Catherine Thorne, Period 2, 12/23/22

Literacy & Learning

• Write about your thoughts regarding any of the fiction or nonfiction covered in class
• Reflect on any new information you have learned in English class by considering how that learning influences your critical perception.
• How is what you’re learning applied to any other classes/the world around you?

As we read through the book Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, I find myself fascinated by how unique the culture of the Norse was. In most other mythologies, gods are immortal. They usually represent aspects of the world, and while they exhibit some traits of humans, they are still divine. For example, the Greek gods possessed many of the worst features of humans, taken to an extreme. The stories are filled with examples of the petty jealousy of gods and the cruel vengeance they delivered. Despite this, they were clearly still immortal, powerful and undying, always defeating their enemies. Norse mythology, on the other hand, contains stories of gods who can, and will, die. First there are gods like Balder, whose death seems very human. Though he was a god, and the gods believed he would come back to life, he still went to the same hell, Niflheim, that humans went to. Besides him, all the other gods residing in Asgard are predestined to perish at Ragnarok, the end of the world. No other mythology really has that, and it helps humanize the gods, knowing even they won’t escape death. Only the Aztecs had something somewhat similar, with their gods sacrificing themselves to create suns.

Norse mythology has permeated modern culture in no small part thanks to how entertaining the stories are. While this may partially be due to the writing style of the author, Neil Gaiman, there are clear elements of oral storytelling. I can easily imagine how the Norse performed their stories long ago, weaving tales of the Nine Worlds. Today, their influence can be seen in literature like Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones, as well as in media like Marvel movies, even if it is extremely inaccurate.

Their stories were so important to the Norse because they reflected the beliefs and cherished values of their society. By telling stories about Valhalla, where the honorable warriors who died in battle would go, it motivated them as they raided and fought. This insight into how their surroundings and lifestyle influenced their mythology can be applied to the beliefs of many societies throughout history. The Greeks, for example, lived in a warmer and more temperate climate than the Norse. Their gods represent the environment they lived in, with many involved in the agriculture that the Greeks depended on. In contrast, the Norse have myths about the cold, including a version of hell that is icy cold and an eternal winter that will start Ragnarok. I can apply this analysis to the world to better understand to what extent people are a product of their environment. Everything from the people surrounding them to their climate helps determine the values most important to someone, an important concept in psychology.

Though the stories of the Norse may be less well known than other myths, like the Greek’s, their unique and entertaining elements make them still relevant. Their gods were interestingly more human, which better fit the needs of a society where fighting and conquering had the highest priority.

Elan Rekhtman, Period 6, 12/20/22

 Elan Rekhtman

Period 6

12/20/22

Creativity & Fiction

As the sun set over the icy realm of Jotunheim, Thor, the mighty god of thunder, stood atop a snowy mountain and gazed out at the vast landscape before him. He was on a mission to retrieve the golden apples of Idunn, which were guarded by the giant Thiassi. The golden apples were a source of eternal youth for the gods of Asgard, and Thor knew that he had to bring them back at all costs.

But as he prepared to set off on his journey, he was interrupted by a voice from behind him.

"Thor, why do you go alone on this quest?"

Thor turned to see none other than Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, standing before him.

"Athena, what brings you to this frozen land?" Thor asked.

"I have come to offer my assistance," Athena replied. "For I too have a stake in this matter. The golden apples are not only a source of eternal youth for the gods of Asgard, but they are also a key ingredient in the elixir of life, which is necessary for the survival of my people, the Greeks."

Thor was taken aback by Athena's words. He had not realized that the golden apples held such importance for other pantheons as well.

"Very well, Athena," Thor said. "I welcome your help on this quest. Together, we shall retrieve the golden apples and bring them back to our respective homes."

As the two gods set off, they encountered many challenges and faced numerous dangers. They battled fierce monsters and braved treacherous storms, all the while sharing stories of their gods and heroes. Thor told Athena about his adventures with his father Odin and his mischievous brother Loki, while Athena shared tales of her battles with the Titans and her role in the founding of Athens.

But despite the obstacles in their path, Thor and Athena remained determined to succeed. They drew upon their strength and wisdom, working together to overcome every challenge that came their way.

As they journeyed deeper into Jotunheim, they came across a group of dwarves who were being attack by a pack of wolves. Without hesitation, Thor and Athena leapt into action, using their powers to defeat the wolves and save the dwarves.

The dwarves, grateful for the gods' help, offered to guide Thor and Athena to Thiassi's lair, where the golden apples were guarded. The two gods accepted the offer, and together with the dwarves, they set off towards the giant's lair.

As they traveled, Thor and Athena grew closer, bonding over their shared experiences and common goals. Thor was drawn to Athena's wisdom and strength, while Athena was drawn to Thor's courage and determination.

Finally, they reached Thiassi's lair, where they found the giant guarding the golden apples with his life. Thiassi was a formidable opponent, standing over twenty feet tall and wielding a massive club. But Thor and Athena were determined to retrieve the golden apples, no matter the cost.

A fierce battle ensued, with Thor and Athena using all their powers to defeat the giant. Thor summoned lightning to strike Thiassi, while Athena used her wisdom to outmaneuver the giant's attacks. The dwarves joined in the fight, using their craftsmanship to create weapons and armor for the gods.

The battle raged on for what seemed like an eternity, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Thiassi's strength was formidable, but Thor and Athena's determination was unbreakable. In the end, they emerged victorious, thanks to a well-timed strike from Thor's hammer, Mjolnir, which shattered Thiassi's club and sent the giant crashing to the ground.

With Thiassi defeated, Thor and Athena retrieved the golden apples and made their way back to their respective homes. As they journeyed back, their feelings for each other grew stronger, and they knew that they were meant to be together.

When they finally arrived at their respective realms, Thor and Athena realized that their bond was too strong to ignore. They decided to defy the expectations of their pantheons and be together, no matter what the consequences.

Their love was tested many times, as their respective pantheons did not accept their union. But Thor and Athena remained steadfast, proving that their love was stronger than any obstacle that came their way.

In the end, their love triumphed, and they lived happily together, spreading joy and love throughout the world. The gods of Asgard and Greece learned to accept their union, and they lived in harmony, each pantheon respecting and learning from the other.

And so, Thor and Athena's love became a symbol of hope and unity, inspiring all those who heard their story to follow their hearts and embrace love, no matter the differences that may seem to divide them.

Elan Rekhtman, Period 6, 11/1/22

 Elan Rekhtman

Period 6

11/1/22

Literacy & Learning

Greek mythology is a fascinating subject that has captivated people for centuries. The stories of the gods, goddesses, and heroes of ancient Greece are rich in symbolism and provide valuable lessons about the human experience.

One of the things that I have learned in my English class is the importance of understanding the context and cultural background of these myths. The ancient Greeks believed that the gods and goddesses were responsible for all aspects of life, including love, war, and natural disasters. These myths were used to explain the mysteries of the world and to offer guidance and moral lessons to the people.

One of the most enduring aspects of Greek mythology is the way it reflects the human experience. The gods and goddesses, with their imperfections and flaws, are often portrayed as being all too human. This helps to remind us that even the most powerful and revered among us are subject to the same weaknesses and vulnerabilities as everyone else. One example of this is the myth of the Trojan War, which tells the story of a conflict between the city of Troy and the Greek states over the abduction of Helen, the queen of Sparta. This myth highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and revenge, and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of letting these emotions consume us.

Another interesting aspect of Greek mythology is the way it often portrays the consequences of actions. Many of the myths feature characters who suffer the consequences of their own actions, whether it be through the wrath of the gods or through their own poor decision-making. One example of this is the story of Oedipus, the tragic hero who unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother. This myth explores the theme of fate and the idea that we cannot escape our destiny. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris, or excessive pride, and the importance of humbly accepting the limitations of our understanding.

In addition to providing moral lessons and insights into the human experience, Greek mythology also offers a glimpse into ancient Greek culture and society. The myths often feature references to the customs, values, and beliefs of the ancient Greeks, which can help us to better understand the context in which these stories were told. One example of this is the myth of Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, goddess of agriculture. In this myth, Persephone is abducted by Hades, god of the underworld, and is forced to spend half of each year in the underworld. This myth reflects the cyclical nature of life and the importance of balance. It also serves as a reminder of the power of the natural world and the vital role that agriculture plays in human society.

Finally, I think it's important to consider the ongoing influence of Greek mythology. Many of the stories and characters from Greek mythology have had a lasting impact on Western culture, and continue to be referenced and revered in literature, art, and popular culture. The enduring appeal of these myths speaks to their universal themes and the timeless lessons they offer.

In conclusion, Greek mythology has been a fascinating and enriching subject to study in my English class. The stories of the gods and heroes of ancient Greece are rich in symbolism and provide valuable lessons about the human experience, as well as insights into ancient Greek culture. These myths continue to influence modern culture and offer valuable lessons for contemporary society.

Jessica Poplawski, Period 6, 3/8/23

 Jessica Poplawski, Period 6, Date TBA

Blog #3

Literature Circle - A Thousand Ships 

Our Greek Mythology unit was extremely uncomfortable for me. My only previous exposure to these stories, these gods, was the heavily romanticized and fictional work that is the Percy Jackson series. Reading the actual stories as told through Edith Hamilton’s “Mythology” opened my eyes to the fact that these myths are not modern and subject to all the biases of their time–including the oppression of women. This was present in the stories so often that my friend and I would joke before class, “I wonder how women are going to be discriminated against today!” Afterward, we would have a blast analyzing the endless plight of women in Greek Myth. One example is the story of Persephone, who is kidnapped and raped by Hades only for him to receive no punishment. The only people that are punished are Persephone, who needs to stay in the Underworld for a few months out of the year, and Demeter, who loses time with her daughter. Another example is the story of Pandora. Pandora is always portrayed as disloyal and uncontrollable, however, it is rarely mentioned that it was Zeus who has burdened her with insatiable curiosity. She should have no blame, yet, she gets all of it. Zeus never faces the consequences of his actions. This tragic state of women is one of the most consistent themes in Greek Myth. Natalie Haynes noticed this suffering and created A Thousand Ships, which retells the Iliad through the perspective of women. Each unique yet tragic narrative creates a complete picture of the Trojan War in a way that does ignore the many stories women have to tell. 

During wartime, we always hear the stories of men. Their struggles with battle, their struggles with governance. The reason why we always hear about men isn’t that they make up the majority of warriors. After all, the Amazons fought in the Trojan War, and I had no clue they were a part of the war until I read A Thousand Ships. I’d only heard the male perspective, and this is because the original stories are a product of their time. In these ancient times, women were not considered as important as men. 

Women’s suffering in wartime is often overlooked, despite the complete variety of ways that they suffer.  In the Trojan War, women were victims. Like Penthesilea, some fought. Some were slaves, like Briseis and Chryseis. Some stayed home alone, waiting patiently every day for the day their husband might come back, like Penelope. Some women lost everyone they held dear, husbands, sons, and daughters alike, like Hecabe. Some grieved so deeply that they killed themselves, like Laodamia. Some, like Clytemnestra, were sacrificed. The diversity in all of these accounts of the Trojan War makes you think critically about suffering. Specifically, what is more difficult, fighting in a war and dying in battle, or finding out the person you love has died in battle and burying them? Women did not suffer less than men in this war, and there is no reason we should not be informed of their stories as well. I believe that this quote from A Thousand Ships sums it up the best: "When a war ended, the men lost their lives. But the women lost everything else."

Unfortunately. Greek Mythology is not the only place where the female perspective is missing. For example, in Norse mythology, we don’t have the stories of many of the goddesses, Odin’s wives and daughters. I’ve been captivated by the many wild and entertaining Norse Myths, however, I can’t help but feel disappointed that the stories of the many goddesses are missing. I’ve given a lot of thought as to why we don’t have these stories. The most likely scenario I can come up with is that when the myths (originally oral tradition) were written down, the people writing the manuscripts didn’t believe that the stories about the women were important enough to waste their precious time and ink on. 

The silencing of women is not just a historical phenomenon; I’ve also seen it go on today. For instance, when women speak out about sexual assault, there are always people who aim to silence them. You get endless comments about how “she was asking for it,” “she should’ve dressed more modestly,” or even more direct character assassination in comments like “she’s crazy.” The silencing is not just in the insults hurled at the victims. It’s also present in the lack of response and respect of law enforcement and the failure of the justice system to put the offenders in their place. 

We, as a society, need to work on uplifting the voices of women and giving them the confidence and weight that we give to male voices. This is the theme that permeates Haynes’ novel. She has been turning the tables around by refreshingly retelling these Greek Myths through A Thousand Ships and her other works like Pandora’s Jar and Stone Blind. Reading A Thousand Ships has forced me to think critically about the world around me and I don’t regret reading it for a second. Out of the many Greek mythology-based novels I’ve read, this is the one that will stick with me the most for its ability to effortlessly make a statement about the modern world while staying true to the Iliad and not differing too much from the original stories. 

Cassidy LaPointe, Period 7, 12/20/22

 Cassidy LaPointe

12/20/22

Period 7

Modern Mythology 2023

As 2022 is approaching an end, I try to reflect on not only my own growth but that of the

world. The past few years have been filled with ups and downs (but what feels like mostly

downs), and despite our shared hardships, the world seems to become more polarized. The

cycle of rich and poor keeps on turning, and it feels like we regress more each day. The use

of the “crazy feminist/over dramatic woman” narrative seems to be more prominent every

day, resulting in the invalidation and dismissal of real problems. The terms “feminazi” and

“cancel culture” have been thrown around so often, ideas of accountability have been

skewed. People assume from a handful of stories on the internet that minority oppression

in the real world is now a minor issue, and being held accountable for your actions in any

form is now dubbed a product of “cancel culture” by some. While I’m not denying that

everyone should have a chance to grow, I think it’s important to call people out on their

biases and discrimination–especially when it’s called upon indirectly. In the same train of

thought, very few people with public influence have been truly canceled. Dozens of

“canceled” internet personalities still receive the same opportunities, people in the film

industry are still working despite sexual assault allegations, etc. Very few people have been

truly “canceled” and yet it is the first argument people make. Overall, I think being open to

criticism and taking accountability is a skill everyone should have/learn,

In the age of the internet, with so much misinformation flying around, I remind myself to

question everything: the status quo, other’s ideas, and even my own opinions. Where do

they come from? How do they affect the way I and others act? This reflection on my own

values and beliefs has shown me that I need to keep an open mind. My own logic isn’t

perfect, and I, like others, should be receptive to criticism. I’ve noticed that I tend to get

defensive when it comes to my beliefs, which is something I need to work on. I also need to

consider where people are coming from. A lot of people my age get their opinions from the

way they were raised, or from experiences they’ve had, and I think it’s important to be

understanding of that when trying to educate them.

My reflection on others beliefs and subsequent actions has also reminded me that despite

our advancement–despite the fact that women are not forced to find a husband and work

in the home–we still have a long way to go. While more obvious forms of prejudice are less

likely, minor forms are still prevalent and just as harmful. I, like many other girls, have

experienced this in my STEM classes more than anywhere. Indirect comments and actions

discourage girls greatly from pursuing STEM interests and make them feel welcome in

fields they had wanted to explore. Calling out these small comments and educating people

on where they come from and why they’re wrong is an important step we need to take to

create a better environment for girls, and a better future for women and minorities.

Vicky Tang, Period 6, 12/23/22

Vicky Tang

Period 6

12/23/22

Modern Mythology 2023

Socio-political Consciousness

    To be very honest, I believe that I live a very privileged life. I have not faced much racism or discrimination any kind. My family is middle class, and we live comfortably. Due to that, I do not think I would be able to truly understand how terrible oppression can be. According to Sheryl Wu Dunn, if the biggest issues of the last two centuries for humanity were slavery and totalitarianism, then the biggest issue for our century is denser equality. As a society we have progressed greatly. We have decided that all humans deserve equal rights, and so slavery is wrong. We have decided that totalitarian regimes create unhappy citizens and so these governments generally do not last. In America, we have seen the rise of the feminist movement to fight for more equality in the 60s to 80s. Today, although not perfect, we are slowly moving towards greater equality. Not just gender inequality but racial discrimination is also a big issue that has continued from the past as well. 

    Out of all of the different types of oppression and inequity that I am aware of, I am the most familiar with gender discrimination and racism. Growing up in a Chinese family, it is not hard to see that male children are valued over female children. Many parents of the younger generations generally do not believe in gender discrimination. My parents have always tried their best to shield me from this, but because many people of the older generations still believe in this to an extent, and the fact that my parents grew up under such an environment where girls were not as valued as boys, I still feel a bit uncomfortable about this topic. Even if society generally preaches that girls and boys are equal, there are subtle differences in their treatment that can go unnoticed. For me, I have been raised by a family with values that I have never questioned. Things such as “Oh my, you have a lot of girls” subtly hinting that having so many is a terrible thing and small actions such as giving boys slightly better treatment, maybe serving a little bit more meat on their plate, are commonplace. It does sadden me when the people who often say and do these things are women. They have been treated similarly to how they treat their own daughters but do not seem to try to change so that their daughters do not need to experience this same type of discrimination. 

    However, despite the imbalance in the treatment of both girls and boys there is hope. Many parents of my parent’s generation and younger had more opportunities for education, and it’s become clear that women are just as important as men as both groups can benefit society. This is very evident in how many younger Chinese women have been able to pursue more and better education that can help their families and local communities. There is a saying that says that “two brains are better than one” and in this case, more opportunities for the other half of the population can lead to much greater growth and prosperity. Trying to remove bad values is not easy. I am ashamed to say that sometimes I unconsciously judge people for what they do, even though I believe in equality for both men and women. Without effort, there is no change. 

    America has a growing population of non-Caucasian people. When different groups of people collide, discrimination for being different is not uncommon. I am very fortunate to have never experienced extreme racism, only some name calling. In the last couple of years, movements pushing for better treatment for both African Americans and Asian Americans have occurred. I have never seen the Chinese American community unite so vocally over an issue before. The pandemic has caused a surge of hate crimes against Asian Americans which resulted in the “Stop Asian Hate” movement. Since the Asian American community has never been overly vocal about their opinions and are seen as a model minority, they do not face as much discrimination in my opinion. I lived in the south for quite a while and although they are stereotypically known for being racist, I have never experienced more racism there compared to any other place in America. The same can be said for where I live now. However, the Asian hate crimes due to the fact that the virus had originated from China is terrifying. Asian Americans have at worst, died from these crimes, and oftentimes they were doing their normal everyday routines, meaning that what happened to them could happen to any Asian American. Many people I know have become too scared to use public transportation. It is a good thing that Asian Americans are speaking out against discrimination. Groups that are not vocal can be pushed around more easily. 

    Something that I have also noticed is that when describing ourselves, Americans do not start by saying that they are American but rather their ethnic identity first. In British English, one would say for example, that they are British Chinese and not Chinese British. Here in America, we say Chinese American. Is my identity as an ethnic Chinese more important than the fact that I am American? Asian Americans are not some of the newest immigrant groups to arrive in America. Chinese immigrants have been in America for much earlier than many other European immigrants, yet we see those European immigrants as American when they have assimilated while Chinese Americans who may have been here for generations are not. This concept of a perpetual foreigner no matter how hard you try is sad. Sometimes people tell me that I am too Asian, as if I am also not American enough. I have lived here for all of my life and when I speak, it is clear that I am American, until people see my appearance and find it surprising. 

    All of these various experiences have affected how I see other people and myself. Being discriminated against for my race has made me want to appear and feel more “American.” I have felt both the need to prove to the world and to myself that I am American enough, that I am much more than just “Asian American”. Oddly enough, although I am strongly against discrimination being so terrible, at one point, I was very critical at how some Asian Americans were “too Asian”. I think this most likely resulted from my fear of being discriminated against for being not American enough and so I projected it onto others. With everything that has happened in the past couple of years, I have definitely changed my views, since then. No matter the type of oppression, as long as you have faced it before, you should not try to contribute to it but fight back. 

Ema Qoku, Period 6, 12/19/22

   Ema Qoku, Period 6, 12/19/22

   Being a woman has opened my eyes to a world full of inequity. Every day I am constantly reminded that no matter what I strive to do, a man will always have the upper hand. There are more men in the STEM field, more men managing companies, and more money for men that do the same thing a woman can do. My upbringing as a woman has been even more of a struggle because of my community.

     I belong to a community of sacrifice: the Albanian community. My parents were born in a small town called Diber, but my father moved to Brooklyn at a young age. My grandparents took him back to Diber when he was 20 and he met my mom, getting engaged through an arranged marriage at only 20 and 18 years old. My mom left her whole family behind in hopes of pursuing a better life for her future children. 

     My community is made up of resilient women that sacrifice for the good of others; women that are expected to serve their husbands and leave whatever dreams they may have behind. My mom moved to America, had me at 21 years old, and struggled to do all she could with the lack of a strong support system, learning a completely new language to lay a strong foundation for me. Now I will take the resources my mother presented to me and become the first person in our family to attend college, pursuing a nurse practitioner degree to prove that I do not need to abandon my goals for others. I can still be a sublime wife and mother without pushing my goals aside for my husband, and I refuse to pass on any opportunity to make a name for myself. I wish to be a role model for not only my kids, but any Albanian girl who may feel captive to one role: the housewife. 

Hannah Liang, Period 7, 12/23/22

Hannah Liang, Period 7, 12/232022

Modern Mythology 2023

Atomic Habits & Growth

At this current point in time, what specific standards have you set  for yourself? 

During this time, I set mostly academic standards for myself. The standards I set for myself are mainly time management and improving my writing skills. I thought that I could relax in my senior year of high school and that it wouldn’t be as stressful as my junior year. But life hit me in the face for that one. I also have one personal standard, which is being able to cook some food. As of right now, I want to reach my academic standard more since I’m still in school.

How and why did you come to craft these standards? 

I never had good time management in my junior year, which caused me to stay up late finishing my homework for an assignment. I always started homework late when I could have been doing it earlier instead of playing games. This causes me to sleep for only 4–6 hours. I want to improve my time management since the past few months have made me very stressed about college applications along with my school work. I didn’t plan out when I should start college applications, so now I have to do everything with the remaining days I have left. I need to plan how much I should spend on college applications and my schoolwork to leave enough time for me to get to bed before 11 p.m. Writing was never one of my best things. I always had a hard time writing essays, short responses, or even stories. Once I started writing my Common App essay, I had to rewrite it multiple times, but the most frequent problem is that I do a lot of telling and not showing. I needed to show more description or emotion in my writing, which I find hard to do. So I want to change this aspect of my writing so I can engage the reader in my essay or story. I chose cooking as one of my personal standards since I always had my parents cook lunch and dinner for me. I only cook for myself when they have gone outside. However, all I can make is an egg sandwich or get a cup of noodles and call it my lunch. I wouldn't be able to continue living off of their cooking when I start to live on the school campus. I need to be able to cook food for myself so I don’t have to live off of unhealthy food such as ramen or keep eating outside. I can also get creative with how I want to eat if I know how to cook food and make it healthier than what I eat from outside or heatable food.

How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving these standards?

I haven’t worked on time management yet. I am still doing some of the assignments slowly or getting distracted by my phone. For improvement in my writing, I asked my friends for advice on how I should change my wording to make it more descriptive rather than narrating. I also watch some videos on how to do that, so I won’t rely on my friends that much. For cooking, I would reach out to my mother for advice on how to prepare certain dishes that I like to eat. She would stand on the side and tell me the steps while letting me carry out the cooking process. When we eat the same dish again, she will ask me to cook it and check to see if I remember how to do it.

How do you assess yourself?  What adjustments do you make? How often?

I tried to assess myself every day for time management. I used a schedule of how I will do my homework for that day. However, it isn’t working out since I get distracted very easily. I adjusted how long my breaks were to see if it would cancel out my habit of getting distracted since I gave myself the time to check my phone as a break before I start homework again. I assess my writing skills very often too by asking someone to write my writing every time I am done. I had to make adjustments to my writing when they made comments on how to fix it. For cooking, I get assessed not often at all, around 2-4 times a month. I will go cook the dishes based on what I remembered until my mom decides to stop me and tell me what I did wrong. I would write down what steps I got wrong in a notebook and memorize the steps again.

Jian Hong Su, Period 6, 12/22/22

 What are your thoughts and feelings about issues of inequity, oppression, and/or power?

I believe that everyone is titled to their own rights, no matter their race, gender, religion, etc. In that sense, I 100% support the feminist movement, but when it gets out of hand and it isn’t about fighting for gender equality anymore, I don’t think it’s the right move. I might be treading on thin ice here, but I feel like it's a matter that should be made aware before it gets worse. There are so many issues that I want to address. To be blunt, I think that the feminist movement has completely spiraled out of control, to the point that things can get dangerous. 

One certain danger is the KAM movement (kill all men). There are women out there that truly believe that all men should be killed. Of course, not all women think that, but for there even to be some people who believe in the genocide of an entire gender is clearly not safe. Can this still be considered gender equality? Even worse, children who have access to social media, children who are still in their developmental stage, are exposed to ideas such as this. As dangerous as this is, social media platforms such as tiktok, instagram, facebook, etc. are not doing anything to censor it.  I do not believe that this is safe for the entirety of our society. 

Another issue would be the separation of man and woman. It isn’t just women who are being fed the ideas of extreme feminism, men are too. The toxicity and aggressiveness of extreme feminism are causing men to be wary of women, and vice versa. This separation, in the long run, can be detrimental to society as a whole. Reproduction rates might drop, or bonding and socialization might become a foreign concept. Instead of women learning to stay away from bad men, they are being taught to stay away from all men. 

I do not mean for my aforementioned criticism in any form to undermine the great strides that feminism has taken. We have made great progress towards the equality of all, such as womens’ voting rights, right to education, prohibition of discrimination, and so on. However, in my opinion, it is now moving in the wrong direction, or in a direction that was not originally intended for the feminist movement. 

How do you reflect critically on your own beliefs, assumptions, values, and experiences, and how these can influence your perception of self and others?

While I tend to hold firm in my own beliefs, stubbornly rejecting truths that I wish not to hear, exposure to other views and perspectives has helped me to reflect on my own values. I find that it is much easier to understand someone else’s arguments and values when I put myself in their shoes, acknowledging their circumstances and why they think something is. I learned that everyone believes in their own truth, and that in order for everyone to grow, they need to understand the truths of the people around them.

Juhyoung Lee 12/21/22 PD7

 Literacy & Learning

• Write about your thoughts regarding any of the fiction or nonfiction covered in class.

• Reflect on any new information you have learned in English class by considering how that learning influences your critical perception.

• How is what you’re learning applied to any other classes/the world around you?

From this class, I learned to see the ties between stories across different cultures. One notable instance was when my group and I were assigned two stories from Norse mythology and tasked to create a transformed account based on one of the two stories. The two stories we were assigned were Loki’s children and Thor’s wedding. After reading the stories, we decided to go with Loki’s children because we thought there were more directions to take that story. Reading the story we noticed many gaps in time between the children's initial kidnapping and when they have matured and are given a role or prison. The serpent’s tale ended after it was tossed into the ocean and said to be growing in size. Hel’s story started and ended when she was declared the ruler of Helheim. However, Fenrir’s story is told more in-depth. The wolf was said to have had a friendly relationship with the god Tyr. Although this relationship was not delved into deeply, it was the only case where a child of Loki had befriended the ones who they were destined to kill. The line that most stuck out to me in the story was at the end, when Fenrir told Odin that if they had not tricked an betrayed him then at Ragnarok, Fenrir would have fought side by side with the gods. I feel that this story had a lot of overlap with many greek mythology stories. because it seems to be saying that Odin himself brought Ragnorak on the gods by looking into the future and trying to prevent prophecies. In the Greek story of Percius, The king of Argos, Acrisius, was given a prophecy that he would be killed by his own grandson. To prevent this, he locked up his daughter to stop her from ever conceiving. But by doing this it created much contempt for Acrisius by both daughter and grandson, causing him to flee. This caused a chain reaction of events that lead to the former king of Argos dying from a discus through terribly by Perseus. Just like Acrisius caused the prophecy to come true by trying to prevent it, Odin brings the downfall of the gods by trying to see too much and prevent too much. What I learned from these stories is that the more you try to get control of your own fate, the more you end up causing your own demise. As humans, we try to control things that are beyond our control and get frustrated when results don’t churn out the way we want them to. After reading these stories, the main takeaway I got was to just try your best and don’t stress the rest. (take a chill pill)

Tyler Sljukic, Period 2, 12/21/22

Tyler Sljukic

12/21/2022

Period 2

Seniors 2023

■ At this current point in time, what specific standards have you set for yourself?

The standards I’ve set for myself this year, and standards I still currently have, are not exclusive to the school environment. This year, I hope to achieve a better understanding of time management, improve my work ethic by several orders of magnitude, and become a more responsible individual in regards to my home life.

■ How and why did you come to craft these standards?

I have struggled with time management my entire life, which I believe is due to my lack of real responsibility up until this point in my life. With college quickly approaching, I believe I need to usher myself into adulthood as efficiently as I can. It would be incredibly unwise going into college with a terrible work ethic, and no sense of time management or responsibility. I moved in with my older brother at the beginning of this school year as well. He is not often home, so I am independent in every sense except financially. I have freedom I never dreamed I would have access to at the age of 17, and while it is immensely exciting, the sense of responsibility I have made a goal to develop is the only thing keeping my academic life from collapsing. 

■ How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving these standards?

The fact my GPA is the highest it has been since my freshman year is a good indicator so far. Despite the challenges I face with responsibilities in my home, I have learned to juggle these responsibilities with my schoolwork quite effectively. I feel as if my procrastination has diminished this year compared to my other years at this school. While I would like to believe that is entirely my doing, the lack of activities available to me currently presents no other option but schoolwork. 

■ How do you assess yourself? What adjustments do you make? How often?

With the goals I have set for myself, I am constantly assessing and evaluating. This may look different than what others may have as a process, but my process of assessment is usually reflection. If I didn’t complete my homework assignment for the night, the next day I would determine why. Did I forget to clean my apartment over the weekend, or maybe I forgot to buy the ingredients for dinner? Figuring out the root of the issue allows me to circumvent it. These past 2-3 weeks, my quality of sleep has become excruciatingly low. No matter how much I sleep, I am exhausted for every second of the day. I am currently chalking this up to the lack of quality food in my diet. This next weekend, my groceries will be more nutritional than these previous weeks have been. When I have time to cook this food is debatable, and I may need to allocate certain days to cooking and others to schoolwork in order to accomplish this. Nonetheless, everyday brings a different challenge, and every night is an opportunity to reflect and overcome. 

Mitchell Pozovskiy, Period 6, 12/20/23

 

• Literacy & Learning

• Write about your thoughts regarding any of the fiction or nonfiction covered in class.

• Reflect on any new information you have learned in English class by considering how that learning influences your critical perception.

• How is what you’re learning applied to any other classes/the world around you?

The story of Mimir's Head and Odin's Eye is a tale of sacrifice and the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. It is a story that has been passed down through the ages, and it is one that still holds relevance today.

One of the main lessons that can be learned from this story is the value of sacrifice. In order to gain access to the wisdom of Mimir's well, Odin was willing to sacrifice one of his eyes. This act of selflessness demonstrates the importance of making sacrifices in order to achieve one's goals. It also highlights the idea that true wisdom often comes at a high cost.

This theme of sacrifice is not unique to this story, but rather it is a common theme found in many myths and legends from around the world. For example, in the Greek myth of Persephone, Hades makes a deal with Demeter to take Persephone as his bride, in exchange for the promise of winter. In this case, Persephone sacrifices her freedom in order to bring about the cycle of seasons on Earth. Similarly, in the biblical story of Abraham, God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac as a test of his faith. In both of these stories, the characters are faced with difficult choices and must make sacrifices in order to fulfill their obligations.

Another lesson that can be learned from the story of Mimir's Head and Odin's Eye is the power of knowledge and wisdom. Throughout the story, Mimir is depicted as a wise and knowledgeable figure, and his well is said to hold the secrets of the universe. By drinking from the well, Odin gains a greater understanding of the world around him and is able to see things more clearly. This emphasis on the importance of knowledge and wisdom is a common theme in many myths and legends, and it is a lesson that is still relevant today.

Finally, the story of Mimir's Head and Odin's Eye can be seen as a commentary on the dangers of seeking knowledge at any cost. While Odin's pursuit of wisdom ultimately leads him to great understanding, it also comes with a heavy price. He loses one of his eyes and becomes known as the "one-eyed" or "blind" god. This cautionary tale serves as a reminder that there are limits to what we can know, and that it is important to be careful in our pursuit of knowledge.

Overall, the story of Mimir's Head and Odin's Eye is a timeless tale that teaches us about the value of sacrifice, the importance of knowledge and wisdom, and the dangers of seeking knowledge at any cost. These lessons are not only found in this story, but are also present in many other myths and legends from around the world. As we continue to seek knowledge and understanding in our own lives, it is important to remember these lessons and to be mindful of the choices we make and the sacrifices we are willing to make.

Michelle Kordov PD7 12/19/22

 Literacy & Learning

• Write about your thoughts regarding any of the fiction or nonfiction covered in class.

• Reflect on any new information you have learned in English class by considering how that learning influences your critical perception.

• How is what you’re learning applied to any other classes/the world around you?

Oedipus Rex is a tragic tale that beautifully illustrates the concept of Greek catharsis. Oedipus Rex, also known as Oedipus the King, is a play written by the ancient Greek playwright Sophocles. The play tells the story of Oedipus, a man who becomes king of Thebes after solving the riddle of the Sphinx and ending a plague afflicting the city. However, Oedipus soon learns that he has unknowingly fulfilled a prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother, leading to tragic consequences for him and those around him. One of the central themes of the play is the idea of fate versus free will. Oedipus is doomed to fulfill the prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother, but he makes choices throughout the play that ultimately lead him to this fate. This conflict between fate and free will is further complicated by the fact that Oedipus is unaware of the prophecy until it is too late to change his actions. Another important theme in the play is the role of truth and knowledge. Oedipus is determined to uncover the truth about his past and the identity of his true parents, and he is willing to go to great lengths to discover the truth. However, this quest for knowledge ultimately leads to his downfall, as he realizes that he has unknowingly fulfilled the prophecy. The play also explores the dangers of hubris, as Oedipus' pride and desire to solve the riddle of the Sphinx ultimately lead to his tragic fate. Overall, Oedipus Rex is a powerful and tragic play that explores complex themes of fate, free will, truth, and hubris. Its enduring popularity and relevance is testament to its timeless themes and the enduring appeal of its central character, Oedipus. 

I was really excited to go over and read this play. I had already been familiar with Signmund Freud’s infamous Oedipal complex; I even emphasized it in the earlier Cinderella project in which my group chose to discuss the psychoanalytic critical lens of the old Cinderella fairy tales. This complex is definitely one of the most popular ones of Freud’s, and it has become a household name within the internet sphere, especially as the younger generations become more enthralled with psychology and sociology. However, I never sat down and took the time to read the origin story. As confusing as it was, I really appreciated the complexity of the plot. Sophocles created an elegantly twisted story intertwined with gruesome, uncomfortable themes and I believe that it should be respected. It took me a few times to fully understand how in the end Jocasta was able to figure out the truth, but Natalie Haynes’ Pandora’s Jar was a great afterread that allowed me to decipher complicated syntax and diction in the play. Furthermore, I was blown away by Mrs. Fusaro’s and Haynes’ analysis of Jocasta and motherhood. In the story, Oedipus is the main character and the whole story focuses around him. When Jocasta is introduced, her character goes through the notions of the tragedy fairly quickly and isn’t given as much time in the story. The reader is presented with Jocasta as if she is just a side character, when in reality there is a whole layer left unacknowledged. Jocasta went through the joys and pains of motherhood; 9 months that culminated in the formation of a bond with her child, her son. Jocasta is already a mother even before the child is physically born, and the connection that a mother feels with her unborn child is so powerful that only a mother can truly understand it. And after all that, her son is ripped away from her and left for dead, just so his father Laius can protect himself from his fate of death. Then, as Jocasta realizes that after all this time her second husband and father of her children was her own son, Oedipus, she is spiritually reunited with him and his existence, yet Oedipus is once again ripped away from her with the understanding that she has fallen victim to the dreadful prophecy and had offspring as a product of incest; are these kids even truly hers? Or just an amalgamation of her worst nightmare? She loses her son, children, and motherhood so quickly, just as Oedipus “goes from king, husband, father and son, to widower, murderer, ruin, exile.” I am just so captivated by these nuances of the story, and I absolutely love how Pandora’s Jar elaborates on them. Jocasta truly is the cleverest in the play, as she goes back into the palace, makes the decision to kill herself and carries it out all before Oedipus himself works out what she realizes immediately. The suicidal hanging being a symbol of virginity (as in Greek myth it was employed by virginal girls) is so undeniably powerful as Jocasta wishes of a time where she was innocent and never conceived Oedipus. I am not sure what it is about Natalie Haynes’ analysis of Jocasta, perhaps it's my own feelings of catharsis, but it strikes a chord in me. I am fascinated and inspired by the dissection of such details and the meaningful connections that are created. Did Sophocles expect his work to be so thoroughly examined? Or did he want for play-goers in ancient Greece to just feel bad for a moment about someone else’s problems so that they could feel better about themselves? 

Learning these new perspectives of the play opened up a new world of emotions for me; emotions of a character that I haven’t acknowledged as a reader. This conveys the significance of analyzing different viewpoints, as once you truly put yourself in the shoes of someone else, you can critically dissect a situation. People are formed by their experiences, so by failing to take a moment to look into those unfamiliar foundations, we are ignorant and cannot grasp the objectivity of an issue.

Lena Singh, Period 6, 12/21/22

 Lena Singh, Period 6, 12/21/22

Modern Mythology 2023

Socio-political Consciousness

1. What are your thoughts and feelings about issues of inequity, oppression, and/or power?

Simple. They’re all bad. Well, bad in the sense of who has power, who oppresses, and who is victim to bias. 

I think that no matter who has power, once they get it, they become bad or are perceived as bad. Some examples include: hating on your boss, assuming that every official in every government is corrupt, hating your parents for setting a curfew, or being constantly annoyed by your teacher’s voice. When someone tells us what to do, our ego automatically chooses the path opposite to doing what we are told to do. Unfortunately, for the sake of salaries, transcripts, and well, law, we sew our mouths shut. In a sense, we do also have ourselves to blame for giving them that power. It’d be so easy to say, “who cares?” And then society would fall apart. 

Oppression is a consequence of such immense power. The abuse of authority. People do it all the time. Teachers think it’s funny to stop you from going to the bathroom just because. The Emperors and Sultans continue to abuse the poor and side with the wealthy, the side they represent and believe they belong on. Regular people that torture other regular people because of race, religion, or the usual things like COVID-19. It’s already ingrained in society for a long time that white people are better than other people. That Christianity is the better religion. Oppression is something that will never go away. We will constantly put ourselves above others, intentionally or not. 

Inequity exists in the justice system, in the government, in schools, in families, and perhaps even in the afterlife. The justice system, no matter how many times they mention it or try to prove it, is not blind. The government appeases businesses and the wealthy, knowing the middle class is another word for “almost poor.” Some Ivy Leagues pick on legacies and rich people over students with actual intellect to offer. Teachers in schools favor the children of principals. Just like every child has a favorite parent, a parent is bound to have a preferable child. The child that’s likely to be successful and dependable. The male child vs. female child. The gay child vs. straight child. And after all this discrimination, there might still be no peace. From the knowledge we have, hell and heaven divides. Now I'm not arguing that Hitler shouldn’t go to hell - if it exists. But do I believe that every serial killer deserves some sort of forgiveness if they repent. If they see no wrong, it could be because of their upbringing. The upbringing that isn’t considered in court nor in people’s minds. Which is normal. Additionally, in wealth, inequity exists. The poor vs. the rich. Even though a mansion is just as much of a home as a hut is. The Mercedes vs. the Toyota. Even when the destination is the same. 

2. How do you reflect critically on your own beliefs, assumptions, values, and experiences, and how these can influence your perception of self and others?

My mother often consults me in family matters and even goes to ask my advice when dealing with the extension of her brother's family. My mother and her brother haven't been in a good place for a while and normally, a child would side with their parents. However, my mother doesn't get angry when I consider her brother's point of view in the situation. And she told me once that she liked that about me. That I saw different sides of situations and always made sure not to be too biased, even if I knew the ins and outs of what was going on. 

I've always believed in the fact that there are two sides to the truth as well as two versions of a truth. Because we all are different people with different perspectives. Whenever I make an opinion about something, I always make sure I know the whole issue at hand and not just one side of it. I am pro-choice when it comes to abortion. I am a vegetarian. I don't know much about politics, but know enough to decide that Biden was less worse than Trump. 

Now, I know about pro-lifers. I know what their argument is and why they must think what they think. But my choices and beliefs that form from a patriarchal and religious family, are what make me a feminist. A feminist that believes that women should have the right to be able to choose what they do with their body. I understand that perhaps one can be brainwashed into being a pro-lifer or just spew nonsense for the sake of holding up an argument. Though I want what I believe in, to make sense. So I made sure to do my research. 

Now, I am a vegetarian. I don't eat eggs or meat, because I don't want to harm or murder animals. My parents are vegetarians because they’re religious. My brother isn’t vegetarian because he likes to eat everything. Though I am vegetarian, I still eat dairy. Who am I to condemn carnivores when I am still contributing to animal harm? 

Now, I know little about politics nor am I interested. But nowadays, it is better to know a little than nothing. And so I hold my opinions on Trump and Biden. Sometimes I do agree with Republicans and what people have to say about Biden. But do I think that makes Trump better? Nope. I have my priorities based on my race and gender and urgency to accept anyone that doesn't fit "normal" standards. 

Essentially, I make sure I am aware of myself and what I want to present myself as. Who I want to be reflects my choices and beliefs. That doesn't make me God because I still make my own assumptions and judgements about people, knowing little about them. But I know that I know little about them. Sometimes my assumptions are correct and sometimes they're not. I am someone who has my own thought process, someone that doesn't often follow others. Others might have been raised to believe whatever their parents believe and have no mind of their own. Therefore, our values might not align. It only becomes someone's belief, when they're aware that they believe it to be true. 

Experience is what gives people beliefs and values. It is my mother's experience of having a dog that now all of a sudden she wants to volunteer at an animal shelter. It is my father's experience of having not a cent in his pocket when landing in America that made him realize the value of every penny. It is how people are brought up, where they are brought up, and the company they have around them. It is up to you how you take in all those influences. I think my perspective allows me to better observe people and figure out their intentions before I can get hurt or left behind. It allows me to be mature about my family's situation and be grateful for all that I have. It allows me to have dreams that I can go on steady and wild paths to reach. 

That is when it all comes down to perception. It is the very reminder that the way you see things, people, and the world is not how it actually is. In my opinion, everyone including me will never be right about anything. But we’re not here to figure out what is right. We are here to pick up different ends of society so that one day,  we crumble on ourselves. 

Gavin Rualo, Period 2, 12/19/2022

 Socio-political Consciousness

• What are your thoughts and feelings about issues of inequity, oppression, and/or power?

• How do you reflect critically on your own beliefs, assumptions, values, and experiences, and how these can influence your perception of self and others?

A paradigm shift always begins with a single change catalyzing other changes in the same direction. A broken system that cycles the poor back into poverty and the rich back into luxury is one of the most difficult to overturn; the rich feel no need to change and the poor lack the means to begin it. Yet, so much change has occurred just in the past few decades relating to social justice. The once shattered system comes together, piece by piece, because of the actions of the few driven individuals seeking to overturn the corrupt societal values. Their struggle receives aid nearly exclusively from those in the same situation, as the billionaires and politicians rarely care for the plight of others, perpetuating the power imbalance. Worse than one who does not see the struggles of the common people is one who benefits from it. The only way to ensure fair living is to change the system entirely.

The cabals of the upper class, while an obvious enemy to certain types of change, are not the only obstacles. The greatest obstacle of all is the solidification of these beliefs that push every oppressed person to believe they are helpless. Change doesn't happen overnight, and almost all humans living day-to-day lives would have trouble recognizing positive change around them if it is not immediate. Many who have faced their challenges head on have also faced a setback crushing enough to make them believe that their efforts aren’t worth anything. Fortunately, this is not the case. Those who keep the whole picture in mind when creating and executing their goal are the ones that are able to remember the value of their cause and see it to the end. Despite oppression running rampant thanks to the unknowing or malignant oppressors, change is never impossible, and can always be achieved, even by the hands of a single person.

To that end, I strive to create an environment for myself and others that allows the most growth and freedom. While I do not have any aspirations to lead any social movements, I understand that just keeping my own actions on track is enough to better my community. The best way I know of to do this is simply by learning and understanding more. My perception of good, evil, and myself have all changed drastically from ten, five, or even two years ago because of how much better I’ve come to understand others and my own mind. While straightforward, the goal of “learning” can be accomplished by questioning everything. Questioning the actions and things in the world is always constructive and can lead to connections developing that were otherwise unseen. However, what has catalyzed my growth in perspective the most is questioning my own beliefs and methods. Even beliefs that seem unequivocally correct deserve challenge, and so I seek new perspectives within myself. 

Without context, saying that “killing is wrong” is generally agreed upon. When applied to the real world, however, there must be context. And in every single case, the idea must once again be challenged. Is killing wrong because it causes pain? Is killing wrong because it is inherently bad to end a life? Is life the only thing that is attached to inherently good? Every single question that can sprout from a thought is valid and can often lead to a broadening or sharpening of a perspective once answered. When people begin to question their own beliefs on a daily basis, they can continuously build on their character, becoming all the more understanding of themselves and the world because of it.