Final Thoughts

When I registered for this class, I worried about taking a course online and at first was sceptical.  I had tried to take an online course once before and it was brutal. However, that was a calculus course so I don’t think much has to be said about that.  As this class began, I quickly realized there would be a substantial amount of student involvement, thought-provoking articles to read, as well as a knowledgeable instructor, much like the classroom atmosphere that a student would hope for.

I have really enjoyed taking this course. Throughout the process, I have been encouraged to think about the purpose of the article and then write from the heart.  Many of the articles that we read really got me thinking about life and what some people have to endure. My problems seem very small and insignificant compared to others. I think we are fortunate to have writers among us who make us walk in the shoes of others and also challenge us to evaluate our positions and biases. This was the most valuable lesson that I discovered. It was valuable for me to think about what I had read and then write about what I thought were the important ideas from the essays of others. I have always considered myself to be a moderately effective writer and have been critical of my ability to write well.  I felt that the essays chosen to read were extremely interesting and each week I looked forward to each new assignment.  With the comments that were made about some of my assignments, I was also encouraged to improve on my writing skills and it allowed me to have a positive opinion of my capabilities as a writer.

Of all of the articles assigned, my favourite was “Dumpster Diving” by Lars Eigher. I was really drawn into this story; literally walking beside him, as he went from one dumpster to another.  It was a heart wrenching story.  Even at work, I encouraged others to read the article because the City of Lethbridge, my employer, has initiated a housing first project, in which the main goal is to end homelessness in the City of Lethbridge.  My least favourite reading was “Code Breaker” by Jim Holt. I say that with an explanation because I really did enjoy reading this article because there were many interesting facts that were written about Alan Turing. I just found myself wanting to skip through the descriptions of the machines, knowing that there were more interesting things coming.

In closing, I just want to thank Laurie and my fellow colleagues for all the helpful suggestions and input into my work. I really enjoyed the course and would recommend it to other students.

I Agree

In “How to Write with Style” Kurt Vonnegut suggests that writers, whether by accident or intentionally, always reveal their personality through their style of writing.  The only exception to this is newspaper reporters and technical writers, who simply have to write the facts. Vonnegut encourages writers to examine their own style of writing for the sole purpose of improving their style and gives eight suggestions that will help to accomplish this. Vonnegut writes a very informative essay that, if followed, will improve the writer’s style but will also show respect for the reader.  

Vonnegut’s purpose in writing this essay is to encourage writers to improve their writing. He suggests that the writer must write about a subject that they passionately care about.  Over the last number of weeks, our readings have included powerful essays that are written with great passion or that the writer is very knowledgeable about.  One example is “On Dumpster Diving” written by Lars Eigbner, in which the writer takes the reader on a heartbreaking tour through his life of dumpster diving. Vonnegut states that success is accomplished by the writer if, after reading the article, the reader is convinced to care just as much as the writer does, or the writer has convinced the reader to change his mind about a subject. After reading Eigbner’s story on dumpster diving, my opinion on dumpsters will never be the same.

Vonnegut states that that all writing should be kept simple. I agree. Vonnegut gives some wonderful examples of simple but powerful sentences including examples from Shakespeare’s Hamlet to the Bible. Simple sentences can invoke powerful scenes.  A complicated reading for me was the “Code Breaker by Jim Holt.  While I found this to be an interesting article, I got bogged down trying to read through his complicated description of the machines invented by Alan Turing. Vonnegut credits author James Joyce with putting “together a sentence as intricate and as glittering as a necklace for Cleopatra,” and yet he reveals that his favourite sentence in Joyce’s writing is one with only three words (p. 66). Vonnegut also wants the writer to be true to his roots and appreciate the fact if he is brought up in a second language it is something to be treasured because it will add to the flavour of the writing.

Vonnegut best advice is that the writer should always “say what you mean” (p. 67).  He wants the writer to use the most effective words for the subject and continue to build on the writing with words that relate and connect as you go along. The writer is most successful when they write an accurate understandable writing. It is frustrating for the reader to have to go back and read over again in order to understand what the writer is saying. Vonnegut also reminds the writer to think about the reader, who in many cases has not mastered the art of reading. They are “imperfect artists” (p. 67).  Even if the writer can “soar high above the ground,” he must come back to the level of the reader to be effective (p. 67).

Through this writing, Vonnegut makes very valuable suggestions that will help the writer improve his writing style. He reminds us that writing does not have to be complicated.  If kept simple, a writer should still be able to draw the reader in, invoke powerful emotions or change the reader’s mind. His examples and suggestions will assist me in my writing.

Now that you have read Vonnegut’s essay, do you think you will make any changes to your style of writing?

Lost Lives

In “Japan’s Kamikaze Pilot’s and Contemporary Suicide Bombers: War and Terror”, Yuki Tanaka compares the mentality of the kamikaze suicide bombers, during World Ward II, with terrorist suicide bombers of today, noting the differences and the similarities of both.  While both forms of suicide attacks are considered to be “madness,” Tanaka reminds us that other forms of “strategic bombings” directed by countries like the U.S. and Britain, continue to kill thousand of innocence civilians and should no longer be regarded as “legitimate military operations,” but should also be considered acts of terrorism (Tanaka, 2008, p. 300).

Tanaka’s purpose is to examine the “psychological themes” and other factors that emerge when comparing these two groups of young men. The examples he gives are effective. Tanaka gives a face to the kamikaze pilots by explaining that most of these young men did not come from the “Air Force Cadet Officer System in the Japanese Imperial Navy and Army Forces, which recruited university and college students” (p. 294).  Rather these young men came from junior flight training schools and were non-commissioned officers. According to Tanaka, the reasons for their involvement and sacrifice in kamikaze missions were uncovered in the private records of these young men and show that the basis for agreeing to suicide missions comprised of five reasons.  These included the rationalization of the importance of giving one’s life for the defence of country.  This did not necessarily mean nationalism but place of family town.  Showing honour and duty to parents, particularly mothers, was considered to be the most important reason in accepting a suicidal mission. Other reasons included the solidarity and friendships formed among the pilots, a strong and sincere sense of responsibility and duty, the contempt for cowardice, and no sense of hatred for the enemy (p. 296, p. 297).  Tanaka explains that the similarities between the kamikaze pilots and contemporary suicide bombers include: “the imbalance of technological power between them and their foes, in the conceptions of those who dispatch them and in the mentality of those who sacrifice their lives” (p. 298).

While Tanaka readily admits that there is less information available on the psychological and ideology of the terrorist bomber, he effectively describes the Palestinian bomber, who differs from the kamikaze pilot. Young Palestinians see no hope in the future. “They talked about having no hope, no jobs, and no dignity, and they each nodded when one of them said they were all suicide bombers in waiting” (Friedman 2008, p. 177). Tanaka states that the Palestinians are a people whose lives are controlled by the Israeli.  For a nation to have witness so much torture, death and degradation, terminating one’s life does not seem so frightening because there is no hope.  “It is a natural psychological extension for one who no longer finds meaning in his or her own life to slight the lives of others as well” (Tanaka 2008 p. 299). Religion may also be a way for suicide bombers to justify killing their enemies and self-sacrifice (p. 299). Tanaka reveals that a major difference between the kamikaze pilot and the suicide bomber is that the terrorist bombing “is generally planned and authorized by organizations outside a state structure” (Tanaka 2008 p. 298). The kamikaze suicide missions were encouraged, put into action and legitimized by the military.   

The gaol of the kamikaze pilot and the suicide bomber is similar.  The killings are more “ritualistic” because the victims, whether civilians or the military, are unimportant to the pilot or bomber (p. 298). The killings are intended to frighten and terrorize their enemies so dramatically that it will change the course of action of their enemy.  For the Palestinian suicide bomber, the belief is that the enemy will leave their country.  For the kamikaze pilot, it was believed that their actions would cause the enemy to make concussions and end the war. 

Tanaka’s last paragraph is the most powerful because it reveals what he really feels about war and violent conflict. He makes the point that we cannot look at kamikaze-style or suicide attacks as being committed by fanatics without examining the indiscriminate bombing of civilians by powerful military nations.  As he suggests, these are two kinds of terrorism that must be addressed.

Do you consider bombings of cities by the Americans acts of terrorism?

Friedman, T. (2008). 30 Little Turtles. In K.A. Ackley, G.K. Blank, & S.E Hume,

            Perspectives on Contemporary Issues: Reading Across the Disciplines (pp. 176-

            177). Toronto, ON: Thomson Wadsworth.

Jobs for Grateful People

In “30 little turtles,” Thomas Friedman makes a very compelling argument that outsourcing low-wage, low-prestige jobs to poorer countries makes the world a more prosperous and safer world for young people who accept and appreciate these jobs while also improving their economic status and that their families in their own country (Friedman, 2008, p. 177).  One example is the call centers in India where this is considered to be a very appealing employment opportunity for young enthusiastic Indians.

The purpose of Friedman’s essay is to demonstrate that while jobs at call centers are considered to be low prestige jobs in countries like Canada and the United States, they are highly regarded in poorer countries like India. Friedman gives some powerful examples to back up his position. He demonstrates that these jobs provide life changing opportunities for many young people and in some cases address far reaching social issues.  One of the best examples provided is that “a majority of these call center workers are young women, who not only have been liberated by earning a decent local wage (and therefore have more choice in whom they marry), but are using the job to get M.B.A’s and other degrees on the side” (p. 177). For the young people who do have college degrees, there are no opportunities to obtain employment in their profession or to make the type of salary they do working at the call centers. As many of these young people still live at home, their wages provide support for their entire family and make a better life for many people under their care (p. 176).

These out-sourced jobs provide another valuable benefit to younger people in poorer nations.  These young people gain self-confidence and self-worth working at jobs where they feel valued and are solving problems even on an international scale. Friedman writes about an Indian engineer who worked for an American Software Company and expressed the pride he felt helping Americans navigate through their software (p. 176).  It also provides hope for these young people; hope that life can be better for them. When asked by Friedman who his role model was, one young person said it was Bill Gates and he dreamed of “starting his own business and making it big” (p. 177). Friedman also makes a powerful comparison to young people in countries where there is “no hope, no jobs and no dignity” (p. l77). These young people are waiting for death as they contemplate their future as “suicide bombers in waiting” (p. l77)

Friedman presents one side of the issue that outsourcing jobs to other poorer countries has economic and geopolitics value. Friedman suggests that it is inevitable that low end jobs like the ones offered at call centers are given to people overseas.  These jobs provide a better life for many young people in poor countries where opportunity for good jobs and high wages are very limited.  By providing a valuable service to the world, young people develop a sense of pride and hope which in turn benefits the whole nation.

What other opportunities could America offer countries like India in order to assist them economically?

A Complicated Man

In “Code-Breaker,” Jim Holt reveals Alan Turing, a highly intelligent individual but someone who also possesses both personal and military secrets that make him a very unique person to study.  Although Turing is credited with being the major contributor to breaking the Nazi’s Enigma Code and creating a blueprint for the modern computer, his life and death remain somewhat of a mystery (Holt, 2008, p. 337). Holt writes an intriguing but complicated essay on this man.

The purpose of Holt’s essay is to examine the outstanding accomplishments achieved by Turing during his life time, as well as the circumstances surrounding his death. Throughout Holt’s essay, he goes into great detail in describing some of Turing’s machines or the way they worked, culminating in some very complicated reading. “For instance, there could be no Turing machine that, when fed with the program number of another machine, would decide whether that machine would eventually come to a halt in its computation or would grind on forever” (Holt, 2008, pg. 340).  He also analyzes David Leavitt’s biography of Alan Turing, criticizing many of the statements made by Leavitt. His criticism does not add value to his essay. On the other hand, Holt’s portrayal of Turing is fascinating.  Holt paints a picture of a very complicated individual; beginning with his childhood when his parents leave him with an army couple in England before they return to India.  With all of his achievements, in many ways Turing’s led a solitary life and was convicted of “gross indecency for having a homosexual affair” two years before his death (Holt, 2008, p. 337).  

The breaking of the German Enigma Code, which “helped save Britain from defeat in the dark days of 1941 is one of Turing’s most outstanding contributions (Holt, 2008, p.337).  For this achievement alone, Turing would have been hailed a hero of his time. According to Holt, Turing’s role in World War II was considered top secret, and even after the war had ended, information about the deciphering of the Enigma was not released. The Enigma, considered by all except Turing to be unbreakable, was very complex and was used for the Nazi’s communication in the attacks on their enemies. Unfortunately, some of Turing’s outstanding contributions were not recognized until years later after his death.

 Holt’s description of Turing’s shows a man who had a deep love for science, mathematics, problem solving, and logic. While his life is marred with some tragic events, Holt gives full credit to Turing for his decoding of the German Enigma and the countless lives that were saved as a result of his work. While Turing’s death remains a mystery, Holt believes that Turing would never have committed suicide. As Holt states “we’re prepared for a life story that, though steeped in logic and mathematics, is part mystery, part parable of sexual politics, part fairy tale" (Holt, 2003, p.339).

Why do you think Turing’s work during World War II was kept in secrecy for so many years?

The Silent Victims of War

In “Women Confronting War,” Jennifer Turpin reveals many unique and disturbing facts about the effects that war and military behaviour have on women because of their gender. Turpin weaves her essay into titled components that meticulously explain the violence that women experience during wartime and the attitudes that prevail as a result of gender inequality.  These components include, the impact of war on women, women as casualties and refugees of war, and the sexual violence endured by women during wartime, including domestic violence. Each portion presents powerful information on how the effects of war go beyond the casualties of the soldier and gunfire of two opposing countries.

The purpose of Turpin’s essay is to examine “the many faces” of suffering that women endure during war; a topic not readily discussed in the media during times of war.  War does impact women in many different ways, including torture, death, sexual abuse, and loss of family, home and country.  History continues to show that during wartime, women, as civilians are most likely to die than those serving in the military. In fact, most people who are killed during war are women, children and the elderly. As technology has advanced, the number of casualties continues to rise during wartime and the majority of these casualties occur in the civilian population. “While 50 percent of World War II’s casualties were civilians, in the 1980s this figure rose to 80 percent, and by 1990 it was a staggering 90 percent.”

Turpin achieves her purpose by presenting empirical evidence showing women are harmed the most during war. The most powerful example that Turpin uses is the relationship between war and huge increases in the amount of sexual abuse on women. The evidence is staggering. Documentation from the United Nations cites sexual attacks on very young girls and women by camp guards, as well as other cases where UN peacekeepers have committed sexual offences against women. Prostitution is also a problem that has to be faced by women at wartime. Countries often promote and enforce prostitution during wartime to ensure that women are available to soldiers. “During World War II the Japanese military set up brothels in eastern and southern Asia, forcing between 100,000 and 200,000 women into prostitution”. Unbelievably, mass rapes have been used “as a weapon for ethnic cleansing” and women who become pregnant are then “shunned and ostracized” from their families and communities because they carry the enemy’s child.  Studies also show that domestic violence also increases during wartime.

When there is a discussion involving victims or the impact of war, rarely has the focus been around the effects of war on women. Women do not have input into military policy-making and violence against women in wartime is the result of gender inequality, cultural acceptance of violence, and attitudes that prevail in the military that often supports the sexual violence perpetrated against women.  Turpin has written a powerful article that examines this casualty of war.

Since U.N. Peacekeepers are there for the protection of vulnerable people, should they be held more accountable if they commit sexual violence against women?

The Aftermath of Reaction to the Mass Murders in Littleton

In “There Are No Lessons to Be Learned from Littleton”, Gary Kleck examines the mass shootings in several schools in America, but questions the diagnoses and solutions provided by the journalists and other experts immediately followed the tragedy. While he acknowledges that some of the causes associated with youth violence and crime may be contributing factors, such as guns, bullying, uninvolved parents, lack of religion, and violence in movies, Kleck makes the distinction between “ordinary acts of violence” among youth and violent events involving many victims.     

Kleck’s purpose in writing this essay is to caution society about analyzing the causes of violence and crime, and trying to identify effective ways of reducing violence and crime immediately after a violent event has occurred. He believes that these diagnoses are often counter productive in the aftermath.  After watching media coverage of the tragic event at the high school in Littleton, Colorado, Kleck believes the public generally may believe that youth are growing more violent, that violence in schools and gun violence is increasing, and that violence in general is increasing.  These types of events are always heavily covered by the media, but they are not the norm and are “unrepresentative of broader categories of crime and violence.” He refers to these mass school shootings as “freakish events” and thinks that these events are misdiagnosed because statistics show there has been a decline in school, gun, and youth violence.

According to Kleck, the action taken should have long term preventive effects; “yet, the more bizarre an event, the less likely it is to be repeated.”  He makes the point, that events like the massive shootings at Littleton are not likely to be repeated in the same way again and a preventive measure made to ensure that an event like this will not happen is unlikely to succeed, because it is “tailored to the specifics of such events.” Kleck also acknowledges that the government’s response to school violence is ineffective and irrelevant.  Members of Congress presented a bill that would “crack down on firearm dealers who sell firearms to children,” when clearly none of the massive schools shooting has been linked to the sale of firearms from any dealers.

Although there is an immediate human need to diagnose and find effective solutions, Kleck presents a valid argument as to why there should not be a judgment when analyzing mass murders among youth. With these types of crimes there may be a combination of plausible solutions, but there may also never be an effective solution to these extra ordinary events.

Do you think the media does more harm than good when they respond to these “freakish events” by presenting irrational solutions?