I will be writing a diary entry of Atticus in TKAM. Below is my diary entry.
Date: 1 March 1948
Time: 9.47pm
Mood: Disappointed and learnt something at the same time
Dear Diary,
My children just slept. I could really see they were disappointed about the verdict but I was glad to let them see the true side of people.
Today, I represented my client, Tom Robinson to court today, regarding Mayella Ewell’s case. Before the trial, I knew Tom would surely be sent to jail because he was a Negro. However, I just could not believe that people of Maycomb could be so prejudiced towards Negros. The prejudice feelings among the white people are so strong that no matter how many times I proved that Tom was innocent, they still remain ignorant towards it.
The verdict of this case solely depends on the colour of the accused, and not the evidence produced during the happening of the case. What has this world changed to? Why is this world so unfair? Negroes are humans too, and they deserve human rights like us, the white people.
During the trial, I know I cannot lose because this concerned the life of a Negro and his family but I also know that this was the time of “unfair treatment towards Negroes”. I was reluctant to tell this to Tom before the trial, but I knew he knew this too. Still, he remained optimistic and told me “Atticus, I hope to see this change for the better.” My eyes went wet because I expected him to be angry and would kill the Ewells.
I attempted to potray an image of the Ewells’ family background and also proved that Tom was a cripple. Actually, I knew that the judge and the jury knew that Tom was innocent but they could do nothing due to the fact that white people were pressurizing them. If I were the judge, I would acquit Tom and face the insults from my fellow white people. This is because I know that there is nothing wrong in acquitting an innocent fellow.
What I can do now is to sigh. I am sighing because of the unfair treatment towards Negroes. I am sighing because no one dared to speak up for Negroes. Now, I can only hope that in the future generation, there will be a democracy and prejudice-free place!
I am going to turn in now.
Goodbye.
Regards,
Atticus
Sunday, February 28, 2010
About my learning profile
(Click on the picture to zoom out)My two best intelligence are interpersonal (people smart) and logical (numbers smart) and my two weakest are musical (music smart) and linguistic (word smart). I feel that it is quite true because I am good in mathematics and also communicating with people. I don't really like music because I will go dizzy after looking at music scoresheets.
For Maths, I like solving puzzles or word problems, because it gives me the sense of satisfaction when I managed to complete difficult maths problems. I was exempted from Maths last year and hope to be exempted again this year. I don't really like all types of maths problems. I like geometry the most and algebra the least.
I am really weak in music, ever since I was primary one. I think I am not born with a musical 'brain'! When I was told to play the pianica (the small piano), I was completely buffled and failed my test in the end.
I feel that we should really thank the person who created the multiple intelligence test because from his test, people now know that we can be intelligent in many ways, not just IQ. After doing the test, we know our talents and also, our weaknesses. As a result , we can better know ourselves and therefore, improving faster than before.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Fourth post for 2010
Hi again, I read an online newspaper (www.asiaone.com/news) just now and decided to write about it.
The post in the newspaper said that a honest student admitted to carrying a cellphone to the College Entrance Exam (CEE). This is a serious offence because this exam is important because it decides the college that you will enter. You will think that since this student admitted his mistake, the school will let him off or just give him a lighter punishment. However, you are wrong and the school accused this poor student for cheating during the examination and punished him accordingly. When I read this, I was totally shocked and questioned the Taiwan's examination system. Moreover, when I read on, the post says "There are 30 such cases in Taiwan, which students are like him, getting punished because of honesty."
I nearly fainted and reprimanded the Taiwan's MOE. Is this how they catch people cheating in exams? Is it wrong for students to admit their mistake? Do they rather want students not admit their mistakes? Are they so stupid to think that "cheaters" will admit to their offences after the examination?
As a result, this student is given a straight 'zero' for that subject, affecting his results greatly. This is really unfair because, instead of trying to catch cheaters in the examination, the school went to punish honest students.
Is honesty an offence?
Luckily, justice went all out to help that poor and HONEST student. As this matter spreads to the media, many people went to appeal to the Examination Board and the Directors of Education were now involved ! All I can do is to hope that the school will not punish the student but reward him for his honesty!
So what is your view about this matter? Should the school really punish the student?
The post in the newspaper said that a honest student admitted to carrying a cellphone to the College Entrance Exam (CEE). This is a serious offence because this exam is important because it decides the college that you will enter. You will think that since this student admitted his mistake, the school will let him off or just give him a lighter punishment. However, you are wrong and the school accused this poor student for cheating during the examination and punished him accordingly. When I read this, I was totally shocked and questioned the Taiwan's examination system. Moreover, when I read on, the post says "There are 30 such cases in Taiwan, which students are like him, getting punished because of honesty."
I nearly fainted and reprimanded the Taiwan's MOE. Is this how they catch people cheating in exams? Is it wrong for students to admit their mistake? Do they rather want students not admit their mistakes? Are they so stupid to think that "cheaters" will admit to their offences after the examination?
As a result, this student is given a straight 'zero' for that subject, affecting his results greatly. This is really unfair because, instead of trying to catch cheaters in the examination, the school went to punish honest students.
Is honesty an offence?
Luckily, justice went all out to help that poor and HONEST student. As this matter spreads to the media, many people went to appeal to the Examination Board and the Directors of Education were now involved ! All I can do is to hope that the school will not punish the student but reward him for his honesty!
So what is your view about this matter? Should the school really punish the student?
3rd post for 2010
Hi people, this will be my third post. Hurray! I will be talking about the censorship of pornography materials if it should be exercised fully.
Pornographywhich can be any form like pictures or videos, convey sexual messages to audience. It is common in the world, especially in the Internet; a vast forum for people to communicate. Some pornographic materials convey messages to people that women really want to be raped and they are degrading. Usually, people engage in porn to get monetary benefits.
Pornography gives people the wrong impression that women really want to be raped or they are treated as 'sex objects'. This is false as the women did it just for money.
In addition, pornography today is more male-orientated. By doing this, more and more people will treat women as 'sex objects' and the society will turn worse if this is not stopped. There is more pornography today than the previous generation because the media today is wide and people can access pornography materials anywhere, anytime.
In the view of people who read sexual content, they think that doing this can satisfy they desires, which is totally wrong. They think that pornography advocates sexual experimentation therefore regard pornography as "scientific materials".
The media, with the help of government should exercise full censorship pertaining to pornography materials by blocking the sale of pornography materials into the country/state. This can therefore prevent sexual materials from circulating in the country. Although some people may think that some pornographic materials are useful to one's learning, I feel that all pornographic materials are harmful to one's knowledge of sex. If teenagers want to know more about sex, they can approach their teachers or parents, who will be very willing to help them.
Censorship of pornography materials should be banned totally, by media and government so that the society's mindset towards sex will not be influenced in a negative way.
Pornographywhich can be any form like pictures or videos, convey sexual messages to audience. It is common in the world, especially in the Internet; a vast forum for people to communicate. Some pornographic materials convey messages to people that women really want to be raped and they are degrading. Usually, people engage in porn to get monetary benefits.
Pornography gives people the wrong impression that women really want to be raped or they are treated as 'sex objects'. This is false as the women did it just for money.
In addition, pornography today is more male-orientated. By doing this, more and more people will treat women as 'sex objects' and the society will turn worse if this is not stopped. There is more pornography today than the previous generation because the media today is wide and people can access pornography materials anywhere, anytime.
In the view of people who read sexual content, they think that doing this can satisfy they desires, which is totally wrong. They think that pornography advocates sexual experimentation therefore regard pornography as "scientific materials".
The media, with the help of government should exercise full censorship pertaining to pornography materials by blocking the sale of pornography materials into the country/state. This can therefore prevent sexual materials from circulating in the country. Although some people may think that some pornographic materials are useful to one's learning, I feel that all pornographic materials are harmful to one's knowledge of sex. If teenagers want to know more about sex, they can approach their teachers or parents, who will be very willing to help them.
Censorship of pornography materials should be banned totally, by media and government so that the society's mindset towards sex will not be influenced in a negative way.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
2nd Post for 2010
As all of you have read the newspaper recently, Haiti has encountered an massive earthquake, 7.0 magnitude and most of the buildings collapsed to the ground, killing hundreds of thousand of people. Shelter, health aids, food, water and families breaking up are problems for the people of Haiti.
Although many countries went to help them by sending aids like food and water or sending doctors there to cure the injured. Many countries commented that Haiti was disorganised because distributing food was very chaotic. I can understand the plight of the Haiti people but staying calm is the best way to solve the problem. When I see the pictures during the earthquake, I was shocked to see the injuries and the people being stuck under collapsed buildings.
Work to save the victims under the ground will stop in 4 days time and corpses will be remain there forever. The Haiti people, obviously are angry and went strike against their government. In my opinion, the work should continue until all were saved or at least dug out from the debris.
However, this is an international rule: Work to save the victims can only last for 3 weeks because of resources needed.
I really hope that Haiti will continue her life and remain optimistic as life must goes on somehow. Countries should keep sending them aids until Haiti can become independent. Although this earthquake is not serious as the one in Sichuan, I really hope that everyone can lend the Haiti people a helping hand, either by monetary means or going there to help the victims.
Andy (19)
Although many countries went to help them by sending aids like food and water or sending doctors there to cure the injured. Many countries commented that Haiti was disorganised because distributing food was very chaotic. I can understand the plight of the Haiti people but staying calm is the best way to solve the problem. When I see the pictures during the earthquake, I was shocked to see the injuries and the people being stuck under collapsed buildings.
Work to save the victims under the ground will stop in 4 days time and corpses will be remain there forever. The Haiti people, obviously are angry and went strike against their government. In my opinion, the work should continue until all were saved or at least dug out from the debris.
However, this is an international rule: Work to save the victims can only last for 3 weeks because of resources needed.
I really hope that Haiti will continue her life and remain optimistic as life must goes on somehow. Countries should keep sending them aids until Haiti can become independent. Although this earthquake is not serious as the one in Sichuan, I really hope that everyone can lend the Haiti people a helping hand, either by monetary means or going there to help the victims.
Andy (19)
Saturday, January 23, 2010
First Blog post for 2010
This is my first blog post for 2010. I need to revive my "dead" blog so that I can resume my blogging journey.
I am going to discuss with you the relationship between the Blacks (African Americans) and the Whites. A hundred year ago, blacks were used as human slaves to the whites. The slaves aminly worked for the farmers. Their salaries were low and insufficient. Also, the treatment to the blacks by the whites was worse off than that to maids or servants. To the whites, the blacks were not human beings and they were considered as "Three fifths of a human".
After the "black slavery" era, things started to change a little better. Most of the whites had stopped buying slaves but a minority continued as the slaves were cheaper then hired labourers. However, places like cafeterias, cinemas and amusement parks were only reserved for the whites. Signage like "We don't serve coloured." are common. The blacks could not lead a normal life and had to be despised by the arrogant white people. As the blacks paid the same tax as the whites, the government had no choice but to "reserve" Thursday as the coloured day. This was when blacks were allowed to patronise stalls or cafes, etc.
Twenty years later, a famous Black decided to change the miserable lives of the Blacks. He was none other than Martin Luther King, an eloquent speaker and a minister's son. He spoke the words that were hiding in the black people's hearts. He spoke that there should be one America, and not two. Segregations should end so that the Blacks could enjoy the same life as the Whites'. Martin succeeded his dream after a long struggle.
Although now America treats their fellow black Americans fairly, there is still some conflict between the two parties. Obama, being the first black president, has caused anger among some white people. I hope that some time later, Blacks can be treated fairly as the Whites as they are human beings like us. We have no right to treat them like dirt.
I am going to discuss with you the relationship between the Blacks (African Americans) and the Whites. A hundred year ago, blacks were used as human slaves to the whites. The slaves aminly worked for the farmers. Their salaries were low and insufficient. Also, the treatment to the blacks by the whites was worse off than that to maids or servants. To the whites, the blacks were not human beings and they were considered as "Three fifths of a human".
After the "black slavery" era, things started to change a little better. Most of the whites had stopped buying slaves but a minority continued as the slaves were cheaper then hired labourers. However, places like cafeterias, cinemas and amusement parks were only reserved for the whites. Signage like "We don't serve coloured." are common. The blacks could not lead a normal life and had to be despised by the arrogant white people. As the blacks paid the same tax as the whites, the government had no choice but to "reserve" Thursday as the coloured day. This was when blacks were allowed to patronise stalls or cafes, etc.
Twenty years later, a famous Black decided to change the miserable lives of the Blacks. He was none other than Martin Luther King, an eloquent speaker and a minister's son. He spoke the words that were hiding in the black people's hearts. He spoke that there should be one America, and not two. Segregations should end so that the Blacks could enjoy the same life as the Whites'. Martin succeeded his dream after a long struggle.
Although now America treats their fellow black Americans fairly, there is still some conflict between the two parties. Obama, being the first black president, has caused anger among some white people. I hope that some time later, Blacks can be treated fairly as the Whites as they are human beings like us. We have no right to treat them like dirt.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
My favourite poem
O Captain! My Captain! by Walt Whitman
1
O CAPTAIN! my Captain! our fearful trip is done;
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.
2
O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up-for you the flag is flung-for you the bugle trills;
For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths-for you the shores a-crowding;
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head;
It is some dream that on the deck,
You've fallen cold and dead.
3
My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;
The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;
From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won;
Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!
But I, with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.
1) How are the figurative language used in the poem?
This poem “O Captain! O Captain!” written by Walt Whitman uses a lot of figurative language. The phrases "O Captain”, “O heart” and “O Shores” are the use of hyperbole. Hyperbole is a form exaggeration as the author wants to make a great impact on the readers. When the author keeps repeating the words, it make the reader feel sad for him as his father is dead. The phrase “the vessel grim and daring” is an example of personification. By writing that, the author wants to portray the image of the vessel as a daring person, which in turn makes the readers want to respect the vessel. For the use of metaphors, the phrase is “fearful trip”. I think that the symbol used is the vessel because the vessel is daring and victorious (victor ship).
2) Why do I like this poem?
I like this poem because it shows a contrast between happiness and grievance. Happiness is the fearful trip being accomplished and the grievance is the death of the author’s father. The author felt joyful at first and later, he felt crestfallen due to his father’s death. This poem uses a lot of figurative language, which is personification, hyperbole and symbolism. These factors make the vessel and the trip more life-like, which in turn makes the poem interesting. Also, this poem does not have any difficult words, and is readable for all ages. From the poem, I can feel that the author is trying to manipulate the readers’ feelings between happiness and grievance. (112 words)
1
O CAPTAIN! my Captain! our fearful trip is done;
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.
2
O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up-for you the flag is flung-for you the bugle trills;
For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths-for you the shores a-crowding;
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head;
It is some dream that on the deck,
You've fallen cold and dead.
3
My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;
The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;
From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won;
Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!
But I, with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.
1) How are the figurative language used in the poem?
This poem “O Captain! O Captain!” written by Walt Whitman uses a lot of figurative language. The phrases "O Captain”, “O heart” and “O Shores” are the use of hyperbole. Hyperbole is a form exaggeration as the author wants to make a great impact on the readers. When the author keeps repeating the words, it make the reader feel sad for him as his father is dead. The phrase “the vessel grim and daring” is an example of personification. By writing that, the author wants to portray the image of the vessel as a daring person, which in turn makes the readers want to respect the vessel. For the use of metaphors, the phrase is “fearful trip”. I think that the symbol used is the vessel because the vessel is daring and victorious (victor ship).
2) Why do I like this poem?
I like this poem because it shows a contrast between happiness and grievance. Happiness is the fearful trip being accomplished and the grievance is the death of the author’s father. The author felt joyful at first and later, he felt crestfallen due to his father’s death. This poem uses a lot of figurative language, which is personification, hyperbole and symbolism. These factors make the vessel and the trip more life-like, which in turn makes the poem interesting. Also, this poem does not have any difficult words, and is readable for all ages. From the poem, I can feel that the author is trying to manipulate the readers’ feelings between happiness and grievance. (112 words)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)