Blog 3

This weekend I came home so I could concentrate on some of my school work. Aside from the school work, it was a nice, relaxing weekend. I got to spend some time with my mom and my sister. While taking a break from studying, I watched the movie “Where the Heart Is” with Natalie Portman. This has been one of my favorite movies for a long time. I don’t know how many of you have seen it, but it’s a very sweet story. I went shopping with my mom and bought some groceries to take back to school with me. I have to say, I am totally addicted to honey teddy grahams. I like the other flavors too, but those honey teddy grahams are irresistible to me! I don’t feel completely guilty while eating them because they’re much healthier than eating a bunch of chocolate chip cookies. I definitely eat too many sweet foods, though! I bought some zours and hot tamales while I was with my mom too. Zours are probably my favorite candy… sour candy in general is definitely the way to my heart! I have had a sweet tooth ever since I was little. Supposedly it runs in my family… or at least that’s what my grandma says!

Reading Response 2

Gloria Anzaldua has introduced me to some appalling revelations. Unfortunately, I feel that what she has written about in “The Homeland: Aztlan” is merely another example of how the United States truly lives up to its nickname of an “international police power”. It is sickening to see how power-hungry the United States has been over the course of history. As Anzaldua states, not only did we kick the Native Americans off of their land, we committed the same atrocity towards the Mexicans as well. In my opinion, the only explanations for such acts of selfishness are ignorance, an unquenchable thirst for power, and the belief that inferiority amongst humans exists. Don’t get me wrong; in many ways, I am very proud to be an American and I believe that many of the ideals of which this nation strives upon are admirable. It is unquestionable, however, that certain chapters of the history of the United States give the United States a dark reputation. Gloria Anzaldua defines a border as being “indistinct”. In this case, I feel that borders symbolize a line of equality that the United States has placed between Americans and Mexicans. I could be wrong, but that is my take on the topic. It is always sad to read about situations like this.

Tigerlily

I named my cat Tigerlily after the character in "Peter Pan", because I have loved this story ever since I was a little kid. In my opinion, my cat Tigerlily is the most adorable, quirky cat I have ever seen. She is a maine coon cat. She’s extremely fluffy but surprisingly skinny under all of her fur. One of the things that makes her so unique is her fascination with water. Most cats detest water, but she loves to play in it for hours at a time. She’ll bat her paws in the water and make a huge mess. She’s also a trouble maker! She enjoys knocking things off the counter and watching them fall to the floor, where they either break or roll to a place she knows we won’t find for a long time. My mom has resorted to putting tape on the arm of the couch she is constantly clawing at, even though she knows better. Tigerlily always needs to be around someone. She loves it when we pet her, but she becomes restless when she is picked up. She hid my sister’s glasses once as she was using them as a toy to play with, and my sister did not find them for about two months. In spite of the fact that she is a trouble maker, I love her and I’m so thankful to have such an adorable pet. :-)

Reading Response 1

I’m going to start off by saying that I am very bad at analyzing topics like this one where a lot of information is involved and there are several different claims of what the “truth” of the matter really is. The reason why I’ve never been very good at this is because it is extremely difficult for me to tell what is right and what is wrong. I have not done enough research on the budget cuts, the California Master Plan, or prop 13 to conclude how these three things have or have not contributed to the current situation at hand. For example, in the article “privatization and the UCs: The Basics”, it is mentioned that the “shift towards privatization began decades ago”. I could be completely off, but I feel this may be a little far-fetched. There are also claims that California’s spending habits have contributed more to the current budget crisis than the decrease in property taxes in 1978. I feel a little embarrassed for admitting that this is not one of my strengths, but I just wanted to be honest in case I say something completely inaccurate or ridiculous in regards to this topic.

After reading about the budget cuts, I definitely plan on doing more research on this subject. One thing I know is that in general, it has become much more difficult to attend college. Naturally, this saddens me. Regardless of the true cause of these fee increases and their possible justifications, I believe everyone has the right to receive a great education, and the fact that this has become so challenging for such a large amount of people who are beyond deserving and capable of a higher education is a huge indication that something is not right. In terms of the concept of a “hybrid university”, I’m not so sure that such a thing even exists. Can you really have a public university that is “privately supported”? It seems as if these so-called “private supporters” are the students who have had to pay increased fees. I think this term contradicts itself, and I think the usage of the term “hybrid university” is meant to convince people that the UCs are in fact still public schools, despite the fact that they are continuously shifting away from the initial principles and ideals they once strived upon. I do not like the direction the UCs are headed towards, and I hope the system turns itself around sooner rather than later.

A Little on Proverbs

The saying “Birds of a feather flock together” and “opposites attract” are sayings that have been mentioned repeatedly throughout my life. After the various experiences I have had in regards to relationships I’ve had with others, whether it be family, friends, romantic relationships, etc., I think I have to agree more with the saying “birds of a feather flock together”. It seems to me that those with similar qualities and beliefs will have a smoother, more agreeable relationship. Constantly disagreeing with someone, even when it is over the most insignificant matter, becomes increasingly draining over time. I do believe it is true that those with similar qualities tend to “flock” together. Examples of this concept can be seen in politics, religion, and other major practices that hold a high amount of importance worldwide. I understand, however, the positive side of being around someone whose personality contrasts with your own. You are given an opportunity to understand a different perspective on certain subjects, and you may even experience a lifestyle that is vastly different from your own. I feel the appeal of being around someone whose personality is “opposite” your own would be the excitement of disagreeing and clashing. In my opinion, the clashing would become gradually tiresome. I am sure, however, that there are many who agree more with the saying “opposites attract” rather than the saying “birds of a feather flock together”.

Diagnostic Reading Response

"Plato's Pharmacy" presents the written word in a different light. The main concept in this excerpt seems to be that text is often times too mysterious and ambiguous to come to any solid conclusions about the message that is being given. Derrida's reference to text as a "woven texture" indicates the many qualities and meanings that can be derived from written works, and the complicated process one must go through in order to discover the signification of what is being read. Using literary techniques such as metaphors, personification, and many others are examples of how the meaning of texts can be made ambiguous and, above all else, remain open for interpretation, even if certain interpretations seem more logical than others. Derrida also makes the point that it is necessary to re-read texts, as new ideas and meanings will come to mind with each new reading. Details such as symbols or other subtle concepts not seen before will become more obvious if a text is re-read several times. In addition to this, each individual’s mind is different; therefore, it is inevitable that people will have different interpretations of what they have read. Regardless of the various meanings found within a text, Derrida seems to emphasize the importance of thinking critically when reading.

Introduction

Hello everyone!

My name is Alison Chew. I am a senior double majoring in French and Psychology with a Human Development minor. I am originally from Lafayette, CA in the Bay Area. I have two younger sisters, ages 19 and 17. I just returned from a four month trip abroad in Bordeaux, France where I studied French at the university. I am interested in becoming a social worker after I graduate.

I do not dislike writing, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I receive writing assignments, as I feel I have never fully grasped what it takes to write a good paper. I am nervous but excited at the same time for this class, because I need to improve my writing skills.