For your next blog response, answer each of the following questions:
1. Consider Pi's defense of zoos. Do you agree with him? Why/why not?
2. What is "Para Teresa" about??
3. What are your reactions to "Learning to Read"?
Length: At least one well-developed paragraph per question
Due: Before our next class
p.s. Don't forget to bring Researching & Writing to our next class meeting (or bribe someone nice to share with you).
p.p.s. I forgot to mention this today, but your first Extra Credit opportunity of the semester will involve attending a Writing Center workshop and writing a 1-page reflection afterwards. Since the workshops have already started, go ahead and download the Workshop List from MyGateway under our class files. Choose one that you think would really help you as a writer and attend it. I'll give you the details about the 1-page reflection later.
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1. Pi states that zoos are a form of utopia for animals. He defends this statement with things such as the fact that in the wild, animals have to put up with many predators, starvation, harsh environments, and an overall constant battle for survival. Where as in zoos, animals are in constant peace with each other with no worries or disturbances. I feel that I can completely disagree with Pi. My observations tell me that it is nature for animals to be kept in the wild. It is inevitable that there will be predators and prey, but that is only natural. I understand that we have domesticated animals such as cats and dogs, but I feel we shouldn't have to domesticate every animal. For if we do, we will be disrupting nature's course.
ReplyDelete2. Para Teresa is about a girl that becomes harassed for being defiant in the views of her peers. The school she attends seems to be of a lower income neighborhood, where most of the students feel that their lives are full of anguish. However, the main character displays herself to be a hard worker and a good student in order to break that cycle. She explains her actions throughout her school curriculum to be of a good thing, for her family, and for herself.
3. "Learning to Read" is truly an inspiring story. Malcolm X is a very historical figure and reading this passage about him has truly made me realize that our country's people has gone through much struggle to make the it the way it is today. It helps me open my eyes to also take note of the struggles that are happening today, with the economy doing terrible, racism still rampant, and struggles of war and poverty that are causing problems throughout our nation. Everyone has a personal struggle and a story to tell.
1. I wholly dissagree with Pi's assesment of zoo's for a few reasons. One being that nature did not create the domestication of animals, man did. That is not natural selection it's artificial selection and if animals actually wanted to be dragged away from their pack, or habitat, or comfort zone, or territory, they would not work so hard to defend it in the first place. He attempts to evaluate the word "freedom" from a centrists perspective, ignoring the fact that freedom can not be perceived from an animals point of view. Understanding complex ideas like the value of "freedom" as being something abstract is a cognitive trait, which is why we humans must have animal protection laws and protected land for these creatures to be left alone. Pi should not assume that animals are less free simply because they lack the level of standard quality of life that humans share and measure everything else by.
ReplyDelete2.Para Teresa is about a girl being mildly persecuted for her lack of loyalty to the chicano community or social heirarchy. She simply wants to do well is school and is getting roughed up for it which is common among all ethnic majority schools and even diverse schools. The spanish speaking is her kind of talking in her head.
My computer is about to die so I will post my thoughts on number 3 in an hour or so.
Sorry.
Pi speaks of zoos in chapter five and how they actually help animals in our enviroment. I agree with Pi and why he thinks this way. He gives many great examples on how the zoo is like home for animals and the wilderness is just pretty much a deathtrap for them. For instance he mentioned the zoo being equivalent to a humabn beings home. The animals are fed, safe, have some where to sleep and overall happy. i agree with pi and zoos should be celebrated more and appreciated for animals sake alot more.
ReplyDeletePara Teresa is about a school girl that has a differnet style then others and is being picked on for it. It tells of an argunment between two girls of chicano background because of there diffrences. overall in the end the narrator speaks of Teressa and reminises on the meomory.
3. "Learning to read" was a very intimate revelation of a side of Malcom x that many did not see in the 60's. Learning to read and becoming educated in prison is by far the best use of otherwise wasted time that there can ever be. I think of all the inmates thrown in jail to reflect upon their crimes who get out on paroll and have not advanced themsevles an inch to be able to adapt to a life on civility. Obviously there are some fundemental flaws in many of his convictions and areas of education. For one, when he converted to islam he continued to preach out aggressively against the "white man" as a generalization, rather than using at least a little of his time in jail to demostrate his knowledge of the Qur'an and its teachings of non-violence or anti-fasad. Dr. Martin Luther King used his education and his faith to articulate a non-violent form of activism against segregation as an ideology, rather than speaking out against the white man, which allowed his voice to resonate further throughout the nation. None the less, Malcom X is an iconic figure and a true role model, and after reading "learning to read", my respect and admiration for his tenacity has been renewed.
ReplyDelete1. It was my previous belief that zoos were pretty nasty places, and that animals should not be caged. What Pi says about zoos kind of changed my mind, though. Sure, in the grander scheme of things, zoos are unhealthy places to raise animals. They will lose their natural edge by being pampered and sheltered. As far as individual animals go, Pi says it's sort of like living in a first class hotel, and that got me thinking. It's very possible that it's a great place for an animal to live, having the danger of nature taken away and a sense of "home" instilled.
ReplyDelete2. Para Teresa is about the defiance of two chicano schoolmates. Teresa chooses defiance against authority, like her parents and teachers, and ostracizes her friend, the author, for appearing to be the "teachers pet." The author, though, shows her defiance in a much more productive way. Instead of fitting in and doing poorly in school, she shows the chicano world that she can do better, and she worked to impress her family.
3. My initial reaction to "Learning to Read" was Malcolm's statement that he had never felt so free in his life, even though he was imprisoned. It was his newfound thirst for knowledge and literature and ideas that he was never forced to learn until actually being physically forced, through imprisonment.
In chapter 5, Pi talks about Zoos and the effect it has on the overall environment. He uses analogies that the Zoo is a Utopia for animals by giving examples that the zoo is home for animals but the wilderness is a death trap. For example, the zoo being a well nurtured and a well cared for environment where the animals receive extra care, but the wilderness the animals take care of themselves in no timely manner. I think Pi does a great job in illustrating the differences in how the animals are treated in the zoo than they are in the wilderness. I think animals are better off in both places. For instance, if an animal is hurt or is turning extinct I believe a zoo is a good place for it to be cared for, then in the wild, where it can get into trouble.
ReplyDeletePara Teresa is illustrated as a girl who is harassed in school by her peers. The lower income neighborhood holds the school she attends. It also consists of students whose lives seemed to be full of stress and anxiety. However, the young girl displays herself to be a hard worker and in her actions does so in her school for the best of her family, and for herself.
Malcom X in “Learning to Read,” illustrates true inspiration during times of economic struggles, poverty and segregation in some places. After reading this article, it made me realize the respect all of us should have especially being from different diversities. This article illustrates Malcolm X as an iconic figure who braved out many atrocities just to prove his point out in public.
1)I agree and disagree with Pi's defense of zoo's. I can see some truth in his points such as when animals are in zoo's that they dont have the constant worries that they have in the wild such as finding food, shelter, and territory issues. Instead they are well fed and protected and are in a somewhat social environment as other animals. Also there is a part of me that disagrees and thinks that the wild is where an animal is the happiest even though that may not be so.
ReplyDelete2)Para Teresa is about a girl that is being picked on by her peers for being "that student."
The student that makes them all look bad for underachieving. She achieves for her family and her friends through hard work and discipline.
3)I found learning to read a interesting story. I thought it was pretty amazing how someone could turn their life around like that just by having the right attitude. Who knew that a criminal could just achieve like Malcolm X did. I also thought it was amazing how much he loved to learn.
1. I do agree with Pi and his defense of zoos. I believe that animals can be well taken care of and that they run fewer risks then if they were in the wild. Although the wild is where the animals come from it may not always be the best enviornment. At least in the zoos the animals are getting their needs meet.
ReplyDelete2. Para Teresa is about two friends who went through school at the same time but took different routes. Teresa is accusing her friend of being better and asking how she did. Her friend is just defending the fact that she does good for her family and overall for herself. The friend is trying to tell teresa that she choose one path for the better. She also mentions that Teresa is like a sister to her no matter what they both went through.
3. Learing to Read is interesting because Malcom X was an a smart man. He learned a lot through reading and many of his ideas made me think twice. Like he mentioned reading had changed the course of his life and how it awoke something in him. It was very interesting to read overall.
1. I disagree with Pi that Zoo's are abetter place for animals. He gave an example of how some of the animals had escaped and returned to the Zoo, this is because the animals have gotten so use being around humans and being pampered that they can't function in the wild anymore. Wildlife was meant to be just that animals living their lives in the wilderness, yes they face predators and food is scarce but it's the way nature intended it to be. We shouldn't disrupt the circle of life.
ReplyDelete2.Para Teresa is about a Chicano student that thrives to do well in school and is harassed for doing so. Her friend Teresa claims she is the Teacher's pet and wants her to be as defiant as she is , Her friend explains to her that she is not doing anything for the teacher, but for herself and her family. After her speech they let her go, I believe it was because they understood her reasoning. At the end of the poem she talks about the respect and understanding she has for Teresa now that she is older and considers her a sister.
3. "Learning to Read" was an inspiring story. What Malcolm X accomplished during prison years deserves great respect. He learned his lesson from his mistakes and became a truly knowledgeable person. He educated himself in prison and used that knowledge when he got out to fight oppression.
1. i do agree with pi because in the wild some animals are becoming extinct because of the lack of food. if they are at the zoo they never have to worry about if they are going to eat. also at the zoo they do not have to worry about dying defending its territory.
ReplyDelete2. i believe that "para Teresa" is about a student who does what he is suppose to do in school like help the teacher and do his work so that he can please his family members and to succeed in life. while he is doing this he is being teased by another student.
3. I just think it is amazing how Malcolm X learned to read in jail by starting off with a dictionary. i think that if he could be alive today he would be happy to see how far we have come and he would have less hate in his heart.
1. Pi's perception on the zoo animals is very convincing but it does not change the fact that it disrupts the cycle of nature. I disagree with Pi even though he does point out few positive ideas. Everything in this world has it’s own place and reason to live. Animals were born to live like animals and mankind were born to live as mankind. It sure prevents many things from happening and yet when it comes to dominating one’s desires and mind, we become animals that lose sanity further than animals. Free will of human does not have the right to take the free will of the nature. Humans just simply overcompensate to fill our desires and think to ourselves “this is the right thing to do.” There are no other logical reasons than the fact that humans are nothing but “dominating” animals. Animals in the zoo lose their nature to survive, they lose their instinct. They become dependent creatures and no different from paintings hung in a beautiful museum.
ReplyDelete2. Para Teresa is a poem about two Chicanas with an old unresolved conflict. As the author notes, it was the attempt to resolve the old conflict and it was written to Teresa (One of the two Chicanas). Its been a long time since they were 6th graders when this incident happened. The main character who writes this is now 28 years old and she now wants Teresa called as her sister. Two best friends, two different ways with one heart is how I see it in the characters in this poem. The reason for this cause of incident could be because of arousal of jealousy and yet a bond that cannot be broken can be seen when we see the writer mentions her age and how she remembers and is willing to resolve the conflict even after many years.
3. Any stories of successful African American people just fascinates me and so did the story of Malcom X. As being a minority myself I always struggled adapting through this "new" (American) culture. Yet, when I read the stories like "Learning to Read", it always inspires and motivates me to push myself beyond the limits. Through the story I was inspired not just by Malcom but also by his inmate Bimbi who gave him that initial motivation to achieve knowledge and know that knowledge can be the greatest weapon. Malcom's initial motivation through Bimbi encourages me to make friends who can always inspire me and challenge me and for me to become who can encourage and challenge others as-well.
1. Since there are not enough food or protection for the wild animals, i truly agree with pi's idea. Likewise what pi mentioned in the book, animals have to protect their boundaries and also have to search for food. World is not the same as 1000 years ago, people gradually take place of animals, and they build their houses and culitivate where animals have to live. It is much safer for animals to live in the zoo by human in these days.
ReplyDelete2. Para Teresa is about conflict between the students, and it's especially dealing with one student who is different from other students. School seems like low class, and problem came forth because of the deviant of a student who studied hard, and chose a right path.
3. Malcolm X gives me inpiration that environment is not the big problems of learning something, but the lack of passion and the lack of interest of learning something. Through self dicipline by reading lots of books by himself, he found totatlly new life. I think people are walking the steps what our seniors had already walked without knowing the specific destination. Through reading "learning to read", i realize if we found joy in something just as malcom did, we could achieve better than malcom who found real joy in his life
1. Pi speaks of zoos to be the ultimate lifestyle for the animals. I have to agree for , these animals do get treated greatly and each animal is separate therefore having an undivided respect for each. He goes on to say that freedom is actually within the zoo, and I feel that Pi is right. Food, Shelter, and water are all taken care of as well as the animals natural habitat. Yes, this is not what nature intends however, the zoo does not go against any of nature's law. The zoo does not interbreed nor create an environment that is not suited for the animal. Each animal is individually taken care of and is ultimately in a worry-free environment. What more could one ask for!
ReplyDelete2. I think the narrator refers to Teresa as a bully, and as someone who has always somewhat competed with the narrator. Most probably Teresa wanted to conform the narrator, however being strong the narrator had other goals and was determined to achieve what she needed to achieve, not just for herself but for her family. They seem like they were friends, once, with many differences. Finally i feel she thanks Teresa in the end because if it wasn't for someone like Teresa, the narrator would have not been as strong.
3. The story about Malcolm X in prison is truly amazing. To see a man completely evolve himself with concentration and determination is amazing. With such a simple book, the dictionary, Malcolm X learns to read and understand all of what he is reading. This truly inspired me, and shows me that no matter what situation one is in, there is always room for improvement. Malcolm X also states indirectly, that knowledge is the key to true power and wisdom. Without knowledge, there is no bearing to what one speaks or says. For Malcolm X to feel "free" in prison, says a lot about how indulged he was into his reading. How much compassion and love he had to completely change himself, is again truly amazing.
1. Pi believes that animals feel more comfortable living in zoos. I would have to agree with Pi. I believe when animals are captured, they maybe a little scared at first, but when they realize they are being well fed and have a nice environment to live in, they will end up adapting to their new environment.
ReplyDelete2.Para Teresa is about a hispanic student that committed to doing well in school, but then she has people always making fun of her. She has a friend who encourages her to keep doing what she is doing, because at the end she will be the benefitted one. Later on, she talks about how greatly she admires her friend Teresa and how she considers her as a sister.
3. I found this story to be very interesting and inspiring in a way. Malcom X reclaimed himself as a new person by writing and reading in jail. He felt free because he felt open to learn about anything and in the end was a very educated and respected person.
1. Pi's states a legitimate defense of zoos, and supports it with logical reasons and its quite conceiving. However, his theory goes against nature in its natural habitat. Somehow I just can’t agree with the idea of being caged in as freedom. Animals have their place here in the circle of life. Like Mufasa tells Simba when he is lost "You must take your place in the Circle of Life" and then Simab finds his place and restores peace and balance to the kingdom. So you see animals have their place in this world we share with them and we should respect that. They aren’t humans, and they aren’t toys. And that’s why I am also very much against when people dress up their pets. I think it’s so stupid, I mean a dog urinates on the ground and eats from the floor and drinks from the toilet. Why would you give him human characteristics? In a way that dehumanizes us humans, by giving our pets our qualities. That doesn’t mean treat them inhumanely, of course they deserve love and caring; because I am also very much against animal cruelty, it sickens me. Their animals and were humans, lets keep it that way.
ReplyDelete2. Para Teresa is about the choice to assimilate or not. One Chicana girl is confronted by another who holds completely different views. The latter rebels against society for how they have treated her and stereotyped her, while the first just wishes to do well in school to please not the teacher and to be a so called “kiss up” but to please her parents and grandparents for all the work they have put in her; and more importantly to please herself.
3. I really enjoyed the excerpt “Learning to Read” from Malcolm X’s autobiography. Malcolm X to me is an amazing man. He has seen so much injustice in his life and experienced many hardships. I remember a few years back I watched the documentary film on him three times in a row. It’s so amazing what people can accomplish when they set their minds to it. And Malcolm X being African American has all the odds against him. Then he joins the Nation of Islam (which I personally have my issues with, but nevertheless it is still a sect of Islam) and has even more odds against him. The Nation of Islam is quite corrupt in the sense that one of the core teachings of Islam is stated by a saying of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) “None of you is a true believer until you love for your brother (in humanity) what you love for yourself.” He says “in humanity” not “in Islam”, so that goes against the Nation of Islam’s idea of black and white separatism. Then he makes the pilgrimage to Mecca and sees all nations worshiping the same God, under the same religion. And for Malik Al-Shabbazz to go back and preach about the true Islam just increase my respect for him. Reading this touched me as a human and as a Muslim.
1. I have come to disagree with what Pi says. Animals were meant to live their lives and survive on their own. They have been doing so for many many years. Even though they are feed and taken care of they still live a life of sadness behind the bars of a cage. Some animals would be better off just being left alone and not bothered at all.
ReplyDelete2.Para Teresa is about a young girl who makes the choice of not following the rest of the crowd but decides to do the right thing for herself and her family. As a result she is made fun of because she is a good student. Even though this other girl bullied her and gave her a hard time she still had the courage to follow what she believed was right for her.
3. I think this is an ispiring story how persistence pays of in a bad situation. Even though Malcom X was put in jail he still pushed throught to teach himself how to read and write. This is a story of how people can learn how to better themselfs instead of heading in a direction with no good future.