Saturday, December 14, 2013
The Black Man's Truth
The black race has endured racial injustice, prejudice, and oppression since the formation of the Thirteen Colonies in North America. From Texas to Mississippi to Alabama to Virginia, black slaves had to work inhumanely while carrying the traditions and culture of black civilization. In "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," Langston Hughes refers to himself as the man who built the huts when Africa was just born, the man who bathed in the rivers of the earliest civilization, the man who built the African monument of the pyramids, and the man who witnessed Abraham Lincoln during his first visit to New Orleans. Obviously, Hughes has not lived for nearly 5000 years, but as a black man, he represents all of black civilization, black tradition, black history, and black culture. While individuals may change, the rivers never change as they witness all that the black man has witnessed from the beginning of life, which is best exemplified using the refrain, "I've known rivers." The black man knows the river just like how the river knows him and his past. This degree of verisimilitude creates a truthful, historical account of the black man's struggles and burdens. Using a chronological order, Hughes builds the poem up to the eventual freedom of the blacks when "its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset." While this poem is not perfectly truthful, Hughes' use of verisimilitude illustrates that the emotions that Hughes feels and carries reflect the emotions of his race from their early and recent histories.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
In Memory of My Loving Grandfather
On December 1st 2013, my grandfather, Tho Tran, passed away in his sleep at 3 AM in the morning. Yesterday was his funeral. He was strong, diligent, loving, caring, resilient, determined, compassionate, sympathetic, gracious, considerate. The list goes on and on, but not one word can describe my grandpa's complete character. Without a doubt, I can say that he was successful. However, he wasn't your typical example of successful; he didn't end up living in a mansion in East Egg with butlers to feed him. He had a dream to lead his family to live a happy and prosperous life, and he accomplished that goal. That is success. It's not about money or cars or mansions; it's about doing what is right and reaching that goal. Common themes between The Great Gatsby and "The Diamond as Big as the Ritz" are the corruption in materialism, how much men and women worshiped wealth, and loss of fundamental moral values. If my grandfather was somehow placed in these stories, my grandfather would be the perfect foil for Tom and Daisy and the Washington family who represent these themes.
Let me tell you a little bit about him. He was born in China, but grew up in Vietnam. He was a farmer, a businessman, family general store owner, highest position at the local temple, and the elected principal for a public school, but in his heart, he was always a farmer. He was one with nature; although he left his farms in Vietnam, he created 2 new farms in my uncles' backyards when the family moved to Toronto! From melons to peas to lettuce to tomatoes to all kinds of herbs, he took care of each and every vegetable as if they were his own children.
As for his children (my mom, aunts, and uncles), he made sure that they all went to school and worked hard. He was the most generous man I had ever known. He would give out more than he could afford to give out to the community, temple, and family. Even though he was the youngest in his family, he was the one who kept everyone together as a family. If friends or family were in need, he would find a way to solve the situation. For example, during the Vietnam War, he hid his nephews that would otherwise be sent to war at his own expense. If they were found, my grandpa would surely have been sent to jail or even killed. This is one of his life lessons: Family is everything. Always put family first regardless of the situation.
Whereas the wealthy characters in Fitzgerald's novel were careless, uncaring people, that used others like disposable resources for their own advantage, my grandfather was a man with integrity and virtue that made life better for everyone around him. Whereas the wealthy characters only acted in self-interest, my father almost always put others in front of him. For him, life wasn't about achieving goals personally; it was about helping the community and ensuring his family's prosperity. Although his body is not with me today, his spirit will always be a part of me and will lead me through the good times and the rough times. He was a brave man who fought through his cancer for 2 years and never backed down even though the doctors said he had 6 months to live. Thank you for those unforgettable memories and life lessons.I know you are in a better place now, pain-free and happy. Rest in peace, Grandpa.
Let me tell you a little bit about him. He was born in China, but grew up in Vietnam. He was a farmer, a businessman, family general store owner, highest position at the local temple, and the elected principal for a public school, but in his heart, he was always a farmer. He was one with nature; although he left his farms in Vietnam, he created 2 new farms in my uncles' backyards when the family moved to Toronto! From melons to peas to lettuce to tomatoes to all kinds of herbs, he took care of each and every vegetable as if they were his own children.
As for his children (my mom, aunts, and uncles), he made sure that they all went to school and worked hard. He was the most generous man I had ever known. He would give out more than he could afford to give out to the community, temple, and family. Even though he was the youngest in his family, he was the one who kept everyone together as a family. If friends or family were in need, he would find a way to solve the situation. For example, during the Vietnam War, he hid his nephews that would otherwise be sent to war at his own expense. If they were found, my grandpa would surely have been sent to jail or even killed. This is one of his life lessons: Family is everything. Always put family first regardless of the situation.
Whereas the wealthy characters in Fitzgerald's novel were careless, uncaring people, that used others like disposable resources for their own advantage, my grandfather was a man with integrity and virtue that made life better for everyone around him. Whereas the wealthy characters only acted in self-interest, my father almost always put others in front of him. For him, life wasn't about achieving goals personally; it was about helping the community and ensuring his family's prosperity. Although his body is not with me today, his spirit will always be a part of me and will lead me through the good times and the rough times. He was a brave man who fought through his cancer for 2 years and never backed down even though the doctors said he had 6 months to live. Thank you for those unforgettable memories and life lessons.I know you are in a better place now, pain-free and happy. Rest in peace, Grandpa.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Welcome to the Show!
The Great Gatsby! What a misleading novel to read! All along, I had been thinking that Jay Gatsby was the perfect man, adored by all just as much as how Mrs. Clark adored Atticus from "To Kill a Mockingbird"!
The title of F. Scott Fitzgerald's most famous novel, "The Great Gatsby," sounds just like the great magician Harry Houdini's stage name, The Great Houdini! This clever title symbolizes Jay Gatsby's magical-like abilities to conceal his true identity as a weak and nervous individual. From his dirt-poor and hopeless character of James Gatz, he has transformed himself into the affluent and well-connected Jay Gatsby. He manipulates almost everyone into believing in his vast wealth, creating a mystical illusion in the New York community. He hosts extravagant parties like advertisements for all of New York to see his infinite wealth and even (attempts to) speak like an Englishman to assert his luxurious background. However, even though Gatsby claims to have good standing like an East Egg resident, he is actually a young, insecure man who finds his fortunes only through illegal activities like bootlegging alcohol. Mr. Carraway, the honest and tolerant narrator, later reveals that Gatsby continues to live in the past as he hosts all these parties to capture the attention of his former lover Daisy. "The Great Gatsby" is a legend and a theatrical performance, but also an allegory that teaches us that the path of greed and wealth are intertwined with the path of loneliness and suffering.
The title of F. Scott Fitzgerald's most famous novel, "The Great Gatsby," sounds just like the great magician Harry Houdini's stage name, The Great Houdini! This clever title symbolizes Jay Gatsby's magical-like abilities to conceal his true identity as a weak and nervous individual. From his dirt-poor and hopeless character of James Gatz, he has transformed himself into the affluent and well-connected Jay Gatsby. He manipulates almost everyone into believing in his vast wealth, creating a mystical illusion in the New York community. He hosts extravagant parties like advertisements for all of New York to see his infinite wealth and even (attempts to) speak like an Englishman to assert his luxurious background. However, even though Gatsby claims to have good standing like an East Egg resident, he is actually a young, insecure man who finds his fortunes only through illegal activities like bootlegging alcohol. Mr. Carraway, the honest and tolerant narrator, later reveals that Gatsby continues to live in the past as he hosts all these parties to capture the attention of his former lover Daisy. "The Great Gatsby" is a legend and a theatrical performance, but also an allegory that teaches us that the path of greed and wealth are intertwined with the path of loneliness and suffering.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
I Swear, I'm Lying to Protect You!!
Protection is a key instinct in human nature. The human survival rate is drastically higher than other animals like fish and birds due to strong parental care throughout life; after all, a parent's basic instinct is to protect his/her offspring from getting hurt. However, lying in order to protect one's offspring has two conflicting ideas. Should we protect our children from the evils of the world, or should we expose them to reality, so they can learn from history's mistakes? In the satirical poem, "The History Teacher," Billy Collins questions the reader on the extent of protection that builds up and eventually leads to lying.
There isn't a clear-cut sensor in our brain that tells us whether we should lie or tell the truth. We use our conscience to construct a mode of action suitable to the situation. If you had to lie in order to save one's life, the immediate reaction would be to lie. On the other hand, if you had to lie in order to save face, that would be immoral and dishonest. Those seem to be two completely different viewpoints, right? Now, how about telling your kids about divorce or death, which may permanently alter their behavior and personality? Can they "handle the truth?" Obviously, our own morality and integrity tells us to tell the truth... ALWAYS! Many people say lying is simply immoral and deceitful. However, there must exceptions to this moral code such as preventing harm or pain to yourself as well as others. The history teacher in Billy Collins' poem personally believes that his conscience is telling him to do the right thing in order to save the innocence of his students, but he fails to recognize that his teaching materials shapes his student's character to shield themselves from the evils of the world rather than be oblivious to those evils.
This morning, I was listening to Imagine Dragon's new hit song, "Demons." In the chorus, he sings these lyrics, "I wanna hide the truth. I wanna shelter you. But with the beast inside, There’s nowhere we can hide. No matter what we breed, We still are made of greed." This exemplifies how protecting someone through lying is useless; the truth will always reveal itself. Our conscience decides whether to lie or tell the truth. but it is important to keep in mind that lying should not impede on others' ability to pursue happiness. Innocence is a gift. Humans, kids and adults alike, should be kept innocent and happy from the true evils in this world. In the end, it truly depends on one's strong conscience to decide to act in the best fitting manner.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Punctuation: An Overlooked Subject
Even though society continues to change, it is essential to modify punctuation and its rules in order for the changing English language to convey the user's meaning in a coherent and distinct manner.
As society evolves in a similar fashion to the advancement in technology and communication, it is important to note that the punctuation rules that influence the reader's interpretations of a text will always remain important whether it be in past literary works or current literary works. In the cartoons, two identical sentences represent two utterly contrasting meanings (Source G). As shown, one little modification to the punctuation in a common declarative sentence disproportionately changes the author's original intent. From texts to statuses to articles, the rules of punctuation play a great role in a reader's interpretation of meaning. In Dolnick's article, Kurt Vonnegut accuses semicolons of "representing absolutely nothing;" however, they actually connect separate but complementary clauses together. In addition, Dolnick asserts that they are "vital tools in keeping ... the stream of thought" by communicating a meaning through an organized structure rather than a long list of vague, enigmatic statements (Source E). Dolnick did not realize that the rules had changed since the time that Vonnegut made that statement. From its original use as an unnecessary and optional punctuation mark, the semi-colon has evolved to have a meaning on its own; in fact, the usage of punctuation reveals the author's intentions in the text. Although rules are important in our world today, they will always change as man finds new rules and punctuation marks to accommodate his needs. Furthermore, rules establish a common ground for both the author and reader in order to comprehend the text. The world has evolved its communicative technology to include text messages, Facebook statuses, and Twitter tweets; tweets themselves are literary works that use punctuation to convey the user's meaning. With a 140 character limit, "users are forced to be concise" (source F); consequently, users have developed a new method and rule that will allow them to convey the essence of their tweets in quick, succinct words: hash-tags. Although Twitter users may not frequently use conventional punctuation marks like periods and semicolons in their tweets, they certainly use hash-tags (#) to provide a concise expansion of the author's thoughts. Just like how technology will always change from the old, inefficient wagons to the current, updated Lamborghini's, punctuation will always change to fit humankind's needs
As society evolves in a similar fashion to the advancement in technology and communication, it is important to note that the punctuation rules that influence the reader's interpretations of a text will always remain important whether it be in past literary works or current literary works. In the cartoons, two identical sentences represent two utterly contrasting meanings (Source G). As shown, one little modification to the punctuation in a common declarative sentence disproportionately changes the author's original intent. From texts to statuses to articles, the rules of punctuation play a great role in a reader's interpretation of meaning. In Dolnick's article, Kurt Vonnegut accuses semicolons of "representing absolutely nothing;" however, they actually connect separate but complementary clauses together. In addition, Dolnick asserts that they are "vital tools in keeping ... the stream of thought" by communicating a meaning through an organized structure rather than a long list of vague, enigmatic statements (Source E). Dolnick did not realize that the rules had changed since the time that Vonnegut made that statement. From its original use as an unnecessary and optional punctuation mark, the semi-colon has evolved to have a meaning on its own; in fact, the usage of punctuation reveals the author's intentions in the text. Although rules are important in our world today, they will always change as man finds new rules and punctuation marks to accommodate his needs. Furthermore, rules establish a common ground for both the author and reader in order to comprehend the text. The world has evolved its communicative technology to include text messages, Facebook statuses, and Twitter tweets; tweets themselves are literary works that use punctuation to convey the user's meaning. With a 140 character limit, "users are forced to be concise" (source F); consequently, users have developed a new method and rule that will allow them to convey the essence of their tweets in quick, succinct words: hash-tags. Although Twitter users may not frequently use conventional punctuation marks like periods and semicolons in their tweets, they certainly use hash-tags (#) to provide a concise expansion of the author's thoughts. Just like how technology will always change from the old, inefficient wagons to the current, updated Lamborghini's, punctuation will always change to fit humankind's needs
Saturday, November 9, 2013
She's A Strong Independent Woman
During this week, we discussed the different views of feminism between the works Deborah Tannen and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Whereas females are illustrated as the lesser and weaker gender of the two, I strongly believe that both men and women have same degrees of responsibilities and power in society.
It is important to realize that stereotyping will continue for the rest of human existence. Human nature is inclined to feel insecure; consequently, humans will always judge others to compare themselves. However, in "The Scarlet Letter," Hester's strong character allows her to become an outlier in society. Her isolated position combined with her perseverance unexpectedly give her the ability to rise from the deep depths of sin to the thriving position of a seamstress who not only sews for the rich, but also provides for the poor. She has the power to contribute to society and its demands. She has the power to change other people's views of her although she will never forget her sin herself. She has the power to maintain her moral integrity and wear her scarlet letter with a sort of pride.
An individual's power is directly derived from community's placement of power to that individual. Society will see what they believe they will see. For example, the community places such low standards to "sluts," simply from appearance because that is what society expects from a "slut." Many high school students or even adults regard individuals, especially women, with skimpy and revealing clothing to be considered sexually promiscuous, in other words, a slut. People are inclined to stereotype these certain ways because there are actual prostitutes or promiscuous individuals in our world today, and humans have a nature to compare and contrast with other humans. However, women should not be confined to these lowly opinions; they are part of the human race with equal rights and equal power, whether "marked" or "unmarked". Women are leaders in the world, whether from household environments to professional environments. Every human in the world, both man and woman, has and always will have the capability of substantial power and responsibility.
It is important to realize that stereotyping will continue for the rest of human existence. Human nature is inclined to feel insecure; consequently, humans will always judge others to compare themselves. However, in "The Scarlet Letter," Hester's strong character allows her to become an outlier in society. Her isolated position combined with her perseverance unexpectedly give her the ability to rise from the deep depths of sin to the thriving position of a seamstress who not only sews for the rich, but also provides for the poor. She has the power to contribute to society and its demands. She has the power to change other people's views of her although she will never forget her sin herself. She has the power to maintain her moral integrity and wear her scarlet letter with a sort of pride.
An individual's power is directly derived from community's placement of power to that individual. Society will see what they believe they will see. For example, the community places such low standards to "sluts," simply from appearance because that is what society expects from a "slut." Many high school students or even adults regard individuals, especially women, with skimpy and revealing clothing to be considered sexually promiscuous, in other words, a slut. People are inclined to stereotype these certain ways because there are actual prostitutes or promiscuous individuals in our world today, and humans have a nature to compare and contrast with other humans. However, women should not be confined to these lowly opinions; they are part of the human race with equal rights and equal power, whether "marked" or "unmarked". Women are leaders in the world, whether from household environments to professional environments. Every human in the world, both man and woman, has and always will have the capability of substantial power and responsibility.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Reflection on 1st Quarter
It's astounding and mind-shocking when you realize that the tests we take tomorrow can ultimately change our life. Think about it. If we test poorly, we ruin our chances of receiving an A in the quarter. Consequently, that quarter grade, which is worth 40% or 42.5%, takes away your chance to achieve an A in the overall semester. It will be mathematically impossible to achieve it, let alone emotionally. You work your butt off and finish with a 93 at the end of semester. Not bad right? I mean... its a 93!! You think to yourself, "Good work! You broke even! Do good on your midterm and you're good to go!" Now, if you calculate the test score needed to finish with an A overall, you need a 93.. a NINETY-THREE on the midterm exam that encompasses everything from the start of the school year to the finish of the 1st semester. If your GPA significantly decreases, say goodbye to Yale. Say goodbye to Stanford. Say goodbye to Michigan. Every test that we take can decide whether we go into a prestigious school like Michigan or a trashy school like Michigan State (in honor of Saturday's exciting game between Michigan and Michigan State!!!). Once your GPA drops, you might as well say goodbye to the college of your dreams.
As I think about this current major problem in my life, one clear solution is the need for the clutch factor. Yes, I said it. The clutch factor. The clutch factor is the ability to perform under pressure in situations that have the most impact. For example, if you take an exam worth 500 points and you get a high grade in this type of stressful and impacting situation, that is CLUTCH. You came into the test and simply beat the odds.
Some things I found relatively humorous were the complete contrasts in the definition of clutch. One connotation of cluth is performing under pressure. However, another connotation of clutch is becoming nervous and panicked, in other words, choking. Choking is the INABILITY to perform at a crucial point. In sports, failing to perform in crucial points or contests due to failure of nerve is choking; it is simply unacceptable to lose that huge opportunity because of such little things like nerves. In school, it's just not worth it to sacrifice your grade because of silly mistakes or completely terrible test-taking strategies. In this perspective, it's not a matter of how much you practice or study; it's all comes down to the game or test or whatever it may be. You can be a genius, but if you can't take a test, you are doomed to fail. You must succeed in the tests, head-on and with no doubts. It's ironic that one definition of clutch means to successfully impact in the most important moments, whereas another definition of clutch is the "inability to perform" and become indecisive. It's almost like a 50/50 scale. You tip over to one side and you have the positive clutch connotation; tip over to the other side and you might as well cry yourself to sleep. In the end, it's up to the individual to find methods to follow the path of "clutching," the ability to perform under pressure whether in the classroom or on the court.
As I think about this current major problem in my life, one clear solution is the need for the clutch factor. Yes, I said it. The clutch factor. The clutch factor is the ability to perform under pressure in situations that have the most impact. For example, if you take an exam worth 500 points and you get a high grade in this type of stressful and impacting situation, that is CLUTCH. You came into the test and simply beat the odds.
Some things I found relatively humorous were the complete contrasts in the definition of clutch. One connotation of cluth is performing under pressure. However, another connotation of clutch is becoming nervous and panicked, in other words, choking. Choking is the INABILITY to perform at a crucial point. In sports, failing to perform in crucial points or contests due to failure of nerve is choking; it is simply unacceptable to lose that huge opportunity because of such little things like nerves. In school, it's just not worth it to sacrifice your grade because of silly mistakes or completely terrible test-taking strategies. In this perspective, it's not a matter of how much you practice or study; it's all comes down to the game or test or whatever it may be. You can be a genius, but if you can't take a test, you are doomed to fail. You must succeed in the tests, head-on and with no doubts. It's ironic that one definition of clutch means to successfully impact in the most important moments, whereas another definition of clutch is the "inability to perform" and become indecisive. It's almost like a 50/50 scale. You tip over to one side and you have the positive clutch connotation; tip over to the other side and you might as well cry yourself to sleep. In the end, it's up to the individual to find methods to follow the path of "clutching," the ability to perform under pressure whether in the classroom or on the court.
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