bastille day, used to mean nothing to me until this summer when there was 2 french rommates in the tke house. at the time i was sleeping in the basement of tke (rent-free) adrian and sullyvan became my close friends. perfect during the world cup to have two french friends living in the house. they go to the french embassy for bastille day. the stories they tell are of open bars and easy women. they come back with none of either but intent on throwing a party they contine to drink this time encourgeing me as well. i usually dont need much encouragement to drink and therefore became very drunk after a short period of time. adrian busy with his ex girlfriend (baberra) and her friend (hadriean) decides to stay as me and sullyvan along with an unattractive girl from dc that meet us through couchsurfing.com go to the lincoln memorial to smoke cigerettes and drink the rest of the liquor. as we stood on the momument steps we decide to put our feet into the water. the warm water carresed our feet but then the girl decides to swim. she gets undressed and climbs into the water. seeing her do it i thought to myself that there isnt a large number of people who have swam in this reflecting pool and i began to envy her being as one of those select few

as i take off my clothes and climb into the water an erie feeling hits me then it started being really fun. sullyvan is swiming with me but the girl keeps going further and further out we yell for her to comeback until we simply begin to enjoy swiming. i had some weed in the pocket of my jeans. this became the reason for my nerviousness when the police come over with their flashlights and was kicking our clothes

we quickly swim back to shore and get out of the water. the cops was surprisingly understanding makeing jokes about how dirty the water was and they began asking us questions, sullyvan speaks in broken english and i can tell that they are gonna leave so when they ask me what was going on i reply in the worst french accent possible "uhhh in pari is ok i dont know america" to wich they replied "well you cant do that here! so have a nice trip!" we walked away with a smile on our face and some weed in our pocket as we watch the sun rise at 7am

a night i will never forget

oh and sullyvan hooked up with that girl but its ok cuz i wasnt about to even though she tried lol

Paper Four Ann moody

The novel coming of age in Mississippi is the autobiography of Anne Moody. It covers her life growing up in Mississippi focusing on her childhood and development as a young lady. Her childhood includes intense racism extreme violence strong passions and the birth of the civil rights movement. This story is written in a blunt straight forward insightful fashion. She is objective through the lens that she blames both the Caucasian and African American southerners for the problems of the south. She emphases’ the generation gap by showing the different mindsets. Her criticism of martin Luther’s “I have a dream speech” as well as her constant blame she attributes to the older black southerners after the horrible fire are perfect examples of Ann’s political views. But in the end we as the reader are able to see the difference that one person can make to the civil rights movement without becoming famous speacks volumes to the individual stories of every member of the civil rights movement.

Coming of age in Mississippi is an excellent novel because of its original point of view on the civil rights movement. It starts out with the horrible take of emit till. A fourteen year old boy who was brutally murdered by racists white men for the smallest of reasons, whistling at a white woman. As Ann Moody explains this horrible tale which illustrates the depth that the African American class is seen in the eyes of the Mississippi elite we are able to see the absolute lack of ramifications that are experienced by the perpetrators. this story has been told before but what makes this book unique is that it shows these events through the eyes of a African American youth living in the area. In my opinion I feel that this is necessary because not only does it speak to the events but also shows us the mindset of African American youth in the area at the time.

This book does not only show the youth’s state of mind but the state of mind of the older generation as well. Ann’s mother disagrees with almost every idea that moody has and continuously attempts to shield her from the heinous truth that is around her. This is stereotypical materialism due to her need to protect her children from both the racists criminals. 

paper 3 draft

In the nineteen thirties the entertainment media played a dominant role in people’s lives. It was the time of the depression, when people have less

One very popular idea of an American way of life is the American dream. This dream has been created and changed throughout the years. But the principal ideas have remained the same. The most important part of this idea is that anybody no matter their familys economical status is able to achieve it. The only nessicarry ingredients are hard work talent and a little luck. The basic premise of the dream for a male is to exponentially excel in their given field. Be it agriculture railroad coal mines factories, auto manufacturing or whatever opportunity shows itself to the given individual. The goal is to achieve a way of live where you own your own home in the suburbs with a wife, white picket fence, children, and maybe a canine friend. the dream is almost synominis for females except it usually is that the woman will find a loving husband who will provide the aformentenioned lifestyle. This is a very pleasant dream and has been attained by many but this is an unrealistic expectation during the depression.

            Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the thirty second president of the united states and in my opinion I feel that he was one the most influential presidents based on his “new deal” policies. Roosevelt tried to make the American dream possible implementing his policies and through economic stimulus programs in the beginning his policies was aimed at short term economic stimulation. He tried to promote a series of banking reform laws, emergency relief programs, work relief programs, and agricultural programs. Also he instituted The National Recovery Administration, and he ended the gold standard which was increasing the value of the dollar to such a high limit that farmers couldn’t pay off their debts. But after the economy didn’t bounce back he decided to add another path to the American dream

During the depression it is common knowledge that people of this time peroid had less money and therefore they was engrossed in a lower economical status they where in a more vurnable state. This vurnable state affected their mindset which allowed the entertainment media to hold a much more prominent influence on these people. Because of this the entertainment media tried to mirror American culture, however I would argue that this mirror was sometimes distorted to the political viewpoint of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his “New Deal” social welfare liberalistic views. During this time an influx of advertisement for government programs occoured. These advertisements, for ovious reasons, showed the governments prominent role in maintaining and facilitating society. However many populuar movies portrayed a very different lifestyle then that which was lived by the average person of this time period.

This distorted mirror shown by popular media, more specifically “gold diggers of 1933” (Warner bros.) (directed by Mervyn LeRoy) falsely conveyed a much glossier version of America during the depression. It puts out a very popular idea of America. This is the idea that anybody can make it big and that the American dream is attainable.

second question paper two

2nd question

william idrissi

The native-born white Americans of this time period were plagued with racism for many different people. They frowned upon everybody who didn’t look or act like a white western European protestant. Therefore it became very tough for immigrants to assimilate into society. This fact did not stop the want of immigration into the Americas because the stories in foreign countries told stories of grandeur and prosperity. We see this in bread givers when Reb Smolinsky talks of a romanticized version of the united states where the pots to boil tea would be gold. You can try to understand his confusion upon arrival to Ellis island and then life in the tenements’ prove to be the exact opposite of the fairy tale that Reb herd all his life.

            If the native people do not allow immigrants to assimilate into society then the immigrants will bond together and assimilate within themselves. The problem is that there were too many immigrants and not enough land. Therefore the tenements were born. These tenements were an atrocious apartment structure which was an obvious display of the owner’s lack of interest in the tenants living situation. But to native born white Americans the sin of the tenements did not fall onto the owners but it was the immigrants that was to blame because in the eyes of native born whites the immigrants did not equal the status of a human being therefore the owner was justified for not treating them like one.

            However many immigrants tried to change the representations of themselves and had many methods of assimilation. Three different methods of assimilation of eastern Europeans are shown in Anzia Yezierska’s Bread givers thru the stories of the daughters. Hard work, intelligence and beauty are different paths that the daughters of the Smolinsky family took

And they all successfully assimilated into society weather their own personal happiness was accounted for or not

            Bessie Smolinsky was a mature young woman. The eldest of the daughters, she is a loving caring hardworking young lady. Bessie assimilated into the American society by working hard to help provide for her family. This comes with the toll of constant stress and long working hours. But the joy that comes from helping others is very valuable to Bessie and even though her life may not be happy we find out that it is a fulfilling one. Bessie needs to be needed which is why later on in bread givers she marries Zalmon because Benny (her stepson) needs her. So in conclusion I feel that Bessie fought the demeaning representation which was put on her by the native born white Americans by being a good person and honestly providing for herself and the people that she cares about.

            Mashah Smolinsky can be defined at a young at heart immature woman. She is childlike despite her age. But I feel that her assimilation is the most common route for immigrant women in this time period. She wanted to be a wife of a rich man to provide for her. This is the standard American dream for almost any girl of that time, white picket fence in a safe suburban community with a loving husband a car and some children. To obtain this she uses and expands her beauty as to many immigrant women do. She defines beauty as being like the white girls as much as possible therefore she uses clothes and makeup to try to change her appearance. This is a very common practice for immigrant women in America to do. What better way to assimilate into society then to use camouflage to blend until society cannot tell the difference. But sadly Jacob Novak broke her heart and killed her spirit. Even though she ends up marrying Moe Mirsky  who doesn’t appreciate her at all and spends his money on dining and clothes instead of for food for his wife and children but she at least has a small house and children which can make her find her happiness again.

            In direct contrast to her other sisters we have Sara Smolinsky who carries the spark which ignite the fire of feminism in later years. She doesn’t understand why women should be classified as inferior or dependent on a male. She is far more violently independent than any of the daughters, and she constantly clashes with her father’s beliefs. However she still understands that at this time a husband is necessary for happiness. However she wants a husband who respects her passion and will not only acknowledge her independence but who will work together with her and her ideas to help her reach her goals.

            Now these three women all have used their intelligence beauty and passion to try to achieve the American dream. Achievement of the American dream is the ultimate way to counter the dominant culture’s demeaning signification so ergo they use their talents to better themselves and those they care about and survive and adapt to their environment.

            Immigrant men in this time period have also contributed to countering the dominant culture’s demeaning signification and made claims for different representations of themselves. They didn’t have the same set of options as women but they assimilated and fought for the American dream in unique styles all the same. Entrepreneurship, hard work, dependence on friends and family was all used to survive and succeed in the United States.

            Reb Smolinsky had dreams of grandeur. He thought that the American dream would be a golden one. After he goes thru his initial disappointment of the United States his faith strongly roots him to his community and home. However he is intensely dependent on the females in his life. Ironically most of his teachings tell him that women should be dependent on men both financially and spiritually. His hypocrisy is very obvious and evident. His ego is kept from being shattered by Shena which is not only his wife but his number one fan. She listens in awe of every word that he says which allows him to continue along the religious path that he has chosen. Although he may not be financially stable he is spiritually fulfilled

            Berel Berenstein is a young man full of ambition and entrepreneurship. He plans to open his own shop and fulfill the dream of being a self made man and his own boss. He discards all his old ways and old styles for the new found American life. He plunges head first into American culture and strives desperately to succeed in it. Even though he has passion and is very intelligent he fails to get the girl (Bessie) that he loves. But he is in a country that rewards those who have the talents that he have therefore I believe that in the end he will be a success.

            Hugo Seelig is intelligent and excels in his field. He is patient and kind to everyone around him. He is independent in the fact that he doesn’t care about what others may say he will only listen to his own observations when he is decision making. He is respected for his knowledge therefore he respects those who hold knowledge as well which maybe why he likes Sara because she is intelligent and respects Reb Smolensk’s learning. He has already contradictied the native born white’s impression of immagrants by being a principal and by being very gifted, clever and bright.

paper one

William Idrissi

American studies

Essay one

Crowd’s reaction to Obama and his Inaugural speech

Standing in the cold huddled up in the mass of people I could not help but to feel humbled and small compared to the "great unwashed" that gathered on the national mall today. It seemed that everywhere I looked Obama was staring back at me smiling through one of his many merchandized products such as Obama buttons, T shirts, hats, scarf’s bracelets calendars watches and many more which all showed him in a bright almost divine light. My friend commented that he has never seen this before except in developing nations where the people had unrealistic expatiations of the politician who promised a radical change in their life. This made me wonder if Americans were expecting far more from their government then they had in the past which is comparable to the people of the developing nations. I along with many in the crowd felt the same emotions as I believe some child in Iraq felt when Saddam told him that his life was going to radically change for the better this was obviously unrealistic and definitely mythic. It seemed as if the people behave this way before they elect a dictator. This was an eerie feeling as if Obama’s likeness was being idolized. What would the next step be? Will there be a monument for Obama or perhaps a Golden stature of our 44th president and if these statures are erected would they be brought down by future generations similar to the fate of the statures of Saddam? To the people on the national mall Obama was far more than a man, he had superhuman status in the hearts and minds of the masses. As I looked around the crowd I wondered if it was totally mythic, would Obama be able to unite America and American values? As I saw the faces of the people I noticed that it wasn’t a crowd of African Americans, Asians, Caucasians, Hispanics, Jews, Christians or Muslims it was a crowd of them all and the only thing missing was arguments or negativism to be seen. Even though we all were packed extremely tight and very close to each other there was no pushing or heated discussions that you notice at a large concert or party, instead the people huddled closer and commented on how we helped each other warm up from the cold. This might seem small to an observer but if you was a participant then it was monumental to be able to help warm your fellow American while he/she helps to warm you, this was a weird personal unification feeling. The method of solving the problem of the cold was representative of Obama’s ideals because it showed that if Obama supporters see a large problem such as the 10 degree weather then working together would be the easiest way to their solution. This led to the humbling effect that I mentioned earlier as if I was not one but one of many and part of a much larger group of people. But not a feeling that I was stripped of my individualism but more of a feeling that all of our powers where combined. Obama knows this feeling and definitely used it to his advantage by introducing religion in his speech.  Religion played an important role today and in this Judeo-Christian dominated society this was used to connect the audience to Obama. however when Obama spoke the mass of people became very serious and began to whisper things such as "amen" or "that's right" these words and they way they are said is usually reserved for church when people feel the presence of something greater than themselves (God or a symbol of God) so in this case the people unanimously react in the same way to Obama. Based on the reactions of the people I do believe that Obama is addressed with respect that is only deserving of a messiah or prophet. People journeyed from across the nation, and woke up at three and four in the morning, waited out in the cold simply to catch a 20 minute glimpse of him on a jumbotron television. This above celebrity status is by far one of the greatest myths. The constant myth is that Obama plays himself up to the historical figures, weather it is the “endorsement” from Dr. martin Luther King or the constant connections that he makes to Lincoln such as taking the same route to dc as Lincoln did or swearing in on Lincoln’s bible. These are ways to make him an instant historical figure.

            Waiting for Obama to show I noticed something interesting, a complete lack of interest for the status quo. Any person who symbolizes the previous times was instantly met with violent booing from the crowd. The people would not accept anything except for change from their government which I think is a result of the peoples fear from repeating of the same mistakes. I think it’s also due to Obama’s campaign strategy which persuaded people that change is a word that is synonymous with good.  This may or may not be true but either way Obama successfully convinced us that he had change which we can believe in. he has escalated our fear of repeating the mistakes of the past to such a high degree that we will go against our natural instinct which tells us that unknown change is bad, this is the reason why we are inherently afraid of the dark. But in this case where things are bad people are adopting a sinking ship policy which means we should discard everything from before and get on a new ship to safety.

            In conclusion I am very hesitant when it comes to supporting a man to such a degree as Obama is supported. I fear that this may lead to many problems and disappointments. I can only hope that not only will change occur but it will be for the benefit of the people. And will Obama’s celebrity/messiah status fade?  While I do fear a dictatorship I am able to be at ease and content because our governing system that puts restrictions in place to protect us from our own enthusiasm. Will checks and balances limit Obama’s power or will a blue house and senate allow Obama to deliver the change that he promised? These are questions that only time can answer. 

tentitave argument

acording to batrth i feel that i saw all three signs signifiers and siginified at the iunnaugaration. these where present in all of the general traditional myth makeing ways. patriotic music and multiple flags gave the impression of a "holier than thou" presence. the crowd seemed to be mystified by the myths but didnt seem very affected by the realities of the situation that oboma despertately tried to show. it was almost as if the crowd is used to myths so much that they decided to believe the myth and over look anything else.

inauguration mistification

 

William Idrissi

 

Standing in the cold huddled up in the mass of people I could not help but to feel humbled and small compared to the "great unwashed" that gathered on the national mall today. It seemed that everywhere I looked Obama was staring back at me; button with his likeness was covering people’s clothes and T-shirts which showed him in a bright light. This was an eerie feeling as if Obama’s likeness was being idolized. What would the next step be? Maybe a monument for Obama or perhaps a Golden stature of our 44th president. To these people on the national mall Obama was more than a man. This led to the humbling effect that I mentioned earlier. Obama knows of this and definitely uses it to his advantage by introducing religion in his speech and by having priests bless the inauguration.  Religion played an important role today and in this Judeo-Christian dominated society this was used to connect the audience to Obama. however when Obama spoke the mass of people became very serious and began to whisper things such as "amen" or "that's right" these words and they way they are said is usually reserved for church when people feel the presence of something greater than themselves (God) so in this case the people unanimously react in the same way to Obama. Does this mean that people are idolizing Obama and giving him supernatural powers, based on the reactions of the people I do believe that Obama is addressed with respect that is only deserving of a messiah. People woke up at three and four in the morning just so they can be closer to him. This above celebrity status is one of the greatest myths for Obama is a mortal man and he is raising expatiations to a level which is unreachable. The constant myth is that Obama plays himself up to the historical figures, weather it is the “endorsement” from Dr. martin Luther King which we have no idea if he would have liked Obama or not. Also Obama uses Lincoln as another way to make himself larger than life in addition to taking the same route to dc that Lincoln did or swearing in on the same bible that Lincoln has Obama wants to achieve an immediate change to become a historical figure.

            Waiting for Obama to show I noticed something interesting, a complete lack of interest for the status quo. Any person who symbolizes the previous times was instantly met with violent booing from the crowd. The people would not accept anything except for change from their government which I think is a result of the peoples fear from repeating of the same mistakes. They feel that if they accept the people of the past cabinet or offices then somehow the problems will be repeated. I think it’s also due to Obama’s campaign strategy which persuaded people that change is a word that is synonymous with good. This may or may not be true but either way Obama successfully convinced us that he had change which we can believe in. this is a blatant myth for we don’t know what change will do, our instinct tells us that unknown change is bad, this is the reason why we are inherently afraid of the dark. But in this case where things are bad people are adopting a sinking ship policy which means we should discard everything from before and get on a new ship to safety.

            Oboma used many symbols to connect with the audience, patriotically charged music and historical flags were the least. He used his family and his modesty to try to influence us into believing that he is an average Joe with a heart of gold who wants to make a difference. And he is wildly successful at it. Martin Luther king’s “I have a dream” speech was echoed throughout the night and it was very apparent that Obama wanted you to think that martin’s dream included Obama election as a black president.