Next week (week 5) everyone will give an assessed presentation.
Topics as follows:
Becky: A critical comparison of the short story and the film of 'Brokeback Mountain'
Rachel: Close Range as Revisionist Western
Tim: Landscape as Determinant of Character and Narrative in Close Range
Christine, Hannah, Jess: tba.
Do remember that this is a formal assessment, so if you do not attend, without substantiated medical or other reason, you will automatically fail.
all best
JD
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Be glad you don't have to live in Proulx's Wyoming
“Be glad you don't have to live in Proulx's Wyoming. Full of empty, philandering men with shady pasts and desperate women who have a habit of dying of unnatural causes. Every ranch is going under, every rancher is on the edge of going down with it. Proulx is like a rocking chair storyteller on a porch whose tales have to end with death or heartbreak or bleakness because this is what her audience expects of her. Rural legends, I'd call them. Proulx is a bit of a sad sack cynic, but she makes you want to be a part of it all. She calls up man's darker side and you know you could be that bull rider or bar girl with a wildness in the eye and a fatal urge to die...”
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Close-Range-Wyoming-Stories/dp/customer-reviews/1841150762/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&customer-reviews.start=1#customerReviews
This review gives a clear showing of the style used by Proulx. The reader obviously found the use of imagery fascinating and was encapsulated by Proulx’s understanding of Wyoming and the vastness of it. This reader seems to enjoy the harshness of the read, perhaps reminding him/herself of how life could be potentially worse?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Close-Range-Wyoming-Stories/dp/customer-reviews/1841150762/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&customer-reviews.start=1#customerReviews
This review gives a clear showing of the style used by Proulx. The reader obviously found the use of imagery fascinating and was encapsulated by Proulx’s understanding of Wyoming and the vastness of it. This reader seems to enjoy the harshness of the read, perhaps reminding him/herself of how life could be potentially worse?
Annie Proulx, Close Range book review.
http://www.theromancereader.com/proulx-range.html
The review I chose is quite a detailed review that analyses Annie Proulx's work in depth commenting on the style of her writing as "unrelentingly gritty, fashioned by a compassionate and exceptionally skilled observer." It is quite a personal review as the writer Thea Davis uses first person narrative to describe how she feels towards the book, " I understood: that each character's voice is truly hers; that she has an enormous amount to say; and that I would be greatly enriched by listening."
I think the review is quite informative as in the Thea Davis opens up her review to the descriptions of what the book is like and about followed by her own personal opinions of what she took and learnt from the book.
The review I chose is quite a detailed review that analyses Annie Proulx's work in depth commenting on the style of her writing as "unrelentingly gritty, fashioned by a compassionate and exceptionally skilled observer." It is quite a personal review as the writer Thea Davis uses first person narrative to describe how she feels towards the book, " I understood: that each character's voice is truly hers; that she has an enormous amount to say; and that I would be greatly enriched by listening."
I think the review is quite informative as in the Thea Davis opens up her review to the descriptions of what the book is like and about followed by her own personal opinions of what she took and learnt from the book.
Close Range book review
http://littlebirdreview.wordpress.com/2007/02/12/close-range-by-annie-proulx/
I found this book review on close range, its quite a personal review. i found it interesting to see that the writer of the review comments on how Annie Proulx took 3 novels to inpress this reader. I haven't read any of Proulx's other books so i can't comment but this review does make me want to go and read them. I like the honesty about this review that the writer only read the book for the Brokeback Mountain story and only after along time did they read the other stories. I think the reviewer has a very good way of describing Proulx's writing by describing it as ' a sence of eerie, dark humour' which i think is an excellent description. Although this review doesn't tell me much about the stories it does inform me of the other stories which the reviewer enjoyed. i think the reviewer uses a great quote, to be honest i didn't even notice the sentence the reviewer quoted when i read that story but it made me go back and have a look at it.
I found this book review on close range, its quite a personal review. i found it interesting to see that the writer of the review comments on how Annie Proulx took 3 novels to inpress this reader. I haven't read any of Proulx's other books so i can't comment but this review does make me want to go and read them. I like the honesty about this review that the writer only read the book for the Brokeback Mountain story and only after along time did they read the other stories. I think the reviewer has a very good way of describing Proulx's writing by describing it as ' a sence of eerie, dark humour' which i think is an excellent description. Although this review doesn't tell me much about the stories it does inform me of the other stories which the reviewer enjoyed. i think the reviewer uses a great quote, to be honest i didn't even notice the sentence the reviewer quoted when i read that story but it made me go back and have a look at it.
Annie Proulx's 'Close Range' Review:
I selected this article as it notes Annie Proulx’s strong view of a vicious lonely life of rustic living. It mentions her use of language, descriptions of Annie Proulx’s knowledge of the west is exposed all through her stories.
The reviewer, Jim Carvalho also makes good use of quotes from the stories throughout his evaluation of ‘Close Range’.
Jim Carvalho in this article is keen on the stories and believes that the prizes Annie Proulx won for them were well deserved.
Review of Close Range by Annie Proulx
http://www.nytimes.com/books/99/05/23/reviews/990523.23ederlt.html
I chose this review from the New York times purely for its sub-title. It makes it quite obvious how Proulx's book has decided to destroy the stereotype created about the "wild west". Using segments from the book entwined with the actual review shows the audience exactly what is meant by the point.
Richard Eder ends his review with a quote from on the grittiest stories in Close Range. The quote is really poignant and a very good way to sum up what the book is about.
Rachel
I chose this review from the New York times purely for its sub-title. It makes it quite obvious how Proulx's book has decided to destroy the stereotype created about the "wild west". Using segments from the book entwined with the actual review shows the audience exactly what is meant by the point.
Richard Eder ends his review with a quote from on the grittiest stories in Close Range. The quote is really poignant and a very good way to sum up what the book is about.
Rachel
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Letter from Estella Stilgebouer to Ella Roesch, August 3, 1911
I chose this article of a letter sent between Estella and addressed mainly to her sister and the rest of her family, as it gives quite a descriptive account of what life was like living out West in the early 20th Century. Times were still hard to get through in the middle of the U.S where there were scarce rainfall, as described in the letter that because of the shortage of rainfall some of their crops were failing.
There are many descriptions within her letter of the town shes living in with a church having been built there as it is mentioned, which makes it quite interesting in drawing a picture of what life was like in the mid West around a hundred years ago.
There are many descriptions within her letter of the town shes living in with a church having been built there as it is mentioned, which makes it quite interesting in drawing a picture of what life was like in the mid West around a hundred years ago.
Letter from Short Straitgate to Mattie V. Thomas, March 27, 1862
http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/ps:@field(DOCID+l002)
I found this letter written to Mattie V Thomas from Miss Mattie, i found it really interesting to read. I was surprised that the things 'Miss Mattie' talks about are quite normal everyday life things, like baking and being ill. Life seems to go on just as normal to these 'settlers'. They seem to have set up a good life for themselves and seeing as they are writting to each other then communication between the settlers and the old towns must be pretty good. I found it interesting that Mattie was sending her wool and hair to use, i presume that mattie must be a trader of some sort. At the end of the letter you get the idea that Miss Mattie misses the person she is writing to dearly because she comments on how she wished he was there that morning. I didn't think before about how familys may have been split up with people moving and settling west. i presume it wasn't always the whole family that moved. I think this letter is very interesting to read and gives an insite into what life was like for these new settlers.
I found this letter written to Mattie V Thomas from Miss Mattie, i found it really interesting to read. I was surprised that the things 'Miss Mattie' talks about are quite normal everyday life things, like baking and being ill. Life seems to go on just as normal to these 'settlers'. They seem to have set up a good life for themselves and seeing as they are writting to each other then communication between the settlers and the old towns must be pretty good. I found it interesting that Mattie was sending her wool and hair to use, i presume that mattie must be a trader of some sort. At the end of the letter you get the idea that Miss Mattie misses the person she is writing to dearly because she comments on how she wished he was there that morning. I didn't think before about how familys may have been split up with people moving and settling west. i presume it wasn't always the whole family that moved. I think this letter is very interesting to read and gives an insite into what life was like for these new settlers.
Priarie Settlement and California as i saw it
First Person account of the Priarie settlement:
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/award98/nbhihtml/pshome.html
This link provides letters and photographs of the Uriah W. Oblinger family which help illustrate the story of settlement on the great plains. The Oblinger family letters discuss land, work, neighbours, crops, religious meetings, problems with grasshoppers, financial problems, and the Easter Blizzard of 1873. They also present some personal insight in to the joy and struggle of establishing a home in the Prairie.
http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/ps:@field(DOCID+l003) Here is an example of a letter sent from John Verity to Mattie V. Thomas, August 29, 1862.
California as i saw it:
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/cbhtml/
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/award98/nbhihtml/pshome.html
This link provides letters and photographs of the Uriah W. Oblinger family which help illustrate the story of settlement on the great plains. The Oblinger family letters discuss land, work, neighbours, crops, religious meetings, problems with grasshoppers, financial problems, and the Easter Blizzard of 1873. They also present some personal insight in to the joy and struggle of establishing a home in the Prairie.
http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/ps:@field(DOCID+l003) Here is an example of a letter sent from John Verity to Mattie V. Thomas, August 29, 1862.
California as i saw it:
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/cbhtml/
Map Observations
The Map shows the growth of communications in the States. In 1850, the only way to commute was to travel through the rivers such as the Mississippi river which was one of the main navigable rivers to get to the west. There were also major Western trails, such as the Platte Trail and the Santa Fe Trail.
By the 1860's, small rail lines were constructed in the East, only transporting people east of the mississippi river. It wasn;t until the 1900's that transcontinental railways were constructed, connecting the east to the west. This allowed America to slowly grow towards the west.
Map three shows the territorial growth of America. America started off with 13 states, whicih clung to the atlantic coast, In 1783, due to the revolutionary war, Britain cedes all land east of the mississippi river. In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson purchased Louissiana from France. This helped double the size the nation.
By 1819, Spain held the land to the west and south. Florida was ceaded to the United States.
By the 1830's texas became an independent state....
Map 4 shows us that the west had many areas with less than 8 inches of rainfall annually- suggesting the wests lack of water. Most of the chief navigable rivers only run to the midwest of the nation.
Map 5 shows us that by 1750, eastern America was well settled. It shows us that as you move through to the west, many areas only had a population density of less than 2 percent per squaremile. Map 6 also shows us that east of the mississippi river, the population was high , with over 45 people per square mile living in the east. A maximum of 18 per square mile were living in the west, but the majority of the west was populated with a population of 2 per square mile.
By the 1860's, small rail lines were constructed in the East, only transporting people east of the mississippi river. It wasn;t until the 1900's that transcontinental railways were constructed, connecting the east to the west. This allowed America to slowly grow towards the west.
Map three shows the territorial growth of America. America started off with 13 states, whicih clung to the atlantic coast, In 1783, due to the revolutionary war, Britain cedes all land east of the mississippi river. In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson purchased Louissiana from France. This helped double the size the nation.
By 1819, Spain held the land to the west and south. Florida was ceaded to the United States.
By the 1830's texas became an independent state....
Map 4 shows us that the west had many areas with less than 8 inches of rainfall annually- suggesting the wests lack of water. Most of the chief navigable rivers only run to the midwest of the nation.
Map 5 shows us that by 1750, eastern America was well settled. It shows us that as you move through to the west, many areas only had a population density of less than 2 percent per squaremile. Map 6 also shows us that east of the mississippi river, the population was high , with over 45 people per square mile living in the east. A maximum of 18 per square mile were living in the west, but the majority of the west was populated with a population of 2 per square mile.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
One painting, one photo of the west
http://www.maxdstandley.com/giclees/i/the_trail_of_tears.jpg
the above painting is a painting of the trail of tears, as the Native Americans were relocated to other lands, the frontier continued to push them further and further west.
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/photos-oldwest/JudgeRoyBean-500.jpg
a photo of a much romanticised west, cowboys sitting around on the porch of a bar. the typical image of an old western culture.
the above painting is a painting of the trail of tears, as the Native Americans were relocated to other lands, the frontier continued to push them further and further west.
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/photos-oldwest/JudgeRoyBean-500.jpg
a photo of a much romanticised west, cowboys sitting around on the porch of a bar. the typical image of an old western culture.
the frontier mentality in modern USA
The article i have chosen to look at for this weeks blog is a small essay which discusses situations that the frontier set in motion. In particular it mentions how the mentality of going down to basics when the going gets tough and building up civilization after that. So instilling a work ethic that is still inherent in todays America. The article mentions the melting pot of culture in America today, which can be easily acredited to the building up of a "new" America as the frontier moved west.
http://www.cyberessays.com/History/158.htm
http://www.cyberessays.com/History/158.htm
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Week 3: First person account of Western Settlement
http://www.stumpranchonline.com/skagitjournal/WestCounty/MV-SW/Pre-1900/Washburn2-EarlySettlers.html
I have chosen to concentrate on the above website due to the content found. Historian Deanna Ammans came across these letters to the first edition of Skagit News in 1884. Skagit county is located in Washington, and so named after the Native American Indian tribe that settled there. The letters give us an insight to an account of the very first white woman to be seen in Skagit County and also of the Washburn Families accounts of what went on.
I think these are very interesting to read as it certainly delves into what happened during the late 1800s when talking about settling.
Rachel.
I have chosen to concentrate on the above website due to the content found. Historian Deanna Ammans came across these letters to the first edition of Skagit News in 1884. Skagit county is located in Washington, and so named after the Native American Indian tribe that settled there. The letters give us an insight to an account of the very first white woman to be seen in Skagit County and also of the Washburn Families accounts of what went on.
I think these are very interesting to read as it certainly delves into what happened during the late 1800s when talking about settling.
Rachel.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Contributing
The topics for your weekly contributions are set either in the AM1212 module handbook, or in the weekly handouts. Please make sure you keep up to date. If you don't you may fail the assessment, and our small group meetings will be disabled.
So, looking forward to seeing your postings on settler's narratives.
So, looking forward to seeing your postings on settler's narratives.
Friday, February 8, 2008
2008
begins here. Please make your posts on the topics indicated in the weekly schedule. We meet at....
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Week 11- Crash
Crash is a film about ethnic identities, and how every race is subjected to racism.
The film follows the lives of tweleve main characters, who are show in pairs, over the course of two days in Los Angeles. The two police officers, one who is openly racist (Matt Dillion), pulls over a couple who are driving because of thier behaviour, and frisks the women (Thandie Newton) while her husband (Terrence Dashon) stands by helpless. The other police officer ( Ryan Phillippe) thinks that he toehr poilce officer is out of order, but cannot do anything to stop it. however, despite audeince preconcived ideas about these two police officers, we later find out that they are wrong, which can be seen when Dillion character saves Newton's character the next day, while Phillippe's character shots a young black man after a misconception that he was going to shot him.
Two of the other characters, two young black men who steal cars, are also subjected to changes of behaviour. one of them happens to be the man which is shot by the police office, can be seen as the more repremanded of the two, and can be seen as one who follows the others comands. we also find out that his brother is a police office as well. the otehr character (Ludacris) is seen as the more openly angry character, and blames society for his criminal ways. however, in one of the vans which he steals, he finds a group of Asia immigrants, when he is offered money for them, he sets them free, suggesting that he knows right form wrong.
the film deals with issues of prejudice and shows how people judge people because of what they have seen in the media. such is the case when the major and his wife (Sandra Bullock) are carjacked, by the two young black men above, and the wife order the locks be changed. when she sees it is a latino, she orders they be changed again, as she feels he will give a copy of the key to gang memember and rob the house.
i enjoyed this film, and felt it highlighted images which have been discussed in recent weeks of the modules, espeically in connection with week 8's readings and lecture.
The film follows the lives of tweleve main characters, who are show in pairs, over the course of two days in Los Angeles. The two police officers, one who is openly racist (Matt Dillion), pulls over a couple who are driving because of thier behaviour, and frisks the women (Thandie Newton) while her husband (Terrence Dashon) stands by helpless. The other police officer ( Ryan Phillippe) thinks that he toehr poilce officer is out of order, but cannot do anything to stop it. however, despite audeince preconcived ideas about these two police officers, we later find out that they are wrong, which can be seen when Dillion character saves Newton's character the next day, while Phillippe's character shots a young black man after a misconception that he was going to shot him.
Two of the other characters, two young black men who steal cars, are also subjected to changes of behaviour. one of them happens to be the man which is shot by the police office, can be seen as the more repremanded of the two, and can be seen as one who follows the others comands. we also find out that his brother is a police office as well. the otehr character (Ludacris) is seen as the more openly angry character, and blames society for his criminal ways. however, in one of the vans which he steals, he finds a group of Asia immigrants, when he is offered money for them, he sets them free, suggesting that he knows right form wrong.
the film deals with issues of prejudice and shows how people judge people because of what they have seen in the media. such is the case when the major and his wife (Sandra Bullock) are carjacked, by the two young black men above, and the wife order the locks be changed. when she sees it is a latino, she orders they be changed again, as she feels he will give a copy of the key to gang memember and rob the house.
i enjoyed this film, and felt it highlighted images which have been discussed in recent weeks of the modules, espeically in connection with week 8's readings and lecture.
Week 10- G.I. Joe Action Figures
for this weeks blog task, i have chosen to look at G.I. Joe dolls. I think G.I. Joe dolls are quite unique, as they are aimed at boys, and dolls are considered "girls toys". These dolls use images of gender to market their products. The products which can be bought include the dolls or "action figures" themselves, as well as accessories for the action figures to enhance the childs game.
G.I. Joe's are considered the boy's toy version of Barbie. However, the difference between the two is quite significant. While the Barbie's show images of women as carer's and career women, G.I. Joe's depict images of war and violence. The different images protrayed suggest different gender roles and suggest that girls and boys should act differently.
The G.I. Joe dolls also encourage violence, as some of the accessories include guns.
http://www.hasbro.com/gijoe/default.cfm?page=toys
G.I. Joe's are considered the boy's toy version of Barbie. However, the difference between the two is quite significant. While the Barbie's show images of women as carer's and career women, G.I. Joe's depict images of war and violence. The different images protrayed suggest different gender roles and suggest that girls and boys should act differently.
The G.I. Joe dolls also encourage violence, as some of the accessories include guns.
http://www.hasbro.com/gijoe/default.cfm?page=toys
Sunday, May 27, 2007
CRASH
Crash is a film that follows the lives of a variety of ethnic characters over a 24 hour period whose stories intertwine and “crash” into one another. Director Paul Haggis connects their lives through luck, coincidence and violence. The characters from a variety of backgrounds and social classes speak their minds and don’t hold back on voicing their views and acting upon their prejudice views of other people.
I found this film very thought provoking as no character is all bad or purely good the actions and reactions of each characters in turn influence later reactions in the other characters. Roger Ebert believes that Crash “ presumes that most people feel prejudice and resentment against members of other groups, and observes the consequences of these feelings.” I believe that Haggis is in fact not presuming that most people feel resentment but that with immigration continuously on the rise that this resentment is continuously growing and becoming more of a problem in today’s society.
I feel by Crash portraying seemingly bad characters as good people it shows a true representation of human nature that nobody is truly good or bad. It also allows you as a viewer to empathise with why people can feel resentment towards different people.
I am not saying that by watching Crash it is going to make you a better person but it may make you question your own beliefs and opinions.
I found this film very thought provoking as no character is all bad or purely good the actions and reactions of each characters in turn influence later reactions in the other characters. Roger Ebert believes that Crash “ presumes that most people feel prejudice and resentment against members of other groups, and observes the consequences of these feelings.” I believe that Haggis is in fact not presuming that most people feel resentment but that with immigration continuously on the rise that this resentment is continuously growing and becoming more of a problem in today’s society.
I feel by Crash portraying seemingly bad characters as good people it shows a true representation of human nature that nobody is truly good or bad. It also allows you as a viewer to empathise with why people can feel resentment towards different people.
I am not saying that by watching Crash it is going to make you a better person but it may make you question your own beliefs and opinions.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Week 12 - Anti-Americanism and society
For the final blog, I chose to look at views of Anti-Americanism and how these have affected society. I thought it would be interesting to adapt views on Fight Club to this issue, as the book can be seen as a form of Anti-Americanism in itself.
Anti-Americanism is very much an issue that affects the USA today, as there are always people who want to adapt their own views to that of their country, and often these views are not supported, leading to a hatred of their country. Then there are those who believe that the country has distanced itself so far from the founding traditions and morals that it is no longer the country it claims to be.
Images of Anti-Americanism often dominate politics and society, and they are often used as propaganda against the present leadership at how far they have changed the country to something people believe it shouldn't be. One example of this would be the war in Iraq, where many people believe that this was a mistake after the actions taken.
Fight Club is a good example of Anti-Americanism, as it can be seen as a method of people venting their frustration at their own life, and often society, and finding a way to take it out. The need for something to entice their boring everyday lives has now grown to the point that Fight Clubs have actually begun forming around the country. This is strange as the whole concept of Fight Club was that it wasn't a real entity. However, this does show how desperate some people have become in that sense.
The notion of a 'Fight Club' allows people to vent their frustration at their lives and indeed in some cases their country, showing the unrest that still lies in a country that supposedly offers 'every opportunity' to its public. It will be interesting to see whether issues such as these develop to a more high-scale, high-publicity level, and whether this will create unrest.
Ed
http://www.trfc.tv/menu.html
Anti-Americanism is very much an issue that affects the USA today, as there are always people who want to adapt their own views to that of their country, and often these views are not supported, leading to a hatred of their country. Then there are those who believe that the country has distanced itself so far from the founding traditions and morals that it is no longer the country it claims to be.
Images of Anti-Americanism often dominate politics and society, and they are often used as propaganda against the present leadership at how far they have changed the country to something people believe it shouldn't be. One example of this would be the war in Iraq, where many people believe that this was a mistake after the actions taken.
Fight Club is a good example of Anti-Americanism, as it can be seen as a method of people venting their frustration at their own life, and often society, and finding a way to take it out. The need for something to entice their boring everyday lives has now grown to the point that Fight Clubs have actually begun forming around the country. This is strange as the whole concept of Fight Club was that it wasn't a real entity. However, this does show how desperate some people have become in that sense.
The notion of a 'Fight Club' allows people to vent their frustration at their lives and indeed in some cases their country, showing the unrest that still lies in a country that supposedly offers 'every opportunity' to its public. It will be interesting to see whether issues such as these develop to a more high-scale, high-publicity level, and whether this will create unrest.
Ed
http://www.trfc.tv/menu.html
Week 11 - Crash
For this weeks blog task a review of the movie 'Crash' had to be published. The movie, which won 3 Oscars, was critically acclaimed by many movie critics, but on the contrary there were also some negative reviews, with people believing the movie to be just another film about the things wrong with certain areas of the USA, in this case L.A.
The movie focuses around supposed everyday occurences in Los Angeles, and how people find their lives intersecting with one another and how events that unfold affect each individual's life in unexpected ways.
The film has an obvious task in addressing the situation regarding racism in the United States. This is shown by not only the two black actors and their roles in the film, as gangsters, but also by how the ways of American society has warped one cop's views of what is right and wrong. The movie works well in showing how people go from one extreme to another in their everyday lives. Evidence of this is shown through many characters. The issue of trust in one addressed in every storyline in the movie. Perhaps the most prominent ones are that of the Senator's wife, played by Sandra Bullock, where after one event such as a car-jacking at gunpoint, her trust in all people who are not white and American is strained severely, shown through her mistrust of the Latino man who fixes her house door. The same man is shown mistrust due to race again, albeit with previous circumstances affecting the shop owner's judgement, but this issue is looked at closely throughout the whole movie, and seems to present the notions that many people may believe, but are too afraid to say themselves.
It is easy to see where the film attracts criticism, with overemphasis at times on certain issues, such as race, and how it can be seen to be 'just another PC movie'. However, where this movie shines is through its ability to present very relevant issues through not necessarily extreme views, but views that need to be expressed in order for people to take notice that these things do actually happen today.
Ed
http://www.nycfilmcritic.com/display_film.php?id=161
http://www.filmfocus.co.uk/review.asp?ReviewID=314
The movie focuses around supposed everyday occurences in Los Angeles, and how people find their lives intersecting with one another and how events that unfold affect each individual's life in unexpected ways.
The film has an obvious task in addressing the situation regarding racism in the United States. This is shown by not only the two black actors and their roles in the film, as gangsters, but also by how the ways of American society has warped one cop's views of what is right and wrong. The movie works well in showing how people go from one extreme to another in their everyday lives. Evidence of this is shown through many characters. The issue of trust in one addressed in every storyline in the movie. Perhaps the most prominent ones are that of the Senator's wife, played by Sandra Bullock, where after one event such as a car-jacking at gunpoint, her trust in all people who are not white and American is strained severely, shown through her mistrust of the Latino man who fixes her house door. The same man is shown mistrust due to race again, albeit with previous circumstances affecting the shop owner's judgement, but this issue is looked at closely throughout the whole movie, and seems to present the notions that many people may believe, but are too afraid to say themselves.
It is easy to see where the film attracts criticism, with overemphasis at times on certain issues, such as race, and how it can be seen to be 'just another PC movie'. However, where this movie shines is through its ability to present very relevant issues through not necessarily extreme views, but views that need to be expressed in order for people to take notice that these things do actually happen today.
Ed
http://www.nycfilmcritic.com/display_film.php?id=161
http://www.filmfocus.co.uk/review.asp?ReviewID=314
Week 10 - Consumer Culture and Identity in the USA
For this weeks blog I chose to look consumerism in the United States and how it creates an identity within the mainstream American market. A good example of this is the marketing of the "Barbie" doll product, and how this has adapted to commercialism and also political correctness. Barbie was released before any such issues were as prominent in the public eye as they are today. However, like most products, it has had to develop with "the times" and make sure every issue is addressed correctly.
The website I found looks at how Barbie has developed from the supermodel look to, as of May 1st 2000, 'Presidential Barbie'. The original blone haired, blue eyed Barbie doll is a rare commodity nowadays. Since its release, the 'Barbie' brand has issued dolls with varying hair colour, then different race, and now, along with the ever increasing issue of equal rights for women, a Presidential Barbie, which could perhaps be more of a ploy for Hilary Clinton's Presidential campaign than some might think.
Over the years Barbie has come to echo how society has adapted to political correctness, and in turn tried to plug itself to all areas of society. An example could be the issue of Ken, who was included in order to present a family image, trying to show perhaps the perfect image of American life.
Ed
http://www.alternet.org/story/9064/
The website I found looks at how Barbie has developed from the supermodel look to, as of May 1st 2000, 'Presidential Barbie'. The original blone haired, blue eyed Barbie doll is a rare commodity nowadays. Since its release, the 'Barbie' brand has issued dolls with varying hair colour, then different race, and now, along with the ever increasing issue of equal rights for women, a Presidential Barbie, which could perhaps be more of a ploy for Hilary Clinton's Presidential campaign than some might think.
Over the years Barbie has come to echo how society has adapted to political correctness, and in turn tried to plug itself to all areas of society. An example could be the issue of Ken, who was included in order to present a family image, trying to show perhaps the perfect image of American life.
Ed
http://www.alternet.org/story/9064/
Review of "Crash"
“Crash” Directed by Paul Haggis”
“Crash” is a film of many layers, layers which we the audience see link and eventually come together. It starts and ends within a twenty four hour time period and follows twelve characters as they live their lives in Los Angeles. “Crash” focuses in on racism without any reservations or apologises and projects it as an issue which is not only a factor in these people’s lives but is the factor. From all angles we see what it is like to be a victim and to be the one who is indeed the racist. The way in which writer and director Paul Haggis plays the game of film making makes the viewers and critics not only understand but almost empathise with why these people are being racist.
But as citizens from a modern society we must ask ourselves if that is right? Should we be doing that? Surely any racism is wrong? Haggis raises these questions throughout his film but I am just not entirely sure is he ever actually answered them. The situations he put the characters in are verging beyond unbelievable which doesn’t exactly help with his desperate plea for realism.
By the end of film you are left with a rather strange taste in your mouth - one in which you just can't quite recognise. We are faced with confusion about whether Haggis ever intended his film to be about racism or if it is merely by pure chance.
I am sure that we will never really know which is sad as I guess we will never truly understand this film.
“Crash” is a film of many layers, layers which we the audience see link and eventually come together. It starts and ends within a twenty four hour time period and follows twelve characters as they live their lives in Los Angeles. “Crash” focuses in on racism without any reservations or apologises and projects it as an issue which is not only a factor in these people’s lives but is the factor. From all angles we see what it is like to be a victim and to be the one who is indeed the racist. The way in which writer and director Paul Haggis plays the game of film making makes the viewers and critics not only understand but almost empathise with why these people are being racist.
But as citizens from a modern society we must ask ourselves if that is right? Should we be doing that? Surely any racism is wrong? Haggis raises these questions throughout his film but I am just not entirely sure is he ever actually answered them. The situations he put the characters in are verging beyond unbelievable which doesn’t exactly help with his desperate plea for realism.
By the end of film you are left with a rather strange taste in your mouth - one in which you just can't quite recognise. We are faced with confusion about whether Haggis ever intended his film to be about racism or if it is merely by pure chance.
I am sure that we will never really know which is sad as I guess we will never truly understand this film.
Week 8 - Multi-Cultural America
For this weeks task I found an article on the website www.salon.com, and a contrasting view on the same article from the FOXnews website. The subject from the articles received high publicity due to the person in question being a Republican Presidential candidate in the upcoming 2008 US Presidential Election. The article received such publicity as Tommy Thompson, the man in question, caused social uproar by suggesting that a business could fire somebody for being gay. This was immediately addressed by equal rights campaigners, and I thought this article was interesting as it showed problems regarding such sensitive issues at high business levels.
Both articles mention the fact that Thompson retracted his comments as soon after the event as he could, blaming technicalities and misunderstanding of context for his comments. Both articles detail how Thompson used the ever-lovable phrase "I didn't fully understand the question", and both seem to be in favour of a retraction and apparent bemusal at why the comment was said in the first place.
FOXnews, a website with a heavy political theme, noted that the gaffe was sure to have an effect of Thompson's running in the 2008 campaign, but was unlikely to generate much furore with the general public, as many do not know he is running.
I found this article interesting because it shows the topic at hand is still very much an important political and social issue. I hope you find it interesting also.
http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/2007/05/04/thompson/index.html?source=rss
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,271896,00.html
Both articles mention the fact that Thompson retracted his comments as soon after the event as he could, blaming technicalities and misunderstanding of context for his comments. Both articles detail how Thompson used the ever-lovable phrase "I didn't fully understand the question", and both seem to be in favour of a retraction and apparent bemusal at why the comment was said in the first place.
FOXnews, a website with a heavy political theme, noted that the gaffe was sure to have an effect of Thompson's running in the 2008 campaign, but was unlikely to generate much furore with the general public, as many do not know he is running.
I found this article interesting because it shows the topic at hand is still very much an important political and social issue. I hope you find it interesting also.
http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/2007/05/04/thompson/index.html?source=rss
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,271896,00.html
Monday, May 21, 2007
Helen on Barack Obama
Senator Barack Obama (Illinois)
Barack Hussein Obama was born on August 4th 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is the Senator for Illinois and according to the U.S. Senate Historical Office, he is the fifth African American Senator in U.S. history. Also he is the only African American currently serving in the U.S. Senate. He was elected in November 2004 with a landslide 70% of the vote.
In February 2007, Obama announced his candidacy for the 2008 Presidential Election Race. Recent polls of Democratic voters show him narrowing the gap with front runner Senator Hilary Clinton and media sources have called him "the first black person viewed as a possible winner." In campaign appearances, Obama has emphasized ending the Iraq War and implementing universal health care as leading issues. He also believes America needs to act now on reducing the emission of greenhouse gases.
If I were a voting citizen in America I would vote for him. I think he has powerful views and has a more realistic approach to what America has to do when it comes to the Iraq War and global warming.
Here is the link to his website, just in case you want to see more; http://obama.senate.gov/
Helen
Barack Hussein Obama was born on August 4th 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is the Senator for Illinois and according to the U.S. Senate Historical Office, he is the fifth African American Senator in U.S. history. Also he is the only African American currently serving in the U.S. Senate. He was elected in November 2004 with a landslide 70% of the vote.
In February 2007, Obama announced his candidacy for the 2008 Presidential Election Race. Recent polls of Democratic voters show him narrowing the gap with front runner Senator Hilary Clinton and media sources have called him "the first black person viewed as a possible winner." In campaign appearances, Obama has emphasized ending the Iraq War and implementing universal health care as leading issues. He also believes America needs to act now on reducing the emission of greenhouse gases.
If I were a voting citizen in America I would vote for him. I think he has powerful views and has a more realistic approach to what America has to do when it comes to the Iraq War and global warming.
Here is the link to his website, just in case you want to see more; http://obama.senate.gov/
Helen
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Week 9 - 2008 Presidential Candidates
For this week's blog I chose to look at one of the most interesting, in my opinion, Presidential candidates for 2008. There has already been much publicity surrounding the upcoming 2008 elections, not least for some of the characters involved. The front runners have been grouped under various headings according to their individuality. For example, it has been noted that for this election there are some very different characters. There is a candidate of Mormon religion, but perhaps more interesting is the fact that the race has become much more open that now a woman and a black man are now serious contenders for the Presidency.
I chose to look at Barack Obama's campaign to become the next American President. I found it interesting that Obama has gained considerable interest for his campaign, and the possibility of a first black American President is a real likelihood. Obama was born in Hawaii in 1961, and graduated from Columbia University in 1983. Obama then moved to Chicago to persue more community based activities, particularly involving the church (which would become a major factor in his Presidency campaign). Even though he experienced success at this level, Obama realised that in order to make a real impact on the community he would need to influence proceedings on a national scale. He therefore chose to persue a law degree at Harvard University, and graduated in 1991. There he became the first African-American President of the Harvard Law Review. After his experiences, he chose to run for Illinois State Senate, where he served for 8 years, which eventually led him to his current position as candidate.
Obama has numerous policies as he looks to influence the American public's vote. He is fighting to strengthen American force overseas, create a healthcare system that works, meet America's energy needs and improve schools amongst other policies. Perhaps one of the most important and relevant ideas at this present time is his stance to end the war in Iraq. President Bush has been publically criticised over this issue numerous times, and Obama obviously hopes that the majority believe ending the war would be the best choice.
I think Obama is looking to introduce a lot of policies that would please the American public, but time and votes will tell whether his apparent inexperience in this field will lead him to fall to stronger opposition.
I chose to look at Barack Obama's campaign to become the next American President. I found it interesting that Obama has gained considerable interest for his campaign, and the possibility of a first black American President is a real likelihood. Obama was born in Hawaii in 1961, and graduated from Columbia University in 1983. Obama then moved to Chicago to persue more community based activities, particularly involving the church (which would become a major factor in his Presidency campaign). Even though he experienced success at this level, Obama realised that in order to make a real impact on the community he would need to influence proceedings on a national scale. He therefore chose to persue a law degree at Harvard University, and graduated in 1991. There he became the first African-American President of the Harvard Law Review. After his experiences, he chose to run for Illinois State Senate, where he served for 8 years, which eventually led him to his current position as candidate.
Obama has numerous policies as he looks to influence the American public's vote. He is fighting to strengthen American force overseas, create a healthcare system that works, meet America's energy needs and improve schools amongst other policies. Perhaps one of the most important and relevant ideas at this present time is his stance to end the war in Iraq. President Bush has been publically criticised over this issue numerous times, and Obama obviously hopes that the majority believe ending the war would be the best choice.
I think Obama is looking to introduce a lot of policies that would please the American public, but time and votes will tell whether his apparent inexperience in this field will lead him to fall to stronger opposition.
Week 9 - Senator Joe Biden
The polital figure I chose to research was Senator Joe Biden who represents Delaware, he is the longest serving Senator. Delaware is a Democratic state. I mainly saught information from his own site http://biden.senate.gov/. This site is very good for details on his life and his polital beliefs and aims.
Biden, one of four children was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He and his family then moved to Delaware when he was 10. He later went on to graduate from Archmere Academy in Claymont, Delaware and, in 1965, from the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware. He then attended Syracuse University College of Law, graduated in 1968, and was admitted to the Delaware Bar in 1969. In 1966, while in law school, Biden married his first wife Neilia Hunter. They had three children together. In 1977, Biden married Jill Tracy Jacobs. They have one child.
He has strong issues against Arms Control and Domestic Violence. Sen. Biden's landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was signed into law in 1994 and has has provided over $3.8 billion dollars to combat domestic violence and sexual assault nationwide. He also has very strong views on the prevention of drug use and to assist users to break the habbit. Other issues he stands for are Amtrak, Crime, Defense, Education, Environment, Energy, Health Care, Homeland Security,The War in Iraq and many more issues...
I would vote this politition, as we share similar views on all he stands for. Also being a Democrat, is another good reason of why I would vote for him, as I prefer their policies compared to the Republicans.
Biden, one of four children was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He and his family then moved to Delaware when he was 10. He later went on to graduate from Archmere Academy in Claymont, Delaware and, in 1965, from the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware. He then attended Syracuse University College of Law, graduated in 1968, and was admitted to the Delaware Bar in 1969. In 1966, while in law school, Biden married his first wife Neilia Hunter. They had three children together. In 1977, Biden married Jill Tracy Jacobs. They have one child.
He has strong issues against Arms Control and Domestic Violence. Sen. Biden's landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was signed into law in 1994 and has has provided over $3.8 billion dollars to combat domestic violence and sexual assault nationwide. He also has very strong views on the prevention of drug use and to assist users to break the habbit. Other issues he stands for are Amtrak, Crime, Defense, Education, Environment, Energy, Health Care, Homeland Security,The War in Iraq and many more issues...
I would vote this politition, as we share similar views on all he stands for. Also being a Democrat, is another good reason of why I would vote for him, as I prefer their policies compared to the Republicans.
Week 9-America in Red and Blue
For this week’s blog, I have chosen to look at Hillary Clinton. I choose her as I thought she would be the most interesting, having already been first lady. I looked at her website, http://www.hillaryclinton.com/?splash=1. When you first enter the website, it asks you to sign up to “team Hillary”, but this step can be skipped. Once on the website, you can look at videos of Hillary Clinton and speeches she has given. She seems like a good candidate, with political beliefs such as equal rights for same sex relationships, equal rights for women, stem cell research, and a belief in scientific advancements, policies which are completely opposite to George Bush’s.
I also looked at http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/firstladies/hc42.html, and found out a bit about her background. She was elected New York state senator on 7th November 200, and is the first First Lady elected to the US Senate and the first woman elected statewide in New York.
I also found an article on the Times online, http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article1719879.ece, which is less favourable to Hillary Clinton, and highlights some of the scandals she has been involved in the past, with reference to her autobiography.
I would vote for Hillary Clinton, as the policies and political beliefs I found she supported are ones which I believe in.
I also looked at http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/firstladies/hc42.html, and found out a bit about her background. She was elected New York state senator on 7th November 200, and is the first First Lady elected to the US Senate and the first woman elected statewide in New York.
I also found an article on the Times online, http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article1719879.ece, which is less favourable to Hillary Clinton, and highlights some of the scandals she has been involved in the past, with reference to her autobiography.
I would vote for Hillary Clinton, as the policies and political beliefs I found she supported are ones which I believe in.
Ethnic Commodity- Trash Talker Dolls
http://albino-rhino.com/TrashTalkers/TrashTalkDetail.html - Trash Talkers to buy
http://www.redhotcurry.com/views/trash_talker.htm - article on Trash Talker dolls
I have selected Trash talker dolls. These dolls are manufactured by JDK an American toy manufacturer and are aimed at the over 14s. However these dolls are marketed as being politically incorrect and offensive but 'outrageously funny' and a 'great gift' . They play on ethnic stereotypes to offend people and to cause people to buy them for their 'humour '. I personally find these dolls offensive and i agree with the linked article that they are basically playing on racist views and that the people that are buying them would have to be racist/ prejudice to find these dolls amusing.
The fact that these dolls have sold so well suggests that America and Europe still is plagued by rasicm and predujices. By the company adding that they are a big seller in the Gay community suggests to me that they are trying to give the people that find them offensive a particular group to be angry with, as personally i can see no reason to why these dolls would appeal more to this group or how the company would really know that they do. They are attempting to create attention negative or postive to sell their products.
http://www.redhotcurry.com/views/trash_talker.htm - article on Trash Talker dolls
I have selected Trash talker dolls. These dolls are manufactured by JDK an American toy manufacturer and are aimed at the over 14s. However these dolls are marketed as being politically incorrect and offensive but 'outrageously funny' and a 'great gift' . They play on ethnic stereotypes to offend people and to cause people to buy them for their 'humour '. I personally find these dolls offensive and i agree with the linked article that they are basically playing on racist views and that the people that are buying them would have to be racist/ prejudice to find these dolls amusing.
The fact that these dolls have sold so well suggests that America and Europe still is plagued by rasicm and predujices. By the company adding that they are a big seller in the Gay community suggests to me that they are trying to give the people that find them offensive a particular group to be angry with, as personally i can see no reason to why these dolls would appeal more to this group or how the company would really know that they do. They are attempting to create attention negative or postive to sell their products.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
week8- Multi-Cultural America
http://www.salon.com/weekly/fairies960729.html
this story is about "straight fairies", straight men who appear to be gay due to the way they act. i choose this story as i think it is similar to the metrosexual story we looked at for the seminar. i found it interesting to read, as the woman is speaking to a female friend, explaining the concept to her.
the second website i found is a magazine article in which the stroy is based in california, as with the salon story i chose. this story differs, as it describes gay marriage laws, which is similar to the story about same sex family values.
http://www.makezine.org/homos.html
this story is about "straight fairies", straight men who appear to be gay due to the way they act. i choose this story as i think it is similar to the metrosexual story we looked at for the seminar. i found it interesting to read, as the woman is speaking to a female friend, explaining the concept to her.
the second website i found is a magazine article in which the stroy is based in california, as with the salon story i chose. this story differs, as it describes gay marriage laws, which is similar to the story about same sex family values.
http://www.makezine.org/homos.html
Thursday, April 26, 2007
HIllary Clinton
http://www.hillaryclinton.com/about/senator/
Her website begins with an advert encouraging you to sign up and support her to "make history". The entire website is done in the colours of the USA flag cleverly making you think that she represents the true American view. The home page also features positive links to stories about positive things she is doing and also an ad encouraging women to vote for her to get equal pay. Also they are trying to connect with America's youth as you can link up with Myspace , Youtube, Facebook and Flickr. You can also easily convert the website into Spanish therefore encouraging immigrants and those from Spanish descent.
To learn about HIllary we are told postive lights about her background and her mother and father, how her collegemates voted for her. There is mention of Bill Clinton but doesn't go into detail although there is about the rest of her family. In this overview of her history we are told her view points so you believe she has always felt this way.
http://www.cafepress.com/shoptheright/553868
This links to a republican site selling anti Hillary T-shirts which look upon many issues not mentioned in her history many relating to her past including Bill. They also refer to her as a socialist demon.
http://www.stophillarypac.com/ This site is anti HIllary and clevery shows a video from Iowa residents saying they don't want Hillary although many are democrats. The site also entices you with free gifts when you make a anti Hillary donation. Click on the TRUTH LIST for some quotes that disprove what her beliefs are. note that many are from when her husband was president.
After looking at this material gives me mixed feelings on whether to vote for her mainly because i think the anti Hillary material is very effective at deminishing her policies and political beliefs
Her website begins with an advert encouraging you to sign up and support her to "make history". The entire website is done in the colours of the USA flag cleverly making you think that she represents the true American view. The home page also features positive links to stories about positive things she is doing and also an ad encouraging women to vote for her to get equal pay. Also they are trying to connect with America's youth as you can link up with Myspace , Youtube, Facebook and Flickr. You can also easily convert the website into Spanish therefore encouraging immigrants and those from Spanish descent.
To learn about HIllary we are told postive lights about her background and her mother and father, how her collegemates voted for her. There is mention of Bill Clinton but doesn't go into detail although there is about the rest of her family. In this overview of her history we are told her view points so you believe she has always felt this way.
http://www.cafepress.com/shoptheright/553868
This links to a republican site selling anti Hillary T-shirts which look upon many issues not mentioned in her history many relating to her past including Bill. They also refer to her as a socialist demon.
http://www.stophillarypac.com/ This site is anti HIllary and clevery shows a video from Iowa residents saying they don't want Hillary although many are democrats. The site also entices you with free gifts when you make a anti Hillary donation. Click on the TRUTH LIST for some quotes that disprove what her beliefs are. note that many are from when her husband was president.
After looking at this material gives me mixed feelings on whether to vote for her mainly because i think the anti Hillary material is very effective at deminishing her policies and political beliefs
Salon - Abortion
1 http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2007/04/19/scotus_ban/index.html Supreme court upholds partial ban
2 http://www.anael.org/english/abortion/ methods and consequences
3 http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/issues/abortion/abortion-bans/fab-update.html more on ferderal ban
1- this is the source of the story on salon explaining how a partial abortion ban is coming in. This story does not outrightly say it supports abortion but it presents many points from people that do believe in the right to choose 'centre for reproductive rights' it also talks of fear that many states will see this as an opportunity to outrightly ban abortion. link 3 shows more information on this federal banwhich helps to better understand the issue and concerns people have
2 - This discusses various abortion methods and shows their anti abortion opinion through the use of words such as tears, barbasim and compares one method as ' the effect of napalm on innocent war victims' . They also cleverly use a story of a lady who took an abortion pill, changed her mind and that God helped her keep her baby. This group Gnosis is obviously a religious group and has a strong theme throughout how much damage abortion does to you and how abortion will never be legal to God. it aims to make you feel guilty if you even consider abortion as an option. they also say how you can sign up for courses in Gnosis science. which leads one to wonder if there is any money to be made behind it?
in both sou
2 http://www.anael.org/english/abortion/ methods and consequences
3 http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/issues/abortion/abortion-bans/fab-update.html more on ferderal ban
1- this is the source of the story on salon explaining how a partial abortion ban is coming in. This story does not outrightly say it supports abortion but it presents many points from people that do believe in the right to choose 'centre for reproductive rights' it also talks of fear that many states will see this as an opportunity to outrightly ban abortion. link 3 shows more information on this federal banwhich helps to better understand the issue and concerns people have
2 - This discusses various abortion methods and shows their anti abortion opinion through the use of words such as tears, barbasim and compares one method as ' the effect of napalm on innocent war victims' . They also cleverly use a story of a lady who took an abortion pill, changed her mind and that God helped her keep her baby. This group Gnosis is obviously a religious group and has a strong theme throughout how much damage abortion does to you and how abortion will never be legal to God. it aims to make you feel guilty if you even consider abortion as an option. they also say how you can sign up for courses in Gnosis science. which leads one to wonder if there is any money to be made behind it?
in both sou
Monday, April 23, 2007
Re: Ellis Island posts
Ed and Kerry highlighted the shopping part of the Ellis Island website. Note how this part of the site offers COMMODITIES and CONSUMPTION as means of affirming family ties and ethnic identity.What do you think of this? A negative process of commodifying people's intimate feelings of belonging? Or a legitimate way of expressing such feelings?We will return to issues like this in week 10.
Re: Immigration Videos
Interesting posts that will repay attention as a group.
In particular, I thought that the videos highlighted how immigration can be viewed differently with respect to CULTURE, RACE, and ECONOMICS. Note that the man in Lucy's post explicitly welcomes the CULTURAL and RACIAL aspects of immigration (ie diversity) while rejecting what he sees as its ECONOMIC effects (specifically, depressing the level of wages for the lowest-paid workers). How far do you think this view is a product of his own class position? Compare also the immigration policy of California Governor Schwarzenegger, which acknowledges the importance of undocumented (or 'illegal') immigrants in providing low-cost labor for business. The situation in California (many of whose industries, including tourism and fruit production, rely on large numbers of low-paid workers) means that Schwarzenegger is more positive about immigrants than many other Republicans.
Similar issues are suggested - or conspicuously ignored - in other videos. Think of Kerry's posting of Rush Limbaugh. You might want to try to ascertain how accurate his claims are -but ask also what difference it makes that the Mexican laws are attempting to protect themselves against the greater economic power of US businesses and individuals.
In particular, I thought that the videos highlighted how immigration can be viewed differently with respect to CULTURE, RACE, and ECONOMICS. Note that the man in Lucy's post explicitly welcomes the CULTURAL and RACIAL aspects of immigration (ie diversity) while rejecting what he sees as its ECONOMIC effects (specifically, depressing the level of wages for the lowest-paid workers). How far do you think this view is a product of his own class position? Compare also the immigration policy of California Governor Schwarzenegger, which acknowledges the importance of undocumented (or 'illegal') immigrants in providing low-cost labor for business. The situation in California (many of whose industries, including tourism and fruit production, rely on large numbers of low-paid workers) means that Schwarzenegger is more positive about immigrants than many other Republicans.
Similar issues are suggested - or conspicuously ignored - in other videos. Think of Kerry's posting of Rush Limbaugh. You might want to try to ascertain how accurate his claims are -but ask also what difference it makes that the Mexican laws are attempting to protect themselves against the greater economic power of US businesses and individuals.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Ellis Island & Youtube Immigration video (Lucy)
Ellis Island Website
When I looked at this website, I found it quite easy to navigate. All sections are clearly labelled, and I found the information interesting. I though the timelines were particularly interesting, especially with the graph, which showed the amount of immigration at certain periods. I also found the six personal stories interesting to read. The section on the history is insightful, and was interesting to read as I had no previous knowledge of Ellis Island, it portrays America as a place where many people want to immigrate to, and this can be seen through the graph on the timeline section of the website. I also found the pictures interesting to look at, as I find it easier to identify with places when I have seen images of it. I liked the additional websites they cited, as I feel the help to better an understanding of the issues.
Week 7 Blog
Immigration issues-youtube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh6acgDWK2A
this video is about tolerance of immigration to America. I choose this video because I thought it portrayed a very American view on immigration, and in particular a very closed minded view. On the site there is a lot of controversial comments on the video, there actual name of the video is “Angry American talks about illegal immigration”, and is tagged as Mexican illegal aliens.the man is from California, where there is a high amount of Mexican immigrants. He says “I don’t understand why we have to fight so hard to be American” I found this interesting, as it deals with American identity in some way.
When I looked at this website, I found it quite easy to navigate. All sections are clearly labelled, and I found the information interesting. I though the timelines were particularly interesting, especially with the graph, which showed the amount of immigration at certain periods. I also found the six personal stories interesting to read. The section on the history is insightful, and was interesting to read as I had no previous knowledge of Ellis Island, it portrays America as a place where many people want to immigrate to, and this can be seen through the graph on the timeline section of the website. I also found the pictures interesting to look at, as I find it easier to identify with places when I have seen images of it. I liked the additional websites they cited, as I feel the help to better an understanding of the issues.
Week 7 Blog
Immigration issues-youtube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh6acgDWK2A
this video is about tolerance of immigration to America. I choose this video because I thought it portrayed a very American view on immigration, and in particular a very closed minded view. On the site there is a lot of controversial comments on the video, there actual name of the video is “Angry American talks about illegal immigration”, and is tagged as Mexican illegal aliens.the man is from California, where there is a high amount of Mexican immigrants. He says “I don’t understand why we have to fight so hard to be American” I found this interesting, as it deals with American identity in some way.
ellis island
http://www.ellisisland.org/shop/product.asp?NODE_ID=48
what really interested me about the ellis island site was the fact that you can purchase a gift certificate for people! It seems there is no end to what you can sell America! You can also purchase images of the wall of honour and even a necklace of the liberty flame! wow! the reason why in particular these interests me is because i feel that Americans are being tempted into buying their ancestry to prove their origins. to me this relates back to tho issues of hyphenated Americans we have been going over and the fact that the number of ethnic groups are expanding constantly as people are trying to make themselves class themselves to great precision. i feel that these items are there to encourage Americans to have pyhsical proof of their heritage and just how long they have been in their country so they can show it to others and therefore expressing superiority.
The entire theme of this site is pushing people to find out their heritage and romantising the entire process which entices people to purchase 'artifacts' to prove their story. compare this to this other site which does not attempt to romantcise the process of immigration and heritage without envoking images and eight corner document holders!
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/eidb/ellis.html
what really interested me about the ellis island site was the fact that you can purchase a gift certificate for people! It seems there is no end to what you can sell America! You can also purchase images of the wall of honour and even a necklace of the liberty flame! wow! the reason why in particular these interests me is because i feel that Americans are being tempted into buying their ancestry to prove their origins. to me this relates back to tho issues of hyphenated Americans we have been going over and the fact that the number of ethnic groups are expanding constantly as people are trying to make themselves class themselves to great precision. i feel that these items are there to encourage Americans to have pyhsical proof of their heritage and just how long they have been in their country so they can show it to others and therefore expressing superiority.
The entire theme of this site is pushing people to find out their heritage and romantising the entire process which entices people to purchase 'artifacts' to prove their story. compare this to this other site which does not attempt to romantcise the process of immigration and heritage without envoking images and eight corner document holders!
http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/eidb/ellis.html
Thursday, March 22, 2007
immigration you tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9Z7g8xOtf4
This video is really interesting as at first you view he is giving a strong view of immigrants into America when however they are laws that exist in Mexico on immigrants coming into their country. I still found the tone of the piece really aggressive as i feel he is using these Mexican laws as a reason to tighten and reduce immigration legal and illegal into the USA.
The man in the video is Rush Limbaugh who is a popular talk show host in America from a Conservative view point . Some quotes below from 2005 Wall Street journal help to give a better undertanding of his character. Do read some comments on the video as they give the view point from people experiencing immigration in their lives in America. Its really interesting as immigration is still such a controversial subject and provokes very strong responses.
This video is really interesting as at first you view he is giving a strong view of immigrants into America when however they are laws that exist in Mexico on immigrants coming into their country. I still found the tone of the piece really aggressive as i feel he is using these Mexican laws as a reason to tighten and reduce immigration legal and illegal into the USA.
The man in the video is Rush Limbaugh who is a popular talk show host in America from a Conservative view point . Some quotes below from 2005 Wall Street journal help to give a better undertanding of his character. Do read some comments on the video as they give the view point from people experiencing immigration in their lives in America. Its really interesting as immigration is still such a controversial subject and provokes very strong responses.
- I love being a conservative. We conservatives are proud of our philosophy. Unlike our liberal friends, who are constantly looking for new words to conceal their true beliefs and are in a perpetual state of reinvention, we conservatives are unapologetic about our ideals.
- We are confident in our principles and energetic about openly advancing them. We believe in individual liberty, limited government, capitalism, the rule of law, faith, a color-blind society and national security.
- We support school choice, enterprise zones, tax cuts, welfare reform, faith-based initiatives, political speech, homeowner rights and the war on terrorism.
And at our core we embrace and celebrate the most magnificent governing document ever ratified by any nation — the U.S. Constitution. Along with the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes our God-given natural right to be free, it is the foundation on which our government is built and has enabled us to flourish as a people. - We conservatives are never stronger than when we are advancing our principles.
Week 7 - Immigration issues
For this weeks blog, I found a video on the YouTube website that I thought was particularly interesting regarding immigration issues in the US. This video is a promo for a radio talk show, but I found the imagery and words used in the video particularly interesting. The messages sent across by the video take a very political stance, and depict images of violence and aggression towards the United States. I found this relevant as we were talking about the wall being placed up on the Texas border to stop the influx of Mexicans and Hispanics into the southern states. This video shows that the Hispanics want to voice their opinion, and don't seem to be concerned with the backlash that could result from this. The video also shows the unrest felt by Hispanics towards language barriers, given in the title "Welcome to America -- Now Speak English!". I felt this was a great example of the racial and political divide separating America at this present moment.
Week 6 - Ellis Island
The first thing that strikes you about this website is the way in which it is set out in an advertisment form. The use of imagery is a clear sales point, with the adverts placed down the right hand side, and the encouragement to become a member as one of the main features of the home page. This helps to show how commercialised America has become nowadays, whereas before Ellis Island was the port for immigration, it is now seen as a national landmark and a centre for advertisement and publicity. When exploring the sub-sections, 'The Immigrant Experience' section is very useful to the historians and anybody interested in actual stories. The time line gives great detail on the history of immigration, and the family history's help to relate the feature to actual people. Interaction is a big part of this website, as most links involve on you clicking on a link to find out further information. The use of the 'photo album' shows how commercialised and patriotic America has become today, with the image of the American flag swaying in the wind used as an iconic figure for the modern day Ellis Island. The older album depicts people as you would have expected them to be seen at that time, and the same way in which it is described on the rest of the website, whereas the modern album uses the idea of commercialism as a front for the images, using much more iconic images, and particularly pictures that present a sense of hope and encouragement. This seems to be a strong part of the website, presenting the pros rather than the cons of immigration.
Week 5 - Ghost Riders
For this weeks blog, I decided to find a website that related to the presentation I made on Ghost Riders. I found this useful as it gives a good description of the book and the events that unfold, and this helped to refresh my memory on the book and the events that related to my topic. This website raises a lot of the issues in the book in a manner of discussion, which is good when trying to prepare a presentation. I hope you find this as useful as I did.
Ed.
http://books.guardian.co.uk/reviews/travel/0,6121,886587,00.html
Ed.
http://books.guardian.co.uk/reviews/travel/0,6121,886587,00.html
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Ellis Island
Hello Everyone,
The first thing that struck me when looking at this website is just how much information it offers. For example, we can read stories from Americans who all come from different backgrounds as they research their ancestry. There are also generous amounts of information about the history of Ellis Island itself and a timeline of significant events and dates.
We get a fascinating view of what the process must have been like for the immigrants as they arrived in America. The way in which the photo blogs are set up (side by side) it is easier to draw up a comparsion of Ellis Island now and as it was in the past. Seeing the pictures which were taken as the people arrived it really makes you think of what the situation was like and we can see the struggle coming through on their faces. It definitely encouraged me to find out more. Here is the link; http://www.ellisisland.org/photoalbums/ellis_island_photo_album.asp
When looking for other websites to reinforce the ideas of Ellis Island I came across this one;
http://www.nps.gov/elis/historyculture/index.htm
It is great for random facts and has a useful links to the American Census 2000.
Hope you find it useful!
Helen
The first thing that struck me when looking at this website is just how much information it offers. For example, we can read stories from Americans who all come from different backgrounds as they research their ancestry. There are also generous amounts of information about the history of Ellis Island itself and a timeline of significant events and dates.
We get a fascinating view of what the process must have been like for the immigrants as they arrived in America. The way in which the photo blogs are set up (side by side) it is easier to draw up a comparsion of Ellis Island now and as it was in the past. Seeing the pictures which were taken as the people arrived it really makes you think of what the situation was like and we can see the struggle coming through on their faces. It definitely encouraged me to find out more. Here is the link; http://www.ellisisland.org/photoalbums/ellis_island_photo_album.asp
When looking for other websites to reinforce the ideas of Ellis Island I came across this one;
http://www.nps.gov/elis/historyculture/index.htm
It is great for random facts and has a useful links to the American Census 2000.
Hope you find it useful!
Helen
Friday, March 9, 2007
Ghost riders
In my presentation i will use various documents we have seen from the west and relate these to my chosen passage in Ghost riders. The site i am posting given further information one of the images i will use.
This first site gives some background information on Thomas Kinkade as a buisness. This is very usefull to read and it helps to determine the usefulness of his images and how reliable they are as sources as the purpose of images is to be sold to the mass "Thomas Kinkade is America's most-collected living artist, a painter-communicator whose tranquil, light-infused paintings bring hope and joy to millions each year. A devoted husband and father of four daughters" this fact shows how he attempts to project his ideas and values through his work. Also to consider ins the fact that Kinkade is christian and therefore this will dictate his style of painting.
The second site is a short overview of Kinkade and helps to understand why Kinkades images aim to keep the myths and romatism of the west alive again due to his values.
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-106726178.html
http://www.cruiseshipartauctions.com/bio.htm
This first site gives some background information on Thomas Kinkade as a buisness. This is very usefull to read and it helps to determine the usefulness of his images and how reliable they are as sources as the purpose of images is to be sold to the mass "Thomas Kinkade is America's most-collected living artist, a painter-communicator whose tranquil, light-infused paintings bring hope and joy to millions each year. A devoted husband and father of four daughters" this fact shows how he attempts to project his ideas and values through his work. Also to consider ins the fact that Kinkade is christian and therefore this will dictate his style of painting.
The second site is a short overview of Kinkade and helps to understand why Kinkades images aim to keep the myths and romatism of the west alive again due to his values.
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-106726178.html
http://www.cruiseshipartauctions.com/bio.htm
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Task for this week
Please visit the website of the Ellis Island Museum, located in New York Harbour. Explore the site and for your task post comments on how you think this website represents the history of American immigration (for instance, how does it present the past, how does it use images of the past, how does it relate to the past commercially, how does it encourage personal participation, etc.) Your comments should include links to specific sub-sections of the site. You might find it instructive to compare the attitude of the website to these materials from the museum's own collection.
Week 5, ghost Riders
for this weeks blog, i decided to use a website which helped me with my presentation. it has information on various people who were important in the American wes. there are also links to significant events and issues, as well as trails and native American tribes. i found this website good as it is written in easy to understand text, and the information is quite helpful and interesting.
i hope you find this as useful as i did
Lucy
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAamericanwest.htm
i hope you find this as useful as i did
Lucy
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAamericanwest.htm
Ansel Adams
Hello again,
As we were looking and analysing some of the images of America in the west I wanted to find a website which would help reinforce these thoughts. I came across this useful site about Ansel Adams. It is called the Ansel Adam Gallery and shows us a lot of his work. The quality of the images is great and we get the opportunity to see how beautiful his artwork is. We also see an informative biography about him as it tracks his professional career.
The website address is www.anseladams.com
Enjoy!
Helen
As we were looking and analysing some of the images of America in the west I wanted to find a website which would help reinforce these thoughts. I came across this useful site about Ansel Adams. It is called the Ansel Adam Gallery and shows us a lot of his work. The quality of the images is great and we get the opportunity to see how beautiful his artwork is. We also see an informative biography about him as it tracks his professional career.
The website address is www.anseladams.com
Enjoy!
Helen
Monroe Doctrine
Hello Everyone,
I came across a great website about the Monroe Doctrine for this week’s blog. It had a detailed description about what exactly the Doctrine was and how it changed America. We also get an interesting summary of events which were affected by the Doctrine, for example, the situation with Central and Latin American and the Soviet Union.
It has an image of the written document and you can zoom in to see what James Monroe actually wrote.
The address is www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=23
Hopefully it will be of some use, See you all soon,
Helen
I came across a great website about the Monroe Doctrine for this week’s blog. It had a detailed description about what exactly the Doctrine was and how it changed America. We also get an interesting summary of events which were affected by the Doctrine, for example, the situation with Central and Latin American and the Soviet Union.
It has an image of the written document and you can zoom in to see what James Monroe actually wrote.
The address is www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=23
Hopefully it will be of some use, See you all soon,
Helen
Westward Expansion
Hello Everyone,
For this week’s blog I decided to look at Westward Expansion. I wanted to find a website which summarised all the work and discussions that we have participated in in the previous lectures and seminars. I came across this website, www.sparknotes.com/history/american/westwardexpansion/timeline.html and I found that it thoroughly yet concisely dissected this particular topic. Even though it is targeted at younger students it is still highly useful. It starts with a general overview and then goes on to offer many other categories full of relevant and interesting information. The website also boasts a detailed timeline.
I hope you find it helpful,
Helen
For this week’s blog I decided to look at Westward Expansion. I wanted to find a website which summarised all the work and discussions that we have participated in in the previous lectures and seminars. I came across this website, www.sparknotes.com/history/american/westwardexpansion/timeline.html and I found that it thoroughly yet concisely dissected this particular topic. Even though it is targeted at younger students it is still highly useful. It starts with a general overview and then goes on to offer many other categories full of relevant and interesting information. The website also boasts a detailed timeline.
I hope you find it helpful,
Helen
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Week 4 - Territorial expansion into the continental interior
For this week's blog, I chose first look at the idea of 'Manifest Destiny'. I found a website detailing notions of 'Manifest Destiny' and the ideas behind it. I think this website explains the concept very well and is very detailed. It includes John L. Sullivan's coining of the phrase and how it developed over time. I hope you find this interesting and helpful.
The second aspect I looked at was the Monroe Doctrine. I found a website, set up by the US government. It details the background behind the Monroe Doctrine and the ideas behind it. This helps to give an easy understanding of the topic and the website covers it well. I hope you find this interesting.
Ed.
Manifest Destiny
http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/E/manifest/manifxx.htm
Monroe Doctrine
http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/democrac/50.htm
The second aspect I looked at was the Monroe Doctrine. I found a website, set up by the US government. It details the background behind the Monroe Doctrine and the ideas behind it. This helps to give an easy understanding of the topic and the website covers it well. I hope you find this interesting.
Ed.
Manifest Destiny
http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/E/manifest/manifxx.htm
Monroe Doctrine
http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/democrac/50.htm
Week 3 - The Settlement of the West
For this week's blog, I found a website that related to the settlement of the American West. This website focuses on the industrialisation of the West due to the settlement, providing a timeline of how these ideas manifested to set about a creation of aspects of America we all know today. It looks at the use of the railroads to create the development. I found this article interesting and hope you do as well.
Ed
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/ndlpedu/features/timeline/riseind/west/west.html
Ed
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/ndlpedu/features/timeline/riseind/west/west.html
Week 2 - The Great American West
For this week's blog I found a website that gives a lot of information on the Great American West, studying all aspects, showing the development from the Frontier to the Modern West. The website gives a good account of subsections involving Native Americans, Outlaws, Expansion and Cowboys, amongst other topics. This website offers a lot of interesting information regarding the West. I hope you find it useful.
Ed
http://www.americanwest.com/pages/wexpansi.htm
Ed
http://www.americanwest.com/pages/wexpansi.htm
Friday, March 2, 2007
Expansion and more
This link will take you to a title page where you can click through to various topics that you want to look at. It contains information of trails ( louis and clark), history of the fur trade, civil war and much more.
To get to the sites of american expansion click on locations, then american west ward expansion, you then reach a list of various sites. this site should be useful in helping with finding more information on some of the topics covered so far in the module but giving a pointer to some onformative websites
http://www.vlib.us/americanwest/
To get to the sites of american expansion click on locations, then american west ward expansion, you then reach a list of various sites. this site should be useful in helping with finding more information on some of the topics covered so far in the module but giving a pointer to some onformative websites
http://www.vlib.us/americanwest/
Monroe Doctrine
This web page is useful in understanding the historical background of the Monroe Doctrine and is from a source against America. I found this useful and putting the Doctrine into context and helped to make it more understandable to the response people had to it. this site does however contain much information leading away from the Monroe Doctrine but shows how it still has provoked anger towards America
http://www.handsoffvenezuela.org/monroe_doctrine_venezuela_3.htm
http://www.handsoffvenezuela.org/monroe_doctrine_venezuela_3.htm
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
week4, territorial expansion into the continental interior
for this weeks blog, i choose to look at the territorial expansion into the continental interior. i found this website which has information on the history of territoral exspansion and problems with boundaries, along with a map of americawhich shows different territorals and a chronological timeline of the exspansion of america. some fo the information on this website is very useful.
i hope you also find it helpful
Lucy
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/award99/icuhtml/fawsp/sp1.html
i hope you also find it helpful
Lucy
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/award99/icuhtml/fawsp/sp1.html
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Week 4 - Documents of the West into 'Ghost Riders'
Thanks to Lucy for an interesting site which can be of much use now and later in the module. Otherwise, we need to step up the intensity of this blog.
For week 4, I'd like you ALL to post material which follows up the theme of the opening weeks - territorial expansion into the continental interior, America's sense of its special destiny to occupy the entire continent, and the first displacements of the native peoples West. In particular, it would be useful to focus on two interrelated things - the idea of 'Manifest Destiny', and one of the most explicit political manifestations of that idea, the 'Monroe Doctrine'. So please post blogs and links that give historical detail on 'Manifest Destiny' and the 'Monroe Doctrine'. In particular, I would like you to follow up the following questions:
1. What was the 'Monroe Doctrine'?
2. To what was it a response?
3. How far did it determine the political policies of the USA in the century after it was first issued?
(It is beneficial for you to research these now, as for week 5's presentations, I will be asking you to choose a section of 'Ghost Riders' and relate it to a specific element of the documents of the West.)
For week 4's small group, please finish reading 'Ghost Riders'. In the group, after reviewing the documents of the West, we will look especially at Chapter 1 and Chapter 5. When reading, please keep these questions in mind:
In what ways does Richard Grant appear an "outsider" in his experiences of America, and how does that let him perceive issues and make criticisms of America that an insider could not?
In Chapter 1, what vision of the scale of the West and travel across it is given and how has it shaped character and personality?
In Chapter 5 how does Grant see the Western landscape as affecting himself, white Americans and Apaches?
For week 4, I'd like you ALL to post material which follows up the theme of the opening weeks - territorial expansion into the continental interior, America's sense of its special destiny to occupy the entire continent, and the first displacements of the native peoples West. In particular, it would be useful to focus on two interrelated things - the idea of 'Manifest Destiny', and one of the most explicit political manifestations of that idea, the 'Monroe Doctrine'. So please post blogs and links that give historical detail on 'Manifest Destiny' and the 'Monroe Doctrine'. In particular, I would like you to follow up the following questions:
1. What was the 'Monroe Doctrine'?
2. To what was it a response?
3. How far did it determine the political policies of the USA in the century after it was first issued?
(It is beneficial for you to research these now, as for week 5's presentations, I will be asking you to choose a section of 'Ghost Riders' and relate it to a specific element of the documents of the West.)
For week 4's small group, please finish reading 'Ghost Riders'. In the group, after reviewing the documents of the West, we will look especially at Chapter 1 and Chapter 5. When reading, please keep these questions in mind:
In what ways does Richard Grant appear an "outsider" in his experiences of America, and how does that let him perceive issues and make criticisms of America that an insider could not?
In Chapter 1, what vision of the scale of the West and travel across it is given and how has it shaped character and personality?
In Chapter 5 how does Grant see the Western landscape as affecting himself, white Americans and Apaches?
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Week 3, The Settlement of the West
For this weeks blog, i found this website about the settlement of the West. the start of the material begins with the part pf the topic which we have already covered, but is good to look at as a review of the topic. at the bottom of the page there is a link to another page containing information on the encountering of the first american west, which also has some useful information.
i hopwe you find this helpful
Lucy
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/award99/icuhtml/fawsp/sp1.html
i hopwe you find this helpful
Lucy
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/award99/icuhtml/fawsp/sp1.html
Week 2, The Great American Desert
for this weeks blog, i found this website which has a short description about the Great American West, as well as more indepth writings about it. there is a timeline which i found useful as it helped to clarify the exact dates of movement. there is also information on some of the topics which the reading for this week covered, which you may find useful. there is also the manifest destiny, which we will be looking at next week, which you may also find useful to look at.
i hope this website is useful for you all
Lucy
http://www.historyonthenet.com/American_West/great_american_desert.htm
i hope this website is useful for you all
Lucy
http://www.historyonthenet.com/American_West/great_american_desert.htm
Friday, February 9, 2007
Manifest Destiny
Click here for John L Sullivan's 1839 description of
Welcome to semester 2
How to manage your contributions to the Blogs!
1. Number of postings
You should make at least one post of your own and one comment on someone else’s post each week. The posting should be of a critically valuable item and should consist of the link and your views on it. The item might be a link to a web site, an image, museum, library, an article, a video. Your comment should also make a helpful and critically evaluative statement about someone else’s posting.
2. Kinds of postings
When you post something, you should make it clear to your reader why you have chosen the material. State how it links to the topic of the week. State what your reader should look for in the posting. Evaluate it - do you agree with the opinion or point of view given in the material you have posted? When you comment on another person’s post, you should offer a substantiated opinion – back up your comments with evidence.
3. Kinds of writing
Part of the task in the Blog is to sharpen your writing/debating skills. You must get used to reviewing and editing what you have written. Please check your spelling and punctuation. Don’t write in txt spk.
4. Length of postings
The Blog is not a message board. It’s for sharing your developing and researched ideas on the topics and issues on your module. Please don’t gossip, update us on your TV watching (unless its relevant and is critically evaluated) or the latest on Brangelina. Your messages should be between 25 – 50 words long.
5. Creating a narrative
Think of the Blog as developing over the semester. Go back and review the previous week before a new post. Add comments as to how and why your opinion has changed. The major aim of the Blog is to encourage you to become self-critically aware. You should be able to look back at the end of the semester and see how your views on ideas and debates developed. Go back and review semester one’s Blog - can you see such a development? If not, why not?
6. Marking the BLOG
We will use all of the above when we mark your contribution. You therefore need to check when you make each post, comment on other posting and review your narrative over the semester that you have followed these directions.
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