Thankful ヽ༼ຈل͜ຈ༽ﾉ

I don't do well on personal posts, especially executing it in a formal fashion. It would drain my brain to spew out what little eloquence I have. Also, emoticons make everything better (when used in moderation). That said, never let me write a graduation speech, ever. I would die. _(」∠ ､ﾝ､)_

There are many people I’m glad that are in our seventh period class, but if I had to pick, Nancy http://villalette.blogspot.com/) would be my first choice. She is on task, gets work done and is responsible, unlike a certain person I know (hint, it’s me). It still amazes me to see how much a person will work then to avoid working later! （・□・；）We have two classes and lunch together this year, so we see each other every day. I'm thankful that she (hopefully) not too annoyed that I badger her with class shenanigans. I'm also very indecisive (for mostly very petty things) and Nancy is willing to aid in my decision making (thanks to her great ~logical skillz~ (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧).

Nancy and I joined some clubs together back when we were freshmen, and are still a part of this year. We both currently partake in the Young Company since last year. For the fall production, I was in public relations, she was in set crew. Even though we are in different crews, it was a great experience to be part of something bigger than ourselves and create a successful theatrical production. We are also on the executive board of Pastry Club this year (in which I neglected during company ◉ x ◉).

I knew this person since seventh grade, ever since she transferred to my class back in elementary school. During the first encounters, we talked over KHR (a great show) occasionally. To this day, Nancy and I still have similar interests we could talk about all the time (hurray for the internet and shows(ᅌᴗᅌ* ), and once made a hobby out of it for a while. I’m thankful that I met and befriended Nancy, who I could relate to with our interests, and was able to maintain that friendship past elementary school (it’s been about three or four years now! ヾ (@^▽^@)ノ).

???

(I was going to add in other people but I never got around to that until now woooops)

Aidan - He likes to think he is cool but he is really lame actually. He is occasionally helpful during our trig class, that is until the day of reassigned seats and the fire nation attacked. I’m thankful that he joined Company, and even though he was in set, he decided to hang out with the PR crew (because we're cool) and buy so many orange pop from us. How does he physically handle all that sugar with his fragile looking frame? Could he be a black hole in a human disguise? An alien who is trying to adapt to human civilization that happens to like orange soda a lot? No one knows; even science could not answer such an enigma. ༼´◓ɷ◔`༽ It is unfortunate that a Pokémon game has recently sucked the living soul out of Aidan with its addictive powers. ◉‿◉

Brian Adams, (addressed only by his full name by McCarthy, and is cursed with the same name as the Canadian singer) - I do not approve of his lame shirts but his afro makes it up somewhat; being a Whovian counts as extra points. I’m thankful that he also got to get a role in the play (sophomore actors represent) but no one cannot convince me that he was supposed to play a twelve year old boy. I’m thankful for shirts with two breast pockets, apples, and laws of physics. I know that Tiffany is thankful for the sun, water, carbon dioxide and Brian. (No, Brian, I will never let that go. Never.) ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) 

Ivy – I have known her during freshman connection and YTF, and she’s a delight to have in a class. She is a quirky person who also is talented in singing. I remember going shopping in downtown during freshman year, and that was neat. I’m thankful that there are still people who are willing to take the time to write about their entire class and that they exist in the world. (. ◕ o ◕.) I’m thankful for matching Christmas plant names, and that the Los Campesinos! sang it.

Keilani – I’m thankful that she is a reminder that freshmen (technically frackies) can be pretty cool. Also, I’m grateful for superhero merchandise, and the fact that there is a Wonder Woman fan in the class who proudly displays it. The five lines and creation of a certain bear make this class enjoyable. ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ

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I Celebrate Myself

"I celebrate myself, and sing myself, 

And what I assume you shall assume, 

 For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you."

- "The Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman

The first few lines of a free versed poem highlight the core of a poet's insight of himself and the society that surrounds him. Whitman is among the many influential poets who voiced the views during the transition towards transcendentalism. Transcendentalism was philosophical and religious movement during the 1820s, protested against the state of culture and society as it was believed to corrupt the purity of the individual. To preserve the individuality, people should become closer to nature and become self-reliant.

            From the movie, Into the Wild (2007), transcendentalism is put into action, taking place in more recent past of the modern world (1990s). It shows of Christopher Mccandless and his journey to pursuit living in isolation, separated and removed from society completely. He eventually sees that nature is harsh and uncaring, revealing that true happiness is found when shared with others.  

            I personally do not believe I would ever go to such extremes as Mccandless did to find personal freedom. I accept that this society is very material-based and money driven, and there are many flaws into this kind of living. Even if we are aware of these problems, many people will not do anything about it and just get caught up in their lives. It seems that this world moves to fast for anyone to catch their breath and appreciate the little things in life and enjoy nature.

When trying to escape the busy life, most would choose a familiar or nearby place to settle in for a short while. The more adventurous would select a “resort”, “cruise” like vacation. I can’t find myself to call those real vacations since it feels staged, a man-made operation, always with a guide to make sure visitors enjoy themselves. I would prefer improvised road trips to unfamiliar towns or hiking in an uninhabited area of nature to a cruise to the tropical island any day. I want to be part of an adventure that won’t be able to be reduced to a generic vacation pamphlet description.  

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Poe

Edgar Allan Poe, famed for his Gothic style of writing, has been considered one of the prime examples of American Romanticism. Poe was known to write very descriptive works of gloomy, suspenseful mysteries and horrors. He mostly focused on themes concerning the questioning of death, mourning, love, hope and despair, etc. The source of his works was clearly shown by the events throughout Poe’s tragic life.

After the death of his parents within three years of birth; Poe was then taken in by a wealthy merchant, who sent him to school. Unable to get over the debt, Poe dropped out after a year, leaving him broke and jobless. His caretaker left him with no money or source of survival, and Poe was already poverty stricken.  

 Poe went to New York City where he had some of his poetry and stories successfully published, got a job as a newspaper editor, but still struggled with making a living.  Eventually, he had reached his goal of writing his own magazine, only to be driven out of the city by invading rumors.

 At 27 years old, Poe married his 13 year old cousin; he celebrated his joy in poems. His wife died from tuberculosis shortly afterwards, leaving Poe devastated and unable to write. Poe’s life reached a mysterious end where he dies of unknown causes after he disappeared for a few days after taking the wrong train.  Poe died at 40 years old.

Poe’s writing reflected on his thoughts and views of the world, as the events of his life influenced his work; they were written throughout his career as he struggled to keep bread on the table. Edgar Allan Poe’s life was full of hardship and stress: he was raised by foster parents, did not have many close friends or family and the love of his life died within two years of marriage. It is because these past events which played a big role in writing, enabled Poe to provide the world such classic tales.

Poe’s writing has sent many chills down readers’ spines for many years, and hopefully many more years to come. His descriptions are spot on for the creepiness and suspense factor. Leaving the conclusion vague and open to interpretation leads the reader to many possibilities and explores their meanings. The mixture of love and horror gives an interesting viewpoint, fixated over the premature death of their loved ones. Surely, it is a given that Poe’s work is a timeless classic that should be cherished throughout the generations. It is no wonder Poe is considered the inventor of detective fiction genre as well as the game changer of science fiction.  

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What is an American?

America has been described as a “melting pot” or “salad bowl” of multiple cultures and various peoples, because Americans come from all over the world and began to interact with one another. This nation experiences a phenomenon that no other nation has, due to the vast diversity of people. When asked “what are you?” most people would name their ancestral origins.  It is more common that people resort to ethnicity than nationality in terms of identifying oneself. Why is that?

The obvious reason is that typically the question is asked out of curiosity, mostly due to one’s appearance. Usually, it is simple to make an assumption of a person’s race or ethnicity, based on physical characteristics. People who do not fit the general features, like multiracial peoples, are more likely to be asked. Using 'American' as an ethnicity would be incorrect since it would technically describe Native Americans.

Most would identify a person as an American if they were born, raised and utilize their rights as citizens. Most citizen-born citizens consider themselves a compound word; “x-American” were x is replaced with a ethnicity as a compromise. I find this term of identification most acceptable, since incorporate an individual’s family background, as well as acknowledges the American culture. However, I think the term ‘American’ could apply to anyone who has adapted the “American culture” into their lives, or people who view the States as their home.

America has only 237 years of history; compared to countries, this nation is very young. Perhaps, people do not view America as an ethnicity because of the lack of history. However, in my argument, I do not think that matters; what does is the culture and people. There is a distinctive attitude Americans possess; we are individualistic, democratic, opinionated, and stubborn. Foreigners may view this attitude negatively, but nonetheless, we are very distinguishable from other cultures.

 Until people of the world (as well as our own) recognize America as its own culture rather than “a blend of others”, and look past the physical aspect of it, it will be a while for people to stop calling themselves something they aren’t. Our nation should take the time to appreciate our rights and individuality, and maybe then, we can finally view ourselves as “American”.  

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The Modern Puritan

From the previous readings from The Crucible by Arthur Miller and The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, one can conclude that the Puritans had a very different lifestyle and behaviors from the modern man. Puritans were extremely religious English Protestants; they lived simple lives, free of pleasure or luxury as it was seen as sinful. Although Puritans identified a religious group, it has evolved to been used to describe a person who sticks to strict moral or religious values.

The way of thinking has drastically shifted from eighteenth century; the modern age is more independent and liberated in morals. Even though the majority of the nation have the luxury of freedom, strict principles and beliefs could still apply in certain lifestyles. For example, the Amish, a group of traditional Christians known for simple living and avoiding technology can be viewed as a modern puritan group. Both Puritan and Amish shun members who cannot be repented for their sins, and usually resulted in excommunication. However, the extent of enforcing rules is very different; Puritans were willing to severely punish law breakers, held hunts and burning at the stakes while the Amish are pacifists and does not resort to violence.

The Puritans were an extremely forceful group, however perished as they could not keep up with the changing times. Even though the Amish lived a lifestyle similar as the Puritans based on simple living and religion based, the Amish’s religious enforcement is not as cruel. However, there are groups that could reach the same extent in punishment and emphasis on rules that are not necessarily for religious purposes. 

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John Proctor: Hero or Stooge?

John Proctor is the main protagonist, in the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller. He is a tragic hero, rather than a stooge or hero since he is willing to sacrifice himself for the better good of his community and family. In the Puritan town of Salem, he is viewed as an honest and good-natured farmer. In the beginning of the story, John plays the ordinary man; he is not distinctively good or bad, but eventually his actions and flaws lead to his downfall.

In Act I of the play, it was revealed that John had an affair with Abigail Williams; his first flaw. John would not forgive himself, and saw himself a sinner. The affair started all the witch accusations and trials since Abigail tried to get rid of John’s wife. In order to stop Abigail, he finally confessed to adultery, despite the damaging to his reputation and self-pride. In the end, the confession backfired, bringing him to his guilty conviction.

However, during the trails, John had a chance to betray his friends and neighbors and save his life. He chose death since he rather die and earn his self-respect back rather than make his family live out a life with his terrible reputation. In addition, he was able to save the people that were accused of witchcraft.

A stooge is someone who allows to be used for another’s profit or advantage. Hero is defined as someone who is admired for his achievements and noble qualities. John is not a stooge, but he is not quite a hero. He is a tragic hero because he was destined for defeat. Ever since his adultery with Abigail, John was suffering throughout the whole play until he met his demise. 

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There Goes the Neighborhood

"There goes the neighborhood" is a phrase used when something new occurs that will lower the value of the neighborhood, in terms of financially and socially. Situations like when the English started settling in America definitely provides the phrase with some truth. However, this saying is still being used today, especially in such a diverse yet segregated city as Chicago.

 Exploration was done in hopes of gaining profit, and winning the fight for “most powerful country” as seen from Columbus’s exploration followed by the French and British. Europeans have already been accustomed of exploiting other civilizations and countries for their own benefit, shown from the draining of African resources, culture and people. The lifestyles and beliefs led most Europeans and especially Puritans to believe they were living the “correct” way of life and anything different was wrong. As soon as settlers started arriving, then taking over land, native people and their cultures was unavoidable. The conquest does not stop from “there goes the neighborhood”, but rather “there goes the whole country and people” since Europeans spread throughout the entire continent, and leaving Native Americans with their destroyed culture and restricted living space. 

Currently, we do not experience such extremities in Chicago communities as the Native Americans did. However, instances where “there goes the neighborhood” gets dropped ever so often here and there.  This expression generally is used to show disapproval of racial minorities moving to an all-white neighborhood. Chicago is split in the general: whites in the north, blacks in the south, hispanics in the west. This expression might be said more of the north-west side, as more hispanics move eastward. Chicago is split in the general: whites in the north, blacks in the south, Hispanics in the west. This expression might be said more of the north-west side, as more Hispanics move eastward. However, there is one neighborhood that is contradicting the remark; Pilsen, known for its rich Latino culture, shown by its artistic murals all over main streets. Since housing is more affordable, more non-Hispanics started moving in the past few years. “There goes the neighborhood” can still apply to this situation since local groups are trying to preserve the Mexican-American culture by preventing the increase of property tax.

 Since I live in a generally diverse neighborhood, Bridgeport, I have not yet to witness the phrase being used. Bridgeport was initially an Irish-American neighborhood in the 1830s, but has grown to inhabit many Italian and Lithuanian Americans. More recently, Chinese and Mexicans immigrants made their homes, racially grouped in the north and west areas. However, I assume that people cannot criticize about their neighbors since Bridgeport’s citizens all had immigrant roots to relate to. Anyone can see the diversity just by the food; Bridgeport is famous for the Italian cuisine, Irish pubs, with some Chinese restaurants and Mexican bakeries here and there, but adds some own flare with cafes and organic restaurants. Although Chicago is known as the most diverse as well as segregated city of the nation, I am glad that there are some neighborhoods that can reject the statement, and I am proud to claim that I live in one and call it home. 

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Introduction: Me

I'm Holly, currently a sophomore in McCarthy's 7th English II class at Whitney Young Magnet High School . I have lived in Bridgeport all my life and it' s no north side neighborhood, but it's diverse and cozy. Coming from a small neighborhood school like Robert Healy, getting my first choice high school is a pretty big accomplishment if I don't say so myself.

I'm a busy body outside of school as well. During this summer I partook in Gallery 37 in graphic design. If sophomore year allows me, hopefully I could join Young Company, AAC, pastry club, mangaka club, yearbook, and many more (as long as it is not sports and/or does not require physical pain).

I'm always looking out for different opportunities and local scenes to explore. When I'm not outside or in school, I'm usually blogging on tumblr or watching The Walking Dead. Hobbies include drawing , painting, photography, indulging in TV shows, and collecting pins, zines and stickers. Music is a really big part of my life, and I like baroque pop, indie rock, math/post rock, chip tune, movie soundtracks; pretty much anything with a good melody and catchy beat. I like the colors teal/forest green, Studio Ghibli films, John Green books, gig posters, anything sweet and/or strawberry flavored.

All in all, I'd like to consider myself as life's tourist and an appreciator of the small stuffs.
Thanks for reading! (｡◕‿◕｡)

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