Genocide Convention
This our website on the Genocide Convention in 1948 and the Holocaust.
Cyndi
Lynn Sheridan English
– E
January
5, 2011
A Trip of Language Chaos
“May I have a soda please?”
“Excuse me? What would you like?”
“A soda please.”
(The
cashier just gazed at me with a blank stare.)
I
tried to organize my thoughts before I was embarrassed even further. I felt my
cheeks turning red as if my face was burning up. Then, I thought to myself and
realized that maybe the residents of Pittsburgh pronounced or had different
words for certain products as compared to how residents of Philadelphia may
call them. I just arrived here no more than two days ago for just a simple
doctor’s appointment, and I’ve have already been faced with an obstacle
involving language. Despite the fact that I was thirteen, I still had trouble
grasping languages from around the world. With one more hopeful try, I asked
once more but with similar words in which I was trying to portray the first
time.
“May I have something to drink?”
“Oh yes, what would you like? We have ‘pop’ if that’s
okay.”
Without
causing more confusion, I just agreed with what the cashier said. She handed me
a bottle of Coca Cola soda bottle. Exactly what I was asking for from the
beginning.
“Is that all?” she asked.
“Yes, thank you.”
Walking
towards the car, I hilariously shared my experience with my parents. At first,
they giggled a little but then just stared at me wondering why things were so
different between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh even though they are located in
the same state. After explaining what just happened to me, they burst into obnoxious
laughter. They tempted to make an effort and describe how certain things
conflict with language, environment being one of them. For example, since I was
raised in the South Philadelphia region my accent is different then most because
I pronounce water by saying “wudder”. Their words of wisdom reminded me of an
essay I read in which my view on language was effected.
In
the essay How to Tame a Wild Tongue by
Gloria Anzaldía, the main character creates a language to suit her identity as
well as the environment she lives in. The girl is experiencing difficulty
deciding between speaking one language; therefore she develops a language that
correlates between her personality and her opinions. Although I only speak English,
sometimes I do the same exact thing depending on where I am. Also, my beliefs
on language are quite similar to the author when she states, “ A language,
which they can connect their identity to, one capable of communicating the
realities and values are true to themselves.”
This shows that a language is spoken and used to
appeal one’s characteristics as well as to portray the aspect of a person’s
life. Identity clarifies the inner beauty of someone by many actions, language
being one of them. This is relevant to me because when I socialize with my
friends I usually say things that express how I feel and what I am all about.
On occasions, I speak to authority figures with proper vocabulary and a
respectful tone in order to show my appreciation, but it still shows who I am
despite the community I am involved with.
After
several experiences of being in the state of embarrassment on either the words
I used for something or how I pronounced something, I’ve came to realize that
there are always struggles you are bound to face throughout life but you have
to approach them differently. This means that everyone is unique in their own type
of way especially when relating to language, so you just have to keep your head
held high and overcome this obstacle without being self-conscientious about
yourself. I’ve gained a large amount of knowledge by experiencing faults with
my language, but now I have a clear understanding on how to connect with people
from different backgrounds. Acceptance is a main goal that you must be
able to accomplish in order to actively engage within a community because then
a positive attitude is being conveyed. Also, it allows people to use their
language in whichever form they feel comfortable with. Clearly, language
reflects upon strength, dignity, power, and beliefs because it either builds or
breaks you through your identity.
This is my letter to Senator Scott Brown (R-MA). He is against the DREAM Act because he feels as if it is a "backdoor amnesty." With my letter I am hoping to convince him to vote for the DREAM Act. Though many students and people have tried to convince him and fail, giving up is not an option.
Dear
Senator Brown,
My
name is Caroline AbdulBaki and I am a senior at Science Leadership Academy.
This year, applying to colleges is an incredibly huge part of my life and
filing for financial aid. While fighting to accomplish this overwhelming
process, I tend to ask my friends to see the kinds of steps they are
taking. All or most of them would say their process is complicated, easy, and
or done, but not all of them mean it. Some of my friends would not be applying
to colleges or for financial aid because they are illegal immigrants. They know
that financial aid will not be given at any cost, and in some situations, they
are declined from going to any college.
The
DREAM Act gives these hard working students an opportunity to be leveled as an
incredible student. These students that you are now depriving from college have
been attending your school districts since Pre-school. They should not be
punished for a mistake their parents committed and the child takes all the
sufferings. . These children may not be American on paper, but they are at
heart. I understand the pros and cons of the DREAM Act, however “the children
are our future” should be a huge reason why you should vote for the DREAM Act.
These children work hard to receive an education and achieve in life in order
to help make OUR country a better place to live. It is important for those who
help represent the country their entire lives to be given a chance. They
work hard to accomplish DREAMS they have had for a long time but not to be
crushed by a system that limits their education. If you are not a favor of the
wordingm try to change it, make it reasonable but I ask you to not take this
opportunity away from these earning children.
Take
a minute and put yourself in their shoes. Put your children in their shoes
imagine if they were to suffer from a mistake that you had made in your past.
It is a frustrating proccess that any parent or child would be willing to
fight. We want to legalizing immigrants and why not help those who
deserve it. Take a second Mr. Brown and truly think about these children by
helping to make the right choice for these children.
Sincerely,
Caroline
AbdulBaki
I am the analytical epitome of proximity
the exemplary identity of a leader
trapped behind a glorious mask
I throw ash in the faces of those in the traces
trying to reveal the veil that entrances
these simple minded people and I to equals
trying to make sense of the world
now thou say all is forgotten
funny how we reminisce on time while they plotting
creating scenes of the future stemming from our dreams
turning the desirable fate into clear reality
crisp as the wrinkles that river your uniform pants
I keep the haters on their feet,
while I move to the task like ants
that's why their faces dance
like a million of me in their pants and
I bet they wish it was them instead of me on the thrown
I like the sweet taste of victory, so I take it home
where I reside back to this contraption and desolate transaction
pressing keys along this board to express my letters
form meaning into art and poetry all together
combine us like a mixed breed
I'm calling to the Seed
and I try to conquer all of the negative energy
transform it into my inner chi
I would love to see you try to defeat the optimism
for I balance yin and yang so you will see no change
when the mask of the peoples try to phase me
I let it roll of my back and suffix your self esteem
I am the prefix that can changes your being
within all of the drama I am the hierarchy you are seeing
you should try to make sense of the puzzle pieces you are missing…