This text is very interesting to me. I chose it as my rhetorical analysis essay before I even knew it would be one of our readings. The author is a little biased because naturally she herself is a women. On the other hand, I agree with her on alot of points. Women are slandered much in the media and exspecially in advertising. The advertisements in todays world portray women as being weak and secretly fantasizing about being assaulted sexually, at least thats what the author of this text seems to think.
I think it it true to an extent but she doesnt even care to look into anything else, she is definantly guilty of begging the question and a whole bunch of card stacking. She always brings everything up that will only help her point of view and help anybody see that point of view better. Does she do it well? yes! does evrybody agree with hw she did it? I dont know.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
"Killer Culture"
In the text "Killer Culture" David Kupelian writes about how the media, mtv, and big networks that control everything control the youth of this generation. They are killing the youth and molesting the figuritivley speaking.
I totally agree with most of this article. I think it is ridiculous how people actually hang from hooks and mutilate their body. I think it is way more ridiculous that people think they are doing it to gain a better sense of their spirituality, or having a life changing experience. I dont know what kind of people would actually do this and think it is not hurting them or that it is truely evil in nature.
MTV, and all its reality shows are a joke. none of it is reality. It is all scripted and I know it, just ask me how I know sometime, It would take way to long to explain here. I also think that what is "cool" is defenintly a cycle that is started by the media or celebrities, and then all the youth mirror that to try to be like them and try to be "cool" also. It is a Joke. I might be offending people amd im sorry. But earrings on guys, tatoes, cuts self mutilation are very none intelligent actions and decisions.
I totally agree with most of this article. I think it is ridiculous how people actually hang from hooks and mutilate their body. I think it is way more ridiculous that people think they are doing it to gain a better sense of their spirituality, or having a life changing experience. I dont know what kind of people would actually do this and think it is not hurting them or that it is truely evil in nature.
MTV, and all its reality shows are a joke. none of it is reality. It is all scripted and I know it, just ask me how I know sometime, It would take way to long to explain here. I also think that what is "cool" is defenintly a cycle that is started by the media or celebrities, and then all the youth mirror that to try to be like them and try to be "cool" also. It is a Joke. I might be offending people amd im sorry. But earrings on guys, tatoes, cuts self mutilation are very none intelligent actions and decisions.
Monday, June 22, 2009
"Media" & "Class"
Diana Kendall writes about how media and class framing can control the way the average person thinks about various subjects. Media is run by, for the most part, rich elitists that try to drive in to us a cosumerism type attitude.
We think that because all the celebrities make and spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on things they dont need, then we should spend a little bit too.
Kendall speaks about how people who watch tv alot are much more likely to be in huge amounts of debt. There were alot of different things discussed and Im not sure how I felt about it all. I think that a civic journalist is the way to go be cause they would get the most accurate and fair stories. they listen to the people and ask open ended questions while the rich media giants ask loaded questions that require a yes/no or agree/disagree answer. weather you agree or not that the media is biased or that we love the rich and famous a little too much , we need to change things about how the lower classes are often portrayed in movies, magazines, reality show, documentaries, and newspapers.
We think that because all the celebrities make and spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on things they dont need, then we should spend a little bit too.
Kendall speaks about how people who watch tv alot are much more likely to be in huge amounts of debt. There were alot of different things discussed and Im not sure how I felt about it all. I think that a civic journalist is the way to go be cause they would get the most accurate and fair stories. they listen to the people and ask open ended questions while the rich media giants ask loaded questions that require a yes/no or agree/disagree answer. weather you agree or not that the media is biased or that we love the rich and famous a little too much , we need to change things about how the lower classes are often portrayed in movies, magazines, reality show, documentaries, and newspapers.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
"Serving in Florida"
In the text "Serving in Florida", the author speaks about her many minimam wage and dead end jobs. She Writes about the sometimes grouse working conditions, and the different colorful bosses that she had. She worked at a couple of resturants, with different uniforms for each. She also tried to work as a maid at a hotel. None of these jobs worked out for her. She realized that lifestyle was not for her.
When I read this piece, I often thought of my experience as a bus boy and host for the popular breakfast/late night food diner Dennys. All of my coworkers, with the exception of a couple, smoked like chimneys whenever they could catch a second. There was definantly alot of syrup and sticky stuff in alot of places also. The whole experience she had was similar to mine. I thought mine was a good job though because of my age and life style being a little boy. That job for a career would of course be horrible. So, its funny about how your situation affects your view on things.
When I read this piece, I often thought of my experience as a bus boy and host for the popular breakfast/late night food diner Dennys. All of my coworkers, with the exception of a couple, smoked like chimneys whenever they could catch a second. There was definantly alot of syrup and sticky stuff in alot of places also. The whole experience she had was similar to mine. I thought mine was a good job though because of my age and life style being a little boy. That job for a career would of course be horrible. So, its funny about how your situation affects your view on things.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
"Average"
In "I just wanna be average" written by Mike Rose, he talks about his own schooling, and how he was placed in a special needs kinda class or program because his test scores were accidentally switched with another student. he talks of the many teachers and there lifestyles, and how they go about teaching. he also talks of the many students; One in particular that says to a teacher that he just wants to be average. Mike Rose cannot understand, at first, why anyone would want to just be mediocre. In his later years he explains how he finally understood what that meant. There is so much pressure on students to fit in and to not cause a raucas or commotion. He can understand why kids would want to just be average and fly under the radar if you will. one teacher in particular, Macfaland, was a great influence in mike's life. He helped him get a loan for college, and helped him even get in to college. Macfarland helped renew a buried interest in reading and furthering his knowledge.
I kinda felt like this reading was really slow, it didnt catch my interest tons, but still ok. I agree with the idea that some kids feel the need to fit in and just be average. I don't agree totally that you need to fit in, but I understand the idea behind a particular student feeling that way.
There can be so much pressure on students. It can come from coaches, teachers parents, grades, tests, home work, and rules. All of that can lead to a very stressed out kid who feels like he has to be perfect. I think the reason Mike Rose talks about his favorite teacher the way he does, is that Macfarland made most the kids forget about worrying to be average and to start worrying about bettering just themselves. I think thats all teachers can do;Show genuine interest in the well being of the student, and caring about furthing their knowledge so they can best be suited for the pressures and struggles of the world.
I kinda felt like this reading was really slow, it didnt catch my interest tons, but still ok. I agree with the idea that some kids feel the need to fit in and just be average. I don't agree totally that you need to fit in, but I understand the idea behind a particular student feeling that way.
There can be so much pressure on students. It can come from coaches, teachers parents, grades, tests, home work, and rules. All of that can lead to a very stressed out kid who feels like he has to be perfect. I think the reason Mike Rose talks about his favorite teacher the way he does, is that Macfarland made most the kids forget about worrying to be average and to start worrying about bettering just themselves. I think thats all teachers can do;Show genuine interest in the well being of the student, and caring about furthing their knowledge so they can best be suited for the pressures and struggles of the world.
"Against School"
In John Taylor Gatto's text entitled "Against School", he speaks about how our puplic school systems are not there for the reasons we think. He says schools in America are just breeding grounds for conformity and absence of thought. The politicians and corporate leaders dont want any original or rebellious workers. Teach them how to obey authority and stay childeren forever is what they want to happen. The general idea is to create a population of thoughtless consumers driven by their need of things they don't really need. dumbing them down is a term he often uses.
I dont know how I feel about this dumbing down process A.KA. the public school system. I thought it was ludicrous to compare our chools to the prussian schools of old. Those just seemed so much more of a prison feeled with rules of things you can and can't say, and things you can and can't wear. The list goes on. Then I thought about it, I mean really thought about it. He really isnt too far off the mark in most things. I garauntee there are kids that didnt learn any thing really in schools for years at a time.
Granted, there are exceptions for every thing and this is no different. No doubt there are awesomt teachers out there with students who are learning and want to learn every day. However,I fear they are gravely outnumbered to the bored students and staff, just as our author states. what can we do but sit and hope for change where it is needed, or we can rise up and do something about it if we dont like it.
I dont know how I feel about this dumbing down process A.KA. the public school system. I thought it was ludicrous to compare our chools to the prussian schools of old. Those just seemed so much more of a prison feeled with rules of things you can and can't say, and things you can and can't wear. The list goes on. Then I thought about it, I mean really thought about it. He really isnt too far off the mark in most things. I garauntee there are kids that didnt learn any thing really in schools for years at a time.
Granted, there are exceptions for every thing and this is no different. No doubt there are awesomt teachers out there with students who are learning and want to learn every day. However,I fear they are gravely outnumbered to the bored students and staff, just as our author states. what can we do but sit and hope for change where it is needed, or we can rise up and do something about it if we dont like it.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
"Idiot Nation"? or "Nation of Idiots"?
Many words and feelings come to mind when I think about my reading of Mikey Moore's "Idiot Nation"; Anger, frustration, humor, and sorrow to name a few. I felt anger when I realized his bias towards certain people and groups, particualry when the office or term had yet been carried out in full. I felt humor about the whole thing on a whole because of his way of writing. Even when was angry, I was not really angry because all I could do was just laugh inside to my self about alot of the truths he told. Obviously I felt sorrow, as all true Americans should, because of the reality of the state of our country.
The way in which Moore explained his point of view is brilliant; Anybody who thinks otherwise is crazy. Weather you agree completely or absolutely despise moore's views, he is effective nonetheless. His smugness and rebellious attitude makes everybody interested in what he has to say, regardless of their opinion of even how he goes about writing it.
The advantages of Moore communicating his thoughts in this way are, once again, very obvious. He does not care what people will think when they read this. He does not care about what any authorities will say or think, not even the president. he is very brash, bold, and outspoken. Even any bad publicity he recieved after writing this text was actually still very good publicity.
The only disadvantage I can think of is the people that, after reading the text, hated him and thought he was ridiculous. But I really don't believe that Mr. Moore is too concerned about appearances. In fact he cares nothing about what anybody thinks or says about him in a negative way.
I could go on forever but I dont want to write a novel. I just want to end in saying I agree that the problem with education in our country lies in our politicians, and not in our teachers. So in a way the problem lies in each and every one of us. It is our responsibility to make sure that these people we are electing are intelligent good people, who genuinely care for the common person.
The way in which Moore explained his point of view is brilliant; Anybody who thinks otherwise is crazy. Weather you agree completely or absolutely despise moore's views, he is effective nonetheless. His smugness and rebellious attitude makes everybody interested in what he has to say, regardless of their opinion of even how he goes about writing it.
The advantages of Moore communicating his thoughts in this way are, once again, very obvious. He does not care what people will think when they read this. He does not care about what any authorities will say or think, not even the president. he is very brash, bold, and outspoken. Even any bad publicity he recieved after writing this text was actually still very good publicity.
The only disadvantage I can think of is the people that, after reading the text, hated him and thought he was ridiculous. But I really don't believe that Mr. Moore is too concerned about appearances. In fact he cares nothing about what anybody thinks or says about him in a negative way.
I could go on forever but I dont want to write a novel. I just want to end in saying I agree that the problem with education in our country lies in our politicians, and not in our teachers. So in a way the problem lies in each and every one of us. It is our responsibility to make sure that these people we are electing are intelligent good people, who genuinely care for the common person.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Changing American Families
In the text "Changing American Families", Judy Root Aulette discusses the different classes of people in America. She discusses the tendancies of each class and how they associatte with one another outside thier familes and within.
Upper-Class (AKA RICH!) tend to continue to be upper class. Most of the wealth in an upper class family has been earned by previous generations. It is the upper classes' responsibility to leave that wealth to the next generation when they are gone. They are expected to accomplish this by spending only interest from thier estate and wealth, while, like the author states, leaving the principle to be carried on for future kin.
Middle-Class white and black are similar in some ways such as the focus on family but different in some ways such as with education. Judy explains that middle class blacks see educational achievement as a way to maybe overcome racism and discrimination. On the other hand, middle class whites fear that to much academic achievement might make kids forget about family customs and traditions. Middle-Class also tends to move alot more for work, while upper class usually doesnt even need to.
The most interesting thing to me is the fact that working class and even middle class are much more likely to marry for love than money. Even the upper class that do marry for love, say that they understand that is only a small thing.
Last of all I thought it was funny that men when asked if they would move or relocate for thier wifes, for a job, said they would not like to. However if they made 25 to 40 percent more than he did, then he would. Men of copurse have no problem making their families move for their careers; at least most of them. lol
Upper-Class (AKA RICH!) tend to continue to be upper class. Most of the wealth in an upper class family has been earned by previous generations. It is the upper classes' responsibility to leave that wealth to the next generation when they are gone. They are expected to accomplish this by spending only interest from thier estate and wealth, while, like the author states, leaving the principle to be carried on for future kin.
Middle-Class white and black are similar in some ways such as the focus on family but different in some ways such as with education. Judy explains that middle class blacks see educational achievement as a way to maybe overcome racism and discrimination. On the other hand, middle class whites fear that to much academic achievement might make kids forget about family customs and traditions. Middle-Class also tends to move alot more for work, while upper class usually doesnt even need to.
The most interesting thing to me is the fact that working class and even middle class are much more likely to marry for love than money. Even the upper class that do marry for love, say that they understand that is only a small thing.
Last of all I thought it was funny that men when asked if they would move or relocate for thier wifes, for a job, said they would not like to. However if they made 25 to 40 percent more than he did, then he would. Men of copurse have no problem making their families move for their careers; at least most of them. lol
Missing the 50's
In the text "What we really miss about the 50's", Stephanie Coontz relates to us facts and satistics concerning the forementioned decade. These statistics cover a broad range of subjects, from divorce rates to domestic violence. not only does she relay this information from the 50's, but she also compares it to many other decades before and after. People were polled about which decade was the best time for kids to grow up in America.
The most fascinating, well maybe not the most, but one thing that I found interesting was it seemed as though at first Stephanie gave facts that supported the poll, then towards the end she gave facts that almost seemed to point towards later decades as being more ideal. She stated that "commentators are being misleading when they claim that the 1950's was the golden age of American families". The golden age and improvements actually continued up until sometime in the early 70's.
The thing that probably interested me the most was how Stephanie attributed the good economic times and bigger salary for blue collar workers to the government funded programs of the time. She compared the progams of the 50's to the programs of the 90's, and how we don't have near the programs now, such as the new deal, compared to the 1950's.
Last but not least, was the often mentioned subject of gender roles and the vast change that has taken place from decade to decade. In the 50's many women quit thier jobs and became a homemaker. The media, tv, and even board games showed support of the wife always answering to the husband. Such phrases as "he criticizes your hairdo, - go to the beauty shop", and "Are you after a job or a man? You can't have both". Ha I just think its funny how much different it is now. Women were just thought of as sort of inferior back then. I just hope people realize now how wrong that was. We all know that women are eqaul if not superior. How would it have been to grow up then and still be alive to see how things are today?
The most fascinating, well maybe not the most, but one thing that I found interesting was it seemed as though at first Stephanie gave facts that supported the poll, then towards the end she gave facts that almost seemed to point towards later decades as being more ideal. She stated that "commentators are being misleading when they claim that the 1950's was the golden age of American families". The golden age and improvements actually continued up until sometime in the early 70's.
The thing that probably interested me the most was how Stephanie attributed the good economic times and bigger salary for blue collar workers to the government funded programs of the time. She compared the progams of the 50's to the programs of the 90's, and how we don't have near the programs now, such as the new deal, compared to the 1950's.
Last but not least, was the often mentioned subject of gender roles and the vast change that has taken place from decade to decade. In the 50's many women quit thier jobs and became a homemaker. The media, tv, and even board games showed support of the wife always answering to the husband. Such phrases as "he criticizes your hairdo, - go to the beauty shop", and "Are you after a job or a man? You can't have both". Ha I just think its funny how much different it is now. Women were just thought of as sort of inferior back then. I just hope people realize now how wrong that was. We all know that women are eqaul if not superior. How would it have been to grow up then and still be alive to see how things are today?
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
All About Me!!!
Well, where do I begin? My name is Cade Earl Neumann. I was born on the 1st day of June in the year 1985 to Gene and Linda Neumann. My father said it was the calmest and most still morning that he could ever remember! I have lived in St George my entire life, except for two years spent in the Phillipinnes. There are 9 kids in my family; 5 boys and 4 girls plus 3 foster childeren, not to mention 2 foreign exchange students.
My biggest hobby is definitly sports. Count me in on any kind of competition. Soccer, wrestling, ping pong, tennis, bowling, board and computer games, raquet ball, lifting weights, swimming, laying out, pickle ball, golf, and yard golf! The list could go on forever.
On May 2nd, 2009 I married Caitlin Clark, the most beautiful girl in the world; I swear God was just showing off when he made her (I just know it). We were married in the Salt Lake City temple.
We just took advantage of the rectent real state slump, and purchased our very 1st home. We are still very pumped about that.
And that's me in a nut shell.
My biggest hobby is definitly sports. Count me in on any kind of competition. Soccer, wrestling, ping pong, tennis, bowling, board and computer games, raquet ball, lifting weights, swimming, laying out, pickle ball, golf, and yard golf! The list could go on forever.
On May 2nd, 2009 I married Caitlin Clark, the most beautiful girl in the world; I swear God was just showing off when he made her (I just know it). We were married in the Salt Lake City temple.
We just took advantage of the rectent real state slump, and purchased our very 1st home. We are still very pumped about that.
And that's me in a nut shell.
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