Assignments, prompts and general musings
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I feel that, in the past five weeks of class, I have fulfilled the main goal I set for myself. Going back to my first blog post, I stated that I wanted to learn how to improve to better improve my writing, and this course had done exactly that. Learning the different techniques from class lectures, as well as the various revision skills taught, I feel as though I am stronger writer on the most basic level of story structure and general flow.
I also feel that I have done a good job of following the six strategies to become a better writer I discussed earlier in the class. I have attempted my hardest to continually write with the best possible attitude and take inspiration from everything I see in the world.
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This I Wonder:
This I Argue:
Throughout its two hundred and thirty-eight year history, America has been a nation that is not afraid to stand up and fight against injustice. Time and time again during America’s journey, the country has proudly stood tall against oppression – from the horrible crimes committed by the Nazi regime to the current chaos in the Middle-East. For as noble and inspiring these efforts have been, America has long neglected one of the most egregious crimes against humanity, one that occurs daily on its own soil. Each and every day that passes in the Land of the Free is rife with injustice and dangerous policy that is essentially handicapping countless citizens. If there has ever been a time for America to declare war, it is now, and it is against the rampant hunger that persists in every state across the country. The facts, when examined, are shockingly simple. In the richest nation in the world, one in six Americans is food insecure (A Place at the Table). Food insecurity, the concept of not knowing where your next meal will come from, has spread across the country like a plague, virtually unchecked. Many will scoff at this statistic, looking about their peer groups and think that these are loaded numbers, but the truth remains. In a nation that was founded on the concepts of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the various policies and regulations regarding food programs are so backwards that these three ideals are becoming increasingly difficult to fulfill. This food crisis in many ways is the death of the American Dream.
The most glaring example of America’s ignorance to their ever-growing food crisis is also its most painful to see. America’s youth, those who have every right to grow into some of the most influential and important leaders of tomorrow, are being left in the dust thanks to horrifically outdated meal programs. There is undeniable scientific evidence that sheds light on the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet and its relevance to academic success. A 2005 study conducted by The American Society for Nutritional Sciences found that food insecurity directly affects not only the academic performance of students, but also ‘weight gain and social skills’. According to the 2012 documentary, A Place at the Table, federal reimbursement for school meal programs has not increased since 1973. It does not take an economist to understand how these numbers are in no way acceptable. Taking into account inflation, wages, and other miscellaneous costs, this leaves less than seventy cents allotted per meal per student (A Place at the Table). So many of America’s youths depend on the school system for their meals, and while there is always food to be consumed, it is rarely enough or of a nutritious caliber. By not consistently providing the types of food and meals that our youths need, we are denying them the ability to stay healthy, grow and learn. By cutting corners and providing poor meal choices, America is essentially handicapping its future. As America’s thirty-fifth presidents, John F Kennedy famously stated, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” Sadly, the America of today has forgotten this. Poor meal conditions in schools are not the only problem creating America’s food crisis; much of the problem can be traced back to America’s roots – the farming and agriculture industry. The notion of the strong, solemn farmer is one that Americans have hung their hat on for generations, a global identity that no matter how technologically advanced the nation becomes, still hearkens back to America’s humble roots. Farming has always been an integral part of American society and thanks to the shocking subsidization programs set up in the country, it will forever stay relevant. These programs, however great and important they were when they were initially created during the dawn of the Great Depression through the Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act of 1936, have become one of the cornerstones of America’s food issues. While subsidization helps ensure that farmers will be able to earn wages for their efforts and crops, big business has ensured that the money farmers can earn is specifically centered on what will make the most profitable end product, rather than what is the best for the consumer to eat. In doing this, America has been overcome with snack foods consisting of sugar and chips as opposed to healthier ‘green’ alternatives. Because of this, America’s youth is considerably more inclined to eat foods that – much like our nation’s poor school food systems – handicap their ability to stay alert and focused. There is nothing innately wrong with enjoying simple snacks occasionally, subsidization on foods that create for cheap and unhealthy products; those with lower incomes are often caught in a cycle of using what little money that they have to purchase items such as chips that are impossible to stay in good shape with. The fact of the matter is that in a society that prides itself on being global leaders, America’s attention is often pointed anywhere else but on its own soil. As the decades pass, the crisis that is America’s neglect towards her own citizens – especially its youth – becomes ever more glaring. The fault lies on no one person in particular, but rather years of emphasis on providing quick convenience and instant gratification instead of bettering the lives of all who reside in our country. This marks an important time in American history, because if the state of the country’s food issues continues, the potential for the future fades. No child should be left behind, but unfortunately this is exactly what happens. Thesis Statement:
In a nation that was founded on the concepts of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the various policies and regulations regarding food programs are so backwards that these three ideals are becoming increasingly difficult to fulfill, creating a food crisis that is in many ways the death of the American Dream. Topic Sentences:
Argument Summary: There is little denying that America, the world's richest and most powerful nation, is doing little to further the future of its residents. This fact is the most glaring in America's youth, who are so affected by America's backwards food-related programs that their potential to shine is being dimmed. Because of focused attention that feels as if it is aimed anywhere else, America has ultimately handicapped the potential of its residents. Throughout its two hundred and thirty-eight year history, America has been a nation that is not afraid to stand up and fight against injustice. Time and again during America’s journey, the country has proudly stood tall against oppression – from the horrible crimes committed by the Nazi regime to the current chaos in the Middle-East. For as noble and inspiring these efforts have been, America has long neglected one of the most egregious crimes against humanity, one that occurs daily on its own soil. Each and every day that passes in the Land of the Free is rife with injustice and dangerous policy that is essentially handicapping countless citizens. If there has ever been a time for America to declare war, it is now, and it is against the rampant hunger that persists in every state across the country. The facts, when examined, are shockingly simple. In the richest nation in the world, one in six Americans is food insecure (CITATION NEEDED). Food insecurity, the concept of not knowing where your next meal will come from, has spread across the country like a plague, virtually unchecked. Many will scoff at this statistic, looking about their peer groups and think that these are loaded numbers, but the truth remains. In a nation that was founded on the concepts of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the various policies and regulations regarding food programs are so backwards that these three ideals are becoming increasingly difficult to fulfill. This food crisis in many ways is the death of the American Dream.
America, as a whole, is seen as a powerful and influential nation. Upon closer examination, however, this could not be further from the truth. As sad as it is to accept, there is no excuse for the horrible treatment that many citizens of America are subject to. The problem is not that these people are intentionally marginalized; however, it is that our country simply chooses to not do enough. The most glaring example of America’s ignorance to their ever-growing food crisis is also it’s most painful to see. America’s youth, those who have every right to grow into some of the most influential and important leaders of tomorrow, are being left in the dust thanks to horrifically outdated meal programs. There is undeniable scientific evidence that sheds light on the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. This, of course, is something that simply is not happening in America’s public school system. According to the 2012 documentary, A Place at the Table, federal reimbursement for school meal programs has not increased since 1973. It does not take an economist to understand how these numbers are in no way acceptable CITATION NEEDED. Taking into account inflation, wages, and other miscellaneous costs, this leaves less than seventy cents allotted per meal per student. So many of America’s youths depend on the school system for their meals, and while there is always food to be consumed, it is rarely enough or of a nutritious caliber. By not consistently providing the types of food and meals that our youths need, we are denying them the ability to stay healthy, grow and learn. By cutting corners and providing poor meal choices, America is essentially handicapping its future. As America’s thirty-fifth presidents, John F Kennedy famously stated, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” Sadly, the America of today has forgotten this. Poor meal conditions in schools are not the only problem in America’s food crisis. Much of the problem can be traced back to America’s roots – the farming and agriculture industry. The notion of the strong, solemn farmer is one that Americans have hung their hat on for generations – a global identity that no matter how technologically advanced the nation becomes, still hearkens back to America’s humble roots. Farming has always been an integral part of American society and thanks to the shocking subsidization programs set up in the country, it will forever stay relevant. These programs, however great and important they were when they were initially created during the dawn of the Great Depression, have become one of the cornerstones of America’s food issues. While subsidization helps ensure that farmers will be able to earn wages for their efforts and crops, big business has ensured that the money farmers can earn is specifically centered on what will make the best end product, rather than what is the best for the consumer to eat. In doing this, America has been overcome with snack foods consisting of sugars and chips as opposed to healthier ‘green’ alternatives. Because of this, America’s youth is considerably more inclined to eat foods that – much like our nation’s poor school food systems – handicap their ability to stay alert and focused. While there is nothing innately wrong with enjoying simple snacks occasionally, but because of the food industry’s subsidization on foods that create for cheap and unhealthy products, those with lower incomes are often caught in a cycle of using what little money that they have to purchase items such as chips that are impossible to stay in good shape with. The fact of the matter is that in a society that prides itself on being global leaders, America’s attention is often pointed anywhere else but on its own soil. As the decades pass, the crisis that is America’s neglect towards her own citizens – especially its youth – becomes ever more glaring. The fault lies on no one person in particular, but rather years of emphasis on providing quick convenience and instant gratification instead of bettering the lives of all who reside in our country. This marks an important time in American history, because if the state of the country’s food issues continues, the potential for the future fades. No child should be left behind, but unfortunately this is exactly what happens. Should America provide more funding for SNAP? If so, how much of an increase? If not, how does the current funding seem appropriate?
I think that there is absolutely no reason for America to not provide more funding for not only SNAP, but numerous other food-assistance programs. Frankly, these programs should see as much of an increase as they need to stabilize the food situation in our country. As Raj Patel states in A Place at the Table, as Americans, we would be willing to go to war if we saw another country handicapping their children as we currently do with various food and meal programs. I find is something of a crime against humanity that our country has attempted to set up various programs in order to aid, but actually only keep hunger a viscous and repeating cycle How should Americans define “food insecurity?” How should Americans define “starving? What solutions can Americans use to overcome food insecurity and starving in America? Americans should define food insecurity much as the word is presented to us in A Place at the Table - not knowing when or where your next meal is going to come from. This notion is simple and gets the point across, but it also frightful to truly think about. 'Starving' is a word that we Americans often abuse. Most people will feel the first pangs of hunger and declare that they are starving when it simply is not the case. We should define starving as much of the rest of the world does, a state that occurs when one is in the process of dying from their hunger. My previous answer will shed light into how we as Americans can overcome food insecurity and starving - I believe there is amount of spending too high when it comes to ending our hunger issues. As a nation that prides itself on being strong, we are ignorant to willing handicap our citizens in this manner. Do you live in a food desert? How can America feed people who live in food deserts? According to my own insight, as well as the USDA's map of the area, I do not live in a food desert. American could begin to feed the staggering amount of people who reside in a food desert in numerous ways. First, the government could make sure that healthy foods are shipped to whatever grocery stores are currently in a specific area, or there could be governmental grocery stores set up in low income food desert locations. Should America rely on charities to feed the hungry? How much of a reliance? America should in no way rely on charities to feed the hungry. Of course, it is great to see so many different groups reach out and help those who do not have enough to eat, but under no circumstance should this be the be all end all situation. In what ways can America better subsidize the farming industry and its crop production? America can better subsidize the farming industry in order better incentivize the production of healthier end-products. In the current market, cheaper, less healthy foods are more available to the masses, causing both obesity and ultimately hunger to take over. What are the most common myths and misconceptions about those who depend on food banks and other food assistance programs? I think that one of the most common myths about those who have to rely on food banks and other programs is that many of them are simply not poor, homeless people, but often regular, blue-collar Americans who simply cannot make enough money to support and feed their respective families. I can admit that for a time of my life, I thought the same but I have spent countless hours volunteering my time to various programs and food banks. Seeing the people who truly rely on your help and service is truly humbling. A Place at the Table is a 2012 documentary that examines the food crisis that America is currently facing. Throughout the film, people whose lives are currently being dramatically effected by governmental rulings on poverty and food-related aid are given a chance to show the day-to-day crisis that they face. From a small, poor village in Colorado to a strong, single mother in Philadelphia, A Place at the Table examines what astounding hardships everyday people face. Additionally, the film also examines how our country got to this point by bringing shocking statistics relating to the food subsidization laws as well as programs such as SNAP.
In this post, I will take the general structure of my This I Wonder essay and attempt to transform it into a found poem - a technique that will change spacing and the general flow of my prose into a new creation altogether.
The gas stove clicks on My cigarette is lit Confusion runs all about She enters quietly She looks lost I am too Smoke is exhaled Words do not come The room is now empty Towers of boxes stand, quietly Dreams are being dashed Still the words do not come A chapter ends now A tale never written Remembered by history for the taste of blood Time moves forward Lives are changed Suddenly, clarity creates happiness I turn the gas stove on and listen to its sleepy, defiant click as I lower my head towards the blue flame, a cigarette in my mouth. Instinctively, I reach to quickly pull my hair back – it’s getting much too long, she always told me – and tuck it behind my ears, safe from the flame’s entrancing dance. As I stand upright an inhale I am greeted with clarity for the first time in weeks. That clarity, however, is fleeting and turns to emptiness as I turn and lock eyes with her.
It’s late and her pale skin is near-translucent in our dimly lit apartment. She is stunning, almost ethereal in the evening. She stands before me, silent, but her eyes tell a sad story. I take a drag of my cigarette and want nothing more than to tell her that everything’s going to be alright. This dingy apartment, our life together, it’s all up from here. I want to make her feel safe when I myself feel nothing but fear and uncertainty. I will have to lie to her, but she will see through it. My eyes will betray me. My brain tells my body to move closer to her; that the words I stumble over in my head will come flowing out as I reach for her delicate arm. The moment I step, however, she is no longer there, rushing past me and fading into the other room as my cigarette’s smoke rises into nothingness. I follow her and am greeted by a home torn apart. Brown boxes have taken over the apartment, tokens of our life together packed away. There is nothing left but the barren wasteland of shattered hopes and broken promises. Feeling helpless, I reach for the keys in my pocket and fumble with them, hoping more than anything that these small pieces of metal will inspire something courageous from me. The words never come. She stands stock still, her small frame engulfed by the surrounding boxes and I swear, despite her tear-stained eyes, that she has never looked lovelier. “It doesn’t have to be the end of us,” I cough out as I exhale again, hoping my words will inspire some emotion from her. “I love you.” Gracefully, she steps towards me, quickly, assuredly. I watch, feeling like a bystander as her hand opens up and she whips it across my face. It stings in a way that I sometimes still feel, even four years later. “You’re the one who is leaving,” she reminds me before turning and entering our bedroom. I taste blood in my mouth and drag deeply on my cigarette. Silence permeates my world as I sit amid the boxes. Alone now, I retreat inside my mind and examine the facts. I look out the window and am greeted by stars and I cannot help but be lost in their feeble light. She was right; I am the one who is leaving, the one whose belongings are packed. The car out front is mine and the keys that I will use to start its engine in the early hours of the morning are mine as well. Dwelling on this, with my eyes fixed firmly on the stars visible through my window I take in the silence. In the morning I am leaving this life behind. The city, my friends, and my relationship will be left in the dust. As much as this pains me, much like the blood in my mouth, there is nothing left to be done about it. My mind has been made up and tomorrow everything changes. She still wants a reason, something logical and clandestine to explain my decision. In truth, I have none other than a sense of necessity. For as much good as my life has in it, it is still marred by failure. At twenty, I have no job, no education to speak of. My peers are moving on, destined for success in the vague reality that we refer to as the real world and they will all inevitably leave me behind. I know this to be true and I take one last drag of my cigarette. She will do the same too, whether she knows it or not. Rather than be left to deal with the fate I am being dealt – one of despair and inevitable loneliness, I decided to make a change. Something in my bones urged me to return to my home, to start anew before it is too late. It is scary and terrible, but it is the only option that makes sense after the thought enters my mind. With a resigned sigh, I lay about the floor, lost amid the boxes and wish that it will all make sense somehow. I close my eyes and pray that in the morning I will become a new man. In the darkness, I wonder if I am making the right decision. Each day my eyes open now and I remember the anxiety and pain I felt that last night. Four years have passed and each day feels better than the last. I brush the sleep out of my eyes and take in the day. The birds squawk and chirp loud enough to make their point clear – there will be no sleeping in this morning. I dress myself and move down the stairs, unsure of my footing and lost in my thoughts. The coffee pot is my goal, my mission, my savior. I prepare my cup and move cautiously onto the deck, balancing the cup as I reach for a cigarette. I light it. I inhale. I feel alive; slowly, yet quite surely. Four years have passed and so much has changed. I smile to myself as I drink. Each day feels better than the last. The turmoil and anguish of the past is gone and the only taste left in my mouth is the bitter, hot coffee. The main social system that informed Sargent Price's decisions to ultimately 'take care ' of his dog, Vicar was his time spent in the United States Marines.
During Prices' time serving in the Marines, he and his fellow troops were tasked with shooting dogs on the streets. As painful as it was for Price, a dog lover to have to do this, the Sargent knew that shooting the animals led them to have a quick death, as opposed to slowly succumbing to hunger or other unfortunate deaths. When it came to his own dog, Vicar, Price recalled his time with the Marines and the dogs he had to put down during his service. In remembering this, Price knew that no matter how hard it was to let his own dog go, it was the most fair way to end his life. |