Hello Students,
I will be your English 112 instructor this spring. I look forward to working with all of you in a positive classroom atmosphere. The semester will move quickly and we will have a lot to accomplish in a short time, so make sure you stay on top of assignments. Please use this blog to respond to class readings and generate ideas. I look forward to meeting you all tomorrow.
Pavelle Wesser
I'm not exactly sure if I'm posting this right, but for today's reading on "We Are What We Eat", I did not know that a lot of the food we eat has corn in the ingredients.
ReplyDeleteWhen reading "We Are What We Eat", I didn't know that most of our foods have corn as ingredients. Also the fact that sometimes that corn ingredients make the calorie count in foods go up.
ReplyDeleteI honestly was not surprise by Pollan's repitious discovery of the corn contents in many of the food produce that we consume today; this is probably because I may have discovered a few of it my self after reading almost every single can food, chips,particulary dairy products etc. to see what ingredients are in them for the sake of my husband who has moderate food allergies.
ReplyDeleteWhat was quite interesting though was the fact that he was only concentrating on only one of the many bad things that we eat, which puts us at risk for severe health problems. Many corn farmers today would probably say the same and alot more about other bad contents in food that is commonly found in many other produce. Overall it was an interesting reading.
See you Friday Everyone!
Sasha
It was an interesting read. However, I too was not surprised with the results found by Pollan. It is natural that there is a base for all types of these "Industrial Foods." The industrial food term is basically the farms that mass produce and sell to major companies. These foods are then shipped all over the world by trucks. It amazes me that there exists a corn field that is twice the size of New York, but then again I guess the world needs to be supplied.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Pollan, a corn farmer wouldn't look at it as a health risk or a problem because they look at it from an economic standpoint. These farmers want to maximize their profits and that is all they care about. The farmers are probably not influenced by these industrial foods. Thus they are probably not obese or very unhealthy for that matter because they are not subject to the industrial food world.
Personally, I do not think for Pollans sake that Americans will change and all of a sudden start not eating industrial foods. As stated in the article, since 1970, on average Americans eat 200 more calories per day. This may have to do with the certain lifestyle changes Americans are going through.
I completely agree with brandon; but to stand correct in my previous blog, what I was really trying to say was farmers may not necessarily look at the health effects of the corn in industrial food products as an issue but instead as brandon said, look at it from an economic standpoint.
ReplyDeleteThis food is so easy to make and its cheap, so people will not stop making it. Consumers want food that is cheap yet tastes good at the same time. However, corn growers should not take all the blame. We as Americans know what is and isn't good for us to eat, we have to take it into our own hands to excersise and make sure that we don't eat to the point of obesity.
ReplyDeletei thought this article was pretty interesting. i was suprised at all the food which has corn product used to make it. I really knew that corn was an ingredient in many products but never thought of how many foods are affected by this product.
ReplyDeleteAfter learning about all the different foods with corn product being a main part of it, I was surprised. I thought the article was interesting.
ReplyDeleteI was a bit surprised to learn that corn is the main ingredient in a majority of the foods that Americans eat. I don't, however, agree that it is the cause of obesity. Laziness is the primary cause of obesity. People need to stop going to McDonalds and cook a meal and they need to exercise. The meals that we cook in our homes don't necessarily have to contain a corn base because you can eat organically. Steam fresh vegetables, eat fresh fruit from a local farmer's market, bake your meat, eat fish, etc.
ReplyDeleteI grew up on a dairy farm with my grandparents and I know for a fact that my grandfather, a farmer, would react by saying the same thing. While the farmers growing and selling all of the corn to the industrial market are primarily doing it to make a profit in order to earn a living, these farmers are not likely eating the corn in the way other Americans are. They are boiling the corn and eating it on the cob or freezing it for winter, and I'm sure they are growing their own veggies and raising their own livestock. These farmers would most likely want to put more emphasize on the added chemicals and sodium added to the food that is unhealthy and adds to the cause of obesity.
Pallon makes an interesting study about what is done with corn and I am glad to have learned of his discovery so that I can be more conscious the next time I get lazy and want a quick and effortless meal!
All your comments have truth. I know that corn has been part of human's diet for years; but not like this generation. I learned something new in Pollan's "We Are What We Eat" that our diet is based on corn; whenever your eating fast food. I read nutritional facts on some products. I saw corn starch and/or corn syrup as ingredients. Despite our taste buds, we have to control our way of eating. Sure, we can have it some fast food. I became educated and yet still surprised that most fast food ingredients or any food is corn. They might as well make corn shoes: I wear a size nine.
ReplyDeleteAs for me, it is wrong that the corn farmers chose the money instead their fellow American's health. I know they needed money to make a decent living. Most of us had chosen a number 1 with Coke or a Ceasar salad. Is it that a good choice or bad choice? Those farmers had choices. They felt it was more for their families' sake and to upkeep the farms by selling their products to huge corporation. However, they were probably some greedy intentions. Overall, I agree with Brandon and stargirl0057.
In "Super Size Me," Morgan Spurlock's documentary and biography film, the huge corporation such as Mc Donalds, Burger King and Wendy's market and promote their product to make "skyscraper money." They invested millions or billions of dollars in advertisement to feed us more food than we can chew. In Spurlock's film, he had difficulty eating McDonalds (for 30 days breakfast, lunch and dinner) because he was gaining weight and became ill in the process. In addition, Spurlock wanted to prove a point that consuming fast foods daily are not very healthy which caused a lot of Americans to be obesed. There are sources that support this but if you watch the film there are numerous sources Spurlock used. The solution to our problem is simply to definitely go back to the 1970s. Mr. Pollan stated that it was a time when American ate 200 more calories per day and exercised frequently.
Sources: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7Tv_mihMBA
Covergences themes, texts, and images for composition, Robert Atwan: "We Are What We Eat" by Michael Pollan
This reading by Michael Pollan was not at all surprising. I work in the Pet industry and am very familiar with pet foods and I’m sorry to say that the same applies to them. In most basic and premium dog and cat foods the main ingredient is corn or corn gluten. So the fact that corn is also based as highly in our foods does not surprise me however I do find it very disturbing.
ReplyDeleteBefore reading "you are what you eat" I knew that quite a bit of corn was consumed by Americans each day. It was not until after reading the article by Michael Pollan that I was caught by surprise to find out just how much corn is actually used. It seems that almost everything we put in our mouths has some form of corn in it.
ReplyDeleteAfter completing the reading about baby names I realized that I found something a bit odd. In the beginning of the passage the author compares the names of whites to the names of blacks. The author then goes on to get into more detail about the white names and even gives lists at the end of the article of most popular white names. I wondered what the point of mentioning the three or four popular black names was in the first place.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I found that I didn't particularly care too much for any of the popular names mentioned and while I have noticed some names like Madison and Aiden are getting popular, names like Clementine surprised me as I would never name my child that nor can I see anyone I know choosing that as a likeable name.
I personally didn't care for the reading on baby names. I believe people name their kids after family members and people close to them most of the time, at least through my experiences. I think this whole "high end" and "low end" name business is bogus, and that names have nothing to do with how successful a person is or is not. Although interesting, this article did not mean very much to me.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it is made obvious that baby names really have nothing to do with the success of the baby in its later year the article makes an excellent point. How do parents come up with their baby's name? If a baby name is very popular in the previous decade you can bet it wont be this decade. Also a name that may sound rediculous right now may become popular and years to come. Similar to the way some popular names now, seemed rediculous ten years ago.
ReplyDeletei thought this article was very interesting due to the fact that my mom just had a baby three years ago and it was an interesting process trying to pick out his name. There were quite a few names we like but are very popular and some of the names we liked were popular years ago. i find it quite interesting to look into what the popular baby names are and why they may be popular which is why i enjoyed this article.
ReplyDeleteDiversity is something that most American's pride themselves on. As an entire nation it is safe to say that the USA is diverse. However, when broken down neighborhood by neighborhood it is plain to see that we are in fact very segregated. Except i don't see this as any kind of racism or hatred. This is just simply human beings feeling more comfortable with people they can relate to.
ReplyDeleteThough, as a country, we pride ourselves on diversity, when picked apart we are actually very similar. We tend to surround ourselves with people who are like us, who we can relate to. In that way, we divide ourselves subconsciously. When we view each individual neighborhood, we find ourselves grouping together. There's a trend we seem to follow; we divide by age or religion or race or by similarities in activities or jobs or beliefs. Through this segregation, we forget just how alike we all really are. We all have dreams and goals and problems. We all feel the same emotions. We all strive to reach for something better. We all have beliefs and ideals we wish to stay true to. We should remind ourselves that even though we try so hard to diversify and group ourselves by our similarities, the reality is that we are all very much like one another. We all bleed the same blood.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDiversity is very important in America the majoity of Americans agree that we should have diversity however when it actually comes down to it people began to have seound thoughts about what diversity actually means. They don't realize they it means to interact with people that have very diffrent backrounds. I disagree with what Sam had said about how segregation does not mean hatered or racism just the matter of comfrt, i think otherwise that when people do live segreated it is because they simply can't relate and be comfortable with other race's.i also think this is were hatered and racism begins, by seperating diffrences people began to make barriers which will than cause them to be afraid of "diffrent" people. Why is it when you mix race around people cannot be comfortable? I think the main reaosn is because we sterotype race, ethincity, and religion. If we can never get past the diffrence i dont think we can accomplish diversity in America because we are to busy building those barriers.
ReplyDeleteDiversity is important to people, always preaching that we should become more diverse but in reality everyone keeps to their own groups. I believe alot of that has to do with comfort, of what we know and what we can relate to. Even when going through a neighborhood or a business many people don't talk to one another unless they have at least one thing in common. We as people come together when in times of need such as: 9/11 or huricane Katrina but otherwise everyone seems happy going on their everyday lives how they are. Victoria Parrott
ReplyDeleteIt is true that diversity is important to many people; some people define their lives by it. However, it is also true that most people do end up segregating themselves for various reasons, be it cultural, political or social. Many people do end up moving to neighborhoods or working in jobs that they feel comfortable with and end up isolating themselves from cultures and values they either are not familiar with or do not agree with. Values and beliefs, I believe, are a big reason why people segregate themselves from other people, many are so devout in their beliefs that they do not want to be a part of anything that goes against it. I do feel that people will strive to live in an area that they are comfortable with and not in a place that completely challenges their moors and values.
ReplyDeleteIf we each look around we will see that our society is very diverse and in my opinion diversity makes our lives more interesting. Going back to what Bryan and Victoria said; people fear diversity simply because they are used to to the way things used to be and change makes them very uncomfortable. I believe diversity brings together the various talents each of us have for the shared benefit of all. Although our diffrences bring a lot of fear and violence our lives would be very dull and boring if we all looked alike and shared the same ideas. -NRivera
ReplyDeleteDiversity may be very important in America but in all actuality will we ever really want to step out of are comfort zone? Most people live or work in a surrounding because they fill comfortable but as Bayan said they don’t realize that they must interact with people that have different backgrounds. Yes diversity is important but when you really start to look into neighborhoods, companies and even schools you notice that there is not really that much diversity.
ReplyDeleteWho wants diversity? I do. Some may have the same answer and/or different answers. Diversity brings so much to the table. Although we are all human beings, we are unique in some way(s). I believe a diversity is a melting pot of unique people. America is made up of a diverse environment. This country has a population of various people who came from different countries. Cultures from around the world are being shared throughout the United States such foods, arts, and languages. We learn about them and we have interest in them. All I'm saying is that the United States grew up in diversity. Some people may be discomforted about diversity. We might as well get comfortable because it's all around us.
ReplyDeleteI know that diversity is very important, as it basically shapes our country, but I have to agree with the article. Even though there is so much publicity and effort in trying to make this country a better place by spreading diversity, it doesn't seem to do much. People don't want to leave their comfort zone which is very understandable. There is a lot of diversity here in America, but people still group themselves, probably not so much because of dislike of another type of people, but just out of habit ( or at least I would hope so).
ReplyDeleteThe article is a reflection of the authors childhood life through her adult eyes. What is most significant to me about this story is the racism the authors family faced in the early years of moving to America. Although her father was serving in the US Navy he was still not allowed to live where he wanted.It was also interesting the hear that the mother wanted to stay where they were live but the father wanted nothing more but to leave.
ReplyDeleteI just read the "Borderline Loco" comic and thought it was very funny, because it is so true. Everyone complains about immigrants, myself included, but they do take the jobs that no one here wants to do. I only have a problem with the illegal immigrants that come here and don't pay taxes and such.
ReplyDelete"Silent Dancing": this section really related to the People like us it talked about the sterotypes however thier was personally stores which the author had mentioned. Her father was called cuban because of his physical feauters even thought he was Purto Rican, but the guy called out "same shit". I feel this is ver ignorant of the guy and people really need to start understanding people rather than judging.
ReplyDelete"My two Lives": I became really intrested in this section because i am Syrian-American and i understand the pressure she felt of being loayal to her homeland or the new country she was living in. Sometimes i also feel that pressure because i dont know how to act or belief because i am from two diffrent places which is very difficult
ReplyDelete"Turf Wars" : i feel that many people who live in urban cities happen to carry guns with them and always have thier guard up is because they have been through so much. I am not saying that i agree with the viloence i personally dont think violence is the answer to anything it would just cause more problems and the it will never end to the point people would forget what their fighting for its riducules. I think we should really try to help people who are living in bad enviorments and went thier so much pain because it let us know what they are feeling and why these things are occuring.
ReplyDelete"On Dumping Diving":
ReplyDeleteI think this is very oppeseting that a person had ran out of all options and the only one left is to survive off things from dumpster. When he was saying how much people had threw away like unopened and untouched food, its really upsetting because people are taking food for granted it is important for everybody to remeber the people the do not have this blessing. To think twice about what you buy and what you throw away because you never really know what will be your real last meal.
"Herstory":
ReplyDeletethis is really a new idea which is appering . I find it really intresting that people are undergoing this opertations. I really don't have any opinons or thoughts about this topic. If it makes them happy then why not, right.
after reading"Borderline Loco" i personally desagree because immigrants are really taking jobs that no one wants in America, I also disagree with burntorange36, for the reason that immigrants came here for a better oppurtunity i think it that they should start off not paying taxes until they get thier citzenship because if thier not considered American they do not get the benefits that AMericans have so why would they pay taxes if they do not get the benefits?
ReplyDeleteafter reading "Watching Suffering from a distance" i have to agree with the author to a certain extent that certain images and stories do not necessarily need to be shown or expressed. I find certian images and articles portayed in the media to be unethical. I also think that certian things displayed in the media and online are also just fragments of these things. One does not have to listen to an entire sotry or look at a picture, so one can put themselves in that scenario but we can also turn it off with a press of a button there by removing ourselves emotionally alltogether.
ReplyDeletewhen i was reading "Silent Dancing" i was getting a bit angered at the fact that people were being stereotyped. I realize that in everyda life people are stereotyped yet i am very close to some puerto ricans in my own life and find it very insulting when they are classifed to another race just because of their looks. Articles like these make me hope that things can change yet i find it very hard to believe that stereotypes will ever go away.
ReplyDeletediversity for many years has been a very controversial topic that many are still trying to understand from its downfalls to its benefits. In my opinion diversity is a factor that can be embraced by americans if stereotypes and discrimination are obliterated. Some people in todays society form their own groups based on race, economic status, sexual orientation and so on, only because being apart of the entire group or society as a whole may lead to some type of discomfort and sometimes even conflict.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the Essay titled 'Turf War ' right away i could tell that the tone of the author was one of hate and disgust for the so called status of being a "Gangsta". This was a very self opinionated essay, one which i could agree with to a certain extent. Many young children today are so exposed to violent activities and from a very young age starts adapting to it. Some of the ways that they are exposed is through music, Entertainment sometimes even in the homes where there is domestic violence. As they say a child live what they learn.
ReplyDeleteIn the story titled "My two Lives", i could definitely relate to the author. As a foreigner from the caribbean adapting to the American lifestyle was a bit challenging. Some of these challenges include adapting to the american lifestyle, living up to certain standards which was quite disappointing at times for some people who may have had other expectation; for example many people thought that because i was born in the island of Jamaica the typical language always include word like yah mon, or No problem mon, words or phrase that makes up our national creole. W hat many people does not understand is that Jamaica was a country colonized by the british therefore english was our main language. Patois as our creole is called is broken english that was originated by the oldest generations. Also certain food that we eat, music that we listen to and the way we dress still come as a culture shock for many. But thank God for people like our legendary Bob Marley who was able to expose his legacy to the American society before people like myself came to America otherwise it would have been a major culture shock
ReplyDeleteTopic: "The Pitfalls of Plastic Surgery"
ReplyDeleteI honestly have no problems with women having plastic surgery done, where my problem lies, is the amount or extent to which it is done. Its definitely my business what people do with their body but in my opinion too much is too much. Many women today not only in hollywood has become obsessed with plastic surgery that it sometimes become an addiction; an addiction which sometimes become critical and life threatening. It is also very sad that some women allow their daughters to indulge in such madness from an early age especially nowadays. The traditional birthday gifts of a computer or cell phone or some money in a post card has been traded in for breast augmentation, lip plumping, botox, face lift and the list goes on. To me children should be allowed to enjoy who they are during their early years of life until they get older and decides to make some changes about themselves.
Typo in second sentence, meant to say It is definitely "NOT" any of my business what people do with their bodies.
ReplyDelete"Watching Suffering From A Distance"
ReplyDeleteI really agree about what the author said about being ignorant that we see things however we don't pay attention to it we dont try to leran or help understand why things are happening. We are like in a little bubble which we do not try and come out of i think thats the main reason why so many people are ignorant. I also agree with how she said we turn away from imgaes and things that make us feel bad because we lazy peopel we dont want to deal with it, why would we when it easier to just ignore it.
"Sand Creek"
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this i was ilke wow, because the author mentioned things that were done during the massacre like cutting womens breats and many other dreadful things. I dont think that people need to use violence because it would never end a problem it will only cause it to be worse and make people do un necessary things.
"The Pitfalls of Plastic Surgery"
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this it really hit me on how popular plastic surgery is and how common for people to get it, i really think that people should not do cosmetic platic surgery because nothing on your body is going to be perfect you repetadly go do the same procedure several time to make you nose perfect or you boobs the right size but they really never satisfy you it just hooks you on plastic surgery and many people do not understand that thier putting thier life on risk everytime they they go fix something..on tv we aonly see the before and after picture of it we dont see the complications and the effcts on the person , this is why people are doing so much because they only see the good side but not the bad side..i think its important for peopl to understand the procedure before actually going to get something done escpecially teenagers.
"My two lives"
ReplyDeleteI found this reading to be interesting because the child felt as if she had to hide the fact of being American.Her parents just wanted her to honor her culture.I felt as if she could of brought both worlds together without leaving one out.As a child all you want to do is be excepted anyway possible and being half American helped her.
"Turf Wars"
While reading Turf Wars it was shown that people judge others on very superficial characteristics. Such as the music they listen to or the way they dressed is based on their race. When in reality people are more influenced by the media and the people around them.My friend and I could listen to music about robbing a bank but it doesn't mean anything it is a source of entertainment. Personal experiences are what change us and make us who we are no matter what race, gender, ethnicity.
"On dumpster diving"
On dumpster diving seemed to be one of my favorite readings. Mainly because the character talked about where he would go and the best places to find different items.One of these places were college campus. Most often we throw things away because we are scared they will go bad when in reality some of them may be ok.Also if anyone ever went dumpster diving on a college campus they would be sure to make a lot of money off of bottles and cans.There was even a story of people making their most money from spring weekend up at uconn off of cans.
"HerStory"
I feel that the topic in this story of gender changing is a fairly new one. Many people don't seem to know the facts or the reasoning behind why; they feel as it is a want like a car but it is something the person feels. They feel as if there meant to be different.
"Borderline Loco"
While reading Borderline Loco it almost seemed as if it was a contradiction. One minute uncle sam was yelling at immigrants for coming into our country, stealing all our jobs and welfare. The next were having the dirty work.It was like were okay only if there doing our dirty work.
"Watching Suffering from a distance"
The most touching part of this essay was Thomas R. Partsch story. The image of having to stand by and watch people getting killed and not being able to do anything about it. Instead of sticking up for what he believed in everyone just sat by and watched what happened and later got to walk away.
"Sand Creek"
After reading Sand Creek I found it crazy how they just went and killed all those women, children, and men. Almost amazed how a man of the ministry could go from that to killing people because everyone besides his own people was viewed as the enemy.
"The Pitfalls of Plastic Surgery"
People for a long time and still now especially in Hollywood get plastic surgery to look younger and be admired by everyone. No one is perfect and if u look perfect it isn't normal looking. It is as if you get one thing done you'll find something else to find wrong and sometimes the job doesn't get done properly causing more self-esteem issues. Most often that’s where it all begins, on the inside.
Tori Parrott
"Ethical Consumerism: Are Unethical Labor Practices Important To Consumers"
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this and discussing this in class i was really shocked becuase i did not know that this occured and i realized that thier are probably alot of other people who buy Nike products which also do not know what is really going on i think that this sould really be spread to other people because it we keep quite that it will just keep occuring and probably even get wrose than it is now. I think it is hard to just tell people to stop buying thier products because not all people just look at the brand names when they shop it also depend on weather or not they like the product..i really think that the company is doing this so therefore someone really should stop them from doing this becasue this is not right.
"A look under the hoodie"
ReplyDeleteThis is really intresting how things that weren't popular become a trend. It would be really intresting to see why people start following certain trends. I think that thigs become popular when popular people see trends and start following them. the author mentioned that football players then wore hoodies and gave them to thier girlfriends and this is part how the trends start to spread.
"A look under the hoodie"
ReplyDeleteI found this reading to be intersting because hoodies started off for only certain groups of people(football players and athletes). Now hoodies have become very popular and almost everyone has one.Walking around campus you see at least one person in a hoodie everyday. They have become a comterable trend that continues to be passed alone.
"Skymall" and "Adbuster"
ReplyDeleteWhile reading these two essays they became apparent that they were complete opposites of one another. "Skymall" was a magazine filled of items that someone could ever think of. Even items you would never dream of. It would incourage people to buy items that they may one day need. While in "Adbuster" the author was discouraging people from buying. Which made sense on two levels. One that just because an item looks cool doesn't mean you need it.People should be saving their money for times were it would be used most effectively. Secondly, while people in America are buying these items we don't need, people in other countries may be suffering.People are having to work for less pay, maybe even gettin abused or killed if not following the rules. It leaves you with the question does one buy or not?
"The Full MOA"
The Mall Of America sounds amazing and probably somewhere where many people want to go at least once. Thousands of stores, rides it sounds like every girls and childs dream. The part I found most amazing is how much he spent by the end of the week (404.16) and that none of it was on clothing. Most of his money was spent on food and a couple other leisure items. Also how the one women would spend 2 grand during one week. It is a place o fun that could cause alot of damage on your wallets.
Tori Parrott
"Skymall":
ReplyDeleteAfter reading skymall i thought it was pretty funny for the reason that it is true. we constantly desire and want thing that are really unnessary for the fact that you might have several of the same thing or because you will never really use it, just the fact that you own it will satisfy your desires is enough for you. however the truth is our desires will never be satisfied for the reason that we are living in a very materalistic world which will lead to constantly complain about wanting more and thats the reason why we will never be satisfied.
"Adbusters":
ReplyDeleteAfter looking at the picture for Adbuster i was really shocked because this would occur and i really want to know how many people do buy from places like this and why? I think that many people do not know about these places which they buy from like myself i didnt no compaines did this just to kill people.
"The Full MoA":
ReplyDeleteAfter i read this section i was really surprised that he had lasted for the seven days. Throughout the seven days synder had began to pick up on little things that most people would pay no minf to like during the seventh daywhen he was on the bench he sow things that he probably wouldnt have.This mall of AMerica is showing what the length we are willing to take which will continue the cycle of what Americans do best which is to buy. I was also surprised how many people were up front with him even thought they were complete strangers which brings up another important topic in which how open we have become and we share everything to anybody which we call TMI. At the end of this section it showed what Synder had spent throught the seven days and i was really surprised the amount that had been spent for food and and drinks plus messages and wondered what the total would be like if he actually shopped for items which he really didnt need.
In Bill McKibben's essay "Skymall", I believe there's no hiding from consumerism. It turns up everywhere through advertising in catalogs that are on airplanes. Consumerism tries and/or promotes the newest products that can solve our problems. The new technology(ies) that will make our lives much easier. And it is the same technologies which will make us more and more lazier. In addition, the [so-called] old technologies are becoming more obsolete when they were in the market for a short period of time. To a certain degree technology is needed in our lifestyles. Skymall are most likely targeting homeowners; preferably males. In our materialistic world, we human beings are in search of something that will get the job done and comfort.
ReplyDeleteAdbusters' Buy nothing day event tries to slow down consumerism which had affected our society since the beginning of consumerism. For instance, "Once Upon a Time" and "what price for those diamonds" posters portray a strong message about consumerism's darker side. Also, it is not as innocent as we think it is. Blood has been shed. The lack of compassion towards our planet and our fellow man. Both posters depict that there's always a struggle between how valuable our planet and the human life is and in exchange for money. It seems companies care about revenues than what's right for our panet and other people.
ReplyDelete"the Coolhunter":
ReplyDeletethis is really intresting having a career as a coolhunter. I dont know how they both can go after fassion and sell it out to the company they work in because its really diffcult to know what is popular and if that trend is going to work if they use it, its really risky but cool knowing that they can track these fashion trends so fast. However there is a bad part to these job the fact that there making people fashion even more popular causes people to shop more whic brings up the whole problem of the american dream
"Selling Out":
ReplyDeleteTHis essay causes sterotypes towards the male population for the reaosn that it commecializes men as being muscula, athletic which is causeing other men who see these commurials to want t be like them the pressure of the media is effecting them. It also seems like since the women had sold a great deal for modeling and play boy that the men also want to do it its like both sexs are competing. It also seems that the gender roles in our society is starting to be equal as to when world war 2 ended
"Credit Card Debt amoung college students: Just what does it Cost":
ReplyDeleteAfter i read this i was like wow why do they need credit card if they are not even working many of the college student that they had mentioned had notsort of income to repay these credit card companys back. It was really amaziing how poeple can actually put themself in that poistion and they really should know about this for the reason that it is becoming so popular so it important for them to be aware of what they are going to do befor they swipe thier credit card.
"SKYMALL"-
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article i was amazed at how far consumerism has spread over the yearrs, with of course the idea of targeting that one special group; the rich and/ or the famous. These are people who live a a certain lifestyle that they sometimes use as an introduction to make it known just who they are. I doubt a poor person or an ididvidual with a very low income would dare to buy such expensive items from an article like the 'skymall'.
" Selling out"
ReplyDeleteIt has always been known that women have wanted the perfect bodys and were willing to do whatever it took to achieve it. ALthough, now men are on the rise for the perfect body. From taking steriods, getting lipo, and constantly working out. It is a way to help buildtheir cofidence and self esteem. I never pictured men being aware and caring o the way they look to others around them.
"Race over"
My favorite part about this reading were the pictures at the end. The story basically told the readers that America has come so far when it comes to the racial divide. It has become a factor that no one even thinks twice about, everyone just goes on living their lives. That is why I liked the pictures at the end. There were pictures of many celberties and it listed their nationalites but by looking at them one would never know. Basically saying you shouldnt judge a book by its cover.
"The Boston Photographs"
I have mixed feelings about this reading. I believe it is true when the author said pictures are more powerful then words. Although, pictures sometimes can be to much or viewers to see. I believe pictures of a women possiby fallin to her death is alot for someone to take i nd sometimes the family may not want that to be shown. It is as if the pictures come to life before your eyes.
Tori Parrott
Online Monitoring:
ReplyDeleteThis article is really important for the reason that it is really violating workers privacy, i mean sure it is important to know that your paying you worker for jobs not fooling around however there is also other factor that come into play for instanve someone can be already finished with thier work and needed to do something personal online it is not right for any work place to monitor what they are doing they have no right invading into thier personal lives. I also think that istead of them spending all this money on monitoring they should really just block things that are unnecessary.
As the Japanese Economy Goes Down, Sucides Go up:
ReplyDeleteThis essay was really intresting how people in Japan push people to kill themselves because of unworthy things and how in AMerica we try to help prevent depressed people for commiting a sucidal act. Its intrestig how every culture is diffrent.
"Race Over":
ReplyDeletei really enjoyed reading this essay for the reason it really highlight things that American do which divide themself from other based on racial background however what they really do no realize is that you really cannot tell where one is from you can assume but what are the chances that you are right. I really liked how they used the pictures for an example of famous people have differint several types of ethincities. It really helps people to realize that we shouldnt go on about assuming people are from one racial group because of thier physcial apperance
The Boston Photograph:
ReplyDeletethis essay was very intresting for the reason that they argued the fact that newspapers should not publish pictures of dead people and i agree to that for the reason that thier is no point if a picture of a dead person was published imagine the reaction of the family if they see a picture of thier loved ones in the newspaper its ridiculus this is why newspapers shouldnt print pictures of people getting hurt or dead for the reason that it will just bring too much pain to the family and other people who read the newswpaper
i found it interesting in the article "my two lives" how hard it is to be in an immigration situation. I found it saddening to see all of the emotion that goes into this process and find it to be quite saddening as well that these people have to completely change their lives to live in a different place.
ReplyDeleteLauren
"turf wars" in my opinion was a good article yet where i live gangs are not as much of a problem as it may be in cities. Gangs do exist almost everywhere and i have known people in them. I think it is somewhat interesting what people have to do to get into these groups and to stay in them. Also, i have learned, not personally, that it is hard to get out of a gang because then you may be considered an enemy.
ReplyDelete"dumpster diving" did not catch my interest as much as other articles we have read. I was not as interested in the article because i have knonw people who are dumpster divers and i find it to be repulsive. I understand that there are people who need to have something to eat but i find it hard to believe that the only thing they can find to eat is out of a dumpster. I feel bad for those children who are born into being homeless and are forced to deal with this problem yet not those who create this problem for themselves.
ReplyDeletei don't have too many thoughts about the article, "Herstory". I'm very open about these situations and believe that if this is what someones wants and believes in then they are able to do what they want. As long as this is not running the risk of their life and will not hurt others then i think a person should be able to make their own choice.
ReplyDelete"Borderline Loco" is a somewhat sad article but i find it to be true. There are many cases where most foreigners end up doing the dirty work yet at the same time some do take jobs from those who are citizens and deserve what they have worked for. It is not fair that people can come here illegally and take money, and jobs which they are not entitled to. As harsh as this article may seem i find it to be somewhat true/
ReplyDeletei really like the article, "Watching Suffering from a Distance" because it shows that we may see news on tv yet we dont experience the pain that people who are witnessing horrible trajedies. There may be war going on yet people who only see it on television do not get to see it the way people who live in the area which war is going on.
ReplyDeletein "Sand Creek" i was amazed at home people viewed others who were not like them. Its crazy how people can just kill others because of differences. I relate to this by referencing to the fact that these things still happen now. Though it is not accepted nor is it this severe but killing someone because they are different is very far from what i would ever want to deal with or have anything to do with.
ReplyDeletePlastic Surgery will always be a problem in America. i find it crazy how people can keep going under the knife over and over to try to please themselves with the way they look. i realize that the way people look definitely affects how they feel about themselves but there has to be a point where enough is enough. For example, there was a story about a women who got over 40 surgeries which is insane. I find it unecessary to keep trying to change yourself when honestly if you cannot find someone who likes you the way you are then you shouldnt have to change yourself just to find someone who will then find you appealing.
ReplyDeleteDue to the fact that i work in retail i find the article "Skymall" and "Adbusters" to be very true. Consumers want the best items no matter how expensive it is especially if it will make them look better in others eyes. Even if people are poor they will still buy the most expensive item they can afford even if it is not necessary. Consumerism is a pretty complicated subject due to everything needing to be targeted toward certain markets depending on who is most interested in buying the most expensive items to make the most money.
ReplyDelete"The full MoA" made me a little jealous of the author. i wish i could go to the mall of america and go on a shopping spree, not that he did but he definitely got an experience. He got to try everything he wanted to and went by the phrase "carpe dium". that was the only quote i could think of throughout the whole article especially due to the fact that most men do not get manicures.
ReplyDelete"A look under the hoodie" was interesting for me due to my work in retail. i get to see trends come and go and hoodies usually stick around. I found it interesting to see how certain groups started the hoodie trend and would like to learn more about other types of clothing and where they came from.
ReplyDelete"Selling Out" reminded me a lot of the plastic surgery article just becuase it had a lot ot do with people always wanting to have the perfect body. The male population is beginning to care a lot more about the way they look. They accomplish this by using steroids as well as ways of plastic surgery. I just think that people being obsessed with their bodies is getting ridiculous i could understand if obesity for these individuals was a serious problem.
ReplyDelete"Race Over" was an awesome article because it is true that now that so many people have many different ethnicities. its amazing for the diversity of people and makes getting to know people much more interesting due to the fact that they have many different cultural backgrounds.
ReplyDelete"The Boston Photographs"
ReplyDeletei honestly thought this article was ridiculous. Why would people want to see people after they have passed. Also it is unnecessary for family as well as friends to have to go through more pain than what is needed. i dont think there should be any debate over this topic because it isnt needed nor is it healthy.