The child soldiers of Sierra Leone
Al-haji Sawaneh, a boy of Sierra Leone, was abducted by Seirra Leonean rebels. He then was forced to fight as a soldier and obey the commands of them. When he took part in tactical ambushes, people saw the talent of him. He was actually good at those and the potential made the commanders to involve him in the fighting and he became a member of the infamous S.B.U., Small Boys Unit. Deliberately, they provided light weighted guns to the young children who cannot carry heavy weapons well. As a result of the hard training and the infamous rumors, thousands of children who were actually engaged in the program gained negative reputation for being an unquestioning obedience and their cruelty. They took part in Sierra Leone's civil war that took about 10years and committed numerous violence and crimes. The children force act out violence such as opening a woman's belly half just to check if the baby is male or female. According to Sawaneh, the weapons that the SBU owned are captured and gathered from the government troops. Also, they put great effort to get the weapons such as using the method of trading the weapons with diamonds. The availability of the weapons after all resulted in the transformation of one of the Africa's most resource-rich nations to a country with the lowest life expectancy.
The article shows several of aspects about the child soldier and the bigger picture of the effect of the child soldier in the country. Child Soldier is most of the time presented as the severe case of violence and cruelty. Through the real life experience that a boy as a child was kidnapped by one of the commanders of the SBU and later on scouted as a fighter of the war. A young child was forced to fight and murder people without the free will to refuse. They were too young and weak to stand up: they would have died if they did.
To add, the issues of the weapons, their use, and the influence of the availability of weapons are shown. Through observation and analysis of the general issue, the writer comes up with an educated prediction and commentary.
Since the medium is newspaper article, it is a report on the issue that the reporter did investigation on and what he or she has pretty much information about. Therefore, it is more credible to believe in what the author says and the content seems more reliable than any other words. Thus, the interview and the information that the article carries on to present are persuasive. Also, it attaches the readers emotionally to sympathize the child soldier while they have offensive mind toward the S.B.U.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
child soldier Emily (book)
http://www.amazon.com/Innocents-Lost-When-Child-Soldiers/dp/0465007988
Books are very useful media which contributes to our understanding and further education. Through the written language, books oftentimes cause people to become emotional and inspired at the same time. In other words, one of the advantages of books is that readers are able to encounter various emotions through the gripping stories and develop their sensitivity as well. Also, books are good sources for us to educate ourselves in many areas. This particular book I have chosen to discuss about meets both aspects as well. The author of the book ‘Innocents Lost: When Child Soldiers Go To War (Hardcover)’ examines and analyzes the conflicts caused by the practice of using children as soldiers. Jimmie Briggs, the author of the book, attempts to discuss the problem of child soldiers and deepen our knowledge and understanding of this phenomenon through many personal stories of the children who were engaged in these issues.
Through the gruesome incidents of the child soldiers, the author was successful in having the readers to really experience what it is like to be a child soldier. The author mainly focuses on the conflicts in Columbia and how the economics and power have caused many children to be the victims of violence. By mentioning many different areas around the world where people recruit children, I was really convinced by the fact that the child soldiers are being used worldwide. One of the biggest strengths of this book I found is that the author does not directly inform the casualties and the hardships of the child soldiers. Instead, through the strong voice and colorful stories, Briggs exposes the seriousness of this problem and lets the readers to observe and evaluate. In addition, because the short stories of the different child soldiers are very detailed and well researched, the book gives no doubts about the stories and is able to successfully communicate with the readers. As I was reading some of the key paragraphs, I was so attached to the stories that the writings were all reasonable and true.
By using enchanting verbal language, the author was successful in giving out its message through this book. Even though Jimmie Briggs is a writer and a journalist, his delicate research of the formal child soldiers and his interpretation of their stories give the authority to speak and express the heartbreaking stories. Furthermore, the author goes beyond his perspective as a journalist but also looks at the child soldier issue globally including girls as well. Therefore, regarding that there are some personal reflections in this book, this book is somewhat considered more towards objective. The examination of the journalist’s view point about the world and the people who were engaged deeply in this area child may alert the readers to really acknowledge the problem.
I believe that this book depicts the characteristics of the books very well. To be honest, I was not informed about the life of child soldiers very well. However, as I am finding more and more books about the child soldiers, I believe that I am becoming more and more attached to the issue and starting to acknowledge the problem. This book is able to educate the readers and at the same time bring out people’s emotions. Therefore, the effect of this media form is that it can really revive people’s thoughts and sensitivity through the exquisite writings and descriptions in the book.
Books are very useful media which contributes to our understanding and further education. Through the written language, books oftentimes cause people to become emotional and inspired at the same time. In other words, one of the advantages of books is that readers are able to encounter various emotions through the gripping stories and develop their sensitivity as well. Also, books are good sources for us to educate ourselves in many areas. This particular book I have chosen to discuss about meets both aspects as well. The author of the book ‘Innocents Lost: When Child Soldiers Go To War (Hardcover)’ examines and analyzes the conflicts caused by the practice of using children as soldiers. Jimmie Briggs, the author of the book, attempts to discuss the problem of child soldiers and deepen our knowledge and understanding of this phenomenon through many personal stories of the children who were engaged in these issues.
Through the gruesome incidents of the child soldiers, the author was successful in having the readers to really experience what it is like to be a child soldier. The author mainly focuses on the conflicts in Columbia and how the economics and power have caused many children to be the victims of violence. By mentioning many different areas around the world where people recruit children, I was really convinced by the fact that the child soldiers are being used worldwide. One of the biggest strengths of this book I found is that the author does not directly inform the casualties and the hardships of the child soldiers. Instead, through the strong voice and colorful stories, Briggs exposes the seriousness of this problem and lets the readers to observe and evaluate. In addition, because the short stories of the different child soldiers are very detailed and well researched, the book gives no doubts about the stories and is able to successfully communicate with the readers. As I was reading some of the key paragraphs, I was so attached to the stories that the writings were all reasonable and true.
By using enchanting verbal language, the author was successful in giving out its message through this book. Even though Jimmie Briggs is a writer and a journalist, his delicate research of the formal child soldiers and his interpretation of their stories give the authority to speak and express the heartbreaking stories. Furthermore, the author goes beyond his perspective as a journalist but also looks at the child soldier issue globally including girls as well. Therefore, regarding that there are some personal reflections in this book, this book is somewhat considered more towards objective. The examination of the journalist’s view point about the world and the people who were engaged deeply in this area child may alert the readers to really acknowledge the problem.
I believe that this book depicts the characteristics of the books very well. To be honest, I was not informed about the life of child soldiers very well. However, as I am finding more and more books about the child soldiers, I believe that I am becoming more and more attached to the issue and starting to acknowledge the problem. This book is able to educate the readers and at the same time bring out people’s emotions. Therefore, the effect of this media form is that it can really revive people’s thoughts and sensitivity through the exquisite writings and descriptions in the book.
child soldiers - TV
http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=gUcVZXxGvXk
The characteristic of TV is that it delivers information to audience in the world. Especially, TV news makes the audience to realize the issues that are going around the world, and when they are delivering the issue, they are not biased or prejudiced. They are not the ones who judge the issue. It’s the audience who make a decision whether the issue right or wrong. TV news is just helping the audience to recognize the news in different categories such as government, weather or scientific.
The child soldiers issue is also delivered to different age groups of audience by TV news. This CNN news talks about the issue by interviewing a kid from Africa who were actually one of the child soldiers. He talks about the story how he became a child soldiers and how the other soldiers treated him. One of the shocking things he said is that soldiers gave him a choice either to stay or to leave. However, when his friends decided to leave, the soldiers killed them and showed their dead bodies to other kids. They said this is how they will end up if they decide to leave. The soldiers also sexually abused little girls who are only aged under 15. By his interview, people get to know the situation of child soldiers in Africa. This interview is more realistic and trustful than just showing the videos of child soldiers because the boy who actually experienced everything is telling the information.
By watching this video, I recognized the current situation in Africa. I realized how child soldiers are being used as weapons of government. They learn how to shoot people before they learn how to write and read. They were shooting people without knowing who they are. The children are aged under 15. They don’t even go to school in that age. They are supposed to in the classroom and learn different kinds of subjects, and not in the war to kill others. In Amnesty International, I and other students wrote letters to the government in order to release the children. At that time, I didn’t know how serious this issue was, but now, I know its seriousness, and I know that people should recognize the issue and come up with the solutions. I should be more active in Amnesty activity so people in the world can help the children.
The characteristic of TV is that it delivers information to audience in the world. Especially, TV news makes the audience to realize the issues that are going around the world, and when they are delivering the issue, they are not biased or prejudiced. They are not the ones who judge the issue. It’s the audience who make a decision whether the issue right or wrong. TV news is just helping the audience to recognize the news in different categories such as government, weather or scientific.
The child soldiers issue is also delivered to different age groups of audience by TV news. This CNN news talks about the issue by interviewing a kid from Africa who were actually one of the child soldiers. He talks about the story how he became a child soldiers and how the other soldiers treated him. One of the shocking things he said is that soldiers gave him a choice either to stay or to leave. However, when his friends decided to leave, the soldiers killed them and showed their dead bodies to other kids. They said this is how they will end up if they decide to leave. The soldiers also sexually abused little girls who are only aged under 15. By his interview, people get to know the situation of child soldiers in Africa. This interview is more realistic and trustful than just showing the videos of child soldiers because the boy who actually experienced everything is telling the information.
By watching this video, I recognized the current situation in Africa. I realized how child soldiers are being used as weapons of government. They learn how to shoot people before they learn how to write and read. They were shooting people without knowing who they are. The children are aged under 15. They don’t even go to school in that age. They are supposed to in the classroom and learn different kinds of subjects, and not in the war to kill others. In Amnesty International, I and other students wrote letters to the government in order to release the children. At that time, I didn’t know how serious this issue was, but now, I know its seriousness, and I know that people should recognize the issue and come up with the solutions. I should be more active in Amnesty activity so people in the world can help the children.
Child soldier (internet)
Child soldiers trained by the Taliban to kill British soldiers
At an al-Qaeda training camp in Pakistan, the warlord are training boys into killers. The boy soldiers as young as five are in line before being handed rifles in which to teach to fire rocket-propelled grenades. The bemused children are forced to carry heavy ammunition to build their strength. They live in the tents in poor condition with weapons lying next to them. The author of this passage got shocked by seeing an 11-year-old boy walking into a warzone with all the weapons around his body. The author was in angry about the use of children as suicide bombers and as human shields during firefights. Author said “it was one of the most disturbing [scenes] he had seen. It is child abuse of the worst kind and shows the kind of sick tactics al-Qaeda use” (Nick Owens.) From this quote, I can feel that author fall into disgust of acquiring child soldier in Afghanistan. He strongly explained the condition and the hardship of each soldiers; therefore he has solid point of view towards boys who are brainwashed to kill rather than the Taliban. The author didn’t mention any point of view of British soldiers. From this message, I realized the seriousness of this problem thus I should take action.
Owens, Nick. "Child soldiers trained by the Taliban to kill British soldiers." Mirror.co.uk News 8 February 2008 14 Sep 2008. <http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/2008/08/02/child-soldiers-trained-by-the-taliban-to-kill-british-soldiers-115875-20681500/.>
At an al-Qaeda training camp in Pakistan, the warlord are training boys into killers. The boy soldiers as young as five are in line before being handed rifles in which to teach to fire rocket-propelled grenades. The bemused children are forced to carry heavy ammunition to build their strength. They live in the tents in poor condition with weapons lying next to them. The author of this passage got shocked by seeing an 11-year-old boy walking into a warzone with all the weapons around his body. The author was in angry about the use of children as suicide bombers and as human shields during firefights. Author said “it was one of the most disturbing [scenes] he had seen. It is child abuse of the worst kind and shows the kind of sick tactics al-Qaeda use” (Nick Owens.) From this quote, I can feel that author fall into disgust of acquiring child soldier in Afghanistan. He strongly explained the condition and the hardship of each soldiers; therefore he has solid point of view towards boys who are brainwashed to kill rather than the Taliban. The author didn’t mention any point of view of British soldiers. From this message, I realized the seriousness of this problem thus I should take action.
Owens, Nick. "Child soldiers trained by the Taliban to kill British soldiers." Mirror.co.uk News 8 February 2008 14 Sep 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Newspaper Child Soldier- Alice
Newspaper 2
Straight Out of Sudan: A Child Soldier Raps
The article on the child soldier in Sudan is certainly neutral because most of the times, articles on this kind of issue don’t carry any of the opinions, because they should deliver the righteous information for those who are not well informed. The purpose of all this information being written is for society that is not involved in such matter, who needs to be informed about the affair.Until any governmental related articles are publicized, these types of articles must not carry any opinion. The effects would be something that will provoke non-related people in the world to be involved in such activities to help promote these circumstances in Sudan and in other African countries. This issue in Africa is putting out future leaders in world into a major disadvantage. The more youngsters we have in world, the better and innovative the world will become for the future. Putting immature and inexperienced kids out on the battle field will do no good for both country and for the children themselves.
Straight Out of Sudan: A Child Soldier Raps
The article on the child soldier in Sudan is certainly neutral because most of the times, articles on this kind of issue don’t carry any of the opinions, because they should deliver the righteous information for those who are not well informed. The purpose of all this information being written is for society that is not involved in such matter, who needs to be informed about the affair.Until any governmental related articles are publicized, these types of articles must not carry any opinion. The effects would be something that will provoke non-related people in the world to be involved in such activities to help promote these circumstances in Sudan and in other African countries. This issue in Africa is putting out future leaders in world into a major disadvantage. The more youngsters we have in world, the better and innovative the world will become for the future. Putting immature and inexperienced kids out on the battle field will do no good for both country and for the children themselves.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Stereotypes - Jennifer Oh
When people look at me, they think I am mad so almost everyone says that it was hard for them to talk to me at first. Even my elementary school teacher told my mom that she thinks I am always mad at her. I am not mad or angry at anything. I am just not making any facial expressions. Whenever I don’t smile or put any emotions on my face, I look very serious, and fierce. This is why people say my first impression was not good. Another stereotype about me is that I never study. Every time when my friends didn’t do their homework, they come up to me and ask did I do the homework or not, and if I say I did, they get frustrated. Maybe they were sure about me not doing my homework, and the fact that I actually did was not the answer they wanted to hear. They wanted to console themselves that they are not the only one who didn’t do the homework. Moreover, whenever I study or read book, most of friends say what is wrong with me. Since I am usually loud and like to laugh, I guess it’s weird for them to see myself being quiet. Using the fact that I look mad if I don’t smile, people make connection between me studying and get angry. They think I study whenever I get mad at something or someone. This really gets annoying. I am not mad at anything and I do study.
I also have stereotypes on others. For example, when I see people who are skinny, have light-colored skin and wear glasses, they look like they can’t play any sports at all. Also, when I hear the name ‘Andrew’, it makes me think that person is weird and annoyed. Because all my friends who’s name is Andrew seem to be like that. Moreover, girls who are really skinny make me think that she is selfish and fastidious.
I think stereotypes are harmful in most of times. Everyone has different individuality, but the society is ignoring those individualities and making it unnecessary. In these days, many people are trying to fit themselves into certain stereotypes, and an example for this is going on a diet to loss weight, which is one of the most common stereotypes. The stereotypes are made by media, parents, teachers, or friends, and they are making people to become biased or prejudiced. Another example is stereotypes of models. When I say a model, most of people think someone who is tall and skinny. Yes, in most people’s minds, models are people who have perfect visual body and look. Therefore, many people try to loss weight to be a model, and in this process, some people die because of eating disorder. All these stereotypes that people get bring negative effects. It could be positive in some ways, but in many ways, it’s just a way of disrespecting individualities.
I also have stereotypes on others. For example, when I see people who are skinny, have light-colored skin and wear glasses, they look like they can’t play any sports at all. Also, when I hear the name ‘Andrew’, it makes me think that person is weird and annoyed. Because all my friends who’s name is Andrew seem to be like that. Moreover, girls who are really skinny make me think that she is selfish and fastidious.
I think stereotypes are harmful in most of times. Everyone has different individuality, but the society is ignoring those individualities and making it unnecessary. In these days, many people are trying to fit themselves into certain stereotypes, and an example for this is going on a diet to loss weight, which is one of the most common stereotypes. The stereotypes are made by media, parents, teachers, or friends, and they are making people to become biased or prejudiced. Another example is stereotypes of models. When I say a model, most of people think someone who is tall and skinny. Yes, in most people’s minds, models are people who have perfect visual body and look. Therefore, many people try to loss weight to be a model, and in this process, some people die because of eating disorder. All these stereotypes that people get bring negative effects. It could be positive in some ways, but in many ways, it’s just a way of disrespecting individualities.
Newspaper Child Soldier- Alice
Newspaper1
The article that I selected is from CNN and the title is “The Perfect Weapon for the Meanest War”. The content of the article is basically about the negativity on child soldiers in Africa. The adults in few countries are enforcing the youngsters to be involved in the vicarious crime, by enlisting them as ‘soldiers’. Therefore, at early age, young children are learning how to work with the destructive tools, weapons that eventually kill other humans or animals. This evidently exposes the children to devastating state of life and death at an early age. Although such countries are short on number with soldiers to guard their own territory or country, they shouldn’t be letting young kids to protect, because they have their own rights to explore their life more than given; they need to be educated at school, not about the wars. Eventually those young kids are the ones who die on behalf of other adults who are perhaps afraid to stand up for their countries. This article is directed for those who are out in the world that needs to know about the world affairs such as this. If not censured by the government, these articles are certainly not biased against anything. And since this article is released by the New York Times, it is certain that the article is standing in the neutral position. This act in any part of the world should stop due to such articles that continuously inform the audiences.
The article that I selected is from CNN and the title is “The Perfect Weapon for the Meanest War”. The content of the article is basically about the negativity on child soldiers in Africa. The adults in few countries are enforcing the youngsters to be involved in the vicarious crime, by enlisting them as ‘soldiers’. Therefore, at early age, young children are learning how to work with the destructive tools, weapons that eventually kill other humans or animals. This evidently exposes the children to devastating state of life and death at an early age. Although such countries are short on number with soldiers to guard their own territory or country, they shouldn’t be letting young kids to protect, because they have their own rights to explore their life more than given; they need to be educated at school, not about the wars. Eventually those young kids are the ones who die on behalf of other adults who are perhaps afraid to stand up for their countries. This article is directed for those who are out in the world that needs to know about the world affairs such as this. If not censured by the government, these articles are certainly not biased against anything. And since this article is released by the New York Times, it is certain that the article is standing in the neutral position. This act in any part of the world should stop due to such articles that continuously inform the audiences.
Stereotype - keiko
"What stereotypes do people have about you? What stereotypes do you have about other people? Are stereotypes beneficial or harmful? Why do you think this?"
Since I am a Japanese girl, most people suggest that I am sexually available to foreign men and a girl who is easy to get into bed. Most boys think I am expert in all the sexual programs, but actually I am not. Most boys think I am demure and obedient even they abuse or mock me. I guess this picture of girl being obedient and dominant by the men was come from the ancient Japanese movie. Moreover, Japanese people don’t tend to smile and nod when they are unsure on what has just been said. Some Koreans judge me as a foolish girl just because I am Japanese. Indeed, when I speak English fluently, they suddenly act friendly to me. It’s ridiculous when I see those actions. Therefore, the overall effects of stereotyping are always been negative to me.
The example of positive stereotype is African Americans are excellent sportsmen and superb singers and dancers. On the other hand, in case of negative stereotype is African Americans are less intelligent than the other races. I tend to judge individuals by their appearance, clothing, and intelligence. Although our school is a racially diverse, I tended to associate predominantly with the Asian students while the familiarity was comfortable. However, I don’t alienate those of other nationalities.
People tend to have stereotype about other people who they don’t’ fully know them. That’s why stereotypes are harmful to people. Even “positive” stereotype is harmful to those they target, because positive stereotype can result in negative self-image, stress, pressure to conform, and ineffective intercultural interactions.
Since I am a Japanese girl, most people suggest that I am sexually available to foreign men and a girl who is easy to get into bed. Most boys think I am expert in all the sexual programs, but actually I am not. Most boys think I am demure and obedient even they abuse or mock me. I guess this picture of girl being obedient and dominant by the men was come from the ancient Japanese movie. Moreover, Japanese people don’t tend to smile and nod when they are unsure on what has just been said. Some Koreans judge me as a foolish girl just because I am Japanese. Indeed, when I speak English fluently, they suddenly act friendly to me. It’s ridiculous when I see those actions. Therefore, the overall effects of stereotyping are always been negative to me.
The example of positive stereotype is African Americans are excellent sportsmen and superb singers and dancers. On the other hand, in case of negative stereotype is African Americans are less intelligent than the other races. I tend to judge individuals by their appearance, clothing, and intelligence. Although our school is a racially diverse, I tended to associate predominantly with the Asian students while the familiarity was comfortable. However, I don’t alienate those of other nationalities.
People tend to have stereotype about other people who they don’t’ fully know them. That’s why stereotypes are harmful to people. Even “positive” stereotype is harmful to those they target, because positive stereotype can result in negative self-image, stress, pressure to conform, and ineffective intercultural interactions.
child soldier Emily (book source 1 and 2)
Child Soldier book 1
A long way gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0374105235/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books
Book is a collection of sheets of paper bounded together in one edge within covers. Books are very influential source of media for it speaks and communicates verbally with the public through stylistically written languages. One advantage of books is that it can convince people through vivid personal stories but this can be a disadvantage as well for many people may believe fiction books to be true as well. Therefore it can easily convince the public through vivid descriptions and powerful language. This particular novel I have found is called “A long way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier”. This book is a personal narrative by a man named Ishmael Beah, who once was a child soldier and had experienced the cruel cvil war as a young twelve year old boy.
This gripping story takes place in Sierra Leone, where the narrator becomes a child soldier through the civil war that is marked as one of the most brutal and violent civil war times in recent history. Throughout the book, Ishmael explicitly describes his transformation from a normal twelve year old boy to an angry drug addicted child soldier. Through the three years of horrible war, Ishmael loses the control of himself and becomes a violent teenager, killing countless people. The violent and verbal descriptions cause the readers to visualize the possible images in their heads about his self destruction and really feel the emotions and pains that the narrator had to experience. The disturbing narrative and the tone of his voice convince the readers how brutal it is to live as a child soldier.
Throughout the novel, the author communicates with the readers how serious this child soldier issue is and inspires the readers to have more interest and support banning child soldier. Through his powerful narrative, the readers are able to engage with the cruelty that the child soldiers are facing. Also, as he narrates about his recovery in the rehabilitation center, the narrator encourages the teens in the world to always have hope.
However, one of the limitations in this novel is that this is only conducted by Ishmael and his view points. Therefore it is not possible for the readers to look at this issue in any other forms. Even though the book convinces the readers to realize and acknowledge the importance of banning child soldier, it also conveys negative aspects. As Ishmael believes what he had done was not his fault for the society had caused him to be in this situation, this may bring some negative aspects and ideas to the young readers that it is okay to behave in a certain way if the society allows it. In other words, this particular narrative consists of a strong biased in the view point of child soldier. This also conveys a negative aspect of books that it lacks other voices and contains limited facets.
To sum up, as I read some parts of the book, I was deeply convinced by his vivid and strong language. Even though some contexts bothered me for the violent language was very unpleasant, the language itself caused me to communicate with the narrator and his message to the readers.
Child soldier book 2
Children at War
http://www.amazon.com/Children-at-War-P-Singer/dp/0520248767/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220786953&sr=1-2
The second book I have found is called “Children at War” by P.W. Singer. The author of this book discusses the new phenomenon of children at war through his study. Dr. Singer analyses the different ways that the child soldiers are being used in various cultures. Throughout the book, he demonstrates his ideas and thoughts through his personal interviews with people involved with the child soldier issue in different areas. The tone of the author is very objective, as he convinces the readers to engage in his research with reasonable supports and analysis. His works involve the changes of the child soldier in the late 20th century and the early 21st century. The author deals with various topics like civil and guerrilla conflicts that have caused the children to be in the war. Through this closely researched report, the author gives the readers the ideas and solutions to the child soldiers. Although both books I have found cover the detailed writings, this particular book contains no strong emotional voice as the purpose of this book is to give information rather than to inspire others like the one above.
I have found this book very valuable even though it lacks the grasping vivid voice like the book I have found earlier. The characteristic of this particular book is that this gives valuable information in different areas in which the author had collected through his studies. One of the strengths of this book would be the fact that it does not contain much prejudice. As this book only deals with the facts and research, it is very valuable for education.
To sum up, I thought this book was very interesting for the author expanded his ideas in different ways by doing personal research to convince the readers of his reflections and founding. This particular book therefore portrays one of the strengths of the book, which is providing factual information.
A long way gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0374105235/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books
Book is a collection of sheets of paper bounded together in one edge within covers. Books are very influential source of media for it speaks and communicates verbally with the public through stylistically written languages. One advantage of books is that it can convince people through vivid personal stories but this can be a disadvantage as well for many people may believe fiction books to be true as well. Therefore it can easily convince the public through vivid descriptions and powerful language. This particular novel I have found is called “A long way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier”. This book is a personal narrative by a man named Ishmael Beah, who once was a child soldier and had experienced the cruel cvil war as a young twelve year old boy.
This gripping story takes place in Sierra Leone, where the narrator becomes a child soldier through the civil war that is marked as one of the most brutal and violent civil war times in recent history. Throughout the book, Ishmael explicitly describes his transformation from a normal twelve year old boy to an angry drug addicted child soldier. Through the three years of horrible war, Ishmael loses the control of himself and becomes a violent teenager, killing countless people. The violent and verbal descriptions cause the readers to visualize the possible images in their heads about his self destruction and really feel the emotions and pains that the narrator had to experience. The disturbing narrative and the tone of his voice convince the readers how brutal it is to live as a child soldier.
Throughout the novel, the author communicates with the readers how serious this child soldier issue is and inspires the readers to have more interest and support banning child soldier. Through his powerful narrative, the readers are able to engage with the cruelty that the child soldiers are facing. Also, as he narrates about his recovery in the rehabilitation center, the narrator encourages the teens in the world to always have hope.
However, one of the limitations in this novel is that this is only conducted by Ishmael and his view points. Therefore it is not possible for the readers to look at this issue in any other forms. Even though the book convinces the readers to realize and acknowledge the importance of banning child soldier, it also conveys negative aspects. As Ishmael believes what he had done was not his fault for the society had caused him to be in this situation, this may bring some negative aspects and ideas to the young readers that it is okay to behave in a certain way if the society allows it. In other words, this particular narrative consists of a strong biased in the view point of child soldier. This also conveys a negative aspect of books that it lacks other voices and contains limited facets.
To sum up, as I read some parts of the book, I was deeply convinced by his vivid and strong language. Even though some contexts bothered me for the violent language was very unpleasant, the language itself caused me to communicate with the narrator and his message to the readers.
Child soldier book 2
Children at War
http://www.amazon.com/Children-at-War-P-Singer/dp/0520248767/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220786953&sr=1-2
The second book I have found is called “Children at War” by P.W. Singer. The author of this book discusses the new phenomenon of children at war through his study. Dr. Singer analyses the different ways that the child soldiers are being used in various cultures. Throughout the book, he demonstrates his ideas and thoughts through his personal interviews with people involved with the child soldier issue in different areas. The tone of the author is very objective, as he convinces the readers to engage in his research with reasonable supports and analysis. His works involve the changes of the child soldier in the late 20th century and the early 21st century. The author deals with various topics like civil and guerrilla conflicts that have caused the children to be in the war. Through this closely researched report, the author gives the readers the ideas and solutions to the child soldiers. Although both books I have found cover the detailed writings, this particular book contains no strong emotional voice as the purpose of this book is to give information rather than to inspire others like the one above.
I have found this book very valuable even though it lacks the grasping vivid voice like the book I have found earlier. The characteristic of this particular book is that this gives valuable information in different areas in which the author had collected through his studies. One of the strengths of this book would be the fact that it does not contain much prejudice. As this book only deals with the facts and research, it is very valuable for education.
To sum up, I thought this book was very interesting for the author expanded his ideas in different ways by doing personal research to convince the readers of his reflections and founding. This particular book therefore portrays one of the strengths of the book, which is providing factual information.
stereotypes-Emily Song
Growing up in the states and spending most of my teenage years in America, I struggled with common racial stereotypes that people had about me. Whenever I moved to a different school in the States, the students’ first impressions of me were always “a Chinese girl who can use chopsticks properly and do martial arts.” Because there are many Chinese restaurants in the streets and the population of china is immense, the usual stereotypes that Americans have on Asians are that we are all Chinese and eat rice. Therefore, my friends would always ask whether I can speak Chinese or eat rice every day. Also, once in a while when my friends learned new words or phrases in other Asian languages that I had no clue about, they would come up to me and show off of their new language skills in languages that I could not understand. In addition, after we watched rush hour together, they even thought I can perform Chinese martial arts just like Jackie Chan.
It is true that I am black haired Asian who knows how to use chopsticks, but it neither is true that I am Chinese nor learned kung fu or any kinds of martial arts. To be honest, I abhorred all the stereotypes or labels that judged my identity. However, ironically I too had stereotypes on others and still tend to judge others by their first impressions and stereotypes. Whenever I see a tall man, I assume that his parents must be tall. Also, whenever I see yellow haired foreigners in Tae-jeon I assume them to be all American hakwon teachers. Even though I try not to, I have a tendency to judge people by their looks and actions.
I believe that we all tend to classify people by their looks, actions, and tones. Therefore the stereotypes we create will only harm each other for the unclear assumptions may cause conflicts and bring discord within the society. The biggest problem of stereotypes is that people may lose their unique identities that all have as individuals. As stereotypes categorize people in certain social groups based on their physical appearances, it prevents people from having self identities. Furthermore, this becomes an obstacle in getting to know others as we view people only in limited facets. On the other hand, even the positive stereotypes will bring pressure to those who feel the need to conform. In other words, stereotypes will only cause mental pressures for the ones who need to meet the standard and stress to those who receive negative stereotypes by others.
It is true that I am black haired Asian who knows how to use chopsticks, but it neither is true that I am Chinese nor learned kung fu or any kinds of martial arts. To be honest, I abhorred all the stereotypes or labels that judged my identity. However, ironically I too had stereotypes on others and still tend to judge others by their first impressions and stereotypes. Whenever I see a tall man, I assume that his parents must be tall. Also, whenever I see yellow haired foreigners in Tae-jeon I assume them to be all American hakwon teachers. Even though I try not to, I have a tendency to judge people by their looks and actions.
I believe that we all tend to classify people by their looks, actions, and tones. Therefore the stereotypes we create will only harm each other for the unclear assumptions may cause conflicts and bring discord within the society. The biggest problem of stereotypes is that people may lose their unique identities that all have as individuals. As stereotypes categorize people in certain social groups based on their physical appearances, it prevents people from having self identities. Furthermore, this becomes an obstacle in getting to know others as we view people only in limited facets. On the other hand, even the positive stereotypes will bring pressure to those who feel the need to conform. In other words, stereotypes will only cause mental pressures for the ones who need to meet the standard and stress to those who receive negative stereotypes by others.
Stereotypes -Alice Seo
There are many stereotypes that influence how people perceive people’s first impression or the impression in longer term. I personally think that having some informational stereotypes (based on facts) is beneficial but I disagree with the statement that people should judge people only based on the pre conception that they have on others.
Just because I am from Seoul, Ichon (dong bu ichon dong) people consider me as a rich girl who has a lot of money to spend. However, the truth is that I don’t really receive any ‘pocket money’ regularly from my parents. Instead, I ask for money whenever I need any. Also, they don’t really give plenty of money to spend compared to other friends around me. In fact, some people around me who live in Dae-jon, Dae-gu, or Chung-ju, that are relatively less urban, receive more money than do the kids from Seoul. Therefore, the fact that I live in Seoul doesn’t mean much but only creates prejudices. However, I have benefited from preconception too. People who know about Korea have basic ideas about my life. Therefore, even though the people are from culturally different places, they understand my culture and try to fit their perspective to mine. Many teachers in TCIS doesn’t only criticize the Korean ideas or cultures that other foreigners or who has lived abroad may have but many times agree with our ideas and try to help people understand different perspective. Many foreigners usually don’t understand the passion for education of Korean parents. However, people in TCIS understand that this is common in Korea and understands it. These are the stereotypes that helped me.
I thought of African Americans to be a group of people who are so liberal in their thoughts that they would violate all the laws and lead illegal crimes. When I got to take a same subway as an African American, I would be nervous and try to move to another seat to get farthest as I can be from him. It was the prejudice though. After those experiences, I came to TCIS and met several African Americans. They were at the first time very different from me but they weren’t mean or criminal. I found them friendlier and joyful than my previous perception and had built great friendship with them.
There are many different cases where prejudices can act as beneficial or harmful effect. In the bad impression on people can be most of the time wrong and exaggerated. However, it could be beneficial compared to people who have no idea toward others at all. Therefore, I admit that it can have two sides and cannot determine whether it is beneficial or harmful. Though, the ultimate truth is that people cannot ever get rid of stereotype: it is inevitable to live with preconception whatever influence that might have on people.
Just because I am from Seoul, Ichon (dong bu ichon dong) people consider me as a rich girl who has a lot of money to spend. However, the truth is that I don’t really receive any ‘pocket money’ regularly from my parents. Instead, I ask for money whenever I need any. Also, they don’t really give plenty of money to spend compared to other friends around me. In fact, some people around me who live in Dae-jon, Dae-gu, or Chung-ju, that are relatively less urban, receive more money than do the kids from Seoul. Therefore, the fact that I live in Seoul doesn’t mean much but only creates prejudices. However, I have benefited from preconception too. People who know about Korea have basic ideas about my life. Therefore, even though the people are from culturally different places, they understand my culture and try to fit their perspective to mine. Many teachers in TCIS doesn’t only criticize the Korean ideas or cultures that other foreigners or who has lived abroad may have but many times agree with our ideas and try to help people understand different perspective. Many foreigners usually don’t understand the passion for education of Korean parents. However, people in TCIS understand that this is common in Korea and understands it. These are the stereotypes that helped me.
I thought of African Americans to be a group of people who are so liberal in their thoughts that they would violate all the laws and lead illegal crimes. When I got to take a same subway as an African American, I would be nervous and try to move to another seat to get farthest as I can be from him. It was the prejudice though. After those experiences, I came to TCIS and met several African Americans. They were at the first time very different from me but they weren’t mean or criminal. I found them friendlier and joyful than my previous perception and had built great friendship with them.
There are many different cases where prejudices can act as beneficial or harmful effect. In the bad impression on people can be most of the time wrong and exaggerated. However, it could be beneficial compared to people who have no idea toward others at all. Therefore, I admit that it can have two sides and cannot determine whether it is beneficial or harmful. Though, the ultimate truth is that people cannot ever get rid of stereotype: it is inevitable to live with preconception whatever influence that might have on people.
Media - TV (child soldiers)
http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=vfB7XusZb5w
TV is one of the most popular media to show world issues to people in the world. The TV show I found about child soldiers is by CNN. It doesn’t have any host or narration, it’s just showing the real video about child soldiers and how they are involving in the war as soldiers, terrorists, and murderers. All the scenes are shocking and unbelievable that how could children threaten people with guns and other weapons.
The major goal for TV, especially the news program like CNN, is delivering the information as accurate and fast as possible to audience. Therefore, one of their characteristics is not to be biased. They are just showing the issues and problems, and making the audience to be the ones who are deciding whether it’s right or wrong. For CNN, which is one of the popular news programs in the world, many people in the world watch it, and those people have different cultures, religions and cultures. People have their own ethical standards so they look at the issue based on their ethics. Therefore, news should be dedicated on their goals of delivering the information itself, and not be biased or prejudiced. According to this characteristic of TV news, the child soldiers’ video from CNN only showing the situation about child soldiers in Africa.
The video is basically about Sri Lanka soldiers wearing black masks and threaten others. They are holding guns in their hands and aim it to people’s heads and cheer together after they caught them. What I saw in this video was not children; they were terrorists and murderers under children’s faces. The message about the video is to show how serious the child soldiers issue is going around in the world and how the world is going wrong.
By looking at this video, I get to understand how serious the issue is. It was much more severe than what I have expected. Children who are suppose to play with toys and get educations at school were actually playing with guns and intimidating people. At this point, there was one question that came up in my mind. ‘Are they even know the seriousness of killing people?’ Before they hold guns on their hands, they should get full education and military trains. Children should go to school and learn ethics so they could decide what is wrong and right by themselves. The governments who are supposed to protect their children and educate them are just using children as their weapons.
http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=I0MShxMMd8c
The second video I found is about African child soldiers who escaped from the army. It talks about how the army treated the children. One girl who escaped said the soldiers told one of her friends, “You are now free, run!” but they shoot her when she was running. The soldiers didn’t kill the girl because she was pregnant, and they said it bring bad luck to kill a pregnant woman but they cut her ears and lips. The army let the children to kill their friends, and they kick the children if they didn’t listen. This video’s message is to show the world about the reality of child soldiers in Africa and how the army is treating them. Therefore, it’s not biased or prejudiced on the issue. It’s just delivering the information and showing the reality so people can recognize the issue. This is the characteristic of other TV shows too, which is to deliver the information and not to be biased. It’s letting the audience to make decision on whether the issue is wrong or not since everyone has different opinions. TV is standing between right and wrong.
By watching this video, I get to recognize the seriousness of government who are using their children as weapons and treating them like animals. Children should get educations before they learn how to shoot the gun.
Media (internet) 2 keiko
Wikipedia contains plenty of information on child soldiers. However, it is not 100% reliable. Although Wikpedia has information cited, they information posted is anonymous. Therefore, we do not know anything about the poster, the poster’s background, and the poster’s view (how biased he or she is). In other words, the poster could be posting information only based on his or her perspective. Therefore, it is not 100% reliable. Under my search, there is much information. However, there is one thing that got my attention. The section titled. “International Law.” The Law states that no children under that age of 15 are to participate in warfare. However, if it is an international law, internally, all the countries are supposed to go under this law. But there are still many child soldiers today. Moreover, there are some children that want to participate in warfare. How is the law going to stop that is the country doesn’t? Countries that use child soldiers today are Africa, Asia, Middle East, Europe, and surprisingly North America. However, as noted above, this is wikipedia. Therefore, all the information can not be trusted. But there is still a degree of accurate information. There is a lot of information on Wikipedia, and as students, everybody probably used wikipedia once. It gives specific detailed information on the topic. However, wikipedia is an American site. Therefore, wouldn’t all the posting favor America? In conclusion, although wikipedia is not 100% reliable, I think that there is a degree of accuracy.
"Military use of children." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 2 Sep 2008, 07:59 UTC. 7 Sep 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.phptitle=Military_use_of_children&oldid=235768810>.
"Military use of children." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 2 Sep 2008, 07:59 UTC. 7 Sep 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.phptitle=Military_use_of_children&oldid=235768810>.
Media (internet) Keiko
On Jan, 19, a trio of Australian journalists published a 4,600 words investigation challenging the trustworthiness of the child soldier memoir A Long Way Gone. Author Ishmael Beah suffered from the Sierra Leone’s civil war and the two years he spent as a cocaine-addicted teenage. He was once worked in military as a child soldier. Now, he travels the world as UNICEF representative heightening awareness for the condition of child soldiers.
In the passage, the author is Gabriel Sherman, one of a special correspondent for the New Republic. He constantly scorns the Australian journalists for challenging the credibility of the child soldier memoir A Long Way Gone. For example Gabriel says “If you believe the Australian, much of the memoir is bunk.” He ignores the Australian journalists when they claim that Beah exaggerated his story. Gabriel explains that Beah was an orphaned child soldier for more than two months, not the sweeping two years his memoir chronicles. He strongly states that Beah has documented his tragic story with infallible accuracy and describes views of violence and executions. Gabriel ludicrously laughs at these journalists for spending their time for three months to disgrace a really well-meaning person, who actually did suffer enormously. I can see his tone of anger by calling them “lowbrow” and “dismissiveness. “Since Gabriel strongly believes his point of view, he couldn’t accept to understand the ideas of three Australian reporters. His purpose of this message is to announce that the story of Ishmael Beah contains full of truthfulness. The theme is the conflict between the Australian journalists and Ishmael Beah
Sherman, Gabriel. "The Fog of Memoir." Slate 6 March 2008 7 Sep 2008.<http://www.slate.com/id/2185928/pagenum/all/#page_start.>
In the passage, the author is Gabriel Sherman, one of a special correspondent for the New Republic. He constantly scorns the Australian journalists for challenging the credibility of the child soldier memoir A Long Way Gone. For example Gabriel says “If you believe the Australian, much of the memoir is bunk.” He ignores the Australian journalists when they claim that Beah exaggerated his story. Gabriel explains that Beah was an orphaned child soldier for more than two months, not the sweeping two years his memoir chronicles. He strongly states that Beah has documented his tragic story with infallible accuracy and describes views of violence and executions. Gabriel ludicrously laughs at these journalists for spending their time for three months to disgrace a really well-meaning person, who actually did suffer enormously. I can see his tone of anger by calling them “lowbrow” and “dismissiveness. “Since Gabriel strongly believes his point of view, he couldn’t accept to understand the ideas of three Australian reporters. His purpose of this message is to announce that the story of Ishmael Beah contains full of truthfulness. The theme is the conflict between the Australian journalists and Ishmael Beah
Sherman, Gabriel. "The Fog of Memoir." Slate 6 March 2008 7 Sep 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
child soldier music2 alice seo
2
There is another song related to the theme child soldier. It is “No Bravery” by James Blunt. James Blunt is not an African American who experienced being a child soldier. Instead, he is an English singer-song writer. He traveled many places around the world and had great passion in music. He wrote a song called ‘No bravery’ and this song has a different feel than the songs of Emmanuel Jal and K’naan. Unlike the other singers who focused on the personal experience, James criticized the society and the politics instead. He was involved in the Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), a secular humanitarian-aid non-governmental organization, best known for its projects in war-torn regions and developing countries facing endemic disease. This mainly originated from his earlier experience as an officer in the Life Guards and a reconnaissance regiment of the British Army. He also served under NATO in Kosovo during the conflict in 1999.
The lyrics of the song serves to send a negative opinion about the U.S. Watching a video from a website, I saw a flash of President Bush whenever the lyrics said ‘he’s been here’. It was pretty evident that the singer was portraying the United States and the cruelty of the nation’s government and the system of theirs.
He uses the words such as ‘tears’, ‘graves’, ‘no bravery’, ‘only sadness’, ‘disgrace’, ‘burnt’, ‘death’, ‘blind’, ‘afraid’, ‘cry’, ‘cut’, ‘raped’, ‘hate’, and ‘despair’ creates a depressing and pathetic emotion to the situation and causes the audience to think more about the issue.
I was listening to the music several times to get more idea about the situation and I felt some kind of anger toward the U.S. government. It was a different feeling than I had before. I usually felt the sadness and the sympathy toward the children, but this time, I felt the resentment toward the society and the system. I think it is mainly because the singer focused on the criticizing about the ignorance and the indifference of the people around the world.
There is another song related to the theme child soldier. It is “No Bravery” by James Blunt. James Blunt is not an African American who experienced being a child soldier. Instead, he is an English singer-song writer. He traveled many places around the world and had great passion in music. He wrote a song called ‘No bravery’ and this song has a different feel than the songs of Emmanuel Jal and K’naan. Unlike the other singers who focused on the personal experience, James criticized the society and the politics instead. He was involved in the Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), a secular humanitarian-aid non-governmental organization, best known for its projects in war-torn regions and developing countries facing endemic disease. This mainly originated from his earlier experience as an officer in the Life Guards and a reconnaissance regiment of the British Army. He also served under NATO in Kosovo during the conflict in 1999.
The lyrics of the song serves to send a negative opinion about the U.S. Watching a video from a website, I saw a flash of President Bush whenever the lyrics said ‘he’s been here’. It was pretty evident that the singer was portraying the United States and the cruelty of the nation’s government and the system of theirs.
He uses the words such as ‘tears’, ‘graves’, ‘no bravery’, ‘only sadness’, ‘disgrace’, ‘burnt’, ‘death’, ‘blind’, ‘afraid’, ‘cry’, ‘cut’, ‘raped’, ‘hate’, and ‘despair’ creates a depressing and pathetic emotion to the situation and causes the audience to think more about the issue.
I was listening to the music several times to get more idea about the situation and I felt some kind of anger toward the U.S. government. It was a different feeling than I had before. I usually felt the sadness and the sympathy toward the children, but this time, I felt the resentment toward the society and the system. I think it is mainly because the singer focused on the criticizing about the ignorance and the indifference of the people around the world.
child soldier music1 alice seo
1
Music, unlike other media, has a unique feature of its own. Music is involved in many areas of the media. For example, TV and radio are affected by music more often than not. When attempting to send a message to the audience, simply reading out the facts can be done, yet it does not successfully grab the audience’s attention. Therefore, there are times when music is involved in media use. There are several songs related to the theme ‘child soldiers’. People often think that it is a faraway story that can be seen only in the news and the newspaper. Yet, a Sudanese rapper ‘Emmanuel Jal’ raps out his experience through his music. Singing or rapping about such issues has been done numerous times, but since the story was a true experience, the music approached to the audience’s heart differently than other music that was made before.
There must be some kind of bias behind the lyrics or the emotion that Jal carries out from the song. Emmanuel, a Sudanese rapper who has been forced to be a child soldier when he was young, confesses that he didn’t know why he had to fight. He had no power to resist. Luckily, he survived and had a great chance to travel to America and he then started to send out messaged how serious the situation in the Africa is. He says that there must be a reason why he was able to get to America, obviously privileged than other African children who are forced to fight in the army.
In the lyrics of his songs, Emmanuel claims that he must have survived so he will be able to tell his story. Then, he goes on to tell about his story in Africa. Although Emmanuel was too young to understand the politics, he felt that something was going on due to the tension created between Christians and Muslims. His father was serving the government as a police officer and his mother was in depression. Tragically, because of the conflict that was ongoing in Africa, Emmanuel lost all his family and was forced to hide in the jungle in order to survive.
Listeners, who heard the song, state that the lyrics are extremely personal, thus making it even more powerful. Many African Americans admires his song and cry after becoming emotional by the music. Andrew Natsios, a Special Envoy for Sudan, said that he never listened to hip-hop music but he felt that he wanted to listen to the hip-hop music just because of Emmanuel.
One of the videos about Emmanuel on YouTube says, ‘before Darfur… Civil War raged in Southern Sudan leaving 2 million people dead. 10 thousand children were forced to fight. Emmanuel Jal was one of them. Emmanuel came to America to share his story…’
He wanted to spread out the story about serious issue ongoing in Africa. People in Africa are extremely struggling and that the story should be heard throughout the world.
Since the form of the medium is music, it attracts people’s attention through melody and convinces people’s logic through the lyrics.
Even I was greatly emotional about the fact that people used children to maintain the army; it became more extreme when I listened to the music. The music speaks much more than the fact itself. People surely are greatly influenced by the music they listen to.
Music, unlike other media, has a unique feature of its own. Music is involved in many areas of the media. For example, TV and radio are affected by music more often than not. When attempting to send a message to the audience, simply reading out the facts can be done, yet it does not successfully grab the audience’s attention. Therefore, there are times when music is involved in media use. There are several songs related to the theme ‘child soldiers’. People often think that it is a faraway story that can be seen only in the news and the newspaper. Yet, a Sudanese rapper ‘Emmanuel Jal’ raps out his experience through his music. Singing or rapping about such issues has been done numerous times, but since the story was a true experience, the music approached to the audience’s heart differently than other music that was made before.
There must be some kind of bias behind the lyrics or the emotion that Jal carries out from the song. Emmanuel, a Sudanese rapper who has been forced to be a child soldier when he was young, confesses that he didn’t know why he had to fight. He had no power to resist. Luckily, he survived and had a great chance to travel to America and he then started to send out messaged how serious the situation in the Africa is. He says that there must be a reason why he was able to get to America, obviously privileged than other African children who are forced to fight in the army.
In the lyrics of his songs, Emmanuel claims that he must have survived so he will be able to tell his story. Then, he goes on to tell about his story in Africa. Although Emmanuel was too young to understand the politics, he felt that something was going on due to the tension created between Christians and Muslims. His father was serving the government as a police officer and his mother was in depression. Tragically, because of the conflict that was ongoing in Africa, Emmanuel lost all his family and was forced to hide in the jungle in order to survive.
Listeners, who heard the song, state that the lyrics are extremely personal, thus making it even more powerful. Many African Americans admires his song and cry after becoming emotional by the music. Andrew Natsios, a Special Envoy for Sudan, said that he never listened to hip-hop music but he felt that he wanted to listen to the hip-hop music just because of Emmanuel.
One of the videos about Emmanuel on YouTube says, ‘before Darfur… Civil War raged in Southern Sudan leaving 2 million people dead. 10 thousand children were forced to fight. Emmanuel Jal was one of them. Emmanuel came to America to share his story…’
He wanted to spread out the story about serious issue ongoing in Africa. People in Africa are extremely struggling and that the story should be heard throughout the world.
Since the form of the medium is music, it attracts people’s attention through melody and convinces people’s logic through the lyrics.
Even I was greatly emotional about the fact that people used children to maintain the army; it became more extreme when I listened to the music. The music speaks much more than the fact itself. People surely are greatly influenced by the music they listen to.
step 5 Emily Song -internet (child soldiers) 2
link-http://www.hrw.org/campaigns/crp/facts.htm
The web page I have found through the internet included a list of facts about child soldiers. The facts seem to explain the situation of the cruel lives of child soldiers and support the statement “Stop the use of Child Soldiers”. Also, the picture linked on the right hand corner seemed to describe the tragic reality of the child soldiers. However, although the detailed information was convincing and the focus was clear, I was not sure whether these listed ‘facts’ are reliable sources because no other resources or work cited page was found. Also the unclear time periods were confusing as well. Only one statement about the reporting in every region of the world seemed credible as this single statement had a link to the list of countries where the child soldiers are being used. Therefore other than this single fact, I did not put much validity on this web page for it only listed various statements that are not clearly labeled. Furthermore, because there are hardly any backgrounds or information about this unknown author, this web page I believe lack the credibility. As this is a human rights organization website, I assume various people were engaged in gathering these statements. In other words, it lacked the credibility for there is no proven authority of the authors.
On the other hand, I believe the author’s purpose was to spread the tragedy of the child soldiers and, stop the use of child soldiers through this globalized media as known as internet. However, the impact of the statements was very weak and somewhat biased since it only listed facts in one particular side rather than covering the whole issue. In addition, because this website involves an organization of human rights, I may predict some biased in this website.
To sum up, I believe that this particular website did not really convince me greatly. Even though I was able to learn about the possible incidents that the child soldiers are facing today, the sources to these listed facts were unclear. Therefore, I believe that this somehow represents the disadvantage of the internet source, possibly posting unclear information given from other web pages. Although this webpage seemed much globalized as 12 different languages were available for the people to communicate and associate in this web site, the lack of authorities made me wonder about the possible exaggerations on this issue of child soldiers.
The web page I have found through the internet included a list of facts about child soldiers. The facts seem to explain the situation of the cruel lives of child soldiers and support the statement “Stop the use of Child Soldiers”. Also, the picture linked on the right hand corner seemed to describe the tragic reality of the child soldiers. However, although the detailed information was convincing and the focus was clear, I was not sure whether these listed ‘facts’ are reliable sources because no other resources or work cited page was found. Also the unclear time periods were confusing as well. Only one statement about the reporting in every region of the world seemed credible as this single statement had a link to the list of countries where the child soldiers are being used. Therefore other than this single fact, I did not put much validity on this web page for it only listed various statements that are not clearly labeled. Furthermore, because there are hardly any backgrounds or information about this unknown author, this web page I believe lack the credibility. As this is a human rights organization website, I assume various people were engaged in gathering these statements. In other words, it lacked the credibility for there is no proven authority of the authors.
On the other hand, I believe the author’s purpose was to spread the tragedy of the child soldiers and, stop the use of child soldiers through this globalized media as known as internet. However, the impact of the statements was very weak and somewhat biased since it only listed facts in one particular side rather than covering the whole issue. In addition, because this website involves an organization of human rights, I may predict some biased in this website.
To sum up, I believe that this particular website did not really convince me greatly. Even though I was able to learn about the possible incidents that the child soldiers are facing today, the sources to these listed facts were unclear. Therefore, I believe that this somehow represents the disadvantage of the internet source, possibly posting unclear information given from other web pages. Although this webpage seemed much globalized as 12 different languages were available for the people to communicate and associate in this web site, the lack of authorities made me wonder about the possible exaggerations on this issue of child soldiers.
step 5 Emily Song -internet (child soldiers) 1
link-http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/118309.php
The article I have found from the internet website (www.medicalnewstoday.com) was mainly based on the studies and findings mentioned from the article JAMA (Journal of the American Medical association), summarizing the information from the magazine. It talks about the health concerns of the child soldiers in comparison to the children in Nepal who were not forced as child soldiers.
In summary, the researchers set out to determine the mental health effects on two groups, they found out more than half of the child soldiers met the symptom cutoff score and criteria for depression and PTSD. From the statistical information, the research showed that child soldiers may be significantly exposed to depression and PTSD, compared to the children who are never exposed as child soldier. The researchers concluded that the difference in health issues between the two groups is determined by greater exposure to striking events by the child soldiers and mentioned important health implications about the necessity of a focused programming and the importance of screening as a base for intervention.
As I was reading this article, I personally thought this was a quite reliable source because the researchers' names and their status were mentioned clearly below the article. Also, as the author had mentioned the detailed statistics and further descriptions of the studies, I was somehow convinced by the information. Even though this article is a second hand resource and no further background information of the author is given except his name, I concluded his lists of the researchers and their interpretation were quite valid as all of the data and the descriptions were linked right below the article. Also, the recent dates convinced me to think this as the most recent proven facts. Therefore, the article I believe is not a biased source for the conclusions were based on the detailed studies. Furthermore, the fact that this article is from a medical website and other medical texts and information were linked together for further explanation, I believe this meets the level of validity. On the other hand, assume that the author’s purpose in writing this article was to share tragic lives of the child soldiers and how their environment may also affect their health compare to other children. Also, the author might have used this media as various people around the globe are more likely to come in contact with this article through internet than direct from the medical sources.
To sum up I am glad that I had a chance to know more about the child soldiers and what it really meant to be a child soldier. My knowledge and perception about the internet also changed because I oftentimes questioned the reliability of the information on the internet. Although internet is a great source to find various types of information, I always struggled to find a good quality material. As one of the advantages of the internet source, that anyone can post information through the internet was also a disadvantage for people like me to find a credible source, I never enjoyed finding resources from the internet. However, after reading this article, I figured, if I can distinguish what is credible and not from the given texts and resources, internet can be a great source.
The article I have found from the internet website (www.medicalnewstoday.com) was mainly based on the studies and findings mentioned from the article JAMA (Journal of the American Medical association), summarizing the information from the magazine. It talks about the health concerns of the child soldiers in comparison to the children in Nepal who were not forced as child soldiers.
In summary, the researchers set out to determine the mental health effects on two groups, they found out more than half of the child soldiers met the symptom cutoff score and criteria for depression and PTSD. From the statistical information, the research showed that child soldiers may be significantly exposed to depression and PTSD, compared to the children who are never exposed as child soldier. The researchers concluded that the difference in health issues between the two groups is determined by greater exposure to striking events by the child soldiers and mentioned important health implications about the necessity of a focused programming and the importance of screening as a base for intervention.
As I was reading this article, I personally thought this was a quite reliable source because the researchers' names and their status were mentioned clearly below the article. Also, as the author had mentioned the detailed statistics and further descriptions of the studies, I was somehow convinced by the information. Even though this article is a second hand resource and no further background information of the author is given except his name, I concluded his lists of the researchers and their interpretation were quite valid as all of the data and the descriptions were linked right below the article. Also, the recent dates convinced me to think this as the most recent proven facts. Therefore, the article I believe is not a biased source for the conclusions were based on the detailed studies. Furthermore, the fact that this article is from a medical website and other medical texts and information were linked together for further explanation, I believe this meets the level of validity. On the other hand, assume that the author’s purpose in writing this article was to share tragic lives of the child soldiers and how their environment may also affect their health compare to other children. Also, the author might have used this media as various people around the globe are more likely to come in contact with this article through internet than direct from the medical sources.
To sum up I am glad that I had a chance to know more about the child soldiers and what it really meant to be a child soldier. My knowledge and perception about the internet also changed because I oftentimes questioned the reliability of the information on the internet. Although internet is a great source to find various types of information, I always struggled to find a good quality material. As one of the advantages of the internet source, that anyone can post information through the internet was also a disadvantage for people like me to find a credible source, I never enjoyed finding resources from the internet. However, after reading this article, I figured, if I can distinguish what is credible and not from the given texts and resources, internet can be a great source.
Media - book (child soldiers)
“Child Soldiers: The Role of Children in Armed Conflict.” Amazon.com 30 Aug 2008. <http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0198259328/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books>
The type of mass media I used is book, and the topic is about child soldiers. The characteristic about book is that it can persuade or convince the readers by interesting and realistic story form. The first novel I found is Child Soldiers: The Role of Children in Armed Conflict written by Ilene Cohn. In her writing, she tried to show the failure of international humanitarian law and the internal conflicts in the most common battlefields. She mainly looks at the consequences for child soldiers and their families. After she finished writing, she also made some suggestions for preventing recruitment, and requesting for a more logical policy of treatment for child soldiers who have participated in the war. The story is based on her study for several years, and through study written, it gives a rich of information about child soldiers. The novel also includes many pictures of child soldiers, which makes the story more realistic and convincing. The story is focused on searching for realistic responses and solutions to their problems. Therefore, her purpose of the writing is to stop the child soldier system in the world and to tell people to recognize the issue and find some solutions. By looking at the author’s purpose of writing, the readers can tell she is biased against child soldiers. She delivers the facts about child soldiers, and also tries to convince the readers that it’s wrong and people should pay more attention in finding solutions to the issue. Therefore, in the novel, she not only disagrees with child soldiers, but also actively suggests solutions and laws that can protect the children’s rights. The detail descriptions of child soldiers and their stories take me into her writing, and make me feel like I am part of the child soldiers. The novel fully describes the situation in Africa, and it strongly persuades me that there should be no child soldier in any part of the world. In addition, I think coherent laws for this issue are urgently needed.
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“Child Soldiers: From Violence to Protection.” Amazon.com 30 Aug 2008. <http://www.amazon.com/Child-Soldiers-Protection-Michael-Wessells/dp/0674023595/ref=pd_sim_b_3>
The second novel I chose is Child Soldiers: From Violence to Protection written by Michael Wessells. This book is based on researches and interviews with hundreds of formal child soldiers in the world, which includes stories about ex-soldier’s experiences and situations. These interviews and the facts that the author researched provide truthful evidence of the issue and make the story more realistic and interesting. Those child soldiers were kidnapped by the promise of food, protection, or a better life. However, unlike what they have told, they were actually used as a child soldiers, spies, porters, and sexual slaves. Also, the author says the most of girls are in dangers from pregnancy and childbirth complications. The author, Michael Wessells, put the children’s situations and feelings into words. He is an experienced child protection practitioner with Christian Children's Fund. In the novel, he argues about social and moral wounds of war, and a surprising number of child soldiers’ lives. He also leads readers to recognize the problems and develop global solutions to stop this issue. Because of his strong arguments about child soldiers, it shows the author is biased against the issue. By choosing book as a source to write his opinions is very effective way to do it because a book is very efficient in describing the issue with details. Unlike other media such as newspaper, book has more freedom in writing author’s own opinions and voice into the story. Therefore, he describes the horror situations from the children’s point of views, which is his purpose of writing, and he also offers hope to them by providing example of children re-entering their societies as students, citizens, and peacemakers. In addition, something special about this book is that it gives practical guidance to end the children victims in the wars. By reading the summary of this book, it makes me to recognize the problems in child soldiers and how its matter must be settled immediately. Last year, I used to work on this issue in Amnesty International, and now I feel like I have to be more active in finding solutions for them and make the issue to be worldwide known.
The type of mass media I used is book, and the topic is about child soldiers. The characteristic about book is that it can persuade or convince the readers by interesting and realistic story form. The first novel I found is Child Soldiers: The Role of Children in Armed Conflict written by Ilene Cohn. In her writing, she tried to show the failure of international humanitarian law and the internal conflicts in the most common battlefields. She mainly looks at the consequences for child soldiers and their families. After she finished writing, she also made some suggestions for preventing recruitment, and requesting for a more logical policy of treatment for child soldiers who have participated in the war. The story is based on her study for several years, and through study written, it gives a rich of information about child soldiers. The novel also includes many pictures of child soldiers, which makes the story more realistic and convincing. The story is focused on searching for realistic responses and solutions to their problems. Therefore, her purpose of the writing is to stop the child soldier system in the world and to tell people to recognize the issue and find some solutions. By looking at the author’s purpose of writing, the readers can tell she is biased against child soldiers. She delivers the facts about child soldiers, and also tries to convince the readers that it’s wrong and people should pay more attention in finding solutions to the issue. Therefore, in the novel, she not only disagrees with child soldiers, but also actively suggests solutions and laws that can protect the children’s rights. The detail descriptions of child soldiers and their stories take me into her writing, and make me feel like I am part of the child soldiers. The novel fully describes the situation in Africa, and it strongly persuades me that there should be no child soldier in any part of the world. In addition, I think coherent laws for this issue are urgently needed.
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“Child Soldiers: From Violence to Protection.” Amazon.com 30 Aug 2008. <http://www.amazon.com/Child-Soldiers-Protection-Michael-Wessells/dp/0674023595/ref=pd_sim_b_3>
The second novel I chose is Child Soldiers: From Violence to Protection written by Michael Wessells. This book is based on researches and interviews with hundreds of formal child soldiers in the world, which includes stories about ex-soldier’s experiences and situations. These interviews and the facts that the author researched provide truthful evidence of the issue and make the story more realistic and interesting. Those child soldiers were kidnapped by the promise of food, protection, or a better life. However, unlike what they have told, they were actually used as a child soldiers, spies, porters, and sexual slaves. Also, the author says the most of girls are in dangers from pregnancy and childbirth complications. The author, Michael Wessells, put the children’s situations and feelings into words. He is an experienced child protection practitioner with Christian Children's Fund. In the novel, he argues about social and moral wounds of war, and a surprising number of child soldiers’ lives. He also leads readers to recognize the problems and develop global solutions to stop this issue. Because of his strong arguments about child soldiers, it shows the author is biased against the issue. By choosing book as a source to write his opinions is very effective way to do it because a book is very efficient in describing the issue with details. Unlike other media such as newspaper, book has more freedom in writing author’s own opinions and voice into the story. Therefore, he describes the horror situations from the children’s point of views, which is his purpose of writing, and he also offers hope to them by providing example of children re-entering their societies as students, citizens, and peacemakers. In addition, something special about this book is that it gives practical guidance to end the children victims in the wars. By reading the summary of this book, it makes me to recognize the problems in child soldiers and how its matter must be settled immediately. Last year, I used to work on this issue in Amnesty International, and now I feel like I have to be more active in finding solutions for them and make the issue to be worldwide known.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Media Assignment 2 keiko
Military use of children should be abandon forever in the world, since children are used in roles such as porters, spies, and sexual slave. From this passage, the author works for BBC News. Thus, I don’t think that any bias is included in this specific passage. Moreover, BBC is known worldwide for news. Obviously, the purpose of this passage is to notify the readers about the seriousness of child soldiers in Burma.
The UN is working on soldiers. What I mean is that the UN is working to get child soldiers safely back to their home. Between 2002 and 2007, around 700 children have been returned to their homes. Moreover, public rights groups have been accusing Burma for using child soldiers. Therefore, I think not only the public, but also other countries are doing a well job on the gravity of child soldiers. However, child soldiering is not something that will withdraw in a decade. With all the groups and countries helping, HRW (Human Rights Watch) has estimated the number of child soldier in Burma to still be as high as 70,000. Also, the Burma military was accused last year for using child soldiers. The passage says “…young children were being beaten or threatened to make them enlist. Brokers were also being paid to provide child recruits.” "I learnt from the mothers that this sergeant routinely comes to the market and takes the kids away," he said. “He pays the market security money to get kids for him." (BBC). The media form is a newspaper article on the internet. I personally think that by reading, the audience can imagine and feel the words. The diction used in the article can make the readers understand the topic more clearly. Therefore, reading affects the thoughts of the readers. As for myself, reading about human soldiers, I did not know the gravity of child soldiers until reading these articles. However, I hope to learn more in depth of child soldiers.
"Burma 'acting on child soldiers' ." BCC News 30 January 2008 30 Aug 2008.
The UN is working on soldiers. What I mean is that the UN is working to get child soldiers safely back to their home. Between 2002 and 2007, around 700 children have been returned to their homes. Moreover, public rights groups have been accusing Burma for using child soldiers. Therefore, I think not only the public, but also other countries are doing a well job on the gravity of child soldiers. However, child soldiering is not something that will withdraw in a decade. With all the groups and countries helping, HRW (Human Rights Watch) has estimated the number of child soldier in Burma to still be as high as 70,000. Also, the Burma military was accused last year for using child soldiers. The passage says “…young children were being beaten or threatened to make them enlist. Brokers were also being paid to provide child recruits.” "I learnt from the mothers that this sergeant routinely comes to the market and takes the kids away," he said. “He pays the market security money to get kids for him." (BBC). The media form is a newspaper article on the internet. I personally think that by reading, the audience can imagine and feel the words. The diction used in the article can make the readers understand the topic more clearly. Therefore, reading affects the thoughts of the readers. As for myself, reading about human soldiers, I did not know the gravity of child soldiers until reading these articles. However, I hope to learn more in depth of child soldiers.
"Burma 'acting on child soldiers' ." BCC News 30 January 2008 30 Aug 2008
Media Assignment keiko
Loving child soldiers back into society
In the world, children are direct participants in war. Denied a childhood and often subjected to horrific violence, many thousands of children are serving as soldiers for either rebel groups or government forces in current armed conflicts. Sadly, if the war ends, the children become worthless and toxic themselves by drug, tobacco, and alcohol. Same problem has here in Liberia. The author of this magazine spent three weeks in Liberia in order to associate with former child soldiers who call themselves “Future Guardians of Peace.” His purpose of journey to Liberia was to see how children subsist after the Liberian civil war.
After the Liberian civil war ended in 2003, the children were gaunt physically and mentally. However, they are responsible and trustworthy as they go up into early twenties. For example, they proceeded with their education, escaped themselves from the drug and alcohol, and are diligently working to earn honor of the community. Importantly, children could tell their war stories to relied listeners. Yet, some children are too horrified to remember the incident. Moreover, the children founding their way to a small US Liberian NGO called “ganhis” began construction work in exchange for food. By return, the organization provided not only a house but a promise for their education through university.
As I read through the magazine, I was relieved to see how children reconnect to scattered family members and devoted to community involvement. The author declared that the youths are training in photography. He realized that the children are using the cameras to build relationships in the community. Furthermore, the magazine was organized by the factors that have been important in the transformation. Mysteriously, the name of the author was not written in the passage. Also, this magazine is not well known compared to Time or Forbes Magazine. Yet, the author did not show any bias toward the community or children. He chronologically outlined the messages in order to deliver the facts of the struggle of children toward society.
"Loving child soldiers back into society." Ode Magazine 11 April 2008 30 Aug 2008.
In the world, children are direct participants in war. Denied a childhood and often subjected to horrific violence, many thousands of children are serving as soldiers for either rebel groups or government forces in current armed conflicts. Sadly, if the war ends, the children become worthless and toxic themselves by drug, tobacco, and alcohol. Same problem has here in Liberia. The author of this magazine spent three weeks in Liberia in order to associate with former child soldiers who call themselves “Future Guardians of Peace.” His purpose of journey to Liberia was to see how children subsist after the Liberian civil war.
After the Liberian civil war ended in 2003, the children were gaunt physically and mentally. However, they are responsible and trustworthy as they go up into early twenties. For example, they proceeded with their education, escaped themselves from the drug and alcohol, and are diligently working to earn honor of the community. Importantly, children could tell their war stories to relied listeners. Yet, some children are too horrified to remember the incident. Moreover, the children founding their way to a small US Liberian NGO called “ganhis” began construction work in exchange for food. By return, the organization provided not only a house but a promise for their education through university.
As I read through the magazine, I was relieved to see how children reconnect to scattered family members and devoted to community involvement. The author declared that the youths are training in photography. He realized that the children are using the cameras to build relationships in the community. Furthermore, the magazine was organized by the factors that have been important in the transformation. Mysteriously, the name of the author was not written in the passage. Also, this magazine is not well known compared to Time or Forbes Magazine. Yet, the author did not show any bias toward the community or children. He chronologically outlined the messages in order to deliver the facts of the struggle of children toward society.
"Loving child soldiers back into society." Ode Magazine 11 April 2008 30 Aug 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Keiko Sakai reflection
The type of media that has the most impact on my life is television. Though I believe television is a great tool for learning, communication, and information, it has negative aspects. For instance, television commercials attempts to influence people’s behaviors and beliefs since they have become one of the most effective, persuasive method of selling products of many sorts. In the commercials, most females are young, attractive, thin, and have an ornamental quality. These kinds of features force female teenagers to be one of them by purchasing the product. I once was persuaded by the medicine advertisement that was about model becoming slim and beautiful after taking the pills daily. Moreover, I realized that television programming emphasizes male character’s strength, performance, and skill while for women focuses on attractiveness and desirability. As a result, I have been shown to be stereotyped in the gender role attitudes. When I was young, I thought boys are in more active roles but girls are likely to be passive. Still, nowadays, I see women regarded as sex objects or hopeless individuals.
Even though I know the negative side of television programs, I still watch the television in order to obtain main source of information. Everyday I listen and watch a short news sequence that provides with necessary information. This information allows me to communicate and interactive with other individuals. Besides, television is the way to release my stress, for it offers a variety of possibilities to have fun sitting on the sofa and relaxing.
Even though I know the negative side of television programs, I still watch the television in order to obtain main source of information. Everyday I listen and watch a short news sequence that provides with necessary information. This information allows me to communicate and interactive with other individuals. Besides, television is the way to release my stress, for it offers a variety of possibilities to have fun sitting on the sofa and relaxing.
Emily Song reflection
Among all the mass media, television has influenced me the most in many ways. One of the reasons is that I am a visual person. The transient images in various television programs through broadcasting attract and fascinate me greatly. Even though there are many other media like movies, other performing art, and books that can fulfill the visual effects, I believe that it lacks the variety that the television has.
Movies and books are always somewhat restrained within a specific topic, and require some time to understand and follow the visual effects. Therefore, I believe that the television has a greater impact on people like me in a very short time. For example, when I see the advertisement on the television, I have an impulse to buy something, even though it may not be a useful product to me. I usually become dazzled by the seductive words and the mood that the TV commercials present. Furthermore, the television has been a medium that helps me to release my stress at any time when I face all kinds of hardship. In fact, watching the television helps me to forget about the problems I have and I can enjoy the moment while I watch it. Therefore, the television itself has become a medium that may impact my emotional state as well. I spend most of my free time in watching television. Thus, I believe that the television has become a huge part in my life. Although my mom often calls this mass medium a ‘dumb box’ saying that the television is harmful, I still believe this “dumb box” can contribute to learning of the knowledge in many ways. It is also true that the television may cause some kind of addiction and affect our emotions, but at the same time it delivers useful information to us about the global issues and how other people in the world live and communicate in their own ways. Through the television programs, we can learn more about other people in the world and their culture and lifestyle. Through all the documentaries I watched on the television, I am able to understand the world and how to communicate with other people.
To sum up, I think that the television influenced me the most and eventually make me understand the world and how to communicate with other people. In particular, through the visual impact the television has, I can have an idea about what I am going to do in the future. Therefore, I believe that the television affects me the most among the media.
Movies and books are always somewhat restrained within a specific topic, and require some time to understand and follow the visual effects. Therefore, I believe that the television has a greater impact on people like me in a very short time. For example, when I see the advertisement on the television, I have an impulse to buy something, even though it may not be a useful product to me. I usually become dazzled by the seductive words and the mood that the TV commercials present. Furthermore, the television has been a medium that helps me to release my stress at any time when I face all kinds of hardship. In fact, watching the television helps me to forget about the problems I have and I can enjoy the moment while I watch it. Therefore, the television itself has become a medium that may impact my emotional state as well. I spend most of my free time in watching television. Thus, I believe that the television has become a huge part in my life. Although my mom often calls this mass medium a ‘dumb box’ saying that the television is harmful, I still believe this “dumb box” can contribute to learning of the knowledge in many ways. It is also true that the television may cause some kind of addiction and affect our emotions, but at the same time it delivers useful information to us about the global issues and how other people in the world live and communicate in their own ways. Through the television programs, we can learn more about other people in the world and their culture and lifestyle. Through all the documentaries I watched on the television, I am able to understand the world and how to communicate with other people.
To sum up, I think that the television influenced me the most and eventually make me understand the world and how to communicate with other people. In particular, through the visual impact the television has, I can have an idea about what I am going to do in the future. Therefore, I believe that the television affects me the most among the media.
Reflection- Alice Seo
Reflection
I believe that television influenced my life the most and that it continues to influence my life a lot. Televisions exist everywhere in the world these days: home, dormitory, restaurants, supermarkets, and other places too. Televisions are widely-spread and have an immense influence on people. Since we have a better chance to watch it in many places, it is easy to access and to be affected by it.
Televisions provide numerous kinds of information and second-hand experiences. First of all, we can learn things by watching television. News is what we mainly depend on as a source of information. We can learn what is going on in the world even in foreign countries. There are many genres they cover. Thus, we are informed about the world, certain countries, politics, crime, entertainment, health, technology, travel, living, business, and sports. Through educational broadcasting, we can learn various lectures just by watching television. Secondly, people can be entertained by the gag programs and the talk shows. People not only watch the television for the informational purposes but for stress relief too. There are many gag-men and women who entertain people for a living and so the audience can enjoy art through the television. Often times, people contend to watch music programs and watch the shows such as American Idol for their pursuit of music and entertainment. Also, through dramas or sitcoms, we watch the stories that relate to reality. It reflects our lives and our personal emotions as humans too. Therefore, we can observe other people’s experiences in life without having to go through them. Finally, we have the opportunity of watching commercials and getting inspired or convinced. Advertisement is a powerful source of shopping as it captures many people’s eyes. To think of it in a different perspective, there are chances provided to people to advertise and to design graphically through the media.
There are ways to be engaged and to be influenced by media specifically television. We, as stated above, can have many opportunities to be impacted by the television. I personally watch televisions to view the hilarious programs that help to relieve stress after studying. Also, I have watched educational broadcasting on television since I was in 7th or 8th grade when I had final exams in my Korean school instead of paying for the expensive hag-won fee. Also, I watches dramas and learned about the historical events, reality and learning about friendship or love that are different from my actual experiences. There are many purposes to watch televisions and to be influenced by it. Regarding the negative aspects that many would point out, I still see how effective the televisions can affect my life and others’ lives as well.
I believe that television influenced my life the most and that it continues to influence my life a lot. Televisions exist everywhere in the world these days: home, dormitory, restaurants, supermarkets, and other places too. Televisions are widely-spread and have an immense influence on people. Since we have a better chance to watch it in many places, it is easy to access and to be affected by it.
Televisions provide numerous kinds of information and second-hand experiences. First of all, we can learn things by watching television. News is what we mainly depend on as a source of information. We can learn what is going on in the world even in foreign countries. There are many genres they cover. Thus, we are informed about the world, certain countries, politics, crime, entertainment, health, technology, travel, living, business, and sports. Through educational broadcasting, we can learn various lectures just by watching television. Secondly, people can be entertained by the gag programs and the talk shows. People not only watch the television for the informational purposes but for stress relief too. There are many gag-men and women who entertain people for a living and so the audience can enjoy art through the television. Often times, people contend to watch music programs and watch the shows such as American Idol for their pursuit of music and entertainment. Also, through dramas or sitcoms, we watch the stories that relate to reality. It reflects our lives and our personal emotions as humans too. Therefore, we can observe other people’s experiences in life without having to go through them. Finally, we have the opportunity of watching commercials and getting inspired or convinced. Advertisement is a powerful source of shopping as it captures many people’s eyes. To think of it in a different perspective, there are chances provided to people to advertise and to design graphically through the media.
There are ways to be engaged and to be influenced by media specifically television. We, as stated above, can have many opportunities to be impacted by the television. I personally watch televisions to view the hilarious programs that help to relieve stress after studying. Also, I have watched educational broadcasting on television since I was in 7th or 8th grade when I had final exams in my Korean school instead of paying for the expensive hag-won fee. Also, I watches dramas and learned about the historical events, reality and learning about friendship or love that are different from my actual experiences. There are many purposes to watch televisions and to be influenced by it. Regarding the negative aspects that many would point out, I still see how effective the televisions can affect my life and others’ lives as well.
Jennifer Oh - reflection
Reflection
Among all the mass media, TV has influenced me the most. The reason I chose TV is because I have spent the most time with TV than any other types of media. I still watch TV at least an hour everyday. When I was little, I watched TV programs for children and learned English and Korean. Those programs had many great activities that children can learn languages by playing games. Also, some other TV programs taught me variety of knowledge from many different fields such as science, art, and fashion. Moreover, on these days, TV news gives me useful information and latest news in the world, and it teaches me how the world is going around. Lastly, TV commercials show trends in nowadays, and it helps me to make my decision on buying things.
Different kinds of TV programs have the most impact on my life. TV makes me to keep in touch with the world. It also makes easier for me to gain knowledge in different areas than any other types of mass media. For example, knowledge about science field, I don’t read any books and articles about science because it’s boring, but TV broadcasts these information in interesting ways that people can easily understand. In addition, TV leads my family to sit together and talk. My family is always busy on doing their own things including myself, so we don’t have much time to talk to each other. The only time for us to talk is whenever we are watching news. We sit together on the couch and talk about the day. Because of these reasons, TV influenced me the most and affected the most on my life.
Among all the mass media, TV has influenced me the most. The reason I chose TV is because I have spent the most time with TV than any other types of media. I still watch TV at least an hour everyday. When I was little, I watched TV programs for children and learned English and Korean. Those programs had many great activities that children can learn languages by playing games. Also, some other TV programs taught me variety of knowledge from many different fields such as science, art, and fashion. Moreover, on these days, TV news gives me useful information and latest news in the world, and it teaches me how the world is going around. Lastly, TV commercials show trends in nowadays, and it helps me to make my decision on buying things.
Different kinds of TV programs have the most impact on my life. TV makes me to keep in touch with the world. It also makes easier for me to gain knowledge in different areas than any other types of mass media. For example, knowledge about science field, I don’t read any books and articles about science because it’s boring, but TV broadcasts these information in interesting ways that people can easily understand. In addition, TV leads my family to sit together and talk. My family is always busy on doing their own things including myself, so we don’t have much time to talk to each other. The only time for us to talk is whenever we are watching news. We sit together on the couch and talk about the day. Because of these reasons, TV influenced me the most and affected the most on my life.
Types of Media
Radio
Radio takes many forms these days. There are wireless networks and mobile communications of all types and broadcasting. Before the television was widely spread out, the commercial radio included news, music, dramas, comedies, variety shows, and many other forms of entertainment. Radio is unique since it uses only sound as the method of the dramatic presentation over other mass media.
The percent of population 12 and older of audience decreased from 95.3% to 94.4% from 1998 to 2002. The places where people listen to music are home (40%), car (33%), work (25%), and other (3%). The types of radio formats that people listen to consist to religious (5%), urban (7%), oldies (7%), rock (10%), hit radio (11%), country (13%), Adult Contemporary (14%), News/Talk (15%), other (18%).
To add, these days there is ‘watching television’ that is a new medium from the past. People can watch the broadcasting of radio these days through Internet.
"Radio: Audience." The State of the News Media 2004. journalism.org. 24 Aug 2008 http://www.stateofthenewsmedia.org/2004/narrative_radio_audience.asp?cat=3&media=8.
"Mass Media." Encyclopedia of Public Health. Ed. Lester Breslow. Gale Cengage, 2002. eNotes.com. 2006. 24 Aug, 2008 http://www.enotes.com/public-health-encyclopedia/mass-media
"Radio- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 21 August 2008. Wikipedia. 24 Aug 2008 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio.
Radio takes many forms these days. There are wireless networks and mobile communications of all types and broadcasting. Before the television was widely spread out, the commercial radio included news, music, dramas, comedies, variety shows, and many other forms of entertainment. Radio is unique since it uses only sound as the method of the dramatic presentation over other mass media.
The percent of population 12 and older of audience decreased from 95.3% to 94.4% from 1998 to 2002. The places where people listen to music are home (40%), car (33%), work (25%), and other (3%). The types of radio formats that people listen to consist to religious (5%), urban (7%), oldies (7%), rock (10%), hit radio (11%), country (13%), Adult Contemporary (14%), News/Talk (15%), other (18%).
To add, these days there is ‘watching television’ that is a new medium from the past. People can watch the broadcasting of radio these days through Internet.
"Radio: Audience." The State of the News Media 2004. journalism.org. 24 Aug 2008 http://www.stateofthenewsmedia.org/2004/narrative_radio_audience.asp?cat=3&media=8.
"Mass Media." Encyclopedia of Public Health. Ed. Lester Breslow. Gale Cengage, 2002. eNotes.com. 2006. 24 Aug, 2008 http://www.enotes.com/public-health-encyclopedia/mass-media
"Radio- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 21 August 2008. Wikipedia. 24 Aug 2008 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio.
Types of media
Television
Television is one medium of communication for sending images with sound by electrical waves. This electrical system has become a common communications receiver in homes, works, schools, and other public places as a source of entertainment and news. Also, as the broadcasting television transmits transient images throughout the whole world, this particular type of telecommunication medium is not designed for a specific group. As the broadcasting televisions are usually financed by the government or the advertising, this is a very effective medium for the advertisements. As TV stations sell their on air time to fund their programming, this becomes an effective way for the advertisers to introduce and advertise certain ideas or products through television. One of the strengths that the television has is that the mass entertainments and news can educate and entertain the public with different tastes. However, there are negative effects that may influence the teenagers greatly. As the ratings for TV programs are not restricted well, omany teens and children are exposed to the violence or shocking factors from the television and imitate the violent scenes from the television.
"television." Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2008.
Merriam-Webster Online. 24 August 2008
<http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/television>.
"Newspaper." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 22 Aug 2008, 14:44 UTC. 24 Aug 2008 . 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television>.
Television is one medium of communication for sending images with sound by electrical waves. This electrical system has become a common communications receiver in homes, works, schools, and other public places as a source of entertainment and news. Also, as the broadcasting television transmits transient images throughout the whole world, this particular type of telecommunication medium is not designed for a specific group. As the broadcasting televisions are usually financed by the government or the advertising, this is a very effective medium for the advertisements. As TV stations sell their on air time to fund their programming, this becomes an effective way for the advertisers to introduce and advertise certain ideas or products through television. One of the strengths that the television has is that the mass entertainments and news can educate and entertain the public with different tastes. However, there are negative effects that may influence the teenagers greatly. As the ratings for TV programs are not restricted well, omany teens and children are exposed to the violence or shocking factors from the television and imitate the violent scenes from the television.
"television." Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. 2008.
Merriam-Webster Online. 24 August 2008
<http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/television>.
"Newspaper." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 22 Aug 2008, 14:44 UTC. 24 Aug 2008 . 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Television>.
Types of media
Newspaper
A newspaper is a publication that’s printed on low-cost paper containing news, information and advertising, and advertising makes a majority of newspaper’s income. Newspapers are mostly published on daily or weekly basis with the news about one particular geographic area. Therefore, the audience of newspaper is usually the ones who live in that area or the ones who are interested in the news of that area. Some articles in newspapers also include the personal opinions of writers, and it is divided into five different categories such as daily newspaper, weekly newspapers, national newspapers, local newspaper, and international newspapers. Since newspapers are record of current events, the profession of making newspaper is called journalism.
"Newspaper." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 22 Aug 2008, 14:44 UTC. 24 Aug 2008. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Magazine&oldid=233792529>.
A newspaper is a publication that’s printed on low-cost paper containing news, information and advertising, and advertising makes a majority of newspaper’s income. Newspapers are mostly published on daily or weekly basis with the news about one particular geographic area. Therefore, the audience of newspaper is usually the ones who live in that area or the ones who are interested in the news of that area. Some articles in newspapers also include the personal opinions of writers, and it is divided into five different categories such as daily newspaper, weekly newspapers, national newspapers, local newspaper, and international newspapers. Since newspapers are record of current events, the profession of making newspaper is called journalism.
"Newspaper." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 22 Aug 2008, 14:44 UTC. 24 Aug 2008
Types of media
Magazine
Magazines are publications that contain a series of articles, generally financed by advertising. Centre elements such as publishing schedules, formats and objective audiences are seemingly infinitely variable. Typical magazine focus on contemporary events, such as Newsweek, is advertised biweekly. Magazine that focuses on certain interest such as Life positive may be published bimonthly. The magazine is printed in sections that could be black and white or in full color. Magazine has two categories: consumer and business. In consumer magazines, samples might be attached to magazine advertisement, giving extreme promotional effect to the audiences.
"Magazine." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 23 Aug 2008, 20:06 UTC. 24 Aug 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Magazine&oldid=233792529>.
Magazines are publications that contain a series of articles, generally financed by advertising. Centre elements such as publishing schedules, formats and objective audiences are seemingly infinitely variable. Typical magazine focus on contemporary events, such as Newsweek, is advertised biweekly. Magazine that focuses on certain interest such as Life positive may be published bimonthly. The magazine is printed in sections that could be black and white or in full color. Magazine has two categories: consumer and business. In consumer magazines, samples might be attached to magazine advertisement, giving extreme promotional effect to the audiences.
"Magazine." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 23 Aug 2008, 20:06 UTC. 24 Aug 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Magazine&oldid=233792529>.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Definition of Mass Media
Mass media is a medium of communication that is used to send and transmit mass communication to the public or market. This mass media includes main industries such as recordings, books, magazines, television, newspapers, movies, internet and radio.
Lane, Beth. "What is Mass Media?." Suite101.com 29 June 2007 24 Aug 2008.
<http://medialiteracy.suite.101.com/article.cfm/what_is_mass_media>
Lane, Beth. "What is Mass Media?." Suite101.com 29 June 2007 24 Aug 2008
<http://medialiteracy.suite.101.com/article.cfm/what_is_mass_media>
Emily Song
Hello, my name is Emily Song, although my close friends call me Milly. I was born in Madison, Wisconsin and lived there for few years even though I barely remember those years. I have lived in many different places during my teenage years due to my dad’s business. Growing up in a strong Christian family, I met God when I was 10. Currently, I live in Taejon with my family and this is my third year at TCIS. I am very excited for this year and hope to learn more about the teachers and the students at TCIS!!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Keiko Sakai
Hi, my name is Keiko Sakai. I was born in Tokyo, Japan and lived there for 7 years before I came to Korea. I have a mother who is Korean and father who is Japanese, so I am familiar with both cultures. I have a small family since I do not have any siblings. I came to TCIS 3 years ago and I am senior now! Even though I get stressed out every day due to IB, I plan on enjoying my senior life.
Jennifer Oh's biography
My name is Jennifer Oh. I am turning eighteen in next month. I was born in Seoul, Korea on September 24, 1990. I lived in Seoul until 4th grade, and starting from 5th grade, I moved to Texas and lived with my grandparents. I went to public schools in Dallas, Texas. I finished 9th grade in there and came back to Korea. After I came back to Korea, I went to Korean school for 5 months, and then I finally came to TCIS in the middle of second semester in 10th grade. Now, I am a senior in TCIS, and I am living with my family; mom, dad, and older brother.
biographical paragraph -Alice Seo
My name is Alice Seo. Since my name is the same as the name of a character of a book called 'Alice in Wnderland', people oftentimes make jokes about my name. Still, I like my name very much.
I lived 2 years in Thompson Dorm and the dorm changed to Loween dorm this year. We all (all the senior girls in L-Dorm) are extremely excited to be together and spend time chatting and doing crazy stuff.
I live in Seoul with my parents but now that we live in a dorm, my sister and I visit them every weekend ever since we became dorm students.
I enjoy life in TCIS even though there are many melancholic and overwhelming moments at times. I feel the joy being a Christian with all my friends and sharing awesome stories together!
Thank you.
I lived 2 years in Thompson Dorm and the dorm changed to Loween dorm this year. We all (all the senior girls in L-Dorm) are extremely excited to be together and spend time chatting and doing crazy stuff.
I live in Seoul with my parents but now that we live in a dorm, my sister and I visit them every weekend ever since we became dorm students.
I enjoy life in TCIS even though there are many melancholic and overwhelming moments at times. I feel the joy being a Christian with all my friends and sharing awesome stories together!
Thank you.
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