Accurate or Stereotypes of American Families?
When I think of the stereotypical American family I picture a wife, husband, a son, a daughter and maybe a dog. The father is a business man who works a normal forty hour week. The mother stays at home, cooks, cleans, runs the errands and is basically the “stepford” wife. The children are good kids who stay out of trouble. The son is an athlete who gets good grades and the daughter attends dance classes and also receives good grades as well. The family lives in a large house with a big yard and has no worries.
In reality, this is probably the exact opposite life for most Americans. Many families are far from perfect and there are many complications which arise in a marriage. Children are not perfect and many individuals from various countries believe that Americans have this As a documentarian Jane has become much more aware of showing the truth to her viewers. She has begun to choose families that don’t depict that stereotypical image of the American family. Jane feels a sense of shame to display false settings and actions to her audience, when it comes to choosing the families for the show. Jane now tries to choose families that are diverse and have different values, traditions, and of course recipes containing meat. (Especially Beef)
The show that stands out most in mind is the one with Suzie Flowers. This show expressed that marriage does not always end up happily ever after for Americans. In fact, infidelity is quite common amongst American families. Suzie loved her husband and thought that she had been a caring and devoted wife, but obviously her husband felt that he needed someone else to fulfill his needs. I really liked the family that Jane chose with the ten Korean children who were adopted. I think that this family was able to convey many important values to the audience.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
My Year of Meats: Chapters 1-4
Jane, Akiko and Sei Shonagon: Similar or Difference
In the novel My Year of Meats there are three main women who from the outside seem completely different, but with a further glance, have many similarities. Jane, Akiko and Sei Shonagon have different morals, values and traditions and, yet there are some visible connections between these women in the reading. Jane and Akiko don’t know one another, but they both look to Shonagon’s writing for inspiration for their own writing and their personal lives.
Jane is a woman who has always struggled with fitting in whether it was Japan or America. However, America was able to allow Jane to be more comfortable with herself. Her “freakish” height and different colored hair fit in with the diverse culture of America. She has always been a more masculine, than feminine woman. She prefers to be comfortable with baggier clothing and is far from superficical. Form the start it is obvious that Jane possess the strong value of domination. She feels that she is dominant in most circumstances, even if she is the minority in some settings. She is a strong woman who got the chance to become a documentarian. She accepts the chance to work on a huge project called My American Wife!.
Akiko, on the other hand is almost the complete opposite of Jane. Akiko is a woman who is very lost and has had many ambitions (some which she does not know of), but everything she has ever wanted has been completely erased. She is married to an arrogant and abusive man who believes that Akiko should do anything that he pleases because she is his. He makes her fill out stupid questionnaires for his show and then proceeds to question every response she has made. She constantly sides with “John” to avoid confrontation and Akiko is continuously trying to portray the wife that John thinks that she should be. He wants to have children with Akiko and for Akiko this thought makes her sick to her stomach. She purposely and subconsciously purges her food after each meal or when she is upset. I think that throwing up her food is the only thing, in her mind, that she has control. This is very apparent that she in fact, does not. Due to Akiko’s unhealthy eating habits.
Sei Shonagon is an inspirational female writer from the past. Shonagon’s writing is both inspiring and motivating to Jane and Akiko. Although these women are very different from one another and possess diverse values, they both share their Japanese culture. A majority of an individual’s identity is solely based on their race and cultural background. Jane loves how Sei Shonagon uses the masculine Japanese language in her writing because it is something that she can connect with. Akiko is able to look to Shonagon’s writing as inspirational and her writing is able to help her through her difficult daily life.
In the novel My Year of Meats there are three main women who from the outside seem completely different, but with a further glance, have many similarities. Jane, Akiko and Sei Shonagon have different morals, values and traditions and, yet there are some visible connections between these women in the reading. Jane and Akiko don’t know one another, but they both look to Shonagon’s writing for inspiration for their own writing and their personal lives.
Jane is a woman who has always struggled with fitting in whether it was Japan or America. However, America was able to allow Jane to be more comfortable with herself. Her “freakish” height and different colored hair fit in with the diverse culture of America. She has always been a more masculine, than feminine woman. She prefers to be comfortable with baggier clothing and is far from superficical. Form the start it is obvious that Jane possess the strong value of domination. She feels that she is dominant in most circumstances, even if she is the minority in some settings. She is a strong woman who got the chance to become a documentarian. She accepts the chance to work on a huge project called My American Wife!.
Akiko, on the other hand is almost the complete opposite of Jane. Akiko is a woman who is very lost and has had many ambitions (some which she does not know of), but everything she has ever wanted has been completely erased. She is married to an arrogant and abusive man who believes that Akiko should do anything that he pleases because she is his. He makes her fill out stupid questionnaires for his show and then proceeds to question every response she has made. She constantly sides with “John” to avoid confrontation and Akiko is continuously trying to portray the wife that John thinks that she should be. He wants to have children with Akiko and for Akiko this thought makes her sick to her stomach. She purposely and subconsciously purges her food after each meal or when she is upset. I think that throwing up her food is the only thing, in her mind, that she has control. This is very apparent that she in fact, does not. Due to Akiko’s unhealthy eating habits.
Sei Shonagon is an inspirational female writer from the past. Shonagon’s writing is both inspiring and motivating to Jane and Akiko. Although these women are very different from one another and possess diverse values, they both share their Japanese culture. A majority of an individual’s identity is solely based on their race and cultural background. Jane loves how Sei Shonagon uses the masculine Japanese language in her writing because it is something that she can connect with. Akiko is able to look to Shonagon’s writing as inspirational and her writing is able to help her through her difficult daily life.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Informal Rhetorical Analysis
Red Shoes
Through this essay it is easy to see how the author expresses her voice,
It is obvious she is trying to give her audience a sense of choice.
She had a great love for the red shoes that she wore as a child.
When reading her paper it is almost as if she is trying to
Combine two into one.
She had a great love for the red shoes that she wore as a child.
She makes paragraphs of argument, yet when reading you realize she is
No where close to done.
She had a great love for the red shoes that she wore as a child.
She goes on to write in a different style of text of her fond memories of When she was young, as if she has a mix of tongue.
She had a great love for the red shoes that she wore as a child.
Griffin talks of the present and then talks of the past,
Making personal references quite fast.
She had a great love for the red shoes that she wore as a child.
As a young girl, she not only wore these shoes for special occasions,
But even on the most ordinary of days.
She had a great love for the red shoes that she wore as a child.
Griffin uses the red shoes to remember her grandparents,
It is obvious she is trying to give her audience a sense of choice.
She had a great love for the red shoes that she wore as a child.
When reading her paper it is almost as if she is trying to
Combine two into one.
She had a great love for the red shoes that she wore as a child.
She makes paragraphs of argument, yet when reading you realize she is
No where close to done.
She had a great love for the red shoes that she wore as a child.
She goes on to write in a different style of text of her fond memories of When she was young, as if she has a mix of tongue.
She had a great love for the red shoes that she wore as a child.
Griffin talks of the present and then talks of the past,
Making personal references quite fast.
She had a great love for the red shoes that she wore as a child.
As a young girl, she not only wore these shoes for special occasions,
But even on the most ordinary of days.
She had a great love for the red shoes that she wore as a child.
Griffin uses the red shoes to remember her grandparents,
Most especially her grandmother.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Using Charts to Organize Information
Charts
Through Elkin’s essay he helps the reader to see and understand how we use charts to organize information of all kinds. His essay was easy to comprehend and he didn’t have to use big and complex words to get his points across. For many individuals just the topic of the periodic table of elements sounds confusing. I think that Elkin did a really good job of expressing to the audience that charts are used in different ways for many diverse things. Charts help us to arrange our information into a more systemized way of thinking. Many of us use charts everyday, whether it is writing in your daily planner (calendar), going to get your eyes checked (eye chart) or making sure you are eating good to maintain a healthy diet (food pyramid).
There many are so many different types of charts and they are all used for many different reasons. One good example of a chart that majority of people are familiar with is the calendar. Calendars are used by almost everyone and they are extremely useful in the way that we can organize our plans, ideas and important dates. Calendars help individuals to keep track of all the obligations and prior commitments they have made. There are countless styles of calendars; some have photos, others are colorful. Individuals buy calendars for certain reasons and they buy the one that is most appealing to them.
Each calendar is designed differently because there are many diverse types of people and each person is different in terms of the way they think. Some calendars are just one page. They have the entire year printed on one piece of paper. This kind of calendar might be useful to individuals who don’t like having their life planned out. They kind of go with the flow. On the other hand, a person who writes every detail about their life might be more likely to use a daily planner or full size 12 month calendar. Some people like having calendars for decoration and they could be decorated with photos of family and friends.
Personally, I enjoy using a daily planner because I am able to keep track of all the important dates, birthdays and other commitments in my life. I am a very organized person and like having everything written down because I have many obligations and I tend to forget if I don’t make note of them. I also collect Marilyn Monroe calendars, which I write on and use for decoration in my room.
Another great example of a chart is the food pyramid. The food pyramid helps us to organize the food groups, which helps people to eat healthy and balanced meals. There are many versions of the food pyramid, just as with any other type of chart. Some of the food pyramids have pictures, some do not. Typically the food pyramid is a chart that is very easy to read and it is effortless to find how many servings you need of each food group.
I believe that the more people learn about charts, the more they will appreciate and understand how to use them. They are an excellent way to organize information of all sorts. Through Elkin’s essay on the periodic table of elements we are able to see many other connections. Charts are used in many different ways and have many different uses. From eye charts, to calendars to constellation charts, they all are able to help individuals in leaning and organizing information.
Through Elkin’s essay he helps the reader to see and understand how we use charts to organize information of all kinds. His essay was easy to comprehend and he didn’t have to use big and complex words to get his points across. For many individuals just the topic of the periodic table of elements sounds confusing. I think that Elkin did a really good job of expressing to the audience that charts are used in different ways for many diverse things. Charts help us to arrange our information into a more systemized way of thinking. Many of us use charts everyday, whether it is writing in your daily planner (calendar), going to get your eyes checked (eye chart) or making sure you are eating good to maintain a healthy diet (food pyramid).
There many are so many different types of charts and they are all used for many different reasons. One good example of a chart that majority of people are familiar with is the calendar. Calendars are used by almost everyone and they are extremely useful in the way that we can organize our plans, ideas and important dates. Calendars help individuals to keep track of all the obligations and prior commitments they have made. There are countless styles of calendars; some have photos, others are colorful. Individuals buy calendars for certain reasons and they buy the one that is most appealing to them.
Each calendar is designed differently because there are many diverse types of people and each person is different in terms of the way they think. Some calendars are just one page. They have the entire year printed on one piece of paper. This kind of calendar might be useful to individuals who don’t like having their life planned out. They kind of go with the flow. On the other hand, a person who writes every detail about their life might be more likely to use a daily planner or full size 12 month calendar. Some people like having calendars for decoration and they could be decorated with photos of family and friends.
Personally, I enjoy using a daily planner because I am able to keep track of all the important dates, birthdays and other commitments in my life. I am a very organized person and like having everything written down because I have many obligations and I tend to forget if I don’t make note of them. I also collect Marilyn Monroe calendars, which I write on and use for decoration in my room.
Another great example of a chart is the food pyramid. The food pyramid helps us to organize the food groups, which helps people to eat healthy and balanced meals. There are many versions of the food pyramid, just as with any other type of chart. Some of the food pyramids have pictures, some do not. Typically the food pyramid is a chart that is very easy to read and it is effortless to find how many servings you need of each food group.
I believe that the more people learn about charts, the more they will appreciate and understand how to use them. They are an excellent way to organize information of all sorts. Through Elkin’s essay on the periodic table of elements we are able to see many other connections. Charts are used in many different ways and have many different uses. From eye charts, to calendars to constellation charts, they all are able to help individuals in leaning and organizing information.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Analyzing Postsecret Cards (4)
Postsecret cards
The secret post card “Tough with Tattoo” conveys a very strong message about a young woman who is revealing a very sad and emotional secret. From my point of view, I feel that this young woman has a lot of anger, regret, and shame. It seems she is lost in her own world. I believe that this a young woman because it looks like she is wearing black, lacey underwear, which are visible in the photograph. However, we do live in a society where young girls look and dress older than they re, so this could even be a young teen. From this photograph I feel that she has had to endure many difficulties.
Through her text “I got a tattoo so I’d stop cutting myself …It didn’t help” it is obvious that had a past of self mutilation and had gotten a tattoo to remind her to “Be tough”. Through her message we can see that she is still feeling the way she did before the tattoo and is still cutting. From the photo I can feel the sadness that this young woman experiences. I believe that this is an actual photograph of this individual because they only show the young woman‘s back and it makes a confession, but at the same time still remains private.
The text in the center of the photo looks as if the bottom of the paper is actually cutting into the back of the woman and that she is bleeding. When reading only the first and second line of text it seems that this tattoo has helped this person, but as you go on to read “…It didn’t help” it makes you realize that she needs more than a tattoo; she needs help.
Through her text “I got a tattoo so I’d stop cutting myself …It didn’t help” it is obvious that had a past of self mutilation and had gotten a tattoo to remind her to “Be tough”. Through her message we can see that she is still feeling the way she did before the tattoo and is still cutting. From the photo I can feel the sadness that this young woman experiences. I believe that this is an actual photograph of this individual because they only show the young woman‘s back and it makes a confession, but at the same time still remains private.
The text in the center of the photo looks as if the bottom of the paper is actually cutting into the back of the woman and that she is bleeding. When reading only the first and second line of text it seems that this tattoo has helped this person, but as you go on to read “…It didn’t help” it makes you realize that she needs more than a tattoo; she needs help.
When reading the “Laguna” postcard I feel a sense of humor because this person is in a way making fun of Kristin Cavallari and the rest of the kids on the M.T.V. show Laguna Beach, but at the same time wanting to experience the things that they get to. I find it amusing that this individual has cut out a photograph of Kristin Cavallari and revealed their secret “Sometimes I wish I could be as stupid, privileged and shallow as the kids on Laguna Beach.” I find this post card funny because I think that majority of us know what the kids on Laguna Beach are like. They are all attractive, rich, stuck-up and extremely superficial. I think that many people would want to be in their shoes just because it seems that their biggest worry is what swim suit they are going to be wearing to the beach for the day.
In this photo of Kristin she is wearing a very low cut jean vest and definitely has a push up bra on… She also has on a probably very expensive necklace that looks like it has chili peppers and a heart on it. Her hair is big and poofy and by the look on her face it seems that is staring down a girl that is now her worst enemy because she has the same shirt as her.
Personally, I think that the person who made this post card created it to be humorous and tell many people’s secret of wanting to be rich and not having any worries. The kids of Laguna Beach have a life of fantasy and that is not common for many. Most people have to work for things in life and they are eventually rewarded. The kids on Laguna Beach don’t have to work, are handed things left and right and from many people’s point of view, have heads that are filled with air.
In this photo of Kristin she is wearing a very low cut jean vest and definitely has a push up bra on… She also has on a probably very expensive necklace that looks like it has chili peppers and a heart on it. Her hair is big and poofy and by the look on her face it seems that is staring down a girl that is now her worst enemy because she has the same shirt as her.
Personally, I think that the person who made this post card created it to be humorous and tell many people’s secret of wanting to be rich and not having any worries. The kids of Laguna Beach have a life of fantasy and that is not common for many. Most people have to work for things in life and they are eventually rewarded. The kids on Laguna Beach don’t have to work, are handed things left and right and from many people’s point of view, have heads that are filled with air.
After reading the text on “1 amnio picture” I instantly feel a sense of sadness, mourning and possibly regret. The photograph on this postcard is of an ultra sound of a baby. I think that the mother of this baby created this postcard to tell her secret that “This is the only picture that will ever be taken of you.” This is a very emotional statement. I believe that this mother knows she is carrying a child that is already dead, knows that the child won’t make it through the delivery or she had a miscarriage. In any of these circumstances the outcome is fatality. This would be absolutely heart-wrenching for especially a mother.
This woman is probably feeling guilty because in her mind she is thinking that there was something she could have done, but in reality, it was out of her hands. I find this postcard to be extremely sad because I personally know individuals who have had to experience these traumatic situations and endure the pain and suffering that comes along as well. I think that the individual who created this postcard used the original ultra sound picture to illustrate her loss.
I find this postcard to be one of the saddest out of all of the secret post cards that are posted because for majority of females, finding out that you are now a mother is one of the most amazing and happiest times of your life. To lose your child, the child that makes you a mother…is absolutely devastating.
This woman is probably feeling guilty because in her mind she is thinking that there was something she could have done, but in reality, it was out of her hands. I find this postcard to be extremely sad because I personally know individuals who have had to experience these traumatic situations and endure the pain and suffering that comes along as well. I think that the individual who created this postcard used the original ultra sound picture to illustrate her loss.
I find this postcard to be one of the saddest out of all of the secret post cards that are posted because for majority of females, finding out that you are now a mother is one of the most amazing and happiest times of your life. To lose your child, the child that makes you a mother…is absolutely devastating.
The post card “Wedding Ring Pic”is very simple, yet makes a strong confession. In the center of this piece of paper there is a wedding ring that is secured with tape. Above it the text is written in what looks like black Sharpie Pen, it reads “I can’t be this person anymore.” I believe that by looking at this ring and handwriting, a woman has created this secret post card. There is a period at the end of the statement, which means it’s not an idea, it’s not something your thinking about, it is the way it is period.
I think that there are various possibilities for this post card, one, she could be cheating; two, she could be gay or three, she could just want out of the marriage because she is no longer in love with the man she married, how ever long ago. My first thought when I read this postcard was that this woman was cheating on her husband and wants out of the marriage. She could have been confused at the time she got married and throughout the years she has decided that she doesn’t want to be a secret anymore and decides to tell her husband that she is gay. Or she could just want a divorce because she is unhappy in the marriage.
The design of this postcard is very plain, with the white paper and the black text. It is forward and straight to the point. There is nothing distracting in the background. There is a confession to be made and this woman has conveyed that through her writing. I think that the woman used her actual wedding ring to make her confession more real. In a sense, she is giving the wedding ring back. It is no longer on her hand, but a piece of paper admitting she doesn’t want to be the person that she is and to solve that she needs to get a divorce.
I think that there are various possibilities for this post card, one, she could be cheating; two, she could be gay or three, she could just want out of the marriage because she is no longer in love with the man she married, how ever long ago. My first thought when I read this postcard was that this woman was cheating on her husband and wants out of the marriage. She could have been confused at the time she got married and throughout the years she has decided that she doesn’t want to be a secret anymore and decides to tell her husband that she is gay. Or she could just want a divorce because she is unhappy in the marriage.
The design of this postcard is very plain, with the white paper and the black text. It is forward and straight to the point. There is nothing distracting in the background. There is a confession to be made and this woman has conveyed that through her writing. I think that the woman used her actual wedding ring to make her confession more real. In a sense, she is giving the wedding ring back. It is no longer on her hand, but a piece of paper admitting she doesn’t want to be the person that she is and to solve that she needs to get a divorce.
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