Social Awareness Assigment #3

2. Observe your surroundings (school, home, neighborhood, media).

List of scenes/ situations:

            -Property (causing damage and fighting)

            -Stealing from stores

            -Body image

            -Abusing (verbally) your bf/gf or spouse

            -Bullying because of looks

            -Bullying because of sports

            -Abusing your children**

            The one issue that I chose to write about from this list is the last one: abusing your children.  I always see parents and their kids walking together and going places together and the kids getting under their parents’ skins by complaining, begging and being rude.  The parents would sometimes yell at their kids, hit them, squeeze them or grab them.  I see it a lot because all parents are sometimes like “enough already!”  Sometimes parents even threaten their kids with lines such as, “If you don’t stop I’m going to beat you when we get home.”  If this is what happens in public where I can see that I can only imagine what happens behind closed doors.  This is a common thing and sometimes parents just can’t help it.  Also, the parents were raised that way when they were a kid, it was very common back then and their parents always used to beat them.  If you were to ask any adult they would all probably have at least one time in their lives where they got beat.  Back in that time, there was no penalty for that.  But if there was, the kids who got beat probably wouldn’t rat their parents out because they know they would get in even more trouble.  But today, child abuse is illegal. 

            The problem with this is that sometimes parents cross the line and they hurt their children and leave marks.  If you are parent, you shouldn’t be doing that to your kid because what kind of message would that actually send to them?  Parents say that they do this to their kids to protect them and teach them a lesson which is their cause but what effect does it have?  None really, it will not change them but instead make them scared.  While they are getting hit, do you actually think they are listening to the parent blab on about not doing what they did wrong?  No- they will just be worried about getting away.  What is the solution to this?  Parents make mistakes just like kids because we’re all people so not jail unless there is a continuous pattern but parents should definitely be aware of the consequences if they abuse their child.  They should find a new way to reprimand their children.  Talking to them about the problem, explaining what was wrong and maybe taking some privileges away and grounding them.  But, violence is never the answer. 

Social Issue Articles Response

Bennett, Jessica. "From Lockers to Lockup." Newsweek. 11 Oct 2010: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 25 Nov 2011.

                    I read and annotated the article, “From Lockers to Lock Up.”  The social issue that was mainly addressed in this article was bullying in schools.  The article gave many examples of how students were bullied in school and how it ended but the main event they spoke about was how this girl, Phoebe Prince, was bullied for hanging out with senior guys who already had girlfriends.  She was called many cruel names and in the end she couldn’t take it anymore so she killed herself.  The article also explained and questioned what should be done for issues like these and the results of this.  Some important facts/ information that I learned from this article is that bullying starts small but once it starts it never goes away and builds up and eventually explodes into a huge, and dangerous problem.  I also learned that bullying is most common for teenagers because all of the articles that they gave as an example were all about teenagers.  One more thing that I learned was that bullying has many effects besides someone just crying and being sad, it ruins them.

                    This article made me feel that bullies should get punished whether or not the person killed themselves, it shouldn’t be a difference in that sense.  They shouldn’t wait for the person to commit suicide before doing something.  It also made me feel and realize that bad will soon become criminal no matter how small it is if it doesn’t stop.  I also feel that everyone has been a bully and not everyone should go to jail, everyone should stop but if they don’t then punishments should get serious, it also depends on the issue.  Also, I feel that even if you were a bully in your past, you do not deserve to die, no one does.  I feel that no matter how mean a bully is, do something about it that doesn’t involve violence, don’t be a bully to a bully and stoop to their level.  Another thing that I feel is that it doesn’t matter on the person’s past or why they did it or who they are- all that matters is that they did, not everyone is who they seem.  I feel that one thing or person can ruin everything forever and if you are the bully, their will be consequences, mental consequences and regrets.  Some questions that this article made me think or pose, generally is how should people be punished or what is a consistent punishment?  Why is bullying appearing more publicly now then years ago if the bullying was the same?  My last question was, does everyone deserve a second chance?

       

        Lambeck, Linda Conner. "New Cyberbullying Law Forces Schools to Intervene." Connecticut Post. 09 Oct 2011: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 25 Nov 2011.

                    I read another article called, “New Cyberbullying Law Forces Schools to Intervene.”  In this article, it talks about another form of bullying, cyberbullying which in a way is a form of bullying in schools because that is where it all starts and where they meet the people.  This article is about teenagers getting cyberbullied, the effects and ways they can try to prevent it.  One of the ways I by getting the schools involved.  They interviewed many people and have thought about many ways (which were all in the article) about ways to prevent cyberbulling.  I learned quite a few things from this article, considering a lot of it was people interviews and ideas.  I learned that one bad thing you say or post or text will spread eventually, and they will never go away.  Also, some people don’t take cyberbullying seriously but I learned that it is a serious issue and a harsh type of bullying.  I also learned that so many people at the same time also care and are trying so many different ways to stop cyberbullying.  I also learned that cyberbullying affects kids all around in all areas such as their grades, attendance and even suicide.

                    This article made me think and feel quite a few things, added on to the article I read first.  This article made me think and realize that cyberbullying actually may be worse than regular bullying at times because it spreads faster and most times it is anonymously.  I also feel that they shouldn’t immediately send them to jail etc because think about it, they are kids and still don’t understand consequences.  Think about the other side and if your kid was the bully, you wouldn’t want them to go to jail, you would say it was a mistake.  You should put your feet into the shoes of the person getting bullied but at the same time the bully themselves, they must have motives.  Lastly, in a way people have just got to accept it and brush it off because people are going to be mean to each other always and not everyone is going to like each other and that’s just the way life is.  this article had my mind buzzing with question I wanted answers to and questions that I just wanted people to think about.  Will one or two schools stop bullying all over the country?  Also, what is someone is being cyberbullied but it isn’t during school?  Does the school really have the right to get involved?  Some people are lazy in schools but don’t they want a good, healthy and safe school community?  Then they are going to have to do something.

       

Two Voice Poem

Social Issue- Bullying and Abuse

________= both voices

Bold= voice 1

Italics= voice 2

I try to hide from the world.

I turn the other way in school and run to my class.

I hide under the bed when I hear footsteps on the stairs.

I cry.

I run away and cry because I can’t fit in.

I curl in a ball and cry because I’m weak and hurt.

I am what they are sometimes- a bully, because of my anger when I am being bullied.

I scream at my little brother for being so obnoxious and stupid.

I scream at myself for giving in and letting them see me hurt.

I can’t relax and I can’t go to sleep at night.

I have nightmares of what they are going to say to me tomorrow.

I hide under the covers wide awake, afraid they’re going to come up for me in my sleep.

I burn and bleed.

On the inside I am dying.

On the outside I am bruising.

I sometimes wish I’m dead.

I have no friends in school.

I have no family that loves me.

I starve myself.

At lunch I don’t eat, instead I hide in the bathroom stalls.

I eat no meals because no one cares enough to make me one or let me make one myself.

I hate them.

They are selfish and try to hurt me.

They don’t love me or care about me like they should.

I’m keeping this secret about them.

I don’t tell my parents teachers because I don’t want to be a rat. 

I don’t tell anyone because I’m not allowed outside. 

I am abused and bullied.

By the words of hate from the popular crowd in school.

By my parents’ rough, hard hands, their leather belts and anything else they could find. 

      My two voice poem is about bullying/ abuse.  Basically bullying physically and verbally.  When the speakers both say one line at the same time, it is emant to show the simalrities as to how they feeling.  But when they are speaking separately is is meant to show the differnt reasons as to why they are feeling that way.  Voice 1 gets bullied in school because she can't fit in ans she'differnt from the others- herself.  Voice 2 gets bullied by her parents, actually physcially abused.  These people are both suffering greatly in same ways but for differnt reasons why.

      I chose to write about bullying/ abuse because they are both popular issues.  Also there is a lot of controversy over them with laws and prohibitions.  There is a lot of bullying going on in schools, everyday and a lot of child abuse.  These things may not be constant but they definitely happen quite often.  But people winder what goes on through everyone's heads and this poem explains it.  How they get treated, why they get treated and why they don' t do anything about it and the effects.  Everyone has been bullied at least once in their lives or have been the bully and that is why I chose this topic, because it is popular and relateable.

If I were Him

            Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan has made me think so many things.  I didn’t finish it yet but I’m almost done and I have thought so many things throughout the book.  As I have been reading the most recent parts, I have tried to put myself in Darren’s shoes to see how he was feeling and what he was going through but I hit a bump because some things that Darren did I didn’t like and I would do differently. 

            First of all, Darren stole Madam Octa from a vampire and he was playing with her even though she was a poisonous spider.  As soon as you hear this, you know it means bad news.  His best friend Steve came over and they both started to play with the spider.  There was an interruption and Madam Octa, as you can guess, bit Steve right on his neck.  Darren ran out of the room and then to his mom and told his mom that something bit Steve and he didn’t know what it was.  Steve was then rushed to the hospital and was about to die.  So, Darren went to find to the vampire, Mr. Crepsley and he saved Steve but to do it, he had to agree to become a vampire and be Mr. Crepsley’s assistant.  He agreed.

            You would think this is very nice of Darren but really, Darren was the one who made Steve get bitten… but even then that is not what this is about- this is about Darren and me.  First of all, if I were Darren, I would have never stolen the spider in the first place, knowing that it was poisonous and I was stealing from a vampire.  Not only would I endanger myself but all of the people around me.  I know you’re supposed to live everyday of your life as if it were your last but not to the point where you can kill yourself.

            But, let’s just say I was stupid and I stole the spider and it bit my friend.  Instead of lying like Darren did, I would tell my parents the whole thing even though I would get in trouble and everyone would be disappointed in me because I would never be able to live with myself and I would feel terrible for hurting and almost killing my friend.  Mistakes happen and everyone would have to accept it and I would learn from the mistake. 

            One thing that I would do like Darren did though was go and find Mr. Crepsly, get the magic potion and save him, even if it meant that I would turn into a vampire because it would me my fault for hurting my best friend and if that person really was my best friend, I would do anything to save them which is what Darren did.

            Darren and I differ on many decisions but in conclusion, we would both try to do the right things for the people we love, especially if it were our fault.  We would put others before ourselves.  It would be tough but we would be able to overtake it, the both of us.  

Social Issue Assignment #1- Song Analysis

Make A Wave Lyrics
[ Joe ]
Some say the beat of a butterfly's wings can set of a storm a world away

[ Demi ]
Well what if they're right in the smallest of things can power the strongest hurricane

[ Joe ]
What if it all begins inside

[ Demi ]
We hold the key that turns the tide

CHORUS
[ Both ]
just a pebble in the water

[ Demi ]
ooh

[ Both ]
can set the sea in motion

[ Demi ]
ooh

[ Both ]
a simple act of kindness

[ Joe ]
ohh

[ Both ]
can stir the widest ocean
if we show a little love
heaven knows what we could change
oh yeah
so throw a pebble in the water and make a wave
make a wave

VERSE 2
[ Demi ]
The single choice to take a stand

[ Joe ]
and reach out your hand to someone in need
( help somebody )

[ Demi ]
don't fool yourself and say you can't

[ Joe ]
you never know what can grow
from just one seed

[ Demi ]
yeahhh
http://www.elyricsworld.com/make_a_wave_lyrics_demi_lovato_and_joe_jonas.html
so come with me and seize the day
this world may never be the same

CHORUS
BRIDGE
[ Demi ]
make a wave
yea yea yea yea yeahhh

[ Joe ]
(show me all the love for the seasoning)
make me a wave

[ Demi ]
(make a wave yeahh)

[ Joe ]
(show me all the love for the seasoning)
make me a wave

[ Demi ]
(make a wave yeahh)
make a wave
heaven knows what we can change
just show little love we never know what we could change

[ Joe ]
so throw a pebble in the water

[ Both ]
make a wave
(make a wave)

Make a Wave                                                              By: Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas

            This song “Make a Wave,” sung by Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas is about helping the environment, helping others in helping the environment and helping other people in need all over the world.  The environment is bad right now and these singers are trying to encourage people to change their ways so that they can help the world they live in and even help others to help the world too.  They don’t say it directly in the song, but they use metaphors and similes to send this message to the people that are listening to this song.

            The whole idea of this song is that if you do one little thing, it can make a difference in the world and start a chain reaction of people following in these steps.  They use the example that if u throw a small pebble into the huge ocean, it is going to start out as a small wave in that area but then eventually spread out all through the ocean, making a wave, not just a small splash.  They also say that a tiny butterfly flapping its wings can start a storm far away; meaning that you helping all by yourself right now can help someone really far away and you won’t even know it.  They are trying to tell you that you hold the key to our world and the power from within you can help and change our world for the better.  The song tries to tell you that you can do it so have confidence and don’t give up because you will be giving up on someone that really needs your help.  They tell you to at least try to help, try and throw the pebble in the water and make a wave, hence the title.

            I know that this issue is very big in our world.  Bad environment and poverty in other countries?  It’s terrible.  I like how these people took the time to try and help others to change the way they are so they can help the world.  If you think about it, these singers are making a wave and starting a chain reaction with this song, an example for all of us people who want to help but don’t know how.  I feel now that there is more of a point in helping out because every bit counts and every little thing that you do will make a difference.  This is what the singers and writers are going for, this reaction that I have.  I hope that other people understand this and try to help because it doesn’t take a lot of effort. 

A Growing Bond

Dear Steve,

You are truly my best friend.  We have been through so many times together and it has made our bond stronger.  You know this whole thing we have been going through with the the Cirque Du Freak thing and Madam Octa and Van Hurston?  I am glad be have each other to confide in with it.  That's how I know you are truly my best friend.  You are the only person I can trust and I know you feel the same way about me.  I always knew you were my best friend in the whole wide world and the only person I can tell anything to just now when even though you know that what I did (stealing Madam Octa) was very wrong you are my best friend and we think alike so you made me ten times happier when you said you weren't going to say anything and when I saw the look of excitement on your face.  We are best friends and wouldn't rat each other out no matter what so it's not like the only reason why you said you weren't going to say anything was because I blackmailed you with a secret of yours.  We are both not going to say anything because friendship means trust.  We have a whole group of friends but you mean more to me than they do, our bond is more special and unique than theirs.  Also, I'm sorry about lying to you about me seeing you talking to Van Hurston and then even more for chickening out and going home.  I know you probably already know this because of that special bond we have but I just wanted to clear the air and make sure. I also know that you are sorry for not telling me but that's okay because just like we always do, we worked through it, together. One last thing: I know you knew I was lying and that something was up and I should have just gave up on the lie but you know me and knew that I wasn't going to give in no matter how bad of a liar I may be. I know I said that the statement above was the last thing but that was lie. This is the actual last thing: no matter what happens with the whole Madam Octa and Van Hurston thing I know you have my back and I have yours and if any thing happens we will get through it together and we will be okay.  But hopefully, it won't have to come own to that.

From,

Darren

Everybody has that one person in their life that they feel that they are attached to with super glue and have a special bond with.  That person stands out from the rest of your group of important people in your life.  You guys are probably alike in so many ways yet different in so many more but it doesn't matter because together and apart you guys are still one.  You guys will always have each other's back through thick and thin and it is just something that is unsaid but you both know it.  It's that person that when you have good news is the first person you go to but also when you have bad news.

In Cirque Du Freak, by Darren Shan this book has many different odd, freaky and outright scary moments for Darren (main character) and his friend, Steve that they lie to each other about things and start to distance themselves from eachother.  But when Steve steps up, they talk it out and it makes them stronger and it's better for both of them because they both need to let out their secrets.  They let it out to each other and they are all better and aren't as worried anymore about what's going to happen because now they are better together than alone all by themselves.

            I wrote this letter from Darren to Steve talking about how they get through things and basically saying how he realizes that he has met his special confidant. Instead of writing just a letter or response on some event that was easy to see, I dug deep into the book into and choose a not so obvious element: friendship.  This friendship and bond hit me right in the face and I knew that this was worth writing about.  I thought I should do it in a letter from one of the characters so you can get a look at what the characters are thinking and what I am describing in their friendhsip.  You can clearly understand now what I am talking about.  There is always something deeper in a book if you go down past the surface.

You never know when YOU will meet that person or actually realize that you have met that person.  This person can be a husband or wife, a friend, a sibling or parent that you have this special bond with.  Once you realize it,  maybe by something one of you guys do, or how you resolve a problem or the way that Darren and Steve do, then you will realize that you will always have someone by your side. You will feel safe in any situation and you will be able to deeply connect to Darren.

My Two Favorite Blogs

      My two favorite blogs for this week was Rebecca's and George's.  I felt that they both spent a lot of time on them and it shows because they both very well written.

      What I like about Becca's is that she did something unique: she compared characters from other books by the same author to what she was reading.  This was focused on one main thing: character and it wasn't lacking anything.  She stood focused and it wasn't repitive.  She compared the characters and said many different things in different ways while doing this.  She gave a lot of textual evidence that supported what she thought which helped.  Because of all of this, she convinced me of her statement and made me think new, considering I've read some of Sarah Dessen's books.  It was very organized and set up as a miniature essay. 

      What I like about George's is his comparison and professionalism.  I liked how when he compared the different books he didn't compare something common.  Instead he compared the government between the two books.  It shows, based on his textual evidence and thoughts that he pays close attention to many things.  In a way this also gives him some voice to show what he's interested in: politics and social studies.  It was also very professional and organized in a manner where there were differnet things for each paragraph and the language he used was very impressive.  Lastly, I liked how he summed up the his response briefly once again to end it off making sure that the reader and him were on the same page.

      All three responses were very well written but these two ones stuck out to me the most for different reasons.   

Acceptance

I want to be accepted
for who I really am.
And loved
for who I'm going to be.

I want you ot have my back
and be there to catch me
when I fall and
I want you to fall too.

Take risks for me
because you care and
are willing ot keep my
dangerous secrets.

I want you to be Cabel
and me to be Janie
because you know
they are there to stay

And never FADE away.

      I read (and finished) Fade by Lisa McMann.  This book, unlike what it appears to be, wasn't just about being a dream catcher.  If you were to look deep down it was much more than that.  It was about relationships and acceptance.  Janie was a dream catcher and was very delicate and fragile and always needed help because of this.  She always got help from her boyfriend, Cabel who loved her and she was grateful for that.  He knew that their future together would be difficult because she would be changing rapidly and they would not be good changes but he accepted her and loved her and never let go of her hand the whole way.

      Each and every line in this poem all came to me through events that occured in this book and I referred back to the book and this is how I created this poem.  Cabel really was by Janie's side to hold her and help her and they were together a whole and couldn't be apart.  He had her when she fell (literally).  They were more than just boyfriend and girlfriend, they were lovers and friends and that is key in a relationship along with trust.  Not in the same words, but this is what my poem is saying.

      When I use the words I and you in the poem I am not specifically talking about myself but talking about everyone because everyone wants to be accepted and they want that person like Janie had Cabel and Cabel had Janie.  It doesn't have to be a boyfriend or girlfriend but anyone such as a friend, parent, sibling etc it doesn't matter who, WHAT is what matters.  Just like you, I do want to be accepted like this and have that perfect friendship or relationship that lasts forever.

      Why a poem?  You might ask this because this appears to be a mystery book but relationships and love can be summed up the best in a poem.  This extension part that I am writing right now, you probably  won't care much for it or learn much from it but more from the poem because it is simple and short and descirbes it in few words that mean the most.  You can connect to the poem because it says everything you can't say without sounding kind of silly because its a poem.