Blog Roll

So I'm still working on my blog roll, but I'm getting there, ever so closely, minute by minute. Wish me luck!

SO Behind!!

UGH!! I feel so behind! I don't know if I'm the only one in this class that feels this way. I honestly don't know how many blogs I've missed and the worst part is, is that I feel so disconnected with my blog. I mean this thing should be my supposed "outlet" and yet I rarely go on it. I think the only way to fix my problem is by actually writing stuff in it that does not relate to the class as much, or at least use it as a method to communicate with my class. If there is any one at all who feels this way in Eng 114... HELP!!! haha, or at least comment so we can converse!

Gladwell piece.

"The difference between a crime of evil and a crime of illness is the difference between a sin and symptom." This was a quote written by Malcolm Gladwell. But is this quote owned by him? That's the very same question he asks himself as he writes his article "The Picture Problem: Should a Charge of Plagiarism Ruin your Life?" and as I see unfold as I read along. It was a really interesting article. I found a lot of the points he made very agreeable. In the case of Andrew Lloyd Webber copying himself, or The Beastie Boys using the same note, or even Kurt Cobain taking from Boston's "More then a Feeling," all the cases Gladwell brings up makes a relevant point.

One thing that did upset me was that he never said what ended up happening to Lavery after this whole matter ended. Although his goal in writing the article was not to do a biography on the so called "plagiarist," a little epilogue would not have hurt the man. In the end though, I found my self on Gladwell's side. Lavery had no idea what she did or was doing was wrong, and it's ART for Christ's sake! Let people explore and be creative, and if they make something better out of your idea, or words, don't be upset you didn't have the talent to do so.

What is an essay?!

To me, an essay is a group of words that are gathered together to answer a prompt or reach a goal. Depending on the type of essay this changes the layout of how the essay is written and read. Many different essays (i.e persuasive, satirical, or compare and contrast) are written for different reasons. A teacher either assigns it to you or it is your choice to write. In my opinion, essays can be a very powerful weapon. They can be used as methods of convincing others through facts or humor. They can bring one subject and either glorify it or destroy it. Essays can also be written about books such as a book report. It is, however, unfortunate that many, though great thinkers, lack the ability to write an essay and for that matter cannot even read or write, an epidemic known as illiteracy. Hopefully with time and technology the number of illiterates will decrease exponentially.

Chapter 1: My Word! A Question of Judgment

For my blog, I have to write a reflection on the first chapter of the book My Word! written by Susan D. Blum. Being the first chapter of the book, the author had to convey its theme as well as catch the attention of reader. The book discusses plagiarism, college culture, and the history of plagiarism. As a work of scholarly merit, the chapter did a great job at balancing all the main topics.

I found it interesting how the book described the many levels of plagiarism, from the “cheating” students to the fabricated journalist, from the repetitive musicians to the dastardly colleague, from 13^th century China to 1860’s Yale, plagiarism has had its roots dug deep in our society and I am looking forward to seeing how the author explains it more.

I am also curious of the punishment dealt to plagiarist. It does seem that there is leniency to those in power and that students are looked down upon as scum for doing an act that is, as the book puts it, like oxygen to us. I found it quite hilarious when I learned that the Doctor, MLK Jr. committed such an act. I find it a joke actually. Someone whose life was based on having high morals for equality sure felt it unnecessary to give credit where credit was due: very ironic, in my opinion.

The author does a great job at translating her opinions and the actual facts, and without forgetting to cite her sources. I look forward to continuing to read the book and post blogs throughout this semester.

Franky