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Monday, June 1, 2009
Timed Write: Finding Forrester
Becoming an outsider is something that many dread. Everyone wants to be accepted whether they are willing to admit it or not. Being an outsider can range from being different from another’s social class, race, or religion. It could even go as far as being depicted by what interests a person has that differs from someone else’s. The film, "Finding Forrester" defines what it is like to be taken out of one's comfort zone and thrown into a place of difference with little to no social acceptance and rejection which can have feelings of distress, failure, and loneliness. The film has also upheld in what I believe it would be like to be an outsider which is an understanding of the struggles we face when introduced to differences and change.
In the film, I realized that Jamal Wallace was in conflict with trying to hide his true identity. He maintained a C average in school but had magnificent skill in reading and writing, which was proved within his test scores. This can make a person feel like an outsider. He couldn’t be himself and had to seal his true identity in order to be accepted. The only time he ever felt comfortable relaying his knowledge was to people he didn’t know just so he could prove to himself that he indeed had smarts and abilities. An example of this was in the scene of the man who owned the BMW. He gave the man an intense history lesson to the owner who doubted Wallace because of his appearance. In the end Wallace proved that he was smarter than he seemed, but was still suppressed because he would never do so in front of his friends. A more obvious case of Jamal being an outsider was after he was transferred to the better school, he went to the basketball court where is friends were playing and was not invited to play. I believe that this was a specific scene in the movie that was used to create a sense of loneliness that a person feels when they become an outsider. This must have been a big blow for Jamal because he still wasn’t accepted into his new school and was now not accepted in his old group of friends. Jamal had many first-hand experiences in knowing what it is like to be an outsider.
William Forrester can also be considered an outsider. He was an outcast by choice and crated himself up in his apartment; never leaving the building and having others do his shopping for him. He never talked to people and was not friendly to Jamal at the beginning of the movie, using strong insults to hopefully send him away. He didn’t have any friends and rarely talked to anyone, trying to be non-existent it seemed. An example of this in the movie that showed he was not used to dealing with people was when Jamal took him to a ball game and lost him in the crowd. William completely lost control of himself and could not function because of possibly some disorder. I believe this scene in the film was specifically used to create sensitivity for the viewers to feel for William to better understand what it is like to be an outsider. William Forrester was an outsider but that of choice possibly because of some condition or a result of some other happening in his life.
The film "Finding Forrester" has upheld my own cultural understanding of what it means to be an outsider. I have been in the position myself in school to not be socially accepted and it was frustrating and sometimes depressing. It is a different world when one is not accepted and is a feeling of loneliness and not conforming to everyone's standards. Jamal Wallace was an outsider whether he liked it or not and tried to be accepted, and thankfully by the end of the movie won his new classmates over with his moving words. William Forrester was an outsider but by choice, but at the end of the movie broke out of his shell and wanted to become a part of society again. They both went through hardships in being outsiders but it proved to be worth it at the end. I will always have empathy for those who are struggling with acceptance and try to be as understanding as I can to become sympathetic to any situation. The film touched me and strengthened my understanding on what it is to be an outsider.
In the film, "Finding Forrester" a young boy becomes an outcast in a new school because of social class difference. Jamal Wallace struggles to become accepted in his new school as well as keep the friends he had in his old school, meanwhile fighting to keep his identity. William Forrester chose to be an outsider and did anything he could to keep from being social and accepted. The movie strengthened my understanding of what it is like to be an outsider because I can see that they both went through many hardships because of it. I would never want anyone to feel like an outcast and now I can be a little more sympathetic to someone’s situation. The film demonstrated a clear understanding of the struggle it takes being an outsider and trying to gain social acceptance.
In the film, I realized that Jamal Wallace was in conflict with trying to hide his true identity. He maintained a C average in school but had magnificent skill in reading and writing, which was proved within his test scores. This can make a person feel like an outsider. He couldn’t be himself and had to seal his true identity in order to be accepted. The only time he ever felt comfortable relaying his knowledge was to people he didn’t know just so he could prove to himself that he indeed had smarts and abilities. An example of this was in the scene of the man who owned the BMW. He gave the man an intense history lesson to the owner who doubted Wallace because of his appearance. In the end Wallace proved that he was smarter than he seemed, but was still suppressed because he would never do so in front of his friends. A more obvious case of Jamal being an outsider was after he was transferred to the better school, he went to the basketball court where is friends were playing and was not invited to play. I believe that this was a specific scene in the movie that was used to create a sense of loneliness that a person feels when they become an outsider. This must have been a big blow for Jamal because he still wasn’t accepted into his new school and was now not accepted in his old group of friends. Jamal had many first-hand experiences in knowing what it is like to be an outsider.
William Forrester can also be considered an outsider. He was an outcast by choice and crated himself up in his apartment; never leaving the building and having others do his shopping for him. He never talked to people and was not friendly to Jamal at the beginning of the movie, using strong insults to hopefully send him away. He didn’t have any friends and rarely talked to anyone, trying to be non-existent it seemed. An example of this in the movie that showed he was not used to dealing with people was when Jamal took him to a ball game and lost him in the crowd. William completely lost control of himself and could not function because of possibly some disorder. I believe this scene in the film was specifically used to create sensitivity for the viewers to feel for William to better understand what it is like to be an outsider. William Forrester was an outsider but that of choice possibly because of some condition or a result of some other happening in his life.
The film "Finding Forrester" has upheld my own cultural understanding of what it means to be an outsider. I have been in the position myself in school to not be socially accepted and it was frustrating and sometimes depressing. It is a different world when one is not accepted and is a feeling of loneliness and not conforming to everyone's standards. Jamal Wallace was an outsider whether he liked it or not and tried to be accepted, and thankfully by the end of the movie won his new classmates over with his moving words. William Forrester was an outsider but by choice, but at the end of the movie broke out of his shell and wanted to become a part of society again. They both went through hardships in being outsiders but it proved to be worth it at the end. I will always have empathy for those who are struggling with acceptance and try to be as understanding as I can to become sympathetic to any situation. The film touched me and strengthened my understanding on what it is to be an outsider.
In the film, "Finding Forrester" a young boy becomes an outcast in a new school because of social class difference. Jamal Wallace struggles to become accepted in his new school as well as keep the friends he had in his old school, meanwhile fighting to keep his identity. William Forrester chose to be an outsider and did anything he could to keep from being social and accepted. The movie strengthened my understanding of what it is like to be an outsider because I can see that they both went through many hardships because of it. I would never want anyone to feel like an outcast and now I can be a little more sympathetic to someone’s situation. The film demonstrated a clear understanding of the struggle it takes being an outsider and trying to gain social acceptance.
Techno-Love
Before the revolution of the internet, life seemed more personable. People called each other and visited one another. Now in this day, society can communicate through the internet to visit friends or family without actually having to physically see them. The internet has changed society including how we buy, sell, talk, and now how we date. The internet’s dating craze has made a definite impact on traditional dating. Traditional dating is slowly becoming a thing of the past because online dating is becoming more convenient for those who don’t have time or just think they aren’t made for love. For some, internet dating is a good way to establish relationships, but also a way to lose the thrill of dating independently and experiencing serendipitous love.
Online dating can be seen as being lazy, easier, and takes less effort. Finding a partner is as easy as clicking the mouse and loading a browser page. It’s seen as lazy, having someone do the work for another person instead of doing it for themselves and giving the effort it takes that makes a relationship so special. It also seems impersonal. In the essay “Love in the Time of No Time” written by Jennifer Egan, the author states “Still a fair number of people continue to feel a stigma about dating online, ranging from the waning belief that it’s a dangerous refuge for the desperate and unsavory to the milder but still unappealing notion that it’s a public bazaar for the sort of people who thrive on selling themselves” (Egan 276). Online dating can also be seen as a scam. It can be used for those who crave one night stands or are looking for flings or affairs. Dating in general is never safe from these happenings but it is easier to find eligible partners online than in bars. Mainly online dating is impractical because it makes a person feel like they can find someone on their own which can lower self confidence. Online dating is an easy escape from traditional dating and is commonly looked down upon.
On the contrary, online dating is indeed a good way to establish relationships with others that have the same interests. Most people who choose to date through the web have low self confidence or aren’t very good with first impressions. With online dating, someone can see another’s personality as well as establish a connection before meeting. Some would say it’s impersonal. Others believe it to be “breaking the ice”. Without considering a persons true motives when dating online, it is concluded to be a great way to establish a relationship with another.
Online dating is a free choice and is effective for some people who think themselves to be “un-dateable” and there are positives to using the internet to find love, but online dating takes the tradition out of dating. It is a journey to find one’s soul mate and not to have them handed out without any effort. Commercial from E-harmony or Chemistry.com make it seem like online dating guarantee’s a soul mate and overlooks the ultimate disappointment in not being able to find anyone. In Jennifer Egan’s essay she states “Serendipitous love is what’s new, love borne of chance, love like what engulfed my grandparents after my grandfather, then a resident physician at a Chicago hospital emergency room, happened to remove my grandmother’s appendix” (Egan 276). Traditional dating has sparks and adventure. It has stories to tell of a love that began. A married couple can be assured they will be asked about how they met, and soon, a beautiful, romantic, possibly comical event is retold of how a love was found. Traditional dating is independent. A person establishes a relationship on their own terms instead of someone else finding them. Deciding for one’s self if a person is worthy instead of basing charisma or charm through a profile. It’s like striking gold when a chance is taken and love is found. Traditional dating is more mysterious, more fun, and rich with adventure. Online dating can be seen as being bland. The thrill in a relationship is established through chance and taking risks to conquer heartache and reach the goals of everlasting love.
The internet has created a new line of dating methods that are impacting traditional dating. Online dating seems admirable because it is convenient. Others see it as laziness. The internet is a good way to establish relationships, but also contributes to the expansion of flings and loveless physical relationships. Traditional dating is consumed with sparks and adventure and creates stories that will last a life time. Online dating is impacting traditional dating, but all in all, it is a choice as well as a second chance for those who feel like love isn’t blind and is critical.
Online dating can be seen as being lazy, easier, and takes less effort. Finding a partner is as easy as clicking the mouse and loading a browser page. It’s seen as lazy, having someone do the work for another person instead of doing it for themselves and giving the effort it takes that makes a relationship so special. It also seems impersonal. In the essay “Love in the Time of No Time” written by Jennifer Egan, the author states “Still a fair number of people continue to feel a stigma about dating online, ranging from the waning belief that it’s a dangerous refuge for the desperate and unsavory to the milder but still unappealing notion that it’s a public bazaar for the sort of people who thrive on selling themselves” (Egan 276). Online dating can also be seen as a scam. It can be used for those who crave one night stands or are looking for flings or affairs. Dating in general is never safe from these happenings but it is easier to find eligible partners online than in bars. Mainly online dating is impractical because it makes a person feel like they can find someone on their own which can lower self confidence. Online dating is an easy escape from traditional dating and is commonly looked down upon.
On the contrary, online dating is indeed a good way to establish relationships with others that have the same interests. Most people who choose to date through the web have low self confidence or aren’t very good with first impressions. With online dating, someone can see another’s personality as well as establish a connection before meeting. Some would say it’s impersonal. Others believe it to be “breaking the ice”. Without considering a persons true motives when dating online, it is concluded to be a great way to establish a relationship with another.
Online dating is a free choice and is effective for some people who think themselves to be “un-dateable” and there are positives to using the internet to find love, but online dating takes the tradition out of dating. It is a journey to find one’s soul mate and not to have them handed out without any effort. Commercial from E-harmony or Chemistry.com make it seem like online dating guarantee’s a soul mate and overlooks the ultimate disappointment in not being able to find anyone. In Jennifer Egan’s essay she states “Serendipitous love is what’s new, love borne of chance, love like what engulfed my grandparents after my grandfather, then a resident physician at a Chicago hospital emergency room, happened to remove my grandmother’s appendix” (Egan 276). Traditional dating has sparks and adventure. It has stories to tell of a love that began. A married couple can be assured they will be asked about how they met, and soon, a beautiful, romantic, possibly comical event is retold of how a love was found. Traditional dating is independent. A person establishes a relationship on their own terms instead of someone else finding them. Deciding for one’s self if a person is worthy instead of basing charisma or charm through a profile. It’s like striking gold when a chance is taken and love is found. Traditional dating is more mysterious, more fun, and rich with adventure. Online dating can be seen as being bland. The thrill in a relationship is established through chance and taking risks to conquer heartache and reach the goals of everlasting love.
The internet has created a new line of dating methods that are impacting traditional dating. Online dating seems admirable because it is convenient. Others see it as laziness. The internet is a good way to establish relationships, but also contributes to the expansion of flings and loveless physical relationships. Traditional dating is consumed with sparks and adventure and creates stories that will last a life time. Online dating is impacting traditional dating, but all in all, it is a choice as well as a second chance for those who feel like love isn’t blind and is critical.
An Iron Community
Working out is a community. It is a community because fitness brings people together in a place where we can all share the same interests and goals. The group is held together by sharing the same need; becoming fit and healthy. We are supportive of each other and our goals and will help one another to reach those goals. The tensions that are working against this community are generalized statements that everyone who belongs to a gym and works out is conceited and arrogant. Though I can’t speak for everyone, I believe that most who belong to the gym is just trying to become better mostly for themselves. Most who attend the gym are self conscious of themselves but the support from the gym as well as they’re fitness build confidence which I see nothing wrong in that.
I am a part of the gym community. I have a gym membership and attend the gym almost daily. I am a part of this group because I am just like most everyone who works out; self conscious but working my way to better confidence in myself. I like being a part of the working out community because I am there to focus on myself and to better myself with support from the gym and the people who attend.
I am a part of the gym community. I have a gym membership and attend the gym almost daily. I am a part of this group because I am just like most everyone who works out; self conscious but working my way to better confidence in myself. I like being a part of the working out community because I am there to focus on myself and to better myself with support from the gym and the people who attend.
Introduction to Piece Four
The last paper in class that I was able to write about was about tradition and how it has changed. This was my favorite assignment because it was limitless in the topic that I was able to choose. The topic that I chose for this assignment was how traditional dating has changed into the now more popular online dating phenomenon. This was the assignment that was the most enjoyable to me because I felt like I had a better understanding of what I was supposed to write about unlike the previous papers I was assigned. I browse topics in this discussion including the convenience of online dating, the dangers of dating through the internet, and the loss of the benefits and adventure that was traditional dating.
Introduction to Piece Three
In this piece I discussed the importance of the gym community. I think I did well in directing this to an audience that is either apprehensive about joining a gym, or is stereotyping the people in gyms as being conceited and arrogant. I think that with this audience in mind, I was able to relieve the fears of those anxious about joining a gym because I described the gym as being supportive and helpful. I think I was able to disprove those who thought the people at the gym are arrogant and competitive because I described that the people who go to the gym are kind to others and are more concerned with themselves being healthy than showing up someone else. I showed that I am strong because I am a part of the gym community, but in the end, I am only strong for myself and no one else.
Introduction to Piece Two
Throughout this course I have had many strong responses and assignments as well as a few weak assignments. One in particular includes my first timed write on the movie Finding Forrester. The original assignment was to develop a thesis driven discussion on what it is like to be an outside while using one or two characters from the film. I was also asked to answer how this definition challenges my own understanding of being an outsider. I had an hour to complete this assignment and I will be the first to admit that writing under pressure with a significantly little amount of time is not easy, but doable. If I had more time, I would have derived a clearer and more solid thesis to direct the rest of my response as well as include how the film creates its own opinion about outsiders and how it creates sympathy for outsiders. This piece is not my original response, but is a revision of how I would like the assignment to look if I had more time.
Pop Culture is Manipulative
I agree with the statements made in the essay, "The Unreal World" written by Jennifer L. Pozner. The author discusses the impact that the reality TV phenomenon has made on us as humans. She describes that the shows are edited to make someone seem pushy or lazy. She also explains that these shows send out a poor message to those who are impressionable, mainly young girls. The message tells this audience that a person has to be a hot dumb babe in order to find love and happiness, and that these shows overlook brains and personality. "The equation Fat Wallet + Skinny Chick = Love robs us all of our humanity and erases the possibility of emotional conncetion" (Pozner 447). Pop culture is manipulative and seems to be nothing mmore than a fad or a statement that really isnt essential to human living, but in turn can be fatal.
Introduction to Piece One
In my second tradition discussion board called Visiting Pop Culture, I posted a discussion on the manipulation of reality TV and the effect of its message on those who view it. This piece shows that I can think critically because in my post I point out what makes reality TV so unreal, as well as why it is a bad influence on its viewers, mainly young girls. I have grown as an analytical writer by discussing further into what is being presented as well as the correct use of direct quotes as evidence to support my argument.
Reflection Letter
English 101D has been a journey for me. I have had many struggles that I have had to cope with this quarter that were unlike any other school experience I’ve had. English is my strong suit. I am used to writing exemplary papers and assignments effortlessly, resulting in commendable feedback from my instructors. This time, my world was turned upside down when I was receiving grades that were lower than my own expectations. I almost thought they were mistakes. I then began to regress in my studies and battled with procrastination and low self-confidence about what I had written or posted. But now I realize it. It is all a part of the journey, and I let my disappointments get the best of me. If I want to succeed in becoming the teacher or psychologist that I am hoping to be, then I can’t let a silly paper get me down. I have so much more time to prove myself worthy, and I only have this class to thank for this understanding.
I can now look back on this quarter and realize just how the major themes that were taught in this class have developed my ideas of identity, community, and tradition. If someone were to ask me before I had taken this class about how I felt about these major ideas, I would have given them a deep blank stare followed by a few stutters. I really had no understanding of any of these things before the class was assigned certain readings and challenged by being asked to think in depth about certain situations. Now I do have ideas and opinions about these themes. I have come to cherish individuality and realize that everyone has their own identity that makes this society so rich and colorful. I can see now that everyone is a part of a community, just by having the same interests or similar features. Community varies and is limitless to what it can be defined. Tradition is a part of who we are, or at least for some, who we were. I have learned that traditions are changing, possibly for the better, but in turn are losing those values and morals that created this society. If someone were to ask me about my opinions on these ideas, I now have an answer.
I have included a few pieces of my work from this class that show an understanding of what I have learned thus far. First, I have chosen to share one of my discussion board postings from our tradition unit, Visiting Pop Culture. It shows my skills of critical thinking by discussing the importance of the effects that reality TV has on its viewers and how it has become manipulative. The second piece I have included is a revision of my first timed write assignment on the movie, Finding Forrester. The next piece I have to share is my second blog assignment called an Iron Community which shows my awareness of audience and voice. Last is my personal favorite assignment of the quarter which is the last major writing assignment on tradition called Techno-Love, which discusses the changes of traditional dating as compared to the new form of online dating. Through these works that I have included in my portfolio, I am hoping to show what I have learned through this course as well as have my new learned skills shine through.
I can now look back on this quarter and realize just how the major themes that were taught in this class have developed my ideas of identity, community, and tradition. If someone were to ask me before I had taken this class about how I felt about these major ideas, I would have given them a deep blank stare followed by a few stutters. I really had no understanding of any of these things before the class was assigned certain readings and challenged by being asked to think in depth about certain situations. Now I do have ideas and opinions about these themes. I have come to cherish individuality and realize that everyone has their own identity that makes this society so rich and colorful. I can see now that everyone is a part of a community, just by having the same interests or similar features. Community varies and is limitless to what it can be defined. Tradition is a part of who we are, or at least for some, who we were. I have learned that traditions are changing, possibly for the better, but in turn are losing those values and morals that created this society. If someone were to ask me about my opinions on these ideas, I now have an answer.
I have included a few pieces of my work from this class that show an understanding of what I have learned thus far. First, I have chosen to share one of my discussion board postings from our tradition unit, Visiting Pop Culture. It shows my skills of critical thinking by discussing the importance of the effects that reality TV has on its viewers and how it has become manipulative. The second piece I have included is a revision of my first timed write assignment on the movie, Finding Forrester. The next piece I have to share is my second blog assignment called an Iron Community which shows my awareness of audience and voice. Last is my personal favorite assignment of the quarter which is the last major writing assignment on tradition called Techno-Love, which discusses the changes of traditional dating as compared to the new form of online dating. Through these works that I have included in my portfolio, I am hoping to show what I have learned through this course as well as have my new learned skills shine through.
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