Essay # 3

I find "Becky" to be a story filled with cultural and historical allusions. The time in history in which this story takes place, as well as the cultural beliefs and norms of the time play a major role in the way the society accepts (or in this case, does not accept) Becky and her behavior/morals. The story was written in the 1920s. At this time interracial relationships were unaccepted and denounced within the community, mainly because they were not very common in those years.
The cultural/historical clues are presented in the way the public shuns and isolates Becky and her family. Clearly they disassociate themselves out of fear of what is different. These clues prove to be significant in that the culture's acceptance greatly influences the acceptance within a society. I am aware of the past racial issues. I know interracial relationships and marriages were accepted [by some] much later than integration, and that they are still unaccepted by many people today.

"How to Date a Browngirl, Blackgirl, Whitegirl, or Halfie"

The main theme of "How to date a Browngirl, Blackgirl, Whitegirl, or Halfie" is stereotyping. The whole attitude of the story is prejudiced, along with the comments and assumptions made by the narrator concerning the way the girls of different backgrounds/races would act. All comments that were made were purely stereotypes of girls of different races. The setting is important in this story because it allows the reader to imagine the environment of where he lives, as well as his lower social economic status.

"Becky"

The main theme of "Becky" is dissociation from the unfamiliar. All citizens of the society participated in the separation of Becky and her family, mainly out of fear of the unaccepted difference within the community. Becky respected this and stayed isolated. At the time in the story, as well as when the story was written, the society condemned interracial relationships, and Becky's black sons were proof of her interracial involvement. Becky's house was isolated from other houses. However, it was central enough for other citizens to acknowledge the house. Some even left food for her, which, of course, was done out of fear. For the most part, the public dissociated themselves from Becky, as well as her sons, who were the results of this sin she committed.

"Battle Royal"

I can't think of a word to describe the behavior of these men, but it makes no sense at all. They continued to fight each other, listening to these men, all the while being humiliated, only to "honor" their pride and prove themselves to these other men. The whole time, he was thinking of his speech. After everything that happened, he did not feel the least bit ashamed at the end of the day.

"If we must die"

I like the authors overall attitude. Although he mainly focuses on death, he believes it is important to die for a cause, with a fight, rather than just letting it happen. I agree with this, and think that it is very important way to look not only at death, but life by the way one lives it.

"America"

The author is mostly talking about how he is having difficulty with his life in America. However, he does appreciate the country and shows that he loves America. I understood this from his line of the poem, "I love this cultured hell that tests my youth." This statement can prove both views, as he refers to the American culture and environment as "this cultured hell," but also clearly states that he loves it. It also seems like America keeps him young.

"Becky"

In this story, Becky and her family were severed from the main society. It is clear that interracial marriages/relationships were denounced in that society, which is the main reason Becky isolated herself, as the people wanted. Her two black sons were not sure of what to do or how they would be viewed in the world because of what kind of family they came from.

"No Name Woman"

The title relates to the message of the story, how people are treated differently in a culture all because they are considered to be different. I don't agree with having an affair, but I don't think suicide is the way to go about dealing with it and getting past it. Also, I don't think it's right for the family to dissociate themselves from the aunt, or 'No name woman' for this reason.

How to Date a Browngirl, Blackgirl, Whitegirl, or Halfie

I don't like this story at all. The whole attitude of the narrator seems prejudiced, in the way he made racial comments listing everything from what each girl would say and do (sexually), to how their parents would act, as well as the way they would arrive to his house. The narrator was stereotyping each race of girls and the way they would act. The speaker is from a lower economic class/status, which is proven by the "government cheese" that they have because it is provided by the government, rather than bought.

Freewrite

a)

• "War" - guns, shooting, camoflauge, injuries, saddness, death, conflict, bombs, dirt, soldiers risking their lives
• "Gunner" - shooter, guns, soldier, war
• "Attack" - guns, bombs, 9/11, invasion, death, smoke, fire, assassination

b) World War II- Pearl Harbor, germans, Holocaust, soldiers, chaos, ruined cities, death, world-impact, atomic bombs

After having researched more about Randall Jarrell's life, I found out that he wanted to be enlisted and to be a gunner, but could not be. I think it is for this reason that he focused on war and the gunner in his writing.

They

This poem proves not only by the statement, "'When the boys come back they will not be the same," but also through examples that war changes the soldiers' lives. They know what happens out there on the "battlefield." They witness death and pain daily, and they have learned true strength, as they are willing to risk their own lives for their country.

Glory of Women

This poem begins by glorifying women and all that they do while the men are away at war. However, later in the poem the attitude of the speaker alters, as he states, "O German mother dreaming by the fire, while you are knitting socks to send your son his face is trodden deeper in the mud." I think this is the most compelling line of the entire poem in that it states that while mothers are sitting at home, safe and comfortable, their sons or husbands or brothers are lying in the mud, cold and scared.

Dulce et Decorum Est

This is a very sad poem. The imagery the author provides allows the reader to sense and visualize the men injured and dying. I find the details to be rather gory, though they help relay the message to the audience. It is hard to believe this like this are happening around the world. I recognized two of the words in the title to be french (et and est). However, I did not find the meaning of the whole title.

Anthem for Doomed Youth

This poem seems to be focused on what everybody prays against, the loss of the soldiers. I think the first line of each stanza makes that statement more clear. For example, "No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells," is saying that nothing can help them now, as they are passed, and it is too late to change what has already happened.

The Soldier

The way the soldier describes England as such a peaceful and happy place during the time of war, proves him to be naive. During war, most people are worried and/or saddened, not rejoiceful and full of laughter and happiness.

Cultural/Historical Inventory

Culture is history, as well as geography (place and time). Culture is very important in one's life, as it defines their background, heritage, ancestors, and family. It is something that everyone should know because it is who you are and where you come from. It is important to know your own past. However, it is easy to overlook just how much culture really influences and impacts our lives.

Essay Concerns

1. Did I talk enough about the actual design of the phone?
2. Should I compare it more to other phones to relay the message to the reader?
3. Does everything I mentioned say enough about how the phone reflects our culture as well as the identity and values?

My Poster

My poster is anti-smoking, so obviously it's imperative message is for the audience not to smoke. I feel it is directed more towards younger smokers because it shows the long term effects of smoking in attempt to hopefully embed that image in their minds. However, the intended audience is that of all smokers. There is also a feeling of regret coming from the older smoker which is noticed in his thoughts and the image he remembers. His thoughts, and what he wishes to say to the audience, along with the picture, should grab their attention.
Personally, I am not a smoker and have never been a fan of it. That, and the fact that I see it more and more everywhere I go are the reasons as to why I chose this particular social issue. But IF I was a smoker, I am positive this ad would capture my attention and make me think twice the next time I had an urge to smoke. I think the message is strong and should encourage smokers to stop before it's too late. The imagery, I think, does the most to relay this message. However, the words, "If I could talk.." reinforce the effects of smoking.
I used the teal color because it was the only color of marker I had that worked well enough. However, if I could change the poster I would probably use a color that would stand out more so the words could stick in the readers' minds better.

Proposal for Essay 2

For my second essay, I have chosen my cell phone as my text. I believe it not only says a lot about me, being the owner, but also a lot about the American culture. The main purpose of a cell phone, in general, is to stay in contact with people whether they are family, friends, or business partners. Upon closer examination, it would not be hard to see that this cell phone also allows the use of text messaging, picture messaging, as well as the direct connect service that is used in a way similar to that of a walkie-talkie. Clearly, this cellular device provides multiple ways to contact other phones.

Needless to say, just by the description given, this particular phone is a Nextel phone, as Nextel is known for it's two-way direct connect service. Features of this Nextel ic602 include a speakerphone, a built-in camera, group connect, and Nextel Direct Connect. These phones are GPS enabled, as well as web and email capable if the consumer wishes to add this to the package. There is an external display of the clock, along with icons, such as the life of the battery, the bars of reception, etc. The design of this particular phone is far from the widely used sleek and slim Razor, but instead, more of a bulky, rugged exterior design.

I think Nextel is extremely overpriced, especially when the reception areas are taken into consideration. It is hard to find full reception at my house, but I have come to find the service is much more reliable in urban areas. The features and design of this phone allows one to see how vastly our culture is growing along with the business world. Business people are the primary consumers of this product mainly for the direct connect service, which enables them to communicate without having to use minutes. For that reason, they are the intended audience for the Nextel phones.

Thesis: This paper will argue that, among closer analysis, this particular cell phone, the Nextel ic602, reveals messages about identity, culture, and values, all of which are reflected in the phone's design.