BEFORE you start writing, read the comments left by other students. (If you are the first one to post, you have an open canvas.)
AVOID repeating the same topic/issue over and over. Even if you choose the same general topic, find in it an original detail or aspect.
COMMENT: Thinking back about the first class, what is ONE detail, or piece of information that you remember vividly?
Describe it and explain WHY it means something to you.
(If your comment is widely off target I will remove it: it's not personal, I just want to make sure the conversation stays on track.)
REPLY: from the comments left by classmates choose one you find particularly interesting or intriguing or original and tell him/her why you selected it.
One of the things that I remember most vividly was when the professor ask us, when you think about the word tribe, what is the first thing that comes up to your mind. At first, I was confused and the only thing that I could think of was a group of Native Americans as a "tribe" due to the only definition that I had about a tribe was a small or large group of people living in a same location. As the conversation when on and many people started to answer, I realized that a tribe can also be used to describe a specific race of people. If you think about it, it does make sense. We may come up from different countries around the world and interact with different tribes, but when knowing or interacting with a person or persons from our same race, we may form a tribe. We share the same way of speaking, the share the same food, we share the same way of thinking in some occasions; so essentially we are a small or large group of people in the same location share the same ideas, food, beliefs, etc. We may also blend into other tribes and learn more about how their culture is different or similar to ours. Making this topic the first thing we discussed in class got me more interesting in learning more about other tribes, specially the Italian American tribe.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things that I remember most from the first class discussion was the question of Which tribe do you belong to? This was the first time I've thought that I belong to a tribe. Like many students in class the first thing that came to my mind was Native American tribe and I could not fit or describe myself belonging to a tribe. Since, I did not belong to that group I thought that not everyone identifies or belongs to the tribe. As the class discussion went on I have learned that all of us belong to a group of people, often who live together, who share the same religion, culture and history, who share same values of life and who represents themselves as a tribe. We can easily form a tribe by just sharing same ideas, language as well food which means it does not have to be large group of people. All of us belong somewhere that we are not aware of and finding where you belong and which tribe represents you shows to the society who you are and how society values or treats you. I selected you because In my opinion we share the same ideas.
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ReplyDeleteOne of the things I remember vividly from the first day of class is when the professor said that the difference between labor and management is that labor TAKES orders and management GIVES orders. At first when he asked why we're in college, I thought well to get and have a good job. But as he continued, he said, We go to college to have a good position. When he said "position", I really didn't think that deeply about the word until he compared labor and management. The reason that particular phrase stood out was because I started thinking about my future. I thought maybe a teacher is good but if I could move up and be a principle, that would be better. I kept thinking and I thought maybe it's not that literal when the professor said "position". Labor and management are neither bad, but we should aim for management.
ReplyDeleteI think when he said position, he meant it as in a position in life, somewhere more comfortable like an office job to a fast food kitchen. Starting with a good position is vital because when you have both feet in a stable position, you can start to make judgments and decisions that aren't rushed. Starting from a good position can only benefit you as it is linked to everything that you do, so you'd like to start with a positive mindset then a negative one.
DeleteWhen remembering the first day of class, what strikes me most was the stereotype exercise. Stereotypes are generally universal and well known. However, in acknowledging one's own stereotype one is able to take ownership of that and reflect on it. Choosing to perpetuate the stereotype or not is purely anecdotal but just the simple act of acknowledging and considering its implications in your life can be powerful. For me, hearing the Pablo Escobar stereotype, reminded me how much that single man has tarnished the reputation of an entire country. Television and film idolize his existence and although not qualified to assess the ramifications of this on Colombia, I know enough not to praise a man who terrorized a nation for years.
ReplyDeleteI agree on you when acknowledging one's own stereotype we can choose the way how we interpret it or even how it affects what we believe. It's not from the "other world" to hear stereotypes about our own tribe, it is up to us how we decide to interpret it. Also, sometimes television may affect in our way of thinking because they idolize so much on that person, thing or idea. Since now a days, media have such a strong impact in our lives that makes us think differently on that stereotype rather than us having our own opinion or reflection.
Deletei agree with this.
DeleteThe first class I must say was very different from any class I've had in the past, and I've had literature classes before but this one felt more personal and more like home. The detail I remember most vividly is right after we all wrote down the stereotypes about both our own tribe and the American-Italian tribe. The professor after reading the last card in his hand, looked up at us and began saying what gave me goose bumps after. He said that every time we want to make that quick "joke" or comment we should think about it and not say it because even though it might come off funny to some it won't be humorous to others. Words can hurt deeper than any physical power because wounds heal and bruises fade but our hurt feelings will linger forever.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that words can hurt deep. In my other class, we learned about how some cultures are different and might find things more offensive compared to other cultures. When we were told to write down stereotypes about Italian Americans, and the Prof. shared it out loud it was pretty funny and most of the class laughed. However, there might be some Italians who find stereotypes like those obnoxious. Even though this was just a class exercise, this happens to some degree in the real world. Cultures need to learn how to respect other cultures, starting with learning about each other and appreciating their differences.
DeleteOne detail I remember vividly is when we were asked to think of the reason(s) why we were in college. We were asked to write on paper first and then share our answers after. I personally am in college to prepare myself to teach children and become certified in the DOE. However, I did find it interesting when Prof. Carasi said that future employers look for people with a college degree because it shows that you are able to be trained. I didn't think of it that way. I always had the assumption that the biggest use for a degree was to ensure higher income potential. People with college degrees have a higher yearly income compared to those who don't have degrees. But it is much more valuable than that. It opens doors to more job opportunities and benefits. It shows employers that the skills and preparation you gain in college will benefit you in the workplace. It allows you to be able to handle many different positions and be promoted, just like Prof. Carasi said in class. It means something to me because it affects how I see my future after I graduate.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said above "future employers look for people with a college degree because it shows that you are able to be trained". I believe that getting a college degree should be something that people are able to put to full use in the future, not just to show that we can be trained. It has an endless amount of benefits, and opens so many more doors than for someone who did not go to college.
DeleteOne part of the class last week that really stood out to me was when Professor Carasi said that when getting hired for a job, a college degree simply means that we can be trained. I believe that getting a college degree means we have an interest in something, and we took so much time, money, and effort to get a diploma in this field and to work at it for the rest of our lives. A degree should be more than just a piece of paper to hang on the wall, it should be able to choice our life paths and help us achieve dreams and goals. When I finish college and am given my degree in Exercise Science, I do not want to work for the Sanitation Department or something else totally unrelated. I want to work as a nurse in a hospital, saving lives and helping the community and everyone around me. Having a college degree should not just mean that I can take orders from the people around me, it shows I am a hard worker and I did not stop trying to achieve what I wanted most in life, despite many obstacles.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this. Having a degree (especially at this level) isn't just a bout specializing in one academic area. That what masters degrees and higher are for.
DeleteThe bachelor's is to get us on the track that we want while still giving us the option to experiment and broaden our horizons
One thing that stood out to me was the labor vs management analogy. While it is nice to always go for management and the argument makes complete sense. It still wildly depends on the person. At my own job I am a lifeguard and swim instructor. This is definitely not my future career but I see the opportunity to move up. I think I qualify to be a supervisor in my own job at least. I have management experience and I've been teaching long enough that I know what I'm doing.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately being a laborer and being a manager are two different skill sets. A manager knows how to organize people and set up schedules and deals with the public eye at a broader level than a laborer. At my job I would not take a possible promotion simply because then I wouldn't be able to teach or lifeguard as much as I like to. I would be stuck behind a desk or walking kids to the pool. That's not why I took the job, I took it so I can show my skills on a daily basis and make sure people are safe and informed while swimming. I don't want to be responsible for 30 people and have to fix their mistakes. I don't mind taking orders as long as the person giving them knows what they're doing.
While being a manager seems nice on the outside it's not as nice as it sounds. You're better off finding something that you enjoy doing and have job security with. If that means being a laborer then so be it
I agree with this. Some people, my self included, would much rather be hands on, and apply their skills directly than sit behind a desk and delegate and be responsible for their mistakes. However I do feel that there are certain managerial positions that don't require you to just delegate and push pencils. Positions that still require a hands-on approach to the work and even a face-to-face relationship with the customers/consumers/visitors.
DeleteThe thing that stuck out to me the most was when we were identifying with our respective tribes. Through most of my life, I've been surrounded by a very diverse group of people, which is great because I was able to experience a variety of different cultures. However, it left me with a feeling of isolation that I hadn't really noticed until the question was asked. I had grown used to the feeling of being the white Italian kid at my school and I hadn't thought anything more than that. The first day of class really opened my mind to the idea that I'm part of a larger community of people, all with similar traits and lifestyles, and while I do not regret growing up in a diverse group of people, its definitely comforting to know that I'm part of something larger than myself.
ReplyDeleteI think I had the exact opposite situation as opposed to this. Growing up I was always in a very diverse group, being one out of three Turkish kids all throughout elementary school, middle school, and High school, I got along with everyone because I didn't have my "Group" of people really. I hung out with Bengali kids, White, Puerto Rican, Russians, Blacks (of all kinds, you name it). But never really got into a Turkish group of friends, it was odd.
DeleteThe most vivid thing I remember would be the story Prof. Carasi told us about his wife, and how she started at the bottom with a degree she didn't know would be in that field of expertise. Working in an environment and showing others you're professional opens opportunities because in the future like in her case, her boss recruited her to work for her and eventually led to her own successful career. I remember this vividly because I respect success in any shape, way, or form; even though everybody has their own definition of success like my definition would be rich and comfortable with property, while others could be knowing all languages fluently. Success is something only a few achieve which is why I hold it to such a high standard.
ReplyDeleteWhat resonated with me during our first lecture in Professor Carasi's class was his statement about opinions - if someone states an opinion that you do not agree with, you automatically dismiss it without truly thinking the idea through. He presented us with a situation, the covered statues in Greece to welcome a Middle Eastern official. Automatically, I thought that the Greek authorities were showing hospitality to the official who came from a very conservative background. Not everyone agreed. It made me wonder if all opinions have a shred of truth, depending on the perspective of the viewer. Some said that it is the values of the culture that is hosting the outsider that matters. If Greece does not believe in censorship of the naked body, why should we appease those who find offense in that? As this class continues, I'm sure we will all have different perspectives towards different political, social, and cultural matters. However, it is this concept that makes learning so fufilling - seeing the other side of that perspective. It opened my eyes to what this course might have in store - the social issues that lay at the heart of the oppression of minorities and the demonization of "outsiders." Everyone feels justified in their opinions and perhaps it is because of this that oppression continues to be prevalent in society.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't present during the first exam and was instructed to leave a comment here stating so.
ReplyDeleteThe thing I remember clearly that resonated with me the most was the topic of "Stereotypes" within our tribe/culture. When I reflected on my ethnic background, growing up Turkish I was not met with any racial constructs or any form of bullying because I was Turkish. When the Professor posed the question "Think of any positive or negative stereotypes that are applied to your tribe." I couldn't think of one immediate thing, because it was never really put on me when I was growing up. Now that I had time from last week to really think about it, the things most people compare with us Turks are stuff like "Turkish Delights" or "Kebabs" or "Gyros" - Also (but rarely) "Thanksgiving". But nothing that would be a real stereotype type, I think? That is what I remember most and I can't really judge it from a different perspective because I don't really see it, or hear about it, because it doesn't seem to exist to me. I may be wrong.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I remember strongly was the arguments given for the presented issue in class over the covering of the Italian statues for a foreign visitor. Many gave their opinions and arguments, and I could understand why they thought this way, I later formed a completely different view on the subject.
ReplyDeleteGiven that these foreign visitors were coming to speak with the Italian government over issues uknkwn to us, the guests were treated in a special manner to assure their comfort and contentment. To some this seemed to push the boundaries of international relations because if the foreign visitors were within the borders of Italy, then arguably they should accept the culture of Italian art and principles.
My argument is that, if the Italian government is doing business or discussing international issues with these foreign politicians, wouldn't it make sense to please them in every way in order to better persuade them into whatever policy or deal was about to be discussed? Food for thought.
The thing that intrigued was that the education of the children stopped at such a young age. The reason why I was fascinated was because in their state of poverty education was forced by their parents. All that the children was forced to do is work if their family needed help financially. The father said a quote "when you know that they are like that why do you go with them?" by the way that this quote is worded you can tell that the father wasn't well educated. In America school wasn't so much a choice but something that I know i just had to do. My mother made sure that every semester is was in school and had what I needed. Poverty can change what a society thinks is necessary to get by.
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