a chance to have a better understanding of the different people and cultures that is right in front of all of us on a daily basis.
I despise Oprah on a level that only the likes of Doctor Phil could know but, Oprah does have her sway on the masses through her daily television show and as much as it saddens me I have to admit that she is a cultural asset to our country and has been for the better part of two decades.
Her rag to riches story is well hashed, and with the amount of personal wealth she has amassed I am quite sure she could be a face for change in any nation be it a Latin nation or other wise.
The idea of dialogue, understanding and that a shared future should be the common bond among the various nations is a wonderful idea, but the president goes on to reiterate that extremism in any form will be fought against and actively put down. The main objective of fighting these forces is not a war against Islam, but of murders that indiscriminately kill without regard. The President went to great lengths to show how Islam and the Quran are at odds with extremism.
This speech can hold true to many nations, cultures, and people. I have held many stereotypes about peoples of Latin heritage, not quite to the extreme misunderstanding that has been fostered between the Jewish state and the Palestinians, but most all of us travel through life's journey holding on to unproven assumptions and stereotypes without ever haven taken the time to open a dialogue or seek out a chance to have a better understanding of the different people and cultures that is right in front of all of us on a daily basis.
I despise Oprah on a level that only the likes of Doctor Phil could know but, Oprah does have her sway on the masses through her daily television show and as much as it saddens me I have to admit that she is a cultural asset to our country and has been for the better part of two decades.
Her rag to riches story is well hashed, and with the amount of personal wealth she has amassed I am quite sure she could be a face for change in any nation be it a Latin nation or other wise.
Friday, June 19, 2009
week 1
1. What is your first name only (NOT last name)
Granville
2. Why are you taking this class and what do you hope to learn
I am taking this because the previous experience I had in a similarly formatted class was quite enjoyable and of course I need 3 more credits to graduate. I hope to learn more of Caribbean peoples. I have travelled to many Caribbean islands, well around 6 different islands. I made most of these trips in my youth and mostly with the Coast Guard, so I have always wished to learn more about the various peoples of the Caribbean on my own terms. Not by doing the bidding of Uncle Sam.
3.How far do you live from SRJC main campus?
7.2 miles
4.. Briefly, what do you think of when you think:
North America? Beautiful Land, unique and interesting history, ignorance
Central America? indigenous, mysterious, forgotten
South America? Adventure, history, future economic force
The Caribbean? Many languages, lots of islands, warmth, simple living
The World? It is what it is, vibrant, scary, imposing, Wanting to see more
5. Have you created a blog or webpage in the past?
Yes, last semester and for several other reasons previously
6. Regarding computers, are you on a mac or a pc?
pc
Granville
2. Why are you taking this class and what do you hope to learn
I am taking this because the previous experience I had in a similarly formatted class was quite enjoyable and of course I need 3 more credits to graduate. I hope to learn more of Caribbean peoples. I have travelled to many Caribbean islands, well around 6 different islands. I made most of these trips in my youth and mostly with the Coast Guard, so I have always wished to learn more about the various peoples of the Caribbean on my own terms. Not by doing the bidding of Uncle Sam.
3.How far do you live from SRJC main campus?
7.2 miles
4.. Briefly, what do you think of when you think:
North America? Beautiful Land, unique and interesting history, ignorance
Central America? indigenous, mysterious, forgotten
South America? Adventure, history, future economic force
The Caribbean? Many languages, lots of islands, warmth, simple living
The World? It is what it is, vibrant, scary, imposing, Wanting to see more
5. Have you created a blog or webpage in the past?
Yes, last semester and for several other reasons previously
6. Regarding computers, are you on a mac or a pc?
pc
Monday, May 11, 2009
5c reflection
1. What difference did you notice in your choice of topics in the first part of the class versus the topics found in the texts My California and Train Go Sorry?
Well, the topics that we started out with were very comparative and dealt with a variety of places, locations, and the all important Paulo Freire. In the earlier topics the chose of what to write was far more open and enjoyable then say the more specified and more recent topics associated with Train Go Sorry. My California was of very little interest at first, I think that was more to do with the fact my last name begins with M because the other essays I read were of far more interest to me than the ones I was assigned. I enjoyed the earlier topic choices much more because they left the student to explore and relate their individual findings back to a basic theme in the form of our blog posting topics.
2. What difference did you notice when you read your classmates work regarding the same topics versus your own opinions? Did their works make you think of something different?
I did notice some differences, Californians really love California and that's not really a negative but it can be when it leads to delusion and unfounded praise for yourself. This phenomenon is by no means exclusive to California. Strangely living here has been similar to living in Japan, in the way that so many people from the area have never left where they are from and relate to the outside world through stereotypes and second or third hand information and are easily angered by anyone who does understand just how great a place California is. I wanted to use my earlier blog postings to try and demonstrate that like any place on earth you have both the negative and positive aspects in any society, including California. Utopia is a farce, you can find peace and happiness anywhere you like. The name tags and price tags are an illusion. On the other hand reading my classmates blogs helped me shed some of my own stereotypes that I have held about California since I lasted lived here in 2000. I have to take my own medicine and admit that I have many east coast biases which is natural, but I like the many of the Californians I complained about held many views about groups and regions that are unfounded and based purely on "Cali is full of freaks and Mexicans " east coast beliefs and attitude.
3. How would Freire and the idea of dialogue and scaffolding play into your answers?
The idea of dialogue between all the participants in this class has been fantastic in that it really helps people express themselves, evolve, and rethink ideas or previously held beliefs.
4. What was your overall experience with these topics?
Positive, any teaching style, idea or movement can really take off if everyone is one board and willing to participate. The topics were overall satisfying and gave me an opportunity to look in to many topics and ideas that I may have never looked into myself. The topics also provided a place to post your ideals and view those of other as well. So overall I only wish the topics would have been little deeper in subject matter, but this has platform that allows you to take a topic and look into it as deep as you would like.
Well, the topics that we started out with were very comparative and dealt with a variety of places, locations, and the all important Paulo Freire. In the earlier topics the chose of what to write was far more open and enjoyable then say the more specified and more recent topics associated with Train Go Sorry. My California was of very little interest at first, I think that was more to do with the fact my last name begins with M because the other essays I read were of far more interest to me than the ones I was assigned. I enjoyed the earlier topic choices much more because they left the student to explore and relate their individual findings back to a basic theme in the form of our blog posting topics.
2. What difference did you notice when you read your classmates work regarding the same topics versus your own opinions? Did their works make you think of something different?
I did notice some differences, Californians really love California and that's not really a negative but it can be when it leads to delusion and unfounded praise for yourself. This phenomenon is by no means exclusive to California. Strangely living here has been similar to living in Japan, in the way that so many people from the area have never left where they are from and relate to the outside world through stereotypes and second or third hand information and are easily angered by anyone who does understand just how great a place California is. I wanted to use my earlier blog postings to try and demonstrate that like any place on earth you have both the negative and positive aspects in any society, including California. Utopia is a farce, you can find peace and happiness anywhere you like. The name tags and price tags are an illusion. On the other hand reading my classmates blogs helped me shed some of my own stereotypes that I have held about California since I lasted lived here in 2000. I have to take my own medicine and admit that I have many east coast biases which is natural, but I like the many of the Californians I complained about held many views about groups and regions that are unfounded and based purely on "Cali is full of freaks and Mexicans " east coast beliefs and attitude.
3. How would Freire and the idea of dialogue and scaffolding play into your answers?
The idea of dialogue between all the participants in this class has been fantastic in that it really helps people express themselves, evolve, and rethink ideas or previously held beliefs.
4. What was your overall experience with these topics?
Positive, any teaching style, idea or movement can really take off if everyone is one board and willing to participate. The topics were overall satisfying and gave me an opportunity to look in to many topics and ideas that I may have never looked into myself. The topics also provided a place to post your ideals and view those of other as well. So overall I only wish the topics would have been little deeper in subject matter, but this has platform that allows you to take a topic and look into it as deep as you would like.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Cathy,Cheryl, Kendra
1.Kendra's posting,
Kendra's blog posting for Train Go Sorry gave me a little different aspect or take on things. In her response to the five things we learned Kendra wrote about the debate that goes on in the deaf community about the use of cochlear implants, when I read it my immediate thought was this kind of implant is a little too risky, but after I read her blog and put some thought into the topic I began to wonder if this implants risk were much lower and results were more or less assured would the deaf world still view them with disdain? Whats wrong with hearing if you have the chance to hear through a much safer operation, or would that leave the deaf feeling like "sell outs"
2. Cheryl's posting,
I gained a little bit of a different perspective on how the deaf world handles itself from Cheryl's blog. She states that," She realizes after continuous signing for people, that the deaf world is quiet and secretive. Their secrets and business are kept quiet and she is an intruder into their world. Her story is about growing up at Lexington and discovering the wide differences between the hearing and the deaf." I was more under the impression that the deaf more or less excluded hearing people from their community based on the fact that the two groups have a long gap to bridge and the like many minorities they fell the majority will not understand and is therefore not worth the effort. I agree with her thoughts, but I think the attitude comes from a two way misunderstanding, not a secret desire to be separated from society.
3.Cathy's posting
I enjoyed reading the way Cathy used the A.K.C. in her analogy dealing with the idea of "normal"
Is the standard normal? Is one question she raises and for me this goes to the heart of the matter. Who determines normal and really who is in a position to declare that non-hearing people are not "normal" we are all normal with or with out hearing. I did not ever deem the deaf as any less human or normal as those of us with hearing. I agree with her thoughts and ideas in regard to all of us being unique and special. The deaf want the same things out of life most of us do, what makes them maybe even a little more special than the rest of us is the fact they have to work twice as hard as the hearing to achieve their dreams of prosperity, meaningful employment, education and so forth. Above normal in many regards, but whats normal?
Kendra's blog posting for Train Go Sorry gave me a little different aspect or take on things. In her response to the five things we learned Kendra wrote about the debate that goes on in the deaf community about the use of cochlear implants, when I read it my immediate thought was this kind of implant is a little too risky, but after I read her blog and put some thought into the topic I began to wonder if this implants risk were much lower and results were more or less assured would the deaf world still view them with disdain? Whats wrong with hearing if you have the chance to hear through a much safer operation, or would that leave the deaf feeling like "sell outs"
2. Cheryl's posting,
I gained a little bit of a different perspective on how the deaf world handles itself from Cheryl's blog. She states that," She realizes after continuous signing for people, that the deaf world is quiet and secretive. Their secrets and business are kept quiet and she is an intruder into their world. Her story is about growing up at Lexington and discovering the wide differences between the hearing and the deaf." I was more under the impression that the deaf more or less excluded hearing people from their community based on the fact that the two groups have a long gap to bridge and the like many minorities they fell the majority will not understand and is therefore not worth the effort. I agree with her thoughts, but I think the attitude comes from a two way misunderstanding, not a secret desire to be separated from society.
3.Cathy's posting
I enjoyed reading the way Cathy used the A.K.C. in her analogy dealing with the idea of "normal"
Is the standard normal? Is one question she raises and for me this goes to the heart of the matter. Who determines normal and really who is in a position to declare that non-hearing people are not "normal" we are all normal with or with out hearing. I did not ever deem the deaf as any less human or normal as those of us with hearing. I agree with her thoughts and ideas in regard to all of us being unique and special. The deaf want the same things out of life most of us do, what makes them maybe even a little more special than the rest of us is the fact they have to work twice as hard as the hearing to achieve their dreams of prosperity, meaningful employment, education and so forth. Above normal in many regards, but whats normal?
Monday, April 27, 2009
5a Train Go Sorry
I am a hearing student assigned the book Train Go Sorry in my Introduction to Humanities Class. Other readings assigned in this class include several essays from the book My California. In both books, we examined the cultures of California that form a microcosm of the U.S. In this essay, I will incorporate 4 required questions.
1. What does Train Go Sorry mean (who in the book is this referring to; there is a specific person, include his name and his outcome.
The term "train go sorry" is the equivalent to the standard English slang "missed the boat" in the deaf sub-culture the phrase carries the exact same meaning in A.S.L.(American Sign Language) as the English hearing societies phrase missed the boat. During the course of reading Train Go Sorry I came to believe that this phrase, while by definition carries the same meaning as the hearing worlds, but maybe more true on a daily basis for the non-hearing. The chances of being misunderstand or having opportunities go begging in deaf society seems like it could be a unfortunate daily occurrence.
In the book when James tries unsuccessfully on several occasions to visit his brother who is incarcerated at Ritkers prison, which is quite the notorious place back east. James missed the boat on both the first and second attempt to see his brother. After each occasion James has the feeling of train go sorry and after success on the third attempt realises that his brother Joseph has had a wasted life and the term train go sorry could definitely apply to his brother. James on the other hand is almost role model like in his efforts to succeed in the hearing world. The brother Joseph is the polar opposite of this, but this situation is not unique to the deaf by any stretch. Look around you, and think back on your upbringing ,your families, and socio-economic background, you would be hard pressed to convince me that if certain things were not in place in your life maybe you too could have missed the boat of life like Joseph.
2. What pair of 'shoes' do you think the main person in the book is walking in and what did she learn? In other words, who or what culture does she want to belong to and why? Leah having spent her childhood being raised in Lexington's school for the deaf in New York City, found herself being the minority as a hearing person and despite her efforts she could not fully integrate herself into this community. Though not deaf herself she does have a connection to the community besides being the daughter of two of the school's teachers, her grandfather Sam who was supposedly born deaf according to the records that remain at the school. Her grandfather was born in or around Kiev in 1908 and came through Ellis like many other Eastern European immigrants of the era, but fortunately for him his disability went unnoticed by the inspecting agents at Ellis Island because in those days one could be returned for a perceived handicap. Sam's life is rediscovered by Leah and her father one evening after searching for his old school file in the basement. To Leah's despair she realises that most of her grandfather's life has been recorded by someone else and very little was on offer about him first hand. I had the distinct feeling that Leah really wanted to connect to her grandfather for many reasons, but of the up most importance was the fact the he was her "connection" to the deaf sub-culture.
3. What is one image you won't ever forget? Draw us a picture in words to explain this. What chapter is it in? The image that made the biggest impact on me came in chapter 14 Moving the Boundaries Leah and Alec were lunching together at an mid-town burger shop when a man entered the store handing out small yellow cards with printed charity requests on them to the dinners. To my shock, at first anyway this peddler angered Alec quite a bit and Alec
's response to having this charity card handed to him was most shocking indeed, handed him the card back and dismissed the man coldly away from the table leaving Leah embarrassed. The explanation for this is both logical and understandable. The National Association of the Deaf had established an active campaign against peddling for charity on behalf of the deaf. The brutal reality is hearing people for the most part just do not care about the issues that concern the deaf.
4. What are 5 facts about ASL or Deaf culture you think everyone should know after your reading of this book? Well, the first thing I learned was that A.S.L. is not just a bunch of shadow show looking gestures, it is in fact a full functioning language with grammar and slang's and all the other vital elements that are needed for fluent communication. In regard to the actual deaf culture I was mildly shocked at how much of a sub-culture there is among the deaf. They have the same divisions and disagreements as do most minority groups. The other thing that I learned is that many deaf are not interested in hearing or belonging to any part of hearing society, they feel they can manage just fine outside of it. This is one more thing I learned. The deaf sub-culture is broken down into many sub-categories, signers, vocal, limited, uncle toms, and the lists goes on and on. The most important thing I learned is that despite all of our differences most of us want the same things out of life and the lottery of life hands out disadvantages to the hearing and non-hearing equally. In other words were are all just born into what we got and each and everyone of us has to make due with what we have. The deaf are just the same as my being born into a broken home and ultimately spending my early childhood in the projects surrounded mostly by African Americans with no feeling of belonging within that group and ostracised by whites for looking like one of them but not having the same lifestyle or financial resources. I feel this is maybe how many deaf feel, if you are vocal it will never be quite up to par, if you sign you will stand out. In this type of scenario you can find yourself alone and abandonment feelings will most likely raise their ugly face.
1. What does Train Go Sorry mean (who in the book is this referring to; there is a specific person, include his name and his outcome.
The term "train go sorry" is the equivalent to the standard English slang "missed the boat" in the deaf sub-culture the phrase carries the exact same meaning in A.S.L.(American Sign Language) as the English hearing societies phrase missed the boat. During the course of reading Train Go Sorry I came to believe that this phrase, while by definition carries the same meaning as the hearing worlds, but maybe more true on a daily basis for the non-hearing. The chances of being misunderstand or having opportunities go begging in deaf society seems like it could be a unfortunate daily occurrence.
In the book when James tries unsuccessfully on several occasions to visit his brother who is incarcerated at Ritkers prison, which is quite the notorious place back east. James missed the boat on both the first and second attempt to see his brother. After each occasion James has the feeling of train go sorry and after success on the third attempt realises that his brother Joseph has had a wasted life and the term train go sorry could definitely apply to his brother. James on the other hand is almost role model like in his efforts to succeed in the hearing world. The brother Joseph is the polar opposite of this, but this situation is not unique to the deaf by any stretch. Look around you, and think back on your upbringing ,your families, and socio-economic background, you would be hard pressed to convince me that if certain things were not in place in your life maybe you too could have missed the boat of life like Joseph.
2. What pair of 'shoes' do you think the main person in the book is walking in and what did she learn? In other words, who or what culture does she want to belong to and why? Leah having spent her childhood being raised in Lexington's school for the deaf in New York City, found herself being the minority as a hearing person and despite her efforts she could not fully integrate herself into this community. Though not deaf herself she does have a connection to the community besides being the daughter of two of the school's teachers, her grandfather Sam who was supposedly born deaf according to the records that remain at the school. Her grandfather was born in or around Kiev in 1908 and came through Ellis like many other Eastern European immigrants of the era, but fortunately for him his disability went unnoticed by the inspecting agents at Ellis Island because in those days one could be returned for a perceived handicap. Sam's life is rediscovered by Leah and her father one evening after searching for his old school file in the basement. To Leah's despair she realises that most of her grandfather's life has been recorded by someone else and very little was on offer about him first hand. I had the distinct feeling that Leah really wanted to connect to her grandfather for many reasons, but of the up most importance was the fact the he was her "connection" to the deaf sub-culture.
3. What is one image you won't ever forget? Draw us a picture in words to explain this. What chapter is it in? The image that made the biggest impact on me came in chapter 14 Moving the Boundaries Leah and Alec were lunching together at an mid-town burger shop when a man entered the store handing out small yellow cards with printed charity requests on them to the dinners. To my shock, at first anyway this peddler angered Alec quite a bit and Alec
's response to having this charity card handed to him was most shocking indeed, handed him the card back and dismissed the man coldly away from the table leaving Leah embarrassed. The explanation for this is both logical and understandable. The National Association of the Deaf had established an active campaign against peddling for charity on behalf of the deaf. The brutal reality is hearing people for the most part just do not care about the issues that concern the deaf.
4. What are 5 facts about ASL or Deaf culture you think everyone should know after your reading of this book? Well, the first thing I learned was that A.S.L. is not just a bunch of shadow show looking gestures, it is in fact a full functioning language with grammar and slang's and all the other vital elements that are needed for fluent communication. In regard to the actual deaf culture I was mildly shocked at how much of a sub-culture there is among the deaf. They have the same divisions and disagreements as do most minority groups. The other thing that I learned is that many deaf are not interested in hearing or belonging to any part of hearing society, they feel they can manage just fine outside of it. This is one more thing I learned. The deaf sub-culture is broken down into many sub-categories, signers, vocal, limited, uncle toms, and the lists goes on and on. The most important thing I learned is that despite all of our differences most of us want the same things out of life and the lottery of life hands out disadvantages to the hearing and non-hearing equally. In other words were are all just born into what we got and each and everyone of us has to make due with what we have. The deaf are just the same as my being born into a broken home and ultimately spending my early childhood in the projects surrounded mostly by African Americans with no feeling of belonging within that group and ostracised by whites for looking like one of them but not having the same lifestyle or financial resources. I feel this is maybe how many deaf feel, if you are vocal it will never be quite up to par, if you sign you will stand out. In this type of scenario you can find yourself alone and abandonment feelings will most likely raise their ugly face.
Monday, April 13, 2009
REFLECTION ASSIGNMENT OF My California 4b
1. Choose any 1 classmate that wrote about your same essays and briefly compare/contrast their choices and ideas versus what you said (eg "In my readings of these same authors I found that BLANK and my classmate also thought BLANK. An interesting point of view I didn't think of that my classmate said is BLANK")
I chose to read Kendra's interpretation of Ode To CALTRANS By: Hector Tobar. I noticed that both Kendra and I came away with the same impression about how the author feels about the freeway system, nostalgic, fondness, fear and an over all respect for the freeway and its workers.
Kendra touched on the fact that Caltrans use to put a picture on the road for every worker that was killed working, I do remember this part of the reading, but the second part of the quote caught my eye"a highway should not look like a cemetery". I find that somewhat interesting because I took more notice to the L.A. areas freeway as being a huge cluster of pollution and stress, but the idea of California's freeways being a cemetery for both the workers and the travelers is a real but somewhat scary idea.
2. Choose any 1 classmate that wrote about a different set of essays and tell us one thing you learned per author presented.
I had a look at Thida's blog for the second part.
The first author is,
Bienvenidos a Newport Beach by Firoozeh Dumas
I learned that in this reading the author covers the travels and the various moves of an Iranian family making their home here in California. The family starts out in Whittier and ends up in Newport Beach. The author touches on all of the changes and experiences that the eleven year old boy has to endure for his family.
Second, Cotton Candy Mirrors by Devorah Major
This essay, according to Thida is about the classic carefree American summer. I think this story sounds like it could happen in any town America. The nostalgia and fondness the author seems to hold for the carefree days of summer when there was no teachers teaching and somehow through all of the excitement and fun you seem to always end every summer having learned something new and enlightening that maybe you could not quite find in the class room.
These were the only two essays covered in Thida,s blog.
3. Like number 2, choose any 1 classmate that wrote about a set of essays that you didn't read.
For this requirement I chose to read Anthony Frye's blog,essay The Big Valley, Mark Arax
The Big Valley was very interesting, though I have only read Anthony's interpretation it seems to based on the agricultural lifestyle found in the areas surrounding Fresno. I never knew that this area is considered one of the most productive farming areas anywhere. Another interesting thing found in his blog is the part about the calender in the valley being based on harvest times and crop planting. That is class in my opinion.
I chose to read Kendra's interpretation of Ode To CALTRANS By: Hector Tobar. I noticed that both Kendra and I came away with the same impression about how the author feels about the freeway system, nostalgic, fondness, fear and an over all respect for the freeway and its workers.
Kendra touched on the fact that Caltrans use to put a picture on the road for every worker that was killed working, I do remember this part of the reading, but the second part of the quote caught my eye"a highway should not look like a cemetery". I find that somewhat interesting because I took more notice to the L.A. areas freeway as being a huge cluster of pollution and stress, but the idea of California's freeways being a cemetery for both the workers and the travelers is a real but somewhat scary idea.
2. Choose any 1 classmate that wrote about a different set of essays and tell us one thing you learned per author presented.
I had a look at Thida's blog for the second part.
The first author is,
Bienvenidos a Newport Beach by Firoozeh Dumas
I learned that in this reading the author covers the travels and the various moves of an Iranian family making their home here in California. The family starts out in Whittier and ends up in Newport Beach. The author touches on all of the changes and experiences that the eleven year old boy has to endure for his family.
Second, Cotton Candy Mirrors by Devorah Major
This essay, according to Thida is about the classic carefree American summer. I think this story sounds like it could happen in any town America. The nostalgia and fondness the author seems to hold for the carefree days of summer when there was no teachers teaching and somehow through all of the excitement and fun you seem to always end every summer having learned something new and enlightening that maybe you could not quite find in the class room.
These were the only two essays covered in Thida,s blog.
3. Like number 2, choose any 1 classmate that wrote about a set of essays that you didn't read.
For this requirement I chose to read Anthony Frye's blog,essay The Big Valley, Mark Arax
The Big Valley was very interesting, though I have only read Anthony's interpretation it seems to based on the agricultural lifestyle found in the areas surrounding Fresno. I never knew that this area is considered one of the most productive farming areas anywhere. Another interesting thing found in his blog is the part about the calender in the valley being based on harvest times and crop planting. That is class in my opinion.
Monday, April 6, 2009
4a, group 2 my california
Ode to Caltrans/Hector Tobar
The writer of this story has many fond memories of the Southern California freeway system. The story shows how his opinion of what the freeway is now and what it represented to him as a child has changed in adulthood, but in many ways still holds a close spot in his heart. The author seems to hold the freeway system in high regard to this day and seems thankful to its many workers that lost their lives tirelessly working its over-used lanes. The author admits to the system being a great source of pollution and death, but gives it a place in California culture equal to any other.
"To sit in my father's Volkswagon with my nose pressed to the rear window, watching the traffic flow along with us at 55mph was as natural to me as walking along the fence posts of a country road would be to a boy from Nebraska" (p57)
Honestly, this writing made me think of why I hate commuting. I have never been to the Los Angeles area and do not plan on it. The only thing it makes me think of is why is this green hippy state so dependent on cars, commuting and dangerous over crowed roads.
I know nothing of So-Cal, so most of everything that the author wrote was something new to me. The name places are familiar to me, but I never bothered to think of there layout or there location relative to the other cities mentioned. I have never thought of freeways as a cultural asset or part of an individuals identity.
montalvo,myths, and dreams of home/Thomas Stienbeck
The essay is based on the feelings of hope and people looking for their dream land so to speak. The writer explores the Big Sur area, which holds a very tight grip on his heart and memories. This area is where the writer found his California paradise. The author goes in to several mythological sounding stories involving his grandmother, who would leave the "smaller people" or night watchers that live in the areas surrounding Big Sur fruit and candy that they would retrieve at night, the only time they can be seen. The smaller than normal humans would replace the gifts with feathers and candy.
"But now I suppose that age and philosophical resignation have withered my legendary resistance" (p61)
This story reminds me of one of the few things I truly love about California, the nature found here. My family and I spend most of our time hiking in Point Reyes with our camera, or driving out roads that appear to have not been used or maintained for years. We have so many spots that we consider "ours" and we are always sad to find out that someone else has found them that we are always looking for something or somewhere new to explore and enjoy without the bother of other people telling you how great it is.
I have never heard of any stories relating to "Dark Watchers" or any other mythological people residing in the Big Sur area. The author even states that these people have been spotted in more recent times as well.
The Last Little Beach Town/Edward Humes
This was by far the best story of the four that I read. The little beach town aka Seal Beach is surrounded by encroaching development and economic hardship appears to be on the horizon. The town is located in Orange county, I can not claim to know much of or care about Orange county, but we all know some of the stereotypes, so the idea that this picture perfect authentic undeveloped little community still exists is fantastic. The area had once before been tauted as a tourist area, but failed and is now desperate to get some finance moving through the area, but the last piece of undeveloped land appears to be on the chopping block.
"Except for the sky high cost of its real estate, the town has marched in the opposite direction from its sister beach cities, becoming smaller,quainter, more family oriented over time" p75
This essay made me think of many communities, not only in California. The state and country are full of unique charming little hamlets that offer all of us a break from the bullshit towns that we live in, but every community needs to eat. The economic concerns are felt in Seal Beach are the same in little towns across the country, bar the yuppie attitude and high cost of living.
Before I hade read this story I had no idea that non-shitholes exsisted in Orange County.
The writer of this story has many fond memories of the Southern California freeway system. The story shows how his opinion of what the freeway is now and what it represented to him as a child has changed in adulthood, but in many ways still holds a close spot in his heart. The author seems to hold the freeway system in high regard to this day and seems thankful to its many workers that lost their lives tirelessly working its over-used lanes. The author admits to the system being a great source of pollution and death, but gives it a place in California culture equal to any other.
"To sit in my father's Volkswagon with my nose pressed to the rear window, watching the traffic flow along with us at 55mph was as natural to me as walking along the fence posts of a country road would be to a boy from Nebraska" (p57)
Honestly, this writing made me think of why I hate commuting. I have never been to the Los Angeles area and do not plan on it. The only thing it makes me think of is why is this green hippy state so dependent on cars, commuting and dangerous over crowed roads.
I know nothing of So-Cal, so most of everything that the author wrote was something new to me. The name places are familiar to me, but I never bothered to think of there layout or there location relative to the other cities mentioned. I have never thought of freeways as a cultural asset or part of an individuals identity.
montalvo,myths, and dreams of home/Thomas Stienbeck
The essay is based on the feelings of hope and people looking for their dream land so to speak. The writer explores the Big Sur area, which holds a very tight grip on his heart and memories. This area is where the writer found his California paradise. The author goes in to several mythological sounding stories involving his grandmother, who would leave the "smaller people" or night watchers that live in the areas surrounding Big Sur fruit and candy that they would retrieve at night, the only time they can be seen. The smaller than normal humans would replace the gifts with feathers and candy.
"But now I suppose that age and philosophical resignation have withered my legendary resistance" (p61)
This story reminds me of one of the few things I truly love about California, the nature found here. My family and I spend most of our time hiking in Point Reyes with our camera, or driving out roads that appear to have not been used or maintained for years. We have so many spots that we consider "ours" and we are always sad to find out that someone else has found them that we are always looking for something or somewhere new to explore and enjoy without the bother of other people telling you how great it is.
I have never heard of any stories relating to "Dark Watchers" or any other mythological people residing in the Big Sur area. The author even states that these people have been spotted in more recent times as well.
The Last Little Beach Town/Edward Humes
This was by far the best story of the four that I read. The little beach town aka Seal Beach is surrounded by encroaching development and economic hardship appears to be on the horizon. The town is located in Orange county, I can not claim to know much of or care about Orange county, but we all know some of the stereotypes, so the idea that this picture perfect authentic undeveloped little community still exists is fantastic. The area had once before been tauted as a tourist area, but failed and is now desperate to get some finance moving through the area, but the last piece of undeveloped land appears to be on the chopping block.
"Except for the sky high cost of its real estate, the town has marched in the opposite direction from its sister beach cities, becoming smaller,quainter, more family oriented over time" p75
This essay made me think of many communities, not only in California. The state and country are full of unique charming little hamlets that offer all of us a break from the bullshit towns that we live in, but every community needs to eat. The economic concerns are felt in Seal Beach are the same in little towns across the country, bar the yuppie attitude and high cost of living.
Before I hade read this story I had no idea that non-shitholes exsisted in Orange County.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Inland Areas
1.Contains a title using the format listed above
Inland Areas
2.Contains a web link to your locations.
http://www.ci.rohnert-park.ca.us/
http://www.bakersfield.com/
3.Contains an explanation regarding how this component (any aspect of it; eg content of videos, content of websites) connects to your study of humanities.
I have chosen these two very different inland regions to try and demonstrate the lifestyle differences in the two. Rohnert Park is a completely made up town sectioned off by alphabetised neighborhoods with no real industry or historical significance, but due to its location to San Francisco the decent areas of the town command inflated housing costs with no real job market within the community itself to provide employment to the residents. If you want to live in this safe little made up town, then get to commuting. In contrast Bakersfield has a long history as a community, but is not really near any major city that you could commute to. Is is one of the countries fastest growing cities and is fairly self reliant when it comes to providing work for the areas residents. The cost of living drops off sharply compared to the Bay Area due to it not having a trendy region to claim its a part of.
4.Contains the following elements that will be used in upcoming projects for analytical purposes:
a.What are some assumptions/stereotypes you think people have of each location:
Well I believe that most people think of Rohnert Park as a lovely little commuter town, where if one can afford to, they can live the "wine country" life without living in the boon docks. This is a stereotype that I had held about Bakersfield my self, isolated, boring, and just not a whole not things to offer as far as quality living.
b.List 3 things that make each location similar
1. They are both cities in California
2. They are not famous for anything outside there region
3They both have unique climates in comparison to say the east coast.
c.List 3 things that make each location so different:
1Rohnert Parks economy is based on another city, Bakersfield is self sustaining
2. Bakersfield is both residential and commercial, where as Rohnert Park is more or less residential
Rohnert Park has tag name associated with it, ie (wine country, bay area, outer suburb) Bakersfield has no such catchy slogans and seems far more affordable.
d.Questioning: What else would you like to know about these places? When completing the question section, lead your audience into the question by stating a fact you do know, yet you still have the related question. This way, both your audience and you will have an educational experience
Well I would like people to take a good look a both cities and ask "which would I prefer to live, then ask yourself why? Rohnert Park and the Sonoma County area has many catch phrases and lifestyle choices that make it sound like paradise. Bakersfield from what I have gather from locals around here is not a desirable destination to live and raise a family. Why? What makes Bakersfield so unattractive, the lack of a nearby coast, no access to a large city, or does Bakersfield have issues that I am unaware of?
Inland Areas
2.Contains a web link to your locations.
http://www.ci.rohnert-park.ca.us/
http://www.bakersfield.com/
3.Contains an explanation regarding how this component (any aspect of it; eg content of videos, content of websites) connects to your study of humanities.
I have chosen these two very different inland regions to try and demonstrate the lifestyle differences in the two. Rohnert Park is a completely made up town sectioned off by alphabetised neighborhoods with no real industry or historical significance, but due to its location to San Francisco the decent areas of the town command inflated housing costs with no real job market within the community itself to provide employment to the residents. If you want to live in this safe little made up town, then get to commuting. In contrast Bakersfield has a long history as a community, but is not really near any major city that you could commute to. Is is one of the countries fastest growing cities and is fairly self reliant when it comes to providing work for the areas residents. The cost of living drops off sharply compared to the Bay Area due to it not having a trendy region to claim its a part of.
4.Contains the following elements that will be used in upcoming projects for analytical purposes:
a.What are some assumptions/stereotypes you think people have of each location:
Well I believe that most people think of Rohnert Park as a lovely little commuter town, where if one can afford to, they can live the "wine country" life without living in the boon docks. This is a stereotype that I had held about Bakersfield my self, isolated, boring, and just not a whole not things to offer as far as quality living.
b.List 3 things that make each location similar
1. They are both cities in California
2. They are not famous for anything outside there region
3They both have unique climates in comparison to say the east coast.
c.List 3 things that make each location so different:
1Rohnert Parks economy is based on another city, Bakersfield is self sustaining
2. Bakersfield is both residential and commercial, where as Rohnert Park is more or less residential
Rohnert Park has tag name associated with it, ie (wine country, bay area, outer suburb) Bakersfield has no such catchy slogans and seems far more affordable.
d.Questioning: What else would you like to know about these places? When completing the question section, lead your audience into the question by stating a fact you do know, yet you still have the related question. This way, both your audience and you will have an educational experience
Well I would like people to take a good look a both cities and ask "which would I prefer to live, then ask yourself why? Rohnert Park and the Sonoma County area has many catch phrases and lifestyle choices that make it sound like paradise. Bakersfield from what I have gather from locals around here is not a desirable destination to live and raise a family. Why? What makes Bakersfield so unattractive, the lack of a nearby coast, no access to a large city, or does Bakersfield have issues that I am unaware of?
Monday, March 23, 2009
3b my beaches
1.Contains a title using the format listed above
3b my beaches
2.Contains a web link to your locations.
2.Contains a web link to your locations.
http://www.guamportal.com/asan_beach_park_01.html
3.Contains an explanation regarding how this component (any aspect of it; eg content of videos, content of websites) connects to your study of humanities.
3.Contains an explanation regarding how this component (any aspect of it; eg content of videos, content of websites) connects to your study of humanities.
Well, I have chosen these two beaches because I have visited and lived in both areas. Both areas have wonderful beaches, but each respective culture enjoy their beaches in very different ways. What makes it interesting for my study of humanities is that the former (Guam) was occupied by Japan after ww1 and is now a protectorate of the US since the second world war and Japan in some ways is and was occupied and protected by the US.
Contains the following elements that will be used in upcoming projects for analytical purposes:
What are some assumptions/stereotypes you think people have of each location: 1 point
Contains the following elements that will be used in upcoming projects for analytical purposes:
What are some assumptions/stereotypes you think people have of each location: 1 point
Guam, where the hell is Guam that rock is not part of the USA. Kamakura, samurai, history and teaming with crowds, which is both true and false.
List 3 things that make each location similar: 1 point
List 3 things that make each location similar: 1 point
1. Both islands
2. Both have been occupied by the US
3. Both have been devastated by war
List 3 things that make each location so different: 1 point
List 3 things that make each location so different: 1 point
1. Guam has several different spoken languages, Japan only 1 Japanese
2. Japan is an island about the size of California, Guam about the size of Rohnert Park
3. Japans climate is quite temperate and Guam is 100% hot, humid and tropical
Questioning: What else would you like to know about these places? When completing the question section, lead your audience into the question by stating a fact you do know, yet you still have the related question.
Questioning: What else would you like to know about these places? When completing the question section, lead your audience into the question by stating a fact you do know, yet you still have the related question.
Japan and Guam have had a love hate relationship through most of the 20th century, with Guam being so dependent on Japanese tourism money that they have never been able to express their past grievances from their war time occupation. With the recent economic downturn the Japanese have been rediscovering their own beaches and traveling less and less to Guam. The US military continues to pump money into the island, but most Charrmoans on the island prefer less of the military money and more tourism. Do you think this is the right time for Guam to ask Japan for some economic help as kind of a I.O.U. for past wrongs or keep whoring their island and culture to the US military?
Monday, March 2, 2009
2c The other California
1Contains a title using the format listed above
2a The other California
2Contains the sources you used with links to these sources .
3Contains a brief paragraph how it connects to your study of humanities.
Well maybe not the most obvious of choices here, but I feel San Quentin is very relative to "your California." This topic relates to my study of humanities in the sense that I would like to look at the hypocrisy involved in the housing and treatment of California's inmate population. Your correctional infrastructure is definitely at odds with the image that California likes to project.
4 A.Observation: What did you choose? What do you see or hear or feel or think of in the choice you made? What is the subject of the work? If you chose a 'thing' what is the work made of and what techniques (colors, lines, shapes, textures)does the creator use? Be specific in your description. If you chose a place, be specific in your description of what you see or hear. Talk to your reader as though they cannot see the item but somehow must draw a painting of what you see or hear.
Well, I chose San Quentin for several reasons. First I was shocked to learn that this prison serves something like 7 different counties in our area with a wide range of criminals being housed without much segregation based on what the actual offence was. Second I was shocked to move to wine country and realise how many people in these little towns have spent time in San Quentin. It almost seems like a prerequisite for the working class of our area to have spent time there. I feel such disappointment in our society every time I see it. San Quentin Prison appears like a fortress overlooking the bay just north of San Francisco. It is surrounded by some of the most expensive residential and some commercial real estate in the country. But at the edge of this scenic peninsula, 5,400 inmates are locked up.
San Quentin has California's only death chamber, with 656 inmates waiting to be murdered.
On death row, every prisoner is confined to a cell that has just enough space for a bed and toilet. The contrasts are endless, and I feel San Quentin sums the growing divide of the have and the have nots in this state.
San Quentin has California's only death chamber, with 656 inmates waiting to be murdered.
On death row, every prisoner is confined to a cell that has just enough space for a bed and toilet. The contrasts are endless, and I feel San Quentin sums the growing divide of the have and the have nots in this state.
B.Interpretation: What is your choice about? Give specific examples to support this statement in 2 sentences; do so in a way that teaches us something about your choice. Make Paulo Freire proud!
My main point is more or less just trying to show how not just in California but our country in general has become a warehouse for holding our socially undesirables. The use of San Quentin was to show the glaring contradictions in how lives are shaped in our economic caste system. A prison surrounded by rich people and within that prison you will find mostly inmates that grew up not to far from this prison, but the closest most if not all will ever come to living near the real estate that surrounds the prison is by being incarcerated within in the walls of San Quentin.
Honestly, I feel that California socially speaking represents in my mind,I repeat my mind what is wrong with our wealth and opportunity distribution in this country. The hypocrisy that oozes from this state is almost sickening. One observation that I feel sums up my feelings is that when one comes to California it is quite apparent from the outset that the pc all in bracing hippy mentality is quite the scam indeed. The state is full of little towns full of open-minded people that will accept you with open arms into their community IF you can afford to live in their mini paradises and eat their organically grown food. These are the same people who employee impoverished migrant workers to clean their palaces and provide daily lip service about what needs to be done to address California's growing poverty and inmate population, but would never go anywhere near Richmond and are more or less closest racist that do nothing of note serve or help their fellow man, just their own wallet. The slave trade is alive and well in California especially when it comes to the huge profits all of our inmates provide us.
Questioning: What else would you like to know about this choice? When completing the question section, lead your audience into the question by stating a fact you do know, yet you still have the related question. This way, both your audience and you will have an educational experience.
I would like you to know that all of these scary inmates were once people too. They may quite rightly deserve punishment, in fact I am quite sure that most do. But, stop and think what you know about a place like San Quentin, do you really think our current correctional system is releasing back into society better people? Does the Mendocino county meth addict really benefit from being housed with murders, rapist, pedophiles and the like. If California is on the cutting edge of everything , then why is our corrections so ass backward? Wheres that good progressive forward looking California when it comes to our inmates. There are about 160,000 adult inmates in California prisons. That is the whole of Santa Rosa in prison. Do you not think that most of these inmates come out having learned how to be a better criminals? That is my belief
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
2b The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
1Contains a title using the format listed above.
The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
2Contains the sources you used with links to these sources .
2Contains the sources you used with links to these sources .
I believe many Californias' are very unfamiliar with the role of being Americas only mainland state with any real Asian population. Barring NYC Chinatown, Cali is really the only place on the mainland that offers any insight into the role of Asian Americans and Asian immigrants contributions to the west and America in general. I am not saying that all Asians live in California, but I have lived all over this country and and their impact here is vibrant and obvious. So we are lucky to have them here contributing to our society and each group of people that came here has a lot of cultural history that lies behind their title of immigrant or "Asian" so why not try to enjoy something besides rambling on about sushi and shallow topics that only scratch the surface of what all the various Asian cultures in our area has to offer.
4Contains the following "analytical elements":
Well, I chose the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco not because the building itself is overly impressive, but what is contained inside. Inside this museum you can be transported through all the various artist and cultural contributions that Asians have contributed to the world of art. Form Japanese Ukiyo-e, Chinese brush works, tea ceremony workshops that touch on several cultures interpretation of it, and much more. The art on display can be eye opening if one has not been exposed to it previously. I believe one can visit this museum and leave with the feeling that they have seen what the other half of the world has on offer. I mean even Monet was smitten by Japanese wood blocks and incorporated several traditionally Asian techniques in to his own works.
Interpretation: What is your choice about? Give specific examples to support this statement in 2 sentences; do so in a way that teaches us something about your choice. Make Paulo Freire proud!
My choice is about leaving your western minded assumptions behind and appreciating things without any predisposed mindset. Inside the museum you can view Monet's La Japonasie and see that the Eastern world does indeed have their own versions of artistic masters and that they even inspired some of our western masters.
CJudgment: What led you to your choice? What do you think or feel about this choice? Why do you feel this way? Support your thoughts with specific observations.
CJudgment: What led you to your choice? What do you think or feel about this choice? Why do you feel this way? Support your thoughts with specific observations.
Well I went a few months back to view Yoshitoshi's One Hundred views of The Moon. It's an early Meiji era collection of beautifully created scenes that incorporate mythology with Japans natural beauty. I have been trying to put my own collection together for the last five years, but this can become a real financial burden so I just buy the pieces I can afford and go view the rest. I have the catalogs and books, but nothing can replace the feeling of viewing great art in person.
Questioning: What else would you like to know about this choice? When completing the question section, lead your audience into the question by stating a fact you do know, yet you still have the related question. This way, both your audience and you will have an educational experience.
I would really like to know how the museum came to be in possession of so many great collections. I have heard of several places (Boston MFA) that use less then respectful ways to acquire different pieces. Do you think that sometimes the national treasures of other societies should be returned to the country of origin? Is it really proper for us to have and hold other countries prized possessions and historically significant documents? I know that a lot of legitimate arrangements are made to borrow collection or to purchase them as well, but some purchases are made in back alley kind of situations(Egypt) which had the county of origins government been aware of this would have never allowed the work or piece to leave the country. I mean who owns such things?
Monday, February 16, 2009
2a Fort Ross, Northern Coastal Sonoma County
1.Contains a title using the format listed above .25 points
2a Fort Ross, Northern Coastal Sonoma County
2.Contains the sources you used with links to these sources .25 points
http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=449
http://www.parks.sonoma.net/rosshist.html
3.Contains a brief paragraph how it connects to your study of humanities
The history of Fort Ross is unique and provides insight into a cultural mix not usually associated with California. I have always enjoyed the mix of cultures found in California, but I was fairly ignorant of the Russian contribution to our areas history. I may be mistaken, but I do not think you will find many places in California that had Russians ,Native Alaskans and Americans working and living together. The surprising thing or pleasant thing is that despite there being few Russians actually living within the fort, the whole of the people seemed to live in relative harmony with one another and inter-marriage was commonplace. That said I am referring to the early 19th century, so I am quite sure that ideal living came along with usual mind sets of the times but in comparison to say early 19th century Georgia I am sure I would have rather been in Fort Ross especially if you are not Caucasian. The history of Fort Ross also provides us with several written records of how the many Native populations were living and working. The Russians used the Natives in the sense that they utilised their knowledge of the land and resources to apply it to their ill-fated Russian-America trading post.
A. Observation: What did you choose? What do you see or hear or feel or think of in the choice you made? What is the subject of the work? If you chose a 'thing' what is the work made of and what techniques (colors, lines, shapes, textures)does the creator use? Be specific in your description. If you chose a place, be specific in your description of what you see or hear. Talk to your reader as though they cannot see the item but somehow must draw a painting of what you see or hear.
I chose Fort Ross for the simple fact that it has a lot to offer on all fronts. The surrounding nature is fantastic. The road becomes real hazardous after Jenner and the mountain pass that follows is just as formidable as the cliff hanging curves that offers spectacular views of the mighty Pacific below. From the time you get out of the car you can feel the history, as well as the pounding wind sweeping up from the ocean below. If you can rip yourself away from the great view you will notice a wonderful visitors center and museum across the parking lot. From behind the museum you can follow a beautifully laid out tree lined path down to the restored fort and archaeological site below or equally as pleasant you can just get out of your car, have a glance at the view and follow the path right down to it. Either of the aforementioned options are great, but I prefer the later because going off the beaten path can provide you with other little stop offs that are not usually frequented by others, then take the official path back up.
B.Interpretation: What is your choice about? Give specific examples to support this statement in 2 sentences; do so in a way that teaches us something about your choice. Make Paulo Freire proud!
My choice is about how in the early 19th century Russians in their attempt to establish a trading post in Spanish California came to the realisation that in order to succeed the labor they were conscripting must be allowed to maintain their identities in order to be productive. The Russians had their biases and mis-treatment did occur, but from the historical and archaeological record, one could conclude that fair treatment and respect allowed this operation to last as long as it did.
C.
Judgment: What led you to your choice? What do you think or feel about this choice? Why do you feel this way? Support your thoughts with specific observations.
The fact that I visit quite often in the Spring at least and my love of history and nature made Fort Ross a no-brainer for me. I know Sonoma county offers much lovely scenery and historical towns like Petaluma and Sonoma, but for my money there is no place that offers it all in one place the way Fort Ross does. In the park you can be humbled by the Gods(nature), informed by the museum and visitors center, and observe history sitting quietly and proud on a sheer cliff facing the mighty Pacific. Did I mention the spring blooms and my family really enjoys it. I like it mostly because you have it to your self in March!
D.Questioning: What else would you like to know about this choice? When completing the question section, lead your audience into the question by stating a fact you do know, yet you still have the related question. This way, both your audience and you will have an educational experience.
I know that in previous sections of this posting that I stated that the residents of Fort Ross lived in relative peace with one another, but the fact remains that inside the park you will find clear contradictions to the previous statement I made. One example is that the races were buried for the most part in separate lots. But, on the other hand the Russians did compensate their workers and the workers volunteered for the most part. The exchange of knowledge between cultures were common and needed as was intermarriage (due to a Lack of unmarried Russian women). So, do you think by the standards of the time that they were treated well or were the Russians just wise enough to know that exploitation should be done by softer means then say enslavement?
Monday, February 9, 2009
Assignment 1c
The two classmates I came across were Thida and Kendra. As for the two things about them, well Thida is originally from Los Angeles and loves the city life, but had had to move to the Sonoma area for her families restaurant business. Kendra is a mother of four and seems thrilled to have gotten all her classes online.
The two things I learned about Paulo Freire from reading Theda's blog are that the degree that Paulo had earned was a law degree and that he passed away on May 2, 1997 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The two things that I learned from Kendra's blog are pretty cool. By putting Paulo's theories to practice, 300 sugarcane workers were taught to read in 45 days. The second and equally cool thing I learned was that Paulo always denied that his familiarity with Marxism distanced him from his religion, which was Catholicism. I am a recovered catholic myself:) Can what I read from my classmates blog contribute to the classes study of humanities? Well, I think quite a bit. In this assignment we researched the same topic and returned mostly the same info, but think about it, we have in this class many people from many different walks of life gathered together and researching Paulo Freire that by itself has maybe opened several minds to new ideas and concepts
The two things I learned about Paulo Freire from reading Theda's blog are that the degree that Paulo had earned was a law degree and that he passed away on May 2, 1997 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The two things that I learned from Kendra's blog are pretty cool. By putting Paulo's theories to practice, 300 sugarcane workers were taught to read in 45 days. The second and equally cool thing I learned was that Paulo always denied that his familiarity with Marxism distanced him from his religion, which was Catholicism. I am a recovered catholic myself:) Can what I read from my classmates blog contribute to the classes study of humanities? Well, I think quite a bit. In this assignment we researched the same topic and returned mostly the same info, but think about it, we have in this class many people from many different walks of life gathered together and researching Paulo Freire that by itself has maybe opened several minds to new ideas and concepts
Monday, February 2, 2009
Well, his was a very interesting assignment indeed. Paulo Freire was much more then just a man who felt the need to educate the poor, he was a man that built and help promote the idea that students were far more than just empty banks that need to be filled with information and facts. Though, not the originator of this concept its impact on learning can not be understated. From what I can gather we can all thank Mr. Freire for critical thinking and the idea that challenging the norm can open ones own mind to new trains of thoughts and provide individuals with fuller lives. Though, I am not convinced that all the concepts and history that have been attached to critical pedagogy are ideas that I wholly subscribe to, they can not be dismissed outright and deserve a good look.
When I thought of Paulo Freire I never once thought of the Black Consciousness movement or apartheid for that matter, but there was his work in the trenches change. I found his whole idea of teaching colonized populations outside the ideals and concepts of the colonial oppressors to be outstanding and very productive in that it allows the native population to keep their identity while at the same time having outside influences around them would help empower them and kind of level the playing field. Lets face it what is important in my life and education may not be the same as the needs as say the indigenous people of our own nation. I feel if they are educated in their own native customs while living in American society it will only lead to more well-rounded and confident native populations. Inferiority has no place in education. I think Steve Biko owes Mr. Freire a debt of gratitude.
The third and final thing I found fascinating about Mr. Freire was the amount of love and compassion that seemed to flow from this man. In the pictures of him with his wife they both seem to glow and enjoy their lives work together which began in 1944 after their marriage. The pair had five children and I have began to wonder more and more about the personal life of this man. If you just look at the number of places he lived and posts he filled around the world one can help but wonder how this would affect his family and personal life. I know my final paragraph is a little off the mark of what our instructor requested of us, but I want to know more about his personal life. I mean some have called him a hero, some a plagiarist, Marxist, and the list could go on and on with how many things this man appears to mean to so many different people a from Brazil to Cambridge, MA my old stomping grounds. So, I think more research and right ups will follow regardless of our assignments.
Source
1.http://www.paulofreire.org/Capa/WebHome
2.http://www.ukzn.ac.za/cae/pfi/index.htm
3.http://criticalpedagogy.org.il/Default.aspx?alias=criticalpedagogy.org.il/english
When I thought of Paulo Freire I never once thought of the Black Consciousness movement or apartheid for that matter, but there was his work in the trenches change. I found his whole idea of teaching colonized populations outside the ideals and concepts of the colonial oppressors to be outstanding and very productive in that it allows the native population to keep their identity while at the same time having outside influences around them would help empower them and kind of level the playing field. Lets face it what is important in my life and education may not be the same as the needs as say the indigenous people of our own nation. I feel if they are educated in their own native customs while living in American society it will only lead to more well-rounded and confident native populations. Inferiority has no place in education. I think Steve Biko owes Mr. Freire a debt of gratitude.
The third and final thing I found fascinating about Mr. Freire was the amount of love and compassion that seemed to flow from this man. In the pictures of him with his wife they both seem to glow and enjoy their lives work together which began in 1944 after their marriage. The pair had five children and I have began to wonder more and more about the personal life of this man. If you just look at the number of places he lived and posts he filled around the world one can help but wonder how this would affect his family and personal life. I know my final paragraph is a little off the mark of what our instructor requested of us, but I want to know more about his personal life. I mean some have called him a hero, some a plagiarist, Marxist, and the list could go on and on with how many things this man appears to mean to so many different people a from Brazil to Cambridge, MA my old stomping grounds. So, I think more research and right ups will follow regardless of our assignments.
Source
1.http://www.paulofreire.org/Capa/WebHome
2.http://www.ukzn.ac.za/cae/pfi/index.htm
3.http://criticalpedagogy.org.il/Default.aspx?alias=criticalpedagogy.org.il/english
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