Monday 28 January 2013

Enriched Understanding

I've learned about a few different topics in English class so far, but these are the ones that really stand out:

Normal. What do we define as normal? I've learned that there is no exact definition, and that the society we live in decides normal. Fashion trends, attitude, personality etc. all decides what "normal" is. This topic and subject is really interesting, and I've been having really deep thoughts about what 'normal' is. It isn't one of those topics where you have to pretend like you understand, because 'normal' affects everyone. It's basically impossible to go through life without ever wanting to be 'normal'. 

USA stereotypes...
I come from a school where English class is as simple as 'as red as an apple' or 'She (decides/decide) to make lunch'. My understanding of the world was limited to what I studied in the classrooms. I didn't know or cared much about international affairs because the school never encouraged us to read newspapers or watch the news, as it was less important than what we studied in school curriculum. When I did watch the news however, I believed everything they told me. They told me all Russians are terrorists, I believed them. They told me stereotypes about different races of people, I believed them. As I grew older, I gained access to the internet. And in my English class, I learned that every story has two sides to it. I learned about how the media is so powerful and it can manipulate stories in any way. This topic has made me realize that it's important not to give power to stereotypes and that a single story has the power to make you believe anything.

These units have really enriched my understanding of the world.

Wednesday 9 January 2013

Change & Acceptance

Who's Irish? by Gish Jen is a short story told from the perspective of an old grandmother from China - the protagonist - who strongly believes that her traditional Chinese style of parenting is the best for children. In the beginning of the story, it is made clear to the readers that the Grandma cannot accept change and is very stubborn and faithful to her beliefs. She has a hard time accepting the fact that her granddaughter Sophie, is very mischievous and behaves nothing like a China girl at all. 

The conflict here is due to the clash of two different cultures. However, the protagonist soon finds out that different ways of parenting work just as well as her own method. There is a big contrast in the mindset of the protagonist as she finally decides to accept change in the end and adopts a more open minded way of thinking. 

The story's plot progressed very well. The way it is written (in broken English) let's the readers feel like they are reading something actually written by an old Chinese grandma.


Monday 7 January 2013

The word of the year


It's the start of a new year and I don't want this year to be like the others. I want to make a difference in myself. And the only way to do that is to gain some confidence. 

I want to be able to be confident enough to voice out my opinion without caring about judgement. I want to be able to play my piano in a huge concert hall without worrying about hitting the wrong note. I want to be feel confident. 

I envy those that have so much of it. The way they go about life, not caring about what others think about them. 

Confidence is hard to achieve in a short time, and it's something I have to work on. No excuses. Happy 2013!