Writing

Today in class we discussed what would be considered good writing. When I think of good writing, I think about those things that I've read that have made me feel something (evoked some emotions). For example, I have read some really good books that have made me cry. I've also read some books where I don't like the ending because it is not a happy one but it stirred a lot of emotions. In some of the books I have enjoyed reading I have rooted for the protagonist and held a strong dislike for the antagonist.At the same time, I have also sympathized for the antagonist. These feelings stem from the good writing--the author's ability to construct a story selecting the appropriate words. Good writing gets the reader involved, whether it be through vivid descriptions that allow the reader's imagination to paint pictures of the story or whether it is through writing something that has universal appeal so that it is something people can relate to. A perfect world is impossible to relate to, but when there is struggle, happiness, sadness, disappointment, wonder---these various emotions are all encompassing of human nature and something that is a reality of human experience. Something that leaves me resonating, anticipating, curious, or makes me feel inspired is good writing. I also think that good writing has a sincere, genuine voice. Writing that stands out to me has a level of uniqueness and a distinct style like David Foster Wallace. The books that make you forget about where you are and who you because you're so engrossed---make me feel like I am in the book, have been good ones. In terms of academic writing, I think word choice, grammar, and organization are all important. It is important because you have to convey your thoughts through words without the support of conversation, tone, pitch, body language, etc., which all help others understand what it is you want to express. If the spelling or grammar is off, I think it not only distracts the reader from your writing but you lose credibility, and sometimes you may end up giving off the wrong message. I remember in high school we had college representatives come and speak to us about applying to their institution and one rep. said that be sure that your essays are error free. To illustrate why he shared with us that there was one applicant who mentioned she volunteered at a hospital as a candy stripper instead of a candy striper. The list could go on about the characteristics of strong writing from making good connections, to using variety in language. I think it is extremely challenging to write well and it takes a lot of thought, time and effort to make it excellent. Even after I have submitted several final drafts throughout my years of school, I still have not been completely satisfied and there is always something to improve. But one thing that has consistently helped me with my writing is reading. And whenever I have writer's block, I find the best remedy for that is to go out and do something--experience something---try something new whether it be going to a movie, a school play, a concert, football game, or simply calling up an old friend.

Terrorist Attack In Mumbai

November 26 through November 29 there were a series of ten coordinated attacks committed by terrorists in Mumbai, the largest city in India and the country's financial capital. About 174 people have been confirmed dead and 293 have been injured. I think in times like this, it is not only important for the people of India to come together but it is just as crucial that people around the globe be aware of what is happening and unite to help this cause. Regardless of whether it be a terrorist attack in India, Hurricane Katrina in the United States, or genocide in Darfur and Sudan, if people globally unite to help each other, their strength combined will be more effective in resolving such issues.

Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants

Marc Prensky is a speaker, writer, consultant,and inventor who focuses his abilities on improving the areas of learning and education. In his essay "Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants," he highlights how students today think and process information fundamentally differently from the older generation, due to being surrounded by and brought up with new technology. The author calls the older generation “digital immigrants” who are learning and adopting new technology and he names the younger generation "digital natives." He argues that digital natives should adapt teaching methods that compliment to the way of thinking of digital natives primarily through video game technology. While I agree that digital immigrants should acclimate to the new technology that is so highly utilized by digital natives but I don't think that it is necessary that all teaching methods be technology dependent. I think there should be a balance between technology and more traditional methods of teaching. Technology should be used by all means to help enhance understanding and learning for students but not to the extent at which it compromises their social skills and ability to communicate effectively.

Academic Bias

This past week in class we read various articles discussing the different opinions on the Academic Bill of Rights spearheaded by conservative David Horowitz. While I feel that it would be great if teachers offered different views of a topic to their students, I think what is more important is that the teacher prepares a student to think analytically and learn how to synthesize strong arguments. More energy should be devoted to cultivating these skills because they are more valuable to the student. The skills or critical thinking and evaluation are indispensable because bias is inevitable. Even if legislation attempts to minimize a bias environment inside the classroom, the moment that student steps into the real world where their knowledge is really tested and applied, the real world will not be free from bias. In fact, outside the classroom, bias is not just limited to academia, but it has infiltrated the media and corporate world. It is not news to anyone that each individual has his or her own bias or perspective. I think it is more practical to instill individual responsibility to recognize bias and know where to access differing viewpoints than it is to enforce it as a policy upon institutions to create a somewhat impossible unbiased setting. Moreover, the Academic Bill of Rights contradicts Constitutional rights in terms of Freedom of Speech. If any real issue of injustice were to arise in terms of unfair grading, unfair treatment, or discrimination in hiring faculty, I think the United States Constitution already addresses them. Thus, while the intentions of Academic Bill of Rights is not entirely bad, it also not necessary.

Alfred E. Smith Memorial Dinner

Thursday night the John McCain and Barack Obama exchanged self-deprecating jokes and some good-natured humor aimed at one another, instead of campaign attacks like they have been at the Presidential Debates. Among the guests in the spotlight were Hilary Clinton, Mayor Bloomberg, and Government Patterson as well as Henry Kissinger. It was nice to see the two candidates step out of the negative campaigning mode before the election and it humanized the candidates. The roast was refreshing to watch after the build up of so much tension from campaigning. I personally liked watching this better than watching the debates. About 4 million dollars were raised at the charity event organized by the Catholic Archdiocese of New York to benefit underprivileged children. Both candidates acknowljavascript:void(0)edged each other with compliments in the end.

"What Liberal Media?"

In class we discussed the article published in The Nation by Eric Alterman called “What Liberal Media?” Alterman starts to set the record straight by writing a comprehensive book refuting the many allegations about liberal media. What surprised me most about the article was not the fact that there is an indisputable conservative slant in the media but rather that many conservatives are aware that the myth of the liberal media is outright false. He goes on to explain how Right Wing supporters have been triumphant in propagating this myth. Alterman critiques claims made by conservatives like Ann Coulter, Bernard Goldberg, and Rush Limbaugh about liberal media bias. The most obvious reason conservatives have been successful in spreading this myth has been due to the fact that there media moguls are predominantly conservative and therefore posses significant power over how and what information is exposed to the public. I think it’s scary that news reporting is controlled by only a handful of powerful media tycoons and it makes me wonder when it will be normal to see a fair angle in the news. This article should be read by everyone, especially high school and college students, future journalists and those citizens who wish to vote.

Ziegler's editorial on David Foster Wallace soon after his death:

http://johnziegler.com/editorials_details.asp?editorial=165


Reaction to Ziegler's Editorial:
http://edgeofthewest.wordpress.com/2008/09/15/how-to-be-an-asshole-by-john-ziegler/

I'm curious to know what people think about Ziegler's editorial on David Foster Wallace.