Milena Ateya in Lunsford et al. 2009: SPEAK up?

I believe that Milena Ateya (in Lunsford et. al 2007) is arguing in her piece, “A Curse And A Blessing.” She mainly argues about Derek Bok’s article about the freedom of speech. In the article, Ateya refers to the situation that took place at Harvard University between two students who hung confederate flags, which offended many students who went to Harvard because of what it symbolizes. Ateya showed her audience where she stood in terms with the passage by displaying short pieces of Bok's work. Although Ateya showed some of Bok's flaws, I feel that she wrote her piece in a way that she was able to make the readers aware of what was taking place. Ateya also showed that there is room for improvement in Bok's piece. In her piece, she shared her personal experiences as an escapee from a Communist Regime in Bulgaria and related it to Bok's passage. It demonstrated how strongly Milena feels about this particular topic.

                                                           Map of Bulgaria where Ateya escaped from.

    Ateya wrote this piece for one reason and one reason only: to recieve credibility from her readers. She analyzed Bok's story, in his views of a  former Harvard president and as a lawyer.  Although the readers were more engrossed about Bok's piece, and how the way Ateya criticized his work, would that give her a huge break as an author? Ateya targeted her piece to people who are learning how to be more persuasive in their speeches, by creating a message through the way Bok wrote his piece using the Supreme Court rulings. Bok was a respected member of Harvard University so therefore he had every intention of supporting his position, even as a lawyer who wanted to mention his opinion lightly. By doing so, Bok was able to show how he felt about this particular subject and Ateya is no different from Bok because they both share the same value and beliefs through their experience in their cultural background. Both authors used Pathos's proposition to encourage students to speak up and raise their voices, let it be heard.

                              Harvard University Students holding Confederate Flags which sparked the rivarly between cultures.

 
In the way that the piece is written, you can tell that Ateya put a lot of her time into criticizing Bok's passage. She came up with good key points about how Bok could improve his piece, having actual evidence to support his piece, or sharing his opinion about the issue at hand. In result of that, she was able to lure the audience with supporting evidence. I believe that although Bok could have done a better job on explaining descriptively about the topic at hand, Ateya points out that Bok didn't support his ideas well enough to persuade his audience-- he didn't seem too comfortable with the fact that one of the two sides of the situation that took place at Harvard.

As I read that statement, it brought me back to a time last September when I was to write a speech addressed to two hundred teachers educating them about "deafness." Throughout the presentation, I used my freedom of speech rights to explain what it is like in the deaf culture. Also to explain to them that the quote" deaf and dumb," needs to go! After my presentation, I knew that the teachers finally had a clear insight on their future perspetive students and how they are capable of succeeding like every other child out there. From that moment on, I am sure those teachers no longer discriminated against deaf children. Although I can't put myself in Ateya's shoes espescially after she went through, I understand the message that is being sent across using Bok's feedback. The situation that took place at Harvard was a mere twist of fate, if students didn't take the flag so offensively then Bok and Ateya would have to be writing about something else. In conclusion, I believe that the majority of us can relate to this story on a personal level, because too often we do forget to use our voices. We forget to speak up when we aren't being treated fairly, and we let people take advantage f us because we have a good heart. Deaf, Blind, Jewish, African-American, we are still one. So keep on mind Bloggers, that if you don't feel like your being treated fairly then speak up- use your freedom of speech rights. Think about it, why wouldn't you raise your voice, wouldn't you raise it for people out there in the world who aren't able to speak up?

Wouldn't you speak up for them? 

  Don't you think they deserve it more than any of us?

"List of I believe's."

I believe- the term: "You can bring a thirsty horse to the water but you cannot make it drink." In result of that quote, I believe that in the end, it's only possible to help people who help themselves. There is only one person who is responsible for you and that is yourself.

I believe-> there is always more than one way of seeing and doing things.

I believe- in love. Although it's incredibly messy, it's inconvenient and painful and wrong. We just can't live without it, even if it's the love for our family and friends. It's better than having no love at all.

I believe- there is no rights and wrongs. Everyone has their own opinion and everyone is RIGHT but in some situations, people are WRONG.

I believe- in second chances. We all make mistakes in our lives, no one is perfect so therefore we shouldn't correct other people's mistakes when we are no better at that too.

I believe- that if life gives you lemons, make lemonade. In other words, take life as it comes with curve balls and make the most of it.

I believe- in angels. After losing my best friend two years ago, I do believe in spiritual creatures only because I have someone special watching over me each and every day.

I believe- that some people need to practice what they preach- what use is it if you are scolding someone over something you've already done?

I believe- that RESPECT and HONESTY is important in every aspect of a relationship, friendship too. Without these two important things, nothing can last.

I believe- that in order to be successful, you have to choose a path that works for you and brings you closer to what you want.

"Mysterious Connection That Link Us Together." (Lunsford 2008)

The author, Azar Nafisi speculates that "empathy" is created through fantasy. According to the source: (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Empathy) Empathy is defined as "the intellectual idenfication with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts or attitude of others." The author argues with strong emotions supported by her value and beliefs which shows the audience how strongly she feels about this particular subject. Also by the way she writes with a realistic approach, she is able to gain more attention to her work. For example: As she explains the story about Huckleberry Finn and his empathy towards Jim, a friend who suffers from slavery, she uses an example from her past as a reference to that story. She was able to relate to that story on a personal level. By doing so, she allowed the audience to have an insight on her imagination, in terms of the story (Mysterious Connections That Link Us Together p. 909). In result of that, Nafisi was able to connect her imagination to the story through her emotions. Although the story is written on a personal level, to teach us as a human some important lessons regarding our feelings and how we make choices. The author empathizes with other people in the story, by sharing the emotions in the story. In real-life, there's people who empathize with the world's issues, people such as: Lubna Hussein. A human activist now also an international media sensation in Darfur is trying to pass women's rights to prohibit women from wearing pants.

Although the issue itself shouldn't be a conflict, it is in Darfur because of how women view their rights. Hussein continues to use her influence on the media to expose the violation of human rights in Darfur, including the violation of the peace treaty. The purpose of that treaty was to guide the country through democratic transformations. She empathized with the women in Darfur and took advantage of her media influence to create awareness about the conflict that is taking place in Darfur. She is one of the most influential women out there who is trying to change the world by empathizing with people in need. From what i've learned through this, is empathizing with other people doesn't stop us from missing out from the important things in our world. When you understand something, you know where you stand in terms of your beliefs.However if there comes a time when you aren't sure of what you believe in anymore, then you have to open your mind up a little and accept the change you seek in the world.

Mother's Tongue (Lunsford, 2008)

The story "Mother Tongue," written by Amy Tan really hit home for me. In Ottawa, a varied group of deaf people don't excel in the English language because it's not their native tongue. However like the author in this story, I excel in both languages - English and American Sign Language. I grew up surrounded by hearing and deaf people, and so I was able to learn the proper grammar for speaking English as well as the rules for American Sign Language. Although I used English more often that I used American Sign Language, I was still able to change the rules in order to articulate clearly with my native tongue (ASL). I understand why it's a challenge for deaf people to communicate with the hearing world because their English is much more complex as opposed to the hearing world. I've seen various people communicate with each other, and sadly too many times, the message isn't being sent across appropriately. As that occurs, hearing people get frustrated and automatically label deaf people as: "stupid," "needy" or out of touch with the world. Although we know that isn't true, it's just the way we are stereotyped because of how we choose to express ourselves in a creative way through American Sign Language. Our native tongue.

In the beginning of Mother Tongue (Lunsford, 2009), Tan identifies herself and her family as Chinese which clearly shows that English is not their first language. She then explains that her mother is fluent in Chinese, her native tongue but struggles communicating in English. Although Amy's mother can understand written English, she is not able to respond back using proper English. In result of that, a few people showed prejudice against her. In conclusion to that statement, I feel that most people arbitrate depending on a person's ability or inability to speak and understand a language much different than their own. In the story, you witness various acts on discrimination against Tan's mother. Although Tan herself can speak English as her first language, she stands her ground as her mother is being attacked with racial discrimination. Some people just aren't willing to open their minds to different languages. For instance, on page 806. Her mother tried contacting the bank asking them what was the delay in sending her a check which was two week's late. Instead she got her daughter to talk on the phone for her, and almost immediately, the money was on its way. However in person, they were astonished of her English because it was limited as opposed to the woman speaking on the telephone. Hearing about that situation really disgusted me, it made me feel frustrated because even though Amy Tan's mother is not perfectly capable of speaking English, it doesn't mean that she is inhumane? That woman has every right to be treated with the same amount of respect as every other individual in this world. The possibility of speaking English or not doesn't mean that a person isn't capable of being smart.

Twylight's Response to Question #2.

"Write short paragraphs describing times in the recent past when you've used language to inform, to convince, to explore, to make decisions, and to meditiate or pray. Be sure to write at least one paragraph for each of these purposes. Then decide whether each paragraph describes an act of arguement, persuasion, or both, and offer some reasons in defense of your decisions."

Last September, I was asked to address a speech to Ottawa-Carleton District School Board in Canada. In that speech, I had to educate teachers for a change. I shared my story as "the deaf student" who enrolled in the mainstream. I informed them about who I am, the hardships I faced throughout my life in the hearing culture, reasons on why I became deaf. The type of support I receive at school. Some tips on how to make a deaf student feel like they belong in a classroom, the importance of using American Sign Language. I stood on the podium and told everyone about my life as a deaf woman. I explained to them that I was planning on moving to post-secondary school in Washington, DC. I explained to the teachers how important it is to have faith in their students, and to never give up. I also explained that if it wasn't for the support I received from my family, my friends and my peer system, I would never have made it through high school. I opened a lot of eyes that day, a large crowd of people were convinced that "deaf doesn't mean dumb." In result of that, a lot of teachers who were touched by my story will treat every deaf student they have with the same amount of respect they give their students. Knowing that they will receive that respect as well. A strong bond between a teacher and a student can open windows of opportunities from both of them because they can learn together, and work together to discover just exactly how much they are able to do.

In my senior year at SIr Robert Borden High School, I was struggling in a long-term relationship with my boyfriend of two years. One day, he just felt that the relationship between us was too "difficult" because we lived in seperate worlds. He felt like he just couldn't escape the fact that I come from five generations of a deaf family and he came from a hearing family. He felt that everyone who knew us labelled us as something "different." Although I didn't see the difference between us at all, I was in love. I tried to explain to him that it doesn't matter what other people think, there will always be people out there who think that we are different or that we both deserve better but at the end of the day, it was important that we had each other because we experience something that others don't- compatibality, acceptance of who one is. We discussed it and managed to work things out. I told him that if he ever had any doubts, to come and talk to me and together, we would get through it. I had to convince him that it doesn't matter the type of world we lived in, it only mattered that we were open to each other's world and were accepting of each other. Although we both had entirely different views on each other's worlds, our situation was an effort to convince and to capitvate the true meaning of our relationship because of how we both opened our thoughts to other people's views on our relationship.

In March of 2009, I went away on a trip to Cabarete, Dominican Republic for a week with a couple of my girlfriends. During my stay there, I was able to explore and see the difference in their lifestyle as opposed to the one I live in back in Canada. First of all, we spoke different languages. We all come from different backgrounds. American Sign Language (ASL) isn't used in the Dominican often as it is being used in Canada. So to teach them about the "deaf" culture, and learn about theirs as well. It was a rich learning experience and in return, we learned something very valuable. In result of that, my girlfriends and I came back from our trip open-minded about other cultures, willingly wanting to explore more cultures and learning new languages. Because of that eye-opening trip, my friends and I are going to travel around Europe in the Summer of 2010 to experience new cultures.

I grew up surrounded by hearing people, since I was in the mainstream for twelve years. I felt like I lost my identity as a deaf person. I no longer excelled in American Sign Language(ASL) and it worried me. I began researching on Gallaudet University because I heard from other people that it was a wonderful school to enroll in. My cousin, a previous Gallaudet Student said that it changed her life for the better, that it made her realize where she belonged in this world. After hearing her talk about her experience at Gallaudet University, I realized how badly I wanted to get into this school. I wanted to see the change in myself. So I took the Stanford Achievement Test (SATS) and waited four weeks to hear back from Gallaudet University. Once I found out that I was accepted, I was thrilled! I knew that soon enough, I would find the missing piece of my puzzle that i've been longing to find- my identity. I want to learn more about my deaf culture and experience it firsthand. I know that once I got accepted into Gallaudet University and entered the deaf world, I would no longer have to worry about the communication barriers. I would be able to speak freely and understand others, also have others understand me as well. I was destined to be here, because this is my world. This is my world now. I have no regrets about leaving the hearing world behind, because I will always carry the skill of communicating verbally. I experienced it for almost eighteen years, now it's time for me to break out and spread my wings into the unknown.

Often, I get myself in a difficult situation and I often seek an escape. I found my escape in mediation through writing. As i'm writing poetry, i'm in my own little world and I can't be disturbed. It's a form of mediation for me. Even though at times, it is only temporary. I do feel better once i'm done. My feelings of uncertainty, anger, shame are put into writing and soon enough they dissapear onto the page.

How The Story Began: "Life of The Twylight Tower."

"Twylight" Campbell was born in Ottawa, Canada on July of 1991. She continued to live in the suburbs of Ottawa, in Nepean, Ontario for eighteen years. Her mother, Sherry Turner from Stittsville, Ontario and her father, Allan Campbell from North Bay, Ontario both welcomed their miracle baby into the world. Twylight has no siblings due to her mother's inability to concieve children. Twylight's mother, Sherry works for the Canada Revenue Agency whereas her father works at the National Library of Archives in Ottawa. Sadly, her parents filed for divorce when she was just six years of age. Her mother eventually remarried, and her father moved to Massey, Canada after marrying his second wife, Bonnie Lou. They are now happily married, and are expecting their first child in May, a little boy. Twylight recently graduated from Sir Robert Borden High School with honors. She previously won a "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Crystal Bay Special Education Center. She served 20 students with moderate to profound developmental disabilities. All students ranged in ages from 7 to 19. Many of the studies Twylight worked with had a developmental disability coupled with autism, deafnss, blindness, or a physical disabilty. She is currently obtaining her Bachelor's Degree in Education, a four year program at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC. She hopes to become a Teacher of Special Needs in the near future.

At sixteen years old, Twylight got her first job at Camp Misquah. Camp Misquah provided a location for a wide range of fun and stimulating activities. These are designed to develop the camper's recreation and living skills. Large grassy fields are available for sports of all kinds. The sand bottom lake and large beach allow for great swimming (with lesson), fishing, canoeing and pedal boating. The forests and hills are perfect for nature hikes. Other activities include music, dances, crafts and movie and talent nights. She worked there every year until eighteen years old. She had her fair share of volunteer work through recreational activities such as the "H.O.P.E Summerfest" in Ottawa, Ontario. Twylight faced a lot of challenges working in that field of work espescially with kids who were physically disabled. It was a difficult challenge to overcome when she had to work with kids in wheelchairs, only because Twylight was so overwhelmed with the emotions they carried with them, and the anger. Sometimes she walked in their shoes, she know what it's like to live with a disability but unlike them, her disability was the best thing that happened to her. Twylight was born hearing, and then lost her hearing at the age of three. For the longest time, she didn't accept myself as deaf. It took her almost ten years to accept it- and countless of hours stuck in a office, while teachers tried to explain to her that she was unique. Twylight had a disability that seperated herself from others, but also brought her closer to them. Also Twylight became closer to those people because she involved myself into the deaf community of Ottawa, she participated in Summer Day-Camps, March Break Camps, and other activities. Twylight became heavily involved in the deaf community back in Canada. Although Twylight keeps her family, studies, dreams and volunteer work close by, she enjoys her life and lives it as if it's an adventure. She's generally a loud person but she can be quiet and keep to myself too. She's an open-minded person and very opinionted about a lot of things.

Well now it's time to close the book and let the story write itself.