Trust None.

Some say keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Indeed! I go by the motto “trust none” except for God and Family. Although, never knowing when a family member will be at their all time low they can also cross you depending on the circumstances at hand. Never set yourself up for failure because guess what….in the end if you get played then you’re the one who’s going to be boo who crying asking yourself  “Why?” or “How Could They?” Plain and simple don’t set yourself up for failure.

Just think about it, it’s probably easier to call your enemies you’re friend because you will already know that they will stab you in the back or look for ways to hurt you. Hey, at least you will be ready and alert! Don’t ever say I warned you because the people that always say they got you’re back be the first ones to leave in a fucked up situation….and you know it’s true because it has happened to you! Hell, if they didn’t leave they sure as heck thought about it. Although, if no one else can make you happy you have to learn how to make yourself happy. That’s also what I go by. Depend on no one and you will not get hurt. Truth be told!

Looking Back On My Reflections

 Analyzing different audiences can affect writers and their work. Personally as a writer, I know that when an individual writes they have to have an idea to whom their audience will be or to whom they are trying to address before they begin the intended narrative. Analyzing different styles of writing the writer must take into consideration their audiences’ sex, age, education level, what they expect the reader to take away from the reading and what they are offering to the reader.

While noticing the numerous different types of audiences it has affected my writing by becoming a more adhesive and self proclaimed writer. I have learned to become more discrete while choosing not only my audience but also my topic for whom I chose to associate with. A person has to take into contemplation what their reader will know on an educational base. They have to think about what their reader might expect to see throughout the writing and what the reader might question, providing facts to back up an argument and the purpose as to why they are writing.

 The genre of a piece of writing impact’s how a writer should organize a paper due to the fact as to what genre it is and how they should break up the information on what they are discussing. For example, if it a genre based on fiction the writer can break a paper into four sections. Section one pertaining the author’s story, section two going into deeper depth to make a story realistic. Section three and four to give back up information from the first and second section allowing the reader to become more enthused into the writer’s narrative. Although, to write a narrative based on fiction I as the writer have to first determine who my initial crowd is (adults, young children etc.). Then from there I can develop a story based outline.

 Numerous rhetorical devices always include a genre, the writer’s word choices, implicit detail/attitude and a point of view to whom is being targeted. Ways I have used rhetorical tools were when writing narratives so that I can be the narrator and say exactly what I want with a certain style intended. For example, as the saying goes “Peter Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers” is an example of alliteration, assonance and consonance. Although, in most papers I tend to write rhetorical devices on metaphors comparing to such things and even on onomatopoeias’ which are words to describe sounds like “buzz” or “clack”. I know that my rhetorical devices are based on the types of audiences that I write to such as I would use onomatopoeias’ for young children to add excitement.

 Writing for a blog has perceived me because there is always someone on a blog site that has feedback consisting of negative or positive inflection to what a writer has to say. Knowing this type of information, it gave me the insight that all comments are to help a writer and that most times a person is going to have something to say. Readers tend to agree to disagree because they feel as if their comment is needed and will be right. “While noticing several blog posts towards college students another writer will always have feedback on the material that they have just read but only some will have enough courage and heart to say exactly what they feel. While reading numerous posts a person may get about 2 out of 10 people who will solely speak their minds on what they feel holding nothing back.” A blog post written by me firmly stating my opinion as to what readers felt was accurate.

 Throughout all papers, encounters, blog posts and articles that I have written as a writer I think that I have broken the rules of genre more than likely at least twice. See, the way I think I feel as if to become a writer posting papers via internet I have to an abstract way of thinking ideas through. Saying, I tend to look at most situations from the back door, which most writers tend not to do. I look at numerous situations at a completely different angle asking several questions within the topic itself. I feel as if doing things such as this nature allows me to become a better and more experienced writer at hand. For instance, the encounters we have posted throughout the English semester had a sort of twist to it. A reader could give their opinion in a negative or positive way while the reader could give their opinion in a negative or positive way while the writer could ask questions within their work, agree and disagree with their own topic or even go completely off subject all while connecting the two in the end. On the other hand, while doing peer reviews the reader that consisted of the student had to act as the teacher. Sticking strictly grammar and other rules, they had to peer edit one’s work allowing it to become a great paper including suggestions of adding rhetorical devices and to whom they direct their audience to.

Strengths & Weaknesses

 Throughout the English writing course I have come to know that my strengths as a writer are coming up with brilliant ideas, thinking outside of the box while discussing topics, paraphrasing given information and relating things to my paper. I utilized my strengths and used it to my advantage by expanding my paper on the things that I was most comfortable with. Doing this allowed me to see things in an entire different perspective than usual. While in English 104 we were given the opportunity to discuss and write a paper on almost anything. Also using this to my advantage I had written my last and final article on how “Hip Hop Has Evolved”. Knowing numerous amounts of information and also being a hip hop listener personally I was indeed on the right path to inform and argue the fact that hip hop evolved over time for the worst.

One imperative thing that I did this semester was not always being stuck in only one style of writing. I learned how to open up my eyes to several new ideas that can not only help me as a writer but also allow me to write as a writer from a different perspective. It allows me to see how other writers look at certain situations and give ideas and feedbacks to my own piece of my work. It has helped me question myself, argue with myself and sometimes even disagree thinking to myself “What would my readers think of this piece of writing?”

Although, when a writer has strengths they also have weaknesses or particularly things that they struggle with. Personally, I know I tend to struggle with run-on sentences or in other words prolonging my information into an exceptionally long sentence. Knowing that this is not an entirely bad habit I am learning to get away from the run-ons while also expanding my work at the same time. While writing papers for several classes I have dealt with this issue by simply proofreading my material out loud after I have completed an article. Doing this enhances my skills to realize when I am liable of and how not only my mistakes that I have made but the paper in general will sound to my readers. Also, while in English 104 there was a lot of discussion. Taking this with me in the long run throughout life I will utilize the skills of agreeing/disagreeing what I feel is right, I will begin to question information that I once didn’t and I will also broaden my insight on more than one particular style of writing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artifact 2: Hip Hop is F*#!@D UP.

In the world today when it comes to the “hip hop” industry there are numerous amounts of trends that have taken place. An artist receives its recognition or number of plays for a given song due to how they tend to catch they’re listeners attention. When a person thinks of catching they’re listener’s attention they think of something that mainly everyone can relate to. In today’s society most people can relate to either sex, drugs or downgrading women to a point where others can think it is cool or acceptable.

One of the songs that had been at the top of the list on the chart was by rapper named Ludacris with a song title of “How Low Can You Go”. If you really think about the lyrics it was everything that you could imagine; and yes it was dealing with a female! “She can go lower than you ever thought she could” is a verse from this song as he demeans women. Although there is negativity in the song do not think twice about no one listening to it. With a catchy theme, nice music and an artist who has rank in the industry the overall message goes completely out the window for those exact reasons.

In my eyes this shows me that not only the hip hop world but society is really fucked up due to what catches our attention. Instead of saluting all of the positive reinforcements we go straight towards what has the most rank. The artists promoting the music or the catchy slogans in their songs; don’t get me wrong, not saying that all music promotes this type of negativity but it is what sells the most. Although, I do wish that such songs that support would get more rank than anything. Said best by Bakari Aki II “It is easy to write or comment about the negative aspects of hip-hop music because controversy and infamy has proven to be a hot seller in this society. But, hip-hop artists who rap positively or about political, social or economic empowerment receive scant attention.”

Just think about it, when teens talk with they’re friends they usually talk about something that would pursue others attention….Don’t you think?! It could be discussing last night’s party, what kind of liquor they had or even what kinds of clothes a female wore to attract the opposite sex so that she would get attention. Wellllll, at least in my eyes and several others around me that I know of this and other similar topics is what the discussion is mainly about. G this though; I’m not saying that all are talking about this topic or something similar but it’s what gets most people’s attention. Think what you want to think I’m just putting what other people often look past in everyday life out on paper!

Artifact 1: Changes Of Wilson

“Apocalypse Now” deciphers a letter between a Scientist and a Christian. Known from two different worlds, trying to come together and reconcile their differences. Edward O. Wilson establishes his credibility by writing a letter to one whom he antagonizes. The antagonist in which is a preacher, battling the option of common grounds Wilson tries to prove to his readers that both him and the preacher are friends; although they have not yet met “Dear Pastor, we have not met, yet I feel know you well enough to call you a friend” (Wilson,1). Wilson then explains the reason for which the letter is being established setting up a Rogerian Argument Wilson begins to build his argument.

Religion and science are two strong forces that can either be self-possessed or adversaries. In Edward Wilson’s letter of argument he neither states his side. Continuing on with the argument Edward begun to change up his words and talk somewhat religious to the pastor. Establishing his credibility by speaking religious he gives off a message, “yes this scientist does indeed know what he is talking about” in his reader’s eyes. He wants to prove to his readers his credibility of his religious side. “Every great religion offers mercy and charity to the poor” (Wilson, 10). All while tying in how the earth can benefit of two working together as one, “the poor of the world, of whom nearly a billion exist in the poverty trap of absolute destitution, are concentrated in the developing countries—-the home of 80 percent of the world’s population and most of Earth’s biodiversity” (Wilson, 10).

Wilson has the benefit of building both a robust and frail argument. Strong for the aspect of trying to take a stand and help the environment, knowing that it will eventually become worse due to today’s technology. “Scientists estimate that if habitat-conversation and other deconstructive human activities continue at their present rates, half the species of plants and animals on earth could be either gone or at least fated for early extinction.” (Wilson, 3). Wilson takes on the initiative to address the pastor, knowing that he has supremacy and major influences on the public. Overall, Wilson does not limit the letter to the pastor but to all religious and scientific views hoping to see the uplifting opportunities in order to solve these environmental disputes. “The fact that is that environmental activists cannot succeed without you and your followers as allies” (Wilson, 9).

In other views, Wilson takes on a weak approach of how the argument was forced. Forced? Wondering Why? The argument had become weak for the reason that Edward O. Wilson hadn’t given the preacher; with such power a voice to speak. Wilson, whom knows ample amounts about science writes everything out in a letter. Although, he wants them to be on the same platforms consisting of point of views pertaining to religion and earth how can they when Wilson abruptly forced the situation at the pastor through a letter? Yes, a letter can become more personal but how can the preacher defend and speak on these situations himself when there is no voice of him? The only thing left is the scientist’s (Wilson’s) argument.

Wilson forces the issue that not only the pastor but the pastor’s community and Wilson’s community needs to do something about the earth. Compelling sympathy within his arguments sets a tone that the earth should be the main focus. It should be healthy and come together as one; scientific views and religious views.

Religion and science are two powerful opposing subjects in the world today. Various people believe in a higher being that has come upon us and creating such an atmosphere. While on the other hand, there is science in which has contradicted such beliefs of the community to take a look and observe certain situations on an entirely different aspect level. Writing out to the pastor enforces that the issue is indeed serious. With a rogerian approach Wilson feels the need that imaginary pastor cannot refuse for the reason that it is to help out the people. Preserving the earth while using a religion and scientific based argument sets up a platform for the readers that the share different views but puts both out in the letter so that we as readers can understand where Wilson is coming from.

Agree To Disagree

Throughout the college campus while numerous college students wrote narratives, articles and even papers based on facts, a person always either critiqued their work or another’s student work. When I say critique I literally mean what that individual could have written to make a narrative, article or a paper based on what they may think is better information. Students wanted to improvise a student’s imperfections making them into somewhat perfections. Although, sometimes a writer does not like to be told from another’s perspective how they should make their narrative to become better, literally feeling as if “their way is the best way”. Although, not liking what others have to say writers will tend to listen to other writers seeing what good information they can bring to the table.

While noticing several blog posts towards college students another writer will always have feedback on the material that they have just read but only some will have enough courage and heart to say exactly what they feel. While reading numerous posts a person may get about 2 out of 10 people who will solely speak their minds on what they feel holding nothing back. While you have the majority or will either just not comment or make up a false accusation directing a comment towards the writer saying that they really enjoyed their post. Why do this might you ask? People do this half the time just to avoid the possibility of confrontation due to the fact that you do have individuals who will speak up for their writings trying to hold their ground that the best way of writing is how they wrote it with no if, and’s or but’s. In other words, i feel as if a person should agree to disagree for the simple fact that everyone has their own unique ways of writing and everyone thinks that their way is the best!

 

Changes Of Wilson

“Apocalypse Now” deciphers a letter between a Scientist and a Christian. Known from two different worlds, trying to come together and reconcile their differences. Edward O. Wilson establishes his credibility by writing a letter to one whom he antagonizes. The antagonist in which is a preacher, battling the option of common grounds Wilson tries to prove to his readers that both him and the preacher are friends; although they have not yet met “Dear Pastor, we have not met, yet I feel know you well enough to call you a friend” (Wilson,1). Wilson then explains the reason for which the letter is being established setting up a Rogerian Argument Wilson begins to build his argument.

Religion and science are two strong forces that can either be self-possessed or adversaries. In Edward Wilson’s letter of argument he neither states his side. Continuing on with the argument Edward begun to change up his words and talk somewhat religious to the pastor. Establishing his credibility by speaking religious he gives off a message, “yes this scientist does indeed know what he is talking about” in his reader’s eyes. He wants to prove to his readers his credibility of his religious side. “Every great religion offers mercy and charity to the poor” (Wilson, 10). All while tying in how the earth can benefit of two working together as one, “the poor of the world, of whom nearly a billion exist in the poverty trap of absolute destitution, are concentrated in the developing countries—-the home of 80 percent of the world’s population and most of Earth’s biodiversity” (Wilson, 10).

Wilson has the benefit of building both a robust and frail argument. Strong for the aspect of trying to take a stand and help the environment, knowing that it will eventually become worse due to today’s technology. “Scientists estimate that if habitat-conversation and other deconstructive human activities continue at their present rates, half the species of plants and animals on earth could be either gone or at least fated for early extinction.” (Wilson, 3). Wilson takes on the initiative to address the pastor, knowing that he has supremacy and major influences on the public. Overall, Wilson does not limit the letter to the pastor but to all religious and scientific views hoping to see the uplifting opportunities in order to solve these environmental disputes. “The fact that is that environmental activists cannot succeed without you and your followers as allies” (Wilson, 9).

In other views, Wilson takes on a weak approach of how the argument was forced. Forced? Wondering Why? The argument had become weak for the reason that Edward O. Wilson hadn’t given the preacher; with such power a voice to speak. Wilson, whom knows ample amounts about science writes everything out in a letter. Although, he wants them to be on the same platforms consisting of point of views pertaining to religion and earth how can they when Wilson abruptly forced the situation at the pastor through a letter? Yes, a letter can become more personal but how can the preacher defend and speak on these situations himself when there is no voice of him? The only thing left is the scientist’s (Wilson’s) argument.

Wilson forces the issue that not only the pastor but the pastor’s community and Wilson’s community needs to do something about the earth. Compelling sympathy within his arguments sets a tone that the earth should be the main focus. It should be healthy and come together as one; scientific views and religious views.

Religion and science are two powerful opposing subjects in the world today. Various people believe in a higher being that has come upon us and creating such an atmosphere. While on the other hand, there is science in which has contradicted such beliefs of the community to take a look and observe certain situations on an entirely different aspect level. Writing out to the pastor enforces that the issue is indeed serious. With a rogerian approach Wilson feels the need that imaginary pastor cannot refuse for the reason that it is to help out the people. Preserving the earth while using a religion and scientific based argument sets up a platform for the readers that the share different views but puts both out in the letter so that we as readers can understand where Wilson is coming from.

Hip Hop is F*#!@D UP .

In the world today when it comes to the “hip hop” industry there are numerous amounts of trends that have taken place. An artist receives its recognition or number of plays for a given song due to how they tend to catch they’re listeners attention. When a person thinks of catching they’re listener’s attention they think of something that mainly everyone can relate to. In today’s society most people can relate to either sex, drugs or downgrading women to a point where others can think it is cool or acceptable.

One of the songs that had been at the top of the list on the chart was by rapper named Ludacris with a song title of “How Low Can You Go”. If you really think about the lyrics it was everything that you could imagine; and yes it was dealing with a female! “She can go lower than you ever thought she could” is a verse from this song as he demeans women. Although there is negativity in the song do not think twice about no one listening to it. With a catchy theme, nice music and an artist who has rank in the industry the overall message goes completely out the window for those exact reasons.

In my eyes this shows me that not only the hip hop world but society is really fucked up due to what catches our attention. Instead of saluting all of the positive reinforcements we go straight towards what has the most rank. The artists promoting the music or the catchy slogans in their songs; don’t get me wrong, not saying that all music promotes this type of negativity but it is what sells the most. Although, I do wish that such songs that support would get more rank than anything. Said best by Bakari Aki II “It is easy to write or comment about the negative aspects of hip-hop music because controversy and infamy has proven to be a hot seller in this society. But, hip-hop artists who rap positively or about political, social or economic empowerment receive scant attention.”

Just think about it, when teens talk with they’re friends they usually talk about something that would pursue others attention….Don’t you think?! It could be discussing last night’s party, what kind of liquor they had or even what kinds of clothes a female wore to attract the opposite sex so that she would get attention. Wellllll, at least in my eyes and several others around me that I know of this and other similar topics is what the discussion is mainly about. G this though; I’m not saying that all are talking about this topic or something similar but it’s what gets most people’s attention. Think what you want to think I’m just putting what other people often look past in everyday life out on paper!

Self with No Meaning

Eve Ensler’s “Ted Talk” associates oneself between the occurrences of self and body.  Deeper in thought, separating her body from herself as if it were two. Ensler’s concept relates to oneself throughout the narrative telling a more complex story of her life; her struggles and the implication behind each.
Throughout Eve Ensler’s narrative she indirectly and directly connects the situations to either her life or her in general.  “I worried that if I took my hat off I wouldn’t be here anymore”. Ensler indirectly makes a statement in the second paragraph about her hat; as if she was using “something” to hide who she was or even define who she was. At this point in Eve’s narrative, she altered who she could have been into someone that was little to nothing.  There was no “self” at this point only something that had often to exist. “Me only existed in the trying. My body was often in the way”.
Self was no topic in the narrative; although Eve had been fascinated with what other women had. Making a statement, “It scared me, it energized me, and then I became a driven person, a driven vagina”. She indirectly denies her body once again but publically states while talking of her vagina to others. Apprising, it shows how Eve could care less about her self but is ecstatic and indignant of how other women had been once misused in their past. Putting other women on a pedestal all while she is at the bottom with low self-esteem and no standards.
Ensler began to find herself, showing growth belonging to her body and herself as one. Noticing feelings, Eve compared her temple to something so significant that she had once undermined and taken advantage of. “I suddenly understood that the crisis in my body was the crisis in the world”. Apprehending the subliminal text that Ensler stated, I believe as if she had finally come to the realization that different situations happen in the world that one can or cannot control; good or bad. The better she understands that unintentional circumstances happen the better she will find and respect herself and her body as a whole.
Associating personal experiences of self within me, as an individual I profoundly understand where Eve Ensler is coming from; not knowing who she was to becoming someone with a stable mind frame. One’s very own definition of the meaning “self” in my words would intentionally be a person who has ups and downs in their life, intentionally losing themselves all while being able to find their own way out of the darkness. You are the backbone for yourself, expecting no one to help you. Every part of a woman’s body is a part of “self” in my book. A woman’s legs can define that she is “sexy”, her frame or physique can read that she is beautiful or even give off a low self-esteem or state of confusion. The clothes that a woman wears can reveal her “outer-self”. Heavy clothes resembles a sense of insecurity while showing a little shoulder or legs brings to the mind a sense of bliss and contentment within you’re self.
Once a point in my life, I went through a phase of dealing with “outer-self” I would wear shorts underneath pants, pants underneath joggings. Tank-tops underneath t-shirts, t-shirts underneath long-sleeves and long-sleeves underneath sweaters. It was strange. See the thing was, I felt as if I had no clothes but was infused with an enormous amount of anger, antagonism and sadness. As I would call them “things” at this point in my life made my insides remorsefully searing. My inner self felt empty and lonely. I didn’t know where to go or what to do; I was trapped in a body that wasn’t mines. I find it crazy, unlike Ensler I knew who I was but that person who I remembered seemed to be trapped in the dark without an unlocked door to flee through.
It was a death in the family, it felt like mines, except it wasn’t me! My grandfather had passed. I then hurt my body like Ensler once hurt hers, I wouldn’t eat and I would often stay under the covers all day; as if it was a shield separating myself from everything else around me. Asking myself, “why and how could this have happened to me?” “How could I come back from it? Where is the light to my tunnel?” Growing from nothing, I used the advocates of my friends and family feeding off of their positive energy. I then found a little light from my tunnel, running with it. I then noticed that the clothes I once had wore became less heavy day by day. I started to show a little more skin and I grew from my downfalls.
Comparing self from Eve’s experience to my very own, I now understand where she in indirectly and directly coming from. Every female goes through trials and tribulations at one point or another. It may be different battles  but the only thing that matters is how that woman has defined who her new “self” is after she has found the key to unlock the previous troubles.

Looking Inside Twitter Itself

Twitter also known as a social network for many; the nature of the conversation will definitely fluctuate. Any individual who is signed up for twitter can tweet (make a post) about what they are doing, how they feel or just random thoughts throughout ones day. Usually dealing with a social network via Twitter there aren’t any comments; although the reader reading the mediator’s post can chose to “reply” or “retweet” ones tweets if they feel the need to give their inner thoughts. A social network such as Twitter allows a person to create their own background picture, font color, social network name etc. basically defining a person for who they really are through the web. Therefore, defining who a person is via web will attract others whom may think similar as they do or vice versa setting the tone of your blog.

Some will say, the more followers you have the more relevance you have on this social network due to the fact that you are grabbing the attention of others with what you post. In order to comment one must make an account like any other online site such as Yahoo or Google Mail revealing a name, email address, leaving a photograph, short biography and city; optional if wanted. Depending on the type of information a person posts on their blog such as provocative pictures or foul words for example may acquire a certain type of unwanted or disturbing crowd. Ultimately, I believe a few guidelines for great web commenting is to post things that go on throughout life that individuals can either agree or disagree on or find outrageous relations that others may not know trying to reel them in and get certain feedback.

Helmer’s Light.

The year is now 2021, I feel my eyes slightly awakening upon the sunlight that begins to peak through my window. The appealing blue jay birds chirping upon my window seal and the sound of their sweet mellow voice fills the air bringing happiness into my heart, as if it were as bright as the sun’s smile. The sweet Georgia-Peach smell of the air fills my lungs and attacks my body with such an sensational sweet euphoric taste. Walking down the street to the Radio Station where I work as a radio broadcaster, the wind blowing softly upon my ears as if it were a warm melody. Bringing peace within myself and the biggest smile upon my face, the sunflowers catch my eyes with its abundant shades of yellow; swaying back and forth so gently.

A stranger then approaches. His facial expression seems to come off as if this individual were lost within sweet Atlanta’s Georgia peach smell. It was as if he knew me from another life, knowing numerous amounts of information about me, holding a conversation as if we were once best friends. I soon began to contemplate to myself how I am a radio tv broadcaster and people will often know information pertaining to me. In my eyes Helmer resembled a guy with gorgeous hazel eyes, light brownish hair. He was a tall masculine man with the appearance of a homeless person and the strong aroma smell of onions. I knew I could help Helmer out but when he fixed his lips to speak the only question that came out was “Are You Happy?” My actions were sooo scrambled as if it resembled some sort of jigsaw puzzle. Inquisitive with a pause, I answered Helmer’s question and said “yes, I am very content”. Little did I know Helmer was here for a reason.

As I began to intermingle with him I soon gained the knowledge that his name meant strong warrior. It was something about this stranger who I just met that utterly made me feel safe, as if I was under God’s wing himself. Thinking that I would be the one to help him but in all reality he was here for me before I was even approached. Everything that I thought was oh soo bright from the sunlight peeking through my window seal to the sunflowers that swayed so gently back and forth was my stranger; Helmer.

It was as if everything that was so bright and sunny was a dream because in all reality it was gloomy, in resemblance to me driving down a long dark road until this particular light had approached. In 2021, a life changing moment with a stranger soon opened my eyes, which were once blinded from traveling down an obscure dark road, from what I once thought was all happiness; into the light of a stranger who was known as a strong warrior. Someone, something bringing the best out of me an individual named Helmer.