Thursday, August 6, 2009

Fall 2009






















Freshman Composition
Critical and Argumentative Writing
Blogging in the Blogosphere
English 100 and 103


FORMAT:
When you blog, in the Title, write your first and last name as you would as if you are turning in a paper to me. Then you do not have to write my name because I know you are in my class. Write what English class you are in whether it is English 52, 60, 100 and what College.

For example, one would write:

Yue Hayes
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #1

Homelessness
Font size
In addition, for the title, pick the topic of discussion, grammar/organization, content, current events, pop culture or literature as a TITLE that we have discussed in class. Write the posts like this: write #1 Post or #2 Post or Post #50, so I can easily keep track of them and how many you write.

Of course, you are welcome to write more than several posts, and in doing so is another form of participation and does count in the participation grade. Perhaps, in class, you may not participate all that much but in the realm of the blogosphere, you can from the comfort of your own home,

* reflect on the day's class discussion or offer up an insight that you found particularly interesting, etc., etc.
*

* How does it change the way you think or thought before on the subject?
*

* What actions might you take in the future? Anything is open to interpretation.



Of course, I need not go on and on about being respectful towards your peers' opinions and beliefs. If you disagree with another student's views be discreet about it: Do not say so and so is completely wrong because of this and that. Instead, say, I disagree with so and so and here are the reasons why I do. Go after their evidence and support and do not, I repeat do not attack someone else personally. This is supposed to be a forum for everyone to share their ideas and views.

*I will enforce the blogosphere by either deleting your hard work, making an example out of you here in the realm of the blogosphere or in class* . . .

3,403 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   401 – 600 of 3403   Newer›   Newest»
~*~*eSmE*~*~ said...

Esmeralda Orozco
English 100
CC
post #15

Only Daughter
I really enjoyed reading this story. It had so much detail it made it seem as i was apart of the family. Being a mexican american i can relate to Sandra Cisneros. She like myself are the only daughter in our family. Its typical for a mexiacn father to what her daughter to finish school then get married a raise a family. It use to that mexican women would not go to school because there dudty was at home,cleaning and cooking. That was the story of my mother. Although my grandparents love her she like Sandra was the only girl of six sons. All the guys went to school and my mother was to stay home and help with the house work. Everything has changed in that women now have the right to do anything they want to do. In Sandras case she chose to focus in school rather then start a family. Her father saw it as a waste of time and in a sence was disaponted. Even though Sandra's work was published it was as she could never make her father proud, that is something we can all relate to. I really enjoyed the ending of the story beacuse by having her father turn of the tv and read the book ment he was finally aproving of his daughter telling her he was proud of her. That was all Sandra really wanted to hear.

~*~*eSmE*~*~ said...

Esmeralda Orozco
English 100
CC
Post#16

OK I KNO IM POSTING SOOOOOOOO SOOOOO SOOOO MUCH BUT IM REALLY BORED. IM AT SKOO AND GO TO WORK AT 11 SO THIS IS THE NEW MYSPACE FOR ME LOL.

N-E-WAYZ

LAST NITE I DIDN'T WANT TO GO HOME AFTER SKOO (LIKE ALWAYS)
SO I WENT 2 P-MOUNT TO VISIT MY FRIEND THEN TO STARBUTTS(LOL) AND READ "ONLY DAUGHTER"

LONG STORY SHORT

I GOT HOME AND I KISSED MY LITTLE BRO(WHO BOSSES ME AROUND)
AND KISSED MY MOMMY
AS WE SAT THERE SHE TOLD ME OF THIS STORY SHE HEARD ON THE NEWS THESE TWO GIRLS BOUT 19,20 WERE FOUND DEAD N-SIDE AN EMPTY APP. SHE STARTED 2 TELL ME I SHOULD NOT TRUST ANYONE AND TO BE CAREFUL

NOW!!!!!

THIS MORNING I HEARD THE SAME STORY ON THE NEWS AND THEY SAID THE MOTHER MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE ONE WHO KILLED THE GURLZ SINCE SHE WAS FOUND WITH WOUNDS ON HER ARMS. ITS SCARY TO THINK THAT THE WORLD IS GOING CRAZY. THERE ARE PPL KILLING THERE OWN FAMILY FATHERS RAPING THERE KIDS MOTHERES EATING THERE BABIES(YES !!!!!! THAT WAS IN THE NEWS)ITS SAD TO THINK WE HAVE TO WATCH OUR BAKS WITH OUR OWN FRIENDS


WELL I JUST WANTED TO THROW THAT OUT THERE ALL THOSE GIRLZ OUT THERE TRY NOT TO WALK ALONE AT NIGHT OR TRY TO CARRY SOME KIND OF PROTECTION WITH U. TIMES ARE CRAZY




XOXO

cutebutcrazyj said...

Hey everyone!! I'm new on the blogosphere, so we'll see how this goes!!! Also, I'm totally psyched for english this semester... hopefully i can learn to speak up ;DD

Sans Nom said...

Danielle St. Onge
English 110
GWC
post 1?

Hi everyone!
Im kind of testing this out and I am so confused on to which blog I am supposed to be following for our class! So if anyone out there wants to help me out that would be FANTASTIC! thanks!

Tali_ya52 said...

To everyone:

I am soooo proud of everyone for opening up and sharing their caves. I know its hard to do so, especially the new students who are not familiar with this. Just know we are all here for you, no matter what you are going through. For everyone that has overcome their struggles...good job, you should be proud of yourself. For everyone still struggling, life will get better.

-----> it is soooooo HOT

Crazymommy said...

Jenny Guzman
English 100
Cerritos College
Post # Many

WHAT WOULD YOU DO??

While driving home on Tuesday I was stopped at a light. While waiting what seems to be an hour I saw 2 girls in a car driving next to me. I looked over and when I was about to look away I notice a little hand trying to grab the cross hang from the rearview mirror. I looked closer I notice it was a baby in a car seat on the lap of one of the girl in the front seat. Some reason I got so mad that I.....


Here is where I asked what would you do?

A Call the police.
B Yell at them?
C Do nothing?


If people care I will say what I did.

Anonymous said...

Dalene Kolb
English 110
Golden West College
Post #4

Jenny Guzman

I would say...man thats hard, because you do not know how the people will react. I would, personally call the police. That would make it where something bad would not happen to you, in case they act crazy, or get mad at what you tell them. Take down the license plate, and call the police. That would work. But then again, that is just what I would say.

~Dalene

Anonymous said...

Dalene Kolb
English 110
Golden West College
Post #5

Tali_ya52

I agree with you. I think that it is amazing that people are opening up on here. I have never seen so many people open their lives, as well as their hearts to everyone. It is going to be hard, but I will open up as well. Soon.

~Dalene

Crazymommy said...

Jenny Guzman
English 100
Cerritos College
Post # not enough

Fieldtrip

I can not wait to go to the museum of tolerance again. This is the first time I am going with my fiancé, and the second with professor H.

If anyone is going by themselves and does not want to walk alone come and talk to me and we can hang out!!

Or if you like me (sometimes) and want to be by yourself never mind haha.

So who is going on Sunday??

Yesica said...

Yesica Vasquez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #: 10??? (lost count)

Hello Fellow Classmates!

I love this hot weather! (I’m just always opposite)My house is always so damn cold so being out in the sun makes me happy =D

I had to miss class yesterday (not feeling good)
I had my corrected paragraph and everything =(
So how was class?? What did I miss?? & can anyone pass me the hw..
Thank you in advance btw =)

It’s a long weekend (yay!)

What’s everyone’s plans?!?! Anything fun going on

I’ll be in New York this weekend.. I take off tonight (red-eye) [Man, I hate planes =( turbulence scares the cr@p out of me]
====================================
Jenny: I would have called the cops.. Oh heck, I would of even told the lady something!! Having your kid in your lap wile driving! Are you kidding me.. Might as well dangle them out of your balcony (oh wait someone already did that) Even though I don’t have kids, I am very protective over the bf (boy-friend) nephews, I love kids. I wouldn’t of been able to keep my mouth shut!

Crazymommy said...

Jenny Guzman
English 100
Cerritos College
Post # not enough or way too many

Yesica

We have to read Only Daughter by Sandra Cisneros or Cathedral by Raymond Carver in the book we bought... but if you were not here you did not get one...Oh shoot hhmm..I wrote the authors name try to look it up.

Well the other thing you have to do is start the second paragraph of your essay which one are you doing the Cave or Homonyms?

Anonymous said...

Dalene Kolb
English 110
Golden West College
Post #6

Does anyone know if we can bring people to The Museum of Tolerance field trip on Sunday?

~Dalene

John Hsiao said...

Professor Hsiao
English 100/103/110
CC/GWC
Post idk

Congratulations on 401!

Nice work Esmeralda

Jenny, keep up the posting. . .

Dalene, you may bring a friend to the MOT if you wish.

Talia, is right. . .

The breadth and range of topics discussed for the caves was/is sincere and precise--truth.

I will send out e-mails about MOT tomorrow.

I Threw It! said...

Brandon Hebert
GoldenWest
Eng110
Post: 3

Maria:

I cant see any reason to switch to digital besides the fact that digital is much MUCH easier to regulate. Its more difficult for rogue stations to broadcast. But then like you mentioned, anyone can use the internet to broadcast themselves or whatever they want, and as is the current case, there is no legislation in place to control the internet. There are a few laws that cross into the domain(such as child pornography/pedophilia laws, banking laws.)

I Threw It! said...

Brandon Hebert
GoldenWest
Eng110
Post: 4

Homonyms

Im pretty sure I understand the concept of this piece. Two trees, one an Oak, and one a Maple, can be distinguished through their given names. Yet, since they are classified under tree, both are synonyms for the word tree, and the word tree becomes a homynym for both an oak and a maple.

One passage confuses me: Homonyms 2(2): " the idea of a thing is the thing itself. this anonymous homonymy is the idea."

In keeping with the rhetoric of the essay: by classifying it as a thing, doesn't one create a homonym of the word thing? Agamben says: "Whatever.....is precicely and only for this reason unnameable." Whatever can be a point of departure since it can mean everything, or, in my point of view, whatever can be homonymous for everything...

help.

Im Charming said...

Romero, George
English 103
CC
Post #....

If you want peace prepare for war

Now one may come to realize that we live in a world of free minds and those who have not been freed. One thing we may all agree on is that in times of war we fight for peace which is rather valiant but in truth alittle naive. one must understand that the idea of peace is the right way to go but to believe in it as the answer to all of our problems and as the salvation that mankind is in need of is extremely one-sided. Now those who may be reading this may ask themselfs "What the hell is this kid saying?", but one has to open there eyes and ask themselfs what is peace? This peace that many advocate for, plead for, fight for, and die for is nothing more then a false reality that one pictures when all human beings will accept one another. As George Clemenceau stated "I dont know whether War is an interlude of Peace, or Peace is an interlude of War.", which to many that have accepted this cruel reality is the sad truth. Now before everyone starts telling me how ignorant and one-sided i am one has to understand that rather the praying for the end of all wars why now prepare for them? The truth of the matter is that war will never end but rather be postponed. As stated by Bertrand Russell "War does not determine who is right, only who is left."

Kistos said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kistos said...

Veronica Vasquez
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #8

@ Yessica

If you need Copies of Daughter and Cathedral, I have them already on my PC. I can email them to you (or anyone that needs them) this once.

Email me at Kistos@gmail.com if anyone needs these.

Im Charming said...

Romero, George
English 103
CC
Post #....

The Death of Martial Arts

I have always been a huge fan of martial arts, and on the day of November 12, 1990 somthing amazing was born. The UFC was born and gave the opportunity for many masters of many different arts to participate in hand to hand combat. Such a brilliant idea for many who wanted to show there styles and family styles to the world. Tragically as of lately MMA has become nothing more than a pointless fad for many ideots who think they can "fight" to go about boasting that they take "MMA classes". What happened to the honer behind this art? who decided that any chump can come into the octagon and participate with real fighters just because they "paid enough". The only good thing about the situation is that with all fads they eventually begin to die out, so in due time this will pass. Now i understand that any individual may become a fighter, but they have to have the right stuff. The most important thing about martial arts is not how much you know about fighting its the fact that you have the heart and the respect not only for the art but also your fellow fighters.

fastlearner said...

I wonder what to expect from this class; every day seems like a new adventure that could lead to something good.

I Threw It! said...

Brandon Hebert
GoldenWest College
Eng110
Post: 5

George, I agree on both of your posts. War is inevitable unless we all agree on everything. Take our political system for example. Why do we not have war in America? We do. Obama is in the white house, democrats are in control. That means the republican philosophy has merely agreed to postpone the 'war' for four years. There are always two ideas that are both right but cannot coexist. hence war. Words only go so far but when its time to decide between gummy worms and licorice someones got to give in.

I agree with you on MMA as well. Its really turned MMA into a cheap street fad. But we all know Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, or any other real MMA master could pwn the UFC champions

JGreenroyd said...

Joshua Greenroyd
English 110
GWC
Post #2

Brandon, George

MMA itself will never die. The term MMA is just referring to a style of more than one martial art. If a person can perform Tae Kwon Do, and Western Boxing, than by definition they are a mixed martial artist (MMA). The whole octogan ring television event fights may end. Oh well. We will all have to deal with that if we are fans. However, the sport itself will never fade away. Martial Arts has been with the world for longer than any of us know. I personally know, being a martial artist myself, that it will never leave me. I rather see people train, and have fun, instead of beating the snot out of each other. I see the martial arts as a way to train for the one life or death moment in time. The time when the only thing possible is to use what you know to make yourself safe. Part of learning martial arts is learning to be disciplined. If you cannot control yourself from hurting someone for no reason, you are not a master of martial arts at all.

FallenAngel_23 said...

Brian Jimenez
English 100
CC
Post#10

George,

Well some of the points you make are true but that why one that does MMA trains hard to work up to the top....for those that take the easy way out will pay and lose so why does it matter.....only the ones that make a great effort will suceed in life.....but everyone has there own opinion...i also respect that fighters should respect one another...now a days you don't see that in people anymore......

I Threw It! said...

Brandon Hebert
GoldenWest
Eng110
Post: 6

Just thought this was a relevant quote to the whole MMA/UFC thread:

"those who live by the sword, die by the gun."

FallenAngel_23 said...

Brian Jimenez
English 100
CC
Post# 11


JGreenroyd,

Hey, I liked what you say about mixed martial arts.....also about the part about not hurting others....and having fun.....thats the way it should be but some do not take it that way and want to hurt others.....those are the people I dislike and have no respect for themselves nor the person.....I wanted to ask you something.....you said that you would only use it when that moment comes but when it does its hard.......the reason i say this is because I have been car jacked at gun point right in front of my house......the man holding the gun was at a point were you could of taken the gun away but when the moment comes your mind just shuts down and you feel that the things you learned you just forget it in that moment.....FEAR is what stops you.....so in my opinion i think when it comes to competing its not bad....because when you fight you get all these emotions running threw your body at ones, just now you would when your life is endangered.....and also I do not compete to hurt anyone nor do I like to but for the reason is to test myself.Just like in school we do homework to improve and test's to put what you really learned. Thats why I like putting my skills to the test and never lose respect for other fighters......I compete for what I love doing........just like anybody else for what they love......

dkennedy7 said...

Danielle Kennedy
English 110
Golden West College
Post #1

good evening everyone, wanted to say hi and to let you all know, this class might seem scary but in the end ( more towards the middle) you will become part of a family you never would have been in prior. i wish you all luck and want you to know i will be more than happy to help you. Tuesday Thursday class (the early birds: 8:00 am) feel free to ask any questions if you are afraid of asking Mr. Hsiao. :D

FallenAngel_23 said...

Brian Jimenez
English 100
CC
Post#12

Brandon,



"Those who live by the sword,die by the gun".....can you explain this quote in detail please....tell me what are your thought about it......

Im Charming said...

Romero, George
English 103
CC
Post #....

Brian, and Joshua

Im glad to hear that there are still true practioners and believers out there that still see the essence of martial arts. Joshua i understand where you are coming from because in reality martial arts was mainly developed for the sole purpose of war not for compitition. Now while i am not trying to advocate for its past all i am saying is that i know it has been around for quite awhile. Now when i refere to the individuals that just pay there way onto the big stage is because it just hurts to see that many believe that they can just merely "pay" to fight others who have actually trained and started from the bottom. I realize that even after martial arts fades away from the public eyes it will still of course live on in the souls of true warriors who may not look at it as just a hobbie, but rather as a way of life. In the end I wish only wish peace and safty to all those who wish to learn and practice this old and beautiful art.

The King in Yellow said...

Jon Croft
English 110
Golden West College
Post #2

Homonyms

I'll agree 100% with Brandon regarding his paragraph on Homonyms, because I came to the same conclusion by thinking of writing instruments (pen & pencil). It may not be as precise as using trees, but it seems to work.

@ Brandon

When Agamben is talking about "the idea of a thing being the thing itself", I believe he is just using the word "thing" as a placeholder.

If that is in fact true, you could take the word "shoe", or "horse" and substitute them into that sentence (the idea of a horse is the horse itself).

It seems plausible, because earlier in the excerpt there are instances of words that are defined solely through their definitions (shoe and horse.

In regards to the last bit, I think the anonymity of a homonym is whatever wording links them together. Without using concepts or classes, and by using a combination of letters, the objects are linked.


Then again, I could be waaaaay off in left field.



P.S. I <3 you metaphysics, you actually make me think.

John Hsiao said...

Brandon,

I believe that Jon has helped extend your thoughts. . .

Jon,

talks about the placeholder and uses the Whatever singularity in that aspect. . .

Very good discussion, and Jon you are correct:

metaphysics is a beautiful yet very abstract "thing."

***

George, Josh, Brandon, and Brian,

Good discussion on the essence of MMA and where it is going.

Alonso, do you want to add in?

Anonymous said...

Monique Gutierrez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #14

Donnie Darko and Homonyms

There is a quote in the movie Donnie Darko that I think can relate with Homonyms. Here's the quote.

Donnie: Life isn't that simple. I mean who cares if Ling Ling returns the wallet and keeps the money? It has nothing to do with either fear or love.

Kitty Farmer: Fear and love are the deepest of human emotions.

Donnie: Okay. But you're not listening to me. There are other things that need to be taken into account here. Like the whole spectrum of human emotion. You can't just lump everything into these two categories and then just deny everything else!

When we were analyzing Homonyms in class, it made me think of this scene of the movie. Has anyone seen it? Amazing movie!

I Threw It! said...

Brandon Hebert
GoldenWest College
Eng110
Post: 7

Brian:

I like your point on testing. Indeed, many martial artists 'spar' with one another to test their skill. There used to be four 'wude'(woodoo, chinese). They were guidelines for real martial artists and one of them was not showing off your moves. Thats a modern translation anyway.

that quote i said, what i mean is this: The sword and martial arts are intertwined because both can enhance the other. You have to train really hard to become a great swordsman or martial artist. Often during this training comes respect, discipline, and honor. Not so with the gun. In many cases you just pick it up and fire. Josh, no disrespect, but if we think martial arts will save us in that life/death situation, we arent considering many scenarios with guns. THe person isnt always close enough to take the gun, what if there are two perps? drive by? Chris rock said it another way: "any punk can shoot someone from across the room, but it takes a man to get close enough to stab" even though thats taken from a comedy bit, its true.

Jon: I agree, he was using it as a placeholder, but thats sortof my point. by using any word as a 'placeholder' he is removing that object from out-of-language. Which i thought was his whole point:
-by assigning any word to an object, it can then participate in a class, and thus it becomes a homonym and a synonym for that class.-
give me more thoughts

Anonymous said...

Monique Gutierrez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #15

The Mall

I went to the mall yesterday with my sister. The mall has changed alot since I was a teenager. I miss my favorite stores. Limbo Lounge was this retro store I used to go to. Time Out was a arcade I would go to when I was younger too. I wonder if they're still going to have a Haunted House in the mall this year? It sucks that there arn't that many music stores around anymore. I see that vinyl stores are coming back. When Tower Records closed down I wanted to cry like a baby. So, when I go to stores now I tend to not get attached too easily. The mall isn't the same as it used to be. I hate going into a store with sales clerks attacking me. I know it's there job but for once I'd like to shop in peace.

JGreenroyd said...

Joshua Greenroyd
English 110
GWC
Post #3

To the whole MMA discussion

This whole discussion is going very well. We all have very true, respectable points. Brian, what is fear essentially? Fear is just a high state of excitement in my mind. When a person is fearful, they get really anxious. Yes, this sometimes causes people to forget things. I see that as part of the training. Nobody is perfect, we all will freeze at one point in time. If someone is holding a gun to us at a distance there really is no good way to stop that person. Walking away is always the first thing to try. My master instructor told me yesterday that there will be times when we do not know what to do. Either we cannot did someone off of us, or just blank. He told us stick with the basics. Just to unleash everything on the person, bite, scratch, yell scream, punch non stop. If your life is truly in danger there is a very slim chance anyone can get out of that situation without being hurt. A person will get beat up, but you can still save a life. As for me, I put my all into my training. I act as if I am in trouble when I practice. Thats the key. Some things people cannot prevent. For instance, I am not a very big guy at all. Someone can easily pick me up and throw me across the room. If that happens, it happens. I just fight to get back up, and than either get away using my speed, or if worst comes to worse fight my way out. I see the martial arts as a way of living life. It makes me feel more secure sometimes out in this world. The biggest element I have on my side is surprise. Usually a person who is trying to hurt you is doing it because they do not think you will hurt them back.

I welcome anyone to talk to me if they want a few quick helpful tips on defense, or anything. I teach at a martial arts studio, and am here for the public.

The King in Yellow said...

Jon Croft
English 110
Golden West College
Post #3

Brandon: Well that's all I have so far, I can't think of anything meaningful to add to that.

One thing does interest me: you mentioned "out-of-language", is that somehow related to "being-in-language"? The dropping of knowledge would be most applicatory, as I am uninhibited of any impetueties.

Besides that, I'll see if I can think of anything productive before the MoT trip.

Tali_ya52 said...

busy busy day today at work.....
buissness is picking up, life is looking up, its not just the sun that seems brighter!

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

:D

abstractxbeauty said...

Samantha Navarro
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #11

Cathedrals

This story is an amazing illustration of a man's experience in changing his views about many things. At first he refers to the blind as just a blind person, describes qualities that he thought every blind person held but this blind man does not have, like having a cane, wearing sunglasses and not smoking. The narrator says, "I thought I knew that much and that much only about blind people." The only things he thought he knew about blind people he now sees are not true, he realizes he cannot classify a blind person by one definition.
The narrator starts seeing the blind man as his own person when he starts seeing things from the blind man's perspective, with the story of his wife that has just passed away. After this realization, he refers to him by his name, Robert. This now gives the blind man a name, not just a classification.
In paragraphs 25-27, the narrator attempts to describe a cathedral he sees on TV to Robert, he is describing the physical description, not what a cathedral actually represents because he is not a spiritual person. When the blind man asks the narrator to draw a cathedral on heavy paper with his eyes closed, this experience leads the narrator to slowly draw the cathedral as he imagines it. The importance of having his eyes closed is so he can experience the world as the blind man does. The significance of the cathedral is the narrator's enlightment toward seeing the world through different eyes. He says, "I didn't feel like I was inside anything." He is not 'being' through his body, but being through his senses.
There is so much more to this story, like the wife and her "dirty looks" toward her husband, but I will blog about it later, I really want to break it down further. It seems like every paragraph adds importance to the story.

Diana Amezcua said...

Diana Amezcua
English 103
Cerritos College
Post # 8


Only Daughter by Sandra Cisneros

Coming from a Hispanic background myself, I can totally relate with Sandra Cisneros story. As I was growing up I remember comments from my dad’s side of the family, about a women’s role; get married, have children and be a house wife. I don’t have anything against being a house wife but, do believe there’s more to life than just that. Indeed, when I was young I believed that by the age of 20 I would be married and with at least a baby or two by my side. I later realized that you are your own master therefore, can determine the path you want to travel. My dad’s side of the family always interrogates me in family gatherings, and questions why I am not married and have children at my age (25). I then came to the conclusion that, I was not capable of raising a family at that age. Indeed, I was not ready mentally or financially to raise my family. But I do agree with Sandra Cisneros dad, about college being an investment, because you do end up investing a lot of things. But unlike him I believe that we invest our time and effort, to get a better education for a brighter future. And it is not an investment on our future husband, like he said. I do thank God for having the mother I have, which was the one that made my dad realize everything and supported us to continue studying. Indeed, like Sandra Cisneros dad, mines too changed his way of thinking and then encouraged us to be independent and pursue our dreams.

“Use this,” my father said, tapping his head, “and not this,” showing us those hands.”

abstractxbeauty said...

Samantha Navarro
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #12 or #13

Ok so for sure now I will be going to Puerto Nuevo with my parents and uncle and aunt.. I wasn't sure until today..So I will sadly be missing the fieldtrip.. But a vacation is much needed..

I'll see you guys next week!

John Hsiao said...

These are Samantha Shepherd's posts:

Samantha Shepherd writes

So apparently I just realized that I've been doing this whole blogging thing wrong and that none of my posts have actually been posted. So I'm going to copy and paste all the posts that I have written (from my own personal blog that you can find on my profile Hsaio if you don't believe me, haha) and put them here. Talk about confusion!

-----------------------------------

Samantha Shepherd
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #3
After getting a stern talking to from Mr. H, instead of going home and knocking out on my day off because I've been running on a few hours sleep from earlier this week, I dragged myself to the computer lab to get the first half of my homework out of the way. I looked over all the poems, and I believe the one that stuck out to me the most (in other words, the easiest one to write about because I am running on no sleep here) was The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. In the poem he talks about how the protagonist was wandering around in the woods and that he came to a fork in the road. There was a divergence of two different roads and they both looked beautiful to him, but one seemed to be traveled on more. He decided then to go down the road "less traveled" because he felt that it had the "better claim" (in other words looked more appealing). He walks down the road and he says that all the difference was in taking the road less traveled by people.
I believe that this poem can be applied to the many things that we were discussing today regarding Homonyms. We talked about how there are many classifications that we, as human beings, place ourselves and other people in, but how in reality, we would find it much better if we didn't have any classifications, if we didn't label which would be the road less traveled. How much better would our lives be, how free could we be if we didn't label ourselves. Labeling, stereotypes, classifications and any other synonym that you can come up with just provides us with yes, organization, but limitations as well. I'd rather be chaotic in mind and be free to be any kind of person that I want to be, without being judged by society because of the certain specific classifications that I am placed in. Yes, I know that that sounds hypocritical because the other day I mentioned that I label myself as a good (for the most part), Catholic girl, but those are just limitations that I put on myself because I believe that they can make me a better person. The limitations that I am speaking of that relate to this poem are those that are of race, intelligence, school, friends, personality traits such as being nice, bitchy, stupid, etc. and even where one lives.
I think that if we find ourselves in a position where we can choose not to be judgmental and if we could take the road less traveled, it really would "make all the difference."
Posted by WldntULikToKno at 3:31 PM 0 comments

John Hsiao said...

Samantha Shepherd writes


-----------------------------------

Samantha Shepherd
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #2
After reading Homonyms, by Giorgio Agamben, I felt there was a correlatio between what he wrote and The Allegory of the Cave. I felt that like The...Cave, Homonyms was talking about how there are varying realities for one idea or object. As I discussed in my last post, I mentioned the differences in realities that one may have through their experiences whether they are raised in a suburban city or a violent one. I feel that Agamben took this idea of varied realities and applied it to a specific word. For example, Agamben explains that the word red can be more than just its definition: a color. It can also signify blood, Christmas or even an emotion like anger. One of the things that struck me as being the most similar idea between the two pieces of literature was that I wrote down in my notes (pertaining to the seventh paragraph of Homonyms) was that you can't distinguish an object because of its place in "reality". Someone in class demonstrated this concept to me by mentioning how the word "shoe" will always consist of the same letters s-h-o-e, but the meaning can change. Just how word meanings develop and change over time, the same can be applied to the simple noun "shoe". Now how does this relate to The Cave? Well, the many prisoners were not able to distinguish objects that passed by them because of their place in their reality-their chains and imprisonment. They were only confined to seeing the shadows of objects. You can take an object like an umbrella and it will create its own shadow. Now, you can also get construction paper and cut it out to look like an umbrella and placing it in the light it can create the same shadow shape. No matter what the object truly is, as long as the shadow is the same that is its reality, that is its truth. That shape of the shadow of an umbrella will always be the same, but how you got to that shape can always be changed as well.
Posted by WldntULikToKno at 1:17 PM 0 comments

-----------------------------------

Monday, August 24, 2009

Post #1
Samantha Shepherd
English 103
Cerritos College Post 1
Upon reading The Allegory of the Cave, written by Plato, I discovered that Plato was trying to emphasize that one's truth may not be another's. He describes the upbringing of prisoners that are only allowed to see shadows of objects, but not the objects themselves. This being the only thing that they are being subject to, their reality becomes something that those who aren't prisoners take no notice of. He then explains that if we were to take each one out of their element then they would not prosper as well as if they were to stay where they were accostomed to. This can be applied in the everyday world with the differences of circumstances with people that live in the ghetto and those of ordinary, middle-class. The reality of those that live in very violent cities is that they have to be very wary of their surroundings so that they have a better chance of survival from gangs, etc even if they are taking a stroll in the park. Anyone else that lives in a less violent city do not have to always be on alert when they take the same kind of walk through the park because their reality is that they live in a safe zone where no harm can be done. If you were to take a gangster and place them in a more violent city, they would "be ridiculous", as Plato puts it, walking through the park looking over their shoulder ever minute because that is what they know to be the truth of survival.

John Hsiao said...

This is Belinda Reed's post:

She writes

Belinda Reed
English 100
Cathedral

Read the Story Cathedral and found it quite interesting. So often we take the sense of eye sight for granted. Though I wear glasses, and have had a lazy eye sense birth, I still found myself comparing myself to a totaly blind person. I'm thankful that I'm not totaly blind. Three quarters of the way into the story, and having a pretty good idea where it was headed. I could'nt believe it when out of know where the one fellow asked the blind man if he wanted to smoke some dope. I could not stop laughing. Professor I hope this is what you are looking for.

I read both short stories, Only daughter and Cathedral,and fouun both heart warming and interesting to read.I decided to post on Cathedral. So here i am reading this story about a blind man, then all of sudden i found myself wondering what it would be like to be totaly blind, so often we take the main senses that we have for granted.The eye sight is one of our main senses.Eventhough I wear glasses, and have had a lazy eye sense birth. I'm thankful that I'm not totaly blind.I was shocked when i was three quarters of the way through reading, and out of no where the one fellow asked the blind man if he wanted to smoke some dope. It totaly chaged where i thought the story was headed. Anyway I enjoyed it alot. and Professor Hsaio I hope Im on the right track for blogging.

Tali_ya52 said...

the brush drips paint
red paint
dripping all the while
leaving a trail behind
a shadow always following
a mark of everywhere
the brush has been
its slows
eventually dries
scabbing at the bristles
until the rain falls
dragging the red down
deep into the ground

cutebutcrazyj said...

Jasmyne Young
English 110
Golden West College
Post#2

Sorry Mr. Hsiao, I did my first post wrong, but I got it now :)

The Allegory of the Cave

This piece of literature reminds me of certain aspects of christianity. Plato starts off by describing the world of a sinner. A sinner is trapped in a cave of torture and turmoil, so close to hell, they can feel it. But there are those sinners that are set free from such pain and get to know the beauty that is God and His creations. At first, it is a painful journey of getting used to the light, but in the end it is worth the trip of getting to know God and being able to see clearly through the darkness. The saved sinner then looks back at their past life and takes pity on those whoi are still going through the unnecessary hurt. The saved one enjoys what they are blessed with and does not dwell on material blessings anymore. But, Plato then argues that it is better to have never known the light and stayed in darkness than to know the beauty og the light and stumble back into the darkness, looking like a fool to those stuck in the darkness. Palto also states that in the intellectual world, God comes last. And if God is thought of, He is finally thought of as the Creator of all and ruler of all that He is.

☣T ĐŻ I N I☣ said...

Maria Ascencio
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #5

Only Daughter by Sandra Cisneros

"Being an only daughter in a family of six sons forced me by circumstances to spend a lot of time by myself...Not that aloness, that loneliness, was good for a woul-be writer- it allowed me to think and think, to imagine , to read and prepare myself."

I have an older brother that is two years older than me. When we were little we would play and spend time together. As we grew up we grew distant from each other. It was only he and I until I was about nine; when my sister was born. I was the middle child and really had no one to do things with. My brother would not play with me anymore. My sister was a baby so there was nothing I could do. What I ended up doing was reading. I had no one to talk to nor play with. I would be in my room reading for hours. This actually helped me improve my reading skills.

"Use this," my father said, tapping his head, "and not this," showing us those hands. He always looked tired when he said it.

This caught my attention because it reminded me of my dad and I. Not just with me but with my borther as well. He would tell us and still does, continuously, to pally ourselves to our studies. To finish school and work in and office with the A.C. on and what not. To use our brain rather than our hands. He did not want us to end up woking doing somthing he was ashamed of for not finising school. He worked for the company Speedo; they we out of bussiness and had to find another job. He would bad mouth lower jobs, and he ended up working as a custodian.

"Where can we get more of these for the relatives?"

Of all the wonderful things that had happend that year, that was the most wonderful.

What this reminded me of was my sophomore year in high shcool. I have NEVER failed a class at school. The lowest grade I have recieved since I started recieven grades has been a C-. To my dad, C was meaningless. I have recieved good grades with the lowes being atleast a C, but he was never satisfied. My sophomore year, I recieved a 3.96. He was happy for once and actually hugged me and congratulated me for it.

JGreenroyd said...

Joshua Greenroyd
English 110
GWC
Post#4

Homonyms

Synonyms are two words that mean the same "thing". Homonyms is one "thing" that means two words. I'm going to the placeholder thought on this text, just like Brandon and Jon did. I believe Agamben is using the word "thing" as the definition of the words. If we translate it with that it comes out this way. Synonyms are two words that have the same "definition". A homonym is one definition that has two words to accompany it. When I first read this I thought of the human race. We are essentially made up of different races. If we look closely at each of these races we are all one "thing", which are humans. We are all humans. Humans can mean we are Native American, white, Hispanic, so on and so forth. A human is a homonym for different races, and race is a synonym that can be broken down into the homonym humans. We are all the human race. "The idea of a thing is the thing itself...but the thing insofar as it is named by the name." The definition of a thing is the thing itself. You cannot know this thing unless you know the name of the thing. Therefore, the definition of a thing is the name of the thing. We need both the definition and name of a thing in order to be able to truly classify it as that object (thing). If we are given just the definition we come across a paradox when that definition is a homonym. If we are given just a name, we come across another paradox when the name is a synonym. However, if we are given the name and definition we can fully understand the object, and have found a back door to both paradoxes. We have correctly classified the thing into its categories in our minds that have always been there. There are no new categories. This is what I have deduced from the passage on Homonyms by Agamben.

I Threw It! said...

Brandon Hebert
GoldenWest
English110
Post: 8

Samantha Shepherd:

loved your connection between allegory and homonyms. I think you are onto something with shadows and reality. But it made me wonder. What if one saw a shadow of an umbrella but turned around and found out it was just an umbrella shaped trash can? then the shadow would not be the truth. or, what if one saw the shadow of a circle but turned around and saw that it was just the umbrella facing towards the wall?

One final example: when the sun is low our shadows become elongated on the ground, but that does not make US any taller.

You are right though, words often change meanings over time. I believe you used the word 'truth', and having many truths, a common stoic philosophy today. This is sortof a point of departure but if there are many truths then there can be no truth. If we cant all agree on a truth then we cant believe anything, because what would be true to me would not be accepted by the next. I dont know maybe im just rambling now.

Josh:

I disagree. "the definition of a thing is the thing itself". I believe that quote means when we think of a bird we understand because we know what a bird is. If i am told to think of a bird i dont think of the word. I think of a chicken. If asked to think of a seagull I would think of the actual seagull, because it is the thing that defines the word, not the other way around. Or maybe im completely wrong.

JGreenroyd said...

Joshua Greenroyd
English 110
GWC
Post#5

Brandon
What you are saying is that when you think of the word bird, you think of the name of a certain bird, a chicken. That is why I said to fully understand something, and to be able to categorize it, we must have the definition and name of the word. We would all think of a different type of bird if only given that information. That is why bird would be a homonym. It creates the paradox. Why a chicken, and not a dove? This is why I believe we need both the definition and name of the thing. Of course, we all have different opinions on everything, all of us are just as much right as we are wrong in anothers view.

ANDEEZY said...

Andy Tran
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #7

Someone slap me please!

Today I woke up early and arrived in the school parking lot c-11. It was 9:25am and I didn't see anyone. I thought I missed the bus. So I called and woke up my friend to get me directions to the museum of tolerance. I ended up driving up to glendale haha. Made a U-turn and finally ended up on Robertson. The horror doesn't stop there. I end up doing circles all around robertson blvd. I eventually find myself in some alley and find an old man washing his car. I asked if he knew where the museum was and finally got proper directions. A little more driving and I finally find the museum. I parked my car in a neighborhood right next to the museum. I proceed to walk up to the door and find out it was locked. I look at the plaque at the front of the museum and said Saturday closed! I was totally tripping out. I my friend to check an email I received from Hsiao a week ago and in it, it said Sunday. HAHA! I could have sworn I read Saturday. Man...I'm totally out of it! But anyways I ended up shopping around in L.A. and met up friends whom lived around L.A. and Glendale. I got a good kick out of today's adventure...HAHA!

John Hsiao said...

Professor Hsiao
English 100/103/110
CC/GWC
Post idk

Andy,

If it makes you feel any better, this has happened before with other students. I also sent out an e-mail earlier today--I wish you had read it, but it sounds like quite the adventure and turned out to be a great day.

Brandon and Josh,

You both are leading the conversation

and

are correct in both interpretations with the connotation (signified) of the word be it a bird, dove, seagull, etc.

In semiotics, a sign is "something that stands for something else, to someone in some capacity" .

Thusly, the word, homonym, even synonym as likely derivations and similarities.

The definition can be understood as a discrete unit of meaning, and includes words, images, gestures, scents, tastes, textures, sounds - essentially all of the ways in which information can be communicated as the symbol, such as bird you both used as the example.

Yes

WldntULikToKno said...

Samantha Shepherd
English 103
Post %^*&^$#&* (aka IDK)

Hahahha Andy that sounds like fun I hope you tell us about it tomorrow!
Anyways, I'm camping in San Diego right now. It's more like city camping because it's not hardcore or anything but it's still pretty relaxing. I wanted to go to the Pomona Fair with my great friend Priscilla this weekend, but alas, it shall have to wait 'till next week. Anyways, it's starting to get late and I have to wake up early for the drive back down to LA juuuuust for the field trip. I'm stoked!

Hope everyone's having an amazing weekend!

Crazymommy said...

Jenny Guzman
English 100
Cerritos College
Post # Mucho

Change

Why do thing change??

Why do we change what we like to eat? Things I ate when I was small I now find disgusting.
The shows we watch and the music we listen to change.
The things we do as we get older change. Why can't people just go to the park and relax?
Why do people suddenly change for the worst? Like when they get a bf/gf they act like they do not like you, but when they have problems they come running back to you.
Why do things that matter when we are young no longer matter when we are older? Like dreams, and goals.
Why places you went before to change completely when you go again?


(Sigh)
I really hate being responsible.

Anonymous said...

Monique Gutierrez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #16

Flashing Lights

I think it's weird how I can remember stuff from when I was a child. Everytime I hear disco music I pictures blue and red flashing lights. My father was a DJ and would have parties in the backyard. I remember waking up from my parents bed and walking around the backyard in my pajamas. My fathers friends patting me on the head as I walked by. I think I get my love of music from my father. His DJ equipment and vinyls are in storage now, but I'm hoping one day he'll give them to me.

I Threw It! said...

Brandon Hebert
GoldenWest
Eng110
post: 9

Jenny Guzman:

Ive struggled with change so much in the last 3 years. I was just telling my friend the other day, my life, my routine. my friends, everything is so different than it was just a month ago. However, i believe i can always make my future whatever i want, even if its my past. let the good times roll not change eh? heh.

Josh:

yah thats what i mean. i didnt think of the word chicken. i thought of the actual animal. i wouldnt be able to tell you that without the word chicken though.

also, you were talking about opinions and views. While i respect others' opinions, i dont believe all opinions are valid. "all of us are just as much right as we are wrong in others views". mmm i dont know if i agree with that, because that would insinuate the non existence of a final truth, or fact. Some of us have the wrong views. I still view things the wrong way in a lot of instances. Consider a racist. Would the above quote hold in that sense? I like to argue, because it is a 'sparring' of sorts, between two opposing opinions. It promotes the search for the final true opinion, when it can become fact instead of just an opinion. Of course there are many topics where no one can be right at the moment. Like abortion. I dont believe it is right but i respect those who do believe in abortion, because i have no way of convincing them otherwise. That means that my opinion is just that: my opinion, and it would be ignorant to force it upon someone else. Anyway, give me some thoughts

Stephanie Wold said...

Stephanie Wold
English 110
Golden West College
Post #1

Hi everyone. I hope I'm blogging in the correct spot. If I am not, I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction! :] I hope everyone has a great Sunday.

Im Charming said...

Romero, George
English 103
CC
Post #....

Museum of Tolerance

Such an interesting place, because regardless of how many times you go there it seems like you never realy get used to it. I went in with the mentality that "i have been here about four times with another under my belt", yet every time i hear those sorrowful tales of death and carnage of the innocent it just boils the blood. I just find it ironic how such normal people such as you and I whom would never contemplate murder and death would be so compelled to gleefully rape and pillage the innocent. How such a normal docter could become the notorious Angel of death with the raising of his scalpel he would mutilate innocent souls taking away all that which had made them human, and all of this in the name of science. These horrific tales of murding of innocent newborns that will forever be a curse within the history of the Holocaust. All of this within the halls of the museum for all to see, because these stories are not meant to be hidden but rather be remembered for eternity. These events that should not be forgotten, but rather be learnt from.

Kistos said...

Veronica Vasquez
English 103
Cerritos College
Post#9

Reflection: Museum of Tolerance

Although probably the 9th time I go to this museum (3rd this year now), there is always something new I learn every time I go.

There is always that change of atmosphere when you enter the holocaust section in the museum; I always get chills going in (probably the A.C. though). Before I entered, I kept thinking about what I was going to do when I got home for the holiday. All that was changed when I entered into a surreal world that for a while I had hoped was fake. The amount of information you gain is so overwhelming that at certain points in the tour I was starting to lose faith in humanity itself. I could not believe how ignorant we can be at times, and yet get past these events as if it never happened.

The tour guide (his name escapes me) did a brilliant job in setting the mood, and opening our eyes to the real world. Today was my first time ever doing the interviews with the TV's, and the women's rights questionnaires on abuse/rape.

Finally, the story we heard from Tim and Matthew was a huge eye opener. For the first time in my life I had met a retired punk-nazi that admitted to their wrong-doings. What was most beautiful about their speeches was that they were truthful, and not all "of course I forgave him right away!"

Very fun experience, thank you Mr. Hsiao!

Kistos said...

Veronica Vasquez
English 103
Cerritos College
Post#9.5

Sorry for the double post, but I would like a copy/link of the pictures you took of the group Mr. Hsiao! Kthx!

x7michael7x said...

Michael Swisher
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #10

How do I love my father the way he wishes, while loving my son, the way he deserves?

Tim Zaal, a former white-supremacist and gang member, spoke today in an open-forum discussion. Our class attended, and I was drawn in very close. I was unable to pose the question I have written above to Mr. Zaal due to time constraints. Let me explain the question further. Tim Zaal grew up in a self-described “racist” family. He learned is bigotry from his father and family members, which is a common case. To quote him “People are not born racist.” It is truly a learned behavior. It can be self-taught, but much more likely, is learned at home or from peers. Tim Zaal described how there was a struggle at home, that we didn’t “get along” with family members. The way he portrayed his childhood (albeit vague and short) left me in awe of how much it resembles my upbringing. My father is a hateful person. He portends about under the guise of Christianity, but I know my father’s heart. From a very early age my father, and his father, demonstrated distrust and anger towards other races. They were not cap-wearing, charter members of the KKK, but they didn’t need to be. It was evident that they were of a certain school of thought, and I happen to disagree. I married a hispanic woman. I would love my wife whether she was white, brown, or purple with orange polka dots (well, maybe not ORANGE polka dots). Things such as my marriage have very much so separated me from my father both in ideology and practice. I greatly wish to not perpetuate negative behavior, and misunderstanding with my son. I want him to see the world for truth, and not to spite it. So again, for my question, I do not see solution. I really don’t wish for posted answers, honestly, because I know there is not a simple solution. It is more a rhetorical commentary that may find a kindred victim amongst the other bloggers.

Tien Tran said...

Tien Tran
English 110
GWC
Post #1

Museum of Tolerance

George

It is very disheartening to learn of the doctor taking away innocent lives with a baseless reason for doing so. What makes his position even more morbid is the fact that his main and sole definition of being who he is is to save lives. And because of that fact, he can not be labeled as a “normal doctor” or a “normal person” overall. He may have started out on the steps of this Earth as “normal,” but through his environment, ideas he were exposed to, and people he met throughout his life, his character and perceptions were skewed and distorted along the way. In the end, he chose to become a twisted version of the “Angel of Death.”

Veronica

Although the amount of information may not be your regular daily dose of new information, do not lose face in humanity! It may be overwhelming and you may lose grasp of hope, but realize the fact that because events like such happened, the future can be changed and others will not go through another World War.

As for I, the tour today seem to have given me a heavy weight on my shoulders. Until I have done my part as a citizen of humanity by speaking out for those who can not, then that weight will not be lifted from me.

The speakers today also stuck out to me. They were not your regular “professionals” whose poise and diction would make you want to go save the world at that instant. They did not follow a powerpoint presentation nor did they follow a guideline. They were different. They were raw and had real street cred to back it up. They spoke like us and kept the mood light but at the same time, added the needed touch of a sense of obligation. They kept it real and because of that, brought out the best of themselves.

Overall, it was a touching ending to a Sunday afternoon. Thank you Prof. Hsiao!

kayla said...

Kayla Marley
English 110
Golden West
Post 2

MOT.

Going to the Museum of Tolerance today was such a treat. Although this was my fourth time going my learning level of the museum always widens because of the different tour guides we are given. I really enjoyed my tour guide. He was great! I cannot remember his name, but he was from Liverpool, London. (Yeah, the first thing I thought about was the Beatles too!) But the way he talked about the Holocaust was something I have never experienced beforehand. He did an amazing job and I really enjoyed being taught by such an intelligent man. I also enjoyed going to the interview with Tim and Matthew. I think that by the way Matthew was expressing how he forgave someone and just to be the bigger person was so heartwarming to know that they are people out there like that. When I heard Matthew talk I just thought what a wonderful person and he is someone who is ten times as great as I am, and that I would love to be just like him and be able to not hold grudges. As for Tim I was so interested in what he had to say about his child. I think this is a story that proves the house that one grows up in is the way one will be when they grow older unless they recognize that being raised the way they were raised is wrong and they break the cycle. I think the situation with Tim and his son is unfortunate and I hope the best for their relationship. I am astonished that Matthew only had a seventh grade education and was the manager of the third largest Museums in the Los Angeles County. I hope to grow and be half the human being that both Matthew and Tim both are. This was a great way to spend a Sunday and thank you so much Mr. Hsiao for giving us students the opportunity that you gave us today. You are an amazing teacher. Thank you again.

Anonymous said...

Monique Gutierrez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post # 17

Only Daughter

I can relate to Only Daughter. Like Sandra Cisneros, I too seek the approval of my father. I am his first born daughter. Being the first daughter, I feel that I have to set a prime example for my younger sisters. I am constantly striving to make my father proud of me. In the back of my mind I am always thinking, would my father approve? My father has always wanted the best for me and my life. Even though he disagreed with some of the decisions I have made, he still is always there for me. The quote "My father represents then, the public majority. A public who is disinterested in reading, and yet one whom I am writing about and for, and privately trying to woo" struck a cord with me. I love to write. Some of the stuff I write about may or may not make sense at times, but regardless I still keep on writing. If I were to write something about my father, I wonder if he would be enjoy it? I manage to get him to crack a smile when he reads a card I made, but a major article? What ever would he think of me? I honestly don't know if my father thinks it's my destiny to become someone's wife. If it were up to him, I'd be single all my life I think! But, I know a special part of him wants me to get married. I know he wants to dance with me at my wedding one day. I love my father and I love hearing him laugh. This reading made me think of good memories with my father.

Anonymous said...

Dalene Kolb
English 110
Golden West College
Post #7

Reflection on Museum of Tolerance

Can I start off by saying wow? Though it was the second time I have been to The Museum of Tolerance, it still affects me as it did the first time I went. I cannot believe the way people were treated, tortured, and the conditions they were forced to endure. It is hard to believe that any human being would treat anyone like that, but to this day it is still happening.
The Museum of Tolerance is a remembrance of all of those who have lost their lives during horrid events such as the Holocaust, as well as many of other countless genocide that have taken place just in our lifetimes.
While I have been to the museum before and heard survivors of the Holocaust speak, I never heard the personal story of someone so close to home go through something as painful as living on the street and being left for dead. I have tremendous appreciation for Matthew for being able to communicate with hundreds of people every day as to fact of being gay. Along with the fact that he communicates with people on his orientation, I was amazed with the fact that he and Tim are friends, even with all the obstacles that they have encountered over the years.
Along with the Holocaust section of the tour, I enjoyed the In Our Time section. To be able to see that the strong amount of hatred is still going on just as powerful in the world today, is unbelievable. Although the world has seen much bloodshed, it has no desire to change the future. As in the We the People section of the tour, to change what is going on you would need just one person to act. One person can make all the difference.
Will the world ever learn from the past? Even with programs like The Museum of Tolerance, people still have the same set of values inscribed in them. Can you truly ever change a person? Can one person ever have enough effect on the entire world? Will the world ever learn from the past that they have put on themselves? How many people have to suffer, die before the world understands the consequences of their actions?

x7michael7x said...

Michael Swisher
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #11

Cathedral

Concerning the blind, who can see best? If I were to tell you that I thought of you as blind, would you turn me a deaf ear? I thoroughly enjoyed this tale, and no, not because it involved recreational drug use…. Ok, not ONLY because it involved recreational drug use. I believe, much as the female illustrated in the story, that the blind have much to share concerning what is most precious. The narrator of the story, initially, despised the notion of a “cripple” being treated as an equal in his home. Robert (the blind man) was only allowed in as a guest because the narrator’s wife guilted him into it. It was a wonderful anecdotal segment when Robert asked the narrator to become blind. I think this story was written in the first person narrative for a reason. The author wished for us all (the bigoted masses) to see the story as if it were ourselves being asked to accommodate this “cripple”.

What is a Cathedral? Is it not simply a large building or structure adorned with decoration, typically created using elaborate architecture? Is a Cathedral simply a building? No it is not. Much as the narrator quickly describes to Robert a Cathedral is an attempt by man to be closer to God. It is a direct affirmation of our belief in a higher power. A Cathedral, reaching ever higher, towers and looms over the crowds. Watches us from above, and (whether we desire it or not) has bearing in our lives. Must we not walk around it when we choose to pass it up? Must we not open the doors when we wish to enter? A Cathedral is a choice, a Cathedral is a monument of monumental motive. Robert, of course, cannot see the Cathedral. The narrator, without course, can. That, in and of itself, is a profound assumption. What can the blind teach the seeing? What can the seeing teach the blind? We cannot teach the blind to see, for they lack the physical capability. On the other hand, the blind can show the able what it is they can see. Do I truly see the Cathedral standing securely, ambiguously, and completely before me? Does my blind teacher? I cannot depict this structure accurate enough for my unlucky friend, but he surely can tell me when he believes such a thing to be, and that…… THAT is a Cathedral’s intention.

jaime Valadez said...

Jaime Valadez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post#7

Cathedral

At first this story seems to be a sad story about a blind man. As the story went on it showed to be much more than that. After reading the story it helped me better understand how most people classify people by a word. For example when in the story "bub" thinks about the blind man his first thought is a slow person who wears sunglasses and who does not smoke. He was completely wrong. By the end of the story not only was Robert not wearing sunglasses ,but was also smoking weed. The end of the story is when "bub" really understand where the blind man is coming from. They are both trying to draw a cathedral in the dark.

Raufiel M. said...

Raufiel Matias
English 110
Golden West
post #1

Just did my blog profile so I'm kinda testing out how this thing goes. Pretty much sure posting on the right blog.

The King in Yellow said...

Jon Croft
English 110
Golden West College
Post #4

MoT

As we toured through the Holocaust in our group, I began to wonder exactly why people would willingly embrace the ideas of a madman. Was there some advanced subliminal messaging going on in their media, or was it something else? I realized there was nothing complex going on. The only real occurrence was a massive group of people deciding that they did not want to think. In desperate situations, like those faced by the German population in the 1930's, people are just gullible enough to accept any solution.

Joeseph Goebbels, Hitler's Propaganda Minister, determined that people would believe and accept what he said if they heard it enough. Which, as history shows, they did. People either willingly embraced what was said, or accepted what was said out of fear. Seeing the footage of the smiling, indoctrinated youths screaming their praise for Hitler is the icing on the cake of the Holocaust.

FallenAngel_23 said...

Brian Jimenez
English 100
CC
Post#13

The Museum of Tolerance

This was my first time at this museum and didnt know what i was going to expect.When we first walked in we relieved a passport card from one of jewish members that were murdered or alive I did not know. The passport I attended was Benno Szulewitz born November 15 1931. This museum made me hate Hitler even more. How can one human being be able to go with such horrific murderers. That just takes the title was even being human. He called Jewish people sub-human, unfit, and monstars in society. If anything Hitler was all that and more. I came in the museum happy and left out angry and filled with hate. That man did not feel the pain of the Jewish people and ended his own life. He had a fast and easy death which the people he hated died slow and painfully. How is that fair? How is it that people just like us died for no reason but hate? The museum is truly a great place to learn a lot from the past. The purpose of the museum is for all to see, because these stories are not meant to be forgooten but leared from it. It must be ingrained into our brains so we surly cannot repeat history.In the end of our trip i sadly find out that the passport i was holding was one of a dead child. Benno's family and himself were never heard from again and was told that the exact circumstances of his death are not known. In the bottom of the paper this was printed in black bold letters "One and a half millon Jewish childern were murdered by the Germans and their collaboraters during the Holocaust" childen! young beautiful childern that had no right to just to killed for who they were. People just like you and I!

FallenAngel_23 said...

Brian Jimenez
English 100
CC
Post#14

Only Daughter by Sandra Cisneros

This story was really well written and showing emotion in detail about her stuggle in life. Living in a family were males domnate and woman follow normal customs like cooking, getting married, and baring children. Does not seem fair to me at all. Sandra pushed on with her life and dreams. She knew she was not just any other mexican girl going to follow in others foot steps but become a leader. Sandra was forced to grow up in such an early age. In the story she also did not enjoy her childhood for her six brothers did not play with her for being a girl.

Her life can be compared to a rose. Why i say that is because everyone starts from the bottom and we have to suffer the torns of the rose to order to reach the rewards of life which in this case was the beautiful red rose on the to. Sandra got her red rose when she heard these words coming out of her fathers mouth "Where can we get more copies of this for the relatives" at that moment she reached her true award and true happiness.

cellycell said...

Celina Rivera
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #10


Wow this weekend has been fun. It was so long, but with so much homework. I'm not saying I did not have fun. Fun was just not a priority so much this weekend. The best part about this weekend was tailgating at the USC game. The game was so amazing, but hot on the other hand. Came home after the great win. I was so burnt out from sitting in the hot gulling sun. I was tired, but hey I still had so much studying to do.

John Hsiao said...

Professor Hsiao
English 100/103/110
CC & GWC

MOT Picture

Veronica,

I posted a picture of all the students in attendance for MOT.

***

Blogging and Reflection Assignment

For those fortunate enough to go, post a reflection on what you experienced on the blogosphere as well as bring a hard copy as well next class.

(I will not accept late papers.)

***

MOT Reflection

I saw several students crying from the overwhelming atrocities of the Holocaust. It hit home in its zenith of the message in the simulated gas chambers in which students heard testimonies of the brutalities taken place.

I, we, will talk about that more in detail on Tuesday or Wednesday.

I have been looking forward to Matthew Boger and Tim Zaal speak since I saw them almost two years ago.

After 3 hours of visiting the Holocaust exhibits (then) and Holocaust exhibits (now, history repeating) in all their diverse and wide-ranging media, my students were tired emotionally, psychologically, and physically.

Nevertheless, Matthew and Tim's testimony at the end galvanized the small but packed auditorium. Matthew had to turn some people away.

Matthew's exceptional grasp of grace, in spite of almost facing certain death at the feet of Neo-Nazis, that night, including Tim, demonstrates the spirit of humanity. Matthew was so succinct and sincere with his philosophy of life and how he let go of the bitter and angry emotions because, they, the negativity, waste(s) time and a life. His ability to forgive Tim, his mother, and even his family (siblings) for their unspeakable treatment of him really is a testament to goodness of humanity.

Tim's testimony was exceptional as well. As succinct as Matthew's was, Tim was talking up a storm and told his with so much verve and expression. He was not as graceful per se, but just as visceral and matter-of-fact
similar to an open book. There are tidbits of Tim's story that I will share in class because keeping with the whole spirit of it all--like others have mentioned, they kept it real and light. Someone mentioned that as well--it was depressing but it was comedic with Matthew discussing learning forgiveness on National Geographic (T.V.) and Tim having a relationship with a Jewish woman and friendship with a gay (his words). I believe as others have mentioned that his curse or blessing, depending on how one looks at it is having a son (17 now) that suffered the consequences of all that learned hate and racism. Refreshingly, Tim offered up no excuses, but he admitted responsibility. Rare in today's society for that type of admission, I took it all in.

There was no script, and they fielded questions from us as well as the others in the audience in a packed house for half the time. At the end, with my students as well, I believe I enjoyed shaking both their hands and congratulating them on their spirit and activism in which they freely educate and give.

Both have and continue to suffer so gladly to embrace and endure their lives. As Tim mentioned, he needs to replace that hate (ignorance) with love (education). He had said that it is a cheap form of "therapy." They both seem to treasure the service they so aptly give.

Every commented on their docents, and I am glad you did. Both seemed to enjoy their jobs immensely, and I am glad we got partnered with such warm spirited guides.

Thank you for all those that attended.

Amber Decker said...

Amber Decker
English 103
GWC
Post #1
Hi I'm Amber. This is my first time blogging ever and I hope Im doing it right! I hope everyone has had a great labor day weekend!

MissCara said...

Cara Tiffany
English 110
Goldenwest
post #1

I did not really know what to expect on this field trip. I have been on many different ones before but this time I brought an 18-month-old baby girl named Makayla, and I was a little worried about what people would think or say. I was so surprised people loved her. I was so thankful for all of the help. Two guys specifically that were amazing, Brian and Michael, I could have enjoyed the trip if it was not for their help. I think Brian carried her for like two hours while she slept, and he did not even think twice. So thanks you guys really earned brownie points and I owe you. Over all I really enjoyed the trip. I have been there before but I feel like every time I leave there with a new feeling or a completely different message. I think that the hardest thing for me was seeing and hearing about the images and stories about all of the young children. It was very hard to look at these images. I thought about all of the children that I work with and how devastating it must have really been for all the people involved. Having a child next to me as I walked though was often hard because I could not imagine loosing her, or having Makayla go though any of the torture that all of the people went though during the holocaust. I really liked how the museum linked all the tragedy to our present lives, I really think that it’s important that we know that things like the holocaust are still going on and its our job to change the future by educating ourselves and the future generations.

Arcie said...

Arcelia Swarr
English 100
CC
Post #5? idk

Yesterday we went to the Museum of Tolerance, and it was amazing. I have been there before, about 9 or 10 years ago, when I was in high school, and it is always a new experience. I have sort of grown up surrounded by books on everything surrounding the holocaust. My step mom has such an interest in why Hitler did what he did, and how we was able to do it. She has 24 books in the house(I know, I counted) that vary in topics covering the holocaust. She has always had an interest in learning more about the holocaust, which is why I brought her with me to the museum. As I said before, I have already been there, but my step mom had not. Our first interactive experience was the round table discussions. Our tour group talked about child abuse, child labor, and basically crimes against children. Being a mom, it was hard for me to see such young children having to do physical labor and being victims of sexual abuse, slavery, and numerous other awful things. I kept seeing images of all the children and kept thinking, "that could be my little Austin, or my little Ethan, or even my baby Kaylee", that was hard. Then we moved on to the next part of our tour. I was doing good at keeping my emotions in check, up until the part of the holocaust. I had heard a lot of facts and stories about the holocaust, but nothing really prepares you for all the images and stories you hear at the museum. As we went through the section dedicated to the holocaust, there were a million things running through my mind. I could not imagine what all those people were going through and what they were feeling. I could not believe how little time had passed since the holocaust. I wondered if it were possible for such a horrible thing to happen again in our lifetime. So many things to think about. Then we got to the gas chamber at the end and saw the pictures of them throwing babies out the 2nd floor windows of the hospital. A hospital, the very place where these innocent babies should have been safe, was the place of their death. At that point my eyes began to water. I could not believe that a group of full grown men could be so heartless as to throw babies out of a window to their death. I felt so sad for all the families who lost someone in that awful time. I could not imagine going through all that suffering myself.

My favorite part of the entire museum experience was the speech at the end by Matthew and Tim. I thought it was wonderful to see two people who came from such different backgrounds able to be friends, especially after finding out that Tim had beat Matthew many years before. I thought that was the best example of how someone can lift themselves of the life they are living, and overcome it to become a better person. After the speech, my step mom and I got a chance to talk to Matthew for a few minutes. My step mom asked him how he was able to get off of the streets, whether there was an organization he went to or just people that came into his life. He said it was just people that were in his life, and he shared a quote with us that was something like, "People are in your life for a reason, they may be in your life for a long moment or a short moment, but they were there for a reason." He said a lot of the people who helped him get off the streets eventually disappeared from his life, but they were there for a reason. I really liked this quote, and I hope that my being alive has helped or will help others in a positive way, as all those people who helped Matthew were positive in his life. I hope that my being put on this earth will make some sort of a positive effect on those around me and that they may, in turn, positively affect those around them, and so on and so on. Maybe if we keep the mindset that we are all the same, we can one day make that thought our reality.

MissCara said...

Cara Tiffany
English 110
goldenwest
Post #2
The Allegory of the Cave
I have already read this story before but I didnt really relate to it, this time I actually sat down and tried to think about what my cave is, this was really hard for me. I sat and tried to make a list of things that i might consider as my cave but i was stuck. I deceied to really take a good look at myself and find my cave. I realized that I am my own cave. I know that sounds funny but im not as confident as i would like to me. for example i am the student who asks for reassurance, I love to be told that im doing good or working hard. I need to learn to be confiedent and not under estimate myself.

Arcie said...

Arcelia Swarr
English 100
CC
Post #6ish

I already posted on MOT, so now I am going to post on the stories we had to read for class. I read Cathedral last semester, and I really enjoyed the story, and the lessons one can learn from the story, but I am going to blog about Only Daughter. I really liked this story. Reading this story gave me a better appreciation for my dad and the way I was raised. My dad always encouraged me to go to college and to make a good life for myself, better than he had done for himself. He wanted me to be able to do what I wanted when I graduated, and I had many ideas, but when I got pregnant, things changed. I knew I had to give up some of the hopes I had once had, but I also knew I needed to work and I could not just simply go to college and be a normal 18 year old with few worries. I got myself a job with the local school district and I thought I was not going to be able to go to college. My parents were all let down by the fact that I was pregnant at 18, but they helped me out. Through the years since then, I married and we went on to have 2 more kids together, then we divorced. When I moved out, I moved into my dad's house. My dad never wanted me to follow in his footsteps the way I had, but he was willing to help me make something more of my life. Him and my step mom have helped me tremendously in my decision to go back to school, and they continue to encourage and support me. As I was reading Only Daughter, I could not help but think of how I had such an opposite upbringing, and I sort of took advantage of it. I knew my parents wanted me to go to college, but I chose a different path. Thankfully, my parents continue to be proud of what I am doing, though they may not have been so happy at times. I am truly blessed with a wonderful family who wants to see me succeed and he happy in my life.

whitneyyoung said...

Whitney Young
English 110
Golden West College
Post #1

Museum of Tolerance

I really enjoyed the Museum of Tolerance. I enjoyed it this time much more than my first. My favorite part was getting to listen to the guest speakers. The guest speakers, Matthew Boger and Tim Zaal, were so honest about everything they were talking about. They are such an inspiration for forgiveness and change. Even though some people already have their set morals and they don’t want to change, we can make a difference one person at a time. I feel like I learn something new each time I go there. I liked the tour guide a lot more this time too. I liked how everything linked together from each section of the museum to the other. I especially like how they teach us about our past to help change our future for the better.

fastlearner said...

Archie Kaaua
Professor Hsiao
English 110
Golden West College
Post #1
7 September 2009
M.O.T.
This was an interesting trip that one wanted to take. The price one could not beat, and the fact that one did not have to drive was the icing on the cake. Our first stop was at a little known Mexican eatery called Los Sanchez. The food was tasty; we were in store for a good day! The seats in the bus were quite comfortable and the scenery varied from graffiti to a Jewish community that had its own everything. One could see a Jewish guidance center for youth, a Jewish Subway franchise with kosher meat, a Jewish temple, car lot and so many different men wearing little hats from their culture. The museum was founded by a Holocaust survivor and that is where the tour began.
The tour guide was an older man who showed us how Hitler came to power, started a campaign against Jews, and killed 15 million people during the WWII. What was not made clear was if the 6 million Germans who died in the war were included in that number. We went through the different rooms with displays telling the story of how the Holocaust unfolded. By the end of the tour one was tired but still looking forward to the last presentation.
The last presentation was an Ex- Neo Nazi and a gay guy named Matthew Shepard. What do they have in common with the Holocaust one might ask? Remember the name Museum of Tolerance as I tell you about this. The Nazi person who we will call Tim was a Punk rocker type in the mid 1980’s. One remembered taking a trip down to Hollywood in 1986 about the same time. One went there to maybe buy some clothes and to look at the sights. In those years the word was, “If you go to Hollywood, look but do not touch anything” (referring to the people). Once one got there one was sure that one did not want to get near anyone once one saw some of the bizarre characters hanging around on the side walk. The skinhead group one saw looked to be one of the most dangerous. Tim was one of those dangerous types. On a given night after a concert, possibly under the influence, he and a group of 14 of his buddies found a group of gays in what they considered their territory. On that night, they were looking for trouble and any anti white group would do. As you can imagine a fight ensued with Matthew Shepard being beaten and kicked in the face until he was unconscious by all 14 members of Tim’s group. What happened next? Well, Matthew Shepard survived. During the next few years he moved away form Hollywood and improved his life. About twenty years later he ran into someone who was talking about a beating that occurred in an alley in Hollywood. The person was telling him in detail what he had done and how sorry he was. Half way through the story Matthew stopped him and asked, “Do you know who you are talking to?” At that moment Tim answered, “I knew the minute I saw you”. Twenty years later they were once again face to face only this time they were consoling each other. If you ever get the chance to see the Museum of Tolerance, go!

xdecibeth said...

Ibeth Rodriguez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #8

Museum of Tolerance

Why so much hate toward people? That was the first thing that I asked myself once started walking around in the museum. Looking at all the pictures of the children made me think why all the haterage toward them just because of their believes and race. They were innocent kids, they lived in a caring family just like ours and yet they were still hated by many people. While looking at the pictures of the kids I immediately thought about my sister and how she could have been one of the victims of the holocaust because of our race and believes. Young children so innocent and yet they lost their lives at a very young age because of the ignorance of people. Millions of Jews killed during the holocaust, thousands of families killed ending the lives of young children. It shocks me how powerful Hitler became and how he got the support of the people. I know that Germany was under a lot of depression but that did not meant it was a reason to kill all the Jews. In my opinion I thought that all the Nazis were ignorant, how could they have believed that the Jews were causing all of Germany’s trouble if there were only less than 10% living in Germany. Hate and ignorance was the reason for millions of not only Jews but gays and handicap people to be killed in a very harsh horrific way. The final and last stage of the holocaust was liberty, even though it was too late because already million of lives were lost. Fathers, children, mothers, aunts, had been killed already and families were never going to be the same.

Even though as much as we want to think that racism is not going on right now it is still going on. We see racism acts almost everywhere now days. From jails to school racism is being practice. In schools we are seeing gang fights because of race. Racism is still not over and unfortunately we are seeing racism become more popular. With this experience it opened up my eyes that we can all work together. It does not matter what kind of race, religion, or believes we have we should all work together and there should be no boundaries between people.

fastlearner said...

Archie Kaaua
Professor Hsiao
English 110
Golden West College
Post #1
7 September 2009
M.O.T.
This was an interesting trip that one wanted to take. The price one could not beat, and the fact that one did not have to drive was the icing on the cake. Our first stop was at a little known Mexican eatery called Los Sanchez. The food was tasty; we were in store for a good day! The seats in the bus were quite comfortable and the scenery varied from graffiti to a Jewish community that had its own everything. One could see a Jewish guidance center for youth, a Jewish Subway franchise with kosher meat, a Jewish temple, car lot and so many different men wearing little hats from their culture. The museum was founded by a Holocaust survivor and that is where the tour began.
The tour guide was an older man who showed us how Hitler came to power, started a campaign against Jews, and killed 15 million people during the WWII. What was not made clear was if the 6 million Germans who died in the war were included in that number. We went through the different rooms with displays telling the story of how the Holocaust unfolded. By the end of the tour one was tired but still looking forward to the last presentation.
The last presentation was an Ex- Neo Nazi and a gay guy named Matthew Shepard. What do they have in common with the Holocaust one might ask? Remember the name Museum of Tolerance as I tell you about this. The Nazi person who we will call Tim was a Punk rocker type in the mid 1980’s. One remembered taking a trip down to Hollywood in 1986 about the same time. One went there to maybe buy some clothes and to look at the sights. In those years the word was, “If you go to Hollywood, look but do not touch anything” (referring to the people). Once one got there one was sure that one did not want to get near anyone once one saw some of the bizarre characters hanging around on the side walk. The skinhead group one saw looked to be one of the most dangerous. Tim was one of those dangerous types. On a given night after a concert, possibly under the influence, he and a group of 14 of his buddies found a group of gays in what they considered their territory. On that night, they were looking for trouble and any anti white group would do. As you can imagine a fight ensued with Matthew Shepard being beaten and kicked in the face until he was unconscious by all 14 members of Tim’s group. What happened next? Well, Matthew Shepard survived. During the next few years he moved away form Hollywood and improved his life. About twenty years later he ran into someone who was talking about a beating that occurred in an alley in Hollywood. The person was telling him in detail what he had done and how sorry he was. Half way through the story Matthew stopped him and asked, “Do you know who you are talking to?” At that moment Tim answered, “I knew the minute I saw you”. Twenty years later they were once again face to face only this time they were consoling each other. If you ever get the chance to see the Museum of Tolerance, go!

Ronnnn said...

Ronald Cabiltes
English 110
GWC
Post #1

The Allegory of The Cave

After reading Plato's The Allegory of the Cave, I believe that it talks about people's progression in education and their perception of things around them. Everyone starts off as a child and only knowing what they see or hear from the world around them. That is like being one of the prisoners in the cave and only being able to see the shadows cast by others. Once one a prisoner is released and allowed to move around and leave the cave is when an individual begins receiving an education. Their perception changes as they attain knowledge of things that are true and not just shadows. This, I believe, can relate to all of us. We were all little children that had an imagination. We learned from what we saw and heard from others. After going to school and learning, our views changed as teachers taught us many different things.

Thomas Rios said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Thomas Rios said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
whitneyyoung said...

Whitney Young
English 110
Golden West College
Post #2

The Allegory of the Cave

The Allegory of the Cave by Plato is about what we perceive as reality. We often try to block certain things out because it isn’t what we want it to be or we believe certain things because that is how one would like it to be. I believe a persons cave can either hold them back or make them a stronger person in the end. Life is all about taking chances, making mistakes, and learning from them. We will never know what is out there, unless we go out to learn and discover it for ourselves.

G. Burns said...

Wow what a great weeked, for i had a busy one. It is winding down now. some friends are over for a little bbq. The weeked started on friday for me i had the chance to go and see by friend graduate from the Marines down in san deigo. It makes you proud to be an American. Sunday was another great day i had the chance yo go to the MOT with sixty or so other students. It always makes you think deeper about life after. The side trip was great for the mexican food. Good choice. Thanks again for giving this student a chance to experince a great day.

Thomas Rios said...

Thomas Rios
English 110
GWC
Post #1

Homonyms

After reading this piece, I was very confused. I read many opinions and saw many valid points being brought up. I had a hard time but I finally was able to understand some of the information in the final paragraphs. When you think of the word shoe, an image of a shoe enters your mind, and you are no longer able to separate the concept of the shoe from the actual represantation of the shoe? (that's more of an unsure statement than a question.) I'm not sure and am looking forward to discussing the different opinions that everyone has after reading this several times and not having a strong view myself.

sfarano said...

Stephanie Farano
English 110
Golden West
Post #2

Hello everyone!!! This is my first time taking one of Mr. Hsaio's courses, but I am very excited!! I look forward to getting to know a little bit more about everyone :)

Forgive me on the post and blogging...I'm a new member of the blogging world and a little rusty!

Tien Tran said...

Tien Tran
English 110
GWC
Post #2

The Allegory of the Cave

The prisoners presented in this passage possess all the qualities we as human beings have: the five senses, the will to make decisions, and the thought of thinking and questioning. But what makes them different are the chains placing them in a fixed position and if they choose to utilize what they have to further themselves. Because of this, they can only see what is shown to them by the shadows casted on the walls. Their life and what they perceive are then dictated by others. They in turn transform into mere puppets to their surrounding and by the actions of others. This turns their reality into an illusion of what they think are their real reality. They refuse to partake in the “free prisoner’s” idea of what is reality and wants to live in what they call their reality of a dictated life. Their choices represent the mass majority of individuals today who would rather live in a constant way than to change and face a new beginning. They do not fully utilize their tools to reason to question their environment in order to become the best they can be. This also further transcends into what is “jumping on the bandwagon” and to not go against the tides that are already set for them. Much like the prisoners, individuals in Germany during World War II would rather follow the ideals of Hitler than to go against him. In doing so, neighbors would turn against their former friends in order to save themselves, but in reality, they are only shedding away their identity and shaping themselves into the general mold. This showcases human’s inability to formulate their own reason and the lack of progression to uncover the notion of reality and their existence in life.

Erica said...

Erica Lloyd
English 110
GWC
Post #2

The Allegory of the Cave

This is my second time reading Plato's Allegory, and I think (hope) I've made a bit more progress towards understanding it this time around. I think that The Allegory of the Cave is about feeling safe and stepping out of our comfort zones intellectually. The cave where the prisoners are is a safe zone where we feel comfortable. It's small world but it's familiar and we know everything. Being free in the light is scary. We're not in familiar territory anymore and there is so much everywhere to experience. If we spend enough time there, we get used to it and we can explore new opinions and different points of view. It can be blinding but in the end we expand our views and gain new understanding. We want to go back and enlighten those who are still in the cave, but this is something that they have to do on their own. When we try to press our views on others, they reject them. The journey out of the cave and safety is one that you must make yourself, you have to form your own opinions along the way to greater knowledge.

Or something like that =P

Erica said...

Erica Lloyd
English 110
GWC
Post #3

Homonyms

Okay, so this one has me very confused. I've read some of your comments, and Brandon yours really helped, but I'm still very confused. I hope to get more out of it on Tuesday if/when we discuss it in class.

Anonymous said...

Dalene Kolb
English 110
Golden West College
Post #8

The Allegory of the Cave

I somewhat understand this story, but not quite. I read of the other comments for the story, and it helped me understand it more. I will be reading this story at least a couple more times before class tomorrow morning, to fully gain what the story has to say.

~Dalene

CaLL ME P :D said...

Priscilla Daza
cerritos college
english 100
post #6

LOVER!!! READ THIS!!!
and anyone else with good advice

okay can i just say that this is the first time im ever blogging about my personal life i guess beside blogging my homework assignments. im just really...ARGH!
kay so i enjoy being single. i really do. i like hanging out with the guys drinking at bars having a good time getting to know one another its fun. boys cause no drama. i like not having drama. im drama free thats one reason why i dont have a boyfriend. boyfriends usually get mad jealous because im out with the guys from work or im drinking with my boys...i understand why but they should understand i like hanging out with boys more than girls. mainly because girls usually dont tend to like me...go figure...

SO ive been hanging out with this coworker of mine and his fun! he drinks, he tells good stories, hes funny, theres this brightness about him that twinkles through his brown eyes that i adore...uh-oh...i know! i might be crushing on him but im not sure if he digs me too. so check it...we had a good time at my party, then he invited me to this bar and it was fun there too...then he went through what it seems all this trouble to hang out w/me on friday. we agreed to hangout so i told him i was gonna salsa dance and we can hit a bikini bar after he gets out from work...i end up drinking and consoling my crash buddy at this happy hour restaurant and my coworker went to two places before he met up with me. i mean he could have stayed where ever he was with his friends right? once he got to the place i was we were talking the whole time just us two. it was nice. he got a seat for me next to him and held my hand to sit me down beside him. so the end of the night he text me " it was nice to see you" the following night he text me asking me what i was doing and invited me to his sisters house to drink with him because everyone else that was there was paired up...i didnt go because my parents said it was too late to go out and drink.
so! last night we worked together and i told him to text me once he got off to hang out he agreed and mentioned this bar we can go to...to kill time i went to a party another coworker invited me to that was NOT happening. i told myself that i would stay until he gets out from work...he never text me that bastard. man i dont have bfs or gfs so i wont get in the mix of drama or confusion but with this guy man! im mad confused...argh! i know i shouldnt be dating co workers but man! i just want to know!

so what up guys? what should i think or do or any advice?? what does mister hsiao say about this?

Anonymous said...

Dalene Kolb
English 110
Golden West College
Post #9

While looking over The Allegory of the Cave I came to realize that the story is about opening up and how hard it is to do. It also seems to be saying that no one will judge you if you do come out of your comfort zone. It makes me think more and more about opening up to other people, instead of keeping everything to myself. Sooner than later I will open up.

~Dalene

Brittany Williams said...

Brittany Williams
English 110
Golden West College
Post #2

I originally understood “interpreting” the text to be sort of a synopsis on what I read; however, upon reading the other posts, I realized that everyone was taking a more personal approach to the reading. I have, therefore, constructed two separate paragraphs with the first being my synopsis of the story, and the second relating it to life. Both can be read below…

My synopsis…

Truth and reality – are these things not objective? One can interpret them as quite the contrary upon reading Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave.” In the abovementioned short story, Plato illustrates cave dwellers who have spent their lives’ entirety in a cave. Unaware of the “outside world,” they presume the shadows on the wall to be autonomous creatures, functioning solely on their own. It is not until they are released from captivity that they realize the shadows on the wall were merely a reflection of reality and not the reality they had come to accept as truth. Once the truth is known, those that have accepted it as such, look upon their former misapprehension with “pity;” for it is better to know the truth than a mere reflection of it.

Relating the story…

“Will he not fancy that the shadows which he formally saw are truer than the objects which are now shown to him?” I would like to draw attention to the quote above for I think it is one we can all relate to. In our search for truth, we often confront the bitter reality that our previous philosophies were only that of a mistaken interpretation, something in which must, eventually, be conformed to reality. Through this process, we frequently find the struggle to be great, for what we once held to be true is no longer as such. One can see this struggle in the aforementioned quote as Socrates has clearly been faced with the truth, yet is struggling to accept it. In life, many of us have faced comparable difficulties as we sift through counterfeit authenticity for what is truly real. It is like Socrates in the story, however, that we continue to press on, for we know the liberating reward that lies ahead. Let us never tire in our search for truth, for, as it is written in The Bible, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Sans Nom said...

Danielle St. Onge
English 110
GWC
Post #2

Allegory of the Cave
Having never read any Greek philosopher's work, I found Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" very interesting to read. After the third time I read it (and reading some of the other blogs) I think the theme of the story is learning how to step outside of your comfort zone (kind of like what Erica said). The prisoners (in my mind) were stuck in their comfort zone with no true confidence nor bravery to step into their own opinions. I feel as though the man that stepped into the light finally saw that he does not need to think or do the same thing as the other prisoners. Thus, developing a true confidence in himself and being able to develop and grow on his own. This story can be a perfect example for today's society telling us that we do not need to be prisoners who are stuck in the fire, but that we can be individuals and learn to do things on our own if the light burns our eyes sometimes.


...........


if i am way off on the understanding of this story, please help me! thanks :)

Macey said...

Macey Lindsay-Clinton
English 110
Golden West College
Post #1

Plato's Allegory of the Cave vs Giorgio Agamben's Homonyms

After reading these two pieces, I decided I would rather compare the two rather than singularly analyze one. In the Allegory of the Cave, the prisoners base their knowledge completely on their restricted sight and hearing. Though we soon learn that the single prisoner who gains freedom is able to see the world for what it is and to understand it. The prisoners become the unenlightened while the freed prisoner gains wisdom and knowledge, and thus he is Socrates' philosopher figure. The freed prisoner is able to delve past the restrained thinking of the cave and to make judgments on the world surrounding him.

In contrast, the characters of the Homonyms story were not philosopher figures, but logicians. They study linguistics and find the problems associated, the main complication of the story being that "... words can be presented as classes that... both are and are not members of themselves." (paragraph 5) This complication is due to the nature of words themselves, and also the nature of homonymy because it leads to confusion. In the last paragraph of the piece, it is stated that "... we are far from understanding, the idea of a thing is the thing itself, the name insofar as it names thing, is nothing but the thing insofar as it is named by the name." Thus, the people in the story are continuously struggling to find answers leaving their minds to wander with unanswered questions.

Unlike the philosophers who have freed their minds from the tethers of human thought restriction, the logicians are destined to eternally search for answers that may never be found. Both are searching for answers of some sort, but the results seem to be much more rewarding to the enlightened philosopher.

kayla said...

Kayla Marley
English 110
Golden West
Post 3

Homonyms

To be honest I was completely and utterly confused when I first read the Homonyms assignment. After reading the assignment more than enough the reading finally made some sense to me. I think that Agamben is using the word thing because things have an undefined definition, and no one really will ever know what ‘thing’ Agamben is speaking of. I think that by using an example of a shoe Agamben made the reader not just think of the shoe but all the objects that are used in the process to make the shoe. So instead of just looking at the shoe itself you see the process of what the shoe is made out of and the steps it takes thus being the classes and the shoe being the concept. Without having classes you cannot reach a concept. The classes are the steps to the concept, at least that is what I am perceiving of the talks of concepts and classes.

Inputs please?

Andy4Candy said...

(Andy) Nam Pham
English 110
GWC
Post #1

Museum of Tolerance Trip
This was a very fun and rewarding experience. We first went to a great "hole-in-the-wall" restaurant, which was amazing. I first thought that I was going to get food poisoned, but to my surprise, I was really satisfied with the quality of service and the food. Appearances are deceiving.

The whole tour of the Museum was quite the eye opener. I knew the holocaust occurred and many people lost their lives, but I only saw the numbers. I always looked at the holocaust victims as victims, never really human beings with a life or family. In other words, I never really connected with the people that suffered in this tragedy. They were people, just like you and me, and I never really thought about it until now. The dark, concrete room with the disturbingly graphic images and the voice-overs going through the letters was just a devastating experience to me. The whole room just put me in the shoes of the unfortunate souls who had to go through with these monstrous acts. I felt a wretched twist in my gut that stuck with me the rest of the day. The rest of the museum tour, I kept thinking to myself "How could anyone do this to these people?" And to think that these genocides and mass murders are still going on today. Even when I am writing this, I get that same awful feeling in the base of my stomach. It seems like the world is just in pain, and we are doomed to repeat history.

Not everything was entirely gruesome and gut-wrenching though. The Q&A with Tim and Matthew was pretty cool. It was nice to see someone, in person, speak about their experience. It was a good change from all the brutality downstairs. Matthew is a really funny character.

The entire trip was a great experience, and I am glad that I could participate in this opportunity. Honestly though, I feel a bit jaded from all of what is going on nowadays.

Macey said...

Macey Lindsay-Clinton
English 110
Golden West College
Post #2

MOT Reflection

I seem to have gained a lot of experience with Holocaust memorials and museums because this was my second time going to the one in LA and I have also gone to one on the east coast. Also this summer when I was in Berlin, I visited the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. What I liked specifically about the MOT is the concentration on current day issues that plague our world as we stand by. I thought it was very interesting to see the recreation of the children's drawings from Darfur that have proved the governments role in the murder, raping, and kidnapping of innocent civilians, It is simply insane that human beings are capable of such horrific acts of violence and hate. I understand that each and every person is prejudice in their own ways, I know that I am too. I know that if I was to be alone at night and saw a strong looking man of any race coming near me I would be afraid. Whether or not if he was the nicest man in the world, you can not help but to pre-judge. But prejudice and hate crimes are on completely different levels. In my opinion, I think it is sad how little the world has come in the eyes of hating each other, over religion, race, political views, sexual orientation and much more. I think we should live our lives, have our opinions but never try to instill them on other people because we wouldn't want them doing the same to us. Can't we all just get along? :)

G. Burns said...

Greg Burns
English 110
Golden West College
Post# 3

Homonyms
This once again is a story that requires deep thought in what one is reading. I have been over this story many times over the last few days, yet I think that I have an idea what this means to me. After discussing Homonyms in class I will be able to see the story in a different light. In Homonyms written by Giorgio Agamben he states “In other words, if we try to grasp a concept as such, it is fatally transformed into an object, and the price we pay is no longer being able to distinguish it from the conceived thing.” (Paragraph 7) I think that what he is saying is that when people are so into the issue on hand that we as people have a hard time seeing what is the truth, and what is fake. The example I have for this quote is life, and peoples perception about how their life should be. Today many people today dream of obtaining a great life, but do not want to work hard to achieve the dream. This country was founded on hard work and bloodshed to keep the United States of America the way it is today. I see people today wanting someone other than themselves to and give them everything. People today have lost a strong since of direction, for morals and character have become a thing of the past. Today the world is no longer willing to earn, but expected to be given. This story has much deep thought attached hidden within,yet I see Homonyms as a paper that talks about words with the same meanings. Looking deeper into the writing I see many deeper meanings, yet just like life doing one thing but meaning another.

marlilou said...

Beatrice Fisher
Golden West College
English 110
Post #1

Hi everyone! My name is Beatrice, but I go by Bee. I am thrilled that I got into this class. Every semester I spend tons of time planning out my perfect schedule, and every semester it never fails that I change it all at the last minute. So goodbye patho/phys, hello Critical Thinking. I did a little searching on ratemyprofessors and found that Mr. Hsaio had some pretty good feedback. This semester seems like it will push me a little more than most other classes have. I look forward to that. What I am hoping to get out of this class is that it will break me from my bad habit of procrastinating. Time will tell.

xdecibeth said...

Ibeth Rodriguez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #9

Cathedral by Raymond Carver

At first I thought that this story was more about stereotypes, but reading further into the story I realized that this story has to do much more than just stereotypes. One thing that caught my attention was that Bub never called Robert by his name he always referred to him as "the blind man". At first he never consider him as a normal person just because of the fact that he was blind. Bub already had all of these different stereotypes about blind people; he did not take the time to see how Robert was really like. Since Robert was blind, Bub only saw him as a disabled person with dark glasses and with a cane. He was only judging him for his physical appearance. People often judge other people by just looking at them, and sometimes we do not take the time to spend time with them and finding out who they really are. As for Bub, it was not until Robert made him close his eyes and made him experience what it feels to not be able to see. While he was closing his eyes he pictured himself inside of the cathedral but he did not feel anything. What that means is that it does not matter how things look like is how you perceive them and what they symbolize. A cathedral is not just a building, it is a place where people go and express and practice their believes. It does not matter what the object looks like it, what matters is what it represents.

Only Daughter by Sandra Cisneros

I am going to write about this story because I related a lot with Sandrda Cisneros. I do not have the closest relationship with my dad. I try my best in everything but for some reason I am never good enough and that really disappoints me. He does want me to have an education and become someone successful in life but it just seems that he never understands me. I do not know why we became so distant from each other, I remember we use to be so close and we use to have the best daughter and father relationship. I am always trying to make my dad feel proud of me but I just feel that the things I do, do not really matter to him. I might be wrong maybe he does care about me and is proud about the things I do but I feel that he does not appreciate the things I do to try to make him proud of me. Just like Sandra Cisneros, she always tried to make his father proud but it wasn't until the end when he finally made his father happy and proud. I hope to accomplish that one day too. I will try everything to make my father proud, and I know I will make him proud once I finally graduate from the University. It hurts me that I have to work extremely hard just to make my father proud, but that is just the way he is. I know one day he will be proud of me and I will not stop until my father tells me that he is proud of me. Just like Cisneros, she never gave up until her father demonstrated to her how proud she was of her daughter.

Raufiel M. said...

Raufiel Matias
English 110
GWC
Post #2

Allegory of the Cave
After reading Plato's "Allegory of The Cave" for the first time, I didn't quite get the point of the whole story. But after reading it couple more times and reading what other students had to say about it, the story started to make sense. I think that the story was about this one prisoner who was able to step outside his comfort zone in order to gain knowledge of what reality is. In the beginning, the prisoner wasn't able to gain much knowledge because his neck and legs are chained that prevented him to experience other oppurtunities to learn. And when the prisoner was given a chance to explore and see the light he was the one that was mentioned to be the enlightened. As the prisoner gained confidence and knowledge he remembered him self and his fellow prisoners that were still stuck in their box that he felt proud for him self and felt sorry for others that didn't got the chance that he did. Plato's also mentioned that if the enlightened prisoner was to compete with the unenlightened ones that he should be better off not seeing the light and if anyone tried to help others too gain knowledge or see the light that they would catch the offender and put him to death.

Anonymous said...

Monique Gutierrez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #18

Labor Day

How was everyone Labor Day? Mine went okay. I worked all morning and then went to the movies with my little sister. We saw Rob Zombie's Halloween 2. The movie was pretty sick and twisted, but I liked it! He is very imaginative. Some people were leaving the theater in disgust. Wimps! I liked the first one better though. This one was just kill after kill after kill. I love horror flicks! Some scenes were unbelievable, but funny. It's been awhile since I've been to the movies. The Towne Center got remodeled, it looks better. I felt like such an old lady with all the teenagers running around. Regardless, it just feels so good to get out and drink some Starbucks.

ET said...

Eric Torres
English 110
Golden West College
Post #1

Allegory Of The Cave
This is my very first blog post and I am excited to post more. It is extrememly hard for me to understand these deep and complex pieces of writing however i am going to give it a shot.

I think the Allegory of the Cave is Plato's understanding of how people think of life without having any previous knowledge or experiences and relying only on their senses. The only reality the prisoners see and have any knowledge of is the reflection the shadows make on the wall. The shadows represent reality as they see it in their tunnel vision life. The chains around their neck and their feet represent their restraints or their little bubble that keeps them from expanding their vision and seeing what else is out there. only breaking through that bubble of comfort, taking chances and coming out of their comfort zone, will they begin to experience and explore reality or what the shadows on the wall represent. The prisoners see the shadows as the truth but in reality it is everything that make up the shadows including the sorce of light (fire/sun) and the shapes they make. I like to relate it to the way a 3-year-old sees big buildings. I know it seems weird but hear me out. A 3-year-old will be led into a building with an adult and go into an elevator knowing only one thing (the surroundings of the room he just left and what it looked like). He goes into the "room" (elevator) and soon the doors open back up again and there is a totally different room there. He is confused about how the room changed yet as he gets older he expands his vision and begins to understand the concept of an elevator and how it works and that life was not playing a trick on him. All he had to do was grow up and expand his vision.

marlilou said...

Beatrice Fisher
Golden West College
Eng 110
Post #2

Geez, this whole blogging will teach me not to procrastinate. I have been moving this ENTIRE weekend. I figured I would do my blog and that would be that, but well, as we can all guess, I've been trying to figure this out for the last few hours.

I read the Allegory of the Cave. A few things came to mind. What it most made me think of is that too often all isn't what it seems. And that sometimes not knowing is better than having known. I heard a story once about a church taking up an offering for a family in need. Of course this touched the heart of a girl in the church. She came home, told her parent and siblings about it. For an entire week they did without and cut back so that they could help contribute to the offering for the family in need. The following week at church they gave all they had saved. Afterward the pastor of the church handed the young girls mother an envelope with all the collected money. It made them all feel poor, when they never had to begin with. This story brought this story to mind. Sometimes we long for that which we don't have. And then we get it. For a moment we might be happy but it is not that which we long for that makes life content. True happiness needs to come from within. The prisoner in the story finally had the chance to be free and get out of the den. It made him no better though. He may have for once been able to see things how they really were but once back in the darkness none of that mattered. In fact, thrown back into the prison, he would have been worse off for he no longer could go back to the state of being content with thinking he knew the truth.

I hope these thoughts make a bit of sense. I am not used to reading these types of pieces. It was a bit confusing. I made me own notes in the margins only to re-read and realize many of them contradicted the next.

marlilou said...

Goodness....
So let me back up and share a brief intro to this blog. I got married last October to my husband Josh. October 25th will be our one year anniversary. While we were dating and even after we got married we had been living with his grandparents. They are both in their late 80's and needed the extra help. Anyway, this past February his dad moved in. It was an adjustment, but still we remained living there. Then, two weeks ago his identical twin and the girlfriend got the boot from their place and moved in as well. Needless to say, seven adults in a 3 bedroom house was way too many. The brother moved in two Wednesday's ago and that Sunday we found a place. We got our keys last Tuesday and made the move this weekend. I wanted to create this blog days ago but it isn't until now that the laptop has even revealed it self. We have been surrounded by boxes and are barely beginning to see our new apartment. We are both thrilled! This is the first time we've ever had our OWN space and privacy. Last night we had our first dinner. It will be a new adventure in our marriage. Who will clean? (we had a maid at his grandparents house!) :) Anyway, fun fun fun...we can't wait.

Samantha said...

Samantha Sullivan
English 110
GWC
Post#2

Allegory of the Cave

With the accumulation of my own thought and the understanding of others who have posted about this reading, I believe that this story is about an awakening of some sort. A prisoner who started a change and took a step out of the box(cave). He was under the impression that his reality was the truth until he broke out and saw the light. He was no longer in the dark and misguided like his fellow prisioners. Once leaving the confinments of the cave he was no longer restricted and could confront his misconceptions. In doing so he gained knowledge and created his own sence of understanding and thought unlike those who stayed behind in the dark. By furthering himself in knowledge and understanding his surroundings he has opened himself up to the world. Those like him share a more open and well rounded opionion. In relation to the present and ever changing world, we need more people to take that chance and expand their thoughs and beliefs as we all, a whole, are constanly changing.

Cianna said...

Cianna Calandrino
english 110
Golden West
post #1

Hey everybody! ok so I didn't keep up with the blogging last time I had Prof. Hsiao so I am going to do my best to keep up. The field trip to The Museum of Tolerance was amazing! I didn't really know what to expect walking into it. other people had told me that they enjoyed it. The tour was intense, for me at least... there was one part were I started tearing up. When we walked into the gate of the consentration camp there was a beautiful display or model of the camp Auschwitz. I was staring at it thinking of how ironic it was that it looked so peaceful for a concentration camp with what look like a fresh layer of snow. Then I heard our guide say something to the effect of "don't be fooled by this image, that isn't snow on the ground, it is the ashes from the bodies being burned in the crematorium." I was shocked. It made sense in my head and yet it is something so hard to imagine. I started to tear up as we had to choose which door to the gas chamber. I tried to imagine what it would be like if I had to go through the able bodied door watching my mother and father go through the other, never to see them again. The image gives me chills. Through the tour we were given a card of a child affected by the holocaust. With my girl I saw so much of myself in her it scared me. I even kind of looked like her. She was one of seven children in a close family as am I. She was seperated from her family except for one of her sisters and the rest of the family went to different camps. The younger siblings didn't have a chance. She servived, and now her name is Lili Springer. I just couldn't imagine loosing my family like that. There were so many more amazing moments including the speakers and there twist of fate story. Hanging out with other people and getting to know new people was really cool too. Loved the food Mr. Hsiao! that place was sooooo good..=] I am really glad that I didn't miss this field trip.

Kevin said...

Kevin Santamaria
English 110
Golden West College
Post #1

Museum Recollections
Sunday our class, along with other students from GWC and Cerritos College boarded a bus to head to the Museum of Tolerance. We headed out to the museum around 9:30am, but stopped to eat at a little mexican restaurant on the way in Whittier(two thumbs up!). Finally after eating we boarded the bus and arrived at the museum within an hour. After going through security we were met by our tour guide, Frank. He took us through the museum, giving us inciteful knowledge of the videos and and putting everything into perspective. I thank Frank for giving us a better foundation recognizing the "intolerance" present in the globe. The museum revealed pictures of recent terror in our towns and a time line of how this has always been in our history; yet we learn nothing and intolernant behavior persist. We learned about the horrid of the holocaust and got a card that represented an individual who endured it, making it all the more real. Though we saw such intolerant behavior in ourselves, the museum came to an end with the hero's. The individual's or small groups of people who made a differnce that anyone can; as in the story we heard first hand of Tim and Mattew who continue make a difference by educating those willing to listen. I recommend still going to the museum, it helps to keep a clear mind to the world beyond our state. Great first class trip.

WldntULikToKno said...

well helloooo everyone!
it has been an extremely long weekend and i'm not really in the mood right now to do homework, so hsiao, if you're wondering where my blogs are, they're coming up tomorrow, hahaha. anyways! lover! (aka PRISCILLA DAZA) I say you play hard to get with the boy! we'll talk more about it tomorrow at the beach! :D

okay, all of that above was not why i came here to blog. they were just things i read as i came to the site. i really came here to write about how i love to write. i was talking with my boyfriend about how sometimes i feel like i'm so empathetic/sympathetic that other people's emotions mesh and become my own and that i have (sometimes) a hard time channeling all of that emotion and energy. the part that bugs would be sorrow. i mean who would be upset over gaining extra happiness? ahaha. with that being said, i had a revelation of mine that i'd like to share.
...i said AND I QUOTE:

wldntuliktokno (11:08:16 PM): that's why i like to write so much
wldntuliktokno (11:08:21 PM): i channel out my energy
wldntuliktokno (11:08:32 PM): i place my emotions on the paper
wldntuliktokno (11:08:47 PM): it is no longer mine to own, but mine to call my own
wldntuliktokno (11:08:53 PM) : biggg difference


now, i don't know if i confused the heck out of you guys, but i feel like if something is yours it's a part of you, but if you call something yours, you own it, making it an object of its own and not necessarily a part of you. i think that sort of ties into the homonyms thing, if you catch my drift.

cellycell said...

Celina Rivera
English 100
Cerritos College
Post# 11

The Only Daughter

Lets start by saying I read each line about two times. I even think I sometimes read a line more than that. The reason for that was the grasp the concept of what the writer was trying to say.

My interpretation of this story was a very traditional form of life. Men are dominate in the world and for some reason always will be. Men will make more more money even if the women has a better education. Women main purpose of schooling was to meet a man. The women would stop going to school and just become a house wife. The traditional aspect is that man should always work and make more money than the women. The other view is that the man is the sole provider and the bread maker of the house. The women were just to bear kids, take care of the man, and clean. Why is that we may ask? It is just sometime that has started and never changed. Most men would not like it if the women made more money because they would be a ashamed of there comings.
In many ways that what I feel about Sandra. Sandra was in a traditional Mexican family. There were six boys and she was the only daughter. She was not able to to do the things that her brother would do because she was a girl. The father wanted the boys to get a good education and build a future for there families. The only reason the Sandra father wanted her to go to school was to meet a boy and get married. Sandra was not focused on getting married. All Sandra wanted to do was continue her education. I also feel that she wanted her father to be proud of her. The way her father was proud of her brothers. Her brother can pass on the family last name and she had nothing. Sandra to me sought out her fathers appreciation. Sandra begun to write about her life. She wrote about growing up her traditional father and what he expected from her mother. Sandra also wrote about her live with her brothers and how they left her out. Sandra graduated from college. Sandra later published books. She later came home to visit her ill father. While visiting it took a lot of courage to show her father what she had wrote. Which who would not? She felt as though there were big shoes to fill in respect to her brothers. Her Brother could do anything and her father would be proud. Sandra took a story for her father to read. He read it, nervous on what her father thought waiting. At the end her father was happy and shocked at all that she had wrote. He told basically told her I am proud of you in so many words.

I my family my father does not want me to depend on a guy. My father wants me to make my own money. My father wants me to work hard in everything I do. I will try my hardest to make him proud even if that means that sometimes he is not. For instance when I moved to Arizona he was not proud of me. My father was so proud of my brother for all the degrees he has obtained thus far. In my mind i wanted my father to fill that way for me. Eventually he will, but thus far no. I am happy taking my own paths whether there not what he wants.

Betsy said...

Betsy McPherson
English 110
GWC
Post 1

Hi everyone! I think I am finally getting this right....I hope I am anyways :-)

ET said...

Eric Torres
English 110
Golden West College
post #2

Museum of Tolerence Field Trip!
All I can say about that was WOW! I cannot believe what happened to those people. It was a great pleasure to see Matthew right when we walked in. The holocust exhibit was fantastic and looked realistic. I could not believe how realistic it was. In the tour my child's name was Valdislav Grossman. He was one of the few survivors in our group. His name is now William Grossman. He was the only sruvivor of his immediate family. He was 9 years old when he was taken from his home. If he is still living, he would be 79 years old. After going to the museum I went home and watched all three hours of the Shindlers List. HAHA. I was just so overwhelmed that something like this could ever happen. However the best part about the whole trip was the end when Matthew Boger and Tim Zaal told us their story. After listening to their story i knew miracles can happen. Matthew sat there in that alley that night praying to God that his life could end so he would not have to suffer anymore. However God had other plans for him. Still to this day Matthew has faith in God. Tim proved to all of us that if he can change, anyone can change.

Betsy said...

Betsy McPherson
English 110
GWC
Post #1

Hello all,

This is my first post, a little late but I have been having trouble getting my posts to work...I hope this one does!

lespinoza90 said...

Leydi Espinoza
English 110
Golden West College
Post #1

Homonyms, I had read this story over-and-over and I still do not feel as if I were near to its meaning. I went back and read some comments, like some people did as well, and kind of got a clue; however, I am not sure wether it is correct. This story talks about how objects and most (if not all) things of our life are separated in groups yet at the same time they are mixed together (if that makes sense). It also referenced to the social distinction of classes, which supposedly derived from some simple laws and applied to the social life. This by emphasizing the fact that one could be and not be part of a group at the same time, which reminded me of my favorite books, Catch 22 by Joseph Heller, because even though there were rules there was always a catch. Overall, the writer is trying to show the absurdity of braking our life and everything around into classes but at the same time keeping it all together.

Kevin said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kevin said...

Kevin Santamaria
English 110
Golden West College
Post #2

The Allegory of the Cave
In the Allegory of the Cave, we are the people in the cave. we are shackeled down by misinterpreted fallacies that have created the world around us. Only a very few can escape the darkness because ignorance binds us all. We would rather work and be told what to do even though we have free enterprise. The select few of us who give oursleves the opputunity to go into the light, leave the the dark comfortable world. Though there are memories of the dark that beckon us "home" we must carry on, for the transition back from the light is just as difficult. We must give ourselves enough time to contempelate ourselves as we are in order realize the real reality. Research, learning, rationing, and educating oursleves will "fix our eye" and allow us to faclitate this world as an intellectual.

correct me if I'm wrong. approve me if I'm right.

Kim _ (^o^) said...

Kim Luong
english 110
GWC
post 1
Homonyms
This reading is really confusing to me. I am not sure that i understand the concept of Homonyms, but i think the author wants us to " open our hearts". This means that there are many meanings, definitions, points of view from a object itself. We can not just simply understand a subject without giving it another way of reasoning, researching. For example, the word " red" has many meanings; it could represent the color, the blood, emotion= angry, girl=sexiness. If we just understand the word " red" by 1 meaning, we might never fully understand the other meanings of it. And sometimes, we also get the wrong understanding.Giorgio Agamben wrote : "If we try to grasp a concept ... the price we pay is no longer being able to distinguish it from the conceived thing." Giorgio wants us to see the world or the word with different points of view.

Martha Vazquez said...

Martha Vazquez
English 100
CC
Post 7 (?)

MOT

I was half-asleep when I got to parking lot C-11. I made sure I turned on falcon way, and NOT new falcon way, because then I had gone too far. This is way too much for me on a Sunday morning.

I made it to the right lot, and checked in with Mr. Hsaio. He assured me we would soon get some Mexican food, so I felt better about being at school on a weekend. I met a little 17 month old girl named Makayla with a huge personality. She was saying hi and talking to anyone that would listen. I figured this was a pretty good start to my morning.

Then it was picture time. Isn't it funny how it takes adults and children alike forever to get to take a group picture? We finally got it and the picture was snapped. We all started to disperse, then we hear, "Hold on! We're taking another one!” So we put on our smiles again and got close to each other.

Finally it was go-time. We took our trip to Los Sanchez. I heard that this place was amazing. I started thinking that I really didn't know of a lot of good Mexican food places...and I'm Mexican, so that’s kind of weird. I figured it’s because my mom cooks and we really don't go out for Mexican food.

After our bellies were filled with delicious Mexican cuisine, we were finally on our way to the museum.

I had been to the MOT in high school, but it was a different experience this time. I went in thinking that I knew what to expect and that I would be a little bored with all this information that I already knew. It was so different. I had this feeling of hopelessness as I saw these videos and pictures of children and adults being taunted, beaten and destroyed by someone’s ignorance and intolerance. The thought that these things are happening now, and aren't already eradicated boggles my mind. Haven't we learned anything from history and our past mistakes? Why do we keep tripping on the same rock? This kept on going on in my mind as we saw videos, answered questions, looked at photos and read the information. It felt like a black hole, like there was no hope for the people that were going through this.

I don't remember exactly when it was, but I stopped feeling pity, and started feeling purpose. I could change a life, I can educate, I can bring a little bit of light into a world that keeps shutting theirs out.

The lecture with Tim and Danny was pretty amazing. The interaction was astounding after knowing what they had gone through together. I was expecting a 45 minute lecture, but the focus was more on answering our questions.

One question stuck out to me in particular. A woman asked "Tim, have you forgiven yourself?" He had been answering all the other questions with the ease you get from doing this over and over. When he heard this question, he skipped a beat, and there was so much remorse in his voice when he answered. He said that he hadn't really forgiven himself for instilling his racist beliefs in his little son. He told us how his first words were "mommy", "daddy", "hail Hitler" and "white power". That broke my heart. He had taught his son to hate. It was going to take more than teaching his now, 17-year-old, a few words to make his troubled life all better.

The lecture ended on a positive note of hope and forgiveness. We stayed for a few minutes after the lecture and chatted with them for a little bit. So finally, at 4:15, we were ready to go. I was so emotionally and physically tired from the day’s events, that I took a nap on the bus. Before I knew it, we were back in Cerritos, on lot C-11.

Tony Szymanek said...

Tony Szymanek
English 110
GWC
Post #1


Hi everyone! My name is Tony (obviously) and this is the second time I have taken Mr. Hsiao, I would just like to point out it is a bit different because i was constantly late to the 10:15 class because I couldn't wake up, so this one is going to be fun...... The seating arrangements are a bit different, we are a bit compacted in this new room, I guess that's so we can all become that much closer!!! I look forward to getting to know some people, and the teachings of Mr. Hsiao, both inside the classroom and out.

cellycell said...

Celina Rivera
English 100
Cerritos College
Post# 12

Cathedral

When reading this short story I was a little uninterested. I thought to myself "wow this story is long." I persisted to read the story. I was ready to fall asleep, but all thought was I have to post a blog about what I read. When I was done reading I was enlightened.

When the story starts it is about a man who needs help. A lady finds the add for a job and applies. She was hired and enjoyed working for the blind man. If that were me I think I would probably feel overwhelmed working for a blind person. I would hope that whatever I was reading to the was read properly. When I say properly I mean that what i read was depicted so that they can picture it. I would also hope that I paused at the right time or even that my tone of voice fit how the story followed. I think i would have to many worries. I know I would try my best though. The amazing part was that the man and her stayed friends and make audio tapes for one another. In these audio tapes it depicted there day by day life.

I was pretty shocked that they stayed friend. Even shocked that the still stayed in contact in such a manner. When reading it I was also shocked that the husband was not jealous.

Later on the blind man came to visit the lady. The husband had so many preconceived notions of the blind man. The husband assumed that the blind man would have a cane, wear big glasses and not smoke. The notions that the husband made were all false. The husband was also a bit intimated by the blind man.

When I was younger I was a bit ignorate about blind people. I assumed they could not do anything on there own. I also assumed that blind people were not all that smart. I was also very scared of blind people. With all my assuming I guess I did make an @$$ of myself. I guess I was so ignorate because I did not know much and just made my own thoughts.

The man who was Bub to me seamed like he could only related the blind man (Robert) through his wife. To me it was like how can I relate to this man who I never met and have all false notions about. The wife was trying to show her husband that Robert was just like everyone else. She told Bub about the story of Robert's wife. The wife wanted them to bond and grow. I think that the both taught one another new things about life.

When they got into watching TV and got to the channel about catherdals Bub was worried. If it were me I would think I am sitting her trying to show a blind man a catheral, but how?
What would be the best way to describe while they listen.

At the end to me it seem as thought Robert taught Bud a new view on life. When they got into drawing a picture of a catherdral. They started with one person blind and one who could see. Then at the end they were both blind. He was not blind literaly but was still unable to see.
When reading it Bub closed his eyes and was using is imagination on the rest of the cathedral. He used his imagination to depict what he thought a cathedral looked like. Another words Robert uses his imagination in all most all aspects of life. I sometimes think if everyone was blind there would not be a lot of issues that we deal with in today's world. Oh yeah open your eyes take it all in. The main thing I would say would do not judge what you see just look outside of your box.

Andy4Candy said...

(Andy) Nam Pham
English 110
GWC
Post #2

The Allegory of the Cave

In this story, Plato speaks to Glaucon about his life as a philosopher. Socrates sounds like he is explaining his life as an intellect, living amongst deceptive illusions and ignorant beings. The fires that pose behind the prisoners, the walls, the shadows, the puppets; all created by man in order to fool the population into mindless beings, unaware of themselves and their situation. The illusions in Plato's story is comparable to the media today, fooling the people around us into believing whatever benefits the media and entertainment business. Even back then, Plato was aware of puppet masters, and still to this day, it seems like most of us still have no problem being pulled and jerked around.

The second part of the story was the ascension of a man's intellect. The man came out of the cave and had a sort of revelation. He started questioning the natural world; what the stars were, the sun, the world, and who he was as a being. The sun was a natural part of life, and it symbolized truth and self-awareness. Without it, the man would never see his own actual shadow, and where he stood in the world. When he returned to his original life, he was miserable and somewhat antagonized for being different. He was above most of his peers, but his peers felt he was below them.

To me, this story represents not only the path of intelligence and enlightenment, but maturity too. Everybody grows up and eventually separates themselves from the crowd. The character who finally came out of the shadows became self-aware of not only himself, but everyone else too. It seemed like the chained prisoners were mindless beings. When the matured man came back into the cave, he was alienated. In a way, it sounds like all the amusing things he was interested in before, were of no use to him any longer; he grew up. He was different from everybody else now, he no longer had the same interests, same beliefs, or the same mind. I don't know if it was for the better, but one thing is certain, he changed. There was no going back for him, his "comfort zone" was no longer the cave he once grew up in. This is true for the most of us, as we are in college now, and in search of where we fit in the world.

cellycell said...

Celina Rivera
English 100
Cerritos College
Post# 13

So I was reading some of the post and one I came along made me laugh. Andy that post was you! I can picture you going to school on Saturday. Worried about being late to school and driving all the way to Los Angeles. At least all worked out and you were able to have a good time. I am happy to hear you made the best of your situation.

Tony Szymanek said...

Tony Szymanek
English 110
GWC
Post #2


MOT

Weekends are for sleeping in, especially when we work late nights and have to get up for Mr. Hsiao's class at 8 am!!!! I had been to the MOT last semester, but went in my own car because of previous obligations and I had to leave early.

The drive there was nice. It's always fun to do some freeway driving since the speed limit is a bit higher =D It's a good thing my passenger was looking around because I was focused on looking for the waterfall I would have missed everyone and the busses... LOL..... The ride there wasn't too bad, my sister was texting me and my brother was trying to call me as I was falling asleep, the food at Los Sanchez was pretty good I must admit, I can see why Mr. Hsiao goes there EVERY TIME but doesn't manage to get sick of it! Anyway.... now on to the museum.....

The information was pretty much the same so I will admit I was not as enthused about the tour of the museum. The last time I went I had to leave early, at the point where we go from the lower level to the higher level to hear the speeches. I was very excited to listen to our speakers on Sunday , I made sure to clear the WHOLE DAY just so I would have enough time and not worry about the field trip possibly dragging on longer. The words of these men were so powerful. Their story is really one that could be made into a movie. Two men leading lives on opposite ends of the spectrum, to clash at once, then years later reunite, and eventually become friends. Their individual stories are filled with so much negativity, I found the story of Matthew to be both heart warming and gut wrenching.

By the time we had to leave the museum I was so tired from a lack of sleep that I gave Whitney my ipod to listen to some music on the way home and i passed out on the bus, waking up literally a minute before we were back in Cerritos.

Tony Szymanek said...

Tony Szymanek
English 110
GWC
Post #3


Allegory of the Cave


This is a piece you may have to read two or three times just to BEGIN to understand. We do not live in a philosophical society, so things like this do not process easily. In a nutshell, it talks about some prisoners in a dark cave all their lives that have never seen daylight, they only see a shadows on the wall opposite from them being reflected by fire. The story then proceeds to tell of one prisoner being released and able to go look into the world for the first time in their life. The question is if the prisoner would be able to perceive what he saw, if he would believe it to be real after having been taught all his life that everything in the world consists of the cave, those shadows moving on the wall.

I believe this alludes to how blind society can be at times, how narrow minded people can be with a single point of view. I am sure many of us are guilty of coming across a situation where we only find one right way to handle it, where there could be several other directions to take which we disregard because we have simply found one that works and refuse to look past that.

Jessica Atthowe said...

Jessica Atthowe
English 110
GWC
Post #2

The Allegory of the Cave

The first time i read this piece i took the meaning in only a literal sense. As i reread for the second time i picked up on details that had not been prominent the first time. While reading, and as i began to understand what the piece was about I instantly related my life to what was happening in the piece. I saw the cave as my home where I lived with my parents. While i lived with my parents I was restricted and had boundaries. I had to follow their rules and listen because they supported me and raised me. Once I went to college and moved out I was free to make my own decisions and experience new things in life. There's no doubt that the way my parents go about doing things will always be a part of me and will have a heavy influence on how i look at life in general, but once I got out of "my cave," which is my real home, I live for myself and to learn and grow as an individual. Instead of my parents guidance i live with their teachings and influence.

Apathynignorance said...

REBECCA RICHARDS
ENGLISH 110
GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE
POST#1

HOMYNYMS

"What's in a Name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." -William Shakespeare, "Romeo and Juliet",1303

Reading this story, if it can be called that, took me back to the days I spent in my logic class. Suddenly, and very honestly, I had the urge to thank my logic professor for weeding out philosophers like this one. His basic concept, the steps and effect of tautology (naming things,) is one found often in logic. *At first, I could not understand why the author feared and dreaded categorizing objects into classes through words. It is the basis of logic. This red thing is in the category of being red. However, when I said this sentence* out loud, I realized the danger. The objects could easily be replaced with people, and that would be a problem. Throughout the writing, the author notes the inevitability and danger of categorization. However, he ends stating that the category, or name, and the subjects of the category are distinctly different. He ends with a note on how weak language is, in that it has no power over the named.

Yue said...

Yue Hayes
English 110
Golden West College
Post #1

I felt like my first post had to be good to start off my blogging this semester. Then, I thought about it so much that I forgot to post. So here is my first post, which is probably not going to be as good as I wanted it to be.

I honestly don't know why I do this to myself.

But! It's so nice to see new people blogging, as well as those I've shared the blog experience with already. Hello everyone!!! :D

--------------------------

Homonyms

Oh boy, where do I start? This piece definitely showed me a different side of languages. We use it everyday, and we learn it our entire lives, but pieces like these make me wonder just how much I actually know about the properties of language.

Synonyms: While reading this piece, I came across an idea. In English class, we are always taught to use synonyms for general words like "good" or "bad." But they're not entirely "synonyms," if they have a different quality in writing... If the word "great" was, in fact, a better word for "good," it already does not completely share the same properties. Therefore, they have different meanings.

Also, I was thinking about the passage where Agamben talks about the word "shoe." If you were talking to someone from a different country who could not understand English, how will you communicate the concept of "shoe" to him? The idea of a shoe itself is known to everyone who owns one or has seen one, but because he can't understand, it has become impossible for you to present the idea of a "shoe" to him.

I'm not sure if that made sense, or if that's gibberish. Haha. You will get used to my gibberish. :]

~*~*eSmE*~*~ said...

Esmeralda Orozco
English 100
CC
POST#16

PEACE & LOVE



xOXo

~*~*eSmE*~*~ said...

Esmeralda Orozco
English 100
CC
Post#18

ok this is 18 the other one was 17 hehehe ;'}}}

Crazymommy said...

Jenny Guzman
English 100
Cerritos College
Post # OMG

My computer at home was not working, could not go on the internet. I could not write about the MOT so when I get a chance at work I will. Hi guys!!!

Martha Vazquez said...

Martha Vazquez
English 100
CC
Post 8

So, on my reflection about MOT, I wrote that the lecture at the end of the tour was given by Danny and Tim. It was actually Matthew and Tim. I had a brain fart, I apologize. Hope everyone is getting through the first day back after the break. See you all tomorrow!

abstractxbeauty said...

Samantha Navarro
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #13

Labor Weekend..

I did not go to the Museum of Tolerance, and it was really hard to pick between that and going on a trip with my family. Ultimately I picked Baja California with my family so I will reflect on that.

when I started planning this trip two weeks ago it was intended for just my mom and dad, to get away and spend some time together, maybe spark up lost romance. But they did not want to go alone, so they invited my uncle and aunt, then my mom says my son and I should go too. So seven of us went, and it looks like it is going to be a fun trip, right? I wanted my parents to have a good time so I treated them to this trip, and since my aunt has helped me with my son with babysitting a couple hours here and there I treated them too, I just told them to worry about spending money, but all some people did was b*&% about money and how the expensive part is not the hotel but the food and gas.. It is no fun at all to travel with people that are at each other's throats. It made me sad to see couples who were so happy at one point be miserable, especially at a place that was supposed to be fun and relaxing. The people that I looked up to as "marriage models" are now making me not want to get married at all. Neither couple acted as "happily married" (at all!) throughout the whole weekend. If my boyfriend would have been a part of this trip I think it would have been better, but he had a show with his band on Sunday, and then I started thinking.. yea we're happy now, but I don't want to end up like other married couples..

I got home at 5pm yesterday, depressed and drained after this trip. Now I have realized that there is nothing I can do to help my parents "love" each other more, they're going to live their lives as they will, but I have also realized that I need to find my own. I realize that I depend on them more than I thought I did. Im 25 (26 in October), but I was happy living at home, they help me, I help them (especially in this economy). But now I feel like I really don't want to live home, I want to start my own life I guess.
My parents want to buy a house by the end of this year, and the plan is that I live with them and help out with rent, but I don't think I will be living with them anymore..
I do regret (and I knew I would) not going on the school trip, but I needed to realize some things about my personal life, things always tend to work themselves in a weird way I guess. I will still help them and I still need their help, especially because my mom helps me a lot with my son, but I just need to grow up a little and move out already, among other things I need to do!

Gabsters101 said...

Gabriela Tovar
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #7 ????

Cathedral by Raymond Carver

At the beginning i related to him because it sounded like he was getting a bit tad jealous and who would not when someone else was visiting who i did not know... I was laughing the bijygies out of me when they started to smoke pot... I was flabergasted when Mr. Carver asked the blind man and without any hesitation or double thinking he went for it... I wished i could have been there to smokle too...jk... I have not yet finished the story, I am at the part where they were watching the cathedrals... I have a feeling there is a lot more that i will like... I will see you guys in a bit, i am going to go finish reding, and i have a meeting to attend...
Tovar OUT...

angelT0GAFAU. said...

Angel Togafau
English 110
Golden West
Post #2

Hi everyone,
I am still trying to adjust to this blogging business and become comfortable about this posting stuff. However, I think now I have it under control... hopefully. L0L Anyways, I just wanted to write a short post about the field trip to the MOT. It was such an amazing experience and quite real. When we were sitting in a recreation of a gas chamber watching those stories told by survivors- it broke my heart. It is so sad to even imagine what all those innocent people had to go through. The museum was not only about the Holocaust though. We learned about the causes and effects of, clichĂ©, but "judging a book buy its cover." For me, it was very eye opening because I know; especially in this day and age some language has become somewhat "normal." Such as racial terms which are casually used now a days. I learned from the museum that as a human being we all need to take each other’s emotions into consideration and respect people for who they are no matter what. Like the old saying goes, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

The King in Yellow said...

Jon Croft
English 110
Golden West College
Post #5

Allegory of the Cave

For all of the old students, we have already covered Allegory of the Cave top to bottom. We revealed our own personal caves, and their respective demons. I briefly considered typing out the cave I shared once again, but that would result in stagnation of the mind.

So I then considered, what other caves are there? Each person should have more than one cave, should they not? When we descend, there is that one central cavern that stands out in our mind. If we pause to look around, however, there are an infinite number of tunnels and cubbyholes which disguise some truth about ourselves. They may be simple things, or wrongful stereotypes, or dinosaur zombies from the 9th dimension.

If they are in fact dinosaur zombies from the 9th dimension, give me a call. I have methods of dealing with them.

Gabsters101 said...

Gabriela Tovar
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #8

cont. Cathedral by Raymond Carver

I finished the story and i cannot believe it... It took a descriptions of something to know how to describe what you cannot see, and feel what a blind man cannot see... I bet now they are the best of friends... I can only imagine the imagination Mr. Carver had that day when he was drawing the cathedral...

Kim _ (^o^) said...

Kim Luong
Eng 110
GWC
post 2
Allegory of the Cave
Omg. this is a difficult piece. Now i have to remember what i wrote on the suncave.com of Eng 100.lolz. Ok here is what i recalled. AotC talks about shadow, fire, light and the truth. The prisoners or the cavemen have lived in the cave for long time since their childhood. They lived and saw only their shadows and nothing more. However, oneday, they will have to get out of that dark cave and face the sun- the truth, real knowledge. Socrates stated:'To them, the truth would be nothing but the shadows of the images'(P.13).This is right because the cavemen need to make their own desicion of whether that they should believe what they see(light)
or what they used to see(shadows.The prisoners have to adapt with the new environment. They will need to look at the sun, the surrounding objects, animals, beautiful landscapes so that they can understand the realities.some will suffer with new life. They have to do judgment which they have not done so in the cave in order to accept the real knowledge and to gain freedom.

dylanpatan said...

Adrian Moreira
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #8

Cathedral

This was a great read for me. I felt involved in it from beginning to end. In fact when I got to the last page, I was hoping for it to continue. To my surprise it finished right when it was getting really interesting.

The husband reminds me of myself sometimes. His wife was bringing home a blind man and his first thought was of how the blind are portrayed in movies. He says "The blind move slowly and never laugh. Sometimes they were led by seeing-eye dogs." He ends the first paragraph by admitting, "A blind man in my house was not something I was looking forward to." I have felt like that sometimes. At times, I do not like being put in situations I am not really comfortable with. And the only reason I would be uncomfortable is because I have a perception of what this situation will be like from maybe a prior experience or something I have seen on TV or read about or someone has told me about. Like when you meet your girlfriend's or boyfriend's family for the first time. You only have a perception of what it might be like from the stories you have heard about their family or a bad experience you had with a past girlfriend or boyfriend's family. You will not know what it will really be like until you are there experiencing it. And this guy's skewed views of the blind can take us back to Allegory of the Cave and Homonyms.

Allegory of the Cave - We perceive things as others want us to. In this story, he went on what movies had shown about the blind. He "blindly" followed what he say on film.

Homonyms - A concept determines a class that constitutes its. Robert was blind so immediately he was going to move slow and never laugh. Because he was blind he was going to be a hassle.

As I read on, I wanted to know more about Robert. And of the husband. The husband seemed to have problems expressing himself with his wife. It seemed like he put on a front. Like when he spoke about his wife's ex-husband and how she would send tapes to Robert. He acted like he did not care but there was an undertone in the writing that, to me, showed otherwise. I have been like that at times. I say things do not bother me when in reality they do. But acting like they do not is better than actually having to express how you feel.

It took a drawing of a cathedral to get the husband to forget all his prejudices of the blind, all his marital drama, and with his eyes closed, finally see.

CaLL ME P :D said...

Priscilla Daza
cc
eng 100
post #7?

only daughter

reading only daughter by sandra cisneros was intriguing. the fact that a daughter is trying to stand out out of six brothers to get her fathers attention is endearing. or how cisneros wrote "...privately trying to woo". off the bat you can acknowledge where cisneros is going with the story when she mentions what she wrote for a contributors note as "i am the only daughter in a family of six sons" they are many alternatives to write that...either way once the reader reads that line one knows that it is tough to live through...either being picked on or dealing with their over protectiveness or even the complete opposite dealing with their negligence. she went through a childhood of loneliness because her "brothers felt it beneath them to play with a girl". i almost feel sad for cisneros because she clearly states in paragraph 8 that the reason shes writing Only Daughter was for her father. towards the end she brings up the fact that she has been awarding a few a times in one year. she was awarded for the national endowment arts fellowship, a guest for berkeley and her book...out of those huge items the one she thought was the most "wonderful" was not any of those...the most "wonderful" for her that year was that her father read her book in front of her...where he read slowing...and laughed at the right places...i can see myself doing something like that but for my mother. i know whatever award or accomplishment i receive my father would show enthusiasm or appraise me in some way. my mother on the other hand wouldnt know how difficult it is to receive an A on a paper from mister hsiao for instance. i just want her to fathom the hard work and stress i put into my work and appreciate the things that i am interested in.

Gabsters101 said...

Gabriela Tovar
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #9

I really like MOT... When i went the for the first time a couple of months ago with the boyfriend and friends, we had no tour guide what-so-ever and i like it that way... Now that i went Sunday, I really enjoyed the tour guide... I got to see what the drawings in the wall, the posters, t.v in the room meant... I wished we all cuold have gone to the other top floors... There is this wall of Carlos Santana's success and i would have loved it if the other people would have seen it... oh well... Overall, i enjoyed MOT and when i go back, i would like a tour guide on the third and fourth floor so i can really know what all really means...

Gabsters101 said...

Gabriela Tovar

Hey Cerritos...

Thursday at 11am in room LC 217 will be the first club meeting of PUENTE... Please join... I know i'm going to need all the help i can get, and i know that eng. 103 is a very, very friendly class, i will need your friendliness to break the ice... I still don't know if we will have some food or something but you will just have to go and see...
Thanks so much Cerritos...
Hope to see you guys Thursday...

Jan921 said...

Janice Silva
English 100
Cerritos College
Post#6

MOT Trip
I have been to this place before, but with my family. I some what knew what to expect from the holocaust section since I have been there, and also learning the significance in school. The part of the trip that got to me the most was the prejudice section because we all have the potential to be prejudice. We all walked through the door that was labeled prejudice and reaching this television screen showing actions that had to do with hating others for any reason. At the end of the video it showed a brief clip of the twin towers on september 11th 2001. I remember at that moment my eyes widened and my heart started to beat faster because i remember watching those live actions on television. I was sad but angry, sad for the fact i saw thousands of people died that day because of a group of terrorist beliving that it is the right thing and thinking how it must be for the person about to die; either on the plane or watching the plane coming towards you. Angry that i wanted to join a branch of the military and get revenge, but of course, i did not because i was in the 6th grade at the time. The speakers were amazing, in a sense that matt was able to forgive others after all he has gone through, and tim for realizing what he has done and trying his best to turn his life around. At the end of the trip i did alot of self reflection of who i am and how do i live my life. I am human, i make mistakes but learning and forgiving yourself from the those mistakes will help to grow as a better person. I am so glad that i made the choice to go on this trip, because the words and sights of the museum will not feel the same if replicated by another.

dylanpatan said...

Adrian Moreira
English 100
Cerritos College
Post # 9

MOT

As far as my post on our trip to the Museum of Tolerance, please read it from my personal blog since it is pretty long.

http://dylanpatan.blogspot.com/2009/09/tolerating-tolerance.html

Crazymommy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Crazymommy said...

Jenny Guzman
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #tanto

MOT

Well went to the field trip on Sunday, and I have been there with Prof H once before. I enjoyed it this time, mostly because I heard Tim and Matt talk. Last time Tim was louder, and express how he treated people before. It was good compare how he was before and how he calmed down.

One of the places that made me think was the millennium machine. They talked about how about child labor, exporting in children and child abuse. Well while we were in there some girls we laughing I understand they were with there friends, but while where talking about such a sad subject they could have hold back their jokes or whatever they were doing. I really wanted to ask what was so funny, but how I felted it might have started an argument, so I held my tongue. Prof H knows that is very hard for me to keep my mouth shut. I REALLY HOPE THEY WERE NOT LAUGHING ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS TO THE CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD.

Now the how I felted in chamber when they were talking about the how they treated everyone and how a women (Ester I think) just had her baby and the Nazi loaded her in the truck. What happened next I could not hold back my tears. I already knew what was going to come from the last visit there. Last time I heard the story I felted really bad, but since having my daughter what I felted was 1000 times worse. So while I heard how they threw new born babies out the window I thought to myself “If I was there at that time they would have to shoot me because I would not have left my baby”. I know they were scared and I know they felted they could not do anything, but while hearing the story I put myself in their shoes and that how I feel it would have been the end of me.

CaLL ME P :D said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
CaLL ME P :D said...

priscilla daza
cc
eng 100
post #8

MISTER HISAO!

what the heck i need some pointers for my second paragraph yo! i have not encountered any incident relating to my label recently. although my friend also gets label white and its tougher on him for some reason he gets more crap for it. so i can i write about him??

sfarano said...

Stephanie Farano
Eng 110
Golden West City
Post# 2

AOTC

In the writing Allegory of the Cave, the metaphors and comparisons to light and dark play a significant part of the understanding of the educated, and the uneducated society. The first line states "Our nature is enlightened and unenlightened," this statement refers to ones ability to pursue knowledge, and comprehend issues, about our corrupt and complex societies. The idea that we are bound to cave walls and unable to face the light, can be referring to the idea that we are sheltered and unwilling or unable to see the truth around us. People stay in the shadows to hide from the truth, seeking knowledge is much more difficult, than ignoring the reality. Paragraph seventeen is a great example of mans ability to overcome lies that are told to him, by creating his own knowledge of situation. When people become followers and only listen to the leaders without attempting to gain their own opinions, we can see the domino effect of behavior. The turning point only comes when someone steps out of the norm to see the light and reality. The writing by Plato is powerful because he is expressing the power of knowledge and educated decision-making.

cathrina86 said...

Cathrina
English 100
Cerritos College
Post#:ummmm I lost track!

The weekend went by so fast! I actually cannot wait to go to school tomorrow. Class is like my therapy session :). I am glad about one thing, the weather. Gosh, I thought it would never cool down. Just my luck, I had just installed ac units in my apartment. I feel like taking them back and saving some money. I know if I do that then the heat will be right back knocking on my door. Well everyone just wanted to say hello. I will be back shortly to post about the reading. I have been so engaged in my paper. I think that is why I signed up for Professor H's class again, you actually get to connect with your inner self. At times I get lost in this crazy world and forget to reflect on myself as a person.

kayla said...

Kayla Marley
english 110
golden west
post 3

AOTC
As being a previous student in Mr. Hsiao's classes I have read and studied into AOTC. I have to admit that when we first read the story I was very confused. But after a deep conversation with the class I really enjoyed the story and can see why Mr. Hsiao likes it so much. When we first were asked what our caves were I had a really hard time deciding what my biggest cave was. After much thought I finally figured out what my biggest cave was and it was my self confidence. Even though it has been a year since I have read AOTC I have worked on my self confidence and am gradually seeing it improve. Just like Jon said people have multiple caves and once each person comes to realizations about their caves I think people will not be so judgmental of each other, and deal with their problems instead of brining someone else down.

And Jon those dinosaur zombies from the 9th dimension found me, they are looking for you.

Anonymous said...

Dalene Kolb
English 110
Golden West College
Post #10?

After reading a story for my English 110 class, The Allegory of the Cave, I wanted to open up to people about my life, at least part of it. Some of the people that know me, know that I have a single parent Mom, and my parents have been long divorced. This song Emotionless sang and written by Good Charlotte, my favorite band, is just how I feel in words that I can hardly express.

Hey Dad,
I'm writing to you
not to tell you, that I still hate you
just to ask you
how you feel
and how we fell apart
how this fell apart
Are you happy out there in this great wide world?
Do you think about your sons?
Do you miss your little girl?
when you lay your head down
How do you sleep at night?
Do you even wonder if we're all right?
but we're all right
we're all right
It's been a long hard road without you bv my side.
Why weren't you there all the nights that we cried.
you broke my mother's heart
you broke your children for life
it's not okay, but we're all right.
I remember the days you were a hero in my eyes.
but those are just a long lost memory in mine.
I spent so many years learning how to survive.
Now I'm writing just to let you know I'm still alive.

Here is the song made famous by Good Charlotte:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kORzKKadrII

Thanks for listening.

a.murphy said...

Andrew Murphy
English 103
Cerritos College
Post # 6


Cathedrals


Out of the two readings assigned I had to post about this one hands down. "Our Daughter" was a great read, having read it before, but I'm not that connected with that piece of literature.

Cathedrals has it all with the three main players:

The Wife - shes been there for the blind man for a long time. She does not see his blindness as a disability, but as something more. She CAN'T EXPLAIN what that something more is to her ignorant husband.

The Husband - Or disbeliever. He is kind of creeped/jealous of this other man in her wife's life. We get the vibe first off he is very insecure and narrow minded. When the wife and Robert were talking he was waiting for his name to be brought up in the conversation.

The Blind Man - or how I saw him, Jesus, the savior, messiah, or salvator meus. He comes in to to husbands life, who can't see past the blindness. In the end teaches the "bub" a lesson.

Now, to the title; Cathedral. Why that? Why not "The Blind Man?"

Well, the blind man comes to the house of the husband and wife. The wife is already a believer, but the husband is not. After the plethora of drinks consumed and Feast (jesus always ate "feasts" with commoners) they ate, the wife knocks out, leaving the disbeliever and savior alone. While watching the t.v the program about Cathedrals comes on. Now, to anyone who hasn't seen a Cathedral let me start off by saying a part of your life is missing. No matter what religion your affiliated too Cathedrals such as Notre Dame, Sacra Couer, Saint Chappelle, Hagia Sophia, Sistine Chapel are some of the most beautiful, awe-inspiring, BREATH TAKING sights on our small planet (So i advise you to make reservations now and hit up France, Vatican City, Turkey, and so on)

So I can relate to this story so much. When arriving home from my European vacations and asked what favorite sight I saw, I always get to the Cathedrals I saw. Then when I try to explain, like the husband, I draw a blank. It's almost impossible to explain how vastly ornate and beautiful, but at the same time having a dark, omnious solemn tone to it.

After the Blind man hears the disbeliever saying he can can't explain at all and apologizes to Robert. Robert also asks if he is religious and the husband replies no and he can't really believe. When the Blind Man tells the husband to draw the cathedral with him, he seemed confused at first. But, the blind man touched him and made him a believer. He gave the husband the gift of sight and faith as Jesus healed so many lame and nonbelievers in the New Testament.

When the husband finishes, he closes his eyes. He gets the true sense of how Robert sees the world. The husband is in his own Cathedral being as he is in a Zen-like place:
""But I didn’t feel like I was inside anything.

“It’s really something,” I said.""

We get a sense from the last lime the husband was enlightened and saw something more elegant and trully remarkable through the Blind Man's actions.



ramble, ramble, ramble, i know haha

fastlearner said...

Archie Kaaua
Professor Hsiao
English 110
Golden West College
Post #3
8 September 2009
Allegory of the cave
I found this story interesting. Here Socrates is telling Glaucon about some prisoners in a cave who all of their lives have only known shadows on a wall. Although things are going on around them, they do not know the reality of their cave environment. One prisoner was led away to see the light, or what we would call reality. Upon being brought back he would be expected to reveal his discoveries to his fellow prisoners who would doubt what he was telling them. This makes sense because they could only know what they were exposed to. How true this is for us today as we often find ourselves in out own cave of ignorance or lack of understanding. I like the part where Socrates says, “ Better to be the poor servant of a poor master and endure anything, rather than think as they do and live after their manner”. He is right because living poorest of poor and enduring is better than living in ignorance all of your life and being miserable. One can identify with my ignorance of knowledge in my life. One can look back at a time when ignorance was accepted as long as one was in one’s comfort zone. Why learn if one has comforts and is content? After a long time one came back to college to reap the benefits that were lost so long ago. One believes that the future will be much brighter. One should have spotted this weakness long ago but all we had were shadows.

Brittany Williams said...

Brittany Williams
English 110
Golden West College
Post #3

Homonyms by Giorgio Agamben, when broken down from its ambiguous language and hard to understand context, is a simple concept about classification. In relating to the text, I have recounted the many times I have fallen into the inevitable classification the world places upon all of us. Specifically, I recall my father calling me a “lazy b**ch” upon waking up a little overdue one morning from having stayed up late the night before. Strong in stature, he stood in my doorway and, thinking I was asleep, muttered those very words. Feeling a bit uneasy, I decided it would be best to stay in my bed and wait for him to leave. Although only seven at the time, those words have stuck with me ever since. I do not wish to be classified as lazy, and in an attempt to rectify that, I have worked tirelessly at filling my schedule so as not to appear as such. This "lazy" typecast is still an issue for me today; however, I have found inspiration in the matter of classification in our assigned reading, specifically when it states, " the classes that arise from these expressions are 'illegitimate totalities,' which pretend to be a part of the totality they define (something like a concept that demands to be part of it's won extension)" (Paragraph 4). This line has presented me with an alternate way of thinking about this stereotype in which I struggle to emancipate myself from, for it is only an "illegitimate totality" and not the whole person I know myself to be.

abstractxbeauty said...

Samantha Navarro
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #14

Andrew:

I agree with everything you said and the way you explained Cathedrals, except for your perception of "the wife."
To me, she seemed like she did see Robert's blindness as a disability by the way she talked to him showing him around the house. She seemed to use him more as an outlet by the tapes they exchanged back and forth. I believe this especially because when the narrator asks Robert to smoke/drink/watch TV. etc, the wife gives her husband a bad look, as if she thinks those ideas are not suitable for a blind man. I'm still unsure how the wife truly feels about Robert, because she is genuinely happy to see him and is sympathetic for his deceased wife, but I get the sense that she sees him primarily as a blind man. She has known Robert for 10 years and never experienced the enlightment that the narrator experienced in one night.

Jan921 said...

Janice Silva
English 103
Cerritos College
Post#7

Only Daughter
This story made me look at my place as a daughter in my family. All that Sandra wanted was for her father to recognize her as "My only daughter" instead of "This is my only daughter. Difficult it must be the only female out of 6 males, to be mainly alone cause the boys did not consider playing or being with a girl, leaving her to think a lot, inspiring her as a writer. As time went on she wanted her father to recognize all the hard work she has gone through, from college to work, but unfortunately the father never giving recognition to his daughter that he is proud of her. I remember i wanted to do so many things for my father to be proud of. I was in Baseball in middle school, but for a city team and also having my brother on a different team. I was mad because my father would get enthusiastic at his games but not mine, and i know for sure that i was a better player then my brother. I questioned myself "is it because they are both guys?" "how come he is not involved with my team as he was in my brothers? i was hurt because of this, not wanting to continue with the same team next year. In High School i became part of the Color Guard and working my butt off to become Co Captain my junior year and Captain my senior year. I did very well in receiving awards in that category, but still not much recognition from my father. Maybe about a month ago i was playing Basket Ball out side but also talking to my father about how busy i was in high school. Funny thing, he agreed and congratulated me on all the hard work i have gone through, and adding more. After hearing that from my father i felt completed, recognizing that i did accomplish something, that he was proud of.

The story "Only Daughter" took me down memory lane, agreeing that all we wanted was recognition for the hard work we have gone through, but in the end getting what we desired.

JGreenroyd said...

Joshua Greenroyd
English 110
GWC
Post #6

Brittany
That is very deep what you said. It is good that you can open up like that, many people would not be able to. In my opinion Agamben saying that statement (which your father said) is an "illegitimate totallity" means that the statement is not true. It is merely a false stereoype that someone has cast upon you. Knowing yourself casts this false stereotype to the side. You know yourself better than anyone else, you know that you are not a lazy person. For this reason, and this reason only, you should feel secure. You do not need to work hard to prove this to anyone else. As spoken before in a previoius semester of Hsiao's English class, people will put other people down around them to make themselves feel higher. It is possible that your dad feels that you are more accomplished, or a better person than him, and this is why he may have put you down. For some people the only way to reach the top is to tear everyone else down around them. You definitely are not lazy if you can interpret Agamben too. haha.

Tessy Baby said...

Tess Elizondo
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #4?

Cathedral by Raymond Carver
Reading this story and refreshing my memory of Cathedral brought back so many memories. I thought of the discussions we had in English 52 about the blind man, the husband, and the wife/friend. The husband really annoyed me for being so selfish and inconsiderate of his wifes feelings. When the story mentioned the wife use to read to this blind man it reminded me of the movie In Her Shoes. These two people the blind man and the wife grew into best friends. The husband reminded me of a child for asking all of those questions. I am really glad that at the of the story Robert made the husband see things in a different perspective.

cathrina86 said...

cathrina afusia
cerritos college
english 100
post#: still loosing count

I chose the reading Cathedral by Raymond Carver only because I have read Only Daughter last year. To me both readings are moving in different ways. At first the reading started off as disturbing. I noticed that the first sentence in the first paragraph start off "the blind man." This right off the bat made me uneasy because I could tell that Robert who was already at a disadvantage in some eyes would be targeted. In this reading I really admired the wife. I often wish there were more people in the world like her. Others do not know how much they miss out on by discriminating others. I did have one question about the reading. The whole time I was reading I was asking myself how the wife and husband became as one? I just saw them at two different people. I then thought how the wife knowing Robert actually enriched the husbands life toward the end of the story.
Another interesting thing about this reading is that Robert was not given a name until about the 8th paragraph. I felt that was strange. I would have thought he would have been properly introduced during the time the husband was getting to see past Robert being a blind man. I felt that would have been a good transition in the reading.
Then of course the Cathedrals, I love the way they were introduced into the reading. It was explained that they took hundreds of workers and fifty or a hundred years to build. I feel this represented the trials Robert has had to experience in his lifetime. Robert is a very humble and kind person. Many would use their disability as a reason to always be depressed, but not Robert. I feel he has built alot of inner confidence and strength. Building these two fundamentals are not something that is developed over night. These things are things that are worked on and that progress over time.

Tessy Baby said...

Tess Elizondo
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #5

I had a really good weekend!!! This weekend me and my boyfriend celebrated ou 1st year together. It seems so much longer though. He took me to the Huntington Library. Some people might say the library? This library has beautiful gardens and its so romantic. Mr. Hsiao I think we should take a field trip there. Well I'll see everyone in class

meeeechelle said...

Michelle Pachas
English 103
Cerritos College

Cathedral by Robert Carver

Cathedral is an inspiring story which includes many themes that we have recently visited with our past readings. The narrator begins by talking about the basis of the dull relationship his wife and Robert share. At least that’s the vibe I get from it. He describes his wife’s previous marriage with subtle hostility and completely neglects to emphasize the bond her and this blind man have. I sense a man who’s never impressed and detached from everything happening around him. “She went in and swallowed all the pills and capsules in the medicine chest and washed them down with a bottle of gin ….but instead of dying, she got sick.” Even when speaking of his wife’s close-call with death, there’s a feeling of indifference. He also isn’t shy about his stereotyping. He admits to being bothered by the idea of a blind man residing in his home; The blind man being someone who, “ moved slowly and never laughed.” He also shows this close-mindedness by leaving everyone nameless: his wife, the blind man, her officer. By classifying them he shows how he never looks beneath the surface. Only when he learns of Robert’s wife’s battle with cancer does he acknowledge Robert as a person and not a category.
Already having an idea of how Robert will be, the narrator is surprised when Robert has a glass of whisky, and even goes on to join him in a casual rotation. He later turns on the TV and feels compelled to describe what is on the screen. Like with the naming, his depiction of a cathedral is a bland one. He isn’t able capture the essence of what a cathedral is. Instead, he classifies what a cathedral is by only referring to its structure.
Robert quickly catches on and decides to try an exercise where they share one hand in drawing a cathedral. The narrator’s eyes are opened when he closes his own and begins understanding and looking through a blind man’s point-of-view.

Crazymommy said...

Jenny Guzman
English 100
Cerritos College
Post # no se

I hate Target!!!

I thought today was going to be a good day. I went to work and did my job; I had enough time to my HW. I picked up Janelle and she behaved for the sitter. I cooked and my food came out great. All that was about to change when my boyfriend and my dad opened up the box for the baby's crib.

When they opened the box it was missing more than half of the Items. I was like it is ok we will go to Target and get it a new one. So I figured we go returned the crib and I will be back in like 45 minutes, boy was I wrong.

Well I went to the customer service and I advise of about my crib that it is missing pieces. The girl said well it has been more than 90days so they will not be able to return it without a receipt. I advise it was on my Registry so I do not need a receipt. So she said well what your name is. I gave them my info and they say they could not find my information. So I asked how long do the registries last. She said it last 90days. To make an extremely long story short they basically said YOU TRUSTED THAT ALL YOU PIECES WERE IN THE BOX BUT THEY ARE NOT, SO NOW YOUR STUCK WITH A HALF A CRIB. IF YOU WANT A WHOLE ONE YOU NEED TO BUY A NEW ONE.
I said #$#%$ that you people are tripping. Well I got super mad that they threaten to have me removed. I am obviously bigger than most of the security. I told her she will have to remove me. It did not get that far so but at the end I got what I wanted.
Target has lost one of its customers and I am going to write a letter and have people sign it for their poor customer service. They might not care that they lost 1 family business, but I am going to complain to ask many people I can. Business is base on customer service and today Targets customer sucks!!!

cellycell said...

Celina Rivera
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #13


I had philosophy class tonight. I guess you can say it was interesting. The room was extremely cold so all I could think about was I am cold. During our class break I even bought a hot chocolate just to keep me warm. Weird yeah I know. I am not a coffee, soda and energy drink person at all. I just have to make my own energy. I was also a little crazy that randomly I get growing pains. Yes, I know some of you may think growing pains. They really do hurt. As much as I have them you could all say well why is she not taller. I don not know that is good question. I am short, but I think to myself "then why to I still get growing pains?" They are not comfortable whats so ever. Do any of you still experience them?

Metallidude said...

Eric Contreras
Engl 103
Cerritos College
Post #4
Cathedral
This in an incredible story. I did not expect it to turn out the way it did. It was a very heart felt story and it has a strong thesis and moral at the very end. It teaches you to put your feet in other people's shoes and experience their life through their eyes. Just because someone may not have the privillages, or ability to do something the way you do, does not mean they are completley incapable of doing it. They might use a different method, but they can still accomplish the same task. I appreciate this story because it reminds me to not take things for granted. I might think that I have nothing, and I might not be able to do something, however there are people who have less than I do who can succeed just as well and in some cases can be better at it than I am. Pretty much, do not judge a book by its cover and try to see life through other people's eyes.

brenda flores said...

Brenda Flores
English 100
Cerritos College
Post#7
Only Daughter

I loved this story that Sandra Cisneros wrote. I related to this story in many ways. I read her book House on Mango Street back in high school and enjoyed it so I knew I would enjoy this story as well. I am an "only daughter" just like Sandra, except I only have two older brothers, not 6. I do not like to tell too many people that because they automatically think I am a spoilled brat. I am not! Yes I am a daddy's girl but, like Sandra, I was by myself 90% of the time playing alone because my brothers ignored me. And because I was a daddy's girl, I also seeked his approval growing up and still do to this day. The difference is that eventhough my father is Mexican, he is very open to me choosing any career that makes me happy and is in no rush to marry me off. He did have the same advice that Sandra's dad had for her, to use my head and not my hands. He instilled very early on that the only way we would succeed in life was to get an education. My dad and my mom were my examples of that advice. I know my dad is proud of me now but I know how much more proud he will be of me when he sees me crosss the stage with my Master's Degree.

cellycell said...

Celina Rivera
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #15

The last post was post# 14. I get so lost with number it is. SORRY!!

Kistos said...

Veronica Vasquez
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #10

Only Daughter

I enjoyed reading this as I can semi-relate to it. Although I wasn't raised with 6 brothers, I did have 2 older ones. The author starts off by emphasizing that she was the only daughter in her big family, and how that affected her writing.

The expectations of her father were for her to get married with a man, no more and no less; whereas his expectations for his sons were much greater.

When the author mentioned to her father that she would attend college, and he thought it was great, I had felt the passage had come to a resolution. To my surprise, her father only thought it was a great way for her to meet a better man, not to get an education for herself.

What was most sad is when the author mentions how her father would be proud of saying he had 7 sons, when in fact it was 6 sons and 1 daughter; almost as though she was lost in the family line. Not to mention that when she did become a famous writer, her father only saw her as a "teacher", not even a professor.

Of course, the resolution was very beautifully added when she walks into her father's room full of medication and a plastic urinal; as though seeing him broken down to the bone. I expected that even at this state, the father would still reject her writings even if they were in Spanish, but alas he read them and was proud. Although he didn't say it himself that he was proud, it showed when he wanted to share his only daughter's work, not one of his 7 sons, to the rest of the family.

Anni ^_^ said...

Ana Cervantes
English 100
Cerritos College
Post#hmm... 5 or six idk

Ony Daughter

I really enjoyed reading this story and honestly it made me cry a lil at the end. I had read other stories by Sandra Cisneros. I love how she writes shes's so detailed and the humor she includes in the stories and also the emotion she puts in her stories I just love that in a writer.After reading this story I felt that I could relate to this story. The reason why is that I am an only daughter too. I have not brothers, nor sisters well not from my mom side. From my dad side I do but
I have never shared with them through out my whole life, but thats a differ story. Anyways, I relate to the story also beacuse everything that I do in my life is not only to please myself and make myself proud, but to make my mom proud and please her. There has been times that I have felt I had let her down or she is not proud of me and that feeling is just horrible and gets to me. That is why if you were to ask me what I want to me in life is not just a psychologist but someone important that my mom can feel proud of me and have a beautiful ending like in Sandra's story.

cellycell said...

Celina Rivera
English 100
Cerritos College
Post#16

Hey Jenny,

I am sorry to hear about your horrible experience at Target. I really can not believe that at first they did not want to take it back. I would think if it is missing items they would just replace you with a new crib. Apparently Target does have horrible customer service. I know that me working in retail I do anything to make the consumer visit great. If they do have a problem I am willing to fix it just so we will not have someone unhappy. If we have someone unhappy then they go and tell friends and family. Which later will not come to buy. With these people not buying it does not benefit me. It makes matter worse such as less hours which equals smaller check. Which then leads me into wishing I was younger sometimes with less responsibilities. Any ways just reflecting on your experience. At least the out come was that they gave you a new one.

meeeechelle said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
meeeechelle said...

Michelle Pachas
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #4

MOT

First off I want to thank Mr. Hsaio for taking the time to put together this field trip. Quite frankly I thought I would never go on a field trip with a class anymore. I’m glad to see that there are still professors out there who genuinely care about their students education. Not only that, but you also create an environment where it truly becomes a family. I’m starting to see what everybody was talking about. That being said, this was my second visit to the Museum of tolerance and not the last. This is a heartbreaking subject that needs to be acknowledged to avoid anymore injustice. Like the first time I went, going through the “gas chamber” was the hardest part. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to listen to those stories without tearing up. Hearing Tim and Matthew talk about themselves forgiving each other was really inspiring. Before this I considered myself a very forgiving person. This really made me wonder; if in Matthew’s shoes, would I be strong enough to completely forgive?

Anonymous said...

Monique Gutierrez
Cerritos College
Post # 19

Work

I hate that every time I'm in the lunch room all I hear is b*tching and complaining. Thank god for my mp3 player. I want to enjoy my hour long lunch and I don't want to hear all the negativity. I know it's just them venting but enough is enough. It's the same old conversation anyway. Sometimes I want to tell them to shut up but I don't want to cause drama. I am very careful at who I talk to at work because gossip gets around there just like High school. I go to work, to work! It's not the best job in the world but it pays the bills. But enough about that. The MOT field trip sounded intense. I haven't been to the MOT in awhile, but I will go again. I want to hear the speakers. I can't wait to go to the Grammy Museum. I love everything Hollywood and just being there will be a wonderful experience. I hope we can bring cameras.

Yue said...

Yue Hayes
English 110
Golden West College
Post #2

Man, let me tell you that I was definitely not ready for the first few assignments of this class. I've realized that when I was in this class last year, my thoughts were less of a free-for-all. But now, my thoughts have found their ways back to floating around and about in my mind. I guess it's going to take me a while to get my thoughts back and organized again.

As I was thinking about this, I realized this:
Last year, I did fairly well in the class, and I think it was because I had blogged a lot. Writing out my thoughts then actually helped me think better. I'm not going to try to out-do my last year's blogging records, but I'll definitely keep up so that I can get into the habit again.

To everyone
When you're blogging, it really helps to think about what and how you're writing. Going back and editing before you post is also a great way to get into the habit of fixing mistakes. Eventually, your blog posts become flawless and that really translates to the essays, too. Your writing just gets better, because you're consciously fixing yourself.

Am I rambling? Going off-topic? I think my mind is still all over the place, because I forgot why I wanted to post this to begin with. :/

Sarai Vazquez said...

Sarai Vazquez
English 100
Cerritos College
Post #6 ?

Cathedral By Raymond Carver

I really really enjoyed this story. I loved the way it started out with the guy talking smack about the bling man. It seemed as if the man was jealous of what his wife and him had. I really enjoyed reading about how the man's view of the blind man completely changed by the end of the story. I thought about it and saw that nowadays, we see people with some kind of handicap or disability and automatically feel sorry for the person. We sort of put them in a box, like they can only do a certain amount of things for themselves or others. It's those kinds of people that amaze us everyday. Those people are always the most nice gernerous giving people in the planet and have so much to offer the world other than what they cant do. I really liked the story and what it taught, but I did not get the ending. I felt like it just ended abruptly like there should have been more to it or something. I dont know maybe it was just me. But i really enjoyed it other than that small confusion you can say.

whitneyyoung said...

Whitney Young
Golden West College
English 110
Post #3

Homonyms

Homonym by Giorgio Agamben was pretty hard to understand. I didn’t understand much of it until you went over it in class. I think this is talking about how everyone is stereotyped by their image or attitude. Everyone stereotypes others in some way or the other. For example, if you found out your friend was ‘bad mouthing’ you to someone else, you would automatically put them in a category of being untrustworthy or a bad friend. Your friend could be saying that you were the untrustworthy one to being with. Being a ‘bad friend’ could be like a homonym. They could consider you a bad friend because you have blown them off many times, missed their phone calls, or called them a bad name. Everyone has a different interpretation of words. It is then your job to live above the stereotype by taking control of your life and proving them wrong.

Brittany Williams said...

Brittany Williams
English 110
Golden West College
Post #4

Joshua - Thank you for the feedback. I greatly appreciated it!

Yue - I would like to thank you as well for posting such sage advice. I guess I was not quite prepared for this class either. This is my first class with Mr. Hsiao and, so far, it has been a little unorthodox from my previous experience with other teachers. Any advice is helpful!

Skagway said...

Zachary Duke
Eng 103
CC
Post#7

Only Daughter by Sandra Cisneros / MOT

n Sandra Cisneros's Only Daughter, the author provides us with an account of the isolation and efforts to win her father's approval in a working-class family of nine, including six brothers and one daughter. As Cisneros writes "I was/am the only daughter and only a daughter". This line is significant to my life and Cisneros, because I too have to make my own expectations because in my life, everything has been done. I need to find something to do that is above and beyond. In both my own life and Cisneros, such experiences fuel an inner passion to achieve and gain approval that outweighs any of the negative impact on development from such patriarchal attitudes.


On the MOT, The speeches where fanominal. I have been on that trip before but never did it hit me like it did that day.This next thing is just the guy in me talking so if i offend anyone i am sorry. there where a LOT of cute girls in the both of these classes. ;-)

Raufiel M. said...

Raufiel Matias
English 110
GWC
Post#3

Homonyms
This reading is somewhat confusing to me to understand even after we've discussed it in class and reading it a couple of times. I kind of got a clue of what it's all about after reading some of the comments here and putting together my thoughts of what we've discussed in class. So, I'll just do my best to share my two cents about this. From what I've read, I think that words are separated into classes because of the different interpretation of people into a certain word. For example, the word red has different meanings because it depends on the person on how he or she interprets that word. In paragraph 7, the concept of grasping a concept in it's purest form without digesting it and exploring its' different meanings we are eliminating our knowledge to accept its' other form... I don't know if that make sense. The synonym part of the reading was easier for me to understand, "same name and the same definition." (paragraph 1). As for the class discussion all I got was that no matter who you are, everyone is going to stereotype you in one way or another because of appearance, attitude, beliefs, etc...

Andy4Candy said...

(Andy) Nam Pham
English 110
GWC
Post #3

Homonyms

Even thinking about the concept gives me a headache. The idea of Agamben presenting the thought of something actually being something, but is not something, is very complexing. "...class of all the classes that are not member of themselves..." The theory was difficult to grasp, and I can not even picture his example of shoe being a shoe, or not being a shoe. During class today though, we went over half the story and it seemed a little clearer.

Instead of using Agamben's confusing example of shoes, we used stereotypes instead. It was a much easier concept for me to understand. The idea of being part of a race does not mean that one automatically participates in the same events or acts a certain way based on skin color, ethnicity, or any other types of prejudgements. It is apparent that in today's society, many prejudgements are made. Individuals are "boxed" in, classified, misplaced, labeled, and these individuals are obviously misunderstood. No one is always a clear, definite person because we, as people, are constantly shifting personalities and acting differently towards one another. We are not just one person, we are composed of many, by the people we meet, the people we see, and the people we love.

This made me think about myself as a person and the way I act.
I am anxious to answer the question "What makes up an Andy Pham?" Of course the ingredients are people and experience, but in fine detail, I hardly recall the reason why I do the things that I do. I don't know what people call me, or how everyone else judges me, but just the other day my friend called me bitter. We were having lunch and I was talking about a previous relationship that I was no longer fond of. The way I treat that certain person seemed to be resentful, she thought. It was a casual lunch, and I was not going raise my blood pressure over a simple conversation, but the word "bitter," seemed to stick with me. Am I that bitter? I always thought of myself as understanding and multi-perspectivaley capable. I did not really know I was capable of such irrational thoughts. Now that I think about it, I do act a little misunderstood these days. Even though. When you tend to walk around with a disgruntled look, people tend to treat you less friendly then if you were walking around with a smile. It is common for a person to be subjected to alienation. I often feel that way.

I can not help but think that I do deserve this classification at the moment. I act bitter, resentful, and irrational very often. I do not know if I enjoy being this type, but I do not feel ashamed by it. This, of course, is not completely "Andy Pham," but it is a large percent of me. Oh well. All I can do is wait and see change come with time.

Anonymous said...

Sarika Vaswani
English 103
CC
Post #idk

MOT
Opportunities to go on fieldtrips while in college do not come along very often, so when they come knocking, I try to seize them whenever I can. This time around, I was fortunate enough to have my best friend accompany me on our trip to The Museum of Tolerance. To be quite honest, upon going a second time this year, I carried that “been there, done that” attitude as though I knew everything that was to be expected. As a human being, I admit it can be easy to forget details of such tragedy such as the Holocaust more so because it did not directly happen to us or during our time. However, when standing in line during security check, a sense of remembrance hit me, and I felt my heart sink. I was suddenly overwhelmed with memories that traced back to when I was in elementary school and September 11th took place to when we visited the museum last spring. The tour was such an emotional journey. The reality of Hitler’s reign and the suffering’s of the Jews truly hit me. All I could ask myself was, "how and why?". Listening to the stories in the gas chamber was heartbreaking. I have to say, my friend and I enjoyed the guest speakers the most. Tim Zaal and Mathew Boger’s stories were amazing. I was in disbelief by how their worlds collided when they were younger and how they came to be friends today. Their stories were so inspiring in terms of tolerance, forgiveness, and change. I refuse to forget. It is crucial to remember our history, and to know how our world came to be the way it is today. I entered the museum with a heavy heart, but I left feeling uplifted and inspired.

Anonymous said...

Sarika Vaswani
English 103
CC
Post #idk

Only Daughter by Sandra Cisneros

Cisneros writes of how she had to deal with being “the only daughter in a Mexican family of six sons”. One can only imagine what that must have been like. Being the only girl, her brothers constantly left her out. She wanted to go to school to actually get a good education, whereas her father simply wanted her to go to school to meet her possible future mate. The only thing she found beneficial about this was that she able to study whatever she wanted in school without anyone questioning what she was doing. However, a part of her yearned for her dad to acknowledge her and her great potential at becoming a writer. All she ever desired was his approval and she went out of her way to try to achieve it. 10 years later of writing professionally, she went back home to visit during the holidays. It was upon this visit, that she got what she had been longing for so long. Her father finally read her story, and showed in his own way, that he noticed her work.

I think most people can relate to Cisneros story in some way or another. Often times there are people in our lives who just don’t acknowledge us or the things we do, as though we are invisible. Whether it be a parent, a friend, or one’s boyfriend/girlfriend. When this happens, we try to search for their approval or appreciation by bending over backwards for them. It is a horrible feeling… when one tends to fade into the background, and not be noticed by their loved ones. =(

I'll end this post with a line from a song I'm really feeling right now..
"Children don't grow up, our bodies get bigger but our hearts get torn up."
See you guys tomorrow!

marlilou said...

Beatrice Fisher
English 110
Golden West College
Post #3

ANONYMOUS HOMONYMY

When I first did the reading I felt like I was taking philosophy again. It was confusing. There were moments though where it drew me in and I felt like I had complete understanding. That moment would pass and I was left lost again. But anonymous homonymy: is this not what we are all striving to be? We want to be our own person, yet we all strive to "belong". I liked this phrase. If I were a band, this is what I'd call it.

Another part in the reading that caught my attention was when it talked about the illegitimate totalities class. I do my best not to stereotype but there are times where I use the illegitimate totality class. This is mostly when argueing. Maybe we are all guilty of it. I will tell my husband, "you always..., you never do....". And he always comes back with, "I always do that?" I can't italicize, but note that always has sarcasm in it.

There is something to be learned from Homonyms. If nothing else it is to realize that there is no absolute and there is possiblity in everything.

Belinda said...

Belinda Reed
English 100
Prof. Hsiao
Cerritos College

Hi Professor, Hope the field trip went well.
Wish i could have attended, however the funds were not there for me. I had to work instead. Any way, this the fourth time I've tried to do my homework and post on the stories that I was able to read. My post is on the story Cathedral. I thought I knew where It was headed, until I got to the part where the one fellow asked the blind man if he wanted to smoke some dope. I found it quite funny. No disrespect to the blind. Seen you in class today.

Belinda said...

Belinda Reed
English 100
Prof. Hsaio
Cerritos college

Cathedral

I was able to read both stories, Only Daughter, and
Cathedral, Only Daughter was a nice family story, While Cathedral was more about people staying incontact with one another. I thought I knew where the story was headed, but out of know where the two men were sitting on the floor, and the blind man was trying to teach the other fellow what it is like to read brail. I think that is the way I understood it to go. Then it happened the one fellow asked the blind man if he wanted to smoke some dope. I could't stop laughing. Professor I hope this is the correct way to post on my homework assignment.

J! said...

Jonathan Aguilar
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #10

Only Daughter

This story was a great read. There was a lot of emotion into it; and i liked how the author added more enthusiasm into it with exclamation marks. Sandra Cisneros writes about her being the only daughter in a family of six sons. Ever since she was a girl all she wanted was for her father to notice her and her acheivments. Nothing she did was ever good enough for him.

I believe sometimes everyone feels like this once in their lives. I know i have. My father is a Mexican-American man who joined the military when he was 18 years old. And getting a good job from him is unbelievably hard. I too feel like there is no pleasing him. If i get a B in a class; he would ask why didn't i get an A. If i get an A in a class; all he would say is too keep it up. But thats just how some people are i guess.

The thing that got me the most was when the father would tell people that he had seven sons. That was terrible. I don't see how anyone can neglect their child that much. That is a hard thing to deal with and i'm glad Sandra Cisneros was able to get through it. In the end she finally gets through to her father about her writing. One of her stories was translated into spanish. She gave it to her father to read and the way she describes him as he is reading is very detailed. You can tell he liked the story. Even though he never really says he is proud of her; he shows that he is. And at that moment i cannot help but feel happy for Cisneros. This weight has been lifted from he shoulders and i know that, that was her biggest accomplishment of her life.

It is not always easy pleasing our parents but we do our best to try. And being patient and keeping at it is the only way we will eventually get through to them.

Apathynignorance said...

Rebecca Richards
English 110
Golden West College
Post#2

Allegory of the Cave

This allegory is all about man's never ending search for the truth of all things and thereby the divine truth of God. Light, in all forms, fire, reflection, and the sun, represent levels of truth. Even when it is only a shadow of reality, the light is the only way the captives can get even a sense of the world. Being dragged up into the burning daylight is representative of the difficult and trying process of realizing truth. Eventually, with time and acceptance, man is free to look upon and contemplate the wonders of God and reality. The most enlightening lesson of this allegory is that the discovery of truth must be gradual and is not without its pains and discomforts.

angelT0GAFAU. said...

Angel Togafau
Englsh 110
Golden West
Post #4

CONFUSED!
Mr. Hisoa.. the homework we were assigned was to blog on another essay.. Clarification please?!

Martha Vazquez said...

Martha Vazquez
English 100
CC
Post 9

Only Daughter

This story tells us how Sandra Cisneros was the only female amongst six men. This, particularly in a mexican family, is a dicey situation. She was destined to be someones wife. That was all. All roads she took would lead to her finding a good man. None of her work was taken seriously because she was, after all, only a woman.

"My father represents, then, the public majority. A public who is disintersted in reading, and yet one whom I am writing about and for, and privately trying to woo" Isn't this what we all do? Privately try to woo someone with our works, with our music, with our stories or with our hearts? I think we all have that someone that we want to impress. For Ms. Cisneros, it was her father, for others it can be a boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, brother/sister, mom/dad, teacher or sometimes just ourselves. We always seem to strive for that look, or those words of recognition.

For Ms. Cisneros, the day finally came when her father read one of her stories. It had been translated in spanish and she had written about his home town. When he finished reading it he said, "Where can we get more copies of this for the relatives?" With that question, he voiced his approval. He was proud of the work she had done and wanted to share it with the rest of the family.

That is something we all strive for. The ultimate recognition and pride from the person(s) that we feel we need it from. She closes the story saying, "Of all the wonderful things that happened to me last year, that was the most wonderful." Even though we may have accomplished plenty, when we reach our ultimate goal, all our other deeds seem to pale in copmparison.

Brittany Williams said...

Brittany Williams
English 110
Golden West College
Post #4

Angel,

I was confusing on our hw assignment as well. I emailed him yesterday and got some clarification. This is what is due tomorrow...

1. A post on the story you did not previously write about.

2. The start of the first paper. It has to be in MLA format and is a page long paragraph. Look to the handout he gave in class for more clarification.

I hope this helps!

[C a r l o s™] said...

Carlos Plaza
English 103
Cerritos College
Post #3

Cathedral

The story starts off with the narrarator talking about his wifes friend that is going to visit. Right away i get the impression that he's not happy that he is going to visit. He keeps referring to him as the "blind man." He does not know much about blind people. He beleives that they all wear dark glasses and have a cane. When he arrives to his home it seems like he's jealous. His wife and Robert spend a really long time catching up and he rarely joins the conversation. When he does join it seems like he's doing it because of his wife, not because he wants to be in the conversation.

Christina said...

Christina Arredondo
English 103
C.C
Post: I think 6

The story I chose to write about was Only Daughter, authored by Sandra Cisneros. When reading the stoy I was fascinated by how descripted and detailed the story is. Also, how she puts so much of her emotions and feelings into it. The reader is able to note how much effort and dedication she gives to her writing. Therefore, I really enjoyed this story and it grasped my attention right away.

In the story, it is pointed out how she comes from a Mexican heritage, being the only girl, and having six brothers. She states how her father's perspective towards a woman's role is to simply, get married, have a family, take care of the children, and be a house wife. He was wrongfully informed of how a female is able to truly live her life. Despite the fact that the daughter had other intentions for her future, her main focus was to "woo" her father over, have the respect she deserves from him, and her place in line.

It was very heartsickening to read the part where the father is practically neglecting his own daughter, when in fact she is standing there next to him. Also, how he gave approval for his daughter to attend college for the only reason of expecting her to find a husband much easier and faster. It shows how he does not even care whether she gets an education or not. All he cares about is her following the mexican tradition.

Nevertheless, his daughter continues her education and becomes very successful in being a writer. She received acknowledgement and rewards for her writing. However, she did not have the one thing that her father was interested in. A family. Her father was very disappointed in her and was not happy, as if she have not accomplished anything. He would not give any recognition for all her hard work, dedication, and effort she has put into her writings. He would see it as her career been worthless without a husband at her side. He would not even give her the chance to prove herself how victorious she has really become. On account of that, she would push herself and would become harder on herself, trying to reach for her dad's satisfication. She was striving to win her dad over that she even wrote one of her stories about him and his hometown. The story was translated into spanish and published in Mexico, which meant he was able to read it. After he was done reading reading, I expected him to face her and still give her no credit because she did not have a husband at time of the event. On the other hand, he had finally realized his daughter's potential in writing. He then, was proud of having a daughter, not just known for having 7 sons.

Overall, I believe that one of the messages this story gives out in particular is Hope. The reason why is because she never gave up and continued to push herself until she receive the approval of her father. She never let go of the hope she had for one day to finally win her father over. No matter what it took, she continued striving.

sonicspeed said...

Freddy Villalobos
English 103
Cerritos College
post #4

Only Daugther by Sandra Cisneros
In the story of Sandra, she was asked to write a contributor's note for an anthology. She explaines to them that she was a family of nine, six sons and the only daugther. When she wote that and looked at what she could have put in there, she started to have lost feelings as a child to rise up and once again remember what she went truh in order to achieve it. She remeber growing up what she wanted to be and upon telling her father that she wanted to be a writer, her dad just noded and sayes thats aa good girl. that brougth her inspiration to become one even more than she wanted to be. but in reality she failed to relized that her father wanted her to go to college not to gain an education, but in order to find herself a good husband and seatle down. thats a typical teryotype mexican comment that only old custom fathers still believe. as she finished all four years of college plus another two years of graduat still believes that she wasted all her time, education, and the teacher for nothing than her little fanasy. as her work finally progress, she was dedicated and one of her poems were translated to spanish and published in a spanish magazine. at a party she finally showed it to her dad. after what her dad wrote he finally apreciated her work and felt happy. this caused her to be happy and that brougth all the happy towards her.

this story feflects on her trying 2 make her dad happy. Sandra did this not for her but for them. she put all her lost words that she herself annot sayed, and thus what she did not sayed she wrote and wrote and thus created a poem that had her dad appreciate her.

WldntULikToKno said...

Samantha Shepherd
English 103
Cerritos College

Upon reading the two stories, I think the one that I liked the most was The Cathedral. I liked it because at first, I could relate to a lot of the emotions in the story because that's how I have felt in a lot of relationships on both sides. I have both had that friend that is very close to me that is not my significant other (one example is my cave that I spoke about) and my boyfriend currently has a friend like that where I'm not too happy about him being friends with (for other reasons). Just when I thought that the story was going to lead to the wife leaving the husband for the blind guy, it took me by surprise in a whole new direction. I loved how the blind man broke all the misconceptions the husband had for blind people and how he taught the husband that one physicality did not ruin his capability of being human. Also, on the other hand, I loved how while the blind man was teaching the husband, the husband was also teaching the blind man through drawing the cathedral what a cathedral really looked like. They really were just both lost in that learning experience that had nothing to do with the wife at all!

WldntULikToKno said...

Samantha Shepherd
English 103
Cerritos College

Museum of Tolerance

It was my first time going there and many of my friends were already giving me the heads up that it was pretty sad. As soon as I walked in and we started thetour, I felt the energy that was very low and heavy and I knew that my friends were right. We started walking through the tours and just the way that the tour guide spoke (he had an accent- he was from Liverpool!) about not only the numbers, but how he made it clear that everyone of those numbers was an individual like each oneo f us. That really hit home. The scariest part of it was that Hitler wanted to exterminate thJews and he blamed the financial problems of the country on the Jewish population when it was only .8%. That is crazy! How is that only .8%, not to mention that is not even one full percentage point, could be theblame for all of the economic problems around WWII? Then after we went through the Holocaust, which I believe we all had sort of a good idea of what happened there because it was a required topic of study in the eighth grade. That was interesting and it was a good reminder of history and how sick the human race can be if do not set boundaries for ourselves. One specific moment that really hit me was when we were inside the simulated gas chambers and we sat down and listened to a few of the testimonies of people that had survived the Holocaust. My eyes were tearing up listening to it, but the one that made the tears spill over was when a woman started speaking about how she was with other women and children in a ditch. The Nazi soldiers started then to shoot everyone and everything that was moving, not necessarily killing everyone, but wounding them. This specific woman was holding her child, and she described her daughter's face. She said that her daughter's face was usually oval, if I'm remembering correctly (it could have been the other way around), but that her face was now rounded. She had laid her daughter down and she started to kiss her on the back of the head where she was shot. How could things like that happen? How could people be so cruel? I know that sometimes I can be mean to other people, but I don't think I'd ever be able to do that. They also described dropping babies out of a window into an empty truck, killing them in front of everyone. German and Jewish alike. Yes, these may be like all the stories we have heard of before happening in the Holocaust, but to almost relieve them, was agonizing and enlightening all at the same time.

WldntULikToKno said...

Samantha Shepherd
English 103
Cerritos College

(I forgot to add this to my last post!)

All in all, the experience was one that I truly enjoyed even though it was quite heartbreaking. It was definitely an interactive learning experience and I feel that many of my beliefs in being tolerant were affirmed- which is something very good to feel. I would recommend it (and have!) to my friends and to anyone else I know. Thanks Mr. Hsiao for this memorable learning experience.

Anonymous said...

RayRay J.
English 103
CC
Post # cuatro or cinco or idk

Only Daughter.

This narrative exposes the hardship one might face growing up in a chicano househould dominated by the male figure. The author, Sandra Cisneros often says "an only daughter" and "only a daughter", indicating a clear distinction between the two.

First Sandra Cisneros uses the phrase "an only daughter" to indicate her gender's significance in her family. Living a male dominated household, she was often ostracized for being a female. The author's father states "I'd tug my father's sleeve and whisper: 'not seven. Six! And one daughter. Your daughter.'" The author's female gender often was a source of embarassement for her father.

Furthermore, the author says "only a daughter". Aside from stating a gender, this phrase sets a sort of barrier for Sandra. In her narrative, it is stated that, "This is my only daughter. She teaches...Es maestra-the teacher, not even profesora." In Sandra's family, gender proves to be a type of unseen barrier and a mold. Her father, applying the barrier and the mold, fails to recognize the achievements of Sandra and thus puts her in a lower category than she deserves.

What the author is looking for is acceptence. This sort of acceptance is what the sons and daughters of most first generation immigrant families are looking for. Growing up in a different culture, one is bound to a set of laws and customs in which the members of that specific culture has to follow. To break that law is taboo. Such is the dilemma of Sandra and myself.
But thats another story.

xArtx said...

Arturo Lopez
English 103
Cerritos College
Post 5?

I read the story "the only daughter" and coming from a chicano household i understood exactly what Sandra Cisneros was going through. Even though i am the eldest of two sons i still feel pressure from my father and i try and do whatever it takes to appease him. Sandra however strives to do what she is most passionate about which is writing. She has the daunting task of doing what she loves and using it to make her father proud of her. throughout her life her father overlooked her and only mentioned his sons. At the end of the story, when her father is old and weak, sandra makes him read one of her stories. he loves it and tells her so. It took all of her fathers life to realize the accomplishments her daughter has achieved. This acceptance from her father was well worth the wait. I could only hope for the same acceptance as i go on to fulfill my goals

Crazymommy said...

English 100
Cerritos College
Post # Que??

Only Daughter

I love this story. It is a story about a girl that thrives to do well so her father can be proud of her, but everything she does her father does not seem to notice.

Like in my family my dad always wanted a boy but he had me (obvious a girl). He put me in sports and took me shooting all the time. I hate to tell people this but his nickname to me was “boy”. The man can not remember my name Jenny to save his life, but he was quick to call me “boy” in a heartbeat. So I can relate to the story in a way when Sandra Cisneros writes “not seven sons. Six! And one daughter. Your daughter.” Paragraph 10.
It seems she got mad that he did not recognize her as a girl, but as a son.

I feel in his own weird way he (her Father) is proud of her. He is holding her up with his sons. Obvious she is young and does not see it that way; she sees it as he is ignoring her.

That is why when my father called me “boy” back then I also did not like it. Now I know he did not mean it as I wished you were a boy, but that he is happy the girl can do mostly anything a boy can do.

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