"Blurred Linezzzzz..."

“Rapists everywhere now have an anthem.” Author Jennifer Lai states that critics have taken this accusation a bit too far in this case, but she has a point. Reflecting on the infamous song “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke, it definitely sparks some thoughts and opinions on a rather uncomfortable topic for most.

"Blurred Lines" definitely portrays a type of disguised sexism in the song--although I would not consider it "rapey." On the other hand, I would not disagree with anyone who would comment that it is degrading women in a way. Author Tricia Romano in her article stated it interestingly, "The song is about how a girl really wants crazy wild sex but doesn't say it--positioning that age-old problem where men think no means yes into a catchy, hummable song." In this day and age, the media does an often too-good-of-a-job declaring how women should look, act, and behave. In this song, Thicke reinforces that message and adds on that men can simply "domesticate" and "liberate" women in life. For they are simply objects--replaceable and disposable. He also hints at the idea that women are the weaker sex in society. Although he claims that these were not his original intentions while making the song, they definitely serve as the base reference for the music.

In Romano's article, she introduces an intriguing canadian model's (Amy Davison) viewpoint, "The women are clearly being used as objects to reinforce the status of the men in the video. The men have all the control and status because they are not vulnerable--they are completely covered. Whereas the women have no status and are totally open to be exploited ogled and used." I couldn't have said it better. Yes, it is a bit "weird" as well as "demeaning" to see almost naked women next to fully clothed men. It doesn't seem  fair in a way. If only the situation could be flipped around....

As in the name itself, the song "Blurred Lines" really pushes and tests the boundaries of society. It "blurs" the lines of what is considered normal and right. As of now, limits are already becoming hazier and hazier. It will only be a matter of time now before thought-to-be "blurred lines" come to "no lines at all."

"Truth and Beauty"

“Truth and Beauty,” by Ann Patchett, is a stunningly written memoir about two lives that seemingly mesh into one. This true tale introduces Ann Patchett and Lucy Grealy—two strong, female writers who met in college. Ever since their first encounter, they had become inseparable from one another.  Although both women had lead very independent, successful lives, this story does not focus solely on just Ann’s life or just Lucy’s life, but the parts of their lives that they shared together.

Throughout the story, love, fame, drugs, and despair all affect and influence the decisions of Ann and Lucy. But no matter how severe the consequences of their decisions turned out to be, they both had each other’s back. Patchett clearly captures the devotion, intensity, and passion in their relationship. For example, in a letter addressed to Ann, Lucy writes, “Dearest Anngora, my cynical pirate of the elusive heart, my self-winding watch, my showpiece, my shoelace, how are you?”  Their story is simply a love story, a deep relationship, an account of dedication and commitment so memorable and inspiring that it is not even comparable to the conventional friendship.

Told first hand, Ann describes the relationship vividly. Her writing is extremely detail oriented and captivating. I cannot tell you how many times I wanted to put this book down and write a little myself! Her character and voice, completely unique and unwavering, shine through each page, reeling you in with light nuances and imaginary poetic form.  Just like the title itself, Ann captures truth and beauty of a friendship through a writing style that is absolutely riveting.

Overall, this is a tender –but brutal—book that focuses on the idea about loving the person we cannot save. It also touches on loyalty and honesty, as well the sheer enjoyment and happiness that arises when surrounded by a person who knew how to live life to the fullest. 

Found Essay: He and I

After reading the following essay, “He and I,” by Natalia Ginzburg, I was absolutely speechless—to say the least. This author seemed to elaborate on the true beauty of people and relationships in a whole new way. She introduces the essay by explaining that it “captures the seesaw of human companionship and love with a patience and sensitivity to interconnectedness that it is hard to imagine a male essayist attempting, much less equaling.” That is some powerful stuff right there. Essentially though, that is exactly, no…wrong word, precisely what she is writing about.

He and I? I and he? Ginzburg goes back and forth between the two throughout the whole story. He likes doing that; I like doing this. He hates doing that; I like doing this. They say opposites attract, right? I started to think that in the beginning too, but as I neared the end, I wasn’t quite sure anymore. Here’s a taste at what I am trying to get at:

“He always feels hot, I always feel cold. In summer when it really is hot he does nothing but complain about how hot he feels. He is irritated if he seems me put a jumper on in the evening. He speaks several languages well; I do not speak any well. He manages—in his own way—to speak the languages that he doesn’t know. He has an excellent sense of direction, I have none at all.”

And it goes on like that for about, mmmm, eight more pages...literally. But, those next eight pages are extremely beautiful, insightful, and intriguing. Honestly, I think this is one of my favorite essays by far; it seems to capture human relationships at their finest.

And so I go on thinking that in the end she’s going to say, oh, but how I love him…or I would be lost in life without him…or even, he is the cheese to my macaroni (you know what I am trying to get at?)…but she doesn’t. Instead she ends the piece reflecting on when they first met, almost like she is contemplating something.

 “I sometimes ask myself if it was us, these two people, almost twenty years ago on the Via Nazionale, two people who conversed so politely, so urbanely, as the sun was setting; who chatted a little about everything perhaps and about nothing two friends talking, two young intellectuals out for a walk; so young, so educated, so uninvolved, so ready to judge one another with kind impartiality so ready to say goodbye to one another forever, as the sun set, at the corner of the street.”

Although ultimately it seems like this essay follows the whole “love acquired, love lost” type of deal, Ginzburg addresses it with such delicacy and simplicity that it seems complete opposite to that first thought. Perhaps this story is true, perhaps it is fiction. Either way, I think in the long run author Natalia Ginzburg leaves the decision to the reader at the end: Is it worth trying anymore, or is it time to give up completely?

Found Essay: Life is a Matter of Perspective

 Overtime, “You begin to see the world, not as it is, but as you are.” Author Peter Bennett addresses such points like this as well as others in his essay titled, “Life is a Matter of Perspective.” If you really think about that first quote, I bet you your mind will flip. It seems so innocent, but honestly, stop for just a second…. Do your life, thoughts, and actions seemed to be shaped and influenced loosely by this transparent idea? Perspective is a funny thing, isn’t it? It falls in line with the notion of perception too—and life is all about perception. Bennett goes on to provide another stunning statement, “It’s hard to see the real picture of life when you live inside the frame.” Isn’t that just crazy to think about?!? We are all on a path in life—always moving forward, although at times it may not seem like it. We have to remember to take ourselves out of the “picture” and see at a different angle. Like the famous quote we all have heard too many times claims, “Image yourself in someone else’s shoes.”

In addition, the author also identifies the idea that you cannot take things at face value. People, as well as other miscellaneous objects, events, etc. in life, are not always as they seem. He quotes, “The sun may appear to move across the sky each day, but it’s actually the earth that’s moving.” If we do not continue to seek new, fresh perspectives in life, we soon will not be able to know what’s real—what’s reality. All you have to do is change perception and see the world anew.

Bennett also hints at the idea that “changing your view or changing your perspective can change your life for the better.” For example, here he sheds a new light (a.k.a new perspective) on old topics and issues. Take a look:

Spiritualism: We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.

Humor: I’m well balanced. I have a chip on both shoulders.

Recruiting Talent: A baseball scout told the team manager, “I found the greatest pitcher of all time. He struck out 27 guys, only one guy had a foul tip.” The manager said, “Sign the guy who hit the foul ball.”

Yourself: Are you in the way or on the way?

Politics: In 1912, Emmaline Panhurst went to prison 12 times in her fight to gain universal suffrage for women. “We are not here because we are lawbreakers; we are here in our efforts to become lawmakers,” she said.”

Art: “Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth.” – Picasso

Prison: “I felt that I could go and have a vacation,” said Martha Stewart describing her attitude on serving five months in prison, an incarceration that forced her to slow down and smell the roses, even if they were behind barbed wire.

Jail: Ralph Waldo Emerson went to visit his fellow transcendentalist, Henry Thoreau in jail. Thoreau was protesting slavery by refusing to pay a poll tax. “Why are you in there?” Emerson asked. “Why are you out there?” Thoreau replied.

Pessimism: A man asked his rabbi why is it that a slice of bread with butter on it always lands with the buttered side down. The rabbi had never heard this before, so they tried it. The rabbi buttered the bread, dropped it and it landed with the buttered side up. The rabbi pointed to it, and said, “Well?” The man protested, “But rabbi, you buttered the wrong side.” Understand that some sour pusses will never change, so there’s never a need to be angry at them. See what perspective can do.

Sales: Instead of saying, “If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.” Try, “I will follow up with you in two weeks, but in the meantime, feel free to call with any questions.” 

Business: Don’t focus on profits; focus on the factors that produce the profits.

By simply flipping those topics and their perspectives around, they took on a whole new meaning. Just think, if you begin to change your perspective and outlook on life, your whole world will take on a new meaning too. It all lies in your possession and control. After all, it’s your own perception that you are living in.

Article: http://www.laverneonline.com/2010/08/10/life-is-a-matter-of-perspective-an-essay-by-peter-bennett/

The Great Lawsuit vs. If Men Could Menstruate

After reading both articles, I would have to say I am overall thoroughly amused. Both Margaret Fuller and Gloria Steinem have such clear, powerful voices that radiate off the pages; their inner forces pull you in and beg you to keep reading on. Now, these articles weren’t exactly the type of reading material I was expecting going into AP Composition, but hey, they made me think and form thoughts, opinions, and ideas…so I think they’re a good pick.

"The Great Lawsuit" brought up numerous points about the struggles and rights of women throughout history. I loved the line, “All men are privately influenced by women.” I think that should read, “All of history was and is privately influenced by women.” It is true. Although in the past, women have not always been in the center spotlight, they have be major influences—that I am sure—affected men in some ways. Author Margaret Fuller also brought up the idea that expanding women’s rights would not create collision, but in a sense “bring forth ravishing harmony.” This is the same idea that two minds are better and or stronger than one. It is just common sense. So of course there will be differences in thinking and opinions, but that is easily surmountable. And this happens to every two people in the world, not just solely between a man and a woman. Once both minds have reached an agreement, harmony will present itself.

In addition, author Gloria Steinem in her article, "If Men Could Menstruate", addressed such similar points. I couldn’t help but laugh while reading her piece. This was such a—I guess some could call—gentle topic, but Ms. Steinem was totally and completely unafraid of expressing her thoughts on the matter. I just loved her bravery! It was awesome! Other than making me smile at her relatable and agreeable arguments, the best part of this article was the idea that she had turned a negative into a positive. And as the lady’s story that she described helped her understand the power of positive thinking, so did she. I felt much better about the topic and, in a way, more powerful too after reading. She turned the subject of menstruation into a joke that involved men—which is remarkably impressive in itself (insert winky face here). And as she pointed out at the end of her article, “logic is in the eye of the logician.” It is your own viewpoint that will alter and affect your ideas and opinions. For you can only think for yourself. This is a “feel-good” article for women. So show it to your sister, mom, or even grandmother and let them form their own thoughts. And then together, you all can imagine a world and what it would be like if men could menstruate. 

Is Google Making Us Stupid? Yes? No? Maybe?

Wow. This article was something else entirely. Who would have ever thought that Google, a search engine designed to provide us with endless informative information, could actually make us—dare I say—stupid. Ha! It just makes me laugh at how (sorry to put it this way) “dumb” the human race can be. Often times we like to elaborate on the advantages of things versus the disadvantages. And in this case, I am not quite sure which one outweighs the other.

This article was extremely relatable, which is kind of sickening to admit. I myself even notice that overtime, yes, it has become more difficult for me to concentrate on heavy focus-demanding topics. I feel as if I can no longer really indulge myself in a book. I feel as if any article or written passage over a couple paragraphs is too hard to even think about trying to read it. It is sad to see what technology has done to us. We have become more dependent on our gadgets, and less involved in our own very life flashing before our eyes. Not to mention even that our thinking process has be totally altered as well.

Author Nicholas Carr brings up a great point: what exactly is the internet doing to our brains? Does anyone know? Will anyone know? Will we eventually turn into “pancake people,” as he put it, or will we all become super-genius humans with brain capacities similar to that of a computer? It’s rather scary to think about in either direction. So perhaps only time will tell as it always does, but in the meantime maybe there is a way we can rewire the way our brain has been altered by our dear friend, the Net. Maybe we can overcome this so called tragedy on our brain that the internet is responsible for. The internet has changed the way we think completely, but I think there is a way to claim back our own lost intelligence. I think there is a way that we can re-train our brain to once again think on its own.

First things first, we need to limit the time that we are exposed to the internet—even technology. Take a few hours every day to just…be. Next, we need to start reading again. Pick out a few books and try to spend time focusing and concentration on what you are reading. Remember to choose books that are of interest to you; that way they will be much easier to read, and you will find them more enjoyable. And lastly, begin to think on your own. Form opinions. Develop ideas. Read. Write. Indulge your mind in creative processes. Think for yourself. We have been doing it for many, many years before the internet even existed, so why can’t we learn to do it again?  

So say goodbye to the brain that the internet has provided us, and say hello to your very own brain. For it is much smarter, wiser, and accurate than any other device on this planet—including our dear friend, the Net.

The Ethics of Living Jim Crow

The autobiographical sketch, “The Ethics of Living Jim Crow,” is truly a coming of age story as well as a story of survival. Richard Wright tells the tale of an average African American man growing up in times of oppression. He brings up the idea of discrimination and how African American’s learned the lesson to always “stay in their place” back then. Growing up and reading numerous stories similar to the one of Wright’s, I am well aware of the history between whites and blacks and the resentment that followed after many outbreaks, disputes, and injustices. This story brought a whole new sense of wonder and curiosity to my mind and started to make me question if some of these traditional “ways” still exist today.

This story engaged me from the very first sentence: “My first lesson in how to live as a Negro came when I was quite small.” I was taken aback on the fact that he had to live by “lessons.” Life should not be lived or structured that way. No one should have to learn to live any differently than anyone else. You live to learn from lessons and grow from them as well. As I kept reading on, I realized the feeling of disappointment that strengthened in my mind. I could not believe the American culture back then—so cruel, selfish, and unjust. And then I began to comprehend why Richard had said he had to live his life by lessons. Back then, there was no other way to live your life for African Americans. From the moment you were born it seemed, your destiny was already decided.

Another important idea that radiated from this subject was the timing of these lessons throughout this story. In life, it is common for an individual to think that they have lived, learned, and conquered nearly everything in a matter of time. Let me tell you this straight up, no strings attached: this is not true and never will be. Learning is a process gathered and developed overtime. We are constantly learning from our very first breath to our last. The author explains this very well by providing and explaining a few lessons Richard learns and experiences. This shows us, as the reader, that the lessons occur at different points in one’s life and that fact that we have to learn from them as best we can.

Wright also allows the reader to view and recognize different parts and or types of discrimination throughout the piece. This includes the idea on how African Americans had adjusted to the “stay in your place” type of attitude. This feeling and or way of life was inspired by the Jim Crow laws. People should never have to feel that they have to act, behave, or live a certain way. Back then, these “laws” were instilled in African Americans from the very day they were born. This angered me immensely. No one should have to live life stepping on pins and needles. Be loud, be proud, be you. Right? Right.

Touching on the Jim Crow aspect of things, I will admit that these laws were absolutely horrid and unnecessary in every way imaginable, but they were also—dare I say—good. From these laws, people began to change overtime. They began to learn from life lessons. See, we made it full circle! They began to realize the disappointment and unjust in their lives and eventually rise above it. They taught people to finally break free of the molding that other races—intentionally or not—had poured them in. And that, I believe, is what Mr. Wright was trying to convey throughout his story. This important message revolves around the idea that learning is constantly changing, as is everything else in this world. And we have to adjust to the changes and either decide to live by them or fight back. For in order to live you have to learn. And in order to learn you have to live.  

"Talk of The Town."

September 11^th, 2001. This date is and will forever be burned into the minds and memories of civilization. We are all permanently reminded and a part of these encounters without a choice to forget or move on. September 11^th, 2001 was not only a day of loss, misery, and outstanding courage, but also a day where America questioned its authority and resilience. In these collections from “Talk of the Town,” authors John Updike and Susan Sontag address such thoughts and ultimately lead the reader to draw their own conclusions.

I myself do not personally remember 9/11. All that vaguely comes to mind are the movies and books that have been instilled in our school curriculum, as well as the lone research I have done by myself. Looking back on that day, I can only imagine the pain, confusion, and frustration many felt. Author John Updike relates to many of those feelings throughout his article. From his first sentence, “Suddenly summoned to witness something great and horrendous, we keep fighting not to reduce it to our own smallness,” you are immediately latched. The word “suddenly” implies that an extreme change is about to happen…unknown to anyone at that time. For who would have guessed that hijacked planes were about to crash into New York’s twin towers and alter the landscape forever? In relation, the fact that he starts at the climax of the event is truly thought-provoking. You are thrown into this story and experience exactly like everyone else was—totally taken by surprise and in complete shock. Another passage that caught my attention was, “We clung to each other as if we ourselves were falling.” Updike relates to the feeling of hopelessness in this situation. I cannot imagine the feeling of not being able to help or stop this incident; you just had to be an onlooker—a bystander—and try to muster up all the dignity and strength you had inside you to force yourself to keep watching. And finally, his all-too-peculiar final sentence, “The fresh sun shone on the eastward facades, a few boats tentatively moved in the river, the ruins were still sending out smoke, but New York looked glorious.” I had to re-read that at least five different times. It would all start to make sense until the last word: glorious. Glorious is something you use to describe a beautiful sunset or a wonderful accomplishment, not after the pride and respect has been stripped from your own country. His last sentence proved to be refreshing and inspiring though. For it was amazing how one man could be so hopeful in such a bleak time.

On the other hand, Susan Sontag’s article brought a whole different mood, tone, and perspective to this memory. Her use of the word “disconnect” in her first sentence really caught my attention. That is what this whole event revolves around: a simple disconnect. Similarly, Sontag scrutinizes and criticizes the lack of things being done after the event. Her opinion was clear and strong, “A lot of thinking needs to be done, and perhaps is being done in Washington and elsewhere, about the ineptitude of American intelligence and counter-intelligence, about options available to American foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East, and about what constitutes a smart program of military defense.” She expands on this thought in saying that, “Our leaders are bent on convincing us that everything is O.K,” when perhaps it is not. For it can’t be if it’s almost 13 years later and we still cringe at the memory. Her last sentence, as well as Updike’s, intrigued me as well. “Who doubts that America is strong? But that’s not all it has to be.” Her wording is extremely powerful. It’s almost like she is saying it’s our choice, as the citizens, for as what we want to do now. We can either keep portraying our ability to be strong and powerful, or move on to a different characteristic and reputation.

Comparatively, both author’s stories are beautifully written and focus on a memory that is still considered unreal for some today. Although they both have varying contrasts throughout, John and Susan both imply that 9/11 was a major life changing event. Not only did it alter one’s outlook on life, but also one’s perspective on the lives of others and the affect they can have on your own. 

All About the Mysterious Mariah Jones

Yo! Yo! Hello everyone! I hope you all have been enjoying your summer so far. It is hard to imagine that June is almost over. Whew…. Anywho, in celebration of summer we get to start this blog! Isn’t that just great?! I know…I know, but hey, things could be worse. And who knows, it might even be a little fun. Ok, so onto the introduction.

My name is Mariah Jones and I will be a senior in the fall at MHS. I enjoy singing and being a part of theatrical productions in school and the surrounding community. I love to sing any type of genre, but especially classical and jazz. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and I cannot imagine my life or even our world without it. In addition, I also absolutely positively love, LOVE photography. Beside music, it is the second biggest passion of mine. It has taught me to view the world in a different way and has changed my outlook on life completely. In my free time I love to write, read, dance, watch movies, play ukulele, and of course sing and take photographs. Career wise, I plan on double majoring in college; one major would be in vocal performance, and the other I am not sure of yet. Currently, I am taking a summer class at MATC related to the health sciences field; I am hoping that this class might help me narrow my career choices later on this year. Nothing is set in stone—of course—but I am definitely pursing my interests and passions. As of now, I am busy working at Noodles and Company and enjoying the sweet, summer sun. I am very excited for AP Composition and my senior year!