William Dos Santos Figueiredo Public Feed
Advanced Essay #4: William Figueriedo
From the very first time human beings were introduced into the world, a technique was widely used by everyone. When humans were using rocks and sticks to survive, this technique was extremely common. This technique was so advantageous, that many humans hundreds of years later couldn't part with it. Human beings became smarter and the technique became much more convenient with, shields, arrows, and other weapons. Many years goes by and technology, as well as the brains of human beings, has improved once more, however, so has this popular technique. This technique is now being used with guns, nukes, electronics and words. As the world evolves, so does the technique. It is one that causes terror, death, and hate. A technique that has followed us since the very beginning of our creation. Violence.
When we lived in caves, violence was essential to survival. Killing the enemy was the best way to assure that you and your future were safe. Feeding on the carcasses of violent beasts, who were taken down with violence was an important part of living. This strategy is used even today. Some might say that this violence was only there due to the time and the way of living, however, as we fast forward to the future, we can see it as that not being true. As humans began to create groups and become smarter, violence was still utilized, however, instead of it being used against beasts, we turned it against ourselves. We were violent towards one another over food, land, and mindsets. Today as technology grew once more, guns, drones, missiles and the Internet, are used as a violent calamity. Violence has always been the answer - whether it is right or wrong it does not matter.
Some might say that without violence we can rid the world of evil, however, what these people might not understand is that violence is essential for living life. The world is cruel and it's almost impossible to live without violence, especially when violence has evolved to become one with us. Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche stated, “I am by nature warlike, to attack is amongst my instinct.” Friedrich Nietzsche uses the word instinct to show that violence is similar to breathing air, walking and blinking our eyes when needed be. This shows that violence has evolved so much to the point that it is within all of us. What once was a simple technique used to get food, turned into a powerful strategy capable of wiping the planet. Friedrich Nietzsche also uses the word nature in this statement to show that it is only normal that we feel this way, further strengthening my statements as before.
As violence is part of us - it evolves along with us, completing us and driving us forward. The world has come to accept violence as a norm. When technology, like the ones we have today, came into being, a new evolution of violence was born. Violence once again evolved, as with this technology you can wipe out a whole country with a push of a button. In the book, “World Wide Warfare” by Marco Roscini, he states, “It is therefore hardly surprising that Cybersecurity has become a general concern of the international community.” We knew that Violence would evolve once again as technology progressed. When Marco Roscini says that it was hardly surprising that violence has now moved towards the technology, it shows you that we are all aware of violence and its path throughout our society. In the quote, Roscini also states that it's a concern of the international community meaning, violence has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon which no territory is excluded from it. Cyber security is something we have created to prevent such violent actions, however, it will never stop the violent attempts.
Violence keeps us alive. It tests our mindset as it it allows our intelligence to grow, however, as our intelligence grows, so does the violent methods our minds can come up with. The growth of our minds depends on the violence that surrounds us, and the evolution of violence depends on the growth of our mindset. These two entities live off of one another meaning, violence will thrive as long as our minds progress.Green, John. "War & Human Nature: Crash Course World History 204." YouTube. July 31, 2014. Accessed March 27, 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NIgqS47m5k.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NIgqS47m5k
Roscini, Marco. Http://www.mpil.de/files/pdf3/03_roscini_14.pdf.
http://www.mpil.de/files/pdf3/03_roscini_14.pdf
Interview: William Figueiredo
Advanced Essay #3: The Foundation of Nationalism
Introduction:
In this essay, my goal was to explain what comes along with nationalism, and how it relates to patriotism. While writting this essay, I was able to understand the world slightly better. Being in SLA allows me to interact with different people while giving me willingness to learn about others. These are experiences that many people might never experience outside of this school, city, or country. In a sense, I was brought back to the real world. Writing this reminder that the world, is not perfect.
Essay:
Throughout the world, people are separated into different categories, which impacts their lives completely, in a good or bad way. Possessing a classification is completely inevitable, especially when the whole world is built around classifications and division. There is a reason why people are divided in this world, and it's all because of something most of us, see no problem with. Nationalism.
When a nation comes into being, an invisible barrier appears at the border of this nation. Inside of this barrier, lies a certain kind of belief. Thought. State of mind. A mindset that all of those, inside of this barrier possess. This mindset isn't unique to this nation, as all of the other nations also possess the same kind of mindset. People in these barriers are connected to one another when it comes to their own nations. They feel pride, love, and hope, as their nations succeeding could mean their own success. When they accomplish any great dead for their nation, they feel patriotic. These people would give their lives to keep those inside of the barrier safe, and to keep the barrier from shattering. Political activist, Emma Goldman, who criticizes the mindset behind patriotism, states, ¨“When the child has reached manhood he is thoroughly saturated with the belief that he is chosen by the Lord himself to defend his country against the attack or invasion of any foreigner…” This quote perfectly touches upon the mindset of those in a nation. Inside of this barrier people will be shaped from young, to protect it from any other outsiders who are not from within the barrier. This mindset isn't something new either as it reaches as far back as ancient times when knights would protect their homeland from intruders. The moment you become part of a nation, being patriotic becomes something extremely important. Especially when trying to fit in. When everyone possesses the same mindset, the only way to fit in with everyone else is to possess the same mindset as well.
Nationalism plays a huge role when it comes to people's refusal of understanding other nations. These people are completely blind when faced with the truth. They believe in something completely imaginative. A concept, which restraints and shackles them to their own nations, preventing them from interacting with one another. Making learning and understanding each other much less probable. These are done through various ways as social media, education, books and many other things within a certain nation can cause a person to be this way. Especially if purposefully created to guide someone´s mindset, as we see today in North Korea and China.
These shackles and these barriers could be easily taken down as long if their ignorance and arrogance were to disappear. If they didn't allow themselves to become mindless sheep and followed their own thoughts, they wouldn't be like this. A quote from Benedict Anderson´s book, ¨Imagined Communities,¨ uncovers this, “It's an imagination because the members of even the smallest nations, will never know of their fellow members, meet them, or hear about them, yet in the minds of each lives the image of their communion” These people will never truly be capable of truly understand one another. They share the same mindset and choose not to go through the barriers of other nations to understand them as they are patriotic towards their own, even though, not a single one of these people know everyone in their own nation. “Indeed, conceit, arrogance, and egotism are the essentials of patriotism. “ This quote from Emma Goldman and her piece, ¨What is Nationalism¨, is perfect for this idea because it shows the reasons why many of these people, choose to not understand others. Even though patriotism can be seen as prideful, successful and helpful, in truth, patriotism is formed from arrogance, segregation, greed, and other evil ideas.
There is a reason we go to war. This idea of being better than others that nationalism brings, allows countries to become greedy, causing conflict with one another. Russia going after Ukraine, England and the many places it colonized many years ago, colonizers. The greed overshadows their emotions as even the cruelest of things, becomes something acceptable, just because they are doing it for your own nation. Emma Goldman declares ¨We Americans claim to be a peace-loving people. We hate bloodshed; we are opposed to violence. Yet we go into spasms of joy over the possibility of projecting dynamite bombs from flying machines upon helpless citizens.¨ This quote is a complete summary of how nationalism can turn people into beasts. Normal people who have never seen blood in their lives, from young to old, accept other citizens being killed for the sake of their greed. As long as nationalism exists, humans will never be able to come together and live in peace as Benedict Anderson states, ¨No nation, Imagines themselves, continuous with mankind.”
Bibliography:
Anderson, Bennedict. "Imagined Commmunities." Rebels library. N.p., n.d. Web. Jan. & feb. 2017.
"Emma Goldman: What Is Patriotism?" Emma Goldman: What Is Patriotism?N.p., 1908. Web. 19 Jan. 2017.Advanced Essay #2: My Real Language
INTRO
This essay allowed me to dive into a deeper part of writing. As I wrote this I had to challenge myself writing so that I could make my transition somewhat smoother and more understandable. Writing in English with a Portuguese mindset can be slightly difficult. My goal of this essay was to explain my experience trying to find my true language. I am proud to have properly finished this. I was hitting roadblock after roadblock, however, I was able to go around these roadblocks and continue on with the writing. This Essay has taught me that there are different ways to writing. I wish to learn ways to properly write more difficult things that are understandable.
ESSAY
There is no such thing as correct literacy. The correct literacy is the literacy that you are most comfortable with. This is something that I tell myself every time before I speak today, however, I wish I told myself this years ago. I remember sitting in the front of my class willing to learn every English word that I could. My mind was a black hole that devoured knowledge at every chance. One way that I would try to expand my knowledge of the English language, would be by comparing the sounds of the English words to the Portuguese words, and seeing if it sounded the same. Of course, this didn't always work, however, it provided huge support to my younger self in lust for knowledge and improvement.
Thankfully, my hard work not only improved my English, but it also allowed my little brain to keep up with my Portuguese as well. However, not everyone was fond of my way of learning and my way of speaking. As I would try to sound it out loud in class, the teacher would always lose her temper, “You are disrupting the class! Please speak English!” She would say with an annoyed look as she turned the question to someone else. I never understood how trying to learn was disrespectful, or why it was a bad thing. I was also powerless as I was just a student. In chapter two of Freire’s “Pedagogy of the oppressed”, he states, “The teacher disciplines and the students are disciplined” So many teachers let this get into their heads, which causes them to be ignorant to their student’s opinions as if they expect them to be stupid.
Maybe she felt threatened, that I went against her beliefs. She expected me to be like the other students in the classroom who answer questions like mindless zombies and were never willing to learn.
After diligently learning English, I was finally able to answer the questions without disrupting the class. As time went on, I spoke English full time and I began to neglect Portuguese as if it was something I no longer needed. The only other person who spoke Portuguese was my mother, however, she was always at work, therefore, I had no one to speak to in Portuguese adding salt to the wound. It almost felt like Portuguese was becoming my second language. All of my memories, dreams, and cultures, were quickly being dubbed to English like a foreign movie trying to appeal to the American audience.
That summer I visited my family members back in Brazil. Something strange happened. One of my cousins said something that I just couldn't understand. “Pivete” What is that? I asked myself. I felt lost and alienated as I was unable to understand what they were saying. The word, “Pivete” threw me off completely making me completely unable to understand anything else. In the book, How To Tame a Wild Tongue by Gloria Anzaldua, at page 54 she says, “The first time I hear two Puerto Rican women and a Cuban say the word, “Nosotras” I was shocked. I did not know the word existed.” This relates perfectly to me. Neglecting Portuguese Caused me to completely forget the basics. It felt like I was pulling my own roots from the ground.
I was so focused on learning English that I forgot about my own language. Or was it my language? As I tried to continue speaking to my cousins, like deja vu something happened. My heart raced, “Did I just said an English word while speaking Portuguese?” I began to sweat profusely. My biggest fear was being labeled an “Americano” or a “Gringo.” I was ashamed. I was so angry that I allowed myself to stray from my roots and focus on something else. Was this my own fault? This quote from How to Tame a Wild Tongue by Gloria Anzaldua at page 56 perfectly answered my endless questions, “What recourse is left to them but to create their own language?” It wasn't my fault.
My language wasn't the same language that all of these people were speaking. Neither it was the language that my teacher spoke. It was the language I was comfortable with. The language I created. After a while, I began to care less and I began to embrace my new language. I was no longer looking for the language that fitted me best, I had it within me all along. Gloria Anzaldua perfectly touches upon this at page 54 oh How to Tame a Wild Tongue, “My home “tongue” are the languages I speak with my sister and brothers, and friends.” The shame was no longer there and my language became the one I understood and felt comfortable with them most. The language my friends and family are used to. My own language.
Advanced Essay #1 William Figueiredo
This essay was written as a way of getting many things off of my chest. Especially a very important memory that I hold deep in my heart. writing this essay was extremely relieving as it allowed me to remember something I haven’t thought of in a long time. I am proud to share this memory and writing as I am extremely afraid of sharing these types of things. I do need to work on my description of things, as well as adding more life into my writing.
“My leg hurts…” I cried to myself as I sat on my bed in a medical room. The room was extremely clean, with glossy white walls and floor, as well as white everything. The only things keeping the room from being completely white was the small decorations of random Brazilian cartoon characters that littered the room. I was in pain. The slightest movement I made caused my body to feel like millions of needles covered in alcohol were slowly piercing through my body. I had suffered an infection in the thigh bone of my left leg and would be having a surgery soon. A serious surgery. Surgeries scared me. I’ve heard stories from cousins that had experienced it before, and they were not pleasant. I was tired. My body felt weak, fragile and vulnerable as if a rogue gust of wind would blow me off my bed and slam me against the wall. I have been in this hospital for about two weeks now and I just want to go home and play with cousins.
Other than me, there was also another boy that occupied the same room. I never knew his name, or rather I never bothered to ask. I just knew that he was also going to be treated for something serious. Just like me. The boy was the same age as me. Eight. His skin color was lighter and his hair was shorter. His eyes showed signs of happiness even though he had been there longer than me. He slept a lot. He would always be taken away from the medical room and brought back. He was always tired. “Can I play with your toys?” He would ask me every time, and being the selfish brat I was, I would always reject it. Living in a house with over eight cousins, and having everything I shared with them go missing, I couldn’t trust anyone. He was always lonely. His family never came to visit, and despite that there was always happiness and hope in his eyes. He had made many attempts at talking to me, and even though sometimes I talked back, I never considered him my friend. Even though I was extremely bored with my toys, deep inside, that boredom was quickly taken away by his presence every time.
One evening, both me and the boy had to leave the medical room. I was being taken away because I had to go through surgery, however, I didn’t know what the reason behind his departure was. I was injected with something which caused me to black out and sleep. After going through the process of surgery I was taken back to my white room. I was the first to be taken back, therefore, I began to play with my toys with an uninterested look on my face, almost looking like I was forcing myself to play with it. In all truth, I was. I was waiting for the boy to return and tell me about his day or how much he wished to explore the world. I received Silence. Hours went by and nothing. The boy never returned. The nurse never told me what happened to him either as she would always tell me to rest. At this moment I looked at my toys with hatred. I was alone. I had realized that without the presence of the boy, the toys were useless. The white room was quiet. From inside I could hear the steps of every nurse in the hall echo through the world. I could hear the engine of every car going by the hospital. But sadly I couldn’t hear the boy.
Reflecting on this today, allows me to understand how mistaken I was. A friend with such a pure heart and honest mind like so should be treasured. They are extremely difficult to come by. I was ignorant to not allow someone like him experience better days than staying in that hospital watching some other kid playing with his toy. Although I am still the same cautious person I was back then, I am more aware of my surroundings and of those who are honest and deserving of my friendship. Inanimate objects can only get you so far, as far as happiness goes. However, a true friendship can last a lifetime. I will often wonder where the boy is or if he is even alive. But my life moves on. As he slowly leaves my mind.
Mambo
ILP
Las Civilizaciones Antiguas: Los Mayans (Inés shareef - tredeau, Mario Nabred, Guillermo Figueiredo, Alejandro Torres, jorge Weinberger, Jose Bah)
Las Photos: Guillermo Figueiredo
Photo I
¨Gracias Dios!!¨ Celebró Paco. El esta finalmente en el Estados Unidos y no puede acreditar que es real. En el mes pasado, paco vivió en Guatemala y ahora estás en el país que siempre busca a ir. El país de la libertad y la gloria. Paco finalmente vas viver en el país que te encanta. El Estados Unidos.
La familia de Paco viven en Philadelphia, la ciudad que Paco decidió a visitar para vivir con su familia. Más Tiene un problema. La familia de Paco que viví en Philadelphia no saben que Paco está en Philadelphia. Más Paco no está con miedo, ahora Paco quien vive en el momento.
Photo II
Hoy es miércoles y Jorge no tiene un trabajo. La semana pasada el chefé de Jorge despidió Jorge de su trabajo y ahora es muy dificil para jorge encontrar un trabajo nuevo. Es dificil porque Jorge es un Inmigrante y es siempre dificil para un inmigrante encontrar trabajo. El es de La República Dominicana pero vivé en el Estados Unidos.
Jorge es muy inteligente y trabaja muy duro. Solo no sabes porque su chefé despidió tú de su trabajo. Jorge busca trabajo en el periódico todo los dias. Jorge está contento que un dia va a trabajar de novo
Photo III
Guillermo asta solo. El no tiene familia y amigos porque él no vive en la ciudad que su familia y amigos viven. Guillermo vive en Nueva York, pero su familia viven en Barcelona, España. Guillermo es de Barcelona pero vive en Nueva York. Tiene dieciocho años y es muy inteligente.
Guillermo es alto, guapo y muy bien con las chicas. Pero no quiere un relacionamento. Guillermo trabajó duro para vine a Nueva York, y no quieres que chicas y fiesta distraer tu de tener éxito. Guillermo gosta de ser solo, y siempre vas ser solo.
Photo IV
Lucas y José son mejores amigos. Ellos son amigos a diez años y hacen todo juntos. Lucas es alto y Jose eres un poco bajo. Los dos son deportistas, Jose practica Basketball y Lucas Practica Futbol. En el año passado José dijo a Lucas que su sueño es nadar en el río Schuylkill.
Hoy es el compliaños de Jose y Lucas Trajo José para el rio Schuylkill, para nadar. Jose no creo que Lucas está diciendo la verdad porque isto es su sueño.
Lucas y Jose estan puerto de el río y José está estático. El siempre quis nadar en este río magnífico. Este río es grande y muy frío. Jose ama este tipo de rio.
Photo V
Luiz está con muy miedo. ayer tu padre llamado Diego fue para su colegio recibir el boletín de Luiz. Las notas que Luiz gaño no fueran muy bueno, y Luiz sabes porque. El nunca estudia para las prueba y nunca hace su tarea. Luiz entró en su casa y su padre sentarse en una silla esperando Luiz.
¨Hola papá!¨ Dijo Luiz con muy miedo. Su padre no respondió, pero continuo a sentarse en la silla mirando Luiz. Luiz comenzó a sudar, porque tu sabes que vas suceder. El va a aprender hoy a estudar para su prueba todo los dias.
William Figueiredo/ILP
Spain: Figueiredo, Anderson, Linder and Lazorko Spanish Benchmark. ¿Qué hiciste en el verano?
Quincenera William, Yagang, tatiana, malachi
Equipo no Sé(William, Mackenzie, Quran)
Equip No Sé
SLA tenemos muchas classes. Tenemos classe de engeñaria, ingles, español, arte, bio-chimica, tecnologia, historia y matematicas. En todas las classes usamos una computadora para trabajo, en la classe y tarea. SLA es fascinante.
Hola! Bienvenidos a SLA, esta escuela esta en Philadelphia Pennsylvania . Esta escuela es muy interesante, y muy amigable. Nos queremos. Todas personas en SLA son simpáticos, y son muy trabajadores. La manera que nos trabajamos es muy diferente, Y ahora enbarque en la aventura de SLA.
Mi opinión en Science Leadership Academy es ¡que chévere!. Nos encanta la profesoras. Ellos son trabajadores y son bastante chéveres. Nos encanta el director Senior Lehmann, El es muy cómico y hacer escuela divertida. Lo que más nos gusta de SLA es una hora y quince minutos de almuerzo. Este es muy bien! Science Leadership Academy es muy divertido, súper sociable, y tremendamente inteligente. Para más información, visite nuestro sitio web en www.scienceleadership.org!!
El profesores en SLA enseñan muy bien. Las responsabilidades en la clases son, prestar atención, tomar apuntes, trabajar duro, ser punctual, y es muy importante para y tu hacer toda la tarea. Algunas clases un poco estresante, mas no eres imposible. Es necesario tener un lápiz, una hoja de papel, y una computadora en todo la clases. En la Clase de matemática necesitamos una calculadora, un lápiz y papel, porque son bastante escritorios. Los profesores de SLA son exigente, broma y Ell@s son qué chévere,somos una familia. Nosotros encantamos los profesores en SLA.