Thursday, May 22, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
When the Levees Broke Summary
Act I
As we were introduced to this award winning documentary, we were introduced to the thread that Hurricane Katrina presented upon New Orleans and many other cities of Louisiana. Many people chose to ignore the constant warning. People had a duty to evacuate despite their love for their communities. One of the interfiewees introduced was a lady named Phylis who said that "people wouldn't help". Many had different views on people's participation. Sean Penn, famous actor, obviously did not need to go out of his way to go to the site, but came over and helped in anyway he could saving people. The government lagged on help. They did have an obligation to open up the superdome for people to take shelter. It took too much time for people to be fed by red cross and the government would not bring food, water, or needed medical services.
Act II
During the second part of the documentary, we were introduced to the extent of life after the impact of the hurricane. People were swimming for their lives, being rescued by helicopters, children were being raped, and the chaos in the community was immense. Stress from the destruction had caused riots and white vs. black shootings with no guard or police help to stop it. Many citizen's priorities were on different things such as vandalism and theft of shops that had been abandoned. Many united and made a concious effort to survive, help, and stay calm. Many were effected emotionally including police and believed there was a duty to help the people in need. You can either chose try to cause more damage and panic, rather than get through and help. The mayor of New Orleans Ray Nagin did as much as he could to help his peoplee but still people were being left on interstates. The government was clearly not ready for the situation with the president Bush not responsive. The people saw that they did not mean much to him since on day four, the people still did not have the help of the federal government. Many also felt Bush was racially motivated not to help.
Act III
The attitudes of the people had changed. They hated the government and rapper Kanye West said on television that the president does not like black people. He did not care about his career or what effect his words would have on record sales but more about the good of the people. People were also shocked by the insensitivity of President Bush's mother, former fist lady, comment on how the victims were better of now in the superdome than where they were before. Many still had no help from FEMA. Many were going to hotels and staying but money was scarse. People were angry about the rest of the country calling the victims "refugees" when they were american citizens. Rev. Al Sharpten was one of the major activists. Many communities from different states all over welcomed people with open arms, offering food and shelter to the survivors of Katrina. Many had lost hope and contemplated suicide wantig to disapear from having nightmares. Many survived based on the very thought of their culture rooted back at home. The music was a way of escaping and living.
Act IV
The aftermath of Katrina still effects people today. Thousands are burried with no landmarks giving identity. Their goal was to heal and keep the faith, unite, and go back to New Orleans. The celebration Mardi Grasswas in the middle of the rubble, but it didnt matter because everyone was together. The reasoning for the break of the levees were further explored and many agreed that the engineers who designed it should have been put in jail. Many blame the hurricane on global warnings with 8-10 hurricanes like that one and the temperature of the earth slowly rising. Many were against FEMA still waiting for their trailors and waiting for insurance. Florence Jackson was one of the many who was still waiting for her trailor . . . 6 months after the hurricane hit.
As we were introduced to this award winning documentary, we were introduced to the thread that Hurricane Katrina presented upon New Orleans and many other cities of Louisiana. Many people chose to ignore the constant warning. People had a duty to evacuate despite their love for their communities. One of the interfiewees introduced was a lady named Phylis who said that "people wouldn't help". Many had different views on people's participation. Sean Penn, famous actor, obviously did not need to go out of his way to go to the site, but came over and helped in anyway he could saving people. The government lagged on help. They did have an obligation to open up the superdome for people to take shelter. It took too much time for people to be fed by red cross and the government would not bring food, water, or needed medical services.
Act II
During the second part of the documentary, we were introduced to the extent of life after the impact of the hurricane. People were swimming for their lives, being rescued by helicopters, children were being raped, and the chaos in the community was immense. Stress from the destruction had caused riots and white vs. black shootings with no guard or police help to stop it. Many citizen's priorities were on different things such as vandalism and theft of shops that had been abandoned. Many united and made a concious effort to survive, help, and stay calm. Many were effected emotionally including police and believed there was a duty to help the people in need. You can either chose try to cause more damage and panic, rather than get through and help. The mayor of New Orleans Ray Nagin did as much as he could to help his peoplee but still people were being left on interstates. The government was clearly not ready for the situation with the president Bush not responsive. The people saw that they did not mean much to him since on day four, the people still did not have the help of the federal government. Many also felt Bush was racially motivated not to help.
Act III
The attitudes of the people had changed. They hated the government and rapper Kanye West said on television that the president does not like black people. He did not care about his career or what effect his words would have on record sales but more about the good of the people. People were also shocked by the insensitivity of President Bush's mother, former fist lady, comment on how the victims were better of now in the superdome than where they were before. Many still had no help from FEMA. Many were going to hotels and staying but money was scarse. People were angry about the rest of the country calling the victims "refugees" when they were american citizens. Rev. Al Sharpten was one of the major activists. Many communities from different states all over welcomed people with open arms, offering food and shelter to the survivors of Katrina. Many had lost hope and contemplated suicide wantig to disapear from having nightmares. Many survived based on the very thought of their culture rooted back at home. The music was a way of escaping and living.
Act IV
The aftermath of Katrina still effects people today. Thousands are burried with no landmarks giving identity. Their goal was to heal and keep the faith, unite, and go back to New Orleans. The celebration Mardi Grasswas in the middle of the rubble, but it didnt matter because everyone was together. The reasoning for the break of the levees were further explored and many agreed that the engineers who designed it should have been put in jail. Many blame the hurricane on global warnings with 8-10 hurricanes like that one and the temperature of the earth slowly rising. Many were against FEMA still waiting for their trailors and waiting for insurance. Florence Jackson was one of the many who was still waiting for her trailor . . . 6 months after the hurricane hit.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Citizen Podcast
Listen to Amanda Graham's and my podcast about how we as citizens fit into the community!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Ritual for Me?
Super Sweet Sixteen. The popular Mtv show popularized what has become almost a ritual in modern America today. Teens have a big party to celebrate the popular birthday. When it came time for me to turn sixteen, my mother decided to bring all my friends and family together for a dinner at Buca di Beppo in Universal City Walk. The thirty something friends and family came to my house and then we were all driven to the restaurant. Its not like I got a new car or anything over the top as seen on tv, but the party was more than I could ever ask for. My friends and family were all there to celebrate my big day. But what did this big day really mean to me? Nothing.
For me, the dinner didn’t give me any right of passage. I didn’t feel any wiser or older than I already was. That’s how it is with every year that passes for me. I believe that I slowly grow over time, age, learn, and develop. It cannot just happen in one split second where you turn that one year older. As a teen in high school, I’ve gone to many of my friend’s cultural growing rituals such as bat mitzvah or quincieneras. These rituals involve religion which I lack. Their faith brings them to a certain point and their families view them as growing into adults etc. There is part of me that wishes I could’ve danced in a court with my closest friends in a hotel ball room; most of me though is thankful that I never did because it would be fake. Until I truly believe or have faith in a certain culture or religion, I wouldn’t be able to truly enjoy and embrace the customs and rituals that come with association. I’m happy that I’ve grown to slowly to discover what I truly believe in and have had the freedom to do that.
For me, the dinner didn’t give me any right of passage. I didn’t feel any wiser or older than I already was. That’s how it is with every year that passes for me. I believe that I slowly grow over time, age, learn, and develop. It cannot just happen in one split second where you turn that one year older. As a teen in high school, I’ve gone to many of my friend’s cultural growing rituals such as bat mitzvah or quincieneras. These rituals involve religion which I lack. Their faith brings them to a certain point and their families view them as growing into adults etc. There is part of me that wishes I could’ve danced in a court with my closest friends in a hotel ball room; most of me though is thankful that I never did because it would be fake. Until I truly believe or have faith in a certain culture or religion, I wouldn’t be able to truly enjoy and embrace the customs and rituals that come with association. I’m happy that I’ve grown to slowly to discover what I truly believe in and have had the freedom to do that.
What is Expected
My existential belief as a teen girl growing up in Los Angeles could be different from what people might expect. When people observe me, they see a tall brown haired white valley girl. The way I act does not depict any psychological problems so my social and family life must be pretty solid. I could be expected to act snoody, bratty, or spoiled. I am probably expected by many to go to school for a while and then get married and not have to work, have children, and play mom. This is what society might feel my obligation is.
The truth is I am totally different than what you might think. I am from two worlds. I am half Mexican decent and my views of society and my future dynamics would surprise most people. From 7th grade, disectnig a frog didn’t make me run away screaming to the girls bathroom, but instead fascinated me. Its only natural I would want to pursue the practice and be a surgical nurse when I age. I attended a catholic school, but ironically enough I’m not an atheist. I don’t believe in a higher being. I believe we are just here by science and circumstantial evidence. We have the ability to make decisions in our lives and I am going to do something productive and not expected. I don’t want to marry, but I do want to be in love all of my life and sadly enough, children disgust me. So despite what society might expect me to contribute from what they see, my existential views might bring something even greater and productive to the world in the future.
The truth is I am totally different than what you might think. I am from two worlds. I am half Mexican decent and my views of society and my future dynamics would surprise most people. From 7th grade, disectnig a frog didn’t make me run away screaming to the girls bathroom, but instead fascinated me. Its only natural I would want to pursue the practice and be a surgical nurse when I age. I attended a catholic school, but ironically enough I’m not an atheist. I don’t believe in a higher being. I believe we are just here by science and circumstantial evidence. We have the ability to make decisions in our lives and I am going to do something productive and not expected. I don’t want to marry, but I do want to be in love all of my life and sadly enough, children disgust me. So despite what society might expect me to contribute from what they see, my existential views might bring something even greater and productive to the world in the future.
Individual vs. Society Norms
This video compares my personal norms to what society expects of a girl my age.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
My Story
Candice Alba circa 1990 is I. By sight you would think that I’ve had it good. “She is pretty sane, normal girl; no major problems”. Sike. Truth reveals that no one can really look at another and depict their past, present, or future. That description may in fact be the reflection of myself; a mended, a restored, a new self. Left behind are the scars, frozen tears, and hidden insecurities of the past.
Some of my friends to this day think I should’ve been born I an earlier decade. My parents say I have the heart of an eighty year old. I account my father for most things. Artists such as Carlos Santana, Little Richard, Billy Holiday, Four Tops, War, the Supremes, and Beach Boys were just some of the household names that whisked their way into my soul at a tender age. The music from his prime and even before him was introduced to me as a child in the garage working on old Chevy engines. Yes, I was daddy’s little girl. . . but not the kind that wore tutus and danced around the house. Living with four boys had an effect on my femininity you could say.
Who knew that that same man who gave me the anthem Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison would turn into the reason for songs like Where’d You Go to become so personal? Ray left us four years ago this fathers day. That’s right. Fathers Day. Wounds like that will stay freshly open I believe until I hit the coffin. An absent father, suicidal brother, and typical teenage boy troubles will eventually give a girl trust issues. People often have trouble distinguishing the bull and the truth, who is real and who isn’t. The path that you take finding out is what affects a person. The ability to rebut and take a risk shows throughout the soulful R&B hits heard and gives courage to one who needs caution and strength.
Entering high school changed my perception of myself. The people around me gave me the courage, strength, and pride in myself even if they didn’t know they were. My new attitude was also followed by a new music- a new attitude and style. Inhibitions grew free and confidence gave the light to smile through a mending soul. I’ve realized I am a force to be reckoned with. Stubborn. Fierce. Strong. I realize if I can be happy with myself, I can overcome anything. Jigga Jigga hits is a mix of my past and present. We never know what the present will bring. To some that may be scary, but I love it!
Some of my friends to this day think I should’ve been born I an earlier decade. My parents say I have the heart of an eighty year old. I account my father for most things. Artists such as Carlos Santana, Little Richard, Billy Holiday, Four Tops, War, the Supremes, and Beach Boys were just some of the household names that whisked their way into my soul at a tender age. The music from his prime and even before him was introduced to me as a child in the garage working on old Chevy engines. Yes, I was daddy’s little girl. . . but not the kind that wore tutus and danced around the house. Living with four boys had an effect on my femininity you could say.
Who knew that that same man who gave me the anthem Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison would turn into the reason for songs like Where’d You Go to become so personal? Ray left us four years ago this fathers day. That’s right. Fathers Day. Wounds like that will stay freshly open I believe until I hit the coffin. An absent father, suicidal brother, and typical teenage boy troubles will eventually give a girl trust issues. People often have trouble distinguishing the bull and the truth, who is real and who isn’t. The path that you take finding out is what affects a person. The ability to rebut and take a risk shows throughout the soulful R&B hits heard and gives courage to one who needs caution and strength.
Entering high school changed my perception of myself. The people around me gave me the courage, strength, and pride in myself even if they didn’t know they were. My new attitude was also followed by a new music- a new attitude and style. Inhibitions grew free and confidence gave the light to smile through a mending soul. I’ve realized I am a force to be reckoned with. Stubborn. Fierce. Strong. I realize if I can be happy with myself, I can overcome anything. Jigga Jigga hits is a mix of my past and present. We never know what the present will bring. To some that may be scary, but I love it!
I Am From
I Am From
I am from the archives of my mind
The experiences which make up childhood
I am from the suburbia of
This beautiful city of angels
I am from the city of hopes
Of fulfilled dreams of broken ones
Of romance of history of conspiracy
I am from the small street acre in Northridge
I am from the Disney movies
From belle’s castle, streets of Agraba, down under the sea
I am from the stand in my front yard
Selling the freshly squeezed lemonade
Twenty five cents a cup
I am from the summer days of
Tying the water hose to the slide
of the sky high swing set
I am from my Barbie tricycle
I am from adolescent spice girl choreography
I am from three brothers
I am from the garage working on
Chevy engines with dad
I am from the ranch
the horses run through my veins
I am from the soft leather saddle
Riding everyday on top of the world
One two one two one jump!
Count the strides
I am from the dirt on the ground
After falling; in my shoes
I am from the scrapes the bruises
The falling the crashes
I am from a broken home
I am from tears and fights
Broken dishes and torn down souls
I am from learning and indents
Of perception
I am from abandonment
I am from moving schools
Leaving friends
I am from making mistakes
I am from partying
The piercing music and flashing lights
Uncontrollable nights
I am from the unsafe situations
Of the darkness
I am from learning
Nothing books ever could
I am from a new outlook
A new attitude a new light
I am from knowing what is what
I am from moving the next level
I am from growing up
I am from what I made myself.
I am from the archives of my mind
The experiences which make up childhood
I am from the suburbia of
This beautiful city of angels
I am from the city of hopes
Of fulfilled dreams of broken ones
Of romance of history of conspiracy
I am from the small street acre in Northridge
I am from the Disney movies
From belle’s castle, streets of Agraba, down under the sea
I am from the stand in my front yard
Selling the freshly squeezed lemonade
Twenty five cents a cup
I am from the summer days of
Tying the water hose to the slide
of the sky high swing set
I am from my Barbie tricycle
I am from adolescent spice girl choreography
I am from three brothers
I am from the garage working on
Chevy engines with dad
I am from the ranch
the horses run through my veins
I am from the soft leather saddle
Riding everyday on top of the world
One two one two one jump!
Count the strides
I am from the dirt on the ground
After falling; in my shoes
I am from the scrapes the bruises
The falling the crashes
I am from a broken home
I am from tears and fights
Broken dishes and torn down souls
I am from learning and indents
Of perception
I am from abandonment
I am from moving schools
Leaving friends
I am from making mistakes
I am from partying
The piercing music and flashing lights
Uncontrollable nights
I am from the unsafe situations
Of the darkness
I am from learning
Nothing books ever could
I am from a new outlook
A new attitude a new light
I am from knowing what is what
I am from moving the next level
I am from growing up
I am from what I made myself.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Personal Narrative Playlist Poem
Ain’t that funny? Many believe
The exterior depicts the interior.
The depth heart and soul of the core
You would never suspect.
When my dad left there was a time
Where all I wanted was for the man
Who taught me the joys of his generation's music
Please come back home.
A permanent tear in my soul was forever implanted.
The abandonment turnin' my heart into stone
I wanna tell the whole world about a friend of mine
This little light of mine
This little light of mine
mom my savior; my path to happiness
and when she wanted me to keep up the grades
She still supported me when I did the opposite
Now I feel like it's things I gotta get
Things I gotta do, just to prove to her
I will do it; through my own self, own dreams. Own goals
And when I'm older, you aint gotta work no more
And Imma get you that mansion that we couldn't afford
See you're, unbreakable, unmistakable
And Imma get you that mansion that we couldn't afford
See you're, unbreakable, unmistakable
So hey mama, look up; I love you light of my life
Twists and turns. New school. New friends.
Absent father. Suicidal brother. Confusion.
Puts a wall , a boundary. No way I would feel
The way I did again.
He made it so hard
He made it so hard
to trust someone
He made it so hard
My skepticism takes over.
Wait. Yeah I’m waitin’ For the one. The one who will
Knock the wall down. One who will wait
Be patient. Teach me how to love
Show me the way to surrender my heart
And take it slow. Prove me wrong
And show me the strength to stick by your side
Those days are over
Cover the frozen tears and scars
I’ve been told you only live once
One must make the best of it and live
In a kind of a daydream
I'm happy as a queen.
Loud, outspoken, blunt and even though
I ain't built like a supermodel
But, I learned to love myself unconditionally
But, I learned to love myself unconditionally
Own yourself. Hold it high.
I’m going to be remembered. I’m gonna to rock yo world
One day you will see me.
I want to entertain you. Scare and please you at the same time.
Proving them wrong and like what I got
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