What is a Blog?

Why would someone want to create a blog? I think this was a question posed in many classmates minds at the beginning of the semester. A blog is a website that offers a way to express your feelings and emotions by connecting with people who share like interests. It is similar to a diary. It’s a sense of freedom and relief. There is no limit on what you can and cannot say. It is strictly your opinion, and people can choose to judge you or agree with you, and through this you are able to learn valuable information. It is your space to do whatever you choose. This might include a profile containing pictures, quotes, poems, bright colors, videos, graphs etc. It provides a way for people to speak openly about things they are uncomfortable talking about in person. It also allows people to share personal stories about themselves. As a class, it has become a way that we, as students, can share our work communicate with each other, and provide valuable feedback.

This semester is the first time I had ever used the blogging website. I had no clue what a blog consisted of, and I didn’t have the slightest idea of how to use it. Although, with the help of Nick, and a “test post,” I was on my way! English 105 has introduced me to what a blog is all about, and more importantly opened up my perspective on others critical thinking and writing skills. I have been impressed with what I have read on classmate’s blogs this semester. They have gone from short paragraphs to an entire page of writing. I think this has shown a change in our writing as well as a increase in confidence. Each blog assignment has led us into each writing assignment, creating multiple ideas on how to approach them. I believe the object of writing a blog is to pose questions, as well as show your own thought about different aspects in the many subjects in life. With this, you receive valuable feedback either to boost your confidence, or to learn from. I’m not sure how others feel about the comments that have been posted on their blogs this semester, but I have read the comments posted on my blog and have taken them into consideration. The comments left on my blog caused me to think critically. The one thing I would consider changing though is the consistency of blog responses. They seemed to be redundant towards the end of the semester and I felt as if they also got noticeably shorter. I believe by participating in blog assignments, and taking them seriously, we learned from each other and became stronger writers as a class.

I see now why blogging is something that has become more popular over time. I had never used it before, although it’s easy to use and a swift way to share feelings as well as communicate with others. Blogging is like a form of email, only quicker. In fact, it has become so easy that companies now blog rather than using a website. Considering it is so fast, I believe more and more companies will consider blogging, and this will increase the population of people using it. Now that I am familiar with the website, I think it is something I will consider using in the future to keep in contact with friends and family.

An Imperial Message

Authority is the right to exercise power. I have analyzed through reading Kafka that he writes about the power of authority, and the unimportance it has on a person. In the reading it says, “He takes the filth of those who command authority.”

This reading was very difficult for me to understand. I had to read through it a couple of times to grasp the concept, and even now, I don’t know if I understand it correctly. The Emperor who is dead has commanded a message be sent to a palace containing a man of no importance to anyone. The man is “cowering,” in the imperial sun. I believe he is a man of much wealth, who over time has deteriorated away from the world because of his arrogance and self worthiness. The message being sent is very special and important to the Emperor, and he must succeed in getting there. No matter how hard the messenger tries, he cannot make it to this place of relevance. I think what Kafka is trying to say is a man who listens and tries will succeed in life, even if he cannot conquer his goal. Whereas a man of arrogance, who bathes in the imperial sun will go nowhere, and instead hide in the shadows like a coward his entire life.

Discrimination is a Virtue

In the short story “discrimination is a virtue,” by Robert Keith Miller he recognizes the meaning of the word discrimination and the way society perceives it. He claims that society is pretending differences that do not exist. It is something we desperately need to keep in our vocabulary, although we need to understand the meaning and how to use it. There are many things we discriminate about such as: disabilities, wealth, food, etc. We don’t even realize we do this and it’s important to understand that we, as a society, “see failure to tell differences.”

The current Democratic presidential nomination race has come down to two nominees. The two nominees are an African American male, Barack Obama, and a Caucasian woman, Hillary Clinton. Are people basing their votes based on color or gender? This shouldn’t have to be an issue or a concern for either candidate, although it exists, and has become one. Society should not be allowed to base their decision on either of these aspects. But just like Miller said, we have grown up believing that “discrimination” means “racism.” This shouldn’t be the case either but that’s what we know of it. I believe that for many, their vote is biased in this case, because of color or gender. Everyone needs to stop discriminating, and focus on who will represent, and make the best decisions for the United States.

MySpace Controversy

Adults are concerned about teen security and safety, while teens utilize MySpace as a social network with their friends and/or individuals with like interests. This is a picture of a sexual predator who was caught on the prowl for underage boys. Along with catching this guy, they discovered 744 sex offenders with MySpace profiles, and 479 are registered for crimes against children. This would be useful in my long argument paper, because it is an actual picture of a sexual predator who has been caught online. It shows teens what a profile make look like, and also that sexual predators do exist online. They should be aware of this. His profile also shares false information which is common among sexual predators. This should scare teens and effect them in a way that they become more cautious about who they are talking to online. This data represents the concern of parents, educators, and government officials.

Prospectus

1. The setup in the second paragraph was done well, but I feel as if the last sentence in the paragraph does not fit. The writer talks about two aspects; how to do it and how to prevent it throughout the paragraph. The last sentence brings up an entirely different topic that doesn't lead into the next paragraph.

2. I think maybe the writer could set up their paper differently, by rearranging the paragraphs. The paragraphs are fine for the most part, but it may be easier to understand if they switched the third and fourth paragraphs. I think the last sentence in the second paragraph would transition better with the fourth paragraph. The third paragraph ends with "instructors," and the fourth paragraph begins with "instructors." The transition betweent he two paragraphs would look better and make more sense this way.

3. In the third paragraph the author starts the paragraph out with, "There are several ways to plagiarize.." although what are these ways? I think they need to give more detail on the different ways a student can plagiarize.

The Logic of Baldwin's Argument

James Baldwin is a credible author in the short story, “If Black English Isn’t a Language, then Tell Me, What is?” because of his background of being involved in the Civil Rights Movement. He has also lived outside the United States; In France, where he has learned and experienced another’s way of living.

James argues the many classifications of language. Breaking language down into specific categories such as control, confronting life, political means of proof, and passion. He argues that the status or reality of Black English is not in fact the language itself, but the role it plays in revealing the speaker. There are about 7,330 languages that exist today. Each language has its own different interpretations that can be controlled. Although, there are many languages that make sure their language is not destroyed such as the Basque countries, and Wales. I find this interesting because I am Basque, and I know this is an extremely hard language to speak.

James is trying to prove that the Black language does in fact exist, and that it has helped to create white Americans language through passion, skill, intelligence, music, and achievement. He then makes a counter argument stating: “if this absolutely unprecedented journey does not indicate that Black English is a language, then I am curious to know what definition of language is to be trusted.” Who is to decide what definition of language is to be trusted? This is a very strong argument that supports his facts and causes the audience to stop and think before continuing to read on. He draws his audience in, to believe his argument. To James, this is an issue; White Americans are looking past this and taking the credibility. He claims the standards are “untrustworthy.” Black Americans are no different than white Americans and they deserve the same credibility. Black’s should not feel that they have nothing to learn from the people of a “country that has managed to learn so little.”

"Will Anyone Ever Be Happy with Their Insurance?"

Palmer, John. "Will Anyone Ever Be Happy With Their Insurance?" Canadian Press 24 May

2005.


The article I chose to site and evaluate is called “Will Anyone Ever Be Happy with Their Insurance?” The title sums up the entire argument of the article. It argues the changes in insurance in the Newfoundland. Insurance companies in Newfoundland will no longer base their auto insurance on age, gender, or marital status. Government Services Minister Dianne Whalen argues that many young drivers cannot afford to drive because the prices are so high. She also argues that it is unfair to make young drivers pay higher insurance rates when they are not causing accidents. The other side; Eclectic Econoclast argue that the insurance companies need their money, and it is unfair to make everyone pay more based on the new changes in Newfoundland. It is an interesting topic that has biased opinions, and these opinions change based on the age of the person. Obviously, young drivers as well as their parents want insurance rates to match everyone else’s, while older folks don’t want to have to pay more to balance out the insurance. Who is to decide at what age you’re a bad driver, and is this considered discrimination?

The website lists statistics, as well as relevant information that are of key importance to the argument of the article. It was published within the last two years, and has been updated since then. Also, it was published in the Canadian Press, which lets me know its correct information that would be applicable to use in my argument paper as well as anything else I might need it for. The article uses valuable individuals such as the Government Services Minister Dianne Whalen. Not only does the article involve valuable people, but it also gives quotes that were directly spoken. The purpose is clear, and that is to understand the argument of car insurance and the opinion of tow opposing parties. The article is targeted to people of all ages to inform them of the controversy, and also so they are aware that in some areas of the country, actions are being taken. Both sides of the argument have a good stand on their opinion and it’s very easy to understand and read.