What makes a novel "a classic"?

Classic is defined by the New Oxford American dictionary as, "Judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind." To me in order for a novel to be considered "a classic" it has to be written several years ago. In my mind there is no way a book written yesterday and read tomorrow can be considered a classic. Multiple readers have to give their opinion on the book. They have to be able actually analyze the structure and meaning of the novel. A classic also has to be helpful and give the reader meaning. 

Wuthering Heights Comments to Others

Hey Samir!
I will completely take your side on the topic of revenge. I was raised always hearing the phrase, "Two wrongs don't make a right." So of course this is what I am doing to support. I feel that the best way to show revenge is by showing you are the bigger person and not responding (or maybe responding in a more responsible way). Fighting is no way to go about solving issues. Talking calmly or working things out peacefully is always the best way!! I hate drama and cat fights, so fake personalities in confrontation is no way to go about things either!!

Hey Alyssa!! 
I completely understand everything you went through, so I am sorry, but just know that you have many many many other friends (I'm here!). I feel that every teenage girl goes through this experience at least once in there life. I also agree with everything you had to say, the friends that you might have had the longest might not always be the most loyal. I feel that most females just love saying, "Yes, we have been friends since kindergarten!" because they think that it makes their friendship seem extraordinary. In my opinion, a friendship is something personal between two people and if it was special then it shouldn't be broadcasted. Also, a loyal friend will eventually come in life, if its not in high school. I know its hard to realize that at the moment but according to my mom you will find girls and friends that will really click and not care about anything else.... Alyssa just know I'm always here!! <3

Hey Yumes!
Being a female I can completely understand where you are coming from. Although obviously not looking for marriage yet (lol) I can see that for the most part women gravitate more to the rich men. In my mind it is horrible, but I feel like some do this subconsciously, while others are just greedy. Most women care way too much about what others think of them. They like to be highly ranked and known in society, so the money of a wealthy husband can get this for them. The stability part that you mentioned is also a very strong point. Women do not want to have to worry about being incapable of paying bills or raising their children. Not all women are greedy though just remember that!

Wuthering Heights Anticipation

To begin, I would have to completely disagree with the statement, "Children are responsible for their parent's mistakes." In my mind this is reversed. I feel that parents should do everything they possibly can to guide their children in the right direction. This process begins when the child is born, at first this baby is helpless, so it is a parent's job to feed them, teach them how to walk, speak, and from then on the process never ends. While they are teenagers, a parent needs to express to the child right from wrong in difficult situations. As my parents always say, "We were in your position once, so listen to our advice and take it!" It is true the parent already made most of their mistakes even before the child was born, so I do no understand how children can be responsible for their parent's mistakes. The parent is always older, has experienced life, and needs to do the leading. They can make mistakes because they are human, but I feel that blaming their children is an immature way to not take responsibility for their personal mistakes. 

Another statement that really got me thinking was, "Adults never play 'make-believe'." The term "make-believe" can have several different explanations. It can be dressing up when you are a little girl pretending you are a princess, but I think overall in life it means pretending you are something that you are not. I am sure that everyone once in their life has gone through something and thought back - wow what was I doing? what was I thinking? and what was I trying to be? There are always stories about women being thousands and thousands of dollars in debt because they cannot stop shopping. It is a habit, and I truly believe that these women are trying to portray and image of themselves that is false. They are "make-believing" they can afford certain clothes, accessories, and homes when in reality their pay check does not cover those expenses. This proves that adults can play make-believe, they are trying to believe they are something that they aren't. 

This site below demonstrates the harsh consequences people face, from trying to believe they can afford the cute accessories, homes, and cars that they really like. This is just one situation, but I am sure there are many many many more. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/20/business/20debt.html?_r=1&scp=22&sq=shopping%20debts&st=cse

My Comments to Others

Christina,  

This is all so interesting. Where did you find this site? My cultural background is vague as well. I know I am mostly Italian and German, but I also have some Scottish, Irish, and Polish in me. I understand how these cultures make me the person I am today, but I do not know everything about them. It kind of opens my eyes and makes me want to explore my family tree and traditions even more. I know that if I have this curiosity and I already know some information on my history, I can't imagine how interested the African Americans are. They don't have any information.  That's why this site is so GOOD!! Great research Christina! 

~Caylin

Ashley, 

I really like the way you incorporated changes that impacted your life to Malcolm. Your mom made such a change to her life, so took control and went against all the odds and struggles people go through while losing weight. I am sure you are so proud of her and this also demonstrates to you and anyone else that if you set your mind to it, you can succeed. I'm sure you already realized this, but not only has she changed her life, she has changed yours because she will be around much longer! I feel your connection with MAlcolm X was so strong, and great! Finally... 

Good job Mrs. Ryan!!

~Caylin 

Christa, 
Nice job! I remember learning about Tiananmen Square Massacre as well, and it was one of those events in history that sticks with you. Also, I remember on the history field trip we were discussing how much we have experienced and we are only 15. From September 11th, to being able to see the first African American man be elected president (I know you are a McCain supporter, but still you have to admit Obama being elected is definitely monumental), to also experiencing a recession. I don't know about you, but my outlook on spending money has definitely changed. I am so glad you included this connection! Once again good job and nice connections! 

O and lately you have definitely been complaining more =P (Just figured I'd have to get you one last time!) 
~Caylin

Kimberly, 

I can totally relate to your last blog. I feel that my parents made me the person that I am today. They taught me wrong from right, the true important things in life, and to love everyday because you never know what will happen the next. I don't know what I would do without them, and I can't imagine the person I would be without their influence. 

So now we see.... it was our parents that formed us to be so much alike ( in good ways and stressful ways =] ) 

I also feel though that my friends and church shaped me as well... although I don't like to admit it, I do care what my friends think of me (except for when it comes to school)... but if they are wearing certain clothes, listening to certain music I want to attempt to listen or wear the clothes and see if I enjoy them. My church, on the other hand, allows me to be who ever I want. There is no judgment attached. I feel the two balance each other out. 

Overall Kimberly i think we turned out ok!! =) Really good job on your blogs!!

~Caylin 

The Definition of a Racist (5)

In class the other day we were discussing racism and how someone can only be considered a "racist" if they have power. NO POWER= TECHNICALLY NOT A RACIST. It really got me thinking, is this true? So if a black female back in the day was to make a comment calling someone, let's say white trash, that's fine? It's not wrong, because they are lower than say the white male? I thought it was crazy. 

In my mind, racism can come from anyone anywhere. I thought that it was someone just making a harsh judgement against another person of a different color. I didn't know there were "rules". This statement or fact was so eye-opening to me that I wanted to know more. 

Before I got the chance to actually look it up, Malcolm X mentioned on page 340, "I was a 'racist'. I was 'anti-white.'" So wait now Malcolm X, highly ranked in the black community, but still lower in power than a white male is calling himself racist? Now this is really confusing, because I thought according to what we discussed in class he couldn't be? 

The definition of a racism can be found  at http://racerelations.about.com/od/skillsbuildingresources/g/racismdef.htm

On this site they explain that there are two definitions of a  racism. 1) a person's belief that their race is more powerful than others 2) discrimination against another race. They do touch on the fact that people can not all be racist due to differences in power. This is still difficult for me to comprehend. Maybe because I am a white American, that I am accidentally  oblivious to true racism? So I kept looking and I came upon a blog (http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080527150017AAXzsxv) discussing this exact topic. One comment that really sort of figured it all out for me was, "there is a fundamental difference between stereotyping and racism" which leads to "there are not as many racist around today". This is true, kids make comments everyday stereotyping, but they are not considered racists. Racism is truly criticizing the harsh differences between cultures.  

To support my thought I also found a letter to the editor of The New York Times, explaining that racism is not just from a higher power. It could have started with those without power. They were criticizing and making comments to those that have "the power" (Ludwig). 

Also, Reverend Al Sharpton was called a racist in the blog, because he is constantly criticizing the whites. No matter what happens it is always our fault and we need to do something about it. But not all whites are like that so he is generalizing.  In class we discussed how Al Sharpton is the Malcolm X of this time. Therefore, if Al Sharpton is considered a racist than Malcolm X was correct, and can be considered a racist as well. 

The final fact I want to put in, is that the President of the United States is African American. He has the most power in this country. This shows that today racists can be any color, because the barrier of higher and lower power is broken. 

                       Work Cited 

Ludwig, Louie. “Racism and Power.” Letter. The New York Times  25 Aug. 2002. 8 Mar. 2009 .

My Racism Experience (4)

So before I begin this short story, I need to explain that I am not trying to show how smart and kind I was at such a young age, but rather how young I was when I was first able to realize how horrible prejudices are. 

So here it goes... 

I was going to summer camp at age 5 and there was one African American girl named Danielle in my group. She was obviously just like us, loved playing with hair, jumping rope, and coloring. I looked at her no different, but others did. This one girl (I can't remember her name) decided that she was going to form a club. Everyone was allowed in it, except Danielle. Hmmm I wonder why? How could a 5 year old girl truly understand racism? I chose to stand up for Danielle and said that if she wasn't allowed in the club, then I was not going to join. Surprisingly everyone followed. 

This story popped back into my head when reading about the whites, not being allowed to join the African American Muslims. It was unbelievable to me. If someone shares the same belief, or is open to the belief, then how come they can't join? Malcolm at first did not let him because he was so "anti-white". 

The problem that has always been on my mind since that day was how come such a young girl had a prejudice against an African American girl, just like us? I've always believed to this day that it had to be influenced by the girl's parents and family. If a mother makes a statement against someone, the girl is most likely to follow. This still exists today. If a parent is a strong democrat or republican, the child is most likely going to follow in their footsteps. 

Was my assumption way off? I don't know so I looked it up. I was correct! A study showed that parents' racial views impact the decisions of their children. This does not depend on genders (Schweitzer).  So this young girl that did not want Danielle in her club, most likely was raised in a family that stereotyped, and had negative ideas of African Americans. This girl most likely heard her parents make a comment against African Americans, so that influenced her decision to exclude Danielle. To me it is just horrible. 

My parents raised me to never judge, and that racism was horrible. They have African American friends, our good family friends are Chinese, my aunt was adopted and raised in a Chinese household, so different ethnicities are all around me. We are open to everyone. Their views on racism, have definitely led me in the right direction. I do not view others as inferior, because they are a different color. 

Work Cited 

Schweitzer, John H., and Robert J. Griffore. “Child-Parent Racial Attitude        Relationships .” Education Resources Information Center .  8 Mar. 2009 .

The Importance of the Rug to the Islamic Religion

                 

"I began to see what an important role the rug played in the overall cultural life of the Muslims" (Haley 334). 

As I was reading this section of the autobiography, the prayer rituals were very interesting to me. The one topic that really kept my attention was the prayer rugs. What were they used for? Why were they so important? Malcolm explained that the Muslims did everything on them when they were stuck in the airport (Sleep, eat, and pray), but I wanted to specifically understand why they have the rug. Is it because they scrubbed every part of their body that shows before praying? I really had no idea so once again I looked it up. 

http://islam.about.com/od/prayer/f/prayer_rugs.htm

As explained on this website. These rugs are very intricate forms of artwork. They are carefully created, and when in use the rug always points towards Mecca. I was right with the cleanliness! A rule in the Islamic religion is that you need to be bowing and kneeling to Allah (God) where it is clean. So, the Muslims scrub themselves before prayer, and then in order to keep clean kneel on the rug. The final fact about this rug, is that it allows the Muslims to focus on prayers, rather than worrying about getting in others' way (Huda). 

So, I was overall pretty right, and now I come away with more information on a a religion I don't know too much about. 

             Work Cited 

Huda. “What are prayer rugs, and how are they used by Muslims?” About.com.  8 Mar. 2009 .

Ethic Notions Connection (3)

So in class we watched the Ethnic Notions video and learned about the different stereotypes blacks faced. It was all new to me, so it definitely stuck in my head. Then a couple days ago I went on a field trip to with my history class and we visited the Federal Hall on Wallstreet. This was where George Washington was sworn in as President; however this year is the 200th birthday of Abe Lincoln, so there was an entire exhibit on his life and presidency. As we were walking around, reading documents, and analyzing artifacts, I came upon this...... 

(Stated in this picture is.... "What Miscegenation is! What we are to expect now that Mr. Lincoln is Re-elected!")

It was an actual ad from that time period. Immediately the Ethnic Notions video came into my head. This is what we were talking about! For me it is difficult to get the true meaning of something, unless I am able to see it in person, so I am really glad we spotted it. Reality immediately hit me looking at this ad... people were really that opinionated and vocalized their opinions. 

As demonstrated in this picture, the lips were over exaggerated, and are what my eye was drawn to immediately.  In my mind it was complete racism. In that time period it was horrible for a white to be with a black. We can relate this to Malcolm X, because when he was hustling and going to the bars in Harlem, if an African American was talking to a white, it was looked at differently than two blacks or two whites hanging out and dancing. 

For more ads like this one go to Zip Coon and Watermelons.ppt. This gives even more visuals of the racism that occurred. Most of the pictures are advertisements. They are just like the figures were learned about while watching the movie such as the "Zip Coon" or the "Urban Coon". Along with all the watermelon and "The Mammy". 

Role Models (2)

"He had virtually raised me from the dead. Everything I was that was creditable, he had made me, I felt that no matter what, I could not let him down" (Haley 303). 

Elijah Muhammad was the man Malcolm X looked up to. He put all his faith in him, and then all of a sudden Mr. Muhammad started to let him down, but Malcolm felt that it was his fault and he needed to do something about it. 

My role model is most definitely my mother. She is a successful business women, and yet has the time and strength to be able to come home and help raise a family. Its incredible! The drive that she has to never stop is astonishing to me. My mom is always there for advice, a laugh, a hug, and to wipe the tears. She wholeheartedly listens to my sob stories, and can most of the time have an explanation. I look up to her so much, and also look to her for guidance just like Malcolm did to Elijah Muhammad. If I can be half as good a mother as she is, I will be happy. 

If my mom ever let me down, I don't know what I would do. And letting me down doesn't mean forgetting to pack me a lunch, I mean truly making a mistake that could harm the close knit bond we have, and the bond that exists throughout my whole family. The disappointment I would feel is indescribable. This is why I can comprehend the let down that Malcolm was feeling. 

I feel that the term "role models" today is used incorrectly. Many young kids look to athletes and singers and celebrities as so called "role models". And yet they are using steroids, lip-syncing, going to jail, beating their girlfriends, drinking while driving, starving themselves, and truly setting a horrible example. Why do kids claim these people are their idols? Because they have the money, the fame, and the "life" everyone is dying to live in. But where will this desire get you if your morals are way off? In my mind they will not get you anywhere. 

After researching online, I found that many people agreed with me. One article in particular http://www.helium.com/items/358654-success-sleaze-celebrities-of-today-are-not-role-models-for-our-children stood  out to me. The author strongly states that these celebrities become the young members of the world's idols because they have the money ("Success & Sleaze:..."). It is horrible because the kids are lost, and once disappointed by celebrities they have no one to look up to. This especially occurs is cities, where kids are on the streets. 

Work Cited 

“Success & Sleaze: Celebrities Today are Not Role Models for Our Children.” Helium.  8 Mar. 2009 .

Malcolm X #3 (1)

After finishing chapters seven through ten I was astonished by Malcolm’s actions. From his hustling, steeling, to drug use, and smoking and gambling in jail, it was all unbelievable to me. 

Malcolm describes, "In any organization, someone must be the boss. If its even just one person you've got to be the boss of yourself" (Haley 145). 

The quote above proves that Malcolm is the only man that can control his actions. All of his illegal operations are his fault. This quote also begins the description of the elaborate, unheard of, process to burglarizing. The amount of work and planning that Malcolm went through demonstrates how desperate he really was. 

This quote still relates to my life today. I am the only one that determines my success in the future. No one pressures me to do the amount of work I do. Yes, some can call me an "over-achiever", but I don't mind. In a way I take it as a compliment. They are able to see the amount of work that I put in. My parents even feel that I am doing too much. They do not put pressure on me what so ever, because I put enough pressure on myself to succeed.  

Although this is positive, and some would want to be in my shoes because my parents aren't always on my back, it can also be a negative. To have all of this internal pressure built up inside of me it gets pretty difficult. I tend to stress way more than I should, and I also make little things big deals. Such as the amount of time I spend on my homework. I just wish that one day for a change some one could tell me, "Do this worksheet but only for 20 minutes, and work on this but there is no grade, and also YOU WILL NEVER HAVE TESTS!!" The stress in my life would be gone. 

After analyzing the way I live my life, I wanted to truly understand the psychological reasoning for my irrational thoughts. For example, how come I feel that if I fail a test or don't spend 3 to 4 hours a night on my homework I won't succeed in life? 

Here's what I came up with ..... 

http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/extrinsic

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intrinsic

The first step to me figuring out what's going through my mind is determining whether or not it is intrinsic (a cause from inside my body) or extrinsic (a cause from something outside of my body). I came to the conclusion that it is most definitely extrinsic. School and all the work causes these irrational thoughts. I need to just breathe sometimes and be able to except failure when it comes my way. I need to understand that in order to succeed you have to experience failure at some point. It only makes you a better person, and you can learn from your mistakes. 

I am diagnosing myself... This is pretty weird. 

Ethnic Notions

After watching the video I felt like I walked away with a brand new view of the racism that occurred before the war. I never realized the amount that African Americans were truly criticized. Prior to watching this movie I hadn't learned about the way the blacks were categorized or anything like that. We just learned that whites thought they were superior and the slaves had very harsh living conditions.  As terrible as this probably sounds I thought that African Americans were all looked at the same. I didn't know the terms such as the "Sambo", "Pickaninny", or "Mammy. I thought that all slaves were unhappy to be in the situation that they were in. It was unbelievable to see the way whites would use African American behavior and dances for entertainment. 

Another eye opening part of the movie was e seeing the amount of exaggeration brought into the cartoons and pictures of the African Americans. The artist made sure that the lips were huge and not proportional with the rest of the facial features. Another stereotype used was all of the watermelons that were incorporated into paintings. The African Americans were treated horribly not just physically, but also the aspect of being mocked. 

In society today racism is still occurring. No, people of other ethnicities are not beaten or used as slaves anymore, but racist slurs are still in our everyday life. If you turn on Comedy Central or watch stand up comedies, most of the time they usually put in some very harmful terms or jokes. It is disturbing to hear some of the stereotypes that are still around today. In school and other work places, asians are normally stereotyped as the smart ones, mexicans and other hispanics are known as the landscapers, and blondes are thought to be dumb. These are all false descriptions that have been engrained in the minds of some teens and kids throughout the country. 

For me, it is truly hard to comprehend why the African Americans were treated so poorly, and also why some stereotypes are still around today. 

Malcolm X

So we just began reading Malcolm X last week and so far I really enjoy it. The style Haley writes in keeps me wanting to turn the page and read more. I also am interested in all of the topics that are being addressed in the first two chapters. It is very informative already. When Haley first starts discussing the KKK in the opening of the autobiography it allows me to picture the event actually happening. One specific example is when he writes, "Still shouting threats, the Klansmen finally spurred their horses and galloped around the house, shattering every window pane with their gun butts. Then they rode off into the night, their torches flaring, as suddenly as they had come"(Haley 1). Another informative piece Haley writes about is explaining the different classes of African Americans. I thought that all were treated the same during that time period; however, I was wrong. Haley explains, "Back when I was growing up, the 'successful' Lansing Negroes were such as waiters and bootblacks. To be a janitor at some downtown store was to be highly respected. The real 'elite,' the 'big shots,' the 'voices of the race,' were the waiters at the Lansing Country Club and the shoeshine boys at the state capitol"(Haley 5). This book gives the reader a lot of insights. 

The other issue that I took a lot from is when Malcolm's mother does not take any money or food from Welfare. This shows that she is a very strong woman. She does not want to seem weak or show any whites that she is not as great as them.