Benjamin Marquez Essay Example for Free

Benjamin Marquez Essay Benjamin Marquez works to define identity as being beneficial but mostly keeps minorities in check socially, economically, and politically.   Mexican Americans created identities in response to this discrimination and economic deprivation by aligning with four organizations: The Southwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (SNEEJ), the Southwest Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), The Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC), and the Mexican American Women’s National Association (MANA).   The Mexican-American organizations in this study are each seeking to advance its own concept of racial politics. The minority group status depicts exclusion based on race or culture and lower socioeconomic status; however, these are not the only defining features.   Historically, they represent the most continual points of conflict between Mexican and Anglo Americans.   The Racial discrimination had put Anglo Americans higher on the social ladder, not to mention skin color and being a majority.   To build on the disadvantages faced by Mexican Americans they battle poverty, low wages, and unemployment.   These concerns have been the basis of demands made by Mexican American activists for equal treatment before the law, nondiscrimination in hiring, access to higher education, and so son. The Author’s Thesis Benjamin Marquez argues that the political organizations formed are in response to social discrimination and economic deprivation.   The four organizations broken down in his novel, he asserts, have completely different procedures and plan to battle a common cause of suppression of Mexican American people. Data/Evidence Offered The author, Benjamin Marquez, uses in-person and telephone interview to reveal how each of the four political organizations operated.   The four political organizations focused on are The Southwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (SNEEJ), the Southwest Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), The Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC), and the Mexican American Women’s National Association (MANA).   There are hundreds of Mexican American organizations but Marquez narrowed his selection down because all four mentioned are well known in southwestern political, have a long record of successful organizing, and are supported by a large membership base.   The four organizations chosen for this study are good examples of the regionally based organizations at work in Mexican-American communities.   Benjamin Marquez made trips to each of the network’s headquarters to examine each organization’s records and materials.   Unfort unately, a paper trail on each Mexican American organization was hard to come by because of a lack of record-keeping. Conclusion The argument Marquez gets across to his readers is that the reason for the hundreds of Mexican American organizations is to aid the uphill climb for Mexican Americans in the Anglo-dominated society; essentially, to counter racial discrimination that plagues the group from the beginning.   Marquez makes it certain that discrimination is still felt among Mexican Americans and continues to be a significant problem.   How these problems take shape in a political atmosphere is the focus of the book. The four political organizations the comprise the book are very different: The Southwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (SNEEJ), the Southwest Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), The Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC), and the Mexican American Women’s National Association (MANA). While, within the organizations, there is at times political dissent the mission statement the members do not waiver from the mission statement.   TAMACC’s long-standing demand for equal opportunity is a declaration that they are the Anglos equal and are determined to prove it.   Still, the members make a point that they place important on the individual.   Their intention is to acquire property and build large business enterprises.   However, it is important to note, TAMACC activists are critics of racial, not economic, hierarchies.   Simply, they believe that Mexican Americans will prosper if the business world is purged of racism. SNEEJ is the only group in Marquez’s study to issue a fully challenging identity on race, class, and culture.   SNEEJ activists believe they have been exploited on a race, economic, and cultural level.   They know that respect and recognition will come through land claims, political autonomy, and control over natural resources.   In contrast, the Southwest IAF activists feel that bridging gaps between group boundaries will ultimately eliminate racism.   IAF use commonalities between people of different groups such as religion as a gap-filler, where both parties can connect.   Even poor racial minorities, if they really wanted to, could change political thought where they can get more recognition for their group.   For IAF, cooperation, reconciliation, and compromise are articles of faith (117).   Both groups, SNEEJ and Southwest IAF, see Mexican Americans as poor and deprived, organize in Mexican American neighborhoods, and strive for a better economic share of p ower and resources.   Yet, as noted, they have radically different premises, values, and goals. They all agree Mexican-American people face profound socioeconomic problems but disagree on the appropriate remedy. Summary Criticism An Issue that sparked an interest and had relevance to my life was the perception of migrants in a foreign country and the perception of returning migrants to their countries of origin (17).   The perception of migrants from two differing points of view is one that could be seen as discriminatory no matter how one looks at it.   I noticed examples of this in two separate sections of the book.   On page 17, Pà ©rez states migrants who have settled in a foreign country will experience discrimination, so will their children.   People on the mainland still consider American-born Puerto Ricans foreign.   So not only do parents feel alienated but so does the whole family. What is even more interesting is that first generation Americans from Puerto Rican families are not to identify as Puerto Rican (29).   Gina Pà ©rez makes it clear through her personal experience with residents in San Sebastian as they questioned her about her identity.   â€Å"Do you consider yourself Puerto Rican?† When she was taken by surprise at the question she was told, â€Å"That’s right, you are not Puerto Rican but of Puerto Rican descent† (29).   The reasoning behind this, I assume, is because when one lives their life outside their cultural scene, they no longer can fully identify with the day-to-day life in the state of origin.   They experience cultural mixing and now practice a blend of cultures; a hybrid culture. I can completely understand where this ideology comes from because I too have experienced similar encounters.   Since I am first generation born in the U.S., I overcame the same barriers.   My parents are from India.   The popular term used when referring to all people from India is Desi.   When I take summer trips to India, I know my identity as an Indian is questioned because I am so immersed in the American culture and more often, that not, I am referred to as ABCD (American-Born Confused Desi).   This is a term that implies that I am confused as to who I am and where I come from. A word I hear thrown around a little too much is progress.   What does progress mean to the people of the United States and what does it mean to other countries?   Gina Pà ©rez starts the second chapter off with the idea of progress that the people of Puerto Rico hold.   When she drove into Pepino she was informed that there was so much change and Pepino was finally progressing in the twenty-first century.   A familiar phrase she had heard in her field work three years ago. The change Pà ©rez was expecting does not seem to be there; at least, one that does not do justice to the word progress.   I guess most of us who have chosen to live in such a changing and progress-driven country have a different way of evaluating progress.   We do not see the small changes that make a big impact on the lives of people in different countries because most of the luxuries they strive for, we already hold.   Coming across this dialogue exchange in the book makes we wonder if the rest of the world is playing catch-up with the United States; or whether they are pushing modernization when there is still a need to battle poverty and non-employment. Some of the aspects that come with progress are not even favorable to the people of small towns in Puerto Rico but they still move forward with this idea because it symbolizes the island’s modernity.   Progress is marked by strip malls with mega stores, fast food chains, bigger roads and parking lots.   I believe that building infrastructures does not address the bigger issues of poverty and discrimination.   On top of that, I do not see a point in having a more material-based economy if the people cannot afford the prices.

Ku Klux Klan, Past and Present Essay -- American America History

Ku Klux Klan, Past and Present The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is one of America's oldest and most feared groups. Driven by the dream of a world with only one master race, the KKK often uses violence and moves above the law to promote their cause. Violence and white supremacy was not their original intention. They have been in the shadows for over 130 years and continue to thrive in America's society today. The Ku Klux Klan began almost accidentally during the reconstruction period after the civil war in the Southern United States. The southern people had suffered greatly from the effects of the great war. Many of them lost their homes and plantations. Many also lost friends and loved ones to the war. The people needed a release from the sorrow of everyday life. In 1865, six men from a small town in Tennessee accidentally began what has grown to be the largest and most feared "hate group" in the country. The men decided to make a club to help release the stress of the times. The men were all poor and could not afford to make gowns or great costumes for the group, so they decided to use linens. They wore the linens over their backs and put pillowcases on their heads. They also draped the linens over their horses. The Ku Klux Klan was going to ride for the first time. In the beginning, the men wanted to do nothing more than play pranks on people. However, the people were more frightened than they were cheered up. They soon realized what they could do with these fear tactics. The South had turned into a place that was no longer theirs. The slaves were now free (many of these men were slave owners) and carpetbaggers were coming from the North to take advantage of the southern people. They saw the opportunit... ...m to have the same things in common. They contain information that undermines other races and religions. A majority of these sites also appeal to adolescents, teenagers and younger children by boasting such slogans as "Cool Hate Music." Cartoons are also found on many pages. These cartoons demonstrate the "enemy" races in displeasing situations that often elaborate the points and views of the KKK. In the end, the KKK is a problem that won't go away for long. As we have seen, the KKK will be active for a period and then disappear. As long as there is differences between people in this world, there will always be hate. And the Ku Klux Klan will be there to feed on this hate and exploit it in every way possible. They may be silent for many years, but you can count on the fact that they are there. They are "The Invisible Empire" and will always be the dark

Show how Austin builds up suspense and tension in the Elton/Harriet/Emma relationship, leading up to the dramatic conclusion

The first volume of Jane Austens' Emma has a dramatic conclusion in which Mr Elton proposes to Emma. Emma's wild imagination is the source of all the confusion in the novel, as she attempts to match-make the local vicar, Mr Elton and her friend Harriet Smith, who is of a lower social class, with uncertain parentage, (living in a time when status and class were of the utmost importance). During the first volume of the novel the objective narrative stance contains much dramatic irony; the reader is allowed to observe Mr Elton's increasing attachment to Emma with growing pleasure whilst she remains completely oblivious of his infatuation and continues to misconstrue every sign of affection to herself as further indication of his affection to Harriet. The first time the reader hears about Emma's intentions to match-make Mr Elton is at the end of the first chapter- â€Å"Only one more, papa; only for Mr Elton. Poor Mr Elton!† Mr Knightley warns Emma that meddling in the affairs of others can bring nothing but trouble. Mr Knightley is realistic and practical and he often gives Emma good advice, which she is too single-minded to listen to, however he is nearly always right and therefore tension is built up for the reader as we know what mistakes Emma is going to make before she does. Harriet Smith is introduced to the reader and to Emma in chapter three as â€Å"the natural daughter of somebody.† Emma creates a new project for herself to fill her time now that Miss Taylor has married and takes it upon herself to befriend Harriet and make her a lady. It is evident that Harriet is Emma's object of desire for Mr Elton and the sweet, simple, stupid girl is slowly, manipulated by Emma. Of course it is only in Emma's wild imagination that this idea is possible because Harriet's doubtful birth immediately rules her out as a suitable match for the conceited Mr Elton. Emma begins to lay her plans after a chance meeting with Robert Martin. She is very critical of the young farmer, the brother of friends of Harriet and forces Harriet to compare him with â€Å"say†¦Mr Elton.† Emma only needs to make this one suggestion before Harriet convinces herself she is in love; this shows us the extent of Emma's power over Harriet. â€Å"Mr Elton was the very person fixed on by Emma to drive the young farmer out of Harriet's head.† There is a great deal of ambiguity in the novel which shows the reader how Emma interprets Mr Elton so wrongly and how Mr Elton could misunderstand Emma's friendliness towards him: â€Å"She was a beautiful creature when she came to you, but, in my opinion, the attractions you have added are infinitely superior to what she received from nature.† Mr Elton is praising Emma for improving Harriet; however Emma simply assumes that he is complimenting Harriet because this is what she wants him to do. There is much irony and suspense because the reader can see that Mr Elton's affection lies with Emma. Her naivety is one of the main factors which contribute to the mess she creates; she is so wrapped up in her implausible plans that she does not notice how her actions may be causing Mr Elton to form an attachment to her. â€Å"No husbands and wives in the case at present†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Elton repeats and Emma, so exceedingly ignorant to Mr Elton's hints of his affections to her, considers â€Å"whether she had not better leave them together at once†. Austen uses ambiguity to create suspense and anticipation. It is ironic because Emma prides herself on her judgement but she always gets it so wrong; she experiences momentary concern over the extent of the compliments Mr Elton pays her; â€Å"I come in for a pretty good share as second.† She declares, â€Å"But it is his gratitude on Harriet's account,† she reassures herself. Read also Intro to Public Relations Notes Tension is increased after Emma cunningly (but good- heartedly) manipulates Harriet into refusing Mr Robert Martin's proposal- the reader knows Mr Martin is a good suitor for Harriet but has to watch as Emma's snobbery compels her to influence the subservient Harriet. Mr Knightley visits Emma to tell her Mr Martin intends to propose to Harriet, unaware the event has already occurred; â€Å"†¦I have good reason to believe your little friend will soon hear of something to her advantage.† The reader experiences anticipation because we already know what has a happened. Mr Knightley is very angry at Emma's interference and guesses her plans for Harriet and Mr Elton and warns her against them, â€Å"Elton will not do.† Emma is made uneasy by her quarrel with Mr Knightley but once again ignores his good advice, which infuriates the reader. Austen makes us aware of Mr Knightley's astute judgement throughout the novel, this helps to build the mounting tension. The event of the charade is full of ambivalence and the situation is almost hilarious. Mr Elton provides a riddle of love for the two girls' book. It is clearly written as a statement of love for Emma, and as she is so delighted when she tells him that she wrote it in their book, he perceives it as a sign of encouragement. Ironically, however, Emma is quick to work out the meaning of the riddle, but still manages to misinterpret it as blind love for her friend. The riddle could be a metaphor for the situation between Emma, Harriet and Mr Elton: an obvious answer to a puzzle waiting to be revealed. In chapter ten there is an amusing episode in which Emma goes to ridiculous lengths to get Harriet and Elton together; â€Å"Mr Elton was speaking with animation, Harriet listening with a very pleased attention† at this point the reader can justify why Emma might misread this situation. However, we later find out that Mr Elton was actually talking about what he ate at a party, not about their budding romance. The readers are kept in suspense as Emma is warned about Mr Elton, this time from a different Knightley, her sisters husband, Mr John Knightley; â€Å"I think your manners to him encouraging† he says, Emma retorts, â€Å"Mr Elton in love with me! – What an idea!† Emma experiences some confusion when Harriet is too ill to attend a party, because Mr Elton is not concerned about Harriet, but is worried Emma may become infected if she visits her. â€Å"Well†¦this is most strange!† she says to herself. Emma manages to get Mr Elton talking about Harriet's illness, but is dismayed â€Å"when only half a minute afterwards he began to speak of other things† the tension increases because there are so many obvious signs that Mr Elton does not care in the slightest for Harriet. â€Å"Can it be possible for this man to be beginning to transfer his affections from Harriet to me?† Emma begins to think Mr Elton is transferring his love to herself from Harriet; this causes such great frustration to the reader because we know he has always loved her and never Harriet. Emma finally begins to realise the truth of the situation, albeit slowly in chapter fifteen, â€Å"It did appear – there was no concealing it – exactly like the pretence of being in love with her, instead of Harriet† When Mr Elton makes his proposal Emma and he are alone in a carriage together which would not have happened in the period the novel was written in but Austen justifies it because of the snow and the haste the party were in. Emma has already been finding Mr Elton irritating all evening but now that she has suspicions of his attachment to her she is not at all pleased at the idea of the â€Å"tà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½te-à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½-tà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½te drive.† The reader is kept in suspense as Emma prepares herself to talk about the weather, but the declaration of love is sudden, dramatic and short, â€Å"- her hand seized- her attention demanded, and Mr Elton actually making violent love to her.† However, even after this Emma still keeps us anticipating her much awaited comprehension, initially assuming he is drunk; â€Å"Mr Elton, the lover of Harriet, was professing himself her lover.† Mr Elton is oblivious to Emma's dismay, shock and anger and continues his declaration in earnest and it takes Emma a long time to convey her refusal. Mr Elton protests that he never thought of Miss Smith in any other way than her friend, and that all his attentions had been towards her, that he believed himself to have been encouraged by Emma. The conversation grows more heated as Mr Elton insists he could never consider marrying at the ‘level' of Harriet's social status. â€Å"I have no thoughts of matrimony at present† Emma bl untly refuses him and â€Å"He was too angry to say another word†, an outraged silence ensues until the carriage reaches the vicarage and he makes his escape. Austen uses many techniques to create tension and suspense in the lead up to the dramatic and powerful conclusion of the Emma/ Harriet/ Mr Elton situation, including a lot of ambiguity and ambivalence and much irony from the narrative voice. I think Mr Knightley is also a useful tool because he tries to warn her with the truth and we know he is correct and have confidence his opinion, but Emma is so stubborn and determined that she ignores him.

Report Card Comments for Science

Report cards provide parents and guardians with essential information regarding their childs progress in school. Besides a letter grade, parents are given a brief descriptive comment that elaborates the students strengths or what the student needs to improve upon. Finding the exact words to describe a meaningful comment takes effort. Feedback also may vary by subject. What applies in math does not always apply in science. Its important to state a students strength then follow it with a concern. Below are a few examples of positive phrases to use as well as examples comments that indicate some concerns are evident. Positive Comments In writing comments for elementary student report cards, use the following positive phrases regarding students progress in science. Is a leader during in-class science activities.Understands and executes the scientific process in class.Has an analytic mind for science concepts.Takes pride in his science projects.Did a wonderful job on her __ science project.Strongest work is in science.Is drawn to our science corner in all his or her free time.Continues to turn in top-notch science assignments.Continues to conduct top-notch science experiments.Particularly enjoys hands-on science experiments.Has a naturally investigative nature in science.Is quite proficient in all science concepts and vocabulary.Is able to identify and describe all science vocabulary.Demonstrates an understanding of target science content and makes relevant connections.Demonstrates an enhanced understanding of science content.Meets all learning standards in science.Shows an understanding of systems that are designed to accomplish a task.Uses the appropriate science vocabulary in her oral responses and written work.Demonstrates a clear understand ing of the concepts and skills learned.Makes a great effort in science and is very inquisitive.Is doing a great job in science and always is the first to hand in assignments. Needs Improvement Comments On those occasions when you need to convey less-than-positive information on a students report card regarding science, use the following phrases to assist you. Needs to study for science tests.Needs to learn science vocabulary.Has difficulty memorizing scientific concepts.Many science homework assignments have not been handed in.Reading comprehension often interferes with __s ability to perform well on science tests.Understanding of scientific terms often interferes with __s ability to perform well on science tests.I would like to see __ improve her note-taking skills.I would like to see __ improve his vocabulary skills.Seems to show no interest in our science program.Needs to review science concepts and vocabulary as she is having a great deal of difficulty.Lack of attention in class may account for the difficulty he has with assignments.Needs to improve in science.Needs to develop more self-confidence in science.Does not appropriately use scientific inquiry skills.Demonstrates a week understanding of science content.Does not yet use science vocabulary appropriately.__needs to explore the connections between researched information and real -world applications.__needs to describe his observations more fully and link them clearly to the purpose of the experiment.__needs to use more information from previous learning and research to support his opinions.___needs to use exact measurements when recording scientific observations.___needs to acquire science and technology vocabulary and use it in both oral and written responses.