The Perks of Being a Wallflower Essay Reading Response

The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky, is about a boy, Charlie, who becomes best friends with two people and learns how to live. But Charlie still struggles with issues many different types of obstacles, one being family issues. His relationships with others change throughout the book. Charlie’s relationship with his sister goes from being trusting, to hatred, to dependent, to loved.

At the beginning of the book, Charlie’s sister trusted Charlie. For example, his sister trusted Charlie not to tell their parents after her boyfriend hit her. However, that trusting relationship quickly changed. For example, “‘I hate you.’ My sister said it different than she said it to my dad. She meant it with me. She really did.” This shows a change in their relationship. At the beginning of the book, Charlies relationship changed from trusting to hating.

Later in the book, Charlie’s sister becomes dependent on Charlie. For example, when Charlie’s sister gets pregnant, she confides in Charlie and goes to him for help. “She just hugged me tight and wouldn’t let go… That’s when she told me she was pregnant.” This helped Charlie and his sister become closer, until eventually by the end of the book, they had a solid, loving relationship. For example, “I told her I wanted to give her something that makes her feel like she’s at home even after she goes away. My sister actually kissed my cheek for that.” At the end of the book, Charlie’s relationship with his sister becomes dependable and loving.

In conclusion, Charlie’s relationship with his sister started off with his sister trusting him, then continued to where she hated him. But in the end, they trusted and loved each other.

Gaokao Upfront Essay

Lots of pressure from testing has been put on students. In China, students take a test called the gaokao, which determines if they go to college. The stakes are unimaginably high for students because most of the ones who fail go into manual labor along with their parents, while others go on to college and a different life. In America, the stakes are not as high but tons of pressure is still put on students using tests. These tests include the SAT, ACT, state tests, and even the SHSAT for New York City students. The gaokao test in China and the standardized tests in America both put a lot of pressure on students.

In China, the gaokao is a test that determines a student’s future, which puts an unimaginable amount of pressure on students. For example, students are sometimes “hooked up to intravenous drips to give them the strength to keep studying.” This shows the intensity of studying for this test. Another example is, “Yang’s childhood friend, Cao, tanked on the exam…. His family couldn’t afford a repeat year… Cao really had just one option: manual labor….  He would end up on a construction site, just like his father.” This shows what really is at stake for students, whether or not they go to college and start a new life or join their family in jobs such as manual labor on a construction site. The gaokao puts incredible amounts of pressure on students because it determines a student’s future.

In America, students take tests such as the SAT, ACT, state tests, SHSAT, etc. These also count for the future and put lots of pressure on students. For example, in New York Citry, 8th grade students have the opportunity to take the Specialized High School Admissions Test, or the SHSAT, which determines if they get into a specialized high school. The test prep for it is very intense and the test puts a lot of pressure on students. Another example is, students in grades 3-8 take standardized common core state tests, which tests the curriculum as well as the teachers. In America, students take tests that put pressure on them and decide things about their future.

In conclusion, the gaokao and various American tests put pressure on students and determine their future. However, the studying and effects of the gaokao are more intense than the majority of the tests in America.

Martin Espada Essay

Martin Espada writes about racist events and personal experiences with racism. In Martin Espada’s three poems, “The New Bathroom Policy at English High School,” “Revolutionary Spanish Lesson,” and “Two Mexicanos Lynched in Santa Cruz California, May 3, 1877,” there is a common theme of racism.

In the poem “The New Bathroom Policy at English High School,” there is an issue of racism. For example, the principle did not understand what the boys were saying so he banned Spanish. That is racist because those boys still have the right of free speech, even if it is in another language. But the principle banned a language which is part of a culture just because he did not understand. Another example is, “The only word he recognizes\ is his own name\ … So he decides\ to ban Spanish.”

In the poem “Revolutionary Spanish Lesson,” there is also an issue of racism. For example, “force them to chant\ anti- American slogans\ in Spanish.” These lines are showing two races against each other. Another example is, “and wait\ for the bilingual SWAT team,” and by Espada specifying the bilingual SWAT team, it represents that this issue involves racism.

In the poem “Two Mexicanos Lynched in Santa Cruz, California, May 3, 1877,” Espada writes about a racist event that took place on May 3, 1877. For example, “when forty gringo vigilantes\ cheered that rope\ that snapped two Mexicanos\ into the grimacing sleep of broken necks.” The first stanza gives a summary of the event and it represents that whites were cheering that Mexicans were getting lynched. Another example is, “trussed like cousins of the slaughterhouse.” This shows racism and discrimination because the Mexicanos were treated like animals rather than people.

Racism is a recurring theme in Martin Espada’s three poems. Espada uses real life events that occurred in the past and present, and also uses his personal experiences. However his opinions are clearly present through his use of strong language.

Speak Reading Response

Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, is about a girl, Melinda, who is outcasted and deals with many difficult obstacles alone. She does not confide in others about her problems because she has no one to go to. In the book, one major symbol is the tree from art class.

One thing the tree represents, is a constant in Melinda’s life. Everything is changing. For example, Heather, Melinda’s only friend, unfriends her. “‘We were never really, really friends, were we?’” This quote shows Heather trying to explain her side of why they should stop being friends. “But now I am desperate to be her pal, her buddy, to giggle with her, to gossip with her. I want her to paint my nails.” This quote shows Melinda realizing she really wants Heather as a friend and without her she is completely alone. However, the tree is always there and the project never changes. For example, “‘ On the paper you will find one word, the name of an object. I hope you like it. You will spend the rest of the year learning how to turn that object into a piece of art.’” This explains that the project remains the same, without change, the entire year.

Another thing the tree represents, is what seems to be the only thing Melinda has control over in her life. For example, Melinda can’t control what the entire school thinks about her. Almost everyone hates her because she called the police at a party, but no one knows why, they just hate her for it. “I have worked so hard to forget every second of that stupid party, and here I am in the middle of a hostile crowd that mates me for what I had to do.” However, Melinda gets to control every aspect of the project. “‘... you will sculpt it. You will sketch it, papier-mache it, carve it. If the computer teacher is talking to me this year, you can use the lab for computer-aided designs. But there’s a catch-by the end of the year, you must figure out how to make your object say something, express an emotion, speak to every person who looks at it.’” This represents the independance Melinda has for this project.

In conclusion, the tree that Melinda has to create for her art project, symbolises a constant in Melinda’s life that she has control over. This is important because Melinda’s life is constantly being turned upside down with challenging obstacles that she has no control over, but the tree is something that Melinda cares about and has full control over.

The Scarlet Letter Reading Response

The Scarlet Letter (by Nathaniel Hawthorne)

The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is about Hester Prynne, an adulterer who is shamed by the public. She is put back into society and forced to wear a scarlet “A” on her dress for the rest of her life. Hester also has a child, Pearl, in results of the affair, and is forced to confront her husband and lover. In the book, many symbols are presented. One symbol presented in book is Europe.

One thing Europe represents is a fresh start or a second chance. It would give Hester a chance to start over and leave behind her mistakes and sins. It would also give Pearl a chance to live a more normal childhood. Finally, it would give Dimmesdale and Hester a chance to be together without the guilt and judgment. For example, Hester said “... ‘Leave this wreck and ruin here where it hath happened! Meddle no more with it!’” to Dimmesdale. This quote shows that Hester wants to leave all of the judgments, sins, and labels behind. She doesn't want to have to deal with them anymore. Another example is, Hester convinces Dimmesdale, “... ‘Begin all anew!... Give up this name of Arthur Dimmesdale, and give thyself another…’” This shows that Hester wants to begin a new life. She is convincing Dimmesdale to join her. Hester wants to forget her old life and this is shown by her telling Dimmesdale that he can forget his old name and create a new name, a new life.

Another thing Europe represents is hope, for the reader and Hester. For example, Hester said, “‘The future is yet full of trial and success. There is happiness to be enjoyed!’” This shows that there is a place out there that is waiting to be explored and enjoyed. It gives the reader hope because some people want to start fresh and forget their mistakes and knowing there is a happier place can give them hope. Another example is, while Hester was giving Dimmesdale a speech to convince him to go to Europe, she was very passionate. This shows that she wanted so badly to start over and she hoped the new life she envisioned was as amazing as she dreamt.

In conclusion, Europe is an important symbol because it gives the reader and Hester hope, and it represents a fresh start which Hester and Pearl desperately need. This connects to readers because at one point in everyone’s life, they want to start over and forget all the labels and mistakes. Nathaniel Hawthorne introduces the idea of a better place and gives hope to the readers that this place exists and starting over is possible.

Banned Books Argument Essay

Dear Ms. Berner,

The world will not censor the atrocious things about life, so why should anyone else? Many schools have been banning certain books becasue they beliebe the content is not suitable for teenagers. Our school administration should not ban books because books are realistic and honest about the world we live in and teenagers should not be sheltered from the truth.

One reason books should not be banned is, the authors are writing the truth about the world, not persuading teens to try dangerous things. For example, the article “ Yes, Teen Fiction Can be Dark- But it Shows Teenagers They Aren’t Alone,” states “There isn’t a YA writer alive who is out writing books to corrupt youth. No one writing about self-harm is teaching how to self-harm. No one writing about rape is providing instructions on how to rape or how to be raped.” This quote clearly explains that authors are writing about situations people experience, not situations that influence teenagers to try dangerous activities. Another example is, the article “The Banned Books We Have Loved,” states “But here’s the ironic and wonderful thing that the book censors don’t seem to have realized: banning books doesn’t, in fact, hurt them much at all. If anything, it may inspire more interest in them, and sometimes sales, too.” This quote can represent to show that banning books does not prevent teenagers from reading them. When books are banned and teenagers read them anyway, it symbolises that the hard truth about the world can not be suppressed and that trying to keep something from a teenager may only increase their need to read them.

Another reason books should not be banned is, the plot and characters are realistic and show teenagers they are not alone. Whether it is their situation, feelings, actions, or relationships, they are not alone. For example, the article, “Yes, Teen Fiction Can be Dark- But it Shows Teenagers They Aren’t Alone,” states “For some teenagers, there is sometimes no message more critical than: you are not alone.” This quote is simple but powerful because it clearly shows that teenagers do not always need people hounding them with advice about how they are not alone, they need someone to relate to. Another example is, in the same article, it states “If subjects like these are in YA books, it’s to show that they are real, they have happened to others, and they can be survived.” Teenagers who think they are freaks because of how they are feeling need to know that they are not alone, and what they are going through is a situation others have went through and survived.

However, people think books should be banned because they are too harsh and obscene for teenagers to read. For example, “‘ If books are the world, teen fiction can be like a hall of funhouse mirrors, constantly reflecting back hideously distorted portrayals of what life is.’ So claims Meghan Cox Gurdon in the Wall Street Journal.” Teen fiction can sometimes be brutally honest and the truth hurts. Self harm happens; rape happens; death happens; all of these appalling things happen and teenagers can not be sheltered from it. Or worse victims should not feel alienated because of situations they were forced into and that they can’t control. Another example is, a parent was responding to the book The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. “...Karen Krueger, who felt the morbid plot, crude language, and sexual content was inappropriate for her children. “I just didn’t think it was appropriate for an 11- , 12- , 13- year old to read,” she said. “I was really shocked it was in a middle school.” The Fault in Our Stars is not morbid, it is a story about teenagers with cancer. Cancer should not be censored from teens or even preteens, because it is a cruel part of life that cannot be prevented! Teens need to know about it and how it affects people’s lives everyday. People with cancer need someone to relate with, and if cancer books are banned, they might feel is if they are not welcomed in society. No one should feel that way, especially if you cannot prevent who you are, whether race, sexuality, or you have diseases or disorders.

Books should not be banned because teens need to know that no matter who they are, what they feel, what they are going through, they are accepted. Teenagers also need to know about the world, because they are part of it, and life is not fair. Sheltering them from all of the cruel things in life is more harmful than them being naive and forced into the “real world.”

Social Justice Project

Social Justice Project

By: Kyra Birenbaum 802

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Article Citation: Goldstein, Joseph. "Newark Stop-and-Frisk Data Is Analyzed." The New York Times. The New York Times, 24 Feb. 2014. Web. 21 Nov. 2014.

This is an example of injustice because it gives examples of how Stop and Frisk discriminates racially. For example it states, “ ‘We have serious concern regarding the high volume of stops, racial disparity of who is getting stopped and the fact that 75 percent of stops targeted people who engaged in no wrongdoing,’ Mr. Ofer said.” This is an injustice to be who are innocent and are being stopped because of their race. It is all about stereotypes and that is unfair.

This relates to me because, if innocent people keep getting stopped because of how they look, what if a guilty person does not get stopped because of how they look. What is the police stereotype a person who is actually guilty but their stereotype does not portray them as guilty. This could mean I, as well as others are in danger.

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List of Situations Unfair to Human Rights:

• Racism- on the news, protests in NYC and other areas, talking about it on social media, other media.
• Sexism- boys excluding girls from sports, sexist language
• Bullying/Gossip

After I observed my surroundings, I found many cases of racism. It seems like every time I turn on the television, or radio, or go on any website, there is a story about a white police officer physically abusing people of other races. Then a few days after that, I learn they are not brought to justice. With cases of a white officer shooting a black teenager, which have been very common, the officers are always providing the same excuse about how they thought the black teenager was threatening them, or they thought the teen was carrying a gun. After that, judges look at the racial stereotype of black teenagers and believe the officer, when the teenager is clearly innocent.

It is not fair to discriminate against people because of their race. We are all equal, despite religion, race, or gender. We all have our rights and it is not okay for people to abuse that. Yes, you are allowed freedom of speech and your own opinion, but when it escalates to physical abuse and threats, there shouldn’t be any tolerance for it.

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I interviewed Denise Woods:

Q: What do you think is ‘good’ about our world?

A: I think the fact that we have our freedom, we have rights such as, freedom of speech and the right to bear arms is important. I also think how we have the freedom to vote and that women are being heard louder now than even before is very important and amazing as well.

Q: What do you think is unfair about our world?

A: I think that African American women, men, and children are still subjects to police brutality and discrimination is completely unfair and sickening. We [African Americans] are still being stereotyped by others and they think that all people of color are the same. It is unfair to be subjected to this type of discrimination and horrible that we are still victims of police brutality and other physical harm.

I completely agree with Denise. It is very important that women are being heard about all the unfair treatment people give to them. I also think that our rights and freedom are very important.

I also agree with what Denise said about African Americans being victims to police brutality and still being discriminated against. She brought up an important part that some people don’t give much thought to. People just think about African Americans being stereotyped but they might not realize that by being stereotyped, people still think of them as all the same. They don’t look at them as individuals, they look at blacks as all fitting into their stereotype.

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On November 25, 2014 the eleven o’clock news, Channel 4, was showing the protest in New York City, about the shooting in Ferguson. Protesters were flooding the streets, fighting to be heard. When I was watching, I realized how important it was that people were protesting. It seems no one is trying to stop all of this police brutality, so it is continuing. Maybe if people protest enough, the message will finally be heard and people of power will make a greater effort to stopping it.

When I put myself in the protesters shoes, I realize how scared I probably would be. Not only scared for me, but scared for others as well. For example, I know that we have the right of freedom of speech, but considering all that is going on, I don’t think police officers care about about rights anymore. There have been videos of police officers pepper spraying, beating, and worse to peaceful protestors. So being there, wouldn’t make me feel too safe. Kind of ironic how people should feel safer with the presence of police, but instead people are fearing them and trying to teach them about the rights of others. I would probably also feel furious. Considering how some people won’t get the message. However, I would also be proud, for standing up and fighting for what I believe in and for what’s right.

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Zane Birenbaum changes the world every day. He is very loyal to his friends, family, and others that he cares for. He helps people who are struggling with a tough situation and does his best to make them feel better. He really helps people out, which is important because if a person is having a bad day, someone going out of their way to be nice can change their mood.

Q: How do you think you change the world everyday for the  people who are close to you?

A: I try to help people either improve from or get through situations. When my friend is having a bad day, I try hard to make them feel better. Also, at Stuyvesant, a lot of my friends were really stressed, so I would try and help them through it.

Q: What is something you try to do everyday to make the world a ‘better’ place?

A: Well, I always try and be nice to people. I would hate it if I was having a bad day and someone was purposely rude to me, so I make sure not to do that to someone else. It’s little things like holding the door open or picking things up for people if they drop them.

Q: What is one situation you remember going out of your way to help someone else?

A: This one time at my old school, I saw a kid fall down the stairs. I was late to class but his bag kind of exploded it looked like and it was empty. I helped him pick up his things and made sure he was okay before I left. I didn’t think much of it, but he saw me in the hallway later that day and thanked me.

Q: Besides helping people, what other ways to you change the world?

A: I recycle a lot and don’t let things go to waste.

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Song: Secrets

Artist: Mary Lambert Lyrics found at: http://www.lyrics.com/secrets-lyrics-mary-lambert.html

“(Okay game face, here we go)

I've got bipolar disorder

My shits not in order

I'm overweight

I'm always late

I've got too many things to say

I rock mom jeans

Cat earrings

Extrapolate my feelings

My family is dysfunctional

But we have a good time killing each other

They tell us from the time were young

To hide the things that we don't like about ourselves

Inside ourselves

I know I'm not the only one who spent so long

Attempting to be someone else

Well I'm over it

I don't care if the world know what my secrets are, secrets are

I don't care if the world knows what my secrets are, secrets are

So what, so what

So what, so what

I can't think straight

I'm so gay

Sometimes I cry

A whole day

I care a lot

Use an analog clock

And never know when to stop

And I'm passive aggressive

I'm scared of the dark and the dentist

I love my butt, and won't gonna shut up

And I never really grew up

They tell us from the time were young

To hide the things that we don't like about ourselves

Inside ourselves

I know I'm not the only one

Who spent so long attempting to be someone else

Well I'm over it

I don't care if the world know what my secrets are, secrets are

I don't care if the world knows what my secrets are, secrets are

So what, so what

So what, so what

I don't care if the world know what my secrets are, secrets are

I don't care if the world knows what my secrets are, secrets are

So what, so what

So what, so what

So what, so what”

Analysis/ Interpretation:

I think this song is about stigma and hiding who you are because society only looks at the stigma and stereotype behind your feelings. In the chorus, Mary Lambert sings about society teaching us to hide who we really are, which really means we are acting like someone we are not. In the song, Lambert lists different things about herself, and those things have stigmas behind them that others judge you for.

Movie: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Most actors and actresses in Hollywood are portrayed as loving their bodies, even though they are very skinny. ‘Normal’ teens are skinny with perfect hair, perfect teeth, fashionable, and just overall perfect. Hollywood boosts actors up then takes pleasure in tearing them down when they make a mistake (who knew they were actually human). Generally, most of the actors and actresses are white, especially on Disney Channel. I don’t watch Disney Channel anymore, but I remember that most TV shows consisted of mostly white, skinny characters. It isn’t good for younger kids to grow up, watching perfect people and wishing to be like them. Even worse, realizing they are not those characters/actors and hating themselves because of it.

The characters in TV shows/movies are usually ‘realistic’. They may have family issues or they may have a wonderful, close family with no important issues. Those characters are either struggling with money, or are in a perfectly fine financial state. I think that people are trying to make TV shows/movies realistic and relate to everybody, but are trying too hard. What I mean is, they are trying to make the characters relate to everybody in some way, but not everyone are going through ‘normal’ struggles. I also think they portray certain struggles in the wrong way.