Class Reflection

Engl101 wasn't necessarily challenging; finishing all the assignments and papers was. I overall enjoyed the class and feel as though I learned a lot about college level writing, which I thought I knew beforehand. Clearly I did not. At times I was frustrated with the structure of the class: writing three big papers on one topic becomes monotonous and boring. It's also unrealistic. The tools I utilized to write these papers, though, I will definitely employ in the future. My favorite aspect of the class was the rhetorical appeals project. 

I would like to specificaly recognize my teacher, Carolyn Urena, for making the class more than just another English class. She really worked hard to incorporate other aspects outside of the dull curriculum to liven the class and add to it. I greatly appreciate the extra effort and enthusiastic energy she brought to class each day.   

Coffee to be in class.. not now

Wow. This movie hit me hard. I know a few people in the Israeli army, including my childhood friend and neighbor who is now a sniper. 

One of the lighter, cheerful scenes in the movie where the soldiers are goofing around as the tank rolls into Lebanon, there is a hebrew song playing in the background. The chorus is "Levanon, Boker Tov," which means, "Lebanon, Good Morning." Although I didn't understand the entire song, the sing-song happy tune is extremely misleading and bleak. The singer talks about how his life is forever changing and his dreams are now over. One bleak verse, he says "I love my life, my short life" and immediately following that the bullet hits the soldier's neck. The music throughout is extremely jovial for such an intense movie. It's definitely part of the fantasy part of war--as in it's hard to accept you're actually there and fighting a war because otherwise it's too traumatic to handle. The quick transition from the light song to the crazy running away from the shooting and having fellow soldiers die all around furthers this theme  in that war is reality. No matter how hard you try to make war glamorous, it's not. It's war.  

Just some more sources, nbd

Works Cited

Gruenbaum, Ellen. The Female Circumcision Controversy: an Anthropological Perspective. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania, 2001. Print.

This is probably the most useful resource I have in my possession to write considering the other side paper. From both of her personal experience and from an anthropological view, Gruenbaum takes on the controversy of female circumcision, specifically addressing the  historical, social, cultural and traditional complexities of it. She incorporates her firsthand experience of living and learning in Africa about its culture and people to give an extremely credible, enlightening perspective on the issue.

James, Stanlie M., and Claire C. Robertson. Genital Cutting and Transnational Sisterhood: Disputing U.S. Polemics. Urbana, IL: University of Illinois, 2005. Print.

This is a great collection of essays that addresses both sides of the controversy of FGM. I will be using essays 2. and 4. for sure that discuss the wrong Western approach to both understanding and advocating against the practice. 2, “Getting beyond the Ew! Factor: Rethinking Approaches to African Female Genital Cutting,” by Claire C. Robertson spells out the biased and racist understanding of Africa as a country that affects their judgement on FC. This is similar to essay 4, “Female Genital Surgeries: Eradication Measures at the Western Local Level--A Cautionary Tale,” by Isabelle R. Gunning, where she defines America’s naive solution and major flaws when approaching the issue. She stressed stronger colored female leadership, for example.  

Steffen, Charles G. Mutilating Khalid: the Symbolic Politics of Female Genital Cutting. Trenton, NJ: Red Sea, 2011. Print.

This book describes a case in Atlanta, GA--my hometown btw-- that involves Khalid, an Ethopian immigrant, who performed circumcision on his daughter. He was tried for the mutilation of his daughter and convicted for 10 years in prison. The first chapter describes the case, verdict, and Western views on the symbolism of FGM. The rest of the book, however, expands on the issue to eventually defend Khalid and advocate his release. This interesting case will be important when discussing flawed Western perspectives because of the evidence of a real case it provides.

Walker, Alice, and Pratibha Parmar. Warrior Marks: Female Genital Mutilation and the Sexual Blinding of Women. San Diego: Harcourt Brace, 1996. Print.

This intense book documents the experiences of Alice Walker in her pursuit to create a film that advocates against FGM. She collaborates with a Kenya women named Pratibha Parmar for help with the film through her personal exposure and experience with FGM. Stylistically, this is written in conversations, e-mails, journal entries, etc. so it will be extremely difficult to shuffle through. However, the significance and value of eradicating FGM, I already can tell, is hit very hard in the book in a very inspiring yet serious tone. This is will be useful in my final paper!

**better MLA format with page numbers and separate citing for each essay will be done for the paper but for now, without the specific knowledge of exactly what I am using, this will have to do!

5 annotations

"BBC - Ethics - Female Circumcision." BBC - Homepage.  <http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/femalecircumcision/femalecirc_1.shtml>.

*I'll use this in my on both upcoming papers. Another international news station that provides an explanation and response to fgm. 

Donna, Clifton, and Charlotte Feldman-jacobs. "2011 International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting - Population Reference Bureau." Home - Population Reference Bureau. 06 Feb. 2011. <http://www.prb.org/Articles/2011/fgm-zero-tolerance.aspx>.

*Discusses what people do now to take action against FGM, specifically with a no tolerance day. This may be used in either papers.

 "Female Genital Mutilation | FGM." Amnesty International USA - Protect Human Rights. <http://www.amnestyusa.org/violence-against-women/female-genital-mutilation--fgm/page.do?id=1108439>.

*This explains the human rights aspect of FGM--one of my main significance questions that I will address in my final paper and use as one of my strongest arguments. 

"FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION FEMALE (CIRCUMCISION) IN AFRICA, MIDDLE EAST AND FAR EAST." ReligiousTolerance.org by the Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. <http://www.religioustolerance.org/fem_cirm.htm>. 

*Hopefully, this source will help strengthen the other side in the other side paper. I'm not 100% about its credibility but it's the one of the few sources that argues for religious tolerance so for now I'll post it but I may not use it. 

 Kirwa, Graham. "BERNAMA - Bill To Outlaw Female Genital Mutiliation Now Before Kenya's Parliament." Malaysian National News Agency :: BERNAMA.01.April.2011 <http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsworld.php?id=575465>.

*This is SO COOL! This is an up-to-date article about a bill being processed by Kenya about outlawing fgm. Their response will be interesting and may help set a precedent or start a revolution against fgm in Africa. 

John Q post

The final scene in the movie when John is being taken away to the jail was an extremely beautiful ending that gave me the chills. This is probably due to the fact that logos, ethos, and pathos were all incorporated and working together to create a satisfying and cathartic end to such an intense plot. Pathos is the most obvious, seen from his son making the strength gestures he made earlier. This time, though, there is much more meaning in his movements--he is a strong healthy boy because of his father's drastic actions. His father's crazy actions, though, are not insane; rather, it makes sense how he would do anything to save his son's life (even sacrifice his own.) Thus logos comes into play, because who wouldn't give up "3-5 years" of his life in prison to save his son? Although it's drastic, it is still logical. However, because John is able to make this decision and take control of the ER for good reason, he gains a unique type of authority, in that he is superior to us simple people for acting in such a heroic way. His friend even calls him a hero as he walks out of the courthouse! As a result of these rhetorical devices working together, the mood of the ending is joyous, even uplifting. The audience respects John for his logical yet extreme actions to save his son and reflects on their love for their family and the sacrifices they might make.

caffeine free, 9 am test in the morning eww

"IRIN | In-Depth: Razor's Edge - The Controversy of Female Genital Mutilation | AFRICA: When Culture Harms the Girls - the Globalisation of Female Genital Mutilation | AFRICA | Children | Gender Issues." IRIN • Humanitarian News and Analysis from Africa, Asia and the Middle East - Updated Daily. 05 Mar. 2005.  <http://www.irinnews.org/IndepthMain.aspx?reportid=62462&indepthid=15>.


"WHO | Female Genital Mutilation." Feb. 2010.  <http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs241/en/>.


Both of these websites are written and funded by humanitarian organizations and both are advocating against female circumcision. They analyze the  procedure of the practice and discuss its numerous health consequences. WHO discusses the poor international response, while IRIN focuses on personal stories of circumcised females. Each one provides good information to define female circumcision and to develop the "so what" question. 

vanilla latte

Circumcision is a unique practice because of its different forms and meanings to numerous diverse demographics.  In modern times, most people recognize its medical benefits for males and do not consider it more than a hygienic practice. However, being a modern-orthodox Jew, I personally have witnessed the traditional roots and ritualistic significance of it.  On the eighth day after his birth, my younger brother was circumcised in my synagogue with the whole community joined together watching. The removal of the foreskin is celebrated in Judaism, because it symbolizes a male officially joining the Jewish tradition by accepting G-d like the way our ancestor Abraham did. Every Jewish male must be circumcised, even those that convert later on in life.

The importance of circumcision in a religious context is not exclusive to Judaism; many other religions sects, even African tribes, find significance in its practice and symbolism. One major point of difference, however, involves gender because both men and female forms of circumcision exist. While male circumcision—the removal of the foreskin—has been proven to be medically beneficial, female circumcision—the removal of the clitoris and possible appendage of the vagina—has been shown to be an extremely painful experience that actually hurts the woman. Therefore, most educated religions and nations do not practice it but advocate against it, even by renaming it “genital mutilation.” Yet, female circumcision is still practiced in certain places for tradition’s sake and for its results, including  stunting female’s sexual desires. 

cinnamon coffee, again.. yum

THREE PROPOSED TOPICS FOR EXPERIENCE PAPER:

1. Female Circumcision (Genital Mutilation)
In Judaism, when a male turns 8 days old, he must be circumcised. I personally have been to a few circumcision rituals, including that of my brother's. Another aspect widely discussed in Judaism is women's "inferior" status. Experiencing both attending a circumcision and grappling with female equality, I thought it may be interesting to look at other religions takes on such issues, specifically female circumcision. From a religious standpoint, the religions, like African tribes and Muslim sects, that practice this believe they are justified because it prevents a woman from engaging in sexual intercourse before marriage. This makes her more desirable for marriage and keeps her under her father's control. However, from a medical standpoint and human rights position, this practice is very controversial because of the many physical complications it imposes on a woman against her will. If this were my topic, I would hope to explore the issue by tackling the controversy around it, while personally relating my religious experiences and feminine beliefs.

**What is female circumcision and the four different forms of it? What are the medical consequences? Is religion above medicine and unalienable rights? Does female "inferiority" benefit or hurt women? How does Judaism circumcision and belief compare and contrast these religion's beliefs (specifically from my personal life)?  How should America react to such a distant issue?

2. Plastic Surgery
Without even thinking about it, I can name four friends who have gotten nose jobs. I also know people like my Grandmother who have used plastic surgery to reconstruct their bodies after traumatic events, like breast cancer. As seen, in some cases plastic surgery can truly help and change people's lives while in others it simply enhances them. I personally find cosmetic plastic surgery troubling on a medical, religious, and ethical level. But we do live in a country with the freedom to choose to receive it.    

**What are the differences between the cosmetic and medical uses of plastic surgery? How do people who receive cosmetic surgery justify altering their bodies? Is it appropriate for society to have the option to physically change their bodies for superficial purposes? What is beauty? How does society's definition of beauty impact its people? Is this healthy and appropriate? Does freedom of choice cover this right? Would the abolition of it help sway society to focus less on fitting the definition of beauty?

3. Doctor Over-diagnosis
My Grandfather died two years ago after a failed third cardiac surgery. It was sudden and very painful to deal with, primarily because if doctors had left him alone my family would get to enjoy his presence for longer than we did. He seemed fairly healthy before the surgery and was therefore given the surgery in the first place. While we all harbor emotional hurt and frustration against those doctors who over-diagnosised him, we have to wonder whether they are to blame or if they were just following protocol.

**What credentials do doctors have to make the decisions they do? Is always following protocol necessary in statistically unfavorable situations? Do people always adhere to their advice  from the "white coat" syndrome? How do we prevent over-diagnosis?

No coffee today--just some good ol' sweet tea

Feeling guilty about not doing the readings initially, I decided to challenge myself to try to tackle Sontag's "Illness as Metaphor and Aids and its Metaphor." Overall, I was really impressed by her points about illness and how society and the individual perceive it. On the one hand, I agree that society likes to become obsessed with particular things that either arouse extreme fear or excitement in its people. Because people's attitudes and opinions are always evolving, it is easy to see society's focus shift. In the case of scarily stigmatizing illnesses, it shifts from cancer to AIDs. However, unlike the way Sontag depicts this fear, I believe society's ''obsession'' is justifiable due to the mystery and uncertainty that are involved with each illness. While medicine and technology do advance everyday, there is never a guarantee that one may become ill with a statistically curable form of the illness or that there are enough drugs that have been made to control it to a manageable degree. Realistically, it is a multidimensional war where a sick person fights the disease on an individual level with their physical self, and the population fights it on a societal level with medical advancements and biased propaganda. It involves blood, sweat, tears and self interest. I therefore did not appreciate her dumps on capitalism and war.

Whether I agree with all her points on a thematic basis, there are a lot of positive compliments to give to her writing style. Firstly, she incorporates numerous passages from other authors to elaborate her points and provide evidence for her claims. From Kafka to John Donne, I was very pleasantly surprised and excited to see the array of writers she used (even a few of my favorites!) I also appreciate how she admits   she was wrong, to an extent, in her use and understanding of the term "metaphor." In general, its hard to reflect and admit mistake but to admit so in her writing to such a large audience is extremely respectable, in my opinion. Finally, her use of metaphors to explain illness was, of course, intriguing and impressive. I especially enjoyed reading about the advertisements for TB and how the understanding of illness shifted from almost magical to a physical invader like a flee. Sontag did an awesome job in writing these two distinct passages, and I as well applaud her for responding to her illness in this literary fashion.

2: black coffee, naturally infused with cinnamon

I confess that I hate this prompt and find it unchallenging because of the class discussions we already had on it. I know this initial statement may be shocking and some may find it inappropriate, but it is for that reason that I decided to write it. I decided to exemplify my opinions on this prompt by personally relating to it.  I did not care about the etiquette or sensitivity of my written confession; rather, I felt strongly about something to that point that I needed to speak up openly about it in order to get it off of my chest. I feel a cathartic relief because of the release I experienced while writing it.

Now that I have confessed and reflected, however, I suddenly am overcome with a feeling of remorse. I am compelled to apologize. Complaining about a teacher’s assignment in an insulting way makes me feel bad, especially because I appreciate the hard work our teacher puts into the blog. The clear difference between confessions and apologies has to do with feelings and intentions behind it (as I have clearly portrayed.) 

1: pike's roast; grande; hot

Hi, I'm Alysa. And this is my first blog post ever:

I only started to love to write once my AP english literature teacher broke me down and told me how poor my writing truly was. My weakness was never really that my writing said nothing; rather, I expressed my ideas in too many words and with too many details. "Flowery writing" is what he called it--trying to make writing sound as pretty and lovely, "as flowers" by coating it with heavy description. As he painfully tore my writing style apart, I found myself in Starbucks for endless hours either trying to work on my own writing habits or reading the literature of authors who have already mastered their own style. Although I rarely found his workload easy and light, he is now my favorite teacher because of the tough way he helped me discover the power and beauty of literature, writing and coffee. 

My blog, therefore, is centered around this dark, caffeinated beverage that helped inspire me and my development as a writer. Once I really began writing and reading for the class, it became my escape from the suffocating environment I was in.  I grew up in an extremely small Jewish community in Atlanta, in which my private Jewish high school had two hallways and 96 kids. By senior year, Starbucks became a private, personal space outside my house and community to breathe and think and eventually write. I may be a crazy coffee addict now (proven by my blog's name including the beverage drank while writing it,) but at least I have gained more from it than a caffeine buzz.