Julia's American Studies

An American Flag

2009-05-10T23:21:00.004-05:00

When our class started talking about the American flag last week, I immediately thought of my boyfriend's house in Evanston. His family has a huge flag draped over the front porch. This picture is of the flag along with a United States Marine Corps sign on their lawn. In this situation, his family chooses to display the flag to show support for their son. They are not necessarily supportive of the war and US military but the flag represents their son's contribution to the United States. Especially because of the sign that says "THE PROUD FAMILY OF A U.S. MARINE" in bold letters, onlookers understand the reason behind this family's display of the American flag.

Updates on Junior Theme

2009-04-20T15:46:00.002-05:00

For a few days I felt like things were moving very slowly with my Junior Theme. However, today I had a breakthrough after adjusting my why question from "why are spousal abuse cases treated with more leniency than other violent cases in the judicial system?" to "why do so few spousal abuse cases go to court?" I felt like this was more appropriate and that I could include more of my research in my paper. Now I need to set up my interview, but am having a little trouble coming up with questions to ask. Any suggestions?

Junior Theme

2009-04-03T09:57:00.003-05:00

For the past week, our class has been researching topics for our Junior Theme papers. We were asked to come up with a "why" question. I tried to think of things that were current issues in our country today and thought of things like the military, mental illness, and the economy. However, none of these ideas really interested me to the point where I would want to research and write about them for a month... So I finally settled on an topic: spousal abuse. My "why" question made this topic a lot more specific: "Why are spousal abuse cases treated with more leniency than other violent cases in the judicial system?" I went to Borders to find a book and searched with an employee there until I was satisfied with my choice. I settled on a book called Violent Partners: A Breakthrough Plan for Ending the Cycle of Abuse by Linda G. Mills. This book includes the author's personal accounts, reasons behind, approaches to, and political encounters with spousal abuse. I really want to look into court cases concerning spousal abuse, but it has been difficult to find this. Also, while researching the judicial aspect of my junior theme, I've run into problems. Any suggestions for articles or books dealing with the court system and how they deal with spousal abuse cases?

Take the Chance

2009-03-30T08:50:00.002-05:00

Earlier this week I was reading Maddie's blog called "What If" about questioning ideas and the past. She mentioned a few "what if" situations and how they would have made an impact if different actions had been taken. I feel very differently about asking "what ifs" all the time. How can you make progress if you're always second guessing? In order to further yourself or a situation, you need to take risks and stop worrying about all the negatives or dwelling on pessimistic possibilities. I'm not saying decisions should be made impulsively at all. In fact, I believe they should be thought through thoroughly. However, wondering what if this happens or what if that happens all the time just holds back progress. It is very difficult to get anywhere without making a few mistakes here and there. Instead of dreading the worst, take the jump and learn from your mistakes to improve plans for the future.

Spring Break Socializing

2009-03-30T00:11:00.002-05:00

For me, spring break is supposed to be a time to relax and forget about all the stress going on. This doesn't really apply for the people who go away on vacation but those at home don't seem to be using this as a break at all!! I feel like most people are going nonstop during their spring break at home! My friends seem to be making 10 different plans at once and going all over the place from when they wake up until when they go home to go to sleep. I've been chilling out a great amount during this week and still have time to see my friends without overwhelming myself. I don't completely understand this mad rush to hang out with as many people and do as many things as possible during spring break though. I know I would get exhausted if I was running around half as much as some of my friends do! Do you use spring break as a time to sit back and relax, a time to be with friends as much as humanly possible, or somewhere in between?

Reconstruction

2009-03-29T22:18:00.002-05:00

The week before spring break, our class worked on Reconstruction projects for the south. Some classmates felt that in present times, the south and north are well integrated. However, some also felt the opposite. In my opinion, the south and north distance themselves from each other and biases, culture, and more tend to be very different between the two. I also feel that there seems to be a feeling of superiority in both the north and the south. The south has this idea that "everything is bigger in texas" and that they are better than northerners, while the north believes that they are the more superior ones and that southerners are hicks or hillbillies. In the book 100 People Who Are Screwing Up America, Ted Rall, a liberal in the north even stated: "We eat better, travel more, dress better, watch cooler movies, earn better salaries, meet more interesting people, listen to better music and know more about what's going on in the world. If you voted for Bush, we accept that we have to share the country with you. We're adjusting to the possibility that there may be more of you than there are of us. By don't demand our respect." I do think that the north and south are more integrated than the time period around the civil war. Yet, there is obviously some separation and pride issues between the two.

Surfs Up!

2009-02-18T21:32:00.002-06:00

I spent the last week in San Diego and Los Angeles, California. I loved the atmosphere there, but I couldn't help but notice how different it was from Chicago and other cities I have visited. Many people know about the laid back California stereotype. Some think of California as all surfers or stoners. But really it was all sorts of different people. Yet every single person I met seemed so carefree! I knew that California was known for being relaxed, but every single person seemed to just go with the laid back flow of the environment. Coming from the stressful life I lead balancing school, friends, family, and other day to day obligations I was blown away with how people in California balance all these tasks and still seem to handle life with a laid back attitude. Although I am able to balance these things and still hold a positive attitude, being in California just really changed my views on things. It made me take my life into perspective. Have you ever been somewhere that had an atmosphere very different from what you were used to? Did you realize anything about your own life after noticing how people in that atmosphere lived?

The "Reliable" Speaker

2009-02-18T15:18:00.003-06:00

A couple weeks ago in class we discussed the "reliable narrator." I was thinking about this idea while living my daily life. I realized this is something that people are judged on all the time when they are speaking, if not every single thing they say. It is not only being a "reliable narrator," but being a reliable speaker as well. When listening to person talk, others are always deciding whether that person is reliable or not. Are they speaking under self-interest, outside influence, inexperience, or ignorance? A listener had to interpret a person's speech and think about if they can truly believe what they are saying. I know that I definitely do this whenever I am listening to someone. Do you think that when you listen to people around you, you are deciding whether or not they are a reliable source?

What is Race?

2009-02-18T15:11:00.001-06:00

Most people THINK they know their own ideas about race and that they could say what they consider race. However, when actually faced with this question confusion arises. Is race just a skin color? Is it physical traits? Is it culture? Birthplace? Genetics? What IS race? It is hard to say. For many years, it was strongly believed that people in certain "races" were genetically similar. It was thought that one race would have an advantage over another because of a difference in chromosomes. Blacks were said to have an extra muscle in their legs which made them better athletes, but at the same time, they were said to be diseased and unhealthy. These genetic ideas about race are very inaccurate. In fact, genetic variation is much higher (85%) within a race. Race is simply a social idea. Stereotypes are created about people who fall under socially-invented "races." People are placed in categories by skin color, body form, eye shape, hair type, and other physical characteristics. Walking on a street, a person could not just look at someone and know their personality exactly and what kind of person they are. However, people are automatically stereotyped and judged based on their physical traits. People try to connect race to genetics and make it into a scientific idea. Searches continue for genetic similarities in specific "races" so that there will be an excuse for this categorizing. For me, race is a judgmental, stereotypical and social idea. What is race for you?

Gay Pride

2009-01-20T02:25:00.002-06:00

Recently, three of my friends have come out as being gay or lesbian. Although I was surprised, I do not have a problem with it at all and I'm proud that they are comfortable enough to come out. I told each of them that I supported them and that they were still the exact same person to me. However, some of my other friends didn't take the news so lightly. When it doesn't concern them, they claim that they are fine with homosexuality. This didn't seem to be the case when they found out about their friends. One of my friends said he felt as if his friend had "just died" and that he would "never look at him the same." Another explained that "it was okay," but she did not want to "be around it or hear about it." Why are people accepting of homosexuality in general but then when it directly relates to them suddenly it's a different story?

Sooner or Later-Which is better for the kids?

2009-01-20T02:14:00.003-06:00

It seems that these days, everyone's parents are either already divorced or heading towards one. There also seems to be two trends with divorces. They either occur when kids are very young, or when all the kids have graduated and are going onto college. Both ways have their pros and cons. If parents divorce when kids are young, they won't understand as well what is going on. Sure, they'll be upset, but there won't be as much anger and resentment from very young children. However, then when the kids are growing up, they won't have both parents around in the same home to support them. It makes things more difficult in terms of custody issues and working out time so that both parents can be involved in the child's life. On the other hand, waiting until kids are out of the house allows so that both parents can be around while the kids grow up. However, if there is tension in the house and the only reason a couple is staying together is for the kids, it'll create some serious issues. What do you think is the better option?

Turnabout Already!

2009-01-20T02:04:00.002-06:00

Turnabout is about a month away, but my friends have already done most of the planning for this February dance. They have figured out the theme, restaurant, transportation, where to get ready, sleepovers, etc...and all in a matter of a few days. I was speaking with someone who is not part of our turnabout group about the plans, which included a couple thousand dollar limo for about 35 people. We talked about all the money that would be blown on one night for outfits, dinner, limo, and other things. It was a lot! I started to feel guilty about all these expensive unnecessary things. How could we be spending all this money when other people don't have enough money just to call a cab? Should kids cut down what they're spending on turnabout? Especially when the economy is so bad?

A Fresh Start

2009-01-20T01:59:00.003-06:00

Second Semester is about to begin and students will have a clean slate. It is a relieving feeling to know that half of the year has already passed. However, there is still just as much left until summer. Even though finals are over and grades will be mailed to parents, the work is not over! Now that student's know each class better, they will know how to prepare, study, and do well in that class. Expectations are understood at this point and student's can go one of two ways. Some realize what they need to do to get the grade they would like and work hard to achieve it. And then others decide they're done and slack off. I'm determined to follow through with the first option. How do you feel most student's will work in the second semester?

USA No More?

2009-01-20T00:10:00.002-06:00

In an article in the Wall Street, Russian professor, Igor Panarin, has said that American is going to be split by the year 2010 and sections will be distributed to various countries.............WHAT? Is it just me or is this absolutely ridiculous? Panarin claims that "an economic and moral collapse will trigger a civil war and the eventual breakup of the U.S." He is described as not simply a "fringe figure," but considered an "expert on U.S.-Russia relations." To show what "bad shape" the U.S. is in during one of Panarin's appearances on TV, crowds of homeless people and long lines at soup kitchens were shown. The part of the article I found most entertaining was this: "The article prompted a question about the White House's reaction to Prof. Panarin's forecast at a December news conference. 'I'll have to decline to comment,' spokeswoman Dana Perino said amid much laughter. For Prof. Panarin, Ms. Perino's response was significant. 'The way the answer was phrased was an indication that my views are being listened to very carefully,' he says." Maybe he's very optimistic about his ideas. However, I have a feeling he's just completely oblivious. Does this man really believe that people are going to take him seriously!? I don't know about you guys, but I sure don't think America's about to break into six different sections.

It's a Small World After All

2009-01-11T17:12:00.004-06:00

Lately, I've noticed more and more how many different people know each other from various parts of life and how people are connected in ways that seem strange and random. The other day I was at a cafe in Chicago with some friends from New Trier. Most of these people don't go to the city very often but we all decided to take a step away from the North Shore for a night. First, I was going to the bathroom with my friend, Oana. Right when we got to the bathroom, a boy who Oana went to school with when she was younger was coming out of the bathroom. Later in the night, my friend Tyler ran into his co-worker from Homer's Ice Cream. But it kept going! I was sitting on a couch and behind me was a curtain separating our table from the one behind us. Suddenly, the curtain fell down revealing my ex-boyfriend sitting at that table!! I was shocked. That part ended up being pretty awkward. This night wasn't the only one where these coincidences popped up. To name a few, my current boyfriend and I found out that we lived on the same street when we were younger but had no idea that each other existed. It gets more strange: Tag's Bakery is a local shop where I used to get huge smiley face cookies at lunchtime very often. My boyfriend and I were walking past Tag's and he mentioned that he used to get smiley faces cookies during lunch when he was younger. I found this very odd. There's also the common situation where you find out that a couple people you know from very different places actually know each other. I'm sure there are at least a thousand more instances that we could come up with about this "small world." Do you have any fun or interesting stories? How are all these people connected?

The Customer is Always Right, Right? Wrong.

2009-01-11T16:33:00.003-06:00

Everyone employee has dealt with that jerk customer on the phone or even in person. The one who is snappy and impolite. No one likes to deal with rude people, but unfortunately, it happens all the time. Before this past year, I used to greet the employee assisting me with a "hello" and then straight out ask my question. If I was calling a store to ask a question or asking for assistance somewhere in person, I wouldn't go out of my way to be friendly to the people helping me. Don't get me wrong. It wasn't that I was disrespectful when greeting these strangers However, there are definitely people who act this way towards people that they are asking for help from. I've personally seen many instances where the customer thinks that they are better than the employee that is trying to help them. They yell at them if there is a misunderstanding or they just start out yelling right when the employee answers the phone or greets them in person. About a year ago, my brother pointed out to me that when you give a friendly greeting, it really goes a long way. You don't need to pretend like you're best friends with the person. Just simply asking, "How are you today?" or "How have you been?" changes the person's impression of you a great deal. Using common manners, such as saying "please" and "thank you" seems obvious, but its surprising how many people have forgotten these rules they learned in childhood. He suggested I try it out and see if the person helping me reacted differently than when I had not used his trick. Not to my brother's surprise, the employee was much more helpful and kind. He also used the same respect when talking with me. Since this experience, I have continued my friendly ways, both on the phone and in person. It has also helped me to open up to strangers and make new friends. I have learned that people really appreciate the simple respectful greeting that every person deserves. And plus! It's really not much work to add in a "How are you?" and throw in a "please" and "thank you" here and there. Try it sometime. You might be surprised to see how much more respect you will receive when you put in that little extra effort.

OMG, a cute guy poked me!!

2009-01-07T17:16:00.002-06:00

"Facebook" has taken over the online social community. It's extremely rare to find a student who doesn't have one. I'm even getting friend requests from aunts, uncles, and my parent's friends! People are relying on "Facebook" for communicating and keeping up with friends and family. This can be a great way to stay in touch, but what happened to a friendly phone call? Now a wall post has taken it's place. Hook-ups and break-ups are displayed on the homepage for everyone to see. What if you don't want 600 of your very closest "Facebook" friends being updated on your love life upon signing into their account? And there's no need to remember birthdays in the "Facebook" day and age. Just glance at the names on the birthday list for that day and send the birthday boy or girl a quick greeting! Sure, this eliminates embarrassing moments for those forgetful few, but it takes the personal aspect out of a "happy birthday." I'm sure "Facebook" users don't completely out-rule the idea of face to face conversation or even one over the phone, but it's become much more rare.

Uh Oh Oreo

2009-01-07T17:10:00.002-06:00

Is it more racist to have a television show with no black people at all or to have one with a "token" black character. I'm talking about the black guy who acts as the buddy or the funny guy. He has a respectable job (one that some might consider a "white" job) and doesn't have much conflict in his life. Are we really so afraid of seeing a black person who has something serious going on in their life? Why can't a black person be the main character and a white person be the "sidekick"? Are viewers not ready? Will people feel awkward watching a show about a black person going through a divorce instead of a white person? Will they be inclined to cover their eyes when an episode airs a black person getting fired from their job instead of a white person? Sadly, yes. Viewers feel more comfortable watching a white person go through troubles than a black person. Is this trend ever going to change?

The REAL World?

2009-01-07T16:50:00.002-06:00

MTV's "The Real World" is a show described as "the true story of seven strangers picked to live in a house, work together and have their lives taped to find out what happens when people stop being polite and start getting real." But how REAL is this show? In the past, "The Real World" has had a mix of cast members, usually including a black person, a homosexual, and someone who is very religious on each season. It's possible for these people to run into each other in life, but unlikely that they would be living together in the same home. However, MTV's new season is taking this show to a new level. This season includes a transgender person, a mormon, and five other cast members. It hasn't premiered yet, but the conflict and drama to come seems unimaginable. The chances of a mormon person and a transgender even being in the same place at the same time is rare, let alone, living in the same house. The drama between the roommates may be real. However, the combination of people in this house are very unrealistic without a television show bringing them together.

WoRd VoMiT

2009-01-06T20:42:00.002-06:00

Teasing between friends is often heard in the hallways. A joke here and there doesn't do much harm. But the line between teasing an bullying is a fine one. I know that harsh words are sometimes said to hurt someone's feelings, but i'd like to think that these words weren't meant to permanently damage a person. The problem is that most times they do. Bullies don't realize that what they blurt out truly affects a person for life. Sometimes they can just brush it off their shoulder and move on, but this is a rarity. I was recently speaking with a friend of mine who has severe anxiety issues. He confessed to me that he never had these problems until he was teased and bullied so much in junior high and the beginning of high school. At first I was shocked. How could someone's word vomit cause such permanent issue inside someone? But it made sense to me soon after. He was always nervous of what would be said next. Always self conscious. He kept track of every move he made and of every move around him. Constantly checking his surroundings. And all because of a bully who flicked a few words off his tongue without thinking. The bully moves on instantly, but those words stick with his victim for life. It really is something to consider before you blurt out something you might regret.

Cast Away

2009-01-06T20:11:00.002-06:00

Recently parents have been sending their kids away to boarding school, residential living, and facilities of this nature. Usually, kids are sent away for behavioral problems, drug issues, or problems in school or at home. They want their kids to change. They want them to quit drugs, get better grades, respect curfew, avoid getting arrested, etc. These are all reasonable requests. However, any person, whether their changing their clothing style, changing their study habits, changing their diet, or changing their drug use, can only change for themselves. Being forced to quit drugs may stop you from using while you're at a rehab facility or something similar, but if you only quit because your parents and other adults didn't give you a choice, it's extremely unlikely you'll stay sober when you're released. Sure, these places can support you along the way. But in the end, making life changes is all about doing it for yourself with your own willpower.

A New Idea

2009-01-06T19:05:00.002-06:00

It's easy to ignore the fact that our country is at war when you're living in the Unites States. Yes, we see news articles about Iraq, Afghanistan, and our government. But we don't see what is really going on. We only hear things here and there. Sometimes true, sometimes just rumors. However, even hearing about bombings or attacks doesn't directly affect many Americans. They still go on with their daily lives and worry much more about their personal lives than the war that our country is fighting overseas. Lately, I've become much more invested in the war and our countries actions because of my boyfriend, who is a United States Marine. I stopped worrying about petty things and started really thinking about all of our soldiers fighting for us in Iraq and Afghanistan. I now think about the war and politics on a daily basis and take time out of my day to check in on what is going on, instead of waiting for someone to tell me something that they heard through the grapevine. I'm worried about much major things in life, such as the lives of soldiers everywhere, instead of a rumor being spread in the hallway. It's been an interesting new outlook.

For Richer, For Poorer

2008-11-12T12:01:00.002-06:00

A few days ago in class, we talked about the financial standings of voters and their presidential preference. Voters for John McCain and Barack Obama were clearly from a certain economic standing. Those making under 100,000 dollars a year voted for Obama. Those making between 100,000 and 200,000 dollars a year voted for McCain. And those making over 200,000 dollars a year voted for Obama, as well. This is different from past socioeconomic trends relating to Republican and Democratic voting. Usually, voters making more money tend to lean Republican. This is especially odd because Obama has been clear in his plans to raise taxes for the more wealthy. So why would these voters elect a candidate who would raise their taxes? Do their beliefs that he agrees with override their wish to keep their cashflow steady? This is what I hope is true. What do you think is the reason that voters in specific socioeconomic groups voted for a specific party or candidate?

Take it off!

2008-10-01T12:11:00.005-05:00

Today in American Studies, we talked about how Mr. Bolos's daughter was asked to remove a political pin she was wearing. As a child in a public middle school and with the pin being completely unoffensive, how is this fair? She is not defying school rules, nor showing disrespect. And this is not the only example. Earlier this week I witnessed a school administrator asking a student to change shirts because of its political message. The student refused and the administrator told the student that it was okay for that day but not to wear it again. How does an adult have the right to tell a student what they can and cannot wear when their clothing or accessory is not profane in any way? That's the thing; they don't. Do you think a student should be able to walk through the hall wearing a McCain hoodie or an Obama pin without being stopped or is this kind of apparrell inappropriate for school?

My 50 yr old mother is piercing her nose!

2008-09-25T10:08:00.009-05:00

A few days ago I got a nose stud in my left nostril. This is something I've been wanting for some time and I'm excited and glad that I finally had it done. However, I am not here to talk about how much I love my new jewelery. I'm here to talk about the ideas and stereotypes people have about body piercings, tattoos, and the people who are involved with these things. Before going to Chicago Tattoo Factory, my dad kept joking about how disgusting and embarrassing it was. He told me not to get it pierced repeatedly, but I had my heart set. He told me it would affect getting a job, getting into college, and things of that nature. How could one little nose stud have such a huge impact on my future? And if that were true, then what about the people with tattoo sleeves and piercings in their chest, neck, or different places around their face? The stereotypical tattoo parlor is small, dirty, and disorganized; the people: rude, haven't showered in days, uneducated. However, Chicago Tattoo Factory was exactly the opposite. It still had the same vibe as most, but it was huge! It was absolutely spotless and completely organized. There were stations surrounded by a counter that made its way around the entire room. Everything was placed perfectly where it should be. And the most spectacular part was the people who worked there. They were completely professional and explained everything clearly and more than once. They even gave me and my mom free shirts that were really cute. When we got home, we put the shirts on and went up to my dad. He still looked disgusted and asked how dirty the tattoo parlor was. My mom and I explained that it was amazing! My dad started to laugh, told us to stop joking around, and walked away. How is it that he can't even begin to believe that piercings and tatoos aren't just disgusting things and that places where they are done aren't either?

I missed an assignment... I'M GOING TO FAIL HIGH SCHOOL!

2008-09-09T12:22:00.005-05:00

The idea of getting into college seems to have been twisted in the minds of New Trier students. This constant thought that if you fail a test, miss a few assignments, fail a class or (god forbid! ;]) don't take all level 4's, then you won't get into college or a good college is absolutely ridiculous. Having one of these "problems" does in no way guarantee your acceptance at a college. This includes the other way around. Passing a class with flying colors does not guarantee getting into your top school. The stress on getting into an elite school is one that is extremely exaggerated at our school. Coming from Waldorf, a small private school in Chicago, I got a different perspective on academics and college admissions. It's not about getting into Harvard or Yale or even Madison or Indiana. It's about going somewhere that you love. Somewhere that has a good department for what you are interested in. Somewhere where you feel comfortable. Getting into any college is an accomplishment. Sure, it's okay to be disappointed when you don't get accepted somewhere. But remember that this is not because your dog ate your French homework that one Thursday morning.

Yes, your grades are a large part of applications and acceptance. But also, the college you go to or don't go to does not determine the rest of your life. Remember, being able to say that you have a college education at all is more than most people in the world can do.