The Karen Speaks of Rivers

In the poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by Langston Hughes, the theme of African Americans and their deeply integrated roots throughout history prominently connects the the poem from start to finish and fosters verisimilitude. Hughes demonstrates verisimilitude by describing civilizations of the past in which the African history has been a part of, thereby emphasizing the real, weary history of his people. Indeed, Hughes even states he has "known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins" to remind readers that the authentic history that African Americans have been a part of started from the beginning of civilization. Veins, like rivers, are not only twisted and longwinded, but have the ability to provide sustenance and support life. Yet ironically, African Americans have been subject to slavery since Euphrates and have not been given the chance to flourish and create an auspicious history. The word "ancient", meaning decrepit and primitive, is repeated twice in the passage to emphasize that the African people have been fighting for racial equality since the beginning. Their struggles through society have in turn produced weathered souls, much like how a river's environment may become weathered. Hughes once again fosters verisimilitude when he references Lincoln's first glance of slavery in the South, predicting that once again the river will flow with a golden glow into the sunset and mimic the transformation from enslaved to free souls. The journey that Hughes' takes reader throughout his poem mirrors the arduous struggles his people have gone through, demonstrating the weathered and fettered footprint African American history has imprinted upon the world.

Jay Gatsby: A Man Who "Préci"ed Down the Wrong Path

In the novel "The Great Gatsby", F. Scott Fitzgerald claims that an American dream that idolizes an unrealistic ambition, such as recreating the past, is the greatest weakness, creating both unnecessary turmoil and a shattered mentality after a dose of reality. Fitzgerald supports his opinions by analyzing Gatsby's reckless behavior resulting from his fervent desire to possess Daisy, his unnecessary jealousy and vigilance, and his inability to let go of his dream. The author's purpose is to caution the reader that while dreams establish a magical and youthful essence, idolizing an unobtainable dream only breeds a vulnerable and parochial perspective, in other words, a one track mind. The author writes in a didactic yet conversational tone (through the perhaps unreliable point of view of Nick Carraway) for young adults who defied the morally upright values of their elders in the scintillating 1920s.

Jay Gatsby. A man we can all relate to. In our own quest for the "green light", whether it be wealth, love, happiness or the like, we often become blinded by our own dream by blowing it up and squeezing all other perspectives out. Dreams become our weakness.

It's interesting, how literature can connect so much to music. After all, music is just another language, another form of communicating ideas and opinions.

Which is exactly what Kris Allen did, in his song "My Weakness".

Sunrise on the east side
Want to wake up next to you
But I'm dreaming on the west side
Trying to find my way to you

[Wow, if this isn't a shoutout to Gatsby...]

Tell me you want me
Speechless and I'm shaking
Tell me you need me
You better believe when I say you are my weakness
You are my weakness and you get me ever time

Gatsby dreams not just of Daisy physically; he wants her to admit that she only needs him, only loves him, only ever wanted him. His passion for her love binds him to his fate, obstructing the warnings and advice of Nick. Daisy is Gatsby's weakness, to the point that he shields her from Myrtle's death and dies in her place. A fatal game of "She loves me, She loves me not", if I do say so myself, with such a lethal daisy.

Jay Gatsby: Disney Hero

Every child has a hero.

Indeed, a great part of my childhood was spent with Buzz and Woody, Simba, Aladdin and Peter Pan. The whole Disney crew. The magic I found in Disney engulfed my imagination, inciting dreams of love, fortune, and ultimately, defeating the bad guy.

But when did I start to outgrow the dream? When did I realize that the magic depicted in Disney movies was just bitter coffee loaded with creamer, sprinkles of sugar, 5 pumps of vanilla and hazelnut syrup?

In "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gatsby is really just an overgrown Disney hero. What makes a Disney hero?

The Classic: When you wish upon a star, your dreams..come true.

Fitzgerald ironically places Gatsby in a situation where he wishes and hopes for his dream, using the green light of Daisy's dock as a star to guide him. Like Pinocchio, who desperately wishes for the impossible dream of becoming a boy, Gatsby hopelessly strives for the light, believing that his trembling hands will one day grasp fortune and love.

Deal with the Devil

Much like how Ariel sells her voice and Hercules gives up his life for their dreams/goals, Gatsby "sells his soul to the devil" when he decides to make a fortune out of bootlegging and other illegal activities. His relationship with the dubious Meyer Wolfsheim proves his money was not innocently earned.

Damsel-in-Distress

Gatsby believes that Daisy never loved Tom, and his misguided judgment prompts him to act in heroic manners to "save" her. His pursues his dream to steal her away with money, clothes and other materialistic goods.

Love at First Sight

Seems like Gatsby instantly fell for Daisy, "the first 'nice' girl he had ever known".

The Power of Friendship

Gatsby throws lavish parties in order to discover the whereabouts of Daisy. Of course, he comes off as a socialite, when people he didn't even invite show up at his grand parties.

Disney stories are glazed with happy endings, triumph and joy. Fitzgerald shows us the demise of Gatsby, whose dreams very much resemble that of a hero. However, Gatsby's dream is unobtainable, and reality knocks Nick off his feet when he realizes Gatsby was a dreamer caught in unfortunate circumstances.

Just a Boy who Lived

History repeats itself in an endless cycle. From the "forced marches to uninhabitable reservations", the "stench and starvation of middle passage" and the "ghettos of Europe", Nikki Giovanni explains in "Sanctuary: For Harry Potter the Movie" the link that all of mankind has in common: we all have stories to tell, and we have all lived to tell the story. Giovanni relates that it is in our nature to be faced with onerous situations, some which may seem impossible to overcome. Perhaps due to the influence of her ancestors and African American activists, Giovanni pursues a perspective different from the magical view of many: she understates the fact that "Harry Potter was just a boy who lived. Like all of us" (37). She highlights that Harry's story is ultimately no different from ours, so why must his receive so much glam and fame? However, Giovanni does praise his story for having a distinct quality that some of our own stories don't have-- the ability to "live and tell the story" (33-34). The only way for people to overcome their struggles is by grasping tightly to the will to live. Furthermore, it is through the "noise of the whirlwind" that individuals blossom to their full potential. Harry defeats Voldemort after struggling through years of pain, a task deemed impossible by many. African Americans have overcome slavery, after decades of torture. Woman have gained a substantial amount of equality, after decades of setbacks. None of these groups have been wiped out; in fact, their descendants grow far stronger. Giovanni teaches us that through the pain and misfortune in our lives, we must find be the last man standing, and live to "sing the song of [our] people".

Remember: He is JUST a boy who lived.

#R@|\|+ 0|\| PU|\|(TU@+!0|\|

     
             In terms of literary expression, writing has expanded from ink to pencil to keyboard, from documentaries to prose to blogs. Writing is constantly enhanced to suit the tastes of the world, much like how we adorn a simple outfit with different jackets, scarfs or jewelry. Both allow us the freedom of expression, and we communicate our ideas through the accessories we choose: in the case of writing, punctuation.

             As society has shifted towards technological advancements, much of our lives have been consumed by social media, including the way we express ourselves through writing. As a result, shouldn't punctuation (our accessories) also be fashioned to our new way of expression ? Hitchings believes that "language evolves in conjunction with culture, and change is not always a bad thing". In fact, social media and technology have "produced new opportunities" (Source A). Indeed, the "best tweeters demonstrate a keen awareness of their audience" (Source F). If a teenager is tweeting to their peers, he will use the trendy hashtag to express himself. If a poet, such as Andrea Gibson, is updating her fans, she will use the traditional punctuation to "try out fragments of thought". The punctuation one uses depends on who he is, whom he is addressing, and how he wants to express his thoughts.

         Although punctuation should be used freely to express our ideas, the privilege should not be abused, much like how one should not accessorize himself with a rice hat, a biker jacket, and a pearl necklace. Punctuation should be used "sparingly, and with affection" or else the reader will "lose the essential flavor of language" (Source D). In the poem "I dwell in Possibility", by Emily Dickinson, a hasty glance reveals Dickinson's sole usage of dashes; however, there are two lines of the poem in which she does not end with a dash. Dickinson's skillful use of punctuation is reflected in the lines of the poem. "The spreading wide my narrow Hands" does not end with a dash to demonstrate her point that poetry allows for a broad spread to gather paradise. Ironically, if she included a dash, the restriction would contradict her words "spreading wide" (Source C).

        The 2010 poem "On Punctuation" by Elizabeth Austen also reiterates the point that punctuation, when used effectively, allows for "a trail of possibilities".  Tradition must be maintained, but that doesn't mean there is no freedom. In fact, the "most irritating" exclamation point, the question mark filled with "voluptuous uncertainty, and the semi-colon, with its "feeling of delicious responsibility" all fulfill the role of setting the tone of the sentence (Source B,D,E). Many times, punctuation is subtle and "you cannot hear them, but they are there, laying out the connections between the images and the ideas" (Source D). Similarily, jewelry and hats can be layered for a classy, flirty or trashy appeal.


"In music, the punctuation is absolutely strict, the bars and rests are absolutely defined. But our punctuation cannot be quite strict, because we have to relate it to the audience. In other words we are continually changing the score." -- Ralph Richardson

I for Ignorance: When Ignorance is NOT a Bliss

It's true. As a society, we are all incredibly ignorant. Although no human can possibly learn everything about the world, there is a limit to how ignorant a person can be. Hawthorne reinforces the hypocrisy of ignorant Puritan society in the last few pages of the book when he states that "certain persons, who were spectators of the whole scene, and professed never once to have removed their eyes from the Reverend Mr. Dimmesdale, denied that there was any mark whatever on his breast, more than one a new-born infant's" (253). We only believe what we want to believe, and if the truth doesn't satisfy our feelings, we blind ourselves from the enigma and fabricate a new truth. Perhaps everyone in the world should just stitch an I for Ignorance upon their chests. Or maybe the "tooth of unenlightment" will just chew us out eventually. Ironically, the wearer of the scarlet letter who is scorned by society is the individual who is able to view the world through a different lens. Through her ignominious A, Hester rises above the ignorant and expands her thoughts to a state of open-mindedness, a striking difference to the "iron spikes" of Puritan society.

We mock the Puritans for being unaware and find it difficult to empathize with their inability to accept others. But we are no different. After the Holocaust, a group called the Holocaust deniers came out stating that the Holocaust was a hoax arising out of a deliberate Jewish conspiracy to advance the interest of Jews. In order to forget the  real, historical evidence of the horrific genocide, they resorted to denying it ever happened, just as how the townspeople denied that Dimmesdale ever slept with Hester. The inability to cope with the truth and instead glaze over it reveals that society today has not changed drastically from Puritan times.

Ignorance is a bliss-- only for children, that is. In "The Scarlet Letter", Pearl represents ignorant innocence. Because she is unable express her observations with the correct words, she is seen as "ignorant". In her case, it is a bliss, because she is able to skip through life without a care in the world. However, as she grows older, she gains more responsibility for her actions. Furthermore, she loses the right to be ignorant, for she is older and wiser. Similarly, a young and budding country could be forgiven for their actions. They have the right to be ignorant, for the country has yet to experience tragedies and sorrows (Although the Puritans were not a "new" country--basically, they were another England). However, as a country grows older, they lose the right to be ignorant. There comes a point in time where the citizens must mature and grasp for the immense plethora of knowledge around them. Thus, as a country ages, the people must become more open-minded and accept responsibilities.

Healing through Confession

Confession: a formal statement admitting that one is guilty of a crime

But to who are we confessing to? Many would respond that they confess their sins to God, but none have ever answered that they would confess to others. It seems that exposing our black souls to God is much easier because in a way, God is almost like a fairy tale, void of any concrete touch. There is no face-to-face, no eye-to-eye contact that makes most individuals uncomfortable. As a result, we trick ourselves into believing that confessing our sins to God is enough to clear the charges, so there is no need to confess to others. When we don't confess to others, we usually fool people into thinking we're better than them, and our hidden sin digs deeper into our broken hearts. Arthur Dimmesdale is a prime example of a sinner who exposes his darkest secrets to God each night through physical and mental torture, but never gathers the courage to confess to the world. As a result, his health visibly deteriorates as his secrets burrow deeper, and sooner or later, will consume his entire being.

That being said, the obvious answer to his "sickness" would be a public confession, even to one or two people. Take a look at what Tenth Avenue North has to say about confession.

So you thought you had to keep this up
All the work that you do
So we think that you're good

Dimmesdale is intent on maintaining a clean reputation--he preaches powerful sermons about sin and helps others come to terms with themselves and their relationship with God (when he himself can't!). Although he physically abuses himself because he cannot gather the courage to confess, he has already become a symbol in the town, a model of Puritan excellence that cannot be easily erased.

And you can't believe it's not enough
All the walls you built up
Are just glass on the outside
Although Dimmedale has built layer upon layer around his broken soul, it seems that Hester and Chillingworth especially can see right through his walls for who he truly is.

So let 'em fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
The only path to freedom, whether literal or figurative, is if Dimmesdale exposes his inner secrets. Even if the public is not forgiving of his sins, Dimmesdale himself will find redemption in the Lord and himself.

This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark

In order to heal his tainted heart, Dimmesdale must find the power himself to come to terms with his guilt. As a result, the "light" will be able to flash through his thoughts and purify his soul.

Afraid to let your secrets out
Everything that you hide
Can come crashing through the door now
But too scared to face all your fear
So you hide but you find
That the shame won't disappear

No matter how deep Dimmesdale shuts his secrets, they won't ever disappear. In fact, because he is too scared to expose himself, his sin begins to command his life, consuming his physical and mental health.

Many are scared of confessing publicly because they fear to lose their reputation in society. However, the only way to truly release the chains of sin is through confession to God and to others. No matter what the consequence, there will be freedom in our own minds that allows us to finally live the way God teaches us to live.

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Thanatophobia

Once, in 6th grade, I was lying on my bed, engrossed in my own thoughts. First came the realization that I had actually received a B on my math test and had no idea how to break the news to my mom, who was sure to erupt in a whirlwind of insults. However, as I thought more about how to confront the situation, Death crawled into my mind and asked me, "What do you think happens when you're dead?".  Unable to understand the question, I stumbled over my thoughts. To the 6th grade me, death was a black hole that would kidnap me from the luxuries of life (food and games); death was the man with the scythe, the one that would deliver my punishment; death was the messenger that would bring me to a world where I could not feel, see, or hear. Death was terrifying. I frightened myself to the point where I laid motionless, fearing any sudden movement on the bed would bring in the wretched reaper. However, soon after I realized that if Death was to claim me, I needed to first inform my mother of my grades. Sprinting in a frenzy, I stumbled to her room and broke down in tears. To her, it seemed as though I was crying over a useless grade; to me, I was crying over the disillusionment of Life.

In the poem "Thanatopsis" by William Cullen Bryant, Death is portrayed as a universal equalizer, one that evens out the playing field once we're all in the ground. However, while we are alive, we are all unique and experience different situations. Death is inevitable, but the only way each we can view Death positively is if we live out our lives to the fullest. So why don't people understand such a simple statement?

As I was scrolling through Humans of New York, a picture of a grim woman caught my attention. Underneath the picture, HONY summarized her story: her father had been battling pulmonary fibrosis and was winning; however, the day he came home, he died. She had stated that "he never came to terms with [Death]" and felt "cheated by life". 

On the other hand, HONY had posted a picture of the deceased Banana George, who had set the world record as the oldest person to waterski barefoot at age 92.

"Banana George didn't even begin waterskiing until he was 40. But it soon became his passion. In the course of his career, he's broken his back 4 times. He's also broken his ankle, knee, and eleven ribs. Banana George waterskied until the last possible moment. I've seen footage of a very old George being pulled through the water in a wheelchair-on-skis, smiling like a madman."

Banana George is the testament to Bryant's claim. George embraced death by living up to 97 in the most extreme way possible. He felt accomplished enough to embrace the chilling unknown of death. However, the girl's father was only able to look at death in a pessimistic manner, unable to live out his days. Ultimately, the difference between our perspectives on death depend on how well we shape our lives. Those who live for the thrill of life are the ones who are truly able to come to terms with Death.

Even now, I still fear Death. How could I not? However, I have been inspired by the optimism Banana George exhibits for his own life. The only way I won't fear Death when my time comes is if I make this life the most interesting life possible: full of tears, joy, adventure, sorrow and love.

Declaration of Uniqueness

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one portion of the family of man to take a step back from expectations and stereotypes, to revive a unique life, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes that impel them to such a course.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men, women and students are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are unique Lives, Liberty and the distinct pursuits of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to protest and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and condescension, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to protest such Government, and to choose a unique path for their future security

Such has been the patient sufferance of students; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the College and Parents is a history of repeated criticisms and brainwashing, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

They have forced unnecessary stress, in the form of standardized tests, upon our Lives.

They have inhibited creative thought in the summer, instead, replacing it with the stale opinions of Barrons, Kaplan and Princeton.

They have coerced us into memorizing lists of pointless vocabulary, such as avuncular and lugubrious.

They have taught us to recognize ourselves by numbers such as 2400 or 36; Anything less is unacceptable.

They have endorsed that multitude of AP classes we can take, scratch that, we MUST take.

They have taught us to become monotonous copies of each other, with no idiosyncratic qualities.

They have coerced us into joining every Club possible, regardless of our own interests.

They have beat into our brains that if we are not Leaders, then we are nothing.

They have turned companions into adversaries, teaching us that no one is to be trusted.

They have turned us into social outcasts, awkward at every outing.

They have cited the accomplishments of others before us, leading us to another guilt trip.

They have set a seemingly unreachable standard, then rebuke us when our enemies reach it.

They have brainwashed us into thinking that if we are not THE model for others, then we are nobodies.

They have affirmed that we are "Tiger cubs", and our purpose is to bring pride and honor for the "Tiger mom".

They have reiterated the word "Harvard" and "Ivy" both day and night.

They have raised the standard of Asian math to Issac Newton, as if expecting us to invent calculus again.

They have forced us to five hours of sleep, nineteen hours of academics, tests, sports, music and clubs.

They have endeavored, in every way that they could, to destroy our confidence in our powers, to lessen our self-respect, and to make willing to lead a cliche life.

Now, in view of this entire dissatisfaction from YOUR future generation in this country, their social and academic degradation--in view of the unjust laws above mentioned, and because students do feel themselves oppressed, stressed, and fraudulently deprived of their most sacred rights, we insist that they have immediate admission to all the rights and privileges to unique and distinct lives as citizens of the United States.

Art of Living: The Seven Levels of Existence

What is an existence and what value does it hold in our lives? According to Goethe, "The whole art of living consists in giving up existence in order to exist." As analyzed by Ms.Valentino's 11 AP English class, it seems like existence is defined by two interpretations, the literal existence of one's life and the figurative existence in embedded in our memories. However, according to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living foundation, there are actually seven levels of existence.

1) Body: A precious gift from Mother Nature, the body is the most physical form of existence. Created from millions of cells, elements, atoms etc, the body is faced with physical limitations such as disease and fatigue. The body is commonly known as the capsule for our souls; however, our bodies are often easily sacrificed.

In "The Crucible", the body level of existence applies every living person in the story. When Salem women confess false witchery, they are doing so to save their body, their physical existence.

2) Breath: Most people are not aware that they breathe so much on a daily basis. However, the important act of breathing is the first and last act of our lives that determines our existence. For every emotion in the mind, there is a corresponding rhythm in the breath. For example, anger produces twice the amount of breaths as happiness. In addition, breaths affect the physical state of the body. Those who are happy sense expansion, while those who are depressed sense contraction.

Again, each person in "The Crucible" exist on the breathing level. Mary Warren gasps for air at the thought of selling Abigail's secrets, while Judge Danforth maintains his calm disposition when he sarcastically shuts Parris up.

3) Mind: Mind, also known as our consciousness, refers to one's ability to observe and express. Human mind seems to be weak, despite its capabilities. Why do we allow our minds to become puppets controlled by the acceptance or criticisms of others?

Victims of the witchcraft accusations often let their minds be controlled by society's expectations. People were led to believe that God would not accept their existences if they did not conform to the rules; as a result, many lost the ability to think rationally and gave in to the mental pressure. For example, Mary falsely accuses Proctor of controlling her because she fears of being ostracized by Abigail's group.

4) Intellect: Intellect refers to our judgments, arguments, and the conflicts we face. Intelligence allows us to understand how life functions in society; as a result, discrimination and stereotypes occur.

Abigail demonstrates use of intelligence in "The Crucible". She understands that the only way to obtain John Proctor is through manipulation of society's corrupted legal system. As a result, Abigail cleverly uses innocent children and justice-vowing judges to eliminate women like Elizabeth Proctor.

5) Memory: Like a hard drive for a computer, the memory is capable of storing past ideas and situations, though they are usually unpleasant. Memories can be passed down from one generation to the next, thereby enforcing the idea that memories live on.

Proctor decides to give up his "existence" to preserve his goodness through memories. He gives up his life so that in the memories of Salem's people, he was a good man who died to end the chain of witchcraft accusations.

6) Ego "I": The more knowledge one gains about the world, the bigger his ego becomes. Man loses his innocence and becomes stubborn, insistently proclaiming that his ideas are correct. The more ego a man has, the more ignorant he becomes to reality.

Proctor sees through Parris' inflated ego. Indeed, Parris goes so far to state that he was "a graduate of Harvard University", a man ordained by God, and therefore, better then the people in Salem. However, Hale trumps Parris, as Hale has fought with demons and carries heavy books around to prove his knowledge. Oh wait, don't forget Judge Danforth, who has overlooked far more court cases than Hale, thereby making him the rightful bearer of Justice to all in Salem.

7) Soul/Self: The stable reference point of our lives. It seems as though everything in life is changing, from the mental conditions of our mind to the physical capabilities of our bodies. So how do we know who we are? Through our "self". Self teaches us the parts of ourselves that do not change. The more we know about ourselves, the less likely we will be influenced by outside stimuli.

"I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" Proctor states that he has given his "self" to Salem--this means that he has lost sight of who he really was in the hysteria, and could not differentiate between what was considered good or bad. However, Proctor relinquishes his soul for his name, or memory; he gives up an idea of who he is so his name may live on in goodness.

Salem Witch Trials 2.0 : Daycare Edition

In the 1980s, the daycare sex abuse hysteria, a phenomenon involving false accusations, child witnesses, and hysteria, erupted in America. Lasting more than a decade, the hysteria fueled extreme claims of satanic ritual abuse. A prominent case that began in Kern County, California, started the mass hysteria and caused a decade of "witch-hunts" against preschool teachers. The McMartin Preschool Case, the most expensive and longest criminal trial in American history, is one of the most famous daycare abuse cases. As history repeats itself in modern society, parallels are drawn between the events of the infamous Salem witch trials and the Daycare Abuse Hysteria.

1) Snowball Effect: At first, accusations made against daycare teachers seemed to be just like any other child abuse case. However, as more people were charged with accusations, hysteria spread and propelled the public into insane claims of satanic abuse, such a rituals, abuse by men in black cloaks and secret tunnels.

Similarly, accusations in the Salem witch trials jumped from one citizen to the next. Abigail first starts slow, accusing only one or two people, but as the hysteria and fear grows, the girls began to accuse a chain of people in an attempt to protect their reputations.

2) Children Rule: Children often gave testimonies on their experience with daycare abuse. Many urged others to believe the "pure and innocent children", often twisting the testimonies into an extreme claim of abuse. For example, interviewers who questioned the children about abuse experiences often included in their questions suggestive material, thereby inviting children to fabricate hazy truths such as being abused by clowns and robots in a secret room in the daycare center. In addition, interviewers would criticize the children if their abuse stories failed to meet the insane expectations.

Judge Danforth believed that because witchcraft was associated with no concrete evidence, the obvious pieces of evidence would be the witch and the victims. As a result, he convinces himself that the children must be correct because they are obviously pure and innocent even when they speak of the impurities in the town.

3) Where's Proctor?: Although it is true that some convictions were unjustly delivered, the hysteria planted a seed of fear in the hearts of many. People were unwilling to speak up against the trials, for they would be speaking against the pure and innocent hearts of children. In addition, they would be marked as a "child-hater" and lose their reputations in society.

One of the major conflicts in "The Crucible" is the battle Proctor harbors within himself. Because he cannot come to terms with his sins, he refuses to let go of his reputation. Others also feared of speaking against the trials, for they would be sent to jail.

How did such an absurd hysteria rise about? By the early 1980s, more than 50% of all mothers were working outside of their home, resulting in more daycare centers. Mothers often felt understandable worry leaving their children in the hands of strangers; however, news reports of child abuse propelled many mothers to feelings of anxiety, thereby raising suspicion that daycares did not provide enough love for their children. Such anxiety created a hysteria that readily believed any false accusations as a means of a scapegoat.

Although the Salem witch trials occurred over 300 years ago, history has caught us in its rigid cycle of repetition. In the daycare trials, adults often believed the children because their stories reinforced the truth, while children often lied in order to please their parents. In the Salem witch trials, families used their daughters to fabricate lies as truths, while daughters did so to gain power. The cycle seemingly never ends and prompts us to question when the next one will begin.

Labels Are For Soup Cans

         It seems that stereotypes has been the theme for AP English these past two weeks, ranging from Native Americans to African Americans; indeed, many of my fellow classmates have blogged their insightful opinions about stereotypical ethnic groups. However, although the class has generated thoughtful criticisms against the negative effects of stereotyping, I was never able to truly connect with the discussion, for we only read stories of the misfortunes others faced long ago. It wasn't until the media analysis that I realized just how much stereotypes are integrated in our society through media, slowly dictating us to unconsciously group others by hurtful cliches.

        Although the mass media is able to showcase its opinions to the general public through the senses of sight and hearing, television is the one media that uses both senses to not only brainwashes adults, but also their children. As a child of Canadian and Chinese descent, I loved watching adventurous Chinese cartoons and perky Canadian shows. However, it wasn't until I moved to Troy that I realized children were also exposed to highly influential cartoons such as Family Guy and South Park. Personally, I never enjoyed watching such cartoons for the following reasons:
        
  1) The pictures are rather ugly... Stewie has a lemon for a head, and I'm not quite sure what                happened with Peter's butt chin.

2) Crude, uncomfortable humor to laugh at with friends awkwardly.



Although watching this clip the first time is hilarious, the more I view it, the more I cringe when I hear the heavily-accented, broken English. Stereotypes are so overused in media that we unconsciously accept such degrading humor as valuable giggles worthy of our time; however, in all honesty, what would Americans consider humor to be without cliche stereotypes? Would the whole concept of a "joke" be turned around 180?

         Media stereotypes have impacted this country even to the smallest communities. If we look at any local high school as a microcosm, we will see teens using stereotypical characters as the bar to judge others. I realize now that sarcastic, degrading shows often twist the judgments of such students, to the point that they lose their own opinions and yield to whatever the show feeds them. For example, in Spanish last year, there was a boy who always muttered "dirty gypsies" when referring to Indians under his breath. However, anyone knows that gypsies are in fact not Indian. His rude comments were influenced by the music he listened to, the shows he watched, etc. and encouraged him to view others negatively.

Obviously, the stereotypes at Troy High are unnecessary and degrading, but what happens when we expand to the nation?

On a broader scale, TV cartoons have the ability to generate real-world discrimination.

In 2005, South Park notoriously aired the episode entitled "Ginger Kids" and started a nationwide stereotype of soulless people with red hair and freckles. In 2010, a Facebook group named "National Kick a Ginger Day" (inspired by the South Park episode) was created and as a result, many students were beaten harshly in schools across America. Incidents like these demonstrate that although stereotypical jokes may be considered humorous, all stereotypes have the potential to become more than just a joke through the influence of the media.Television has the ability to affect thousands of people, including children and adults alike, and Facebook has the ability to group together a massive clique to physically beat down and ostracize groups of people based on a stereotype.

From 1933 to 2013--Have we been Kemosabes?

     On July 13, 2013, The Lone Ranger, the newest adaptation of the 1933 radio show, was released to theaters all over America. However, the movie was deemed a "box-office flop", despite a budget of over $225 million. For those unfamiliar with the plot, the Lone Ranger is a masked ranger who, along with his Indian friend Tonto, fights injustice throughout America's Wild West. In the newest adaption, director Gore Verbinski attempts to tell the tale through the eyes of the faithful Tonto, portrayed by Johnny Depp. Although Hollywood believes that the reprise of Tonto is a gesture of respect and honor to Native American culture, Native Americans clearly disagree. Disagreement on the portrayal of Tonto by a non-native Depp has arisen in Native American communities. The creation of Tonto in the 1900s already caused controversy itself-- after all, Tonto is the Spanish or Apache word for "foolish" or "silly" (who wouldn't be offended?!). To viewers across America, the "bromance" between Tonto and the Lone Ranger is one of mutual respect, a symbol of the friendship between two cultures. In addition, Tonto endearingly calls the Lone Ranger "Kemosabe", or "faithful friend". However, to Native Americans, Tonto, albeit the most used and important pop culture character, is a symbol of an offensive stereotypical legacy. In the new adaption, this racist image is once again portrayed with an excessive slathering of black and white paint and a dead vulture headdress.

(Honestly, every time The Lone Ranger trailer came up on TV, I switched the channel--this face is enough to give me nightmares, who wouldn't be offended?)

 

       In 1993, Sherman Alexie published The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, a collection of short stories illustrating the hardships and discrimination Native Americans were subject to. Ironically, at the release of The Lone Ranger, Alexie commented, "In the movies, Indians are always accompanied by ominous music. I always feel that something bad is about to happen. I am always aware of how my whole life is shaped by my hatred of Tonto, Whenever I think of Tonto, I hear ominous music." Despite his efforts 20 years ago, Alexie is still faced with the stereotypes of Native Americans. His books have informed the public of Native American discrimination, but they are not enough to change Hollywood's inaccurate portrayals. Disney's decision to release the movie demonstrates modern America's inability to pay attention to the wishes of minority groups and respect their cultures. For example, Depp states in a Rolling Stone interview, "I wanted to maybe give some hope to kids on the reservations. They're living without running water and seeing problems with drugs and booze. But I wanted to be able to show these kids, 'F--- that! You're still warriors, man' ". (Warriors?!) Such comments are what Alexie has attempted to change in America with his books, but clearly, Hollywood is unaffected and still degrading Native Americans.

 

     After analyzing the title, The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, an interpretation can be made about the book. The Lone Ranger represents white culture and the Americans while Tonto represents the repressed Native Americans. Fistfight refers to the conflict that takes place between the two and Heaven is a reference to the end or death of the conflict. Alexie himself stated that "It's always going to be antagonistic relationship between indigenous people and the colonial people." This may be true, for even in 2013, controversy about Tonto still arises amongst Native Americans. Although Alexie is able to educate the public on the unwanted stereotype, it is not enough to override the decades of discrimination. The place to make a change starts in Hollywood, where new movies respecting Native American cultures will provide a better model for the public to follow. 

 

And now, a trailer of a movie I will never watch due to scary faces and ominous music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjFsNSoDZK8

 

Who puts the POW! in power?

              

Unbeknownst to many, Machiavelli's "The Prince" provides the true template for the ambitious goal of unlimited power. Indeed, even I follow his principles, many times manipulating my naive sister through petty threats and thoughtless force. People tend to believe that obtaining power requires the use of intimidation, force and deception. However, through such aggressive means, one may wonder just how much power lies in the greedy hands of those who manipulate. In the "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, although white males abused their power by fettering the rights of African Americans through coercion and terror, Twain demonstrates that the white male's power is not unlimited because he cannot control another's mentality.
              Twain satirizes a world where the white male reigns supreme and holds the power to physically bind other humans.Through the protagonist, Huck Finn, Twain explains that despite the forceful tactics of Southerners, true power lies in those who are able to use it responsibly to benefit the needs of others. For example, the king and the dauphin had full power to turn  Huck and Jim in; however, what they commanded was only the physical states of the runaways. Even if the king and dauphin forced Huck and Jim, they would never be able to dictate their mentalities. Forced power is limited that much-- it can only direct the physical beings of a human, never the character. As a parallel, Huck uses unadulterated power, without sneaky deception and threats. His power as a white male coupled with concern for Jim's well being enables Huck to manipulate his words and place himself and Jim out of numerous dangers. The power that Huck wields does not dictate Jim's physical state; rather, by using minimal power he possesses, Huck is able to expand his own power and open new doors to friendship and respect. He gains the support and trust of Jim, thus bringing his power one step higher than the king and dauphin's. Twain demonstrates through this polarity that an individual can not wield unlimited amounts of power, especially not through force and manipulation. Rather, the power arises from the support of others, together accumulating closer to unlimited power.
             That being said, it seems even the most primitive animals understand the concept that working together creates more power. In Chimpanzee Politics, Frans de Waal outlines the detailed social behavior of chimps and accents the distinct contrast to their evolutionary relatives, humans. Waal acknowledges  that the Machiavellian views of power do not necessarily enable one to become the alpha. For example, the three chimps he observed demonstrated that the social hierarchy is based less on manipulative coercion and more on the power of teamwork and respect. Waal indicates that those chimps that relied solely on domination were unable to climb to the top, and rather, were demoted by subordinates. In reality, power that is obtained through pure force is limited and ultimately leads to failure and those who do so have only the power to command bodies, not hearts. True power lies in the unlimited ability to accumulate bonds and respect from others--those who ascend to the throne do so on the support and love of others.