Nikki Araguz is a trans woman who fully transitioned and began a stealth life before she met Thomas Araguz. Thomas’ family argues that the couple wed without him knowing about her transition, though Nikki says that is absolutely false and she has been honest with him about her past all along. Thomas, a firefighter, died July 4th on the job. His family has taken Nikki to court, arguing that she is not legally entitled to his estate because their marriage was homosexual and thus illegal. Reading the full story on the case above was nothing short of troublesome and unsettling.…
This summer, I decided to read She Said Yes: The Unlikely Martyrdom of Cassie Bernall. The memoir is written by Cassie’s mother Misty a year after her daughter's death. Misty Bernall writes about her daughter's early life, her rebellious phase, how she found God and how she apply God in her life before her life was tragically taken away during the Columbine High School shooting. Interviews with friends, family and others describe Cassie through her journey and how she lived.…
Throughout the book she narrated very complicated experiences that only mature people could understand. She explains her abortion and drug use, “I’d done a lot of dumb and dangerous things in my life” (Strayed 47). This quote explains that she has made many mistakes during her life. She also used very grotesque language that might offend children like “fuck” and describes her sexual life.…
In the article “Dude, You’re a Fag”, Pascoe claims that the term “fag” is a method to control amass of the population and genderize behavior. To introduce, the term “fag” is typically used in scenarios where an individual’s behavior isn’t sufficiently masculine. Moreover, the term is extremely fluid and can be used in various situations as well, as it always has a negative connotation to the term. For this purpose, when the term is applied to someone, it has a continuous connection with power and it reiterates the importance of displaying masculinity. Furthermore, Pascole characterizes the term as a “Hot potato” dynamic, as no one wants the term to be applied to themselves, whereas they must continuously apply the term so someone else.…
Ever wonder when there is someone in need of help and want to help he/she/them out, such as a stranger, but were too scared, nervous, or even had to wait until someone else gets involved in order to help? In this chapter, “In the Unlikely Event of a Water Landing” by Lauren Slater, from the book Opening Skinner’s Box, takes us to a bizarre psychological behavior that involves the help of others or groups. In this area, we get to see how people react when a stranger is in a need of help during a distressed situation. Ask yourself the question what should I do?…
Amy Gumm, the main character of this series, and I have some connections and things that make us similar. Loyalty and being kind to people who deserve and need it are important things to both of us. Throughout the books, Amy has tried to be nice and caring towards many people. ““If Maude is a part of it, I promise, I’ll get her out”” (Paige, 338, Dorothy Must Die) and “I had made a promise to myself that I would help Ollie. Now I had a chance to make good on it” (Paige, 340, Dorothy Must Die) are both quotes that show this kindness.…
I think the two essays that are most critical for students to read is “This I Believe” by Jennifer in New York and “This I Believe” by Elizabeth in California. They both have the same title and are similar at the same time. “This I Believe” by Jennifer talks about how people should treat others the way they would want to be treated. This is very important in life. You should never treat someone worse than you would expect them to treat you.…
Ha went through being herself and then she became inside out because of…
Dialectical Journal 1 “She should just forget her. Who knows where she is? Who knows what they’ve done to her?” (Zusak. 96)…
The Civil War was a rebellion that took place from 1861-1865 and determined the rights of African-Americans in the U.S. Before this point, half of the country was for slavery, and half was not. We struck a battle to determine weather slavery was right or wrong. Although most know the answer is obviously that it is wrong, but back then people had to have not had a sense of a moral compass. The taking away of basic human rights is not only morally wrong, but unconstitutional. We need our rights because they protect our freedom, they protect our well-being, and they remind us that we fought through the hardships.…
Gender Norms Aren’t Norm Anymore! I came rushing up the stairs and yelling for Isabella to hurry up. I wasn’t going to be late again just because she didn’t want to get up. Three minutes later she came barreling down the stairs from her room, went straight to the coat rack near the front door, and threw on her black leather jacket. Just like every other day she was sporting a rock band t-shirt, black skinny jeans, and a pair of high top shoes.…
Danzy Senna’s Admission is a short story that involves racial and class dynamics, and follows the plight of Cassie, a black upper-middle class mother who struggles with her desire to have her son attend a highly coveted institution. The story begins with Cassie and her husband, Duncan, receiving an invitation for an interview at the Institute for Early Childhood Development, which throughout the story, is portrayed as elusive and glorified by many of the upper-class mothers around Cassie. While she had originally applied to the school for a tour in order to reap some inspiration for a play that she is writing, Cassie soon becomes charmed by the institution's acclaim. However, Duncan ridicules the notion of their son, Cody, attending the school,…
I found that “They Say” and “Her Point Is” are very good example for me to learn how to make sure that bring to light the opposite side of the argument to help the audience understand the response and make it clear for them. And I also notice that my summarizing skills are way off compared to the authors suggestions. He made it very clear on how to make sure to write a good summary of the original text. I have written in depth about the parts that I found important and I also cited from the author’s original text.…
Cassie’s inability to understand the treatment of blacks, and how the black people responded, is pushed even further as the day in Strawberry continues. As Cassie, T.J. and Stacey leave, she bumps into Lillian Jean Simms, a white girl around Cassie’s age, who demands an apology (113). When Mr. Simms comes, he pushes Cassie off of the sidewalk when she attempts to turn away (114). When Big Ma appears, Cassie is trying to get away from the Simms family. However, Mr. Simms demands an apology and Big Ma, reluctantly, tells Cassie to do as he says.…
Literary Analysis Essay Assignment Emma Zunz is a short piece authored by Jorge Luis Borges. The storyline incorporated in this article illustrates the journey of an eponymous female protagonist that sought out to avenge the death of her father. The central themes included in the story include the basis of right and wrong, revenge, as well as justice. Borges bases his account on issues of self-deception, deceit, and the enigma associated with understanding and interpreting reality. As she devises a secret plan that will allow her to avenge the father, she is forced to act against her principles.…