Connections in a blog:
Blog #1: Sunday, 30 August 2015
An argument you have experienced
I chose this blog as an example of making connections to things discussed in class tied into prior knowledge for a few reasons. With this course overall addressing many different forms of arguments and their reasoning, this was a proper example of a personal experience on a very small scale that I am able to get a laugh out of. In this course, I have really learned a lot about when my arguments should be valued and when they would do as much good as screaming into the void. When it comes to serious issues that could help benefit someone's state of being on a real and measurable way, many arguments have true weight and should be pursued properly. However, in an instance such as the one described in the blog below, sometimes my arguments will hold little weight at all because the opposition to me opinions will not take them into consideration at all. I have learned when this means that I am putting unnecessary effort into something.
With texts such as Piss Christ (view my commentary here), I have been able to take a step back and realize how productive my voice can be and how unneeded it can be as well. My grandfather's opinions against how a young woman should present herself are not going to change before he dies. Just the same, there are many other opinions that some people are just too closed minded to ever let in. The reality of this is that it is all okay! I will put up a fight when I see that it is necessary to benefit another, but I will also learn to step back, compose myself, and just move on. This blog is one example of a moment within this course that I have learned to reevaluate my own stance as an opinionated member of this society.
Argument: Blue hair means you do not respect yourself.
Until about a year ago, I would not have truly considered myself capable of arguing. I would find hesitation in challenging the opinions of others for the potential that I could offend them. However, the more I began to educate myself on the issues which take place within our world today, the more I learned about how capable I was to defend my own opinion. When I think of the person who most of my arguments of opinions have been with recently, one man comes to mind. This man is none other than my super conservative eighty-one year old grandfather who speaks with a New York accent and wears the class ring of his prestigious college on the same hand that holds his cigar (making my friends and I joke of his secret status as a member of the mafia). While he is a very credible and successful man, he is unfortunately terribly stubborn. Some may quickly associate his behavior with narcissism fueled by being right a few too many times, yet I like to give him some kind slack out of respect for the old man. Growing up, I was the golden grandchild to him. I was the only one who went to public school yet my grades and accomplishments were always higher than my “impressive” cousins. However, my golden status quickly faded once my grandfather learned that my opinions were formed around my day and age- not the time of the early 1950s when my grandfather was eighteen.
The first argument of ours began over an initially peaceful dinner after I returned to their house from seeing one of my friends in their neighborhood. All hell broke loose once I revealed that she had-get ready for it- BLUE hair. I was telling my grandmother that she would have loved the color (since she reps teal and purple clothing 90% of days) when my grandfather butt into the subject with disgust. To him, a young female wearing her hair with unnatural shades of color in it was a sense of digression within our society. She absolutely must be queer to draw so much attention to herself without any respect. In his opinion, the expectations of my generation were pretty low to begin with as he stated that we have no respect whatsoever for what we put on our bodies (or in another sense, for how much clothing we often lack) in these days. I had initially been pumped about eating some awesome spaghetti with my grandparents, but after his quickly stated jabs at my generation, I knew I was now going to focus on the pasta. I immediately countered his opinion in a challenging voice by stating that I disagreed. Without asking for his permission to speak, I told him that his opinion was outdated and that the simple sign of social acceptance in self expression in forms such as hair color and personal appearance by my generation shows a greater sense of respect than by generations previous to mine. He looked like he was shocked that I would even dare to challenge him, yet I carried on. Instead of defining her sexuality, I let him know that to her it defined her interest in colorful art. Being an artist herself, she created something beautiful in a wearable way. I provided the example of how my grandfather had his own, classy way of dressing to represent his business style to show how it was not some terribly uncalled for concept. In addition to telling him that he was drawing ridiculous conclusions based on the simple statement of a friend having blue hair, I let him know that I was disappointed that he would limit himself to being so closed minded and dead set on knowing the level of respect a person has for themselves simply by judging a hairstyle. Again, using the example of his professional form of dress, I let him know that I understood how in certain situations it is generally expected to be dressed modestly out of respect for a certain atmosphere, but that a young woman’s choice of appearance, especially given that it was worn within her own house, was undeniably respectful given that she was content in herself. I wrapped it up by reminding him that generations have changed but that in many forms it was through progression. My grandfather could not believe that I actually said so much to counter a remark he made and my grandmother had a look of disbelief that I had the guts to challenge someone who too many people took ridiculous statements from to save themselves the effort. Though I know he is still stuck in his old school ways of thinking, he no longer speaks of his opinions of my generation while I am around just as I never intend to enter his home with blue hair.
Blog #1: Sunday, 30 August 2015
An argument you have experienced
I chose this blog as an example of making connections to things discussed in class tied into prior knowledge for a few reasons. With this course overall addressing many different forms of arguments and their reasoning, this was a proper example of a personal experience on a very small scale that I am able to get a laugh out of. In this course, I have really learned a lot about when my arguments should be valued and when they would do as much good as screaming into the void. When it comes to serious issues that could help benefit someone's state of being on a real and measurable way, many arguments have true weight and should be pursued properly. However, in an instance such as the one described in the blog below, sometimes my arguments will hold little weight at all because the opposition to me opinions will not take them into consideration at all. I have learned when this means that I am putting unnecessary effort into something.
With texts such as Piss Christ (view my commentary here), I have been able to take a step back and realize how productive my voice can be and how unneeded it can be as well. My grandfather's opinions against how a young woman should present herself are not going to change before he dies. Just the same, there are many other opinions that some people are just too closed minded to ever let in. The reality of this is that it is all okay! I will put up a fight when I see that it is necessary to benefit another, but I will also learn to step back, compose myself, and just move on. This blog is one example of a moment within this course that I have learned to reevaluate my own stance as an opinionated member of this society.
Argument: Blue hair means you do not respect yourself.
Until about a year ago, I would not have truly considered myself capable of arguing. I would find hesitation in challenging the opinions of others for the potential that I could offend them. However, the more I began to educate myself on the issues which take place within our world today, the more I learned about how capable I was to defend my own opinion. When I think of the person who most of my arguments of opinions have been with recently, one man comes to mind. This man is none other than my super conservative eighty-one year old grandfather who speaks with a New York accent and wears the class ring of his prestigious college on the same hand that holds his cigar (making my friends and I joke of his secret status as a member of the mafia). While he is a very credible and successful man, he is unfortunately terribly stubborn. Some may quickly associate his behavior with narcissism fueled by being right a few too many times, yet I like to give him some kind slack out of respect for the old man. Growing up, I was the golden grandchild to him. I was the only one who went to public school yet my grades and accomplishments were always higher than my “impressive” cousins. However, my golden status quickly faded once my grandfather learned that my opinions were formed around my day and age- not the time of the early 1950s when my grandfather was eighteen.
The first argument of ours began over an initially peaceful dinner after I returned to their house from seeing one of my friends in their neighborhood. All hell broke loose once I revealed that she had-get ready for it- BLUE hair. I was telling my grandmother that she would have loved the color (since she reps teal and purple clothing 90% of days) when my grandfather butt into the subject with disgust. To him, a young female wearing her hair with unnatural shades of color in it was a sense of digression within our society. She absolutely must be queer to draw so much attention to herself without any respect. In his opinion, the expectations of my generation were pretty low to begin with as he stated that we have no respect whatsoever for what we put on our bodies (or in another sense, for how much clothing we often lack) in these days. I had initially been pumped about eating some awesome spaghetti with my grandparents, but after his quickly stated jabs at my generation, I knew I was now going to focus on the pasta. I immediately countered his opinion in a challenging voice by stating that I disagreed. Without asking for his permission to speak, I told him that his opinion was outdated and that the simple sign of social acceptance in self expression in forms such as hair color and personal appearance by my generation shows a greater sense of respect than by generations previous to mine. He looked like he was shocked that I would even dare to challenge him, yet I carried on. Instead of defining her sexuality, I let him know that to her it defined her interest in colorful art. Being an artist herself, she created something beautiful in a wearable way. I provided the example of how my grandfather had his own, classy way of dressing to represent his business style to show how it was not some terribly uncalled for concept. In addition to telling him that he was drawing ridiculous conclusions based on the simple statement of a friend having blue hair, I let him know that I was disappointed that he would limit himself to being so closed minded and dead set on knowing the level of respect a person has for themselves simply by judging a hairstyle. Again, using the example of his professional form of dress, I let him know that I understood how in certain situations it is generally expected to be dressed modestly out of respect for a certain atmosphere, but that a young woman’s choice of appearance, especially given that it was worn within her own house, was undeniably respectful given that she was content in herself. I wrapped it up by reminding him that generations have changed but that in many forms it was through progression. My grandfather could not believe that I actually said so much to counter a remark he made and my grandmother had a look of disbelief that I had the guts to challenge someone who too many people took ridiculous statements from to save themselves the effort. Though I know he is still stuck in his old school ways of thinking, he no longer speaks of his opinions of my generation while I am around just as I never intend to enter his home with blue hair.
Sharing and learning:
Blog #4: Thursday, 24 September 2015
Do you feel more connected or more isolated by the internet, social media, online gaming?
I chose this blog as an example of sharing and learning because the more we tackled the topic of technology, the more I was able to realize what it does for me, and the more I was able to make peace with it. My exposure to the internet has impacted my life in what feels like a million ways. My every day activities revolve around the notifications I receive from my phone and this blog gave me the ability to express how that was beneficial.
While I respect that some people spend their time on the internet, social media, or gaming doing things which many would deem unproductive, I was able to collect reasons why I could make an argument against my use of it. Since much of my life revolves around how much I love photographs, I was able to exemplify just how the internet has allowed this hobby to grow into a great learning experience and even a business. I know I would have faced a much greater struggle in doing so had I not had this opportunity. I believe this blog was a great tie into the course as a whole because I was really able to dwell on where I stand when it comes to young people who face criticism for their use of such things. I intend for the thoughts in this blog to continue expanding positively, even beyond this course.
A love/hate relationship
I really could not pick one particular side with this topic because I see so many reasons why each perspective could be supported. Ultimately, I would always choose to continue my use on social media rather than to take it all away, and the connections I have as a result benefit me positively.
I work as a portrait photographer with a majority of my clients finding me through my website and Facebook page. As a result of being a business owner, I am very picky with what things are left for others to see on my social media accounts, but they ultimately work in my favor. With senior portraits being one of my most popular types of photo sessions, I am often tagged in photos I have taken when they are posted by the subjects on things such as Instagram. This connection is something that goes a bit beyond just the typical teenager's use of social media which at times makes it a bit less fun for me. I really always feel like I am being watched over my shoulder since I must always be presentable to potential clients. Ultimately, I love the way social media connects me. I have fun sharing the photos I take and knowing that my distant family members can see them on things like Instagram just as I love "stalking" some of my favorite musicians. It makes the distance between myself and others seem a lot smaller which has comforting aspects to it. It keeps relationships in this day and age alive. I write multiple letters each week to my boyfriend in Tennessee and it seems like ages before he receives them- making me feel like I have changed too much over a three day period for some of the things I have written to still be relevant. The demand for instant gratification is so comforting and so concerning as well.
On the downside, when I take my head out of my own phone to look up into the world, I get a weird feeling towards the depths we reach with social media. It has been made especially evident to me as I started attending UNCC that our generation uses our cell phones as a security blanket. We hold them in our hands even when we are not using them because a pocket or zipped bag keeps the connections we make on those screens too far away. I will find myself meeting with people who I have not seen in quite awhile and I will end up pulling my phone out at some point to show them something which made me think of them. Face to face contact includes the rest of the world's presence as that "security blanket." I fear that we are really straying from enjoying the silence that can happen in our minds because we all want to know about the noise in someone else's. Time will tell....
Blog #4: Thursday, 24 September 2015
Do you feel more connected or more isolated by the internet, social media, online gaming?
I chose this blog as an example of sharing and learning because the more we tackled the topic of technology, the more I was able to realize what it does for me, and the more I was able to make peace with it. My exposure to the internet has impacted my life in what feels like a million ways. My every day activities revolve around the notifications I receive from my phone and this blog gave me the ability to express how that was beneficial.
While I respect that some people spend their time on the internet, social media, or gaming doing things which many would deem unproductive, I was able to collect reasons why I could make an argument against my use of it. Since much of my life revolves around how much I love photographs, I was able to exemplify just how the internet has allowed this hobby to grow into a great learning experience and even a business. I know I would have faced a much greater struggle in doing so had I not had this opportunity. I believe this blog was a great tie into the course as a whole because I was really able to dwell on where I stand when it comes to young people who face criticism for their use of such things. I intend for the thoughts in this blog to continue expanding positively, even beyond this course.
A love/hate relationship
I really could not pick one particular side with this topic because I see so many reasons why each perspective could be supported. Ultimately, I would always choose to continue my use on social media rather than to take it all away, and the connections I have as a result benefit me positively.
I work as a portrait photographer with a majority of my clients finding me through my website and Facebook page. As a result of being a business owner, I am very picky with what things are left for others to see on my social media accounts, but they ultimately work in my favor. With senior portraits being one of my most popular types of photo sessions, I am often tagged in photos I have taken when they are posted by the subjects on things such as Instagram. This connection is something that goes a bit beyond just the typical teenager's use of social media which at times makes it a bit less fun for me. I really always feel like I am being watched over my shoulder since I must always be presentable to potential clients. Ultimately, I love the way social media connects me. I have fun sharing the photos I take and knowing that my distant family members can see them on things like Instagram just as I love "stalking" some of my favorite musicians. It makes the distance between myself and others seem a lot smaller which has comforting aspects to it. It keeps relationships in this day and age alive. I write multiple letters each week to my boyfriend in Tennessee and it seems like ages before he receives them- making me feel like I have changed too much over a three day period for some of the things I have written to still be relevant. The demand for instant gratification is so comforting and so concerning as well.
On the downside, when I take my head out of my own phone to look up into the world, I get a weird feeling towards the depths we reach with social media. It has been made especially evident to me as I started attending UNCC that our generation uses our cell phones as a security blanket. We hold them in our hands even when we are not using them because a pocket or zipped bag keeps the connections we make on those screens too far away. I will find myself meeting with people who I have not seen in quite awhile and I will end up pulling my phone out at some point to show them something which made me think of them. Face to face contact includes the rest of the world's presence as that "security blanket." I fear that we are really straying from enjoying the silence that can happen in our minds because we all want to know about the noise in someone else's. Time will tell....
Personal Expression
Blog #12: Thursday, 3 December 2015
Open topics. Anything even remotely connected to this course.
For a blog which represents personal expression, I feel that this final one really exemplified the things I will be walking away from this course with. I can truly state that I never would have anticipated learning as much about myself in a course like this as I have, and I am very grateful for it. I have been able to read, watch, and listen a lot of things that pertain to key parts of our society, and I have been able to reevaluate the meaning of my words being added to the oblivion that is our existence as a whole.
This blog helped me do what many of the other activities in this course had already started feeding. I was able to draw the real conclusion that is how writing and speaking my opinion has power. I am in control of what influence I would like that power to have, and I have the tools at hand to make things happen. When I listen to the media, I now listen for their bias and I am pushed to be more curious and explore more for the facts that can come out of it. This blog was a little promise to myself- to make sure that the things which matter really do matter.
The END
I am finally at the end of my first semester in college and it seems surreal. I have no idea how to completely wrap my head around it as it seems like just yesterday I walked into this 8am with no idea of what to anticipate. I did not think I would be realizing as much about the influence writing has on me in my every day life through the extent of the media, but now I pay much closer attention and it is oddly haunting. I guess what I have truly found that I never anticipated finding in a class like this is that this is the real world. I don't get to do a test run of anything and the only thing that half-assing any of my oncoming experiences will do is hurt me. If I don't make a perfect 100 on my final portfolio for this class, yet I have been able to grasp the depth of how I have grown as a writer over these few short months, I will be leaving as a more mature person with a less than perfect grade... yet that will still help me. A check on an assignment no longer matters to me if I can't see what I learned from it. It just seems wild to me to contemplate how much I have learned without even thinking I have learned. It is nothing like high school where I felt obligated to fulfill everyone's expectations from the moment I entered the building till the moment I left. Now, if I make a D in a class, the reality is that nobody will give a damn but me. It isn't about what people see me do anymore- it is about what I do to make myself better for other people. Now, as I get on Facebook to scroll through cute videos of animals yet I come across clickbait that makes my blood boil a little, I contemplate more so what my input on the topic would actually mean to those around me and what the overall goal of that media should mean to me. I am a human in the real world. I can tattoo my face and I can get educated on social injustices. I can share satirical articles from The Onion and I can vote for the next president. I can think, plan, and write. I can do something kick-ass for the world. I am feeding the fire of the wild internet with each word I publish for the public to see. Over these last few months, this UWRT class has taught me exactly what that can do- and I intend for it to matter.
Blog #12: Thursday, 3 December 2015
Open topics. Anything even remotely connected to this course.
For a blog which represents personal expression, I feel that this final one really exemplified the things I will be walking away from this course with. I can truly state that I never would have anticipated learning as much about myself in a course like this as I have, and I am very grateful for it. I have been able to read, watch, and listen a lot of things that pertain to key parts of our society, and I have been able to reevaluate the meaning of my words being added to the oblivion that is our existence as a whole.
This blog helped me do what many of the other activities in this course had already started feeding. I was able to draw the real conclusion that is how writing and speaking my opinion has power. I am in control of what influence I would like that power to have, and I have the tools at hand to make things happen. When I listen to the media, I now listen for their bias and I am pushed to be more curious and explore more for the facts that can come out of it. This blog was a little promise to myself- to make sure that the things which matter really do matter.
The END
I am finally at the end of my first semester in college and it seems surreal. I have no idea how to completely wrap my head around it as it seems like just yesterday I walked into this 8am with no idea of what to anticipate. I did not think I would be realizing as much about the influence writing has on me in my every day life through the extent of the media, but now I pay much closer attention and it is oddly haunting. I guess what I have truly found that I never anticipated finding in a class like this is that this is the real world. I don't get to do a test run of anything and the only thing that half-assing any of my oncoming experiences will do is hurt me. If I don't make a perfect 100 on my final portfolio for this class, yet I have been able to grasp the depth of how I have grown as a writer over these few short months, I will be leaving as a more mature person with a less than perfect grade... yet that will still help me. A check on an assignment no longer matters to me if I can't see what I learned from it. It just seems wild to me to contemplate how much I have learned without even thinking I have learned. It is nothing like high school where I felt obligated to fulfill everyone's expectations from the moment I entered the building till the moment I left. Now, if I make a D in a class, the reality is that nobody will give a damn but me. It isn't about what people see me do anymore- it is about what I do to make myself better for other people. Now, as I get on Facebook to scroll through cute videos of animals yet I come across clickbait that makes my blood boil a little, I contemplate more so what my input on the topic would actually mean to those around me and what the overall goal of that media should mean to me. I am a human in the real world. I can tattoo my face and I can get educated on social injustices. I can share satirical articles from The Onion and I can vote for the next president. I can think, plan, and write. I can do something kick-ass for the world. I am feeding the fire of the wild internet with each word I publish for the public to see. Over these last few months, this UWRT class has taught me exactly what that can do- and I intend for it to matter.