The cultural document I chose to examine is a movie titled “Crash”. The movie chronicles stories that link whites, blacks, Latinos, Koreans, Iranians, cops and criminals, the rich and the poor, the powerful and powerless, all defined in one way or another by racism. It also illustrates multiple themes of Iris Marion Young’s Five Faces of Oppression. Specific examples include marginalization, powerlessness, and violence. This all happens over a (2) day period in Los Angeles. I think the purpose of the movie was to have all groups in our society to consider that we all share the same fears and hopes and that we all share only (1) group: HUMAN.
http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi4259906329/
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
From Olivia: NA2
THE DEADLINE FOR NA2 HAS BEEN MOVED TO: Wednesday, November 4.
I repeat: NA2 IS NOT DUE ON MONDAY.
Please note that the other homework for Wednesday is still due!
(Need a fresh copy of the schedule?)
Also, here are the guidelines (again):
News Analysis
Use the news story you read for homework. It should be related to our themes and, unless we discussed an alternative, should be from nytimes.com.
Your job is to analyze the story according to our themes-- definitely IMY's ideas (social groups, oppression, criteria/five faces), maybe ideas about Documentation, maybe Social Justice in general.
What does this mean, exactly?
1. Use any ideas from class to analyze the topic and issues. It does NOT have to be an example of SJ Doc according to our criteria. It does NOT have to be an example of a social injustice.
2. Your goal is to simply use ideas from our class to analyze the story/the circumstances/the cultural meaning.
3. When I ask: "How does this relate to our themes?" I am looking for you to seriously and thoughtfully reflect on the information, using any ideas from our class as tools.
4. You might consider: What interesting connections have you found between this and any of our texts/other news/an OH?
Your analysis should include a clear thesis statement (in one complete sentence) that states your idea about this news item.
Use class notes and DH to quote the article and to put your citations in MLA format. In this case, you'll just have just one single source at the end ("Work Cited").
2-3 COMPLETE pages, double-spaced (you will be deducted points for underdeveloped, too short essays).
Thesis Statement=10 points
Development (with ideas, quotes, examples)=10 points
Use of MLA formatting=5 points
Grammar, Mechanics, Spelling=5 points
I repeat: NA2 IS NOT DUE ON MONDAY.
Please note that the other homework for Wednesday is still due!
(Need a fresh copy of the schedule?)
Also, here are the guidelines (again):
News Analysis
Use the news story you read for homework. It should be related to our themes and, unless we discussed an alternative, should be from nytimes.com.
Your job is to analyze the story according to our themes-- definitely IMY's ideas (social groups, oppression, criteria/five faces), maybe ideas about Documentation, maybe Social Justice in general.
What does this mean, exactly?
1. Use any ideas from class to analyze the topic and issues. It does NOT have to be an example of SJ Doc according to our criteria. It does NOT have to be an example of a social injustice.
2. Your goal is to simply use ideas from our class to analyze the story/the circumstances/the cultural meaning.
3. When I ask: "How does this relate to our themes?" I am looking for you to seriously and thoughtfully reflect on the information, using any ideas from our class as tools.
4. You might consider: What interesting connections have you found between this and any of our texts/other news/an OH?
Your analysis should include a clear thesis statement (in one complete sentence) that states your idea about this news item.
Use class notes and DH to quote the article and to put your citations in MLA format. In this case, you'll just have just one single source at the end ("Work Cited").
2-3 COMPLETE pages, double-spaced (you will be deducted points for underdeveloped, too short essays).
Thesis Statement=10 points
Development (with ideas, quotes, examples)=10 points
Use of MLA formatting=5 points
Grammar, Mechanics, Spelling=5 points
Jon & Kate Plus 8
“Jon and Kate Plus 8”
I know this might sound a little crazy but I chose to talk about the “Jon and Kate Plus 8” reality TV show. For some reason reality TV shows in
I don’t mind reality TV shows, but what makes the “Jon and Kate Plus 8” different then others is the presents and the involvement of their children. I thing this is a clear case of exploitation. If the “…Plus 8” was not in the picture, I mean the children, the show “Jon and Kate Plus 8” would never existed. The parents along with the reality TV producers are using these children for the ultimate purpose of making money. Isn’t this a case of exploitation?
Another thing I think is funny about this is the fact that you can find information about them on wikipedia :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_&_Kate_Plus_8#CriticismMonday, October 26, 2009
Cultural Document by Jawhar
I have received this video three times in the last several months. The last time was yesterday. That is what makes me write about.
This video of Natal project for Xbox 360 from Microsoft shows how much technology plays a big role in our life in this time. Even thought, this project has not been released yet (It is expected to be released in late 2010), it shows our life in this advance technology today. It could be good or bad; however, it really makes our life easy. It might have negative effects on our societies. For example, what we talked about in class the other day about the effect on children creativity…… etc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9tmr8VDqN8&feature=player_embedded
This video of Natal project for Xbox 360 from Microsoft shows how much technology plays a big role in our life in this time. Even thought, this project has not been released yet (It is expected to be released in late 2010), it shows our life in this advance technology today. It could be good or bad; however, it really makes our life easy. It might have negative effects on our societies. For example, what we talked about in class the other day about the effect on children creativity…… etc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9tmr8VDqN8&feature=player_embedded
CULTURAL DOC
Cultural Document-
The cultural document I chose to examine is an interview of a commander of army in Iraq name Baker Scorpion. The interview is base on the village where many children and adults were killed by the Al-Qaida. The questions by Michael yon an Interviewer, are basic about what happened, why this happen and who are to blame. Commander Baker talks about how Al-Qaida will force them to interfere with American Soldiers and not to defend them. And How the Al-Qaida will come to many Villegas and create a mass murder phase to show everyone of their lethal power. This can be a case of intimidation for many Iraqis to scare them off fighting back. The interview expresses two of the five faces of oppression. The main one it points out is powerless; Where the Iraqis villagers are too powerless to be fighting back from this Al-Qaida Attacks. The army is not strong due to fewer soldiers, where only few are brave and strong to fight for their country. The last face of oppression the interview express is Violence. In Iraq it is no safe to even walk in a restaurant or even in a mall due to suicide bombing, or fight between the Al-Qaida. Violence: Killing little children in Iraq over Power or burning down a village to prove a point. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KlECo0KOU4
The cultural document I chose to examine is an interview of a commander of army in Iraq name Baker Scorpion. The interview is base on the village where many children and adults were killed by the Al-Qaida. The questions by Michael yon an Interviewer, are basic about what happened, why this happen and who are to blame. Commander Baker talks about how Al-Qaida will force them to interfere with American Soldiers and not to defend them. And How the Al-Qaida will come to many Villegas and create a mass murder phase to show everyone of their lethal power. This can be a case of intimidation for many Iraqis to scare them off fighting back. The interview expresses two of the five faces of oppression. The main one it points out is powerless; Where the Iraqis villagers are too powerless to be fighting back from this Al-Qaida Attacks. The army is not strong due to fewer soldiers, where only few are brave and strong to fight for their country. The last face of oppression the interview express is Violence. In Iraq it is no safe to even walk in a restaurant or even in a mall due to suicide bombing, or fight between the Al-Qaida. Violence: Killing little children in Iraq over Power or burning down a village to prove a point. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KlECo0KOU4
Zehra K Bozai
Zehra K Bozai
English 102
26 Oct, 2009.
CHILD LABOR IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES HAS
A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON THE CHILDREN.
Child labor has very negative effects on children who work in harsh environments for a long time. Children at a young age are supposed to go to school and enjoy their youth. Instead, in many third world countries, children are forced to go to work, and they are even sometimes locked in rooms and chained by their employers. In countries like India and Pakistan or Bangladesh the rate of illiteracy is high and they have few numbers of adults in the family and most families have four to five children. In such types of circumstances, when there are few numbers of adults, poverty children are forced to work at a very young age. Sometimes they are also sold by their employers to Middle East countries.
I have seen child labor myself as I am from Pakistan where children at the age of five are forced to work in fruit markets or collect garbage from the streets. These children work in unhealthy environments in which they may catch dangerous diseases like tuberculosis. Parent sometimes sell their children to get money for their living. For instance, girls are forced into prostitution. By doing this work when they are supposed to enjoy their youth, children go through a rough time in their lives and may experience mental disorders and emotional traumas. Another reason why employers try to hire young children rather than adults is because child labor is cheap and children get paid little.
Child labor is also accompanied by high children deaths. The value of human life is nothing in third world countries. Child labor is also bonded labor where children under 18 years of age are taken away by land lords in exchange of their family’s debt and they have to work throughout their lives in an abusive environment. These children are forced to work long hours with little or sometimes no pay. In other words child labor destroys children labor. The governments of third world countries should take measures to stop child labor. They should educate people not to have too many children. For example, every family should have only two children that way it would be affordable for every family to take care of their children instead of sending them to work. If parents send their children to school, that should raise the literacy rate in third world countries. Then, later in the future, these countries should have qualified adults working instead of children working and supporting their families.
English 102
26 Oct, 2009.
CHILD LABOR IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES HAS
A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON THE CHILDREN.
Child labor has very negative effects on children who work in harsh environments for a long time. Children at a young age are supposed to go to school and enjoy their youth. Instead, in many third world countries, children are forced to go to work, and they are even sometimes locked in rooms and chained by their employers. In countries like India and Pakistan or Bangladesh the rate of illiteracy is high and they have few numbers of adults in the family and most families have four to five children. In such types of circumstances, when there are few numbers of adults, poverty children are forced to work at a very young age. Sometimes they are also sold by their employers to Middle East countries.
I have seen child labor myself as I am from Pakistan where children at the age of five are forced to work in fruit markets or collect garbage from the streets. These children work in unhealthy environments in which they may catch dangerous diseases like tuberculosis. Parent sometimes sell their children to get money for their living. For instance, girls are forced into prostitution. By doing this work when they are supposed to enjoy their youth, children go through a rough time in their lives and may experience mental disorders and emotional traumas. Another reason why employers try to hire young children rather than adults is because child labor is cheap and children get paid little.
Child labor is also accompanied by high children deaths. The value of human life is nothing in third world countries. Child labor is also bonded labor where children under 18 years of age are taken away by land lords in exchange of their family’s debt and they have to work throughout their lives in an abusive environment. These children are forced to work long hours with little or sometimes no pay. In other words child labor destroys children labor. The governments of third world countries should take measures to stop child labor. They should educate people not to have too many children. For example, every family should have only two children that way it would be affordable for every family to take care of their children instead of sending them to work. If parents send their children to school, that should raise the literacy rate in third world countries. Then, later in the future, these countries should have qualified adults working instead of children working and supporting their families.
Cultural Document
I came across this video on YouTube that caught my attention just by reading the title; Woman Gets a Ticket for Speaking Spanish in Dallas. It is about an older grandmother who apparently received tickets for improper u-turn and another one for not speaking English. The Dallas police station was discovered that they gave 38 tickets for not speaking English in the past 3 years. This video shows that there are many situations of racial discrimination through out the nation. I think this fits as social justice documentation and has marginalization and cultural imperialism from the 5 faces of oppression.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSmnaiW34go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSmnaiW34go
CULTURAL DOCUMENT
Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hIQjrMHTv4&NR=1 to view "History of the Internet", a film by Melih Bilgil.
The title of the film is essentially self-explanatory. It examines the history of the internet: the timeline begins with the creation in 1957, and ends in real-time. The short movie breaks down the purpose, access, and evolution of the invention since its introduction.
Though perhaps not intentional, the Internet produces another dimension of human reality: cyber space. It transforms traditional communication and retrieval of information. The vast channel of intelligence is ultimately infinite and inconceivable; it is a man-made universe.
"History of the Internet" is a cultural document: it is a testament to human civilization and society. It embodies the unique human need to collect and comprehend knowledge about the world.
Conceptually, the Internet (and therefore this document) is not socially unjust whatsoever. In practice, however, the Internet absolutely is an (ideal) outlet for social injustice: anonymity allows racist ideals, discriminatory language, crude treatment of women and/or men, etc. to exist throughout the depths of cyber space. Thus, social injustice thrives on the Web, and it commonly functions as a tool to exhibit and perpetuate social and cultural problems.
The title of the film is essentially self-explanatory. It examines the history of the internet: the timeline begins with the creation in 1957, and ends in real-time. The short movie breaks down the purpose, access, and evolution of the invention since its introduction.
Though perhaps not intentional, the Internet produces another dimension of human reality: cyber space. It transforms traditional communication and retrieval of information. The vast channel of intelligence is ultimately infinite and inconceivable; it is a man-made universe.
"History of the Internet" is a cultural document: it is a testament to human civilization and society. It embodies the unique human need to collect and comprehend knowledge about the world.
Conceptually, the Internet (and therefore this document) is not socially unjust whatsoever. In practice, however, the Internet absolutely is an (ideal) outlet for social injustice: anonymity allows racist ideals, discriminatory language, crude treatment of women and/or men, etc. to exist throughout the depths of cyber space. Thus, social injustice thrives on the Web, and it commonly functions as a tool to exhibit and perpetuate social and cultural problems.
Cultural Document: Bumfights
The cultural document I chose to examine is a series of videos called Bumfights. It is a series of videos that captures the homeless getting paid a minimal amount of money to embarrass themselves on camera by a group of immature young men. In some scenes they (the immature) creep up on unassuming sleeping homeless people and harass them. The homeless are paid (sometimes even in alcohol) to hurt each other by breaking bottles over each other's head and even making them run into walls for sick humor. One homeless man was even paid to have "BUMFIGHTS" tattooed to his forehead...
The videos capture all of IMY's faces of oppression. It covers exploitation for very obvious reasons (a bottle of Jack Daniels to yank out a homeless man's tooth). Marginalization: The homeless are marginalized into these cartoonish "bums" who would embarrass themselves for the sake of someone else's gains. Powerlessness: The homeless are being stripped of their dignity, and sometimes even legal rights as many were arrested while performing some of the stunts. Cultural Imperialism: The creators and producers are lowering the status of the homeless while seemingly enhancing theirs, because after all, the "bums" are the immature kids' entertainment. Violence: Well, the title Bumfights says it all. The creators use the homeless people's financial disadvantage to conduct violence acts against their own. The video may be funny to the oblivious and the uninformed (think Jan Powers), but to the educated and informed, I need not say more.
*A simple Bumfights entry into the Youtube search engine will bring up plenty of examples. Also check out the Dr. Phil interview with the creator, it shows what kind of person it takes to make the videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz55snvk_40
The title of this video is "Adoption- Adopted Children and Racism." A man asked a group of Chinese children from the age of 5- 11, if they know what the word racism means. No one knew so the man explained it to the children. After knowing what the word meant, the children all raised their hands when asked if they expierenced it. A 5 year old said she was going to get an operation to cut back her eyelids (to change the shape of her eyes). Kids are learning racism at an early age. They think that if something is "different" then there is something wrong with them. I do not think children should have to worry about the way they look. Even children in society now, see race first.
The title of this video is "Adoption- Adopted Children and Racism." A man asked a group of Chinese children from the age of 5- 11, if they know what the word racism means. No one knew so the man explained it to the children. After knowing what the word meant, the children all raised their hands when asked if they expierenced it. A 5 year old said she was going to get an operation to cut back her eyelids (to change the shape of her eyes). Kids are learning racism at an early age. They think that if something is "different" then there is something wrong with them. I do not think children should have to worry about the way they look. Even children in society now, see race first.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
cultural document
The video that I watched on youtube is a short excerpt from CNN news about a woman shot and killed during a protest in Iran. Her name was Neda, she was believed to be a college student, and was at this particular protest voicing her beliefs. Apparently, she was shot in the chest by a gunman in a high rise building. This video is graffic and horrifying but it shows the many injustices that are being put on Iran's people. Why cant Iran's people have freedom? Its sad to think that innocent people all around the world are risking there lives for freedom, while I sit here on the internet free to look at, read, or write about anything I want.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVR2rLLqVJw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVR2rLLqVJw
Cultural Document- Because the Bible tells me so
I stumbled upon a documentary on Youtube called Because the Bible tells me so. If someone was raised Christian they would know that they are suppose to believe everything the bible tells them. Many people use this excuse to have hatred towards the homosexuals because the bible states that homosexuality is a sin and abomination towards God. This documentary goes through several different lifes of homosexuals that were raised Christian and the struggles they had to go through. Also they show what other people would say or do to make them feel bad for being homosexual and how each of their Christian parents acted towards their homosexuality. This video shows that our culture would even use the Bible to oppress a society of people and make them feel bad for being who they are. This video is a example of oppression, powerlessness and even violence.
This is a 9 part documentary i advise everyone to watch whether your straight, homosexual, reglious or not. It's very powerful story.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04AVRslVRbY
This is a 9 part documentary i advise everyone to watch whether your straight, homosexual, reglious or not. It's very powerful story.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04AVRslVRbY
cultural document
The cultural document I chose to examine was a youtube clip called "Sudan: The Silent Genocide". The focus of the video is on Sudan, which is a country in Africa. It focuses on all of the unfortunate aspects of the country. Some of the horrendous things that happen within the country are burning villages, many slaughtered civilians, and mass rapes. The claim of the video is that media needs to make the world aware of the awful things that are happening in the undeveloped countries. The people in the video are reaching out for help from the developed world. Two of the biggest of IMY’s five phases of oppression are violence and powerlessness.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeC6S6bDTXI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeC6S6bDTXI
Cultural Document- THE SAD TRUTH
My viral video is a perfect display of the lack of parenting, education and common sense that many people growing up in poor areas are missing.
The foul language, violence and anger shown by this little girl, who clearly doesn’t know any better is outrageous. The girl probably hasn’t started school yet and doesn’t know her ABC’s but she sure can curse. When she does go to school, she is going to have a huge problem and will probably be in trouble everyday because to her this is normal and sadly her actions will influence other children. This type of behavior is obviously taught to these kids at home so when they act this way there is no reprimand or discipline, it actually sounds as if this behavior is praised with all the laughter in the background.
This is an example of a vicious cycle that has probably gone on for generations and will continue for generations to come. The parents of these young people have not been educated enough themselves to want better for their children, they have no idea how to be parents and they think it’s cute to hear kids speak as they would. Unfortunately these children who don’t have the structure and are not taught better do not grow up to be productive members of society, they end up as criminals who have children and continue the cycle.
http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=1657872122&k=ZY12QYUZW3TF6BD1QF26YWQV2PIB4XY14QHYG&oid=1255389593125
The foul language, violence and anger shown by this little girl, who clearly doesn’t know any better is outrageous. The girl probably hasn’t started school yet and doesn’t know her ABC’s but she sure can curse. When she does go to school, she is going to have a huge problem and will probably be in trouble everyday because to her this is normal and sadly her actions will influence other children. This type of behavior is obviously taught to these kids at home so when they act this way there is no reprimand or discipline, it actually sounds as if this behavior is praised with all the laughter in the background.
This is an example of a vicious cycle that has probably gone on for generations and will continue for generations to come. The parents of these young people have not been educated enough themselves to want better for their children, they have no idea how to be parents and they think it’s cute to hear kids speak as they would. Unfortunately these children who don’t have the structure and are not taught better do not grow up to be productive members of society, they end up as criminals who have children and continue the cycle.
http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=1657872122&k=ZY12QYUZW3TF6BD1QF26YWQV2PIB4XY14QHYG&oid=1255389593125
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Cultural Document - Glee
I am a fan of the new show on Fox, "Glee." While I was watching the new episode this week, I realized how perfect it would be to write about for this assignment. The show takes place at a small high school in rural Ohio and focuses on the kids in glee club. The glee club is made up of both jocks (footballers), cheerios (cheerleaders) and glee kids (original members of glee club). The jocks and cheerios are new to glee club and in this episode, were forced to decide whether they would remain jocks or cheerios (popular kids) or stay in glee club (nerdy, unpopular kids). The glee kids are often prone to torment (getting Big Gulp Slurpies thrown at them) and bullying while the jocks and cheerios are priveledged with popularity and freedom.
This episode focused on social groups (popular vs. unpopular; jocks vs. nerds) and the pressure to fit into any one group. This pressure and these social groups (or cliques) are prevalent in our culture today and in schools throughout the world. Whether you like to play football, sing, play music, dance, act, etc., we should all learn to embrace these talents and individuality. Who knows, there could be a hidden talent in all of us.
This episode focused on social groups (popular vs. unpopular; jocks vs. nerds) and the pressure to fit into any one group. This pressure and these social groups (or cliques) are prevalent in our culture today and in schools throughout the world. Whether you like to play football, sing, play music, dance, act, etc., we should all learn to embrace these talents and individuality. Who knows, there could be a hidden talent in all of us.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Cultural Document
I chose to examine a YouTube video called Poor vs Rich. The video has many attributes that can relate to any social justice themes/ideas. The video is trying to show how different of a life style people in the world live in. The message that it is trying to give is that people especially the ones that live in developed countries like the United States and Europe should be thankful of what they have. The videos goes through by showing comparisons and contrast between the rich and the poor, I believe the social justice themes/ideas that can be documented from the video are oppression, poverty, social class, and many others.
Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i22DvoyuCOc
RN # 10
This is respond on the oral history by Orlando and Amanda.
The war in Iraq is all wrong and such a big mistake. In Orlando’s interview, the soldier is confused and kind of knowing that his not supposed to be there “Man, I don’t know. I don’t want to say anything I’m going to regret. Let me tell you though, I’d rather be in Afghanistan” In Amanda’s interview, every thing said the war is a huge mistake. Confusion, fear and death are all around the interviews. I will compare these interviews with all what I have heard and seen in the media and from friends. All what did come up in the interview is truth. Soldiers don’t know what they are fighting for and they are dying everyday for no reason. Iraqi civilians are living in hell since the war started. Children, women and elderly are dying as I am writing this respond. This war is kind of Vietnam War. There are more similarities than there are differences.
1- What is the real reason for Iraq war?
2- How did the Military Intelligence miss up about such important information that Iraq has mass destruction?
3- Why would soldiers like to be in Afghanistan instead of Iraq?
Iraq War losses. The losses of life and money.
The Iraq War effects on its people. Religiously, racially.
Soldiers in Iraq. Their life's and point of view.
The war in Iraq is all wrong and such a big mistake. In Orlando’s interview, the soldier is confused and kind of knowing that his not supposed to be there “Man, I don’t know. I don’t want to say anything I’m going to regret. Let me tell you though, I’d rather be in Afghanistan” In Amanda’s interview, every thing said the war is a huge mistake. Confusion, fear and death are all around the interviews. I will compare these interviews with all what I have heard and seen in the media and from friends. All what did come up in the interview is truth. Soldiers don’t know what they are fighting for and they are dying everyday for no reason. Iraqi civilians are living in hell since the war started. Children, women and elderly are dying as I am writing this respond. This war is kind of Vietnam War. There are more similarities than there are differences.
1- What is the real reason for Iraq war?
2- How did the Military Intelligence miss up about such important information that Iraq has mass destruction?
3- Why would soldiers like to be in Afghanistan instead of Iraq?
Iraq War losses. The losses of life and money.
The Iraq War effects on its people. Religiously, racially.
Soldiers in Iraq. Their life's and point of view.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Examination of a cultural document
I choose to look at the “JK Wedding Entrance Dance” as my viral video. I was not aware of this dance until a recreation of it had taken place on NBC’s “the Office.” I went looking for it shortly after and found it relevant to our class.
The dance is significant because it demonstrates the rejection of conformity when it comes to a traditional walking down the aisle ceremony. Furthermore the eccentricity of the whole act gives the whole wedding party, who is normally powerless in this case, an opportunity to get everyone excited about the wedding and start celebrating. The mundane walking down the aisle is associated with patriarchy and orthodoxy. That is, everyone walks in the same manner, dressed in identical clothing; the father gives the bride away to her next “owner,” the husband. This dance challenges all these social issues by saying we want to be different and we wont have the father give away the bride as some sort of property. It also tells us that society is starting to question traditions that may be considered outdated or inapplicable in today’s society. Lastly the end of the video features the whole wedding party coming out together dancing signifying the start of the celebration that is their union; not the agonizing “ball and chain” notion, as some people portray marriage.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-q-fsYQPZw&feature=rec-HM-r2
The dance is significant because it demonstrates the rejection of conformity when it comes to a traditional walking down the aisle ceremony. Furthermore the eccentricity of the whole act gives the whole wedding party, who is normally powerless in this case, an opportunity to get everyone excited about the wedding and start celebrating. The mundane walking down the aisle is associated with patriarchy and orthodoxy. That is, everyone walks in the same manner, dressed in identical clothing; the father gives the bride away to her next “owner,” the husband. This dance challenges all these social issues by saying we want to be different and we wont have the father give away the bride as some sort of property. It also tells us that society is starting to question traditions that may be considered outdated or inapplicable in today’s society. Lastly the end of the video features the whole wedding party coming out together dancing signifying the start of the celebration that is their union; not the agonizing “ball and chain” notion, as some people portray marriage.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-q-fsYQPZw&feature=rec-HM-r2
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
RN- 10
The thesis I have gathered from the two interviews, is that dreams are achievable but the path to success is hidden. Both interviews had two different point of views, one was about a young girl experience violence in her country. On other hand, a young man that moved from states and faces migration. The theme of these interviews are violence and migration. Neither chose their life to become this way.
I could relate to both interviews because I do come from a foreign country, which exclude me out from the American cultural just like for Latinos coming from their country. My country is also going through war on terrorism that affects me and my family. I too felt migrated. I did get effect from violence in my country which still provokes me to not go back.
-If you come from a country that is in war now, what way can you express the way you feeling?
-why are their more foreigners working one of the best jobs in America?
I like to do my research more on my country faces terroisim and what are they doing to stop it.
I could relate to both interviews because I do come from a foreign country, which exclude me out from the American cultural just like for Latinos coming from their country. My country is also going through war on terrorism that affects me and my family. I too felt migrated. I did get effect from violence in my country which still provokes me to not go back.
-If you come from a country that is in war now, what way can you express the way you feeling?
-why are their more foreigners working one of the best jobs in America?
I like to do my research more on my country faces terroisim and what are they doing to stop it.
RN #10
Reading Notes #10
The two blog posts I decided to read were Amanda’s and Asad’s. The stories of the interviewee’s were about an Iraqi who now lives in the US and had seen Americans at war in her home country, and an African man whose mother was murdered. Besides the fact that there are two sides to every story, there is also a sense of individual strength in both of the people mentioned in the interviews.
A theme that was seen in both instances was that of violence. Both stories had violence in them; directed toward an individual or a group. This compares to an article I read a few weeks ago on the New York Times website. The article reported the violence on Afghan refugees occurring in France. A class conversation question I would ask would be: What are some instances of things that the US has done that have made us appear as terrorists to others, but, when in American eyes, has not appeared so? If I were to expand the reading, I would interview more people that have had the strength to carry on after something life threatening had occurred to them.
I could not find two words I did not know but I did find an unusual idea in Amanda’s blog post; the thought that someone that lives among us that has nothing but absolute hatred for every American around them. Now, there are two sides to a story, and we may be the terrorists in other people’s eyes. Although both of the individuals have had a traumatic experience, both have found their strength in their own unique way.
From Olivia: CR2 Guidelines
Coming up:
1. Next week we have conferences instead of class meetings. The sign-up sheet for your 10-minute slot will be passed around the room today (Wed.).
2. You have an RN related to postings (of your choice) on this blog.
3. You need to consider what you will do for CR2. Here is an example (and I'll mention some others in class today), and below are the guidelines.
CR2 Guidelines:
Your assignment: make an original piece of art (poetry, drawing, music, painting, performance, sculpture, collage, comic strip, ?) alone OR with a partner.
This not a speech or a power point presentation; this is a "show and tell" type of format. You will not turn anything in. You will not be judged on your artwork. You will have to present your THESIS to the class.
You will be graded on the effectiveness of your analysis and your ability to summarize your position in one to two sentences (aloud). It's kind of like presenting a thesis to us orally and then supporting your thesis with your "piece of art."
The artwork MUST "illustrate" any social group experiencing any of the Five Faces of Oppression.
The social group you illustrate MUST comply with IMY's definition.
The social group MUST be experiencing at least one of the Five Faces.
Your grade is broken down this way: a) the effort of making an original, creative, and thoughtful piece of art is worth 5 points, b) your ability to summarize your analysis, orally, in a thesis statement is worth 5 points, c) your ability to smoothly connect IMY's theories with your own observation (social group, faces of oppression) is worth 10 points.
1. Next week we have conferences instead of class meetings. The sign-up sheet for your 10-minute slot will be passed around the room today (Wed.).
2. You have an RN related to postings (of your choice) on this blog.
3. You need to consider what you will do for CR2. Here is an example (and I'll mention some others in class today), and below are the guidelines.
CR2 Guidelines:
Your assignment: make an original piece of art (poetry, drawing, music, painting, performance, sculpture, collage, comic strip, ?) alone OR with a partner.
This not a speech or a power point presentation; this is a "show and tell" type of format. You will not turn anything in. You will not be judged on your artwork. You will have to present your THESIS to the class.
You will be graded on the effectiveness of your analysis and your ability to summarize your position in one to two sentences (aloud). It's kind of like presenting a thesis to us orally and then supporting your thesis with your "piece of art."
The artwork MUST "illustrate" any social group experiencing any of the Five Faces of Oppression.
The social group you illustrate MUST comply with IMY's definition.
The social group MUST be experiencing at least one of the Five Faces.
Your grade is broken down this way: a) the effort of making an original, creative, and thoughtful piece of art is worth 5 points, b) your ability to summarize your analysis, orally, in a thesis statement is worth 5 points, c) your ability to smoothly connect IMY's theories with your own observation (social group, faces of oppression) is worth 10 points.
RN #10
I read Asad, Laura and Oscar V.’s blogs that all had to deal with mothers and I learned it is best to cherish the moments you have with your mother and/or family now because you never know when things can change for the worst. The blogs do make a statement about our society that family is important and the base of any person. Some themes I gathered was simply family and motherhood, and one important thing into being a mother is knowing that you are not perfect but you should try your best. These blogs compared to my blog is quite different because the person I interviewed said that you cannot really rely on people, even if they are your family and the blogs I read are showing more of family togetherness. Some class discussion questions would be; is it better to be a stay at home mom or dad? Do you think society forces a thought in people’s head saying that everyone should get married and have kids? What age should a kid be when the mother or father goes back to work? Three topics I would research if I was making this into a larger project would be growing up without a father and only mother, later outcomes of tragedy in a child’s life, and relationship between mother and father and how it affects the kids. There were no new words but one thing that was mentioned was when your kids start having kids, you realize you’re getting old, I thought that was interesting.
RN 10 / I read Nancy & Asad's Interviews
RN 10
The thesis I have gathered from the two interviews I read, is that growing up without a parent can be very difficult. Both that were interviewed had lost a parent at a very young age. Life is hard enough when you have two parents. Losing one makes life twice as hard.
The themes of the two interviews was powerlessness. Neither could have done anything to change the fate of their parent.
I can relate to both interviews. I lost my father 5 years ago to cancer. I was much older at twenty nine, but it's still a terrible thing to go through. I too felt powerlessness. Sometimes in life their is nothing you can do to stop something from happening.
- In what ways has growing up with a single parent made you stonger?
- If you were able to talk to a deaceased parent today. What would you tell them or ask them?
- What will you tell your kids about growing up with only one parent?
Areas of Research
- What effects children the most from having only one parent?
- What's the percentage of people with one or less parents in U.S. ?
- Do kid's growing up with one parent have same social skills as other kids?
The thesis I have gathered from the two interviews I read, is that growing up without a parent can be very difficult. Both that were interviewed had lost a parent at a very young age. Life is hard enough when you have two parents. Losing one makes life twice as hard.
The themes of the two interviews was powerlessness. Neither could have done anything to change the fate of their parent.
I can relate to both interviews. I lost my father 5 years ago to cancer. I was much older at twenty nine, but it's still a terrible thing to go through. I too felt powerlessness. Sometimes in life their is nothing you can do to stop something from happening.
- In what ways has growing up with a single parent made you stonger?
- If you were able to talk to a deaceased parent today. What would you tell them or ask them?
- What will you tell your kids about growing up with only one parent?
Areas of Research
- What effects children the most from having only one parent?
- What's the percentage of people with one or less parents in U.S. ?
- Do kid's growing up with one parent have same social skills as other kids?
RN 10
I read the oral histories by Asad and Amanda. I chose both of them for this RN because they are about people from outside of America who have faced and witnessed tragic events. One person was from Africa while the other was from Iraq. The thesis of the readings is you have to forget the past and look towards the future.
The one unique thing about both the stories was that they were very young when they witnessed their respective events.The story of the African kid caught my eye because it had a sense of originality and anyone can connect with the kids feelings. I know personally I wouldn't be able to handle the passing of a parent at such a young age it is beyond imaginable for me. For the girl who witnessed the wars it is true reality since we hear stories everyday on the news of young kids being forced to stay inside because of the war. Instead of one war she witnessed three wars. It must have been hard because you lose so many rights and foreign Americans come in your land and act like they control you.
These stories remind me a lot of what is portrayed in the media or in personal biographies. In high school I saw a film on young kids who faced genocide in their country and had to leave. One of my close friends at an early age lost his father to a heart attack. He was real close with him and to think that the kid didn't know how his mom died and couldn't even say his last words to her it must have been horrible.
Questions
1. What psychological effects do violent wars and violence have on young kids?
2. How long does it take for someone to forget events that changed their lives (i.e. death, war,etc.)
3. Why is their less emphasis on police presence in poor nations compare to civilized nations?
I'd like to research the effects on a child who grows up without a mother figure in his life. Does their behavior change drastically and does it change for the better or worse? It would also be interesting to find out the views on people who have been involved in wars as residents of the area compared to what soldiers feel. It would be cool to know because many people feel express their hate towards the soldiers.
The one unique thing about both the stories was that they were very young when they witnessed their respective events.The story of the African kid caught my eye because it had a sense of originality and anyone can connect with the kids feelings. I know personally I wouldn't be able to handle the passing of a parent at such a young age it is beyond imaginable for me. For the girl who witnessed the wars it is true reality since we hear stories everyday on the news of young kids being forced to stay inside because of the war. Instead of one war she witnessed three wars. It must have been hard because you lose so many rights and foreign Americans come in your land and act like they control you.
These stories remind me a lot of what is portrayed in the media or in personal biographies. In high school I saw a film on young kids who faced genocide in their country and had to leave. One of my close friends at an early age lost his father to a heart attack. He was real close with him and to think that the kid didn't know how his mom died and couldn't even say his last words to her it must have been horrible.
Questions
1. What psychological effects do violent wars and violence have on young kids?
2. How long does it take for someone to forget events that changed their lives (i.e. death, war,etc.)
3. Why is their less emphasis on police presence in poor nations compare to civilized nations?
I'd like to research the effects on a child who grows up without a mother figure in his life. Does their behavior change drastically and does it change for the better or worse? It would also be interesting to find out the views on people who have been involved in wars as residents of the area compared to what soldiers feel. It would be cool to know because many people feel express their hate towards the soldiers.
RN #10
I read Jennifer's Aguirre story posted by Jasmine and the story of the 17 years old pot addicted, posted by lizh89. From both stories I got a strong conclusion. Family stability has a huge impact on children's development and identity. Both characters, Jennifer and, let's call her X, had a imbalanced childhood, with parents that give little attention on their education or development. I think both felt lost , disorientated and unadapted. the parents in both cases fail to connect with their children and give them appropriate education or life advise. And both of them remain me of my own childhood. My parents were not pot addicts but had a different addiction; alcohol. I also left home very early and the communication channel was never reenacted.
I can't help wandering, it is more likely for a child who came from parents with some sort of addiction, to fallow the same path? Do children who came from this type of families give up on themselves and their dreams? do they have hard time to adopt in our society and with the society's roles?
i would like to do a research in our campus to see how many student can identify themselves in this category and what can our society or better yet our university can do to help them. Obviously children who came from this type of families have a lot of issues to work on.
I can't help wandering, it is more likely for a child who came from parents with some sort of addiction, to fallow the same path? Do children who came from this type of families give up on themselves and their dreams? do they have hard time to adopt in our society and with the society's roles?
i would like to do a research in our campus to see how many student can identify themselves in this category and what can our society or better yet our university can do to help them. Obviously children who came from this type of families have a lot of issues to work on.
CR1
Dear Ms. Jefferson,
I noticed that when you first came to Chicago from Mississippi that you felt like you were young, free, and ignorant. I recall my mother feeling the same way when she came to Chicago from Georgia. She often told me when I was young that everyone just kind of blended in there. However, I never thought much about it because I never grew up there. I just know how Chicago and its residents are. It seems the city’s racial groups sometimes can be isolated and disconnected from each other. I also agree with you about teaching children about accomplishment. I have children and I want them to understand that they should not always depend on someone to give them handouts like food or money. Hopefully, at some point, they will have understood the values of how to make a living.
You mentioned that a lot of women are on ADC so they can be kept from getting hired. I don’t necessarily agree with you on this. I feel some women are on ADC because of lack of male involvement. For example, if women have children by men that are not involved, they will naturally need some sort help financially if they don’t have the time to look for work. What if they are just unlucky in finding a job because of lack of experience or education? I can not necessarily relate to being poor but I applaud you for making the most of bad situation. I see you find ways to get the most value out of your spending and you always seem upbeat. That’s incredible.
It’s interesting in that I am sometimes confronted about reading books around people, too. I can identify with you about people being shocked when they see African Americans reading certain types and titles of books. Is it that we are not supposed to be able to read and other groups are? It’s kind of like cultural imperialism.
I was sad to hear about everything concerning Melvin and your daughter. I feel all boys growing up need male involvement. Mothers and female voices can only do so much in raising boys. Boys will naturally look at adult men as role models and will pattern themselves after them. Without that, they just pick up fragments of men or women. This could be why Melvin has performed poorly at school. I agree with you though that schools could help more with supporting their students. More education about men and women relationships would be a good start. And I hope Melvin will be ok after moving to Selma. As for your daughter, I am just sorry to hear her marriage didn’t work out and but is going to have a baby. I also hope she finishes college like I am attempting to do. A degree is so important today just to have the opportunity to get a job or expand a career.
Well, good luck in the future and let us know how everything works out with you, Melvin, and your daughter.
Sincerely,
Jerry Thorpe
I noticed that when you first came to Chicago from Mississippi that you felt like you were young, free, and ignorant. I recall my mother feeling the same way when she came to Chicago from Georgia. She often told me when I was young that everyone just kind of blended in there. However, I never thought much about it because I never grew up there. I just know how Chicago and its residents are. It seems the city’s racial groups sometimes can be isolated and disconnected from each other. I also agree with you about teaching children about accomplishment. I have children and I want them to understand that they should not always depend on someone to give them handouts like food or money. Hopefully, at some point, they will have understood the values of how to make a living.
You mentioned that a lot of women are on ADC so they can be kept from getting hired. I don’t necessarily agree with you on this. I feel some women are on ADC because of lack of male involvement. For example, if women have children by men that are not involved, they will naturally need some sort help financially if they don’t have the time to look for work. What if they are just unlucky in finding a job because of lack of experience or education? I can not necessarily relate to being poor but I applaud you for making the most of bad situation. I see you find ways to get the most value out of your spending and you always seem upbeat. That’s incredible.
It’s interesting in that I am sometimes confronted about reading books around people, too. I can identify with you about people being shocked when they see African Americans reading certain types and titles of books. Is it that we are not supposed to be able to read and other groups are? It’s kind of like cultural imperialism.
I was sad to hear about everything concerning Melvin and your daughter. I feel all boys growing up need male involvement. Mothers and female voices can only do so much in raising boys. Boys will naturally look at adult men as role models and will pattern themselves after them. Without that, they just pick up fragments of men or women. This could be why Melvin has performed poorly at school. I agree with you though that schools could help more with supporting their students. More education about men and women relationships would be a good start. And I hope Melvin will be ok after moving to Selma. As for your daughter, I am just sorry to hear her marriage didn’t work out and but is going to have a baby. I also hope she finishes college like I am attempting to do. A degree is so important today just to have the opportunity to get a job or expand a career.
Well, good luck in the future and let us know how everything works out with you, Melvin, and your daughter.
Sincerely,
Jerry Thorpe
RN 10...i read oscar and laura's interviews
The thesis I have gathered from the two interviews are that mother’s play a very important role in their children’s life. The two mothers that were interviewed seem to have a great relationship with their children and want the best for them.
I think the themes of the two mothers are happiness. The mothers seem very happy with their children and very proud of raising them.
The interviews can relate to the relationship I have with my mom. I get along with my mom better than any other adult figure in my life. My mom was the one taking care of me; I feel she was the closest thing to a stay at home mom, even though she wasn’t, because I always remember her being there for me.
Do you think the stay at home mom will always have a better relationship with the children compared to the father? How do you think mothers feel about their husband being a stay at home dad? Do you feel being a stay at home parent is the best thing for the child/children?
I think the themes of the two mothers are happiness. The mothers seem very happy with their children and very proud of raising them.
The interviews can relate to the relationship I have with my mom. I get along with my mom better than any other adult figure in my life. My mom was the one taking care of me; I feel she was the closest thing to a stay at home mom, even though she wasn’t, because I always remember her being there for me.
Do you think the stay at home mom will always have a better relationship with the children compared to the father? How do you think mothers feel about their husband being a stay at home dad? Do you feel being a stay at home parent is the best thing for the child/children?
RN# 10
I chose to review Jlynch and Bojan's oral history projects because they speak about situations that I could potentially face as an education major.
Regardless of experience or level of education, in today's economy a job is never promised, never secure, its the luck of the draw as with anything else.
The stories talk about two educated people who chose the same career paths and the one with no actual work experience was fortunate enough to be employed. While the other has several years of experience but is just not desireable to potential employers to land a job.
I currently have several friends who are educators in Chicago and who face many obstacles in trying to remain employed, due to "job cuts". They try to advise me on my education and the things that I should do to secure a position with a company.
Discussions questions...
1. With the current need for educators, how is it that there are so many teachers without jobs?
2. With our growing population and our economic downfall more and more schools are closing, causing the remaining schools to be over populated. What affect does this have on our childrens education?
3.Why would a potential employer employ a teacher with no experience over someone with experience?
The number of teachers that are of retirement age but not yet retired and their effectiveness? Student to teacher ratio, before this current economic crisis and now and it's affect on educating our young? Level of education of the current educators to those still trying to gain employment?
Regardless of experience or level of education, in today's economy a job is never promised, never secure, its the luck of the draw as with anything else.
The stories talk about two educated people who chose the same career paths and the one with no actual work experience was fortunate enough to be employed. While the other has several years of experience but is just not desireable to potential employers to land a job.
I currently have several friends who are educators in Chicago and who face many obstacles in trying to remain employed, due to "job cuts". They try to advise me on my education and the things that I should do to secure a position with a company.
Discussions questions...
1. With the current need for educators, how is it that there are so many teachers without jobs?
2. With our growing population and our economic downfall more and more schools are closing, causing the remaining schools to be over populated. What affect does this have on our childrens education?
3.Why would a potential employer employ a teacher with no experience over someone with experience?
The number of teachers that are of retirement age but not yet retired and their effectiveness? Student to teacher ratio, before this current economic crisis and now and it's affect on educating our young? Level of education of the current educators to those still trying to gain employment?
RN10
I read the Oral Histories by Oscar V. and Ilona Lany. The thesis of these readings is that a solid support system is crucial for a person to achieve their goals and dreams. The readings tell us that people from various cultures still value the idea of a woman giving birth and caring for her children. Oscar talks about how his sister’s spouse was supportive of her being a stay at home mom. Ilona talks about her interviewee’s ability to cope with being a woman from a traditional family and not having a uterus thanks to her spouses support.
Both Oral Histories display women who were faced with difficult decisions but thanks to their support system they were able to make them without worries of repercussions. Women that want to stay at home and take care of their children are sometimes unable to; the cost of living has increased so much over the past decade that a dual income household has become common even necessary in certain parts of the country. The woman without a uterus was able to cope with her emotional problems thanks to her spouse and has realized that she does not want children now but knows there are still options there if she wants to be a mother one day. On a macro level both these cases compare to the struggle of women post World War II; these women had proven that they were a capable workforce yet when the men returned from war they were told to go home. Had the men supported them and encouraged their reentrance into the workforce things may have been much different for the feminist movement and we wouldn’t face a prejudice against a female workforce like we do today.
The conversation that could result from these readings is one of childcare. We could discuss the following questions:
1.Do you think more women would stay at home to raise their children if they had the option to?
2.Do you think women are indeed better caretakers then men? Would a child be better off if their mother raised them?
If I were going to expand this into a large project I would do some research on women without uterus’s to find out the emotional impact of such news. Also I would do some research on how many women stay at home to take care of their children and if there is any correlation between that and kids that do well initially in school. Finally, I would like to interview some teenagers who had stay at home parents and those that didn’t and see what their experience was like and what they thought of having a parent at home all the time when they were growing up.
Unknown Words
1.Vitro fertilization- fertilization of an egg in a laboratory dish or test tube
Both Oral Histories display women who were faced with difficult decisions but thanks to their support system they were able to make them without worries of repercussions. Women that want to stay at home and take care of their children are sometimes unable to; the cost of living has increased so much over the past decade that a dual income household has become common even necessary in certain parts of the country. The woman without a uterus was able to cope with her emotional problems thanks to her spouse and has realized that she does not want children now but knows there are still options there if she wants to be a mother one day. On a macro level both these cases compare to the struggle of women post World War II; these women had proven that they were a capable workforce yet when the men returned from war they were told to go home. Had the men supported them and encouraged their reentrance into the workforce things may have been much different for the feminist movement and we wouldn’t face a prejudice against a female workforce like we do today.
The conversation that could result from these readings is one of childcare. We could discuss the following questions:
1.Do you think more women would stay at home to raise their children if they had the option to?
2.Do you think women are indeed better caretakers then men? Would a child be better off if their mother raised them?
If I were going to expand this into a large project I would do some research on women without uterus’s to find out the emotional impact of such news. Also I would do some research on how many women stay at home to take care of their children and if there is any correlation between that and kids that do well initially in school. Finally, I would like to interview some teenagers who had stay at home parents and those that didn’t and see what their experience was like and what they thought of having a parent at home all the time when they were growing up.
Unknown Words
1.Vitro fertilization- fertilization of an egg in a laboratory dish or test tube
Thesis: Mothers have an influence on the way their children are raised.
I read the interviews from Oscar and Laura. Oscar's interview was on a freind who grew up without a mother or father figure. Laura's mother is there for her and she can turn to her for giudance. Losing a mother at an early age can be stressful and not well understood. I think that as you get older it is harder to relate to other people. The good thing about Oscar's friend is that he has positive memories of his mother. From the interview, it is seen that he looks up to her and follows her advice till this day. I do not know any of them personally but i do think that Laura and her mother have a good relationship, like every child should have. I think mother figure can be your mother or any one that acts like a mother. My aunt died and she left two children. At the time one was 6 and the other was 11. My aunt could not be there for them but their father was and is. I do not think it is the same relationship between a mother and father but that does not mean one is better than the other. I think it is harder to build a relationship with someone if you were never had one growing up. When you younger i think that a child understands the meaning of death completely.
Questions: 1. Do you think children without a mother or father figure can have a trustful relationship with someone? why or why not?
2. Do you think it makes a diffrence on the way a child is raised if he/she does or does not have a mother figure?
3. Do you think every child should have a mother figure in their life? Why or why not?
I would like to research if the crimes in Africa increased or decreased over the years. I would like to research (sociologically) if children need a mother figure. I would also like to research if a father figure can replace a mother figure.
I read the interviews from Oscar and Laura. Oscar's interview was on a freind who grew up without a mother or father figure. Laura's mother is there for her and she can turn to her for giudance. Losing a mother at an early age can be stressful and not well understood. I think that as you get older it is harder to relate to other people. The good thing about Oscar's friend is that he has positive memories of his mother. From the interview, it is seen that he looks up to her and follows her advice till this day. I do not know any of them personally but i do think that Laura and her mother have a good relationship, like every child should have. I think mother figure can be your mother or any one that acts like a mother. My aunt died and she left two children. At the time one was 6 and the other was 11. My aunt could not be there for them but their father was and is. I do not think it is the same relationship between a mother and father but that does not mean one is better than the other. I think it is harder to build a relationship with someone if you were never had one growing up. When you younger i think that a child understands the meaning of death completely.
Questions: 1. Do you think children without a mother or father figure can have a trustful relationship with someone? why or why not?
2. Do you think it makes a diffrence on the way a child is raised if he/she does or does not have a mother figure?
3. Do you think every child should have a mother figure in their life? Why or why not?
I would like to research if the crimes in Africa increased or decreased over the years. I would like to research (sociologically) if children need a mother figure. I would also like to research if a father figure can replace a mother figure.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Oral History
I decided to conduct an interview with a gentleman who is a floor supervisor for a casino and is a former college athlete of a local university. His name is Brian and is 39 years old. He was raised and currently lives on the south side of Chicago. He is opinionated about college sports scholarships and boosters.
What sport(s) did you play in college?
-“I played football and basketball.”
Do you think you were pretty good at football and basketball?
-“I was ok with football. I was a walk-on playing wide out (wide receiver). I think I made the team because I could run fast. Didn’t play much. As for basketball, I was as great as Michael Jordan (laughing). Just kidding. I was good enough to get a 4 year scholarship.”
That’s pretty good you were able to get a scholarship playing basketball. Did you finish college?
-“Yeah. I have a degree in finance. I know you’re probably thinking how is someone with a degree in finance working on the floor of a casino? I lost my job because of the economy a year and a half ago. Have to make ends meet till something better comes along.”
If you don’t mind me asking, what do you think about college boosters?
-“I think boosters are ok. They serve a purpose.”
Do you really think they serve a purpose?
-“Yeah. There’s nothing wrong with helping someone or their family with a little extra pocket change (money) or anything else they need. I mean, these colleges are making money off of the athletes when they play in their stadiums and sell college apparel to the public so I feel if the players get offered something on the side it should be ok.”
Were you boosted in college?
-“No but I knew some guys on each team that were boosted.”
Do you keep in contact with any of them?
-“Not really. I was pretty cool with a guy on the football team but we lost contact some time ago.
Do you think college athletes should get a salary like professionals do?
-“No, even though they’re working a job outside of school. I just feel like it’s not fair for colleges to give someone a scholarship but not let them get any financial help. I benefitted from a 4 year scholarship with a degree but I could have used extra help financially. Plus, like I said, why should the colleges make all the money.
So you also feel playing college sports are like working a job?
-“Yes. The time and preparation you spend towards playing is like working an 8 hour job. You can find yourself spending most of your day practicing, training, or memorizing play books for the team and then having to travel around the country on the weekends. I haven’t even started talking about where someone finds time to study for class.
Finally, since you feel boosters are ok, do you think it would be ok for a booster to give college athletes money to throw a game (deliberate cheating)?
-“No way. That’s unacceptable. There has to be some sort of integrity. I relate a question like that to working at the casino. If I deliberately threw a card game when I first started, I would have been fired. So I believe if a player throws a game, he/she should face a similar outcome like losing a scholarship or thrown out of school. If a booster got caught, he should be thrown in jail. It’s just not right.”
RN10-Oral History response.
I read two stories that expressed tragedy and mistreatment of human beings. The first one was a man's reflection of his childhood; the story of his mother being kidnapped and killed. The second one was the story of a 19 year old girl who had lived in Iraq and had experienced multiple wars. Their stories reveal how cruel injustices effect children and shape people's views of the world. Through these people one can see different perspectives of the world and feel the emotions that go along with them. Both stories are very sad, but within them there still manages to be hope and beauty; and this is expressed in the people themselves.
In the kidnapping story, the boy's innocence and life were taken away from him. His mother was abducted with the motive of money and was ruthlessly shot. I can not even imagine what this poor boy must have felt, especially only being eleven at the time. What happened to his mother represents the relentless evil that comes along with money. It also shows that how after a terrible event, seems things to just fall into place in ways that are uncontrollable. In this boy's case, not only was his mother snatched away from him, afterward he had to move to another country to live with his father; someone he was not close with. It shows how people's greed and need for power can destroy another person's life. However, despite everything this child went through he maintained an amazing strength. Through his interview we were able to see that this strength was taught from his mother, and honored to respect her.
The second story was of a girl named Shamiram Youkhanna who was born in Iraq and had lived there for part of her youth. Her story details life surrounded from war. She tells accounts of bombs being dropped just mere miles from her home, of schools only opening for an hour, and of families being controlled by fear. Her story expressed the injustice of war, and how it effects families and communities. She also talked about how drastically life changed, because no one worked, no stores were open, and the farthest place one would go was to their neighbors. Is is not often we hear stories like these, stories of the pain and sufferening that is happening at the hands of the American government. Through her interview the reader is able to gain a different perspective of the wars in Iraq, and is also able to understand the emotional affects it has on people. Through her interview she expressed much anger for Americans, because she had seen cruelty done at their hands. However, she in now living in America and attending school which shows that she doesn't hold her hate against everyone and has promice for a better future.
Their stories both had themes of tradegy at the hands of someone else, and they also express the emotions of growing up deprived of innocence. It made me think of Dorothea Lange's photographs; where families were being torn apart and the children unknowingly took the wrath. I learned a lot through reading these two interviews; and although I didn't learn any new words I learned a little bit about what it would be like to experience a catastrophe. If I were to expand my research based on these histories, I would look more into kidnapping statistics in Africa and also learn more about certain country's local authorities. I would also review the war that was happening in Iraq under Clinton's rule, and concluse with finding more stories of the war from the perspective of the Iraqi people.
Discussion Questions:
-How do you think the young boy's kidnapping affected his adulthood?
-How do you feel hearing about someone's fear and anger towards America?
-If you could ask either of these people your own question, what would you ask them?
In the kidnapping story, the boy's innocence and life were taken away from him. His mother was abducted with the motive of money and was ruthlessly shot. I can not even imagine what this poor boy must have felt, especially only being eleven at the time. What happened to his mother represents the relentless evil that comes along with money. It also shows that how after a terrible event, seems things to just fall into place in ways that are uncontrollable. In this boy's case, not only was his mother snatched away from him, afterward he had to move to another country to live with his father; someone he was not close with. It shows how people's greed and need for power can destroy another person's life. However, despite everything this child went through he maintained an amazing strength. Through his interview we were able to see that this strength was taught from his mother, and honored to respect her.
The second story was of a girl named Shamiram Youkhanna who was born in Iraq and had lived there for part of her youth. Her story details life surrounded from war. She tells accounts of bombs being dropped just mere miles from her home, of schools only opening for an hour, and of families being controlled by fear. Her story expressed the injustice of war, and how it effects families and communities. She also talked about how drastically life changed, because no one worked, no stores were open, and the farthest place one would go was to their neighbors. Is is not often we hear stories like these, stories of the pain and sufferening that is happening at the hands of the American government. Through her interview the reader is able to gain a different perspective of the wars in Iraq, and is also able to understand the emotional affects it has on people. Through her interview she expressed much anger for Americans, because she had seen cruelty done at their hands. However, she in now living in America and attending school which shows that she doesn't hold her hate against everyone and has promice for a better future.
Their stories both had themes of tradegy at the hands of someone else, and they also express the emotions of growing up deprived of innocence. It made me think of Dorothea Lange's photographs; where families were being torn apart and the children unknowingly took the wrath. I learned a lot through reading these two interviews; and although I didn't learn any new words I learned a little bit about what it would be like to experience a catastrophe. If I were to expand my research based on these histories, I would look more into kidnapping statistics in Africa and also learn more about certain country's local authorities. I would also review the war that was happening in Iraq under Clinton's rule, and concluse with finding more stories of the war from the perspective of the Iraqi people.
Discussion Questions:
-How do you think the young boy's kidnapping affected his adulthood?
-How do you feel hearing about someone's fear and anger towards America?
-If you could ask either of these people your own question, what would you ask them?
Monday, October 12, 2009
ZEHRA K BOZAI.
Zehra K Bozai
English 102
12, Oct 2009.
I interviewed shift supervisor of the Sally beauty supplies located atLincoln and McCormick. I stayyed with her for an hour, she told me about her experience working as a supervisor..............
AN INTERVIEW WITH A STORE MANAGER.
I went to the SALLY BEAUTY SUPPLIES store located at McCormick and Lincoln Ave. There I met Rita, the shift supervisor of the store. As soon as I entered the store I saw a young lady standing behind the counter in front of a cash register. She said hello to me, and with a smiling face asked, “Can I help you?” I said, “No thanks I am just looking around. If I need your help I’ll ask you.” Then I started looking at the different merchandise in the store. The store was full of beauty items located throughout three aisles. It was not a huge store, but all the merchandise was arranged in a way that it looked neat and clean. I spent fifteen minutes looking around the different kinds of merchandise in the store. I have been a Sally customer for the last seven years, and I mostly buy my beauty stuff there.
After spending fifteen minutes walking around the store, I returned to the front to ask the shift supervisor a few things about the store and her job. When I approached her, she was dealing with a Korean customer. He was a middle aged man of about fifty years who could not even speak a word of English. The shift supervisor said his bill as thirty dollars, but he gave her forty dollars. When she tried to return his extra ten dollars, he thought she was asking for more money and tried to give her an additional twenty dollars. She said, “Thank you. You are okay,” and the man left with a smiling face.
One of the interview questions I asked Rita was about how long she had been working at Sally’s. She said she had started as a sales associate when she was a seventeen-year-old high school graduate. At that time it was hard for her to continue her job because her manager was very strict and made her work hard. Her manager was also kind of rude. Rita also explained how she continued working because she was fond of shopping and needed money. Luckily after some time her strict manager got transferred to a different location and that made her job easier and she continued working at Sally.
Rita worked as a sales associate for three years and then she got an out-of-state job offer for an opening in Arizona as a “Key holder” position in Sally’s. She moved there and stayed there for a year and then moved back to this location where she has been working as a shift supervisor for the last three years. Rita enjoys working at the McCormick and Lincoln location because it is close to her home. She has two people working under her and her responsibilities include keeping track of everything that happens during her shift and telling sales associates to take care of customers. If something is missing from the store, Rita is supposed to tell her manager right away. Also, if an employee is not working properly or behaves rudely towards a customer, then she is supposed to inform her manager right away.
Rita said working at Sally’s is a tough job because different cultures of customers who speak different languages visit the store on a daily basis. She said you have to be patient with customers, and there is a store policy that says the customer is away right. Sally’s has a sixty-day returned policy if customers are not satisfied with the merchandise. Rita was born and raised in the United States. She is basically Assyrian, and speaks five different languages including Arabic, Farsi, Spanish, English, and Assyrian. Her knowledge of different languages helps her deal more easily with different customers.
Rita also works a part-time job as a hairdresser in one of the spas in Downtown Chicago. Her duties are to supervise the sale associates working with her. Every year Rita takes 25-50 hours of continuing education classes a year to renew her beauty license. She said she is making good money at Sally’s and has no plan of leaving that job. However, in the future, Rita may like to own her own spa.
English 102
12, Oct 2009.
I interviewed shift supervisor of the Sally beauty supplies located atLincoln and McCormick. I stayyed with her for an hour, she told me about her experience working as a supervisor..............
AN INTERVIEW WITH A STORE MANAGER.
I went to the SALLY BEAUTY SUPPLIES store located at McCormick and Lincoln Ave. There I met Rita, the shift supervisor of the store. As soon as I entered the store I saw a young lady standing behind the counter in front of a cash register. She said hello to me, and with a smiling face asked, “Can I help you?” I said, “No thanks I am just looking around. If I need your help I’ll ask you.” Then I started looking at the different merchandise in the store. The store was full of beauty items located throughout three aisles. It was not a huge store, but all the merchandise was arranged in a way that it looked neat and clean. I spent fifteen minutes looking around the different kinds of merchandise in the store. I have been a Sally customer for the last seven years, and I mostly buy my beauty stuff there.
After spending fifteen minutes walking around the store, I returned to the front to ask the shift supervisor a few things about the store and her job. When I approached her, she was dealing with a Korean customer. He was a middle aged man of about fifty years who could not even speak a word of English. The shift supervisor said his bill as thirty dollars, but he gave her forty dollars. When she tried to return his extra ten dollars, he thought she was asking for more money and tried to give her an additional twenty dollars. She said, “Thank you. You are okay,” and the man left with a smiling face.
One of the interview questions I asked Rita was about how long she had been working at Sally’s. She said she had started as a sales associate when she was a seventeen-year-old high school graduate. At that time it was hard for her to continue her job because her manager was very strict and made her work hard. Her manager was also kind of rude. Rita also explained how she continued working because she was fond of shopping and needed money. Luckily after some time her strict manager got transferred to a different location and that made her job easier and she continued working at Sally.
Rita worked as a sales associate for three years and then she got an out-of-state job offer for an opening in Arizona as a “Key holder” position in Sally’s. She moved there and stayed there for a year and then moved back to this location where she has been working as a shift supervisor for the last three years. Rita enjoys working at the McCormick and Lincoln location because it is close to her home. She has two people working under her and her responsibilities include keeping track of everything that happens during her shift and telling sales associates to take care of customers. If something is missing from the store, Rita is supposed to tell her manager right away. Also, if an employee is not working properly or behaves rudely towards a customer, then she is supposed to inform her manager right away.
Rita said working at Sally’s is a tough job because different cultures of customers who speak different languages visit the store on a daily basis. She said you have to be patient with customers, and there is a store policy that says the customer is away right. Sally’s has a sixty-day returned policy if customers are not satisfied with the merchandise. Rita was born and raised in the United States. She is basically Assyrian, and speaks five different languages including Arabic, Farsi, Spanish, English, and Assyrian. Her knowledge of different languages helps her deal more easily with different customers.
Rita also works a part-time job as a hairdresser in one of the spas in Downtown Chicago. Her duties are to supervise the sale associates working with her. Every year Rita takes 25-50 hours of continuing education classes a year to renew her beauty license. She said she is making good money at Sally’s and has no plan of leaving that job. However, in the future, Rita may like to own her own spa.
Oral History
I interviewed my sister who is a stay at home mom with 2 kids. She has been for about 3 and half years now. Her husband works from home and occasionally travels out.
Hey, so how do you feel about the idea of stay at home mothers?
I think if you have the opportunity to stay home with your kids you should. Your kids are small only once. I believe this is the most important time in their lives. The period when they need the
most from their mother’s attention.
Did you plan to become a stay home mother?
I think more or less I did. I prepared by achieving some of my other life goals. I acquired my masters degree, I found a new job and received a few years of experience so when I do go back to work I have something to show for. My husband and I were able to do some traveling as well before having kids.
Do you feel there are any advantages staying at home with your children?
Yes, there are many advantages to staying home with my kids. I have been able to help and experience all their milestones. If you miss all this you never get a second chance to experience them again.
What does your husband think about the idea?
My husband thinks it’s a great idea I stay with our kids. He believes kids are better taken care of by their mothers than with anyone else. He has always supported me in the idea of staying home with our kids until they are old enough.
Would you like to return to work?
Yes, I would like to return to work. I want to put to practice my degree again. And acquire more experience in my human resource career.
What degrees have you received?
I have a Bachelors degree in Social Work and a Masters degree in Human Resource Management.
Hey, so how do you feel about the idea of stay at home mothers?
I think if you have the opportunity to stay home with your kids you should. Your kids are small only once. I believe this is the most important time in their lives. The period when they need the
most from their mother’s attention.
Did you plan to become a stay home mother?
I think more or less I did. I prepared by achieving some of my other life goals. I acquired my masters degree, I found a new job and received a few years of experience so when I do go back to work I have something to show for. My husband and I were able to do some traveling as well before having kids.
Do you feel there are any advantages staying at home with your children?
Yes, there are many advantages to staying home with my kids. I have been able to help and experience all their milestones. If you miss all this you never get a second chance to experience them again.
What does your husband think about the idea?
My husband thinks it’s a great idea I stay with our kids. He believes kids are better taken care of by their mothers than with anyone else. He has always supported me in the idea of staying home with our kids until they are old enough.
Would you like to return to work?
Yes, I would like to return to work. I want to put to practice my degree again. And acquire more experience in my human resource career.
What degrees have you received?
I have a Bachelors degree in Social Work and a Masters degree in Human Resource Management.
Oral History
Oral History
I am doing my Oral History on my childhood friend, whose mom was involved in kidnapping leading to her death. He’s age now is 22 years of old, he was born in Africa and his ethnicity is Arabian. He was only 11 when he came to United State Of America. His Dad divorces his mom when he was only 7 years old and later his mom was murder when he was 10.
I know a lot of people asked you this question, but what happen to your mother?
Umm…. when I was 10 years old I use to go a home school near my house, we lived in the city called Kassal, Africa. The city is on border of Ethiopia and Eritrea. My dad divorces my mom when I was seven (I believe) so it was my mom and I living alone. We did not live in a village but a suburban area. We did not have many friends because we were new to the area.
Oh, Where did you live before?
We lived in the city. I don’t remember much us living in the city. Anyways, one time I was going to home school, which was a block down, near the house, I kiss my mom goodbye and she dropped me off. My mom used to work for a gas station she was control of all the accounting and balancing the end of day totals. My mom was never a socialize person or a person who intervene with anyone. One day she was working at the gas station, my mom mostly did morning job because of me being home alone. She was getting ready to leave when a car with four gents pulled up around evening time. As the police told me the gents were African and were wearing blue suites. They approach my mom with total respect and asked her for direction in English. My mom did not speak English so she tries to be as much help she can be. One of the gents stood their distracting my mom where the other three walk around the area looking for any witness. In the suburban area it is not that busy on the gas station and did I mention it was a Wednesday evening.
Ok.
Well the gents realize it is not busy so they decided to make their move. They all took out a 9 Millie meter gun and held up my mom and a customer in the store. The entire camera showed next was the first person push my mom onto the back room and began to eject the cash register. It was not much in the register as the police claimed so they began to threaten my mom. My mom had no idea where the save was; so they grab my mom and start forcing her to give up any information. Luckily a customer came up to the pump and saw a man in mask and called the cops. Before the cops can arrive they took my mom as hostage and drove off. The customer remembering the plate number, the color of the car and informed the cops. From there it was a car chase situation. And all can the police predict from there is my mom was shot and died in the car.
When did you hear about this dramatic incident? And were the robbers caught?
Well I got off from school at four. I waited outside for my mom who most likely picks me up or sometime the teacher walks me to my house. My teacher, Mrs. Kani did not have the time after school and had to go somewhere so she told me to wait at the house. It was seven a clock and I have no news for my mom. Later on at eight o’clock a policemen showed up at the door and asked for Mrs. Kani. I knew something was wrong. The robbers mange to get away and later were killed in a shooting brawl between the police.
I see. Carry on.
Well they did not tell me the whole story; they just told me my mom is gone for a while. I did not understand and cried my self to sleep. They called my dad who actually had moved to United States and flew back. The next I remember is that I was going to America. I knew something was not right, when my dad said to me that my mom is not feeling well so he will be taking care of me.
Why is that? Why did you feel that something is wrong, when your father is there?
Well my dad did not want any part of me, that’s what my mom told me. And from there I was brought to United State Of America. I did not talk to my dad much, but he was capable enough to tell me the story of my mom. At that time I was at age of 12.
What went through your mind, when he told you the story?
Well for most of it I cried, but I knew I had to be strong and live on, that’s what my mom always taught me.
Well now it’s be 12 years since that incident, and as much as I know you; you have not gone back to your country? Neither to you mom grave?
I feel that one-day, when I have the courage to go back I will.
Are you still living with your dad?
No. My dad has his own family and I have my own life.
ORAL HISTORY
I interviewed one of my best friends who has Latin background. The interview was about his life in general. Please click the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw7Tx5GG9vg
Jawhar Alsalsem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw7Tx5GG9vg
Jawhar Alsalsem
Oral History
I interviewed my mom. I look up to my mom in a lot of ways; she is the strongest woman I know. The questions I asked were random and for no particular reason, just ones that I thought to be interesting.
Whats the one thing you would have done differently as a mom?
Nothing, im perfect (laughs). There are some little things here and there that I feel like hey maybe I could have handled that differently, but overall I wish I would have been able to travel with my kids more. I would have loved for you guys to experience all the different ways of life, rather than just reading about them in books.
Why did you choose to be with my father?
I was drunk (laughs). Your dad grew on me. you know the story of how he used to come into my work and not even buy anything; just look around at the merchandise (and me). why do you think we call him "spacey" (laughs). your dad is a romantic, and me i wasnt really all about that, but he showed me what love is.
In what ways do you think I am like you? not like you?
Your a very strong person, like me, you come from a strong base. You like to be out and about just like me; and unfortunately you got my shopping habbit (laughs). I dont think that you worry as much like me; you have a very timid oura about you, which ill be honest, I wish I had when i was growing up.
Which one of us kids did you like the best?
Your sister, obviously (laughs). when I was younger, my brother and I would always tease my mom on how she loved my sister more. All of my kids have different qualitites about them that I love and some that I dont love; how could I pick one that is my favorite?
Whats the best thing I can do for you right now?
Take care of yourself. Finish school. Just try and be happy with what you have and the life you have. And never move out (laughs).
Is there anything you regret not having asked your parents?
yeah. I always wanted to know if your grandpa had something going on with Mrs. Hayza; they had a really close relationship. My sister thinks there was something going on, but who really knows; your grandpa loved grandma.
When did you realize you were no longer a child?
When you sister had Frank. I couldnt believe that my kid was having a kid. I knew it would happen eventually, but to actually experience it was something beyond words; and I thought to myself, wow im old, there is no way that im being called grandma (laughs).
Whats the one thing you would have done differently as a mom?
Nothing, im perfect (laughs). There are some little things here and there that I feel like hey maybe I could have handled that differently, but overall I wish I would have been able to travel with my kids more. I would have loved for you guys to experience all the different ways of life, rather than just reading about them in books.
Why did you choose to be with my father?
I was drunk (laughs). Your dad grew on me. you know the story of how he used to come into my work and not even buy anything; just look around at the merchandise (and me). why do you think we call him "spacey" (laughs). your dad is a romantic, and me i wasnt really all about that, but he showed me what love is.
In what ways do you think I am like you? not like you?
Your a very strong person, like me, you come from a strong base. You like to be out and about just like me; and unfortunately you got my shopping habbit (laughs). I dont think that you worry as much like me; you have a very timid oura about you, which ill be honest, I wish I had when i was growing up.
Which one of us kids did you like the best?
Your sister, obviously (laughs). when I was younger, my brother and I would always tease my mom on how she loved my sister more. All of my kids have different qualitites about them that I love and some that I dont love; how could I pick one that is my favorite?
Whats the best thing I can do for you right now?
Take care of yourself. Finish school. Just try and be happy with what you have and the life you have. And never move out (laughs).
Is there anything you regret not having asked your parents?
yeah. I always wanted to know if your grandpa had something going on with Mrs. Hayza; they had a really close relationship. My sister thinks there was something going on, but who really knows; your grandpa loved grandma.
When did you realize you were no longer a child?
When you sister had Frank. I couldnt believe that my kid was having a kid. I knew it would happen eventually, but to actually experience it was something beyond words; and I thought to myself, wow im old, there is no way that im being called grandma (laughs).
Oral History
I am sharing a letter written to me by a dear friend of mine who came out as a gay man in his later 20's after being in a heterosexual relationship for a good portion of his adult life. I met him while working my first job after college (12 years ago) and we have remained close friends. This letters talks about his life, his reaction to Proposition 8 (California), the ballot initiative that recognizes marriage only between one man and one woman, him finding true love and of his family's unconditional love and support.
I had the pleasure of sharing in part of his adventure abroad in 2001 and the pleasure of being his friend. Initials have been used in place of names.
Dear family and friends,
This week, the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, the 2008 ballot initiative that recognizes marriage only between one man and one woman in the state of California. Although this decision denies same-sex couples the right to marry, same-sex marriages legally performed between June and November 2008 will continue to be recognized. There is no doubt this news will reach each of you as this decision has been watched closely in California, around the nation and the globe. This decision has a significant impact on me.
I moved to California in February of 2002 shortly after adventures abroad—you might recall, in 2001, I quit my job, sold my condo, moved my stuff into storage and left the states to find myself. It was a pivotal moment in my life, a spiritual journey for which I am so grateful.
Upon returning to the states, I landed in Los Angeles, where I thought I would make my home. On my first day in L.A., I ran into a good friend who I had met on Mykonos on September 11, 2001. I had not collected his contact information while in Greece: this chance encounter in Los Angeles in February 2002 was serendipity at its best, until last September. It was also a sign I was where I am going.
There is too much to share with you about what I have experienced from that February day in Los Angeles to today in San Francisco—you should rest knowing the stories are colorful and full of adventure, of lessons learned and life experienced fully. They are also treasured, and involved moments of joy with close friends. They have been with my family—who continue to make themselves available with visits to California to share in my life. I am lucky in love in this regard.
There is one remarkable story I want to share in some detail: How I met C.
It was love at first sight—and I am not kidding.
The morning we met I was having coffee with a good friend. She and I were commiserating our singles lifestyle; empathizing with each other our loneliness; encouraging one another to be hopeful about the future. We broached the subject of building a non-traditional family, speaking about whether or not separately we wanted to become single parents. I pondered, if I were to be a father should I adopt or should I have a baby with a friend? She weighed the pros and cons of calling on a gay friends to be a sperm donor. I left the coffee shop feeling lonely and frustrated. I wondered if I had made the right choice with respect to living in California. I asked myself, should I return to Chicago where there is a comfortable, built-in support system to help me weather the emotional storms? Was I pursuing my life’s work as a fundraiser for the performing arts or should I become a teacher? How would I support a child? Should I grocery shop or order take out that night? I did what anyone questioning himself might do; I went shopping.
It was after fruitful visits to Banana Republic and Zara—and an acknowledgement I had all the goods I needed—that I derailed a jaunt to the Saks Fifth Avenue men’s store for a walk instead to MUNI and a bus ride home (MUNI is the public transportation service in San Francisco). Fortunately, before reaching the bus, I passed by the Macy’s men’s store, where, upon breezing by a handsome man, inertia took hold. I stopped, turned around and recognized in C’s eyes a familiarity known deep within my soul but unknown to me until that moment. Skittishly, we both moved along from that familiar glance only to look back once more, stop again, turn around, and walk toward one another to meet. We traded phone numbers after a short amount of time exchanging pleasantries. When I moved from him to continue my walk to MUNI, I looked up to Him and, quietly, said aloud “thank you.” C and I had our first date the next week and have been together since.
They—those smart people who tell my mother what color is being shown in a given fashion season—told me I would know it when it him me. I am a Virgo: some amount of over analysis and questioning ensued; however, quickly, I deduced, C is it. He is sweet and kind. He is loving and caring. He makes me laugh. I am not nervous about tomorrow with him; rather, with him I look forward to what tomorrow will bring. I am the happiest and most settled I have been in my lifetime, ever. I want to marry this man. However, unfortunately, representing the people and the good state of California, the California Supreme Court has told me I cannot.
My sister has been known to predict important events in the lives of our family and in the lives of some family friends—it has been said she has a connection with the spirit world which leads her to certain conclusions (perhaps more on this in another letter). For a few years now, J has believed I will be settled in my relationship when I reach the age of 42, in 2012. Good timing, I guess, as her son, N, will be at the perfect age to be ring bearer.
My dad called me on the evening the decision was announced after also sending me a text message. We had a nice chat. We said, “I love you” as we always do when we chat. His text and his call were to tell me, “Your gov. (Schwarzenegger) On leno tonight said another proposition will overturn today’s decisions.” I hope this is true. My parents are champions of equal rights for the LGBT community and share with me my joy and my suffering as a gay man. I am so very proud they are proud. I am so very lucky they are my parents.
The Gubernator is probably correct; there will be another ballot initiative. They say as early as 2010. We will overturn this decision. We will re-write inclusion into the state’s constitution and make void the amendment that bans same-sex marriage and strips good and loving people of a basic civil right.
This is what is new with me: I am in love, and I am forever hopeful the right thing will be done.
I had the pleasure of sharing in part of his adventure abroad in 2001 and the pleasure of being his friend. Initials have been used in place of names.
Dear family and friends,
This week, the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, the 2008 ballot initiative that recognizes marriage only between one man and one woman in the state of California. Although this decision denies same-sex couples the right to marry, same-sex marriages legally performed between June and November 2008 will continue to be recognized. There is no doubt this news will reach each of you as this decision has been watched closely in California, around the nation and the globe. This decision has a significant impact on me.
I moved to California in February of 2002 shortly after adventures abroad—you might recall, in 2001, I quit my job, sold my condo, moved my stuff into storage and left the states to find myself. It was a pivotal moment in my life, a spiritual journey for which I am so grateful.
Upon returning to the states, I landed in Los Angeles, where I thought I would make my home. On my first day in L.A., I ran into a good friend who I had met on Mykonos on September 11, 2001. I had not collected his contact information while in Greece: this chance encounter in Los Angeles in February 2002 was serendipity at its best, until last September. It was also a sign I was where I am going.
There is too much to share with you about what I have experienced from that February day in Los Angeles to today in San Francisco—you should rest knowing the stories are colorful and full of adventure, of lessons learned and life experienced fully. They are also treasured, and involved moments of joy with close friends. They have been with my family—who continue to make themselves available with visits to California to share in my life. I am lucky in love in this regard.
There is one remarkable story I want to share in some detail: How I met C.
It was love at first sight—and I am not kidding.
The morning we met I was having coffee with a good friend. She and I were commiserating our singles lifestyle; empathizing with each other our loneliness; encouraging one another to be hopeful about the future. We broached the subject of building a non-traditional family, speaking about whether or not separately we wanted to become single parents. I pondered, if I were to be a father should I adopt or should I have a baby with a friend? She weighed the pros and cons of calling on a gay friends to be a sperm donor. I left the coffee shop feeling lonely and frustrated. I wondered if I had made the right choice with respect to living in California. I asked myself, should I return to Chicago where there is a comfortable, built-in support system to help me weather the emotional storms? Was I pursuing my life’s work as a fundraiser for the performing arts or should I become a teacher? How would I support a child? Should I grocery shop or order take out that night? I did what anyone questioning himself might do; I went shopping.
It was after fruitful visits to Banana Republic and Zara—and an acknowledgement I had all the goods I needed—that I derailed a jaunt to the Saks Fifth Avenue men’s store for a walk instead to MUNI and a bus ride home (MUNI is the public transportation service in San Francisco). Fortunately, before reaching the bus, I passed by the Macy’s men’s store, where, upon breezing by a handsome man, inertia took hold. I stopped, turned around and recognized in C’s eyes a familiarity known deep within my soul but unknown to me until that moment. Skittishly, we both moved along from that familiar glance only to look back once more, stop again, turn around, and walk toward one another to meet. We traded phone numbers after a short amount of time exchanging pleasantries. When I moved from him to continue my walk to MUNI, I looked up to Him and, quietly, said aloud “thank you.” C and I had our first date the next week and have been together since.
They—those smart people who tell my mother what color is being shown in a given fashion season—told me I would know it when it him me. I am a Virgo: some amount of over analysis and questioning ensued; however, quickly, I deduced, C is it. He is sweet and kind. He is loving and caring. He makes me laugh. I am not nervous about tomorrow with him; rather, with him I look forward to what tomorrow will bring. I am the happiest and most settled I have been in my lifetime, ever. I want to marry this man. However, unfortunately, representing the people and the good state of California, the California Supreme Court has told me I cannot.
My sister has been known to predict important events in the lives of our family and in the lives of some family friends—it has been said she has a connection with the spirit world which leads her to certain conclusions (perhaps more on this in another letter). For a few years now, J has believed I will be settled in my relationship when I reach the age of 42, in 2012. Good timing, I guess, as her son, N, will be at the perfect age to be ring bearer.
My dad called me on the evening the decision was announced after also sending me a text message. We had a nice chat. We said, “I love you” as we always do when we chat. His text and his call were to tell me, “Your gov. (Schwarzenegger) On leno tonight said another proposition will overturn today’s decisions.” I hope this is true. My parents are champions of equal rights for the LGBT community and share with me my joy and my suffering as a gay man. I am so very proud they are proud. I am so very lucky they are my parents.
The Gubernator is probably correct; there will be another ballot initiative. They say as early as 2010. We will overturn this decision. We will re-write inclusion into the state’s constitution and make void the amendment that bans same-sex marriage and strips good and loving people of a basic civil right.
This is what is new with me: I am in love, and I am forever hopeful the right thing will be done.
Oral History
This is Sherri Schoonover, A co-worker, who lives in chicago, her views on living in the city and brief history about her..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD6oebMoefs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD6oebMoefs
Oral History
My half sister from my father that is 9 years apart from me, who also grew up very different from me
Do you think your life would have been different if both of your parents were around while you were growing up.
Well yeah, i probably would have been got my degree by now. When i came to America (after my mom died) nobody was really watching over me. Daniel (dad) and your mom was always working so i really had freedom to do whatever. After you and your mom left Daniel and moved to Minnesota there was really nobody watching me. At least your mom had some restrictions on me but when i moved in with auntie that already had three kids i pretty much did what i want. Thats why i probably got pregnant so young. (age 15)
Well do you blame anyone for you not graduating college yet?
Hell yeah, if auntie watched Stephan (son) for me while i was in college i would have been done. But when he came to Dekalb to live with me in the campus apartments my grades started going down because it was hard watching him, going to class and work and nobody was there to help me. There was this girl that also had a kid and she use to babysit when i was busy and i would babysit when she was busy but later on she started acting phony so i stopped associating with her.
So you really do blame aunt Meme for you not graduating?
Naw its not like that i just never had enough help, even though i know she was going though her problems but its like what do you have family for if they can't help you when you need it the most. You cant rely on these people. Obviously im good with her now, i talk to her more then you do. lol
lol yeah i know, so kinda switching topics, how did you feel when Daniel (dad) past away?
Well of course i was upset, thats my dad even though he wasnt the greatest dad in the world he was our dad.
But you guys had some real tough times, i was young so everything is blurry but you were in your teens..
I dont know, im not like Myrna (our other half sister) that is going to hold a grudge for Daniel not being there like a father is suppose to. Not every man knows how to be a father, i think he did the best he can, so its whatever
True, so as of right now with your life are you happy?
Yup, im healthy, have my own place, new car, i can buy a house if i wanted to now because my credit is so good. Im dating having fun so yup, im happy
Do you think your life would have been different if both of your parents were around while you were growing up.
Well yeah, i probably would have been got my degree by now. When i came to America (after my mom died) nobody was really watching over me. Daniel (dad) and your mom was always working so i really had freedom to do whatever. After you and your mom left Daniel and moved to Minnesota there was really nobody watching me. At least your mom had some restrictions on me but when i moved in with auntie that already had three kids i pretty much did what i want. Thats why i probably got pregnant so young. (age 15)
Well do you blame anyone for you not graduating college yet?
Hell yeah, if auntie watched Stephan (son) for me while i was in college i would have been done. But when he came to Dekalb to live with me in the campus apartments my grades started going down because it was hard watching him, going to class and work and nobody was there to help me. There was this girl that also had a kid and she use to babysit when i was busy and i would babysit when she was busy but later on she started acting phony so i stopped associating with her.
So you really do blame aunt Meme for you not graduating?
Naw its not like that i just never had enough help, even though i know she was going though her problems but its like what do you have family for if they can't help you when you need it the most. You cant rely on these people. Obviously im good with her now, i talk to her more then you do. lol
lol yeah i know, so kinda switching topics, how did you feel when Daniel (dad) past away?
Well of course i was upset, thats my dad even though he wasnt the greatest dad in the world he was our dad.
But you guys had some real tough times, i was young so everything is blurry but you were in your teens..
I dont know, im not like Myrna (our other half sister) that is going to hold a grudge for Daniel not being there like a father is suppose to. Not every man knows how to be a father, i think he did the best he can, so its whatever
True, so as of right now with your life are you happy?
Yup, im healthy, have my own place, new car, i can buy a house if i wanted to now because my credit is so good. Im dating having fun so yup, im happy
Oral History - Reading to the Blind
Steve Stewart (Tex), 37
Originally from Philadelphia, Steve Stewart who goes by the nick name of "Tex" moved to Chicago in 1994. He lives in a large loft close to the intersection of Grand and Ogden next to rail road tracks. This is mostly an industrial area but many old warehouse have been turned into lofts and condos. We are in his dining area doing interview, while the faint sound of a motor buzzing from a large industrial fridge is in the back ground.
This is gonna be recorded and posted on the web. Do I have your permission to do so?
Yes.
Second question, so Tex how long have you been reading to the blind and what got you started doing this kind of volunteer work? I never knew anything like this even existed. Did you look all this up yourself or did someone approach you?
I've been reading to the blind for almost a year now. I actually got interested after listening to an audio book "Blindness" by Jose Saramago a Portuguese author and I guess I never really thought how debilitating blindness is. This may sound silly but I'm pretty good with English, I'm a niche speaker, I can read pretty well, and I knew their was a need for people to read to the blind. So I did some research on the web and I got in touch with a organization called Blind Service Association and that's based here in Chicago and I went to their orientation and started reading to the blind through them.
Why the Blind? Just the book or was there any other connection?
The book originally got me initially focused on the blind and I sort of thought about the things I was good at and I'm pretty good at reading. I know it sounds silly but here's something I can really do and I'm pretty good at it, so I figured I could yea.
Where does this take place? In a office room or at their homes?
At the Blind Service association offices at State and Madison, in a large office building.
Is it just like an office room? Is there couches, chairs, etc ?
We go into small room dedicated for reading its a small, small room. One table, two chairs usually one on either side. One for me, one for the other person and that's where it takes place.
When you started did you receive any training and if so what kind?
Training consisted of about a 3hr orientation which took place at the Blind Service Association.
- Was it on how to deal with blind people?
There was a little bit of that and blind etiquette. Simple things, as when you enter a room or leave a room you announce your presence and say who you are when your leaving or entering. Other things, like blind people don't mind people using the expression. "I see what your saying." They use those expressions themselves.
Is it ran by all volunteers and is it a non-profit organization?
It's a non-profit organization. They have a handful of staff members. I couldn't tell you exactly how many, maybe like 3 or 4.
Would you say most of the people are poor, handicapped, rich or can anybody sign up? If I signed up would I be turned down? What's the criteria to get this service?
You mean for the blind people or to read to the blind?
- for the blind people.
I believe any blind person is eligible. Truthfully, I'm not sure what the process is for them to sign up, but yes all social statuses and you know all classes are represented among the clientele.
Do you find more of any particular groups of people? All colors, different back grounds?
It's really quite the cross section. I've read for; white people, black people, older, younger, professionals, unemployed so it's pretty much a cross section.
How long is each session and do people ever ask you to stay longer or shorter?
The sessions are standardized at 2 hours. When a blind person wants more then 2 hours of service done. They usually get 2 volunteers assigned for 2 sessions in a row. Just because, heh it could be a little difficult talking for 2 hours.
- sure and it's volunteer work so.
That's right.
What different things do you read?
Well there's a misconception that I read say novels or something but that's not the case. I read whatever they want or need to have read. Which is usually their mail, correspondence, text books, legal forms. I've helped them learn things on the web. Helped somebody order an artificial Christmas tree on the web, and I have also read novels. So it's whatever they want read.
Then are people friendly, eccentric, mean, a little bit of everything?
Everyone is always very appreciative. It's if you read for somebody many times. Obviously you become familiar with them and friendly with them. The fact that they continue to sign up for you shows some type of relationship developing so you know there are a number of people that I'm friends with. When you read for someone for the first time it's a very professional atmosphere. They know what to expect from me, I know what to expect from them. We get started, you don't waste time chit chatting about the day. You know they have stuff they want to have read and it important and they they have 2 hours to get it done.
- so that's pretty much their slotted time and your slotted time.
That's right.
What emotion do these people show while your reading. Do they make different faces then you or I would because their blind?
No, I would say facial expressions are just about exactly the same. I guess perhaps slightly less expressive. Often they're wearing dark glasses. You know a lot of expression is made through the eyes, so that's lacking.
Do you find reading anything difficult? Bills medical results, letters, etc?
No, I don't have a problem. You know, they asked me when I signed up if I had a problem with I don't know, maybe religious material of some type of erotic material and I said I don't have a problem with anything. I have yet to be challenged by anything to racy or controversial. So that hasn't been an issue.
When you get there is the material already there that your gonna read and do you make any preconceived ideas of who this person is?
The client, the blind person brings the material with them. In general the rely on para transit "Pace" to bring them. Sometimes they are on time and sometimes they're not, sometimes they're early. So they bring the material with them. So whenever they show up the material shows up. So the material is not in the room already, so no.
What is a typical session like?
I have a regular client and with her we usually start up with bible school lessons. She teaches bible studies. Typically for youngsters and I help her go through the lesson and read lesson plan and read scripture. Sometimes I will make a little chart for her to hand out to her class. Then she may have other personal things, mail or whatever to read. Then if we have any time left we've been working on a Charlie Chan novel.
Have you had to give people bad news, and how does make you feel? Your probably the person telling people something for the first time and you get to see their reaction to things.
Interesting I see what your saying.
-Like medical results.
I see what your saying, no nothing really striking. Some overdue bills . Once I helped someone fill out a consumer complaint form and I felt their complaint was groundless. So I say that it was slightly uncomfortable for me to do all this writing and putting it into his words while I had to fill this whole form out for him. So but no,no uncomfortable medical news or anything.
What kind of questions do they typically ask you about yourself if they do?
Often with my single time clients very little. They ask me very little about myself. There might be some pleasantries about it's a nice day or whatever, or if traffic was terrible. Very little personables go on. Like I said before it's a very professional atmosphere and we have stuff we have to get done in a time limit, "So no, no talking about me." With my regular clients there's a little bit more they know. I work with dogs and work with a dog rescue organization and they may ask, "how are the dogs?", "did you get any more dogs?" Little bits like that but that's all.
Have you made any relationships,friends, with anyone there?
I have a repoire and good relationship with them but no, no relationships has traveled outside of the Blind Service Association
Have you ever gone out with someone from there? Drinking or on a date ?
No, not yet.
Has anyone asked to touch your face to see what you look like?
No, in fact I have never seen that done there. I guess it happens but I've never seen it done.
How does this type of volunteer work make you feel?
I really enjoy doing it. It's quite rewarding. I don't even know if I have to elaborate on that.
Thanks Tex I appreciate your time and you doing great work and I'm sure the people you help appreciate it very much!
Thank You!
Originally from Philadelphia, Steve Stewart who goes by the nick name of "Tex" moved to Chicago in 1994. He lives in a large loft close to the intersection of Grand and Ogden next to rail road tracks. This is mostly an industrial area but many old warehouse have been turned into lofts and condos. We are in his dining area doing interview, while the faint sound of a motor buzzing from a large industrial fridge is in the back ground.
This is gonna be recorded and posted on the web. Do I have your permission to do so?
Yes.
Second question, so Tex how long have you been reading to the blind and what got you started doing this kind of volunteer work? I never knew anything like this even existed. Did you look all this up yourself or did someone approach you?
I've been reading to the blind for almost a year now. I actually got interested after listening to an audio book "Blindness" by Jose Saramago a Portuguese author and I guess I never really thought how debilitating blindness is. This may sound silly but I'm pretty good with English, I'm a niche speaker, I can read pretty well, and I knew their was a need for people to read to the blind. So I did some research on the web and I got in touch with a organization called Blind Service Association and that's based here in Chicago and I went to their orientation and started reading to the blind through them.
Why the Blind? Just the book or was there any other connection?
The book originally got me initially focused on the blind and I sort of thought about the things I was good at and I'm pretty good at reading. I know it sounds silly but here's something I can really do and I'm pretty good at it, so I figured I could yea.
Where does this take place? In a office room or at their homes?
At the Blind Service association offices at State and Madison, in a large office building.
Is it just like an office room? Is there couches, chairs, etc ?
We go into small room dedicated for reading its a small, small room. One table, two chairs usually one on either side. One for me, one for the other person and that's where it takes place.
When you started did you receive any training and if so what kind?
Training consisted of about a 3hr orientation which took place at the Blind Service Association.
- Was it on how to deal with blind people?
There was a little bit of that and blind etiquette. Simple things, as when you enter a room or leave a room you announce your presence and say who you are when your leaving or entering. Other things, like blind people don't mind people using the expression. "I see what your saying." They use those expressions themselves.
Is it ran by all volunteers and is it a non-profit organization?
It's a non-profit organization. They have a handful of staff members. I couldn't tell you exactly how many, maybe like 3 or 4.
Would you say most of the people are poor, handicapped, rich or can anybody sign up? If I signed up would I be turned down? What's the criteria to get this service?
You mean for the blind people or to read to the blind?
- for the blind people.
I believe any blind person is eligible. Truthfully, I'm not sure what the process is for them to sign up, but yes all social statuses and you know all classes are represented among the clientele.
Do you find more of any particular groups of people? All colors, different back grounds?
It's really quite the cross section. I've read for; white people, black people, older, younger, professionals, unemployed so it's pretty much a cross section.
How long is each session and do people ever ask you to stay longer or shorter?
The sessions are standardized at 2 hours. When a blind person wants more then 2 hours of service done. They usually get 2 volunteers assigned for 2 sessions in a row. Just because, heh it could be a little difficult talking for 2 hours.
- sure and it's volunteer work so.
That's right.
What different things do you read?
Well there's a misconception that I read say novels or something but that's not the case. I read whatever they want or need to have read. Which is usually their mail, correspondence, text books, legal forms. I've helped them learn things on the web. Helped somebody order an artificial Christmas tree on the web, and I have also read novels. So it's whatever they want read.
Then are people friendly, eccentric, mean, a little bit of everything?
Everyone is always very appreciative. It's if you read for somebody many times. Obviously you become familiar with them and friendly with them. The fact that they continue to sign up for you shows some type of relationship developing so you know there are a number of people that I'm friends with. When you read for someone for the first time it's a very professional atmosphere. They know what to expect from me, I know what to expect from them. We get started, you don't waste time chit chatting about the day. You know they have stuff they want to have read and it important and they they have 2 hours to get it done.
- so that's pretty much their slotted time and your slotted time.
That's right.
What emotion do these people show while your reading. Do they make different faces then you or I would because their blind?
No, I would say facial expressions are just about exactly the same. I guess perhaps slightly less expressive. Often they're wearing dark glasses. You know a lot of expression is made through the eyes, so that's lacking.
Do you find reading anything difficult? Bills medical results, letters, etc?
No, I don't have a problem. You know, they asked me when I signed up if I had a problem with I don't know, maybe religious material of some type of erotic material and I said I don't have a problem with anything. I have yet to be challenged by anything to racy or controversial. So that hasn't been an issue.
When you get there is the material already there that your gonna read and do you make any preconceived ideas of who this person is?
The client, the blind person brings the material with them. In general the rely on para transit "Pace" to bring them. Sometimes they are on time and sometimes they're not, sometimes they're early. So they bring the material with them. So whenever they show up the material shows up. So the material is not in the room already, so no.
What is a typical session like?
I have a regular client and with her we usually start up with bible school lessons. She teaches bible studies. Typically for youngsters and I help her go through the lesson and read lesson plan and read scripture. Sometimes I will make a little chart for her to hand out to her class. Then she may have other personal things, mail or whatever to read. Then if we have any time left we've been working on a Charlie Chan novel.
Have you had to give people bad news, and how does make you feel? Your probably the person telling people something for the first time and you get to see their reaction to things.
Interesting I see what your saying.
-Like medical results.
I see what your saying, no nothing really striking. Some overdue bills . Once I helped someone fill out a consumer complaint form and I felt their complaint was groundless. So I say that it was slightly uncomfortable for me to do all this writing and putting it into his words while I had to fill this whole form out for him. So but no,no uncomfortable medical news or anything.
What kind of questions do they typically ask you about yourself if they do?
Often with my single time clients very little. They ask me very little about myself. There might be some pleasantries about it's a nice day or whatever, or if traffic was terrible. Very little personables go on. Like I said before it's a very professional atmosphere and we have stuff we have to get done in a time limit, "So no, no talking about me." With my regular clients there's a little bit more they know. I work with dogs and work with a dog rescue organization and they may ask, "how are the dogs?", "did you get any more dogs?" Little bits like that but that's all.
Have you made any relationships,friends, with anyone there?
I have a repoire and good relationship with them but no, no relationships has traveled outside of the Blind Service Association
Have you ever gone out with someone from there? Drinking or on a date ?
No, not yet.
Has anyone asked to touch your face to see what you look like?
No, in fact I have never seen that done there. I guess it happens but I've never seen it done.
How does this type of volunteer work make you feel?
I really enjoy doing it. It's quite rewarding. I don't even know if I have to elaborate on that.
Thanks Tex I appreciate your time and you doing great work and I'm sure the people you help appreciate it very much!
Thank You!
Oral History
I decided to interview my uncle who was the first person from my family that arrived in America. He arrived in the early 60's and faced many hardships.
Tell me about your life in India?
Well, I was the oldest of 6 children. Growing up I didn't face many hardships. However, I remember that I used to travel many miles every day either walking, on bus, or riding my bike to get to college. It was brutal especially during the summer months and the rain season. Fortunately, I am what I am because of my education.
How would you describe your arrival to America?
It was during the early 1960's, 1962 to be exact. I left home (India) and everyone was worried that I wouldn't be able to cope with the different lifestyle. I remember it being horribly cold. Since, I had a student visa and a scholarship I felt I had to make the most of it. I remember working two jobs and going to school full time. It fell great having money but I had to remain cautious and had to know how to spend it wisely. Everyone, was worried back home because they felt I had no one to look for help in America. It was a great joy when I graduated because I used to spent countless hours in the library tring to get my work done and stay one foot ahead of the rest.
So after you graduated did your life become easier?
(LAUGHS)
You would think so, but actually things got a whole lot worse. I felt because I wasn't American people looked at me differently. Even with a college degree I couldn't find a job. Heck I had a resume that stood out from the rest. The lifestyle and thinking of the people was a whole lot different than that of the people back home. I even considered going back but one of my American friends insisted things will get better. Fortunatley they did and I found a job.
What was the biggest change in lifestyle for you?
I'd have to say everything from religion to language and culture. Since there were tons of mosque back home I never had to worry about prayer. However, in Chicago at the time there was a very limited number of mosque and I had to pray at home. Rarely did you find a person who spoke the same language as you or was similar to your culture. I hated the food because I wasn't used to cooking but had to learn quickly. There were no restaurants that was of my liking. All people seemed to be eating were burgers and fries (LAUGHS).
Do you think a lot of things have changed from back when you arrived to Chicago?
Absolutely, now if you go to Devon Ave. you get a sense of home. I remember some of the few stores that were there in the early 70's are still going strong. This makes me happy because the people that are new to America from another country get a sense of hope. Since, there are is so much diversity. Each ethnic group has there little area to socialize and feel home at.
What would you tell someone who is new to America?
I would say that you get what you give. (I ask what do you mean?) Well, it's like I tell you, you can either take the easy route or the hard one. If you don't work hard at something you ain't gonna get no where. It's the same for the people that arrive to America from other nations. They have to put in extra effort because they have something to prove.
Tell me about your life in India?
Well, I was the oldest of 6 children. Growing up I didn't face many hardships. However, I remember that I used to travel many miles every day either walking, on bus, or riding my bike to get to college. It was brutal especially during the summer months and the rain season. Fortunately, I am what I am because of my education.
How would you describe your arrival to America?
It was during the early 1960's, 1962 to be exact. I left home (India) and everyone was worried that I wouldn't be able to cope with the different lifestyle. I remember it being horribly cold. Since, I had a student visa and a scholarship I felt I had to make the most of it. I remember working two jobs and going to school full time. It fell great having money but I had to remain cautious and had to know how to spend it wisely. Everyone, was worried back home because they felt I had no one to look for help in America. It was a great joy when I graduated because I used to spent countless hours in the library tring to get my work done and stay one foot ahead of the rest.
So after you graduated did your life become easier?
(LAUGHS)
You would think so, but actually things got a whole lot worse. I felt because I wasn't American people looked at me differently. Even with a college degree I couldn't find a job. Heck I had a resume that stood out from the rest. The lifestyle and thinking of the people was a whole lot different than that of the people back home. I even considered going back but one of my American friends insisted things will get better. Fortunatley they did and I found a job.
What was the biggest change in lifestyle for you?
I'd have to say everything from religion to language and culture. Since there were tons of mosque back home I never had to worry about prayer. However, in Chicago at the time there was a very limited number of mosque and I had to pray at home. Rarely did you find a person who spoke the same language as you or was similar to your culture. I hated the food because I wasn't used to cooking but had to learn quickly. There were no restaurants that was of my liking. All people seemed to be eating were burgers and fries (LAUGHS).
Do you think a lot of things have changed from back when you arrived to Chicago?
Absolutely, now if you go to Devon Ave. you get a sense of home. I remember some of the few stores that were there in the early 70's are still going strong. This makes me happy because the people that are new to America from another country get a sense of hope. Since, there are is so much diversity. Each ethnic group has there little area to socialize and feel home at.
What would you tell someone who is new to America?
I would say that you get what you give. (I ask what do you mean?) Well, it's like I tell you, you can either take the easy route or the hard one. If you don't work hard at something you ain't gonna get no where. It's the same for the people that arrive to America from other nations. They have to put in extra effort because they have something to prove.
Oral History - Military Intelligence in Iraq
Specialist Matthew Forney, a 20-year-old Military Intelligence Analyst, currently serving his very first deployment. He is presently in Iraq and I was able to contact him via telephone.
Specialist Forney, you are in the US Army National Guard, what is it you do, and can you explain a little bit about your job?
I am a Military Intelligence Analyst. A 35F (pronounced 35 Foxtrot). I chose this job because of my unusually high test score. Actually, it was my recruiter that recommended it to me because of my high test score. I wanted to do Infantry, but he suggested I would excel better at Military Intelligence. I am basically given all of this information, both classified and unclassified, and have to predict what is enemy is doing, going to do, and has already done.
Why did you decide to join the military?
I wanted to be my own person. I didn’t want to be given everything, you know? So I joined the Wisconsin National Guard to do that. My real home is a middle-class suburb just north of Madison, Wisconsin. I guess that’s why. My mom died of cancer when I was 14 years old. At that time I knew she had cancer, but didn’t really think she was really going to die, since it was, you know, my mom. When she did it really messed me up for a little while. My dad became an alcoholic and lost his job. Actually he still is an alcoholic and doesn’t have a job. My little brother looks up to me, so I have to show him the right way to be through example. I also kind of want to make my mom really proud.
How do you feel about Military Intelligence?
Well, just like any other group, we have our shitbags. I remember in MI AIT (Military Intelligence Advanced Individual Training) at Fort Huachuca, seeing a bunch of shitbags. It really is a shame how a few individuals can give us a bad name. I hope that isn’t what people think of us because there really are some brilliant people. It is a very difficult job to do.
Why would people view Military Intelligence negatively?
Well, for one, we have some of us that act like children. They just never grew up. It makes us look bad. Another reason is that , well let’s face it, you cant be right about everything. When we are wrong people (other soldiers) look at us like we’re idiots. You can only know so much as a human being. It’s like they expect us to be fuckin’ psychics or something. Why don’t they say the same for like economists or something? I guess it comes with the territory.
So you’re deployed right now, can you tell me a little bit about that?
Well, I am currently in Iraq at Division headquarters level (10-15,000 soldiers). Yeah, I don’t really get to go out a lot (patrols). It really feels like I am working at a desk job back home. Except last week, we received some mortar fire, and one of the rounds almost hit my bedroom. I don’t like being deployed at such a high level because I don’t really know what the real battleground is like, since I’ve never been there. It is actually kind of boring where I am. You can get a massage, go to Pizza Hut, and even go shopping (called a PX, Post Exchange). I would rather be at a Battalion level (300-1,200 soldiers) so that I can actually be with the soldiers that go out on patrols.
How do you feel about the war?
Man, I don’t know. I don’t want to say anything I’m going to regret. Let me tell you though, I’d rather be in Afghanistan.
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