Self Evaluation

I've never enjoyed group projects. I prefer to work on my own because it really difficult relying on others. Especially now that we are in college, everyone has a different class schedule and work schedule, so it difficult to meet and actually brainstorm ideas. Emailing and texting helped me communicate with my group members but it was difficult to gather everyone in the group together at one specific time. As far as the issue, we had originally picked it because it was something we could all relate to and something that can happen to any of us. Hate incidents, hate crimes on a small scale, usually verbal assaults, can be heard every single day around campus. I'm even more aware of it now that I studied the issue. Its also an issue that will probably never be eradicated completely, even though ideally we'd like to eliminate hate. But hopefully by making people aware and informed about the numbers and incidents that have happened in the past, we will initiate a spark in students to be more tolerant of others and share in the community of a university.

Hugo Chavez

Chavez's constitutional amendments were defeated two days ago by a very narrow margin. His reform proposed a bunch of amendments: lower voting age to 16, abolishing presidential term limits, reducing weekly work hours, making the banking system a federal priority, making the president in change of reserves, and expanding social security benefits to certain workers. I think the unlimited presidential re-election is a horrible proposal. This would not allow for change if the government became very corrupt. Prior to 2000, consecutive second terms were not part of the Venezuelan constitution. In Chavez's last re-election, he won with an overwhelming majority. The controversial nature of the referendum might have been caused by the 69 proposed amendments, which led to the defeat of the referendum. Chavez has claimed socialist reform but does it in an extreme manner and these new amendments would undermine any sense of a democracy in the country.

Day Without A Mexican

The argument is that no one would be able to live comfortably in California were it not for the Mexicans, and the economy could not thrive without them. Arau, the director, shows the state in complete shambles after the "disappearance" of all Mexicans and Latinos in the state. Though the target seems to be Mexicans, Arau plays on the fact that most Non-Hispanics assume that all Latinos are Mexicans, and this is possibly why he has them all disappear. In my experience, I've known this stereotype (others assuming all Hispanics are Mexicans) to be true, simply because people are not aware of the differences of various Latin American countries and think it easier to piles us all into one tidy group. This is similar to how people refer to Asians; we all just think it's okay to call them Chinese or Japanese, when there are really over 40 countries in Asia and though the majority of the Asian population may be from China, they are not all Chinese. Arau further shows us his message with the Abercrombie's in total ignorance in their own household. They can't figure out how to do the laundry, how to pack their daughters' lunch, etc. The white farmland owner, who's son is against illegal immigrants, recognizes the fact that his workers are essential, know how to cultivate, and that with agriculture being a major source of money for the country, his farmland and others across the state would not thrive. I think his main source of ethical appeal lies in the randomly projected statements that are shown in white text after someone says something that is incorrect. These statements are presumed to be facts and we can usually see that they are. (Such as Guatemalans and Hondurans are not Mexicans, and There are 40 countries south of the border.)

Fidel

I thought the movie showed a determined young lawyer, Fidel, who wanted a revolution from the current tyrannic and corrupt government of the time (Prio being the leader). He was a faithful follower of Chibas, Orthodox Party leader, who wanted free vote, and was expected to be voted as the new leader. He shot himself, and Fidel became the new public figure for change. I think he had significantly important revolutionary ideas. He wanted free vote, freedom from the government, freedom from the domination of US industry, equality and respect. That is why even after Chibas died, he did not quit. He felt he had what it took to lead this revolution, and so did others. They began to join and promised each other to forget about their personal wishes and dreams, and put the revolution first. From what is shown, Fidel seems to be a persuasive and powerful leader. He seems like he honestly wants a positive change for the people of Cuba, maybe not by peaceful demonstrations, but by force, which is sometimes deemed necessary. While in the barracks, many people were killed by his actions and efforts, but he felt this was part of the revolution, and I also think that this was necessary, even though they did not succeed at Moncada.

Think for yourself - College Jargon

This is a reflection of my initial college experiences.

Upon first entering FIU, I was not fearful, even though I felt I should have been. The night before the first day of school, I slept fine (despite going to sleep late)and I was not anxious or nervous in the least bit. I was always telling myself in high school that I couldn't wait for college life: the freedom, the challenges, the new faces, the responsibility. I droned through my last few months of senior year, expecting big new changes and a totally new environment. I'm happy to say, I was not disappointed. I felt right at home. Even before my first day at school, I had been to FIU a few times: two days for orientation, and a few other meetings with the Honors college (which I still hadn't heard from after I chose my schedule). I kept meeting with them to ask if they had made a decision as to whether I was in the Honors college or not, as the first day of class was fast approaching and I had not received a letter of acceptance. After several attempts at their offices and phones, they finally told me they had lost my essay and couldn't find it. I was so damn pissed. Why didn't they let me know so I could send them another one??!!? I had already heard about FIU having a notorious reputation for disorganization but these seemed ridiculous to me. Either way, there is a happy ending and I was accepted (hopefully not because they felt bad about losing my paper, which I have often pondered), and my angered subdued. So the multiple visits in turned allowed me to know my way around the campus, so the first day was a breeze. I sat in front of every class like a nerd and tentatively took notes about every useless detail. When my breaks in between classes came, I was at a loss for what to do. What can one do? My friends are in class, I haven't been assigned homework, class doesn't start for another hour. I actually had free time. How quickly that has changed in a few weeks. Now, at every break I get, I'm doing homework or studying for one of my many classes. I look back and feel like I've been in college all along. I'm talking about majors, minors, BA's, breaks, cafes, credits, semesters, and garages; all unknown to my previous high school self. I have to worry about getting to school early enough, not for class, but to get a decent parking. I have to turn in essays online and assimilate to hybrid classrooms. I have to refer to my syllabus like a bible, and if I forget to look at it, I won't be reminded. I'm expected to bring books to class and have them the first day. I'm also expected to pay an ass load for them. I haven't missed a class to date but I could, and no one would notice in a classroom of 308. I'm expected to do a million assignments and be able to balance them all perfectly and ace the class, not to mention all my other home/work obligations. So what does a lowly freshmen make of all this? Well, this lowly freshmen loves it. High school was boring for me. I was never satisfied with the atmosphere and some of the material seemed annoyingly easy. In college, everyone is there because they want to be (for the most part). Students are focused and contribute. Professors are concise and don't bullshit around. Classrooms offer different ways of learning, and don't offer tedious busywork when you don't really need it for the course. Projects/Assignments are challenging and force you to think outside the box. You actually have to read assigned books/textbooks to pass. You don't do homework unless you feel you need to. You are your own advisor, set your own schedule, manage your priorities, and take the classes that best suit you. Even though it might seem overwhelming at first, you learn how to handle responsibility.

Present-day Hate Crimes

Is racism a thing of the past? Many may think so in our day in age, but a recent social issue dubbed the Jena 6 might make you think otherwise. If you haven't heard about it then you might be in for a surprise. When I first heard about it, walking through GC, a student organization, I don't know who they were, were all dressed in black, shouting to free the Jena 6, and handed me a flyer with information about this social injustice. On December 2006, in Jena, Louisiana, six blacks teens were charged with attempted second degree murder of a white teenager. It first began with a supposed "white tree" or "prep tree." A black tree had sat under the tree and the following day 3 (or 2, it is uncertain) nooses were hung from the tree. The 3 white students who were responsible for the display were suspended for 3 days. The tree was to be cut at the start of the new school year to "start free, " but many who were offended by the act felt this was not enough. No further action was taken and racial tensions grew. The District Attorney continued to do nothing when violence and attacks continued towards black students after the event. One white student, who supported the nooses, taunted blacks, and continually called them niggers, was assaulted in school by six young black teens, the Jena 6. The black teens have been charged with attempted second degree murder.
I think the black students charged with attempted murder were given a very harsh sentence, while other white students who attacked black students, taunted them, debased them, and they were not prosecuted in anyway. Several attackers at the convenience store and Fair Barn party, attacks made towards black students go almost unreprimanded. I feel this is a modern day injustice. Not that I think that beating a white teen should go without consequence but punishments should be fair and appropriate to age.
If this issue has evoked any sense of injustice within you, please take the time to sign a petition that will be sent to the Governor of Jena and the District Attorney. The Jena 6 also need finacial support for their cases and donations can be made as well.


July 31 Rally

Blog 4 - Carlos Mencia

Carlos Mencia is trying to say its okay to not be politically correct and also that the school system has lowered its standards for the sake of being politically correct. I think he's trying to address leaders in America who propose this kind of mentality and anyone who is overly sensitive to these issues. I think he's harsh in his delivery (he is a comedian after all), so he probably isn't going to be successful with everyone. I believe he is right about our excessive euphemisms and I do agree this has caused lower standards for the school system. But, at least from watching these two videos, the points he makes seem like obvious things. He is funny but no funnier than anyone else delivering a similar message might be. He lacks originality and uses vulgar language excessively but I do agree with his message.