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1. Summarize the article briefly but comprehensively in a comment on this blog. This can be done in three sentences, though you may use up to ten sentences or so if you wish.
2. What seems to be the most important conflict presented in the article? This may be stated or unstated in the article. (One sentence, or more if you wish.)
3. Identify at least one important assumption that the author makes. (One sentence, or more if you wish.)
4. Try to identify the author's unstated attitude toward his or her subject. (One sentence, or more if you wish.)
Note: If someone else has already written about your chosen article, your responses to 1-4 must be different from that person's answers. Otherwise, find another article.
5. Return to this blog a half-hour or more after making your entry and read what other people have written, or at least what your "top three" have written. Write the words "I have read."
Thank you!
Other homework:
B. Write your Citizen's Journal entry. Inspired by the article in the Times, by someone else's blog-comment, something that happened during the day, or simply by something that occurred to you, write for half a page or more (i.e 150 words or more) about what the reading or event that inspired you has to do with being an engaged citizen (of whatever community you wish to contemplate: world, country, school, major, dorm). You might try pushing yourself down further and further into your subject as you go along. Or you might try taking a satirical take on your subject; or a lyrical, poetic take. Try to keep going until you think you've gotten somewhere.
C. Read the Brent Staples article (handed out in class).
p.s. Do you notice anything odd about the edition of the New York Times pictured above?
I have read about President Obama's speech to Wakerfield High School encouraging the students to push themselves and not to give up. He says, "The future of America depends on you" emphasizing the importance of their education. The conflict that takes place throughout this article is the issue of bringing politics into schools. There were some people who disagreed with letting the president speak, thinking that he was trying to almost brainwash the students, while the students found his speech inspirational (very few, if any, parents complained). The author of the article assumes that Wakerfield High School was chosen because of the ethnic diversity and the low income of many of the students' families. However, the author also tends to side with the left wing, saying that it was a good thing that President Obama spoke at the school and encouraged many young students.
ReplyDelete1) I read an article about how birth order can/does/might affect a family's social relationship in the United States. I know we're supposed to stray away from the "non-family" group but I think this has a lot to do not just with individual families but more generally about the "nuclear family" of the US. The article stated both sides saying that birth order is important and may cause developmental problems such as underdeveloped speech patterns but also that birth order may really have no affect. The American ("Leave It to Beaver") family stereotype was brought under scrutiny as to whether it still really existed in present day.
ReplyDelete2) The conflict stems from whether sibling birth order affects social development.
3) The author assumes that the reader knows what the American family stereotype is and that this stereotype should apply to families globally.
4) Whether or not birth order is the actual defining factor, it is still important in family development.
1.I have read article about the harmful condition of Kenya's lives and withering Kenya's hopes. The article states what makes them to die, and how they are looking for a hopes to live.
ReplyDeleteAnd how come the Kenyan government gives no help.
2. The article presents rising ethnic conflicts between Kenyan's people and the officials of Kenyan government.
3. The author makes assumption about Kenyan people die because of lack of food supply and no help from the Kenyan government.
4. The author's attitude toward the Kenyan people shows how the Kenyan government officials are apathy of Kenyan people's harmful conditions and unconcern about why they are dying.
1) The article I chose to read was about childbirth in rural Peru. It spoke about how high the infant mortality and deaths during pregnancy was and how health workers wanted to lower the rate of infant mortality and deaths. They brought health workers in to help but the people ignored the traditions and the culture of the indigenous peoples. The health workers were not received welcomingly, yet when the culture was recognized by the health workers the women of the villages began to consent to having birth in the clinics, therefore lowering the rate of infant mortality.
ReplyDelete2) The conflict in this article is between the scientific and health related advances and the tradition and culture of a rural people in Peru. It is a clash of cultures.
3) The author assumes that birth in the clinics is better than the natural birth of the indigenous peoples.
4) The author seems to basically be stating the facts yet slightly slanted towards showing how today's medicines of our (American) world when brought into different cultures while still having respect for the cultures makes for a better rate of survival for the people.
1)Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis ruled that the New York State had discriminated over 4,300 mentally diseased patients by putting them in poorly served adult homes. Little had been done by State Officials since they closed state-mental hospitals in 1960s, the homes were in charge of fetching doctors and psychiatrists. Members of Disability Advocates who instituted the suit are asking for improved services in the homes and solution for systemic problems, including untrained workers and gaps in supervision.
ReplyDelete2)There seems be conflict between Disability Advocates and NY state officials, for the advocates are demanding better support for mentally ill people by the state.
3)The author makes an assumption that about 4,300 metally ill people are suffering in poorly served adult houses.
4)Author's attitude suggests that the State Officials are culpable for discriminated patients. These view was even more emphasized when the author specified the state's lack of support, and problems in the adult houses.
1) I have read an article that questions whether or not exercise actually keeps you healthy. While exercise has been the "go to" activity for weight loss, improved moods, and lower blood pressure, studies have shown that a balanced diet is a key component to a healthy life. However this does not mean that healthy eating alone will keep you in shape, this just means that healthy eating and exercise are two pieces of the same puzzle. An all around healthy lifestyle will lower your chances of diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and osteoporosis.
ReplyDelete2) The main conflict is that scientists are now realizing that exercise has been oversold to the public as the quick fix to a healthy life.
3) The author assumes that most of the population turns to exercise as their source of a balanced life.
4) The author suggests that healthy eating can play a large role in a thriving life, but it is not the only thing that is important. Their attitude also seems to hint that when it comes to healthy eating and exercise one cannot be completed without the other.
1. The article I've read was about people behind the wheel while multitasking. The artcle states that multitasking while driving can put people lives in danger. For example, texting while driving.
ReplyDelete2. The most important conflict presented in the article is that people who are using devices while driving can lead to a car crash.
3. The author's assumption's is that people who are behind the wheel are distracted by their devices and it's hard to put them down.
4. The author's attitude towards the subject suggest that people behind the wheel while using their cellphones create higher risk of crashes.
I have read
ReplyDeleteI have read
ReplyDeleteI have read.
ReplyDelete1. The article I read was called "Colleges Are Failing in Graduation Rates" by David Leonhardt. It discussed how the percentage of students of graduate many public universities is surprisingly small and how this is related to financial aid. In the article the author brings up the point that many schools focus on enrollment and American Students are getting into colleges with the help of financial aid, but many are not graduating. The author suggests that spending more government on programs to keep students in college would be beneficial, in order to help low income students graduate.
ReplyDelete2. The most important conflict in the article is the fact that many American students are not graduating from college and getting their degrees so they are therefore unable to get good jobs and make as much money as other Americans.
3. In my opinion the author seems to make the assumption that if you are a student coming from a low income family, there is more of a chance that you will not graduate college. He determines that students from families that have higher incomes will be more likely to graduate because they attend better schools.
4. I feel that the author's unstated attitude towards his subject is grave determination. He wants to point out the problem clearly and figure out a solution. He also has an attitude of annoyance with the issue and it seems like he feels like it is an obvious problem that everyone should be aware of. He has a sarcastic tone as well at some points, and it seems he almost has a bias towards students from high income families.
I read an article titled : Colleges Are Failing in Graduation Rates.
ReplyDelete1) A major problem in American society at the moment is the fact that american public universities are failing to graduate their students within the 6 year limit. A major reason for this is money. Students either find they are struck without the ability to pay or find jobs that allow them to support those in need of their assistance in order to survive. An average of 50% of students graduate from state universities.
2)The most important conflict seems to be correctly matching students to colleges.
3)The author assumes that you understand the economic situation America currently faces.
4)The author suggests that this is an easily solvable problem if only people who logically and sensibly work to solve it.
I have read. After reading some of the other blogs I've discovered some confusion about the answer to number 3, (Identify at least one important assumption that the author makes.)
ReplyDeleteIs an assumption something the author assumes you know already as a reader? Or conclusions that that the author assumes based on information discussed in the article? I see various answers for this.
1.This article is about the Taliban rule in Afghanistan during the years 1996 to the present. The Taliban was started by a student movement whose sole purpose was to make the Afghany people pure. The Taliban took actions such as hiding Osama Bin Laden and not allowing women to be educated.
ReplyDelete2. The most important conflict in this article is the rivalry between the Taliban and Pakistan.
3. The author makes the assumption that the Taliban is the enemy in the Middle east.
4. The author’s unstated attitude is that the people in the Taliban are evil and have a lust for power without any morals.
I have read.
ReplyDelete1) I read "Driven to Distraction- Driver Texting Now an Issue in the Back Seat". the article was aobut people being too distracted while they drive. Many people costatly text on their phones while driving and it has become a dangerous problem that almost no one is taking seriously.
ReplyDelete2) The most important conflict seems to be between those who see how dangerous a car can be, and those who dont seem to be concerned with their safety or the safety of others.
3) The Author assumes that those who are multitasking behind the wheel, arent trying to stop.
4)The author shows disdain towards those who multitask behind the wheel. He uses statistics to show that it is dangerous.
I have read
ReplyDeletei've read
ReplyDeleteIts me: Brian
ReplyDeleteI got messed with name-email
so... its Hong Kyu Park
1)
I read an article called: For Profit, Industry Seeks Cancer Drugs
Industry is working on making drugs to cure cancer for it's industrial purpose. Eventhough there are beneficial fact about saving many people's lives, the fact that these people are willing to pay a huge amount of money on these drugs are more convincing. The number of research that deals with curing cancer is at least twice more than the ones of AIDs or other infectious diseases. Overall, the price of the drug should be reasonable.
2.
Moral issues of industry that they are concentrated in earning money instead of paying attention to saving people's lives.
3. The author assumes that many drugs have small percentage of getting in to the market.
4. The author believes that cancer bacteria consist of many thousands of molecules that it is hard to produce effective drugs.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt's Glenn
ReplyDelete1) Article that I read was about people in France has fear about swine flu. Therefore, people changed the way they express their friendship. For example, when people in France meet each other, they hug and kiss chick each other. However, since they are afraid of swine flu, they try not to do that. (they call it "bise")
One of big company, "Axa", they prohibited bise. Futhermore, because of swine flu people are trying to stay away from each other.
2) The most conflict in this article is people can not express their feelings toward each other because of fear of swine flu.
3) The author makes the assumption that because of swine flu, people are getting less closer each other.
4) The author's attitude is that people in France have hard time to get together closer.
Glenn Kim
ReplyDeleteI have read
Brian PArk
ReplyDeleteI have read
scott coffey
ReplyDeleteI have read
"Summer of Work Exposes Medical Students to System's Ills"
ReplyDelete1. I read an article about medical students at the University of Washington who took part in a summer program that submerged them into the bleak health care system they've been working so hard to become a part of. Many returned to campus unsure of whether or not they wanted to pursue primary care—endless shifts and monotonous duties were among the complaints of these students. Others worried about their ability to start and support a family with such a demanding schedule. There were some however, that were touched by the centers devotion to its patients, and it’s practice of scrounging up money for those that did not have insurance or any money to pay for their bills.
2. The biggest conflict was the lifestyle of those that worked in the primary care centers, and whether or not students could handle it.
3. The author assumes that those who returned to campus un-inspired and worn out from their summer work were a disappointment to this particular field.
4. The authors attitude was in support of those that became more devoted after their trip, and supportive of a more accessible health care.
I have read.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"Freakonomics: Fewer Drugs In America Means More Problems for Mexico"
ReplyDeleteDaniel Hamermesh
- Last week, killings at a drug treatment center can be related to restriction put of the supply in the drug market. Because of the constant tightening security on the Mexican border to the US, shipment of drugs has become so difficult it has not only decreased supply to the US, but has greatly increased supply in Mexico. This surplus in drug supply to Mexico has caused addictive drugs to be cheaper and more available to its citizens, allowing Mexican drug addiction to also increase. This comes full circle when violence related to drugs causes deaths like those in headlines last week.
- Conflict between US security and its adverse effects, with intention or not
- This author assumes signifigant statistics that may or may not be evidence to prove direct correlation between Mexican/US drug supply, and killings. (Assumes simple cause and effect, which is usually not the whole story)
- Unstated attitude of appreciation for the effects the US has on smaller countries, regardless of noticable effect to US prosperity, as well as an attitude of expectance for conscientiousness and empathy in our nature
N Y T lead article entitled, 'Schools Aided By Stimulus Money Still Facing Cuts'. The piece tells us that money from the federal government has helped states re hire many thousands of teachers that had been laid off work due to states having run out of money. This is yet another example of how "the economy" defines our lives; all aspects of our lives. We live a paradox: we have to consume more to heal our economy, but we can't afford to buy more when we can't spend wages we don't have. We all live paradoxes multiplied in a funfair house of mirrors.
ReplyDeletethose fungible units of power we all "need" more of; MONEY! rules every aspect of our lives. Economics is obscene (to quote Canadian biologist David Suzuki) As citizens, as artists, we can find an expression of value more basic than MONEY, a system more humane and more rational than economics. If we can see that it makes no sense to insist on a growing economy when we live in a shrinking world, then we can begin to think of a healthier society.
1) The article I read, titled “Local Heros: Community Economic Development” is a piece about cities who are quickly trying to halt the “dying” process. It speaks of three different cities, each of which is going downhill quickly. Each city has at least one person or group trying to organize community efforts to aid the local economy. The article then goes on to discuss the successes of these efforts, and how these collaborations are leading to changes elsewhere.
ReplyDelete2) In this particular article, the author, Nancy Folbre, discusses the difficulties of measuring exactly how successful each specific effort has been in each different city.
3) The author not only assumes that the reader has an interest in communal efforts of entrepreneurship, but also assumes that the reader has a background in such matters when she discusses different ways of helping the Hurricane Katrina victims to oppose the methods already in place.
4) The author’s attitude on this subject is made clear from the very start - the title “Local Heros” leads the reader to believe that she has respect for those attempting to improve their local economy. The compliments she bestows on the council members she discusses (i.e. “charismatic”, “successful”) also point to the conclusion that the has nothing but admiration for those who are doing what she believes a vital step in opposing the recession.
I have read (previous comments)
ReplyDeleteI have read
ReplyDeleteToday's N Y T lead article entitled, 'Despite Fears, Health Care Overhaul Is Moving Ahead', brings to mind thoughts on what it means to be an American, and an observation of basic human character. First of all it is hard for me to make sense of policy issues when i read about them. Or even follow the arguments, and honestly, I need someone to explain the explanations to even start to have a considered opinion. What I do believe is that a society and its government should provide certain privileges to the people who agree to be governed (somewhere back there there was a 'social contract), and that those privileges might even be considered rights in a modern society. When I think of the the specific things, the organizations, that we can judge a country by, I come up with the following list: Schools - Education, the Postal system, Defense, Public Transportation and Health care.
ReplyDelete