Amelia's English Blog

  Prompt Response:  Throughout Multicultural Literature, we have read several texts over a diverse range of topics and cultures, which exposed us to diverse perspectives and prompted us to confront our own cultural identity. One lesson about cultural identity that stood out to me is that everyone has a culture, even if it isn't obvious at first. At the beginning of the course, I struggled with pinpointing my culture because I didn't feel connected to any one in particular, being a white American. However, this class taught me that I still have a culture, even if I don't necessarily connect with my ancestors or their nationality. Culture is made up of nationality, beliefs, family traditions, foods, the community and values you grew up with and much more. This lesson is meaningful because it taught me to connect with my culture and be honest with myself about what really makes me who I am.

  Prompt Response:  I found the presentation about Latin American women the most interesting because unlike the other presentations, this group seemed to have two distinct stereotypes. One stereotype was the maid, who is quiet and only exists in films to support the rich characters. The other stereotype was the fiery, loud and quick tempered woman. I found it interesting the way this group explored the two vastly different stereotypes. The presentation deepened my understanding of Latin American women because it called out multiple stereotypes and highlighted how neither were true and discussed how, in reality, any group of people could have any of the traits associated with Latin American women, and it has nothing to do with your race, gender, nationality, religion or political views. Summary: Today in class we presented our projects on stereotypes in film. Reflection:  I got practice with public speaking and leading discussions.  

  Prompt Response:  When making a choice about my career, while I think a balance between passion and financial stability is important, I value my genuine interest and passion for the field more than the financial side. I think I would rather be satisfied and happy with my life and career than have a ton of money and not be satisfied. Finding passion in my career will help me to stay motivated to work and find joy and purpose in working, instead of dreading it and working only to make money. Overall, I think prioritizing genuine interest and passion over financial benefits will lead to more long term happiness, fulfillment, and greater quality of life. Summary: Today in class we researched careers. Reflection:  I got a better understanding of job outlooks, entry level education required, and salaries for different jobs in different areas.  

  Prompt Response:  The most exciting thing about graduating high school for me is having a lot more freedom over my schedule and going to college where I will be able to study what interests me. I am most looking forward to independence after graduation because while it can be a little intimidating, I am very much over the strict policies and limitations in high school and I think college will give me a lot more freedom in how I choose to spend my time. I am also excited to take highly specific and specialized classes that will dive into topics that interest me personally, . This matters to me because all of my school experiences so far have felt a bit surface level and limited and I'm excited to pursue my interests. Summary: Today in class we watched a Ted Talk and answered questions Reflection:  I learned about the struggle of having to pick your path after high school.

  Prompt Response:  When I'm feeling creative and I want to put on a special outfit, I tend to reach for items that are very colorful and sometimes have a childish feel to them. For example, I have shoes that are blue and pink striped with pink laces that I attached beads on to. Most of the time if anyone comments on these shoes, they compliment them, but I actually recently removed the beads because I felt self conscious that they looked baby-ish and because a friend and a family member had made comments on how they looked silly. I think these reactions show the stereotype that women are always supposed to dress their age, and as you grow up that means you should be dressing in simple, neutral colors with no whimsy. Summary: Today in class we watched a short film and answered questions and continued working on our projects. Reflection:  I got better practice analyzing stereotypes in film.

Prompt Response:  One film that represents my culture in a positive and meaningful way is Steel Magnolias. This film represents Southern culture, specifically Southern women, and highlights the struggles they face and the bonds they have with each other. The film includes stereotypes of Southern women, like in traditional gender roles, but it also develops the characters deeper, with strength, resilience and emotional depth. For example, the film depicts complications when one of the main characters gets pregnant despite the risk from having diabetes, and chooses to have the baby anyways, showing her complexities and desires. Summary: Today in class we worked on our stereotypes in film projects. Reflection:  I got practice analyzing negative stereotypes in film.