Personally, I wouldn't mind being called a geek if it means that I am very smart, at least in one aspect of my studies. Of course, I don't really have any horrible experiences of being bullied and having no friends so I might regret that statement. However, I am a firm believer that smarts will get you to wherever you want to get to in life. That, along with hard work and patience, and not superficial beauty or popularity is what matters in life outside of school. And I think the author was able to prove that to all her past tormentors.
March 27, 2012
Reaction to A History of Geek Civilization by Jessica Zafra
The image that enters everyone's mind when they hear the word "geek" is a person with glasses, has no fashion sense, socially awkward and of course, smart ( but it doesn't cancel out all the negative aspects of being a geek). The author describes herself to be exactly that. Because of her love of books and literature, she became a solitary type of person and eventually, a geek to her schoolmates. The essay is very relatable and has a very personal touch to it. It is the type of essay that makes you remember your own high school and college experiences.
Reaction to Americanization is Tough on "Macho" by Rose Del Castillo Guilbault
When I hear the word "macho", the first thing I think of is a strong, muscular man. A "macho" guy is someone who acts tough. Although somewhat similar to the Hispanic connotation, the Filipino connotation of "macho" refers mostly to the physical aspect of a man and not so much on his characteristic, at least that is how my friends and I use the word.
Words, like people, are often misinterpreted especially in translation from one language to another. What makes it even more difficult to retain the original meaning of the word is the cultural and historical meanings attached to the word. The Americans probably watched films or read articles that referred to a man as "macho" but did not realize that "macho" only referred to the strength and not to the other characteristics showed my the character.
The misinterpretation of meanings and definitions could cause cultural disputes and problems in the future. Therefore, we must make sure that when we talk to other people, we all have same connotation of the words we use. But what is even better is to make sure we stick to the original meaning of the word so that it we wouldn't turn something positive into a negative stereotype.
Words, like people, are often misinterpreted especially in translation from one language to another. What makes it even more difficult to retain the original meaning of the word is the cultural and historical meanings attached to the word. The Americans probably watched films or read articles that referred to a man as "macho" but did not realize that "macho" only referred to the strength and not to the other characteristics showed my the character.
The misinterpretation of meanings and definitions could cause cultural disputes and problems in the future. Therefore, we must make sure that when we talk to other people, we all have same connotation of the words we use. But what is even better is to make sure we stick to the original meaning of the word so that it we wouldn't turn something positive into a negative stereotype.
Reaction to Why Marriages Fail by Anne Roiphe
Growing up in a Christian home and country, I have been taught that marriage is a sacred sacrament and should not be broken at all costs. I had just attended my cousin's wedding a few days ago, and I can say that it is truly a beautiful things to have and celebrate. It is just a sad thought that many marriages end up in divorce.
The author cites numerous factors why marriages end up in divorce. There are the outside pressures like job loss, troublesome in-laws, and other things. But a marriage fails mostly because of the people themselves. That is why we must choose our future spouses carefully and be sure of our choice, no matter what.
People need to learn how to live with another person and to grow with him or her. In order to do that, the couple must learn to effectively communicate what they feel, think and want. Although you cannot expect your spouse to totally change into what you want him or her to be, it is always better to communicate your thoughts so that the other person will not be completely lost. Of course, communication should start before the actual marriage so that you are sure of the person you are about to marry.
Marriage is a sacrifice and it requires a give and take relationship. People have to learn to work together and listen to each other in order to get through the ups and downs of marriage. They have to be strong not only as a couple but also as individuals so that third parties will not have too much impact on the marriage. Marriage is a lifelong struggle and the couple must continuously grow and work on it to have a long and (mostly) happy marriage. Otherwise, it can only end in divorce.
The author cites numerous factors why marriages end up in divorce. There are the outside pressures like job loss, troublesome in-laws, and other things. But a marriage fails mostly because of the people themselves. That is why we must choose our future spouses carefully and be sure of our choice, no matter what.
People need to learn how to live with another person and to grow with him or her. In order to do that, the couple must learn to effectively communicate what they feel, think and want. Although you cannot expect your spouse to totally change into what you want him or her to be, it is always better to communicate your thoughts so that the other person will not be completely lost. Of course, communication should start before the actual marriage so that you are sure of the person you are about to marry.
Marriage is a sacrifice and it requires a give and take relationship. People have to learn to work together and listen to each other in order to get through the ups and downs of marriage. They have to be strong not only as a couple but also as individuals so that third parties will not have too much impact on the marriage. Marriage is a lifelong struggle and the couple must continuously grow and work on it to have a long and (mostly) happy marriage. Otherwise, it can only end in divorce.
Reaction to Why Leaves Turn Color in the Fall by Diane Ackerman
This essay mixes the creative and scientific aspects of the changing colors of leaves. The essay is very descriptive and the author found a way to explain a scientific process so that readers can understand and appreciate it fully. The Philippines does not experience four seasons, so we do not get to see first hand how leaves change color in the fall, no matter how badly we want to. However, the vivid descriptions in this essay is enough to give an image of fall and the process it undergoes.
Leaves get their green color from a pigment called chlorophyll. During the summertime, leaves store up energy and food with the help of sunlight. But during autumn, there is not enough sunlight to for the leaves to keep up their usual processes, including the production of chlorophyll. That is why the leaves slowly change from green to reddish brown. They eventually fall off because the nutrients that are supposed to be used to keep them alive are being conserved for the trunk and roots of the tree.
This piece is very enlightening and informative. I am sure many people enjoy the beauty of the leaves turning color and falling off. There have been numerous movie scenes where kids would jump on piles off fallen leaves. But knowing the processes and reasons why these things happen makes people appreciate it more. The changing of colors and the falling of leaves during autumn is part of nature and of life, and life always has a reason.
Leaves get their green color from a pigment called chlorophyll. During the summertime, leaves store up energy and food with the help of sunlight. But during autumn, there is not enough sunlight to for the leaves to keep up their usual processes, including the production of chlorophyll. That is why the leaves slowly change from green to reddish brown. They eventually fall off because the nutrients that are supposed to be used to keep them alive are being conserved for the trunk and roots of the tree.
This piece is very enlightening and informative. I am sure many people enjoy the beauty of the leaves turning color and falling off. There have been numerous movie scenes where kids would jump on piles off fallen leaves. But knowing the processes and reasons why these things happen makes people appreciate it more. The changing of colors and the falling of leaves during autumn is part of nature and of life, and life always has a reason.
How to Eat an Ice- Cream Cone by L. Rust Hills
L. Rust Hills gives very detailed observations on what happens when a people buy ice cream cones. The act of buying and eating ice cream cones seems to be a very mundane and simple task to do. We choose a place to get ice cream, pick a flavor, pay for it then finally eat it. But Hills gives his own thoughts and humorous comments on those simple steps in his essay.
The essay, while slightly amusing and light, does not have a happy tone. In fact, Hills seemed to be writing it as a father traumatized from all the mishaps of his kids eating ice cream cones. This essay explores all the possible things that could go wrong from choosing, buying and eating ice cream cones.
Without a doubt, choosing the flavor of your ice cream cone can be a very difficult and often long process, unless of course there's really only one flavor being sold. The process is especially long when you are trying a new ice cream place for the first time. Then, When you finally choose and receive your ice cream cone, lots of things can go wrong, like the ice cream dripping all over your hand or the whole thing falls because someone accidentally bumped into you.
The essay describes a systematic process to eat the ice cream cone so that none of it drips and you can avoid that sticky situation. This essay just proves how even the simplest task can be an inspiration for a great literary work. The essay is funny and eye opening. It made me want to buy an ice cream cone and see if all that was written will apply to me and my family.
The essay, while slightly amusing and light, does not have a happy tone. In fact, Hills seemed to be writing it as a father traumatized from all the mishaps of his kids eating ice cream cones. This essay explores all the possible things that could go wrong from choosing, buying and eating ice cream cones.
Without a doubt, choosing the flavor of your ice cream cone can be a very difficult and often long process, unless of course there's really only one flavor being sold. The process is especially long when you are trying a new ice cream place for the first time. Then, When you finally choose and receive your ice cream cone, lots of things can go wrong, like the ice cream dripping all over your hand or the whole thing falls because someone accidentally bumped into you.
The essay describes a systematic process to eat the ice cream cone so that none of it drips and you can avoid that sticky situation. This essay just proves how even the simplest task can be an inspiration for a great literary work. The essay is funny and eye opening. It made me want to buy an ice cream cone and see if all that was written will apply to me and my family.
March 05, 2012
Reaction to Dolphin Courtship: Brutal, Cunning, and Complex by Natalie Angier
When you are asked to describe dolphins, you automatically think of those dolphins in ocean parks or the ones featured on nature shows. They are funny, smart, sweet, friendly, and many other positive adjectives. However, this essay reveals a darker, more sinister side of dolphins, particularly when mating.
Dolphin courtship and mating are not common knowledge to most people. Behind their sweet exterior lies a complex system of strategic alliances and male dominance. Male dolphins, being social creatures, often travel by pair or triplet. On some occasions, they are lucky to have with them a female. However, when females become fertile, a war among the male dolphin groups ensues. A dolphin group that spots a fertile female in another group would want to steal and mate with her. In order to overpower the enemy group, they will have to team up with a third group as a favor. Most likely, the 2 groups will win over the enemy group and get the female. Then, the 2 groups will part ways with only one group able to mate with the female. The twist however is that the next day, the third group could team up with the enemy group to steal back the same female from the first group. Clearly, human beings are not the only animals to engage in fleeting alliances and betrayal.
This new light on the life and ways of dolphins make them even more comparable to humans. There always seems to be two sides to the same coin. While dolphins are friendly, charming and social creatures, they can also be aggressive, cunning and brutal, especially in competitions. We only know a sliver of the complexities and wonder of the animal world, and this essay is one step closer for readers to understand a world other than our own.
Dolphin courtship and mating are not common knowledge to most people. Behind their sweet exterior lies a complex system of strategic alliances and male dominance. Male dolphins, being social creatures, often travel by pair or triplet. On some occasions, they are lucky to have with them a female. However, when females become fertile, a war among the male dolphin groups ensues. A dolphin group that spots a fertile female in another group would want to steal and mate with her. In order to overpower the enemy group, they will have to team up with a third group as a favor. Most likely, the 2 groups will win over the enemy group and get the female. Then, the 2 groups will part ways with only one group able to mate with the female. The twist however is that the next day, the third group could team up with the enemy group to steal back the same female from the first group. Clearly, human beings are not the only animals to engage in fleeting alliances and betrayal.
This new light on the life and ways of dolphins make them even more comparable to humans. There always seems to be two sides to the same coin. While dolphins are friendly, charming and social creatures, they can also be aggressive, cunning and brutal, especially in competitions. We only know a sliver of the complexities and wonder of the animal world, and this essay is one step closer for readers to understand a world other than our own.
March 03, 2012
Why I Like Comedies
What is a comedy? A comedy has only one true purpose: to amuse and create laughter. By this definition alone, who wouldn't want to watch a comedy? Comedies are one of the most beloved movie genres and there are numerous reasons for this.
Comedies are humorous and light. They do not require you to think, just experience. They appeal to your emotions and they make you laugh by the foolishness of the characters and the lovable nature of the actors and actresses. Comedies simply make you feel good. After all, laughter is the best medicine.
Comedies help people relax. After a hard day's work or a long day at school, no one wants to come home and watch mystery movies where you have to be alert at all times to keep up with the story, or a drama that has the potential to make you cry and feel even worse. No, a comedy helps people relax by helping them forget their worries for a few hours and just laugh. Comedies are often not hard to understand, and you do not even have to understand the whole story in order to laugh.
Comedies are fun to watch. Whether with family, friends or just by yourself, comedies are easy to enjoy. Everyone is always up for a good laugh, and the carefree nature the characters portray makes people wish they could live their lives in the same way. In a way, comedies unleashes you inner child, the child who found joy in the simplest things. Comedies show people that life does not have to be so complicated.
All in all, comedies are an escape from reality. They bring you into a world where you can just have fun and not have to think of your every move. You do not have to be scared of looking foolish and you can try even the silliest things because comedies don't ever seen to have a bad consequence. The world of comedies is so different from our own that people relish the few hours in a day that they can spend in it.
Comedies are humorous and light. They do not require you to think, just experience. They appeal to your emotions and they make you laugh by the foolishness of the characters and the lovable nature of the actors and actresses. Comedies simply make you feel good. After all, laughter is the best medicine.
Comedies help people relax. After a hard day's work or a long day at school, no one wants to come home and watch mystery movies where you have to be alert at all times to keep up with the story, or a drama that has the potential to make you cry and feel even worse. No, a comedy helps people relax by helping them forget their worries for a few hours and just laugh. Comedies are often not hard to understand, and you do not even have to understand the whole story in order to laugh.
Comedies are fun to watch. Whether with family, friends or just by yourself, comedies are easy to enjoy. Everyone is always up for a good laugh, and the carefree nature the characters portray makes people wish they could live their lives in the same way. In a way, comedies unleashes you inner child, the child who found joy in the simplest things. Comedies show people that life does not have to be so complicated.
All in all, comedies are an escape from reality. They bring you into a world where you can just have fun and not have to think of your every move. You do not have to be scared of looking foolish and you can try even the silliest things because comedies don't ever seen to have a bad consequence. The world of comedies is so different from our own that people relish the few hours in a day that they can spend in it.
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