The question…Where does my writing come from?

Honestly, my writing comes from past what’s inside my soul. Past thought, memories, dreams.

Whenever I am given an assignemnt to complete, in someway I put alittle pieve of myself into my assignment. Take this class for example, this class has made me share my own beliefs and experiences with my classmates.

In my writing, my goal is to treat my pen or keyboard like I’m having a real converstation with another person. That way maybe whta I have done in my life may somehow help them to live there own.

The main difficulties I have experienced working with others is dealing with the strengths and weakness of each person. Like it is easier to work alone because you know your own work ethic. whether you are a go-getter or a late-riser. And, unfortunately in my experience there is always at least one person who is an extremely late-riser and holds up the group project. The major difficulty I have had is depending on other people to complete an assignment.

I found that the simplest way to resolve these difficulties was to delegate tasks, schedule meetings and generate deadlines. By doing this, I usually can tell early one the weakest link of the bunch. And, the person with the most excuses and least completed work usually gets removed from the group.

For example, I had a group English research paper due. I was teamed with four other students. Well, one of my classmates never should up for our scheduled meetings; didn’t complete their portion of the paper and never showed up for class. So, the other two members and I had to do double the work just to turn our paper in on time and our work was not the best quality. Luckily, we received a passing grade on the assignment, but the burden was placed on the serious minded students.

The essay I read was God vs. Science by Dan Cray. This essay was the existence of God and the theory of evolution. The essay started of discussing critics for both sides of the debate then turn into an interview between two men that equally represent the debate for each side. The essay discusses the ancient debate between Christians and scientists. The belief whether God created man or if man evolved from simpler organisms. The belief of many Christians is that followers of Evolutionism are trying to replace religion with this theory as a world-view and a touchstone (Cray).  As scientists make more technically advances in science, the general belief in God is also decreasing. For example, Brain Chemists can track imbalances that could account for the ecstatic states of visionary saint i.e. Jesus (Cray). The field of evolutionary psychology generates theories of altruism and even of religion that do not include God. In fact, there are many scientists that have written books to disprove the existence and belief in God through scientific reasoning. Which includes, Richard Dawkins who wrote “the God Delusion:” and Sam Harris who wrote “The End of Faith” (Cray). These books are examples of literature dedicated to attacking Christian religion as a whole, both historically and scientifically. So, readers can get the perspective for both sides, it included an interview between Richard Dawkins, noted atheist and Frances Collins, a Christian scientist. The interview starts out cordial between the two men, both exchanging their view w/the interviewer. Dawkins believes that the existence of God is more a scientific questions and he does not exist. He also believes that everything evolving in the world can be explained by scientific research and evidence. According to him, science and religion cannot coexist. On the other hand, Frances Collins represents the general public the middle. He believes that evolution itself is a part of God’s plan and creation. According, to him if you research your history the two can coexist. For example, where there the evolution unexplained gaps exist. Religion and provide a valid explanation.

After reading this essay, I agree with Frances Collins the most. I am a Christian woman and do not believe that evolution was a change that suddenly occurred without God starting the process. Of the two men, I think that Collins offered that most credible evidence and reasoning. For example, he states “The gravitational constant, if it were off by one part in a hundred million, then the expansion of the universe after the Big Bang would not have occurred in the fashion that was necessary for life to occur. When you look at that evidence, it is very difficult to adopt the view that this was just chance” (Cray). Collins also explains the existence of Good and Evil is the excerpt, “ For you to argue that our noblest acts are a misfiring of Darwinian behavior does not do justice to the sense we all have about the absolutes that are involved here of good and evil. Evolution may explain some features of the moral law, but it can’t explain why it should have any real significance. The moral law is a reason to think of God as plausible–not just a God who sets the universe in motion but a God who cares about human beings, because we seem uniquely amongst creatures on the planet to have this far-developed sense of morality.” For me, I am not totally against the theory of evolution itself, but I do not believe I evolved from an animal. I believe that God created man in his image and to have dominion over all the animals in the world.  This is the reason, I agree with Collins. He represents a middle ground between two feuding parties. He uses science to explain evolution, but also connects it to religion.  With his theory maybe we can someday hope to have balance between the two. If, not science and religion will always be at odds with one another.

 

[1] Cray, Don. “God vs. Science”. Time CNN. 05 Nov. 2006 http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1555132,00.html.

The first essay I read was Lifeboat Ethics: the Case against Helping the Poor by Garrett Hardin. This essay was about how the U.S. is the richest nation in the world, but is struggling to maintain its prosperity due to the overwhelming demand assistance from poor countries. Hardin states that the only way for the U.S. to continue to thrive is to make tough, but necessary decisions such as limiting foreign aid; food assistance and immigration (Hardin). According to Hardin, American population is increasing at a 0.8% rate, while poor countries’ population has been increasing by 2.5% rate. At this rate in 87 years, the American population will be 420 million (Hardin). And, the population in the poor countries in a 21 year span will be at 3.54 billion (Hardin). Each person that is born uses resources from the environment in their country. Unfortunately, the poor countries don’t have the resources to sustain a population increase, which leads to the constant requirement of assistance. In the past this statement has proven all but true. Congress instituted a Food for peace program also called Public Law (P.L.) 480 in 1960-1970. Under this law, taxpayers were forced to contribute funds to the government. A total of 7.9 billion was spent on this program (Hardin). And although various groups benefited from the program; this law provided to be a drain on the American taxpayers pockets. Now today, many humanitarians have generated the idea of creating a World Food Bank in hopes to solve/lessen world hunger. The World Food bank would be an international depository of food reserves which all nations would contribute according to their ability and would also draw from the bank according to their need. Hardin believes this idea would do more harm than good.  According to Hardin, poor countries should strategize how to budget for emergencies. Hardin states, “Without some system of food sharing, the proportion of people in the rich and poor nations might eventually stabilize. The overpopulated poor countries would decrease in numbers, while the rich countries that had more room for more people would increase” (Hardin).

The second essay I read was Public & Private; Making the Mosaic By Anna Quindlen. This essay was about how America has become more of a “mosaic” rather that a “melting pot” contrary to the critics.  Generally, Americans are accepting of immigrants; however they are still many people that still oppose the idea. Take for example, Ms. Miller’s 3^rd-grade class of P.S. 20 in NYC. Her students come from countries such as, Cambodia, Dominican Republic, Vietnam and Puerto Rican (Quindlen). Each child represents a different piece of a mosaic to make it whole. Even though the children represent, how America is changing, yet a part of it remains the same. The Samuel F.B. Morse wrote in 1835 a treatise called “imminent Dangers to the Free Institutions of the United States through Foreign Immigration, which Morse suggests that some foreigners insist of being treated better that “native Americans” (Quindlen). Also, racial slurs are still being used towards immigrants would keep their native language and traditions. Critics are suggestions these immigrants do not want to become American by holding on to their identity. Even with all the negativity and criticism, those same immigrants adopt to American, while still being true to their heritage. This is why America is becoming more a mosaic rather than melting pot.

After reading both essays, I agree with Quindlen the most. America is turning to a mosaic whether that a melting point. A pot takes all its ingredients from different substances to make a whole. However, with a mosaic, each piece of glass is welded together to form a bigger piece, all without losing the form of the original. Although, Quidlen essay was more favorable to me, I felt it was the least researched, documented essay of the two. The essay has a good start, but ends with a mediocre finish. The facts did not support what I concluded the thesis to be. The essay did have some evidence, but not enough to prove the point the writer was trying to make. Of the two, Hardin’s essay was the hardest for me to digest. My general belief is that Hardin is a bigot. He has the sense of superiority to others regardless on their background. Like for example, he believes that immigrants come to this country to drain American’s resources. He paints the picture of a poor, hungry 3^rd world persons swimming to the “rich, American” boat to survive. What he fails to realize that anyone that is not a native of America is considered an Immigrant. Immigrants could come from Europe, England or Canada, which are the richer countries of the world. To me, the entire essay focuses on the negative impact of immigration. Hardin never once states the benefits. His essay was completely one-sided and to me is not a good representation of an argumentative essay. Despite my feelings, Hardin put a lot of effort into the essay. He researched facts, included example and gave statistics. Over all, I felt that Hardin’s essay was the most thorough and provided valid reasons to support his beliefs.

 

[1] Hardin, Garrett. “Lifeboat Ethics: The Case Against Helping the Poor”. Psychology Today. Sep 1974. http://www.garretthardinsociety.org

2 Quindlen, Anna. “Public & Private: Making the Mosaic”. The New York Times, 20 Nov. 1991. http://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/20/opinion/public-private-making-the mosiac.html

How has your writing evolved? What changes have you noticed in your writing over time?

My writing has evolved from writing simple fact-finding statements to writing with a more advanced thought process. When I was younger, I used to list information down on paper for required assignments. I really didn’t know how to take the extra time and add a personal message into my writing. But, I learned how to overtime. As my perception increased, my writing advanced. I owe the change to age and personal life experiences. I also know by taking this class it will help me to grow even further with argumentative writing. Just from the few assignments we’ve had, it is becoming easier and easier to write from the opposing view.  I feel being open to opposition, challenges your though process and helps develop a more analytical style of writing. This is something I need to work on.

I have noticed my writing has changed the most over the past 5 years. I’ve learned how to make sure my writing crosses cultural lines and can be well understood by everyone. The most significant change in my writing is my strength. Now, I always try to place myself in my reader’s shoes. Whenever I’m writing, I put my personal beliefs and feelings into words. And depending on the subject, I can now turn my writing away from just facts to more of a reflection of my understanding. When I was younger, I didn’t focus on my audience. My strength was fact finding. But, now I realize that part of growing from a good writer to a great writer is your audience.  Your audience should always be a priority in whatever you write. By training myself to remmebr this, the message I’m trying to send is received the way I intended.

Part I:

1)  The increasing number of job layoffs due to the economy

2)  The possibility that there may not be social security benefits available for my generation

3)  Alarming number of increasing cases of teachers abusing children

4)  Unsafe local neighborhoods

5)  Lack of decent reliable public transportation on Hampton Roads

6)  Virginia turned down monetary help from our President

7)  Decline in the availability of financial aid for college students

8)  Foreclosure rate is at an all time high

9) The continuous racial issued this country has

10)  Public opinion of our new president, Barack Obama

 

Part II:

 The increasing number of cases of teachers abusing children.

 Just from watching the new daily, there is at least one story regarding a teachers either having an inappropriate relationship with one of their students or possessing pornographic material.

 I have read about teachers such as Mary Kay Letourneau, whom had a relationship with one of her students that produced 2 children. I have personally worked in a state mental facility for sex offenders for both men and women whom some happened to be educators. I also had a grade school teacher that was arrested for having an affair with one of my classmates.

 This issue is an immediate problem because teachers are educators who are supposed to lead, guide and protect our children from harm. Instead many of them are using their authority to abuse our children. And, this is issue not only affects our children but the education system as a whole. A child should be able to go to school without worrying about receiving any type of inappropriate attention from an adult.  

 I have always believed that this issue was important, but it wasn’t until I worked at the metal facility and became a parent that I realized that it was my #1 priority. I believe that anyone that abuses or offends a child punishment should be as severe as possible.

 Children’s welfare and safety should be everyone’s concern even if you are a parent or not. A child is a human being the same as an adult with feelings and rights. Unfortunately, in today’s society children tend to be ignored or overlooked. Most importantly, our children represent our future and will someday run this country. We have to make sure they are safe, educated, well-rounded, stable and mature adults.

 Evidence shows that children whom are abused or offended have difficulty in achieving these qualities or never reach them at all. . If all teachers were required to take psychological evaluations and lie-detector tests the same as law officials maybe those with the highest abuse factor could be single out. Case studies involving abused children versus un abused children would also help convince all the non-believers that these issues should cause a state of alarm in our everyday lives.  

 Part III:

 Some people may believe that there is not an increasing number of cases of teachers abusing children. These people may still believe that that all teachers protect our children and in no way harm them.

 Their reasons may be based on that fact that they may not personally know of any teachers that have abused children. Or, perhaps a family member such as their mother was a teacher and never abused a child.

 People that oppose the idea of teachers involved in student abuse would all share unawareness. The fact that just because you don’t see something happening around YOU, does not mean it does not exist.

 Their past experiences differ than mine because I have been made aware. Just through my employment at the mental facility and from my grade school experience, I know that teacher abuse is real and is happening everyday to a child somewhere.

 Their experiences have led them to their position because if what they personally have been exposed to. Most of our perception of others derives from what we know if life. This is learned, taught or experienced. So, your viewpoint stays the same unchanged due to unawareness.

 I believe that the experiences on both sides are as completely different as night and day, so those are not shared.

 My response to anyone opposing this issue would center around their own experience. For those opposing, I would focuses on the education of the reality and seriousness of the situation. I would provide them with proof of different children that have been abused. My goal would not the taint or tarnish their image of a teachers, but to educate them that teachers are human beings too. Sometimes, they make mistakes that should not happen and if they case they should not be around our children.

I believe that people are never born evil, but their environment and personal choices changes a person’s soul.

I believe that society does not make you into the person that you are, but you decide what you want to become.

I believe that the government is there to reinforce the laws they believe are worthy.

I believe that justice lies with the person executing it.

I believe that knowledge has not limits or boundaries as ling as the individuals has no limits or boundaries.

I believe that science helped make man-kind more advanced in out way of thinking.

I believe that reality changes with the beholder changes their perception.

I believe that life is worth living.

I believe that happiness lies with the everyday things in life i.e. when a baby first walks or says “mama”.

I believe that goodness can be found is almost anyone at sometime in their life, whether it’s when they are a baby, child or adult.

I believe that death is inevitable, but it does not mean it’s the end.

I believe that God is my everything. And it without him, I am nothing.

 

I believe that life is worth living.

Everyone deserves the right to life because you never know the type of people they will become. They may become a famous doctor that cures cancer. Or, they may become the first women president. For example, in high school I learned that the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s mother was a young woman whom got pregnant by a married man. Instead, of having an abortion she raised a man who helped change the lives of others. My belief was formed by my family and through my faith. Through reading the Christian Bible, it reinforces my belief about human life. My personal near death experiences, such as being hit by a tractor trailer, or being hit by a drunk driver has led me to believe that all human life is worth living. I think that at any giving time your life could end and sometimes by the hands of others. You should never think that you are not worthy living because you are. And on a daily basis, I try to give everyone a fair chance.

 

On the contrary, some people believe that if a person is a “bad person” they should not have the right to live. Their reasons may stem from serial killers or homicidal maniacs who take the lives of others. The family of those victims may all share the same general feeling that these people should not have the choice of their life any longer. These people took the lives of many innocent people. Their experiences differ from mine because I have not suffered a loss as great as theirs. I don’t personally know what it’s like to walk in their shoes. Their experience has led them to their position that all life is not worth living. They may have the feelings of justice, anger and sometimes revenge. These people experiences have changed their lives forever. I do believe that both types of people may share that same type of experiences, but I think that everything is based on perception and personal beliefs. People who believe that life is worth living may choose to turn their tragedy into a triumph and their energy to creating a positive outlook on life. The others may choose to believe that everyone does not deserve thee right to live because of what happened to them.  In responding to second type of person, I would focus on the element of choice. I would emphasis how they can choose to either be just like the killers and believe that everyone does not have the right to live. Or, they can choose a different path.  I would stress how they could believe whatever they wanted, but just remember that death leads to more death. And, only life has no end.

Hello to all!

This is my first time posting onto a blog every so be gentle with me. lol.  I am a fulltime student/mother and I work fulltime. So, my entries may express how hectic my life is. But, I love my life and there is never a dull moment.