English ISU Task 4: Blog Entry #5

Reader: Zaid

Novel Title: Acceleration

Author: Graham McNamee

In the novel Acceleration, environmental racism becomes evident as a social issue for the characters. Environmental racism is explained as a particular place being treated differently in their land and housing developments due to racial and class makeup. This is very evident in Duncan’s home town of inner city Toronto. The area where he lives is made up of lower income residents and minority groups who are subjected to pollution, factories and dumping. This produces more health and environmental risks for the neighbourhood. Duncan and his friend Wayne are able to find a discarded shopping cart that has been dumped on their way to steal a luxury toilet. Wayne states, “Not luxury places but still castles compared to our apartment back in the Jungle.” He is painfully aware that their dwelling is dirty and slum like compared to other areas that are being developed.

English ISU Task 4: Blog Entry #6

Reader: Zaid

Novel Title: Acceleration

Author: Graham McNamee

The lack of parental involvement and supervision is a major social issue that is apparent in the novel Acceleration. Throughout the story, parental involvement affects Duncan, as he is able to venture through Toronto at any time without his parents being aware of such. To continue, the lack of parental involvement helps to develop the main character Duncan, as it focuses on his time spent unsupervised outside. Additionally, the social issue is directly related to the plot, as it helps develop it. Since Duncan spends the majority of his time unsupervised, he manages to get involved with a criminals’ personal life and soon finds himself trapped in his basement.

English ISU Task 4: Blog Entry #4

Reader: Zaid

Novel Title: Acceleration

Author: Graham McNamee

Age discrimination is another social that plays a role in the story Acceleration. In the course of the story Duncan is treated differently by the police based on his age. When he attempts to bring the journal and his evidence to the police for them to investigate , they immediately assume he created the journal and is being a nuisance. One cop says, “You don’t seem like a bad kid. But maybe you should find a better way to spend your summer vacation”. Another cop refused to take the diary before Duncan could present evidence. Perhaps if Duncan was older he might have been taken more seriously and given a fair opportunity to explain his reasoning and show how the Journal related to the crime sprees in Toronto.

English ISU Task 4: Blog Entry #3

Reader: Zaid

Novel Title: Acceleration

Author: Graham McNamee

In the novel Acceleration, a dysfunctional family life is a social issue that is evident throughout the story. The antagonist, Scott Weber is brought up by a grandmother without any other guidance or support system. The grandmother is both physically and mentally abusive to Weber throughout his childhood. The grandmother shows him no love and treats him like a caged animal by often locking him in the basement. Weber grows to become an extremely hostile criminal. This social issue plays a major role on the plot as Weber now plans to murder a woman. In reaction, the protagonist, Duncan puts forth all of his effort to stop Weber from taking one’s life. Additionally, the author uses the social issue of a dysfunctional family to develop character Scott Weber. McNamee does this by revealing information about the character through Scott’s dreadful childhood experiences.

This leads the reader to question if Weber had been raised with proper guidance and love would he have grown to become such a person?

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas Activity

Plot Summary

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a movie that takes place in Berlin Germany during World War Two. It focuses on an adventurous, defiant and empathetic boy named Bruno, who is nine years of age. The movie begins with Bruno returning home from school. Bruno discovers that his father has received a promotion and his family must relocate elsewhere. After moving, Bruno’s initial feelings are of discontent and frustration as there is no neighbor near his house to play with. When inside his house, Bruno notices an odd looking area beyond his backyard that appears to be a concentration camp. Bruno is given strict instructions from his parents to remain away from his backyard. His parents make strong efforts to limit Bruno’s exposure to the camp behind his house. For example they cover up his back window, preventing him from seeing behind his house. This is an indicant that they do not want him to interact with any of those in the camp. Bruno’s curiosity leads him to defy all rules and explore “areas out of bound”. When exploring the new environment he meets a young boy named Schmuel. Soon later Bruno develops a strong relationship with the boy. To his surprise, aspects of Schmuel’s life dramatically differ from his own. Bruno’s sympathy results in a devastating consequence that Jews experienced frequently at the time.  

Relate

The story highlights how Jews were treated during and after World War Two. The story shows that Jews were mistreated and killed by lethal gasses due to their heritage and background. Though I have not been mistreated to such an extent, I can relate to this story as I have been looked upon negatively because of my background. Furthermore, I can comprehend the torture Jews faced and I believe that no one should be mistreated in such a way.

Reflect

The movie showed how Jews suffered from discrimination and racism during the holocaust. Bruno was curious to know why Jews were sent to such camps, and experienced such conditions. Bruno had difficulty understanding why his parents discouraged him to interact with Jews. His parents may have done this because of their feelings about Jews. They may have viewed Jews as inhumane and “enemies” like many did at the time.

English ISU Task 4: Blog Entry #2

Reader: Zaid

Novel Title: Acceleration

Author: Graham McNamee

In the novel Acceleration, economic inequality is a social issue. Economic inequality is the distribution of wealth. It can be destructive as it can hinder or prevent growth and opportunity for individuals who are at the lower end of the economic spectrum. This is evident in many ways in the novel Acceleration. The main character Duncan lives in inner city Toronto where the author describes the exposure of crime and social inequality as a major factor in some of the events that occur throughout the story. For example Duncan refers to the community he lives in as “The Jungle”. Duncan describes the area as “rundown” and “risky”. There are many references in the story to Duncan being limited financially. The fact that Duncan’s father and mother both have two low income jobs is an excellent example of the economic inequality in the novel.

The picture below should say "economic inequality". I typed it wrong.

Child Soldiers Assignment

Connections - I can connect to both the article and the video in two ways.

To begin, I can connect with the article and Ishmael as my grandfather used to serve in the U.S military. This relates to the video and the article as he’s said that when he first enrolled in the military he had difficulty practicing shooting weapons and preparing for violence. He said that he had to be trained in a form similar to classical conditioning, where those who excelled in the shooting and practices would receive a greater pay.

Additionally, I can relate to Ishmael and the article as they both mention the difficulty of unlearning violence. When I was younger, I fought with my brother frequently. It soon became a natural instinct to cause fights and try to hurt “the enemy”. I can connect with the article and the video, as when I grew up I had difficulty “unlearning” the violence and the patterns that I had developed. This difficulty reversing the patterns is similar to the troubles child soldiers had in rehabilitation centers.

Challenges – None.

Concepts – There are a few key concepts and ideas that I believe are worth holding from the text. To begin, the text indicates that children should not be exposed to violence as entertainment. I believe this is important as informs the reader of the danger tied to the exposure of violence. For example, overexposure may result in a child being aggressive, or committing a real crime due to their poor skills of determining what reality is and what isn’t. Furthermore, the statistics in the text are important as it educates the reader on the increasing violence rates across the world. This is important as the text further explains the issues tied to increasing violence.

Changes – The interview indicates that Ishmael’s attitude changed when he went to the rehabilitation centers. Ishmael says that the centers helped him live a “normal” life again by working on reversing the violent patterns he had developed when at war. To continue, Ishmael’s thinking habits changed when he entered war as he did believed that was what he was meant to do.

The text changed how I viewed and thought about violence. The article made me aware of how important violence is and that changes that need to be made worldwide. I believe that there needs to be ways of reducing the exposure of violence to children. Additionally, I believe that children need to be more informed on the consequences of violence. I believe that rehabilitation centers should be accessible by all children at any time to help reverse early signs of violence.

English - Slam Poetry

To be brief, the poem is a story about a veteran whose service in the military is questioned since he had no visible wounds. The poet attempts to say people should not judge others by their cover. It he also is trying to tell the reader that people need to further appreciate the actions of those who've committed to serving in the military. Most importantly, the poet is trying to educate others that war can cause “invisible wounds” to those who have served, and that mental pain is equivalent to the pain of physical or other wounds.

Slam Poetry Below

War

The other night at the store, check out line with my wife
the bagger asked a question that cut with a knife.

He saw my beanie and tried to make conversation
asked me if I was a member by service or donation.

I looked at him and smiled, I’m used to small talk questions
said that I became a member after serving my nation.

I went to Iraq and to Stan played around did some time in the sand
and he responded with that patented, “oh thanks for your service man.”

Nothing else needed to be said, conversation through
but then he stepped back and looked at me from beanie to shoe.

He asked the question, I swear this is true
he looked at me again and asked, “well what’s wrong with you.”

Taken back by his question I quickly spout an answer, “that’s a little personal man”
then you won’t believe his candor.
“I’m sorry man I didn’t mean to offend,
just looking you over it looks like you have all your limbs”

I walked out the store angry but why?
That was a volatile observation by a dumbass guy
how could he see the blood behind these eyes.

I should have marched back in there and asked if he wanted to see all the scars.
Hey these seem to interest you
take a seat guy you’re about to need a tissue.

See my scars I don’t wear them on the surface of my skin
like most veterans the deepest scars are within.

Sound of screams of brothers dying
tears roll down from mothers crying
bullets hail and fly overhead
watch a bullet leave your best friends head.

Or the hands that I took hold
watched as the grip grew colder
maybe you want to hear about that time I had to shoot a child
or that other time I had to drag my brother’s body a quarter mile
just because I knew he’d be defiled.

See what you fail to understand is that no veteran ever comes back that whole of a man.
Whether it be limbs are gone or internal scars
we all search for answers at the bottom of glasses in the darkest of bars.

Who are you to ask what is wrong with me
are you now the wounded warrior judge and jury?

One thing I want to remind you kids, I’m not mad
as a matter of fact, your dumbass question made me glad.

My invisible injury, I wear with pride
it doesn’t matter that you don’t know my friends who died.
it doesn’t matter that when I go home you don’t see
that I could barely remember what I had to eat.

I also have brain damage you see
been through one too many explosions that shook my head
while you lay quietly at home sleeping in your bed.

And cause of blast of me flying through the air,
oh you want to see where I bounce… everywhere.

But its okay boy stand up let me brush you off
I know it’s impossible for you to understand the cost.

I see that tear, here’s that tissue
maybe next time you’ll just leave it at thank you.

But I didn’t do that, I just let it be
I couldn’t let someone’s ignorance violate me.

Instead I said no problem, don’t worry about it man
It’s something that takes time to understand.

So next time you see a vet don’t think you need to vet him
don’t look for stories of injuries like we all openly display them.

Don’t ask sh–t like, “did you kill anyone”
we share that sh–t when we want, boy don’t be dumb.

Again, I can say blame that those that ain’t been taught
but I will say, “dammit ain’t about time we stop living underneath a rock.”

I’m an American veteran been to Iraq and to Stan
yes I am disabled, no you don’t need to shake my hand.

Yes I’m slightly crazy but who wouldn’t be
just want to let you know exactly why you thank me.

Link to poem: http://www.wearethemighty.com/disabled-veteran-scars-of-war-slam-poetry-2014-12

Sorry if this is late (I was sick over the weekend and absent on Friday).

English ISU Task 4: Blog Entry #1

Reader: Zaid

Novel Title: Acceleration

Author: Graham McNamee

In the novel Acceleration crime is a major social issue. Crime affects the main character Duncan as he was persuaded to enter a life of juvenile crime at a very young age. Crimes such as petty theft with little thought of the possible consequences led to Duncan having to serve community time. To continue, the author uses the social issue of crime to develop the characters in the novel. He does this by describing character experiences related to crime. One incident would be when Wayne and Duncan attempt to steal toilets from a newly built house. By mentioning this story, the characters then describe their current thoughts on those past experiences. These thoughts help to reveal more information about the current personalities of each character. Moving on, the social issue of crime is directly related to the plot and helps to develop it. It relates to the plot as the character Duncan enters into a mystery where the discovery of a criminals’ journal exposes gruesome crimes committed within Toronto. Overall, crime is a major social issue in the book as it is relevant, affects the plot and helps to develop characters.

The Pickton Murders News Report - http://www.citynews.ca/2007/01/22/the-robert-pickton-case-a-timeline/

Robert Pickton Wikipedia- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Pickton

The case relates to the social issue of crime in my story as:

·         The Pickton incident occurred in Ontario and Duncan’s findings take place in Toronto Ontario.

·         The forms of Robert Pickton’s murder and how gruesome it was is similar to the suspects plan found in the journal.

The Sniper Short Story by Liam O’Flaherty Analysis / Assigned Questions

Summary: The short story “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty is about the conflict and war between the "Republicans", and the "Free Staters". The author focuses on the events that the main character "Dublin" experiences. The story begins by introducing the setting. It appears to be night with the faint light of the moon glistening through the clouds. Dublin is introduced as a sniper currently propped up on the roof of a building. Dublin decides to risk a smoke knowing that the spark of his lighter may jeopardize his life by revealing his position to an enemy. Instantly after lighting his cigarette, a bullet strikes the parapet of the roof. Throughout the story Dublin has his life on the line. He chooses to fire his sniper at one point and kills an enemy in an armored vehicle. Soon after, he gets shot in the forearm by an enemy sniper. After tense and painful moments, Dublin formulates a plan to kill the enemy sniper. The plan involved replicating a death to give the impression that he died. His ruse had succeeded. After seeing the replication, the enemy sniper revealed his position and Dublin was able to execute him. As the story progresses, Dublin decides to examine the enemy sniper's corpse to determine who he was. To his surprise, it was his own brother.

What is the author’s message?

I believe the author is trying to convey a simple message, that being - Know what your fighting for, know who your fighting and know if it's worth fighting. This may be the authors main message, as in the story it mentions that Dublin was going to report the news to the "company commander" meaning that he may have been fighting a battle for someone else. There are also other indicants of this message such as the fact that Dublin was unaware of who he was fighting, etc.

Stephen Harper wont rule out sending lethal weapons to Ukraine.

The article linked below is about an interview that Stephen Harper recently had regarding whether he would be open to providing Ukraine with lethal military weapons to help neutralize Russian rebels. After careful thought the Prime Minister agreed to “look at all options” and proceed with caution. The German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with Harper in Ottawa to reinforce a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict. Merkel worries about the possibility of a war between Russia and the West. Earlier during a meeting, the U.S President Barack Obama also stated that he would be willing to consider providing lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine. The west along with the German Chancellor, are in agreement that Russia must stop its illegal occupation of Ukraine.  Merkel and Harper also looked at a possible Canada-European Union free trade deal and the fighting in Iraq and Syria.

I strongly support Angela Merkel’s call for a diplomatic solution to this conflict. Stephen Harper stated during earlier interviews that military action would have to be approved by The House of Commons and all parties. As with the conflict in Iraq, there are reports that this has not been the case and leaders of the Liberal and New Democratic Party have not been given a chance to use their voice on these issues. Will all Canadian citizens be given a chance to have their opinions heard? I worry that actions taken by the prime minister may pull Canada into an all out war that we may not be able to survive or recover from.

Article link: http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/02/09/stephen-harper-wont-rule-out-sending-lethal-weapons-for-ukraine.html