In Nathan McCall’s essay, “My Rap Against Rap”, he speaks on his influence from outside media in his early years. Many of those influences were, misleading guidance advice that got him to where he is now. In the essay he reflects on his past mistakes that lead him to dangerous situations. He gives examples to the reasons why many people fall short, such as the influences of Rap music has on the youth. In some of his states his personal issues, to reflect and change on. In the essay he made assumptions some of those might have been offended to his audience.
Nathan’s list his reasons for personality becoming the person who he is today. This essay "My Rap Against Rap" is like a personal dis towards Rap for being so negative. He mainly speaks on how, Rap plays a big role in his life, because there are rappers that portray negative views of men that have influence him. Those negative views that Nathan picked up he played out in his life, he allowed them to make his decisions. Those bad decisions were just enough to cause him to almost take someone’s life. After watching “The Godfather” he shot somebody, from feeling the urge to take his anger out on anyone whom was in sight. The “God Father” was a violent movie based on Gangsters and mobs who retaliated on their enemies in violent ways. Nathan respected the movie, “The Godfather”, such as how they handled their business and watching the movie. Nathan also speaks about how impressionable gangster rappers are to the younger generation, because he was once a victim of impressionable rap. Many of his reasons are evidence since they are from personal experience.
Throughout his essay he gives numerous reasons behind how rap has such a negative impact on the listeners. In paragraph fourteen, he makes assumptions about his audience that he is basing off his how he views rap listeners feel. His mistake was when he wrote “The key element is aggression-in rappers’ body language, tone, and witty rhymes-that often leaves listeners hyped, on edge, angry about…something” making it seem as if he did not show any consideration in how the listeners may really feel. Nathan is speaking for a broad audience that he could possibly be offending. The risky assumption is saying how the rappers leave them feeling, just throwing suggestions about how the listeners feel. Especially, when he ended the sentence with “…something”, he could have changed that by simply saying there are many feelings a listener of rap could feel. Instead of the risky assumption, that would have help avoid insulting any of his readers or fans. Even though Nathan McCall’s personal evidence of how he feels about rap, that may possibly not be everyone’s point of view. He has to be very careful of how he uses his words in his essay.
Therefore, Nathan McCall’s essay was overall well written, that I was able to relate to and understand. After talking about his point of view of rap, it explains the reason why he is the person who is today. Rap music once had a great impression on Nathan’s life were he started to immaculate the lifestyle. Now that he is older he is able to point out his problems and solve them by maturing into a positive man. In this essay, he explains to his audience showing what effects Rap music has on people. His goal for this essay, "My Rap Against Rap" was to bring Rap music into the light, so People can be conscious of what they are listening to and not end up the way he did.
Friday, December 19, 2008
NARRATIVE ESSAY
Treana Penn
English 201A/ MW 1:00-2:50
The college life, as every one who has been in college, the first thing that they bring up are “parties”. Yet, they do not bring up the hard work that comes along with all that partying. One of my main classes that I put my focus on is my English Class, because it requires the most work. Fresh out of High School and into college, you began to learn more about yourself. It is a beginning of a new chapter of my autobiography. I have personally learned more about myself, in my English Class. This semester is now coming to its end, but I am just begging for the next semester.
In my English, of course there was continuous writing, that at times seemed overwhelming. I always liked to write stories, but my problem was correctly formatting the papers. After, reviewing my graded essays I found out that the issue was not rereading my papers and careless mistakes. Those careless mistakes have caused my grades to drop. That showed me that I was accepting to settle for less. Something, that I am working on, because I am striving for the best in this point of my life. With all the assignments that were posted, I had to learn discipline, by just keeping up and just doing the assignments. Apart of my goal was to stay focused this semester and receive straight A’s in all my classes. Yet, I did not set my standards for how I would achieve that and I will do that for next semester. College is hard work only if I allow it to be hard work.
During My English class we focused on the Literature of Tupac. There was a lot that I learned about Tupac’s knowledge of history and literature. From learning that he has read over hundreds of books makes me want read and I find what he got from the reading. I find it interesting how A English class can focus on a rapper, while still studying English Literature. By reading, “The Rose That Grew From Concrete”, a poem book written by Tupac Shakur, I was able to relate to a lot of his poems that I have written in my poem book. Tupac was easy to relate to, making the class more interesting. I feel that method is helpful with any of my classes. Find something that I feel is interesting and relate it to the class subject, even if the teacher did not assign it. I found, Hacker, useful when it comes to essays. Personally, I realized that I have to be my own teacher.
I am progressively completing my childhood goals, by completing my first semester of College. The last 18 weeks of my life have been spent in college allowing me to meet a new mature me. As of today, I am my own disciplinarian. The most important thing that has affected is learning to be consistent with my work. My plan is to continue to in school and not allow my self to fail as a young woman. Since, I am still in the process of living the college life I will take everything I am learning and use it in the future.
English 201A/ MW 1:00-2:50
The college life, as every one who has been in college, the first thing that they bring up are “parties”. Yet, they do not bring up the hard work that comes along with all that partying. One of my main classes that I put my focus on is my English Class, because it requires the most work. Fresh out of High School and into college, you began to learn more about yourself. It is a beginning of a new chapter of my autobiography. I have personally learned more about myself, in my English Class. This semester is now coming to its end, but I am just begging for the next semester.
In my English, of course there was continuous writing, that at times seemed overwhelming. I always liked to write stories, but my problem was correctly formatting the papers. After, reviewing my graded essays I found out that the issue was not rereading my papers and careless mistakes. Those careless mistakes have caused my grades to drop. That showed me that I was accepting to settle for less. Something, that I am working on, because I am striving for the best in this point of my life. With all the assignments that were posted, I had to learn discipline, by just keeping up and just doing the assignments. Apart of my goal was to stay focused this semester and receive straight A’s in all my classes. Yet, I did not set my standards for how I would achieve that and I will do that for next semester. College is hard work only if I allow it to be hard work.
During My English class we focused on the Literature of Tupac. There was a lot that I learned about Tupac’s knowledge of history and literature. From learning that he has read over hundreds of books makes me want read and I find what he got from the reading. I find it interesting how A English class can focus on a rapper, while still studying English Literature. By reading, “The Rose That Grew From Concrete”, a poem book written by Tupac Shakur, I was able to relate to a lot of his poems that I have written in my poem book. Tupac was easy to relate to, making the class more interesting. I feel that method is helpful with any of my classes. Find something that I feel is interesting and relate it to the class subject, even if the teacher did not assign it. I found, Hacker, useful when it comes to essays. Personally, I realized that I have to be my own teacher.
I am progressively completing my childhood goals, by completing my first semester of College. The last 18 weeks of my life have been spent in college allowing me to meet a new mature me. As of today, I am my own disciplinarian. The most important thing that has affected is learning to be consistent with my work. My plan is to continue to in school and not allow my self to fail as a young woman. Since, I am still in the process of living the college life I will take everything I am learning and use it in the future.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
ALL FREEWRITES
FREEWRITES
December 2008:
Arguments
Treana Penn
English 201A
MW 1-2:50
Watching this video about arguments reminding me of the 1980s and 1990s videos that teachers used in class as "how to videos" that was very corny, but you couldn't help to laugh. I personally believe that an argument is a statement that you feel is correct, but yet is debatable. That argument has been researched in and out so that you can answer any question brought your way about the argument. A good argument will make the person you are debating realize that you are correct and they could possibly incorrect. An argument can also be very persuading and easy to understand. The person speaking on the argument should be able to provide all their evidence and sources. A real debater will be able to listen to the other debater and be able to restate any false information. I use to be on the speech and debate team, where there was interp (acting) and debate. I always stayed on the acting side and never crossed over to the debating side, because it takes a lot of consistent work. But I set back and watch their techniques and watch how they speak with such confidence, because every thing that came out their mouths just flowed.
November 2008:
Hurricane Katrina
In the short film, The Second Line by John Magary, a short film based on the damage of Hurricane Katrina and the affects that it had on what once was a community. Hurricane Katrina has tooken place three years ago and yet it seems as if all its damaged happened last week. There are so many stories that could have been shown, but The Second Line gives a general example of people who were apart of Hurricane Katrina living in a state of suffer, depression, hunger, anger and deprivation. I have personally heard stories from my family and friends and watching this movie, made me able to relate personally, because it hit home. The two main characters, Natt and Macarthur, who are cousins give it a humourous tone and dramatic. The movie starts off, with showing how people will do anything to get what they feel Katrina owes them. Some stranger comes into Macarthur's FEMA trailer and stills his secret money stash. So he go looks for the crazy character who stole his money, which leads to failure when they meet a man who gives them work so they can get money. They do not even know the guy, but yet they are willing to hop into his car without thinking that they will be in harm. After they work and work, Macarthur realizes that they have been cheated, when the man gives them $45 each instead of $90 each. The man says he does not have it, while him and his wife are sitting in a nice trailer with food and electricity. Only MAcarthur knows t this, his anger becomes greater by the day as he can't breathe in the house full of bad air because of the water damage causing low air quality. As, the day goes by and it is getting gloomier, MAcarthur has reached a point where his balloon popped and he exploded and took all his anger out on the man, who gave them the work. Everybody was at shock, everybody except Macarthur when he just went off and killed the man by beating him with one of the man's metal bar's. After, the damaged he caused, they slowly walked away back to a land of silence. BAck to their gloomy world, were they have to now call home.
“THE ROSE THAT GREW FROM CONCRETE”
Treana Penn
English 201A MW
"A Rose That Grew From Concrete" by Tupac: Love is Just Complicated
Theme: It is hard to express self love.
Analogy:
Even though, Tupac has so much love for his lover it is just hard for him to express it to the one he loves as if his feelings are lost away in a buried treasure.
Consequence:
Tupac has a lot of feelings for someone, but can not find the words to explain it, which makes their love complicated.
Definition:
In Tupac's poem he describes his urge to express his emotions, but reveals "[he] thought [he] knew [his] heart's desire'-(Love is Just Complicated (63).) because he does not exactly know how to express his love.
“Holler If You Hear Me: I Got Your Name Tatted On My Arm”
Treana Penn
English 201A
1:00-2:50
In chapter eight, "Holler If You Hear Me: I Got Your Name Tatted on My Arm" of Holler if You Hear Me talked a lot about the view of Tupac's tattoos and tattoos in general. Tupac's tattoos are a symbol of the journey of his life. I feel that he was on his own portrait of what he wanted to be. I don't think that when he was getting his tattoos, his point was not to make himself look like a thug. He was only being him and as one of his tattoos says "Only God Can Judge Me."
I always wanted a tattoo of a sun to represent how much I shine as a younger girl. As I grew older, I thought it was silly, it was just an excuse for me to write on something. Now today the only tattoo, I ever thought of is getting one in memory of my beautiful grandmother.
Arguments:
Disagree
1)"Beyond his natural gifts, Tupac fashioned his persona-particularly as homeboy and thug-through symbolic accessories: nose studs, earrings, head rags, low-sagging jeans... (232-3)."
2)" And thousands, perhaps millions, of young black males believed his body was their body (233)."
3)" Tupac was almost universally adored for his vibrant sensuality and his striking good looks (234)."
Agree
1)" If Tupac was in the position to sacrifice his body, especially for young black men, it was in large part because of the love he got from women (234)."
2)" But his breathing and walking body, his living and loving body, his rapping and acting body, his angry and defiant body, is the body that matters most, because without it, we would have no record of his spirit in our lives...(244)."
3)" Tupac never bragged about his good looks, never seemed to believe that he was all that special and therefore deserved someone special(242)."
“BUT DO THE LORD CARE?”
Thug Theology is defined as “to an extent…is willfully anachronistic or at least or at least staunchly traditional” as being spiritually gangster. A personal relationship with God and themselves. The Lord does care, because he will not put you in any situation that you can not handle. He does it to show you your strengths. He works miracles, but we have to learn to be patient.
Definitions
assailant-a person who attacks.
orthodox-of, pertaining to, or conforming to the approved form of any doctrine, philosophy, ideology, etc.
prophetic-of or pertaining to a prophet: prophetic inspiration.
edifying-to instruct or benefit, esp. morally or spiritually; uplift: religious paintings that edify the viewer.
heuristics-Of or relating to a usually speculative formulation serving as a guide in the investigation or solution of a problem: "The historian discovers the past by the judicious use of such a heuristic device as the 'ideal type'"
millennia-a period of 1000 years.
staunchly-Firm and steadfast; true. See Synonyms at faithful.
anachronistic-pertaining to or containing an anachronism.
inevitability-unable to be avoided, evaded, or escaped; certain; necessary.
demobilized-to disband (troops, an army, etc.).
Arguments:
Disagree
1) By his own admission, Tupac was “bitter” about the poverty he was reared in, but only later, through his lyrics, did the world discover just how much he had really suffered.(207)
2) “…You can’t rationalized what is really going on in the mind of a man who is not clear, and who is brilliant as he is…but I just know that he did have a very strong relationship with God” (207).
3) Such a view, however, over-looks the urgent spiritual crisis passed on to the hip-hop generation by older black generations (208).
Agree
1)There is in this arena of hip-hop a shameless glorification of figures otherwise stigmatized in society, including the player, pimp, the Mack, and the hustler (210).
2)The sheer repetition of death has caused black youth to execute funeral plans (227).
3) Death is also a staple of the physic landscape of poor black youth.
Social Entrepreneur Questions
1) Who is the social entrepreneur profiled?
2) What problem did the person identify?
3)What is the name of the organization they started?
4)Describe their relationship to the community that they serve?
-Why they decided to address this issue?
5) What is the local component?
6) How does the community own the process?
#1
1)Emily Taguchi-Cambodia
2)The countries contradictions that people live on less than a dollar a day, making it hard to survive. Their temples also are often flooded.
3)The institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles.
4)The community grew vegetables and weaved materials for money. Their main way to get money is by Cambodian silk making.
-Because they seen that silk grandmothers were receiving low pay for hard labor. The community knows the issues as well and works with the organization to help themselves.
5)The majority of the women and young women.
6)They rebuild their land planning Mulberry Trees where silk worms would nest causing than to make silk from scratch.
#2
1)His name is Dr. Leeberman working in Tibet.
2)The problem was The people of Tibet was facing serious health issues as cataracts.
3)The organization name was Tibet Eye Cam. Vision Project.
4)The Tibet's had an epidemic of eye vision problems.
-It was a serious problem that was taking over their land and spreading. Vision is very important.
5)Almost all the people of Tibet.
6)They own it because they are the reason for the organization. So they built camps just for their cause.
#3
1)Majorie McAfee
2)The need of Mozambique having new toilets.
3)Mozambique Guitar Hero
4)He has been affected by the toilet causing him to have health issues.
-The toilets that the people of Mozambique have to use are unsanitary. The contaminated water can cause polio.
5)The lower class of Mozambique that live in shacks.
6)A local Mozambique is raising money to get new cleaner toilets.
Barack Obama, YES WE CAN!
The three words that keep me uplifted “Yes We Can!” a slogan from our new President Barack Obama. This years election, has been the most talked about, because we had our first woman and African American male being a runner for to be elected for President. On Tuesday, November 4, 2008 we all made a difference and voted. By a great landslide, we as a people got our first African-American/Caucasian President. His speech was very authentic and he spoke to the people as he was one of us who voted. Some people say, what is the fuss it is not like Barack Obama is going to start walking on water, but neither did our former presidents. Barack Obama, is aware that we still have struggles that we have to face and is going to take work. Yet, some one has to help lead us to our change. He says, “who will still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer” and yes many people doubt him being President.
As he talked, he recognizes us all as a people. Obama is now President, but he is also one of us, so his speech very personable. He did not grow up with a silver spoon, so he is relatable and that is why he was elected. I personally, feel that Barack Obama was nervous, but he had faith, because he is human that is just of our nature. Even though, he is in power, he acknowledges all the people who helped him get to the point of becoming a President. I admire his class, as he respectfully acknowledge his fellow candidates and he did not have to do it the way he did. Our new President symbolizes change and peace. Our history repeats itself just like life, but by the year we see change for the better, for a better common goal of peace. He stayed on point, while explaining his journey and the journey that he plans on to pursue. His plans on having more equality within the country for every single ethnicity, old, young, disable no matter their situation. President Obama talks on the fact that we are not just not "blue and red states" we are all one. He is basically saying that, being apart of the democratic or republican party does not matter, were just a country as a whole. He knows that he can not just come and clean up the mess that we are currently in and he is aware that it will take work. The work will consist of the country working as a team while he leads us. I am happy to see Obama living in his Grandmother's dream. It motivates me to do the same and not have any excuses for failing.
October 2008
"Me Against the World" by Tupac Shakur
In class, we listened to “Me Against the World” by Tupac Shakur, young male, African-American rapper and we annotated parts that stood out to us. Tupac is widely known for his gangster rap, but he is also known for his outspoken lyrics about the issues of the lower class society. In the song, “Me Against the World” he speaks about the problems of his hood and other hoods and how there is no change. He quotes “Stress in the city, the cops is hot for me, the projects are full of bullets, the bodies is dropping” in the cities, so people there is no hope for the community. I consider Tupac as a victim of the city he grew up in and he has been affected like everyone else struggling. While he is saying “Me Against the World” I feel like he is really speaking for every other infected person who could relate.
Just like in many of Tupac's songs, the themes are always vivid and explicit. He always sets a main audience for his songs and accomplishes to get his point across. Tupac sent messages not just to his fans, he was sharing his life story "The message I stress: to make it stop study your lessons, Don't settle for less, even the genius ask-es questions, Be grate full for blessings, Don't change, keep your essence, The power is in the people and the politics we address, Always do your best, Don't let the pressure make you panic, And when you get stranded, And things don't go the way you planned it, Dreaming of riches, in a position of making a difference" his music lives in many of us, because we can relate to the struggle. However, he was sending out a message, it is advice that he is passing from his own personal life experience. Tupasc was very optimistic throughout all the darkness he was always searching for the sun.
In Tupac's lyrics of “Me Against the World" he shows another visual of himself at war with hurt and paint, trying reconstruct himself for the better. He says "Every day there's mo' death" showing that life is repetitious and there is no change, so if the government will not help they are forced to come accustom to the lifestyle to continue to struggle. Tupac explains how he is hungry for the better things in life, but if the only way to get it is the illegal way, then let it be. He is blaming his environment for his actions to act out against the world and be apart of the world's negative actions. Even though Tupac felt as if everything around him was going to end he continued to fight his battle like a true soldier.
September 2008
The Qualities of Being a Good Writer
Being a good writer, starts off by writing from the heartache and how you genuinely feel. It is better to start off with a plan, is always the way to go, because you don't just want to jump in cold, it would be rather warm up and not have the reader surprise at what is going on. The problem that I have is getting the main idea across without getting off subject and making the reader confused. To be a good writer, you should be able to answer any questions to any information provided in the paper. Another quality of being a good writer is to have every written word visual as if you are watching it instead of reading it. A good writer will make you feel as if you are experiencing the story first hand.
Interview
Today in class, I interviewed Albert a.k.a Al, he would prefer more. He dressed casual for a very hot day with a blue button up, black slacks, "Stacy Adams" shoes and a nice smile. I found out that Al is "very" spontaneous, actually unpredictable, and he has high blood pressure, something I would not have known unless he told me. Crazy! Al writes and speaks in English fluently. He picked up some Spanish from a former job where he had to use his bilingual skills. Since he has been out of High school for 5 years, he attended Merrit College in 2003, when he realized he needed to be in a new environment. The favorite season of his, would be the summer; Party, party, party! Can't forget that his summer is also in the season of his birthday, even more celebration. He also loves the winter, he say "the season of love" awww how romantic. Al as I can see enjoys reading, that last book that he read that had him breathless was "Holler if You Hear Me", by Nathan McCall. It interested him that the author came from the streets, but he did not let that stop him to do something positive with his life.
"Only 4 The Righteous"
by Tupac Shakur
Tupac focuses more on himself building up self confidence, also the poem demonstrates his psychology ability to uplift his voice. This poem was written to illustrate his goals and to bring recognition to readers informing about his intelligence. He portrays, appreciation of his artistic ability, by writing a poem as if he is in an interview. In reality he is interviewing himself and he is confident in the way the conversation is going. In this poem, "Only 4 the Righteous", by Tupac he shows a more confident voice out of all the other poems in the book.
The world is Yours--Free write
In the song "The World is Yours" by Nas featuring Pete Rocks, Nas is expressing about how he feels about the world with a helping hand of Pete Rocks. From the very beginning of the song, Nas claims what is his and he is saying the world is his. If you speak out and claim something it, naturally it will feel as if you own it. This song has a 1990's vibe, where everything just flows and wasn't about who had the hottest beats. It was more about who was the realest, because back then Rap was more political and spoke about what was going on in the world. Nas, is a very conscious rapper, not being literally afraid, but making sure that his lyrics contained a message inside to teach the people about history and what is going on in the world. When he says that " It's Our World" he is reminding us that our world was provided wit many resources all we have to do is go out and reach for it. No matter where you come from or who you are, the world is yours. Also, in the song, he gives a shout to where most of Hip-Hop originated and evolved from. Saying as if they are the creators of Hip-hop that the world belongs to them, referring the world to Hip-Hop.
CHAPTER 1: DEAR MAMA
"Dear Mama"
In Michael Dyson, "Holler if You Hear Me", in the chapter of Dear Mama, tells the background of Tupac. People are a certain way mostly, because of their background and the way they are raised. Tupac and his mother had a relationship that is indescribable, "No ones emblematizes this truth more than Tupac Shakur, was evoked as if was turbulent" (21) a relationship that had its ups and downs. Tupac's mother Afeni life changed her and her family's while being apart of the street of life. She placed herself in a position, where she was placed in jail, while being pregnant with Tupac. Even though, the lifestyle was not something that he invited himself into he always thanked his mother, just for being a mother. It is like I was once told, you can not choose who your family is and you have to make the best out of a situation. Tupac, is an example of not letting his mother bad behaviors be the excuse of the way things are.
Tupac did not grow up with a father in his life that he was forced to be his own man. In fact, Afeni was not for sure out of two Black Panther members, which one was Tupac's real father. Afeni, was the substitute of the father figure. Afeni later own having a daughter in 1975, which she now had two children to take care of, both without a father. Tupac was forced into a situation, were he had to be the man and take more responsibility. As days turned into struggles as they moved from home to home, because she did not believe in staying in shelters. With his mom moving into a world of drugs, he felt abandoned and suddenly everything was thrown onto his shoulders. For example, his music might be interpreted pain it was a message of truth, "There's no question that Tupac used his brain early and vigorously to question his surroundings and challenge his mother." (39) he wanted to prove to his mother that he was the intelligent man that she brought him up to be. Throughout all the addictions, Afeni had a purpose to educate and help her people to stay strong and educated, something that was in Tupac's blood as well.
They finally placed their selves in a shelter, called White Plains, Because she realized it did not pay to be stubborn, they felt she already hurt her children enough. As tupac got older, he was in the Baltimore School of Arts, but with his mother's drug abuse he faded away from it to get through his pain. It did not stop him, even though his jail sentencing, he still lived out his dream by being apart of films and proceeding his rap career. He tried his best, but Tupac was still crying out for help in his music, that created effective songs. This motivated Afeni to place herself in rehab to prove her son and daughter, that she can be a better mother. That was something that Tupac couldn't get over, she could not erase her mistakes and past. Tupac was still bruised from his past, but the love for his mother will never die "Above all he praised her unsparing honesty: ` "You never kept a secret/always stayed real." '. Lasting peace, however, seemed to elude to Tupac" (44) he even dedicated a song called "Dear Mama" that spoke about their personal relationship. That was one thing, their family did really hide anything and was taught to talk about their problems and deal with them. Afeni allowed her children and their friends to call her by her first name, allowing them to feel welcome and come talk about any problems that they were having. Tupac's life was the back bone for all his poems, albums and acting roles, a cry for attention he felt that he did not receive and anybody whom could relate. Tupac lived his life as nobody, but himself, a strong man dealing with the worlds different obstacles.
THE ROSE THAT GREW FROM CONCRETE,Sept. 8, 2008 Cyber-Assignment"
Vinsun Lieu, Francisco Marcial, Treana Penn, Stephanie Tu, Erika Zavala
English 201A
1:00-2:50
"Under the Skies Above"
After the Miscarriage
Paraphrase/Thesis:
The love shared between a Father and an unborn will always last forever.
Evidence:
Quote from "Under the Skies Above"
Under the skies above, waiting anxiously 4 u and me, 2 bless it with our love" line 2-4
Summary:
The poem, "Under the Skies Above" by 2pac, talks about an unborn child he lost. The love he feels toward his unborn child will protect the child. He expresses his feelings about how he imagines if the child was born how life would actually be. It also talks about, if the child was born no matter what the situation was between them, he wouldn't let anything get in the way of raising him. Tupac is saying that the spirit of his unborn child is still alive with him in his heart. Tupac knows in his mind that one day they will meet up again, when it his time.
"The Rose that Grew from Concrete"
"The sound and the rhythm of words do not intimidate him"
In Tupac's mind, there was nothing that you can or do to get it into his head and change his state of mind. It was like, no matter how something is broken down or laid out, he will not soak in the world's point of view. For example, Tupac stands as a strong man and if you felt that you needed to get a point across. Your way was by bringing an army, it will lead to automatic failure, because he will not be scared at whatever you bring him. He has been and seen so much that he can nearly complete any obstacle thrown his way.
"Sometimes I Cry"
This poem shows the vulnerable side of a man, especially a man such as Tupac who displays such a hard image. It shows the human being in each and everyone of us. Because as much as everybody puts a smile on their face, when we are all alone and lonely we want to just cry. Sometimes we fear pain and don't face and hold in our tears which isn't healthy. He showed bravery, because many people do not like to admit when they are at their lowest times. To cry is to share something personal with ourselves to release all the pain and turn it into something good, like a wake up call.
August 2008
"Hurricane Katrina Stories Cyber-Assignment"
Treana,English201,afternoon class
In the short film, The Second Line by John Magary, a short film based on the damage of Hurricane Katrina and the affects that it had on what once was a community. Hurricane Katrina has taken place three years ago and yet it seems as if all its damaged happened last week. There are so many stories that could have been shown, but The Second Line gives a general example of people who were apart of Hurricane Katrina living in a state of suffer, depression, hunger, anger and deprivation. I have personally heard stories from my family and friends and watching this movie, made me able to relate personally, because it hit home. The two main characters, Nat and Macarthur, who are cousins give it a humorous tone and dramatic. The movie starts off, with showing how people will do anything to get what they feel Katrina owes them. Some stranger comes into Macarthur's FEMA trailer and stills his secret money stash. So he go looks for the crazy character who stole his money, which leads to failure when they meet a man who gives them work so they can get money. They do not even know the guy, but yet they are willing to hop into his car without thinking that they will be in harm. After they work and work, Macarthur realizes that they have been cheated, when the man gives them $45 each instead of $90 each. The man says he does not have it, while him and his wife are sitting in a nice trailer with food and electricity. Only Macarthur knows t this, his anger becomes greater by the day as he can't breathe in the house full of bad air because of the water damage causing low air quality. As, the day goes by and it is getting gloomier, Macarthur has reached a point where his balloon popped and he exploded and took all his anger out on the man, who gave them the work. Everybody was at shock, everybody except Macarthur when he just went off and killed the man by beating him with one of the man's metal bar's. After, the damaged he caused, they slowly walked away back to a land of silence. Back to their gloomy world, were they have to now call home.
"How To Mark a Book Cyber Assignment"
Personally, I just read books and don't understand why I do not remember a third of what I read. I never really thought to write in my book until reading "How to Mark a Book" a essay by Adler. He notes that it is okay to write in your book for helpful notes. He also give tips for example, your book should at least look worn out with dog flaps on the pages. This essay was very helpful and now I feel like I have to write, underline, or highlight everything that I read.
RESPOND TO LETTER: FIRST ASSIGNMENT
Dear Proffesor Sabir,
After reading your letter, I can pretty much tell that you are serious about your work and that means you are serious about your students. It was very long and I can tell you had fun with it as well, which shows a humor side to your teaching. I enjoy reading and writing, but I do not practice it enough, to understand my own mistakes. So I am prepared to recieve all the help possible from your class to improve my writing skills. Your style in teaching is very different and I admit it is a good technique to keep us students in the class. As far as the field trips, I got excited, because I haven't had to many of those since in like forever. So I hope I get a chance to make it to all the field trips with the class. Im ready to finish off the semester with a great bang! I plan to at least have a B in your class by commiting myself to my work. Can't wait.
December 2008:
Arguments
Treana Penn
English 201A
MW 1-2:50
Watching this video about arguments reminding me of the 1980s and 1990s videos that teachers used in class as "how to videos" that was very corny, but you couldn't help to laugh. I personally believe that an argument is a statement that you feel is correct, but yet is debatable. That argument has been researched in and out so that you can answer any question brought your way about the argument. A good argument will make the person you are debating realize that you are correct and they could possibly incorrect. An argument can also be very persuading and easy to understand. The person speaking on the argument should be able to provide all their evidence and sources. A real debater will be able to listen to the other debater and be able to restate any false information. I use to be on the speech and debate team, where there was interp (acting) and debate. I always stayed on the acting side and never crossed over to the debating side, because it takes a lot of consistent work. But I set back and watch their techniques and watch how they speak with such confidence, because every thing that came out their mouths just flowed.
November 2008:
Hurricane Katrina
In the short film, The Second Line by John Magary, a short film based on the damage of Hurricane Katrina and the affects that it had on what once was a community. Hurricane Katrina has tooken place three years ago and yet it seems as if all its damaged happened last week. There are so many stories that could have been shown, but The Second Line gives a general example of people who were apart of Hurricane Katrina living in a state of suffer, depression, hunger, anger and deprivation. I have personally heard stories from my family and friends and watching this movie, made me able to relate personally, because it hit home. The two main characters, Natt and Macarthur, who are cousins give it a humourous tone and dramatic. The movie starts off, with showing how people will do anything to get what they feel Katrina owes them. Some stranger comes into Macarthur's FEMA trailer and stills his secret money stash. So he go looks for the crazy character who stole his money, which leads to failure when they meet a man who gives them work so they can get money. They do not even know the guy, but yet they are willing to hop into his car without thinking that they will be in harm. After they work and work, Macarthur realizes that they have been cheated, when the man gives them $45 each instead of $90 each. The man says he does not have it, while him and his wife are sitting in a nice trailer with food and electricity. Only MAcarthur knows t this, his anger becomes greater by the day as he can't breathe in the house full of bad air because of the water damage causing low air quality. As, the day goes by and it is getting gloomier, MAcarthur has reached a point where his balloon popped and he exploded and took all his anger out on the man, who gave them the work. Everybody was at shock, everybody except Macarthur when he just went off and killed the man by beating him with one of the man's metal bar's. After, the damaged he caused, they slowly walked away back to a land of silence. BAck to their gloomy world, were they have to now call home.
“THE ROSE THAT GREW FROM CONCRETE”
Treana Penn
English 201A MW
"A Rose That Grew From Concrete" by Tupac: Love is Just Complicated
Theme: It is hard to express self love.
Analogy:
Even though, Tupac has so much love for his lover it is just hard for him to express it to the one he loves as if his feelings are lost away in a buried treasure.
Consequence:
Tupac has a lot of feelings for someone, but can not find the words to explain it, which makes their love complicated.
Definition:
In Tupac's poem he describes his urge to express his emotions, but reveals "[he] thought [he] knew [his] heart's desire'-(Love is Just Complicated (63).) because he does not exactly know how to express his love.
“Holler If You Hear Me: I Got Your Name Tatted On My Arm”
Treana Penn
English 201A
1:00-2:50
In chapter eight, "Holler If You Hear Me: I Got Your Name Tatted on My Arm" of Holler if You Hear Me talked a lot about the view of Tupac's tattoos and tattoos in general. Tupac's tattoos are a symbol of the journey of his life. I feel that he was on his own portrait of what he wanted to be. I don't think that when he was getting his tattoos, his point was not to make himself look like a thug. He was only being him and as one of his tattoos says "Only God Can Judge Me."
I always wanted a tattoo of a sun to represent how much I shine as a younger girl. As I grew older, I thought it was silly, it was just an excuse for me to write on something. Now today the only tattoo, I ever thought of is getting one in memory of my beautiful grandmother.
Arguments:
Disagree
1)"Beyond his natural gifts, Tupac fashioned his persona-particularly as homeboy and thug-through symbolic accessories: nose studs, earrings, head rags, low-sagging jeans... (232-3)."
2)" And thousands, perhaps millions, of young black males believed his body was their body (233)."
3)" Tupac was almost universally adored for his vibrant sensuality and his striking good looks (234)."
Agree
1)" If Tupac was in the position to sacrifice his body, especially for young black men, it was in large part because of the love he got from women (234)."
2)" But his breathing and walking body, his living and loving body, his rapping and acting body, his angry and defiant body, is the body that matters most, because without it, we would have no record of his spirit in our lives...(244)."
3)" Tupac never bragged about his good looks, never seemed to believe that he was all that special and therefore deserved someone special(242)."
“BUT DO THE LORD CARE?”
Thug Theology is defined as “to an extent…is willfully anachronistic or at least or at least staunchly traditional” as being spiritually gangster. A personal relationship with God and themselves. The Lord does care, because he will not put you in any situation that you can not handle. He does it to show you your strengths. He works miracles, but we have to learn to be patient.
Definitions
assailant-a person who attacks.
orthodox-of, pertaining to, or conforming to the approved form of any doctrine, philosophy, ideology, etc.
prophetic-of or pertaining to a prophet: prophetic inspiration.
edifying-to instruct or benefit, esp. morally or spiritually; uplift: religious paintings that edify the viewer.
heuristics-Of or relating to a usually speculative formulation serving as a guide in the investigation or solution of a problem: "The historian discovers the past by the judicious use of such a heuristic device as the 'ideal type'"
millennia-a period of 1000 years.
staunchly-Firm and steadfast; true. See Synonyms at faithful.
anachronistic-pertaining to or containing an anachronism.
inevitability-unable to be avoided, evaded, or escaped; certain; necessary.
demobilized-to disband (troops, an army, etc.).
Arguments:
Disagree
1) By his own admission, Tupac was “bitter” about the poverty he was reared in, but only later, through his lyrics, did the world discover just how much he had really suffered.(207)
2) “…You can’t rationalized what is really going on in the mind of a man who is not clear, and who is brilliant as he is…but I just know that he did have a very strong relationship with God” (207).
3) Such a view, however, over-looks the urgent spiritual crisis passed on to the hip-hop generation by older black generations (208).
Agree
1)There is in this arena of hip-hop a shameless glorification of figures otherwise stigmatized in society, including the player, pimp, the Mack, and the hustler (210).
2)The sheer repetition of death has caused black youth to execute funeral plans (227).
3) Death is also a staple of the physic landscape of poor black youth.
Social Entrepreneur Questions
1) Who is the social entrepreneur profiled?
2) What problem did the person identify?
3)What is the name of the organization they started?
4)Describe their relationship to the community that they serve?
-Why they decided to address this issue?
5) What is the local component?
6) How does the community own the process?
#1
1)Emily Taguchi-Cambodia
2)The countries contradictions that people live on less than a dollar a day, making it hard to survive. Their temples also are often flooded.
3)The institute for Khmer Traditional Textiles.
4)The community grew vegetables and weaved materials for money. Their main way to get money is by Cambodian silk making.
-Because they seen that silk grandmothers were receiving low pay for hard labor. The community knows the issues as well and works with the organization to help themselves.
5)The majority of the women and young women.
6)They rebuild their land planning Mulberry Trees where silk worms would nest causing than to make silk from scratch.
#2
1)His name is Dr. Leeberman working in Tibet.
2)The problem was The people of Tibet was facing serious health issues as cataracts.
3)The organization name was Tibet Eye Cam. Vision Project.
4)The Tibet's had an epidemic of eye vision problems.
-It was a serious problem that was taking over their land and spreading. Vision is very important.
5)Almost all the people of Tibet.
6)They own it because they are the reason for the organization. So they built camps just for their cause.
#3
1)Majorie McAfee
2)The need of Mozambique having new toilets.
3)Mozambique Guitar Hero
4)He has been affected by the toilet causing him to have health issues.
-The toilets that the people of Mozambique have to use are unsanitary. The contaminated water can cause polio.
5)The lower class of Mozambique that live in shacks.
6)A local Mozambique is raising money to get new cleaner toilets.
Barack Obama, YES WE CAN!
The three words that keep me uplifted “Yes We Can!” a slogan from our new President Barack Obama. This years election, has been the most talked about, because we had our first woman and African American male being a runner for to be elected for President. On Tuesday, November 4, 2008 we all made a difference and voted. By a great landslide, we as a people got our first African-American/Caucasian President. His speech was very authentic and he spoke to the people as he was one of us who voted. Some people say, what is the fuss it is not like Barack Obama is going to start walking on water, but neither did our former presidents. Barack Obama, is aware that we still have struggles that we have to face and is going to take work. Yet, some one has to help lead us to our change. He says, “who will still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer” and yes many people doubt him being President.
As he talked, he recognizes us all as a people. Obama is now President, but he is also one of us, so his speech very personable. He did not grow up with a silver spoon, so he is relatable and that is why he was elected. I personally, feel that Barack Obama was nervous, but he had faith, because he is human that is just of our nature. Even though, he is in power, he acknowledges all the people who helped him get to the point of becoming a President. I admire his class, as he respectfully acknowledge his fellow candidates and he did not have to do it the way he did. Our new President symbolizes change and peace. Our history repeats itself just like life, but by the year we see change for the better, for a better common goal of peace. He stayed on point, while explaining his journey and the journey that he plans on to pursue. His plans on having more equality within the country for every single ethnicity, old, young, disable no matter their situation. President Obama talks on the fact that we are not just not "blue and red states" we are all one. He is basically saying that, being apart of the democratic or republican party does not matter, were just a country as a whole. He knows that he can not just come and clean up the mess that we are currently in and he is aware that it will take work. The work will consist of the country working as a team while he leads us. I am happy to see Obama living in his Grandmother's dream. It motivates me to do the same and not have any excuses for failing.
October 2008
"Me Against the World" by Tupac Shakur
In class, we listened to “Me Against the World” by Tupac Shakur, young male, African-American rapper and we annotated parts that stood out to us. Tupac is widely known for his gangster rap, but he is also known for his outspoken lyrics about the issues of the lower class society. In the song, “Me Against the World” he speaks about the problems of his hood and other hoods and how there is no change. He quotes “Stress in the city, the cops is hot for me, the projects are full of bullets, the bodies is dropping” in the cities, so people there is no hope for the community. I consider Tupac as a victim of the city he grew up in and he has been affected like everyone else struggling. While he is saying “Me Against the World” I feel like he is really speaking for every other infected person who could relate.
Just like in many of Tupac's songs, the themes are always vivid and explicit. He always sets a main audience for his songs and accomplishes to get his point across. Tupac sent messages not just to his fans, he was sharing his life story "The message I stress: to make it stop study your lessons, Don't settle for less, even the genius ask-es questions, Be grate full for blessings, Don't change, keep your essence, The power is in the people and the politics we address, Always do your best, Don't let the pressure make you panic, And when you get stranded, And things don't go the way you planned it, Dreaming of riches, in a position of making a difference" his music lives in many of us, because we can relate to the struggle. However, he was sending out a message, it is advice that he is passing from his own personal life experience. Tupasc was very optimistic throughout all the darkness he was always searching for the sun.
In Tupac's lyrics of “Me Against the World" he shows another visual of himself at war with hurt and paint, trying reconstruct himself for the better. He says "Every day there's mo' death" showing that life is repetitious and there is no change, so if the government will not help they are forced to come accustom to the lifestyle to continue to struggle. Tupac explains how he is hungry for the better things in life, but if the only way to get it is the illegal way, then let it be. He is blaming his environment for his actions to act out against the world and be apart of the world's negative actions. Even though Tupac felt as if everything around him was going to end he continued to fight his battle like a true soldier.
September 2008
The Qualities of Being a Good Writer
Being a good writer, starts off by writing from the heartache and how you genuinely feel. It is better to start off with a plan, is always the way to go, because you don't just want to jump in cold, it would be rather warm up and not have the reader surprise at what is going on. The problem that I have is getting the main idea across without getting off subject and making the reader confused. To be a good writer, you should be able to answer any questions to any information provided in the paper. Another quality of being a good writer is to have every written word visual as if you are watching it instead of reading it. A good writer will make you feel as if you are experiencing the story first hand.
Interview
Today in class, I interviewed Albert a.k.a Al, he would prefer more. He dressed casual for a very hot day with a blue button up, black slacks, "Stacy Adams" shoes and a nice smile. I found out that Al is "very" spontaneous, actually unpredictable, and he has high blood pressure, something I would not have known unless he told me. Crazy! Al writes and speaks in English fluently. He picked up some Spanish from a former job where he had to use his bilingual skills. Since he has been out of High school for 5 years, he attended Merrit College in 2003, when he realized he needed to be in a new environment. The favorite season of his, would be the summer; Party, party, party! Can't forget that his summer is also in the season of his birthday, even more celebration. He also loves the winter, he say "the season of love" awww how romantic. Al as I can see enjoys reading, that last book that he read that had him breathless was "Holler if You Hear Me", by Nathan McCall. It interested him that the author came from the streets, but he did not let that stop him to do something positive with his life.
"Only 4 The Righteous"
by Tupac Shakur
Tupac focuses more on himself building up self confidence, also the poem demonstrates his psychology ability to uplift his voice. This poem was written to illustrate his goals and to bring recognition to readers informing about his intelligence. He portrays, appreciation of his artistic ability, by writing a poem as if he is in an interview. In reality he is interviewing himself and he is confident in the way the conversation is going. In this poem, "Only 4 the Righteous", by Tupac he shows a more confident voice out of all the other poems in the book.
The world is Yours--Free write
In the song "The World is Yours" by Nas featuring Pete Rocks, Nas is expressing about how he feels about the world with a helping hand of Pete Rocks. From the very beginning of the song, Nas claims what is his and he is saying the world is his. If you speak out and claim something it, naturally it will feel as if you own it. This song has a 1990's vibe, where everything just flows and wasn't about who had the hottest beats. It was more about who was the realest, because back then Rap was more political and spoke about what was going on in the world. Nas, is a very conscious rapper, not being literally afraid, but making sure that his lyrics contained a message inside to teach the people about history and what is going on in the world. When he says that " It's Our World" he is reminding us that our world was provided wit many resources all we have to do is go out and reach for it. No matter where you come from or who you are, the world is yours. Also, in the song, he gives a shout to where most of Hip-Hop originated and evolved from. Saying as if they are the creators of Hip-hop that the world belongs to them, referring the world to Hip-Hop.
CHAPTER 1: DEAR MAMA
"Dear Mama"
In Michael Dyson, "Holler if You Hear Me", in the chapter of Dear Mama, tells the background of Tupac. People are a certain way mostly, because of their background and the way they are raised. Tupac and his mother had a relationship that is indescribable, "No ones emblematizes this truth more than Tupac Shakur, was evoked as if was turbulent" (21) a relationship that had its ups and downs. Tupac's mother Afeni life changed her and her family's while being apart of the street of life. She placed herself in a position, where she was placed in jail, while being pregnant with Tupac. Even though, the lifestyle was not something that he invited himself into he always thanked his mother, just for being a mother. It is like I was once told, you can not choose who your family is and you have to make the best out of a situation. Tupac, is an example of not letting his mother bad behaviors be the excuse of the way things are.
Tupac did not grow up with a father in his life that he was forced to be his own man. In fact, Afeni was not for sure out of two Black Panther members, which one was Tupac's real father. Afeni, was the substitute of the father figure. Afeni later own having a daughter in 1975, which she now had two children to take care of, both without a father. Tupac was forced into a situation, were he had to be the man and take more responsibility. As days turned into struggles as they moved from home to home, because she did not believe in staying in shelters. With his mom moving into a world of drugs, he felt abandoned and suddenly everything was thrown onto his shoulders. For example, his music might be interpreted pain it was a message of truth, "There's no question that Tupac used his brain early and vigorously to question his surroundings and challenge his mother." (39) he wanted to prove to his mother that he was the intelligent man that she brought him up to be. Throughout all the addictions, Afeni had a purpose to educate and help her people to stay strong and educated, something that was in Tupac's blood as well.
They finally placed their selves in a shelter, called White Plains, Because she realized it did not pay to be stubborn, they felt she already hurt her children enough. As tupac got older, he was in the Baltimore School of Arts, but with his mother's drug abuse he faded away from it to get through his pain. It did not stop him, even though his jail sentencing, he still lived out his dream by being apart of films and proceeding his rap career. He tried his best, but Tupac was still crying out for help in his music, that created effective songs. This motivated Afeni to place herself in rehab to prove her son and daughter, that she can be a better mother. That was something that Tupac couldn't get over, she could not erase her mistakes and past. Tupac was still bruised from his past, but the love for his mother will never die "Above all he praised her unsparing honesty: ` "You never kept a secret/always stayed real." '. Lasting peace, however, seemed to elude to Tupac" (44) he even dedicated a song called "Dear Mama" that spoke about their personal relationship. That was one thing, their family did really hide anything and was taught to talk about their problems and deal with them. Afeni allowed her children and their friends to call her by her first name, allowing them to feel welcome and come talk about any problems that they were having. Tupac's life was the back bone for all his poems, albums and acting roles, a cry for attention he felt that he did not receive and anybody whom could relate. Tupac lived his life as nobody, but himself, a strong man dealing with the worlds different obstacles.
THE ROSE THAT GREW FROM CONCRETE,Sept. 8, 2008 Cyber-Assignment"
Vinsun Lieu, Francisco Marcial, Treana Penn, Stephanie Tu, Erika Zavala
English 201A
1:00-2:50
"Under the Skies Above"
After the Miscarriage
Paraphrase/Thesis:
The love shared between a Father and an unborn will always last forever.
Evidence:
Quote from "Under the Skies Above"
Under the skies above, waiting anxiously 4 u and me, 2 bless it with our love" line 2-4
Summary:
The poem, "Under the Skies Above" by 2pac, talks about an unborn child he lost. The love he feels toward his unborn child will protect the child. He expresses his feelings about how he imagines if the child was born how life would actually be. It also talks about, if the child was born no matter what the situation was between them, he wouldn't let anything get in the way of raising him. Tupac is saying that the spirit of his unborn child is still alive with him in his heart. Tupac knows in his mind that one day they will meet up again, when it his time.
"The Rose that Grew from Concrete"
"The sound and the rhythm of words do not intimidate him"
In Tupac's mind, there was nothing that you can or do to get it into his head and change his state of mind. It was like, no matter how something is broken down or laid out, he will not soak in the world's point of view. For example, Tupac stands as a strong man and if you felt that you needed to get a point across. Your way was by bringing an army, it will lead to automatic failure, because he will not be scared at whatever you bring him. He has been and seen so much that he can nearly complete any obstacle thrown his way.
"Sometimes I Cry"
This poem shows the vulnerable side of a man, especially a man such as Tupac who displays such a hard image. It shows the human being in each and everyone of us. Because as much as everybody puts a smile on their face, when we are all alone and lonely we want to just cry. Sometimes we fear pain and don't face and hold in our tears which isn't healthy. He showed bravery, because many people do not like to admit when they are at their lowest times. To cry is to share something personal with ourselves to release all the pain and turn it into something good, like a wake up call.
August 2008
"Hurricane Katrina Stories Cyber-Assignment"
Treana,English201,afternoon class
In the short film, The Second Line by John Magary, a short film based on the damage of Hurricane Katrina and the affects that it had on what once was a community. Hurricane Katrina has taken place three years ago and yet it seems as if all its damaged happened last week. There are so many stories that could have been shown, but The Second Line gives a general example of people who were apart of Hurricane Katrina living in a state of suffer, depression, hunger, anger and deprivation. I have personally heard stories from my family and friends and watching this movie, made me able to relate personally, because it hit home. The two main characters, Nat and Macarthur, who are cousins give it a humorous tone and dramatic. The movie starts off, with showing how people will do anything to get what they feel Katrina owes them. Some stranger comes into Macarthur's FEMA trailer and stills his secret money stash. So he go looks for the crazy character who stole his money, which leads to failure when they meet a man who gives them work so they can get money. They do not even know the guy, but yet they are willing to hop into his car without thinking that they will be in harm. After they work and work, Macarthur realizes that they have been cheated, when the man gives them $45 each instead of $90 each. The man says he does not have it, while him and his wife are sitting in a nice trailer with food and electricity. Only Macarthur knows t this, his anger becomes greater by the day as he can't breathe in the house full of bad air because of the water damage causing low air quality. As, the day goes by and it is getting gloomier, Macarthur has reached a point where his balloon popped and he exploded and took all his anger out on the man, who gave them the work. Everybody was at shock, everybody except Macarthur when he just went off and killed the man by beating him with one of the man's metal bar's. After, the damaged he caused, they slowly walked away back to a land of silence. Back to their gloomy world, were they have to now call home.
"How To Mark a Book Cyber Assignment"
Personally, I just read books and don't understand why I do not remember a third of what I read. I never really thought to write in my book until reading "How to Mark a Book" a essay by Adler. He notes that it is okay to write in your book for helpful notes. He also give tips for example, your book should at least look worn out with dog flaps on the pages. This essay was very helpful and now I feel like I have to write, underline, or highlight everything that I read.
RESPOND TO LETTER: FIRST ASSIGNMENT
Dear Proffesor Sabir,
After reading your letter, I can pretty much tell that you are serious about your work and that means you are serious about your students. It was very long and I can tell you had fun with it as well, which shows a humor side to your teaching. I enjoy reading and writing, but I do not practice it enough, to understand my own mistakes. So I am prepared to recieve all the help possible from your class to improve my writing skills. Your style in teaching is very different and I admit it is a good technique to keep us students in the class. As far as the field trips, I got excited, because I haven't had to many of those since in like forever. So I hope I get a chance to make it to all the field trips with the class. Im ready to finish off the semester with a great bang! I plan to at least have a B in your class by commiting myself to my work. Can't wait.
HIP HOP BEYOND BEATS&RHYMES ESSAY
In Byron Hurt's documentary, "Hip Hop beyond Beats and Rhymes", the media blames Hip-Hop for its explicit language, violence, sexism, and masculinity towards today’s youth’s behavior. Hip Hop is more popular today than when it first evolved in the 1980s. There music was more about social politics rather than what the media calls, gangster rap. This is just one genre of music that has transformed over the years. It is constantly criticized for its impact on the youth, and it is sad to say that the impact is not as positive as we would like. The rappers should not be blamed for their lyrics in the videos, because their producers are the ones that are in charge of everything that go on. No matter the circumstance, it is the rapper's decision, because they know what rules are in the contact they are under. This is the lifestyle the rappers have chosen to be apart of and they have the control over what goes on, but does not how to use their power.
For male rappers, as seen in their music, in order to get respect, they have to portray themselves as a very masculine figure. If you go back in time to 3000bc, men have always been more dominant than women and had to play the role of a god, hero, or the strong man that had to provide for his family. We can not blame Hip Hop for its urge to show off its masculinity; instead it should be seen as a product of the world's culture. In Hip Hop, it is more of a competition about who has more power, respect, and who is the strongest. If you cannot keep up, you are referred to as having feminine characteristics as basically being worthless. At the same time, Hip Hop does not show all the positive sides of being a man. The videos show these men having a gun, many women, money, and power which does not justify man hood. Hip Hop does not promote masculinity it enhances masculinity.
The reason stated behind the sense of being a man is that "it is about manhood and staying in their box". It is of man's nature to have the need to Stand strong. For example, it is like a crime for male rappers to portray feminine characteristics such as to cry, show weakness, or show defeat. In Hip Hop it is more of a reputation, just like in sports or in the business world when a man has to be highly respected to satisfy their personal needs. Before they are rappers, they are men first. Men are in competition with themselves, because they never want to back down from competition or give up to any obstacle thrown their way such as a rap battle. Therefore, relating back to rappers in the Hip Hop world, they will continue to make music that sale, if it means that they are going to be able to provide for their family. When it comes to viewing an example of power, Hip Hop is considered a source for the youth to look at and follow. This may not be the choice for the youth, because power is something that is highly taken advantage of and misused. Rappers can also be referred to as actors, because they act is if they have all the cars, money, women, power, and entourage to make them feel in control. Having all the cars, money, women, power and entourages are metaphors for make up, to cover all their insecurities of being alone and powerless. Many, young men try to immaculate all of those different characteristics of the male rappers, usually if they have a male model absent in their life as a substitute figure. Now in reality, many rappers do realize the effects they have on the youth, because they can be easily influenced.
Many rappers do not take the time out to change the way that they dress for the better to show the youth better examples. In, various videos you will see the same scenarios repeatedly, such as, a man living a life full of fantasy that they wish as a child they could achieve and try to fulfill it when they get older. Power is like a mirage it looks like a piece of Art from a distance and once it is arm's reach it fades away, causing that person to become unhappy and greedy for more power. It is like a mirage because from a distance it looks good and when you get closer things began to fade away. Those who seek power, often knock down people underneath them to reach a powerful status "You got that big fame homie, And you just changed on me, You can ask big homie, man the top so lonely" says a rapper, Kanye West, showing how the reality of having power and fame. Fame often causes celebrities to become over obsessed with the money that they can loose who they really are. Rappers try to be these powerful godly man figures, to keep up an ego to show the world that they are powerful and not afraid of anything. Which, is just not reality, reality is that these guys do have feelings and are like everyday people with a job that happens to pay more.
Hip Hop is just a part of media that is over exposed and glamorized for it works of masculinity. Masculinity, was originated before Hip hop ever existed. In the documentary "Hip Hop Beyond Beats and Rhymes" by Byron Hurt, he brings the negative aspect of masculinity and brings it to light and show what needs to be changed. Byron discusses the reasons that Hip Hop can be blamed for its negative influence, but at the same time we can not as a cultural point the finger in one direction.
Bibliography:
Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes. Dir. Byron Hurt. DVD, ITVS, 2006
Kanye West, "I Put on for my City", 2008
Hip Hop Beyond Beats and
Rhymes..2/20/2007.9/28/08.www.pbs.org/independe
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
EXTRA CREDIT ESSAY: COLLEGE SUCESS CLASS: CAREER RESEARCH ESSAY!
Grade Received: B-
My whole life, I envisioned myself being a model on the runway to model other big time fashion designer's clothing lines. Then, my vision began to expand, as I realized that I can have my own line, but I knew it wouldn't be easy. Becoming, a Fashion Designer in today’s fashion industry, consists of hard work to make it to the top. After researching what it really takes to be a fashion designer as my career of choice, I gathered important information about the requirements to be able to achieve such a successful career . Today’s employment statistics say, that just a high school diploma would not out shine others competing to be in this field. In order to be a high paid fashion designer, there are certain expectations to be met. For instance a career path that includes many steps to walk up. The "key" to success is staying in school, because many careers require college degrees, rather than just a high school diploma to excel.
My whole life, I envisioned myself being a model on the runway to model other big time fashion designer's clothing lines. Then, my vision began to expand, as I realized that I can have my own line, but I knew it wouldn't be easy. Becoming, a Fashion Designer in today’s fashion industry, consists of hard work to make it to the top. After researching what it really takes to be a fashion designer as my career of choice, I gathered important information about the requirements to be able to achieve such a successful career . Today’s employment statistics say, that just a high school diploma would not out shine others competing to be in this field. In order to be a high paid fashion designer, there are certain expectations to be met. For instance a career path that includes many steps to walk up. The "key" to success is staying in school, because many careers require college degrees, rather than just a high school diploma to excel.
A talent is something that should not be wasted, but should be practiced into a profession. Especially a talent that is of deep interest, such as a being a fashion designer. This a career path that requires precise courses and skills. The popular designers, such as Kimora Lee Simmons, are not likely fresh out of high school, the highest level of education for a fashion designer, is to obtain at least an Associates Degree in Arts. Several Art courses consist of these classes, following; Art History, Principles of Fashion, Theory of Color, and Drawing I & II. Different people have their own passion(s), I enjoy working in the work field of the Arts, a passion of mine that I plan on achieving as a successful career. Besides, just taking the classes, you have to also be aware of different types of fashion trends from each country.
The fashion Industry is a very tough, you have to know the ins and outs of it to maintain on the same level. As the other leading fashion designers. Originality, creativeness, and uniqueness, are necessities that are needed while designing the latest garments for the upcoming seasons. For example, designers work for themselves and the clients that are interested in buying items from the line. In order to complete a line of garments, fashion designers have to take responsibility for sketching, cutting, draping, tailoring, and fitting their own apparel, but most of the time their is a team on hand. Although, the work requires difficult tasks with long hours, and benefits come along the way of the job. The benefits vary for different people, but the traveling and taking trips around the world for job related tasks are constant. Even though, the first fashion designer, Charles Worth did not have to go through the same steps as many up and coming designers. Times have changed since the 1800's and people have to work harder to set the bar higher than Charles Worth did. There are three primary type of work fashion designers can choose from. The three ways are working freelance; self-employed, working in house; employed by other designers, and having ones own label. Which, I personally prefer, because I would want to be the boss.
There are other jobs that are associated with fashion designing, if I should loose interest with fashion designing, which I doubt. By holding an Associates Degree, it can take me where ever I want to go as far as being employed, as long as I have my degree. I can move into working in the same field, such as a costume designer, an interior designer, or even a professional painter. By studying the Arts Major, I can accomplish, becoming an interior designer as well. I've always I could have my own art gallery.
To me a fashion designer is not just a career; it is something that you have to have a love for somewhere in your heart. There has to be more than skills, there has to be a certain drive, determination, motivation and inspiration as well, to take on a job that will prosper into success. A creative mind can take you any where that you want to go; you must have the imagination, the same imagination that will be necessary in the fashion industry. The world will not sit and wait for your next move, so you have to have a sense of initiative in order to take charge of your life and goals to have a successful career. To be able to shine above, you have to plan. Planning is important, especially with a job like a fashion designer.
Therefore, in any job, you can not just jump into anything without knowing the background and what challenges that can be brought your way. I have learned that we as humans do not know everything and that we need to take the time to research our territories. Also, learn from those who have more wisdom in specific areas than we do.
CYBER POST 10/22: "HOLLER IF YOU HEAR ME"
Questions From "Holler if You Hear Me"
3) What influences did Leila Steinberg have on the beginning of Tupac's career? (chapter 3)
4) Was Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur, a good role model for her son? (chapter 2)
5) How did Tupac's mother life as a revolutionary affect his development as a young man and as American Citizen?
7) How is Black mother second to God?
9) How did Afeni Shakur regardless of her foibles, live up to her title: Black Queen?
3) I think about how love can change people eternally, but how that love develops between two people. I find it very ironic how they met up and I love irony. I think Leila Steinberg and Tupac’s relationship influenced Tupac’s career greatly. Everything has an affect on how your future play out, especially being in a relationship, that teaches you about yourself and make you stronger and a experienced person. Tupac had a chance to meet a woman in a totally different world than him, but they have a lot in common. Tupac was a rapper, Leila was a teacher and they both highly believed in sending messages out to the youth. They had the same goal in mind, showing inner connection. It was like she got a partner, something destined that fell upon her lap, just by doing her job, “And then she met Tupac” (90). Somebody she loved, but thought people misunderstood her MAN. They influenced each other “And Pac changed my teaching to tour the schools together. She taught; he rapped” (91). Leila was not just an average woman or groupie of Tupac, she was different to him. Tupac had somebody to appreciate, she had ways just like his Mother; she had similar characteristics as Afeni, “Perhaps the most important role Steinberg played in Tupac’s life was that of literary soul mates. But it was as reading partners that Steinberg and Tupac most profoundly shaped each others lives” (92). I think Tupac was appreciative of that love, because it was like his mothers love.There were specific ways that Leila influences Tupac "Perhaps the most important role Steinberg played in Tupac's life was that of literally soul mates. But it was as reading partners that Steinberg and Tupac most profoundly shaped each others lives" (92).
4) Considering the fact of Afeni’s lifestyle, she made the choices she felt was best that would affect her son and her. The Black Panther Party was very important to Afeni, because she agrees with the idea of standing up to something that you believe in. Even though being apart of the panthers she was able to do so, the Panther Party also caused Tupac to be in the environment of a wild lifestyle. My aunty always told me that you can choose your parents, just be happy with the one that you have. So Tupac “was born into the movement” (48) in the year of the 1970s where African Americans were coming out of slavery and were very frustrated. Afeni did not hide anything that was going on in the movement from her children, which Tupac tried his best to be understandable. Tupac might have been able to understand, but I do not think he appreciated the scenes he played apart of in his life, like the police asking questions about Tupac’s stepfather’s where about while he was in school, elementary school at that. No matter what the situation was, Afeni watched out for her seeds. Tupac and Afeni did not have the best relationship, but they made the best out of it. There were times were Tupac was unhappy with his mother’s decisions, but she did what was best for the both of them. Tupac also loved the fact his mother had a fight in her, “from the beginning, Tupac was, as Pratt says,” fascinated with the history of that Tupac was born into”(48).
5) Tupac grew up as a revolutionary child, due to his mother’s life in the Panther Party. His mother, Afeni’s main focus was to make a political change in the world. Since Afeni was Tupac’s only real role model beside the drug dealers in his community. Since their relationship was close, even though they had their problems, Tupac appreciated his mom being apart of the Panther Party. Tupac’s music touched many of us, because his messages were about struggles that face the lower class society. He had issues that he had to deal with, so he expressed it in his songs and poems “I exist in the depths of solitude, my pondering my true goal, trying 2 find peace of mind and still preserve my soul” as he quotes in the poem, In the Depths of Solitude, Dedicated to Me. Tupac picked up a lot of characteristics from his mother, which is the old soul. Tupac was also into the social change, just like his mother, and it showed how he expressed himself. Just like his mother he had a bad mouth that got him in trouble. His bad mouth brought out a cold side of him, but Tupac was a very sensitive person and had feelings. He was crying out, but people din not realize how he was asking for help. That caused him to take a stand just like his mother would as a Black Panther.
7) In the Black culture, a “Mother” is precious as their love they give to their children. The black mother, majority of the time has to be the mother and the father, when he is an absence or either his presence is absent to his responsibilities as a man. The black father is a very controversial topic in the black community. The Black mother makes miracles by working, paying the bills, the cooking, the transportation, the provider, and the friend, and being the child's everything. The black mother is looked up to very highly, as Tupac quotes in his song dedicated to his mother and other black mothers, Dear Mama, “ When things go wrong you can always depend on Mama” because they do what ever it takes to take care of their kids. Many times black fathers are not in the picture, and the grandmothers and the moms never hesitate to handle their business, it is second nature. There are many single fathers out there doing the same, but the rate is very low. The mothers are the saviors. Sometimes as kids they don’t see the reality of a struggling mother sometimes working late nights just to provide for the household. All they see is a restless mother who is hard on them, knowing they are shaping their child for the future. Sometimes they even blame the parents for things that go wrong, while that mom is steadily being the father and the mother. The black mother is second to God, because out of all the mistakes, they still stick around and forgive you and love you unconditionally.
9) Afeni Shakur was a fighter, a strong woman that stood up for her self respect, she felt she deserved. Afeni, has made some wrong decisions and she has also made some wrong decisions in her life. Afeni is human. She lived a long life, but she always stood her ground. Every king needs a queen and metaphorically speaking, Afeni was Tupac’s Queen, “That Tupac was a black man, as king was a black man, has everything to with how we have understood his message and responded to his challenge” (261). Afeni had many flaws, but she learned how to overcome her flaws into beauty marks. She was the Queen of her throne. In Tupac’s song, Dear Mama he looks past his mothers mistakes of drug abuse, “ Even though you were a black feign, Mama. You were always a black queen mama.” says Tupac speaking highly on his mother. She held her own thrown, because over the years she created her royalty of the streets that is. While she participated with the Black Panther Party, she had to take over and be the first lady of the party. Afeni was not ready to take up the new position, but she claimed her new position as Queen of the Panther Party, running things while some of the members were in jail. Afeni has done a lot of self analyzing throughout her life, “ Alice revoked her ‘“slave name’” and was reborn as Afeni Shakur, member of the Black Panthers” (24) which caused her to keep evolving as the person she is today. Making her the Queen, a woman that everybody else had no choice, but to respect Afeni. Afeni did not pay attention to how everybody felt, she did what was best for her like a real queen.
CLASS SKIT: "HOLER IF YOU HEAR ME"
Renee
Treanna
Monique
Vonreesha
Eng201A/B
1-2:50pm
No Malcom X in My History Text pgs 76 - 78
Cast:
Treana as “Tupac”
Monique as “Interviewer”
Renee as “Dyson”
Vonreesha as “Narrator”
Setting:
Marin City , Mt Tamalpais High School , 1987
Summary:
In this scene of Chapter 3 “No Malcolm X in My History Text”, of “Holler If You Hear Me” by Michael Dyson, Leila Steinberg presents Dyson with a video interview of Tupac. The interview takes place at Tupac’s High School, Mt. Tamalpais and Tupac speaks on the issues of school and his opinions of how the school system should change. For example, when he says “There should be a class on Drugs” he breaks down the affects of them. In the interview, Tupac stresses out the fact that the world has taught him more than he could ever know more than the school can.
Poem:
Only 4 the Righteous
I'm Down with strictly Dope "So"
That means Im more then you can handle
"Hot" Im hotter then the wax from
a candle
"Him" thats Roc he's my microphone companion
"Lyrics" full of knowledge truth and understanding
"Hobbies" rapping is my only recreation
"retire" u must be on some kind of medication
"why" because I'll never loosen up my mic grip
"Drugs" never cuz im living on the right tip
"sex" only with my girl because i love her
"Babies" impossible I always use a rubber
"Bored" rarely cuz i keep myself busy
"Scratch" nah I leave the cutting up to Dize
"Dize" yeh thats my D.J hes the greatest
"Word" nah he's paying me 2 say this
"the mind" is something that I cultivate
and treasure
"Thanks" your welcome and besides it was
my Pleasure (19)
Act 1, Scene 1
Narrator: This scene takes place in 1987 at Mt. Tamalpais High School in Marin City .
Dyson: “I had the chance to see this desire countenance when Leila Steinberg showed me the video of Tupac being interviewed in high school…Tupac readily admits that he has goofed off in school, largely because he craved popularity and being social. He gives a precocious analysis of the tension between schooling and education. (76)”
Interviewer: “So did you stop going to school or how did you use your education in your everyday life?”
Tupac: “I think that we got so caught up in school being a tradition that we stopped using it as a learning tool, which it should be…(76)”
Interviewer: “What are they teaching you in school that makes you feel like it’s irrelevant?”
Tupac: “They tend…to teach you to read, write, and [do] arithmetic, then teach you reading and writing and arithmetic again, then again, and then again. (76)”
Interviewer: “What do you think should be taught in school that will benefit students better now, then what is already being taught”
Tupac: “There should be a class on drugs. There should be a class on sex education, a real education class, not just pictures and diagrams and illogical terms…There should be a class on scams. There should be a class on religious cults. There should be a class on police brutality. There should be a class on apartheid. There should be a class on racism in America . There should be a class on why people are hungry. (77)”
Dyson: “His list gives pride of place to the themes that he learned as a child of social protest and radical resistance. Like a good son of the panthers, Tupac is interested in forging connections between sites of learning and the communities in which they are located. Schools should help students negotiate the worlds they occupy. (78)”
Interviewer: “Was there anything in school that you were interested in that you have carried on until now?”
Tupac: “the things that helped me were the things that I learned from my mother, from the streets, and reading. (78)”
Dyson: “He is grateful to school because it… (78)”
Tupac: “…it taught me reading, which I love. (78)”
Dyson: “Watching this tape, I’m astounded at the thoughtful engagement displayed by this young man who is on the verge of a wildly successful life that will take him far outside the schoolroom. It is clear that Tupac believes schools should address the pressing social issues of the day, and even more specifically, they should help [the] youth confront the ills that directly affect them. Classes on sex education, scams, and religious cults would explore general problems confronted by youth of all colors. (77)”
Monday, December 15, 2008
CHANGES ESSAY
Role Model Express
By becoming more active with my younger siblings, I can become a better role model to them. Especially, in today’s society the youth need people who are making a positive impact to look up to. For example, from personal experience, I would not be here today, if I did not have any one to look up to that showed me that life is worth living. It will take progress to be a better role model, but hard work takes practice.
I am out of High School, working, and have more responsibilities, I spend less time at home with my family, and it seems to be a problem. Many times when I walk in the house after a long day, my youngest sister hardly lets me walk into the house without giving me a hug or a kiss. My younger brother and sisters even act like they are my parents, saying things like “Where have you been?” or
“Who you going with?”, making sure that I am always safe. Each of my actions are important, because mainly my sisters watch what I do and try to copy and paste my ways to their lives. If, I choose to go out and do all the wrong things, they will automatically think that it is okay, because they seen their older sister doing it.
For me to be able to fulfill out this personal change, we would all have to come to an understanding, meaning I have to be able to talk to them and hear their problems. If, my sisters and brother, feel comfortable talking to me it would release any fear they might have of asking me questions; whether the question being right or wrong. The reason why I would talk to them is to create a personal bond, because even if I am not a role model, I am still a sister. In order for them to go down a good path, they have to be able to see a good path to follow and then be able to create their own path.
Change, takes steps and it usually consists of a tall ladder with a mirror at the top. My mirror came early, when I seen the difference in the way I acted to my younger sisters and brother and I knew it had to change. I know that they love me and I need to take more annotative, to show them that they are loved back. You have to be your own role model, “The more you know, the more you owe” - Omega Boys Club’s Coachism, because we may not know it, but we are all somebody’s role model.
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR RESEARCH ESSAY
This is the year of 2008 and we are in the year of a world of change. Even though, we have a new leader who symbolizes “change”, there are also many other local heroes that have not been recognized in our communities. The unrecognized heroes are also known as social entrepreneurs; they help resolve local issues in their area to make social changes. They are very unselfish people that take out time of their very busy schedules to help others. Several social entrepreneurs are more concerned about helping improve their communities for the better, rather than worrying about gratification. Social entrepreneurs are just as important as being a President is, because they both take on a large responsibility as a leader. There numerous local social entrepreneurs in the city of Oakland, I have chosen a specific social entrepreneur, Latronda Lumpkins because she has personally helped out her city.
Everyone has a past that they have to deal with, whether bad or sad, they have to continue on living with it. Latronda Lumpkins, a social entrepreneur, chose to deal with her problems in her past by not letting them affect her day to day life negatively. Latronda was born and raised in Oakland, Ca, to the community that she now works to give back to. She knows the struggle of being a teen in this new generation, because she grew up in the Foster Care System. A place that is really not for kids, because the way they mistreat the children is immoral. Latronda says “There are different types of families that exist, I just so happen to grow up without the privilege to grow up and share moments with my biological parents. That was just the way it was. I learned to become a woman early and deal with it. By walking through and not around my obstacles I made it out the Foster Care and not the other way around.” Breaking down how she uses her life in foster care as a format how to handle any day situations. Growing up without her real parents, she decided to break the cycle by becoming married and a mother of three from the ages of six to a five month old baby and making sure her family is stable. From her personal experience she is able to relate with the youth from her past and know that there is hope for them to become successful, because she is a living example. Latronda did not allow growing up in the Foster Care be her excuse for not becoming a successful woman in life. Latronda made through her high school years and had dreams of college. In the year of 1998, she earned her MSW from UC Berkeley and she also received a Non-Profit Organization Certificate from Cal State Hayward in the year of 2000. Latronda Lumpkins has also worked as a Child welfare worker for Alameda County Department of Children and Family Services. Latronda knows that she had a problem, but also was aware that she was not the only one facing her problem. Latronda knew what she wanted to do in life and that was to create a safe place to help teens who are afraid to speak out about their problems just like she used to. She understands that you can not make it alone in this world and every one needs a helping hand.
The majority of social entrepreneurs builds up non-profit organizations to socially change their community and is also have assistance from other local social entrepreneurs that are running in the same race to get to the same goal of improving the streets of their city. In the year of 2001, Pivotal Point Youth Services was just a small non-profit program in Oakland, CA for youth at threat of living unsafe lives from ages 16-24. Pivotal Point’s goals are to decrease teens from having low self-esteem, ending up in jail, becoming homeless, staying out of gangs and any other issues that can cause them to be in harm’s way. PPYS was founded Latronda Lumpkins, and received help by three other entrepreneurs of the community Umar Goodspeed, (her husband) Lamont Lumpkins, and Tia Sears, each taking on different responsibilities to keep Pivotal Point functioning. Today, they have expanded Pivotal Point by reaching out and connecting with other Alameda County non-profit organizations such as Project Independence of the Tri-City Homeless Organization Coalition. By interviewing them, while at work found out that they all feel that, the highest at risk teens (mainly minorities) are facing are poor education, teen parenting, and unhealthy living environments. PPYS makes available services such as job training program, entrepreneur classes, teen parenting aid, and teen housing aid created for the misguided youth. Alameda County teen pregnancy is at its highest level ever in the year of 2002 it was at 45%, but over the years with PPYS help of teen pregnancy aid in the year of 2006 the percent dropped to 42.9%. Due to that, it has affected the high school drop out rates to jumble from 49% in 2004 to 37.4% of 2008, a serious problem that Pivotal Point realized that needs to be faced. The reason for the drop out rate is, because teens are not prepared to take care of themselves and a child, while struggling to remain in school and school is usually eliminated out of the picture. So they also have teen parent and teen housing aid for those of any circumstance need the financial assistance. PPYS helps the teens to balance out the two by providing a GED program that is available for anybody who has not completed high school. Allowing them to then pursue their education, following up with a six week job training program to learn the necessary skills to become employed and stay employed. PPYS presents a place of hope, that the youth can make a change as well by holding entrepreneur classes for six weeks and two days out of the week to teach them the skills of becoming an entrepreneur and owning their own business just like them. I can personally vouch that PPYS really does makes a difference, because I attended one of the entrepreneur programs and they taught us hands the steps to become our owner of our own business. We even were able to be apart of the 2007 Black Expo, were the students of the group were able to share a booth and sale our products from our business. It was hard to get it started, but PPYS started us off with $200 each and business cards. It was a great experience for me to sale my custom design jewelry& accessories called “Embodied” to several people that I can you use to expand my career in the future as a reference. We all learned the value to be able to use our voices to make something work in a positive way and have a positive outcome. All these youth need is a place of guidance to direct them in the right path and Pivotal Point does just that by providing life skill services.
Even though there is only one Pivotal Point Youth Service, they do as much as possible to connect out with the Oakland. The community, is what keeps Pivotal Point alive, because of the consistent feedback they give by being apart of PPYS. By PPYS helping the neighborhoods of Oakland, it causes the community to help them selves, and that causes them to help one another creating a circle of change. Latronda Lumpkins and the other social entrepreneurs of PPYS make PPYS more than an organization; they embody a family based environment. So it is as if it just family helping out family, the way it is suppose to be. For example, Latronda Lumpkins, even though she is a mother of three, she is like the mother figure of Pivotal Point, because she takes care of the program as it her own child. There are many others who are seen as the dad, the big sister or just a friend that are there for the teens to feel comfortable to come and ask for any advice no matter the situation. Because, many of those teens of Oakland are products of battered homes, single mothers, single fathers, incarcerated parents, violent environments, in foster care, homeless, abused, and in drug abuse environments. A Pivotal Point teen speaks out “ I look up to Tia, Ms. Sears, like a big sister, because I can ask for advice from her, when I can’t even talk to my own sister, who doesn’t take out the time to listen” shows that PPYS is there for the teens in many ways. Born into a world full of negativity and that is all one could know, but one would be afraid of a better outcome of life could be. Today’s youth is just sometimes scared of change; because they are so use to suffering that they feel it is normal to continue suffering. Many teens do have to be guided, because they feel alone and want to give up in the world. PPYS’s social entrepreneurs are aware, since they know from past experience of what is to be alone and misguided until somebody helped them. Pivotal Point was not a way to escape karma, for them it was a way to give back from their hearts. From a personal view, PPYS is changing their city day by day, by working on the community’s personal issues to make those issues eliminated.
After researching about the work that Social Entrepreneurs take on, I realized that they are very persistent about their goals. I admire them for their diligence to help others, while still having their personal issues. Some social entrepreneurs may be compared to Philanthropist, for they both believe in the same cause to help the world one step at a time. The difference between a philanthropist and the entrepreneur is the philanthropist only gives money to organizations for a worthy cause. Yet the social entrepreneur doesn’t look for the reward and is around during the process to view the effects of the funding to change the community. Over the years Pivotal Point has worked through the issues that face the minority teens of Oakland, CA to decrease those rates to complete a mission to create a safer environment. Pivotal Point Youth Services Leaders are a magnificent example of a how social entrepreneurs should act. There should be more organizations like PPYS that would make a bigger impact on the fight the process of socially changing the streets of Oakland. By Pivotal Point giving out to the community and help making a difference with the people, the people are also making a difference in the world. Change starts by an individual, in this case it would be a social entrepreneur, who becomes conscious of the set backs in their community and find ways to resolve them. To me social entrepreneurs are undercover heroes that need a cape in honor for all their outstanding changes.
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