nalacarlynne-blog

[nalacarlynne-blog]

Letter to a Dear Friend

Last blog post.

The research paper is .... um ... coming. 

While although I truly do like my topic and I feel (or felt) as if I had a good grasp on the paper, I am having trouble with moving past the introductory paragraph. As of now, I have about 1 1/3 pages written. For some reason I am struggling to really starting to talk about the research itself. My writer's block has taken an immense front-seat. Ironically enough, I am currently doing (and soon will be turning in) a research paper I am required to do for my Experimental Psychology class. Everything didn't necessarily come easily, but it went forward way more effectively than the current topic is for me. It might just be that I am really busy and stressed this week ( two test, a quiz, and a baseball tournament all weekend), or it could be something else.

In addition, sadly I have still found little to no racially biased nor disparate cases that occurred within the state of Missouri. This is leaving me to feel that although I wanted to do Missouri, maybe I should establish a repertoire of cases in general to illustrate presence or absence of racial discrimination within the criminal justice system. 

Either way, although I am struggling, I am sure I'll get through it. I'm positive I will have a paper, turn-in ready.

[nalacarlynne-blog]

Research Paper Mindmap

http://prezi.com/w_nm_podz9ie/mindmap/

[nalacarlynne-blog]

Research Project Pitch #2

Topic Pitch

In one word of phrase, what is your topic?

Impact of agricultural biotechnology industry on the environment 

Research Question:

Can the agricultural biotechnology industry co-exist with the environment?

   Topic Brainstorm

What is the summary of the topic?

This topic is an assessment of the impact commercialized agricultural biotechnology is having on global agriculture from an environmental perspective.

Why is this topic important?

The relationship between the environment and humanity is one of interdependence—each affects the other. Therefore, just as our actions and choices affect the environment, the health of the planet influences our own personal health and wellbeing.

Relevance to Today?

Transnational corporations (TNCs) such as Monsanto argue that carefully planned introduction of these crops should reduce or even eliminate the enormous crop losses due to weeds, insect pests, and pathogens. However, ecological theory predicts that as long as transgenic crops follow closely the pesticide paradigm prevalent in modern agriculture, thus legitimizing the concerns that many environmentalists and some scientists have expressed regarding the possible environmental risks of genetically engineered organisms.

   What are the various viewpoints on the topic? (List all the ones you know so far)

Introduction of biotechnology in agriculture is beneficial to the environment ecological theory predicts that usage of such biotechnological advances are harmful to modern agriculture and later shall raise concerns of possible future environmental risks

  Which ones conflict? How so?

These two conflict because studies support both sides of the argument. My hope is to find out which one is true or rather, is there a right or wrong answer.

What are three questions (open questions) that will deepen your understanding of the topic? [The questions don’t need to have an answer. Sometimes the best questions can’t be answered and are only meant to deepen understanding]

Is it possible to deal with widespread malnutrition with genetic engineering?

How can agricultural biotechnology practices ensure environmental sustainability as well as increase food production when pressure on environmental resources like land and water is growing?

What are the health risks of the usage of biotechnology in agriculture?

  What (if any) emotional response does this topic open in you?

I do not necessarily have an emotional response to this subject. However, the wellbeing of our environment does raise concerns for me. I wish to live in a world that is as healthy as it can possibly be. 

[nalacarlynne-blog]

Research Project Pitch #1

Topic Pitch

In one word or phrase, what is your topic? Discrepancies within the state level criminal justice system

The research question: Is our criminal justice system racially biased?

Topic Brainstorm

What is the summary of the topic?

Recent surveys show that there are profound racial disparities in the criminal justice system, especially in Juvenile cases. I plan on researching if this is true.

Why is this topic important?

This is important because our justice system is part of the backbone of maintaining enforcement of the law and administration of justice. Without a stable justice system, the sense of democracy and American motto of “equality for all” is threatened.

Relevance to today?

With so many cases of injustice between African American teens and white privileged police officers (a.k.a Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown…etc.), such an assumption can be presumed. My research is in hope to find out if criminal justice systems, specifically the state of Missouri, are racial biased in light of such recent events. 

What are the various viewpoints on the topic? (List all the ones you know so far)

The system is not fair. Institutional racism is alive and well in the juvenile justice system

There isn’t much of a racial disparity within the justice system

  Which ones conflict? How so?

The two sides of the argument conflict. While on side believes the answer to this question is YES, another side would most likely say NO. 

What are three questions (open questions) that will deepen your understanding of the topic? [The questions don’t need to have an answer. Sometimes the best questions can’t be answered and are only meant to deepen understanding]

Is an imbalance in the justice system bad for the system as a whole?

Does the background of judges and the jury effect the outcome of the systems decisions against the accused?

Is there a disproportionation of the minority population in custody facilities?

  What (if any) emotional response does this topic open in you?

This topic opens up a wide range of emotional responses. While most would think because I am Black I automatically have a bias opinion to this subject, I would tell them different. I can hear things from the news or through the grapevine, but I honestly do not yet have an opinion on it. I shall let the research decide. However, being African American, this hits home to me. It would be ludicrous to think that I would not have sensitivity to something related to racial inequality.

[nalacarlynne-blog]

The Thing About Race

Identity is formed in relation to both internal and external influences. It is partly what we truly are, and by a degree how we are transformed, viewed and constrained by culture and society. Therefore, my racial identity is altered by my personal perceptions as well as perceptions of others surrounding me.

Reading W.E.B Du Bois’ “The Souls of Black Folk”, I came across a quote that epitomizes my life experience with racial integrity:

“… [this] peculiar sensation, this double- consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring by the tape of a world…” (Du Bois).

This illustrates the attitude and ideas of what being black meant to many then, and for me now. Having to navigate through external impressions and reactions, I have never received the luxury of an internal awareness of who I really am.

Starting in middle school, race became an aspect that began to hold some weight. Being a fast learner, I was in the more challenging classes. The student body in these classes was predominantly white and due to that, I always felt awkward while in school. People (other African American kids) often thought that I believed I was better than them. I was even judged because of how I talked; white. That’s when “it dawned upon me with a certain suddenness that I was different from the others…shut out from their world by a vast veil” (W.E.B Du Bois).

In the heart of Du Bois’ rhetoric, he discussed what he called the veil. In this sense, he was referring to his colored skin. However in my case, my veil is almost like a double entendre. The first veil was my dark skin, as where my other mask was “not acting my color”, rather acting as if I was white.

Moving into high school, I came to understand the notion “acting white”; a theory regarding to conducting with civility and intelligence, as if all Caucasians do. Is it an abnormality to be a refined African American? Are we supposed to be destitute, obnoxious, and ignorant? These are questions I still wonder when I hear such accusations of being “the whitest black person” people know. Although I don’t experience bloodshed and segregation due to the color of my skin, being African American befalls many racial stereotypes. With the idea of “The Oreo” (black on the outside, white inside) society has manifested how I am racially perceived as an oddity. Nevertheless, I don’t find who I am as wrong. Rather I see it as a great uniqueness, disregarding what is “supposed to be”.

I come from a long rich history of ancestors made up of Spanish, White, African American, Native American, Irish and French, regardless of how I look.  The energy of my parents, grandparents and ancestors fuel my actions and desires, along with a strong desire to disassociate and fool those who think I can be defined and grouped simply because they think they know who I am; using the color of my skin as a barometer for behavior, likes, dislikes, beliefs and intelligence. I work harder to defy each judgment with the personality of what I believe to be a decent person.  Yes I am black and I’m very proud to be. However “being black” does not insinuate any less refinement than another culture.

Image courtesy of: Noel Moore, Up The Banner Photography

[nalacarlynne-blog]

Social Media Gone Wrong: The Dangers of Yik Yak

As I am now a first-year college student, I can honestly say it is even harder to keep up with the times. While I already struggle to maintain my presence on the common social mediums, my ability to gain knowledge on the new ones is seriously lacking.  My way in is from overhearing the bustling convos of other students on campus. I've recently heard of Tinder, the matchmaking mobile app and even Cuddlr (Tinder for cuddling). However, I was caught off guard when someone asked me, "Do you have a Yik Yak?". I stood there trying to figure out whether a "yik-yak" was some new text talk or the new party drug. Instead of standing there blank-faced and confused, I decided to ask what this new "thing" was. 

"What is a Yik-Yak?"

Yik Yak is the latest social media app to come along. Unlike typical social medial platforms, which require you to post under your real identity, Yik Yak allows for relative anonymity. Easily resembling Twitter and Snapchat combined, Yik Yak allows users to make anonymous comments about anything and anyone and restricts users to only see comments made within a 1 1/2 mile radius. Popular among predominantly college students, the app essentially allows individuals to rant and gossip about anything they please, all under the impression that no one knows who said what. Genius right?

I beg to differ. Now aware what Yik-Yak is, I would consider the hot app to be the most dangerous form of virtual social interaction I have ever heard of. While most consider "yakking" the authentic and anonymous version of "tweeting", I'd consider it a virtual chat room where untruthful, mean, character-assassinating short messages are seen by all users in a specific geographic area. Yik Yak discharges all pretense of being a person with empathy, genuinely connected to other human beings. It's an open forum for bullying, taunting, and gossiping without the need for people to take responsibility for what they say;  without any consequences, whatsoever — anyone has the ability to anonymously destroy a person’s reputation with one click of a button.

While I'm sure most claim the app is mainly for comedic sense and fun, most aren't considering the true harm such an application can inhere. I might be the only college student on the planet who doesn't have, care for, nor support the purpose of Yik Yak. Sure, I might sound as if I am downing it. Yet, whether people choose to accept it or not, I am brash enough to say all this about Yik Yak honestly and openly, without hiding behind a mask of namelessness. 

[nalacarlynne-blog]

Writing Rhetorically: The Same Everywhere

Being that I am a freshman in college, I can say I have taken quite a few English classes. Ten to be exact. Sitting through the mundane lessons that seem to ALL say the same thing, I have grown to learn, remember and follow the common rules to writing. All of which overlap with the tips mentioned in Chapter 5 of Praxis: A Brief Rhetoric. I've been taught how to formate an essay, write a thesis, compose the different parts of a writing piece, support my thesis with concrete evidence, conclude with strength, and every other writing rule you could think of. Each teacher guides their students down the road of basic, commonplace writing structure. Sure there may have been one or two teachers who introduced their own flare into the mix; but overall, all of classes have remained the same. Balancing concrete details and commentary, necessary topic sentences and concluding sentences; and "grabbing" introductions. The whole package. 

So sadly, I can't say the chapter nor any of my English classes characterized anything new. It's all very similar; pretty much customary.

[nalacarlynne-blog]

Tad Bit Undecided...

Online Community Project Proposal

Starting this mind map, I honestly had no idea which direction in this broad spectrum of topics I wanted to go in. So I just picked something in which sparked my interest. Movies. Everybody loves movies! I went into types, genres and even actors. I even addressed different forums and posts. I found myself all over with this theme. Yet soon I finally reached something I love. Something I could talk about for hours...Game of Thrones. However, now that I have a topic, I am struggling to decided on the online community in which I want to analyze other Game of Thrones lovers, readers, supporters, and/or deep interpreters. The platforms that I have consider so far are Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+ Communities. Out of the few, I am leaning towards Google+ Communities, but I'm still unsure if it is the best avenue for this project. It may be that I am just confused on what an online community is or it may be the fact that I am not really involved with any collaborative virtual worlds. Either way, I feel sort of adrift within this project; uncertain on its approach. Thus, I still remain a tad bit undecided.

Click link below for Prezi of mind-map:

http://prezi.com/odyn2rpzffsr/edit/#19_13696309

[nalacarlynne-blog]

Google+: A Whole New Online Community

As Google Plus recently launched, I was very��leery of its purpose. However its community feature is a great addition to the Google world. Ranging from interests in photography, fashion and art to education, depression and more, there are communities out there to join or for one to make themselves.

The idea of Google+ communities is very much like a tribe, allowing others to connect to one another. With a shared interest and way to communicate, Google+ communities create a commonplace destination for others to arrive at in the "Google-universe". They are able to discuss, share opinions and bounce of each others ideas. Google+ communities is very much in a message-board format, yet it is more socially integrated. Whether temporarily or permanently, you are able to reside in a virtual habitation in which you share common interests with its other inhabitants. Google+ has a variety of cultures, contained now within these new communities as if they are new psychological spaces and as such, each space gets considered as unique based upon the context. 

Because I am honestly no involved in a "virtual world" myself, I look forward to further looking into Google+ communities; A place where people can relate, create, and engage online. 

[nalacarlynne-blog]

Bye Bye Millsberry

Now that I am less frequent with technology and social media, I'm not really involved in a online community. However, I can honestly say as a kid, I lived on Millsberry.com. Millsberry, created by General Mills, was an online virtual world for kids. Once I got home from school, I would rush to my computer, type the web address into the search bar, and play Millsberry games to my heart's content. It was my other world. The world in which I had friends from all over the country, a Victorian home, and shopped for my own groceries. I could go to different shops for clothes, design the interior of my home and play fun General Mills cereal games. Yet this all came to an end when General Mills decided to close down the site.

With no more Millsberry fun, I was convinced that my world was over. Although it seems so silly now, back then it was serious. I had truly created an unhealthy attachment to a world that wasn't even real. I had a greater appreciation for a virtual life and friends than actual friends, family and society itself. 

So although I would say Millsberry was my favorite "online community", I would also say its dissolution truly saved me. I will admit, at times I miss playing Hop-N-Drop, yet being stuck in a realm that isn't even material or legitimate, one forgets how great the real world actually is. 

[nalacarlynne-blog]

Good Reads

Website Analysis

With technology at its prime and an increase in younger kids using social media, the life of literature and physical books is often forgotten. Or is it? We might be living in a time where computers and the Internet have become the source and means of people’s entertainment and knowledge, but I however believe the wonderful world of books is still booming. Analyzing sites in which use technology as an enhancement to the world of books and reading, I found that there are actually quite a few. The two sites I have chosen to analyze are The New Yorker and Book Riot. Both sites have a focus on books that are unlike your usual online book. They illustrate a use of technology that persuades users to read actual books and to love them.

Looking at The New Yorker, the viewer can see it has more traditional appearance. The use of older, less hip fonts and layouts causes it to appeal to an older audience; an obvious logical and emotional technique. The New Yorker uses lots of white space and large illustrations/photographs to draw in the reader. When reading the content of the site, one can see that it displays more of a blog type writing. The writer chooses a topic and finds a couple books to review and or talk about within their writing. 

This same idea of "free" writing, writing of little structure, is also displayed within my second website, Book Riot. Yet that is about all the two have in common. Unlike The New Yorker, Book Riot has a more fun and playful feel to its website. It is attempting to appeal to a younger audience. Book Riot is "dedicated to the idea that writing about books and reading should be just as diverse as books and readers are". Some of their articles are serious while others are silly. Book Riot also appeals to another medium other than text within their site. Introducing podcasts into the mix, they are able to attract and broaden to a different type of audience. The idiosyncrasy within Book Riot is indisputable while on The New Yorker it is rather bleak.

While both sites are rather contrasting, they ultimately push towards a world of appreciating technology while still holding on to the magic of physical books and literature. For there is more to the book than just reading. 

For a link to the two sites mentioned, click below:

http://bookriot.com

http://www.newyorker.com/books/

[nalacarlynne-blog]

Small Change: Social Media Activism on the Rise

After reading "Small Change" by Malcolm Gladwell, I was asked to give my own personal response to the historical idea of activism depleting and social media acting as the new tool for social activism.

Gladwell argues that because social networks are made up largely of weak ties, real social activism is dying due to the "actions" performed through social mediums. Situating in recent events, the most evident exemplar of social media effecting change would be the present wave on ALS Awareness; the Ice Bucket Challenge. 

As many log on to Facebook, Twitter & Instagram, most come to find their newsfeed filled with a series of ice-bucket-pouring videos, with friends, family and strangers alike dousing themselves for the sake of a disease many of them previously knew little about.

This viral phenomenon known as the “Ice Bucket Challenge” has raised millions of dollars for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Due to the lack of progress in the diseases treatment, awareness was sought out to be developed. The witty "challenge" has taken the social media world by storm. With over 2.5 million videos uploaded to Facebook and the US ALS Association having received $94.3 million dollars in donations, it seems the movement doesn't how signs of slowing. 

The activism presented with the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is very different to previous revolutionary movements. While others would argue it to be less "real", ALS took the idea of social media and ran with it. The Ice Bucket Challenge is a prime example that social media can be a great tool for introducing change and gaining involvement within society.

Work Cited

Amendola, Elise. Striking Out ALS: Ice Bucket Challenge Bring Flood of Donations. Digital image. NBC News. N.p., 11 Aug. 2014. Web. 15 Sept. 2014. <http://www.nbcnews.com/feature/making-a-difference/striking-out-als-ice-bucket-challenge-brings-flood-donations-n177896>.

[nalacarlynne-blog]

Pre-Workshop Reflection

I received a lot of good feedback on my paper. Although most of it was grammatical or simple fixes, it was interesting to hear that my paper was very sound. I'm glad there isn't a lot to change. I plan on fixing the grammatical errors and looking to add some specification on one of my examples. Overall I got good feedback on word choice, flow, and layout of my pictures. 

[nalacarlynne-blog]

Fallen for Fallon

Rhetorical Analysis Zero Draft

While critics often say he's too enthusiastic, too fun, I beg to differ. Fallon is said to be too friendly and bubbly and optimistic to be an out-and-out comedian. He's the anxious approval-seeker you pat on the head and tell he's doing a good job. Yet what is the job of the modern late-night show host truly? Fallon hinges his potentially viral segments on what these shows are marketed around constantly: the celebrity guest. His bits may seem ridiculous yet even the silliest of skits have their effect. Without purposeful effort, they reveal the true lives and hidden side of famous people, who's job is to remain masked as much as possible. 

Giving his guest a platform to show their colors that isn't bound by a formulaic interview full of rehearsed anecdotes, Fallon creates an environment that is rather comfortable, easy and laid back. This exact convivial tone it reciprocated within Fallon's social media presence. With the use of his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and website promoting his Late Night Show, Fallon takes advantage of his online appearance to link his witty humor into all of his technological identities.

.... will continue on and go more in depth into Ethos, Pathos, Logos and more rhetorical analysis.

[nalacarlynne-blog]

Officially a Mac Kid

It is official. I have finally received a Apple Macbook Pro! I am unbelievably excited! Having had a PC for all of my life , I am so happy to be able to say I am a Mac kid :). I hated my previous PC. It was a Windows 8 Acer touchscreen computer. I will admit the touchscreen was often beneficial and fun to use, however Windows 8 is terrible for a girl who doesn't know how to work the most simplest of technologies. It was best used for Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer and Netflix. Whenever I needed to close a tab, I had to use the most complex combination of keys. Now all I have to do it press the simple red x in the corner of the page. It's wonderful. My life is simpler. Better even. No more struggling with the smartphone layout of Windows 8. No more only using my computer for Netflix. I can do anything and everything. Given the option of another brand... NEVER. I shall forever and always use Macs. 

[nalacarlynne-blog]

"Sex Sells"

Sex sells. The premiere body scents that the AXE company comes out with are full of erotic fervor, pursuing and achieving the attention of young males and females who view there commercials. Undoubtedly, AXE  is a prototype  of the idea of selling sex. Purposely creating a model around the idea that the use of axe will better your chances with the opposite sex, AXE displays a sense of confidence that comes along with the good smelling fragrance.  

The best example of "The Axe Effect" in action is one of the company's new body fragrances called "Temptation". The commercial begins with a young male adult that gets up in the morning to prepare himself for a day out in the city. Before leaving, he applies a couple sprays of Axe Chocolate to himself.  He then glances away from the mirror and looks back to find himself, in fact, made of chocolate. He then leaves the house confidently. While walking down the crowded streets, girls stop and stare with jaws dropped and lips bitten. Girls lick his chocolate skin or bite off a piece of him as if he was "tempting" and irresistible. 

Most evidently used is the technique of appealing to the emotions of the target audience (pathos). Any male that desires to appear sensual and have a sexual appeal will find fascination with such a product; a product that attempts to say "If you use this product, you will attract women". As if the sexual persuasion was not evident already, the concluding line of "As irresistible as chocolate" further intensifies the want for the product and the idea that chocolate is very sexy. 

The viewer can see the use of logos in the way the product is seen to smell unbelievable to the women.  His scent and physical features of chocolate are ones that appeal sexy and attractive to the women. AXE attempts to convince its audience that if you were to wear the fragrance they suggest, you will have an easier time attracting the desired opposite sex.  However it is a fallacy in this aspect of logos for anyone to assume that women will literally bite their ass and lick their face with attention. 

Ethos is used sparingly within the commercial.  It is not something that necessarily displays credibility in the commercial, but because of the name, AXE, the viewer sees it as something they cannot live without. AXE uses its brand name to sell the product. If one was to go to the store and see the same fragrance but as a generic brand, they are less likely to buy it. Yet one would purchase the AXE brand due to the credibility of the company's name. We assume that since it is an AXE product, it is high-grade. 

AXE successfully uses sexuality as a symbol within their products advertisements  Looking at the name and revenue they have made, it seems to be working.  

To see the AXE Chocolate commercial, click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEpfTicDVUE

[nalacarlynne-blog]

The Web Means the End of Forgetting

After reading an article on social media and its consequences, I have decided to express my feelings on the idea of unforgettable and unforgivable digital trails.

The significance to the title of Jeffrey Rosen's article "The Web Means the End of Forgetting" is the concept of permanence to our posts. Rosen believes that once you put something out in the cyber world, it stays their permanently. Rosen presents Stacy Snyder as an exemplar of this theory put to work. Snyder is an icon of permanent technological trails. Her mistake of posting an "unprofessional" photo costed her a teaching degree and thus her story is a prime example for future. 

I am a member of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Snapchat. Being involved in multiple social mediums, I find it critical to protect my reputation. It is crucial that one leaves trails to only good, positive or non-detramental information. This goes for your friends as well. As one is tied to their friends and/followers accounts, its necessary to be mindful of their privacy and reputations as well. Our digital trails follow us forever.