beauty and hope 12/20/2012

              Harwinder Kaur

              Date 12/19/2012

               Eng 095

               Professor: waite

   Beauty and Hope in the story ‘Say You’re One Of Them’

The book “Say You’re One Of Them” portrait the reality of the Genocide lived in Rwanda on 1994. In fact all of those stories are fictitious, and the author’s main point was to get into the audience to make them and the world understand what was going on, followed by the genocide like children being sold for slavery and so on. Even though all the events took place in war-torn with all the tragedies, it is possible to see some moments of beauty and hope as well on the stories.

Moments of beauty can be seen when Monique’s mother chose to give her life for her children. That was an extremely tense and abnormal situation in which the Lizard made pressure on Monique’s father to kill her mom. It was a big moment in which we can see how much a mother care for her children. She knew that for her children to be alive one had to die. So she asked his husband to kill her.

In addition, we can see beauty by the moment Fofo tried to break the deal between him and Big Guy in terms of selling those two children. Fofo tricked Big Guy by the moment they were in the small house ready for making the trip toward Gabon. Fofo got the two kids on the Nanfung and tried to flee with them but he was caught.

At last I would say that the children may be seen as hope. Children are strongly emphasized on both of the stories and are the ones who seem to be suffering more. They may symbolize the hope of one Rwanda without war; genocide and brotherhood between those called Hutu, or Tutsi.

To sum up I should say that although the book was made up of lots of tragedies and sad stories, it is possible to find some sort of beauty and hope. Like the moment when a mother decided to die in order to save her children. Beauty in the moment Fofo tried to flee with the children in order to protect them. At last and not less important, the children that quite represent hope.

what i learned from this book..12/20/2012

Harwinder Kaur

Date 12/12/2012

Writing 095

              The book titled “Say you’re one of them” is an amazing book to read. It has been written in such a manner that it grabs reader’s attention. It is a compilation of many short stories with a meaningful message at the end of each story. I was fascinated with the moral message that was delivered in this book. One of my favorite chapters was “Fattening for Gabon”.It was a story about selling kids for money. It was a heart touching story which made me think that people can be so money minded and materialistic. The book was so interesting that the time flew by while reading it. However there were moments in the book which brought a tear into my eye. I was deeply touched by such instances. The book also encouraged me to take a step forward and make a difference in this direction and help such children.

My overall experience of reading this book was great. In future I would be interested in reading books with such issues.

Revision of essay 12/20/2012

Harwinder Kaur

Date: 12/21/12

English 095

            Describe the way that neighbors are characterized in Say You’re One of Them (e.g. what is their role? What are the relationships between neighbors like? Why are these relationships sometimes difficult?). Now, compare these descriptions to your own experience with neighbors. Based on the text and your own experience, answer the following question: What are the characteristics of a good Neighbor?

            In the story, Say You’re One of Them, by Uwem Akpan, there are many ways to play the role of a good neighbor. Most of the neighbors were inhumane, but some are greedy. In the story, there are two characteristics that described a neighbor. The first is humanity.

            Humanity can be described as kindness. For example, the chapter “Fattening For Gabson,” the “Big Guy” brought plenty of food and drinks to his church on Thanksgiving Day. While he was there, he served the hungry children that starved for many days. His humanity towards the children showed that he cared a great deal.

            Greed is the act of wanting more than you desire. It can lead to harmful endings, or hurt someone you love. Once again in chapter, “Fattening for Gabson,” Fofokpee was being very greedy. He became helpless and poor and needed money to have a better life. Unfortunately, he takes care of his two nieces. He comes to a conclusion that he must sell his nieces for money. Although, he played with them and showed them unconditional love, he sold his nieces to Big Guy, who is a rich man.

            The characteristics of a good neighbor from my experience would be someone that shows kindness, is helpful, has respect, and more. I believe good neighbors open their doors to people who are in need of advice, food, and love. If a good neighbor has these great qualities, people will not only respect them, but they will enjoy being their neighbor as well.  My neighbor says “Good morning” to us every morning he sees us. Sometimes he came to my job to get some coffee, and would leave me a good tip.

            Overall, the neighbors in the novel, Say You’re One of Them, have different characteristics. The Big Guy is kind and Fofokpee is greedy. Compared to my experience living in Medford. My neighbors are similar to Big Guy. They are very kind to us. Neighbors must respect each other and learn to live comfortably with one another.

bebate btween Obama and Romney

The two question I chose are : the first one is…..

          Question “Mr. President, Governor Romney, as a 20-year-old college student, all I hear from professors, neighbors and others is that when I graduate, I will have little chance to get employment. Can -- what can you say to reassure me, but more importantly my parents, that I will be able to sufficiently support myself after I graduate?”

     Candidate   Mitt Romney said “Thank you, Jeremy. I appreciate your -- your question, and -- and thank you for being here this evening. And to all of those from Nassau County here that have come, thank you for your time. Thank you to Hofstra University and to Candy Crowley for organizing and leading this -- this event. Thank you, Mr. President, also for being part of this -- this debate.

    Candidate president Obama said “ Jeremy, first of all, your future is bright, and the fact that you're making investment in higher education is critical, not just to you but to the entire nation.

Now, the most important thing we can do is to make sure that we are creating jobs in this country, but not just jobs, good-paying jobs, ones that can support a family. And what I want to do is built on the 5 million jobs that we've created over the last 30 months in the private sector alone. And there are a bunch of things that we can do to make sure your future is bright.”

Harwinder: By reading this argument between Mitt Romney and President Obama first of all I notice that how Mitt Romey was wasting his time on appreciate or being in the debate. However, president Obama he just got right into Jeremy question he didn’t say thanks for being like that. I notice that Mr. Obama who this debate not Mitt Romney.

    Second question  “ in what new ways to you intend to rectify the inequalities in the work place specifically regarding females making only 72 percent of what their male counter parts earn?

      Candidates Obama said “Well, Katherine, this is a great question. And you know, I was raised by a single mom who had to put herself through school while looking after two kids. And she worked hard every day and made a lot of sacrifices to make sure we got everything we need. And my grandmother, she started off as a secretary in a bank. She never got a college education, even though she was smart as a whip. And she worked her way up to become a vice president at a local bank.”

Mitt Romney said “Thank you. And -- important topic and one which I learned a great deal about, particularly as I was serving as governor of my state, because I had the -- the chance to pull together a Cabinet and all the applicants seemed to be men. And I -- and I went to my staff, and I said, how come all the people for these jobs are -- are all men?”

Harwinder :  This question look interesting to me because  I liked how president  Obama gave his mother ‘s example to get audience attraction. And he was very positive and confidence about it. In addition Mitt Romney he didn’t have anything to say he just kept talking about economy, neutral gas and so on. However, Where she didn’t even ask this question.

The fragments of response #2

What should we expect from the media; how can we hold them accountable?

                   The media is a universal way to receive good and bad news. We expect information on what’s going on in the environment and around us. Also, it informs us on people’s lives sometimes the media can be dramatic, but we confide in the media in telling us the truth. For instance, in the movie two foreign man try to bring out the truth how are Tutsi been killed by the Hutu. However, he tried to make the video tape so the people or world can see what is going on in Rwanda.

                The media is responsible for making people feel like they are a part of the world. They are responsible for giving us information about what’s going on in the world, whether it’s good or dangerous. If the media chose to relay false information they could start a riot amongst the people. If they do their job correctly and accurately, we can do ours by expressing our views and ourselves. For example, in the movie Jack Daglish tried his best to bring out truth so, the people can see what’s happening but unfortunately this didn’t happened because where ever they were coming from they have been send to that place. He tried to his best to make more film so that he can able to show the world or the government.

                What is the level of public responsibility when issues are brought to light by the media?

                      It is the public’s number one priority to be responsible when issues are brought to light by the media. The public should know how to handle the issues by the media because we need a way to safety and what we are fighting for. Although, in respond violently if they feel threatened, discriminated against, or flustered with aggravation. This may lead to a genocide, riot, or epidemic. Depending on the issues brought to light by the media, we can decide how we want to handle the situation, or situations. There may be chaos, but regardless if there is bad news from the media, the public will shows their true colors. 

in class writing 10/16/2012

What does the Nanfang symbolize for Kotchikpa?

    The Nafang symbolize  is motorcycle for Kotochikpa.

Respns homework # 2

               What should we expect from the media; how can we hold them accountable?

                   The media is a universal way to receive good and bad news. We expect information on what’s going on in the environment and around us. Also, it informs us on people’s lives sometimes the media can be dramatic, but we confide in the media in telling us the truth. For instance, in the movie two foreign man try to bring out the truth how are Tutsi been killed by the Hutu. However, he tried to make the video tape so the people or world can see what is going on in Rwanda.

                The media is responsible for making people feel like they are a part of the world. They are responsible for giving us information about what’s going on in the world, whether it’s good or dangerous. If the media chose to relay false information they could start a riot amongst the people. If they do their job correctly and accurately, we can do ours by expressing our views and ourselves. For example, in the movie Jack Daglish tried his best to bring out truth so, the people can see what’s happening but unfortunately this didn’t happened because where ever they were coming from they have been send to that place. He tried to his best to make more film so that he can able to show the world or the government.

                What is the level of public responsibility when issues are brought to light by the media?

                      It is the public’s number one priority to be responsible when issues are brought to light by the media. The public should know how to handle the issues by the media because we need a way to safety and what we are fighting for. Although, in respond violently if they feel threatened, discriminated against, or flustered with aggravation. This may lead to a genocide, riot, or epidemic. Depending on the issues brought to light by the media, we can decide how we want to handle the situation, or situations. There may be chaos, but regardless if there is bad news from the media, the public will shows their true colors.  

         

in class writing 9/25

Yes, I believe artists should be able to step into other people’s situations, contexts and cultures and work from there. If artists don’t have that freedom, then, as someone has said, are we all writing our autobiographies? Why shouldn’t a man write about a woman or a black man a white character?

                                     Do you agree with his statement? Why or why not? Do

you think Immaculee Ilibagiza, the woman interviewed in the news segment we watched last week would agree? Why or why not? How do you think she would feel reading "My Parents' Bedroom" as a genocide survivor?

                   Yes I do agree with his statement because it’s also helping us to learn more about what’s going on world. However Uwem right about someone life and their freedom. And it’s shows us how to deal with if we were in that situation. If there is no one else to write than we end it up writing a own autobiography. Therefore nobody likes to read it.

            Do I think Immaculee Ilibagiza would agree? No because she experienced genocide only one time. She would feel disturb, sad, and sacred reading which is “My Parents’s Bedroom.