On Being an American Journalist

Steve Bell's stand in this article is to speak out for journalism. There shouldn't be a barrier against certain viewpoints of information. He is trying to say that only a good American journalist can accurately report information for all sides of the story. To keep the "democratic engine" of the U.S.A. running, everyone should have the right to report everything that they can obtain. However, this involves a certain level of risk. The truth sometimes can offend leaders and institutions internationally. An approach to worldwide stability is to learn more about ourselves (Americans) in other people's eyes. We will need to know how and why so many around the world seem to hate us and why we seem like an "insensitive bully in the global village".

I very much agree with this article. In the world of journalism, we shouldn't be masking ourselves to the positive views. Americans have to face reality and understand how our institutions truly operate. This reminds me of the recent WikiLeaks. Julian Assange, the founder and editor of WikiLeaks faced charges and his websites are being blacklisted in the U.S.A. His release of confidential information reminds us about the freedom of press and speech and national security. Even though the government considers the Constitution highly, they are also trying to protect us by limiting information. So it goes hand in hand. The government hides the facts for our public safety while we deserve all the rights from which the government provides us with.

King Still King?

Do we still see traces of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s words in 2011? The answer is yes. Throughout our country, we are all trying to establish laws that will satisfy both the majority and minority. Many protests ignited from our current restrictions. Civil disobedience is occurring every single day all over the world. In the "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" from Martin Luther King Jr., he states that the "Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself,". This expresses how inequality in this world feels. They start to develop ideals of rebelling and reform. When a law is just, it has to agree to the moral of all kind and when a law is unjust, it breaks the harmony between mankind.
A prime example of a struggle of civil rights that is going on right now is gay marriage. Even though I don't take a stand on this, I still do believe that everyone should have the freedom and right to pursuit happiness. Oddly, gays are looked down upon in our current society. Most of the older generation finds it unacceptable and inhumane. Protests and court rulings are always going on in the news. Every single person should have the right to strive for anything they want unless in this democracy.

There Was a Child Went Forth

Writing it in a free verse style, Walt Whitman wrote about the identity and individuality of a child. As he goes through his childhood, the child gets deeply influenced by his surroundings. "And the first object he look'd upon, that object he became", this quote explains how he will imitate whatever he sees. The "field-sprouts" and the "early lilacs" compares to the start of a new child. The metaphoric language in the beginning means that children have the purest and clearest mind before it gets contaminated with school and the society. The child starts off noticing objects, then nature, then animals, then people, then machines. As he starts branching off into school, he begins to differentiate people by their age, gender, race, and behavior. The negative influences of the society starts drilling in as he gets expose to "the old drunkard". Moving to the descriptions of his parents, he expresses his gratefulness for the mean strictness of his father and the mild love of his mother. As he gets older, the child begins to think about all things he viewed in the past and moves on to the "horizon's edge" of his life (college). With the closing line of the poem, "These became part of that child who went forth every day, and who now goes, and will always go forth every day", each experience of the child shapes his identity and character slowly in each day of his life.

Secrets by One Republic

Secrets is the second single released from OneRepublic's second album. Even though "Secrets" was released in June 2010, this is still a nice song that not many take notice in. I decided to review this song and relating it to the recent WikiLeaks news. These two lines, "Til' all my sleeves are stained red/From all the truth that I've said" are prime examples for consequences of the recent releases of diplomatic cables on WikiLeaks. I visualize the red sleeves as a sign of blood and the act of terrorism. Also, the honesty and sincerity of our modern society is questioned through his song. On the other hand, others portray it as a man with a boring life who is starting a new "life". It is rare in our modern-day music to find a song that encourages the audience to find their own inner meaning. The narrator of the song no longer pay attention to the "perfect" set of guidelines and decide to reveal the secrets inside of him.
The song starts out with a moderate conversation and turns in a full vocal composition with a powerful chorus. Ryan Tedder, the writer and lead of the band, did a good job encouraging the public about following their ambitions. This songs can be simultaneously funky, symphonic, inspirational, and meaningful.

Friends or Not ?

Nick Carraway is presented as a quiet and reflective part of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s personality. On the other hand, Jay Gatsby is portrayed as a wealthy celebrity who is willing to do anything to pursue his goals. At first in Nick's perspective, Jay Gatsby almost treated him like a real friend/acquaintance. In chapter three, Gatsby started to approach Nick quickly by inviting him to one of Gatsby's parties. This allowed him to get more familiar with Nick. Later on, in a very truthful and friendly attitude, he drove Nick around in his Rolls-Royce and opened up his background to Nick. After when Jordan Baker revealed the past about Gatsby, he decided to take initiative to ask Nick about inviting Daisy and him over to Nick's house. Knowing that Nick was Daisy's neighbor and her cousin, Gatsby only used him as a way to get closer to obtaining Daisy. Personally, I think that he planned everything out so carefully from the start by first buying a house near Daisy and then approaching Nick in a extremely sociable way. After discovering that Gatsby used him to assist his own affair with Daisy, Nick felt that he was remotely forgotten and abandoned. Their relationship has grown incredibly distant when Gatsby reunites with Daisy. Gatsby treated Nick like a friend before his reunion but after, the true side of the friendship was revealed. He no longer finds Nick necessary and abandons him while he redevelops the relationship with Daisy.

A Flake of Snow

As I flutter on a chilly day
Where the sight bring sleighs
Kids smile to our delight
I float on top of Christmas lights
Jammed into one packed crowd
We get smashed onto fleshes of the proud
Wars are formed by our brisk conditions
Being a part of the old planet's traditions
A man can be made from our flurry
But they usually melt in a hurry
We are unappreciated by adults
And get pushed aside as a result
Some find it annoying
While others think it's enjoying
The ground is covered by blankets of us
Yet nothing grows out of our abundant success
We warm mankind's hearts
With a reminder about winter's start
I am a flake of snow

Thankful for Classmates

Altogether, I am very thankful for every single person in my whole American Literature class. We have a wonderful teacher that we should all be very thankful for his deep teachings and his humorous intellects. I'm not too familiar with this class even though I been in this class for over 12 weeks. Being thankful on Thanksgiving is all that you can ever ask for on such a holiday. There are several people that I would like to especially thank:

Sam Chu (he's not in our class but he also have Mr. McCarthy): You are a great friend with a big and kind heart and too bad that we aren't in the same American Lit. class. Without your assistance and reminders about homework for many classes, I wouldn't be able to survive high school. So, thank you! :)

Jia Jia: We had fun in our freshmen years in PE and I'm glad that we have became good buddies. You would always start extraordinary discussions. I'm very thankful for your help in all of the classes we have in common. XD

Clark: You are an awesome friend but sometimes you can be a bit annoying. Well, sometimes I can also be a bit bothersome. Having two literature classes together for two consecutive years, you helped me with a lot of my ridiculous questions. I am truly very thankful for your advices and being there as a friend. :]

To those who are reading my blog: May all of you have a fun and happy holiday season! I'm very thankful that you are taking your time to read this post. I will be even more thankful if you leave a comment. :D