Reflections on Writing-140

American poet Charles Bukowski once masterfully stated, “These words I write keep me from total madness.” Writing 140, once seen by many as the steep Golgotha of our education at this prestigious university, now becomes a treasured remnant of a semester filled with new beginnings, new obstacles, and new accomplishments. Before stepping into GFS 212 on Monday August 22, 2011, my experience with writing was that of pathetic outlines, generic introductions, Wikipedia searches, and unpersuasive body paragraphs. During the past 15 weeks, my writing has evolved to include such tools as the Topoi, Proquest, blogs, and the Sheridan Baker method. The nine different floors of Doheny Memorial Library, once intimidating and unapproachable in nature, became a new home for my curiosity and research. Beyond sharpening my writing skills, with each paper, Writing-140 disciplined me in the art of rhetoric and persuasion. More than anything, this class has taught me that, with enough persistence and willpower, anything is possible, even a seven page paper on the Chinese Massacre of 1871 (A3).

Writing has become, not a chore or a compilation of assignments, but, as Bukowski states, a mode of reflection and sanity. As a Biological Sciences major, writing and persuasion were not my special talents. However, through Writing-140, papers and essays turned into straightforward assignments. The skills and knowledge I learned in this class will guide me in my future classes and career as I have learned the valuable lessons of careful reading, editing, and organizing. To excel in any career, one must be fully articulate and comprehensible. Through Writing-140, USC has cultivated a new generation of thinkers, writers, and speakers prepared to excel in any field.

I would like to take this opportunity to, once again, thank Professor Caroll-Adler for her support and patience. Whether it was the long line of frustrated students during office hours or the 15 minute conferences for each assignment, you were always there to answer all our questions and see our potential as great writers. Thank You for Everything!

As first semester of our freshmen year comes to end, we will always treasure Writing-140 and look back upon it with pride, joy, and achievement. Writing-140 has been a worthwhile experience.

Write On!

Reflections on Wikipedia

After reading many different articles and discussion boards, I have come to the conclusion that Wikipedia is an unreliable, biased, and grossly inaccurate source of information. In my essay, I argue how Wikipedia disseminates misinformation through the use of faulty sources and the presence of bias within the articles.

Personally, I used to use Wikipedia just to gather background information or to get a general overview of a topic. But, now, having studied the astonishing implications of using Wikipedia, I doubt I will ever go back to using that site. In Writing-140, we were taught different research techniques and different sources of information far more reliable and accurate than Wikipedia. In the future, I see myself using those sources, such as Proquest or Google Scholar, to find academic content.

I do not plan on contributing to the discussion boards simply because I do not consider myself an expert on any topic and do not find it suitable to publish my opinions or ideas on a public forum.

Several Inconsistencies

The most prominent example of a contradiction between authoritative and communal knowledge is the inconsistency between academic research databases and communal research databases, such as Wikipedia. I find academic research databases and articles edited by professionals to be far more important and useful when conducting any form of research or study. Although communal research forums, similar to Wikipedia, could provide a new and different perspective on an issue, such forums are polluted with countless errors and insanities and provide no reliable data to form an accurate and articulate opinion off of. Sites like Wikipedia should only be used to observe the different sides of an argument and see a general overview of an issue.

Follow-up on Sources

As you read in the previous blog entry, I discussed my topic for Assignment four and shared with you a few of the many different sources I used to research the topic. For this entry, I would like to backtrack and share with you two particular sources from our California Dreams and Realities book that were particularly helpful in understanding the dynamic of immigration and cultural assimilation in California.

My first resource was Nayereh Tohidi’s Iranian Woman and Gender Relations in Los Angeles. The article discusses how, despite their small population, immigrants from the Middle East and Asia have had a significant influence on shaping California demographics. Tohidi focuses, primarily, on the immigration of Iranians after the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Tohidi discusses the different issues Iranian woman faced as immigrants and how they challenged the gender roles of American society. Personally, it was interesting how Tohidi discusses the paradox faced by many of the immigrants. She states that, despite the fact that Iranian-American woman have more freedom then their counterparts in Iran, they faced greater conflicts and restrictions in America. This resource is particularly useful for my essay because, similar to the Iranian woman, the Armenian-American population also faced many different obstacles before finally adjusting to the American cultural dynamic.

The second resource I found was Nancy Wride’s Vietnamese Youths No Longer Look Homeward. In this article, Wride briefly discusses the historical context of the Vietnamese immigration, citing the communist regime as a chief reason for driving the migration. Wride then shares with the reader a series of interviews she conducted with Vietnamese-American high school students and their experiences assimilating into American culture. The interviews were particularly helpful in illustrating the effects the immigration had on the younger generation. This article could potentially be useful for my paper because, similar to the Vietnamese immigrants, Armenian immigrants worked tirelessly to fight against assimilation and promote their culture and heritage on foreign land.

~~~~~

As one may see, the California Dreams and Realities book was particularly useful in illustrating the different effects and consequences of immigration. These new ideas were very useful during the brainstorming stage of my writing process because they helped me develop positions on my topic and write an effective thesis statement.

Armenian-Americans: Strangers in a Strange Land

My ethnic roots have played a significant role in my upbringing. Although immigrating to America, neither of my parents ever let the globalizing or assimilating forces of this country strip them of their heritage and culture. For our fourth assignment, I am choosing to dive in the past of my own ethnic group and research the mass immigration of Armenians to America during the 1940s and 1950s. In my essay, I will discuss how, despite many adversities, the Armenian people were able to stay steadfast to their cultural and religious heritage.

After researching the different sources found in the end of the “California Dreams and Realities” book, I was unable to find a significant amount of data regarding Armenian immigration to California or Los Angeles. As a result, similar to our third assignment, I used Proquest and other similar library databases to investigate the reasons and effects of the mass immigration. I share a few of my sources below:

Dermenjian, Adriana. "L.A. = Little Armenia: The Story of the Armenian Diaspora in Los Angeles Today." Journalism (Online Journalism), 2010. United States -- California: ProQuest. Web. 30 Oct. 2011.

This source is actually a Thesis prepared for the Faculty of the USC Graduate School in partial fulfillment for a Master’s Degree. In her Thesis, Dermenjian discusses the different motives of the immigration, citing the socialization of Asia and the enforcement of Communism in Armenia as the two chief reasons that drove the mass migration. This source fails, however, in discussing the immigration patterns of Armenian-Americans before the 1960s. This source is particularly useful in chronicling different significant events that occurred within the Armenian-American community including the opening of the first school, church, and community center.

Garabed, C. K. "Armenian Culture in America: Dead Or Alive? Part I of III." Armenian Reporter: 6. Ethnic NewsWatch. Apr 28 2001. Web. 30 Oct. 2011 < http://search.proquest.com/docview/371409374?accountid=14749>.

This source is a newspaper article discussing the conservation of culture and heritage within the Armenian-American population in great detail. This author takes the perspective of a former teacher and journalist. The article discusses the number of institutions that were established in an attempt to foster Armenian cultural activity, including language schools, literary societies, religious institutions, dance groups, and community centers. This article is also unique in discussing the different methods on how the immigrants attempted to seek the American dream, including the drive to purchase property and the encouraging of higher education within the younger generation.

"Slide Presentation of First Armenians in Calif. Now Available." Armenian Reporter International (1967-1988): 10. Ethnic NewsWatch. Mar 03 1983. Web. 31 Oct. 2011 <http://search.proquest.com/docview/363101905?accountid=14749>. 

 This source discusses the Armenian-American presence in Central-California, particularly Bakersfield and Fresno. The author sites the 1920s as the “Golden Years” in Fresno as the agricultural and farming industries attracted immigrants from across the world. The author, however, does not discuss the reasons or motives behind the exodus of Armenians from Central-California to Los Angeles. The article concludes with a discussion on prominent Armenian-Americans including Governor George Deukmejian and Chip Pashayan.

An Evening with Tracy Kidder

Tracy Kidder

As always, Visions and Voices did not disappoint in providing an exhilarating evening of discussion, debate, and dialogue. The speaker on October 19, 2011 was Tracy Kidder, a Pulitzer-Prize winning American writer. During his presentation, Kidder discussed his biography of Dr. Paul Farmer, entitled Mountains Beyond Mountains. Dr. Paul Farmer is a medical anthropologist, physician, and founder of Partners in health, an organization that provides medical care in Peru, Siberia, and rural Haiti (A link to Partners in Health can be found here). Kidder presented Dr. Farmer as a humanitarian that has devoted his life to providing needed care to disadvantaged communities in these countries.



Rural Haiti

In terms of writing and rhetoric, Kidder discussed how he organized his book on presenting short stories, or anecdotes, about Dr. Farmer interacting with patients in these countries. Also, Kidder used photos he took himself to effectively display the disparity and turmoil that the countries had fallen into. Kidder also discussed the different projects undertaken by Partners in health in attempting to provide better healthcare in the rural villages, including the building of hospitals and health centers. Kidder finished his presentation by answering a few questions from the audience and providing an address where students could send donations to assist Partners in Health. The evening turned out to be fairly interesting and provided an exciting opportunity for students to communicate with an award winning author. I look forward to finding his book and immersing myself into his creative genius.



The Chinese Massacre of 1871

Los Angeles has seen many different riots and racial conflicts throughout the ages. All of them have ended in death, tragedy, and destruction. The Chinese Massacre of 1871 is one such example that has left unbearable wounds on the Asian-American population of Los Angeles. On October 24, 1871, a mob of over 500 white men entered the Los Angeles Chinatown to attack, rob, and brutally murder the Chinese residents of the city. This racially motivated massacre left more than 80 Chinese residents dead. Of the 500 men who attacked and ransacked the city, only eight were ever convicted of manslaughter.

This event is important to study because it is an event rarely studied in Los Angeles history. I had never even heard of this massacre before doing research for this class. I chose this topic because I found it fascinating how only eight out of the 500 white men were convicted of the massacre. In my research I will be looking for particular events that triggered the great riot. I will also be looking for information on how this event affected the Chinese American and Asian-American population of Los Angeles in the future. My essay will focus on the effects of this massacre and the different lessons it teaches the Los Angeles community.

Words in Public Spaces

Jenny Holzer is an American conceptual artists that uses words and phrases as a medium with which to express ideas and slogans. She does this by illuminating different spaces with colorful lights that spell out her short slogans. Although known for her large-scale displays on billboards and buildings, Holzer has recently been commissioned with designing memorials and monuments.

In all honesty, I did not find Holzer’s art work neither stimulating nor inspiring. Most of her works were oversimplified and  very critical.  Although most of her works did serve as short mottos that jumpstart the thinking process, as her intent, many of her slogans failed in leaving behind a lasting impression or influence in the viewer’s mind.

However, there was one art piece not discussed in the event that truly did leave a very lasting impact on me. After the event ended, I visited the USC Fisher Art Museum and carefully analyzed Holzer’s “Blacklist” exhibition. I believe it was effective in advocating the importance of the First Amendment and the freedom of speech. For more information on Holzer’s “Blacklist” exhibition, click here.

Below, I have attached select works of Jenny Holzer.

The Needs of Los Angeles

Los Angeles never stops growing. Ever since the first Europeans arrived in 1542 led by Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, Los Angeles has blossomed and grown into an almost endless metropolis. As Los Angeles grew in shape and population, its needs as a modern city have also evolved. In the midst of soaring skyscrapers, countless shopping districts, and an abundance of art museums, there is a grave need for genuine public space. A public space is more than just a shopping mall or a scenic beach. A public space, especially in Los Angeles, is a unique location that reflects the needs of the surrounding neighborhood while being completely available to the entire city. One such location is Pershing Square. Located in the heart of the Bunker Hill district of Los Angeles, Pershing Square serves a diverse range of citizens by creating a unified setting of culture and community. The five acre park is a major destination for all Angelinos, from across the city, as a serene place to spend Friday and Saturday evenings, listening to the local band on the performance stage and enjoying the plethora of surrounding dining venues. Pershing Square continues to be a unique outdoor space that meets the needs of the city as an iconic development of culture and community.

Pershing Square's Website

Pershing Square

Los Angeles has always been criticized for its serious lack of public space. Many barriers exist in deflecting members of the community from using these municipal spaces. Los Angeles libraries and parks are cluttered with vagrants looking for a temporary home. Public transportation has failed in keeping a safe environment for its patrons. Luxurious shopping and entertainment complexes have been built in underprivileged communities. In contrast, New York City, for example, has a successful public transportation system utilized by all classes of citizens. The socioeconomic barriers that hinder the effectiveness of public spaces in Los Angeles are a result of both historical and cultural consequences. However, a few public places do exist that serve the entire range of Los Angeles citizens.

For my second writing assignment, I have chosen to write about Pershing Square. Pershing Square is a public park in downtown Los Angeles. The park is exactly one square block in size, bounded by 5th Street to the north, 6th street to the south, Hill Street to the east, and Olive Street to the west. The uniqueness of Pershing Square comes from its significant location. Pershing Square is located in the affluent Bunker Hill area of Los Angeles. Home to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Wells Fargo Center, the One California Plaza Towers, and the John Ferraro Building, the community primarily serves affluent businessmen, bankers, and international art icons. A public park in such a luxurious non-residential community is a rare commodity in an urban city.

For my essay, I plan on discussing how Pershing Square, despite being located in one of the wealthiest areas of Los Angles, serves a broad and diverse range of Angelinos.

 Pershing Square looking north, circa 1909

Central courtyard

Belltower

"The River"

For the “California Dreamin’” writing assignment I decided to write my essay on Good Charlotte’s “The River.” I chose this particular song because I have always been interested in the Los Angeles River and its historical and cultural significance in the city. I also found Good Charlotte’s critique of the Los Angeles River as a source of “spiritual awakening” to be very controversial and relevant to the class discussion on the California Dream. In the song, Good Charlotte discusses being baptized in the Los Angeles River and how it submerges oneself into the myth and culture of the city. In the end of the song, the protagonist wishes to “find [the] way back home,” after realizing that California, particularly Los Angeles, was not the land he expected.

Los Angeles River

The River
By Good Charlotte

As I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of LA
The footsteps that were next to me
Have gone their separate ways
I've seen enough now
To know that beautiful things
Don't always stay that way
I've done enough now
To know this beautiful place
Isn't everything they say

I heard that evil comes disguised
Like a city of angels
I'm walking towards the light

Baptized in the river
I've seen a vision of my life
And I wanna be delivered
In the city was a sinner
I've done a lot of things wrong
But I swear I'm a believer
Like the prodigal son
I was out on my own
Now I'm trying to find my way back home
Baptized in the river
I'm delivered
I'm delivered

You're from a small town
You're gonna grow up fast
Underneath these lights
Down in Hollywood
On the boulevard
The dead come back to life

To the praying Mother
And the worried Father
Let your children go
If they come back
They'll come home stronger
And if they don't
You'll know

They sing that evil comes disguised
Like a city of angels
I'm walking towards the light

Baptized in the river
I've seen a vision of my life
And I wanna be delivered
In the city was a sinner
I've done a lot of things wrong
But I swear I'm a believer
Like the prodigal son
I was out on my own
Now I'm trying to find my way back home
Baptized in the river
I'm delivered
I'm delivered

Baptized in the river
Baptized in the river I wanna be delivered

Baptized in the river I wanna be delivered
Baptized in the river I wanna be delivered
Baptized in the river I wanna be delivered

I confess I'm a sinner
I've seen a vision of my life
And I wanna be delivered

A Single Promise

Having lived in California all my life, I have grown to view the California Dream as a single promise; a promise that, regardless of one’s ethnicity, income, or education, one will find happiness. This promise is manifested not only through the vibrant culture and people of the land, but also through the state’s historical fascination with wealth, a common form of “happiness.” In 1848, more than 300,000 people flooded the state, hoping to “get rich quick” and abuse the endless opportunities the state offered. To this day, millions of people make the same pilgrimage to come to this land in search of a “new wealth,” one characterized by education, fame, and art and personified through figures like Steve Jobs, George Lucas, and even Paris Hilton. From the sunny beaches of Malibu to the snow covered peaks of Tahoe City, California radiates with blissful comfort and abundant opportunities, making it a prime location for all people to start anew and live a “happier” lifestyle. It is this confidence in the California Dream that draws hopeful optimists to strive for the “perfect” life of success and luxury.

What makes the California Dream unique is its sheer simplicity, making it adaptable to almost every social circumstance. Even in today’s economic recession, California has remained committed to nurturing a land of opportunity and recreation for all its inhabitants. Hollywood is still buzzing with young talent and the beaches are as clear as ever.

Many people argue that the California Dream is just a game of “smoke-and-mirrors,” that the real California Dream died with the “Malibu Barbie” revolution and the newfound obsession with colossal wealth. What they don’t realize, however, is that these alterations are just a way to modernize and better the standards of the Dream. A culture stuck in the past is a culture that has no future.

Most importantly, what makes the California Dream so special is its ability to go beyond being just a promise. In each Californian’s life, in due time, the Dream becomes a reality. It becomes a new way of life, a distinct set of values, and a bright channel for success and happiness.

TEST POST

WRIT-140 is awesome.