Tis the Season; Tis the Reason

Holiday season is the most exciting time of the year because most of the time, we get beautiful snow and go to many many stores trying to get our friends and relatives gifts to show how loving and caring you are towards them, and show them that you also think about them. But unfortunately, it is sad that some people focus on the materialistic side of it, instead of spending time reflecting on the meaningful part of Christmas.

I guess it's evident to say that for me, I look at Christmas in a religious perspective. I reflect on the fact that God sent his only child, Jesus-Christ, to die on the cross for us and wash our sins away. If he did not, we would have been the ones suffering beatings and finally, crucified on the cross. Yes, it is part of the tradition to exchange gifts between friends and family who are dear to your heart, but people should focus more on the outstanding reason of holiday season. 

A Christmas Wreath and A Crown of Thorns 

Journalistic Ethics

In class, we learned about Journalism ethics, and lies that have been published in journals by individuals in well known newspapers such as New York Times, Boston Times, etc. that I have cost them to lose their jobs. We focused on Stephen Glass, this individual is known as a disgrace in Journalism, due to the fact that half of his published articles were fabrications. Then a few years later, he made a  public apology for his wrong actions. In my opinion, I believe there should be a consequence for people who make up lies out of their careers that way because, it is not fair for people who work too hard to get where they want to be. An apology is not enough as well, there should be a fine for each false publication that the "Journalist" published. In addition, we learned that Stephen Glass's fake career was turned into a movie, demonstrating what he did throughout his whole career. I strongly believe, that anyone who is fake that way and gets a movie after what they have done, should not benefit any profit from the book or movie because it will encourage more people to do this, in a sense that people will start thinking if they spend half of their life becoming liars then get richer by getting actors portraying their stories.

“TV NEWS”

By John Kitching

TV News: Poetry Express (PG.42)

The poem “TV News” is written by a poet named John Kitching. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a biography of this poet, but I enjoyed reading this little poem. This poem speaks about a young child at the age of twelve years old watching the news with his father, and sees that they are talking about the deaths of soldiers. He did not understand why his father was honored by these deaths. He was too young to understand.

I sat and ate my tea

And watched them die

And knew at twelve

That brave men died

On either side.

These lines were creating imagery for the reader because the twelve year old child ,was eating his breakfast, as he was watching the news, he saw soldiers dying on television whom he referred to as brave men. Of course his reaction like any child that young, is that he did not understand what was happening, he found it odd that his father had pride for these dead people he saw on television. 

At twelve I cried - and cried,

And couldn’t understand

My father’s beaming pride.

This reference caught my attention because, it is showing the innocence of  this child and it is sad that he does not quite understand why his father was proud of these deaths. He also does not understand those soldiers self worth, because of the way they died. I like the use of imagery in this poem because, you can easily picture the child sitting in front of the television with his father and witness everything that is occurring.

The Right To Vote

If we are old enough to put our lives in danger sitting behind a steering wheel, and make our own money as well as working with it, we should be old enough to vote. I find it very absurd how we have to wait until we are 18 years old to vote, because we at the age of 16 years old, most of us mature and we are able to make decisions on our own. Canada should lower the voting to the age of 16 years old, we also have Student Elections that occur in our schools, why should we not participate in the "real" elections, instead wasting our time doing a vote that will not be considered. In short, yes Canada should lower the age to 16 years old.

Your Adaptable Mind - Response

After viewing the short video Mr.Macpherson presented to us "The Adaptable Mind", I figured I had a couple of the traits they mentioned that a person should have in order to be successful. I am curious. I am eager to know anything interesting, especially what happens around the world because, I learn from it for example the issues going on in my country of origin, The Democratic Republic of the Congo. I have initiative on a daily basis. I am motivated by school because it's a place that will help me get better if I fail at doing something. It will motivate me to do better the next time in order to have a better grade. My parents motivate me because even though they built a great home for us and drive around with nice cars, they want us to have the initiative to do better than they did so that we can provide a better life for our children one day. I will continue to carry those traits along the way to be a successful person.

"Education is the Key?"

After viewing Darryll Suliman Amoako's spoken word performance "Why I Hate School But
Love Education" in class recently, we were left with this question to answer, "Education   is the Key?"I believe that education is the key to success in someone's life. It may be hard to believe because, there are many celebrities and many successful people that we know in this world  that have not been to school for most of their lives. In the video, Darryll gave examples like Michael Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Jobs, etc. Those people have not been to school to get their degrees like some other people have, but somehow they still got something out of their lives. I guess that depends on someone's luck to be honest, because if I ever dropped out of school like they did, I don't know where my life would be later in the future. From where I come from, I have been taught that education is the key to success no matter what. School is the place you need to be in order to gain that education, if you don't have it will be hard for you to find your way out.

Writer's Craft Intentions

My intentions for this course is, to develop a better understanding of my future career which is Broadcasting in Journalism. I am looking forward to learn everything I will be needing to help me with this career, and most importantly to create an outstanding portfolio that I will be submitting to the post secondary schools I'll be applying to very soon. I am excited for this course as well because, it's preparing me for University and what I will be expecting there, based on the introduction of this course the first day of school.
In the future, writing will be a part of my everyday life considering the fact that my career revolves around it and taking this class will help me improve grammar, sentence structure, etc. Mostly, everything that will make me a better writer, I believe my teacher will provide me the greatest learning experience by teaching me, as well as helping me improve these skills and prepare me for what's ahead of me, University.