"REALITY CHECK" THIS AMERICAN LIFE (2007)

The episode, "Reality Check" from the the television series This American Life, is all about people who are unable to give up what they have lost. In the episode we see that society judges individuals, even without fully understanding their situation. For example, a man clones his beloved bull named chance in hopes of not having to lose his companion forever. He brings his bull back to life in a way and names the new animal Second Chance. However, he has to learn to deal with the fact that his old bull is gone because the cloned bull is rapid and violent--nothing like Chance. We hear other people's stories as well, but the theme is consistent.

"KIDS AND MONEY" BY LAUREN GREENFIELD

Today in class we watched the movie "Kids + Money." We saw a variety of kids from different social classes and different age groups. They were all influenced by money and dealt with consumerism in different ways. Some kids spent money without limits, some were poor or did not have much money but still spent money, and there were others who were poor with a restricted cash flow and hardly spent any money at all. This lead to a divide between the kids' social norms--some spent money profusely in order to fit into the superficial society of LA, and others did not get caught up in the hype of consumerism at all. The video used mainly interviews, in addition to voiceovers, to make a point and really got me worked up and frustrated. Honestly, I just wanted to slap some of the spoiled kids in the face. Some of the things them and their parents said were just over the top and completely ridiculous. However, it did inspire me because I thought the way they edited their video was very effective and I admired the reaction they got out of the audience.

RITUAL NARRATIVE: My License

For many, a rite of passage may be a bat/bar mitzvah, a confirmation, or a quinceañera. And although I had a confirmation, it did not change me or my life. At my confirmation I did not find myself to be suddenly enlightened, mature, or magically find the meaning of life. I did not change at all. I kept on living in the same way as before. But getting my license, now that is another story.

The day I got my license was the same as any other except for the whole me having to wake up early and heading to Simi part of course. After my alarm went off I got dressed and my dad drove me to the DMV. When we got off the freeway my dad and I switched so I could get in some last minute driving practice. It had taken me a lot of time to convince my parents to let me take the test and when I was finally there I was psyched! I didn’t take the test that day because my taillight was out, but when I did take the test I passed. I actually did well, and I finally had my license! And unlike my confirmation, my life changed. Having a car and my license meant freedom. I could finally go places without my mom busing me around, and this really changed how I could live my life. So when it comes down to it, getting my license was my version of a rite of passage.

"BIKINIS & TIARAS: QUINCENERAS"

This story, taken from the book Girls on the Verge: Debutante Dips, Drive-Bys, and Other Initiations, was written by Vida Vendela on the topic of Quinceaneras. The author examines the tradition of the quince and notes that it is changing. Many young girls are now having their pictures taken and skipping the party all together, while others are competitively throwing parties bigger and better than ever before but forgetting why. We hear stories about different ways to celebrate and how the tradition is changing amongst the Hispanic community. When I read this narrative, I did not really understand how getting your pictures taken could be better than throwing a party, but now I feel that those who choose to simply have their pictures taken might be choosing a better route--they are choosing not to lose themselves in the glamour and hype of the quince party. The article also made me think about my Hispanic friends, and how so few had quinces, so it is obvious that what the author is saying is true. The tradition of the quince is dying.

VERSUS NARRATIVE: Rules, Rules, and More Rules

Rules can be defined as normal circumstances, as the code of regulations observed by a religious order or congregation, a prescribed mathematical method for performing a calculation or solving a problem, or as principles or regulations governing actions. In the case of my parents, I think it is safe to say that rules were used to exercise dominating power or influence. I had always been controlled by my parents’ rules and sometimes it even felt like they made rules up just so they could feel like they had control. They had always been strict, always had to know exactly what I was doing, who I was with, and why I was doing something. Generally, it was just too much.

But lately, they have lightened up. Actually, they seemed to let go and give me freedom all in the matter of a day—one day they were strict and the next I was free. A Friday a few weeks ago, I was stuck home because my mom wouldn’t let me go out. But the next night, my mom had no problem with me going out; she didn’t even need all the details. I guess my parents finally realized they wouldn’t be able to control me forever. I’m going off to college in a few months and they won’t be able to control my every move. So now, more than ever, I appreciate the restrictions they placed on me earlier because now I really appreciate my freedom.

"MY BROWN EYES"

This article, written by Alexander Amador, describes the life of a Hispanic living in the neighborhood of the Eigth Street Locos 13 gang. Amador tells us about her family, friends and the gangs that she grew up with. She offers us a new perspective, one of respect and love. In her eyes, gangs are groups of people who take care of each other--they are like families. She does not support gang wars, but noted that gang members are good "homies" and chose to take care of her even though they gang banged. The norms in this article contradict the common belief that gangs are being purely destructive and violent. With her story, we can see another perspective, we just have to be open to it. At the author's home, the same principles of respect and love are present. From her story, we learn that people can care for each other, but it isn't always in the way we expect.

While reading this article, I accepted this perspective and thought of my friend Angel. He is in a gang, and is a foster child. All my friends, including myself, have told him at one time or another to straighten up his act, get out of his gang and stay out of trouble. However, now I wonder if his gang gives him a real family that he can love and count on. Something that he might not have at his foster home.

"CURVE"

This story, written by Alison Smith and published in Red: The Next Generation of American Writers--TEENAGE GIRLS-On What Fires Up Their Lives Today, tells the story of a teenage girl who feels she is too skinny. She is conflicted as she feels pressure to be thin, while at the same time being criticized by her friends and family for being too skinny. In the story we hear what her friends/family think about her weight and uncomfortable situations she has gone through. However, by the end of her story she learns to love herself--her hips give her curves and she loves that about herself. As I read this article, I realized that I could relate because I've gone through problems with my self-image and confidence as well. I remembered similar situations to those described by Alison Smith and was inspired by her writing.

"INTRODUCTION"

Ihis part of the book Red: The Next Generation of American Writers-Teenage Girls-On What Fires Up Their Lives Today was written by Amy Goldwasser, the editor of the book. The individuals she discusses in this introduction are the teenage writers of my generation. It was interesting to read what she had to say because she offered a positive perspective on the use of blogging, social sites, and the Internet. Goldwasser tells us that teenage writers of our generation are deep and talented despite popular belief. Our reliance upon technology has turned into a beneficial habit which makes my generation able to more easily write and discuss/express themselves in essays and other media. This contradicts many of society's beliefs that depict the Internet as damaging to social norms and behavior. It was inspiring and made me think of all the fights I have had with my parents when I joined my friends on the Internet and made myself a MySpace .

"SLEEVES"

This story, by Amy Hunt and from the book Red: The Next Generation of American Writers-Teenage Girls-On What Fires Up Their Lives Today, tells Amy's story. She is overweight and hates it. It affects every aspect of her life. But in the end, Amy realizes that she wants to change, and learn to love herself. The issue presented in this story is how Amy sees herself and how she lives according to her weight. The norm of this story is for Amy, and other overweight people, to strive to blend in and be invisible, which both complements and differs in real-life society; some want to stand out and be their own person, whereas others who may be self-conscious may want to be invisible and not attract attention. When I read this story it did not make me feel sorry for the author like I had expected it would. However, it did make me think about similar experiences where I have been self conscious about my face and my body. It even inspired me and provided me with a relevant topic to discuss in a future essay or blog.

"THE BORDER"

This article, written by Cindyu Morand and from the book Red: The Next Generation of American Writers-Teenage Girls-On What Fires Up Their Lives Today, explains the difficulty she had with adjusting to a new culture and lifestyle. She hits rock bottom and has nothing, but we learn that this was necessary for her to accept what her life has become and begin living again. The author deals with everything from racism and money, to academics and acceptance. When I read this story I honestly felt sorry for her. She was miserable for two years straight and when she realized that she had to accept life to be happy I was happy for her.

"THE AMERICAN MAN, AGE TEEN"

This story, written by Susan Orlean, describes the life of a young boy Collin Duffy. We see how kids see the world and we realize that The may think they know everything, and even though they dont, they have consideration for recycling, the world, families, and are innocent. They are still young and play video games. They just want to have fun and are content with their world, they dont need anythng else. As a matter of fact all they want is to keep it from changing and being invaded by outsiders. I thought the story was interesting but tedious.

SOCIAL NETWORKING NARRATIVE: ASHLEY IS doing busywork

ASHLEY IS doing busywork. (10:59 AM)
When I got a MySpace I was in tenth grade and my friend made it for me. My mom wouldn’t let me have one so I figured it was the only way. Unfortunately, she found out about me making one without her knowledge and, to say the least, it didn’t go over so well with her. Even though she was mad, she eventually decided it was fine and just needed my email and password so she could see what I was up to. Since then I have gotten in trouble by some of the things she considered to be inappropriate and I have felt controlled by her stuffy expectations.
MySpace has become an indicator of the amount of freedom my mom will let me have, and as I’ve gotten older she has allowed me to have more freedom and doesn’t maintain as much control over the social networks I am a part of as she used to. In the past I had very little freedom and this was supported by my mom’s obsession of monitoring my behavior on MySpace. Whereas now she hasn’t even noticed I have changed my password (signaling that she doesn’t check my MySpace), doesn’t care I have a Facebook in addition to a MySpace (she didn’t even ask for the password to my Facebook account), and I am glad to say that I have more freedom than ever.

WORD COUNT: 232

"THE WAY WE LIVE NOW: GROWING UP ON FACEBOOK"

This article, written by Peggy Orenstein from the New York Times, analyzes the lives of those who use Facebook and other social network sites. The author explains that younger users seem to grow up on Facebook because they begin using the site at such a young age. And although it may be comforting to remain in touch with old friends instead of having to let them go, the author notes that this is bothering to her because she feels like the past is never really the past when you are online. Your past is constantly dug up and resurfaces, which conflicts with the societal norm of putting the past behind you. The author's ideas were interesting but I felt that the style with which she composed her article was confusing and choppy.

"STARING DOWN FACEBOOK"

This article, written by Zoe Sandvig, discusses the effort of people across the country to fight against technology's control over our lives. Many people are trying to distance themselves from technology and we hear that many positive effects have come from this distance. However, the obsession over Facebook and other social networks is affecting many students' lives in negative aspect. Because of this, a division is arising between those in society who obsess over Facebook and those who disapprove of it. When I read this article, I was embarrassed because I realized the negative side of using the Internet too much and I was forced to examine the amount of time I spend online as well.

"FACEBOOK IN A CROWD"

This article, written by Hal Niedvicki, described the story of a person who had 700 friends on Facebook and no friends in real life. Based on this article, we see that online communication is changing the social structure of our society. Even the term "friend" has a whole new meaning online. Many who have a Facebook or a Myspace communicate online and then are unable to have a conversation in person. This article made me frustrated because it made me think about the ways in which we socialize. I have begun to think that the ways in which we socialize are falling apart.

“BEING THERE: THE SUBTLE ART OF FACEBOOK UPDATES”

This article, from The New York Times and written by Virginia Hefferman, analyzes the importance of Facebook’s status update. The author asks herself what makes a great status update and explains the difference between MySpace and Facebook. The norms of society are supported in this article because updating your status on Facebook is accepted as a norm, and this is the topic being discussed. However, I did feel the topic of status updates was a little ridiculous. I feel updates are insignificant and don’t need to be analyzed. Since a discussion we had in my English class about the meaning of life, I feel that articles like these are ridiculous and that we seem take insignificant things and turn them into something bigger, when in reality, what you see is what you get. We need to stop making such a big deal out of everything.

“SOCIAL NETWORKING BENEFITS VALIDATED”

This article, from the Washington Times and written by Karen Goldberg Goff, discusses the benefits of MySpace, Facebook, and other social networking sites. She tells us how it is essential for youth to learn technical skills and become competent citizens, in addition to discussing the amount of monitoring appropriate for parents—they should accept that technology as an important part of the youth’s culture. The article was interesting to read because many of the parents and other important figures in my life complain about how I socialize and why it is going to hurt me in the future—not being able to talk to people, have a conversation face to face, etc. It was interesting to hear a different and more positive perspective on my generation’s communication techniques.