Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
intro to revised piece
If this assignment called for a mid-depth character analysis, you could say I followed the format. However, for this timed assignment I was required to write about how the "Off the Map" film challenged my views on nonconformity. Nowhere in the original piece did I post my perspectives on nonconformity or how those perspectives have been influenced by my cultural perceptions or by the viewing of the film. This sort of scenario isn't exclusive to the timed writing genre. The laboratory conditions needed to for me to go off on tangents doesn't require much.
Shame aside, I'm particularly proud of one analysis I did on a character in the film: "William Gibbs is considered normal in the sense that he has a job and performs according to Western society's protocol. As we delve into Williams character, in the film, it's revealed that he is depressed. Albeit, William is superficially normal, his mentality deviates from what is considered normal". If the format had been a character analysis, this would have scored some points, but alas.
After recovering from this disgrace, I started from scratch and this time I followed the format and typed up my own personal thoughts on nonconformity: "... I held the steadfast, yet blind belief that part of the charm of nonconformity is what it took to condition oneself towards nonconformity".
'Learn to organize your thoughts', I know this phrase gets tossed about a lot, but it would be even more beneficial towards my writing if I started practicing this.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
nonconforming: when is it cool to love time lapse videos?
[Original]
The film, 'Off the Map' depicts how anyone can become disillusioned with their circumstances, whether or not the individual fits into society's pegs. The Groden family deviates from the norm, living off an income of $5000 a year and the occasional visits to the town dump. The family's lifestyle is unconventional from the offset, more 'over the line' rather than non-conformists. Whether the purpose of acting unconventional was intended or not, this family doesn't see themselves as social deviants.
When I think of nonconformity, I am reminded of mathematical outliers, those odd ball numbers that throw off averages and patterns in the data, rendering statistics useless. Nonconformity, in the context of individuals, have a similar effect. They redefine those seemingly-static platitudes that modern society clings to. Many times, society responds by recalibrating their own perceptions of what is conventional and unconventional, which is akin to my own experience with the film "Off the Map".
For a good chunk of my uneventful adolescence, I held the steadfast, yet blind, belief that part of the charm of nonconformity is what it took to condition oneself towards nonconformity: Holding an unyielding conviction that what they're doing is right, to persevere against the naysayers and head shakers. However, post-movie hype, I began reevaluated my opinion of the bohemian Grodens and realized that the circumstances of the Grodens have been romanticized by touchingly-relatable character development and their quirky idiosyncrasies. For example, the family is inadequately prepared financially. Not having finances ready in case of emergency is not 'cool'. No amount of the coolness factor is enough to blanket a parent's responsibility. Had something happened to the one of the family members and hospital care is needed, this film would have quickly moved from slice-of-life/coming-of-age film to an accompaniment for Michael Moore's healthcare documentary, "Sicko".
Nonconforming is still cool, in my book, but pragmatism will always take priority. When recalibrating a lifestyle, it's important to be aware of those close to you, taking care that any changes made will not hinder them.
intro to critical thinking
For my critical thinking pick, I went back to the identity unit and fished out our first essay assignment. This assignment required an analysis of identity and personal choices using the readings "What the Census Doesn't Count" and "The F' Word', and a thesis that is supported by the readings and analysis. Even though the piece, "Cogito Ergo Sum = I Think Therefore I Am?", wasn't my highest scored assignment, (because I incorrectly followed the format by deviating from the topic of identity towards cultural identity) what it lacks in points, it makes up for it in critical thinking. For example, I mentioned, "Replace the word 'labeling' and use 'criminal profiling'. It can be used in the same context" and later tied in labeling with: "Those seemingly-innocent [ethnic] labels become caricatures, generalizations, archetypes, but they're never an accurate indicator of who people are individually". That example detailed the dangers of using labels and how simple labeling can become a form of discrimination.
Cogito Ergo Sum = They Think, Therefore I Am?
The individual is not a product of culture. As a species, humans take personal identity very seriously; adolescents eager to tiptoe around conformity by listening to music their friends recommend, grownups flipping through IKEA magazines, looking to find that very special piece of furniture that will define them during the next cocktail party. (by the way, the polished mahogany dresser comes highly recommended) Ones search for individuality is enough to warrant a mid-life crisis, or to a lesser extent, (for those who are tied to marital priorities) a few hours of intense contemplation. In any case, personal identity cannot be decided for someone else within seconds based on that person's physical features and culture.
Culture is an ambiguous term. Ethnic culture, mass culture, popular culture. Culture can represent the social norms of a group of people, as well as the various codes/formulas that people apply to literature, architecture, art. Through the convenience of technology, societies can exchange ideas and gain insight. Just like the individual, culture is not immune to change. Those geographic and metaphorical walls, that have once impeded humanity's need to connect with others, are all the more permeable. There is the common misconception that culture is something that can be preserved and protected. It is futile to guard something that was neither static nor tangible to begin with. Culture is ever changing: being broken down, mixed in with new ideas and becoming something entirely new. The individual doesn't adapt to culture, culture adapts to the individual.
Firoozeh Dumas addresses cultural adaption in her biography, “The F Word”. After immigrating from her country of Iran to America, Firoozeh's name becomes the center of juvenile name-hacking. Later on, her name undergoes personal and marital changes. “Once I got married, my name became Julie Dumas. I went from having an identifiably “ethnic” name to having ancestors who wore clogs”. (63) Admirably, Dumas handles the idea of cultural preservation, with good humor. By adapting to a new culture, as an immigrant, Dumas's intention wasn't to reject her own culture. If anything, she didn't want her name to hinder her ability to climb the social ladder. Dumas's experience is an example of how culture shouldn't be treated as a form of anachronism.
Identity comes in different forms. To be specific, there's extrinsic identity (how others view the individual) and there is intrinsic identity. (how the individual views themselves) Intrinsic identity, is not passive. That form of identity is dictated through personal choices and more, accurately, the person's actions. Eugenics, Human Nature, Fundamental Social Darwinism, greatly undermine the significance of personal choice. The individual is responsible for his/her thoughts and opinions, which shape their values and those values help shape their identity. In contrast, extrinsic identity, is something the individual has no control over. Though many would object, how others perceive and label the individual does play an integral role in social life.
Something interesting: Replace the word 'labeling' and use 'criminal profiling'. It can be used in the same context. In a positive light, it's an innate defense mechanism. Raising the question, how far can a person draw the line in judging and labeling people? If generalizations were brought down to an objective science, a practical science, anything could be rationalize through clever paraphrasing.
To a mal-informed third party perspective, culture and race are also inter-changeable. 'I'm Thai, I'm Filipino, I'm African American, I'm Hispanic', are examples of labels. Those seemingly-innocent labels become caricatures, generalizations, archetypes, but they're never an accurate indicator of who people are individually. On a more superficial level, those ethnic labels are condensed into generalizations based on skin color. In Russell Thornton's poignant New York Times editorial, "What the Census doesn't Count, he states, “Race, we now know, is a social notion, not a biological reality”. (82) Thornton elaborates on this idea: “The black-Indian child may think of himself as Indian, but if no one around him does, then he has run up against the limit of his own power to choose a racial identity”. (84)
Humans are not automatons. If so, why does humanity feel compelled to generalize others of difference and rationalize only themselves? No one wants to be treated as a statistic. Cultural identity is constantly changing alongside the individual, whilst the individual adapts and gains new insights. Nevertheless, the power of generalizing others has a byproduct: discrimination. Differences between groups can be used as a basis for discrimination. However, the point is, it doesn't have to. Combating discrimination or ridding oneself of preconceived notions can easily be remedied by getting to know one-another. The idea gets thrown around a lot, but it's true. Even if one considers themselves to have a moral compass, it is important to be reminded. Ultimately, the only identity individuals are capable of accurately defining is their own.
Culture is an ambiguous term. Ethnic culture, mass culture, popular culture. Culture can represent the social norms of a group of people, as well as the various codes/formulas that people apply to literature, architecture, art. Through the convenience of technology, societies can exchange ideas and gain insight. Just like the individual, culture is not immune to change. Those geographic and metaphorical walls, that have once impeded humanity's need to connect with others, are all the more permeable. There is the common misconception that culture is something that can be preserved and protected. It is futile to guard something that was neither static nor tangible to begin with. Culture is ever changing: being broken down, mixed in with new ideas and becoming something entirely new. The individual doesn't adapt to culture, culture adapts to the individual.
Firoozeh Dumas addresses cultural adaption in her biography, “The F Word”. After immigrating from her country of Iran to America, Firoozeh's name becomes the center of juvenile name-hacking. Later on, her name undergoes personal and marital changes. “Once I got married, my name became Julie Dumas. I went from having an identifiably “ethnic” name to having ancestors who wore clogs”. (63) Admirably, Dumas handles the idea of cultural preservation, with good humor. By adapting to a new culture, as an immigrant, Dumas's intention wasn't to reject her own culture. If anything, she didn't want her name to hinder her ability to climb the social ladder. Dumas's experience is an example of how culture shouldn't be treated as a form of anachronism.
Identity comes in different forms. To be specific, there's extrinsic identity (how others view the individual) and there is intrinsic identity. (how the individual views themselves) Intrinsic identity, is not passive. That form of identity is dictated through personal choices and more, accurately, the person's actions. Eugenics, Human Nature, Fundamental Social Darwinism, greatly undermine the significance of personal choice. The individual is responsible for his/her thoughts and opinions, which shape their values and those values help shape their identity. In contrast, extrinsic identity, is something the individual has no control over. Though many would object, how others perceive and label the individual does play an integral role in social life.
Something interesting: Replace the word 'labeling' and use 'criminal profiling'. It can be used in the same context. In a positive light, it's an innate defense mechanism. Raising the question, how far can a person draw the line in judging and labeling people? If generalizations were brought down to an objective science, a practical science, anything could be rationalize through clever paraphrasing.
To a mal-informed third party perspective, culture and race are also inter-changeable. 'I'm Thai, I'm Filipino, I'm African American, I'm Hispanic', are examples of labels. Those seemingly-innocent labels become caricatures, generalizations, archetypes, but they're never an accurate indicator of who people are individually. On a more superficial level, those ethnic labels are condensed into generalizations based on skin color. In Russell Thornton's poignant New York Times editorial, "What the Census doesn't Count, he states, “Race, we now know, is a social notion, not a biological reality”. (82) Thornton elaborates on this idea: “The black-Indian child may think of himself as Indian, but if no one around him does, then he has run up against the limit of his own power to choose a racial identity”. (84)
Humans are not automatons. If so, why does humanity feel compelled to generalize others of difference and rationalize only themselves? No one wants to be treated as a statistic. Cultural identity is constantly changing alongside the individual, whilst the individual adapts and gains new insights. Nevertheless, the power of generalizing others has a byproduct: discrimination. Differences between groups can be used as a basis for discrimination. However, the point is, it doesn't have to. Combating discrimination or ridding oneself of preconceived notions can easily be remedied by getting to know one-another. The idea gets thrown around a lot, but it's true. Even if one considers themselves to have a moral compass, it is important to be reminded. Ultimately, the only identity individuals are capable of accurately defining is their own.
Dumas, Firoozeh. “The F Word” Remix Boston, MA. Bedford/ St.Martin's. 2006
Thornton, Russell. “What the Census Doesn't Count” Remix Boston, MA. Bedford/ St.Martin's. 2006
intro to audience awareness & voice
This assignment requires that we blog about a specific community. Blogging is little different from the forum medium. In a forum you're posting with people with similar interests or circumstances on one topic. However, with blogging, you have a wider audience who may or may not be interested in what you have to say. That's why it's important that a public blogger's post must be both easily accessible and insightful.
When I first starting blogging in high school, I just posted personality test results and used it as an outlet to whine about my classes, the more profanity the better. I haven't really matured, in those four years, but I have attained a greater respect for writing. If I'm going to write, let it be honest and include embarrassing juvenile tidbits.
Anyhow, considering that most of the people who read my blog are EVCC students, I wrote this piece with them in mind. When I decided to attend a community college after high school, I received a lot of shaking heads from my parents and school chums. During my first quarter, I felt those comments sinking in. However, after taking a few more quarters, I'm glad I have followed the community college route. It's cheaper, it's closer than the big Uni schools and the professors aren't elusively working on their own projects.
Hopefully those who were disinclined towards community colleges will give it chance. To fellow peers who have felt demoralized: Sometimes it takes different paths to reach one goal.
intro to writer's pick
The first blog assignment involved our own wallets and how much/little we can find out about ourselves through its contents. The example given in the gallery was in the form of a short story. The story described a well-intentioned stranger picking up a stray wallet and analyzing its contents. Though the assignment didn't required a short story, I was so impressed by the author's story telling skills that I decided to do something similar with my own blog post.
Instead of stranger's perspective, I wrote the story with the wallet as the protagonist. As the story progresses, the wallet begins to learn more and more about the owner: "[Fossil, the wallet] seen a lot of receipts, discarded membership cards, in my day. From my current contents, [Fossil] was able to compile information about [its] owner: Her name is Pauline and judging from her last name, she is of Hispanic origin."
This piece left a strong impression on me not because of its epiphany-inducing depth, but because of its fun factor. As a science major, the majority of our writing is technical science major stuff. You don't have any room to be creative, unless you're fully intent on rewriting the laws of nature. I can give you the fine points of cellular metabolism, but when it comes to writing with creativity in mind, I'm stuck. I'm glad I was given the opportunity to write this.
Instead of stranger's perspective, I wrote the story with the wallet as the protagonist. As the story progresses, the wallet begins to learn more and more about the owner: "[Fossil, the wallet] seen a lot of receipts, discarded membership cards, in my day. From my current contents, [Fossil] was able to compile information about [its] owner: Her name is Pauline and judging from her last name, she is of Hispanic origin."
This piece left a strong impression on me not because of its epiphany-inducing depth, but because of its fun factor. As a science major, the majority of our writing is technical science major stuff. You don't have any room to be creative, unless you're fully intent on rewriting the laws of nature. I can give you the fine points of cellular metabolism, but when it comes to writing with creativity in mind, I'm stuck. I'm glad I was given the opportunity to write this.
the community college community - ode to EvCC
My fifteen year old self would disown me (if that is even possible) if she knew I was attending a community college. She wanted to attend MIT, of all places, and study nuclear engineering, of all things. Like many wide-eyed, ambitious high schoolers, I held the assumption that community colleges were diluted versions of big-wig universities. Later on, I found out that assumption only held true in terms of tuition cost. Because of the smaller class sizes, community colleges don't make you feel anonymous. (it gets lonely in a room of 400 people) The lack of anonymity is what puts the 'community' in community college.
The college setting, in general, encourages others to act interdependently, a quid pro quo. Acting interdependently, breaks away from the 'man-is-an-island-unto-himself' mentality that I've built up from my puerile years. As the quarter progresses, I've interacted and exchanged insights with a variety of people who sincerely wanted to get something meaningful out of the class. Performing intrinsically is refreshing. (especially when I'm not being coerced into it)
Individual circumstances and interests have always clashed with this particular community. If the course isn't in a year long sequence, at the end of the quarter, that campy cohesion I had during study groups is whittled down to a few tactful nods and waves in a narrow hallway. I understand that everyone has their own agenda. I mean, I can't expect an esprit de corp equivalent to the symbiotic relationship between the clownfish and its sea anemone.
Regardless of how finite this community is, I'm glad to have been a part of it. I've learned invaluable lessons that could not have been accomplished from reclusive contemplation. I can see myself looking back fondly at these past quarters as money well spent. (for once)
a wallet story: a freudian field-day or keeper of stuff
Hello. My name is Fossil, or at least that's what the tag says. I know wallets can't talk, but please make me an exception. I'm one of those cheap off-brand wallets, you know, with the so called 'genuine leather' and the sprayed on meaty musk. The usual clientele would be grade-school boys, over-eager to act adult so they purchase manly wallets of my caliber. Well, imagine my surprised when I was purchased and fitted with a driver's license that belonged to a 16 year old female! (the other Fossils are probably having a good laugh with this)
I'm four years old (that's 16 in wallet-years) now and my owner is currently 20 years of age. I've seen a lot of receipts, discarded membership cards, in my day. From my current contents, I was able to compile information about my owner: Her name is Pauline and judging from her last name, she is of Hispanic origin. She is enrolled at the Everett Community College, though I can't be sure of how many quarters she has taken. After comparing her earliest and more recent physical statistics, I found out that she is a recent victim of the 'Freshman 15' phenomenon. (jumping from 105 to 120lbs *ouch*) However, equipped with a membership card to a gym & aquatics center, I'm sure she's planning on reversing it. There's a bunch of expired/obsolete cards in here, as well; frequent buyer cards for various bookstores and video game shops and a crumpled sushi points card. With college, I doubt she has the time or the finances for costly hobbies or interests. (the gasoline gift-card signed 'From Mom', the 4 one dollar bills and the lone debit card, prove my point)
Proud of my sleuthing, I relayed my findings to my owner.
“Oh, Fossil, while all of that is true, there's a lot more to me than being profiled as a starving college student.”
“Really?” I, Fossil the $8 wallet, was taken-aback.
“Really. For example, I'm actually a very deep person who values self-introspection, yoga, existentialism and Jamba Juice. Plus, I have long term ambitions I'm committed to which include traveling the world and doing genome research.”
“Cool!” I exclaim in awe.
“I doubt what we own is an accurate indicator of who we are, even though there are people who believe that what they own defines them. Remember this, Fossil, even if you know the contents of someone's credit card, it's useless without their pin number.”
“What?!” I almost did a double-take.
“I mean, even if you know the contents of someone's wallet, you're only profiling them on a superficial level,” she corrected.
“Oh... Um, anything else I need to know?”
“I bet you never would have guessed that I was vegetarian,” she grinned.
“Wouldn't that be hypocritical, since I'm leather?” I half pondered, half questioned.
“Er, um, but alas the damage to those poor cows have been dealt, that bit can't be reversed. Gotta live in the present, right, Fossil?”
“I guess,” I agreed half-heartedly.
“Anyways, please don't talk to me in public. I don't have anything against wallets, Fossil, but other people are beginning to stare.”
meandering karma
[This marks the end of the folio. Thanks for sticking about and reading through it. The following is just something I wrote. Just thought it would be nifty to include it. ]
South of Okinawa, womb to the tomb, baby
A tourist in your own country, Miss Citizen of the World
Mala beads of sandalwood and bone, hammering Zen Buddhist mantras
What would your straight-faced Catholic ancestors say?
Not much, in terms of words; sucks to be dead
Better to be alive, albeit finitely content with one's self.
Little girl touting metal plate, still wants to grow up.
Grow up into a bioengineer, likes micro-bacteria more than she likes people.
Hard to love something you can't hold.
It's way to early to be locked inside yourself. Save it for adolescence.
Enter seasoned veteran of life, exit to the left.
It's the constipated emotions that restricts ya.
Marching backwards into the sea.
Analyzing yourself will only leave you bitter, dear.
Little girl touting metal plate, still wants to grow up.
Knowing how far the goal is, when she's standing right beside it.
Reluctant to go forward, one step forward two steps back.
So much to leave, but that doesn't make it right.
Meandering body, but your soul still sticks. It's karma, you know.
Monday, March 10, 2008
hello! please make yourself comfortable!
The journey from student to medical researcher is humbling one. I'm standing on the shoulders of giants, using ideas that didn't take any significant amount of sacrifice or discipline for me to learn. While science is something that is inherited from our formers, proficiency in writing is attained by traveling. It's not limited to just physical traveling. The type of traveling I'm referring to also means reading a book, cracking jokes with your pals, watching a 'No Reservations' marathon on the TV, finishing off a platter of mystery sushi with a handful of wasabi paste. Experiencing life is integral to writing. This quarter's English 101 class encompasses these life experiences.
The class itinerary covered a trifecta of themes: identity, community and tradition. (aka, the Big Three) "Simple. I know what these are. I have a dictionary, too, and I know how to use it!" was my first impression. Within the first of each theme's week, I was floored by each one's complexity and by how little of a grasp I had in either of the three topics. Humility, like a steak, was rare and painful to swallow. (I'm a vegetarian)
Of the 'Big Three', identity was something I had the most familiarity in. Like many others, I questioned what it meant to be free and independent. From what I learned in twenty years, identity is whatever the individual chooses to assert. To say the least, I knew it had nothing to do with who or what you're affiliated with. Such was the case in Emily White's "High School's Secret Life", which described the clique-mentality that manifested itself in the school's cafeteria. The discussions with my peers challenged my conception of what identity is and how it is formed. I was frustrated, not only with the board discussions, but with the readings, as well. In "Dude Looks Like A Lady", Kathy Wilson expresses her dislike in being labeled as a man, yet Wilson does not hesitate to use labels on others. In "How to Tame a Wild Tong" Gloria Anzaldua, a professed feminist, chooses to continue speaking in a dialect that undermines femininity. It felt hypocritical.
To be honest, it was difficult to balance the insightful-versus-insensitive seesaw. I probably gave the impression of the latter. In retrospect, whether or not I was right or wrong is irrelevant. For myself, identity is an accumulation of different experiences, circumstances and, most importantly, actions. The former hodgepodge may not be what I'd consider my identity, but it wouldn't be my place to say the same for anyone else.
The same ambiguity carries onto the community theme. The word 'community' can represent a culture, an organization, an ethnic group, a weekend rotary club. There are many different varieties; however, every strong, cohesive community shares one thing in common: interdependence. I admire the concept of America's rugged individualism: to be independent, strong willed, and possess an unbendable conviction. (sans Chuck Norris's beard and mullet combo) Though, the Community spirit exhibits different virtues, (empathy, patience, hospitality, selflessness) they are no less important.
Communities are dualistic. In order to get the most out of the community, the individual needs to give back and, on some occasions, place the community's priorities over their own. The community gives back by offering stability and consolation. Even though the individual's interests are compromised, identity remains untouched. Every one is an individual, regardless of community preference. Had I learned this in high school, I wouldn't have been so hesitant to join clubs for fear of 'cramping my style'.
The Community unit of the class also analyzed the viewpoints of immigrants and other ethnic minorities living in America. Richard Rodrigruez's "Blaxicans and Other Reinvented Americans" describes how culture is never static. They are constantly adapting, rather than assimilating. After claiming residence in different countries, I haven't always been comfortable with my own ethnic community. For a long time, I have seen my ethnicity as a liability. After reading Rosario and Aurora Morales's "Ending Poem", I no longer feel that way. "Ending Poem" illustrated how one can be proud of their ethnic community, yet acknowledge how we're all world citizens. How I assert my own individuality isn't diluted by my ethnicity.
Family is the first community that we're a part of and with it comes traditions and values. When I was tot, my family would attend the summer Matsuri (festival) in Yokohama and participate in the springtime cherry blossom viewing. Appreciating the aesthetics of cherry blossoms was the last thing I wanted to do as a kid. (I usually leave out that tidbit when I tell the story) Now that I am an adult, I'm grateful that my parents took me there.
One of the unit's readings, Richard Pillsbury's "Thoroughly Modern Dining", detailed how technology is compromising those family traditions. Prior to reading that editorial, I've never seen technology as anything, but a form of convenience. Catalyst of the impending robot apocalypse, aside, technology has improved and streamlined our lifestyles. I-Pods, mini-LCD televisions, cellphones. Bit by bit, the same convenience is replacing those irreplaceable family conversations that occur in the in the dining room and the car commute. In spite of that, it's not entirely technology's fault. It's up to the individual to decide between listening to the Beatle's "Yellow Submarine" on their new i-Pod nano versus a friendly debate on contemporary politics with the folks.
For our class's final project, we are required to showcase four pieces that represent the following: critical thinking, revision skills, audience awareness and writer's choice.
I worked hard on each piece. Many Red Bulls were consumed in the process. Time will take its toll and I will look back at this quarter with vague familiarity. These pieces will serve as a reminder, for myself and others.
Of the 'Big Three', identity was something I had the most familiarity in. Like many others, I questioned what it meant to be free and independent. From what I learned in twenty years, identity is whatever the individual chooses to assert. To say the least, I knew it had nothing to do with who or what you're affiliated with. Such was the case in Emily White's "High School's Secret Life", which described the clique-mentality that manifested itself in the school's cafeteria. The discussions with my peers challenged my conception of what identity is and how it is formed. I was frustrated, not only with the board discussions, but with the readings, as well. In "Dude Looks Like A Lady", Kathy Wilson expresses her dislike in being labeled as a man, yet Wilson does not hesitate to use labels on others. In "How to Tame a Wild Tong" Gloria Anzaldua, a professed feminist, chooses to continue speaking in a dialect that undermines femininity. It felt hypocritical.
To be honest, it was difficult to balance the insightful-versus-insensitive seesaw. I probably gave the impression of the latter. In retrospect, whether or not I was right or wrong is irrelevant. For myself, identity is an accumulation of different experiences, circumstances and, most importantly, actions. The former hodgepodge may not be what I'd consider my identity, but it wouldn't be my place to say the same for anyone else.
The same ambiguity carries onto the community theme. The word 'community' can represent a culture, an organization, an ethnic group, a weekend rotary club. There are many different varieties; however, every strong, cohesive community shares one thing in common: interdependence. I admire the concept of America's rugged individualism: to be independent, strong willed, and possess an unbendable conviction. (sans Chuck Norris's beard and mullet combo) Though, the Community spirit exhibits different virtues, (empathy, patience, hospitality, selflessness) they are no less important.
Communities are dualistic. In order to get the most out of the community, the individual needs to give back and, on some occasions, place the community's priorities over their own. The community gives back by offering stability and consolation. Even though the individual's interests are compromised, identity remains untouched. Every one is an individual, regardless of community preference. Had I learned this in high school, I wouldn't have been so hesitant to join clubs for fear of 'cramping my style'.
The Community unit of the class also analyzed the viewpoints of immigrants and other ethnic minorities living in America. Richard Rodrigruez's "Blaxicans and Other Reinvented Americans" describes how culture is never static. They are constantly adapting, rather than assimilating. After claiming residence in different countries, I haven't always been comfortable with my own ethnic community. For a long time, I have seen my ethnicity as a liability. After reading Rosario and Aurora Morales's "Ending Poem", I no longer feel that way. "Ending Poem" illustrated how one can be proud of their ethnic community, yet acknowledge how we're all world citizens. How I assert my own individuality isn't diluted by my ethnicity.
Family is the first community that we're a part of and with it comes traditions and values. When I was tot, my family would attend the summer Matsuri (festival) in Yokohama and participate in the springtime cherry blossom viewing. Appreciating the aesthetics of cherry blossoms was the last thing I wanted to do as a kid. (I usually leave out that tidbit when I tell the story) Now that I am an adult, I'm grateful that my parents took me there.
One of the unit's readings, Richard Pillsbury's "Thoroughly Modern Dining", detailed how technology is compromising those family traditions. Prior to reading that editorial, I've never seen technology as anything, but a form of convenience. Catalyst of the impending robot apocalypse, aside, technology has improved and streamlined our lifestyles. I-Pods, mini-LCD televisions, cellphones. Bit by bit, the same convenience is replacing those irreplaceable family conversations that occur in the in the dining room and the car commute. In spite of that, it's not entirely technology's fault. It's up to the individual to decide between listening to the Beatle's "Yellow Submarine" on their new i-Pod nano versus a friendly debate on contemporary politics with the folks.
For our class's final project, we are required to showcase four pieces that represent the following: critical thinking, revision skills, audience awareness and writer's choice.
I worked hard on each piece. Many Red Bulls were consumed in the process. Time will take its toll and I will look back at this quarter with vague familiarity. These pieces will serve as a reminder, for myself and others.
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