Another Side of the Foreign Worker

The Citizen's Almanac

        The promised land, the land of the free, the land of opportunity, the dream: The United States of America. Most United States born citizens may or may not truly identify with this description of the country, they legally through birthright, call home. The Citizen’s Almanac describes the importance that comes with choosing to be a citizen of the United States of America as being “awarded its highest privilege—U.S. citizenship” (The Citizen's Almanac 7). But great responsibilities accompany this privilege to support the kind of United States of America that was established by our founding fathers. “Becoming an active participant in our system of government further strengthens our great democracy” (112). There is one family that would like to call the United States their home permanently and be that active participant: The Lachance family.

The Lachance family has a unique family dynamic as their 8-year-old daughter Oriana has dual citizenship. She was born in the United States to her Canadian parents, Sean and Leslie. She is a bright, vivacious girl who loves dance and her American Girl Doll, Hannah. Sean and Leslie have lived in the United States for 12 years. Leslie is a stay at home mom dedicating herself to her family. They have established themselves in their own home and in their own community. The Parent Teacher Organizations relish the fact that Sean and Leslie dedicate a large portion of their time to help their daughter’s school be successful. They are contributing members of society and for the lack of a better term, model citizens. But Sean is a foreign worker.

In 1998, Sean and Leslie came from Canada to the United States so he could take a position in the field of science and technology under a TN Visa. A TN nonimmigrant visa is a yearly renewable visa based on employment status.  Sean quickly outgrew the temporary status of the TN Visa after he obtained a science and technology Bachelor’s Degree while in the United States. Subsequently, an engineering firm in Arizona contacted him to work under an H-1B visa. An H-1B visa is a three-year visa that can be renewed for an additional three years; the renewal is a one-time event. This visa is issued for designated highly skilled areas, which include scientist, engineer and computer programmer.

Hiring foreign workers is a common practice in the United States. A portion of these foreign workers are from Canada. A Bachelor’s Degree or higher is required for employment under the H-1B visa. This visa allows the educated foreign worker to obtain employment in the U.S. from an employer who has certification from the Labor Condition Application. Each year there is a capped amount of visas that can be obtained by U.S. employers. For the year 2011 it is 65,000; plus an additional 20,00 specifically for Master’s Degree candidates and higher. As of November 19, 2010, 48,977 new petitions have been filed for H-1B visas and 17,836 for the Master’s category (USCIS).

Sean is on his second renewal, which will be his last. He has been trying to get his green card, proof of being a Lawful Permanent Resident, which will then lead to citizenship in the United States. He came to the United States to work and live and would be proud to be a U.S. citizen. In comparing Canada to the United States, economically he is better off living and working in the United States. His salary would be lower in Canada for the same type of employment and he would be responsible for up to 50% tax on his wages. In addition, taxes are as high as 14% on everyday purchases. For Sean, Arizona is his home now and he anxiously awaits the permanence of United States citizenship. In the meantime, he continues to work and go through the process of getting his green card with the assistance of his employer and lawyers. It is a tedious, time-consuming, but necessary process.

US Citizen and Immigration Services-Green Card

If Sean is unable to stay, he will need to sell his house and return to Canada with his Canadian wife and United States-born daughter, because in two years his H-1B visa will expire. If the scenario plays out against Sean and his family, more than likely his employer will again seek out the highly skilled foreign worker to fill his position through the H-1B visa program. NAFSA: Association of International Educators, a professional association dedicated to international education, issued a statement on March 31, 2009 supporting the H-1B visa program reform to remove the caps because, “to turn away individuals with skills that we need, who want to live and work in America, under the illusion that by doing so we are protecting our economy, is to deny ourselves a resource that we need to help pull us out of the recession and put our economy on a sound footing for the future. It will cost jobs, not save them” (NAFSA 1).

     The National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) conducted a study by centering around 76 technology companies in the S&P 500, citing companies like Google, Intel, and Lockheed & Martin that hire foreign workers. Smaller companies were also included in the study. This is a program that stimulates the American economy by: [1] Bringing foreign talent to the U.S. so we can remain competitive with other countries. [2] It increases employment for Americans. The increase in employment is slightly higher for smaller companies than larger corporations. “The data show that for every H-1B position requested, U.S. technology companies increase their employment by 5 workers” (H-1B Visas and Job Creation, 2).  [3] It keeps the companies in the U.S. from going abroad. [4] H-1B Visa holders are not cheap labor, they are paid comparable to or slightly more than their US counterparts. The visa holders are actually a cost for the company in legal and government fees. [5] For each hired H-1B visa holder, the employer must pay $1500 into a scholarship and training fund that benefits future American college students, elementary level math and science programs, and Department of Labor training programs for U.S. workers.

     There is a trickle down effect when companies are more successful in the United States. As the companies make more money, they pay more taxes, which benefits our communities. Companies who are successful financially also tend to contribute more to charities. This type of program is economically positive for the U.S. and the foreign workforce. “Skilled immigrants fuel innovation in America. The H-1B visa system is one path for them to get here; that path needs to be open” (NAFSA 1). Foreign workers like Sean are important to America’s economy and technological future. Likewise, model citizens like Sean and Leslie will only further strengthen the community and nation we call home. Hopefully, their dream will be realized and they will receive that highest privilege: U.S. citizenship.

Author Note: *The Lachance family name has been changed to protect their identities during this time of seeking permanent resident status.

Works Cited Click the link at the top of the page. Next to Home.

Peer Review-Ricky

Ricky

     I really enjoyed reading all of your blog posts. Your writing has grown since the beginning and you write a very clear and logical essay. You have a keen sense of your own opinion that adds to the depth of your posts. You are able to give an original viewpoint and keep your readers interest. You also use the text citations to your papers advantage of getting your point across.

     For your final paper just make sure to proofread to make sure even if it is spelled correct that it is also the word you wanted to use. I know the blog site can sometimes post your writing in a format without indentations (it happened to me a couple times) but be sure your paragraphs are set apart so it is easier to read and the reader knows when you are starting a new idea.

I chose these as your “greatest hits”!

It's Just Finance 11/4/10: High five to you on this one. You were able to take a difficult subject and explain it well. Your conclusion was most interesting as you brought in the element of greed, so to speak as a social factor. The WHY of Finance would be an interesting read.

Are They Good or Bad For Us? 10/28/10: I enjoyed this piece on German Immigrants. You did your research and it shows. The comparison to non-immigrants really drives your point home. It was full of details and flowed nicely.

What Love and Relationships Are Made Of 10/5/10

Your introduction is eye catching and has my attention at the first sentence: If we hold the view that things such as love and relationships are greatly affected by chemistry and biology, then our opinions would probably change quite drastically. I liked how you played back and forth between the science of love and the emotion of love.

Peer review- Darien

Darien

     After reading all of your blog posts I get a clear sense of your style of writing. You have an objective tone and style of writing that is organized in a logical and thoughtful way. Even when you are asked for a subjective viewpoint it is incorporated into your writing eloquently. You have a distinct way for taking what you have read, informing your reader about the subject at hand but you still hold onto your own voice. Your writing never sounds as if you are just regurgitating back facts. Your conclusions always tie back to your thesis or main pint and are summarized intelligently.

     The only element that you could incorporate into your work more, would be to cite specific text to add support to your great ideas. I would also recommend editing your blogsite format so that the text is in a wider column. Since the final paper is going to be posted with pictures, I think it would benefit your paper, be more aesthetically pleasing, and easier to read if it were wider.

I found the next 3 blogs to be your greatest hits!

China’s Varying Influence 10/28/10 : You took a subject of immigration not as popular, the Chinese, but still tied in current events that are in the forefront of the immigration controversy, Hispanic and Mexican immigration. This topic could easily be developed into an expository essay, especially as it seems you did research just for this blog post.

Materialism: A Meaning Response 10/26/10: this piece is also great. I love the way you took another discipline, anthropology, and supported the concept of materialism. You did a great job of referencing Twitchell from the reading to add additional support. I also like how you wrote about the positives and negatives of materialism, and how these encompass our daily lives.

Popular Music 10/21/10: This one is my favorite. I enjoyed the reading about how our favorite past times, listening to music, can even be dictated by money. This would be an entertaining and interesting piece to develop about record companies and the music that is produced for the masses and who is left out of this monetary loop of sorts.

You have put a lot of thought and research into your writing. I look forward to reading your final paper.

Week 12 Blog review

Hilary Cummings

View of the Continuum 11/2/2010

Wow! I really enjoyed reading your viewpoint. You explained the Libertarianism in an unbiased way in the first paragraph, but you did not label it as the type of government you were explaining. Your opinion comes across strong. The conclusion was a good summary of your opinion. Be sure to include some supporting evidence from the reading to further strengthen your writing.

For Those Who Work in Finance... 11/4/2010

I found the Peterson and Chance reading to be the most difficult so far.

You were able to give a concise summary and definition of finance and the individuals who work in this field. To add support to your writing, you may have also added some direct support from the reading in the form of a citation. Grammatically speaking I only found this sentence, it may be re-worded to reflect your thought about the importance of computers in finance more clearly, it seems chopped up: Even with the invention of a computer originally, plus all of the applicable software, has taken finance to much higher levels than ever before. Overall, a great job with this subject matter!

Katie Kosturik

Cypherpunks 11/2/2010

I enjoyed your use of ‘spectrum’ in paragraph 2, to illustrate the extremes of libertarianism and the example of Parekh supported this view. Also in paragraph 2: These “cypherpunks” embrace cryptography and are using it as tool to reform against our big government today.  I am thinking maybe you meant to rebel against government because they do not want to be told what to do. Great transition into the last paragraph! : So much for the buildup, but I’d like to choose a stance on the spectrum that falls somewhere in the middle. This could be a great piece to develop further especially since you brought up so many thought provoking questions at the end.

Directed Freewrite p. 455- 11/4/2010

I personally found the Peterson and Chance reading to be the most difficult so far. Discussing money and what it means to our society is a thoughtful introduction and flows nicely into the subject of finance. You pinpointed the history of finance and setting up why this discipline came about. Your conclusion was strong, although you could have added a few more sentences to make the ending paragraph as strong as your first. Possibly include some supporting evidence from the reading. It seemed short, although it had meaning. Great job with this piece.

In paragraph 2: scientist (add an ‘s’) of finance

Buy Low and Sell High

     Money, it goes hand in hand with our materialistic ways. It is a motivation for members of our society to succeed. It keeps our economy going, even slowly. We make money and then we spend it. Finance brings a unique variable to the equation of making money. The idea of having your money work for you brings to mind the stock exchange. Chance and Peterson define finance as a young field (post World War II) that studies how money is acquired and invested (447). Finance practitioners are in an elite group. They are able to manipulate mathematics, physics, statistics, computers, trends, and risk. Due to social, economic and technological changes, the focus is on maximizing return on investments.

     The post World War II economy invited a discipline like finance to emerge. It was a time of white collar jobs, women in the workforce, employment that provided services, corporations were forming, the “baby boomers” were born, families sought to purchase homes, and automobiles, then televisions, and then came computers. Besides the aforementioned social, economic and technological changes, a series of events took place to build finance into the discipline it is today.

     Finance is the melting pot of mathematics, physics, computers and risk. Its’ main focus is on investing money and making a profit. In order to get to where we are today in finance, actual scientific theories were formulated and tested. The Gordon Model was used for pricing stocks (449). The equation for Brownian Movement was used for option pricing (449), which led to Stochastic Calculus and Ito’s Lemma (450). Then came Black-Scholes Model which led to new products of derivatives (451). The finance practitioners also used company fiscal forecast to predict the rise and fall of company stock prices. Ultimately these theories led to equations that could be used in finance and its profitability. The finance practitioners have found their niche in banks and brokerage firms using their skills to maximize profit.

Week 11 Blog review

Week 11 Blog Review

Katie Kosturik

To Buy or Not to Buy? 10/26/10

I enjoyed how you described both the positive and negative aspects of materialism. The title is very catchy! This could be a great concept to develop into a paper especially since you stated at the end how Twitchell gave us a framework to start with. The one item that caught my eye was the sentence in Paragraph was slightly confusing for me: Par 2: As Americans we have established this capitalistic socioeconomic structure and flaunting our materialism is actually a way of flaunting that we are ABLE to be materialistic.

Capitol Economies 10/28/10

Your piece about immigrants could definitely be more developed. You could accomplish that by being more specific and choose one immigrant group to focus on. Be sure to be posting 3 paragraphs about the topic at hand.

Hilary Cummings

German Influence

Your opening paragraph is a great introduction that you generalize but then get specific with Germans. I enjoyed reading your interpretation of this assignment and finding out all the ways Germans have contributed, especially with Barbie- I had no idea! This is an easy to read flowing essay.

Materialism

You have supportive references from the article and have nicely added other examples from our daily lives. This would be a good essay to develop further. Great job.

We the People

Today is any interesting day to talk about Libertarianism as it is a Voting Day. Although Arizona is on member of fifty in the United States, we as citizens living in Arizona get to vote our choice for Governor and US Senate today. We also get to choose the Propositions that decide the fate of medical marijuana use, to whether or not we will be able to hunt and fish to our hearts content in our state. This makes us a representational republic which our Founding Fathers accomplished with the signing of the Constitution.

I stand somewhere in the middle of the extremes of a Libertarian form of government. Libertarianism has been defined as the belief “that government is best that governs least” by Henry David Thoreau in Civil Disobedience (McHugh 440). This makes me think about ‘We the people, for the people and by the people’ in respect to our Constitution. And I wonder if I could still vote for individuals who will represent me and my thoughts if Libertarianism were our active form of government. It is difficult to choose sides of a form of government that I am unable to see, hear and feel in action, but is based on ideals of being able to have free individual will and live my life as I want as I long as I don’t encroach on others.

McHugh’s article pinpoints money in relation to Libertarianism. As Parekh is unable to sell his type of cryptography in the United States because the government does not allow it, Parekh is unable to maximize his profits. The type of cryptography Parekh is using could be used for good or evil. I am glad I live in a nation where certain boundaries are formed in order to protect the people regardless of the loss of income to others. It seems as though the benefits of protection out weigh the profitability. This brings me to my last thought in regards to the money and Libertarianism that keeps me pensive. If we were all able to keep our entire income and avoid paying taxes, where would our children go to school? What type of medical care and social services would be non existent? What roads would I drive on? And would I have state parks to visit during my summer vacation? I don’t know about other viewpoints, but I live in the United States of America and I am proud to be part of ‘We the People’.

Another Side of the Foreign Worker

     Hiring foreign workers is a common practice in the United States. A portion of these foreign workers are from Canada. Sean is a friend of mine who is a foreign worker from Canada that I interviewed to find out more about the immigration process. Sean has his Engineering Bachelors Degree from a University in Canada. He was contacted initially by an engineering firm in Arizona to come and work under an H-1B visa. An H-1B visa is a three year visa that can be renewed for an additional three years. This visa is issued for the designated highly skilled areas of scientist, engineer and computer programmer. A bachelor degree or higher is required for employment. This visa allows the educated foreign worker to obtain employment in the U.S from an employer who has certification from the Labor Condition Application. Each year there is a capped amount of visas that can be obtained by U.S. employers. For the year 2011 it is 65,000. As of October 22, 2010, 44,300 petitions have been filed for H-1B visas. Sean is on his second renewal, which will be his last. He has been trying to get his green card, proof of being a Lawful Permanent Resident, which will then lead to citizenship in the United States. He came to the United States to work and live. When he compared Canada to the United States, economically he is better off living and working here. His salary would be lower in Canada for the same type of job, he would be responsible for 50% tax on his wages, and as high as 14% tax on everyday purchases. For Sean, he considers Arizona his home now, but he anxiously awaits the permanence of citizenship. In the meantime, he continues to work and go through the process of getting his green card with the assistance of his employer and lawyers. It is a tedious and time consuming process. If Sean is unable to stay, he will need to sell his house and return to Canada with his Canadian wife and United States native-born daughter, because in two years his H-1B visa will have expired. More than likely his employer will again seek out the highly skilled foreign worker to fill his position through the H-1B visa program.

     A study was conducted by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) centering around 76 technology companies in the S&P 500, citing companies like Google, Intel, Lockheed & Martin that hire foreign workers. Smaller companies were also included in the study. This is a program that stimulates the American economy by: [1] Bringing foreign talent to the U.S. so we can remain competitive with other countries. [2] It increases employment for Americans, “The data show that for every H-1B position requested, U.S. technology companies increase their employment by 5 workers” (H-1B Visas and Job Creation, 2) Whereas it is a slightly higher increase for smaller companies. [3] It keeps the companies in the U.S. from going abroad. [4] H-1B Visa holders are not cheap labor, they are paid comparable to or slightly more than their US counterparts. The visa holders are actually a cost for the company in legal and government fees. [5] For each hired H-1b visa holder, the employer must pay $1500 into a scholarship and training fund that benefits future American college students, elementary level math and science programs, and Department of Labor training programs for U.S. workers.

     There is a trickle down effect when companies are more successful in the United States. As the companies make more money, they pay more taxes, which benefits our communities. Companies who are successful financially also tend to contribute more to charities. This type of program is economically positive for the U.S. and foreign workforce. Foreign workers like Sean are important to America’s economy and technological future.

Works Cited

"H-1B Visas and Job Creation." National Foundation for American Policy. Mar. 2008. Web. 29 Oct. 2010. <http://www.nfap.com/>.

"The U.S. Economy Still Needs Highly Skilled Foreign Workers." Immigration Policy Center. 13 Feb. 2009. Web. 29 Oct. 2010. <http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/us-economy-still-needs-highly-skilled-foreign-workers>.

"USCIS - H-1B Specialty Occupations and Fashion Models." USCIS Home Page. 7 Oct. 2010. Web. 29 Oct. 2010. <http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=73566811264a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=73566811264a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD>.

P. 418 #1

Materialism, as defined by Twitchell in Two Cheers for Capitalism, is “getting and spending” and he equates it to freedom, happiness, and meaning in our lives (389). America is the pied piper of consumerism and other countries scurry to catch up. In varying degrees, it is the ‘lifestyle’ we choose to participate in, regardless of social class. Even the poor aspire to a lifestyle of consuming; “what the poor are after is what we all want: association, affiliation, inclusion, magical purpose” (393). Materialism fulfills these roles for us because of the meaning we attach to the spending and getting.

Ultimately, the path America has taken and the choices that have been made and instituted have resulted in the lifestyles we possess. The Industrial Revolution and Capitalism paved the way. We no longer toil at home making our own bread and butter, we know go out and get it by having careers so we can bring home the bacon and buy what we need and want. And with these purchases we carve out our niche: the homes, the cars, the gadgets, the clothes- the things that define our lifestyle and place in our community.

I agree with Twitchell that there is a sense of ‘inclusion’ because of the neighborhood I live in and the things I consume. Our children feel this too. It was not long ago that my own grandparents who lived through the Great Depression; a time of barely spending for needs, little alone wants; had a goal in mind. That goal was to raise children who had it better than they did.

One piece may be missing from Twitchell’s writing, and that is the education and the hard work needed to “get and spend.” This lack of motivation is a definite negative to materialism. The precursor is missing when raising our own children now in the age of materialism. Possibly this is where the debt comes in : “easy credit = overbuying =disappointment= increased anxiety” (392).

Materialism will perpetuate itself. It is a “happiness” that makes the world go ‘round. I contend there are varying degrees of materialism. Not everyone desires to “keep up with the Joneses” (394). But we do desire to have a better lifestyle and be happy, which materialism can afford us in a Starbucks Latte or Mercedes Benz. Until a devastating event takes place and disrupts your ‘lifestyle’, you may never know the motivation behind materialism or the true value of the one priceless commodity : your life. In the meantime, be happy and decide if getting and spending runs your life.

Week 10 Blog Review

Hilary Cummings- I am looking forward to reading more of your work!

Women in Music 10/21

You made a good argument with supporting opinions and quotes. I agree that different genres of music positively regard women-like Bruno Mars. Your argument could have been even stronger if you found a dance hall or hip hop song that did the same as Bruno. In paragraph one, sentence three, they should the. Otherwise your structure and grammar was well written.

The Joys of a Consumer 10/18

This piece is so enjoyable to read! I love the use of your pictures. Your article is easy to relate to as a consumer. I am thinking of everyday products that I have mishaps with as I am reading your story. You really brought me into your writing and captures my attention. Great job!

Grammatically: ‘he spent the rest of the night’. You don’t need a comma after thanks in the last sentence, it creates a different type of emphasis then I think you were going toward.

Katie Kosturik-I look forward to being in peer group with you!

What Happens In Vegas... 10/19

Great introductory paragraph and setting the stage for your article. You may have been able to break paragraph 2 into two paragraphs- one about the first room and another about the 2^nd room and all that was wrong with it. Although your conclusion was short, it was to the point and did its job summing up your experience.

Grammatically: in paragraph one, I was more than ecstatic when the five of us had arrived at our hotel and excited to start my vacation. You stated you were ecstatic, so excited is redundant…possibly reword : I was ecstatic to start my vacation when the five of us had arrived at our hotel. Or you could make it into 2 sentences to clear it up.

Sidenote: Once I stayed at a resort in Hawaii---off the beat and path---also thinking I would save money (not!) and our room was full (dozens) of huge Daddy Long Leg Spiders! We got our room changed, it was a lot smaller, but no spiders! I feel your pain.

10/21 no post to review

Dear Peer Group: I will be posting late due to some unforeseen circumstances. I apologize but will post feedback for you as soon as is possible. Do not feel obligated to review my "tuesday" post as it will not meet the deadline. Thank you in advance. Amity Connolly

Sing it

p386 “Directed Freewrite” 

   Music and its lyrics are storytelling for the times. They chronicle society and what is happening politically, religiously, and culturally. All genres of music have morphed with the times. Specifically, Jamaican Dancehall music and Hip-Hop are rooted in cultures from other countries and have morphed into what they are today in the United States. These types of music and lyrics are more sexually explicit and contain gender stereotyping themes that portray the culture and the times.

   George Lipsitz’s article World Cities and World Beat: Low-Wage labor and Transnational Culture, discusses the gender and stereotyping or misogyny in these genres of music in relation to the specific culture and their experiences with the global economy (379). The male artists sing about their real life situations in the hip hop and dancehall lyrics. Andrew Ross, Carolyn Cooper and Luois Chude-Sokei all share the same view that “citing the overt and uninhibited demands for sexual pleasure by women in dancehall music as a positive alternative to gangsta rap’s demonization of women as “ball breakers” and “gold diggers” (379).

   Yes, I think that women are exploited and stereotyped in all genres of music. Some genres to different degrees. In the 21^st century there are many female counterparts in the music industry that do the same thing towards men. What would artists write about in their songs if not a love or sex interest? We live in a capitalist society and corporate America is looking to make the big bucks. It is plain and simple: sex sells. What would we sing in the car if it weren’t for the top 5 Billboard Radio Songs? Bruno Mars Just The Way You Are, Usher feat. Pitbull DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love, Katy Perry Teenage Dream, Taio Cruz Dynamite, and Fareast Movement feat. Cataracs, Dev G6. All of these share a theme of sex and love.

Top Ten Radio Songs: Billboard Chart. Billboard. New York. Web. 21 Oct. 2010.

The Tragic Events of Recall

pp363 Directed Freewrite

     It was the summer of 2007. The news came on CNN…Jane recalled it all started with the Thomas the Train Tank engines. The toys made in China had excessive levels of lead in the signature blue paint used. But that’s okay, she thought to herself. Her precious is a girl, no Thomas the trains in this house. Whew!

     Then other recalls of toys, also made in China, slowly trickled in each day on her newsfeed: the Easy Bake Oven severed fingers, the Mag Stix Magnetic Building Sets choked kids, and then it hit home- Elmo. The red furry friend was now a foe. How many times had her precious put that in her mouth? Made in China. Lead based paint. And the lists went on from Fisher Price and Matel.

     This is when the floor slowly slipped out from under Jane. Jane realized that she had to protect her precious. And to Jane this meant vacating the playroom of all toys; plastic and otherwise made in the United States. This left a bare playroom as you may well think. But she had the ability to repopulate it with all American made toys, specifically wood. Wood kitchen and wood food from Melissa and Doug replaced the otherwise plastic kind. Puzzles were good and made of wood.

     It did not stop there. Again Jane was slowly becoming obsessed with anything made of plastic or made in China and its’ need to be eradicated. All kitchen utensils and dishes were gone and replaced with appropriate made in the USA items. The house was repainted with “green” paint. The perfectly good carpeting was hauled away and replaced with “green” wood flooring. Even the PVC plumbing throughout the house was replaced with copper piping where it could be. Anything to protect her precious. But she did not have the heart to tear out the newly laid synthetic grass or the Little Tikes Playland of fun in the backyard. It stands alone in the backyard, a sort of icon to the Recall Summer of 2007.

Week 8 Blog Reviews

Mary Bak

10/5 Love?? P. 310 #1

Hello Mary. I am wondering if you had a problem while uploading your blog. Week 8: Beetles pg. 310 #1 is misplaced after the first paragraph. The first 3 paragraphs flow nicely into each other, setting up your discussion about how viewing love and relation ships from a science view point affects our beliefs about “the dance”. After you got to infatuation I am wanting to read more and supportive information is missing. The question on page 310 was not fully addressed and your conclusion is omitted.

10/7 no blog post.

Mary-I hope all is well. I hope to read more from you soon.

Jessica Chee

10/7 Homosexual Nature Page 339 Critical Reading #1

Hi Jessica: Critical Reading was not a choice, although you answered the question well for Critical Reading. The syllabus states: Blog post: Choose one of the following prompts to answer thoroughly -(Beedles) p339 “Class Discussion” #1, p340 “Directed Freewrite”, or p341 #3. 

You picked out some good examples for describing the animal behaviors that were most shocking to Kluger, and his surprised tone. There is a typo in the 2^nd quote, 2^nd paragraph “years of even life” “of” should be “or”.

10/5 Love: A Science? p. 310 #1

Jessica, you really write well. Just a few housekeeping tips. In the first sentence, the verb have  is missing. People have always been intrigued, desired, or possessed by love throughout time. Paragraph 2 has a great transition sentence from chemical to biological love.  Paragraph 3, another great transition sentence referring back to chemical and biological love. It also flows nicely into divorce from the marriage topic in paragraph 2. In the 6^th sentence of paragraph 3, delete it after because. In your conclusion, it may be stronger if you used love consistently as I think you are linking love and divorce and marriage. We marry because we fall in love, the love dwindles, so the natural progression is divorce if we are basing it on the chemical and biological reasons in the articles. Substitute out the word “need” for “love”: However, looking at the reason why Americans marry, it makes sense that as we change, we may no longer need that person. You could also consider using the timeframe it takes for “love” to become neutral that was in Fishers article on pg 305, 36.

'Pandora's Box'

p340 “Directed Freewrite”

     Sexual orientation defines humans in our society. Homosexuality is sexual attraction or behavior with the same gender. The debate goes on about nature vs nurture trying to explain the reasons why a human has a certain sexual orientation. Do we choose same gender relationships because of our environment or is it a natural process that we are born with? Jeffrey Kluger’s article The Gay Side of Nature supports the notion that homosexuality in humans may not be “a uniquely human phenomenon” but is a natural occurrence.

     Scientists use animal observation and compare these observations to humans. Animal behaviors have an explanation for human monogamy, courting, mate choice, parenting, socialization, and now same-gender sexual orientation. We are accepting of the afore-mentioned behaviors, so why not include sexual orientation? There are “scientists who find it simplistic to equate any animal behavior with human behavior” (Kluger 338).

     Author Bruce Bagemihl opened ‘Pandora’s Box’ when he wrote and published Biologocial Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity in 1999. Bagemihl let out of the box all the documented animal homosexual observations that he could find in journal writings and interviews. Previously, these findings seemed to always find their way out of the original observers publishing’s.

     Since nature is evolving, it is not far off to contend that homosexuality is a viable natural orientation. Of the 2000 species that have been observable in regards to sexual orientation, 450 of these have documented same gender sexual activity. The examples include the bonobos, giraffes, dolphins, elephants, rodents, and macaques. There are also examples of these same-gender animals establishing long term bonds: 6 years for the Humboldt penguins, 15 years for male greylag geese, female bears choosing to raise their young together. The bear example is a strong supporter for same gender couples who can still have children through alternate means and raise their children in a family unit.

     On the other hand, homosexuality can be argued as an unnatural orientation. For one, it does not propagate the species. It should also be noted that there are 1 million species on earth. The 450 species observed are a minuscule number to establish a pattern of same-gender sexual activity when compared to the 998,000 species that did not have their sexual orientation observed. Since animals share similar characteristics : how were the observers always able to tell if it was same gender activity if they look the same. Other items that can refute homosexuality as a natural orientation include the actual behaviors. The same gender sexual activity observations were misconstrued as animal kingdom communication. In the animal kingdom, “sex serves many nonsexual purposes, including establishing alliances and appeasing enemies” (Kluger 339).

     Homosexuality and heterosexuality have the same goals in the human and animal kingdoms, we all desire a mate for sexual pleasure and reproduction. A dual definition for natural orientation should include homosexuality and heterosexuality. We may not understand in the human kingdom everything that goes on in the animal kingdom, but it has been established that we do have similar ways.

Love: It’s Only a Matter of Time

p310 #1

     The science of love and relationships is well documented and supported. Chemistry and biology can explain the mystery of our attractions, how we court one another and ultimately how we fall in love. The cycle of finding a mate culturally leads us to a pair-bonding which we express in the institution of marriage. The goal is to pass on our genes by closing the circle of love with new life: our children.  We are equipped with the scientific information that explains away those feelings of love at first sight, and the “circle of love” is actually a timeline with an expiration date. What effect could this have on our beliefs and behavior?

     The courtship. We will know how to select the best mate possible using the steps outlined in Fisher’s article entitled After All, Maybe It’s…Biology. The men can ‘chest thrust’, preen themselves and strut around, while the ladies avert their gaze (Fisher 300). We can stay in tune with our olfactory senses and follow our ‘love maps’ by picking out the most financially endowed male and the most fertile female so we can keep up with the evolutionary psychology goal of having children that can be supported. But keep track of the time because the infatuation will fade. Passion has an expiration date, T minus three years, and that is the maximum afforded until neutrality kicks in (Fisher 305).

     The institution of marriage is here to stay, even with a known expiration date. Some brides will still pine away for the wedding dress and cake topper. Divorce will still exist. The biological realizations may tweak the institution just a little. Maybe the marriage vows will be altered slightly. Instead of ‘til death do us part’, the new vows can realistically read ‘til divorce do us part’. Unless of course there are multiple dependent children because “it appears that the more children a couple bear, the less likely they are to divorce” (Fisher 308).

     There can be a happily ever after if we create an acceptance to what science has to offer our future loves and relationships. The physical connection between the emotional centers of the brain and heart can only take us so far. It can be an acceptance of the short cycle that love takes and then move on, or it can be an acceptance of the short cycle that love takes and decide to stay. It is up to the individual and their mate. 

Week 7 Blog Review

Mary Bak

Directed Free Write pg 246

Wow Mary, great job in the length of your post! You were able to discuss thoroughly how your communication with your brother reflected the views of the author. Housekeeping : A comma is not needed before the parenthesis or between….communication,” (Beetles, 242). If you are citing the author, Tannen, I would use Tannen instead of Beedles. Missing a word in the 4^th paragraph: It drove me crazy my brother was not looking directly at me. It drove me crazy when my brother…

Week 7 : 9/30

No post to review. Hope all is well Mary.

Jessica Chee

28 September 2010-Page 246: Directed Freewrite

Very nice Jessica. You have a very clear and descriptive first three paragraphs explaining your conversation that took place. Great examples of the male listening role as described by Tannen: the lack of eye contact and listener noises. Yet a successful communication. I only noticed the indent for the 1^st paragraph is just not as pronounced as the rest (could be the blog site). I did not find any grammatical errors.

30 September 2010- Page 292 #2

I really enjoy reading your writing. Paragraph 1: You have chosen a very specific thesis. Upon looking into this fundamental institution and patterns over time, heterosexual, monogamous marriage should be preserved if we want more, overall functional families, specifically that relating to the well-being of children. This sentence may be written a little clearer. The overall idea of your thesis is good : preserving the heterosexual, monogamous marriage for the benefit of the family unit and the children. Possibly adding “what” pattern over time- marriage as an institution :’its patterns over time,…’ Also, instead of more functional families, possibly stronger functional families that raise children. Paragraph 2: A comma after be. To make this paragraph more descriptive, include a definition of evolutionary psychology for your audience. You may consider combining paragraph 3 and 4 because they both are supporting a heterosexual monogamous marriage for the children’s well being, which supports your thesis. Lastly, Paragraph 3 & 5 : I would avoid using the same quote twice “the most precious evolutionary resource: love” (289).

Reap What You Sow

p292 #2

     The human species is continuously evolving at a slow rate into the men and women we are today and will become in the future. Evolutionary psychology is one aspect that was born from Darwin’s theory of evolution. Darwinian theory supports propagating the species through a process called natural selection. Natural selection is how humans are able to carry on their own genetic traits by choosing an ideal mate and having children. Selecting out or adding certain traits to our genes can take thousands of years. Our human sexual behavior is best preserved in a heterosexual monogamous marriage, because as Wright points out in Our Cheating Hearts, “love between man and woman is a human universal” (Wright 284). There are examples of human genes that show we are naturally selecting for genes in favor of a heterosexual monogamous pair-bonding union through our sexual selection. We prefer certain kinds of mates.

     Darwin’s theory of sexual selection states “ members of one sex choose a mate based on their preferences for particular qualities in that mate” (Buss 263). We choose to have children with individuals who have traits that will support, love and provide for the children for the duration. Wright explains how emotions like paternal love have evolved into human genes from our past. Possibly paternal love stemmed from “an upsurge in predators, say-made it more likely that the offspring of undevoted, unprotected fathers would perish” (Wright 284). These characteristics live on because these individuals beat out others without these characteristics. Thus, the ‘winner’ reproduces and the ‘loser does not and their genes die with them, and monogamy lives on.

     Of course, obstacles exist that may hinder a heterosexual monogamous marriage. Traits that mates choose to foster a heterosexual monogamous union are”…feelings for love, desire for sex, or jealousy” (Buss 266). We may think of jealousy as an obstacle to monogamy. Instead, jealousy is an attitude that has evolved to preserve heterosexual monogamous marriage and “combat(s) infidelity” (Buss 270). The mate who protects their marriage has more opportunity for continued reproduction.

     Contraception is another possible obstacle to present day reproduction. Contraception is another way to extend our choices to foster the heterosexual monogamous marriage. It gives us the ability to plan for an optimal child rearing environment. What better situation to have children in than when you are healthy and have the resources to do so.

     Finally, technology plays a supportive role in the heterosexual monogamous marriage by giving opportunity for creating well matched mates. Prior to the advent of the computer, most humans were tied to a small social group revolving around school or work to find that perfect match. Now there is a higher likelihood of finding the perfect mate. Those well suited for one another have a better chance for a long lasting union.

     In conclusion, Evolutionary Psychology “illuminates the tremendous flexibility fo the human mind and the powerful role of environment in shaping behavior” (Wright 280). Humans are on the right track to select for the key traits to pass on to the next generation. Each generation thereafter will be stronger to support and maintain a heterosexual monogamous marriage and may possibly boost the marriage success rate past 50%. These are the genes fighting the good fight for heterosexual monogamous marriage.

Meet Me Halfway

Directed Freewrite p. 246

     Early on in my marriage I felt the communication gap. Truthfully, it was more like an abyss. We stepped in and never got out. My conversational expectations during marriage and after fail to meet with my male counterpart, and I am sure I fail to meet his. We no longer conflict about our marriage, since it is over; but we still have not taken Tannen’s ideas and put them to practice. Hence, the conflict!

     One Sunday evening “he” dropped the girls back off to me, in his customarily silent way. As Tannen so eloquently puts it, he was “free to remain silent” (Tannen 244). I notice the youngest has a bandage wrapped around her hand as I am kissing her hello and the door is closing. I say ‘Wait’ and I ask him what happened to her hand. He nonchalantly recounts the evenings events with an “oh no big deal” flare that involve smores, fire and a hot coat hanger. The key ingredients for a burnt hand. I add in my listener noise of appropriate uh-huh’s and my probing questions: did you give her any pain medication, how long did you run it under water, what is on it now, how long ago did it happen, did it blister. His physical alignment is typical for a male listener as described by Tannen, especially when he avoids my direct eye contact. And then he is gone.

     Since the “he said” part is unavailable for Tannens recommendations to resolve the conflict, I have used Tannens ideas to instead, explain the conflict. But this is only the “she said” perspective. Tannen’s  theory that “male-female conversation is seen as cross-cultural communication” is the best analogy yet. The author’s research rings true to real life male-female

communications. The ability to recognize our communication differences and accept these differences as a unique culture may prove fruitful to the insitution of marriage. Now if we can only get the men off Mars and the women off Venus and back to Earth to communicate using the “solutions without blaming either party” (Tannen 244).

Week 6 Blog Reviews

Mary Bak

The Changing Face of Family

Hello Mary! What an interesting perspective you lend, relating economic gain to family structure. You have a great idea that could have been expanded on and possibly tied in the technology side. You started out with a thought provoking question: “I wonder if this would have been the case back in the 1920's??” The quote you used from the reading was also a strong supporter of your idea. Be sure to write more in the future so you can get full credit for your writing. The syllabus states that the requirement is a minimum of three long paragraphs. I look forward to more of your writing.

Week 6 Movie

9 to 5 (1980) – What a great movie to pick! Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin were a great “Wild Women” cast to write about. Keep in mind the internet is a great resource to help remember details like cast member names- details like names and facts could have made your writing stronger for this piece. There were definitely troubling, or inspiring, societal ideals 

that are perpetuated by the filmmakers’ use of the characters : sexual harassment, stereotypical work hierarchy which finally leads to empowerment and change. I would love to see you go deeper and write more. You have great ideas, go with them.

Jessica Chee

Directed Freewrite-Emergence

Hello Jessica! Your blog is easy to read. The first paragraph is strong way to summarize D’Emilio’s essay and tie it into your thesis. Paragraph 3 had a great transition question : But what does this have to do with gay and lesbian emergence? Because that is exactly what I was thinking right then and there while reading your blog. You seemed to have thought out your statements, they are descriptive and include many examples. I enjoyed your presumptions relating family life to technology. Your last paragraph tied your writing back to the beginning regarding identities and why they are emerging. Grammatically: One spelling item-line 5-patterns; Business meeting(s) in paragraph 4.

Week 6 Movie

Sorry you were sick! I appreciate the blog note.

Screen Time and Family Time

Directed Freewrite Pg. 236

     The most significant nuclear family change that resulted after the introduction of Capitalism, was the availability of time that the family unit had to enjoy. The members of a family had time to socialize once they were no longer tied to “the household family based economy” on the farm (D’Emilio 228). Presently, computer technology has resulted in another social change for family life.

Computers are information machines. Computers are a means for individuals to accomplish an endless list of duties in our lives. It is entertaining, assisting in communication, informing, educating, and socializing. It can even babysit by doing any one from the aforementioned list. The computer and family life equation presents its negatives and positives.

     Computers have created a definite shift in our social lives as members of a family. As a college student, the majority of my education takes place on the screen. This “screen time” encompasses hours of my day. I am online daily: checking email, logging on to Blackboard, researching assignments in online databases, writing papers in Word, taking notes in class, etc. I also socialize on the internet. I keep in contact with friends near and far via Facebook and e-mail. My computer helps me plan my social calendar so I can spend with friends and family. I am also a divorced mother. I maximize my social contact with my children by using SKYPE, a telephone and video calling service on line, when they are with their dad. This visual type of on line contact is more personal for young kids, especially if you’ve tried to hold phone conversations with a 4 or 5 year old. I am “connected” through all aspects of my life.

     Regardless of all the ways “screen time” has enhanced my life, it can be a negative experience. The computer is another member of my family. Not in the sense it is coming to the next Connolly Family Reunion, but in the respect that it engages and interacts with my children and gives them information. “Screen time” is time based for my children in my household. There are rules to follow because of the social implications to a child. I have an internet filter that blocks certain website access. I also have a list of websites they can go to. Currently, they are not old enough to have email access or chat access. This type of socialization opens my household up to possible danger. These rules exist to protect my family from the negative social situations that can occur with computer access. All our screens are turned off for meal time. This helps us pay more attention to each other and have more face time and take advantage of all the free time that capitalism has lent to us.

The Hangover

The Hangover

A rite of passage from singlehood to couplehood is the bachelor party. The Hangover takes us on the quintessential road trip to Vegas to celebrate Doug’s commitment to his future marriage. The movie starts with four men coming together for Doug’s pre-wedding celebration. Doug is the very willing groom who loves his bride-to-be. He is also a kiss up to his future father-in-law, wanting acceptance into his new family. Phil is the stereotypical good time friend with common sense but a flair for risky fun. Stu, is the nice but uptight, extreme voice of reason. He is submissive to his girlfriend, who gives him such a hard time about going on a road trip that he lies about his destination. Alan, the future brother-in-law, who is slightly mentally off and has feminine qualities. These qualities provide comic relief. Alan is the one character that defies our definition of totally male. He exhibits some feminine traits like carrying a ‘satchel’, sharing his feelings, and taking on the responsibility of the baby they have acquired.

After a short toast, time advances to the next morning where our four friends find themselves awakening after a night of drinking and chaos. None of them can remember the events of the past 12 hours or the whereabouts of their groom, Doug! The rest of the movie unfolds as we put the pieces of the puzzle together to find Doug in time for the wedding. The audience experiences the assembly of pieces just as Phil, Stu and Alan do.

This is the ever dreaded trip for a bride. But the most anticipated trip for the groom and his groomsmen. “Cultures play a huge role in how the activities and characteristics ascribed to men and women are defined…and these definitions are subject to change” (Beedles and Petracca, 203). Even the Las Vegas tourism website has coined the jingle “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” emphasizing the fact that the culture we live in supports our stereotypical traditions. In a frantic moment after finding out he is married during the blackout period, Stu rants that all the evidence must be torched, “all evidence that this night never happened” (The Hangover).

Beedles, Bonnie and Petracca, Michael. Academic Communities/Disciplinary Conventions. “Gender and    Sexuality”. Upper Saddle River : Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2001.

The Hangover. Dir. Todd Phillips. With Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha. Warner Brothers, 2009.

WEEK 4 BLOG REVIEWS

WEEK 4 BLOG REVIEWS 9/7 & 9/9

Sandra Barocio – no posts to review.

Amara Villa-Rodriguez

9/9 The Little Deer :  In paragraph 3, a comma after “To me” would help break up this sentence. The objective portion of your painting description is very clear and concise. You kept a descriptive voice without adding any interpretation into this part of the painting. For the last paragraph, your interpretation of the impressionistic description of the Little Deer was very insightful and creative. You wrote in a logical order and gave a real sense of how this painting was meaningful and symbolized Frida Kahlo’s life. I enjoyed reading your post!

9/7 Conscious Machines?

In paragraph 2, add a comma after calculations to help emphasize the last part of your sentence: ”If the computer makes its move based on one of these calculations, is it really thinking?” The robot example that recoils against heat was a great point supporting the theory that machines do not have consciousness. I thought the sentence “The robot still felt no pain and no emotion to burning its hand“ was a great way to end the paragraph and give the reader a specific example of what kind of consciousness is lacking in the machines. You wrote a thorough summary of Wright’s essay.

Ricky Kriebel

9/9 The Bus

The objective description of The Bus is very specific and full of details. You are right on in your description. The impressionistic description was also very well written with the amount of detail and interpretation you used to describe The Bus. As soon as I saw your post called The Bus, it called to mind the terrible accident Frida was in. I think you may be right that she was definitely trying to represent different ethnicities in her painting of The Bus. Keep in mind about doing a spelling and grammar check before you post. There are a few verbs and articles missing in some of your sentences. Example: Next to her is a little boy or In the man’s right­­­­­­­­­­ hand is a bag.

9/7 Do You Think a Machine Can Think?

I really liked your introduction, it told me the topic I should expect from your essay.

Each paragraph explained an example that supported your main idea of “Do You Think a Machine Can Think?” In the chess example, you may have wanted to mention who Kasparov was in the chess world, in case your reader did not know. You summarized the opinions of Chalmers, Bennett, and Ryle very well and concisely. This paragraph is strong with examples. You may have wanted to conclude your essay with a few more sentences for your last paragraph to explain the rebuttal. I think this essay was one of your best and you were able to summarize Wright’s article very well!