Well for starters I took 5 classes this semester thought I might put that out there. (being such a great student and all) I understand that I've pushed myself the absolute limit. This semester has made me believe in myself a bit more then before. I also realized how lazy of student I am and how I hide in my own excuses. I might actually all my work on time for my next semester instead of trying to catch up in the middle of the semester!I think the value of education is what you make of it. I strive to learn new things and apply what I've learned in school and put into my everyday life. Really I didn't enjoy this little cluster course. But that also makes me realize I let one little thing (one class) ruin a whole experience for me. But I guess its good because although I know I'll never speak to anyone from this cluster ever again (unless we have another class together) its nice to know that everyone has the same assignments due and can easily help each other out. A couple of my teachers were really nice as well. And I hope to take more classes with them.

Language IPA

This semester I've learned that I in fact do NOT want to become a linguist. For a while I thought it might be an exciting career and I thought it would over all be a lot of fun. But this semester made me realize how much of a bore this language class really is. The IPA is a waste of my time and I can't believe I have to memorize it. I mean I highly doubt I'll write an article using the IPA ( I really hope that's not our final!) My language class has made me realize that there's still a lot of forms of discrimination. I use to think it was just based on color of ones' skin and religion but my language class has brought me to the awful truth that people discriminate on even the way someone talks. Even worse it has made ME realize I discriminate on how I have discriminated based on some one's form of speech. My language class has made me realize the world is a cold cruel place. Hahaha just kidding! I love my language class! No but really Because of my language class I now realize why people in Ohio don't understand me...

Generation 1.5

I didn't know that my generation is called Generation 1.5 until last week. (thanks Marisa!) From what I remember my professor said we are called generation 1.5 because we are the first generation that is born in the US of A but still clinging on to our parents roots from their countries. I think our biggest problem my generation is facing is setting ourselves apart from our parents generation and making a name of our own. The philosopher that would best support my idea I believe would be Freud. The reason why I would choose him as oppose to any other philosopher is because as much as we want to set ourselves apart we fear the consequences of going against our parents and our families roots. There for we subconsciously block these wants from our lives. At least in front of our parents eyes. We as Americans are exposed to much more diversity and more forms of arts then for example my mother who was born in the Dominican Republic in a small town. The music she use to hear is very different then the one I enjoy now. In my house I might not blast my music for a couple of reasons; respect for my home and my mothers wishes , and mostly to avoid arguments. It sucks being told how crazy the choice of my music is. But the second i go outside I blast the music on my I-Pod. And this is the one of the problems I see my generation is facing.

Cultural Resistance?

What is Cultural Resistance? Have you ever participated in an act of Cultural Resistance? How?

The way I understand Cultural Resistance is by opposing the mainstream. To go against anything that is expected of you and by you. To rebel against anything even to the most minimal extent. That’s how I understand Cultural Resistance to be. I believe I participate in an act of Cultural Resistance everyday of my life. I have 5 metal bars going through my face (piercing). That right there in my eyes is an act of opposing the mainstream, which has always told me to be pretty and clean cut. I have over 10 tattoos on my body. This is a little more settle seeing that you could only see my tattoos if I wanted you to see them but the fact is they are there and they are there for good. I resist my mothers Cultural all the time. Always have. I’m in an interracial relationship and I love my boyfriend very much. But what kind of “rebel” would I be with a clean-cut goody-goody boyfriend? That right there should give you a little visual of my controversial boyfriend. My choice of friends and choice of school I attend is an act of Cultural Resistance. Don’t get me wrong I don’t think I’m some hardcore badass. I believe there is much more to be done. But I think Cultural Resistance is something we need to do no matter to what level. I think it helps define us as who we are. Sets us apart from the others in the assembly line we’re born into.

from Blogging....

Blog #1 – Introduction of yourself and what you think you can gain from blogging.

Hello my name is Gina. I've never blogged much. I rarely have the time to do so. But since its now a requirement I figured I had no other choice but to do it. Chances are they are already late. But better late then never eh? Maybe not for this class but whatever here it goes. I dont think I could gain much from blogging except my partner keeping tags on me like my tattoo artist said this weekend... but I figured if I didn't give him my URL how would he know I had one?! I kid I kid. But on a serious note I think I could I guess express myself to the world or anyone who bored enough to read my stuff. I usually just talk about my feelings but I feel I express myself best via Text messagings lets give this cyber diary a chance and lets see whats magic can happen ( wow did I really just say that? )