User:Jemma-Joy Coster
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[edit] Introduction
- Jemma-Joy Coster is an 18 year old girl who is a member of the political science tap program here at Umass Amherst. Jemma grew up in South Africa with the majority of her family until she was 11 years old. She moved to the states when her father received a promising job offer and currently resides in Rhode Island . She lives with three other siblings, a cat Sheeba and her dog Buddy. Jemma says she enjoys living here in the United States because it is a lot safer and hold many opportunities. She does miss South Africa and her large family. Jemma is very interested in politics and sports. She was involved in competitive gymnastics, field hockey and volleyball. She says that she is most content when she is being physically active. She plans on running in the Boston Marathon later this year.
- Jemma’s pet peeves mostly concern her studying habits. She needs her quiet personal space and cannot concentrate when her atmosphere is noisy. She also cannot stand when “snifflingâ€, even though she admits she does it herself.
- She never watched tv as a kid, and has never been into movies, but she admits she loves chick flicks.
MarieKate 15:16, 14 September 2006 (EDT)
[edit] Response to Introduction
Jemma, I think you did a great job introducing me. Everything you wrote about me is accurate and I agree with your summary of me. I like how you included both basic information about my family, where I live, and where I have lived, as well as my hobbies and more personal details about myself. Some of the more personal details included the fact I am in the psychology TAP, my favorite movies, political opinions, and that I would like to become a child psychologist. Most of what you said about my personality based, which was based on my interests, is true. The only thing that surprised me a little bit is I don’t consider myself a very artistic person even though one of my main interests, photography, might imply that I am artistic. I think you wrote a perfect amount, there was enough detail but not too much. I do not think anything important is missing or that you added any extra unnecessary details. What you wrote is great for introducing me to the rest of our class. Kathleenw 14:53, 19 September 2006 (EDT)
[edit] Reflection on “Pink Floyd The Wallâ€
[edit] Peer edit response to my personal Narrative
This paper shows that you are an extremely strong, well informed, cultured individual. I was amazed of how much you have been through in only eighteen years of your life. At first I thought you weren’t informing your readers about your personality traits but I soon realized, your living situation, in both South Africa and living in the United States does make up your personality traits.
Your position as a writer was to inform the readers of your life. You took a stance in which you discreetly showed how culture in both South Africa and America made you who you are yet it feels as if you also wanted to inform your readers about a life, an experience that most people of your age haven’t experienced.
Your writing has been geared towards a large audience. I feel that you were so descriptive that anyone professor, student, high school student or adult could read this paper and feel connected to your writing. Your writing was also interesting and captivating until the very last sentence. Your subject of the paper is something that all people can relate to even though not directly. Everyone has dealt with despair, the need of acceptance, as well as the fear of not fitting in. Your detailed description of your life, a life no one will ever experience shows us that we are not alone and that we should be grateful for not having to experience such tragic events.
Your paper truly touched me. I never thought anyone could have been through so much. I envy your views and knowledge about life. As I watched the news about life altering events, you were living them. nicki 22:40, 27 September 2006 (EDT)
[edit] how to tame a wild tounge response
Writer: The essay is written by Gloria Anzaldua. Although born in Texas, she the child of Mexican immigrants. Quote 1- “In my culture they are all words that are derogatory if applied to women-Ive never heard them applied to men.†– this quote gives her credibility and is clearly ethos because it shows that she has an understanding of her culture. Quote 2- “From school, the media, and job situations, I’ve picked up standard and working class English.†– again this is ethos because she becomes more credible when she proves that she is very versile and adjusts to her surroundings. Quote 3- ethnic identity is twin skin to linguistic identity-I am my language. Until I can take pride in my language, I cannot take pride in myself.†– Finally, this is also ethos because it describes the very essence of how she defines herself.
( Quote 1, I was thinking of using and it shows that she has credibility.Quote 3 is a good one and it explains her identity also. )
Audience: Since Anzaldua does use Spanish throughout parts if her essay, its very hard to exactly decipher who her audience is. However, she makes some very strong arguments in defense of her language, and chicano background. Thus, it would seem as though she is trying to reach those communities that maybe are less accepting of immigrants or foreigners that do not completely immerge into the American culture. Quote 1- “Their purpose: to get rid of our accents. Attacks on one’s form of expression with the intent to censor are a violation of the first amendment.†– by making reference to the first amendment, she is clearly trying to appeal to the basic values of all Americans, which is clearly based on pathos. Quote 2- “In our childhood we are told that our language is wrong. Repeated attacks on our native tongue diminish our sense of self. The attacks continue throughout our lives.†– This is also pathos because it appeals to the emotional side of people. Since people will tend to side with victims in a situation, Anzaldua finds a way to show how her people have been victimized because of their language. Quote 3- “ Yet the struggle of identities continue, the struggles of borders is our reality still.†– this quote was harder to characterize into one of the three, but it seemed really important to me. I feel like it’s a little bit of ethos and a little bit of pathos as well. Its ethos in the sense that she is discussing her personal identity, but pathos in that it is directed towards peoples beliefs about identity. In essence many people probably felt confused by their identity at some point or another, so they can relate to what she is saying.
(On your audience I agree its hard to figure out who the audience is, but it definalty could be for the communities that don't understand. On all your quote and explaination of Pathos, i think are all correct and clearly show you understand the rhetorical situation.)
Subject- the subject of this essay is clearly the identity confusion anzaldua feels as a chicano living in America. Also, not only is she not accepted by Americans because of her accent per say but she is also shunned by other Spanish speakers. Thus, she writes about the struggles she has trying to find a balance of the culture within her.
Quote 1- “Chicanos, after 250 years of Spanish/Anglo colonization, have developed significant differences in the Spanish we speak. We collapse two adjacent vowels into a single syllable and sometimes shift the stress in certain words…†– this is only the beginning of a long pharagraph where she describes the differences within the chicano language. This definitely appeals to logos because it proves that she has the evidence to back up her claims
Quote 2- “ I remember being caught speaking Spanish at recess-that was good for three licks on the knuckles with a sharp ruler. I remember being sent to the corner of the classroom for “taking back†to the anglo teacher when all I was trying to do was tell her how to pronounce my name.†– this is also logos because it’s a personal experience she had regarding the topic of the paper which gives her more credibility.
Quote 3- “…I’ve picked up standard Spanish and standard Mexican Spanish. …from my parents and chicanos living in the valley, I picked up chicano texas Spanish.†– through the description of the many forms of Spanish she has learned, it adds to the logos of her paper because she obviously has had to deal with the different cultural values that come with each language.
(The subject you described is very good. All 3 quotes deal with backing up her information and having personal expieriences.)
( Hey, Overall I think you understand all the concepts of the writer,speaker, and audience. You also clearly understand the pathos,logos,and ethos. I think once you form this into a paper its going to be a strong paper. The direction I think you will go in will be towards agree or disagree. The reason I think this because you have alot of information to have either point and it will be strong.)
[edit] Unit 3-Letter for Darfur: First Draft
161 Fearing Street Amherst Massachusetts, 01003
November 21, 2006
The Office of Fraternities and Sororities 308 Student Union Building 41 Campus Center Way Amherst Massachusetts 01003-9426
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to your office today in hopes of gaining your support in the movement to save the victims of the ongoing genocide that is occurring within the Darfur region of Sudan. After hearing about the UDANCE event that is also sponsored by your organization I became convinced that you were the perfect group to take on a similar endeavor in support of the Darfur victims. I strongly believe in many of the ideals of which you base your organization, especially in regards to the importance of using leadership and community service as a means of reaching out to the world community. It is evident to me that you not only have the resources, but also the motivation necessary to successfully inspire this campus to come together as a community and help those whose basic rights as humans are being severely compromised. Although news stations across the country have only recently become more focused on the situation within the region, the genocide has in fact been occurring since 2003. The conflict is between an Arab militia, known as the Janjaweed, and the non-Arab Sudanese people. Although the Arab based government of Sudan denies any involvement it is almost impossible to believe that they have not supplied the militias with at least some of their weapons. Now, almost four years later, it is estimated that the Janjaweed have killed approximately 400,000 Sudanese, and displaced 2.5 million. Furthermore, since the conflict was not titled as genocide until two years ago, intervention from outside sources has been minimal. Little to no progress has been made while developed nations argue over involvement and the United Nations battles of whether or not the organization has the jurisdiction to interfere. The Sudanese government has avoided having peacekeeping troops in place, claiming that it would be an infringement upon their national sovereignty. (BBC.com). Indeed, although humanitarian intervention is clearly necessary, that bases alone, does not allow the U.N. to become involved. Consequently, while the leading bodies of the world bicker over jurisdictional matters, thousands are being killed, and thousands more are dying from starvation and lack of other essentials for survival.
In terms of Humanitarian aid, many Organizations have been focusing on providing financial assistance to the region. While Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), such as Amnesty International, The Red Cross, the U.N World Food Program, along with various other Christian based groups have been focused on providing aid and food to the victims, the increasing lack of funding has prevented them from providing ample support. Unfortunately, this lack in funding forced the U.N. World Food Program to cut their available food rations by one halft. Currently, these organizations are desperately trying to obtain the money necessary to help these victims, fearing that poverty and starvation could become a leading factor of death.
This is where your organization can get involved. While it is understandable that many people view the efforts of trying to get the United States or other world bodies involved as futile, there are still other ways of helping the Victims. Since the aforementioned NGO’s have the accessibility to the victims, helping to fund their cause will bring direct aid to the refugee camps. Thus, by sponsoring an event where proceeds would go to a relief organization focused on the region, the victims of this atrocity would actually be receiving the aid they so desperately need. While this will not stop the genocide, it is an achievable goal that will help to prevent further death among the displaced victims.
As such a privileged university and community, is it not our duty to help those suffering in such dire consequence? Please do not let the situation in Darfur become another Rwanda. Let us not regret our inaction after the killing ceases. Instead, let us feel proud about the effort we made, the goals we accomplished, and the lives we were able to save.
Sincerely
Jemma-Joy Coster --Jemma-Joy Coster 13:41, 21 November 2006 (EST)
[edit] Unit 3 paper- Letter for Darfur:Final Draft
161 Fearing Street Amherst Massachusetts, 01003
November 21, 2006
The Office of Fraternities and Sororities 308 Student Union Building 41 Campus Center Way Amherst Massachusetts 01003-9426
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to your office today in hopes of gaining your support in the movement to save the victims of the ongoing genocide that is occurring within the Darfur region of Sudan. After hearing about the UDANCE event that is also sponsored by your organization I became convinced that you were the perfect group to take on a similar endeavor in support of the Darfur victims. I strongly believe in many of the ideals of which you base your organization, especially in regards to the importance of using leadership and community service as a means of reaching out to the world community. It is evident to me that you not only have the resources, but also the motivation necessary to successfully inspire this campus to come together as a community and help those whose basic rights as humans are being severely compromised.
For the past few years, the only form of assistance has been through the means of humanitarian aid, with the establishment of refugee camps among the regions to which these impoverished and displaced victims have fled. While Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), such as Amnesty International, The Red Cross, the U.N World Food Program, along with various other Christian based groups have been focused on providing aid and food to the victims, the increasing lack of funding has crippled their efforts. Unfortunately, this severe lack in monetary funding forced the U.N. World Food Program to cut their available food rations by fifty percent. Currently, these organizations are desperately trying to obtain the money necessary to help these victims, fearing that poverty and starvation could become a leading, yet easily preventable, factor of death.
This is where the Fraternities and Sororities can get involved. While it is understandable that many people view the efforts of trying to get the United States or other world bodies involved as futile, there are still other ways of helping the Victims. Since the aforementioned NGO’s have the accessibility to the victims, helping to fund their cause will bring direct aid to the refugee camps. Thus, by sponsoring an event where proceeds would go to a relief organization focused on the region, the victims of this atrocity would actually be receiving the aid they so desperately need. While this will not stop the genocide, it is an achievable goal that will help to prevent further death among the displaced victims.
Although news stations across the country have only recently become more focused on the situation within the region, the genocide has in fact been occurring since 2003. The conflict is between an Arab militia, known as the Janjaweed, and the non-Arab Sudanese people. Although the Arab based government of Sudan denies any involvement it is almost impossible to believe that they have not supplied the militias with at least some of their weapons. Now, almost four years later, it is estimated that the Janjaweed have killed approximately 400,000 Sudanese, and displaced 2.5 million. Furthermore, since the conflict was not titled as genocide until two years ago, intervention from outside sources has been minimal. Little to no progress has been made while developed nations argue over involvement and the United Nations battles of whether or not the organization has the jurisdiction to interfere. The Sudanese government has avoided having peacekeeping troops in place, claiming that it would be an infringement upon their national sovereignty. (BBC.com). Indeed, although humanitarian intervention is clearly necessary, that bases alone, does not allow the U.N. to become involved. Consequently, while the leading bodies of the world bicker over jurisdictional matters, thousands are being killed, and thousands more are dying from starvation and lack of other essentials for survival.
As such a privileged university and community, is it not our duty to help those suffering in such dire consequence? Please do not let the situation in Darfur become another Rwanda. Let us not regret our inaction after the killing ceases. Instead, let us feel proud about the effort we made, the goals we accomplished, and the lives we were able to save.
Sincerely
Jemma-Joy Coster --Jemma-Joy Coster 13:41, 21 November 2006 (EST)
[edit] Work Cited:Unit 3 paper
Fisher, Jonah. “Dying As Darfur Awaits Peacekeepers†BBC News. September 21, 2006. Nov. 2006. < http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5365770.stm >
“Quick Guide: Darfur†BBC News. September 6, 2006. Nov. 2006. < http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5316306.stm >
United Nations World Food Program. “Darfur†Nov. 2006. < www.WFP.org/english >
--Jemma-Joy Coster 13:41, 21 November 2006 (EST)
[edit] this i believe-second draft thoughts
I want to write that human compassion is essential to life. It is a natural response of most people to feel sympathetic and want to alleviate the pain of those who are suffering. Compassion is equivalent to happiness. It’s what makes a person feel good about who they are. I know that I am always trying to help people. when someone else is suffering and I am not I almost feel guilty. In reality, what have I done to be as happy as I am? Nothing.. when bad things happen to people that I love, I have to wonder, why them? why now? did they do something to deserve the pain they are receiving? compassion is how I put life in perspective. i try my best to show compassion in everything that I do. When others suffer, I do my best to show I care. i know that I could be the one suffering. And since I am not, is it not my responsibility to protect and care for those who are? Everyone has compassion. It is a quality that connects the human race. it surpasses everything. compassion is at the basis of life. It is the drive to continue and the reason why we care. it is everywhere. --Jemma-Joy Coster 13:56, 5 December 2006 (EST)
[edit] The American Melting Pot- (Anzaldua paper)
In the work of eighteenth century author Hector St. Jean de Crevecoeur, Letters From an American Farmer, he depicts america as a nation where, “Here individuals of all nations are melted into a new race of men, whose labors and posterity will one day cause great changes in the world." Refering to the process of cultural assimilation, crevecouer, along with numerous future authors have increasingly become more focused on the theme of cultural identity and the American melting pot. Importantly, in recent years the prevelance of this topic has resurfaced due to the rapidly immerging Spanish and Latin American culture within the States. However, this has also become a very controversial issue as immigrants fight to find a balance between preserving their identity and being accepted in their American community. For author Gloria Anzaldua, the cultural identity crisis has been her personal conflict while growing up in an area on the border of texas and Mexico. Anzaldua though also represents a more complex aspect of the argument since she is chicana and has suffered discrimination from other native spanish speakers due to her dialect. Understandably, her writing thus is largley focused on the strong connection between her language and her cultural identity.
Unlike many other immigrants, it is clear through Anzaldua’s writing that she feels very strongly about preserving her own cultural identity rather than assimilating to Americanization. This is depicted most strongly through her essay, “How to Tame a Wild Toungeâ€, during which she uses the very effective style of uniquely integrating both English and Spanish into her writing. Immediately, her animosity towards the cultural assimilation occurring within the United States becomes evident. This is particularly so when she is referring to universities that make immigrant students speak English, “Their purpose: to get of our rid of our accents. Attacks on ones forms of expression with the intent to censor are a violation of the first amendment.†It is interesting that she references the first amendment because her claim of its hypocrisy would definitely attract the eye of an American reader. Since most Americans are very defensive of their constitution, Anzalduas method of questioning the legitimacy of the first amendment is one of her most effective means of supporting immigrant culture.
However, her view on immigrant rights are in fact only a smaller aspect to her much broader argument regarding the relationship between her language and her identity. Her argument is very personal and she extensively discusses her experiences growing up speaking a language that received little respect from other Spanish speakers. This was in regards to the influence of English on the language of Spanish as a whole. Most notably, her animosity is further depicted through her explanation of certain Spanish terms, “The pocho is an anglicized Mexican or American of Mexican origin who speaks Spanish with an accent characteristic of North Americans and who distorts and reconstructs the language according to the influence of English.†Evidently, she disapproves of how English has spread, through means such as imperialism, to become a dominant language that is now changing the native dialect of many countries. Ironically, she explains that this emphasis on English was also what caused the development of the Chicano language, because those that were caught in the middle of the immergence of the two cultures needed a language by which to communicate. In essence, they needed to recreate their identity. Still, she is obviously angered that her culture has not remained in tact due to Chicanos becoming Americanized in order to become accepted by the society in which they lived. Her concerns and experience regarding this topic of cultural assimilation are increasingly interesting especially when considering the history of America. As a society that was initially created through the integration of different cultures, it seems as though today America is in fact rejecting the unique ideals that it was established on in the first place.
It is important to recognize that while Anzalduas argument is very specific to her and the other Chicano immigrants, the basic theories can also be applied on a multi-ethnic, national, and global scale. As the most powerful nations such as America and the United Kingdom continue to globalize, inevitably westernization will be spread as well. While Anzaldua does not specifically mention this theme, it is relevant on a larger scale. Just as the emphasis of English in her community caused a confusion of identity among the society, so has westernization in many developing nations. Currently, many are facing the same battle as they are deal with having to accept the increase of globalization while also trying to preserve their unique culture. More importantly, as English becomes the global language of the era, more societies have been forced to form new dialects. Conversely, as Anzaldua mentions, in America it seems as though these dialects are disappearing, as the nation becomes less accepting of the apparent differences. For example, personally I can also relate to the inner conflict Anzaldua is portraying. Although I spoke English when I moved from South Africa, I hardly felt that I could be accepted by my society without assimilating into their culture. Both my peers and the adults around me refused to take the time to try and understand my accent. Rather they gave me disapproving looks when I spoke and told me that I sounded funny. Indeed, as an already insecure eleven year old, I just wanted to be accepted, and thus exerted my efforts into speaking like an American. It was a choice that I now regret, but a situation that as a child I had little control over. Consequently, regardless of whether a person spoke English as their native language, like me, or had to learn it in order to communicate, like Anzaldua, the experiences and discrimination encountered are very similar. Indeed, this crisis regarding cultural discrimination appears to have become a very real and within itself non-discriminating issue for all immigrants. Consequently, although Anzalduas story focused on personal experience, it is evident that her argument can in fact be interpreted on a global scale. In essence, her essay is only the beginning in what appears to be a long future of cultural identity conflict. Just as she feels concern regarding the diminishing dialect of the Chicano people in America, many other societies globally are suffering from the same dilemma. However, as the world continues to become interconnected it will be imperative for societies such as America to accept these unique dialects and identities in order to generate peace and an understanding of diversity that will be able to successfully preserver within the future generations. For if this does not occur, the cultural identity of all societies that makes this world so unique will inevitably disintegrate and destroy what history took so long to create. --Jemma-Joy Coster 14:13, 5 December 2006 (EST)
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