Essay 4 Workshop

Barbara Hough-Sisson

Lauren Servais

English 100

December 8, 2010          

                                          

    The Meaning of Filial Piety

Before I started reading, “All I Asking For Is My Body,” I had no idea how a novel with a title like this could be a classic.  I learned the answer very quickly and also what two very important words meant to the Japanese-Hawaiian families,” filial piety.” This is not a common American phrase, and some of us had never heard it, but it conveys a widespread statement. Through my research, filial piety is discussed in terms of six major categories: respect for the parents, filial responsibility, to be in agreement with the family, repayment of parent’s debts, affection to the parent, and sacrifice for the parent.

 A comment for an assignment was sent to me, and I started thinking about the differences there are in people being filial.  In “All I Asking For Is My Body,” the grandfather wasn’t burdened with debt, but he quit school to take care of the family farm, and he created the debt to be placed on his children and grandchildren.  When I was living in my parent’s home, filial piety would have meant be the perfect child, respectful, stay out of trouble.  In different circumstances filial piety is obviously different.

The origin of the Oyama family provides a historical and cultural explanation of the unlimited power of filial piety. Toshio and Kiyoshi are Nisei, native born citizens of the United States and the parents are Japanese immigrants.  Conventional Japanese values consist of unconditional filial piety.  Traditional filial piety means loyalty and obedience.  The children owe their parents throughout their lives,  and it is the moral obligation to respect and care for their parents; filial duty must hold a major role in their moral values.  With changing generations, the battle between old country values and modern America can cause difficulties within the family, among  siblings and inter-generational tension. How much loyalty do the children owe their parents, and how long?

The highest virtue is respecting one’s parents. Respecting means bringing no disgrace to the parents or family.  Children treat their parents with courtesy, care for them and treat them with deep respect.  Looking back at my life in the early 70’s, I stayed out of trouble and respected my parents because I wanted to and was afraid to do otherwise.  I did not want to disappoint my family and I tried to be the perfect child. I was burdened by this, and if I made a mistake, I felt I failed my family.  My father is still alive and to this day the thought of disappointing him devastates me.  As for my two older brothers, that was another story.   I remember it did not matter to them if they brought dishonor or disrespect to the family.  They were headstrong, and the growing differences between the boys and my parents caused the same tension in our home as Toshio’s.  My brothers lived their life as they wished and were in control of their body. “For Japanese, the supreme source of guilt is the sense that they have hurt someone else by failing to behave as that person expected.” (Christopher, The Japanese Mind, p. 71).  I thought it was interesting in the story that filial piety is a traditional value for the boys and not the girls.

Toshio felt he was in prison and wanted to escape but continued on with his responsibilities that were expected of him.  In a traditional Japanese way, an expression of filial responsibility is the boys would refrain from distant travels because they owed the family. 

Children’s love and affection towards their parents is another conventional Japanese value. Toshio wanted to be filial but struggled with the traditional family values daily.  He confronted his parents with angry words and continually cursed them for abusing his body throughout his young life.  On the other hand, Kiyoshi agreed with filial piety.  He remained thoughtful and submissive towards his parents but was the son that pursued a future in the outside world.  As I see it, love and affection towards each other, child to parent, parent to child is a two way street.  Love and affection should be a natural instinct, but if the child does not feel this from the parent, how is it possible for them to reciprocate?

Children were to be in agreement with their parents.  When pointing out and correcting their parents’ mistakes, this would be done in a courteous way,  as it should be.  Filial piety consists of total and unconditional obedience.  The idea of rebellion, which we consider a “normal” phase of teenage years, is the direct opposite of filial piety, and was not acceptable. 

It was Toshio and Kiyoshi’s obligation to pay off their parent’s $6000.00 debt, and they felt confined to the family and plantation in order to do this.  Filial piety was about compromise and the reasons behind it.  Only when the principle of filial piety is communally accepted, can the idea of loyalty be viable and be regarded today as a virtue.  In the past, the idea of filial piety was a one way relationship, the child being dutiful to their parents. Filial piety today is about people treating each other with love and respect no matter what the pecking order.

The last Japanese value is sacrifice to the parents.  Our parents gave us life, cared for us and they do deserve our respect, but I cannot imagine expecting my children to sacrifice themselves to pay of my debts because of family tradition and values.  Toshio and Kiyoshi sacrificed their bodies, and souls as young men for their families, but were able to overcome and change tradition for themselves.

In conclusion, the traditional filial piety states that repayment from the children to the parent is never complete.  The parent gave child life, and the children will always be indebted to them.  Filial piety was not a skill in keeping the family, but rather a moral goodness in repaying gratitude to one’s parents, regardless of whether the family ends up happy or not. Through generations traditions have changed, children are able to make decisions for their own life and bodies.   In, “All I Asking for Is My Body,” filial piety seemed distorted and emphasized wrong values.  Kiyoshi was able to free himself from, “this prison of filial piety” (p. 102).  This really surprised me; I thought it would be Toshio who made the move first.  Even though I didn’t know what filial piety meant before I started this essay, I always had a dutiful spirit towards my parents because that was the right thing to do.

All I Asking For Is My Body, Part III, Dialogue

All I Asking For Is My Body, Part III, Dialogue

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE TITLE?

I think the title means that Toshio and Kiyoshi felt they were not in control of their destiny.  Their bodies were to be used as their parents wished because of filial piety. Toshio felt more inner turmoil and anger than his brother, but they both struggled with family responsibility versus what they wanted for their life.

Toshio and Kiyoshi’s parents told them many times that it was their duty to work hard and pay off family debts. It was their responsibility even though it meant they were used as child labor with little pay.  The children were slaves to their families, and the plantation, which was cruel and ugly.  This was a constant weight on Toshio and Kiyoshi’s shoulders because they were not able to make decisions and do what they thought best for their mind and bodies.  They wanted to have control of their life; they wanted to be able to make decisions on how their bodies would be used. The title, “All I Asking for Is my Body” was spoke many times in the book and I felt this was used to tell us that Toshio most of all, felt suffocated  because of traditional Japanese filial piety.

All I Asking For Is My Body, Part II, Dialogue

All I Asking For Is My Body, Part II, Dialogue

What is the importance of the body in the book? 

I think the importance of the body in the book is Tosh and Kyoshi, the two older sons felt they had no control over their life which meant their body.  They had to be good obedient boys and obey their parents or this showed disrespect. They were unable to make decisions for their own life and were not able to pursue their dreams.  They had to give up their bodies as their bodies belonged to the family.

Their parents were in financial disaster and because of their culture the boys were obligated to work and turn their money over to the family.  They were sacrificing themselves and their body to hard work because of family obligations, traditions and culture.  Their mom worried herself sick due to the financial burden, not taking care of her body which told us she to, gave up her body.   The boys have to work so hard their body was exhausted as their mother’s.  The number one boy was expected to quit school and work in the cane fields to help the financial burden of the family.  This was the way of life for his great grandfather, grandfather and father also. 

Writing Topic Summary Rules for Writers Chapter 32 Commas

Writing Topic: Chapter 32 The Comma

I have always struggled with the correct placement of commas.  I read the chapter three times about commas in “Rules for Writers” and was more confused than ever.  I did some research and found information that I comprehended easier.  Please accept this writing as my writing topic information.

The comma helps the reader understand sentences.  If a comma is not used, or used incorrectly it is possible that the sentence will be confusing or not clear.

There are a few tall tales that go along with the use of commas.  Long sentences always need a comma not true.  Whenever the writer is reading a sentence and there is a pause a comma should be used, not true.  Mystery is the name of the game with commas. (This is true in my eyes, but getting clearer.) This is really not true if commas are put in logical places the sentence becomes clearer. An introductory word or phrase cannot stand alone it must be set off by a comma.  FANBOYS is an acronym for coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. This is an easy way to remember these conjunctions.  Commas should always be used before FANBOYS that join two independent clauses.  If there are not two subjects, two verbs, or two complete thoughts a comma is not needed. There are fake FANBOYS also called conjunctive adverbs i.e. however, therefore, moreover and some other words.  A semicolon would be used after the first complete thought if it was not two independent clauses, or if the sentence could be broken down into two complete sentences a period would be used.   If writing a list commas should always be used to separate the items. If there is two or more words that describe in a sentence separate with a comma. If a reader can take out a section of a sentence and it still makes clear sense commas should be used around the part that could be left out.

This was very helpful to me.  I am really trying to remember what FANBOYS stands for. For, And, Nor, But, OR, Yet, So.

http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/commas.html

All I Asking For Is My Body, Part I, Dialogue

All I asking For Is My Body, Part I, Dialogue

Question B.

Who is Makot?  Makot is a young man from a Japanese family that everyone thought funny things about.  He is an outcast trying to buy friendship from younger kids.  He is the “general” of the kids.  He is taking younger boys in directions they should not go with their peers, their young ages and their setting.  He is taking them away from their morals and values, teaching them to defy their parents.

Do I feel sorry for him?  Easy answer, yes I do.  He feels that he is an outcast amongst his age and he makes up for this loss by directing younger kids in directions they should not go.  It makes him feel that he is in control of something because his immediate family is out of control. He is embarrassed because of who his family is.  His father is the pimp and his mother the prostitute in a Filipino Camp with mostly bachelors living there.  What a sad life for a boy.

What are my thoughts about him and the way he copes with his parent’s. He is a very lonely boy with no respect for his parents or the boys he calls his friends.  Makot was embarrassed about his family.  His parents are gone most of the time and there is no real home life. Even though he has money because of his parent’s way of life it does not make up for his lack of family and love.

Extra Credit-Writing About Film

Extra Credit: Writing About Film

Taking notes and writing about novels or stories is different from writing about films.  Novels have one author films have many people and elements that determine the final product. A person has to be engaged in the movie, thinking and summarizing as the movie progresses in order to write about a movie. The two most complex elements to movies is directing and editing. The elements that go into film making today are much more involved than the 1900’s.  It can be hard to write about a film because we can get caught up in the entertainment of the film instead of the work that goes into it. 

When we write about a film it is the invisible aspects we should also see.  We might not see the camera work, editing, lighting, sound and understand the different parts seen in a movie which create the whole, but they are important.  To write a good essay about a film analyze in parts which is called formal analysis.  Do the elements function separately or together?   Each scene or shot needs to be understood. Learn about film terms.  Research the film, find out who made it, what other films did they make, what is the production history, what do others have to say about it, what can be learned from the films style or does the film reflect a culture?    

I definitely learned more about “Smoke Signals” through research before I watched the movie and wrote my essay. I found out about the production history and the culture of the film which was very interesting. I did take notes while watching the movie but it was hard because I kept getting caught up in the story and the emotions in the movie instead of thinking about taking notes.  I had to go back and watch it a couple more times.

Essay 3 workshop

Barbara Hough-Sisson

Lauren Servais

English 100

11-3-2010

                                                  “Forgiveness Liberates the Soul”

Forgiveness can free people from anger, hate or rage.  The importance of forgiveness is summed up in a quote by Nelson Mandela, “Forgiveness liberates the soul.  It removes fear.”  Forgiveness is a powerful weapon in the movie, “Smoke Signals”.

In the movie Victor needed to forgive his dad and let go of past hurts or his anger was going to consume him.   Although Victor had no control over his father’s disappearance, growing up without his dad had a negative emotional hold on him. Victor needed peace and happiness in his life and true peace for him would come from a sense of security and forgiveness.   Dr. Tom G. Stevens writes, “Remember that anger stems from fear and a sense of helplessness…”.  Victor was unable to admit that he was struggling with his emotions or feeling hurt or fear by his dad’s actions because that might show a sign of weakness, but in reality he felt both and showed this by being aggressive and disrespectful. By Victor keeping grudges bottled up he was hurting people in ways that he did not know or understand. Thomas knew the betrayal Victor felt by his father and stood by his side nonetheless, keeping his father’s memories alive through his stories.

  Without even knowing, Victor’s dad delivered pain by breaking three hearts, his own, his wife, and Victor’s through his aggression and abuse.  This pain was seen and felt by Victor and his mother who were witnessing it every day.  Was Victor’s dad asking for forgiveness and the only way he knew how to do this was by making a change?  Was he protecting his family from himself by leaving?  Arnold was not able to cope with his pain from the fire turning to alcohol and he destroyed the relationship with his family.  His inner turmoil terrified him and he feared for his family, and left.  This is a love not many men are capable of, but he did this to protect his family.

Even though Victor coped with a lot of deep-rooted anger throughout the movie he did learn how much his father loved him. Arnold’s friend, Suzy Song brought this to light through the stories she told Victor about his dad and Victor was able to mourn him.  While Victor was at his dad’s trailer he found a picture in his wallet of the three of them, mom, dad and Victor and on the back was wrote family, this told the story, his dad loved them. There is no way that a man would carry a picture in his wallet for so many years if the picture was not important. This brought Victor closer to hope and life.  Once the ashes were retrieved Victor wanted nothing to do with them until they were heading home.  He said to Thomas, “Let me hold onto my dad.”  This was a turning point for Victor in healing old wounds.   

This movie was built on a special friendship between Victor and Thomas which was difficult at times.  There had been a brother like bond from the time they were saved from the fire even though Victor was disrespectful to him throughout their young lives.   Thomas believed in people, Victor trusted no one.  Thomas felt that through his stories of the goodness about Victor’s father he kept him real in Victor’s eyes.  As in the movie, sometimes we all need help. Victor’s mother made a reference to Victor that maybe he should depend on Thomas for help, he needed financial and more important, moral support for the journey. Thomas was a rock that Victor could depend on.  

Forgiveness does not come easy, but while the two young men were on their journey life’s meaning and possibilities are discovered through their adventures. Life is not always fair but the miracle of forgiveness cleanses the soul.  By Victor making a liberating shift at the end of the movie he cleansed his soul by forgiving his dad.  

 In conclusion, a massive reform had taken place in Victor.  Victor chose to seek freedom and forgive with the help of his friend, Thomas, his mother and his father’s friend, Suzy. He was not chained anymore to his past.  He came to a crossroads in his life and was able to forgive and free himself as he was putting his father’s ashes into the river at Spokane Falls Bridge, and he fell to his knees and cried out forgiveness to his father.  Everyday people and situations deliver us with pain, sometimes knowing and sometimes not, but we need to rise above, be strong and forgive as Victor did.  Smoke Signals portrays that anger, alcoholism and hurt cannot defeat love.

"This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona" Dialogue

Dialogue for “This is what it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona” Week 12

Question B-What’s one difference between this reading and the movie version?  How does the change affect the story, change the meaning and/or alter our perspectives of the characters?

I thought a big difference between the movie and the reading was how Thomas and Victor traveled from Coeurdalene, Idaho to Phoenix, Arizona.  Their travels in the movie included hitching a ride with friends, riding the bus and finally walking into Phoenix, Arizona.  In the writing Victor and Thomas boarded a plane, and rode in a taxi to the trailer. I thought the movie version was more heartfelt, emotional and personal than the writing.

Victor did not seem as angry or upset in the reading as he did in the movie. This could just be me I am a very visual person. Watching the movie would give me better perspective and understanding of the story.  I do not remember much humor in the writing, but one incident in the movie was when Victor and Thomas hitched a ride from the girls driving backwards. I thought it was a real asset to the story in two ways.  First, it was funny and the girls showed respect for Thomas, they wanted to listen to his stories, much different than Victor.  In the reading Victor, Thomas and the gymnast all talked and laughed together on the plane ride.  I did not feel the anger or disrespect Victor had towards Thomas and others in the writing as I did in the movie.  In the movie Victor was stoic like an Indian, didn’t smile much and was mad at the world.  I thought Victor and Thomas’s journey in “This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona” was very quick and not as personal.  The writing did not give me the same closure with respect to forgiveness between Victor, Victor’s dad and Thomas as in the movie. I enjoyed the movie much better than the reading.

Writing Topic Chapter 44 The hyphen Week 11

Writing Topic: Week 11-Hyphens

This is an interesting chapter for me.  I have always gone by instinct and put in a hyphen when I felt the need.  This chapter gave a very easy answer, look up the word in the dictionary or easier yet, a dictionary on the internet.  New technology is wonderful.  After reading the chapter it seems that hyphens are used less today than some years ago.

 If a writer has a compound word and they want to show a combined meaning or there is a relationship between the words that make up the compound, these words can be hyphenated, example, mother-in-law.  Use compounds in the following instances some of the time:  Compound adjectives, example, accident-prone, compound verbs, example, to ice-skate, or a phrasal verb made into a noun, example, break-in.  Also, hyphens can be used to divide a word at the end of a sentence if the writer runs out of room.  The split should be in a sensible place.  This does not seem to happen much anymore because of the “word programs”.   Hyphens are used with compound numbers.  Last, if the reader has a difficult time distinguishing the meaning of a word, example, re-cover and recover they should be used in the writing.

Instead of going on instinct, I will look up words in a dictionary to see if they need a hyphen.

Smoke Signals, the movie Dialogue

Smoke Signals, the movie Dialogue

Question a. What do I think about the relationship between Thomas and Victor?

I felt that the relationship between Victor and Thomas was both sad and inspiring.  The relationship grew from being civil as young boys, to true enemies, to a very deep special friendship.  They were able to overcome differences in their lives and form a friendship through travels to retrieve Victor’s dad’s personal belongings and ashes that was a true bonding experience for two young souls.

Victor thought Thomas was a dork, treated him poorly,  used him for his money all because he needed a bus ticket to start his journey to find his father.  People can and say things that hurt both internally and externally for no other reason than meanness.  Thomas wanted to be Victor’s friend because he felt he had a spiritual connection to his father and wanted him to know his real dad.  Through their travels they learn who they are and form a tight bond.  As a young boy Thomas would ask Victor why his dad left and never came back, which caused him to get beat up.  At the end of their trip Thomas asked again why his dad left and Victor said, “He didn’t mean to”.  What a difference in the way that Victor responded to this question at the beginning of the movie compared to the end.  The relationship between Thomas and Victor had grown, deepened and became a beautiful thing, what an inspiration to all.

Writing Topic: Rules for Writers Chapter 48

Writing Topic-Rules for Writers, Chapter 48, Evaluating Arguments

Be reasonable about argumentative evaluations.  Don’t be too hasty in reactions or discussion.  Gather facts that are relevant and sufficient before coming to a conclusion. Determine the objectivity of the author and the credibility of the work. There are two parts of a source that need to be analyzed, the text itself and the argument within the text.  If looking at probable and absolute reasoning ask three questions

1.      Do I have enough evidence for a conclusion?

2.      What are the premises the author gives?

3.      Is the evidence linked to my conclusion?

Following the trail from one book or article to another can lead to better understanding of text and evidence.  Look at all evidence before confirming an opinion. When weighing alternatives it is not fair to list only the good or bad, both have to be considered.  Don’t stereotype.   A good way to come to an argumentative conclusion is to compare two things, but make sure the two comparisons are reasonable together.  If possible come up with a cause and effect theory in evaluating arguments.  These are difficult, but could lead to good information for a conclusion.  Jumping to a conclusion without evidence can be scary and end up with a lack of information for your argument.  Deducing conclusions means that a conclusion follows evidence supporting formal proof.  The three steps for this are:

1.       Major premise-A general statement

2.       Minor premise-A specific statement

3.       Conclusion-Based on two premises

An emotional appeal tries to make the reader connect the writer’s message with an important feeling for an emotional response instead of an argument relying on soundness. They are never acceptable in an argument but it can get to a reader.  It is important to summarize an argument fairly.  Some people would do anything to win the war by attacking or whatever it took to get the job done.  The straw man fallacy is wrong because this means only focusing on the weaker arguments when several are given, this misrepresents the different positions.  A way to assure fairness and accuracy in evaluating arguments is to quote others words exactly.  

I will use the above information by not jumping to conclusions without gathering the facts.  I know that I form opinions quite frequently without understanding the good and bad about the argument. 

"Happy Endings, "Obituary," and "Oompah Loompah" Dialogue

Week 10-What’s my Response to Mr. Harvey Dialogue-Question B

My first thought, Mr. Harvey is a cranky old man.  Then I started to think past my first reaction and ask myself, could Mr. Harvey have been treated badly in his youth because he spoke pidgin English and he wanted his students to have a better life?  Maybe he did not want them to feel distress and possibly be ridiculed for the way they spoke. He wanted better for his students, he wanted them to succeed and feel good about themselves.

This is the only reason and excuse I could see a teacher such as Mr. Harvey use for being demeaning and harsh towards his class.  He refers to the students, “as not being perfect Americans because they spoke pidgin, and will only be hurting themselves” if they continue speaking this way. Some students decide they want to be haoles so they are treated with dignity.  Students should be able to turn to their teachers for compassion, understanding and respect.  This was not the case with Mr. Harvey. This is not right people deserve to be proud of who they are.  If people are made to feel less than equal to someone else, this could have a negative effect on their life? I would look at this as a form of bullying.  There has been a lot of talk about bullying in schools and the tragic affect it can have on lives.

Extra Credit-Writing about Fiction Week 9

Extra Credit-Writing about Fiction-Week 9

If a reviewer wants to offer an interpretation of a fictional writing they should develop a complex critical interpretation of the work. This can be quite a process.  Know the story and review it.  The summary should tell about the main characters, conflict, conflict resolution and what kind of a world does the author create?  As the story is being read closely, think about the meaning.  The summary involves creating new and original information about a text.     

In close reading pay attention to the text. Observe facts and details about the writing.  Careful thinking about what the details add up to.  Get a better understanding of the writing.  Read with a pen in hand and make marginal notes.  Do a freewrite and ask questions. Move from reader to writer.  What is your thesis?  What information has been gathered to support your thesis?  Look through the information being collected and pick out the best that supports your thesis.  Use the MLA format when using a quote.

The way I plan to use this information in my writing is to definitely read slower, and review the text. I was recently reading a book and surprised myself by how close I was paying attention, critically thinking about the writing, and understanding what I read more than before.

Rule for Writers Chapter 47

Rules for Writers chapter 47

An important skill that we can learn is how to write an argumentative essay.  Take a stand, evaluate it, decide on how reasonable it is, and make an argument of our own.  Be well informed, look up facts and be able to evaluate things, deciding where people are right about things and making up your mind what is true and what isn’t.  Remember if your essay has sources, document these.  Your outcome is to get your readers to think twice about what they think and maybe consider your opinions. Knowing how to critique someone else’s argument and make a solid one of your own is a vital part of being a successful individual.  This will take a lot of research because you want to be able to challenge your readers. Construct a series of smaller supporting arguments that are important to the thesis which could be the outline of your essay.  Strong arguments rely on examples and evidence.

In your introduction identify and state your main idea, objects of presentation, this is your thesis. Provide background and let your readers know why you are arguing it.  Convince your readers that this is worth reading. In the body of your essay use clear topic sentences in each paragraph, how can dramatic build-up happen and then resolution to the build-up play out?  You may need to be prepared to deal with objections to your thesis and counter them.  If they are countered in a respectful way this could make your arguments stronger.  It is a good idea to discuss the objections to your thesis first and then discuss your argument. Once it is time to arrive at the conclusion, revisit the thesis, summarize where your audience has been, and make an impact with a final detail, illustration, or quotation to keep your readers thinking.

The way that I will use the above writing is to gather a lot of information on my thesis, and come up with an outline using this information.  Remember who my audience is.  Keep my writing interesting and write convincing information for my readers, while respecting the arguments of others.

Extra Credit-Writing About Literature

Extra Credit-Writing about Literature

Passion and a good eye for detail helps make good literature.  A good literature paper requires research on the topic chosen. Is there enough information to support the points?

Ways to start research are through the internet, or the library.  The paper should be mostly the writers own thoughts, the reference material should give ideas. 

The most important role of the introduction is to give a claim, a brief statement about a question to be answered, a problem to be solved or a problem to be resolved about the topic. 

The remainder of the paper should show examples or research on the main topic. The reader should be given enough information, description or background so that they have a complete picture of the thesis.

The conclusion should be the richest, most complex part of the paper.  Restate the point then be sure the question was answered, the puzzle was resolved or the problem was solved by the end of the paper.

Whenever resources are used, references to these are documented on the last page of the essay.  The MLA format is used for literature papers.

I plan to use this information in my writing in the following ways:  Research so I have enough information supporting my thesis.  I have to remember to illustrate my points and also have a central controlling idea in the introduction.

Essay Workshop 2-Rough Draft

Barbara Hough-Sisson

Lauren Servais

English 100

10-7-2010

"Shooting Dads"

I can relate to Sarah Vowell’s, “Shooting Dad”, writing.  As I read,  I felt like Sarah, I was  not entirely a stranger to firearms. I grew up primarily on a ranch with my dad as a rancher and hunter.  He had rifles, shotguns and a love of guns.  I understand when she says, “Her parent’s house was the United States of firearms”.  This is how my family home was. Growing up I was conditioned by my father to have a fear of guns even though he had a passion for them.

As a young child I recognized guns as deadly weapons.  There were many dead, stuffed animals placed on our walls in our family home that were considered trophies too many.  Not to me.  This was a very unsettling vision that I saw every day of my childhood. I, as Sarah, did not understand why people would want to hunt and kill such beautiful creatures even though it put food on our table.  Guns and hunting were a very important source of food for us.

At a young age I felt my dad would sell me before selling a gun.  Guns were his life.   I can remember them being in many corners of our home, loaded.  His eternal freedom depended on how many firearms he had.  He also had a gun room; my sister and I were not allowed to go in there even though my brothers could.  I did not want to enter this scary place, but I did not understand why some genders were allowed and some not.   

Guns and hunting were my dad’s sport, passion and excitement.  I understand this is no different than golf or tennis, but it sure felt different, it was scary.  I did not understand that guns could be collector items.   They were used to kill animals to put meat on the table.  I did not understand how something that can hurt animals or people would be exciting or a hobby.  I now know normal law abiding folks don’t need gun regulations, and the criminals don’t really care or they redefine law to their template when it comes to guns.  

My dad’s hobby was his world. I would day dream about what it would be like to take a family vacation instead of my dad purchasing another gun or hunting trip.  I wish I had a memory of my family on an adventure together.

I understand his hobby provided an oasis like experience in the desert of his life and this was his escape from monotony, but I still felt angry about it.  I realized how excited dad would get about guns; I wanted him to be as excited about me, his daughter.

 In my younger years I considered what my dad had taught me, and I decided that owing a gun was simply not worth it. I did not want to live in fear. I realized that when a gun speaks, what  comes out of its mouth is an expression of anger, sometimes intentional but nonetheless anger. When my dad would come home from hunting trips I would always want my picture with my dad’s dead animals because then I felt like I was part of his team. 

 I was spending my life trying to live up to his expectations, wanting him to accept me, and this was very upsetting, but I finally broke free. 

Don’t get me wrong, I do not think of my dad or a gun collector as a bad person, but I was like Sarah, I did not like guns.  I had no use for them.  I broke free by learning to accept my dad for who he was, and understanding that his love for guns and hunting was part of his heritage.  I will always remember when my dad was out and about on the ranch he carried a small .22 caliber pistol on his belt in case he stumbled upon a coyote bothering his sheep, same as his father.  He had shotguns of various gauges to shoot springing quail or wild duck and rifles to pop off a deer or more so, it just made himself feel good to have a gun with him, more powerful. 

When I was young, (many years ago), there was a big difference between how many men versus how many women had guns as a hobby. For whatever reason, I am not sure, but that has changed.  I hear and know many more females who enjoy owning and shooting guns.   

I felt having guns in the home growing up made it less safe, my dad thought the opposite.  I would fear that if someone broke into our house, guns everywhere, loaded, we would be shot.  I know now that my dad had the guns in place to protect us. 

I, like Sarah shot a gun very few times.  I thought my dad was disappointed in me at times because I did not have the same passion as he did.  I didn’t like the feel of a gun in my hands, the power they held or the sound they made.

As I grew older Sarah and I had the same thought, when suitors came by the house it was cool to say that my dad was enthusiastic about guns. Boys like guns. So, when I was older I started to appreciate guns more.  I did understand they were needed to keep food on the table and they were used for reasons other than tragedy and death. 

In my late teens I passed the hunters safety course because I knew how much it would mean to my dad.  I wanted him to be proud of me. I wanted to be part of his world.  I have never used the hunting license, but I heard him tell friends that his oldest daughter passed the hunter safety course.  That was worth it to me. 

My dad and I, like Sarah and her dad, became friends once we appreciated each other for who we were.   As I think I’ve already established, I really don’t even like the ideas of guns, and would greatly prefer that I never own one, but I have come to appreciate that guns are part of who my dad is. 

Most often than not, every member of the family doesn’t have the same hobby.  Respecting differences in people is part of life. I understand Sarah wishing her dad understood her passion for music, I wanted my dad to understand my hobbies and passions, some of which included, family vacations,  hanging out with friends and in my teen years, boys, not guns.

I guess I am a little conflicted about all of this. Yes, my view on guns has changed to the extent over the years  basically as seeing them irrelevant in my life and not something I really want to deal, with but it seems like the right thing to do to be my dad’s daughter.  I can’t say my dad’s ashes will be blown out of a cannon, like Sarah’s, because he does not own a cannon, but if he did, he would probably like his ashes strewn all over. 

Writing Topic Summary for Chapter 4

Rules for Writers Chapter 4-Building Paragraphs

A paragraph is defined as, “a group of sentences or a single sentence that forms a unit” (Lunsford and Connors 116).  General paragraph structure consists of three sections.  A topic sentence which tells the reader what the paragraph is about, the supporting information that develops the topic, and the final sentence which sums up the paragraph and sets the scene for the next paragraph.

 Each paragraph should only have one topic or main point.  Usually the topic sentence is written early in the paragraph, but it does not have too. There should be phrases, words, examples or illustrations that link and support the main point from beginning to end of each paragraph.  The supporting information in the body of the paragraph creates a pathway to the point.  The conclusion of the paragraph should tie together the information and details.

Different styles of paragraph structure are examples and illustrations, narration, description, process, comparison and contrast, analogy, cause and effect, classification and division, and definition.

 Paragraphs should flow naturally from the end of the previous paragraph which serves as a transition, to the next paragraph. The organization of paragraphs is important in the development of the writing. Well structured paragraphs make our writing interesting to read.

The way I plan to use this information is actively paying close attention to my flow of paragraphs and make sure I have a topic sentence in each paragraph throughout my writing.  I know these are areas I need to work on. 

"Shooting Dad" Dialogue

What is the significance of the title, “Shooting Dad”?

I think the title of this short story goes much deeper than respecting dad’s last wishes, shooting his ashes out of his homemade cannon. This story signifies a father and daughter being worlds apart in their younger years, but in the end, coming together as family and respecting each other for who they are.

Even though Sarah Vowell and her father antagonized each other through the years, as they got older they came to respect each other for their differences and their unique gifts they brought to the family, Sarah the love of her music, and dad the love of his guns.  Initially these two people failed to see the artistry in each other’s lives and hobbies within their respective work spaces.  As time went on Sarah wanted to become a better daughter and learn about her dad’s love of guns which she did through the cannon he built.  She explained to her dad that she wanted to be there when he shot the cannon.  Her father was very surprised by this.  She looked at the cannon as a tribute to her father, “a ceremonial object”. (p22)  Father and daughter were together when the cannon was shot for the first time.  They both thought, it was just really, really cool”. (p22)

At the end of the story Sarah, out of love for her father, does respect his last wishes. She realizes that her father’s love of fire arms is part of American history and his family heritage.  On the first day of hunting season she takes her father’s ashes to a special mountain and shoots them out of the cannon that he was so proud of.  Family might have different interests, hobbies or beliefs, but bottom line, family is family no matter what.

Rules for Writers Chapter 3-Revisions

Rules for Writers Chapter 3-Revisions

 It is time to review the draft from the audiences view.  How can the draft read better? This could be global revisions which might involve cutting up your essay.  Sentences or paragraphs could be added, deleted or moved around. 

Here are questions to ask when revising.

·         Is the writing appropriate for my audience?

·         Is the main topic clear?

·         Do topic sentences of each paragraph reach the goal?  Do sentences flow?

·         Do paragraphs logically develop and look into the main thesis?

·         Does the essay meet the thesis goal?

·         Is the writing to wordy?

After these questions are answered then it is time to look closely at sentences, correct grammar and punctuation.  Proofreading should be done slow and several times for overall completeness and accuracy of the final draft.  Ask someone else to read and get their input.

I plan to use this information in my own writing by asking other people to read and critique. Do my sentences and paragraphs flow nicely?  Does the information I have written support my thesis?  I know from personal experience that if I set aside my writing and come back to it a few times my outcome is much better.

"Coming Home Again" Dialogue

Question C-What’s the importance of food in this essay?

This story goes much deeper than food.  It is about family coming together. Food reflects on the meaning of Chang-rae Lee’s family.  When he was young he would watch his mother cook, and fix meals for the family, one of his daily treasures.  Food brought them all together. 

Chang-rae felt obsolete when he came back from boarding school, food brought the family close again.  They would sit around the table and enjoy each other. As he was traveling home from school he could picture the arrangement of his mother’s dinner table, it was always the same. His mother would always prepare the same special meal to welcome him home. Food is a way for Chang-rae Lee’s family to share the same kind of experiences at the dinner table.  This was a way for them to be together after being away from each other. People are able to find out about each other by how they interact with food.  An example would be if a family member had something that needed to be discussed it could be brought up during the evening meal. I also believe this is a time for positive discussion not negative.   This is a time to pay attention to family sitting at the table and understand their needs.  Food is a fascinating lens into someone’s life.  Food is comforting and soothing to the soul.

After his mother became too sick, Chang-rae would cook.  He wasn’t cooking for his mother because she was eating very little, but for the family.  The point was to sit together at the table and be family.

Writing Topic Summary for Chapter 2

Topic Summary for Chapter 2, Drafting

What is the drafting process of an essay?  The drafting process will include the main point, body, and conclusion. The first draft is a continuous action of discovery.  Start with a freewrite, outline, notes, and gathered information to further identify evidence supporting your thesis. There will be more than one attempt at a draft to refine the structure, argument and use of evidence.  Keep focused on the main point and start to develop the writing.  While writing the first draft, don’t worry too much about spelling or sentence structure.  The paragraphs should flow smoothly and provide transitions.

The draft will start with the introductory paragraph that presents the thesis. A draft introduction will provide an initial anchor for the rest of the piece, even if later it is modified.  Put your ideas into sentences for the body of the essay. There should be data to support your thesis.   Summarize your essay in a concluding paragraph at the end. The conclusion repeats the thesis and closes the essay.

I have used a drafting process in my own writings.  I always draft, draft and redraft my writing.   I always think my writings can be better.  What I did learn in this chapter is a writer should collect data and information before sitting down to write.  I have always started writing without the information I needed and this is a very difficult process. 

Essay 1 workshop

Mrs. Elma Burns, My First Grade Teacher

I would like to write about a person in my life who left an ever lasting impression on a young soul. Mrs. Elma Burns is one of the most inspiring women I ever encountered. She was my first grade teacher, and to this day, some 47 years later, I remember the kindness, understanding and patience she showed me.

I have attached two pictures to my essay. The young girl is me in the first grade, six years old, a young impressionable child starting life.  The second picture is from a newspaper article recognizing Mrs. Elma Burns, now age 99, for her years of teaching services in Humboldt County. I recently came across this article in our local paper. I also saw her in our corner grocery store and talked with her; she still remembers me, and we enjoyed reminiscing about past school days. What a wonderful conversation we had. When I look at these two pictures side by side, I remember what it was like to be a little girl sitting in the front row watching Mrs. Burns, living her destiny, teaching with a beautiful smile. These pictures brought back very fond childhood memories.

I was having a difficult time learning to read. My parents were not really involved in my education. Learning was up to me, and if I needed help, I had to find it. My teacher took an interest and helped me overcome this stumbling block. One example is the extra time she spent with me during the week going over our books; in those days it was,” SEE SPOT RUN.”  She would ask me if I would like to stay in from recess for extra help. I loved this because it was just Mrs. Burns and myself spending time together. I remember when it was time for parent-teacher conference; she would tell my parents how proud she was of me and my improvements. She had infinite patience and believed in me. She shaped my destiny, gave me confidence and helped me realize that I could learn if I worked hard, applied myself, and told me I should believe in myself.

She was passionate about her profession as a teacher. She cared about her students. She emphasized behavior more than grades. I truly believe her emphasis on good behavior stuck with me and guided my life. She had no tolerance for anything but kindness from her students, and was very warm and loving.

The article about her in the paper inspired me to write her a thank you note and acknowledge her for the impression she made on my entire life. The impression she made drove home the importance of reading and reading comprehension as a necessity of life; she believed and guided me in the right direction. I want her to know what an inspiration she was to me. I thanked her for her time and energy she put into my education. I told her she is truly a teacher who can change a young person’s life. She was a gift from heaven. When I finalize this essay, I will send her a copy, so she knows, once again, what a difference she made in my life.

I believe I was able to move forward with higher character and self esteem because of this amazing woman. To this day I have never forgotten her and what she did for me. Mrs. Elma Burns will live in my memory and heart forever as one of the most influential and inspiring people to shape my destiny.

My advice to a young student would be, preserve the memories and the people who inspire you, and acknowledge them for the difference they made in your life.

Writing Topic Summary Chapter 1

Rules for Writers Chapter 1


The writing process consists of 5 stages. Freewriting or brainstorming, writing, revising, editing and final draft. This summary will discuss the first stage; freewriting or brainstorming, choosing the subject, taking notes and outline.

The writing process starts by understanding the assignment. What is the reason for the writing? Gather, list, group words that highlight a main subject, freewrite, or brainstorm writing ideas. Decide and look closely into your subject. Who is your audience and how long should the writing be?

Decide on a subject or thesis. The thesis or main point may change in the final writing so don’t worry too much about the wording early in the process. Draft a rough outline from notes of gathered information. A more formal outline may be better later in the process especially if the writing is about a complicated subject. Write, write, and write, revising and editing will come later.



The way that I plan to use the above information is to gather writing ideas. In the past I did not take the time to freewrite, or brainstorm writing ideas. I would pick one subject and would write, often times, with much difficulty because I did not have enough information. I did an outline for this active reading and it was very helpful. It is much easier to write with writing rules.

"The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me" Dialogue week 3

I have picked question D.

How is education a means to save one’s life?


Education guarantees that we are ready to face and overcome life difficulties. John Dewey said, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” Education offers us the best hope of mitigating suffering and leaving a life of indigence. Life can be gross and we can be in a daily struggle to remain unaffected in spite of life occurrences. With education we have a chance at a “normal “life. It is the most important and best tool a person can have in their lifetime.

How is Alexie attempting to save the life of the students he works with?

Alexie went through many hardships growing up, and he would like to inspire Indian kids to get an education so they might not have such a hard time.  He goes into schools and teaches creative writing. Alexie was not taught creative writing skills because this was not something that Indian children needed. He feels that because he learned these skills they saved his life. He wants to see better lives for Indian children’s.

How did Alexie save his own life?

Alexie did not give into life challenges. He taught himself to read at a very young age. He read books continuously, any kind of books or reading material that he could find. He was expected to be stupid because he was an Indian boy, but he would not allow this. Alexie refused to give up and went on to accomplish his dream which was writing. This story is very inspiring to me.  Don't ever give up your dreams.  If someone challenges your dream, tell them to get out of the way and continue on.

Writing Topic Summary for Chapter 46

Title: Writing about Texts, Author, Diana Hacker and main point, reading for better understanding.

1. Reading the text

a. Read text as many times as needed to understand.

b. Take notes of main ideas and points.

c. Look up words not understood.

2. Understand and summarize a picture

a. What is the meaning of the picture?

b. What is the anticipated outcome that is intended?

c. What interests you?

3. Separate the text or picture into parts

a. Write down questions.

b. How do the main points give to the whole text or picture?

4. Write out a simple outline

a. Put thoughts and main points into your own words.

b. List main ideas and main points.



I plan to use information from chapter 46 in the following ways:

1. Reading information more than one time.

2. Take notes as I am reading.

3. Look up words I do not understand.

4. Think of questions I might have.

5. Summarize and outline text or picture.

I can’t believe how much more information my brain grasped by reading the text a few times, taking notes and summarizing. I can’t remember if this was the way I was taught in school many years ago, but it sure works well.

week 2 freewriting

What is a freewrite? It is being able to write whatever comes into my head. This is a way for my brain to get in gear, clear out the clutter. It is putting words on paper, not worrying about style, punctuation correct spelling or grammar. This is a welcomed exercise because my writing has always had to be so structured.


How is it meant to facilitate stronger writing? I hope this type of writing will help me think of writing ideas easier. I am hoping it can help me stay focused, pay more attention to writing and not stress about it. Also, I want to try and not edit at the same time I am writing so my brain is not so blocked.

What did you find surprising or illuminating about the reading? The freewriting article was very intriguing to me. I have never heard of this term. I am very anxious to see if it works for me. I have always been very hard on myself with my writing skills. I found that when I did my first freewriting is was hard. I did not think that continuous writing for 10 minutes would be difficult, it was. Sometimes my brain would freeze, not think of a thing. I will be very interested in my next freewriting exercise. It was very difficult not to fix misspelled words. It did not feel right.

Week 1 Introductions

My name is Barb Hough-Sisson.  I took a break from school for 35 years and started back last year.  I have been the office manager in a very busy OB/GYN office for 33 years and work full-time.  I can truly say I love my job.  I don't have any formal schooling for my position, just experience.  It has become very important to me to have a degree. I am pursuing my AA degree in business.  I might be a graduate at 99 years old, but that will be okay, I accomplished it.  I live in beautiful redwood country, Fortuna, up in Humboldt County.

I would like to learn better writing skills, understand what critical thinking is and able to analyze writings.   I definitely like to get my work done early.  I have a very busy job, lots of responsibilities and never know what might happen and need my assistance and time.  

I have two boys, Jimmy-27, Brian-19 and two beautiful grandaughters, Piper- 2 1/2 and Harper-6 months.  I love to spend time with my family, travel, walk, sew, cook and read.