The war against caring

onion article
                                                                                   In this article

it uses parody and situational irony to talk about president trump. The article talks about how trump is against empathy and wants everyone stand up and take a “vow” to be against understanding others. It also talks about how there is a very big danger that the country could be riddled with passion and that we need to try hard to look at others with indifference and disdain.

This article in its entirety is an example of parody irony because the article is a parody of an actual new article that someone will make. This article also uses hyperbole to portray their message. In this article they are using hyperbole by over exaggerating what donald trump is doing. Because of the ban on many Islamic countries banning immigrants who need help they are saying that he has no empathy. They are over exaggerating because they are saying that he has a war on empathy as a whole and doesn't want anyone to understand other people's situations. And that if he continues on his path many and gets what he wants, generations upon generations will not understand other people's feelings. 

This article is in fact trying to show people that they should care about other people and their situations and that you should have empathy and care about other people even if they’re not in your country or have nothing to do with you.

Welcome!

Welcome to the weblog for our American Literature class. Here's the place we will be continuing conversations from class and starting new ones. We'll be discussing and debating current events, historical controversies, and literary conundrums. We might even see a little poetry.

So, what's a blog? And how will we be using it class? For information on blogging and how to join and post to our blog, see "All About Blogging."

We're looking forward to a great year.

Make sure you check your e-mail for your invitation to join the blog. Also – and this is very important – the first step you should take after you accept the invitation is to edit your user profile so that you control how your identity and your communication preferences.  Click on the pull-down menu next to your name in the upper right corner of the browser and click on “Blogger Profile.” Then click on “Edit Profile.”

You can fill out as much of it as you want, but the only requirement is -- under “Identity” -- make sure your “Display name” is your first name and last initial only -- so we provide some anonymity while still allowing your classmates and teacher to be able to identity who you are. For example, change “Bernie Heidkamp” to “Bernie H.”

Put the Guns Down

Chicago is a beautiful and busy city. There is much to do and see in the city of Chicago. People are usually attracted to the food and the beautiful architecture. There are many positive upsides to this beautiful city but, the gun violence overlooks all of those upsides. Gun violence has been a major problem in Chicago for many years. Year after year, the violence in the streets of Chicago only seem to get worse.

There are too many illegal guns in the streets of Chicago. Majority of the guns used to commit these crimes are not registered. If gun laws were enforced, the percentage of murders and shootings in Chicago will most likely decrease. If guns become harder to retrieve, the amount of crimes committed with them will decrease. Because of the easy access to guns, they fall into the wrong hands. There have been multiple incidents where children of young ages have found guns in their households. Some of these children play with guns as if they were toys and have been killed because of the carelessness of some gun owners.

In order to fix America, people must begin with their own communities. If they do not try to better their surroundings first, they will make no progress with America. Gun control must be enforced in America. If this streak of gun violence continues, there will be no hope of bettering our environments.

Boondocks

The cartoon, Boondocks, follows an African American family and their daily lives. One character by the name of "Uncle Ruckus" is African American male who constantly bashes and degrades other African Americans. Uncle Ruckus is a dark skinned, African American male. Physically, he fits the description of an African American but, mentally, he feel that he is too sophisticated to be classified as an African American.

He feels that he is too superior to be classified as an African American. Boondocks depicts this by using situational irony. This is situational irony because he is an African American and he down talks other African Americans. He feels that African Americans do not fit the criteria to be accepted in society.

Boondocks criticizes society because it shows the possible mindset of some African Americans. Some African Americans may feel that the actions of other African Americans may separate them. Others may feel that they are too educated or superior to be classified with other African Americans. In today's society, African Americans still face many stereotypes. Some feel that they can rise above this, while others cannot.

Political Rhetoric

Political candidates use lots of ethos, pathos, and logos to form their argument. With their arguments, they try to persuade the people of America to vote for them. In order to grasp the attention of Americans, political candidates try to connect with the audience. By connecting with the audience, they use lots of pathos. They use stories that the people could relate to or they speak on topics that Americans find very familiar. The 2016 campaign is a great example of where you can find the use of these rhetorical terms.

Twenty One Pilots: The Violence of Silence

Twenty One Pilots is a relatively new hit band and they are becoming more and more of a household name with hits like "House of Gold" and "Stressed Out". One of their most loved songs is "Car Radio".

"Car Radio" at first glance is about a man whose car radio was stolen, but that simply isn’t the case when the lyrics are truly broken down. “I ponder of something great… I know it’s dire my time today, I have these thoughts, so often I ought to replace that slot with what I once bought cause somebody stole my car radio and now I just sit in silence”. The band is truly trying to shed light on a very serious problem in American society, suicide.

When Tyler Joseph, the band’s lead singer and songwriter, is talking about his car radio he really means it as a metaphor for the things in life you use to distract yourself from life’s big questions. “I hate this car that I'm driving there's no hiding for me…I ponder of something terrifying cause this time there's no sound to hide behind”, Joseph expresses the fear of dealing with life’s problems and how that now without his distractions there is nowhere to hide from these questions in life. A feeling that can be matched by almost any young person in America. “I could pull the steering wheel” this line reveals a sad truth how some might see suicide as a way out for these situations, a way out of the harsh reality.

Suicide has become more and more of a phenomenon in America. In 2000 the suicide rate in America was 10.4 people per 100,000 Suicide is now the 3rd leading cause of death among people ages 17- 12, and Joseph is showing how the hard questions in life can lead to those kind of thoughts.

Later in the song it is stated that “There are things we can do, but from the things that work there are only two, and from the two that we choose to do, peace will win and fear will lose, it is faith and there's sleep, we need to pick one please, because faith is to be awake, and to be awake is for us to think, and for us to think is to be alive, and I will try with every rhyme, to come across like I am dying, to let you know you need to try to think”.

Joseph is stating that faith represents life and sleep represents suicide or death. The point is made that life is important, but it isn’t easy. Life makes you ponder these decisions, makes you think, and when all your distractions are gone you need the faith that things will work out in the end.

Joseph uses this song to capture a snapshot in life that everyone goes through and tries to help guide them though this silent moment.

What is Postmodernism according to class show and tell

Postmodernism is everything and nothing in the world. Earth has the word art in it and either everything has art or nothing does. It's a subjective opinion.

Because any object can be looked at from a certain lens and symbolize an idea or image greater than reality. We believe these things or we don't. However, what you get from it is what makes it postmodern. You question the idea of truth or reality until you experience it. Our self-awareness is picked up from observing our environment which creates these ideas in our minds.

So places are postmodern. Drawings. Paintings. Food. Liquid. Television. People. Hobbies. Thoughts. Objects. The media. Or are they all not postmodern? Are they just things in life that we come across and don't pay attention to. It's your choice. It's a paradox. Juxtaposition. Postmodernism means there's no meaning. Or does it mean everything present around us is postmodern in some way. We're controlled by what we see or hear. But then we go with our gut and act independent. Postmodernism symbolizes how you want to portray yourself in front of other eyes because of what is right. We as people communicate and influence each other. We analyze society. We appreciate it but then hate it at times.

Then what really is postmodernism? The main definition behind all the other descriptions is that it can be whatever you make it to be. Your feelings about things and the way you as well as the world change because of what you witness is postmodernism. Your perception about something can always be identical or the opposite of someone else's. It's a compare and contrast game. Living, noticing, judging, and changing. That's postmodernism. It's also art.

What it's like living in a Postmodern world

Postmodernism is more than just a word. It doesn't just have a meaning for you to know. Postmodernism has and still is shaping thoughts, objects, places, and people. Experiences and perspectives of life are changed because of it. What is it like to live in a postmodern world?

Living in a postmodern world is something that plays great impact on society. It changes the way people think and act which a lot of times can have a negative effect. Change in society causes change in the minds of the people. We tend to follow the norms and acts of the world around us and if it's becoming different out there, we become different inside. Living in this type of world prevents us from showing our humanity and honest truth. People living in postmodernism feel less confident towards how they feel about themselves or something. There's more comparing and less believing and realizing. Everything has to be further analyzed which is why the old way of creativity and sense of narrative has been changed. Postmodernism has brought out objects and ideas up for debate. Some may argue that it is a better or more efficient way of life, some may not. However, each side has been affected in some way, shape, or form.

Society has been forced as well as persuaded to be apart of this emerging culture. Everyday life today is contrasted to how things used to be through technology, the environment, advertisements, opinions, and the people. Living in a postmodern world is like transferring to an unfamiliar place. Over time, you become used to different methods and ways and that is what has occurred to some lives in some places.

The Importance of Summer Camps

There is something special about going to a summer camp. For the few weeks that you are there, you are offered the opportunity to see the world from a different perspective. Empty parking lots topped with broken glass are replaced with fields of grass and trees. You stay in the mountains, or somewhere without cell reception and limited internet connection. Suddenly there's a disconnect with the outside population, but at the same time a strong connection is formed between nature, the sky, the weather, the people around you. Being at camp creates a closeness to the world.

Teenagers living in an urban environment don't often get the chance to experience nature, especially during the school year. When summer break roles around, they jump at the opportunity to relax and blow off steam. Being surrounded by nature has been proven to be a powerful stress reliever.

The summer camp that I attend every year has become my favorite place in the world. It is the only place I have been to where I can walk through a thick fog in the morning, sun bathe on a dock in the middle of a lake at noon, run through the rain in the afternoon, and lay out and see the stars, and some meteors, at night.

The memories I have made at camp are ones that I'll always think of as the best of my childhood. The friends that I share them with are some of my favorite people. Though we come from different places in the country, and only have a small amount of time together each year, I have made closer bonds with some of them than I have with friends from home.

When we come together for that time in the summer, and haven't spoken all year except for the occasional texts, or sometimes letters, we tell each other about all of the exciting things that have happened to us since we last saw each other. We don't usually talk about unhappy things. Just good stories. There's lots of laughter, and jokes, and for that period of time, the world seems truly good. With trees, and mountains, and a lake all stretching out in front of me, my worries don't matter.

Everyone should experience that feeling.

Rags to Riches?

The United States has long been known as the land of equality and opportunity, but today, how much of this creed still rings accurately? Most would agree that in comparison to many of the world's countries, the United States is one of the most prominent nations in which social growth, over generations, or even in one generation, is possible.

Both of my parents endured extremely difficult childhoods in order to become the people they were today, but for how many is this true? My mother grew up in Astoria, New York, to a family of divorced parents, an abusive father and brother, and a bipolar mother. She struggled to feed herself and her younger sister, and endured many traumatic and difficult times in her childhood. Through determination and hard work, she managed to waitress herself through college, and after years of perseverance and hardship, she is now a successful doctor, living comfortably and happily with three young children.

While extremely proud of both of my parents for who they are today, despite the challenges they faced, it bothers me to think that there are so few who can tell stories like those. Every one of my mother's friends from childhood still live in poverty in Astoria, and it's that majority that conveys the difficulty of true social growth.

It has become an unfortunate truth in our world today that for a large part of the population, if born into poverty, it's difficult to be exposed to opportunities in order to climb the social ladder. Nevertheless, as my parents prove, it is while extremely difficult, possible. Did my parents work any harder than any of their friends? Who knows. What I do believe is that in upcoming discussions and political events, this is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed, in order to afford more the opportunities that my parents received.

Extra Curricular Activities for High School Students

High School is an important time in young people's lives. It's a time of experiencing and evaluating who you are and what you want to be. It doesn't get any easier after these four years, which is why it's vital to make a path for yourself for the future.

I believe extra curricular activities such as clubs and sports for high school students is the most significant thing and is the biggest contributor to their mindset and success.

In my opinion, OPRF is one of the better examples of how much sports and clubs matter to the teachers and kids. At this school, you are strongly encouraged to get involved and be apart of something bigger than yourself. It not only teaches you life lessons and keeps you busy, but the experience of high school is that much better with playing a sport or joining a club.

I am apart of Best Buddies, JKB Leadership Group, Football and Basketball at OPRF and not a moment has gone by where I regret it. The good times I've had and the friends I've made will last a lifetime and I think every student needs to take advantage of this opportunity. Grades and academics come first in school and getting you into college, however, I believe doing extra like being on a team or club can help in doing the right thing in the classroom.

For me, sports have taught me how to be disciplined and always be positive on the field or in class. Some of my favorite words to live by came to me from my football coach. He preaches to us Grit, Zeal, and Optimism. Always be gritty. Live life zealously. Always be optimistic. My basketball coach also tells us that the little things mean everything. Whether this is in school or in a game, it's very true how big the small details are. Success can come by being involved in the camaraderie and positivity of school activities. More than anything, it gives you a mindset to be hungry for success and it keeps you out of trouble. I have been impacted tremendously by sports and clubs so far at OPRF. They have given me a certain work ethic as well as giving me a drive to go out and represent the community in a good way. I strongly encourage every one of my fellow classmates and younger ones of the community to do the same.

Efficiency is the Energy of the Future, and the Present

As the modern world is becoming increasingly dependent on technology and therefore energy, efficiency is a topic that must be addressed. Peter Lehner, an executive director of the Natural Resource Defense Council, successfully addresses the need of energy efficiency in his op-ed, Efficiency is the Energy of the Future, and the Present. In this op-ed, Lehner provides a compelling argument for the importance of energy efficiency using incredibly successful rhetoric.

One instance of Lehner's successful rhetoric is his use of rhetorical questions. When beginning his op-ed, Lehner asks "which energy source has had the biggest impact on meeting America's energy needs over the past forty years?" He then answers this question, stating that "It's not coal. It's not oil. Not wind or nuclear. Believe it or not, it's even bigger than all of those combined." This is successful rhetoric because he draws the reader's attention by ruling out the answers that the reader is most likely to think of. This creates a pull of curiosity that forces the reader to continue reading in order to find the answer to Lehner's question.

Another rhetoric technique Lehner uses is ethos, defined as character appeal. Lehner creates character appeal when he states that "scientists agree we need to do more in order to stabilize the climate." This is an example of ethos because he uses scientists as endorsers of his own belief. This, in turn, makes his belief appear sound because scientists, which are generally respected for their knowledge, are in support of it, developing a successful rhetoric.

Lehner advances even further, using the rhetoric technique know as pathos, defined as emotional appeal. An example of this emotional appeal that Lehner uses is when he asks another rhetorical question: "How many more gadgets Americans have at home now than we did at the turn of the century, how many more chargers are plugged into every wall socket?" This is an example of pathos because it creates guilt among the readers because charging phones and other devices is truly relatable. Nearly everyone has had the experience of charging something or another. This creates guilt because Lehner continues on to state that the increase in gadgets, such as chargers, that we use is destroying the Earth, and therefore, the reader is responsible for this destruction, devising a powerful rhetoric that drives the reader to do as Lehner suggests in order to relieve this guilt.

Additionally, Lehner uses logos, the rhetoric technique defined as intellectual appeal. Throughout his op-ed, Lehner states a multitude of facts including "thanks to efficiency, Americans are already on track to meet President Barack Obama's target of a 17-percent reduction in carbon pollution by 2020" as well as "continuing to burn coal and oil in our power plants and gas tanks costs the nation more than $100 billion each year in premature death and illness, hospital bills, work days lost and other health costs." This is successful rhetoric, as it reasons why the readers needs to listen to Lehner's solutions as well as the good that will come from following as he says.

A final example of Lehner's rhetoric is not necessarily defined as a term. The diction Lehner chooses and the ideas that he states are appealing because they better the world. He states "efficiency efforts are already saving Americans hundreds of billions of dollars a year, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, and reducing carbon pollution, all while costing far less than developing new sources of energy." This is appealing to all because it creates a better environment for the world, improving the economy as well.

Although Lehner has an interesting argument, the rhetoric he uses to present it is just as interesting. Lehner asks rhetorical questions, urging the reader to continue reading to find the answer. He also uses ethos, making his argument appear sound. Furthermore, he applies pathos in order for his argument to embody emotional appeal. Additionally, Lehner uses logos to persuade the reader to support his argument by giving statistics to show the good that will result. Lastly, Lehner's argument appeals because of what he is arguing for, a better world, a common want of everyone. Clearly, by analyzing Lehner's rhetorical techniques, it can be concluded that his argument is incredibly successful, persuading readers to do just as he believes.

Can we really save the coral reefs?

I was browsing through different Op-Eds looking for something that would catch my eye and I found an editorial titled "We Can Save the Caribbean's Coral Reefs" by Jeremy Jackson and Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. The article talked about how the prevention of fishing for parrotfish has helped increase the coral population in some areas. The parrotfish are crucial to the coral's survival because they prevent the algae and seaweed from becoming overgrown throughout the reef. However, the rising levels of carbon dioxide have been increasing the ocean water's level of acidity making the environment less coral friendly.

In my AP Environmental Science class, I recently researched an article from National Geographic that also pertained to this specific subject.  The article explained how our levels of carbon dioxide emissions have increased more in 2013 than in the past thirty years.  It also mentioned how our atmosphere is predicted to be nearing its greenhouse gas absorption levels.  What will happen to our environment then?

"We Can Save the Caribbean's Coral Reefs"  suggests that we drop all forms of overfishing in the parrotfish and coral waters.  The reefs themselves provide the area with about 3 billion dollars each year through tourism and fishing.  However, their proposal also required the prevention of over development and pollution or the area.  The climate change due to the pollution in the air.

Although their strategies seem to make it possible for coral recovery, there is no certainty that the depletion of fishing itself will work.  There certainly is no promise of any decrease in the pollution in the air.  With the rapid rate of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas increase the I see no immediate change for the climate.  

It was proven in the article that in certain areas reducing the fishing alone will not always result in the increase of coral health.  The environment is the real factor in this problem.  Instead of focusing on the prevention of fishing in the area, preservationists should be working on reducing the pollution around the reefs to help regulate the climate.

Save the Orca Slaves: an op-ed against SeaWorld

My mother’s first job at 16 was as cashier at SeaWorld for a fish and chips stand. As a young child, I often went to SeaWorld when I visited my extended family in San Diego, California. When you are young and you absent-mindedly watch the circus shows put on before you it is easy to ignore that an intelligent animal with a complex social structure is being enslaved in a pool, deprived of the vast and expansive space it should have to explore.

After ignoring this enslavement for many years, I watched the documentary film Blackfish and it forced me to acknowledge many horrifying issues associated with orcas held in captivity. I have come to the conclusion, based on copious amounts of evidence highlighting orca health and the danger placed on trainers, that these animals should by no means be enslaved and exploited any longer. 

Besides the multiple deaths of humans caused by orcas that are held in captivity, scientists support the idea that captivity is harmful for orcas. The most obvious example of this is the life span of orcas in captivity versus the lifespan of orcas in the wild. The mortality rates of orcas in captivity is 2.5 times higher in captivity than in the wild. The average life expectancy in the wild for males is 60-70 years and for females it is 80-90 years. In captivity the average life expectancy of a male is 31 years and for females it is 46. 

 In addition to this, living in captivity causes orcas to develop psychological issues and chronic stress that in turn cause them to have an inadequate immune system, which often leads to lethal infections and other health problems, not to mention the whale on whale aggression that occurs as a result of living in close quarters.

The undeniable danger that exists for all SeaWorld trainers who are in the water is yet another reason why orcas should not be in captivity. Over the years, there have been over 100 incidents where orcas have acted aggressively towards their trainers. This includes the largest incident SeaWorld has ever faced, the death of trainer Dawn Brancheau. Before Dawn was attacked it is clear that Tilikum, the 13,000 pound orca, was under stress. Tilikum’s stress and psychological damage was a result of living for years in a concrete box.  Every time a trainer gets in the water with one of these psychologically damaged apex predators, SeaWorld is blatantly disregarding the risk to human life performing with the orcas entail all for the sake of greed.

The rampant exploitation that exists at SeaWorld towards marine life is mind boggling. The most powerful predators in the sea are being enslaved and forced to perform circus acts for an ignorant audience who think what they are watching is somehow animal friendly. What’s the endgame? Money. This slavery exists to exponentially fatten the pockets of the people who run this corporation. They are exploiting these amazing creatures and putting the lives of their trainers at risk while making it seem like a fun and family oriented place to bring your children. 

 The guilt I feel for ever being a part of this exploitation will haunt me for the rest of my life, so I will continue to advocate for the freedom of the these giant fish who possess their own cultural identities, much like you and me.

What is War?

War is hell
The sights of of dead bodies
The sight of Curt Lemon
The sounds of bullets and explosions
War is brutal
A constant pain forever puncturing your mind
A hole in your stomach because your stomach believes
War is a mental and physical scar

But that's not the half of it
Because war is discovery
It's about discovering who you are
Who you are as a man
But war makes that man dead in a blink of an eye
The terror and fear war brings

War is fun
The brotherhood created
The thrill and courage involved
The beautiful echoes and implacable beauty
Your mind will hate it
Your stomach will hate it
Your heart will hate it
But your eyes will take it in
The love built and the life lived
It's a one of a kind life
A life only experienced in the boundaries of war

But war is sad
If not joy it's nothing but tears
The emotions that are present sting
The dropping heart
The ringing lips
The loss of words and the struggle to be in a happy place
Missing loved ones at home
Killing the enemy
Seeing a brother stripped from their life
War is a real life horror movie

Your body feels weird
Your mind gone wild
The shape of life
The appearance of humans
War is unsettling
War is grotesque

But war is unique
Because it can be any emotion
Any moment
Anything or anyone
War is everything
Embrace it or kill it
Love it or hate it
Approach it or run from it
Accept the beautiful nature and grounds
But deny the blood and guns
War is raw
Crazy and sweet raw
Or brutally harsh

War is Disgrace

War is beauty
Sharp gray eyes, lean
narrow
when he died it was almost      beautiful
the sunlight came around him
sucked him high
into a tree full of moss and vines and
white blossoms
beauty

War is hell
The pictures get jumbled
you tend to miss a lot
They blow away trees and glee clubs
And whatever else there is to blow away
They make those mountains burn

He shot it twice
It wasn't to kill, it was to hurt
Again
the animal fell hard and tried to get up
but this time couldn't quite make it
There was no pity for the baby water buffalo
Curt Lemon was dead

Human beings have issues
far more important
than the lives of the beings
that inhabit our playing fields
All souls die in war

It's Time for the U.S. to Join Veteran's Relief Efforts in Vietnam

The Vietnam War left horrible wounds in the lives of American soldiers, their families and the Vietnamese people. The effects of the damage to both the Vietnamese people and to Vietnam are still being felt today. Countless landmines and unexploded bombs dot the landscape making it dangerous for any who veer to far off the main roads.

Over 40,000 people, mainly children, have died as a result of land mines and other undetonated bombs left by American and American allied forces in Vietnam. Agent Orange, a chemical weapon used by American forces to defoliate trees has caused countless birth defects and deaths. This injustice has not gone unnoticed by Vietnam veterans, who have stepped up to help restore Vietnam.

Both American veterans and North Vietnamese veterans, former enemies, have been working together to help fix a larger problem, the death of innocent civilians. In 2005, NPR ran a story, "Ridding Vietnam of Deadly Remnants of War" about Project RENEW, an organization led by Jan Scruggs, a Vietnam veteran, and the founder of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, which has attempted to remove unexploded bombs from Vietnam. Removing unexploded landmines is extremely dangerous, but  despite their low tech approach, the team that NPR interviewed had not had any serious accidents. Using only a metal detector and shovels, they have managed to deactivate hundreds of landmines and bombs.

Project RENEW aims to educate the community about the landmines, remove as many mines and bombs as possible, and provide relief for those injured by the mines after the war's end. This project has not gotten enough media attention and support as it deserves, possibly because the effects of the Vietnam War are not as present in our minds as they should be.

Another veteran who decided to help fix the damage caused by the Vietnam war is Chuck Searcy, who is working with Project Renew to rid the area of the toxic remains of Agent Orange. His goal is to remove the deadly remnants in the next decade, and has asked the Department of Defense for their support.

Although it is wonderful that veterans are fixing the damage that the United States inflicted on Vietnam during the war, the United States should do more to help alleviate the considerable casualties that are still arising from the war. The United States government still denies that Agent Orange caused any deaths, although conservative Vietnamese estimates put the death toll at close to 4 million.

The United States government has done little to stop the horrible damage that Agent Orange does on the environment, only starting to help clean up the toxic chemical in 2012. The United States denies that its use of Agent Orange broke any international laws about chemical weapons, as they argue that Agent Orange was not a weapon at all, just an herbicide. As the United States government commemorates the Vietnam War's 50th Anniversary, it is important not to forget those still dying from the aftermath of the war: the Vietnamese people.