"Good Enough: Getting the writing written and letting it go"

One main point of this article is don't procrastinate. When you procrastinate you put pressure on yourself to get everything done at the last minute. When you're under pressure it could be more difficult to put your thoughts into words and keep these thoughts organized. You also give yourself less time to think about your topic. If you have a lot of time to think about the topic, you can come up with some really interesting and creative ideas. I also learned that it's okay to start with a messy first draft. First get your thoughts out, and then give yourself time to go back and organize and polish them up. This article also taught me that my writing doesn't have to be, and will never be perfect. There will always be something about your paper that you will want to change or think you can make it better. Perfect isn't always necessary, sometimes all you need is "Good Enough." This article relates to the Social Action Research Paper because we're writing these papers piece by piece so that we are not procrastinating. By doing it in pieces, the length of the paper isn't so overwhelming. It also relates because we do many drafts of each piece so that we can polish and organize our thoughts, and we need to realize that it will never perfect.

Living Sources: Interviews and Surveys

One thing that is a important when conducting interviews and surveys is to interview experts. Here are a few things to do to in order to find these experts are: check your sources and note who the authors are, look under a specific category in the phone book, ask your friends and instructors if they (or someone they know) can help, check your school's faculty directory, check encyclopedias, and check the internet. It also important to interview nonexperts, or people that have experienced and are knowledgable about the topic. Another important thing is that when you are conducting an interview it is important to make it natural, like a conversation. I also learned that conduct a successful survey first you must define your goals and audience. It's important to know what you want to know and who you want to get this information from. Then you have to choose your approach and decide what type of questions you want to use. Finally, you have to devise a way to distribute the surveys in a way that they will reach your targeted audience. In order to collect data for my project, I plan to conduct interviews among my friends because my targeted audience is teenage girls. I also plan on analyzing magazine ads and discuss their effects on the viewers.

Literature Review

From the first draft of my literature review, I learned how media effects body dissatisfaction and eating disorders among adolescent females. Although I have always thought that media does have a negative effect, I found some surprising facts and opinions that I did not know before. I think that my paper needs a literature review section because it is important to review all of the research and findings I will use throughout my paper. It shows the readers that I used credible sources and I am providing them with accurate information. The research that I found was basically what I expected, however the specific details I found were somewhat surprising. I feel that most of our population agrees on the fact that the media does influence eating disorders in the teenage female population, so I think that my research fits in well with my current knowledge. With my own research, I want to discover how my generation feels about eating disorders, most likely by interviewing my peers, because I feel that we are the ones that are most effected by it. I also would like to get a better idea of how many cases of eating disorders go unreported because I feel that this happens more often than them being reported. If I researched this, it would further support my argument and make it more effective.

The Art of Quoting

When writing papers, quoting is very important as it helps suppurt your argument. As one author points out, "Quoting someone else's words gives a tremendous amount of credibility to your summary and helps ensure that it is fair and accurate" (Graff, 2011). I agree with this statement because when you quote another author, it shows that research has been done on this topic before, and that someone else shares the same point of view as your own. This allows your argument to be more valid and persuasive. Although quoting is important and extremely useful, it is even more important that one knows how to use quoting correctly. Graff argues that "...the main problem with quoting arises when writers assume that quotations speak for themselves" (Graff, 2011). I agree with Graff's argument because I also think that it is important to explain your quote, not let it stand alone. If you do not show how the quote relates to or supports your argument, it is not as effective on the readers.

They Say, I Say

One main idea from chapter three is that to make an effective argument, you must use others' arguments. The best way to do this is by using direct quote. Therefore, you provide the reader with proof of the statement and it makes your argument accurate. It is important that when using quotes, one doesn't use too few or too many. If there are not enough quotes used, there may not be much support for your argument. If there are too many quotes used, there is not enough original thought provided to the reader. It also important when choosing quotes that they are relevant to your argument and that you are able to fully explain them: who said it, what it means, and how it is relevant to your argument. The main idea in chapter five is that although quoting is important, it is also important that the reader is able to distinguish who is saying what. The writer needs to differentiate when they expressing their own ideas, and when they are expressing the ideas of others. As a writer, you must provide subtle clues that allow the reader to know which ideas belong to whom. As a reader, you must look for these subtle clues and be able to analyze their meanings.

Proposal for your ethnographic projects for social change

I am writing about teenage girls in the United States in our current society because I belong to this category and my topic effects me. I am focusing on how the media, mostly magazines and models, effects eating disorders among these teenage girls. I am writing for everyone, but more specifically this group of teenage girls I mentioned before. I want my readers to learn why girls think the way they do about themselves and how the media has a negative effect on their body image, causing them to obtain an eating disorder. I expect that there will be a lot of information on this topic because it is often researched in today's societies. I also think that girls my age are highly interested in this topic, as well. I hope to answer questions like why the media has such a huge effect on teenage girls and why they believe they need to develop eating disorders because of this media. I plan to collect information on eating disorders such as anorexia and bolemia. I also plan to collect information about models, magazines, and how the images of these models in the magazines are created with photoshop and airbrushing. I plan on studying other researchers findings, interviewing participants, being a quiet observer, and talking from my own experience.

Evaluation of Research Questions

My research question is how does the media effect eating disorders among teenage girls? I think my question does raise other questions like which media has the most negative effect and why? I do feel strongly about this topic and I'm very interested by it because its something that has effected my family and I. It is not related to my discipline. Yes, there are many authoritative research writings and studies done on this subject. I think that this topic will be intectually challenging and will definitely cause me to learn a lot about this subject that I didn't know or perhaps was always curious about. It will aslo help me learn how common it actually is (or isn't) in the real world. I think this topic will allow me to collect a lot of data because many people feel strongly about this issue and are or have been affected by it. Because it is a health issue, many studies and researches have been done on this topic before and I think that it's a quite popular subject among my generation.

Ethnographic Writing For Social Change

One social issue that really interests me is body image and eating disorders in the teenage population. Personally, I know more about how the media effects girls' body images, but I would like to know more about how it effects males. One possible question for my research topic is: How do teenage males view their own body image and how is this body image effected by the media? or What is the relationship between the media and eating disorders among teenage girls? This would be beneficial to me, as well as my community, because I believe it something that greatly effects my generation and sometimes goes unnoticed. Another thing that interests me is art, since I am an art education major. My final possible research question is: Why are they removing art programs from the Chicago Public School system and how does it effect the students' overall education? This is significant to myself and to my community because I think art is something that is very important to learn about because it helps to create well-rounded individuals.

"Researching One In Six Million," & "Researching, or How I Fell In Love With Post-It Notes"

I think that it is very interesting that Hilary Selznick decided to do such in-depth research about her Grandmother. I can relate to Hilary Selznick because like her, I often am unsure where to start when writing research papers. I also think that her dedication is very inspiring. She took years to research one topic until she found the amount of correct information that she thought was necessary. I now realize that it's dedication like Hilary Selznick's that makes a great research paper. This article also taught me that it's very important to keep all research information organized, which is something I have trouble with. I also noticed that this theme of organization was prominent in Susana Rodriguez's article. In her article she explains how she uses post-it notes, each color, size, and shape, for something different, to keep track of her notes. Like Hilary Selznick, Susana Rodriquez also had trouble of knowing how to start a paper. This article taught me that to think of an idea, you have to read between the lines and analyze the writing prompt, not just take it for its face value. I also learned that I need to be prepared before I start and by drawing little pictures and creating my own meaning for things can keep a boring task interesting. A great piece of writing can not be created in a short time, especially a research paper. It takes time and much practice to perfect the process.

Linguistic Landscape

For my Linguistic Landscape project, I would like to create a poster that raises the topic of studying strategies for college students. I think that this genre will be effective for my topic because posters are often placed around campus and are easy and quick for students to look at and read. This is also an effective genre because posters are visually appealing and will attract an audience. They are usually constructed with a catchy slogan, an appealing image, and eye-grabbing colors that draw the audience in. The best place for this genre to be located is inside any building around campus. Because a poster is not permanent, it's more likely that there will be more places for them to be hung!

“Reading Visual Texts: A Bullet for Your Arsenal”

In the article "Reading Visual Texts: A Bullet for Your Arsenal" by Susana Rodrigez, she explains that visual texts, just like any other text, is targeted toward a certain audience. Many visual texts become a symbol for a certain brand, motto, or social issue. It also can create a certain image that the audience feels like they must conform to or that they will want to become. Rodrigez also explains how illustrators use colors to attract an audience. By using certain colors, they create an image that can be harmonious or vibrant, either way making the image visually appealing and interesting causing it to grab your attention. Another aspect of a visual text is the placing of images. The way images are placed can create a story for the audience. Finally, she discusses how point of view can effect how the impact an image has on its audience. It can make you feel superior, small, or can create equality and make a connection with the viewers.

Social Awareness

This genre is very informative and can be controversial. It is a genre that makes the viewers think about social issues and help them become aware of things going on in the world and ways to help. These texts are posters probably created by an average person. They would most likely be hanging up around a city or town, in buildings, and can also be found on the internet. This genre allows the creators to be creative, which attracts its audience. The genre can be limited though, because it most likely will not answer all questions its audience has. It also can be limited on information about its topic. This genre is most likely identified just by its appearance because it is so commonly used.

"Critiquing and Changing Genres" and "Getting Personal"

All decisions writers make are creative decisions. Writers must be creative because, although there is room for interpretation within each genre, there are also conventions that create limits. We, as the audience, use these conventions to discuss and critique a piece of work. In order to analyze a genre, one must look below the surface of the writing to discover meaning, which can help the reader better understand the work. Another part of analyzing a genre is critique, which asks the reader to question and evaluate the assumptions of the work, discovering its strengths and weaknesses. Critiquing genres allows us to compare its purpose and the objectives and assumptions of the scene it functions within. “Genres change as the people who use them and the scenes in which they are used change.” As we make new discoveries and new advances, new genres are made to accommodate them. New genres most often develop as the result of revisions of previous ones. Changes in genre can lead to changes in the ways that people interact and communicate.

Language

I think that at home we mainly speak a mixture of informal English and Standard English, and in high school I learned some Spanish. I feel most attached to informal English because it is easiest for me to speak, but I'm not sure where this language comes from. I speak a little differently when I'm with im friends opposed to when I'm with my family. When I'm with my friends my language is less formal and we use words that can be considered slang. When I'm at school I speak Standard English, but sometimes it is difficult to think of proper words. I think informal English is recognized at school because when we are talking face to face, we don't necessarily use the same words as when we are writing, which is usually done in Standard English.

"From Outside, In"

Mellix's title can be explained as a description of her journey throughout her life "from outside, in." As a child and young adult, speaking "proper" English was always difficult for her and made her feel as if she were speaking another people's language, as if she was an outsider. However, as she grew older and became more educated, her use of "proper" English became more natural and she was proud to speak and compose properly.

Mellix used Black English when she was at home with her family and with other people that spoke Black English. She used Standard English when she was in public, in school, or when she was around anyone who seemed superior to herself. Growing up she was uncomfortable with this "doubleness" and felt as if it were a "built-in enemy." It made her want to prosper, but at the same time, held her back.

As a young woman, Mellix felt that it was proper to speak Standard English to whites so that she didn't sound inferior. Mellix spoke Standard English to Standard-English-Speaking Blacks because she was ashamed to sound improper and wanted to fit in. The pain of having to use Standard English was that Mellix had to think before she spoke and it took her a long time to form sentences. It also forced her to speak softly and shyly.

Mellix's father told stories about times when he went to the "outside world" and after speaking Standard English, was treated better. Mellix's mother would randomly correct them for speaking Black English, which would embarrass them causing them to be mocked by their siblings.

After taking her college composition course, Mellix felt more comfortable, even proud, to use Standard English. At first, Mellix thought that her writing was more powerful because she believed she was explaining the thoughts and beliefs of others. However, she soon realized that she was transformed to be able to use her best classroom language to convey her own thoughts and ideas using Standard English.

Personal Narrative

My sister, Nicole, is twenty years old. Although she is older than me, she is still shorter. She has dark brown hair, almost black, that is medium length. She has brown eyes and tan skin, basically the complete opposite of me. She has always been a very outgoing person, always looking for a good time. She is very intelligent when it comes to school work, but in everyday life she is always being funny and goofing around. She always works hard whether it's at work, school, sports, or just any little task. She has always been indpendent, and in a family of seven a quality like that stands out. Although she is extremely goofy, she is also very good at defending herself in an argument and explaining her opinion. She is definitely not afraid to say what is on her mind.
My sister and I have a very close relationship. I know that I can tell her anything and she will always have advice when I'm in a difficult situation. Because we go to the same college, we spend a lot of time together, especially driving to and from our home. These car rides are an experience that I will always remember. The sight of the open highway, the green cornfields, and the other cars on the road. Listening to our favorite songs on the radio and talking about anything that comes to mind. There's always a trip to the gas station for a slurpee, or to Dairy Queen for some ice cream. These car rides always evoke feelings of security and comfort. They also make me feel relaxed, yet excited. I know that whenever I think of these car rides with my sister, I will remember the happy feeling that I always got from them and it will always make me smile.

"Why and When We Speak Spanish in Public"

This piece of writing is especially powerful because the author uses everyday situations that are very relatable. She uses situations that the reader has most likely experienced at least once in their life. This writing is also very powerful because she speaks informally. It's almost as if you are having a conversation with the author. This type of genre is valuable because it's very informative and can be used to change reader's opinions and help them to be open minded. Marquez explains that she and her parents "haven't adopted English as our official family language" because "it's a matter of respect for our parents and comfort in our cultural roots." If I was standing next to the three of them and they were speaking in Spanish I would not consider their behavior rude because it's what they are comfortable with and what they know best. If the situation were flipped around, I would make the same decision to speak the language I am most comfortable with. Marquez would use English in situations when she is with anyone who does not understand Spanish. If I was bilingual, I would behave the same in similar situations because I know that I would not want to be the person who doesn't understand the conversation.

Article Response

From reading these articles, I learned that a quad chart can be used in many different industries, but its main goal is to introduce a new product or offer a solution to a problem. Each quadrant of the quad chart will contain different information depending on what goal you are trying to achieve. From these articles I also learned that the structure of a work impacts the way we read it. Using the example of the flyer, we first look at pictures because they quickly catch the eye. Then, we read the information that is the biggest or most centered, and so on. I also learned that the copyright page is one of the most important pages of a book. It has tons of useful information, such as the publisher and publication information that is needed for citation.

Picture Exchange

One of my most cherished childhood memories is a vacation to the small town of Chautuaqua, New York that my family and I take every year. Every summer I look forward to that nine hour car ride at four in the morning in a car filled with people and luggage. When we arrive, I can’t wait to get out of the car and smell the trees, the lake, and the house. The best part of the trip is spending a week with the family members who live around the ountry, who I don’t get to see at any other time.

            Although the week is short, it is constantly filled with fun trips and activities for all ages. One day is the trip to the mall and the movies, another day is saved for a trip to the local amusement park. Many days throughout the week, art and crafts are created in the backyard shed, and multiple trips are taken to the best ice cream parlor in town. Days are spent fishing from the pier and swimming in the lake, while nights are reserved for sitting on the porch playing games and enjoying the company of our extended family.

            This vacation has been a tradition in my family for decades and will continue to be passed on from generation to generation. This annual vacation is a way for my family and I to stay connected with family members that do not live close enough to meet during the holidays. Personally, I know that the memories I have obtained from these vacations are some of the best and will be with me forever, and I hope that my children will be able to cherish the same experiences and memories that I have through this family tradition.

My First Post

I'm excited to be in English 101.