Blog 8

I'm interested in the use of language when talking about women across musical genres. More importantly how the lyrics are perceived to its women listeners. Is it perceived as a positive message? Is there a "reappropriation" of a formerly offensive term such as using the word "B*tch" in ones lyrics. By viewing this topic from this angle it allows me to combine two of my interests.
1. How words association reveals our own prejudices or affirmations
2. Are lyrics perceived as misogynistic messages or the truth?
In class we discusses how "the truth" is subjective and dependent upon your personal experiences. So, it will be interesting to find out how that translate to lady listeners who hear the less than appealing lyrics directed at them. The music industry survives because of its lady consumers. Obviously, women are supporting the language that may be viewed as degrading. Is re-appropriation healthy or self-depreciating? 

Blog 7

I'm interested in how word association reveals our own prejudice and stereotypes
I'm also deeply interested in misogynistic messages in male operated music and how women embrace or re-appropriate derogatory terms and use them in their everyday language.

Analysis of Arlene's Depiction of My 9.11 Story

Where were you on 9/11? Interview

On this occasion I was the interviewer. I spoke to Danielle on what her 9/11 experience was. She lived here in New Jersey, and was a senior in high school when it happened. She had a very descriptive story, and remembered the 9/11 events in more detail than myself (I was only in the sixth grade).

Q: Where were you on that day? How did you find out?
A: She walked into class and saw the news footage on T.V. FACT As soon as the images of the plane crashing into the first building appeared, the teacher had her class shut everything off. FACT There were people screaming, very scared and worried about what happened. Emotion Later on there was a school lock. There were students trying desperately to get out of school to get their loved ones.

Q: Compare & contrast your feelings about 9/11 from then and now.
A: At the time there was a lot of anger. Rationalizing Emotion There was very strong anti- Muslim sentiment, since everyone needed to put the blame on someone in order to feel (somewhat) better about what happened. RATIONALIZING EMOTION However, after she found out what was really the cause of this incident  (incompetence in our leaders) there was more a sense of disappointment in our leaders.

Q: What do you feel was the mood overall of the nation/others at that time? How does that vary from your point of view?
A: She says there was more of a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood Rationalizing Emotions following the 9/11 events. I point out that it is a travesty that these horrific events are often times what it takes for there to be sense of togetherness in a nation.

Q: Could you tell a story of a friend or someone you know and their experience?
A: Danielle's best friend lost a loved one. After they saw the footage in class, they went to the senior lounge to listen to the radio about what happened. FACT She just remembers her friend screaming and very overcome with emotion.

Q: How do you feel about the memorials?
Danielle points out that there has been debate over whether or not these 9/11 memorials should take place anymore, since it has been eleven years since the attacks. She says that she feels it is very important to conduct memorials, since it is important to pass on to our children the significance of these events.

Summary:

Danielle’s oral history of 9.11 is based more on emotional sound bites that she remembers throughout that day rather than hard evidence and fact.  She attempts to rationalize the emotions of others during that time period with facts that she came to learn after the fact.

Blog 3 Oral History Data

5:40

Arlene asked where I am from and age

She divulged information about where she was…6^th grade in Summit NJ and her school was not evacuated and her teacher made the announcement during class and continued with his lesson.

Asked where I was and what grade was I in - broke conversation to eagerly write my response

5.45

 Asked me if anyone I know had someone in the towers. Shakes her head emphatically when I said the cellphone towers literally crashed because so many people were trying to get in touch with their loved ones.

5:48

Asked to compare and contrast my feelings on 9.11.2001 and now

She agreed that she noticed the sentiment has changed to disappointment rather than trying to find who to blame. "Now we know definitely who to blame and who was the cause."

5:51

In response to me stating how the overall sentiment of the country was giving and patriotic

Arlene stated that "it’s sad that it takes a tragedy to bring a sense of comraderie."

5:54

In response to whether or not the memorial services should continue Arlene waved one hand in the air and said “they absolutely should continue because its important to remember. Just because you remember doesn’t mean you are dwelling on it."

Defining Analysis In Terms of Dating

The figure exercise we attempted in class really made me aware of the way I attempt to decipher codes, problems, and think logically. I realize that our minds are amazing in the way we quickly create a strategy, attempt it and throw it out if it doesn't work. This is basically the premise for thinking analytically. I began thinking about how we do this when it comes to dating.Most mammals have a very strategic way of choosing a mate.

1. Name the elements...
a. man
b. woman
c. other

2. Classified Elements: (This is called coding...)
a. Is he or she gorgeous
b. Intelligent?
c. Kind?

3. Looked for Patterns
a. what was your last relationship like?
b. what is your type?
c. how is your relationship with your family?

4. Draw a hypothesis
a. You are needy
b. you are great
c. you are a player

5. Test your hypothesis
and if it doesn't prove to be true you can always start over :)

English Writing Studies and My Interests

Our in class discussion leads me to believe that researches are interested the psychological and social influences that affect writing and language. There was discussion about the socialization process develops our affinity for or aversion to writing. There were a bunch of topics that instantly popped into mind. So...ok,  here they are in plain English!

1. Is it a misconception that men are driven to technical writing vs emotional writing? For example: Men love Consumer Report while women read 50 Shades of Grey...True or false? 

2. I'm interested why writing dramatic differences between the sexes occurs in writing. Can we always tell the difference between a male and female writer and why? 

3. I'm interested in the language break between medical professionals and their patients. Why are things lost in translation? 

4. Certain things I've read have emotionally captivated me and/or incited rage or moved me to action. So, I'm interested in knowing what specifically about certain stories, articles, speeches move us to action and the power of influence in writing. 

However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. My mind is constantly on overdrive and there will definitely revisions to this list!