5th Reader's Blog

Summary:

In Osterweil’s essay about the idea of governmental surveillance and the recurring films that show such a strong watchful eye, he writes about the ability of some of these movies to describe the surveillance state. He connects these pieces to the given purpose of the surveillance system (security), but then disproves their purpose of common good in themselves when aligning them with our reality. Hitting another idea of governmental control is highlighted in Vasquez’s essay dealing with immigration. She portrays the cultural significance of these bands, but also sheds light on the behind-the-scenes. Where these people are afraid of anti-immigration and being deemed illegal, she challenges the government’s interpretation of these people searching for better lives.

Comment:

While both readings hit on two seemingly different points, they are both connected back to the ideas of the government. Whether it be over surveillance or tightened immigration, they highlight the idea that the government is dealing with these problems in the wrong ways. Obviously, there must be surveillance for national security and there must be restrictions on immigration for the same reason, but the size and scope it is being taken to is being challenged by both authors. They are making the argument that by the government trying to deal with these problems, they are also diminishing American values simultaneously.

Question:

Do you believe these authors are pushing for the elimination of governmental restrictions and abilities such as immigration restrictions and internal surveillance? Or are they simply saying it is being taken to extremes that are unneeded? Which author seems to believe what?

Individual Reflection 10-8

In past experiences where I've worked with others on projects or on activities with a shared goal, I have seen some downsides and also some high points. Sometimes if a member or two of a group decides to sit back and only do what they're told, it doesn't truly help the group be as filtered and put together as someone who is actively engaged. When everyone in the group forms their own thoughts and discusses them with the rest of the group, the group will have a more thorough and detailed response/outcome. This is to me the most effective reason to work in groups, as you get multiple points of view and schools of thought. When people are passive and don't truly participate, it ends up putting more work on less people, generally degrading the quality. A way to combat this would be for everyone to form their own thoughts and then share with the group, that way everyone has a say and ownership in the subject.

4th Reader's Blog

Summary:

In Cantor’s essay on “The Apocalyptic Strain in Popular Culture”, he examines the changing ideas of the American dream as society has progressed.  He mentions how the idea of the American dream in the mid twentieth-century was based predominantly on the material items. Objects such as large houses, cars, and money were the goal that was supported by the institutions, essentially making people into “Zombies” that lose their individuality and freedom of will. This idea then quickly grew into dissatisfaction as people lost confidence in these institutions (i.e. corporation, government). This is where popular culture has stepped in, providing Americans the opportunity to see life without all these institutions and allow us to enjoy a sense of self fulfillment and self-respect.

Comment:

With the ever changing idea of the American dream comes viewpoints that might not be as universal as it seems. It is true that material things were generally the goal of early twentieth century families, although this may not be the same view for everyone at that time. Similarly, the dissatisfaction that is described may also be true, although the significance may not be as major as expressed. The idea that Americans have turned to pop culture as a means of forming that new American dream, I believe this may also be a stretch and not as significant as described. It is difficult to generalize an idea such as this with such a massive population. With this being said, I do believe the dissatisfaction has led to the higher success of these apocalyptic shows, but I also believe it is important to realize that it may not be as simple as expressed.

Questions:

Where did these findings originate from? Are these conclusions coming from general consensus or ratings/data?

Essay 1 Personal Reflection

Writing the first formal essay of the class helped me refresh my writing skills. What I believe I did well was the time management and preparation for the essay. I started soon after we were given the prompt with creating an outline of my essay and writing down points I wanted to focus on in each paragraph. This helped me hit all the requirements of the essay and gave me time to compose the full essay to allow for time to review it. For the next writing assignment, something I would do differently is to visit the writing center to make sure my writing was decisive enough, because when we met for the meetings, it helped me realize where I could be more specific. I would also start writing the essay itself a bit sooner, as this always helps to provide a less stressful writing environment and more time to revise.