Cultural/Historical Analysis

The story that I am considering for the cultural/historical analysis is "How to Date a Browngirl, Blackgirl, Whitegirl, or Halfie." This story is told from the perspective of a hispanic male living in subsidized housing in New Jersey. He brings to light many of the common misconceptions and cultural stereotypes regarding different races. Most of these same ethic stereotypes can be seen on a daily basis. The references to government cheese lets it be known that he is part of a low income family. It appears that he conforms to whomever he may be dating at the time. He states that if he brings over a girl from the Terrace, that he will stack the boxes of cheese behind the milk. This indicates that he is ashamed of his homelife situation. He does his best to turn what seems like a negative situation into a positive. Some how he has discovered the key ingredient to every race to make girls fall for him.

No Name Woman-Theme/Setting

The main theme that is evident throughout the story is culture. Culture plays an extremely important role in Chinese culture but probably not as big a role in American culture. As evidenced by the story, the narrator must think about everything she wants to do before she does it in order to appease the society she lives in. There are major culture differences between Chinese and American cultures and the narrator struggles with trying to find a happy medium between the two.

Becky-Theme/Setting

The main theme from this story is the Golden Rule, treat others how you would like to be treated. This theme is evident from beginning to end of the story. This story takes place during one of the most controversial times in our country's history. In the 1920's there was a lot of tension and turmoil between whites and blacks. They just couldnt get along and interracial relationships were frowned upon. In many instances biracial people got the worst treatment. Becky's sons are shunned from the community and are not accepted by neither the blacks nor whites.

How to Date a Browngirl, Blackgirl, Whitegirl, or Halfie

This story brings to light many of the common stereotypes of girls. These streotypes affect the way he treats these girls because of the preconcieved notions that he has about them. He already has ideas in his head about how they act and what they will do in certain situations. The speaker in turn puts on a front in order to get what he wants from these girls. Rather than staying true to himself and being his own person he chooses to put on a show for the girls in order to impress them and get their attention.

Research

Looking up the term ball turret does help me understand Randall Jarrell's poem better. I now fully know and understand the concept of the ball turret. Staying in such a condensed space for such a long time would cause a person to zone out.
Researching Randall Jarrell's background proves that not only was he a soldier but he was also well accomplished in all aspects of life.

Free Write

A. Word Associations:
War-soldiers, dangerous, scary, Iraq, sadness
Gunner-flying bullets, kills targets, bloodshed
Attack-enemies, anyone who threatens you
B.World War II
many casualties, Americans band together, the Holocaust

Readings for 3-20

The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner
This poem is discussing one soldiers first hand account in a war. It begins with him feeling relaxed as if he is with his mother and no harm can come to him. Then it quickly turns into him feeling as if he is an object of the army. He is not an indespensible part of the war because his job can be easily replaced. While flying through the air he is at peace with himself until he is awaken to the realization that he is in the middle of a war, a war that took his life.

Readings for 3-18

Cultural/Historical Inventory
This section provides an interesting aspect of text that is often overlooked. It would be very helpful to know this information prior to reading a book. The culture and the historical context in which the literature takes place is extremely pertinent to ones overall comprehension of a text.
The Soldier
This poem is a perfect example of how the world changing around us is constantly . Despite the soldier being in a war that is destroying his country, he still cherishes the remnants of what used to be. No matter what happens he still has his memories and can take pride in his country.
Anthem for Doomed Youth
This poem is about the deaths of young soldiers in a war. The soldiers deaths are described as cattle because they are slaughtered so frequently. Their prayers are never answered due to rapid firing of rifles. Unfortunately there are no funerals for these soldiers.
Dulce et Decorum Est
This poem is also about war. The long haul of the war finally took its toll on the soldiers both physically and mentally. They are so sick and tired of war that some of them have gone crazy. They have become immune to the fear that war once gave them. Poisonous gas awakens them from their gaze but unfortunately one soldier did fall victim to the gas. The narrator is constantly haunted by the vision of this dead man.
The Glory of Women
This poem discusses the important role that women play during the war. It is evident that the narrator is very proud of the woman that he left behind. Despite his absence she manages to keep a positive attitude knowing that one day he will return. It is amazing that she still goes about her daily life while the war ensues.
They
The Bishop is extremely understanding of what the soldiers have gone through and wants to help them get through their ordeal. Despite the brutality of war the Bishop remains optimistic by saying 'The ways of God are strange.'

SWA #5

I have chosen to analyze a pair of Michael Jordan sneakers. This objects main goal is to serve as a basketball shoe. Not only is this supposed to be the most comfortable sneaker play in but it is also supposed to make you play better. Owning a pair of Jordans makes you feel as if Michael Jordan's greatness has rubbed off on you and that all things on the basketball. These shoes are also fairly expensive so having a pair not only indicates that you have expendable cash but also that you are very stylish. Its comfort, color, quality, and value are all crucial elements to aid me in my analysis. Each pair of Jordans is unique in its design, which separates it from other shoes. The shoe essentially sells itself. Michael Jordan is the best ball player to ever step on the court. So simply put, if you want to be best wear his shoes! Whether you are new to sneaker collecting or a more experienced vet like myself, Jordans are always a great choice. Although sneaker collecting is an expensive habit to have it is well worth the money.

Thesis Statement:
Americans are willing to spend excess amounts of money in order to make them feel and look good.