James McBride Response

Lily Terhune

November 21, 2014

ENGL 1100, Writing Skills Workshop

Professor Young

With many of my other classmates, had the opportunity to sit in the audience and watch the author, James McBride speak. Although I never got to read McBride’s most popular book, “The Good Lord Bird”, I was still able to connect with some of the topics he was talking about. McBride came out wearing a hat on his head and automatically felt comfortable with the crowd. He made jokes that us students could directly relate to. 

McBride gave a lot of advice for us to be who you we are. He explained that failure is okay and that we need to forgive ourselves for doing so. Also, he mentioned that there will always be someone better than you so failure is going to happen in our lives. For the first time ever that McBridge gave a speech he made us close our eyes then quickly open them again. He explained that life goes by just like that fast and you should do what you love for the rest of your life. He told us to imagine what we do when we aren't doing anything and find a way to achieve that. 

He also explained the importance that reading has on our overall intelligence. He told us that the way we can become smarter is to for example pick up the NY Times and read it every morning. And that is the way that we are going to broaden our knowledge.

I really enjoyed having James McBride come to our school because he did not just give us a boring assembly where we had to struggle to keep our eyes open. He gave an insightful talk that I received a lot of vital information from that is beneficial for my future. 

Lily Terhune

November 1, 2014

Professor Young

ENGW 1110

Dennis Dutton talks about beauty as something that is constantly evolving. Dennis argues on Ted Talks, “I have no doubt whatsoever that the experience of beauty, with its emotional intensity and pleasure, belongs to our evolved human psychology. The experience of beauty is one component in a whole series of Darwinian adaptations. Beauty is an adaptive effect, which we extend and intensify in the creation and enjoyment of works of art and entertainment.” His point about beauty is that our definition of beauty changes along with our evolution. There are also different kinds of beauty. There is natural beauty and artistic beauty. The definition of beauty varies from each person’s opinion on what pleases their eye and arouses them.

What pleases many eyes is the hand axe. Dennis makes the point that the ancient hand axe is beautiful. We aren't sure what the hand axe was exactly used for. From the hand axe’s symmetry to the hand axe’s blades, it is viewed as beautiful. Beauty goes back all the way to the ancient times. The artifacts were the earliest forms of art. They had jewelry and makeup which all represented beauty.

Evolution tricks us to be aroused by the sight of something, resulting in us finding it beautiful. Today, we look to movies and landscapes as beautiful. We also think people and and food can be beautiful. But all these things are so vastly different. That is why Dutton thinks we do not have a set definition on what we think is beautiful. The experience of beauty changes with our human evolution. 

Can Beauty Be Constructed?

Lily Terhune

October 29, 2014

ENGL 1100, Writing Skills Workshop

Professor Young

Can Beauty be Constructed?

Actress, athlete, and fashion model Aimee Mullins said, “In our humanity, we need to celebrate those heartbreaking strengths and those glorious disabilities that we all have. It is our humanity, and all the potential within it, that makes us beautiful.” Aimee is saying that beauty is within all of our lives. Aimee Mullins is disabled with prosthetic legs and I agree with her opinion that beauty can be constructed. 

Although constructed beauty is not honest, it is still beauty. With today’s advancements in technology we are able to make beauty from man-made products. Examples of these products are Botox, breast implants, and buttock implants. These procedures are a more serious and permanent way to change our bodies. We also have makeup, hair tools, and other things that can transform a person’s appearance. These cosmetics are usually part of a woman’s routine to get ready in the morning. We have become accustomed to apply makeup and do our hair almost everyday. We give into the social pressures to look a certain way. But looking this certain way gives us a sense of confidence. Lastly, we have photoshop, special lighting, and filtered lighting. All of these things alter our view of true beauty and change our perception.

I believe that it is not fair to say that beauty can not be constructed. If you think of people like Aimee Mullins you cannot say beauty can not be constructed. She had prosthetic legs made to help her walk and look beautiful which gives her confidence. She has over a dozen pair of legs, all made very intricately and beautifully.  Her beauty is confidence and her prosthetic legs contribute to her beauty. All women are beautiful whether we give into the societal pressures of cosmetics and procedures to alter our appearance. Natural beauty or constructed beauty is beauty no matter what.

Aimee Mullins believes that beauty can be constructed and I strongly agree with her opinion. She constructed  her beauty with her prosthetic legs. She is able to change her height which alters our perception of her. She changed the way we normally think of beauty. We are able to make beauty with many things although it may not be honest.

Revision of : Can Beauty Be Honest?

Lily Terhune

October 28, 2014

ProfessorYoung

ENGW 1101

Revision

Can Beauty Be Honest?

In today’s media, the meaning of beauty has been transformed into meaning that you must be tall, skinny, and have a pretty face. But when did this change? When did we start viewing each other as beautiful based solely on our looks? When did being beautiful have such high standards?  Through this all I believe we lost touch on the true meaning of beauty. Beauty is something that is attractive to the eye. Beauty can be honest if it is natural. When beauty is constructed into something man-made it then becomes a lie.

I believe media is to blame for our misconstrued view of beauty. In Cameron Russell’s Ted Talks video she talks how media has negatively effected her and her confidence. Cameron was posing for pictures at a young age and was put in clothes and makeup that made her look like a woman. Yet, Cameron did not even get her period yet.

She was not a woman but she was portrayed as one through the media’s eye and the use of beauty products. She also felt very insecure among the other models because of the high standard in the modeling business. As a child we are raised to look at the celebrities on tv and want to be exactly like them. We see the celebrities’ hair, makeup and bodies and idolize them. But what we see is false and leads to our distorted view of beauty. Deep down these models are most likely not happy with themselves. Beauty does not equal happiness.

We use  man-made products to hide ourselves behind. The makeup is a mask and the extensions are a wig. When we step away from all the makeup and when models step out from under the lights and behind the camera we become our true selves. Beauty is true and beauty is real. We do not need to cover up who we truly are because I believe that everyone has their own beauty in different ways. 

Although beauty is constructed does not mean some people may not perceive it as beautiful. It is very beautiful to be confident about yourself. If man-made products are needed for someone to feel beautiful then I believe thats okay. Plato said, “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder”.

Everyone has a different opinion on what they believe is beautiful. Each person will believe different things are beautiful.

Media has influenced our perception of beauty. In today’s society, beauty means to have a flawless face covered in makeup and have the perfect long hair. You are also considered beautiful if you have a model body which is tall and skinny. But that is not reality. I believe each person carries their own definition of beauty. When we step away from the man- made products we are are true selves and I believe that is beautiful. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM4Xe6Dlp0Y

Lily Terhune

October 26, 2014

ProfessorYoung

ENGW 1101

Can Beauty Be Honest?

In today’s media, the meaning of beauty has been transformed to mean that you have to be tall, skinny, and have a pretty face. But when did this change? When did we start viewing each other as beautiful based solely on our looks? When did being beautiful have such high standards?  Through this all I think we lost touch on the true meaning of beauty. Beauty is something that is attractive to the eye. Beauty can be honest if it is natural. When we construct beauty into something that isn't true and that is where it becomes a lie.

I believe media is to blame for our misconstrued view of beauty. As a child we are raised to look at the celebrities on tv and want to be exactly like them. In Cameron Russell’s Ted Talks video she talks how media has negatively effected her and her confidence. We see celebrities hair, makeup and bodies and idolize them. But what we see is false, and leads to our distorted view of beauty. Deep down they may not be happy. Beauty is not happiness. Yet, beauty is true and beauty is real. We use all of these man-made products to  ourselves behind. When we step back away from all the makeup and hair stuff and when the models step out from under the lights and from behind the camera we become more our true selves.

I believe even though beauty is constructed it does not mean some people may not perceive it as beautiful. Plato said, “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder”. Everyone has a different opinion on what they believe is beautiful. Each person will believe different things are beautiful. Its also very beautiful to be confident about yourself so if man-made products are needed for someone to feel beautiful then I think thats okay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM4Xe6Dlp0Y

Final Essay 1

Lily Terhune

September 24, 2014

ENGL 1100, Writing Skills Workshop

Professor Young

Essay 1

Identity

When I walk through the streets I feel as if people’s eyes can see right through me. Who do they see? Do they see my baggy jeans, my sneakers, and my hoodie and think I am a guy? Or do they see my small frame, long eyelashes and cheekbones and think I am a girl? My name is Sam. I was born a girl, yet I know inside I am a guy. If I want to change into who I truly am, Im not going to let anyone stop me. My sex is not my identity. My sex is not who I am. In Gloria Anzaldua’s passage, “ How to Tame A Wild Tongue”, her identity is her language. Gloria speaks in her own “slang”, Chicano Spanish, a mix of Spanish and Mexican. She is told that her language is not correct and that she needs to change it. However, Gloria says you cannot change ones identity, “Wild tongues cannot be tamed, they can only be ripped out” (Anzaldua 244).  Anzaldua’s language makes up who she is and I stand by her and admire how she does not change her native language for anyone. Identity is important because it makes up who we are and who we will become. 

Identity is made up of who you are and it is important because it is a sense of self and an acceptance of your inner pride. Anzaldua belongs among the Chicano’s and grew up always being corrected for the way she spoke. She says, you cannot “tame” a wild tongue. Her native language cannot be controlled or changed because it is who she is; her identity. Anazdula felt as if she had to hide her language because she was always being told she was wrong. She feels very passionately about her language being part of who she is. Anzaldua says, “ I am my language. Until I can take pride in my language, I cannot take pride in myself” (Anzaldua 251). I think its important to be passionate about your identity because it shows the inner pride you have in yourself.

If  identity never existed we would be always searching for something we would never find. Searching for your identity is a common thing for teenagers. We all experience those awkward years from middle school into sophomore year of high school. We struggle to find a place and meaning in this world. We meet new people and experience new things that all have an impact on who we are. But sooner or later we find who we are and where we belong. In middle school going into my freshman year of high school I wasn’t sure who I belonged among. I wanted to be part of the popular kids and be involved in the things they would do, yet my friends from middle school meant a lot to me. I enjoyed my time spent with my old friends better. It took me a while to realize that it was not important to be popular and do things popular kids did. It was more important to have true friends. These friends shaped who I am today which is a big part of my identity. 

Once we reach find who we are, we have completed our search. But what if there was no such thing as identity? I can’t imagine a world without it, it is necessary. It is made up of a lot of things like characteristics, beliefs and morals, hobbies, and language.  I would feel lost without music which is part of my identity just as Anzaldua would if she did not identify herself with the Chicanos. She feels a sense of home among them. It is necessary and without it we would be lost, never finding a place where we belong.

Our identity is necessary and without it we would be lacking something crucial to our development. Our identity is complex and changes over time by internal and external forces within our everyday lives. We are able to control some of those forces. Our self- identities show our perception of how we belong in different social groups. If we do not find our identity, that may lead to weakened sense of self. I believe it is important to have a strong sense of self because that leads to a strong self esteem. People with strong senses of their identity have a better chance at being aware of their future and feel confident in social situations. All of these things are essential to our development and the people we become.

Identity is important to the way we carry ourselves. It is the way we view ourselves as well as the way we are viewed by others. Its important to our development and its also important to be confident about your identity and not change it for anyone. Gloria Anzaldua is told her language is wrong and that she has to change who she is to be proper. She sticks up for herself and does not change because being Chicano is who she is. As I walk through the doctors office doors the beat in my chest gets faster and faster. My face masks exactly the way I feel. I keep my expectations low. Now that I am eighteen, I finally have the ability to do this without the permission of my parents, which I would never receive. Today is the day, the day I can start my transition into the real me. My search for my identity is over. My looks will soon portray the way I feel. I have pushed through all the obstacles, never stopping to give up. I never let anyone stop me from being who I am. Im now standing in front of the doctor, my feet cold against the tile floor, about to finally take the steps that I have been waiting to complete. I am ready for the next step in my life, I am ready to be the real me. 

Lily Terhune

September 29, 2014

ENGL 1100, Writing Skills Workshop

Professor Young

Community Essay

Doing work in your dorm room at Fairleigh Dickinson may be hard because of the noise coming from other rooms. Students may be playing music very loudly, or hanging out with a lot of people in their rooms causes a distraction. The sound of music when you are trying to work is like the sound of bees buzzing around your head.  It is a huge distraction that you may not be able to control. Although we have a library easily accessible, sometimes doing homework or studying in a dorm room is preferred. In Valerie Kinloch’s essay, “Harlem, Art and Literacy and Documenting ‘Harlem is Art’/ “Harlem as Art”, the problem in Phillip and Khaleeq’s community is that Harlem is being denitrified. Although their issue is on a different level of seriousness than mine, loudness in the dorms can pose many problems for students at Fairleigh Dickinson. 

Kinloch talks about Harlem as a place full of art. From the buildings to the people on the walking and talking on the street, it is all art whether they know it or not. Although, the art is slowly being taken away by gentrification. Whiteification is happening and new buildings and stores are being built, taking away from the old Harlem. Big chain stores like Old Navy are being built in place of little independently owned stores. The buildings are turning from projects with fire escapes running up and down the buildings to beautiful buildings with balconies. They try to embrace the old art of Harlem, yet find it hard because of the many new things rebuilt in place of the old. This a bigger problem for Phillip and Khaleeq compared to my problem in my community. My problem consists inside of my dorm building, where I live and spend most of my time. 

Quiet hours were constructed to make it easier for students to sleep  without being interrupted. Finding time thats quiet during the day to study or do homework is a problem; therefore it would be helpful and beneficial for students if daytime quiet hours were made. Silence is necessary for students to get work done efficiently. We are able to focus on our work more without any distractions. Without silence, our work can be put off causing students to procrastinate often. With a lot of noise, students might wait until its quieter and never get their work done on time.

Students also need silence in the dorms to get sleep or to take naps. Most college students will be up late at night doing work so naps are crucial for college students. Sleep affects our stress level, G.P.A, and the efficiency of our work. Sleep is important for our health. Lack of sleep can really affect student’s academic performance. 

Fairleigh Dickinson is a beautiful campus in Madison, New Jersey. It has trees that reach up to the sky. The buildings are old and beautiful, giving meaning to the campus. Theres always students everywhere, either in the dorms or on the big open lawn spaces. Like Kinloch’s essay about Harlem, the scenery in both Harlem and Fairleigh Dickinson plays a big part of the community. The amount of students that hangout in their dorms can cause the problem of it being hard to study during the day. The noise coming from the rooms can be so loud at times that doing work or studying is tough. This problem has been ongoing for a while now I assume. Although there are quiet hours, they are only at nighttime on Sunday to Thursday from 8pm-10 am and Friday and Saturday from 12 am to 10 am.

If students use Ihomes or speakers to play music the music can be heard from one room to another. Especially if the music is being played loud, it can be a distraction to the other rooms close by. If a student is trying to study for a test, doing work can be as hard as trying to do work in a room full of people. If quiet hours during the day were implicated, it would benefit students who try to get work done in their dorm rooms during the day. Quiet hours from the hours of 2pm to 4 pm would be perfect for students. 

Is this a problem for all students? Are students having trouble studying in their dorms? In Kinloch’s essay, “Harlem, Art and Literacy and Documenting ‘Harlem is Art’/ “Harlem as Art”, may people were not standing up to present the problems of Harlem being denitrified. If students do not stand up for what they believe, nothing will be accomplished. Quiet hours would be implicated for all people in the dorm building and would help a lot of students. Two hours a day to have quiet time for work is all that would be needed. Students may develop better studying habits in their dorm rooms without distractions. Without this, students may have trouble studying in their rooms and never learn good study habits inside their rooms.

Lily Terhune

September 25, 2014

ENGL 1100, Writing Skills Workshop

Professor Young

Community Essay

Doing work in your dorm room at Fairleigh Dickinson may be hard because of the noise coming from other rooms. Students may be playing music very loudly, or are hanging out with a lot of people in their rooms causes a distraction. Although we have a library easily accessible, sometimes doing homework or studying a dorm room may be better. Quiet hours were constructed to make it easier for students to sleep without being interrupted. Yet, sleeping is not the only thing students need quiet for.  Finding time thats quiet during the day to study or do homework is a problem; therefore it would be helpful and beneficial for students if daytime quiet hours were made so students who like to work during the day in their dorm rooms can.

Fairleigh Dickinson is a beautiful campus in Madison, New Jersey. It has trees that reach up to the sky. The buildings are old and beautiful, giving meaning to the campus. Theres always students everywhere, either in the dorms or on the big open lawn spaces. Like Kinloch’s essay about Harlem, the scenery in both Harlem and Fairleigh Dickinson plays a big part of the community. The amount of students that hangout in their dorms can cause the problem of it being hard to study during the day. The noise coming from the rooms can be so loud at times that doing work or studying is tough. This problem has been ongoing for a while now I assume. Although there are quiet hours, they are only at nighttime on Sunday to Thursday from 8pm-10 am and Friday and Saturday from 12 am to 10 am.

If students use Ihomes or speakers to play music the music can be heard from one room to another. Especially if the music is being played loud, it can be a distraction to the other rooms close by. If a student is trying to study for a test, doing work can be as hard as trying to do work in a room full of people. If quiet hours during the day were implicated, it would benefit students who try to get work done in their dorm rooms during the day. Quiet hours from the hours of 2pm to 4 pm would be perfect for students. 

Is this a problem for all students? Are students having trouble studying in their dorms? In Kinloch’s essay, “Harlem, Art and Literacy and Documenting ‘Harlem is Art’/ “Harlem as Art”, may people were not standing up to present the problems of Harlem being denitrified. If students do not stand up for what they believe, nothing will be accomplished. Quiet hours would be implicated for all people in the dorm building and would help a lot of students. Two hours a day to have quiet time for work is all that would be needed. Students may develop better studying habits in their dorm rooms without distractions. Without this, students may have trouble studying in their rooms and never learn good study habits inside their rooms.

Lily Terhune

September 22, 2014

Professor Young

ENGW 1110

Writing

Hip Hop Planet Response

In James McBrides essay, Hip Hop Planet, the character does not enjoy rap music. Rap music consists of rappers bragging about violence, money, and expensive cars. Everywhere he went he was surrounded by this type of music and everyone around him enjoyed it. From rednecks to teenagers, everyone loved rap. Kids in South Bronx and Harlem would DJ and play music outside their windows to many people, spreading their love for rap. At 13, this character heard the rap music of the Last Poets and was mortified. They used the N-word in their music which was never done before. White kids were intrigued by the music because of its “cool” factor. However everyone connected differently with the music, on all different levels of meaning. Even the character’s own siblings would play the rap music when their parents left the house, because they were not allowed to listen to rap in the house. He is a jazz lover and cringed at the sound of rap music. Rap music held a meaning to him that he did not want to be reminded of so he simply ignored it. But because he ignored it, he missed out on an important cultural event.

No one stopped and questioned the origin of rap music. Rap music originated in West Africa many centuries ago. Africans would use drums and songs to tell stories about their journeys of being slaves. Rap music belonged in Africa, where the lyrics were meaningful and told a story about their troubled times. Rap music changed from being a way for the Africans to express their hardships to rappers expressing their love for money and women through rap music.

Hip hop shapes this character’s identity because he visited the villages of West Africa and got a first hand view at the real world of hip hop. It was very different then standing in the kitchen of a party where rap was being played on the turntable. He was in a place that was filled with poverty that these people were making music because they needed to make money to support their families. These people idolized Tupac and had his picture hanging up in market stalls. Rap music had a different meaning to these people. Rap music has evolved over the years, changing significantly from its origin in West Africa. 

Lily Terhune

September 22, 2014

Professor Young

ENGW 1110

Writing

After a long tiring school day I would drive to my second home. As I go through the doors of the daycare the smell of children and diapers scent was so strong like my mother cooking that could be smelt from anywhere in the house. I could hear the voices of little children coming from all the classrooms down the halls. The walls were bright and colorful, full of the children’s artwork from the ceiling to the floor. There were eight classrooms, all representing a different animal for the different age groups. I would pass the koala class, hearing the sounds of crying infants and the faces of stressed out teachers. Then I would pass the penguin and lion room, where toddlers were running around the room tearing the toys off the shelves and leaving the room as if a tornado hit it. As I made my way up to the classrooms filled with the older kids, the building smelt less like diapers and smelt more like markers that were being scribbled against papers.

Foundations Prep School, where I worked for 2 years has become my second home. I was given a class of children who were ready to learn, and I was eager to teach them. I was the afternoon teacher and had a class filled with 19 three year olds, ranging in abilities and personalities. The children would run around the classroom, causing me to become stressed. They would come down when would read books, play centers, and of course dance to music. 

Foundations Prep School has had a extreme impact on my life; I have never been as happy as when I am there with those kids. During the last period of my own school day, I would often catch myself looking up at the ticking clock watching the hands move anxiously waiting for the bell to ring, so that I can leave to go to my class at the daycare. After a while, being at Foundations did not feel like work. I wasn’t working for the paychecks; instead I was doing it for the kids. My work with the kids at Foundations has been one of the most enriching and rewarding experiences of my life. There was so much love at the school that I could feel the building wrap its arms around me and hug me. These kids were the reason for my happiness; the reason for the smile on my face at the end of the day.

Lily Terhune

September 19, 2014

ENGL 1100, Writing Skills Workshop

Professor Young

Essay 1

Identity

When I walk through the streets I feel as if people’s eyes can see right through me. Who do they see? Do they see my baggy jeans, my sneakers, and my hoodie and think I am a guy? Or do they see my small frame, long eyelashes and cheekbones and think I am a girl? My name is Sam. I was born a girl, yet I know I am a guy. My sex is not my identity. My sex is not who I am. In Gloria Anzaldua’s passage, “ How to Tame A Wild Tongue”, her identity is her language. Gloria speaks in her own “slang”, Chicano Spanish, a mix of Spanish and Mexican. She is told that her language is not correct and that she needs to change it. However, Gloria says you cannot change ones identity. “Wild tongues cannot be tamed, they can only be ripped out” (Anzaldua 244).  Anzaldua’s language makes up who she is and I stand by her and admire how she does not change her native language for anyone. Identity is important because it makes up who we are and who we will become. 

Identity is made up of who you are and it is important because it is a sense of self and an acceptance of your inner pride. Anzaldua belongs among the Chicano’s and grew up always being corrected for the way she spoke. Anzaldua says, you cannot “tame” a wild tongue. Her native language cannot be controlled or changed because it is who she is; her identity. Anazdula felt as if she had to hide her language because she was always being told she was wrong. Although, she feels very passionately about her language being part of who she is. Anzaldua says, “ I am my language. Until I can take pride in my language, I cannot take pride in myself” (Anzaldua 251). I think its important to be passionate about your identity because it shows the inner pride you have in yourself.

If  identity never existed we would be always searching for something we would never find. Searching for your identity is a common thing for teenagers. We all experience those awkward years from middle school into sophomore year of high school. We struggle to find a place and meaning in this world. We meet new people and experience new things that all have an impact on who we are. But sooner or later we find who we are and where we belong. Once we reach that, we have completed our search. But what if there was no such thing as identity? I can’t imagine a world without it, it is necessary. It is made up of a lot of things like characteristics, beliefs and morals, hobbies, and language.  I would feel lost without music which is part of my identity just as Anzaldua would if she did not identify herself with the Chicanos. She feels a sense of home among them. It is necessary and without it we would be lost, never finding a place where we belong.

Identity is important to our development and the way we carry ourselves. It is the way we view ourselves as well as the way we are viewed by others. Gloria Anzaldua is told her language is wrong and that she has to change who she is to be proper. Our identity is necessary and without it we would be lacking something crucial to our development. As I walk through the doctors office doors the beat in my chest gets faster and faster. My face masks exactly the way I feel. I keep my expectations low. Now that I am eighteen, I finally have the ability to do this without the permission of my parents, which I would never receive. Today is the day, the day I can start my transition into the real me. My search for my identity is over. My looks will soon portray the way I feel. I have pushed through all the obstacles, never stopping to give up. Im now standing in front of the doctor, my feet cold against the tile floor, about to finally take the steps that I have been waiting to complete. I am ready for the next step in my life, I am ready to be the real me. 

Black Power Response

Lily Terhune

Friday September 12, 2014

Professor Young

ENGW 1110

Black Power Response

In McBride’s story “Black Power, the term black power is used throughout the novel and has a significant impact on the main character James. Growing up, at nine years old James questions his mother about her background yet never receives an answer he wants. James is one of 12 children, all ranging in different shades of brown although his mother is white. Being white never seemed to effect his mother, although it was obvious to other people that she was not the same color as her children. Black power frightens James not because he is scared for his own safety but for the safety of his mother. I think McBride’s point about black power is that James has no other option to fear for his mother because he is surrounded by the idea that blacks and whites do not mix. Although James supported and cheered for a car named Black Power at a gray race, it is obvious that he fears it at the same time for his mother’s sake because she is white. James says, “I thought black power would be the end of my mother” ( McBride, 26). Black power does not make up James' identity, it fills him with fear.

I think that black power is considered an idea not an identity that influences James. He understands that his mother is always in danger. On a subway ride home James watches his mother fight with a mugger over her purse and she just brushes it off as if it does not effect her. although James is stricken with fear. His mother also receives many comments from both white and black people like “nigger lover” and “look at that white bitch”. She would be the only white person in sight, yet feel completely comfortable and part of the black community. I think black power is an idea that defines who James is. Because James is black and part of the black community he is safe from black power. He has to fear for his mother. When James is on a bus and sees his mother standing with a Black Panther he tries to warn her and is unsuccessful. He punches the Black Panther’s son out of anger and fear for his mother. Being black is part of James identity, yet Black Power is an idea that James does not want to identify himself with for the sake of his mother's safety. 

Lily Terhune

Sunday August 31, 2014

Professor Young

ENGW 1110

Answers

1. The opening scene of Anzaldua in the dentist’s chair provides the reader with a basis of what the story will be about. The dentist tells Anzaldua that her tongue needs to be tamed. Her tongue is causing the dentist trouble and he reacts angerily. He is getting mad over something that is natural, that she cant help like her “native tongue”. 
2. Her use of Spanish throughout her writing was confusing at times when she did not translate. I think her purpose was to inform us of her language and how it feels to be on the outside of a different language.
3. Yes, Academic English can be viewed as a formal way to speak like standard Spanish. Chicano Spanish is altered Spanish, but is based off of Spanish. It can be said that it is ignorant to call ones identity (language) non standard but I think that regular Spanish is universally known as being standard.
4. It is necessary to speak and write in Academic english when you are at school or in a work environment. I do think it is necessary to get a job or present yourself nicely.
5. I think that it can be necessary for us to write in Academic English because that is what is expected of us to do in school and in the work place. Yet I believe that speaking informally is normal when in the right situation. 
6. I use a different language when I talk with my friends. We made up words that we all know what it means and we use it daily. We also pick up some words from other people and adapt to that.
7. The form of English I speak with my friends would be considered slang. I use the Academic English when I am speaking to an adult or in a formal situation.
8. Your language is your identity. Your language makes up who you are, like your identity.
9. In the introduction, Anzaldua is in the dentist’s chair and he is fighting with her native tongue. Her tongue gets in the way and is making the dentist’s job harder. In the conclusion she talks about being patient and the struggle of our identities. She talks about how her race is not going to give up their tongue, unlike others. They connect because in the beginning she was feeling bad about her native tongue and at the end she learns how to embrace it and not give in to the pressures to change who she is. 
10. Yes, I strongly believe that it is a part of your identity. It is the way you speak and the way you speak to others. It plays a huge role in who you are.
11. I think identity is really important. At my age I have spent years struggling to find who I am and I think once you find who you are, you should be proud of it. Also some of your identity is what you are born with and cannot change yet that should be embraced. I am pretty confident about my identity and I think thats important. She says, “One day the inner struggle will cease and a true intention will take place” (Anzaldua 254).

Lily Terhune

Sunday August 31, 2014

Professor Young

ENGW 1110

Write

One thing that defines who I am is my creativity. Growing up I have been surrounded by art. My father is an artist and an art teacher. Ever since I was young, my father has influenced me to become more artistic and creative. He would always spend time painting and showing his artwork in galleries. Throughout that all he has pushed me to express myself through art. Whether it was through drawing, singing, or dancing he has always supported me. Also, my mother is an interior decorator so she also is very creative. She is also a hairdresser, which is another way to express art. I express my artistic ability through music and singing, which has been a passion of mine since I was young. Throughout my four years in high school I participated in my school’s choir ensemble. I started off in an all girl’s choir making my way up to an honors chamber choir. Throughout choir I was able to express myself through singing which also led to me traveling the continent with my choir. I traveled from San Francisco, California all the way to Montreal, Canada. In Montreal, I saw several beautiful buildings and new types of artwork that I have never seen before. From Old Montreal to New Montreal, from the old city and cobblestone roads to the towering skyscrapers, I was exposed to a new environment and culture that influenced my creativity. 

Like Anzadula’s language was very important to her, art and music means a lot to me. Her language was a way for her to express herself and I can connect with that in my own life.   Music inspires me and gives me the dedication to do everything in life. It is my passion, my creativity, and I am so thankful.