My Response to Brittany's Blog

Britany’s most recent blog post raised a lot of good questions, all centered around the idea of being black in America. “Native Son” by Richard Wright tells the story of an African American named Bigger Thomas. Growing up in the 1940s, he faces many difficulties in society, pressured by the low expectations from the whites around him. Instead of succeeding at his job, he turns into the criminal everyone presumes him to be. Ultimately, Bigger fails to overcome the African American stereotype and succumbs to a life of violence and murder. Though Bigger lived nearly seventy years ago, it is hard to believet that not much has changed within the African American community. Yes, we have witnessed change through Obama’s presidency and in our culture through musicians, artists and more, but there are still loopholes that must be fixed. For those African Americans born into poverty, they find that they do not have equal opportunity. They don’t have the same chance at school and work. Rather, African Americans feel they have no other path to choose except one of drugs to support themselves.

On Sam Katz’s blog, he detailed the life and struggles of Chris Shurn. Chris is an African American, who finds it almost inevitable to escape going to jail. Once being released, he grapples with staying away from the life that once was him, the life of drug dealing. Statistics show that one of out three black men will serve jail time at one point in their life. Chris has already proven that statistic, though now he lives to fix the mistakes he has made. I believe that being black in America is not one-sided. Some have overcome obstacles to achieve greatness, while others are drowning in a sea of drugs and violence. Regardless, changes must be made to help those that need it. 

The Tortilla Curtain Assignment

The Tortilla Curtain, a novel by T.C. Boyle, chronicles the very different lives of two couples living in California. One couple, white and upper class, struggle with the impact of illegal immigrants on their daily lives. América and Cándido, the other couple who are illegal aliens, try to overcome stereotypes that are preventing them from achieving the American dream. The Tortilla Curtain offers two different perspectives on illegal immigration by telling the story from the two couples’ point of views. Readers feel the frustration when Delaney and Kyra have many disturbances in their lives because of the illegal immigrants. However, the readers also sympathize when América and Cándido constantly face major setbacks because of their race, though in the land of opportunities. Immigration is a hot topic in our country now more than ever, and T.C. Boyle is able to portray two of the views into his book. After careful research, I would like you to take a stance on illegal immigration. Do they have a right to be in this country or should they be deported back to Mexico? Is the relationship between U.S. citizens and immigrants parasitic or symbiotic? When you have made your decision, you will make a 1-2 minute commercial video using iMovie advertising your opinion on immigration and why we do/do not need it in our country. 

To begin your research, you will use two podcasts and movies from iTunes. Search "Immigration Stories" by David Grubin and WETA to understand the background of our country's immigrants and the difficulties they faced. Remember their triumphs when you learn more about the Mexican immigrants. Next search "Condoleeza Rice on Immigration Reform" and listen to her passionately speak about the importance of immigration in our country. When you have finished with iTunes, move onto our "Issues and Controversies in American History" database. There, you will search for two articles, one called "Immigration and Cultural Identity" and the other titled "Public Opinion on Immigration". From these two articles, you will understand some of America's feelings on immigration as well as the impact they have on our country. A peer's blog article "Tortilla Curtain: Problems Hispanic immigrants are facing" details many issues aliens deal with inside our country. Through my delicious page, you can find outside blogs and articles on this topic. Some advocate for immigration rights while others explain why immigration is a problem. Lastly, using quote excerpts from the novel will give both sides on the immigration debate. Once you have formed your opinion, start making your commercial!

The Grass Isn't Always Greener...

A New York Times article from December 7^th, 2005 called “Most Mexican Immigrants in New Study Gave Up Jobs to Take Their Chances in U.S,” outlines the basic reason Mexican immigrants flood America: work. Nina Bernstein, after careful research and a survey that included 5,000 Mexican immigrants, realized that many of those immigrants had came to America because they had greater chances of making money. Though “most of the immigrants had been employed in Mexico” (Bernstein Paragraph 4), they find that they will make more money in America, despite the sacrifices and suffering they will have to endure. A typical earning for the immigrants of $300 a week in America greatly outweighs the average wage for a worker in Mexico. Even without US citizenship, the foreigners still are able to find work. Ever since our last recession, construction has been a major aid to repairing the economic growth of our country. It was reported that the “the most recent to arrive were more likely to have worked in construction or commerce” (Bernstein Paragraph 8) instead of agriculture. Due to the flexibility of these new workers, they are able to fill the missing positions. However, their wages are prone to variation. Fifty-six percent of those situated in Atlanta or Dallas made over $300 a week, while “60 percent reported earning less than $300 a week” (Bernstein Paragraph 13) in Fresno. Until things in Mexico change, many more Mexicans should be expected to flood our country with high hopes of making a considerably larger wage.

            The Tortilla Curtain, a novel by T.C. Boyle, shares the story of two couples living in Los Angeles. The first couple, Delaney and Kyra, are upper class Americans who enjoy the luxuries of life within their gated community. Yearning for a life like theirs are América and Cándido, two illegal immigrants who had just crossed the border and are desperately trying to attain the “American dream.” However, they find that their quest for prosperity will not come easy, proving to be especially difficult for América. The language barrier proved to be restricting for América could never communicate with her boss, even when she needed to ask for a common necessity like gloves. Boyle describes her efforts to converse with the man, “she tried again, in dumb show this time, rubbing her hands together and making the motions of pulling on a pair of imaginary gloves. Then he understood. Or seemed to,” (Boyle 135). Similar to the article, which said that the “lowest wages were reported by women, people who spoke little or no English, and those without identification,” (Bernstein Paragraph 13), all of which categories América falls under. For her full day of work, she was only paid twenty-five dollars.

            América and Cándido, who had only been in the country for two weeks, surrendered much of their luxuries from home to come to America. Their food supply was diminishing, their stomachs “had shrunk” and Cándido’s “pants were down around his hips,” (Boyle 122) from the sharp decrease in his food intake. At their home in Mexico, they were never without food. Every day they “would have had enough to eat,” at home but “to succeed, to make the leap, you had to suffer,” (Boyle 139). The article stated that the majority of the Mexicans coming in to the U.S. were “unlike the stereotype of jobless Mexicans heading north,” (Bernstein Paragraph 4), because they had a life at home that had provided them with food, work, and money. Like the fictional characters of América and Cándido, immigrants had to give up their lives in Mexico and risk survival for a chance at more money.

            Every day, countless lives are being lost and many don’t even know of their existence in our country. This is because they are illegal immigrants who have put everything on the line for a taste of the American dream. These immigrants are hungry, homeless, and longing for any job that can pay. Unfortunately, they can only realize the perils of a life without a stable job or home when it is too late and they are unable to return home. What is it that draws them here? It is the idea of making more money and one day owning their own home. However, there are many of these foreigners who never make it in America, who would have been better off at home where they don’t have to worry about a meal or finding work. These innocent Mexicans, who have nothing but hope, are crushed by the American fantasy. Those dreaming of a life in America should first be warned of the dangers that are entailed when coming here. Perhaps this will refocus their minds and help these men and women re-evaluate their priorities in life. For these immigrants, life in America has become more dangerous than crossing the border.

Bernstein, Nina. "Most Mexican Immigrants in New Study Gave Up Jobs to Take 
     Their Chances in U.S." New York Times 7 Dec. 2005. 11 Mar. 2009 
     . 

Socratic Seminar #2

Six Feet Under

 

1)    The main character, David James Fisher, struggles whether or not to come out to his family. Why do you think people have such a fear to come out to the ones who love them the most?

2)    When we see the man’s ghost taking to David, he admits that he feels that G-d challenged him and he chose the evil route. He says that he will be going to hell and David knows that is where he is bound to go as well. How do you think he came up with the opinion that his decisions were immoral? Can he really believe that when he is with his boyfriend?

3)    What was the impact of the death scene to homosexuals viewing it at home? Do you think that was part of their reality, or made them more afraid?

 

 

The Twilight Zone

 

1)    Why was the patient, Ms. Tiler, able to convince herself she was so ugly? How do these kinds of pressures from society affect us today?

2)    In the article, the episode was compared to homosexuals coming out of the closet. Do you see any resemblance? Being that this was from the 1960s, what do you think the general reaction was?

3)    The government shown in the episode preaches conformity and to isolate those who are different. How has history shown these views? Do we advertise them now?

 

Glamour Article

 

1)    Keeping in mind this article was from 1991, what did you think about it?

2)    The parents of the two girls were unsure about their daughters’ decision. They were both supportive and unsure. What do you think their roles should have been?

3)    How would you have handled going to a prom with the faculty and student body being disapproving? Did the principal have rights to show his disapproval?

4)    How do you think the reactions from their peers will affect them? Will it make them more eager to show off their relationship or maybe keep it more low-key?

"Friends" or Foe?

The hit comedy show “Friends” defined a generation with their jokes and plot lines. But within its first year on television in 1994, the producers of the series intertwined a more serious plot: Ross’s ex-wife, who recently came out of the closet. Though she was a minor character, her existence was substantial. Without even having the major success that was to come, “Friends” dared to advertise homosexuality in a place where it was normally ignored.

Though the show took a chance by weaving in the character of Susan, it was still important for the producers not to stereotype lesbians. Susan, the ex-wife to Ross, was thrown into the map when she was pregnant with Ross’s child. Though we do not see her until later episodes, the characters make remarks that while stereotyping lesbians, displayed no negative feelings to her choice of living. Ross comments on “[Susan’s] favorite beer, she always drank it out of a can,” saying how he “should’ve known.” The opinion reflects a widely known stereotype that lesbians are “butch” and therefore display more manly characteristics like drinking beer from a can. However, that seemed to be the only cliché idea the producers used.

Because Susan is not introduced until later in the season, we can only form opinions on her based on the perspective of the  main characters. All characters showed no dissent or lack of support to Susan’s lifestyle decision. Upon hearing the news that Susan was gay, not one character acts startled or taken aback. Instead, they treat the situation as if it were something normal in our society that shouldn't call for a second thought. Because Susan has a partner, Carol, it is evident she plans to raise the child with her. The subject does come up in conversation. Two women raising a child has potential for controversial and perhaps homophobic remarks. However, the characters only worry about Ross, and his part in the child's upbringing. No one finds fault in the women's decision.

Perhaps it was the setting, the exotic and diverse population of New York City. Regardless, “Friends” regarded homosexuality as nothing more than an insignificant detail to a person's life. The show may have started off by categorizing lesbians, but as the show matured, Susan and her partner were free from all conventional images of what they "should be." Laying the groundwork for many television shows today, “Friends” broke the barriers and introduced a gay character to the show and society.

Fatherless.. Less what?

“Single Mothers and Varieties of Fatherlessness”, a recent blog post by Julie Shapiro, explains the negative connotation in our society with the idea of being “fatherless.” To be fatherless, simply put, is to have no father figure in your life. But Julie explains that for a single mom to raise her child/children without a male figure in their lives, that “fatherless” then takes on a whole new meaning. She describes that “it is as though the unquestioned natural and complete state of a child was to have a father and the child of a single mother is, by definition, lacking something” (Shapiro Paragraph 5). 

She argues the standards of a father and the impact on a child. Shapiro claims that both parents are as capable to raise a child, denouncing all allegations that life without a father in unbearable and forever haunts a child’s future. Fathers are portrayed as the caretakers, bringing home the money while mothers can tend to the nest at home. “And the cure we often seek is to assign the single-mother family a man to be the ‘missing’ father. Alternative solutions (good child-care, flexible workplaces, adequate health care, general parental support services) are rarely considered” (Paragraph 3), Shapiro says. An upcoming MSNBC special on children without a father also depicts the situation as something unfortunate. Julie Shapiro earnestly tried to defend the rights of mothers and their decision to raise a child without a father.

            I have never viewed single parenting, whether it is a mom or a dad, to be a bad thing. In fact, it was something I had possibly imagined to be a part of my future. But as I read deeper into this blog, I was surprised to see the general reaction to being “fatherless” so cynical. Yes, more challenging, but a bad thing? Never. The stereotypical formats for a mother and father should have been broken by our generation or even the ones before us.

 A father can be a stay-at-home-dad as can a mother be "bringing home the bacon."  To be a single mom is no sickness. There need be no “cure”, as Shapiro had mentioned. With the adequate attention and supplies needed to raise a child, it should not matter who is doing the raising. Shapiro gave an explanation for this stereotyping, saying “If I say a person is ‘sightless’ we understand that the person lacks a sense which is ordinarily assumed–to be sightless is to be lacking something, to be less. Similarly if I am breathless or witless or sleepless I am defined by that which I am lacking. The norm, the standard, is to have breath and wit and sleep” (Paragraph 6). Though I do not discourage a family with an active husband and wife, they should be no more accepted than a single-parent home. To break down the connotation that to have no father is a curse, we need to break down the basic stereotypes of men and women.

            I am a strong believer that men and women are equal. To end the clichés of men and women within a family, we need to go back to the beginning. Destroy all stereotypes, whether they are in a kitchen or with sports. Men can cook and women can play football. Use blue for girls and pink for boys. People need to destroy the fundamentals of gender to restore full equality. This foundation will eliminate any stereotypes that people use to label genders. In the future when men and women must take over a role that could seem unconventional, such as a man cooking dinner, no one will give it a second thought. Starting with a clean slate from the beginning will create a future where single-moms and dads can raise their children free from critical response.

Shapiro, Julie. “Single Mothers and Varieties of Fatherlessness.” Weblog post. Related Topics. 9 Feb. 2009.  10 Feb. 2009 .

Rules for Synagogue

Jamaica Kincaid's poem "Girl" sets the guidelines for a girl living in a different society. She sets the boundaries that cannot be crossed and defines the girl's role in her community. Following Kincaid's footsteps, I wrote a poem defining the roles of a woman in synagogue from my eyes. I have never been one to view religion as an important part of my life, though my dad tries to change that every day. It seemed that as I grew up, I noticed that the people attending my temple had different motives. They didn't come to pray to God, but to prove to everyone else that they were a "good Jew". Temple came to be more of a competition, who can dress up the nicest, hold the best appearance. This is my take on Kincaid's poem, set in my temple.

Lay your clothes out the night before; be sure to open a new pair of stockings; scan your clothing for wrinkles, don’t ever show up with wrinkled clothes; wake up early to shower; this is how you put on your stockings without getting a run; this is how you make sure your outfit is nice enough; spend extra time on your hair and makeup, appearance is everything there; arrive ten minutes early for silent prayer; arrive twenty minutes early for meaningless conversation; arrive half an hour early for people-watching; grab a Siddur gently and hold it close to you; but what if I don’t want a Siddur; you always want a Siddur, and if you don’t, pretend you do; this is how you walk into services; this is how you choose the right seat; this is how you pretend to pay attention to the other members; this is how you answer their questions with a smile; this is how you pretend to care when they talk to you; this is how you prepare to sit down for four hours straight; this is how you stop yourself from falling asleep; this is how you can fidget with no one seeing you; this is how you count the tiles on the ceiling without making it too obvious; this is how you pretend to pray; this is how you sneak out to the bathroom; don’t ever have a bored look on your face; this is how to catch your friend’s attention; this is how you can smile at her without the rest of the congregation noticing; and this is how you watch her smile back without getting in trouble; this is how you hide your envy of the people leaving temple early; and this is how you glance at your watch without your dad noticing; and this is how you act when you get up to leave; and this is how you say your final prayer; but what if I don’t want to pray; you were not raised to be the girl who doesn’t want to pray.