A YouTube video entitled "Twouble with Twitter" is perfectly hilarious. One skeptical young male does not understand the fascination with Twitter, so his friend takes him to the Twittersphere. The twenty-something male smart enough to question the sanity of Twitter's users spends the entire visit to the unrealistic virtual world. He questions why people find it necessary to post every detail of their lives, and chuckles at the idea that people become Twitter celebrities. I am very skeptical of Twitter, and do not understand why people find it necessary to update their tweets multiple times a day. I enjoy Facebook, and I admit I access the site more than is probably healthy; however, I never take the time to post every detail of my life. Twitter takes privacy and mystery away from its users. I never have wondered who my audience is on Twitter, because I know it is only people in my composition class (or more specifically, only my professor) who have any interest in my tweets about what text people wear. As for other online environments where I write, I never feel differently about who may read what I type. However, I am very careful about what I post online. My relationship to people online is similar to my relationship with them in real life, because I use it simply as a means of communication when we cannot physically be together or talk. I primarily only use Facebook, and I am sure to only be friends with people who I actually know in real life. This eliminates any concern about who may be reading what I post.
The animated video presents logical questions about the online world that Twitter creates. Many active users of Twitter detail every minute of their lives in short bursts of 140 characters or less. I would not go as far as to say that Twitter cannot be a valuable tool; however, the way a majority of active tweeters use the site is concerning. Online security continues to become a bigger issue, and posting every minute of your life for any Internet user to read can be really scary. I think the purpose of microblogging is to communicate with friends in an online space, but the actual use of microblogging is quite different. Sites such as Twitter and Tumblr allow anyone to follow your account, so ensuring privacy becomes a challenge. I liked how throughout the entire video the one male remained skeptical, because I think a common misconception today is that every teenager willingly participates in every social media site. Unfortunately, many people do rely on social networking sites to make themselves happy and feel accepted. But an issue with computers is they allow for anyone, anywhere to pretend to be whoever they wish. I'm in the same boat as the skeptical cartoon. Society must be careful what they post for the world to see.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Rodney Jones Argument
Jones begins his poem Hubris at Zunzal by mentioning the power of language. He claims there is "no image like the image of language," which I interpret to mean that language is more powerful than any other form of communication. He continues the poem describing one night in 1984 that he was on the water, and uses words to paint an image in the reader's imagination. His careful selection of action verbs such as wading and dumped make his poem powerful. Rodney Jones seems to agree that an image of his evening on the water would not be as powerful as his careful description. In earlier posts, you can learn how skeptical I am about images forming arguments. An argument needs to be clear and distinct for it to be effective, and I believe that Jones is correct in stating that language is the only accurate way to distinctly portray anything. I like how he says that language is its tracer, it referring to the night he is remembering. Today many people rely on social media and images to hold on to their memories, but this poem reminds society that language is just as powerful, if not more so.
After reading this poem for the first time, I did not feel he wrote it with the intention of making an argument. It reads as a memory of a night he will never forget, even though it only lives on in his head. An image, or even an array of images, cannot accurately display the power of the ocean. Jones writes about how after dropping the coconut shell into the ocean, it would come right back. For anyone who as ever taken the time to see the beauty of the ocean, they would agree that a picture cannot do it justice. Rodney places language on the same level as the ocean in a way, stating that language is the only way to portray such as beautiful night. He almost puts language on a pedestal, by putting down images before he begins to explain a night that is over two decades ago. I find Jones' approach interesting and intriguing; this poem forced me to reconsider the power of words.
After reading this poem for the first time, I did not feel he wrote it with the intention of making an argument. It reads as a memory of a night he will never forget, even though it only lives on in his head. An image, or even an array of images, cannot accurately display the power of the ocean. Jones writes about how after dropping the coconut shell into the ocean, it would come right back. For anyone who as ever taken the time to see the beauty of the ocean, they would agree that a picture cannot do it justice. Rodney places language on the same level as the ocean in a way, stating that language is the only way to portray such as beautiful night. He almost puts language on a pedestal, by putting down images before he begins to explain a night that is over two decades ago. I find Jones' approach interesting and intriguing; this poem forced me to reconsider the power of words.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Advice
I feel like I am too young to give other writer's advice. In order to give advice about writing and success, one must consider themselves a writer. I am not a writer; however, I can give advice related to succeeding in the class. Koertge suggests going to the library, and I strongly agree. Whether you're in a composition class, math course, or history class, the library is where you will be most successful. The silence allows you to focus on your assignments and get your work done. The largest challenge in college is finding motivation. Those who succeed are determined, not brilliant. Never be afraid to be the class geek or nerd. Nerds rule the world, just tell yourself that. Laziness will get you no where in life.
My next bit of advice relates to writing itself. Just because you take composition does not guarantee you will become a writer. I may never enjoy writing, but I do it. Life consists of challenges that you may not enjoy or participate in, but you have nothing to lose by participating and doing your work. Although this class did not make me a passionate writer, I accept the fact that this course is required for graduation and could be much worse. Dr. Lay does not ask for much, so do the work that she assigns whether you like the assignment or not. I think that is the best advice I can give.
My next bit of advice relates to writing itself. Just because you take composition does not guarantee you will become a writer. I may never enjoy writing, but I do it. Life consists of challenges that you may not enjoy or participate in, but you have nothing to lose by participating and doing your work. Although this class did not make me a passionate writer, I accept the fact that this course is required for graduation and could be much worse. Dr. Lay does not ask for much, so do the work that she assigns whether you like the assignment or not. I think that is the best advice I can give.
Are the four letter word projects writing?
I do not consider the four letter word projects writing because they should not include words. I say they should not include words, simply because many of my peers found ways to sneak words into their videos. The four letter word projects are expressions, not arguments or writing. They convey a message. A successful project evokes emotion, whether positive or negative. The four letter word projects served a purpose, but not the intended purpose for the assignment. Rather the videos prove that a group of images can be powerful, even influential. An argument should be distinct however, with no confusion between viewers. The power of the videos is that each viewer can interpret the meaning in their own way. It's like watching a television show or movie. Every viewer gets something different from the same movie, but a different reaction does not make the movie any less powerful.
Writing to me is a form of expression. Words have the ability to be ordered, almost scientifically, to give an exact meaning. The four letter word projects were intended to form a visual argument. An argument must be clear, distinct, and easy to understand. Images provide a viewer with room for interpretation, whereas words should give little wiggle room for interpretation. Words are exact, and whatever emotion, argument, or point the author hopes to make has the ability to be clear. I believe that images alone lack the ability to make a distinct argument.
Writing to me is a form of expression. Words have the ability to be ordered, almost scientifically, to give an exact meaning. The four letter word projects were intended to form a visual argument. An argument must be clear, distinct, and easy to understand. Images provide a viewer with room for interpretation, whereas words should give little wiggle room for interpretation. Words are exact, and whatever emotion, argument, or point the author hopes to make has the ability to be clear. I believe that images alone lack the ability to make a distinct argument.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Do I really think people read my text or my tweets?
When I wear clothing with text, I expect most people that I come in contact with to take the time to read it. I never wear elaborate clothing with song lyrics or a poem, instead I wear clothing with either a school name or a short, meaningful phrase. Maybe I am crazy for reading everyone's text on their clothes, but I believe most people do. It is human nature to read clothing because it often serves some purpose. People wear clothing that represents who they are. I wear Hofstra clothing, tennis sweatshirts, a marching band jacket, or clothes with short, thoughtful phrases because they represent me. This is not say that no one wears clothing that has no meaning to them (in my hometown, Goodwill clothing is becoming popular). I consider myself to be a very observant person, so I likely read clothing more than my peers. However, I often have conversations with friends and acquaintances about text on clothing. I do not think jewelry or tattoos have quite the same effect, because they are harder to see and read.
The world of Twitter is very different. When I tweet, I only expect Professor Lay to read what I write. My tweets consist solely of my observations of text; therefore, my 10 other followers likely have no interest. I do not like the writing space Twitter provides which is why I choose not to use it socially. Most people expect only there followers to read their tweets, whether they are a high school student or a celebrity. Tweets are successful at portraying a meaning, but in many cases people have no interest in what others have on their mind. It is much easier to post a tweet into the virtual world than it is to wear clothing with meaningful text.
The world of Twitter is very different. When I tweet, I only expect Professor Lay to read what I write. My tweets consist solely of my observations of text; therefore, my 10 other followers likely have no interest. I do not like the writing space Twitter provides which is why I choose not to use it socially. Most people expect only there followers to read their tweets, whether they are a high school student or a celebrity. Tweets are successful at portraying a meaning, but in many cases people have no interest in what others have on their mind. It is much easier to post a tweet into the virtual world than it is to wear clothing with meaningful text.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Crayon Writing Transcribed
Vickie JS
"I believe that flexibility of voice leads to a flexibility in all things" (194).
This can be true because someone with many voices can integrate into many different places, which exposes a person to several lifestyles.
a shaded scribble in blue crayon is to the left of the paper.
a four bubble cloud is drawn in blue on the left of the paper.
three music notes are in the middle of the paper. two single notes and one set of half notes.
"I believe that flexibility of voice leads to a flexibility in all things" (194).
This can be true because someone with many voices can integrate into many different places, which exposes a person to several lifestyles.
a shaded scribble in blue crayon is to the left of the paper.
a four bubble cloud is drawn in blue on the left of the paper.
three music notes are in the middle of the paper. two single notes and one set of half notes.
Crayon Response
Vickie's response to Zadie Smith was short and sweet. She chose to write a one sentence responses, as if she was responding on a note card with a pencil. The blue crayon served no beneficial purpose, other than it is likely her favorite color or only crayon left. The only images on the page are a cloud like object, 3 music notes, and a little blue scribble. The crayons lack of influence on her writing demonstrates that she feels the text should speak for itself. The abundance of crayons and colors are just for show, and add nothing to her writing. I believe that if Vickie wrote in a pen or a pencil she would have been more expressive. A one sentence response in seven minutes does not take much effort or time. Vickie usually puts much thought into her work, and I find her writing to be beautiful. This response, to be honest, is quite lame. It shows no depth and no real analysis, even though the writer is capable of writing more. The elementary writing object forced her to write as if she was still in grade school.
Knowing Vickie's capabilities, this writing is no good at all. The images provide no meaning, and seem to have no relation to the words she wrote. Her response is about the length of Zadie Smith's quote, and any good writer knows that for every quote, you should have at least three full sentences of analysis. Her response was the easy route, and from what I remember from elementary school, everyone likes to take the easy route. Even one of the best students in the class. To be honest, I do not know if this writing is considered good. I believe the reader should have that say, and because I was given little content and no real analysis, I would not consider this writing good.
Knowing Vickie's capabilities, this writing is no good at all. The images provide no meaning, and seem to have no relation to the words she wrote. Her response is about the length of Zadie Smith's quote, and any good writer knows that for every quote, you should have at least three full sentences of analysis. Her response was the easy route, and from what I remember from elementary school, everyone likes to take the easy route. Even one of the best students in the class. To be honest, I do not know if this writing is considered good. I believe the reader should have that say, and because I was given little content and no real analysis, I would not consider this writing good.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Conclusion of Speaking in Tongues
Throughout her essay, Zadie Smith spends much time discussing and analyzing President Obama's rhetoric. As a multiracial American herself, she wants other minority groups to hold on to their culture and preserve their language. I believe she recognizes why Obama's speech has transformed since he was just 17, but she seems disgusted with Americas political system. She writes, "for reasons that are obscure to me, those qualities we cherish in our artists we condemn in our politicians" (Smith 189). Those qualities she is referring to is a strong sense of self, many voices and perspectives. In terms of speech, she struggles to understand why society does not seem to cherish culturally rounded individuals who stand strong in their culture. The rhetoric of a politician must be cookie-cutter. Every successful politician must proclaim their love for God and believe Americans are superior (190). If the American people began electing culturally diverse representatives, American's may lose their sense of superiority to the rest of the world. Smith supports this change, as many should. Politicians are forced to change their accent, lose their slang, and speak so-called perfect English. If artists were this mainstream, they would have no following, few supporters. Artists are encouraged to be bold, stand out from the crowd.
Smith strongly disagrees with the cliched molds that society has formed for politicians and poets. She calls the reasons for a distinction between the two 'obscure' and spends the essay discussing the importance of other languages (189). I like her discussion of Dream City, where many voices fit together. Smith again relates herself to the President, because they both come from a Dream City. Obama was careful throughout his campaign to always say 'we' as opposed to 'I', hoping to prove he is like many Americans (184). Although Smith thinks having multiple cultures and languages is a positive thing, I think she does want a distinction between poets and politicians. I do not think she supports the current political system, but if poets and politicians were one in the same society would never function the same. It is important for political leaders to be relatable, and I think that Smith suggests throughout her essay that coming from Dream City is common, even normal. Politicians should not change who they are to fit societies mold, they should be honest and true to themselves.
Smith strongly disagrees with the cliched molds that society has formed for politicians and poets. She calls the reasons for a distinction between the two 'obscure' and spends the essay discussing the importance of other languages (189). I like her discussion of Dream City, where many voices fit together. Smith again relates herself to the President, because they both come from a Dream City. Obama was careful throughout his campaign to always say 'we' as opposed to 'I', hoping to prove he is like many Americans (184). Although Smith thinks having multiple cultures and languages is a positive thing, I think she does want a distinction between poets and politicians. I do not think she supports the current political system, but if poets and politicians were one in the same society would never function the same. It is important for political leaders to be relatable, and I think that Smith suggests throughout her essay that coming from Dream City is common, even normal. Politicians should not change who they are to fit societies mold, they should be honest and true to themselves.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Speaking in Tongues Questions
1. Zadie Smith claims, "voice adaption is still the original British sin" (Smith 180). She devotes her entire essay to discussing the loss of many groups of people losing their native dialects, but why does she choose to start with the British? Why is voice adaption a British sin, and not a sin of every minority group in America? Or does Smith simply want to use the British as her first example of a group that often loses their dialect?
2. The essay Speaking in Tongues includes a few examples from other author's books or essays. On page 181, Smith documents the different voice of a girl who lost herself while losing her original voice. Does Smith mean to categorize everyone who loses their original dialect in the same category as this girl who ultimately loses her self? Or is this example meant to prove a point, that the possibility exists?
3. Smith spends much time using President Obama as an example throughout her essay. She took the time to record how Obama spoke when he was just 17 (as documented by himself) simply to make a stronger argument (Smith182-3). She seems to want her reader to relate to Obama, but over the last few years of his presidency, Obama has had a relatively low support rate.Why do you think Smith chose to use Barack Obama as a main example? Does she feel many people can relate with the leader of our country, or do you think that she wanted to use someone who is widely known?
4. Zadie spends time in her essay mentioning her ethnicity, and how she feels she can relate to President Obama. Many people mistake Obama as the first 'black' president, when in fact he is biracial, like Smith (Smith 187). Why do you think Smith took the time to ensure that her reader understood her racial background when discussing dialect? Regardless of skin color, anyone can talk in a non-traditional tongue. Does Smith really care about Obama's skin color, or more about the fact that he has changed the way in which he speaks over his lifetime?
5. Zadie notes the difference in American expectations for politicians versus artists. She claims that the American people "look for the many-colored voice, the multiple sensibility" when selecting our favorite artists (Smith 189). For a politician to be successful, he or she must have a strong, powerful voice. Why do Americans have different expectations for artists and politicians? Do we view one group above another? In society today, is it still viewed negatively if an American speaks in a different nations dialect?
6. Smith ends her essay with an example of a German man who called her from Harlem speaking with a stereotypical German accent (Smith 193-4). Does Smith believe that Americans view all whites as so-called American speakers, and only racial minorities have different dialects? Or does Smith mention this as simply a reminder, because she spends a majority of her essay discussing the differences between black and white dialects?
2. The essay Speaking in Tongues includes a few examples from other author's books or essays. On page 181, Smith documents the different voice of a girl who lost herself while losing her original voice. Does Smith mean to categorize everyone who loses their original dialect in the same category as this girl who ultimately loses her self? Or is this example meant to prove a point, that the possibility exists?
3. Smith spends much time using President Obama as an example throughout her essay. She took the time to record how Obama spoke when he was just 17 (as documented by himself) simply to make a stronger argument (Smith182-3). She seems to want her reader to relate to Obama, but over the last few years of his presidency, Obama has had a relatively low support rate.Why do you think Smith chose to use Barack Obama as a main example? Does she feel many people can relate with the leader of our country, or do you think that she wanted to use someone who is widely known?
4. Zadie spends time in her essay mentioning her ethnicity, and how she feels she can relate to President Obama. Many people mistake Obama as the first 'black' president, when in fact he is biracial, like Smith (Smith 187). Why do you think Smith took the time to ensure that her reader understood her racial background when discussing dialect? Regardless of skin color, anyone can talk in a non-traditional tongue. Does Smith really care about Obama's skin color, or more about the fact that he has changed the way in which he speaks over his lifetime?
5. Zadie notes the difference in American expectations for politicians versus artists. She claims that the American people "look for the many-colored voice, the multiple sensibility" when selecting our favorite artists (Smith 189). For a politician to be successful, he or she must have a strong, powerful voice. Why do Americans have different expectations for artists and politicians? Do we view one group above another? In society today, is it still viewed negatively if an American speaks in a different nations dialect?
6. Smith ends her essay with an example of a German man who called her from Harlem speaking with a stereotypical German accent (Smith 193-4). Does Smith believe that Americans view all whites as so-called American speakers, and only racial minorities have different dialects? Or does Smith mention this as simply a reminder, because she spends a majority of her essay discussing the differences between black and white dialects?
Thursday, December 1, 2011
What I really think about Twitter...
What I really think about the writing space that twitter affords is that innovators are desperate to get anyone involved in the social media craze. Few people use Twitter simply because it limits the user to 140 characters. In fact, many people who do not enjoy Twitter (such as myself) think the character restriction is a pain. Writing should allow for the author to freely express their thoughts, without a length restriction. New forms of social media are constantly created, and Twitter is nothing more than a popular form of social media. A positive writing space should allow for the author to freely express their thoughts and feelings, or whatever may be on their mind. Twitter demonstrates that power of technology, by controlling users. Many students have had a teacher who preaches "no filler words, no fluff," but 140 characters is less than two full sentences. The small space forces many users to form acronyms to help maximize the space. It reminds me of the beginning of texting, when a majority of users shortened every word to make the most of their texting plans. Young users began talking in a similar manner, making the educated American youth sound uninformed.
Every form of social media has its limitations, but the sole purpose of Twitter is to 'tweet.' With other sites, restricting the writing space would be less of an issue because users also upload photo's and videos, or directly communicate with other users. Twitter allows for pictures to be tweeted or tweets to be retweeted, but few people would list Twitter as the best form of all around social media communication. Twitter should reconsider the limited writing space it provides to see if the number of active users increases.
Every form of social media has its limitations, but the sole purpose of Twitter is to 'tweet.' With other sites, restricting the writing space would be less of an issue because users also upload photo's and videos, or directly communicate with other users. Twitter allows for pictures to be tweeted or tweets to be retweeted, but few people would list Twitter as the best form of all around social media communication. Twitter should reconsider the limited writing space it provides to see if the number of active users increases.
Why people wear text.
I'm not sure why so many people wear texts on their clothing and on their skin. Perhaps they feel that such portable writing allows for any person they see have an understanding of why they are and what they stand for. Many students who wear text opt for clothing with subtle messages. A majority of people will wear clothing from their alma mater or a jersey that supports a favorite sports team. It comes as no surprise that most of the worn text is on clothing, as opposed to tattooed on the skin. I find it interesting to note that few people I observed wearing text on their clothing sported meaningful phrases or quotes; whereas, few tattoos lack a deeper meaning. I struggle to understand the purpose of a tattoo, but the handful of tattoos that I observed over the last semester held much deeper meanings. People brave enough to permanently ink their bodies are brave, fearless. It's the wimps who settle for bracelets or jewelry with meaningful messages.
Looking at my peers tweets, I found that many people chose to tweet funny phrases or thought-provoking messages that people wore on their clothing. In my opinion, a tattoo is more eye-catching then a t-shirt; however, the most memorable texts are the ones that make me laugh. It forced me to think about society today. Quite a few people are brave enough to wear shirts with absurd sayings, but very few would ever even consider putting the same saying on their body. It also makes me wonder, do people ever tattoo funny sayings on their bodies and just place them where few will ever see? Whatever the case, text is nothing more than a form of expression. I prefer to express myself through my clothing rather than tattoos or jewelry, but any form of text worth wearing has a purpose.
Looking at my peers tweets, I found that many people chose to tweet funny phrases or thought-provoking messages that people wore on their clothing. In my opinion, a tattoo is more eye-catching then a t-shirt; however, the most memorable texts are the ones that make me laugh. It forced me to think about society today. Quite a few people are brave enough to wear shirts with absurd sayings, but very few would ever even consider putting the same saying on their body. It also makes me wonder, do people ever tattoo funny sayings on their bodies and just place them where few will ever see? Whatever the case, text is nothing more than a form of expression. I prefer to express myself through my clothing rather than tattoos or jewelry, but any form of text worth wearing has a purpose.
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