Thoughts Behind...

As we discuss the roles of pictures and words in conveying a story, I become mildly conflicted in several aspects. First, and most obviously, which one does the better job? To me, both forms of storytelling allow for creativity and personal thought. But, while writing is both specific and yet very imagination-based, illustrations tend to be only the latter. A drawing calls for "broader topics" (McCloud 815) of assumptions. And while that may be seen as a good thing, I see it as a source of miscommunication. Because images are open to so many different interpretations, often, the author's intended meaning is not truly understood. Similarly, I regularly find myself wondering if, as readers, we also look too much into the text and find meaning when the author actually had none. What if the author didn't really have a specific theme in mind and just wanted to write an amusing story? Of course, I may just be too simple-minded and unqualified, but I find myself doubting t...

Rules. They're a set of regulations that we abide by daily. They're meant to create organization, civil conduct, and improvement among society. And it's necessary to enforce these rules so that order and integrity are ensured. But somewhere along the way of enforcing and following these rules, the purpose behind making them has been forgotten. At school, tardies exist to ensure that students are present for the lesson. But when you step into the classroom 30 seconds late (because of the terrible traffic leading up to the school campus), a mere four days of the ten weeks of a quarter, you are expected to spend several hours sitting idly for detention. The advisors tell you, "this will teach you to be punctual." But does it really make sense to be punished for multiple hours for missing a grand total of two minutes of your first period where class hasn't even really begun? Or when your teacher plays a movie because the school year is practically over, and yo...

In the US, approximately 46 murders, 4,800 robberies, and 24,660 identity thefts occur daily. These crimes are all committed for the purpose of fulfilling one self's own desires. Yet even worse, these terrible and inhumane acts account for only a tiny fraction of all the wrongdoings humans or, at a smaller scale, Americans commit to benefit themselves. With this concrete evidence, it is almost impossible to dispute Wallace's claim that "there is no experience... you were not at the absolute center" (Wallace paragraph 14)! But what about volunteering at soup kitchens, or helping a friend out with homework, or even telling the truth? Those are true acts of altruism that cannot be tainted! But what if they can be? I'm not saying that every virtuous act is feigned with selfishness, nor am I trying to be a cynic. I am just truly curious as to whether or not us humans are able to distinguish our genuine intentions. Helping the homeless could be because you feel co...

Whether it be New York City, D.C., or even Troy, every city around the world seem to contain some type of memorial. While the vast majority of memorials are enjoyed by merely a select few, urban locations allow for only the most significant to become the most memorable. Or is it the other way around? Majority of the time, people searching for fame from across the country tend to flock to Hollywood. Although talent is plentiful among the 330 million people in the US, the reason for this common journey to this specific city is opportunity . Of course, there is opportunity! Over 4 million people surround the area! Like the most distinct stars that rise to fame, it seems that only the most tragic and most heroic events are featured among the millions. Because without a doubt, placing a memorial within a populated city "'would give...pertinence'" (Booth 35). But if the most irrelevant and most puzzling event were to be put on that same spotlight, would it be given the ...