"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.