Instructor Knapp,
Please help me I have problems using Turnitin.com. I will try later, but I have already sent you an e-mail with my research paper attached.
Thank You.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Semester Reflection
During this semester I learned a lot of things. One of the things that I learned is that there are some critical theories. For example, the Reader Response criticism that describe what happens in the reader’s mind while interpreting a text, and how a reader could relate what he or she reads with his or her own experiences. How the Sociological criticism examines the reading in the cultural, economic, and political context. Another thing that I learned is that I can use compare and contrast, description, cause and effect all together in order to support my argumentation. Also, The TEA part was crucial for me because now I know that if I want to create a good paper there are three basic steps: first, look for the topic. Then, explain (quotations). Finally, write the analysis. I am sure that there is a lot of knowledge waiting for me, but attending your class I could add more of this to my carrier. Thank you very much.
Peer Review Feedback
My classmates’ feedback helped me to improve my research paper. One of them made me to understand that I need to use more transitions and that some paragraphs have two topics instead of one. For this reason, I made the decision to separate the paragraphs in two and focus my analysis on one topic. Also, I discovered that my paper did not have a conclusion that the readers can answer the “so what?” question. Based on the feedback, I am really sure that my paper would be fine making these changes.
Difficulty Paper
Reading In Dubious Battle was very difficult for me because it took me a lot of time to understand the language and the way that the author organized his ideas. Also, the time that this book was written made me think that it would be very difficult to interpret the ideas that the writer wanted to provoke in readers’ minds. However, after re reading many times the book, I could understand the real purpose of the writer. For me, the author wanted to show how a group of poor farm workers suffered for the power of the rich landowners. Furthermore, I could understand many new vocabulary words and their meaning.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Jim's characterization
Jim was a person who wanted to get direction to his life, and he found this working for the Party. Jim had to change his lifestyle because of the Party demanded strict attention. Even though Jim’s entire life was free of responsibility, he decided to sacrifice it for a cause in which he really believed. Mac taught Jim the importance to remaining committed and exercising patient dedication, even in the face of certain defeat. Also, Mac though that the ends always justify the means, and Jim adapted this kind of thinking. At the beginning Jim was a lost person, lack of responsibility, and looking a cause to fight for. However, Jim became, in a certain way, as the growers because now he was decided to die for other’s rights. Growers knew that they had lost hatred, and this is what Jim dissolves as he matures and recognize the power that the united men have in a system.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Rough Draft (Research Paper)
A Sociological Perspective on the ambiguity of the In Dubious Battle
Every person has his or her own way to protest to external pressure and injustice. John Steinbeck, a writer who got the opportunity to examine the social injustices, decided to show his inconformity by writing a book called In Dubious Battle using this as his particular form to protest. In Dubious Battle, published in 1936, shows the importance of two main characters, Mac and Jim, through the process of an apple pickers’ strike in a small town in California. After the crash and depression of 1929, Steinbeck presents us how a group of people united by a common cause decided to fight for their rights after the growers’ association cut their wages to fifteen cents. Most of the story takes place in a fictional town called Torgas Valley, California, where the main economy centers on apple orchards. Furthermore, Steinbeck clearly describes how the workers lived, how small farmers suffered and how some organizations, such as American Communist Party, made some efforts in order to improve life for the poor workers. In Dubious Battle is a master piece that teaches us how communism acts merely as a canvas to paint other abstract themes.
The need to belong to a group is the first theme that appears In Dubious Battle. Steinbeck introduced Jim Nolan as a lonely person claiming that his “whole family has been ruined by the system.” His father was a “sticker in a slaughter house” and “had a reputation for being the toughest mug in the country.” According to Jim, his father fought the system by himself and was killed by a riot gun (6). In addition, Jim’s mother died because “she just did not want to live.” As a result, Jim turned to the party because he was looking for a place to “work towards something.” When Steinbeck wrote the importance that Jim felt to belong, he also showed how Mac used this knowledge to influence strikers. For example, during the birth scene Mac decided to delegate tasks which made the whole camp felt they were involving in the delivery. All people in the camp were working together creating a “current of excitement.” After the woman delivered the baby, Mac burned the used and unused cloth that people had donated. Mac states, “Every man that gave part of his clothes felt that the work was his own. They all feel responsible for that baby. It’s their’s, because something from them went to it. To give back the cloth would have cut them out. There is not better way to make men part of a movement than to have them give something to it” (99). Steinbeck used the “human” side of communism to show how a person who had lost his family had the need to be a member of a group. Furthermore, Jim sacrificed his individual identity when he joined the party because now the cause of the strike was the main objective for him.
Another abstract theme that Steinbeck presents is the power of wealthy people. Even though Steinbeck described migrant workers as “ignorant, dirty people, that they are carriers of disease, and that they increase the necessity for police,” (“The Harvest Gypsies”) he examined the way that migrant workers were living during a period of injustice. For example, Mac explains to Jim, “Now these few guys that own most of the Torgas Valley waited until most of the crop tramps were already there. They spend most of their money getting there, of course. They always do. And then the owner announced their price cut” (26). According to Steinbeck, migrant workers arrived in California in a state of semi-starvation, with the only idea of finding a work at any wage in order to feed the family (“The Harvest Gypsies”). Ironically, the few cents that were cut in wages did not give a big profit for the owners. However, the migrant workers who lived hand to mouth were impacted significantly. Consequently, the workers decided to strike, but the owners considered the farm workers as radicals and utilized any resource to stop them.
As the book advances it starts to be apparent that Steinbeck wanted to show that strike was a little brick to complete a strong wall. Although it is very difficult to control a group, it is the only way to preserve the cause and win. For example, Benjamin Gitlow, one of the founders and early leader of the American Communist movement was first accused in 1919 of violating New York’s old Criminal Anarchy statute of 1902. During his court Mr. Justice Sanford states, “It advocates and urges in fervent language mass action which shall progressively foment industrial disturbance and through political mass strikes and revolutionary mass action overthrow and destroy organized parliamentary government… This is the call of direct incitement” (Mayers). Sanford was trying to provoke the urban working class to fight for their rights, even when he knows that the change would be step by step. In Mac’s case, he was more concerned in pervert the minds of the workers with self-confidence, define their identity and give them a common enemy-the capitalist than whether or not the strike succeed. Mac really knew that without identity and objective, people are lost. He offers this idea to London saying, “If the thing blew up right now it would be worth it… They know how much capital thinks of them and how quick capital would poison ‘them like a bunch of ants… We showed them two things-what they are, an’ what they have to do” (151). It is very important to know who you are and where you are going in order to accomplish any goal. Mac, as Sanford, wanted to spread the infection that is the idea that every worker has rights. Steinbeck clearly shows that even if the strike failed, there was a bigger goal that had been accomplished.
The way that people use symbols to represent a common cause is a theoretical theme used by Steinbeck. At several points in the book it appears that the strike is collapsing all around the pickers. At every one of these critical turning points, something happened that kept the strike going by slightly changing the focus. The workers were distracted by a fight involving London when it seemed that they were about to turn on Mac and Jim. During this fight a vigilante shot Joy. Since the pickers knew Joy only as a face, it became the face of the common workers. As a result, all pickers decided to fight not only for them but for that face. Also, Jim, who was a significant leader, was killed. This fact did not slow anything, yet it put the ball rolling again. Mac used Jim’s death to create another concrete face on the abstract ideas he tried to push. However, this time the workers knew Jim very well and what he stood for. Mac tried to emphasize this by preaching, “This guy want nothing for himself” (269). As Mac used Jim’s death as a symbol, some other leaders of the farm workers also used symbols. One example was the flag that Cesar Chavez, the founder of the National Farm Workers Association in 1962, designed to represent his people’s cause. Chavez stated, “A symbol is an important thing. That is why we chose an Azteca eagle. It gives pride” (UFW). Cesar Chavez’s intention was to give a powerful symbol to motivate the farm workers to fight for their rights. The use of symbols gave to Mac and Chavez the opportunity to unit people in a common purpose. It is clear that united people need something that represents their desires and goals. Even today most of the associations that have a collective intention need a symbol that identify them and provokes other to join the group.
Works Cited
Mayers, Marvin. “Gitlow v. New York.”(1969): 295-98. Print
Steinbeck, John, In Dubious Battle. New York: Penguin Books, 2006.Print.
“The Harvest Gypsies”, San Francisco News, Octuber5, 1936.
UFW: The Official Web Page of the United Farm Workers of America: Web. 08 Dec.
2011.
Every person has his or her own way to protest to external pressure and injustice. John Steinbeck, a writer who got the opportunity to examine the social injustices, decided to show his inconformity by writing a book called In Dubious Battle using this as his particular form to protest. In Dubious Battle, published in 1936, shows the importance of two main characters, Mac and Jim, through the process of an apple pickers’ strike in a small town in California. After the crash and depression of 1929, Steinbeck presents us how a group of people united by a common cause decided to fight for their rights after the growers’ association cut their wages to fifteen cents. Most of the story takes place in a fictional town called Torgas Valley, California, where the main economy centers on apple orchards. Furthermore, Steinbeck clearly describes how the workers lived, how small farmers suffered and how some organizations, such as American Communist Party, made some efforts in order to improve life for the poor workers. In Dubious Battle is a master piece that teaches us how communism acts merely as a canvas to paint other abstract themes.
The need to belong to a group is the first theme that appears In Dubious Battle. Steinbeck introduced Jim Nolan as a lonely person claiming that his “whole family has been ruined by the system.” His father was a “sticker in a slaughter house” and “had a reputation for being the toughest mug in the country.” According to Jim, his father fought the system by himself and was killed by a riot gun (6). In addition, Jim’s mother died because “she just did not want to live.” As a result, Jim turned to the party because he was looking for a place to “work towards something.” When Steinbeck wrote the importance that Jim felt to belong, he also showed how Mac used this knowledge to influence strikers. For example, during the birth scene Mac decided to delegate tasks which made the whole camp felt they were involving in the delivery. All people in the camp were working together creating a “current of excitement.” After the woman delivered the baby, Mac burned the used and unused cloth that people had donated. Mac states, “Every man that gave part of his clothes felt that the work was his own. They all feel responsible for that baby. It’s their’s, because something from them went to it. To give back the cloth would have cut them out. There is not better way to make men part of a movement than to have them give something to it” (99). Steinbeck used the “human” side of communism to show how a person who had lost his family had the need to be a member of a group. Furthermore, Jim sacrificed his individual identity when he joined the party because now the cause of the strike was the main objective for him.
Another abstract theme that Steinbeck presents is the power of wealthy people. Even though Steinbeck described migrant workers as “ignorant, dirty people, that they are carriers of disease, and that they increase the necessity for police,” (“The Harvest Gypsies”) he examined the way that migrant workers were living during a period of injustice. For example, Mac explains to Jim, “Now these few guys that own most of the Torgas Valley waited until most of the crop tramps were already there. They spend most of their money getting there, of course. They always do. And then the owner announced their price cut” (26). According to Steinbeck, migrant workers arrived in California in a state of semi-starvation, with the only idea of finding a work at any wage in order to feed the family (“The Harvest Gypsies”). Ironically, the few cents that were cut in wages did not give a big profit for the owners. However, the migrant workers who lived hand to mouth were impacted significantly. Consequently, the workers decided to strike, but the owners considered the farm workers as radicals and utilized any resource to stop them.
As the book advances it starts to be apparent that Steinbeck wanted to show that strike was a little brick to complete a strong wall. Although it is very difficult to control a group, it is the only way to preserve the cause and win. For example, Benjamin Gitlow, one of the founders and early leader of the American Communist movement was first accused in 1919 of violating New York’s old Criminal Anarchy statute of 1902. During his court Mr. Justice Sanford states, “It advocates and urges in fervent language mass action which shall progressively foment industrial disturbance and through political mass strikes and revolutionary mass action overthrow and destroy organized parliamentary government… This is the call of direct incitement” (Mayers). Sanford was trying to provoke the urban working class to fight for their rights, even when he knows that the change would be step by step. In Mac’s case, he was more concerned in pervert the minds of the workers with self-confidence, define their identity and give them a common enemy-the capitalist than whether or not the strike succeed. Mac really knew that without identity and objective, people are lost. He offers this idea to London saying, “If the thing blew up right now it would be worth it… They know how much capital thinks of them and how quick capital would poison ‘them like a bunch of ants… We showed them two things-what they are, an’ what they have to do” (151). It is very important to know who you are and where you are going in order to accomplish any goal. Mac, as Sanford, wanted to spread the infection that is the idea that every worker has rights. Steinbeck clearly shows that even if the strike failed, there was a bigger goal that had been accomplished.
The way that people use symbols to represent a common cause is a theoretical theme used by Steinbeck. At several points in the book it appears that the strike is collapsing all around the pickers. At every one of these critical turning points, something happened that kept the strike going by slightly changing the focus. The workers were distracted by a fight involving London when it seemed that they were about to turn on Mac and Jim. During this fight a vigilante shot Joy. Since the pickers knew Joy only as a face, it became the face of the common workers. As a result, all pickers decided to fight not only for them but for that face. Also, Jim, who was a significant leader, was killed. This fact did not slow anything, yet it put the ball rolling again. Mac used Jim’s death to create another concrete face on the abstract ideas he tried to push. However, this time the workers knew Jim very well and what he stood for. Mac tried to emphasize this by preaching, “This guy want nothing for himself” (269). As Mac used Jim’s death as a symbol, some other leaders of the farm workers also used symbols. One example was the flag that Cesar Chavez, the founder of the National Farm Workers Association in 1962, designed to represent his people’s cause. Chavez stated, “A symbol is an important thing. That is why we chose an Azteca eagle. It gives pride” (UFW). Cesar Chavez’s intention was to give a powerful symbol to motivate the farm workers to fight for their rights. The use of symbols gave to Mac and Chavez the opportunity to unit people in a common purpose. It is clear that united people need something that represents their desires and goals. Even today most of the associations that have a collective intention need a symbol that identify them and provokes other to join the group.
Works Cited
Mayers, Marvin. “Gitlow v. New York.”(1969): 295-98. Print
Steinbeck, John, In Dubious Battle. New York: Penguin Books, 2006.Print.
“The Harvest Gypsies”, San Francisco News, Octuber5, 1936.
UFW: The Official Web Page of the United Farm Workers of America: Web. 08 Dec.
2011.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Reader Response to In Dubious Battle
Reading In Dubious Battle by John Steinbeck, I could discover a man who was trying to share his idea of fighting together in order to accomplish a common goal. One of the main characters, Jim Nolan, decided to leave the room where he was living to join a Communist Party. In addition Mac accepted Nolan to agitate the pickers and incite them to the strike after pickers’ wages were cut to fifteen cents. Most of the scenes in the book take place in California in a small fictional town called Torgas Valley. Steinbeck shows the struggle that migrant workers suffered to survive with health and dignity after the oppression of the high class. This part of the book made me remember my grandfather who came to the United States many years ago, and he was part of the pickers in Bakersfield, California. He used to talk with my family about the long hours that he spent picking strawberries, and how he strongly believed in the union. As my grandfather said, “If people are not united, there will not be any good result. Also, if you want to accomplish something, you have to establish the group’s identity and show it to all people.”
According to my grandfather, in the past, there was not medical coverage or compensation for work lost due to illness. Also, Steinbeck wrote about this in great detail using the description of the characters and the dialogues between them. For example Steinbeck wrote, “You might think I am a crazy old coot; them other things was planned; nothing come of’em; but I got feelings in my skin”(52). I think that for some Americans it could be very difficult to understand Steinbeck because he clearly is against the Communism, but I believe that this was Steinbeck’s way to show how the farmers were exploited during the Great Depression. Even though prejudice and exploitation existed many years ago, today many farmers are still fighting for their rights.
According to my grandfather, in the past, there was not medical coverage or compensation for work lost due to illness. Also, Steinbeck wrote about this in great detail using the description of the characters and the dialogues between them. For example Steinbeck wrote, “You might think I am a crazy old coot; them other things was planned; nothing come of’em; but I got feelings in my skin”(52). I think that for some Americans it could be very difficult to understand Steinbeck because he clearly is against the Communism, but I believe that this was Steinbeck’s way to show how the farmers were exploited during the Great Depression. Even though prejudice and exploitation existed many years ago, today many farmers are still fighting for their rights.
The United Farm Workers
Some young and old people show how important is to be together in order to fight for their rights. They are also carrying a flag that represent their dreams.
The United Farm Workers is planning to involve young people from college in a project called “Fair Harvest Meals.” After their participation, these youth could share their experiences to 25,000 people through social media networks. Involving young people in this project, they will be exposed to the fact that California has stronger laws protecting farm animals than farm workers. According to the United Farm Workers, “The sharing of food transcends all difference between people.” The involved youth are planning to host the meals, and the farm workers will bring the fruits and vegetables of their labor. Consequently, students will connect the 50-year history of struggle and success of farm workers to thousands using the media. The Fair Harvest Meal Project will take place in Fresno, California, where on September 30, 1962, the first convention of the National Farm Workers Association (UFW) convened with hundreds of delegates assembled in an abandoned movie theater. The group’s distinctive flag, a black eagle symbol on a white circle in a red field, is unveiled.
It is very interesting to know how the National Farm Workers Association is looking for the support of young people. I think that the only way to change the injustice in any aspect of life is fighting together with teenagers. They are our future, and the change is on their hands. Furthermore, young people do not mention farm workers in any discussion that they have about food. For this reason, it is very important that all youth discover that behind eating healthy, there are many people who are exploited- farm workers are exposed to the harmful pesticides and low payments.
The United Farm Workers is planning to involve young people from college in a project called “Fair Harvest Meals.” After their participation, these youth could share their experiences to 25,000 people through social media networks. Involving young people in this project, they will be exposed to the fact that California has stronger laws protecting farm animals than farm workers. According to the United Farm Workers, “The sharing of food transcends all difference between people.” The involved youth are planning to host the meals, and the farm workers will bring the fruits and vegetables of their labor. Consequently, students will connect the 50-year history of struggle and success of farm workers to thousands using the media. The Fair Harvest Meal Project will take place in Fresno, California, where on September 30, 1962, the first convention of the National Farm Workers Association (UFW) convened with hundreds of delegates assembled in an abandoned movie theater. The group’s distinctive flag, a black eagle symbol on a white circle in a red field, is unveiled.
It is very interesting to know how the National Farm Workers Association is looking for the support of young people. I think that the only way to change the injustice in any aspect of life is fighting together with teenagers. They are our future, and the change is on their hands. Furthermore, young people do not mention farm workers in any discussion that they have about food. For this reason, it is very important that all youth discover that behind eating healthy, there are many people who are exploited- farm workers are exposed to the harmful pesticides and low payments.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Rough Draft Peer Review
My writing was reviewed by two people,and their ideas helped me a lot. It is very difficult for me to discover my own mistakes, but Mariah and Abdirizak gave me their point of view to improve my paper. Mariah brought to my attention that I need to edit my paper because there are some words that I did not use correctly. Also, Abdirizak suggested me to add some transitions in order to understand the connection between the last two paragraphs. Using the feedback from my two classmates, I am really sure that my final writing will be much better. Thanks.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Rough Draft 1
Maria Barrera
Professor Knapp
English 1B (Friday)
Identity
Every one has the right to establish their identity. Some people believe that their lives are based on their culture and others have shaped their lives because they were affected for external conflicts. The memoir of Marjane Satrapi growing up in Iran is written as a very personal account in the comic book Persepolis. This is a story that describes her life during the Islamic Revolution which includes her moral, physical, religious, and psychological struggles she endured. Being the setting of a bloody war with Iraq, Iran was not the ideal environment Marjane’s parents wanted her to grow up in. Persepolis represents a unique life of a child in Tehran, Iran and the actions she took in order to survive the political upheaval her country was facing. Marjane Satrapi is of great importance in teaching us how some young people are affected for external conflicts and based on this they consider rebellion a way to establish identity.
Some people have changed because some external changes have affected their lives. Many years ago I experienced a big change when my parents decided to come to the United States. At that time I was very religious, and I had a huge faith on God. However, my loneliness made me start thinking that I was by myself, and my beliefs could not help me at all. This situation that I lived in the past helped me to understand Marjane’s rejection of God. Being a little girl Marjane “wanted to be justice, love and the wrath of God all in one,(9)” but later she was affected by her uncle’s death and her unshakable faith disappeared. Anoosh, Marjane’s uncle, was very important for her because she saw him as her hero. Also, Marjane had a great connection with her uncle, and she was pleased and interested on Anoosh’s stories. One day Marjane was waiting for her uncle at school, but he never arrived there because he was arrested. Marjane went to visit her uncle in prison, and that was the last meeting that Marjane had with her beloved Anoosh. After Anoosh was executed, Marjane was disappointed of God and she decided to get him out of her life (70). We, as human beings, have the need to believe in a supernatural force called God, but the experience of loneliness and death can change our way of thinking.
Another big change that affected Marjane was in 1979 when the Revolution took place in Iran and the women were required by fear of punishment, to wear a veil that only leaves her face uncovered. Some women considered to wear a veil as an insult to women’s rights. Marjane sough to fight against the veil the different ways women around her represented how much they protested wearing it. “You showed your opposition to the Regime by letting a few strands of hair show “(75). The women fighting against the veil do not feel it is necessary to cover up to gain respect. Marjane was influenced by the trends in the media and lost her self respect and identity when separated from the veil and her culture. Marjane declared, “I really did not what to think about the veil, deep down I was very religious but as a family we were very modern “(6). Marjane felt disconnect between her religious views and the theocratic policy. Consequently, she showed her rebelliousness playing with the veil instead of wearing it. Similarly, Maysan Haydar confessed, “I have been covering my hair as is prescribed for Muslim women, since I was twelve years old. And while there are many good reasons for doing so, I was not motivated by a desire to be different” (Haydar 413). As a little child Haydar was forced to wear the veil because of her parents’ religious. Also, she admits that she decided to use the veil because of the rewards that she received instead of the religious responsibility. Some teenagers do not have the freedom of wearing what they want. As a result, they can lose their identity and adopt a rebel behavior.
Rebelliousness is not an act that comes by itself, most of the time there is something that provokes it. Marjane was trying to live her life in a normal way during a dangerous period of time, so she was happily shopping with her friend. When Marjane heard the sound of a bomb, she instantly turned back to the reality: war. The explosion of the bomb brought to Marjane the horrible scene of Neda’s death. While Marjane and her mother were walking in front of the Baba-levy’s house, Marjane saw, under the debris, a turquoise bracelet that was attached to Neda’s hand. When Neda Baba-Levys died, Marjane felt anger and sad. After this, the rebel Marjane became a fourteen-years-old teenager that was brave and nothing scared her (143). For this reason, Marjane shouted louder than anybody else, and she was expelled from school after hitting the principal. I could understand this aspect of the novel because I have a rebel mother. My mother’s rebellion was caused by the change that she suffered after losing her mother. Marjane and my mother acted rebelliously because both lost an adored person. In my mother’s case, she could go to school and become a teacher as she wanted. In Marjane’s case, she has experienced some external changes that have shaped her life. As a result, Marjane became involved and matured a lot sooner by supporting her beliefs.
Work Citation
Satrapi, Marjane,Persepolis. New York: Pantheon Books, 2004.Print.
Hayder, Maysan.(n.d.) “Veiled Intentions: Don’t Judge a Muslim Girl by Her Covering.” 403. Print.
Professor Knapp
English 1B (Friday)
Identity
Every one has the right to establish their identity. Some people believe that their lives are based on their culture and others have shaped their lives because they were affected for external conflicts. The memoir of Marjane Satrapi growing up in Iran is written as a very personal account in the comic book Persepolis. This is a story that describes her life during the Islamic Revolution which includes her moral, physical, religious, and psychological struggles she endured. Being the setting of a bloody war with Iraq, Iran was not the ideal environment Marjane’s parents wanted her to grow up in. Persepolis represents a unique life of a child in Tehran, Iran and the actions she took in order to survive the political upheaval her country was facing. Marjane Satrapi is of great importance in teaching us how some young people are affected for external conflicts and based on this they consider rebellion a way to establish identity.
Some people have changed because some external changes have affected their lives. Many years ago I experienced a big change when my parents decided to come to the United States. At that time I was very religious, and I had a huge faith on God. However, my loneliness made me start thinking that I was by myself, and my beliefs could not help me at all. This situation that I lived in the past helped me to understand Marjane’s rejection of God. Being a little girl Marjane “wanted to be justice, love and the wrath of God all in one,(9)” but later she was affected by her uncle’s death and her unshakable faith disappeared. Anoosh, Marjane’s uncle, was very important for her because she saw him as her hero. Also, Marjane had a great connection with her uncle, and she was pleased and interested on Anoosh’s stories. One day Marjane was waiting for her uncle at school, but he never arrived there because he was arrested. Marjane went to visit her uncle in prison, and that was the last meeting that Marjane had with her beloved Anoosh. After Anoosh was executed, Marjane was disappointed of God and she decided to get him out of her life (70). We, as human beings, have the need to believe in a supernatural force called God, but the experience of loneliness and death can change our way of thinking.
Another big change that affected Marjane was in 1979 when the Revolution took place in Iran and the women were required by fear of punishment, to wear a veil that only leaves her face uncovered. Some women considered to wear a veil as an insult to women’s rights. Marjane sough to fight against the veil the different ways women around her represented how much they protested wearing it. “You showed your opposition to the Regime by letting a few strands of hair show “(75). The women fighting against the veil do not feel it is necessary to cover up to gain respect. Marjane was influenced by the trends in the media and lost her self respect and identity when separated from the veil and her culture. Marjane declared, “I really did not what to think about the veil, deep down I was very religious but as a family we were very modern “(6). Marjane felt disconnect between her religious views and the theocratic policy. Consequently, she showed her rebelliousness playing with the veil instead of wearing it. Similarly, Maysan Haydar confessed, “I have been covering my hair as is prescribed for Muslim women, since I was twelve years old. And while there are many good reasons for doing so, I was not motivated by a desire to be different” (Haydar 413). As a little child Haydar was forced to wear the veil because of her parents’ religious. Also, she admits that she decided to use the veil because of the rewards that she received instead of the religious responsibility. Some teenagers do not have the freedom of wearing what they want. As a result, they can lose their identity and adopt a rebel behavior.
Rebelliousness is not an act that comes by itself, most of the time there is something that provokes it. Marjane was trying to live her life in a normal way during a dangerous period of time, so she was happily shopping with her friend. When Marjane heard the sound of a bomb, she instantly turned back to the reality: war. The explosion of the bomb brought to Marjane the horrible scene of Neda’s death. While Marjane and her mother were walking in front of the Baba-levy’s house, Marjane saw, under the debris, a turquoise bracelet that was attached to Neda’s hand. When Neda Baba-Levys died, Marjane felt anger and sad. After this, the rebel Marjane became a fourteen-years-old teenager that was brave and nothing scared her (143). For this reason, Marjane shouted louder than anybody else, and she was expelled from school after hitting the principal. I could understand this aspect of the novel because I have a rebel mother. My mother’s rebellion was caused by the change that she suffered after losing her mother. Marjane and my mother acted rebelliously because both lost an adored person. In my mother’s case, she could go to school and become a teacher as she wanted. In Marjane’s case, she has experienced some external changes that have shaped her life. As a result, Marjane became involved and matured a lot sooner by supporting her beliefs.
Work Citation
Satrapi, Marjane,Persepolis. New York: Pantheon Books, 2004.Print.
Hayder, Maysan.(n.d.) “Veiled Intentions: Don’t Judge a Muslim Girl by Her Covering.” 403. Print.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Week four
Maria Barrera
Professor Knapp
English 1B(Friday)
Week four prompt 2
Some people have changed because some external changes have affected their lives. Many years ago I experienced a big change when my parents decided to come to the United States. At that time I was very religious, and I had a huge faith on God. However, my loneliness made me start thinking that I was by myself, and my beliefs could not help me at all. This situation that I lived in the past helped me to understand Marjane’s rejection of God. Being a little girl Marjane “wanted to be justice, love and the wrath of God all in one," but later she was affected by her uncle’s death and her unshakable faith disappeared (9). Anoosh, Marjane’s uncle, was very important for her because she saw him as her hero. Also, Marjane had a great connection with her uncle, and she was pleased and interested on Anoosh’s stories. One day Marjane was waiting for her uncle at school, but he never arrived there because he was arrested. Marjane went to visit her uncle in prison, and that was the last meeting that Marjane had with her beloved Anoosh. After Anoosh was executed, Marjane was disappointed of God and she decided to get him out of her life (70). We, as human beings, have the need to believe in a supernatural force called God, but the experience of loneliness and death can change our way of thinking.
Rebellious is not an act that comes by itself, most of the time there is something that provokes it. Marjane was trying to live her life in a normal way during a dangerous period of time, so she was happily shopping with her friend. When Marjane heard the sound of a bomb, she instantly turned back to the reality: war. The explosion of the bomb brought to Marjane the horrible scene of Neda’s death. While Marjane and her mother were walking in front of the Baba-levy’s house, Marjane saw, under the debris, a turquoise bracelet that was attached to Neda’s hand. When Neda Baba-Levys died, Marjane felt anger and sad. After this, the rebel Marjane became a fourteen-years-old teenager that was brave and nothing scared her (143). For this reason, Marjane shouted louder than anybody else, and she was expelled from school after hitting the principal. I could understand this aspect of the novel because I have a rebel mother. My mother’s rebelliousness was caused by the change that she suffered after losing her mother. Marjane and my mother acted rebelliously because both lost an adored person. In my mother’s case, she could go to school and become a teacher as she wanted. I think that Marjane has experienced some external changes that have shaped her life. As a result, I can predict that Marjane will be a strong woman who will be honest with all people and herself.
Professor Knapp
English 1B(Friday)
Week four prompt 2
Some people have changed because some external changes have affected their lives. Many years ago I experienced a big change when my parents decided to come to the United States. At that time I was very religious, and I had a huge faith on God. However, my loneliness made me start thinking that I was by myself, and my beliefs could not help me at all. This situation that I lived in the past helped me to understand Marjane’s rejection of God. Being a little girl Marjane “wanted to be justice, love and the wrath of God all in one," but later she was affected by her uncle’s death and her unshakable faith disappeared (9). Anoosh, Marjane’s uncle, was very important for her because she saw him as her hero. Also, Marjane had a great connection with her uncle, and she was pleased and interested on Anoosh’s stories. One day Marjane was waiting for her uncle at school, but he never arrived there because he was arrested. Marjane went to visit her uncle in prison, and that was the last meeting that Marjane had with her beloved Anoosh. After Anoosh was executed, Marjane was disappointed of God and she decided to get him out of her life (70). We, as human beings, have the need to believe in a supernatural force called God, but the experience of loneliness and death can change our way of thinking.
Rebellious is not an act that comes by itself, most of the time there is something that provokes it. Marjane was trying to live her life in a normal way during a dangerous period of time, so she was happily shopping with her friend. When Marjane heard the sound of a bomb, she instantly turned back to the reality: war. The explosion of the bomb brought to Marjane the horrible scene of Neda’s death. While Marjane and her mother were walking in front of the Baba-levy’s house, Marjane saw, under the debris, a turquoise bracelet that was attached to Neda’s hand. When Neda Baba-Levys died, Marjane felt anger and sad. After this, the rebel Marjane became a fourteen-years-old teenager that was brave and nothing scared her (143). For this reason, Marjane shouted louder than anybody else, and she was expelled from school after hitting the principal. I could understand this aspect of the novel because I have a rebel mother. My mother’s rebelliousness was caused by the change that she suffered after losing her mother. Marjane and my mother acted rebelliously because both lost an adored person. In my mother’s case, she could go to school and become a teacher as she wanted. I think that Marjane has experienced some external changes that have shaped her life. As a result, I can predict that Marjane will be a strong woman who will be honest with all people and herself.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
week three prompt 1
Maria Barrera
Professor Knapp
English 1b (Friday)
Week Three prompt 1
The chapter The Shabbat is very important because it represents what the novel is about. Marjane was trying to forget war. For this reason, she involved herself in things that teenagers presumably enjoy: shopping. Nevertheless, it was not enough for Marjane to forget that her life was filled with brutality and tragedy. Once that Marjane bought articles that made her feel a normal girl, she was surprised by the abrupt sound of an explosion. Quickly Marjane forgot the happiness that she felt and she ran away because the missile had exploded in her neighborhood (138). This passage represents the destruction that a war can cause. It is true that during a period of war people can suffer many kind of damage, but the saddest thing becomes with the destruction of the childhood. Children have the right to live in a peaceful place where they can enjoy and feel secure. Even though Marjane was a child, she witnessed the destruction of her country and her childhood.
Without doubt Marjane was the most impacted for the devastating war with Iraq, so she lived in a constant fear. “I don’t want to die,” Marjane said every time she heard the explosion of the missiles (136). However, the worst happened when she saw that Neda, a girl of her age, had died after the explosion. Marjane could see, under the debris, Neda’s bracelet attached to her hand (142). Moreover, Marjane was forced to fly to Austria living behind her country in which she had her treasure: her family. Marjane kept in mind “I will always be true to myself,” yet she knew that maybe it was the last time that she could see her family (151).
I think that war is central theme because Marjane’s life changed completely after the war. In addition, I think that the author wanted to describe in detail the human cost of war: lost of lives, terror, separation of families, and how a child has to mature fast in the middle of this tremendous chaos.
Professor Knapp
English 1b (Friday)
Week Three prompt 1
The chapter The Shabbat is very important because it represents what the novel is about. Marjane was trying to forget war. For this reason, she involved herself in things that teenagers presumably enjoy: shopping. Nevertheless, it was not enough for Marjane to forget that her life was filled with brutality and tragedy. Once that Marjane bought articles that made her feel a normal girl, she was surprised by the abrupt sound of an explosion. Quickly Marjane forgot the happiness that she felt and she ran away because the missile had exploded in her neighborhood (138). This passage represents the destruction that a war can cause. It is true that during a period of war people can suffer many kind of damage, but the saddest thing becomes with the destruction of the childhood. Children have the right to live in a peaceful place where they can enjoy and feel secure. Even though Marjane was a child, she witnessed the destruction of her country and her childhood.
Without doubt Marjane was the most impacted for the devastating war with Iraq, so she lived in a constant fear. “I don’t want to die,” Marjane said every time she heard the explosion of the missiles (136). However, the worst happened when she saw that Neda, a girl of her age, had died after the explosion. Marjane could see, under the debris, Neda’s bracelet attached to her hand (142). Moreover, Marjane was forced to fly to Austria living behind her country in which she had her treasure: her family. Marjane kept in mind “I will always be true to myself,” yet she knew that maybe it was the last time that she could see her family (151).
I think that war is central theme because Marjane’s life changed completely after the war. In addition, I think that the author wanted to describe in detail the human cost of war: lost of lives, terror, separation of families, and how a child has to mature fast in the middle of this tremendous chaos.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Caracter description
Reading Persepolis, a book written by Marjane Satrapi, I could discover a brave little girl who wanted to fight against social classes. During the Iranian Revolution, Marjane had to suffer the consequences of it, but she also had to understand that there was another kind of revolution. According to Marjane, this revolution was provoked by her own family, and she felt responsible and ashamed because she had things that others couldn’t. “The reason for my shame and for the revolution is the same: the difference between social classes,” Marjane said. In addition, Marjane’s father explained her that people have to follow the rules of the country and it was to “stay within your own social class” (37). Even though Marjane was too young, she realized that some people, including her family, were intolerant and it was one of the reasons of war. Consequently, she decided to demonstrate in the streets. This shows Marjane’s decision to protest against the difference between social classes. I think that Marjane did not do anything else because of her age.
As I continued to read Persepolis, I found it interesting the way that some people attacked their own kind. For example, Marjane was living an intern conflict because she did not understand if her father was for or against social classes; but during the demonstration in the streets Marjane and her maid were attacked by their own people (39). Later, when Marjane and her family went to the supermarket, they heard some women saying, “Southern women are all whores” (93). I could relate to these scenes because, in my Native country: Mexico, many people are destroying the peaceful place that my land was. Many years ago, it was secure to walk on the streets at any time. However, now if you want to take a walk at night, you could be attacked and even killed. I can not understand how some Mexican people who are fighting for power in the world of the drugs are killing their own people without remorse. Although it is not exactly the same situation that Marjane lived during the Iranian Revolution, I am really sure that it is the same lack of sensibility.
I think that Marjane decided to write these scenes because she wanted to show us how absurd the Islamic Revolution was. While Iran was attacked with brutality under a strict regimen of prohibitions, some Iranians had the time to assault others. Also, Marjane wanted to show us the impotence that some people felt and how they demonstrated it attacking their own people. Using these kinds of scenes the author creates a vivid connection between the readers and the desperation that some Iranians were living during this crude period of their lives. Of course, Marjane brought to my mind that there are some resemblances between what she lived in Iran and what is happening in my country.
As I continued to read Persepolis, I found it interesting the way that some people attacked their own kind. For example, Marjane was living an intern conflict because she did not understand if her father was for or against social classes; but during the demonstration in the streets Marjane and her maid were attacked by their own people (39). Later, when Marjane and her family went to the supermarket, they heard some women saying, “Southern women are all whores” (93). I could relate to these scenes because, in my Native country: Mexico, many people are destroying the peaceful place that my land was. Many years ago, it was secure to walk on the streets at any time. However, now if you want to take a walk at night, you could be attacked and even killed. I can not understand how some Mexican people who are fighting for power in the world of the drugs are killing their own people without remorse. Although it is not exactly the same situation that Marjane lived during the Iranian Revolution, I am really sure that it is the same lack of sensibility.
I think that Marjane decided to write these scenes because she wanted to show us how absurd the Islamic Revolution was. While Iran was attacked with brutality under a strict regimen of prohibitions, some Iranians had the time to assault others. Also, Marjane wanted to show us the impotence that some people felt and how they demonstrated it attacking their own people. Using these kinds of scenes the author creates a vivid connection between the readers and the desperation that some Iranians were living during this crude period of their lives. Of course, Marjane brought to my mind that there are some resemblances between what she lived in Iran and what is happening in my country.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
My mother never...
My mother never went to school when she was a little girl. However, she dreamed with the idea of teaching others. She was three years when her mother died, but quickly her father decided to get married again. She had to cook when she was seven years old, and as the biggest one in her family, she had to take care of her five siblings. My mother's father is very strict and according to his believes the only preoccupation for a woman should be to learn how to be a good housewife. On the other hand, my mother had other plans and she enrolled in school when she was 15. She pretended that she was going to her job daily at the same hour. She earned money selling chocolates in school, and that way my grandfather did not discover her duplicity. Four years later, Elizabeth, my mother, accomplished her goal of getting her high school diploma. Later, she got married and continued her studies. My mother spent many years teaching in an elementary school in Mexico. It is amazing how happy and positive my mother is, even though she suffered many things during her childhood. My mom is the best example of rebelliousness and how important it is to defend your aspirations. Thanks to my mother I believe that there is nothing impossible in life. Furthermore, I think that there are many cultures and ideas that can influence your thoughts; however, the most important thing is who you are and how rebellious you can be to accomplish your goals.
Friday, September 9, 2011
MariaB ENG1B
Hi,
I am Maria Barrera, I came from Mexico five years ago. My parents and brothers were living here before me. It means that I was living by myself in my native country. I decided to stay there because I wanted to finish my studies and finally I could achieve my goal. Now, I want to transfer my credits to San Jose University. Something else about me is that I have two children who are my motivation, and I want to be a role model for them.Of course, I love reading and writing even though it is very difficult for me because English is my second language.
I am Maria Barrera, I came from Mexico five years ago. My parents and brothers were living here before me. It means that I was living by myself in my native country. I decided to stay there because I wanted to finish my studies and finally I could achieve my goal. Now, I want to transfer my credits to San Jose University. Something else about me is that I have two children who are my motivation, and I want to be a role model for them.Of course, I love reading and writing even though it is very difficult for me because English is my second language.
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