Reflection: Final Paper

Reflection Paper/Strengths and Weakness
When it came to analyzing other authors or writers, it seemed that it opened my eyes in some ways, that I needed to look at others ways in how would be approach my audiences or others that would be reading my articles, journals, or encounters. The best way that I learned was by going by sections and seeing each one and looking at each sentence and seeing what the author is trying to say and that seemed to help me out with how I would go about with writing my papers or articles.
When it comes to the genre, I understand that things are different and times become different in general because things change, or advancements grows into reality from paper or ideas. I know that when LeGuin made her speak in the 80s, things were different now compared to then. But I know that what she said can still be put in effect today as it was back then to the students that she was talking to. It helped me out because it showed me that no matter what time they are in, it came still come into times nowadays and we can surely use it here somehow.
When it comes to the tools that I used, I really didn’t use a lot of tools because the main point or idea that I wanted to get away towards my audience was the main point and showing my point of view in general so that people could look at it a different way and see if I could swing my vote towards them in a way. I just wanted to expand the view of others in a way and show that there is not just one point of view of something, that we can look at things from a distance and not judge something in some way.
When it comes to a blog, it felt weird doing it at first since I usually don’t post things on a blog in general outside of facebook and the amount of times that I do post things so at such random times and not very often either. But other than that, it was my time a professor had ever done that in class for her students and I felt that it was very cool and interesting at the same time. I write in a way differently because I want to make others think in ways so that they can look at it and take that step back and realize what I am trying to say or getting at.
I never broke any rules when it came to a genre because if that genre was before my times, it would be really hard because I would not want to step on anyone’s toes in anyway possible or get yelled at because I was not in that particular time period.
I would have to that the different genres that we discussed and wrote about in class was very interesting and opened my eyes in a way which was a good thing but I would have to say that they really did have a profound effect on myself, my work and how I perceive things as well when it comes to looking at other authors and writers.

Strengthens and Weaknesses
As my strengths, I would have to say that my ideas are pretty good and I can write pretty good writer, everything comes to me in general like everyone else but I feel that I cram too many things into it and over shoot it sometimes
I think that I need to improve more when it comes to making my papers to become stronger and have more depth in them in ways that we can clarify it for the readers.
I feel that if I were to put more time into my writings and proofread them so that they are not so confusing for the reader. I think that I just start typing and the words are there in my brain but perhaps that are coming out too fast and I cannot keep up with in some ways. My brain works faster than my mouth can speak.
I struggle with writing because sometimes things just don’t come to me in general. I think that I need to take more writing classes to improve myself in writing papers. I have dealt with it in a where I rewrite my papers over and over to somehow make them stronger and more understandable. The improvements that I have noticed is that I can really need to start my papers early so that I can truly put forth the effort more and be able to show more information about what my topic is all about.
What I learned from this class is to be more aware of what a reader would ask when it comes to questions and you want to be able to show the readers that a way somehow and not make it so confusing for them at the same time. I will use them skills to make my papers in the future stronger, better, and not so confusing for the readers who will be reading my articles or papers in general.

Artifact 2: Opposite ends

From two different sides of the spectrum, one involves religion and the other is nature. Edward O. Wilson is writing to his counterpart in the hopes of reconciling their differences and meet at common ground. He establishes common ground between the two which is the earth.  Edward writes to a generic pastor person which is just addressing to the religion side. Wilson wants his audience to understand that him and “pastor” has common history together by displaying that he had the same faith but went a different route. “Although I no longer belong to that faith, I am confident that, if we met and spoke privately of our deepest beliefs, it would be in a spirit of mutual respect and goodwill. I know we share many precepts of moral behavior.” (Wilson, pg.1) Wilson is respecting that they are at ends with each other but there is some type of respect for one another. By establishing common ground between the two, Wilson is setting up a rogerian argument.

How do you make the connection between Religion and Science? Edward O. Wilson addresses the pastor, not about their differences, but to step up to the plate about saving their world.  Edward argued a good point about the faith for the two sides but didn’t pick any side. Wilson tried to make his audience see that he wasn’t trying to get them to share the same belief systems as he had, so just wanted the pastor to see where he was coming from. At the same time, Wilson did compliment some of the Christians values.

Wilson lays out their platforms, science and religion while justifying his own views at the same time. “You are a strict interpreter of Christian Holy Scripture; I am a secular humanist. You believe that each person’s soul is immortal, making this planet a waystation to a second, eternal life; I think heaven and hell are what we create for ourselves, on this planet”, (Wilson, pg 2).  He proclaims that their differences don’t separate them because they share the same concern, the concern of the planet

.           Wilson establish his credibility when he exhibit his stand, he is a secular humanist. He self-proclaims himself to have the acquire knowledge to hold that title. . He also set-ups a weak argument for his opponent, “Pastor” because although the pastor( religion) is mentioned, he doesn’t give him, his own voice throughout the letter. So we cannot set this argument, therefore all we have is Wilson’s argument.  The destruction of the Earth is the main concern of his, the Pastor, and all people. To come together for the benefit of a clean environment, Wilson wants them to both reach out to their community and effectively help the earth.

Wilson strategically answers all potential rebuttals in his letter to the “Pastor.”  Simply because religion and science are the two most powerful forces in the world today, and especially in the United States. If religion and science could be united on the common ground of biological conservation, the problem might soon be solved.”(Wilson, pg 3) He assumes that his counterpart would ask these questions so he answers it, considering his audience. Wilson makes a claim that he can level the field with religion since he holds the opposing sides title, the warrant. He sets up his equal stand points with rebuttals where his oppose can’t argue back.

Wilson uses the warrants that said “Scientists estimate that, if habitat-conversion and other destructive 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 by the end of the century”(Wilson, pg.3) .  He sets up a claim to shows the destruction of our planet. He is also qualified to express his views because he is a human secularist.

In Wilson’s letter, he used sympathy to pull his audience in because he explains that we all live on the earth and we should make it a better place which is a shared goal. . He is backing his views and opinions on nature to make his audience understand that the claim about saving the earth is and should be the main concern.

Science and Religion are two opposing belief systems, which share a common interest, the earth. When science reaches out to religion, Mr. Wilson writing to the Pastor, for the preserving of Earth, can the Pastor refuses this proposal? We think not, because of the support that the pastor is receiving. His will is to do good for the people, so the Pastor has to agree. Wilson is aware that his audience may not share the same views, but he does platform their views so that the audience can choose sides.  Wilson uses a rogerian argument to unite science and religion.

Artifact 1: Education to me

Education is an art of teaching. So would it be inappropriate to be taught outside of school, learning real world survival tactics? In New Orleans, a school named Our School at Blair Grocery is teaching their students to survive. The school makes profits from sales whole sale vegetables, such as okra. Dicionary.com defines,” Education is to be the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and general of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.” So there are different types of education out there, no limitations. Whether it’s institutional or agricultural, it’s still learning, just in different ways.  Is it real education if it’s not taught by the book?

My personal views are that education doesn’t have to be in a classroom to learn. There is a different from “book education” and “street education”. Book education understands the knowledge being taught by the books in classes. And street education means to know what’s really going on in your communities and communities around you. Also understanding that you have to survive and learn the realities of people.  It’s to understand the why of things.

When I was little, everything I did was by the book, I never understood why things were the way they was back then. Now as I learn that you can gain knowledge outside of school, I know that there are deeper meanings to things around you. A book can teach you how to build things, by using instructions. But for you to actually engage in the real life situations so you can get the experiences.

The school founder, Nat Turner says, “If a student wants to learn to read we’ll help them learn. If a student wants to take the GED we’ll help them prepare.” One can say this is a school within a school because not only are you learning the curriculum. You are also experiencing what real life can be.  I agreed with Nat Turner on his views of what a school could be, it’s should be endless possibilities of different types of education.

The article says, “The school seeks to “create a resource-rich safe space for youth empowerment and sustainable community development,” according to its mission. I agreed with Turner because its mission is to help the student grow in any environment. Turner is teaching his students that you don’t have to be in a classroom to learn. In the actual real world, it might not be that way. It’s being open-minded in these situations.

Society definition of education is very abstract, because it’s not saying specifically where it could be taught or different types of education. Turner and I have parallel views on what education is, and how it’s taught. I agreed that a school should educate its students on the importance of the need of their community and also of the needs for themselves, such as educating themselves in classroom and field work experiences.

Education is a key to understanding everything that is around you. The hows, whys, where, and who’s are all incorporated in to what you learn. It doesn’t necessarily have to be written in a book, or listening to a teacher. Education can be taught hands on, or experience it. Book smarts and Street smart are two different terms with very different meaning but if you can understand the surface, you can dig deeper. It is best to experience something rather just reading about it.

We Call it Music What Do You Call it? “5th Encounter”

 Luis Martinez

12/5/11

We Call it Music What Do You Call it?

In today’s society music is often criticized by many. Hip-Hop is a main target when talking about music becoming demeaning. In class I overheard a presentation of someone arguing that Hip-hop is very demeaning to woman. The artist this girl had mentioned was Common. Common is a very inspirational music writer and actor. Commons greatest musical hits have been, I used to Love her, Freedom Writers, I have a dream, along with Universal Mind Control. These songs are not demeaning to woman unless taken into the wrong context.

For example the song “I Used to Love her” by Common has been a song which has been analyzed and talked bad about. The song talks about Hip-Hop, not about woman. I used to Love her is talking about music/hip-hop not about a woman. The technique Common uses is very unique and creative. This song has made it on Hip-Hops all time top 100 music lists on “BET” and “VH1”. The message Common is trying to give to the people is that music is being destroyed and the image of music is being hurt. Common believes that music should be admired not critiqued and rappers should talk about life lessons not degrade woman or talk about how using illegal substances is cool. Music should be correctly analyzed before people fall in

This English wasn’t boring

Summer Ray
Encounter #5
Creative Blog
I learned in this class that you have to understand and analyze what the author is trying to say. To break the argument down into themes, counterarguments and also rebuttals was some of the few devices we were talk to look for in articles. If the author is making a claim, we were supposed to evaluate the purpose and to retain and recall the information provided. We formed opinions based off the author’s writing and interpreting through rebuttals. I learned what true English is. I was educated on arguments and different types of them. Examples are counter and Rogerian arguments, which both are fairly common. Rogerian Argument is establishing a common ground between two forces and still arguing for a purpose. Also a counter argument is where the author set up an opposing argument where it shows alternative which most are weak set-ups. I learned great things in my English 104 class.
Using quotes and outside source materials also help establish are our opinions. Whatever we were trying to say, or what opinion was formed, it has always been known to back up your information with quoted resources. It shows the readers that you know and understand what you are talking about. Establish credibility and using logic information makes your audience aware that you are credible in what you’re talking about.
Overall I learned that our opinions truly matter. In class, my professor often asked, “What is your opinion?” and she really wanted to know. A typical English class was learning about what the author thinks in this entire semester, while ours were forming intelligent hypnosis on materials we read in class. Being educated on creating and distinguish your own ideas was a important lesson that my English professor embedded in our lectures. I learned how to argue, intelligently and strategically using factual information and outside source material. Learning how to argue, establish credibility and creating ideas based on readings were some of the great things I learned in class.

“Adventures In 104 Wonderland”

“Adventures in 104 Wonderland”

    My journey in this English 104 class has truly been one to remember. My first day is this class, I thought to myself “ This is going to be a piece of cake. My teacher is spunky and happy to be here and my classmates aren’t. This will be interesting watching her teach them.” The second time our class met I was beyond entertained. It was only day two of class and I had already figured out Ms. Volmer’s favorite word. She would say something about an article we were reading and end her statement with “Right?” Maybe that was her way of  showing us a rhetorical question. She would say “Right?” and in my head I would say “Right!”

Another thing I found entertaining about the class were my fellow classmates. It was hilarious to come to class in the morning and see half the class in the computer lab trying to print the article that was supposed to be read the night before. Everyone would read the first couple of paragraphs and think they were good. Class started and Ms. Volmer would ask about something that the author stated towards the end of the passage and everyone who read the first paragraph would avoid all eye contact with her. Classic move! I loved how our classroom didn’t feel like a classroom. We were able to share our own ideas and question things that the teacher had said. She made the class feel openly free, if that explains anything.

I enjoyed her teaching style. I like how she would introduce something then automatically had examples ready for us even if we hesitated to ask questions. I like how she would introduce a lesson then tell us to read an article that played a part in the lesson taught. For example, we talked about format then read “Apocalypse Now” that had a completely different format from the other articles we had previously read.The only thing that didn’t get my blood pumping or spark any interest in me were the blog.I enjoy writing but the prompts seemed boring to me.  understand they had to relate to the class but MAN were they boring. ‘m the type of person who wants to write about whatever is on my mind at the time. I guess it’s a bit of a challenge for me to write about something that is required of me. That may be the reason I do not like writing papers. Overall, I enjoyed my time in this class. The only regret I have is not doing these encounters on time!

Behind the argument by Summer Ray and Jonathon Thomas

From two different sides of the spectrum, one involves religion and the other is nature. Edward O. Wilson is writing to his counterpart in the hopes of reconciling their differences and meet at common ground. He establishes common ground between the two which is the earth.  Edward writes to a generic pastor person which is just addressing to the religion side. Wilson wants his audience to understand that him and “pastor” has common history together by displaying that he had the same faith but went a different route. “Although I no longer belong to that faith, I am confident that, if we met and spoke privately of our deepest beliefs, it would be in a spirit of mutual respect and goodwill. I know we share many precepts of moral behavior.” (Wilson, pg.1) Wilson is respecting that they are at ends with each other but there is some type of respect for one another. By establishing common ground between the two, Wilson is setting up a rogerian argument.

How do you make the connection between Religion and Science? Edward O. Wilson addresses the pastor, not about their differences, but to step up to the plate about saving their world.  Edward argued a good point about the faith for the two sides but didn’t pick any side. Wilson tried to make his audience see that he wasn’t trying to get them to share the same belief systems as he had, so just wanted the pastor to see where he was coming from. At the same time, Wilson did compliment some of the Christians values.

Wilson lays out their platforms, science and religion while justifying his own views at the same time. “You are a strict interpreter of Christian Holy Scripture; I am a secular humanist. You believe that each person’s soul is immortal, making this planet a waystation to a second, eternal life; I think heaven and hell are what we create for ourselves, on this planet”, (Wilson, pg 2).  He proclaims that their differences don’t separate them because they share the same concern, the concern of the planet

.           Wilson establish his credibility when he exhibit his stand, he is a secular humanist. He self-proclaims himself to have the acquire knowledge to hold that title. . He also set-ups a weak argument for his opponent, “Pastor” because although the pastor( religion) is mentioned, he doesn’t give him, his own voice throughout the letter. So we cannot set this argument, therefore all we have is Wilson’s argument.  The destruction of the Earth is the main concern of his, the Pastor, and all people. To come together for the benefit of a clean environment, Wilson wants them to both reach out to their community and effectively help the earth.

Wilson strategically answers all potential rebuttals in his letter to the “Pastor.”  Simply because religion and science are the two most powerful forces in the world today, and especially in the United States. If religion and science could be united on the common ground of biological conservation, the problem might soon be solved.”(Wilson, pg 3) He assumes that his counterpart would ask these questions so he answers it, considering his audience. Wilson makes a claim that he can level the field with religion since he holds the opposing sides title, the warrant. He sets up his equal stand points with rebuttals where his oppose can’t argue back.

Wilson uses the warrants that said “Scientists estimate that, if habitat-conversion and other destructive 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 by the end of the century”(Wilson, pg.3) .  He sets up a claim to shows the destruction of our planet. He is also qualified to express his views because he is a human secularist.

In Wilson’s letter, he used sympathy to pull his audience in because he explains that we all live on the earth and we should make it a better place which is a shared goal. . He is backing his views and opinions on nature to make his audience understand that the claim about saving the earth is and should be the main concern.

Science and Religion are two opposing belief systems, which share a common interest, the earth. When science reaches out to religion, Mr. Wilson writing to the Pastor, for the preserving of Earth, can the Pastor refuses this proposal? We think not, because of the support that the pastor is receiving. His will is to do good for the people, so the Pastor has to agree. Wilson is aware that his audience may not share the same views, but he does platform their views so that the audience can choose sides.  Wilson uses a rogerian argument to unite science and religion.

We must be as one

 

 

 

We chose Edward O. Wilson’s “Apocalypse Now” which is about a biologist imaging that he is writing a letter to southern Baptist pastor. Throughout the letter he talks about religion and science. How mankind was created and what to believe in, many scientist and religious people disagree with the topic and how the Earth came about. If man was evolution or did God created us. Wilson points out that the planet Earth is for both science and religious people. The Earth’s biosphere is being destroy and that’s one thing both sides and agree on. In the letter, he is basically saying that both sides can stop arguing and fighting together to keep the Earth. We think this is an identification of a thesis because he is leading up to his argument of how he and his pastor have different views. He is leading up to explaining how he feels and this sentence is a brief summary of what he is going to talk about.

Wilson explains if religion and science could be united on the common ground of biological conservation, the problem might soon be solved. He mentions that Scientists estimate if habitat-conversion and other destructive 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 by the end of the century. The problem is earth O-zone layer is being destroyed by human being. The pollution, factories, and smoke are killing the Mother Nature. Wilson wants to set aside the differences between science and religion for saving the planet earth.  This fact related to his claim because in his claim he was asking his pastor for help because the living nature is in deep trouble and although he and his pastor have different views on things he wanted to come together and put those views aside so they can talk about what is happening in today’s world.   He takes the first step and acknowledges the pastor then explains he needs help. “Pastor, we need your help.” This quote is the explaining how Wilson is reaching out for help. The pastor has more power than any scientist. In the letter, Wilson says that the National Association of Evangelicals has 30 million members. Wilson can’t reach the people like a pastor can. A pastor can spread the word to others about protecting the earth. In the letter Wilson stress on how the living nature is in deep trouble. I deem that Edward’s intended audiences are people from different religions. Although everyone from different religions believe in different things, when it comes to nature and world disasters, we should put differences aside and work together to make this world a better place and to help stop extinction of our species and to just live in a peaceful planet.

As the letter goes on, Wilson explains why he believes in science instead of religion. Wilson argues “You are a strict interpreter of Christian holy scripture. I am a secular humanist. You believe that each person’s soul is immortal, making this planet a way station to a second, eternal life, I think heaven and hell are what we create four ourselves on this planet.” In the passage Wilson says, “According to science, in contrast, humans descended from apish ancestors; our origin was basically no different from that of other animals, played out over geological time through a tortuous route of mutation and environmentally driven natural selection.” We felt that Wilson rubs that in the pastor face and staring to become a bit of a jerk. At first he was extremely humble and was asking for help. “Science says that, as far as verifiable evidence tells, we are alone, and what significance we have is therefore of our own making.” Now Wilson is trying to get his point across why you should believe in science. He starts to talk about Darwin and the Origin of Species.  Wilson was trying to act like science has an upper hand on religion. Even though Wilson was acting like a jerk yet he stills need help. “Indeed, despite all that divides science from religion, there is good reason to hope that an alliance on environmental issues is possible.”

Wilson talks about how evangelicals interest in the environment and are a part of organizations. He wants the pastor to be like some of the religious leaders that supports biological things. The writer continues to inform the pastor that other churches and religions are involved in helping humanity. He starts by naming the involved churches and listing how they’ve helped. For example, he states: In the United States, the umbrella National Religious Partnership for the environment works with evangelical groups and other prominent organizations, including the U.S conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Council of Churches of Christ, and the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life. (Wilson page 6). The writer is informing the pastor that although they have some differences, the writer is willing to settle them just to save humanity. Wilson wants to show that it is not just him who is settling the differences; it is other churches as well because they are willing to help humanity, even if people do not believe in their faith. He wants the pastor to be well aware of the argument that one should take care of earth and try to save it.

After reading this passage this reminds me of A Non-Euclidean View of California as a Cold Place to Be by Ursula K. Le Guin. Le Guin uses tons of sources from authors, anthropologists, and so on. She talks about the difference on a Utopia from western civilization and the eastern side. All throughout the essay she use narrative but changes it up to a counter argument. Wilson shares this same format but different concept.  The format being people have different views on things, meaning peoples values and beliefs. Wilson uses science and religion as a concept in his article.  Le Guin uses sources to get her point across about a perfect world also know as a utopia. Wilson uses the same style to get his point across like Le Guin. Wilson continue on using statistics and examples of other religions group that support biology. He is using sources like Le Guin to make the pastor comfortable. Also, I believe he is using other sources so he can be creditable too. Whereas Le Guin uses utopia as the concept of  his article, so these two different authors using the same idea of what and how their paper is, but one uses religion and science, while the other one using people perspective on after-life or how they expect a certain idea or ideal thing to be portrayed as.

Overall, Wilson’s letter to the pastor is a success because he got his message out. We have discussed what the main points of Wilson argument were, which was to help save the earth by using the pastor as sponsor.  Along with compare his works to another writer and say the similarities and differences between the two. This was clever idea because a pastor has more power and connections then a biologist. The pastor is the man of the Lord and wouldn’t want the Earth to be at harm. By Wilson telling him what’s happening to the planet, the pastor will take over. Using sources and being friendly convince the pastor to help. Stressing the world is at risk also had a big part in it. Wilson voice and writing style close the deal with convincing the pastor to help science. At the end of the day, Wilson just wanted science and the bible to be able to exist in the same conversation.

 

Authors:

Tyler Moorehead

Karina Renteria

Amanda Iglesias

Hip-Hop as a musical melting pot is still evolving

            Hip-Hop was coined by Kool DJ Herc which this new genre began in the streets of Bronx, New York. “As rap music spread throughout the urban community of New York, many people began to use it as a form of expression that offered unlimited boundaries.” (Bey, pg.1) Now it’s evolving into to sex/drugs/money lyrics that are displayed in the media. Back then, it was all about expressing one’s self with variety of wordplays. While we see that Hip-Hop is ever so changing, we need to look at it from a different scale. The lyrics in most Hip-Hop songs are more abstract and blunt, where as in the late 1970’s (the beginning of the Hip-Hop era) you see them use more vivid and appealing lyrics which was very censored back then.  I believe that Hip-Hop has changed for the worse.

As I said in the previous paragraph, Hip-Hop is being showed in today’s times as if it’s all about money, sex and drugs.  Somewhere down the line, Hip-Hop lost it’s purpose along the way. It wasn’t about image when it started and now that is the main agenda.  In the late 1970’s, he young artists used to rap outside by the park or basketball court after school. The artist said things off the top of their heads, that was witty and appropriate.  Today’s Hip-Hop, artists are in studios where they can work on their raps, with alcohol/drugs, and a entourage. It’s always a trend being set or even new music to listen to.

Sugarhill Gang was the first to be established and started the foundation to what we see today. After SugarHill Gang and Grandmaster Flash, people began to see the potential in this growing industry. Once it reached the West Coast, they began to evolved Hip-Hop into Gangster rap. KRS-One states “Hip-Hop is something you live, and Rap is something you do” In the west coast, many groups formed like NWA, which they expressed their feelings toward people of authority such as the police. Often around this time, Hip-Hop and Rap were expressing how they were oppressed.

Also another rapper that rose from the West Coast was Tupac Shakur, who depicted the exact image of what “gangster rap” was, back then. He showed what the struggle in the back communities, and showing how corrupt America was. Shakur spoke out agains anything that was oppressing him as well, and putting that into his music.

Today’s Hip-Hop will never be what it used to be. The meanings have changed. Lil Wayne can take partial blame for this. He says anything that comes to his mind and put in a song. It’s not expressing yourself anymore. It became more abstract because people are not talking about real issues anymore. Rappers today are so stuck on saying things off the top of the head, then really saying whats the top issue you face.

Hip-Hop is a genre that is evolving from expressing one’s self to saying things that seem cool. While we look up to this year’s hottest rappers, we need to attribute that real Hip-Hop rappers were the one that had real issues to talk about. I don’t know if DJ Kool Herc would appreciate how Hip-Hop has ended up, but I say Blame Lil Wayne. Hip-Hop has changed from concrete to abstract lyrics.

revise article 1

Me&HER(revise)

The concept of self shows that every person is an individual and has unique traits, that make them who they are. I do agree that “self” defines our (people) personality, but self does not fully describe who we are. What makes a person whole is how their body, mind, and souls are combined. Part of me is made up of; I am loveable, out-going, smart, love chocolate, love to eat when bored, and so many more things. However, what makes me unique is the way these characteristic are combined with other aspects of me, such as my values and beliefs. Thus, as portrayed in performer Eve Ensler’s speech, “My Body” a person is define by the way their mind, body, and soul work together.

In the speech, “My Body” by Eve Ensler’s, Ensler’s shows how the mind, body, and soul determine the way we think about things. In an excerpt Ensler’s said;

“For a long time, there was me and my body. Me was composed of stories, of cravings, of strivings, of desires of the future. Me was trying not to be an outcome of my violent past, but the separation that had already occurred between me and my body was a pretty significant outcome. Me was always trying to become something, somebody. Me only existed in trying. My body was often in the way.”

Key word: ME. She used the word me about six times in her speech. To describe the things that made parts of herself. She talks about how she had told past events by the marks on her body. I agree with Eve Ensler’s paragraph on parts of herself because, as her speech continues on, she tells what makes the rest of her as a whole. But in this excerpt she explains that self is what prolongs our lives even after we die. It speaks for us by forensics. She stated that the marks on her body will tell the stories that she has been through.

“Thing that I love about Ensler’s speech, “My body,” is how she used the language to express herself, meaning her mind, body, and soul combined. I use language by writing poetry to express my emotions. My poem “Hoping its Dream,” by me expresses how I felt at one point in my life.”

                                                  “Hoping its Dream”

                                                 I wish I could wake-up

I wish I could know

I wish this was made-up

I wish this will not be shown

As though I hoped it was dream

It became my biggest fear

My family nightmare

Almost near

Not knowing how they will act

Knowing this is a fact

Not fiction

But a serious condition

That will change everything

Scared to death scared of what I might lose

Hopefully they can accept what they see.

Hopefully they can accept me…

This is my self and this is how I expressed my feelings, along with my mind. My mind meaning if my parents did not accept what was to come of me than my mind would be lost and confused.  I am not an expert in poetry but it is one of my characteristic of myself. Eve Ensler’s uses her own way to express herself in her speech, “My body” She does not use poetry like I do, but she uses a different way. She does not come straight out and say “I am sad,” she expresses it through objects and many other things.

“I heard stories that got inside my body. I heard about a little girl who couldn’t stop peeing on herself because so many grown soldiers had shoved themselves inside her. I heard an 80 year-old woman whose legs were broken and pulled out of her sockets and twisted up on her head as the soldiers raped her like that. There are thousands of these stories. And many of the women had holes in their bodies—holes, fistula—that were the violation of war—holes in the fabric of their souls. These stories saturated my cells and nerves. And to be honest, I stopped sleeping for three years.”

Eve Ensler’s first sentence stated,

“I heard stories that got inside my body.”

She means she felt the people’s pain who were hurt, or had a tragic thing happen to them.  She expresses her feelings through the stories that she heard.  Using her own characteristics made her audience feel other people’s pain and open people’s eyes on reality. The thing that Eve Enslers and I share is we both use writing to express our self. I have discussed what self as a whole is, shared what makes me a whole, and compared myself to Eve Enslers.

As the performer Eve Enslers speech, “My Body” continues she finally concludes what makes her a whole. In an excerpt she quotes;

“What I learned is it has to do with attention and resources that everybody deserves. It was advocating friends and a doting sister. It was wise doctors and advanced medicine and surgeons who knew what to do with their hands. It was underpaid and really loving nurses. It was magic healers and aromatic oils. It was people who came with spells and rituals. It was having a vision of the future and something to fight for, because I know this struggle isn’t my own. It was million prayers. It was a thousand hallelujahs and million oms. It was a lot of anger, insane humor, a lot attention, outrage. It was energy, love and joy. It was all these things. It was all these things. It was all these things in the water, in the world, in my body.”

What made Ensler a whole is the rest of her body; her mind, body, and soul combined.  She went from having her body being separated from her and only see part of her characteristics, to how her body, mind, and soul made her complete. The concept of self shows that every person is an individual and has unique traits, that make them who they are. And whole is what completes self by having it connect to mind, body, and soul. I showed a part of myself and provided examples to give a better understanding. I also showed how performer Eve Ensler is with herself and also provide examples to get a better understanding as well.