Voice

Often times those around us say hurtful words to those who are perceived to be an "easy target"; Even though we may not feel comfortable with what these people might be saying or doing, we go along with what the group is doing.
Otherwise we might get persecuted for what we say.
In away the person who is getting bullied voice is constrained, anything they say or do could result in mockery from their peers.
It's up to you to be their voice speak up for them, and stop the situation before it gets any worse.
When you stand up for them you must believe in what your saying, because the person who is being bullied is counting on you to stay true to your word.
If you decide to stand up for that person, just know that your making an impact on that persons life and by the end you should feel proud of what you did.

So Far Away, Yet So Close

No matter where you are in the world, whether it be a thousand miles away from home, or just in the town over, home never leaves your side.
Home is a place that never disappears, it is always with you when you need it most.
It's a place where you are always welcomed, no matter what is going on in your life.
For it is within your heart that home lies, never to be forgotten nor lost.

 

The Speed of time

Before my school day begins there is a lot that I have to get done in the morning to prepare for the day. Each morning I help set up flyer news, which at times can be tedious but never boring. Whether it be setting up the cameras or working in the control room my mornings are usually busy. I often times work in the control room on the technical director’s board. The technical director is in charge of changing the shots. I have the script out in front of me and I have to be constantly aware of what’s going on so I know the appropriate time to change the shots. Often times due to the earliest of the show I feel drowsy which has an impact on my performance, but most of the time I am able to focus and get out a consistent product.  I also feel responsible for the product of the show if it does not come out right I feel guilty because I messed up a shot. When I am doing this position I have a huge responsibility put upon my shoulders if I do not perform my tasks up to speed the show will be affected, but if I’m constantly paying attention and switching the shots when appropriate than the show will not be effected. Ultimately by  the end day all it comes down to is a learning curve and all I know is that if I tried my hardest and still made a mistake, I will learn from them and try harder next time.

The constant echo of a ticking clock makes my math class seem like an eternity. Each echo reminds me of a heartbeat, gradually getting louder as the class goes by. At the beginning of each class we get a warm up and by the time I finish the warm up I think that it took me five minutes to complete when in reality it’s only been two.  There is a sense of anticipation that builds up inside of me. It’s almost like an inner self wanting to escape and roam free. Do not get me wrong it’s not that I do not like the class it’s just this sense of longing for something that is more interesting and elusive. After the warm up we precede to go over the homework. By this point it feels like it’s been a long time when it’s only been ten minutes. When we finally go over all the homework we either practice problems or take notes. If we are taking notes class seems to go by much faster and the class is not that bad. It is when we practice that time seems endless. I often find that I can finish the problems in a timely manner; the only problem is when I have a question it seems like it takes a while for the teacher to come over. I will finish all the other problems and raise my hand once again but the teacher is still preoccupied by the same student, I will sit there and listen to the sound of the ticking clock until the teacher comes.  Over the course of the year we have been given so many worksheets that to a point it becomes overwhelming.  The physical weight of each worksheet is not heavy it is the number of worksheets that I accumulate over time. Although I have a binder and I am able to keep everything relatively organized. I often feel over loaded with material, and I have trouble keeping track of everything.  Often times when I take out my math binder from my back pack, I feel as if it is the heaviest item that I haul around. It is only when I do not have math class that I consolidate and do not bring my binder.

            Following math class I have U.S. History which is my favorite class of the day. The reason being Mr. Coleman is always effervescent when it comes to history. He has a dogmatic way of being concise when presenting new ideas. He makes the class enjoyable for everyone connecting history to the students and making sure everyone is out of their seats experiencing what history has to offer. Most days, time seems to slip by and class is over in a flash. No longer do I hear the constant ticking of a clock or the need for challenge. Rather I feel a sense of connection that I do not feel in any of my other classes. Mr. Coleman brings us back in time and shows us the perspective of the people, almost as if we were there with them experiencing their world. For in class activities Mr. Coleman gives a wide variety of projects that allows all of the students to shine. Sometimes we have creative assignments were we have to do some research about the time period, and using the knowledge we gathered we have debates about certain issues of the time period. Other times we do a project that are straight to the point that is factual. But regardless of the project Mr. Coleman always makes the class enjoyable for everyone.  In this class all the physical items that I carry have an impact on me during class. Well they are not as much of a burden the emotional weight I carry they are always there. Whenever I have history my back pack never feels as heavy as it does during math class. In history my back pack is like an accumulation of knowledge, it contains all of my subjects that are divided up into folders and binders. I know that I can always reference my folders from my back pack; it’s an easy way of organizing all of my subjects.  During class I always look forward to learning more about history and the way it has shaped us as human beings.  Mr. Coleman always keeps everyone engaged, and even though there are times when he gives lectures they are ephemeral and before you know it were up and out of our seats. Ultimately by the end of each class, Mr. Coleman always leaves us on the edge of our seats wanting more, and there is never a day that were not up and out of our seats experiencing history through the eyes of those who came before us.  

           

 

 

Mr.Garretson

Prior to my sophomore year, history never really interested me until I met Mr.Garretson.
Mr.Garretson changed my outlook on history completely.
History use to just be read, take notes and memorize the material, however Mr.Garretson changed all of that.
Mr.Garretson had us experience history rather than just sitting and taking notes.
We would do different sorts of activities such as write journal entries, from the point of view of a person in the time period we were studying.
This not only allowed us to engage our knowledge about the topic but also put in our own creative side to the story.
We would also role play famous historical events making skits that we would do in front of the class.
Mr.Garretson made me want to come to class, he made the class enjoyable and memorable.
Everyday I'd anticipate for the next, curiosity building up inside of me.
But most importantly Mr.Garretson had a major impact on my life, he inspired me to do more with my life and go on to do bigger and better than ever before.
We all have someone who has changed our lives drastically.
Never the less, don't ever be afraid of standing out among the crowd because you never know whose life you could change.

The Sons and Daughters of Liberty

We are the sons and daughters of war and liberty; life and the pursuit of happiness.
Together we shall prevail, and together we shall stand.
In love we shall prosper, and in death we shall stand hand in hand.
 

Who Casts the Vote?

The objective of most mainstream media is to persuade the audience to change their views or opinions. Information is communicated to the masses through media and propaganda. Media gives power to the press to persuade voters and influence the outcome of elections. Over the course of history, from the FDR to the Obama election, media has not only shaped the way we think, but has also swayed people’s political choices. These influences have had a negative impact on society. Media and propaganda have a detrimental effect on politics because they not only influence the voter’s decision, but prevent individual thought concerning politics.

The way we communicate has changed drastically over the past century, evolving into three main types of media. These include broadcast, written, and social media. Broadcast media entails television and radio where news is communicated by a reporter. President Roosevelt demonstrated the power of radio in the 1930’s and 1940’s. TV showcased Kennedy in the 1960 election during the debates. Written media consists of newspapers, and magazines. President Obama was the first president to use the internet. He used the live internet “ask me anything” AMA session at Reddit.com. In this forum individuals submitted questions and President Obama answered them. He was able to pick and choose questions that would get his views across to those online. (Press 1)  Social media on the internet ranges from Facebook to Twitter, to blogging.  Politicians often court these major media sites to push their agenda’s forward.  Each forum of media has had an effect on the way we vote; the choice we make ultimately comes down to how well the media has been able to persuade the undecided voter.

During this election it was evident that media played a role in influencing the voters’ decision, mainly through televised broadcast. The political campaigns were able to orchestrate what the viewers saw and heard about each candidate. President Obama aired an ad against Romney’s “47 percent” remarks. This ad talked of Mitt Romney dismissing these Americans for not pulling their weight. Yet Romney paid only 14% tax on his 13 million dollar earnings. Romney never said these people did not pay income taxes but it was implied in the ad. Romney ran ads highlighted his business expertise that would bring change to the economy, something president Obama didn’t have. Depending upon which news station you watched the Monday before the election; newscasters would either focus more on Romney or President Obama. During the election Fox News strongly supported Romney, “Fox has given Romney speeches unprecedented coverage a near four and a half total hours. Obama’s speeches, meanwhile, have been aired for just 35 minutes total (Media Matters 1).” Therefore the more you watched Fox news the more often you were exposed to Romney and the more you knew about what he stood for.  In contrast, MSNBC focused more on President Obama than Romney. “MSNBC aired the first three of Romney’s speeches on Monday for a total airtime of five minutes, but covered all three of Obama’s speeches for a total of 44 minutes (Media Matters 1).”The more you would watch MSNBC the more you would know about President Obama and what he stood for opposed to Romney. Politicians use different types of persuasion to make us believe in their views and influence how we vote.

 

When you’re trying to persuade someone to either follow you or believe in what you’re saying, a common technique politician’s use is a testimonial. A testimonial is when either a celebrity or someone important to the public eye sells the candidate. In late August actor Clint Eastwood sparked much controversy after his speech at the RNC (Republican National Convention) where he spoke to an empty chair that symbolize  President Obama and how he hasn’t been there for the country. Eastwood attacked President Obama saying that he was responsible for the high unemployment and he should not be reelected. Eastwood said,

“I haven’t cried that hard since I found out that there’s 23 million unemployed people in this country. Now that is something to cry for because that’s a disgrace, a national disgrace, and we haven’t done enough; obviously, this administration hasn’t done enough to cure that” (Lee 1).

 

Clint Eastwood is a true American icon, and when he expresses his political views his testimonial influence those around him.  If Eastwood endorses Romney’s campaign those who admire him will be influenced by what he says because they want to be just like him. In addition, Eastwood used what is known as loaded words to persuade the audiences to vote for Romney. For example, he used key words such as high unemployment and disgrace.  People hear these words and they associate them with bad connotations. However a Romney campaign spokesperson supported Eastwood’s performance by issuing this statement: “Judging an American icon like Clint Eastwood through a typical political lens doesn’t work. His ad-libbing was a break from all political speeches, and the crowd enjoyed it. He rightly pointed out that 23 million Americans out of work or under employed is national disgrace and it’s time for a change.” (Lee 2) President Obama also used a testimonial to help support his campaign. “Obama is endorsed by George Clooney, one of the most successful and popular actors in the country. I know people who couldn’t tell you whether Obama is a democrat or republican; they only know that Clooney supports him so they are too.”(Ink Paper Pen 2) Clearly there is some discrepancy between the political parties and what they see as right. Both parties are based on different ideals and campaign managers need to choose the appropriate media and techniques to communicate them.

            One of the most successful American communicators was President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who used radio to reach millions of people. He would have heart to heart conversations about issues that people really cared about and he would use simple terms that everyone could understand, through his fireside chats.

 “On March 12 the day before the first banks were reopened, Pres. Roosevelt boosted confidence further through the first of his many fireside chats. These were radio talks that Roosevelt gave occasionally about issues of public concern, such as explaining in clear, simple language his new deal measures. Informal and relaxed these talks made Americans feel as if the president were talking directly to them. In his first chat, Pres. Roosevelt explained why the nation’s welfare depended on public support of government in the banking system.” (Danzer 666)

 

The president explained that when there are an exuberant amount of people demanding their deposits in cash, banks would fail. As a result of this message many Americans returned their savings to the bank over the course of the weeks that followed. President Roosevelt had struck home with the common American and had persuaded them to do what he asked of them. He believed in the power of media to move them towards believing his ideas to move the country forward.

           

The media does have a great deal of power in American politics. One may ask are we seeing what we need to know or is it what the media wants us to think? The media can sway people who are skeptical or have no strong opinion in the first place. Since these voters often decide the election results, the power of media can be substantial (US History 1). Next time you go to mark your ballot, make sure that it is your choice verses who the media told you to choose.

 

Work Cited:

Danzer, Gerald, Klor de Alva, J.Jorge, Krieger ,Larry, Wilson, Louis, Woloch, Nancy The Americans Evanston, Illinois: McDogual Littell, 2002. Print

Lee, MJ “Clint Eastwood delivers rambling RNC speech” Politico 30 August 2012 Web. 26 November 2012

Media Matters Blog.” For Every Minute Of Airtime Fox News Gave Obama Speech, Romney Got Seven” Media Matters.org. 6 November 2012 Web.21 November 2012

Press, Larry” Politicians using media, from Roosevelt’s fireside chats to Obama’s Ask me Anything” CIS 471 1 September 2012 Web. 5 December 2012

N.a “Obama & Persuasion: How to become President” Ink Paper Pen 25 September 2012 Web. 6 December 2012

N.a “5d.The Media” US History n.d Web. 5 December 2012

A Greater Tomorrow

Live for today, work for a better tomorrow.

In life we often over think what we deem as a necessity.

We don't break down the possibilities to their fullest extent .

We center upon certain ideas without drawing to conclusions .

If we separate out what we need, over what is a luxury, we are one step closer towards a better tomorrow.