Howdy! Here is the link to my second podcast! Check it out, lemme know what ya think!!
I'm episode 39 :-)
http://www.gabcast.com/index.php?a=episodes&b=play&id=8538&cast=51166&autoplay=true
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
HW 36: My first podcast!!!
Hey ya'll!! Check out my first podcast! It's about Riverbend explaining Ramadhan, and also some things I've learned and found interesting!
http://www.gabcast.com/index.php?a=episodes&query=&b=play&id=8538&cast=49847&castPage=
I'm episode number 13!!
Thanks,
MLE
http://www.gabcast.com/index.php?a=episodes&query=&b=play&id=8538&cast=49847&castPage=
I'm episode number 13!!
Thanks,
MLE
Thursday, November 15, 2007
HW 35: My Farewell
After being enrolled in the course “A Blog of One’s Own” I have learned a lot after maintaining a blog for the past 13 weeks. Academically, I have learned to be very responsible and staying on the ball as far as getting the assignments done, and on time. I think it would be a little easier to slack off when we are to write online for our homework because there are more attainable excuses for not doing it. So I have learned to really keep up a good blog and homework responsibility. As far as the course goes, I have learned more about responding to specific readings and about blogs themselves. I have learned so much about different blogs, and that there are many, many blogs out there. I never realized the never-ending options to blogs. I find it so cool that people all over the world can maintain a blog as well.
I would hope that whoever reads my blog posts understands that I do my work. I also hope that for anyone who reads my blog can comprehend and follow along with the readings we as students had to do, but the reader could almost follow along just by reading my blog.
Overall I’m proud of all of my blog posts because of the details I put in. I always make it known that I read the readings and I include informative, relating quotes.
Once this class is over I’m just going to stop writing blog posts, but I’ll keep my blog up. This way, I can check it now and then to see if I ever get any comments, and to see who is reading my posts. I also will keep my blog so I can look at other people’s blogs both in my pod, but also the blogs I’m watching i.e. jezebel.
Overall I just want to tell my readers it has been a very interesting class and I enjoyed it. I feel proud of myself because we did have a lot of work in this class, and I feel successful for completing each and every HW assignment on time. I also would recommend this course to anyone because you learn a lot that you would never know if you didn’t take the course. It’s very interesting, and fun.
I would hope that whoever reads my blog posts understands that I do my work. I also hope that for anyone who reads my blog can comprehend and follow along with the readings we as students had to do, but the reader could almost follow along just by reading my blog.
Overall I’m proud of all of my blog posts because of the details I put in. I always make it known that I read the readings and I include informative, relating quotes.
Once this class is over I’m just going to stop writing blog posts, but I’ll keep my blog up. This way, I can check it now and then to see if I ever get any comments, and to see who is reading my posts. I also will keep my blog so I can look at other people’s blogs both in my pod, but also the blogs I’m watching i.e. jezebel.
Overall I just want to tell my readers it has been a very interesting class and I enjoyed it. I feel proud of myself because we did have a lot of work in this class, and I feel successful for completing each and every HW assignment on time. I also would recommend this course to anyone because you learn a lot that you would never know if you didn’t take the course. It’s very interesting, and fun.
HW 34: Riverbend talks about Gold and Tea
Riverbend explains the custom of evening tea in Iraq on Saturday, October 18th. 2003.
I never realized how important tea was to Iraqi families. Riverbend explains that they drink tea, “with breakfast, they drink tea at midday, they drink tea in the evening and often drink tea with dinner” (Riverbend 109). She explains that tea is very important to their culture, and they always set time aside for tea time, where they all sit down together and drink their tea while talking about, “blockade, war strategies, bombing, and politics” (Riverbend 109). Riverbend also explains how there is a specific way of making tea in which there is a 3 step process. (Riverbend 108). I wondered why tea time was so important, and Riverbend answered that question by explaining, “tea is so important in Iraq, that it makes up a substantial part of rations we’ve been getting ever since the sanctions were imposed upon the country” (Riverbend 109).Another informative post I read that Riverbend explained was the role of gold in family savings in Iraq. She wrote this Thursday, October 9th. 2003. I found this post very interesting! Riverbend explained that when the money fluency was fluctuating the Iraqi’s would buy gold since the prices of gold would stay the same, this way when the family was in need of money, they could sell a little bit of their gold. (Riverbend 100). Specifically, “gold is a part of [their] culture and the roll it plays in “family savings” has increased since 1990” (Riverbend 100). Riverbend also explained that when the American soldiers invaded houses, they would take the gold and were surprised that the Iraqi’s have gold. The truth is that, when two Iraqi’s get married-regardless of religion-the man often gives the woman a “mahar” or dowry, composed of gold jewelry. When a couple has a child, the gifts are often little gold trinkets that the parents can sell or keep” (Riverbend 100). I found this very interesting that gold was used to almost save money in a sense, it is a very good idea, and very informative.
I never realized how important tea was to Iraqi families. Riverbend explains that they drink tea, “with breakfast, they drink tea at midday, they drink tea in the evening and often drink tea with dinner” (Riverbend 109). She explains that tea is very important to their culture, and they always set time aside for tea time, where they all sit down together and drink their tea while talking about, “blockade, war strategies, bombing, and politics” (Riverbend 109). Riverbend also explains how there is a specific way of making tea in which there is a 3 step process. (Riverbend 108). I wondered why tea time was so important, and Riverbend answered that question by explaining, “tea is so important in Iraq, that it makes up a substantial part of rations we’ve been getting ever since the sanctions were imposed upon the country” (Riverbend 109).Another informative post I read that Riverbend explained was the role of gold in family savings in Iraq. She wrote this Thursday, October 9th. 2003. I found this post very interesting! Riverbend explained that when the money fluency was fluctuating the Iraqi’s would buy gold since the prices of gold would stay the same, this way when the family was in need of money, they could sell a little bit of their gold. (Riverbend 100). Specifically, “gold is a part of [their] culture and the roll it plays in “family savings” has increased since 1990” (Riverbend 100). Riverbend also explained that when the American soldiers invaded houses, they would take the gold and were surprised that the Iraqi’s have gold. The truth is that, when two Iraqi’s get married-regardless of religion-the man often gives the woman a “mahar” or dowry, composed of gold jewelry. When a couple has a child, the gifts are often little gold trinkets that the parents can sell or keep” (Riverbend 100). I found this very interesting that gold was used to almost save money in a sense, it is a very good idea, and very informative.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
HW 33: Alive in Baghdad, Challenges of Everyday Life
The title of the episode I watched is “Challenges at a Girl’s School in Baghdad”
The title of the series it was part of is “Alive in Bagdhad”
The date it was published was 5/21/07
The link to the site is http://aliveinbaghdad.org/2007/05/21/challenges-at-a-girls-school-in-baghdad/
The general topic that the episode covers is the many factors that play into why it it so dangerous to be going to school in Baghdad.
The people who appear in the podcast are the students, teachers, and the director of the school.
One person who appears in the podcast is the physics teacher they interviewed. She was wearing a long sleeved professional jacket, it doesn’t show what she was wearing for pants. And she’s wearing a burqa. Her face doesn’t appear to have any make-up, except for reddish lipstick.
The scenery in the background is very depressing. There are no decorations in the classroom, the buildings look as if they need work, they didn’t show the roads.. however when the students described the driving conditions they said they were very bad.
A viewer might learn form watching this episode how totally different it is to go to school here in America than in Baghdad. We never have to worry about going to school, usually. School is never cancelled due to random checks of the town/city. It is just a totally different atmosphere.The video I watched compared to other video footage was actually a little more pleasing to see. Other video’s I’ve seen are more abour the war and soldiers. It was nice to not hear sirens in the background and have it more focused on the school and not the war. I find the one of the students reaction most memorable about the podcast. When she was asked if she was scared that there would be a bomb or shooting near her home and school, she replied no..Hail Allah. It made me realize that she had all her trust in her God’s hands.
The title of the series it was part of is “Alive in Bagdhad”
The date it was published was 5/21/07
The link to the site is http://aliveinbaghdad.org/2007/05/21/challenges-at-a-girls-school-in-baghdad/
The general topic that the episode covers is the many factors that play into why it it so dangerous to be going to school in Baghdad.
The people who appear in the podcast are the students, teachers, and the director of the school.
One person who appears in the podcast is the physics teacher they interviewed. She was wearing a long sleeved professional jacket, it doesn’t show what she was wearing for pants. And she’s wearing a burqa. Her face doesn’t appear to have any make-up, except for reddish lipstick.
The scenery in the background is very depressing. There are no decorations in the classroom, the buildings look as if they need work, they didn’t show the roads.. however when the students described the driving conditions they said they were very bad.
A viewer might learn form watching this episode how totally different it is to go to school here in America than in Baghdad. We never have to worry about going to school, usually. School is never cancelled due to random checks of the town/city. It is just a totally different atmosphere.The video I watched compared to other video footage was actually a little more pleasing to see. Other video’s I’ve seen are more abour the war and soldiers. It was nice to not hear sirens in the background and have it more focused on the school and not the war. I find the one of the students reaction most memorable about the podcast. When she was asked if she was scared that there would be a bomb or shooting near her home and school, she replied no..Hail Allah. It made me realize that she had all her trust in her God’s hands.
HW 32: Veils, Hijabs, Rabtas, Abayas.. Same thing right? WRONG!!
Wednesday, October 01. 2003
Riverbend gives her opinion on what Dr. Stanley Kurtz has to say about the reasoning behind women wearing veils. Riverbend uses sarcasm to express her disagreement with Dr. Kurtz, who states that it “took hundreds of years of wearing the veil for religious reasons and relegated it all to the oppression of females by their male cousins” (Riverbend 92). Riverbend sarcastically replies to his statement with “wow-human nature is that simple” (Riverbend 92). Riverbend then points out many examples as to why Dr. Kurtz is so off in his statement that Iraqi women wear veils due to their cousin’s superiority. Firstly, Riverbend explains that Dr. Kurtz used the term “veil” as if it only pertained to Iraq. This clearly made Riverbend upset, because she gives a lengthy explanation the in fact, very few women in Iraq wore veils, and if and when they did it had nothing to do with their male cousins making them do so. She then explains that the term “veil” can have a different definition in a different country, and that Dr. Kurtz should have used the term “hijab” which means headscarf. Riverbend explains that, “Muslim females do not wear a hijab or veil because their male cousins make them wear it. They wear it for religious reasons” Riverbend 93. She explains that these women wear it as a symbol of their belief, a conviction, something that is pure etiquette out of their religion. She explains that if these women are persecuted for wearing it, Christian women should be persecuted for wearing a cross, and Jew’s wearing a yarmulke. I learned a lot from this post by Riverbend because even I didn’t know all the different definitions of head pieces, who wore them, and why.
Riverbend gives her opinion on what Dr. Stanley Kurtz has to say about the reasoning behind women wearing veils. Riverbend uses sarcasm to express her disagreement with Dr. Kurtz, who states that it “took hundreds of years of wearing the veil for religious reasons and relegated it all to the oppression of females by their male cousins” (Riverbend 92). Riverbend sarcastically replies to his statement with “wow-human nature is that simple” (Riverbend 92). Riverbend then points out many examples as to why Dr. Kurtz is so off in his statement that Iraqi women wear veils due to their cousin’s superiority. Firstly, Riverbend explains that Dr. Kurtz used the term “veil” as if it only pertained to Iraq. This clearly made Riverbend upset, because she gives a lengthy explanation the in fact, very few women in Iraq wore veils, and if and when they did it had nothing to do with their male cousins making them do so. She then explains that the term “veil” can have a different definition in a different country, and that Dr. Kurtz should have used the term “hijab” which means headscarf. Riverbend explains that, “Muslim females do not wear a hijab or veil because their male cousins make them wear it. They wear it for religious reasons” Riverbend 93. She explains that these women wear it as a symbol of their belief, a conviction, something that is pure etiquette out of their religion. She explains that if these women are persecuted for wearing it, Christian women should be persecuted for wearing a cross, and Jew’s wearing a yarmulke. I learned a lot from this post by Riverbend because even I didn’t know all the different definitions of head pieces, who wore them, and why.
HW 31: Turning the Tables
After reading the post “Turning Tables” by Riverbend in Baghdad Burning, I wanted to know more about this blogspot that is written by a soldier fighting in Iraq, who goes by the name “Moja”. So I went online and looked up the blog “TurningTables” (http://turningtables.blogspot.com/). TurningTables is a blog that is composed by a soldier named Moja. This blog made me really emotional. This is because my brother is going to Iraq in December, three days before my birthday. To read Moja’s blog posts really struck me to know what’s going on in Iraq, where my brother will be going. It made me feel for the troops, especially when Moja states that all he thinks about is going home, and all he dreams about is going home (Moja). All I could think of was if Peter my brother will start a blog, if he will say those things, if he will be miserable, if he will want nothing but to come home. Reading about Moja’s life and how he deals with what’s going on made me really learn a lot about the other side of Iraq, as well as what my brother might go through. I am now interesting in TurningTables, and I am going to be reading it more on a daily basis.
Moja. "...TURNINGTABLES...." Blogger. 13 Nov 2007
Moja. "...TURNINGTABLES...." Blogger. 13 Nov 2007
Saturday, November 10, 2007
HW 30: Citizenship Symposium: Animation and Politics
HW 30
The citizenship symposium as Keene State College is an all week affair that includes many informational lectures. I have now attended 2 symposiums. The title of this session was “Animation as Political and Social Constructions”. The names of the speakers were Jiwon Ahn, Sander Lee, and Mark Timney. All three speakers are professors at Keene State College. The talk of the lecture over all was how politics can be played out through animation. The three different speakers chose specific examples of certain animations that had some sort of connection with politics and social constructions.
Jiwon Ahn explained that animation mobilized to challenge everyday life. Her animations that she showed on the big screen were examples of punk art. The images were portrayed as typical images of “innocent” girls. She showed a variety of examples of artists, however she showed and explained more of the artist “KaiKaiKiKi”. One thing I learned about her speech was that the artists she showed were more open about nudity. To prove that I was there Kim sneezed, and it made Ahn lose her place in her speech. One of the quotes form her speech was, “I went to get a picture framed…and he thought it was my work. This is how simplistic this artist’s work is”.
The next speaker was Sander Lee. His speech was exploring the cartoon of Donald Duck and how he dreamed he was in a concentration camp following Hitler’s rules. He used animation to show the social constructions of how stubborn Donald Duck usually is, but then conforms and submits to all the orders he was being given. Lee was explaining how no matter how stubborn people were (like Donald Duck) that had to collaborate and submit to the higher power (in this case Hitler). Something interesting I learned from his speech was that I was somewhat surprised that cartoons somewhat imitate the Holocaust and then are shown to children. Something to prove that I was there was that he said “Brunny” instead of “bunny”. One quote he said was, “Bugs identity is interesting in terms of the Nazi’s”
The last speaker was Mark Timney. His speech was very interesting and fun to listen to. He explained the cartoon “South Park” and how there could be a moral lesson behind each episode. He explained how the social constructions like compromising, thinking critically, and being an active citizen can be taught through the animation South Park.An interesting thing I learned and pondered on was if the show South Park makes us even more critical of the U.S. government. To prove I was there Mark looked like he was wearing a wig. A quote he said was, “ The use of ridicule or scorn, often in a humorous or witty way, to expose follies and vices”
The citizenship symposium as Keene State College is an all week affair that includes many informational lectures. I have now attended 2 symposiums. The title of this session was “Animation as Political and Social Constructions”. The names of the speakers were Jiwon Ahn, Sander Lee, and Mark Timney. All three speakers are professors at Keene State College. The talk of the lecture over all was how politics can be played out through animation. The three different speakers chose specific examples of certain animations that had some sort of connection with politics and social constructions.
Jiwon Ahn explained that animation mobilized to challenge everyday life. Her animations that she showed on the big screen were examples of punk art. The images were portrayed as typical images of “innocent” girls. She showed a variety of examples of artists, however she showed and explained more of the artist “KaiKaiKiKi”. One thing I learned about her speech was that the artists she showed were more open about nudity. To prove that I was there Kim sneezed, and it made Ahn lose her place in her speech. One of the quotes form her speech was, “I went to get a picture framed…and he thought it was my work. This is how simplistic this artist’s work is”.
The next speaker was Sander Lee. His speech was exploring the cartoon of Donald Duck and how he dreamed he was in a concentration camp following Hitler’s rules. He used animation to show the social constructions of how stubborn Donald Duck usually is, but then conforms and submits to all the orders he was being given. Lee was explaining how no matter how stubborn people were (like Donald Duck) that had to collaborate and submit to the higher power (in this case Hitler). Something interesting I learned from his speech was that I was somewhat surprised that cartoons somewhat imitate the Holocaust and then are shown to children. Something to prove that I was there was that he said “Brunny” instead of “bunny”. One quote he said was, “Bugs identity is interesting in terms of the Nazi’s”
The last speaker was Mark Timney. His speech was very interesting and fun to listen to. He explained the cartoon “South Park” and how there could be a moral lesson behind each episode. He explained how the social constructions like compromising, thinking critically, and being an active citizen can be taught through the animation South Park.An interesting thing I learned and pondered on was if the show South Park makes us even more critical of the U.S. government. To prove I was there Mark looked like he was wearing a wig. A quote he said was, “ The use of ridicule or scorn, often in a humorous or witty way, to expose follies and vices”
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
HW 30: Citizenship Symposium: Is Voting Always Fair?
The citizenship symposium as Keene State College is an all week affair that includes many informational lectures. So far, I have only attended one symposium. The title of this session was “Voting Theory and the Questions of Fairness”. The name of the speaker was Vincent Ferlini. Ferlini is the associate professor of mathematics at Keene State College. The talk of the lecture over all was about voting, and the different methods of voting, and which types were the best to use in certain situations. Also, the main topic was about fair voting, and the question of fairness. One of the main topics was about sample voting methods, discussion of fairness, and Kenneth Arrow’s mathematical theorem which all boils down to different methods which produce different results. Each method exhibits characteristics associated with the fairness and unfairness of voting methods. The Central question is: When it comes to the voting system what is fair? And what is the clear, precise definition of what fair means.
There were a couple interesting things I learned during this symposium. One interesting thing I learned was that when there was a tie during a vote between two specific candidates, there would be a coin flip to determine the winner.
A sentence to prove that I was there is that he voted Brittany Spears as his first choice to be sent into exile for 10 or more years. Following her was Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan, and Kevin Federline.
A few quotes I wrote down from what Ferlini said was, “We tend to vote majority rules, but sometimes it doesn’t always work that way”. Another quote I wrote down was, “A voter used a broken pot called an ostraka to record a vote, this is the root of the modern world ostracize” Over all it was a very informative symposium, and I look forward to attending two more.
There were a couple interesting things I learned during this symposium. One interesting thing I learned was that when there was a tie during a vote between two specific candidates, there would be a coin flip to determine the winner.
A sentence to prove that I was there is that he voted Brittany Spears as his first choice to be sent into exile for 10 or more years. Following her was Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan, and Kevin Federline.
A few quotes I wrote down from what Ferlini said was, “We tend to vote majority rules, but sometimes it doesn’t always work that way”. Another quote I wrote down was, “A voter used a broken pot called an ostraka to record a vote, this is the root of the modern world ostracize” Over all it was a very informative symposium, and I look forward to attending two more.
Friday, November 2, 2007
HW 28: Open Letter to Riverbend
Dear Riverbend,
I must say that when I was first assigned to read this book, I had no idea what it was or what it was about. It was only until I read the introduction and foreword that I realized that this book was filled with your blog entries. I then knew it was going to be a captivating read and that I knew I was going to be and stay interested in what you have to say. A couple of your entries really caught my attention, and some of them I have a couple questions on. I was wondering if you found it almost frustrating at the fact that you have this new talent to recognize if the sound of bullets from a distance are American or Klashnikov, that you can tell how far away they are, if you can tell if it’s “them” or “us”, if it’s a pistol or a machine gun, and if it’s a tank or an armored vehicle? I know that if any of that chaos was going on here, we wouldn’t be able to recognize…Well, not at least the first few months. This new talent of yours seems to be helpful, but if I were you I would almost be frustrated at the fact that I would know this!
In one of your blogs titled, “Setting the Record Straight” (p 13) I found it disturbing that someone would call you a spoiled brat! Why on earth would something think you would be spoiled?! I would be so frustrated if I were you. After all those instances that you listed what you’ve been through and why you hated the soldiers at those specific times, In my opinion, all the power to you for not hating them in general. I would be so resentful of someone if they did all those things, for the rest of my life. You should be respected because you sympathize fore the soldiers, your pity for them, your hopeless feeling for them, you feeling terrible for them. All these things you have said as to why you feel for them. You are far from a spoiled brat who is bias.
I was wondering if you have gotten into any trouble as far as writing a blog? Is there anyone against you writing about what’s going on where you live and how you feel? I know how you feel, not wanting to give you personal information away…That could totally get you in trouble, as you explain in your blog entry, “About Riverbend” on page 20. I don’t know why people would ask for your personal information, if anything those people who want it are probably sketchy and WANT to get you in trouble!
My last question I have for you is about your blog entry, “Opposite direction” on page 30. I felt this entry was somewhat all over the place. You first explained how it was a gloomy day and how you and your family were all gathered around, and while watching the news you saw that the Red Cross had been taken out of your area. First of all, I just wanted to say I’m sorry for your frustration, I know you need them. What is the status on that now? However, after you mentioned this you mentioned your neighbor coming over and calling out to your brother telling him to watch a program that takes up political issues. Long story short… I was just wondering what your neighbor thought it was a big deal for? And why did he only tell your brother? Also, I like how in the end of your post you explain that there is a middle stance; you don’t have to be for or against Bush, which is what he says. I agree, I’m not for or against, I’m in the middle. Sometimes it’s hard to decide.
I like reading your entries, I am learning more about the war and what is going on in Iraq. I’m sorry you have to suffer from the trauma and I hope everything clears up soon. Praying for ya,Emily
I must say that when I was first assigned to read this book, I had no idea what it was or what it was about. It was only until I read the introduction and foreword that I realized that this book was filled with your blog entries. I then knew it was going to be a captivating read and that I knew I was going to be and stay interested in what you have to say. A couple of your entries really caught my attention, and some of them I have a couple questions on. I was wondering if you found it almost frustrating at the fact that you have this new talent to recognize if the sound of bullets from a distance are American or Klashnikov, that you can tell how far away they are, if you can tell if it’s “them” or “us”, if it’s a pistol or a machine gun, and if it’s a tank or an armored vehicle? I know that if any of that chaos was going on here, we wouldn’t be able to recognize…Well, not at least the first few months. This new talent of yours seems to be helpful, but if I were you I would almost be frustrated at the fact that I would know this!
In one of your blogs titled, “Setting the Record Straight” (p 13) I found it disturbing that someone would call you a spoiled brat! Why on earth would something think you would be spoiled?! I would be so frustrated if I were you. After all those instances that you listed what you’ve been through and why you hated the soldiers at those specific times, In my opinion, all the power to you for not hating them in general. I would be so resentful of someone if they did all those things, for the rest of my life. You should be respected because you sympathize fore the soldiers, your pity for them, your hopeless feeling for them, you feeling terrible for them. All these things you have said as to why you feel for them. You are far from a spoiled brat who is bias.
I was wondering if you have gotten into any trouble as far as writing a blog? Is there anyone against you writing about what’s going on where you live and how you feel? I know how you feel, not wanting to give you personal information away…That could totally get you in trouble, as you explain in your blog entry, “About Riverbend” on page 20. I don’t know why people would ask for your personal information, if anything those people who want it are probably sketchy and WANT to get you in trouble!
My last question I have for you is about your blog entry, “Opposite direction” on page 30. I felt this entry was somewhat all over the place. You first explained how it was a gloomy day and how you and your family were all gathered around, and while watching the news you saw that the Red Cross had been taken out of your area. First of all, I just wanted to say I’m sorry for your frustration, I know you need them. What is the status on that now? However, after you mentioned this you mentioned your neighbor coming over and calling out to your brother telling him to watch a program that takes up political issues. Long story short… I was just wondering what your neighbor thought it was a big deal for? And why did he only tell your brother? Also, I like how in the end of your post you explain that there is a middle stance; you don’t have to be for or against Bush, which is what he says. I agree, I’m not for or against, I’m in the middle. Sometimes it’s hard to decide.
I like reading your entries, I am learning more about the war and what is going on in Iraq. I’m sorry you have to suffer from the trauma and I hope everything clears up soon. Praying for ya,Emily
Thursday, November 1, 2007
HW 27: About Riverbend
Riverbend, Baghdad Burning, Girl Blog from Iraq, 2005The Feminist Press at the City University of NY, NY
Baghdad Burning is a very powerful book written by a young woman who has seen the war live and goes by the name, Riverbend. The book, written through blog entries, explains what it’s like experiencing the war first hand, living life day to day not knowing what’s going to happen to her and/or her family. Riverbend explains that she originally was looking for some sort of online “rantlog” (Riverbend 5), but settled with a blogging account the Google provided her. The reason this book was written was to give people outside of Iraq, or any war field in general, what it’s like to live where this scary action is taking place. As I read through her entries, she really knew how to captivate her readers and really put us in her shoes. As point blank as that statement sounds, it really is true! In general I think Riverbend wants the reader to learn that it’s hard for her to understand those who make up their minds on the war, when they don’t have very much knowledge about it. Riverbend wants her readers to understand what is actually going on in the war, and what it’s like to live in the middle of it, and then people may form their opinions around the actual facts. Riverbend writing these blogs and turning it into Baghdad Burning has some very great benefits. She really gives people the opportunity to really see what’s going on in Iraq through a true story, as opposed to the media, because we all know that the media can change the information any way they want. Riverbend allows her readers to really sympathize and want to do something to help contribute to solving the war. Some challenges Riverbend may experience are harmful events to herself. I believe she may fear that she may get in trouble for leaking out information about the war, and she is safe not to use her own name. However, Riverbend may have the challenge of punishment if others who disagree with her opinion find what she is writing. This reading is a great book that is incorporated into our class because our class is about how blogging, specifically, empowers women. Riverbend does such a great job showing how it made her feel better to blog about her experience, giving a clear example about how blogging really does empower women.
Baghdad Burning is a very powerful book written by a young woman who has seen the war live and goes by the name, Riverbend. The book, written through blog entries, explains what it’s like experiencing the war first hand, living life day to day not knowing what’s going to happen to her and/or her family. Riverbend explains that she originally was looking for some sort of online “rantlog” (Riverbend 5), but settled with a blogging account the Google provided her. The reason this book was written was to give people outside of Iraq, or any war field in general, what it’s like to live where this scary action is taking place. As I read through her entries, she really knew how to captivate her readers and really put us in her shoes. As point blank as that statement sounds, it really is true! In general I think Riverbend wants the reader to learn that it’s hard for her to understand those who make up their minds on the war, when they don’t have very much knowledge about it. Riverbend wants her readers to understand what is actually going on in the war, and what it’s like to live in the middle of it, and then people may form their opinions around the actual facts. Riverbend writing these blogs and turning it into Baghdad Burning has some very great benefits. She really gives people the opportunity to really see what’s going on in Iraq through a true story, as opposed to the media, because we all know that the media can change the information any way they want. Riverbend allows her readers to really sympathize and want to do something to help contribute to solving the war. Some challenges Riverbend may experience are harmful events to herself. I believe she may fear that she may get in trouble for leaking out information about the war, and she is safe not to use her own name. However, Riverbend may have the challenge of punishment if others who disagree with her opinion find what she is writing. This reading is a great book that is incorporated into our class because our class is about how blogging, specifically, empowers women. Riverbend does such a great job showing how it made her feel better to blog about her experience, giving a clear example about how blogging really does empower women.
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