Identity in the Classroom

Both Jean Anyon and Jonothan Kozol's research implies that a student's success is directly linked to his/her social class. I have mixed feelings about this, however moreover I agree with Kozol and Anyon after reading both of their essays.

"The word "Diverse" has become a euphemism for a much plainer word that has become unspeakable"

Diverse is symbolizing discrimination, and/or the inequality of young people in our school systems. It is important to understand that diversity and segregation are two different topics, and every person, no matter under what circumstances, deserves to be their own person, in a group of people. Not one person in one group, separated from another.

"Many people seem to be attracted to the argument that money may not matter much at all."

Honestly, money is just an object. Can it bring happiness? Can it bring success? Well, yes, but only temporarily. Many people feel that paying off any school system to give their child a better education, might actually make their child smarter. This is not the case, money may not matter much at all, but people sure as hell make it seem like it means more than what it is.
                                                              
  "In New York City, for example, affluent parents pay surprisingly large sums of money to enroll their youngsters, beginning at the age of two or three, in extraordinary early-education programs that give them social competence and rudimentary pedagogic skills unknown to children of the same age in the city's poorer neighborhoods."

"Students are not animals, but even animals need to relieve themselves sometimes."

No human being should ever be considered, or even think of them self as an animal. However, in some schools students are treated like such. This is wrong, and there is a difference between punishment, and permanent scarring.

"Silent lunches had been instituted in the cafeteria and, when children misbehaved, silent recess."

Should Students Have The Right to Their Own Language?

Should student have the right to their own language?

Well, that is a very controversial topic, especially in the day and age we live in today. There are many sub questions to this main question, that can help one think about their answer as well as look at the topic presented in many different points of view, such as:

Should students/artists/football figures have the right to freely express themselves?

The image shown above is one of the latest trending topics in social media, Colin Kaepernick, taking a knee at one of the NFL games, during the national anthem. There have been many strong feelings about this topic. Many Americans believe that it was 100% inappropriate. I myself feel that Colin himself has a right to express himself and his opinions freely. I feel that many see it as disrespectful, and in a sense it is, but not entirely, because I do understand his viewpoint. His actions are not to intentionally disrespect the flag, but too stand up for the racial injustices that have been happening all across the nation. I commend him, seeing as how he stood up for his beliefs, and i feel he had every right to do so. 

When shouldn't students have the right to their own language?

I feel that students should always have a right to their own language. This is very controversial as well because it is protested that students should only speak American Standardized English in the school system. Yes, second and third languages are taught, however not encouraged to be spoken freely, unless being tested academically. I feel if a student has a first language, that is not english, they should be aloud to speak it freely, regardless of where they are, because the fact of the matter is, that second language is what makes the student who they are. 

How does the use of RENNS affect the equality of a students voice, language, identity? 

The use of RENNS affects the equality of a students voice, language, and identity, because it provides reason as to why a student is how they are. Students are who they are, because of their background and RENNS kind of provides guidelines for students to follow. 

SO....

SHOULD STUDENTS HAVE A RIGHT TO THEIR OWN LANGUAGE?

yes. It is a students job to learn, to progress to become academically adjusted to the environment around them, however, a students identity makes them individuals. It makes them separate from all other students, And gives them a chance to differentiate between one and another. 

Yes, students have a right to their own language. 

What is Identity?

What is identity? Is it the language we speak? Is it our culture? Is it our gender or our private self versus public self? Or how about our occupation from day to day life? What about, all of these things? Yes, that’s right, identity encompaasses all of these things. But why does identity matter? Well, in my opinion, it is what truly makes up a person on a day to day basis. People are never able to come out of their shell, and they never look for the other qualities that truly make up a person. However, identity is something that we cannot change or show. It is not something that a person has to search for it is what you are born with. It’s what makes us all up! Identity separates each person from the next, making everyone unique, in my opinion. It makes one latina different than the next. One chef different than another. Everyone is the same in many ways, but everyone is also different in a plentiful amount of ways.

Identity matters to me because it defines a person, and I am a person and for that reason identity should matter to everyone. Being a person is a privilege, having life and being able to be your own person is the best feeling in the world, because the truth of the matter is, there is no one else in the world that is just or EXACTLY like you. And to me, that is something very amazing. Each day, we can wake up and be us. Whether it is by the color of our skin, our job, or our gender, or even the little personality traits that people may or may not know about us.

One aspect of identity that matters most to me is the private versus public self. Everyone knows that there is a time and a place for everything. So how is everyone when they are in a personal cozy setting, or in a professional workplace environment? Maybe, the people we see at school or work, are completely different people outside of that environment. A person could be the most professional person in the world, while at the same time being the same laid back person. People have double lives all the time, and this is interesting to look into, because how often do we think we know the person next to us, but in all actuality, they live a completely different lifestyle and have a whole different side to them that we are not exposed to. For this, we are able to learn and discover more about people that we may know each and every day. Hidden identities are one of the most common factors that lead a person to be misinterpreted by others. However, sometimes, maybe being misinterpreted is a good thing, and it gives people something to look into when getting to know them . For this, identity is important. Identity gives a reason to be who we are, and how to be who we are. Identity makes us different, it separates all of us and makes us individuals, the way that life was intended to be.

How To Tame a Wild Tongue

How To Tame a Wild Tongue- Reading Response Questions. 

1. Discuss how the opening scene of Anzaldua in the dentist chair connects to the overall point/message of the essay and title. 

          The overall point/message of the essay and title is how to control an uninhibited language.   In order to do so, one's "tongue" must be controlled. The opening scene of Anzaldua in the dentist chair depicts her in the chair, and the dentist trying to give her a cleaning, however he can't, because her tongue is in the way. This is a reference to reality, where America is trying to tame Anzaldua's tongue, but they can't. 

2. Discuss Anzaldua's use of the Spanish throughout her writing. Did it make sense? What was her purpose?

          Anzualda periodically used spanish in her writing. I was able to understand it because I speak Spanish, and to me it made sense because it was her way of making the reader feel what she feels. She had to struggle understanding english, so others can struggle understanding spanish. 

3. Can academic english be defined as Spanish (Standard) and can Chicano Spanish be described as a nonstandard? Why? What inferences, conclusions, can be made from referring to one identity as standard versus nonstandard?

          Academic English can be defined as Standard Spanish because they are both Primary and known first-hand by native speakers (mostly). Chicano spanish can be described as a nonstandard because it is a sort of slang, or different dialect. Referring to one language as a standard vs. nonstandard shows the separation and the wall between one people and one dialect. 

4. Discuss the necessity of speaking and writing in Academic English as an identity. Is it necessary? 

         One language is one language. One language contains millions of words. It is the way that these words are said that an identity is formed. It is necessary to speak and write in Academic English, but not in all cases. 

5. Anzaldua describes different types of spanish identities. Discuss the various types of English Identities that you know? 

          Different types of English identities that I know of include UK English, Southern English, and European English. 

6. Do you use a secret language to communicate with your friends? If so, What?

          There are many instances in which I would use spanish to communicate with others, but other than that, no. I do not have any secret language to communicate with anyone. 

7. Chicano spanish can be compared to non standard English. What form of English do you speak with your friends? What form do you use to speak to others? 

          Professionally, as in the workplace and school, I use a form of standard- English. However, in a more relaxed environment, I use a non-standard English, which is more laid back.

8. "I am my language". What does this mean? How does this statement connect to a persons identity?

          This means that a person's background consisting of their language sums them up. We speak each day, which makes us up. 

9. Talk specifically about how the introduction and conclusion connect. 

          The introduction and conclusion connect referring back to the author's stubborn tongue in the dentist office. It is saying how not just her, but her people are stubborn, and they will not give up their language for anything. 

10. Can the language you speak be a part of your identity? Why?

          The language you speak can be a part of your identity because it is a part of you each day. Language is something that comes out of you, from YOU, and that is something that I feel no one can take from you. 

11. How important is identity to you? Does Anzaldua believe it is important to have identity? 

To me, Identity is important, but it is something that is supposed to come naturally. Identity is compromised of a million things, but working too hard on it defers from the purpose of being yourself. Anzaldua does believe identity is important to have identity. In the reading, the author states, "So, if you want to really hurt me, talk badly about my language. Ethnic identity is twin skin to linguistic identity- I am my language. Until I can take pride in my language, I cannot take pride in myself." 

FAQ About Melanie Pires!

Melanie Pires 
English
August 31st, 2016
Prof. Young 



                             All About Me: MELanie Pires 

In this post I will be answering questions about myself for other to know more about me and my personality. It will be in question and answer formant through out the post.

Q: If you play a sport, what type of sport do you play? How long have you been playing this sport?

A: I used to be very active in sports, but I no longer play any. I used to play soccer and basketball for both for 3 years at the same time. 

Q: What are you passionate about? For example, in your free time, what do you enjoy doing most? 

A: I am very passionate about friendships and relationships. I like to invest my time in people that I feel can give back to me what I give to them, while being a strong support system and loving at the same time. I am a very passionate person with all people I love. I also enjoy cooking very much. 

Q: What is THE MOST ridiculous lie you ever told? Why did you tell this lie? 

A: Once I had to tell a man that I was in my mid-twenties and married because he was flirting with me at the checkout line at the grocery store. 

Q: When you write, do you just sit at the computer and allow the words to flow or do you have an outline?

A: When I write, the words just seem to flow right out of me. Typically when I am writing about something that pertains to me and I enjoy it. 

Q: How would you describe your writing experience so far? What do you most want to learn from this course? 

A: I feel that my writing experience so far has been pretty mediocre and basic. From this course, I hope to learn more about essay prompts and how to enhance my skills and further my knowledge on all topics covered. 

Q: What is the name of the most recent book you've read from cover to cover? 

A: The most recent book I have read is Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. I enjoyed it but at times I was a little lost. 

Q:  How often do you write on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram?

A: I recently deleted all of my social media in an effort to be able to focus myself on school and adjust properly without distractions. When I had it however, I would post daily, maybe 2-3 times a day even. 

Q: What is more important for you to learn this semester?

A: I really want to learn how to enhance my skills for writing essays. 

Q: What problem or issue is important to you and why? Discuss your answer. 

A: The biggest issue to me right now is trying to find a way to pay for my tuition. I loved this college at one point, and knew the debt I would be in, but recent situations have made paying it a lot difficult. I hope I find a solution. 

Q: Rate yourself as a writer: A, B , C , or D. 

A: I feel that I am a C. I feel that my skills have a lot of work to be had done to them.