Discussion on week-6-research-and-journal
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Janny R
Jul 21, 2009, 12:38:19 AM7/21/09
to English 101 summer 09
Andrew Bacevich claims that Americans are spending too
much money giving the current economical crisis. It is no lie that US
consumers that is us the people love to live great lives but the
problem is that many of us go to extremes to reach or maintain that
live style. When do we ask ourselves that’s enough? In the movie
Legally Blonde the main character Elle Woods played by Reese
Witherspoon is a young rich girl who loves so shop and look her best
at all times. Elle manages to get into law school due to her Hollywood
look but the main focus in using her as my example is that Elle comes
from a rich family one that never set limits for her spending. In the
movie Elle’s biggest concern is what next bag of shoes she is going to
buy. She never seems to worry about how much she is spending rather
she worries about what new item she is going to get next. Americans
spend their money carelessly and as a result it has affected our
economy. In reality who cares what kind of shoes or bags we own what
really matters is that we are healthy and have a roof over our heads.
Elle Woods doesn’t care how much money she spends but
unlike her character Al Bundy from the show Marriage the Children he
worries about how much money his family is spending on a everyday
bases. Al is the only working member in his family and being the
father everyone on the house goes to him when they need money. Al is a
shoes salesman and really does not earn that much money so his family
lives pay check by check. Al’s wife and two children love to shop and
spend money but due to their poor living status they are always trying
to trick their father to giving them money. Al is always trying to
save money in every way he can. In the show they make funny of the
fact that when Al comes home from work his wife tells him that dinner
is really and what is made for dinner is canned food of beef jerk.
Unlike Elle Al’s living condition is lower than hers. He worries about
having enough money to pay bills and Elle worries about get the
hottest new item in the fashion world. These two characters are
opposites of one another and show two consumer
attitudes.
much money giving the current economical crisis. It is no lie that US
consumers that is us the people love to live great lives but the
problem is that many of us go to extremes to reach or maintain that
live style. When do we ask ourselves that’s enough? In the movie
Legally Blonde the main character Elle Woods played by Reese
Witherspoon is a young rich girl who loves so shop and look her best
at all times. Elle manages to get into law school due to her Hollywood
look but the main focus in using her as my example is that Elle comes
from a rich family one that never set limits for her spending. In the
movie Elle’s biggest concern is what next bag of shoes she is going to
buy. She never seems to worry about how much she is spending rather
she worries about what new item she is going to get next. Americans
spend their money carelessly and as a result it has affected our
economy. In reality who cares what kind of shoes or bags we own what
really matters is that we are healthy and have a roof over our heads.
Elle Woods doesn’t care how much money she spends but
unlike her character Al Bundy from the show Marriage the Children he
worries about how much money his family is spending on a everyday
bases. Al is the only working member in his family and being the
father everyone on the house goes to him when they need money. Al is a
shoes salesman and really does not earn that much money so his family
lives pay check by check. Al’s wife and two children love to shop and
spend money but due to their poor living status they are always trying
to trick their father to giving them money. Al is always trying to
save money in every way he can. In the show they make funny of the
fact that when Al comes home from work his wife tells him that dinner
is really and what is made for dinner is canned food of beef jerk.
Unlike Elle Al’s living condition is lower than hers. He worries about
having enough money to pay bills and Elle worries about get the
hottest new item in the fashion world. These two characters are
opposites of one another and show two consumer
attitudes.
Jefferey Mananguite
Jul 23, 2009, 3:28:33 AM7/23/09
to English 101 summer 09
Jefferey Mananguite
English 101
Prof. O’Connell
Week 6 Journal
American consumerism as explained by Bacevich is almost intruding to
the world and its nations. We are hyped up by the glamorous materials
in life that we have become accustomed to the lifestyle. However we
do live in a consumer based society meaning, we are bombarded by
advertisements in every form. Our consumer based lifestyle is easily
seen through many mediums such as classic television, particularly “I
Love Lucy” the main character “Lucy Ricardo,” the best way of
charterizing her is ‘spending her money before she even has it,’
usually during a TV show, an episode will have some kind of comic
relief where her husband “Ricky” ends up buying whatever she spent the
money on. Ricky was like Lucy’s personal credit card; Bacevich felt
that people need to spend more time thinking about saving money
instead of spending money on credit in hope of having upcoming funds.
Lucy’s Neighbor Fred would be a better mold for a new mindset of a
less consumer based life style, but he does not come without fault, as
in the TV show Fred would also fall into schemes of ‘get rich quick’
plans.
Fred Murtz would still be a better model instead of Lucy because the
way his character would act consistently throughout the seasons. He
was very conservative as to saving money and not buying irrelevant
things. However he was susceptible to many of the schemes that Lucy
would conjure up to get rid of issues he might have. The
congressional Bill “Expressing the sense of Congress in support of a
single national fuel economy standard” has the mentality of saving
people money through fuel efficiency, this is a good foundation for
our nation, steering the country into a new conservative lifestyle,
but I feel the bill is still consumer based because as I mentioned
before, car companies are manufacturing car to have 100 miles per
gallon, and the bill wants an fuel efficiency increase of 40 percent
by the year 2020, how would the American automakers compete with
foreign cars which has double the mpg.
English 101
Prof. O’Connell
Week 6 Journal
American consumerism as explained by Bacevich is almost intruding to
the world and its nations. We are hyped up by the glamorous materials
in life that we have become accustomed to the lifestyle. However we
do live in a consumer based society meaning, we are bombarded by
advertisements in every form. Our consumer based lifestyle is easily
seen through many mediums such as classic television, particularly “I
Love Lucy” the main character “Lucy Ricardo,” the best way of
charterizing her is ‘spending her money before she even has it,’
usually during a TV show, an episode will have some kind of comic
relief where her husband “Ricky” ends up buying whatever she spent the
money on. Ricky was like Lucy’s personal credit card; Bacevich felt
that people need to spend more time thinking about saving money
instead of spending money on credit in hope of having upcoming funds.
Lucy’s Neighbor Fred would be a better mold for a new mindset of a
less consumer based life style, but he does not come without fault, as
in the TV show Fred would also fall into schemes of ‘get rich quick’
plans.
Fred Murtz would still be a better model instead of Lucy because the
way his character would act consistently throughout the seasons. He
was very conservative as to saving money and not buying irrelevant
things. However he was susceptible to many of the schemes that Lucy
would conjure up to get rid of issues he might have. The
congressional Bill “Expressing the sense of Congress in support of a
single national fuel economy standard” has the mentality of saving
people money through fuel efficiency, this is a good foundation for
our nation, steering the country into a new conservative lifestyle,
but I feel the bill is still consumer based because as I mentioned
before, car companies are manufacturing car to have 100 miles per
gallon, and the bill wants an fuel efficiency increase of 40 percent
by the year 2020, how would the American automakers compete with
foreign cars which has double the mpg.
Rosie
Jul 23, 2009, 3:15:14 PM7/23/09
to English 101 summer 09
Rosa Moran
English 101 Summer/09
Wk 6- Journal Post
Consumerism is a big problem in our society today, come call it
“hyperconsumerism” because of the out of control level that it
operates in today’s world. Bacevich talks about this cancer that it’s
eaten up this country. He encourages Americans to change their mind
and way of thinking when it comes to consuming more than what they
really need, and to live within their means. People need to go back
in saving for a rainy day, instead of whipping out a credit card in
case of a rainy day.
In the movie The Devil Wears Prada, it shows how pressure from society
changes Andy, played by Anne Hathaway, a plain simple living girl with
a dream and purpose in life, into a mega hyperconsumerism person that
must wear the latest trends and brands on clothes and accessories to
be able to fit in. Consumed by her work and effort of looking a
certain way and living up to a high standard of life, she is deviated
from her dream, friends and family. Middle class people are trying to
live up to the standards of high-class folks and that’s when
consumerism takes place. People are buying more than what they need
and afford, by doing so, credit cards are used to their limits and
people are getting more and more into debt. Instead of purchasing a
small car, a single person that lives in the city buys a SUV – v8 that
is very harmful to the environment and that has really no necessity to
owning such big automobile for one person to use.
In contrast with King of the Hill a simple mellow guy that is
responsible for his actions and does not over spend on things. He
lives a simple life in a house big enough for his family has a job and
consumes only what is needed. He lives up to his personal standards
and doe not get consume by society’s trends. That should be a
guideline for people to live by, live up to your own standards and or
what you can afford, always having something for a rainy day. Hank
has Friday game night to spend time with his son and wife. Americans
should go back to the simple living of spending less time in shopping
malls and store and more time at home with their family, using their
car less therefore less pollution for the environment. Instead of
eating out and over spending, people should eat at home to save money
and at the same time strength relationship with their family members.
The idea is not to be extremist on spending, if people can learn to
have self control when it comes to spending, they will have money to
go out and have fun, their debts will be low or none and be in a
better financial situation.
English 101 Summer/09
Wk 6- Journal Post
Consumerism is a big problem in our society today, come call it
“hyperconsumerism” because of the out of control level that it
operates in today’s world. Bacevich talks about this cancer that it’s
eaten up this country. He encourages Americans to change their mind
and way of thinking when it comes to consuming more than what they
really need, and to live within their means. People need to go back
in saving for a rainy day, instead of whipping out a credit card in
case of a rainy day.
In the movie The Devil Wears Prada, it shows how pressure from society
changes Andy, played by Anne Hathaway, a plain simple living girl with
a dream and purpose in life, into a mega hyperconsumerism person that
must wear the latest trends and brands on clothes and accessories to
be able to fit in. Consumed by her work and effort of looking a
certain way and living up to a high standard of life, she is deviated
from her dream, friends and family. Middle class people are trying to
live up to the standards of high-class folks and that’s when
consumerism takes place. People are buying more than what they need
and afford, by doing so, credit cards are used to their limits and
people are getting more and more into debt. Instead of purchasing a
small car, a single person that lives in the city buys a SUV – v8 that
is very harmful to the environment and that has really no necessity to
owning such big automobile for one person to use.
In contrast with King of the Hill a simple mellow guy that is
responsible for his actions and does not over spend on things. He
lives a simple life in a house big enough for his family has a job and
consumes only what is needed. He lives up to his personal standards
and doe not get consume by society’s trends. That should be a
guideline for people to live by, live up to your own standards and or
what you can afford, always having something for a rainy day. Hank
has Friday game night to spend time with his son and wife. Americans
should go back to the simple living of spending less time in shopping
malls and store and more time at home with their family, using their
car less therefore less pollution for the environment. Instead of
eating out and over spending, people should eat at home to save money
and at the same time strength relationship with their family members.
The idea is not to be extremist on spending, if people can learn to
have self control when it comes to spending, they will have money to
go out and have fun, their debts will be low or none and be in a
better financial situation.
tejasvi
Jul 24, 2009, 11:12:58 PM7/24/09
to English 101 summer 09
In his book Limits of Power, Andrew Bacevich claims that one of the
most important reasons of U.S. invasion of Iraq was its hunger for
oil. The country being the world’s largest consumer of petroleum
products which constitutes 25% of world’s consumption has led
Americans into the graveyard which is Iraq. U.S. invaded Iraq on the
assumption that the country had weapons of mass destruction which it
could never find and also taken an excuse that Iraq is a potential
danger for US national security . In order to prove its invasion
correct it mislead the world including its NATO allies that Iraq is
the most dangerous nation to the peace of the entire world as in the
movie ‘Changeling’ Chief James E. Davis of LAPD tries to prove to the
entire nation that the boy found in Illinois is Walter Collins, the
lost son of Mrs. Christine Collins. He also wants to prove that Mrs.
Collins is a menace to society when she refuses to accept this boy as
her own son. Mrs. Collins on the other hand fights against
LAPD ,whether in the psychopathic hospital where she was sent by LAPD
on false accusation or in the court.
The finest example of correlation can be found in the character of
Davis to the present scenario of U.S. in Iraq. Believing that the
positive publicity will negate the recent criticism of LAPD, he tries
to impose an imposter on Mrs. Collins to save image of LAPD. For this
he tries to prove himself right by hook or crook. In the same way,
Bush tried to justify his invasion of Iraq at whatever expense which
country could afford. Both chief Davis and Bush tried to misuse their
power given to them by a great democracy which is the United States of
America.
We do not require the character of James Davis in today’s world
anymore; he was even not required at that time also as is shown in the
climax of the movie. As due to public opinion LAPD officers were
thrown out of their jobs, in the same way due to intense public
pressure mounting in U.S and in Iraq, U.S. is contemplating to
withdraw its forces from Iraq.
most important reasons of U.S. invasion of Iraq was its hunger for
oil. The country being the world’s largest consumer of petroleum
products which constitutes 25% of world’s consumption has led
Americans into the graveyard which is Iraq. U.S. invaded Iraq on the
assumption that the country had weapons of mass destruction which it
could never find and also taken an excuse that Iraq is a potential
danger for US national security . In order to prove its invasion
correct it mislead the world including its NATO allies that Iraq is
the most dangerous nation to the peace of the entire world as in the
movie ‘Changeling’ Chief James E. Davis of LAPD tries to prove to the
entire nation that the boy found in Illinois is Walter Collins, the
lost son of Mrs. Christine Collins. He also wants to prove that Mrs.
Collins is a menace to society when she refuses to accept this boy as
her own son. Mrs. Collins on the other hand fights against
LAPD ,whether in the psychopathic hospital where she was sent by LAPD
on false accusation or in the court.
The finest example of correlation can be found in the character of
Davis to the present scenario of U.S. in Iraq. Believing that the
positive publicity will negate the recent criticism of LAPD, he tries
to impose an imposter on Mrs. Collins to save image of LAPD. For this
he tries to prove himself right by hook or crook. In the same way,
Bush tried to justify his invasion of Iraq at whatever expense which
country could afford. Both chief Davis and Bush tried to misuse their
power given to them by a great democracy which is the United States of
America.
We do not require the character of James Davis in today’s world
anymore; he was even not required at that time also as is shown in the
climax of the movie. As due to public opinion LAPD officers were
thrown out of their jobs, in the same way due to intense public
pressure mounting in U.S and in Iraq, U.S. is contemplating to
withdraw its forces from Iraq.
Janny R
Jul 24, 2009, 11:43:47 PM7/24/09
to English 101 summer 09
I agree with you, I think that society puts pressure on people to buy
expense things just to show others that they have them. The Devil
Wears Prada is a great example of the pressure society puts on poeple.
I think that it is hard sometimes to not fall victim to the soical
pressure society puts on us. We all want to be liked and look good but
sometimes that mentaily is not healthy or good for our pockets. We
need to find a balance and that balance is hard to find sometimes we
all love to buy new things and have nice items that we have show
off.
expense things just to show others that they have them. The Devil
Wears Prada is a great example of the pressure society puts on poeple.
I think that it is hard sometimes to not fall victim to the soical
pressure society puts on us. We all want to be liked and look good but
sometimes that mentaily is not healthy or good for our pockets. We
need to find a balance and that balance is hard to find sometimes we
all love to buy new things and have nice items that we have show
off.
KunHye S
Jul 26, 2009, 2:52:01 AM7/26/09
to English 101 summer 09
1)Many critics are pointing out profligacy as a key source of present
crises shaking this country. Believing in infinite supply to their
needs, Americans continuously seek for more and more even when the
supply is insufficient. This behavior created today's economic crisis.
Because they could not fill their stomach with what they have
domestically, Americans started reaching out to other parts of the
world, generating the political, and in addition, military crises. The
American belief in its superpower shaped the country founded upon a
modest goal into a global monster always craving for more. To help
better understanding, many movies with metaphoric meanings can be
used. One of those movies is Jumper. In the movie, David Rice uses his
superpower that allows him jump from place to place to rob banks. The
purpose was to suffice his minimum needs at the beginning. He even
leaves notes that promise returning the money someday. However, as he
gets older, he uses the power to simply satisfy his desire, to live a
better life. As David changes from a young boy into a pleasure-seeking
man, America has transformed its foundational purpose over the course
of history. David finally gets caught by Paladin, a group of people
organized to kill jumpers. America is facing the same fate. It is
caught in a massive pile of predicament. Although in the movie, David
gets away with help and using his ability, that is just a fiction. The
country will not be able to rely on its prerogatives to overcome the
crises. It needs to seek for a decent way not just to escape Paladin
but to confront and solve the problem.
2)Then, what is the right path to take? The film Pursuit of Happyness
shows the way. Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith, once lived as a
good salesman making enough money to support his family. However,
after a wrong investment, his financial status and family relationship
break apart. Only having his dearest son Christopher with no money or
wife, Chris seeks for any chance to take care of Christopher. He
finally takes an internship opportunity that promised a career after
six months of no payment. He consistently tries again and again in
order to get the job. This is what Americans today need to look for.
Abandoning the faith in American Superpower, Americans must start a
strife with themselves. It is time to cut those appetites, to look
within, to self-reflect, and to start anew. If we strive once again
like what our ancestors did in the past to build this country,
restoration is possible. It will not be an easy process, and instant
result cannot be expected like Chris's internship. However, the day of
achievement will surely come as Chris finally took the position.
crises shaking this country. Believing in infinite supply to their
needs, Americans continuously seek for more and more even when the
supply is insufficient. This behavior created today's economic crisis.
Because they could not fill their stomach with what they have
domestically, Americans started reaching out to other parts of the
world, generating the political, and in addition, military crises. The
American belief in its superpower shaped the country founded upon a
modest goal into a global monster always craving for more. To help
better understanding, many movies with metaphoric meanings can be
used. One of those movies is Jumper. In the movie, David Rice uses his
superpower that allows him jump from place to place to rob banks. The
purpose was to suffice his minimum needs at the beginning. He even
leaves notes that promise returning the money someday. However, as he
gets older, he uses the power to simply satisfy his desire, to live a
better life. As David changes from a young boy into a pleasure-seeking
man, America has transformed its foundational purpose over the course
of history. David finally gets caught by Paladin, a group of people
organized to kill jumpers. America is facing the same fate. It is
caught in a massive pile of predicament. Although in the movie, David
gets away with help and using his ability, that is just a fiction. The
country will not be able to rely on its prerogatives to overcome the
crises. It needs to seek for a decent way not just to escape Paladin
but to confront and solve the problem.
2)Then, what is the right path to take? The film Pursuit of Happyness
shows the way. Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith, once lived as a
good salesman making enough money to support his family. However,
after a wrong investment, his financial status and family relationship
break apart. Only having his dearest son Christopher with no money or
wife, Chris seeks for any chance to take care of Christopher. He
finally takes an internship opportunity that promised a career after
six months of no payment. He consistently tries again and again in
order to get the job. This is what Americans today need to look for.
Abandoning the faith in American Superpower, Americans must start a
strife with themselves. It is time to cut those appetites, to look
within, to self-reflect, and to start anew. If we strive once again
like what our ancestors did in the past to build this country,
restoration is possible. It will not be an easy process, and instant
result cannot be expected like Chris's internship. However, the day of
achievement will surely come as Chris finally took the position.
Rosie
Jul 29, 2009, 10:34:23 PM7/29/09
to English 101 summer 09
I see what you’re saying about Lucy and her spending and wanting
what’s new in town and in the market, knowing well that if she doesn’t
have the money right there and then, she can always count on Ricky to
bail her out. Just as many Americans count on credit cards and
thinking that having a credit card is like having money on hand.
Where this is the opposite, having a credit card is having debt on
hand. Whenever used you must pay back some day. Fred is a good
model, but as you mention, having a flaw of trying to get rich quick.
That’s when people get manipulated to invest in this or that and or in
“funny business” that they don’t have much knowledge of. Bills are
coming out left and right trying to make mend this financial crisis in
some way or other. Oil being the most popular financial topic and one
of the causes of the Iraq war, is what bills aim at hitting.
Automotive companies trying to compete within each other nationwide
are pressure into coming up with the most fuel efficient car, now when
compare oversea the fight gets harder to win. But this will cause
for companies to compete among each other and eventually come up with
a most fuel efficient car.
On Jul 23, 12:28 am, Jefferey Mananguite <jmanangu...@gmail.com>
wrote:
what’s new in town and in the market, knowing well that if she doesn’t
have the money right there and then, she can always count on Ricky to
bail her out. Just as many Americans count on credit cards and
thinking that having a credit card is like having money on hand.
Where this is the opposite, having a credit card is having debt on
hand. Whenever used you must pay back some day. Fred is a good
model, but as you mention, having a flaw of trying to get rich quick.
That’s when people get manipulated to invest in this or that and or in
“funny business” that they don’t have much knowledge of. Bills are
coming out left and right trying to make mend this financial crisis in
some way or other. Oil being the most popular financial topic and one
of the causes of the Iraq war, is what bills aim at hitting.
Automotive companies trying to compete within each other nationwide
are pressure into coming up with the most fuel efficient car, now when
compare oversea the fight gets harder to win. But this will cause
for companies to compete among each other and eventually come up with
a most fuel efficient car.
On Jul 23, 12:28 am, Jefferey Mananguite <jmanangu...@gmail.com>
wrote:
Rosie
Jul 29, 2009, 10:59:33 PM7/29/09
to English 101 summer 09
This is a pretty good example of Washington and civilian meddling into
Military business. How trying to be political correct and trying to
live up to an image can cause negative consequences in America. Like
you mention, Bush made a wrong decision of invading Iraq and he tried
to justify it by giving America reasons of weapons of mass destruction
and danger of national security. But now it has come out to light
that it was just for the control of oil. Higher leadership in
Washington has abuse power and tied the hands of military leaders to
do their job.
> > better financial situation.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
Military business. How trying to be political correct and trying to
live up to an image can cause negative consequences in America. Like
you mention, Bush made a wrong decision of invading Iraq and he tried
to justify it by giving America reasons of weapons of mass destruction
and danger of national security. But now it has come out to light
that it was just for the control of oil. Higher leadership in
Washington has abuse power and tied the hands of military leaders to
do their job.
>
> - Show quoted text -
Rosie
Jul 29, 2009, 11:18:34 PM7/29/09
to English 101 summer 09
I agree with you about American needing to start changing their ways
of thinking and acting towards consumerism. Americans need to get re-
educated in saving for a rainy day, consuming only what you need and
not just because you want to have more than your neighbor. American
can learn to live simple, to live “green” this is a way to start
saving energy and by doing that saving money and hey even saving the
planet. Why not? It will take time but it can be done if everyone
does their part.
of thinking and acting towards consumerism. Americans need to get re-
educated in saving for a rainy day, consuming only what you need and
not just because you want to have more than your neighbor. American
can learn to live simple, to live “green” this is a way to start
saving energy and by doing that saving money and hey even saving the
planet. Why not? It will take time but it can be done if everyone
does their part.
tejasvi
Jul 30, 2009, 12:27:52 AM7/30/09
to English 101 summer 09
I agree. there are two types of persons in any society as far as
spending money is concerned. One who will spend money for the sake of
spending only and others who adopt a point of view of conservation. I
think, as per need of the hour we need the second category persons who
buy according to their needs only, Spending money and hoarding things
should not be a status synbol. In today's world all of us should
understand our responsibility towards our society and nation. If we
want that the mark of 'consumer society' should be removed from us, we
should spend prudentially and keep our money safe for worse time.
spending money is concerned. One who will spend money for the sake of
spending only and others who adopt a point of view of conservation. I
think, as per need of the hour we need the second category persons who
buy according to their needs only, Spending money and hoarding things
should not be a status synbol. In today's world all of us should
understand our responsibility towards our society and nation. If we
want that the mark of 'consumer society' should be removed from us, we
should spend prudentially and keep our money safe for worse time.
Rosie
Aug 6, 2009, 4:23:40 PM8/6/09
to English 101 summer 09
Another great comparison could be the TV shows of Army wives and
Desperate Housewives. One show (Army wives) focus on real world
issues and the other (Desperate Housewives) deals more with glamour
and power and diplomacy of being political correct, shopping and
having the latest things in the market. Both of which American
society is made of. Now the questions is, which one are you?
Desperate Housewives. One show (Army wives) focus on real world
issues and the other (Desperate Housewives) deals more with glamour
and power and diplomacy of being political correct, shopping and
having the latest things in the market. Both of which American
society is made of. Now the questions is, which one are you?
JL
Aug 8, 2009, 12:37:59 AM8/8/09
to English 101 summer 09
Journal 6
Americans effects the U.S. in many ways today’s world. One of the
problems that Bacevich points out in America today is our global
warming for our crisis. The environment can be effect by the
consumerism because of the consumer’s greed. The animated film Happy
Feet is the good example shows about the food chain and problem of
general overconsumption. In the film, the problem was overconsumption
of fish and its effects on the food chain. The food chain eventually
can effect Americans. We harvest fish way faster than the fish can
reproduce. We spend more than what we earn and usually we buy more
than what we need. The fishes are not the one effected by the global
warming; the polar bears also drop their population because of the
melting of ice caps. As Bacevich mentions, it is a problem that needs
to be fixed for us. This film inform us how important it is to take
care of our environment and to protect ourselves from global warming.
In American, still there are not enough jobs and people still keep
getting fired. People lost their houses due to unpaid mortgage
payments. Christopher Gardner in the Pursuit of Happyness, the film
based on a true story, represents Americans today. In the movie, he
loses his house, his bank account and credit cards. He desperate to
find a steady job in the movie and American are desperate to find the
job like him today. Financial problems break Christopher’s family and
as well as Americans’ family. Everywhere and everything is competitive
to Americans. Christopher competes with 20 other candidates for
internship position at Dean Witter. We all scared about our economic
crisis but like Christopher if we go through these hard time recession
will pay off.
Shirley H
Aug 9, 2009, 10:00:24 PM8/9/09
to English 101 summer 09
A large problem with the current American economy is consumers
amassing a huge amount of debt through the extensive use of credit
cards. Despite the debt looming overhead like a henchman's axe
waiting to drop, consumers are being encouraged to spend with the
belief that this spending will fuel an economic recovery and in turn
they continue to over exercise their credit card purchase power
believing there will be no repercussions. This approach to “fixing”
our economy by overspending, thinking we can contain the monstrous
accumulating debt, is much like the character of John Hammond in
Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park. Hammond, enthralled with the power
of genetically breeding dinosaurs back into existence, and driven by
the greed to capitalize on this venture, dismisses criticism that
trying to contain these massive voracious beasts will result in
failure. Hammond persists in building his dinosaur park, preparing to
open it to the public, even as things start to go wrong, which
eventually results in the loss of lives, the destruction of the park,
and evacuating the remaining human survivors as they finally abandon
the cause. Similarly, American consumers are drunk on the power of
large credit card limits with a never-ending supply of new items they
“must” buy. They refuse to cut back on the spending dismissing
criticism that the bills will come due, and consumers will have to
pay. The unchecked credit card companies, administering unfair credit
card practices and ballooning consumer debt into an overwhelming force
threatening to destroy lives, liken to the carnivorous dinosaurs who
prey upon the other dinosaurs and the humans, demonstrating the
destructive nature of these animals which cannot be contained by
willful individuals.
Rather than spending with reckless abandon, American consumers must
respect the potentially devastating capacity of credit cards, and
avoid being trapped into large long-term debt. One example of this is
the character of Ann Darrow, in King Kong. Even as King Kong is
enamored with Ms. Darrow, rather than seeking to profit from this,
Darrow continues to maintain the respect for Kong as the
undomesticated creature that he is, understanding that any attempt to
tame him is futile and will lead to disastrous results. Likewise,
American consumers must realize that credit cards must be utilized
wisely and only out of necessity. Accumulating overwhelming debt is
incredibly easy, plunging consumers into extreme financial
difficulties, much as Kong is likely to express his destructive animal
nature when he is abused. Furthermore, US government must keep in
check the credit card companies who abuse their consumers with
unethical practices. Abusing consumers further exacerbates the debt
problem, similarly to Kong breaking free and destroying parts of New
York in his distress, creating a more expansive problem than the
already large problem of holding a dangerous creature in captivity.
The US government must step in and end the exploitive practices of
credit card companies, like the military who ultimately defeat Kong by
shooting him down off the top of the Empire State Building before he
destroys all of New York.
amassing a huge amount of debt through the extensive use of credit
cards. Despite the debt looming overhead like a henchman's axe
waiting to drop, consumers are being encouraged to spend with the
belief that this spending will fuel an economic recovery and in turn
they continue to over exercise their credit card purchase power
believing there will be no repercussions. This approach to “fixing”
our economy by overspending, thinking we can contain the monstrous
accumulating debt, is much like the character of John Hammond in
Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park. Hammond, enthralled with the power
of genetically breeding dinosaurs back into existence, and driven by
the greed to capitalize on this venture, dismisses criticism that
trying to contain these massive voracious beasts will result in
failure. Hammond persists in building his dinosaur park, preparing to
open it to the public, even as things start to go wrong, which
eventually results in the loss of lives, the destruction of the park,
and evacuating the remaining human survivors as they finally abandon
the cause. Similarly, American consumers are drunk on the power of
large credit card limits with a never-ending supply of new items they
“must” buy. They refuse to cut back on the spending dismissing
criticism that the bills will come due, and consumers will have to
pay. The unchecked credit card companies, administering unfair credit
card practices and ballooning consumer debt into an overwhelming force
threatening to destroy lives, liken to the carnivorous dinosaurs who
prey upon the other dinosaurs and the humans, demonstrating the
destructive nature of these animals which cannot be contained by
willful individuals.
Rather than spending with reckless abandon, American consumers must
respect the potentially devastating capacity of credit cards, and
avoid being trapped into large long-term debt. One example of this is
the character of Ann Darrow, in King Kong. Even as King Kong is
enamored with Ms. Darrow, rather than seeking to profit from this,
Darrow continues to maintain the respect for Kong as the
undomesticated creature that he is, understanding that any attempt to
tame him is futile and will lead to disastrous results. Likewise,
American consumers must realize that credit cards must be utilized
wisely and only out of necessity. Accumulating overwhelming debt is
incredibly easy, plunging consumers into extreme financial
difficulties, much as Kong is likely to express his destructive animal
nature when he is abused. Furthermore, US government must keep in
check the credit card companies who abuse their consumers with
unethical practices. Abusing consumers further exacerbates the debt
problem, similarly to Kong breaking free and destroying parts of New
York in his distress, creating a more expansive problem than the
already large problem of holding a dangerous creature in captivity.
The US government must step in and end the exploitive practices of
credit card companies, like the military who ultimately defeat Kong by
shooting him down off the top of the Empire State Building before he
destroys all of New York.
Shirley H
Aug 9, 2009, 10:15:43 PM8/9/09
to English 101 summer 09
Reply to Rosa Moran's week 6 journal post
I really like the example you used for hyper-consumerism of Andy in
the movie, The Devil Wears Prada. It is a good example as it shows
the representation of a young woman who has good intentions and
dreams, who slowly and unknowingly trades away her dreams for the
latest trends and fashions. Most middle-class citizens do not start
out with a gross spending problem. Often it's simply desiring one
item that they purchase on credit, then another, and before they've
realized it, they are indulging in superficial wants at the expense of
large accumulated debt, thinking they can easily pay it off when they
desire to.
Likewise, your comparison of Army wives to Desperate Housewives is a
wonderful comparison of families in Army wives who focus on the real
needs of their lives and their societies, versus the nit-picking, cat-
fighting superfluous attitudes of the characters in Desperate
Housewives.
I really like the example you used for hyper-consumerism of Andy in
the movie, The Devil Wears Prada. It is a good example as it shows
the representation of a young woman who has good intentions and
dreams, who slowly and unknowingly trades away her dreams for the
latest trends and fashions. Most middle-class citizens do not start
out with a gross spending problem. Often it's simply desiring one
item that they purchase on credit, then another, and before they've
realized it, they are indulging in superficial wants at the expense of
large accumulated debt, thinking they can easily pay it off when they
desire to.
Likewise, your comparison of Army wives to Desperate Housewives is a
wonderful comparison of families in Army wives who focus on the real
needs of their lives and their societies, versus the nit-picking, cat-
fighting superfluous attitudes of the characters in Desperate
Housewives.
Hyung K
Aug 9, 2009, 11:08:20 PM8/9/09
to English 101 summer 09
The limits of power by Andrew J. Bacevich, he claimed the tendency of
consumerism, involvement in endless war, driven by a deep infatuation
with military power, has been a catastrophe for the body politic. The
United state currently in a deep depression, Street bailouts, mortgage
crises and military crisis. In addition, a serious problem is that
almost $200 billion is being spent annually on a war that has not been
proven to be beneficial to the United States. Additionally, U.S.
citizen’s high consumerism and credit card debt also help to fall in a
deep depression. To understand our consumerism more clearly, the
example of movie and drama Sex and the city, indicates that a
luxurious life style of American women. The main character Carry likes
to go to shopping for satisfying her outward appearance. Buying
luxurious things and enjoying expensive restaurants with her friends,
spend all her salary to useless things. Most of American women
inspired from this famous drama, they spend more money on designer
shoes and purses. Even though their earning is low, keep purchasing
luxurious things once a week.
Our shopaholic nation has shown an insatiable desire to spend until
our credit cards melt. In contrast, the movie Slumdog Millionaire, the
main character Jamal Malik, and an 18 year-old orphan from the slums
of Mumbai, he's one question away from taking the top prize on India's
most popular television game show, but as with everything else in
Jamal's life, it isn't going to be easy. Likewise, American consumers
have one big problem left; overwhelming debt. Because of our
unmanageable debt, should make our economic crisis severe more and
more.
Ashinee
Aug 9, 2009, 11:22:50 PM8/9/09
to English 101 summer 09
Ashinee Reynolds
Journal Research Week 6
Response To JL.
The analysis you made about happy feet is so true. I think it is
awesome how several animated cartoons that are supposedly meant for
children are filled with subtext that is addressed to adults. Happy
Feet is a perfect example, because it has a great story line that
points out several cause and effect environmental issues. I also think
you made an excellent choice on comparing The Precut of Happiness to
the ideals of Bacevich. The Pursuit of happiness is relative to
Bacevichs’ ideals of consumerism because Christopher Gardner lost a
lot of his materialistic possessions due to his lack of being a wise
consumer. Many people today are experiencing some of the issues that
Gardner faced, but unlike him not everyone has the perseverance that
he had or was awarded the opportunity that he was. Awesome journal
entry JL. I enjoyed reading it.
Journal Research Week 6
Response To JL.
The analysis you made about happy feet is so true. I think it is
awesome how several animated cartoons that are supposedly meant for
children are filled with subtext that is addressed to adults. Happy
Feet is a perfect example, because it has a great story line that
points out several cause and effect environmental issues. I also think
you made an excellent choice on comparing The Precut of Happiness to
the ideals of Bacevich. The Pursuit of happiness is relative to
Bacevichs’ ideals of consumerism because Christopher Gardner lost a
lot of his materialistic possessions due to his lack of being a wise
consumer. Many people today are experiencing some of the issues that
Gardner faced, but unlike him not everyone has the perseverance that
he had or was awarded the opportunity that he was. Awesome journal
entry JL. I enjoyed reading it.
sun yi
Aug 10, 2009, 2:57:05 AM8/10/09
to english-10...@googlegroups.com
Sun Yi
Eng 101
Week-6-research-and-journal
Bacevich points out that the spreading American crisis of confidence was an outward manifestation of an underlying crisis of values. Human identity is no longer defined by what one does, but by what one owns. But we’ve discovered that owning things and consuming things does not satisfy our longing for meaning. We’ve learned that piling material good cannot fill the emptiness of lives which have no confidence or purpose. In other words, Rebecca Bloomwood in the Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella speaks for the consumerism in the USA today. She is a sweet and charming New York City girl who has a tiny, little problem that is rapidly turning into a big problem: she’s hopelessly addicted to shopping and drowning in a sea of debt. Finally, her compulsive shopping and growing debt issues threaten to destroy her love life and derail her career, she struggles to keep it all from spiraling out of control is ultimately forced to reevaluate what’s really important in life. The heroine brings us into a bitter smile by showing profligate consumerism in our society.
As stated on economic indicator, the financial system has reached the point of maximum peril. After years of profligacy, banks have all but stopped lending to each other as the US Congress decides whether to extend support. If the unravelling of the banking system continues, the economic consequences will be dire. Yet there is an even greater risk: that the politicians now contemplating Wall Street’s follies draw the wrong conclusions and take the wrong decisions, losing their confidence in markets altogether.
Bacevich claims about where the US has gone wrong, where our priorities have gone astray and it warns us that the continued pursuit of the imprudent extravagant spending let fall into the wall in this recession. Consequently, the problems of global imbalances are the result of American profligacy rather than its own excessive savings, will collapse.
Being realized on this situation, the practice could be started to things around our daily life. For example, Ford Excursion has a nine-foot-long, four-ton monster that wastes an entire gallon of gas to travel a mere twelve miles. That is why environmental groups like the Sierra Club have nicknamed the Excursion the Ford Valdez" after the Exxon Valdez, an oil tanker that dumped 11 million gallons of oil into the ocean. Therefore, the first thing to do in this country economizes on fuel, so that we should be relieved from dependence on foreign oil.
From: Ashinee <a.reynol...@gmail.com>
To: English 101 summer 09 <english-10...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 9, 2009 8:22:50 PM
Subject: Re: Discussion on week-6-research-and-journal
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