About Blogging

Initially, I hated this whole blogging thing with a passion. I didn't like the idea of just narrowing down my thoughts to three topics and how everyone and anyone could read what I had to say. I thought it was inconvenient that the only way I could complete the blogging assignments was to have a computer and Internet access and even then, I would be stuck on what to write about and I stressed on trying to make all my posts fantastic because I knew there was the slight chance that someone could easily read my blog and the (heaven forbid) judge me because of how my blogging skills were. So I would procrastinate, and being on the world wide web, it was fairly easy to waste time, and before I would notice, it would be six o'clock at night and I would have to get ready for practice, leaving and accomplishing little to nothing.

Just writing this post about blogging is causing a kink in my writing flow, what is there to say about blogging?

However, now, somewhat getting in to the groove of this whole blogging thing, I can understand what Mr. Ayers is drawn to, by using them in the classroom and their benefits. Most language arts teachers use notebooks to get their students to write weekly, but in doing notebooks, it lacks interaction of other audiences in the writing. True, not every one's blogs are read religiously, but I think it definitely helps those who do receive comments on their posts. In a way, it's fun to see what others have to say about their peers' work, especially having feed back from readers of your own age. Maybe some what motivating as well, to continue to write in hope of having a comment or some sort of response from another student.

Being somewhat environmental conscience, another thing I like about blogging is the fact that we don't use up nearly as much paper. It is a small perk, yes, but not a skipped over one.

Blogging isn't by any means a formal source of literature, and sometimes I find that some one annoying, I'll find some blogs are more comparable to a myspace page rather than a writing note book, but it is interesting seeing what topics are decided out there and what some people's points of views are. That is something I find amusing about blogs, is getting to read about other's opinions, but not necessarily know who the author is, not knowing whose work you are reading makes a blog more enjoyable I would think, but I wouldn't say it's a bad thing to know who the author, especially if the author wants be known by using their real name or posting a picture of themselves on their profile.

It is also fun to play with fonts and colors and sizes, which is something you can't do in a reading notebook so much, and it's always neat- no messy handwriting to try and translate. I would say designing the profile page is also something many find being a perk in blogging, they can reflect their personality and give themselves some sort of an identity by choosing how their blog looks.

I suppose you could say blogging has grown on me. I've become accustomed to it, and have discovered a way to work it in my schedule, (though I don't write nearly as much as I should :/)When I first was introduced to blogging, I was trying to write for an audience that I didn't necessarily have and for a purpose that wasn't clear and not knowing who I was writing for made the blogging experience painful. However, once I decided to simply blog for myself and to get it done in a timely manner, the idea of blogging didn't seem so intimidating. So I would label that as some sort of advice to those who are blogging, because once you decide who you are writing for and why, it makes things on you, as an author, much easier. So I suppose you could say that yes, I am one for blogging, it was just an adjustment and something to get used to, but can be rather amusing and fun, and help me pass AP lang, what a concept.

one of those days

So I am directly involving my audience in this post, which is a rare occurrence in this blog, but have you ever had one of those days that you're simply reminded of all the awful things you've done and mean things you've said, especially towards a loved one or just one you know that didn't deserve to be treated badly, but for whatever reason at the time, whether it be anger, frustration or exhaustion, you did treat them harshly, despite the fact whether or not they deserved it. That may sound redundant, but I'm simply trying to organize my thoughts in a manner in which they can be understood. I am having one of those days, and it all started when I got out of my car this morning and saw a brother and a sister who showed up in the same vehicle, not utter a word to each other and immediately split, not acknowledging each other the slightest bit. This made my a bit sad to see this, I mean I know not all siblings get along as well as my brothers and I do, but I can't fathom not walking in the school together, if we showed up in the same car that is. And seeing this lack of interaction between the two siblings made me think if I've ever been so mad at one of my brothers that I simply wouldn't walk with them or something, and at first, I thought I couldn't, but then, like I said, all the mean and awful things I've said or done to my brothers hit me significantly, like a dramatic blow, causing an ache to form in the pit of my stomach, and immediately wish I could take all the terrible things back.

Of course I know my brothers still love me and forgive me, but I've found it relatively difficult to get the heart twisting flash backs to settle. One that continues to linger is with my closest (in age) brother, when we were younger, I want to say elementary school, and I don't remember what the scenario was, but I was extremely upset with him. He must've done something that made me angry with him, because he was asking me for forgiveness, and I wish I could remember why, but I was so infuriated at the time and selfish that I told him I couldn't. He then started to cry, because his older sister wouldn't forgive him for his mistake. How dreadful of a feeling that must be?! To know you've done something wrong and desperately want to make things better and then be informed you can't, and to add being at a young age at this time.

That memory is one that I can only recall hurting my brother in such a way, and I don't remember why. Today my brother keeps to himself and doesn't share much nor does he show much emotion, and I know most guys are just like that, but I can't help to think that its partly because of the verbal abuse he received from his older, selfish and unforgiving sister. Now of course, I'm sure we worked things out because I remember my mother stepping in to the dispute and most likely coming to a conclusion which did lead to me accepting his apology, but it's the image of him breaking down in absolute hurt because of me that I can't seem to cope with.

However, as much as I wish I could, I can't go back and change things. And dwelling on the past isn't going to help me either, but I do hope that I can prevent myself from feeling this same sort of anguish by not repeating my history and learn from my mistakes.

simplicity

sim⋅ple
–adjective
1.easy to understand, deal with, use, etc.
2.not elaborate or artificial; plain
3.not ornate or luxurious; unadorned
4.unaffected; unassuming; modest
5.not complicated
6.occurring or considered alone; mere; bare: the simple truth; a simple fact.
7.free of deceit or guile; sincere; unconditional: a frank, simple answer.
8.common or ordinary

What is it about Americans and things being simple? It seems every new thing must consist of the word easy in the description otherwise it is not worth attempting. One thing I can't decipher, is when does easy translate in to lazy? That is where I would have to say America has gone wrong. We, as beings, no longer can define the difference between something being simple or just plain lazy. I know the stereotype for Americans is fat and lazy, and quite frankly, I am not proud of it. Now there are many Americans out there who are just the opposite of the stereotype, but unfortunately, do not stand out enough to change the charming image the world has of Americans.

Yet, simple can also contemplate helpful, or useful. That was the initial goal of simplicity wasn't it? To benefit, to be more time efficient, or less straining? It just seems to play out that we have taken the whole simple idea a couple steps too far, leading to what we are currently witnessing in society. So is it possible to go back a step or two? To just make things easier for us, but in doing so, not make us lazy? I don't think it is, once something, like today's technology, starts moving forward as rapidly as it has, there is little to slow its path down. I would like to think it is a nice thought though. Or is it possible that simplicity will turn on us? And before we know things become so simple that it suddenly becomes complicated? It would be ironic, though I can't say as to how that would work out exactly. Compelling to ponder though.

How is it that things today could get any more simple? Transportation wise we have cars and planes, how does that become any more convenient? The ability to teleport? Highly doubt that is obtainable. It seems just about everything is automatic, garage doors, remotes, pretty soon we'll have beds that will make themselves at the push of a button. So what sort of sense of doing things by hand of for ourselves will there be? Of course, there will always be responsibilities, and things that make people stress and worry, no matter how far technology gets us, we cannot avoid things like that.

I don't mind things being simple, I never said I didn't, because I for one sure do not like to deal with the hassle of complicated things. However, I do think there will be a point in time that nothing will be able to become any easier, and that there won't be anything for us to label as complicated, or difficult. Those words will become extinct, or the meaning will certainly alter according to the times, because they definitely won't mean the same as they used to.

being recognized as part of a team rather then an individual

I think there are two ways that one can be recognized, as an individual and as part of a team. Maybe team is making the term be narrowed down to sports, so perhaps as a group or part of a crew would be more appropriate, nevertheless, it gets the same idea across. Most celebrities, like actors, actresses, politicians, and some musicians are identified by individual. They want their name to be the only name they're associated with. Which I assume is acceptable considering their profession. Yet there are ones considered celebrities that are identified in a group, like a band or a professional sports team, which also is acceptable considering their profession.

Personally, I prefer to be recognized as part of a team. I don't like the spotlight on me alone, I like being part of something more then just myself. There's just something that comes off admirable I think to be known because of something one is a part of, to be prominent not as an individual but as a team. Even to be recognized because of a name, I like walking down the halls with my brothers and have people identify us because of each other. However, I am an athlete, and have a relatively large family, so maybe the idea of a team doesn't sound as appealing to most. Naturally, I think since I haven't really been known as an individual I grew a fondness of being part of a team. It's all that I've really known, so I don't wish to change it. However I've never been one who wanted to stick out, even if it was because of an accomplishment, not to be alone in the recognition anyway. Can't say I quite understand why exactly though.

Knowing this about myself, it sparks my curiosity as to how do others wish to be recognized? If one is part of a big and successful, isn't it enough for one know that for them self and not need their name in the paper or anything.

I haven't precisely figured where I'm going with this, it's simply an evaluation that I had made during a conversation with my father. I can't say I remember what really brought it up initially, but it lead to me making the statement that I would rather be recognized as part of a brilliant team then a brilliant person, because only brilliant people make a brilliant team.

In spite of being identified as group, it leads to stereotypes, which then change into judgments rather then recognitions. Which is certainly not something that I am appreciative of. In such a case, I base my opinion of one because of an individual, not because of their group, I feel it isn't fair to assume before knowledge. And I'm afraid that my being recognized as a team statement would make one infer to judge and stereotype, which aren't my intentions at all.

quite frankly, I don't mind that Eve ate the apple because I love fashion

Coming from a religious view point, it is because Eve ate the forbidden fruit that we even wear clothes today. (Now I'm not interested in those who wish to argue that fact at this point in time so please don't comment if its regarding religious views. )

However I love clothes and shoes and just fashion in general, I'm not a guru by any means, but I find it a lot of fun, and I wouldn't say I'm always for "the next big thing" either, but doing a little research on trends and such is somewhat of a hobby of mine, yet I don't necessarily reflect that I actually do know whats considered fashionable by the way I dress. I mean seriously, it's Iowa. I would be a minority for trying to keep up with high fashion and the fact is I think dressing casual is easy and acceptable, so why not just stick with it? Yet there is always those times that dressing up is required and I feel, since it isn't part of my daily routine, it's fun. To dress up I mean.

It's like stepping into a small fantasy world of mine going downtown in big cities to shop. The whole experience just feels glamorous, which is ironic considering big cities have higher rates of crime and pollution, but not living in a big city, I only get to experience the positive things and keep my view on downtown the same. Just last year, my mother, my grandmother and I, all went to downtown Chicago to go some Christmas shopping along the Magnificent Mile. I loved being in the giant shopping centers and being around the expensive apparel, I didn't mind the congested stores and streets so much, it was all just a part of my beloved delusion. And once the sun started to set all of the lights of the city would emerge, including Christmas lights because of the time of year, and on top of it all, pretty little snowflakes began to fall, transforming my surroundings into quite a charming scene.

Yet the fashion world is a cruel and somewhat cold-blooded one. I find it comparable to the "gilded age"- it comes off flashy and glamorous, but that is merely the closest part to the surface, beneath it can be dark and relatively brutal. I am not one who has witnessed such a level personally, but more and more of the harsh secrets are being revealed to the public. Really, one only needs to watch The Devil Wears Prada to see how such a lifestyle can be. Which makes one step back and wonder why would such a lifestyle be so appealing. But then the glamour and the paramount image flash and it all clicks. There are simply events and sacrifices that one goes through to obtain their dream. I'm sure there are things considered just as contradicting to morality as the ones we hear about with the fashion world, they just have yet to be exposed.

However, inhumane or not, I do love fashion and how it provides an outlet for expressing one's self freely and ironically enough to do the opposite and make a line of clones rather than clothes. Fashion is a part of every culture in every part of the world and is consistently traveling and changing and repeating, making it difficult to avoid and impossible to resist. Something like candy.

Wendy's

I love a good commercial. And by good commercial I mean one that makes me laugh. Something that is clever and witty definitely achieves my approval, even one with a hidden or double meaning makes any commercial enjoyable which leads me to the commercials for one specific fast food restaurant that steadily express a hint of stereotypes and somewhat racism towards Asians. It's with Wendy's whole "three-conomy" notion, with the three workers enjoying their lunch break. I've only seen three commercials having to due with this, and they definitely could be taken offensively to the Asian-American race. True, the commercials are witty and funny, but partly because of their subtle racism and stereotypical characteristics of the ad. Which in a sense is nearly repulsive, that America would publicly display such towards a specific race. Now I know that it has been done in the past, during World War II for example, and they were hardly subtle then, but this is the year 2009. I was under the assumption that America was past such behavior. What is ironic about the commercial though is they would have to hire an Asian to play the part. Willingly would one go against their own like that?



To be honest, I didn't even notice the subtle humor of these ads at first, it did have to play a few times before I really caught on, which indefinitely displays my way to be naive, but on the other hand I can't say that I didn't laugh when I saw them, and that I don't continue to laugh when they do come up. I just find it minor appalling that the Wendy's industry could get away with that. Yet, I could be blowing this out of proportion. Maybe Asians have no problem with this ad and they too, find it funny. Which would explain why they could easily hire an Asian actor to play the part. Or perhaps it wasn't intended to be the Asian originally and it all just came together. Possible, but not necessarily probable.



However, the Asian dresses to play the part, fitting the stereotype of which given to them. A dorky haircut is even included with his somewhat nerdier outfit and I bet that "high waters" are even part of the whole ensemble, though his pants aren't shown in the commercials.



On the other hand, why do we find racism humorous? I hear the jokes and the comments made all the time, especially by people my age and those of my grandparents' generation, and people simply laugh, like it was a good clean joke. But it's not, it's discriminating against a certain group people just because of how they look. We have all been taught its wrong yet people continue to participate in such acts. I wonder how the minorities of America take the idea of people laughing and making fun of them. I mean I hear blond jokes all the time, but I find that I can laugh at them because I know that I'm not that dumb, but Asians, African Americans, Mexicans- they know their race; they can't exactly hide it or deny it. So how does one feel about something they can't control? I guess it could be the same as me knowing I'm blond but not dumb. Maybe they know what they look like, but don't act such that the stereotypes gives them.

I don't know how all the politics and everything work out in such situations, so I'm not going to boycott Wendy's just because they make fun of Asians, but it undoubtedly makes me wonder about just how far have we come since World War II racism.

I would love to show these commercials to you but I haven't had any luck finding them on youtube.