All good things come to those who wait. Well, in China, women have been waiting to climb the ladder for a very long time, and are slowly making their way in society. In the article, "The Sky is the Limit," the Economist describes the ups and downs about being a woman in China.
When people in America have children, they do not really think about how many they want. They just kind of go with the flow. Numbers of births range from 1 to 20. That is not exactly the case in the Chinese society. In the article, the economist states that women still have to abide by the "one-child policy." For me that would be horrendous. I cannot imagine just having one child and stopping. They say the policy is "quite leaky," but I still would want to decide how many children I could have without the government telling me what to do.
Although the number of women who work in China have slowly grown, there is still discrimination in the workplace. Towards the middle of the article, the economist describes a woman who works for a large oil company, and says that she "complains that women suffer from discrimination both in her company and her industry." I am sure there is still discrimination in the American workforce, but we have laws that prohibit that kind of judgement; China does not. I do no think that I could ever work in a place where people put me down all the time because of my gender. Chinese women must be dedicated.
We all have traditions and values that are passed down through our families, but some people will just not let old values go. For instance, in the article the economist describes, "...most Chinese men still expect them to look after a home and family more or less single-handed, whether or not they are holding down a job...These are deep-rooted, hard-to-shift attitudes that long pre-date the Mao era." I understand where the men are coming from, but can't they help their wives out too? I mean, if they are both working, then I think they should both pick up the slack at home. I guess some habits die hard.
This reminds me of a time long ago when women in America had no rights, were expected to stay at home, and be the little doting mother. Hopefullly, women in China will soon have the freedom that we are all blessed with today.
Improvements are being made, and it will take some time. Chinese women are so dedicated that I am sure in the near future they will have reached the top of the ladder.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Sunday, January 19, 2014
C.C. 3.1
In the article titled "Chinese Women Rights," the website informs readers of discrimination still going on in China.
Women in America are so much more privileged than women in China. In a paragraph titled Discrimination in Education and Employment, the author states, "It is hard for most women to get jobs even if they have degrees. Most good jobs are only open to men." I do not think we have any idea how good we, as women, have it. Our rights are so much more advanced than the rights in China.
When we think of men abusing their wives, we are automatically disgusted. Not so in China. This website reveals, "It is found acceptable in some parts of China for men to abuse their wives. There are not any laws to protect women from domestic abuse. Many authorities don't report abuse because they think wife abuse is a family matter." If a woman is abused in America, it simultaneously gets reported and is often heard on the news or found in the newspaper. I just don't understand why the police do not do something about the abuse. Is there no morality?
In the U.S., selling of slaves and brides ended long ago, but in some parts of China, women are being sold like pieces of meat. In the article, the author says, "There are women being sold as brides in the black market. Men who have purchased women don't get arrested meaning that the trade of women is still active. Usually when victims try to escape, they get brutally beaten, imprisoned, and possibly murdered." This sounds like the lake of fire to me. These women have hardly any rights, and although China's economy is improving every day, darker things lurk beneath the surface.
This reminds me of how the women in the Middle East are treated. Many are abused, have no say in their education, and are thrown away like trash.
We believe that are world is thriving, rights are being made, and fairness is taken into account. Unfortunately, we believe a lie.
Women in America are so much more privileged than women in China. In a paragraph titled Discrimination in Education and Employment, the author states, "It is hard for most women to get jobs even if they have degrees. Most good jobs are only open to men." I do not think we have any idea how good we, as women, have it. Our rights are so much more advanced than the rights in China.
When we think of men abusing their wives, we are automatically disgusted. Not so in China. This website reveals, "It is found acceptable in some parts of China for men to abuse their wives. There are not any laws to protect women from domestic abuse. Many authorities don't report abuse because they think wife abuse is a family matter." If a woman is abused in America, it simultaneously gets reported and is often heard on the news or found in the newspaper. I just don't understand why the police do not do something about the abuse. Is there no morality?
In the U.S., selling of slaves and brides ended long ago, but in some parts of China, women are being sold like pieces of meat. In the article, the author says, "There are women being sold as brides in the black market. Men who have purchased women don't get arrested meaning that the trade of women is still active. Usually when victims try to escape, they get brutally beaten, imprisoned, and possibly murdered." This sounds like the lake of fire to me. These women have hardly any rights, and although China's economy is improving every day, darker things lurk beneath the surface.
This reminds me of how the women in the Middle East are treated. Many are abused, have no say in their education, and are thrown away like trash.
We believe that are world is thriving, rights are being made, and fairness is taken into account. Unfortunately, we believe a lie.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Current Connection: 2.1
In the recent article, "Krokodil: Flesh-eating zombie
drug kills you from the inside out", Jen Christensen, a
journalist for CNN.com, informs her readers of the hideous consequences of this drug and how it is spreading throughout the globe.
In the article, Dr. Abhin Singla, an addiction specialist at Joliet, Illinois' Presence St. Joseph Medical Center, has treated people, he suspects, that have used this drug and says, "It's a zombie drug--it literally kills you from the inside out. If you want to die, this is a way to die." Causing your skin to become black or green and scaly, Krokodil extremely damages your skin. In most cases, patients lost significant amounts of their bodies because of this heroine-like drug.
Also, Dr. Robert Geller, the medical director at Georgia Poison Center, explains the medical effects of Krokodil and states, "The soft tissue damage happens around the injection site. The drug also seems to clump in the veins as it fails to dissolve completely in the blood. The clumps make their way to distant places in the body and start to damage tissue." The drug has not appeared in Georgia yet, but doctors fear that Krokodil will spread quickly. I just do not understand how some people can do this to their bodies and be okay with the consequences? Do they have no common sense?
The fire of Krokodil was started in Russia, and continues to burn throughout the world. Christensen explains in the article, "An estimated 100,000 in Russia and around 20,000 people in Ukraine are estimated to have injected the drug in 2011, according to a study that ran in the International Journal of Drug Policy this year. Experts theorize the drug first spread across Russia and Ukraine when heroin became less available." Made easily and much easier to obtain, Krokodil is a danger that most addicts are to tempted to try. The outlook is not good for these people. Those who cannot get there hands on heroine will turn to the fire.
The effects of this drug remind me of leprosy, in a way. Leprosy, a disease that is not so common today, a very nasty thing to have, made the diseased persons body parts fall off. It was very contagious, and most people were shunned if they had leprosy. Talked about in the Bible, leprosy was probably more common in those days then the sickness is now.
Though there have been no confirmed cases of Krokodil abuse, we all suspect that this is something that does not need to be played with. After all, who wants to be a zombie?
Works Cited
Christensen, Jen. "Krokodil: Flesh eating 'zombie drug' kills you from the inside out." CNN.com.
18 Oct. 2013. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.
Monday, October 14, 2013
CC: 1.2
We all know that religion in schools is all very "hush-hush," and Jesus is not really talked about by the teachers. Well, one teacher decided to incorporate the Christian God in a very unusual way. In Todd Starnes' article, on Foxnews.com, entitled "Professor Makes Students 'Stomp on Jesus,'" he exposes this educational scandal by voicing the opinions of the Professor's students.
In his article, Starnes explains that the students of the Professor's Intercultural Communications class "told the students to write the name 'Jesus' on a sheet of paper. Then, they were told to put the paper on the floor." Later in the article, Starnes reveals that they were told to "stomp on it." Of course there would be obvious dissension with this lesson. Jesus is the symbol of Christianity, and being told to stomp on that name would outrage many people, including myself.
Ryan Rotela, a devout Mormon and student of Florida Atlantic University, obviously had the same views. In the text, Rotela "picked up the paper from the floor and put it right back on the table." Rotela later stated to Deandre Poole, the instructor of that class, that "the assignment was insulting and offensive." I am sure that Professor Poole expected this kind of debate but did not expect that it would be taken to heart. The overall theme of the lesson was to "discuss the importance of symbols in culture;" however, I do not think that the Professor was ever allowed to explain that important detail. Poole was suspended.
Rotela explained his views in the article and stated to the television station, "Any time you stomp on something it shows you believe that it has no value. If you stomp on the word Jesus -- it says the word has no value." If someone stomps on a bug, no one really gives a second thought to it. The bug is not significant. Apparently, Jesus was not significant to whoever stomped on that piece of paper.
Everyday Jesus is getting smaller and smaller in schools. Our pledge that we say every morning at school states that we are "one nation under God," but we're not really under God anymore, are we? This article just proves that religion is becoming a topic of insignificance.
What will they think of next? Burning the American flag? Perhaps, they will stomp on the name Mohammed next. I would not be surprised.
In his article, Starnes explains that the students of the Professor's Intercultural Communications class "told the students to write the name 'Jesus' on a sheet of paper. Then, they were told to put the paper on the floor." Later in the article, Starnes reveals that they were told to "stomp on it." Of course there would be obvious dissension with this lesson. Jesus is the symbol of Christianity, and being told to stomp on that name would outrage many people, including myself.
Ryan Rotela, a devout Mormon and student of Florida Atlantic University, obviously had the same views. In the text, Rotela "picked up the paper from the floor and put it right back on the table." Rotela later stated to Deandre Poole, the instructor of that class, that "the assignment was insulting and offensive." I am sure that Professor Poole expected this kind of debate but did not expect that it would be taken to heart. The overall theme of the lesson was to "discuss the importance of symbols in culture;" however, I do not think that the Professor was ever allowed to explain that important detail. Poole was suspended.
Rotela explained his views in the article and stated to the television station, "Any time you stomp on something it shows you believe that it has no value. If you stomp on the word Jesus -- it says the word has no value." If someone stomps on a bug, no one really gives a second thought to it. The bug is not significant. Apparently, Jesus was not significant to whoever stomped on that piece of paper.
Everyday Jesus is getting smaller and smaller in schools. Our pledge that we say every morning at school states that we are "one nation under God," but we're not really under God anymore, are we? This article just proves that religion is becoming a topic of insignificance.
What will they think of next? Burning the American flag? Perhaps, they will stomp on the name Mohammed next. I would not be surprised.
Monday, September 16, 2013
CC: 1.1
For the past couple of years, we have all heard that video games rot our brains. Not so! In the recent article Disruptions: Minecraft, an Obsession and and Educational Tool, Nick Bilton's assuring facts explain the positive and negative sides for this hit video game.
Video games in school? How is this possible??? Nick Bilton shows this abomination to be true in his article and states, "Earlier this year, for example, a school in Stockholm made Minecraft compulsory for 13-year-old students. 'They learn about city planning, environmental issues, getting things done, and even how to plan for the future,' said Monica Ekman, a teacher at the Viktor Rydberg school." Creativity is becoming crucial in this world, seeing how left brain thinking is being overtaken by right brain thinking. Minecraft is just one more thing that is helping this concept along.
This is not the only perk to playing Minecraft. In the article, Bilton interviews Joel Levin, co-founder of TeacherGaming that runs MinecraftEdu, which helps teachers play along with their students. Levin describes, "Kids are getting into middle school and high school and having some ugly experiences on Facebook and other social networks without an understanding of how to interact with people online. With Minecraft, they are developing that understanding at a very early age." In today's world, computers are a huge part of our society. Why not learn more about communicating on the internet while you can? It's not such a bad thing!
However, with every up, there is a down. Too much good stuff is bad stuff! Professor Klopfer is also mentioned in the article and he warns, "...as with anything...there is such a thing as too much Minecraft." Even though this game is used as an education tool, it has the power to (as we say) rot our brains, if the zombies in Minecraft do not get to them first!(: Mwahahahahahah.
This article really stuck out because my little brother is ADDICTED to Minecraft. He has the Minecraft app on his i-pod ( the full version) and the X-box game. To me, all he is doing is building a bunch of stuff, but hey! If this game enhances his brain power then I say, "GAME ON!" He needs all he can get. Ha!
This world is rapidly changing into something that is ruled by computers. Almost everything we do involves them. Video games in school bring us one step closer to them overtaking the world! *Cue music of doom*
Video games in school? How is this possible??? Nick Bilton shows this abomination to be true in his article and states, "Earlier this year, for example, a school in Stockholm made Minecraft compulsory for 13-year-old students. 'They learn about city planning, environmental issues, getting things done, and even how to plan for the future,' said Monica Ekman, a teacher at the Viktor Rydberg school." Creativity is becoming crucial in this world, seeing how left brain thinking is being overtaken by right brain thinking. Minecraft is just one more thing that is helping this concept along.
This is not the only perk to playing Minecraft. In the article, Bilton interviews Joel Levin, co-founder of TeacherGaming that runs MinecraftEdu, which helps teachers play along with their students. Levin describes, "Kids are getting into middle school and high school and having some ugly experiences on Facebook and other social networks without an understanding of how to interact with people online. With Minecraft, they are developing that understanding at a very early age." In today's world, computers are a huge part of our society. Why not learn more about communicating on the internet while you can? It's not such a bad thing!
However, with every up, there is a down. Too much good stuff is bad stuff! Professor Klopfer is also mentioned in the article and he warns, "...as with anything...there is such a thing as too much Minecraft." Even though this game is used as an education tool, it has the power to (as we say) rot our brains, if the zombies in Minecraft do not get to them first!(: Mwahahahahahah.
This article really stuck out because my little brother is ADDICTED to Minecraft. He has the Minecraft app on his i-pod ( the full version) and the X-box game. To me, all he is doing is building a bunch of stuff, but hey! If this game enhances his brain power then I say, "GAME ON!" He needs all he can get. Ha!
This world is rapidly changing into something that is ruled by computers. Almost everything we do involves them. Video games in school bring us one step closer to them overtaking the world! *Cue music of doom*
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Fiction is not my thing
Against my will, I am writing a short story. Do not get me wrong, I love, love, LOVE reading. Reading someone else's imagination is a lot easier than writing my own creative thinking. I am sure being an author will be a struggle.
As horrible as writing may sound, creating the characters is pretty fun. Going on Hero Machine and getting to form my characters helped me to visualize the actual appearance. There were so many options to choose from and those choices assisted me in compsing my short story.
Beforehand, I have written that fiction is not exactly my cup of tea. I am not joking. Fashioning this story into existence might be one of the hardest things I have ever done. I can produce some of the most amazing creations on canvas, but put a pencil in my hand and say "Write..," I am doomed for weeks of brain farts.
As I was shaping the main person in my story, I knew that she had to be different. As a result, I gave her red flaming hair and fiery blue eyes. She needed to be tough and stubborn on the inside and outside, so she holds a gun with a roll of ammunition crossing her torso. Her pants are torn giving her an "I can go through anything" look. My character's stance is proud and and firm showing she know what she is doing and why.
This story will not be easy. I am sure some will just breeze right through this project with ease and confidence, but me, ha, I am just gonna roll with the punches. Wish me luck!
As horrible as writing may sound, creating the characters is pretty fun. Going on Hero Machine and getting to form my characters helped me to visualize the actual appearance. There were so many options to choose from and those choices assisted me in compsing my short story.
Beforehand, I have written that fiction is not exactly my cup of tea. I am not joking. Fashioning this story into existence might be one of the hardest things I have ever done. I can produce some of the most amazing creations on canvas, but put a pencil in my hand and say "Write..," I am doomed for weeks of brain farts.
As I was shaping the main person in my story, I knew that she had to be different. As a result, I gave her red flaming hair and fiery blue eyes. She needed to be tough and stubborn on the inside and outside, so she holds a gun with a roll of ammunition crossing her torso. Her pants are torn giving her an "I can go through anything" look. My character's stance is proud and and firm showing she know what she is doing and why.
This story will not be easy. I am sure some will just breeze right through this project with ease and confidence, but me, ha, I am just gonna roll with the punches. Wish me luck!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
BR 2: Down Where My Love Lives
 |
| http://charlesmartinbooks.com/blog/entry/down_where_my_love_lives |
Conversation with a Character
Clarissa: "Hi Maggie. How are you today?"
Maggie: "Just fine. I'm a little tired of doing interviews."
Clarissa: "I'm not surprised. You're famous now that your 'alive' again. How long were you in that coma?"
Maggie: "Four months. Dylan said those months felt like years."
Clarissa: "Dylan is your husband, correct?"
Maggie: "Yes, Dylan is my husband, and a good one too. I don't know how he waited that long for me."
Clarissa: "It must have been true love. You two are meant for each other, and now that you have went through this, I'm sure you can go through anything."
Maggie: "This really has been a rough ride for both of us. Losing that first child was awful, but.....losing the twins was a nightmare."
Clarissa: "Wow, it sounds terrible. I don't know how you've stayed so strong."
Maggie: "Dylan has been my rock. Our friends, Amos and Amanda, have really helped us though this time also."
Clarissa: "Is there still a chance that you can have children, or is that goal nearly impossible?"
Maggie: "Yes, there is still a good chance that we can have a family, but every time we try, the attempt usually fails. That is why we're looking into adoption."
Clarissa: "And how is that process coming?"
Maggie: "Unfortunately, I don't think that the adoption agency will let us adopt. They view me as 'emotionally unstable.' Another bad factor that the agency got a good look at is our house. A gang had recently burned it down, so of course they will probably assume that our environment is always unsafe."
Clarissa: "Again, I am amazed at how you have stayed sane. I'm sure I would go crazy. I would love to talk to you more, but I'm afraid this is all I have time for. Thanks for coming."
Maggie: "Thank you for inviting me."
A Different Ending
Clarissa: "Personally, I love your story, but I think it needs a new ending."
Maggie: "Oh, and how would you change the end?"
Clarissa: "Well, first of all, I would make you actually have a kid before the book ends."
Maggie: "I like that idea, but how?"
Clarissa: "Instead of both the twins dying, I would have at least one of them survive. Losing both children is just too sad. You need a little happiness in your life."
Maggie: "But the book ends leaving you thinking that I will eventually have children."
Clarissa: "Then I would make an epilogue a few years later displaying the scene of a happy family with your front yard scattered with toys. A little girl with your Audrey Hepburn hair and Bettie Davis eyes would be sitting in Dylan's lap, while you and the smaller replica of your husband would be running through the corn fields in front of your house."
Maggie: *sigh* "That's my every day dream. I just wish that would happen. I know Dylan wants kids and it breaks my heart that I can't give him what he wants."
Clarissa: "Well, he has you. One day, I believe you will have children and make Dylan the happiest Dad alive."
Maggie: "I sure hope so. I love your ending, I only wish that it was real."
Clarissa: "Someday, it will be. God has a plan."
Maggie: "God was Dylan's rock throughout the coma. I can only hope that He will get us through the years to come."
Clarissa: "He will. Well, time's up today. Thank you for sharing your story."
Maggie: "No, thank you for sharing yours."
THE END
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