BLOG for the week:
Lead poster – Go to www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia
Write a review of this site – 30 words minimum. You should point out the strengths and weaknesses of the site. Be specific about the details of the site in your review.
All others – look at the same site and the review of it. Again by using the detail of the site say whether you agreed or disagreed with review of the lead poster. (30 words minimum)
With all best wishes,
Devon
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Nickel and Dimed
http://www.quintcareers.com/surviving_low-wage_jobs.html
I have chosen this first website because it has a consise overview of the problems facing low-wage workers today, or the "working poor". It also contained many of the things Barbara touched on in her book. The article mentions Wal-Mart but states that the problem goes beyond Wal-Mart with industries in retail, hospitality, agriculture, and education. The part I liked best about this article was that instead of just defining the problem it explained a few solutions. These solutions were aimed to help the job seeker help themselves as well and it also gave political solutions. http://www.nathanielturner.com/mythsoflowwageworkers.htm
This is also about low wage workers but addresses the truths and myths associated with them. This is a current website urging people to vote in the upcoming elections because "more and more middle-class jobs are taking on many of these same characteristics, losing the security and benefits once taken for granted." The author talks about low wage work and how it relates the American dream. I had never thought about that before, that some poeple percieve low wage jobs as stepping stones to higher positions when this, in fact, is not the reality for most. Therefore, "if you fail to move up, you must be lazy or incompetent." The author also makes a very strong point when she says that the richest country in the world should not allow such treatment of one fourth of its workers.
I wish an answer to this growing problem were simple. I wish people everywhere could be paid fairly-- enough to feed their families, enough to maintain their health, and enough to enjoy life outside the workplace.
I have chosen this first website because it has a consise overview of the problems facing low-wage workers today, or the "working poor". It also contained many of the things Barbara touched on in her book. The article mentions Wal-Mart but states that the problem goes beyond Wal-Mart with industries in retail, hospitality, agriculture, and education. The part I liked best about this article was that instead of just defining the problem it explained a few solutions. These solutions were aimed to help the job seeker help themselves as well and it also gave political solutions. http://www.nathanielturner.com/mythsoflowwageworkers.htm
This is also about low wage workers but addresses the truths and myths associated with them. This is a current website urging people to vote in the upcoming elections because "more and more middle-class jobs are taking on many of these same characteristics, losing the security and benefits once taken for granted." The author talks about low wage work and how it relates the American dream. I had never thought about that before, that some poeple percieve low wage jobs as stepping stones to higher positions when this, in fact, is not the reality for most. Therefore, "if you fail to move up, you must be lazy or incompetent." The author also makes a very strong point when she says that the richest country in the world should not allow such treatment of one fourth of its workers.
I wish an answer to this growing problem were simple. I wish people everywhere could be paid fairly-- enough to feed their families, enough to maintain their health, and enough to enjoy life outside the workplace.
Monday, November 19, 2007
American Dream
America seems to be a country built on the idea of the so called "American Dream", where people are able to achieve anything and nothing is impossible. A lot of people seem to take this very seriously and even non American long for the American Dream.
http://international.loc.gov/learn/lessons/97/dream/thedream.html
I like this web site as it links together many different documents such as the Declaration of Independence. I like the paragraph that starts to describe the modern American Dream and how it is becoming more materialistic in the sense that most people dream now days is to own a bigger house, have more money and nicer possessions. I agree with this statement and feel that not only Americans but the people all over the world are starting to lead more materialistic lives.
Wal Mart seems to be a company that many people feel typifies America. It sells huge amounts of goods at rediculously low prices. It shows how much a lot of Americans consume and waste. "Wal-Mart sold $244.5 billion worth of goods last year. It sells in three months what number-two retailer Home Depot sells in a year" This is a staggering statistic.
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/77/walmart.html
I chose this web site as it has some sexcellent facts and good points about Walmart.
Walmart isnt all bad though. Not looking at how much it wastes and encourages others to waste, it allows a lot of people to be able to provide for themselves who other wise couldnt afford to buy the basic things needed to live.
http://international.loc.gov/learn/lessons/97/dream/thedream.html
I like this web site as it links together many different documents such as the Declaration of Independence. I like the paragraph that starts to describe the modern American Dream and how it is becoming more materialistic in the sense that most people dream now days is to own a bigger house, have more money and nicer possessions. I agree with this statement and feel that not only Americans but the people all over the world are starting to lead more materialistic lives.
Wal Mart seems to be a company that many people feel typifies America. It sells huge amounts of goods at rediculously low prices. It shows how much a lot of Americans consume and waste. "Wal-Mart sold $244.5 billion worth of goods last year. It sells in three months what number-two retailer Home Depot sells in a year" This is a staggering statistic.
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/77/walmart.html
I chose this web site as it has some sexcellent facts and good points about Walmart.
Walmart isnt all bad though. Not looking at how much it wastes and encourages others to waste, it allows a lot of people to be able to provide for themselves who other wise couldnt afford to buy the basic things needed to live.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Wednesday's seminar
Wednesday’s lecture will be on the American Dream. To tie in with the work you are doing on Nickel and Dimed, in the seminars we will look at the American corporation Wal-Mart and its relationship to the contemporary version of the American Dream.
1) For the seminar please read the dialogue “Is Wal-Mart good for the American Working Class?” between Barbara Ehrenreich (no) and Jason Furman (yes)
http://www.slate.com/id/2144517/entry/2144521/
2) Please Google the terms “American Dream” + “Wal-Mart” and explore – DO NOT JUST VISIT THE FIRST PAGE OF RESULTS.
Two examples to give you an idea of what I mean in terms of length and depth:
http://www.commondreams.org/views03/0827-06.htm
Monday, November 12, 2007
Freedom of the Press
Freedom of the Press
I have been looking at websites that are pro and anti ‘freedom of the press’. The first website that I have chosen has a lot of useful information about people’s right to freedom of the press. I found it very interesting in how it says about the history of punishment for someone saying or writing something considered blasphemous and offensive. As it had an example of a newspaper publisher called Matthew Lyons who was criticised for his “unbounded thirst for ridiculous pomp” and consequently given a $1000 fee. Towards the end of the article, it shows how this liberty of freedom of press has evolved with the introduction of sky digital TV and with the transformation of technology in how its monitoring and regulations have changed over the years.
I found this article an easy read, although it was rather long and thought it was very interesting in how the development of the internet means that now ALMOST anyone can say anything with someone being able to listen to your opinion from the other side of the world.
http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/rightsof/press.htm
The second article I found was very interesting, as I could not find a website that was particularly anti freedom of the press, I found this one that showed how not everyone in the world can be able to read and view particular comments on the web that are controversial or goes against their religious or political beliefs. This was quite shocking for me to read as I had no idea that the government in Saudi Arabia and Egypt could ban websites for their country to not see!
http://www.radiomundoreal.fm/rmr/?q=en/node/8783
My opinion on freedom of press is for it. I used to do media studies and got told off for writing something a little “on the edge” as my teacher called it, and I think its ridiculous that certain people are restricted to write things or say things and even to the extend not be able to view such articles that are controversial!
I have been looking at websites that are pro and anti ‘freedom of the press’. The first website that I have chosen has a lot of useful information about people’s right to freedom of the press. I found it very interesting in how it says about the history of punishment for someone saying or writing something considered blasphemous and offensive. As it had an example of a newspaper publisher called Matthew Lyons who was criticised for his “unbounded thirst for ridiculous pomp” and consequently given a $1000 fee. Towards the end of the article, it shows how this liberty of freedom of press has evolved with the introduction of sky digital TV and with the transformation of technology in how its monitoring and regulations have changed over the years.
I found this article an easy read, although it was rather long and thought it was very interesting in how the development of the internet means that now ALMOST anyone can say anything with someone being able to listen to your opinion from the other side of the world.
http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/rightsof/press.htm
The second article I found was very interesting, as I could not find a website that was particularly anti freedom of the press, I found this one that showed how not everyone in the world can be able to read and view particular comments on the web that are controversial or goes against their religious or political beliefs. This was quite shocking for me to read as I had no idea that the government in Saudi Arabia and Egypt could ban websites for their country to not see!
http://www.radiomundoreal.fm/rmr/?q=en/node/8783
My opinion on freedom of press is for it. I used to do media studies and got told off for writing something a little “on the edge” as my teacher called it, and I think its ridiculous that certain people are restricted to write things or say things and even to the extend not be able to view such articles that are controversial!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
This Week's Blog/Small Group Task
Howdy folks,
For this week, we are still talking about the Declaration of Independence/Bill of Rights to the Constitution. Here are the tasks for this week:
For the small group which follows the lecture:
Print up and bring with you copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights to the Constitution of the USA. In preparation for the meeting, research the background to these two great founding documents of America, discover what the attitude toward them is today in the US (find evidence!) and be prepared to debate their wording and their meaning.
For the Blog:
Lead poster – locate TWO websites, one pro and one anti any of the liberties identified in the first eight amendments of the Bill of Rights. Comment on how they present their case for and against, and justify which viewpoint you agree with - for instance, the death penalty, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, guns, trial by jury’ (150 -200 words)
Others – comment on the websites and state why you agree or disagree with the lead poster (100-150w)
Our lead poster this week is Christine; any questions, you know where to find me in cyberspace!
Best wishes,
Devon
For this week, we are still talking about the Declaration of Independence/Bill of Rights to the Constitution. Here are the tasks for this week:
For the small group which follows the lecture:
Print up and bring with you copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights to the Constitution of the USA. In preparation for the meeting, research the background to these two great founding documents of America, discover what the attitude toward them is today in the US (find evidence!) and be prepared to debate their wording and their meaning.
For the Blog:
Lead poster – locate TWO websites, one pro and one anti any of the liberties identified in the first eight amendments of the Bill of Rights. Comment on how they present their case for and against, and justify which viewpoint you agree with - for instance, the death penalty, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, guns, trial by jury’ (150 -200 words)
Others – comment on the websites and state why you agree or disagree with the lead poster (100-150w)
Our lead poster this week is Christine; any questions, you know where to find me in cyberspace!
Best wishes,
Devon
This Week's Blog/Small Group Task
Howdy folks,
For this week, we are still talking about the Declaration of Independence/Bill of Rights to the Constitution. Here are the tasks for this week:
For the small group which follows the lecture:
Print up and bring with you copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights to the Constitution of the USA. In preparation for the meeting, research the background to these two great founding documents of America, discover what the attitude toward them is today in the US (find evidence!) and be prepared to debate their wording and their meaning.
For the Blog:
Lead poster – locate TWO websites, one pro and one anti any of the liberties identified in the first eight amendments of the Bill of Rights. Comment on how they present their case for and against, and justify which viewpoint you agree with - for instance, the death penalty, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, guns, trial by jury’ (150 -200 words)
Others – comment on the websites and state why you agree or disagree with the lead poster (100-150w)
Our lead poster this week is Christine; any questions, you know where to find me in cyberspace!
Best wishes,
Devon
For this week, we are still talking about the Declaration of Independence/Bill of Rights to the Constitution. Here are the tasks for this week:
For the small group which follows the lecture:
Print up and bring with you copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights to the Constitution of the USA. In preparation for the meeting, research the background to these two great founding documents of America, discover what the attitude toward them is today in the US (find evidence!) and be prepared to debate their wording and their meaning.
For the Blog:
Lead poster – locate TWO websites, one pro and one anti any of the liberties identified in the first eight amendments of the Bill of Rights. Comment on how they present their case for and against, and justify which viewpoint you agree with - for instance, the death penalty, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of the press, guns, trial by jury’ (150 -200 words)
Others – comment on the websites and state why you agree or disagree with the lead poster (100-150w)
Our lead poster this week is Christine; any questions, you know where to find me in cyberspace!
Best wishes,
Devon
Monday, November 5, 2007
Censorship
The first website which I have found relates to pro-freedom of speech. Its more the article itself than the whole website, although there are other areas which discuss the Bill of Rights and censorship. This website relates to libraries and how they interpret the idea of censorship. The article itself demonstrates how no matter what the material being put out relates to, no one is aloud to pass judgement, and they have to respect the other person’s opinion. But, the article says that librarians have to act professional and be fair, but in my opinion is that not disrupting their rights to freedom of speech? The website puts itself out in a very professional manner, signifying how they show their respect for the idea of ‘Freedom of Speech’, and how they show value to other’s beliefs.
http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/statementsif/interpretations/diversitycollection.htm
Finding an anti-freedom of speech website was very difficult, so I found an article on a website which says how a Californian court threatened to fire Christian members of an association because of remarks they made on an advertisement. The article also demonstrates that how the 9th Circuit Court (the largest and most overturned federal court in the US) is becoming a danger to the rights of free speech due to its irresponsible uses of power.
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=3091
My own opinion on censorship is very mixed. I certainly believe that everyone has the rights to say what they please, but it seems today in society that a reaction to what others say has to be polite and respectful. But I cannot see how you can be respectful to someone who has racist, sexist or homophobic views. By all means people can let their feelings be heard, but if it causes offence, then they must expect someone to argue against them. I feel that in modern times, people are scared to put their own opinions across, letting others take advantage of their rights to free speech.
Apologies for the lateness of the Blog
http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/statementsif/interpretations/diversitycollection.htm
Finding an anti-freedom of speech website was very difficult, so I found an article on a website which says how a Californian court threatened to fire Christian members of an association because of remarks they made on an advertisement. The article also demonstrates that how the 9th Circuit Court (the largest and most overturned federal court in the US) is becoming a danger to the rights of free speech due to its irresponsible uses of power.
http://www.traditionalvalues.org/modules.php?sid=3091
My own opinion on censorship is very mixed. I certainly believe that everyone has the rights to say what they please, but it seems today in society that a reaction to what others say has to be polite and respectful. But I cannot see how you can be respectful to someone who has racist, sexist or homophobic views. By all means people can let their feelings be heard, but if it causes offence, then they must expect someone to argue against them. I feel that in modern times, people are scared to put their own opinions across, letting others take advantage of their rights to free speech.
Apologies for the lateness of the Blog
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