Watchmen

"Watchmen", a graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, is primarily set in New York City in 1985 during the Cold War. During this time, a few retired vigilantes that were once in a group known as the Watchmen return to the streets fighting criminals. Prior to reading the book, my book club created questions that would help us guide our reading. One of the very important questions was, "What moral decisions do the characters have to make that we may have have to make in our own lives?" Throughout the book, the characters have to make decisions that are ultimately driven by their own perspective. Although their actions may not be similar to ones that we may have chosen, they face the same question of whether or not something is morally correct or incorrect. Two characters that I am able to relate to the the most are Jon Osterman, who later becomes known as Doctor Manhattan, and Walter Kovacs who is called Rorschach by his peers.

Doctor Manhattan is the only character in the book that actually has "super-powers." He got these powers in an accident where he got stuck in a test chamber with an intrinsic field generator. Although he should have died, he comes back with the powers of teleportation and precognition (seeing into the future.) When he's invited for an interview on television, he is accused for giving people cancer. For example, one person asks, "Then how about this one- Did you know that Ms. Janey Slater linked romantically with you in the sixties, is currently suffering from lung cancer? Doctors have given her six months to live. Notice any connection?" Upset and irritated with the media, Dr. Manhattan teleports everyone out of the studio and then leaves to mars. The doctor's decision is one we often make in our own lives, whether it is best to "flee or fight?" In this case the doctor chose to flee to mars rather than "fighting" and sticking up for himself. Although I think the biggest cause for his leaving was that he felt "out of place" and couldn't connect with humanity, there is another subliminal message that the other was trying to send. I think another reason that Dr. Manhattan left was because he felt that the greater good of the people was more important than himself. After all, because people did not consider him a hero and more of a villain, and because tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union were building, he thought it would be better for him to leave. This is another decision that we have to make in our own lives. Whether the greater good of humanity is more important our own well being. Rorschach is another important character in the book that has an interesting personal philosophy. For example, after the death of the comedian which he believes is not only a murder but a conspiracy, Rorschach vigorously pursues solving the crime. His methods for gaining information are unsound and immoral but he never seems to give up. This decision by Rorschach is another that we often have to make. This decision is whether to keep pursuing in something, or knowing when it's best to stop. In this case Rorschach continued to pursue in the investigation of the death of the comedian, rather than accepting that it was an ordinary murder. All in all, these two character's make decisions that we make in our own lives.

Literature plays an extremely important role in where our moral decisions come from. Reading literature helps us understand society and shape our personal philosophy which ultimately lead us to make the very important decisions in our life that we do. 

Book Review: Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar

I have finished reading "Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar," and can say with 100% certainty that it has both changed my perception of "us," (humans, the universe) and yet it has also made it so much more complex. Although it is an extremely well written book, I have to say that I am slightly disappointed in the end.

The book did an excellent job in teaching the concepts behind philosophy such as idealism and empiricism but it never there was no evidence behind these concepts. I understand that the book was not trying to be bias in it's influence on the reader's personal view, but I think that it would have adequate to include evidence such as scientific evidence behind concepts such as the question of whether or not there is a god. I feel that this would help the reader in their pursuit of finding their own personal philosophy if there was evidence. As for me, I think there will have to be much more reading on the subject in order to fully come to a conclusion on where I stand.

All in all, this is an excellent book for anyone that is willing to do a little extra thinking while reading.

Philosophy of Law

In "Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar," the author, Thomas Cathcart, brings up the topic of the purpose of laws. He states the very common theories such as, "codify moral duties" and to "promote the virtuous character." Although these may be true, I think there is a more important theory. As Jeremy Bentham, a utilitarian, once said, "the purpose of laws is to produce the best consequences for the greatest number of people." The purpose of law is to in fact, protect the people.

As many can agree, most laws are morally correct. However, what's more important to note is that these laws are created in order to protect the people, not for the sake because it's morally correct. For example, in certain states there is a law where if there is someone on your property, you have the authorization to take disciplinary means. Although this is not morally correct because it allows you to kill someone, it is created for your protection. As I was reading, I was wondering where our morals came from? If you have an idea, please leave a comment.

Reality, or Simple Perceptions

As I continue to read "Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar," by Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein, I find more and more troubling philosophy topics that are very "grey." One of these topics is the concept of idealism, which is defined as, "the group of philosophies which assert that reality, or reality as we can know it, is fundamentally mental, mentally constructed, or otherwise immaterial." Created by George Berkeley, idealism relates to reality and how we perceive it. To state idealism simply, God portrays objects into our mind, and nothing actually exists. However, there are many holes to this topic.

First off, idealism contradicts with empiricism, with is the idea that we gain knowledge through our senses. Most people can agree with this because for the most part this is true. Through our knowledge we are able to make inferences. The book gives a very good example of this: you see a sheep sheared on one side. Through your observations you know that farmers do not usually shear only one side of the sheep. Therefore, you are able to infer that the other side of the sheep is also sheared. So, if nothing actually exists then how are we able to make observations through touch? Although there are many other questions that can disprove Berkeley's theory, Berkeley has an argument that can not go wrong. He says, that if you try to imagine an object, and you think about the properties of that object, you can only think perceive those properties in your head as an idea. Therefore, he states that since we have no evidence of that object besides that perceptions in our head, it does not exist. This I can agree with, however, I do not agree with the idea that God portrays these objects into our head. So what do you think about this?         

Everything Has a Meaning, At Least According to Leibniz

I have recently began reading, "Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar" which teaches philosophy through jokes that state philosophical concepts quite clearly. While reading, the book introduced to me Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, a rationalist or philosopher who influenced the minds of many people with his ideas. Many of his ideas include religion, stating that everything happens for a reason. As the book states, his theory is the complete opposite of a joke where God is speaking to a man that has recently entered Heaven saying, "It's a bit embarrassing to admit, but everything that happens happens for no real reason."

If everything did happen for a reason, and if somehow the tables were turned and what was supposed to happen didn't, wouldn't we know? Wouldn't there be a series of repercussions resulting from that event? This brought me to the new idea of our own conscience. Throughout the day, we ultimately make our own decisions. We make the decision to wake up at whatever time we please, eat whatever we want when ever we want, and carry out actions of our choice throughout the day until the next. If we make our own decisions, then how is it that there is a more powerful reason behind me buying a small soda at McDonald's rather than a large other than I'm not very thirsty? What is the other reason for a bicyclist getting hit by a taxi other than that the driver was speeding and went through a red? I'm not saying that Leibniz's theory is wrong or that anyone else that is religious and believes in a higher power is incorrect, I simply am just trying to make sense of his approach in a way that I can understand.

A Future On The Line

As I continue to read "Million Dollar Throw" I've learned some very important information. To recap, Nate Brodie has won the opportunity to throw a football for a chance at one-million dollars. Although it appears that he does not have anything to lose, we've learned that the pressure will be on him more than ever. In the beginning of the book we learned that his friend Abby was going through some "rough times." Now I've learned that these "rough times" are about her inability to properly see. Knowing that one of his dearest friends is going blind, I don't think that Nate will be able to deal with the large amount of pressure. After all, he could surely help his friend's health with a million dollars. I believe that Nate is also facing some financial hardships at the moment. This brings me to the question, right before Nate throw's the football will he think about himself or his dearest friend Abby?

New Book: Million Dollar Throw

I have recently began reading "Million Dollar Throw" by Mike Lupica. The story takes place in Valley, Massachusetts where Nate Brodie, a fan of Tom Brady, the star quarterback of the New England Patriots, and a star quarterback for his own team faces difficult situations. So far, Nate has bought a signed football by Tom Brady and was able to enroll himself into a contest for the chance to throw a football thirty yards into a small hole. If he wins the contest and throws the football successfully, Nate would win one-million dollars. Although it may appear that Nate has nothing to lose, there may be more pressure than there appears.
One reason that there may be more pressure than it appears is because I believe that Nate's family is struggling financially. For example, the reason for Nate being able to pay for the whole cost of the football was because he simply did not have enough money. In the beginning of the book, Nate also said that his friend Abby was going through some rough times which could mean that maybe she is struggling financially as well or she may unhealthy. If so, one-hundred million dollars could certainly help that.

Partials by Dan Wells

As I begin to finish up the book Partials by Dan Wells I don't think I have talked much about the setting which plays an important role in the book. The book is set in New York, which in fact is where most apocalyptic stories in movies and books take place. Anyway, what I've noticed throughout the book is that setting helps the reader visualize more easily.

One disappointment I find in a lot of books is the description of the setting. Often there is very little description and when there is it's simply not detailed enough. Although there is quite a lot of dialogue in the book, (which I sometimes struggle with) the details describing the setting keep me reading. For example, "The bridge behind them exploded in a giant fireball, bright enough to sear Kira's eyes even in the cover of the truck. The blast shifted the Coke truck ten feet forward, pushing the fugitives across the asphalt." Because the setting is also in New York I find the book much easier to read. Across the story, several key features of New York are mentioned such as the skyscrapers of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Although the book is science-fiction, mentioning these aspects of things I see everyday make the book more realistic.

As I come towards the end of the book, I hope to see it end just as strong as the beginning. I would recommend this to anyone that loves suspenseful and intricate plot twists.

Partials by Dan Wells

So far in "Partials" by Dan Wells, Kira has discovered a shocking fact about RM, the weaponized virus that the Partials inflicted upon humans. When Kira learned that Madison became pregnant, she was determined to stop the RM virus from killing innocent infants. Working as an intern at the hospital, Kira noticed that blood samples were taken only from the infants that would later die in the proceeding hours. When decided to take a blood sample from her boyfriend, Marcus, to find what the survivors of the RM virus had that the infants didn't, she astonishingly found that everyone was a carrier. Therefore, the reason behind the deaths of the infants was because although their parents were carriers, they however inherited the subliminal disease.

Determined as Kira is, there are still many obstacles in her way. For example, in order to have the greatest chance of curing the RM disease she has to find and study a partial. However, after attacking the humans the partials fled and since then no one has encountered one. Despite this, Kira may still have a chance of encountering a partial. Previously in the book, Kira was nearly killed when a bomb was detonated. What she didn't know was that the "radio installation rigged with a massive bomb" was from the Voice, a group of rebels that left the "grid" when the Hope Act was passed which required girls at a certain age to get pregnant as frequently as possible. Gianna, one of the people that was found in the rubble was part of the voice and was protecting something that wasn't supposed to be found. I think that the voice hasn't just rebelled because of the Hope Act but possibly because they are working with the partials. Hopefully I will find out as I continue to read the book.

Partials: A Story about Survival

I recently have began reading "Partials" by Dan Wells. In the book, a sixteen-year-old named Kira along with several others are some of the only remaining from the war. This war, which was fought between humans and partials, "engineered organic beings identical to humans," that also nearly wiped out the whole civilization using RM, a weaponized virus. Although Kira is safe in the protected area of Long Island the partials still remain a threat. However, there is also another threat besides the partials: The Voice. Ever since the war, not a single infant has successfully been born immune to the virus. In order for there to be a great chance, the Hope Act was created which required women at the age of 18 to become pregnant as frequently as possible. The Voice did not approve and therefore rebelled against the government.

Kira along with several others went on a mission outside the defense grid. On their way, they came across explosions that killed a few. They later found shelter and Owen Tovar, a former Marine Corp. Owen invites them into his house. They begin speaking about the war and eventually the Voice. After speaking about the damages from when he was a Marine and someone asking, "How did you receive those scars?" Tovar says that he was a demolition specialist. I suddenly thought that maybe Tovar could be part of the Voice. He showed much interest in Kira's mission as well as the defense system around Long Island along with knowing much information about the Voices. I predict that Owen is part of the Voice and that he will win Kira and the rests' trust enough so that he becomes a dangerous threat to the survival of the last humans remaining.

In Cold Blood

I have recently began reading In Cold Blood, by Truman Capote. The setting takes place in Holcomb, Kansas, a small town home to 270, where four out of the six members of the Clutter family are killed "in cold blood". With no clear motive and no clues residents of the small town are left questioning their neighbors. Because this is one of the first books based on a historical event that I have read the reading experience is going to be much different.

For one, I already know the outcome of the story which is that four members of the Clutter family are killed and the two killers are also killed. Therefore, as I read I'm going to try to fill in the blanks such as the motives of the killers and the steps they took in order to kill the four members. It will also be interesting to see how the author (Truman Capote) writes his book off of the historical events. For example, what parts does he add between unknown sequences in the case. As for the story, I predict that there was a reason for the killing however it may be one that everyone overlooked.  

Text to Text Connection: Sold

I have recently began reading Sold, by Patricia McCormick. The setting starts in Nepal where a 13 year old girl named Lakshmi lives with her family in a small hut. Lakshmi's family is in extreme poverty only making a few dollars from her family's crops. However, when a monsoon destroys all the crops Lakshmi is forced to find work. Her father introduces her to a man who claims that she will be able to support her family in India as a maid. What she doesn't know is that her father had just sold her into the world of sex trafficking.

Prior to this reading I read The Kite Runner, the story of two boys named Amir and Hassan in Afghanistan. Subjected to sexual abuse and the grim reality of poverty, Amir and Hassan are very similar to Lakshmi because all three live in third-world countries. I find it interesting how in third-world countries where poverty is caused by several reasons such as deteriorating economies and poor education, many are forced to do the unspeakable. Sadly countries like Afghanistan and Nepal have fewer options and therefore many are forced to do unpleasant tasks. I look forward to continuing to read this very interesting book.

Sonnet: Dreams

An image, caressed in the desolate near.

A seed installed, the first of conception.

Ideas pushed up, no longer in austere.

Each altered, no two the same reception.

Unwinding into imagination

Falling into an inconsistent state.

Thoughts and ideas composing formation

Soon interrupted, to clean the slate.

Slowly coming to a sudden ending

As the sun catches up, now, behind moon.

Imagery of the mind, soon blending

Reality seen, the image, now strewn.

So alluring of thee when occurring.

The idea of an ending dream deferring. 

Poetry Analysis Essay on Martin Espada

Poetry Analysis Essay on Martin Espada

                Martin Espada is a 57 year old Latino poet who was born in Brooklyn, New York. Martin grew up with a father who was a leader in a Puerto Rican community, and an activist in the Civil Rights movement fighting for equal opportunities of Hispanic groups. As a result, Martin grew up with a strong understanding of politics which would later have a strong positive influence on his career as a poet. In 1892, he published his first political poetry book called, “The Immigrant Ice Boy’s Bolero.” Many of his poems contain strong and emotional connections to Latino culture and history. Consequently, many contain powerful themes such as racism, racial prejudice and cultural differences. In three particular poems he wrote, “The New Bathroom Policy at English High School,” “Revolutionary Spanish Lesson,” and “Two Mexicanos Lynched in Santa Cruz, California, May 3^rd, 1877,” the common theme between the three is the negative effect of ignorance on the Latinos.

                In “The New Bathroom Policy at English High school,” a principal, while using the bathroom, hears his name spoken by a young group of Latino boys. Because the boys speak Spanish, he can only understand his name and automatically assumes that whatever the boys said were harsh words and consequently bans the speaking of Spanish in the bathroom. In this poem, the ignorance of a single being has a negative toll both emotionally and mentally on a large community of people.  The line “Now he can relax” makes me think that the anxiety and stress of not knowing in what context his name was used was overwhelming. This shows his ignorance in that he did not even investigate the situation to find out whether or not what the boys said was mean or wrong.  Even if they said something disrespectful, it shows his misuse and abuse of power.

The poem “Revolutionary Spanish Lesson” shows ignorance in a different way.  In this poem, a narrator who I presume is Latino has his name mispronounced to the point where he begins to fantasize how he would release his emotional anger. The narrator says that he would “hijack a busload” of tourists who are Republicans from Wisconsin. He then says he would force them to sing anti-American chants in Spanish while a bilingual SWAT team asked him “to be reasonable”. I have never had my name mispronounced but I have had it misspelled which I think has the same effect. You feel as though you have been disrespected and someone couldn’t care less about your name. For many Spanish speaking immigrants that may relate to the narrator in this poem, their name is the only reminder they have of their home nation. Therefore they can build an emotional bond to their name.  Also, because Martin Espada bought a massive stereotype into this poem of Midwestern Anglos being ignorant with names, I think he might have had a personal experience with this issue.  It could be possible that they did it on purpose or didn’t even bother to ask because they were ignorant and ultimately because they might not have thought his name was that important to him.  Either way it’s extremely upsetting.  He also might have used that stereotype for all Americans, not just Midwesterners.  Many see the US as an overruling country full of ignorant people. For the most part this is untrue but there are exceptions.

In “Two Mexicanos Lynched in Santa Cruz, California, May 3^rd, 1877” a group of white vigilantes hang to Mexicanos in Santa Cruz, California. They then crowd next to the two hanging corpses to be apart of a photograph. In the first three of the four stanzas, the narrator begins by saying “more than,” which leads up the last stanza where he says “remain the faces of the lynching party.” As he’s looking at the photograph he notices “A high-collar boy smirking, some peering from the shade of bowler hats, but all crowding into the photograph.” Just from that line you can see the ignorance of the lynchers. They committed a horrible act and show no dignity for the men they hung. I would have thought that the site of two men swinging by their necks from a rope would have been tragic enough to be the focus of the poem. However, what was even more tragic for the narrator was the ignorance of the lynching party crowding into a photograph as though it was a picnic.

The narrator in all three poems seems to be Latino. However, you don’t have to be Latino to feel sympathetic for the victims in these poems. Each poem describes a situation where ignorance has negatively affected a group of people: in this case the Latinos. Maybe Martin Espada wanted us to think how ignorance has affected our lives or someone else. How ignorance can lead to far worse things such as abuse of power and racism due to cultural differences.

To Kill a Mockingbird

As I continue to read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, I have found many themes that consult with racial prejudice and other issues that were present during the time the book was written. As I was reading I thought about the title of the book and how it was connected to the story and the characters. I then thought of a theme that makes the book much more exciting and interesting to read.

One day, Scout and Jem decided to use their rifles on birds. Their father, Atticus, said that they could shoot all the Blue jays they wanted, but it would be a sin if they were "To Kill a Mockingbird." I think that the mockingbird in this book symbolizes innocence. Therefore, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is to kill, or destroy innocence. In the book we can see that many characters represent mockingbirds, and how their innocence is taken away from them. For example, Tom, an African American accused of raping a white woman is tried at court. Because of the all white jury, Tom is found guilty, even though he was wrongfully convicted. We can also see this in Scout and Jem. After coming back from her school play, they are attacked but are fortunately saved by Boo, their neighbor. All in all, many people are "killed" as they are a result of a sin, a sin that is "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Connecting Then to Now: To Kill a Mockingbird

Written in 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, uncovered some of society's most toughest issues including racism which the book revolves around. The book takes place during the 1930's, in the southern state of Alabama. Jean, better known as "Scout", along with her brother Jeremy or "Jem" are caught in the trilling adventure of a trial. Tom Robinson is accused of rape. Defending him is Atticus, the father of Scout and Jem. Although Atticus clearly shows Tom's innocence, the racist-minded jury pronounces Tom guilty. While reading the book that I've cherished and have read many times, I began to think about the situations in the book and how they might or wouldn't still be present today.

Civil rights for blacks have come a long way since the civil rights movement led by leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. In the book, Tom is accused of rape and is convicted by an all white jury. Nowadays, a situation like this wouldn't happen due to many reasons. In 1964, the Civil Rights Act was passed by President Johnson. This prohibited the discrimination of race, color, religion, or national origin. This act was later improved in 1968 by President Johnson. More Civil Rights Acts were passed all the way up to 2008, helping and improving the rights of targeted groups. People began to reach out and accept others more. Even today you can see monumental milestones in American history. In 2008, President Barack Obama became the first ever African American president in the U.S., and he is currently in his second-term. Although many more changes need to be made to ensure equality for everyone, society has changed for the better since To Kill a Mockingbird came out.

Crank: Why Poetry?

Ellen Hopkin's book, Crank, is about how Kristina, better known as Bree, is taken into the world of drugs such as Methamphetamine. As a result, relationships are broken and others are made. The book is written in poetry, which is normally used as a way to express feelings or emotions. As a result of the story written in poetry, certain aspects are found in the book that you wouldn't be able to find in one without poetry.

When poetry and dialogue are combined, it's much more interesting than in a regular book. For example, at one point Kristina is talking to her boyfriend Adam, in her dad's hometown. "Hello?" "Hey gorgeous I miss you." Melted butter. Usually after each set of dialogue from the characters there is a description of an object that symbolizes how Kristina is feeling. Just from reading the dialogue one wouldn't really be able to interpret the emotions of a character. Writing in the form of poetry also allows the reader to show the two sides of a character, in this case Kristina and Bree. For example, "For a while, without the monster whispering sweet and terrible nothings, Kristina was still in charge. But Bree was watching."

All in all, reading this book has allowed me to see new writing techniques that I may be able to use in future writing. I would highly recommend this to anyone seeking an intense and emotional book about drug addiction.

Crank: A Midway Review

*SPOILERS
I have recently reached the midway point, or climax of Crank by Ellen Hopkins and . So far, Kristina has become fully familiar and adequate of the benefits of meth. However, when sober she realizes what horrible mess she's gotten herself into and regrets her actions. Ironically, it seems to me that she is anxious for more of Bree and crank. After promising Adam, who cheated on his girlfriend to be with Kristina, to return back to her father's hometown, Kristina leaves and visits her mother. However, her addiction continues with Meth in Nevada where she begins to date another boy named Chase.

After reading well into the book, I can say that this is one of my favorite brutal, gory, and remarkable drug addicting books thus far. The story has an interesting flow due to the poem-shaped writing causing the reader the turn the pages quickly. Although at times, the writing can be vague and tedious, the story quickly picks up again through fast and exhilarating dialogue. Overall, I think the book is extremely well written and proves to be an aspiring winner of any young-adult medals.

Kristina, "Crank", and Bree

Kristina is a perfect example of someone who's trying to get by in life. She's a student in high school, has decent grades and a moderate amount of friends. However, all goes downhill when her mother begins dating another man, and she must live with her drug-addicted father who she hasn't in over eight years. This is where she is introduced to "Crank", the monster, Methamphetamine. This is where, "Bree", Kristina's alter-ego enters her world.

Of course there are endless possible outcomes when a character is influenced by drugs. For example, Kristina could suddenly realize her mistake of getting involved, and therefore take actions to correct this through rehabilitation. However, she could spiral into the world of addiction and follow her father’s footsteps as an impulsive being. From looking at certain characteristics of Kristina, I have a feeling that her future might turn out for the worst. For example, from what I’ve read so far Kristina seems like an innocent and shy person that could easily get caught up in the havoc of drugs. In a way, she also seems like someone who’s lost interest in everything and as a result turns to drugs. Hopefully, we’ll find out as I continue to read the book.

Tweak: A True Memoir of Addiction and The Battle

Recently, I have begun reading Tweak, by Nic Sheff. The book is a personal memoir about how Nic deals with his addiction to several drugs including Methamphetamines, Cannabis, and Heroin. It also shows the effects of drugs not only on the abusers physical and mental state but also on the friends and families. Nic receives most of his drugs through his drug addicted friends, and continues to use so many until he finds the one that will give him that “first high.” However what I find interesting in the book is that at certain times Nic will try to get himself clean, yet he doesn’t push himself to do so, and continues his extreme drug addiction.

I don’t have firsthand knowledge of how hard it is to become unaddicted from any drug and hope to keep it that way, but if Nic really wanted to pursue his dreams of becoming a bestselling author (which he does) I think that he could have done this long before. From what I read so far in the book, it seems 100% possible for anyone to get off drugs. However, it’s just a matter of how much they want to succeed in their passion and life. Nic always talks about his writing to his friends and how one day he’ll be famous. But it’s also a matter of saying something from doing something. As I continue to read, I’ll be extremely interested to see how Nic pushes himself to reach is goal as a writer.