What did I gain from blogging?
Through blogging, I was able to map out my ideas for my essays and through evaluating others' blogs I was able to think from a different perspective and gain new ideas.
Will I continue to blog in the future?
No, I will not continue blogging in my future. I don't know how I would encompass engineering within blogs. As for brainstorming, I usually do better writing my thoughts on paper and making charts.
The Speaker Session stressed on the idea of speaking out and acting on a cause one feels passionate about. Back in her day, students were given less of a voice because those who weren't professionals weren't valued. Even with these differences, she came to the conclusion that our generations were pretty similar because both
generations have a certain thing in common: they both brought certain things to the culture of America. This was through different types of music and the spark of the African American rights, Chicano rights, and Asian American rights movements during her generation that affected the education rights, local rights, and national rights. As well, they were the only generation to stop a war with
massive relocations. However, our generation sparked its own movement as it was the only generation to bring such change as it brought Obama, Occupy WallStreet, and
Arab Spring.
She also proposed that wherever there is oppression there is
resistance. Although a generation may feel that they start a resistance, there were always those who were setting up the resistance. Those who are resisting are standing on the shoulders of those who
stood before them and somewhere those resistors have precedent. During her time in SNCC as well as fighting for equal rights she found the importance of lessons
from people at the margins for those who are privileged. One of the hardest things she had to face was knowing that going to the South for SNCC and fighting for the Civil Rights Movement had the possibility of killing her future, but her and many others faced with risk because they were just tired of constraints. It showed an important thing: as it all began to reach throughout the
country, they had something in common, resistance against constraints.
During her stay in the South she realized that it was not about the help they gave others, but it was about others teaching them about the real world and as well about themselves if they didn’t complete these tasks for the SNCC cause. They had to remember to be humble and respectful with the idea that “if you have come to help us go home. If you have come to
help us because your freedom is intertwined into my freedom then stay.” Therefore, she realized that she would have to learn from these people and go in humbly by going to them instead of them to you. She realized that she had to just keep working until she created a base of people who
felt nurtured where she could take the next step and make a social change.
The value of authority affects many issues, including the actions of police and gangs within Los Angeles. When given authority, one must understand how to control this power and implement it properly and appropriately. Unfortunately, when given this power many people abuse it and end up taking advantage of those who are helpless against this power that turns into violence or forcefulness. Within Los Angeles gangs there are various phases of where their power lay and why their authority was necessary. When Los Angeles gangs first began, their authority was important in protecting minorities from racial conflicts as well as unjust violence from police figures. However, as time went on, the authority lay in controlling as many youth and gaining memberships for their own greed in materialism and the drug industry, using their authority to gain fear from society.
There is a possibility of revising how these power figures approach authority and that would be for them to be less dependent off of the power and gain they receive by acting this way. As well, this could be solved by providing programs for minority figures so they would be less reliant on these gang figures who provide protection against other gangs but force members to complete violent acts. If there wasn't such a class division, gangs wouldn't feel the need to gain such materialism and as well, governmental figures would be more fair about how they allocate funds and benefits, allowing Southcentral citizens to become more integrated and satisfied within Los Angeles.
A value that could be observed and modified within American culture is the non-questioning nature towards authority figures even when approached with controversial actions made by these figures. An example of this seen are the GRATS and Operation Hammer projects by police within the LAPD. As well, these actions are seen with Proposition 9066 and the internment of Japanese-American citizens through FDR's approval of this proposition without proper reason even during the protests against the Holocaust. Although, holding authority as a value is important, realizing when authority is abusing its power is also important.
Within the latest recession, the American Dream, although ever altering with each generation, has changed in the aspect of this dream dissipating with the hardship that comes. The dream in many aspects is something that is attainable with little work, and if there aren't too many obstacles in the way of this dream, many people keep on striving to achieve it. However, with the recent events at hand with the recession, many don't see an easy path to finding this success and instead find the American Dream as absent or almost impossible to obtain. In this, the American Dream hasn't been reinvented with the events at hand because most people are unwilling to adopt to it or change their ideals. Instead, the dream is something placed on the side and deemed as lost, something that is no longer attainable in the sense that most people want to attain it.
However, in relativity, as conditions rise due to surrounding circumstances, many people even if the dream is more difficult to achieve than in previous generations, will look to the dream as being achievable because of its achievability earlier on. In this aspect, all it will take for people to start believing in the dream again and to return to the promise of it will be for economic hardships to disappear and situations to better. At this time, the dream has been abandoned by many because naivety and facilitated happiness and success are what characterize the dream which isn't present at this moment. As time goes on, however, and achieving success and economic happiness become easier, the dream will be possible by many and looked positively on. For now, though, the dream remains in a negative light for its false happiness and hope.
The American Dream is fully possible for everyone depending on realistic expectations for one's own ability and strengths, surrounding environment, and situational economics at the time. The dream is relative for each person and what each person is searching for. If a person is disillusioned into believing that the "American Dream" is easy and effortless to seek, then there is a high probability that they will fail in their efforts to find their dream. Many don't realize that they must work hard to achieve this dream, and instead abandon their traditional ways for this easy-seeming solutions while later realizing in retrospect that to gain these new opportunities they must put in effort to achieve their desired futures. However, because of unrealistic expectations many don't reach their own American Dream as it exceed reality.
Depending on the person, the American Dream can consist of cultural, economic, or political ideals. I feel that the American Dream resonates with most people economically especially with America thriving on its capitalistic nature. To achieve status and also comfort, people must gain economic standing and stability. Statistics show that people of lower economic status have a tendency to not go as far in education and thus later on in life, usually not have high-paying careers. In order to achieve most dreams, whether it is fame, career, or even to provide for one's family, economic standing is a necessary step to getting there. Education based off Economic Class Statistics
Research within this subject exposed to me the horrific events that are desensitized or even obscured within history books. World War II was a time of nationalism and the injustices that occurred to various civilians contrasted with the heroism of America, so these events were covered up to preserve feelings of being the better guys. During this period of
anger and suspicion, much of patriotism and protection towards an area was confused with nationalism and racism against a differing group of people. Within
the actions that occurred during the Zoot Suit Riots, the line between
nationalism and patriotism was blurred. As well, The Zoot Suit Riots brought attention to the
national public the corrupt political, governmental, and law-abiding systems
within Los Angeles as well as racial inequality and discrimination during the
twentieth century towards minority groups.
The Zoot Suit Riots revealed to me the actions people take when given either power or even obscure situations that they don't comprehend how to approach or handle. When given power, people do have the ability to choose not only
their own but also their society’s voice. In the situation of a minority
group with an unfamiliar culture in the midst of a dominant group, it is in this dominant group's power to assist in just reactions towards this group during moments of
suspicion or even hesitation. The Zoot Suit Riots showed me how the the dominant group, middle class Caucasians, through
jealousy and suspicion of the Mexican-American teenage minority, brought
violence and hatred, limiting and hurting innocent people because of a
patriotism that turned xenophobic.
Throughout history, cultures are
discriminated against and political figures allow for this behavior, and as the
aftermath shows from these riots, it’s up to these figures to speak out and
reveal unacceptable behavior. Zoot Suits for me exemplified behaviors within cultures and groups of people and how certain actions are due not from universal human traits but rather from cultural values and differences. These riots showed me how history repeats itself, and in this case how people have a natural pattern of practicing violence and exclusion towards a specific group and justify their actions with patriotism (although it can be more xenophobic than patriotic). It also shows how political figures can cover up these actions to make it seem as if they are justified and consequently show the subjectivity of history as they make events more benign than they actually are.
Zoot Suits represented a Mexican-American teenage cultural fashion that was made out of material that was discouraged from purchasing during World War II due to rations. Amongst Mexican-Americans continuing to wear this material as well as the racial tensions that had been building up within Los Angeles, a city that contained a high percentage of Latinos within the 1940s, due to job displacement and negative media from the Los Angeles Times, there was sparked hatred towards Mexican-Americans especially those who wore these zoot suits.
When June 3, 1943 came around, many navy sailors on the streets turned their hatred into violence and sadistically harassed, humiliated, and beat hundreds of Zoot Suit wearers. Throughout this whole ordeal, policemen watched and turned the other way, approving of the actions of the sailors. Even after, some of the officials within the judicial system blamed those wearing Zoot Suits for these riots or didn't properly distribute punishments to those who participated in the violence to innocent citizens. Although Mexican-Americans fought in self-defense from those targeting minorities throughout those few days, the policemen ended up arresting primarily those who were of Latino descent.
Through the events at hand, one can look back at Los Angeles history and see the racial tensions and inequalities that plagued the lives of minorities and caucasians. History is important in this case because it shows us mistakes within courts and authorities, and that with power comes responsibility to treat every person, no matter if different in any sense, equally. It also shows the cruelty within human nature when given persuasion through media as well as a situation that creates jealousy or competition when a group shows differences within culture. Much of the country as this time was facing discourse with civil rights, and California and Los Angeles was specifically faced with racial discrimination concerning Latinos and Mexican-Americans.
Through my research, I will look for different perceptions of the Zoot Suit Riots, especially of those who were harassed as well as those who contributed to the injustices. I want to look for discriminations against minorities within Southern California during the 20th century in general as well as the Latino community. I also want to find through my research how the civil rights of the Mexican-Americans has changed since the Riots and to what extent was justice served after the Zoot Suit Riots.
These are some of the factors that are incorporated within a public space:
Aesthetics: Many public spaces try to appeal to a certain audience by containing specific features that would attract one body of people particularly. A great public space would be able to incorporate features that would attract multiple audiences, unless the function of that public space is to exclude certain groups of people. Aesthetics are usually utilized within public spaces that have a greater function than to contain a group of people and have the ability to go beyond the function by giving a look to it. Although aesthetics may not serve a function for the people of the space, it does serve to bring awareness to a space. Most spaces with little decor or thought into the building are for the general public, while those that incorporate lights and other extraneous extravagances attract those of a higher class who can afford to go there.
Availability/Accessibility: The function of a public space is limited to a certain group of people if they are unable to arrive at that public space. Location and spatial organization affects whether a space is limiting a certain group of people from utilizing that space. For example, if a place is located within a residential neighborhood and is considered public because it is not closed off from the public but doesn't have any bus stops in proximity to it, then it is limiting outsiders from coming into that community. Public places that don't have modes of transportation accessible to outsiders serve the function of catering to the direct community.
Safety: Depending on how large the public space is and who it is directed for, safety becomes a large issue. If the public space is catering towards families and children, then the public space may have obvious security that pushes away delinquents but also is comforting to those who are utilizing that space. In the above photograph, the police men are on horses to represents a barrier and threat to those who want to cause disruption to that community but by sitting on horses and strolling around the streets it gives an ambience of peace that won't disrupt the citizens daily lives and thoughts. Depending on the funds of the area as well as the reputation of an area, the safety can either be more abrupt, less frequent, or more hidden.
Activities (cost benefit): The activities of a place determine the function of a place the most. The function of a place could be for a certain economic class or age group depending on the activities present. Places, such as L.A. Live, are considered public, but only those with money would want to attend L.A. Live because the activities are limited to shopping and eating at high-scale places. Public places that don't have any cost may attract people from all economic backgrounds and age groups, such as parks. Places can limit their audience through what is available.
When visiting Santa Monica, I was able to catch a certain ambience portrayed. I visited in the beginning of February, yet the sky only had light wisps of clouds and there were people bustling on the streets, malls, and sand as if it was summer. An out-of-state USC graduate student I ran into described Santa Monica as the "image of California, what you imagine California to be like before you arrive here."
Santa Monica seems to be a place that promotes healthiness and safety. The public and more accessible portions of the beach contain exercise areas with paths for both bikes and walking. Smoking is prohibited in almost all areas of the tourist attraction areas of Santa Monica. The beaches, malls, and streets leading up to the beaches contain signs that show no smoking. As well, across all ends of the beach are signs that note rules that must be followed, including no drinking or profane activity, showing that the city of Santa Monica wants to emphasize on its family orientation.
Safety is exemplified through the security cameras placed throughout the streets. As well, there is law enforcement on non-imposing modes of transportations such as bikes. In more private places, cop cars were present to ward off suspicious characters.
My insight into the "California Dream" previously had been limited to the opinions of those who had successfully found their dreams within the cities and suburbs of California. I still believe that the California Dream comes to those who have realistic views of what the "California Dream" means and are willing to work for it, or it comes to those who are extremely lucky. Although I had listened to various songs and had read many books and articles on the misery that follow the lost expectations of the California Dream, I hadn't connected how prevalent this idea of the "California Dream" after the start of migrations into California till even in the present.
Gladys Knight's song "Midnight Train to Georgia" revealed to me the expectations that most have when going into Los Angeles and the feelings that occur after realizing that they cannot handle the challenges California poses. Her song pointed out to me the reasoning behind most peoples' decisions in leaving family and traditions to come to a foreign place that may not even grant a person what they hoped for. Before this song, I hadn't asked myself: What does a person do if they don't find their "California Dream"? Those I had talked to about the "California Dream" still found hope within it even ifnot all of their expectations were met, so it wasn't until analytically evaluating this song that I came across the idea of a person being fully dissatisfied with what California had to offer. I feel like the purpose of this song is not only to refute the "California Dream", but also to point out a problem prevalent and relatable to most who arrive in California with expectations of wealth and fame.
The main idea "Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladys Knight and The Pips presents is the idea of the California Dream being just a dream for many, failing to transform into reality. Although there are a few people who reach their goals and have the ability of living in Los Angeles, many people who travel to LA with the dream of success do not contain the ability to achieve this. Instead, they find loss of hope and generally return to their hometowns with less than they came with. Most dreams within this aspect exceed reality and due to this, it's understandable that the California Dream is unmet. Within this song, the character tells of how her man has goals of becoming a star in LA, but after a few months, he realizes that these dreams are lost hopes when he loses his car, money, time, and idealistic view of California.
Living in Orange County, I have been surrounded by the idea of the "California Dream" my whole life. During my childhood, my parents would tell me about their own experiences in moving to California. At this point, the dream that had been prevalent around me is that of my parents which had been filled with dreams of opportunities for the younger generation and themselves: a vast job market, a large university network, and a safe suburbia. Both of my parents came to California in the 1970s--one from chilly New York and the other from Japan--with the dream in mind. My Dad was drawn in by the environment--the promises of grand national parks and beaches, constant sunny weather, fresh air--that he couldn't find in Queens. Coming from a country that didn't have a vast amount of career choices for women, my Mom arrived in Fullerton, California with visions of a future filled with any opportunity she desired as long as she worked assiduously toward her goals.
Suburban neighborhood in Irvine, California
University of California logo
The "California Dream" transformed in my parents' conversations as I became older. The dream still held vast amount of promises, but I began to realize there were gaps and flaws that no realist could ignore. Deflation caused threats to the economy and job market, causing the cost of living in California to become more difficult. Filled with sunshine, California was not only just warm in the summer, but also became dry enough for large fires that consumed neighborhoods and filled the sky with thick, black ash. However, despite difficulties, each year there was still conversation about another year of sunshine, the best public university system, and places to visit. There continued to be talk about this "California Dream" which consisted of wondrous places, weather, and atmosphere which was prevalent nowhere else. The opportunity cost of living in Southern California was great enough that these flaws seemed minuscule in comparison to the luxuries provided in this state that my parents had failed to find in their own birthplaces.
With time and new generational views, the "California Dream" is constantly changing, and although it may not be the dream of the older generations, it continues to contain hope and opportunity for those willing to strive for it. The dream is relative for each person and what each person is searching for, and I continue to see California as a paradise that offers opportunities unlike anywhere else. Here in California, I can study a career in engineering with a pool of diverse people in pleasant weather. I have the opportunity to explore large multi-cultural city communities as well as to travel back to peaceful suburbia to relax. Although living in California poses challenges, I still find more pros than cons, making my "California Dream" come alive.
The "California Dream" transformed in my parents' conversations as I became older. The dream still held vast amount of promises, but I began to realize there were gaps and flaws that no realist could ignore. Deflation caused threats to the economy and job market, causing the cost of living in California to become more difficult. Filled with sunshine, California was not only just warm in the summer, but also became dry enough for large fires that consumed neighborhoods and filled the sky with thick, black ash. However, despite difficulties, each year there was still conversation about another year of sunshine, the best public university system, and places to visit. There continued to be talk about this "California Dream" which consisted of wondrous places, weather, and atmosphere which was prevalent nowhere else. The opportunity cost of living in Southern California was great enough that these flaws seemed minuscule in comparison to the luxuries provided in this state that my parents had failed to find in their own birthplaces.
