Im a Gemini

My greatest place of privacy is my car. Sometimes when I need to just get away I get into my car and drive. Its the place that I feel the most free, and it lets me put my guard down. I also feel so in control when I drive. I'm able to determine every move being made by the car; the speed, the direction and path its going to take and what music is going to be playing. When I'm feeling really stressed I take the old river road by my house where I know no one drives, kick my car into 4Th or “I” (I have a Saturn) and weave in and out of the trees.  It has to be one of the greatest feelings ever. Yes, it has potential for danger or a ticket but some how that doesn’t bother me.  I like the some what dangerous idea of it. When I drive with others in my car it sometimes feel like their invading my privacy because I can feel them judging how I drive. It influences me to drive differently and makes me not want to drive them or drive at all. 

                    Now that I live in Chicago, I don’t have the comfort of driving, so I’ve found running at night to be a good alternative. I physically work harder, but still have a lot of control in the choices I make; where I run, how fast I run and and how long I run for. The at night part helps in my need for adrenaline and danger, you never know if a bum is going to get you. So running has now become my new private space in away. 

                      I guess one could say their are many sides to me, I am a Gemini and they tend to have “split personalities”.  But its not like I totally change, I would call it “the many sides of Dana”. 

Wow this makes me sound like such a nut case...I’m really not as crazy as this sounds....

Who needs privacy?

I'm not a very private person. I'm a huge talker and like getting to know people when I first meet them. I think that communicating is the best way to navigate through a friendship successfully. I guess I would feel most comfortable with my best friends from massachusetts and myrtle beach. I can say anything to them, talk about anything, and look like whatever. They are the best no matter what. I also feel like the time we spend together is private because it's usually pretty intimate whether we're watching a movie, exploring somewhere or just partying. Since we're so close I feel like our time sent together is way deeper than many other shallow surface friendships. I think our most private activity is smoking weed. It's when we can just really let loose and feel comfortable with each other and where we are. Especially when we go outside to the river, the beach or a park it's like we're really experiencing something together.

I share a room with my friend Mattie and I'm comfortable in our space because I don't really need alone time, but she does. Sometimes I feel like I'm infringing upon her private needs a lot. Our classes are at different times so I have a lot of alone time in our apartment.

Home Sweet Home

I like to think of my home as a private place; I still live with my parents for now. Sure it's noisy at times and kind of chaotic, but when it comes to something "just between us" it doesn't leave the house. I know that I can trust them and live a normal life. We can all be ourselves and not be ashamed or embarrassed by what incredibly random things we say or do. When i'm around my family i tend to do things that i wouldn't do in public places. On the other hand, when we have family get together with my mom's side...things are more uptight and strict. I have to "behave" and use perfect manners. When i'm with my dad's side, i'm usually the one embarrassed by the crazy things they come up with. Two of my uncles are stand up comedians and my other aunts and uncles can typically keep up.
For me, deciding when the proper time and place is to act a certain way is pretty easy to determine right off the bat. I've never had an "oops" moment at any special event. My private self and public self are almost identical. I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve. I try my hardest not to be fake or judge others on how they act. Most of the time i can find a little of myself in all my friends and that's why we get along so well. I respect others privacy and don't push on touchy subjects. So i guess i can say that i have many private places...anywhere that i fully trust the ones around me; i feel comfortable enough to show my "private side". Of course, being alone in my bedroom gives me time to think in a quiet place, but as far as being my silly self, that's just about everywhere around here: my house, work, school, or hanging out with friends.

Ok Wait.....

I want you to answer these questions on the blog in lieu of writing response papers.

A bunch of people have been posting the questions that I'm posing in my assignments in your responses.

I'm writing this now to prevent any further patterns from forming.

You can create a dialogue with the questions that I ask in my assignments, but I don't want it to be as simple as simply responding to the questions.

For my sanity and for your own benefit, you should all be striving to write with appropriate grammar and punctuation in these responses.

myspace

Many of you might think of your home as a private space, but is it always? What if there are roommates? How does that influence how you act?
Well I see my home to be my private space at times, because I do live at home with my family. The days that I am there no one is there with me. But even when they are at home I know that it is still kind of private. We are a family and because of that there is nothing to hid from them.

Where else would you consider a private place?
I would consider my bedroom to be a private place. Because it is my room, and I can control who comes into my space.

Question for Wed. Oct. 1st

The second unit, Imagining Communities, focuses on the complex interactions among
individuals and the communities they inhabit.

One of the guiding questions is:

How do we find and maintain balance between our private selves and our public selves?

What places do we consider the realm of the "private"? Why?

Many of you might think of your home as a private space, but is it always? What if there are roommates? How does that influence how you act?

Where else would you consider a private place?

Back to Bolingbrook for the weekend...

So I went home for the weekend. I live in the suburbs so its not that far of a trip for me. It was nice to see the family(I think they missed me), but now I am extremely bored. I miss Chi-town a lot. I can't wait to get back today. I'll see you all monday.

Class starts in like... 40 minutes! I hope you are on time.

During the book Marjane changes a lot. At first she wants to be a prophet, then as she learns more about her country she rebukes her friendship with God. You see her change demonstrated through different career paths. Near the end of the book you see her start to rebel against what her country says it right. I think her rebellion is deep rooted in her mother. Her parents both went to demonstrations. They also brought her posters and sneakers. Her parents definitely instilled independent ideas into Marjane.

Who your parents are is something you cant change about your identity. You cant change where you come from or where your parents came from. 

obviously ones personality is part of their identity. I'm sure people haven't wanted to be my best friend because of my personality type. 

People can always change how they behave. They can also change how they react to things that are influential in their lives. But I cant help who I am and i don't think people should set out to be a different person than they are.

Class is in 35 minutes! Don't worry I work best Under Pressure.

Part 1) Marjane's identity shifts non-stop throughout the story. The first thing that came to mind when I read this question was her turning away from God. This happened at around page 70-71. In the story they had arrested her beloved uncle, Anoosh, later she discovered that he had been executed because they considered him a Russian Spy. This is when she turned away from her friend, God, and now officially had noone to find comfort in anymore. Also on page 117 when she was in a fight with her mother and was contemplating and describing the war, she smoked a cigarrete she had stolen from her uncle. She declared afterwords, "With this first cigarette, I kissed childhood goodbye." This is when she decided she was a grown-up and was going to start making herself as a person. After this point it seemed like she became more and more of an individual, and became more and more mature and aware of what was going on in her life and in her country. She followed her families beliefs, and was still rebelious which continued to the end of the story. I would say the most change she encountered occured when she was a child, which is normally how it is for most children.

Part 2) I feel like I have always had complete control over my identity. Of course the way I am physically and my acne and my huge feet are things I can't control. But this really isn't what I think about when I think about identity, and I'm pretty sure this is not what the quesiton is asking either. A lot of my identity has to do with my family and where I grew up and such. But ultimately it is what I decided to do with what was given to decide my identity. So I think in the end it was all up to me. And I am more than content with that. I think everyone has complete control over their own identity, and it kind of depends on how you deal with experiences and certain situations that affect how people react to these factors, whether that be positive or negative. Overall I don't really think people have had too many negative reactions to the factors that control my identity, I hope not at least! I mean honestly there are things about myself that I don't like and I am trying to change, but overall, I think I'm doing a pretty good job!

Oh. And I have this stupid curl in my hair that I can't control. Please don't react negatively to that! For it is a factor I cannot control :(

Forgive and forget

Part 1) Does Marjane’s identity shift throughout the story? Cite passages that demonstrate this shift? Why do you think this shift occurs? Are there parts of Marjane’s identity that come from factors that she didn’t choose? What are some of these?
She starts off in the begining of the book very traditional. example she was very religious and God visits her every night. " I felt guilty towards God. You want to be a doctor? I thought that.... No, no,no I will be a prophet, but they mustn't know."(pg.9). Then she starts protesting and fighting against her relgion. "I put my 1983 Nikes on... and my denim jacket with the Michael Jackson button, and of course, my headscarf" (pg.131) Times change and her parents are very rebelious so that could of influenced her to also be rebelious.

Part 2) What parts of your identity come from factors you didn’t choose?
I tend to have the personality of "forgive and forget". If someone was to do or say something that could be hurtful towards me, if they come up and front me about what they did wrong I would forgive and forget and just move on.

Have people you have known ever had a negative reaction to these factors?
The thing that people don't like is that I have that ability to move on and not let simple things bother me.

How much control does someone have over their own identity?
Their is no amount of specific control that will determine someones identity. You gain more knowledge and the ability to make choices.

03

1. I believe that Marjane's identity shifts throughout the story many times. She starts her memoir off by telling the readers that she worships god, she wants to even be a prophet, however as the story goes and she beings to realize everything else that is happening around her. She begins to notice political things at a young age, but when her country is rocked by the fall of the Shah, and then religion rises, she starts to reject religion because she sees how much constraint it puts on her and her society.

2. I believe a lot of my identity comes from outside factors, not to say that I believe that nature is completely responsible for the person that I have become, instead of nurture, but many factors have shaped the person I have become. For example when the planes hit the world trade center in 2001, I didn't think much of it. However a couple of years later when I had started to get into professional gaming, I noticed that many people had a stigma against violent games (the games that I had been playing) because they thought that these games like these bred violent children. I had to publically display my dismay in front of the school board in order to continue playing video games involving guns in my school's computer club. While it didn't change anything and we had to stop playing those games it gave me a new perspective on that subject. I think I had a lot of control over my identity, but I could not stop outside forces such as the one above from effecting me.

Crazy Grandma

Part 1) Marjane's identity does change as she grows up, but as means to survive and cope with changes in society. On page 75, a shift in society shows the mother of Marjane telling her what she MUST do. From this point Marjane most wear a veil, but the real change lies not in her appearance, rather her identity to those around her. Mother says "If anyone ever asks you what you do during the day, say you pray, you understand" (Satrapi 75). Even though she had no choice to wear a veil because of law, her opinions begin to grow furiously. Soon after, her rebellious side emerges and she joins demonstrations which fuel her change. Marjane disrupts classes and challenges teachings; her appearances takes affect and soon starts dressing rebellious as well. Although she didn't choose the law, her shift in personality was her own way of dealing with it. 

Part 2) Some things I didn't choose. For example, I could not choose the way I was brought up. 

I grew up in a very disciplined house where there was respect among ages. This meant I had no right to talk up to older people or else I would be put in line. I was also raised by my grandma who had very strict rules, of which if I did not follow I would be hit. The result of those factors I had no control ended up making the side of me that would be described as my habits. My roommates have seen this side of me and normally have taken it in a bad way. I'm super clean because of how I was raised, and nobody can take care of their own mess. As far as my identity goes, I feel as though I have control, but almost nothing to what people see as me. The only identity I have control of is my passions and morals that I hold to heart, but habits and etc are something people will always see. 

identity crisis

Part 1) Does Marjane’s identity shift throughout the story?
Cite passages that demonstrate this shift?
Throughout Persepolis, Marjane's identity changes drastically. When Marjane was younger, she asked a lot of questions. As she grew older, she started to question things more. Like all teens, Marjani wanted to dress like the cool kids. Her mothe knitted her a sweatshirt with holes and she started to dress "punk rock". This physical change is not really important tough. Its about how she changed as a person. When Marjane was younger, she never questioned what she learned at school. Her teachers were always right. Even if she had to, she argued with her parents about things. Later on she realized that her parents were right and the goverment had been lying to her.
Marjane's identity really changes after her uncle Fereydoon is executed. When God talks to her she replys with "Shut up you! Get out of my life!!! I never want to see you again!"(70)
This is a drastic change from how she used to be. Marjane would go to God for help and to feel comfert.


Part 2) What parts of your identity come from factors you didn’t choose?
I guess the way I look. The color of my eyes, skin, hair, and morals. I think my parents brought me up well and helped mold me into the person I am today. I am so glad I was born into the family I love. Without good morals, im not sure i would be the same.


Have people you have known ever had a negative reaction to these factors?
Of course. If someone doesn't understand why I don't want to or resist to do something, I tell them i don't feel comfortable doing so. Most of the time people are cool with with it but there are always jerks that question me. I believe its what's on the inside that makes up your identity.

How much control does someone have over their own identity?
Personally I believe that everyone has control of their own identity. Anyone has the power to change who they are as a person. For better or for worse.

Hopefully this one gets posted in time

Part 1) Does Marjane’s identity shift throughout the story? Cite passages that demonstrate this shift? Why do you think this shift occurs? Are there parts of Marjane’s identity that come from factors that she didn’t choose? What are some of these? Yes Marjane’s identity does shift during the story many times. At first she was religious and said, "At the age of six i was already sure i was the last prophet."(6). When her Russian spy uncle was excuted, she lost her faith, and she kicked God out of her life, "Shut up, you! Get out of my life!!! I never want to see you again!"(70). She could have chose to stay faithful to God, but there were other times when she did not have a choice. Marjane had to become a lier on page 133 and 134 to avode getting in trouble by guardians of the revoluation.

Part 2) What parts of your identity come from factors you didn’t choose? I could not control what race I am, how rich my family was while I grew up, or how tall I was going to be. I am sure there are more factors, but I can not think of any. If I have no control over them, then why bother worrying about them.

Have people you have known ever had a negative reaction to these factors? None that I can think of.

How much control does someone have over their own identity? A person has total control over the important parts of their identity. A person can be seen the way they want to be seen.

Tired.

Part 1) Does Marjane’s identity shift throughout the story? Cite passages that demonstrate this shift? Why do you think this shift occurs? Are there parts of Marjane’s identity that come from factors that she didn’t choose? What are some of these?

Marjane's identity is constantly changing throughout the story. In the beginning, she is naive. The government is telling her that she has to dress and act a certain way, but she doesn't understand why. She thinks she can listen to the TV, but when she sites something from the news her dad mimics her and informs her how wrong she is. She also turns to god a lot in the beginning of the story. He's like her security blanket. As she learns more about the true happenings of the government and reads more books about the history she begins to realize how her parents are right. She can't trust what just anyone tells her. I personally think that the presence of god disappears as Marjane realizes how corrupt the world is and as more innocent people keep dying. Marjane is an iranian female. She is supposed to obey certain rules, act a certain way, and feel a certain way about religion. She didn't choose the world she was born into, but has to deal with it. Although those are part of her identity, another part of her identity is rebellion. She tells teachers how she really feels about the government and the news. She also defies law when she wears her punk jacket and jewelry.

Part 2) What parts of your identity come from factors you didn’t choose?
Where I'm from, what ethnicity I am and what religion I was brought up with were not up to me. I'm Greek, Irish and Italian. I'm white and I was brought up Catholic. I have been an atheist for the past 5 years now.
Have people you have known ever had a negative reaction to these factors?
People are always very judgmental when I reveal that I was raised Catholic. It bothers me when people raise their eyebrows about that. Just because you're a non-denominational Christian doesn't make you any better than I am. I like to then make matters worse by revealing that I don't believe in God period :] They get pretty uncomfortable.
How much control does someone have over their own identity?
There are things that you are born into, but for the most part you can break out of those boxes. The only thing that is super hard to escape is your heritage. You can try to cover it up, but everyone can see what you look like. For most people nowadays it doesn't even matter what ethnicity you are, but for some, ethnicity can be a hard box to escape. Sometimes I feel like people allow themselves to be trapped by social generalizations and discrimination.

hang on to yourself

Part 1) Does Marjane’s identity shift throughout the story? Cite passages that demonstrate this shift? Why do you think this shift occurs? Are there parts of Marjane’s identity that come from factors that she didn’t choose? What are some of these?


Marjane's identity definitely shifts through the course of the story. One great example of this is how she goes from being a "prophet" to pushing God out of her life completely. After Marjane's uncle Anoosh dies, she can't understand why God would have let that happen. She feels betrayed him, and decides that she doesn't want to see him anymore. This reaction may be a result of her age. She is still really young, so she can't grasp the concept that God may have had reason for letting uncle Anoosh die. She is immediately able to write him out of her life, which may also be a result of her surroundings as she grows up. With all of the violence she witnesses, her identity is directly influenced by that; she has learned that the world isn't fair, and therefore, she becomes less and less able to trust that God is there.

Part 2) What parts of your identity come from factors you didn’t choose?
Have people you have known ever had a negative reaction to these factors?
How much control does someone have over their own identity?

Naturally, some of my identity has come from some factors that were out of my control. My environment growing up, for example, was very rather structured, and I was always being watched very closely. Even now while I am away at college, I feel myself checking each of my actions as if each move I make is still under the eyes of my parents. I don't want to make it sound like it's a completely negative part of my identity; I feel that I am able to handle life on my own really well because of my childhood. As far as having control over our identities, I think it's about a fifty-fifty. There comes a time when you make a choice, no matter what factors have been shaping your identity, and you can choose to stay true to what you've known, or you may change. Either way, the actions you take will lead to shaping your identity.

another part two quest.

Part 1) I believe her identity did change. As she states, " How strange when it isn't something I did or chose to be?" , it seems as if she went from being confident and comfortable in her own environment to having to start all over in a sense. She's in a totally different environment with no war or conflict which allows her identity to have to change. I think there are factors of her identity that are key to survival in her country. She has to be strong and open-minded, which she is.

Part 2) I would say the part of my identity that makes me a kind of dependent. I say this because, I've always depended on my parents. I've never had to work, or pay for much of anything on my own. I guess that comes with the territory of being the youngest child.

I don't think people have ever had a negative reaction to it, but i often get the term "spoiled".

I think that people have almost most of the control of there identity, but I strongly think your environment plays a major role in how people act in their society, such as in Marjane's life.

I need to stop doing these at 1am...

Part 1) I think Marjane’s identity has a huge shit when she went to the demonstration against fundamentalism. Where she viewed real violence for the very first time in her life, and it seemed to have changed her from the day on. She says “For the first time in my life I saw violence with my own eyes.”(76) Then it showed a woman getting stabbed in the leg. I think from there Marjane finally saw and realized everything going on around her more realistic then ever. It made her grow up faster also, being so contusions of all the events taking place around her.

           Another big factor in general of Marjane identity and most in your face would be the state that her country and what it went through as she was growing up. She didn’t choice to live there during a time of such extremes. Everything about her probably relates back to how she grew up and the things she saw and heard.

Part 2) I would have to say the parts of my identity that I didn’t choice have came from certain events and situations I was brought into. Parts of my life that are to personal to share, but I know had a huge effect on me. I did have to grow up a bit faster then most, but it possibly completely changed my life. Made me look at my own self and what I was going. How I was on a path of destruction and it shifted me to other choices and views. I had no control over these factors , but yet they had huge control over me and simple now are apart of me forever.

              I think a lot of people had a negative reaction to these factors, or no reaction at all. Some people didn’t believe it or even accept it. I didn’t even accept it at first and I was apart of it. But that was their problem.. If anything now Im thankful for them. You could say Im now living one day at a time...or at least trying to.

               Personally I think one doesn’t really have a huge choice in their identity. But its really events, people and the things we see and how we react to them is what makes up are identity. Although at some point we can make choices, choices that could define us. But a good portion of are identity and who we are, are already put into place for us to make that decision.  So in the end, we are who we are by the things that shift us?....

Another Two Part Answer

Part 1:
Marjane changes her identity fairly quickly in the book. On page 8 she identifies herself as being a religious person, or at least talking to god frequently. By page 71, she sends god away. Although god does reappear later in the story; she becomes a lot less spiritual and much more political. I see this a transition from faith to man. Marjane makes this transition because she wants to change things in her world. She may have been influenced by her parents. Her parents never refer to god, but always refer to politics. Marjane saw that her parents put their faith into politics.

Part 2:
I would say that I did a disappearing act like my sister. Many people in my hometown go to school 3-4 hours away, but still come back many weekends. The guys that I hung out with since grade school have already been back five weekends. The only time I came back was to get a lamp for my living room and I am only 45 minutes away. My older sister did the exact same thing when she left for college. She severed the ties from her little hometown. For both of us, it is the best way to start a new stage of our lives.

I could be watching the bears game...

Part 1) Does Marjane’s identity shift throughout the story? Cite passages that demonstrate this shift? Why do you think this shift occurs? Are there parts of Marjane’s identity that come from factors that she didn’t choose? What are some of these?
Marjane's parents, especially her mom, were very involved in the demonstrations and fighting for their country during the revolution. When Marjane was six years old, she was sure that she was the last prophet. Every night she talked to God until she was determined to be involved in the revolution. ( pgs. 16-17) "Dont you think I look like Che Guevara? Maybe I'll be even better as Fidel Castro! Where are you? Are you there?"..."God, where are you?"-that night he didnt come. After that point, she tried to act more grown up. She wanted to hear about everything that went on during the demonstrations and she asked her grandma about her grandfather being in prison. (pgs 26-28) She was influenced by her nanny; she saw her fall in love with the neighbor and then she wrote the letters for her because Mehri couldn't read or write. Marjane was exposed to more adult acts at this time. (pgs. 34-36) On page 52 she found out her "father wasn't a hero and her mother wanted to kill people...so I went out to play in the street." She wanted to play games that involved tortures if you lose. She felt like she had "diabolical power". Marjane was goofing off in class and got the class suspended for a week. ( 97) She went to her first party in "punk clothing" and then she skipped school with her older friends because she didnt want to be a "chicken". Needless to say, Marjane went through major changes within the few years that this memoir took place. These changes were influenced by her family and kids at school. This happens to just about everyone as they get older.

Part 2) What parts of your identity come from factors you didn’t choose?
Well I dont really have any rebellious times in my life and I've always done well in school. I've lived in the same house for 15 years and so I have watched my "ex friends" do things that i chose to stay away from. They never pushed the smoking or drinking on me so I didnt party thoughtout high school. I dont think i missed out on much. I am always told that I am just like my mother, my family has the biggest influence on my life. My parents have given me the freedom to do as I please as long as it wasnt anything illegal.

Have people you have known ever had a negative reaction to these factors?
Some people were mad that i didnt go to parties with them. I worked alot and didnt really have much time for social events. I chose to do sports and do well in school.

How much control does someone have over their own identity?
I think you have a lot of control over who you become as an adult. If people start to change on you, you dont have to follow. there will always be someone else that fits your personality and morals better. You may look like your family and have to follow certain rules but I learned to live by them and I built my life around them. I dont feel like i've had to change who I was to please anyone but myself.

My Identity In A Blog

Part 1) Does Marjane’s identity shift throughout the story? Cite passages that demonstrate this shift? Why do you think this shift occurs? Are there parts of Marjane’s identity that come from factors that she didn’t choose? What are some of these?
In Marjane’s memoir her identity shifts throughout the story, all starting at the beginning. “At the age of six I already was sure I was the last prophet. This was a few years before the Revolution.” (pg. 6) During this time she said that God would visit her, and then eventually she shifts and God does not come back to visit her. “Maybe I will be even better as Fidel Castro! Where are you? …God where are you? That night he did not come” (pg. 16-17) As her story moves on she then shifts into this rebellious persona that gets her into a lot of trouble. “…In spite of everything, kids were trying to look hip, even under risk of arrest.” (pg. 112) This is when she decided to skip class so that she could hangout with her older friends. Then in doing so she got into trouble with her mother and the school. Eventually she gets into much more trouble with how she dresses and her beliefs, she gets into so much trouble that her parents decide to send her away.

Part 2) What parts of your identity come from factors you didn’t choose?
Frankly I do not believe that there are really any parts of my identity that I got to choose. I have started to notice how similar my mom and I are. We are both very creative people. Then when someone asks for some help we are always the people that come to him or her and do whatever it takes to get their project done.

Have people you have known ever had a negative reaction to these factors?
The only people that have ever had any problems with me helping someone out would be when my friends would want to hang out and I was busy with helping someone. But they would get over it. It has never been anything really serious.

How much control does someone have over their own identity?
I do not believe that anyone has much control over his or her personality. I think their families, friends, and things that happen around them form someone’s personality.

Blah.

1. Even thought Marjane had to follow all the religious rules, and wear the scarf, she was still herself and didn't change that.  She wasn't afraid to be herself. She'd say what she wants, and do what she wants, and be who she wants.  She wasn't afraid to say her opinion on all the issues going on.  And even with the demonstrations, she wasn't afraid to join in on those.

2. Parts of my identity that I didn't specifically choose, I would say would have to come from my parents. Such as the looks, and even some personality traits.

3. No one really had a negative reaction. If they did, then they never said anything. I didn't really give them a reason to feel negative, and plus, I didn't choose to have them.

4. I think a person has all control over their identity. You choose who you are, others don't choose for you. Even if you make yourself certain things to fit in with a certain crowd, it's still your choice and the identity you're choosing to be. Everyone is different and what makes them different is the identity they choose for themselves.

!!!

Part 1) Does Marjane’s identity shift throughout the story? Cite passages that demonstrate this shift? Why do you think this shift occurs? Are there parts of Marjane’s identity that come from factors that she didn’t choose? What are some of these? 

"If i wanted to be friends with 14 year olds, i had to do it.I wasn't chicken so i followed them.  I had already broken the rules once by going to the demonstration in '79. This was the second time." (111) This is one of the first signs of a personality shift for Marjane i think. She doesn't want to be eft behind, and she wants to feel cool, so she follows those girls and skip class.  Another example is when Marjane was in the basement to "hideout" she takes one of her mom's cigarettes, lights it, and says "With this first cigarette, i kiss childhood goodbye."(117) I think most of the aspects of Marjane's personality were ones that she did not choose. Her passion for politics and demonstrations etc, was because her parents were that way. She had a slight natural deviance about her too. She mocked teachers, and made jokes about the regime.

Part 2) What parts of your identity come from factors you didn’t choose? 

I'm becoming more like my mom and sister everyday. I'm not blood related to anyone in my family, but personality traits rub off. My sister and i naturally have short fuses, but i've been becoming more patient without even knowing it because my mom is very patient.  I don't really think i've chosen any aspects of my personality honestly now that i think about it. I could try to change them, but it probably wouldn't work.

Have people you have known ever had a negative reaction to these factors? 

People tend to get on me sometimes for being quiet. I very rarely speak in classroom situations, because most of the time i'm not comfortable with anyone there. I guess i get in trouble too for my short fuse, and this problem where a lot of the time, that filter everyone has in their head that tells them "don't say that!" doesn't work.

How much control does someone have over their own identity?

I think it's a variable amount. If they want to control it, they very well can try to. If they don't care, then they obviously won't. 

Another Two Part Question

"From the time I came to France in 1994, I was always telling stories about life in Iran to my friends. We'd see pieces about Iran on television, but they didn't represent my experience at all. I had to keep saying, "No, it's not like that there." I've been justifying why it isn't negative to be Iranian for almost twenty years. How strange when it isn't something I did or chose to be?" -Marjane Satrapi, in an interview with Random House




Part 1) Does Marjane’s identity shift throughout the story? Cite passages that demonstrate this shift? Why do you think this shift occurs? Are there parts of Marjane’s identity that come from factors that she didn’t choose? What are some of these?

Part 2) What parts of your identity come from factors you didn’t choose?

Have people you have known ever had a negative reaction to these factors?

How much control does someone have over their own identity?

My Reflection: John Coltrane

Watching these collection of videos were very interesting and heartfelt. Coltrane is a very inspiring artist because of the way his music was created to enlighten and also to heal during that period in time. While listening to his music so many emotions flowed through me, it gave me chills. It's as if I felt how he was feeling as he was creating his pieces. It sadden me in a way and then gave me feelings of happiness and relief. When I first heard of Coltrane in class I didn't really know who he was, but after listening to his music I realized that my dad used to listen to his music all of the time while I was younger. It made me smile because it brought back memories of my childhood watching my dad sway to the music. I think the fact that even my dad enjoying Coltrane's music is a very big thing because it shows that Coltrane's music even got through the racial divides, giving the fact that I am Caucasian. Lastly, I also enjoyed the slideshow that came with this video, it helped you feel the music even more because it showed you these happy images and also these depressing images that were matching the change of tones in the music.

FYI--For Tomorrow

Ignore task number 3 from the "How to Prepare for Class 5" sheet.

Rather think about what you'd like to know or understand better in order to better understand Persepolis.

3 minuits to 12

1) Why do you think that Marjane Satrapi chose the comics style to produce her memoir?
The comic style typically pleases the young viewers eye, more then what an adult would tend to pick up and read. You would think by looking at a book like this, you would expect a novel or a journal story line(the story of a childhood) and long chapters. Instead a comic adventure of her life through ages six to fourteen. Since the story line was young, she took a typical young reader style book and made a stream line of comics and played with graphics. Something to catch the readers attention. Which caught mine.

.a) What is she able to do in this format that she wouldn’t be able to do in other formats? For instance, does this format enable her to make certain events, emotions, or moments to stick out in the reader’s mind in ways that other formats wouldn’t succeed? i believe she had interest to make it a comic to not only describe in words but in pictures to. It tends to make everything a bit more graphic. At times i couldnt dare to put down the book. I found myself laughing sometimes throughout the book. She had a great focus on really capturing the idea and points she got across through the chapters. The titles of each chapter really were explained through the chapter itself. Also her focus on detail sucks you into her life time. I believe that using pictures also helped when i couldnt understand parts and kept the book flowing. At times i was distracted or bored.


.2) If you were to write a memoir of your life until the present, which one would you choose? Why? I would choose a day by day journal entry would be my best choice. I tend to have a wide range of ideas. My mind tends to wonder and explore often. Having the freedom to write a day by day journal would be interesting to the reader because i am very graphic and detailed beyond belief. I state things the way it is and i would be able to make the reader think that they are "me" in the story. If i was to write a novel, I would most likely loose the reader becuase, since my mind wonders and is very random they would soon enough get lost through the five different topics in one sentence. I cant stay on one topic very long becuase, I myself get bored and figure that if i am bored then whome ever i am talking to is bored.

Assignment for Wednesday

I won't make any blog assignment due for Wednesday. You should, however, think about what you need to understand better in order to better understand Persepolis. For instance, you could be interested in events, emotions, artistic choices, the culture of Iran, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Sufism, the war with Iraq, anything.

Remember to bring your "comics you" to class on Wednesday. Bring enough copies so that everyone can look on, that is unless you can make it so big that anyone will be able to see. There are copy places all around here so there's no excuse not to come with a copy.

John Coltrane Assignment

Part 1



Part 2



Part 3


Part 4




Hey everyone,

This is the extra blog assignment that I want to you to collaboration on if you: 1) didn’t finish your blog assignment for this week; 2) didn’t turn in your paper for your reflections; or 3) would like some extra credit.

This should be easy. I want you to answer one or more of the following questions about the album “A Love Supreme”. I've posted videos of the entire album, but I'd prefer if you could go to the library and listen to and look at the entire thing.

1) How would you describe the piece? What are the highlights/low points of the album to you?

2) How did this album exemplify John Coltrane taking a chance? [there is ample information on this question on the internet and, probably, in the Columbia library.]; does this exemplify a change in John’s identity? Or is this something else? Is it a change in his sense of self?

3) Many people have indicated that this album demonstrated a change in John Coltrane’s style. Does this stylistic change tell us anything about John Coltrane’s identity as an artist?

4) What was his message in creating this album?

5) What would you like to know/understand better in order to better appreciate this piece?

6) How would you describe his creative process for producing this work?

7) How is the audience supposed to receive this work? What did he intend the audience to feel by creating this piece?

8) Pose your own question relating to the guiding questions of the unit as it pertains to this album. You must, however, try to answer this question.

For those of you who didn't type out the reflection paper, please hand them to me on Wednesday. You can post your responses to this question in the comments section of this post. That is, unless you'd prefer to do an entirely new post.

i have an iron maiden poster in my room and so does marjane

1) Why do you think that Marjane Satrapi chose the comics style to produce her memoir?
I personally believe Marjane choose this comic style to attract a younger audience. Without the use of cartoons it would just be any other war time story. Even the way the characters were illustrated brought life to the book.


a) What is she able to do in this format that she wouldn’t be able to do in other formats? For instance, does this format enable her to make certain events, emotions, or moments to stick out in the reader’s mind in ways that other formats wouldn’t succeed?

There are just some things that a comic can do that a novel can't. To me, this comic style kept me interested and did not boar me as much as a regular book. I could not put the book down! On the other hand, the comic style layout made the story not as personal. I did not feel as emotionally connected with Marjane as I would have been if this was a novel. There is just something about a non illustrated book that engages me. The pictures usually destract me from the story. The layout for this book was splendid.


2) If you were to write a memoir of your life until the present, which one would you choose? Why? Personally, I would choose a film. There are just so many things that I can not describe. You would have to be there to understand. Sophomore year in highschool I had my mind set on doing film in college... Obvously my idea changed and now I am do

Peresepolis...oh persepolis...wow

Persepolis

1). I think Marjane Satrapi chose to write this story because of the seriousness of this non-fictional story through the eyes of an adolescent; perhaps another intent was because it was a story of her youth, and like a children's book, it is depicted through images.  The beginning of the comic, Satrapi was very oblivious of the situations around her; visually, the youth reacts to things around. As she gets older, Satrapi's is aware and the picture becomes less childish. The second half of the book shows more anger, tears, and violence. 

A). The author's choice of using illustrations enabled so many things that a text could not. The largest and most noticeable is the ability to tell a compelling story while maintaining good humor, as well compressing the story to 153 pages. The author's humor comes in many forms; we can see how the author feels about the situation now when referenced in the illustration. When Satrapi talks about her family and how they are heroes they look very "fantasy-like" and "Childish". Even when fighting exists between one another, we can distinguish if the author feels as though it was just another adolescent situation or something very compelling. The very fact also that it is in comic, I continue to read this story believing the narrator is a child. As the child grew up, so did my reactions towards events. 

2).  I would use comic also, perhaps an animation because as an artist, I have lived around visuals. My life would described through rich colors, dynamic shapes, compelling movements, and even music. I would take on the story just like Persepolis by using a childish representation; as a child, my past was care-free and full of only smiles. I could not imagine it any other way. 

02

1. Why do you think that Marjane Satrapi choose the comics style to produce her memoir?

- I think that Satrapi chose the comic style to produce her memoir, because besides the obvious that she majored in illustration; it's easier to to show the certain aspects of her young life through pictures than it is through writing. In high school many of my teachers told me that you want to "show not tell" with your writing, so I believe that Satrapi wanted to literally show instead of tell. I think it's also easier to convey her innocence as a child through pictures, because every child learns to draw before they can write. Just like looking at a child's pictures the comic shows Satrapi's understanding of everything that was happening when she was little.

a. I think it's easier to show how a child might percieve things in this comic format because instead of using complex writing, Satrapi uses pictures which are right to the point and easy to understand. It's also much more obvious to see certain parts stand out because unlike writing, where you can't make a portion stand out unless you use literary terms, you can take an entire page of the book, use different fonts, and different styles of coloring/drawing to show emphasis.

2. If I wanted to create a memoir I would probably follow in Satrapi's footsteps because not only am I better at drawing than I am writing, I think there are certain things that can be done with pictures than can be done with words. For example Satrapi's black and white style of her comics convey that in the time as she was growing up, things were very different than they are now. Not only is she growing up in a land that is much different than ours, she is different in the sense that she is economically blessed, whereas many of the people she comes in contact with are not. Some of the symbols, such as the veil, are much more powerful because the veil, as it is drawn by Satrapi, is just a black hood, covering everything that is under it but her face. I believe that this is much more powerful than any description of the symbol in writing because it is much more obvious that the veil is covering a part of her, and not allowing her to be her true self.

To lose your arm would surely upset your brain

Marjane Strapi wrote in a comic book style form to show a teenager/child's point of view. Like a child, the style she used was extremely simple, lacked detail, and showed one distinguishing feature for people. Not only is this how children draw, but it's also how an adsolcent would describe someone. In a more "traditional" method (i.e. novel or realistic drawing) it would be harder to see how I child understands these terrible events.

For me, it seemed liked the overall emotion of this piece is being naive. In the many instances of violence in the novel, it was not very descriptive. When someone was dead there was just "X"'s over their eyes. So even though Marjane was witnessing massacres, because she did not understand the violence was crudely drawn.

If I were to write a memoir of my life I think I would use film. In my life, I think their are many small "scenes" that would describe how I ended up where I am today. Film would be the best medium because these "scenes" are mostly character driven. I can't see that my life is action-packed and the movement is through conversations, revelations, and small events. Film is able to incorporate a conversation and my small actions the best.

Persepolis

I think Marjane Satrapi used the comic format because she felt it was the best way to tell her story. Choosing to write her story in a comic allow me to enjoy and understand her story better. Comics are unique in the fact that they use visuals and text to convey their message. Marjane Satrapi was also able to illustrate a childish view by using a simple cartoon style.

Like I mentioned before, Comics use both visual and text to tell the story. What the text does not explain can be found in the visuals. You can see the story from many different points of views. The proverb, "A picture is worth a thousand word" work in comics, too. When Marjane Satrapi wanted to express an emtion she would use the picture instead of the text.

If I was to write a memoir about my life, I would paint a big painting of it. Right now, I feel that painting is the best way I can express my life story.

Class in 3 hours and 15 minutes.

1) Why do you think that Marjane Satrapi chose the comics style to produce her memoir?
I think that she chose to use a comic book style because one frame can encompass a lot at once. It can show what multiple people are doing or thinking. Comics also convey emotion in a visual representation. In a normal novel there is one point of view and you can only hear what that character wants you to hear or imagine. With a comic I feel like the reader is able to get a better understanding of the whole big picture. Muslim culture was also a new thing for me, so actually seeing it made it a lot easier for me to follow the story.

a) What is she able to do in this format that she wouldn’t be able to do in other formats? For instance, does this format enable her to make certain events, emotions, or moments to stick out in the reader’s mind in ways that other formats wouldn’t succeed?
I kind of just answered this, but to expand, the drawings are very striking. The illustrations are simple, but they get the point across. When she talks about someone dying and you can actually see them beaten, raped, and shot it makes an impression that a regular novel can't. The simplicity of the drawings to represent such a tragic and serious thing also stands out to me.

2) If you were to write a memoir of your life until the present, which one would you choose? Why? Pretend that you could use any format, e.g. painting, collage, a film, a song, a comic book, etc.
I would write a novel with collages to go along with each chapter. I take a lot of pictures and save all kinds of notes, flyers, and random stuff. I like writing and would want to expand on things that have happened to me in text, but I would also want to accompany them with collages to give a visual for the reader too.

Im glad my life is boring... compared to Marjane Satrapi.

A part of me thinks Satrapi wrote her book with comic strips because it is an easy way for people to read about a confusing period of time in a very simplistic way. She may have chose comic strips so people could actually see the things that she had to see. 

By choosing to make Persepolis a comic style, she has the power to show people her exact feelings. By illustrating herself and her family, it allows people to make a more personal connection to her. When you can see her reaction to God on page 70 when she says "Shut up, you! Get out of my life!!! I never want to see you again!" -- the reader can feel her anger and sadness. I wouldn't have liked this book with out the pictures.

If I had to write a memoir about me... I wouldn't want to write anything. I would probably choose to make a slide show of the interesting things that have happened in my life. A slide show of pictures and good tunes. Most of the crazy things have really happened in the last couple years so the show might be short but I guess that would just be part of the memoir. 

Perseopolis, a review by one Ivan L Gaytan

1) Why do you think that Marjane Satrapi chose the comics style to produce her memoir?

I believe in choosing the format of a graphic novel, not only was she able to convey her story with rich emotion but also able to reach larger audiences. Many young people find the task of reading less daunting when set in this format. Also many of the ideas expressed in the novel are easier to visualize with the drawings alongside of them. She shows her childhood imagination of things through her illustrations. Her attachment to God is magnified with the drawings of her wrapped in his robe (Pg. 53, bottom right corner). Another image that stood out to me was the depiction of the Iranian people leaving the bordering towns of Abadan amidst the flame of bombings. (Pg. 89, bottom half)


a) What is she able to do in this format that she wouldn’t be able to do in other formats? For instance, does this format enable her to make certain events, emotions, or moments to stick out in the reader’s mind in ways that other formats wouldn’t succeed?

Indeed! Going right a long with what I was explaining in the former paragraph, Marjane Satrapi is able to express her depictions of war (that are sometimes borderline-humorous) and the trials of growing up in a country that's in a political struggle with it's own people from the view of a child born to two free-thinking adults. This equation leads to a very independent way of thinking that is wonderfully represented by the illustrations in this book.

2) If you were to write a memoir of your life until the present, which one would you choose? Why? Pretend that you could use any format, e.g. painting, collage, a film, a song, a comic book, etc.

If I were to write a memoir of my life up to this point I'd probably try to illustrate it as well. Though not the greatest artist I'd have ultimate control on how things looked and how to express certain emotions going on at that time.

Persepolis

1. I feel that Marjane Satrapi chose to use comic strips to give her audience a more visual picture of what has went on in her life.  Instead of trying to picture what's going on mentally, we have the pictures right there in front of us.  Also, that way, everyone gets the same visual picture other then having different visual pictures mentally.

2. The pictures show the emotions she is going through and express her feelings more.  It also lets you see her thoughts on the events happening in her country, and even her thoughts about what other characters are talking about.  If she has just written a book, it would be more difficult to give out the expressions and feelings she has with the comic.

3. If I was to write a memoir of my life, I would probably choose film.  Film you can express in so many ways, and it is like you are really there with the person at times.  It is easy to show emotions, feelings and thoughts, and really gives the audience the most visual perspective they can get.  

Memoirs.

Persepolis.
Memoirs.

1) I think Satrapi chose the comic book style to create Persepolis, because I think she really wanted to capture her readers, with humor and a visual sense of her life. I found it very hilarious when her father told the teacher of the school, "If hair is as stimulating as you say, then you need to shave your mustache" (pg. 98).

a. The comic book style, allows the reader to visual understand her emotions and point of view. I think that if the book was written traditionally, it wouldnt capture the essence of her story. Alot of the things she wrote about were really complicated, I believe the comic style really helped the reader understand and not make it like a history lesson!

2) I believe if I could write a memoir of my life, I definitely wouldnt write it in a traditionally sense. I'd probably choose to do a film. I think film is the best way to capture any ideas, any thoughts, any event, so I'd definitely chose to do a film.

Oh Hey.

1) It seems to me that Marjane Satrapi probably figured that the type of audience that would read the book, Persepolis, have never heard anything about Iran and the revolution and what not. So she might have wanted to put some imagery in the reader's heads as they went along. Because I know when I read just normal books I seem to get an idea in my head about the setting and the characters and what not and I know that since Marjane Satrapi kind of forced the images into my head I have a much better idea of the context of the book and what it was actually like. So for that Marjane, I am grateful. I mean that might not be the reason, but I'm guessing that is why she choose to write her memoir in in the comic book style.
a) For one, like I already said, she is able to put an image in the reader's head about what the situation was actually like, as opposed to us drawing random conclusions and getting the wrong idea of what was happening. Also since the writing was somewhat dry she was able to display a lot of the character's emotions through the comic book style, and I know for me a lot of the images in the book have stuck in my head long after reading it, especially all the images of violence and torture. Because although these images are just a rough cartoon sketch of what it is, it puts a real life image in your head that could really get to you and make you really think about the gravity of the situations and events in Marjane's life.

2) I think if i were to make a memoir of my life it would be a random and scattered collection of many different types of media, and I can make a bet that few people would really understand it. I guess it would probably somewhat resemble a scrapbook, with text weaving in and out with some sense of order and direction. And just maybe by the time the reader has finished feasting their eyes on my scattered mess of a memoir, they might just know a thing or two about me. Images or recreations of my sentimental possessions, pictures of certain points in my life, maybe even a mix tape thrown in there, all weaved together with text to explain my life. I'm just hoping that by the time my life is spent and the climax has long gone and the resolution is withering away, there will be enough excitement to create my mess of a memoir. Then I'll give you guys all a copy for free. Oh! And a shout out to Andre Foisy, can't forget that!

Love, Alex

etc .etc. etc.

1) I think the decision of a comic style for the memoir was a very good choice. It kept people interested, and engaged. I'm sure that if i was just a plain text memoir about the Iranian revolution & war with Iraq, it would have put me to sleep faster than i could blink. 

a) This comic format made me remember events that happened throughout the story a lot better than i would have with regular plain text book format. The murder of her father's brother in the bathtub was one that stuck out. The picture especially was pretty cool with the man hanging out of the tub. Death was very heavily illustrated in the story. The author was not afraid to show people what it looked like, even if it was in a more sugar coated cartoon format. In regular book format, all we have are words to go on, and we don't really get that mental image that sticks. We get our own mental image that we formulate, but seeing one made for you to see on the paper is an entirely different feeling.

2) I think i would use a combination of a song, with a collage as visual. I love music, and i think a song would be most appropriate for the audible end of my memoir. I love making collages, and i have a lot of materials to do so. Also, i think collages are a great way to display events and people as well as displaying creativity. Collages have never ending possibilities. You can use pictures, your own drawings, magazine cut outs, paint, etc. Collages say something, in my perspective. And I'm all about "saying something" if done in the right format.  BAM! if you will.

wishing I had more excitment in my life...

1) I think Satrapi chose to write her memoir in comic form because it can easily be read by young readers yet still enjoyable to adults. The pictures help you better understand and see what was going on. When a book is written in just text, the reader can imagine what a scene may look like, but this is a true event, it can only be seen one way, through the eyes of Satrapi. Also, it if was just in text I dont think I would have enjoyed it as much and probably would have fallen asleep in the park that I was sitting in.
a) As I mentioned before, the pictures are more of a learning aid. Marjane is able to show us the scenes in her life that have left her scared. Of course they are not as gory as this war would have been in person, it still put the basics in my head. Her version of God, the various roits and tourture scenes were very well described and shown. Some of the ones that stick out in my head are the victims in the burning building(15), when Ahmadi was whipped, beaten and burned (51) before they cut him into pieces (52), and when she feels so lost and doesnt think she can trust God anymore; she gives you think visual that she is just floating in space all by herself in the dark (71). On the bright side, there were a few lines that made me smile or laugh; when her parents ask, " So tell me, my child, what do you want to be when you grow up?" she thinks to herself that she wants to be a prophet but responds with, " I want to be a doctor." That seems to fit alot of our situations growing up, we want to please our parents and say what we think they want to hear. Another is when they are at the supermarket and they are talking about beans and then Marjane told the little boys what flatulence were and they were cracking up...it reminds me of my little brother and cousins when they get together. (92), and when the get in trouble for not wearing their veils properly and after the parent-teacher meeting Mr. Satrapi yells back, " if hair is as stimulating as you say, then you need to shave your mustache!" (98). that was pretty clever.

2) If I had to write a memoir of my life...it would be pretty boring. It wouldn't be eventful enough to be a movie or a song, but i guess maybe that would make it more amusing. I take a lot of pictures, a collage would work; I love to dance so maybe some type of musical or recital with songs that fit my life and personality could be kinda cool. I think every person has written an essay about real events in their past so knowing me, i dont want to go that route. You cant really fit everything into a painting so i would stick with a slideshow of pictures with corresponding music or a dance of some kind for my memoir.

Rebel, Rebel: Persepolis

1. I believe Satrapi chose a comic style to portray her memoir because she wanted to ensure that readers would fully understand the messages she was trying to send in telling her story. Because there were images to go along with the story, the mood of each part of the memoir was more evident. If there was a humorous part, for example, Satrapi was able to have an image to add to the humor of the passage. In addition to this, Satrapi may have wanted to tell her story in a comic style simply because it is a different approach to the type of story that she is telling. Her memoir is more poignant because she chose a style that is uncommon.

a. With her comic memoir, Satrapi is able to make the important parts of her story more memorable. For example, after her uncle, Anoosh, is executed, Marji is extremely upset and scolds God when he comes to visit her that night. She tells him to get out of her life, and then the entire next page is filled with only one picture. It's completely empty black space except for Marji floating around in the middle with a few stars and planets. She says she was lost and this image makes that idea easier for readers to comprehend.

2. If I were to write a memoir, I would like it to be a film with a very thought out soundtrack. I think that my life is quite boring, so perhaps I could spice it up if it were in film with great music to make the scenes more interesting.

I wanted to add that I'm really happy we read Persepolis! It was something that I probably would never have picked up to read otherwise.

Ya, I did my homework on a Friday night...WHAT?!?

1.) I think Marjane Satrapi chose the comic book style to produce her memoir because it represented the youthful age she wanted associated with the story. But also how at that age, she went through some of the most defining moments in her life. We usually associate comics with children or youth, and comedy. But for Satrapi’s comic memoir she showed a very dark time for her and her country.

              a.)With the comic book style format Satrapi is able to show simple visuals that go along with the text. Although the visuals are simple they have enormous influence on the images the reader creates when they look at the book. In other words, less is more. The images that go along with the text have big affect and leave room for an even larger and real idea the reader will most likely take on. At one point in the story it says “In the end he was cut to pieces”(52) and shows a picture of a man disconnected from his legs, arms, head and torso. But the picture is not bloody or gory and the man doesn’t seem to really be died. But as a reader you know that the real image is far more disturbing. For this story I don’t think just plan text would have been so successful and that it was more powerful as a comic. The combination of the text and images give you a better idea of what the young Satrapi went through.

2.) If I could write a memoir of my life up until right now I think it would be on a stage. Most likely a dance of some kind with music, lights and speech, but not written dialogue, just sounds that people create (e.g. screaming, slapping, breathing, jumping etc.). But not some kind of flashy musical.  I would choice this because for me things on the stage are more real. With reading you are able to create your own idea of what something looks life and connect it better to yourself, change it in some way. With the stage its so much more alive. At that moment the stage is creating an emotion or visual right in-front of your face, and you can’t change it. You have to become apart of it, almost like you really are in that moment created. I’m not saying my life has been so dramatic, but I would personally rather see some kind of show then read a book.

  

DUE BY CLASS TIME ON MONDAY--Memoirs

1) Why do you think that Marjane Satrapi chose the comics style to produce her memoir?

a) What is she able to do in this format that she wouldn’t be able to do in other formats? For instance, does this format enable her to make certain events, emotions, or moments to stick out in the reader’s mind in ways that other formats wouldn’t succeed?

2) If you were to write a memoir of your life until the present, which one would you choose? Why? Pretend that you could use any format, e.g. painting, collage, a film, a song, a comic book, etc.

[For those of you who don’t know, e.g. is an acronym for exempli gratia. It’s Latin for example given, or for example. I’m just telling you because it’s a good thing to know.]

I encourage you to cite, reference, and quote parts of the book in order to support your responses. Please be sure to use quotation marks and to cite the page number in parenthesis.

Here’s a question that we’ll discuss on Monday:

Marjane situates her story within the context of numerous events in her personal life and the life of her country, like the Islamic Revolution.

If you were to create a memoir of your life, what events public and personal (not too personal) would be important? Why?

[If you want to take a stab at answering this question on the blog, then feel free. I’m not, however, going to require you to do so. Just be sure to answer question 1, 1a, and 2 by class time.]

BRING YOUR PERSEPOLIS BOOK ON MONDAY!

http://www.myspace.com/persepolismovie

Also, here's a part of the story that I think the film captures really nicely:



Oh, and just for kicks, here's the video from the band who originally wrote the song: SURVIVOR

First Blog

Preparing for college was pretty simple. I have an older brother that has already been through the college experience so I had a basic idea of what I needed to bring. The important things were clothes, food, bathroom stuff, school supplies, and entertainment. I was not worried about forgetting small things because my hometown is pretty close. If I need something from, I can hitch a ride on train. I need to go home one of these weekends and grab a fan. My room needs some air movement.

This has been a huge change for me. Living on my own, living in the city, college... I am loving it here at Columbia College.

First Blog: Things?

Preparing to leave for College in Chicago, I had a basic idea of what I would need to survive there. Mostly the basic unimportant things came to mind in the planning process (Notebooks, Toothpaste, Computer). Don't get me wrong toothpaste is important, but I don't consider it important to me. Luckily right before I got in the car to leave for good I remembered some things I just wouldn't be able to live without, the things that bring me true joy and happiness (Cheez-Its, My Ukulele, my Bamboo Plant, and the ridiculous amount of pictures that captured frozen moments of my life before college). These are the things that help me adapt to the new environment of the City because they keep me tasting and remembering my lovely suburban life.

I hope that when I get done with college this year, and when I move all my stuff back home, I will have things that I have acquired in Chicago that I couldn't live without back home. We'll see what happens! The only thing I need now is my bike. And maybe some money to pay off the mass amount of debt I have from actually going to college. But until then, I'll live.

Discourse!

Whatever universe a professor believes in must at any rate be a universe that lends itself to lengthy discourse. A universe definable in two sentences is something for which the professorial intellect has no use. No faith in anything of that cheap kind!

--William James from "Pragmatism: A New Name for
Some Old Ways of Thinking Thinking"(1907)



I’d really like this blog to help us to create a class discourse. Any extra activity on the blog can help to supplement your overall course collaboration grade. I encourage you to read other people's posts and to comment on them.

Also, I’ve started adding labels to people’s posts. I'll probably hand that duty over to you soon. Feel free to change labels if you don't like them. I encourage you to add labels since, I think, the they will help to create ties between blogs.

Also, I’m not really an expert in adding multimedia to blogs, but if you’d like to add a video, song, story, a relevant story from the NY Times (for example), or something else that you think is relevant to the material that we’re covering in class and you know how to do so, then feel free to post it on the blog.

I repeat: any extra activity on the blog that shows that you are engaging with the course materials can supplement your collaboration grade.

I'll be posting another blog assignment soon so keep checking!

take the express route.

I will say that coming down to Columbia College has been an experience. The biggest problem I have is getting to school on time. Since I commute back and forth, it takes me twice as long to get from Darien to Chicago. Before I would leave at 7:45 am to make it to my high school that started at 8 o'clock am. The biggest challenge for me is the train. If you miss one, you're practically messed up and everything is thrown off schedule. I usually have to make the express train that i jump on from Downers Grove Main Street that gets me there fast and early. I tend to have to wake up at 5 ish in the morning to do the normal everyday routine. Then I have to make the 7 o'clock train to make it downtown at 7:40 am to walk form Union Station to class. I shouldn't always depend on trains because accidents do happen. The weather can be horrible from freezing rain and 3 feet deep puddles to hot sauna days when you come to class sweaty. There will soon be 5 feet tall snow piles and black ice under my feet. Each day is a new day, and everyday I find a different path to take or challlenges to overcome.

Okay, cool.

"You are packing so much shit!" --that is what my boy friend said to me, as I crammed as many pairs of shoes into a box as I could. When I was packing, I tried to bring things it would be hard to haul with me on a train. Needless to say, I forgot to buy a lamp for my  room. I can only imagine how stupid I looked walking on the train platform peering over a box containing my new lamp. Out of all the "shit" I brought, the most useful things have been the following: a Brita water filter, my shoe box full of art supplies and a bottle of Advil. The water filter is great because Chicago water is nasty! The box of art supplies has entertained my roommates and myself several random nights. It was definitely a great way for us to all do something together that wasn't forced or awkward. Last but not least is my bottle of Advil, which has helped me through some serious headaches and septum pain!  After living in the city for a few weeks now, I really wish I would have brought a fish bowl with rocks and water-- the whole bit. At home I have two dogs and a cat, so not making sure three mouths are fed every day, twice a day, is one of the harder things about living in the city. The hardest thing about moving to Chicago has been simply trying to get around. I hate not knowing where things are in the city that I live in, and I cannot wait until I feel like I have lived here for years.

01

So I'm sitting here writing my first blog post on my roommates computer , when I accidentally hit backspace and erase 2 paragraphs of my previous, and much better blog post.

I hate technology.

That's one of my first experiences with college, the day before I moved in at 1 am on August 22nd the Windows half of my brand new Macbook Pro, crashes, forcing me to stay awake until 6 am fixing the problem. A great start to college.

Two weeks later, September 8th, I take my Macbook Pro into the apple store on 624 North Michigan Ave. to find out a buzzing that I have heard from inside my machine since the day I bought it, is a broken fan. They tell me it will take 3-5 days to fix the problem, so here I am, typing my first homework assignment for NMS on my roommates computer and being all pissed off about hitting backspace just 5 minutes earlier.

So the notes that I took in class say that I'm supposed write about my feelings in college, what I've forgotten, what I brought, what I wanted to bring and any rights of passage. So far I have loved college. I've enjoyed every minute of growing up, becoming more mature and learning what it will take to be an adult. I forgot to bring a lot of things on the day I moved in, thats why the next day I suffered through the abnormal 2 hour metra trains and was able to go back home and pick up my: desk lamp, 2nd pillow, and some various art supplies that have turned out to be very usefull thus far. It was awkward. Being home the day after I moved into to my apartment, it made me feel weak, like I was scared of this change. But I got over it, grabbed what I needed, and came back to my new home.

I wanted to bring my bass amp to college, but of course a 150lb 100 watt bass amp, wouldn't be the best thing for an apartment. I wanted to bring my cat to college, but of course there are no animals allowed. Remembering what you said about rights of passage, I realized that this is part of dealing with the real world. I'm living with other people I can't make as much noise as I want to, and I can't do most of what I want, I've got to learn to live with the world around me.

First Blog Assignment.

When I was leaving for school, the car was so PACKED. I practically brought my whole room! I thought I had packed too much but when I arrived I figured out that I didnt pack enough! I forgot like so many important things. Everything I brought was important, especially my Macbook. I wish I would of brought more clothing, hair supplies, pictures, etc. It's been a good time here so far except for the second day I was here I spilled water in my purse and ruined my iPhone, iPod, and camera. ;[ I think I've adjusted well to the college life. I've been really responsible with my money, considering that I never really had to manage money . I learning to become responisible with life in general because I now have a freedom that I didnt have before, so now I have to learn how to control my self, and my impulsive thinking. LOL.

possibly? maybe? incorrect? all of the above?

So the night before my move, i packed. I packed 80% of my closet and all of my shoes, because i have a problem with being very indecisive. I figured i needed to bring essentials. I brought all of my polaroids too, so i could hang them up in my room, just because they make me feel more comfortable i guess. I also brought my record player, and my favorite records, because i prefer the scratchy uneven sounds of vinyl to studio quality sound. I honestly, wish i could have brought my fat dog. He's a black, brown , and white Pembroke Welsh Corgi. His legs are short and stumpy, and the rest of him is fat. his name is Reese's, and he is my munchkin. My mom says he's real sad without me there. He apparently follows her around everywhere, and he sleeps on my bedroom floor, even though I'm not there. I definitely think me bringing all of my shoes and clothes was unnecessary, but again, I am probably one of the most indecisive people you will ever meet. But i did bring a first aid kit, because my immune system sucks. It has all my band-aids, cold meds, and my hippie dippie mumbo jumbo vitamins etc. The only thing i've had trouble getting used to is not having my fat puppy, and my mom. It sounds pathetic, but my mom is my best friend. I'm a big mama's girl, and I'm not ashamed.

Into Unit 1: Composing a Self

In the first unit, Composing a Self, we reflect on where we come from and what lenses and filters we bring with us.

In the next class, besides the reading for the week, we will discus the story of your name.

We'll ask "what's in a name?" Is a name really just a name?

What does your name mean to you (if anything) and where it comes from? If you don't know, then try to find out.

Does your name, and its origin, have anything to do with who you are today?

Is there a nickname that you've always wanted or is there a nickname that you've always always wanted to get rid of?

How did you get your name and/or nickname? Was there any type of ceremony or meaningful ritual involved with you getting your name?

Do our answers to these questions reflect how we see ourselves?

Also, please bring any questions about the syllabus that you might have to class.

A Load of Trash

    Coming from a really nice suburb, I'm not used to seeing a lot of trash. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, because since I've moved into Chicago for school, I've been doing a whole lot of dumpster diving. It's like a gold mine around here. 

   Most people would come off and say that's gross or get a really bad impression of me. The kind of art I "do" is I take "trash" and turn it into "art". I've taken a whole load of cardboard and created an enormous sculpture/painting on my apartment wall. I have tall bookshelves cleaned and fixed out holding my massive shoe collection. I also have random pieces of wood propped up against a wall serving as an unorthodox canvas. It's nice that it's easy to find materials like wood and cardboard easily; it's easier to work with compared to my usual coffee table or wooden cabinet. 

   To say chicago has a "Load of Trash" laying around is true, but it's just easier phrasing it like that rather than Chicago has "a load of trash with the potential of great art." 

Don't Forget!

Today, we're meeting in the Portfolio Center.

Also, when you title your blogs, try to think of something unique as the title.

See you at 5:00pm.

paul's first blog.

I guess the fact that i am in college has not sunken in yet. Maybe its because I'm a 30 minute train ride away from home and can come home whenever i want. I though about this while packing my belongings. "i don't need to bring this now, i can just come back for it whenever i feel like." Yeah, well that was a mistake. I ended up having to go home numerous amounts of times to get that 'one thing' that i forgot. I still don't have my drum set and it's driving me insane!
Obviously, the essentials were needed; Toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, plates, utensils, etc. There were some small things that were forgotten about. I couldn't believe my plastation one was left at home. How could i survive without Tekken 3?
I have lived in Illinois all my life. Although, the suburbs are a lot different. I am still learning how to deal with the homeless. Tonight, on my way back from my friend's dorm, a homeless man approched me. "Hey buddy, would you spare some change?." I told him yes. I reached into my pocket and pulled out about 45 cents. He was very grateful that I helped him out, even though i did not contribute greatly. It's tough walking past the homeless. Other than that another thing new to me is all of the pollution. My seineses have been acting up, but i believe ill get over it!

I think this is right?

I'm not internet savvy and I had to have a friend show me how to get on here, so hopefully this is right. Apparently 4th time's the charm.

Moving to Columbia has been a whirlwind these first few weeks. I love cities and meeting new people, but I'm still unsettled. I knew that moving here and going to a city campus would be different, but not this different. I guess the hardest thing to get used to is that this is not a typical college experience. I live in a 28 floor building that feels like a hotel. Everyone I meet is pretty into art or some form of it. There are also many extremes of people regarding their interests. Sometimes I wish I was back in New England in a college town where everything revolves around the school and its stereotypical institutions. I feel like it would just be easier. Security at those colleges isn't as big of a "to-do" and the party rules are way more slack. Not that I think college should be one big party, I just feel like Columbia puts a lot of limitations specifically how many people I can sign in. At all of my friends schools guests don't need to be signed in and they have actual keys to their dorms. They also have smaller, close knit communities. Dorms are only 5 floors and everyone knows everyone. Columbia is intimidating at first glance, but with each passing day, the more I love it even though it is way different than my former life. Before I came here I lived in a pretty small suburb 5 minutes outside Boston. Everyone knows everyone and there is only one high school. I could have friends over my house or we could take a bus into Boston which is way more mellow than Chicago. Chicago is always bustling and I feel like it's hard to relax. Even when I cross the street I have to be on my toes despite the sign telling me to go. I'm positive the longer I live here the more comfortable I'll become, but until then, I'm beginning to envy the things about my former life that I used to take for granted.

First Blog.

The last weeks of summer I sat back and watched all my friends leave for college. It was sad a depressing, but I did get to look foward to my college experience in the city. I've always pondered between the college experience of dorming, sororities and football games, or having the city as my campus and commuting. I came to to conclusion Columbia was the right choice for me. Going away to college you would think comes with a lot more responsibility and being more independent. I have came to realize that's the case for wherever you choose to go. Even though living at home still, I am just as much independent as any of my friends, and have just as much responsibilities. I have to wake up on time, catch the train on time, and make it to class on time. So commuting isn't as easy and enjoyable as it may sound. A lot of things have changed since high school though. I have to be more independent now, and take care of myself a lot more now. Going to Columbia I feel I get a total different college experience than others, but I also gain a lot of experiences as well, and it'll help a lot once I'm off on my own.