People ban books. People censor inappropriate images. But, I don't think it's really necessary to take out the "n-word" from the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain. Yes, in the 21st century we're not allowed to use the "n-word" against African-American people because it's quite offensive. I completely agree.
But Twain's infamous masterpiece was written in the 19th century, when it was normal to refer to people of black color as "n-word." So, this idea to continue reprinting of controversial novels such as this is ridiculous. We could be spending our time doing other things, no? It just shocks me that parents would sue a high school over requiring their child to read this book full of "racial slurs." Yes. In the 19th century, slavery was still a very real thing. It seems that everyone in today's society wants to sue everyone else when something bothers them - it can be anything from a cup of tea that's too hot and burns their tongue to a simple book. I think people today are just too self-involved and lack common sense. It's okay to have these characteristics, but at least recognize you have them.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Operation: Embarass the Girl
Kids are cruel; we all get that.
At school, there's always assemblies on bullying. A rising threat in today's society is cyber-bullying/stalking. Just recently, two girls were arrested for the "stalking" of a minor under the age of 16. They created a fake Facebook profile, uploading inappropriate (some nude) pictures with the minor's face photo-shopped onto obscene images.
These two girls who allegedly created this fake profile thought it'd be funny; the poor victim was teased and tormented because of all the pictures and comments on the Facebook page. Boys are mean and violent, but girls can be just plain vicious.
We wonder why there is such a high depression rate and suicide rate amongst teenagers and young adults here in the United States - this is why. People don't respect each other anymore and the internet is often used as a means of targeting people anonymously. So these two girls call this kind of hoax a joke. I think it's a joke that they're making fun of their former "friend," but in the end, they were caught and they're in legal trouble. Did they really have nothing better to do with their time than to make a fake Facebook profile?
Somebody sounds a little insecure.
For more info, click here.
At school, there's always assemblies on bullying. A rising threat in today's society is cyber-bullying/stalking. Just recently, two girls were arrested for the "stalking" of a minor under the age of 16. They created a fake Facebook profile, uploading inappropriate (some nude) pictures with the minor's face photo-shopped onto obscene images.
These two girls who allegedly created this fake profile thought it'd be funny; the poor victim was teased and tormented because of all the pictures and comments on the Facebook page. Boys are mean and violent, but girls can be just plain vicious.
We wonder why there is such a high depression rate and suicide rate amongst teenagers and young adults here in the United States - this is why. People don't respect each other anymore and the internet is often used as a means of targeting people anonymously. So these two girls call this kind of hoax a joke. I think it's a joke that they're making fun of their former "friend," but in the end, they were caught and they're in legal trouble. Did they really have nothing better to do with their time than to make a fake Facebook profile?
Somebody sounds a little insecure.
For more info, click here.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Chinese Moms
If you haven't, yet, you should read the article on the Wall Street Journal about Chinese mothers; it's written by a Chinese mother, Amy Chua, who is a professor at Yale Law School.
Essentially, it talks about her approach to disciplining and raising her two daughters, instilling certain values in them. Personally, I think she's over the top. If you look at the list of the things her daughters CAN'T do, they include: 1) no going to sleepovers 2) no participating in school plays 3) not complaining about not being in the school plays 4) never being allowed to get lower than an A on anything...and the list really does go on and on.
What I was more interested in was the fundamental differences between "Chinese" or Asian cultures and Western cultures is that Asian moms aren't afraid to tell their kids the truth. These days, people in the U.S. are all about being sensitive to people's feelings. You NEVER tell someone they're fat, even though they may be overweight and you're just looking out for them. People need to hear the truth. And you know what? THE TRUTH HURTS.
A lot of Western parents are okay with B+'s, B's, and B-'s. I know that was never the case at my house; no B's allowed - really. It really instills this idea that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. Like Professor Chua says, you don't start to like something until you're good at it. So, instead of allowing your kids to be complacent and accept mediocrity, sometimes you have to push your kids a little to help them to understand that value of hard work.
You have to find a balance.
Essentially, it talks about her approach to disciplining and raising her two daughters, instilling certain values in them. Personally, I think she's over the top. If you look at the list of the things her daughters CAN'T do, they include: 1) no going to sleepovers 2) no participating in school plays 3) not complaining about not being in the school plays 4) never being allowed to get lower than an A on anything...and the list really does go on and on.
What I was more interested in was the fundamental differences between "Chinese" or Asian cultures and Western cultures is that Asian moms aren't afraid to tell their kids the truth. These days, people in the U.S. are all about being sensitive to people's feelings. You NEVER tell someone they're fat, even though they may be overweight and you're just looking out for them. People need to hear the truth. And you know what? THE TRUTH HURTS.
A lot of Western parents are okay with B+'s, B's, and B-'s. I know that was never the case at my house; no B's allowed - really. It really instills this idea that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. Like Professor Chua says, you don't start to like something until you're good at it. So, instead of allowing your kids to be complacent and accept mediocrity, sometimes you have to push your kids a little to help them to understand that value of hard work.
You have to find a balance.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Arizona Rep. Shot
Democratic Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords has been shot while holding a small event at a Safeway in Tuscon. A gunman came up and shot her in the head from four feet away.
I'm ashamed to say that the gunman, who is now in custody, is reportedly in his "late teens or early 20s" by NPR. My generation really just thinks impulsively. Why did he shoot her? I have no idea what his motives are. What I do know is that you can't just go and shoot someone because you're unhappy with the status quo or because you're unhappy in general. If you're angry at a government official or policies being implemented, you write letters and formally address your concerns. You find some kind of diplomatic and peaceful way to get your message across.
Why do people think that just because you kill someone, the issue goes away? Is it some kind of attempt at becoming a symbolic martyr? You just seem like a fool, perhaps ruining things for the group of people who are trying to deal with the same issues in a more direct and calm way.
I pray for Rep. Giffords.
I'm ashamed to say that the gunman, who is now in custody, is reportedly in his "late teens or early 20s" by NPR. My generation really just thinks impulsively. Why did he shoot her? I have no idea what his motives are. What I do know is that you can't just go and shoot someone because you're unhappy with the status quo or because you're unhappy in general. If you're angry at a government official or policies being implemented, you write letters and formally address your concerns. You find some kind of diplomatic and peaceful way to get your message across.
Why do people think that just because you kill someone, the issue goes away? Is it some kind of attempt at becoming a symbolic martyr? You just seem like a fool, perhaps ruining things for the group of people who are trying to deal with the same issues in a more direct and calm way.
I pray for Rep. Giffords.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Shift in Power
There's a new Speaker of the House. The Republican party holds the majority in the House. I see more of a balance, now, in the government. Remember, there has to be a balance of power here.
So, why are Democrats so outraged and so determined to put Nancy Pelosi back into her old position? Maybe they're scared that Obama's absurd plans won't be passed now...Regardless, the people have spoken. They obviously are displeased with the "change" Obama and his adminstration have brought; get it? A change from the change.
Sometimes, I think that people forget that these representatives and senators are supposed to be the speakers for the people they represent. They have to always take into consideration what the people of their state or district want and be that voice in government to relay the people's desires to the people in charge. But, along the way, I think it becomes more of a power struggle and what each party wants, not necessarily what the people want.
So, why are Democrats so outraged and so determined to put Nancy Pelosi back into her old position? Maybe they're scared that Obama's absurd plans won't be passed now...Regardless, the people have spoken. They obviously are displeased with the "change" Obama and his adminstration have brought; get it? A change from the change.
Sometimes, I think that people forget that these representatives and senators are supposed to be the speakers for the people they represent. They have to always take into consideration what the people of their state or district want and be that voice in government to relay the people's desires to the people in charge. But, along the way, I think it becomes more of a power struggle and what each party wants, not necessarily what the people want.
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Correct Term
What's more appropriate:"illegal alien" or "undocumented immigrant"?
I think that the people who come to the United States, crossing our borders, illegally, are illegal aliens. They are not simply undocumented immigrants. They are criminals who have crossed the border, cutting the other people who get green cards, apply for citizenship, and are waiting in line. Why soften it up and change the term to undocumented immigrant? Leo Laurence of Quill Magazine made some silly remark saying that the Society of Professional Journalists is advocating the changing the term "illegal immigrant" because it is politically incorrect.
Silly Leo. It's funny that the Society of Professional Journalists then goes to publish a note on its website: "The views expressed by Leo Laurence in Quill Magazine, SPJ's Diversity Committee blog "Who's News," and on subsequent television programs are his personal opinion and do not reflect the views of SPJ nor its Diversity Committee. Contrary to what has been reported, SPJ has not engaged in any initiative to end the use of the term 'illegal immigrant.'"
Is it a crime to come into the United States illegally, even if it's just so that he/she and his/her family can have a better life?
Yes.
I think that the people who come to the United States, crossing our borders, illegally, are illegal aliens. They are not simply undocumented immigrants. They are criminals who have crossed the border, cutting the other people who get green cards, apply for citizenship, and are waiting in line. Why soften it up and change the term to undocumented immigrant? Leo Laurence of Quill Magazine made some silly remark saying that the Society of Professional Journalists is advocating the changing the term "illegal immigrant" because it is politically incorrect.
Silly Leo. It's funny that the Society of Professional Journalists then goes to publish a note on its website: "The views expressed by Leo Laurence in Quill Magazine, SPJ's Diversity Committee blog "Who's News," and on subsequent television programs are his personal opinion and do not reflect the views of SPJ nor its Diversity Committee. Contrary to what has been reported, SPJ has not engaged in any initiative to end the use of the term 'illegal immigrant.'"
Is it a crime to come into the United States illegally, even if it's just so that he/she and his/her family can have a better life?
Yes.
