Libby Blog

1. I do not agree with her survey based on it was don't by a few college kids so to speak. I do agree that anyone can be a feminist and its not a dirty word. But society has deemed it as that. And for some reason when it comes to society its monkey see monkey do. If we here that its a dirty word we think it is. Like i said i agree with men and women being a feminist, but in this day of age hell any day of age what man is not embarrassed to say that. Men are suppose to be macho, heroes, knight shining amour isn't that how it goes? Aren't women suppose to be the damsels in distress, the dames, the emotional ones.
2. Libby observes that a lot of people prefer not to call themselves feminists. She come up to the conclusion of a couple possible reasons of why that might be. The title freaks them out, They support it but aren't activists, mostly men said that because they were simply men it wasn't they're place to be a feminist.
3.Libby thinks that feminism is a good movement. Of course she want more people to acknowledge that they are feminist. Shes not embarrassed it seems so why should other people be. Don't you follow what you believe in and stand by it one hundred percent? That's what shes doing and unfortunately Libby not all of us are so fortunate to find that self empowerment in ourselves.

Chapter 8 Blog

I think i memorize the best y making it meaningful to myself. I try to add emotional connections so that later when it is brought up it is easier for me to remember. Since memory can play such an important p[art in our lives why not use it to help you learn. i mean you need your memory. When i can personalize a topic i can remember it easily because it always remind me of what im talking about.I guess i also remember things that can make me laugh. i love to laugh and I usually remember when something is funny or exciting. besides when something is funny or exciting and it intrigues you. You want to know, or at least i do, why is this funny? why am i so excited about this? Of course you cant use these techniques for everything. Not everything you learn in school is going to be funny or meaningful. Sometimes its just knowledge.

Sacramento Conference

On November 7, i went to Sacramento state for a conference. i had a really great time. when we got there ,i ate like 3 chorizo burritos that they had for breakfast. we listened to some great speakers and heard a lot about opportunities for some great scholarships and grants for Hispanics and Latinos. I learned that you do not have to be with Hispanic or Latino to earn these or apply. After a couple of speakers we went to our workshops. i went to the one about empowering women. Which was a lot of fun but she really didn't empower me, however she did have a fantastic story of her own life. After the workshops we ate lunch, which by the way wasn't that great, and took a tour of the campus. Me and Gizela had got lost from the group and had to give ourselves a tour. Which i preferred since i didn't want to listen to anymore lectures. After the tour we went on the bus and went home which for me was the highlight because i was tired and wanted to read my book.

Anzaldula Blog # 2

Q: Anzaldua writes about language and its influence on our identity in a non-traditional, academic format. In terms of structure, what is different about how Anzaldua writes? What makes it an academic text (consider your notes on academic writing). What makes it "anti-academic?" In other words, how is it different from a traditional essay? Why do you think Anzaldua writes her essay in this way? What is she trying to accomplish? Select ONE quote from the text that you think expresses her PURPOSE or reasons for writing the essay in this non-traditional way.

Well its different then an academic essay because number one shes not writing in the 5 paragraph essay format. number 2 shes constantly giving example and then her opinions. Its Different because she is also influencing English and Spanish in the text, constantly translating. I think she writes the essay this way because she want the readers attention. It doesn't matter it you agree or disagree, or if your confused or you right on with her. That's what she wants, she wants the attention of the reader so they can make their own opinions based on the facts and her own opinions in the text."i will no longer be made to feel ashamed of existing. I will have my voice: Indian, Spanish,white. I will have my serpents tongue- my woman's voice, my sexual voice, my poets voice. I will overcome the tradition of silence." I absolutely love this quote and completely agree. This shows how Anzaldua put her thoughts and pinions into her work. shes not stating on thing and listing facts. Sher is writing about how she feels ,what has influenced her in her life, how it and influenced her language and how her peers perceive her. She talks about competition with the women of her people. An not all people feel this way and that's why i think that this essay is non traditional. Its about her and what in her mind.

Anzaldula Blog #1

Q: write about a time when you felt that someone in authority tried to silence you or criticized the way you spoke.

Well i wouldn't say criticized but they made me feel beneath them. Not up to par, or they're standards. You see my father is full blooded Mexican from Mexico. And my mother is half Yugoslavian and half Nicaraguan. Growing up my father never taught me Spanish, and it had definitely affected the way i communicate with my family and my peers. I be live it has cost me some opportunities. Its hard to go around feeling like on or the other. I look Mexican but don't speak Spanish. My first language is English and yet i look another race in other peoples eyes. Everywhere i go and someone talks to me in Spanish i can only understand some of what they are saying and ill say 99 percent of the time they ask me, "How come you don't know Spanish and your Mexican"? I always feel not whole or like I'm missing out. Especially when i visit my grandma and Grandpa because they don't know a lick of English. We have to play the guessing game sometimes. It hurts my heart, and i wish i was closer with them. And i know if i could communicate with them that could be possible. I know its never to late but as you get older its a little harder to learn and absorb a new language. So i guess i wouldn't say an authority made me feel inadequate, no it was my peers and strangers that made me feel this way. Maybe i should just learn Spanish!

VARK activity

In this chapter i discovered that i learn best by readiing, writing, and kinestetic learning. This means that when i want something to stick in my head i either need examples like acting it out or showing me, or i read and write it down. I should take notes and read my materials throughly if i want to get stronger at this type of learning. For kinestetic I need to particate physically in the activity to fully understand what the material is. I think the surveys in the focus book are pretty accurate. Because I know that i dont retain the informatuion as well if i just listen and dont write down anything.

Lit Circle 3 Ch. 14-15

What causes certain groups to feel they are subservient or less than other groups in a society?

This has been happening since our generations split. It happened when Columbus came to Americas and he "the European" desecrated the Indians and their women. Raping and beating them giving them diseases. Because he had never seen their race and they weren't civilized like him he thought they were savages. Unfortunately the Indians could do nothing but be subservient to these Europeans. It happens in school, at work, everywhere especially in society. Of course no one wants to feel this way, inferior or belittled. Sometimes its the way we are raised to think that we are inferior or superior to another race, or culture. How can African Americans ever feel superior in this world when 200 years ago they were slaves, and our society will never let them forget that. That why we have things like affirmative action, and minority scholarships, and laws protecting our equal rights regardless of race. We continuously teach ourselves these differences and yet we teach ourselves not to forget them and move on. No we are to proud to forget and move on. The Mexican as well. I mean we have people that are employed and get paid to keep us out of the Americas. They are called border patrol and its 2009 and they still very much exist. When California used to Be Mexico, does that matter to anyone? Does it matter that the minority's are now the majorities. When are we going to Fight back? Like In the book when Juan made all his fellow Mexicans stand and strike. Against these "gringos", especially the one who promised him a job and was not enough a man in himself to follow through. What happened some of the Mexicans stayed by his side and other slowly went back to the quarry in shame, why because this is what they know. Or at least this is what they are taught. That the Anglo's have all the power, in that society anyway. Juan didn't see it as that, he had been in Montana where they thought he was Chinese and gave him a license that the Mexican would dream of in California. Montana holds a different society then California. Juan was pissed that his people didn't follow through. But yet thought the smarter decision would be to do nothing and move on. I think we know what we are taught and if your brought up thinking your inferior or superior to another race or culture no matter what society, its going to take some serious reprogramming to undo years of this lessons.

Lit circle 2 question 2

What is the difference between pride and ego?

Pride is what you feel inside of yourself. About your family and where you come from and what you find important to protect about yourself. i think ego is more something that you build upon yourself. Pride is with you form the start Ego can be about you being vain. I think pride is more important then ego because you can build good morals and goals for your life. Ego can get in they way of important thing. In the story where lupes father came back it was her pride that made her feel unattached to this man who had abandoned them, as where herr mother went inside and didnt let anyone know she knew who this was. Her ego caused her to go in and get dolled up for this man she hadnt seen in years. I know there has een times where my ego couldnt fit through the door so to speak. Especially when i became a massage therapist and i worked at this company for 2 years. and one day my boss asked me to do some work that usually the maintence does.My ego told me thats not your job thats beneath you. But thinking like that wouldnt help me in my situation and ultimatley could get me into trouble or i could lose my job. Is my ego worth losing my livlihood? Hell no. No matter how vain you are you need to distinguish whats worth your pride over your ego.

POWERPOINT NIKI GIOVANI

ROG BLOG RESPONSE 2

How does sacrifice influence/impact pride?

I have heard the phrase swallow your pride a lot in my life. I am a very proud person and sometimes i have to admit i let my pride get in the way of things, important things. Like when your fighting with a sibling, doesn't matter what for, your blood, and neither of you wants to say sorry. I think its pride that sometimes has to be sacrificed in certain situations. Like in the book when Juans mother Margarita, knew her family was starving and had to make a choice. She chose to put her pride aside and beg for her and her children. For their survival, and yes it hurt Juan but even though they're both hurt and embarrassed does that mean in the end he doesn't love her the same. If not more. Are they still the same family with that sacrifice she had to make for their survival. Of course they are. And just like when me and my brother fight i know in the end hes my brother and i love him and even if i think im right, i will swallow my pride and do the right thing. Which is tell him i love him and he the best big brother a girl could have. They love hearing that lol.

Lit Circle 1

Scene #1: I chose the scene where Dona guadalupe came to save her son Vicotriano from La Liebre. he was caught stealing so he was gong to be hanged. La Liebre had beat him senseless already until he was almost unconscious. She was willingto do anything even get klilled to save her baby/ with all the townspeople watching she was trying to be slick and cut the rope that tied his hands together. she had to slap him a couple of times for him to come to. she had been hiding a gun in her shaw and when the rops were cut she handed it to victoriano. she was going to leap back so he could run, La liebre seen thi and he was coming for them just as victoriano turned around he shit him right in the face! The next person who was in charge took dona Guadalupe as her son fled and the mayor to tie nooses around theyre neck. the townspeople had enough they untied to take these monsters down! They started singing and uniting and the soldiers seen they didnt have a chance! i love this scene because its graphic and it shows how hard the mexican people in that time had it and what they were willing to do for each other to save their lives. one word i would describe this as is BRAVERY. pages 86-91

sCENE #2: I chose the scene where juan is challenging his friends to who can stay the longest while the trains starts to pull away with his family his loves so dearly. He ened up losing and the train took off he was running so hard to catch it he slipped and fell and ripped his mouth open. He thought he lost his family forver. he chased the train until it was nighttime. HIs journey was a long one he thought of his older brother and cousin weho gave hime strength. and knowing his mother was on the trai up ahead somewhere he didnt give up. he walked and ran all day and night until his feet were bloody and swollen. he was so hurt and lost and pissed at himslef for the foolishness. in the middle of the night he came into a tussle with a jaguar. he heard his mothers voice call to him and say fight my son. and he did. the next morning he was half conscious and still walking not giving up. and then suddenly the train!! the train he had been looking for. he made it bloody swollen mouth ripped open he made it. i love this scene because it says a lot about juan character. not giving up and listening to his famlys words inside of him. but also learing a lesson about how foolishness can cause a lot of pain for everyone. pages 120-128

Leave the cell phone at the door

"Leave the cell phone at the door"

Q: What are the consequences of assimilating into a digital culture?

    Lets take me for example me. this year is my first year owning my own computer, and with that come a lot of responsibility. At time when I'm doing my homework i get easily distracted by my music or surfing the Internet or instant messaging.Before i know it two hours have gone by and i haven't done my homework yet. so when you have a computer or Internet you have to be responsible of your time. You have to know when is it appropriate time to surf the net and have fun. you have to weigh out your priorities. is it more important to talk to your friends who will be there when your done, or is it more important to study and get your stuff done as soon as possible? If you let the world of digital overcome you you may get lost in it. the Internet has so many things ABOUT EVERYTHING. I mean there are great sources to get your information but there are also predators. Sex predators looking for victims, horrible porn sites that have viruses, false accusations and information. So i guess some of the consequences of assimilating into the culture are running into trouble by not weighing out your priorities, falling behind in class, in your studies, viruses, etc. Also sometimes its hard to adapt when your so use to telephones instead of email or person to person conversations versus instant messaging. or the old fashioned way so to speak. Sometimes your more comfortable in that way. but itd always great to open your mind to new opportiunites and ideas to expand your mind. or you might fall behind in society.

Reflect on Munoz

Q: What is the problem with feeling inferior or inadequate?

I personally feel that if you how can you have belief, trust, or confidence in others if dont even have it in yourself. Confidence is so important. its so important to believe in yourself because in the end thats who you have to count on. Of course you have family, mom, dad grandpa whoever to help you over the bumps. And wherever it is that your from or who you grew up with thats your foundation for the person you become. But it is you, you who makes the decisons in your life. and those desicions always effect other people. so its important to make the best choice possible. and how do you do that. do you listen the people talking down to you and the negative that comes around? do you believe the person that says your not good enough, your different, you dont fit in? Or do you listen to yourslef. who know you better then you? whatever you put your mind to you can do. Reguardless of your race, name, weight. True it is more difficult for some then other but that does that mean the benefit arent the same that your hard work doesnt count for as much? hell no.. whether it be culture or trying to get a job or just in a circle of people. Be confident know who you are where you came form and where your going. Youll make the best desicion for yourself.

my digital life

i think that technology has come a very long way. i mean you cant go anywhere withgout seeing it. Cell phones, computers, digital billboard sign, etc. even at my job, i work at a high end gym with at least 50 trainers and 10 or more massage therapist and over 300 clients. and everyone there wants you to emial them. its like they forgot what a phone was. Email and twitter and blogging have now become the new way of talkng to each other. call me old fashioned but i prefer to use the phone. i find email to be way to unpersonal. until this year i didnt know what facebook and twitter was. i do think its a great way to communicate with people you havent seen in awhile. now that im back in school it seems i need his technology more then ever. i had to go bu a computer and set up the internet on it. im not going to lie sonce then i have been glued on the thing!! i definitely think technology imporoves and makes work a little easier, i personally think it is easier to type a paper then write one. ive never had a blog but i happen to like writing down my thoughts for others to ponder. i dont what i would do if i lost my cell phone all of my clients are in it and i can recieve and urgent messages or emails on it as well. i remember my first cell phone didnt even have color let alone pic messaging and email and shit even a camera!! so just in that shirt amount of time technology had improved even on cell phones. i think it will constantly evolve as we do a humans and we should be expecting more to come most definitely.

lit circle pre reading journal #1

1. what are your first impressions? Obviously victor worked really hard on putting this book together. i think it will be exciting and heartfelt because its a true story of him and his family.
2. What do you think of the length and subject matter? i do think that the book is long, but how can you possibly fits someones lifetime in a book. it would have to be somewhat long in order for you to gain a perspective or opinion.
3. do you know any stories from your family history? if anything i know more about my dads side of the family. i don't know mom moms that well. my dad is one of fourteen and all of them were born in Mexico. my grandpa and grandma are still together and alive and well. my dad came to America with his family when he was about 11 or 12. on one of the trips my grandfather was driving and a tractor came out of the fields suddenly and totaled their car. my dads younger brother, who was my uncle daniel, died in my dads arms. i learned of this recently when my dad wrote a paper on it in college. my older brother my dads first son was named after him.
4.how long have you and you family lived in california? i was born here so all my life, my mom was born in florida, and my dad in mexico. since they divorced when i was one i lived with my dad all my life till i was 12. i went with my mother from 12 to 15. and have been on my own ever since.
5. wheres your family from? my dads side is born and raised in Michoacan, Mexico. my mom is half yougoslavian form her mom and half nicaraguan from my grandpa. i dont know much about my culture it hurts me to say but im going to learn more.

my motivation to attend college

lets see.. i never thought that i would go to college. Let alone pay for everything myself. i ahd a hard time growing up actually my life was pretty good until about 12 years old when i had to live with my mother for the first time. i was only with her for 3 years when i decided to be on my own. there were a number of factors why i decided but thats really when i started my journey at 15. ive lived house to house in my car outside in my friends car you name it ive done it. i remember one time i didnt eat for 5 days because of money issues. i remember the day i wanted to turn my life around it was in san bernardino and it was hot as hell that day. i was on my way to work at the dennys i worked at and decided that i didnt want to be a waitress forever. soon after i applied for massage school. i loved it and it was because i took it upon myself to do something that would benefit me. for once. i mean all i did was lie cheat and steal for so long it was refreshing to do something that was going to move me up a notch in life. i graduated with honors and have been doing massage for the last 3 years. about a couple of moths ago i had that itch again and decided to enroll at foothill. ive struggled so much even after i became a therapist. its hard when you have no one to ask for help. which means if you dont take care of what you need to do then im screwing myslef. what person in their right mind would want to make that decesion. so now im at foothill and i love every second of it.. its hard to put everything in a nutshell. but bottom line im proud of myslef