VOLUME 23 A Magazine of Student Essays 20010 A Publication of San Joaquin A Raisin in the Sun: A Trinity of Adaptations—Comparisons in Contrast...... 2 Jenny Taylor provides a comprehensive analysis of three screen productions of Delta College an American classic. http://www.deltacollege.edu/org/deltawinds

Gifts to an Infant...... 12 Editors Kaneez Sayeed reflects on the lasting significance of a traditional set of golden William Agopsowicz earrings. Robert Bini

Lack of Failure?...... 14 Division Dean Javier A. Villalobos tracks the psychological consequences of childhood failure English Language Arts in sports and academics. Paul Kuehn

Online Classes: Promoting Critical Thinking and Cooperation between the Graphic Design Sexes...... 17 Susan E. Lovotti Deanna L. Tocco explores the potential for non-discriminatory education in an alternative learning environment Cover photo Stan Rapada Running with the Team: An Examination of the Positive Effects of In-Group http://community.webshots.com/user/srapada Conformity...... 23 Nisa Shinagawa applies concepts of conformity to her personal experiences Delta Winds is a publication of student essays from with cross-country running. courses at San Joaquin Delta College. It is pub- lished each year by the English Department of San Working Mothers Are Benefiting the Family...... 26 Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stock- Supreet Mann dissects common arguments against working mothers, believing ton, California 95207. The authors certify that their they should be commended and not criticized. writing is their own creation. The views expressed in these essays do not necessarily reflect the opinions My Family’s Black and I’m Proud: A story of how two small souls brought some of the faculty, the administration, or the trustees of color to our lives...... 30 Delta College. All rights reserved. No part of this Amanda Zimmerman discusses her family’s experiences with racial integration. publication may be reproduced for profit in any form or by any means without written permission. What Rock Music Means to Me...... 32 Charles F. Ogren shares his experiences as a student, lyricist, musician and Letter from the Editors performer of rock ‘n’ roll. This year’s volume contains works of various size and shape: extended research on topics from classic American When Thin Stops Defining Beauty...... 35 literature to online education; analytical essays on the Alexandra Eriksen-Hisel views the inclusion of plus-sized models in popular common experiences shared by children and young adults media as a step in the right direction. faced with the challenges of society; explorations of women in roles as working mothers and fashion models; and personal reflections on subjects concerning racial tolerance, The Decomposition of Education...... 37 the passing on of ancestral traditions and values, and the An anonymous author blames teachers, parents, and students for the passionate sounds and significance of rock music. This year’s overwhelming number of students needing basic skills. volume also includes three essays concerning education and the recent administrative decision to cut basic skills courses Cutting Basic Skills Courses at Delta College...... 40 here at Delta College. In this set of essays on education, Cara Pellegri agrees with administrators’ cuts to basic reading, writing, math, students consider the state of education in their state and at and ESL classes. their college. The diversity of opinion and interest evident in all of these compositions reflects the commonality found Selective Education at Delta College...... 43 at this community college. What we have in common is our Gabriel Haro-Acosta argues cutting ESL classes jeopardizes the future lives of own individuality. What our students at this college search for through writing is to express their own independent recent immigrants. voices—regardless of skill level, cultural background, and prior educational experience.

1 Jenny Taylor is thirty- A Raisin in the Sun: two, having returned to A Trinity of Adaptations—Comparisons school after a prolonged absence. She enjoys in Contrast studying literature, in by Jenny Taylor all of its various forms, and she appreciates the opportunity she has had to develop her writing skills through her courses at Delta. She is particularly Lorraine Hansberry’s 1959 version, was adapted from stage interested in playwriting, play A Raisin in the Sun was format to movie format (A Raisin which she plans to pursue groundbreaking as it was the first in the Sun 2008). in the future. play written by a black woman to be produced on Broadway, as Having three adaptations well as one of the first to depict of a single original work is the everyday struggles faced by a bound to lead to a number of black American Glover’s performance commonalities, family (Nemiroff creates an edgier and these are 6). The play has no exception. been adapted to Walter Lee, one who Similarities are the screen on is unpredictable, found in plot, three occasions. while Poitier’s range thematic issues, In 1961, a film is not as broad. characterization, version of the and symbolism; play was released however, each screen featuring the original Broadway version exhibits variances in the cast and a screenplay written by strength of its interpretations Hansberry herself (A Raisin in the of these four elements, as well Sun 1961). A second adaptation as the additional elements was made in 1989 in honor of the of performance, direction, play’s twenty-fifth anniversary. cinematography, setting, and This version differs greatly from sound. the 1961 adaptation in that it is a filmed version of the play and, As the play begins, the Younger therefore, adheres to Hansberry’s family, consisting of matriarch original work much more closely Lena, her two children Walter than the first adaptation. This Lee and Beneatha, Walter Lee’s American Playhouse production wife Ruth, and son Travis, await was made for television and based the arrival of a ten thousand dollar on the off-Broadway revival of check. This check, a payout from the play produced by Roundabout Lena’s deceased husband’s life Theatre (A Raisin in the Sun insurance policy, is the inciting 1989). In 2008, a third adaptation incident from which all conflicts was produced, also for television. emerge. This version offered a teleplay, written by Paris Qualles, based The play’s opening scene, on Hansberry’s original play, but depicting a morning in the again, like the previous 1961 Younger household, touches 2 upon a number of thematic issues as George says, he is “all whacked through character conflict. The up with bitterness” (Hansberry undercurrent of discontent existing 85). This bitterness is eating away between Walter Lee and Ruth at him, and he takes it out on is immediately evident by their those closest, particularly his wife passive aggressive behavior. Walter Ruth. Poitier does a great job Lee, aware the insurance check at capturing the despair of the will be arriving shortly, wants Ruth character, but the performance to speak to Lena about giving him lacks the internal conflict that the money to invest. At Ruth’s Glover’s displays. That said, both reluctance to do so, he declares performances are far superior to her unsupportive, an accusation he that of Sean Combs in the 2008 reiterates several times within the film adaptation. Combs does not scene (Hansberry 32). have the same acting ability as the two previous Hansberry Audra McDonald, in the actors, and his describes Walter 2008 adaptation, strikes portrayal of Lee as “…a lean, the best balance between Walter Lee lacks intense young Ruth’s underlying anger sharpness. He man in his middle and world-weariness. She displays little thirties, inclined of the intensity to quick nervous comes across with all the the other actors movements and tired disappointment life bring to the role, erratic speech has left her and a sense and, without habits—and of quiet desperation that intensity, always in his rivaling Walter Lee’s any edge the voice there is verbalized discontent in character has a quality of disappears. indictment” (25). magnitude. Combs creates Sidney Poitier, a soft-spoken who portrays the character, and character in the 1961 adaptation, while it works to show Walter embodies the physicality of this Lee’s disillusionment, it does not description well, in particular convey his anger as well. He does the “quick nervous movements” not bring the same range to the (25). Poitier, however, while role both of the previous actors still bringing an intensity to the display and the result is a largely role, does not capture Walter one-dimensional portrayal. Lee’s resentment as well as Danny Glover does in the 1989 In Ruth, Hansberry describes a adaptation. Glover’s performance woman who is “…about thirty. creates an edgier Walter Lee, We can see that she was a pretty one who is unpredictable, while girl, even exceptionally so, but Poitier’s range is not as broad. His now it is apparent that life has tone remains even throughout been little that she expected, and much of the adaptation, creating disappointment has already begun a more likable character but to hang in her face. In a few years, deviating from the original play in before thirty-five even, she will that Walter Lee is not particularly be known among her people as a likable. He is a conflicted man, or ‘settled woman’” (24). Ruby Dee’s 3 performance in the 1961 film one of those women of a certain captures Ruth’s weariness well. grace and beauty who wear it Dee’s exasperation is visible when so unobtrusively that it takes a she deals with Walter Lee. When while to notice” (Hansberry 39). he begins talking about investing As Lena in the 2008 adaptation, in the liquor store, her reaction is Phylicia Rashad exhibits not almost pleading in inflection, too only the grace described but a tired to deal with him yet again. loving warmth as well, while This is in direct contrast to the simultaneously maintaining an hostility Starletta Dupois displays iron strength. One scene which in her characterization of Ruth exemplifies this takes place shortly in the 1989 adaptation. Dupois’ after the family finds out Walter performance Lee has lost is grandiose As Lena in the 2008 his father’s life compared to adaptation, Phylicia Rashad insurance money those of the exhibits not only the grace and plans to other two described but a loving take the bribe actresses in warmth as well, while from Linder the role. It is to not move simultaneously maintaining louder, angrier, into their new and more an iron strength. home. Beneatha, suited to the angry at the stage than the situation, says screen, where nuance is of Walter Lee “is no brother of mine” consequence. Audra McDonald, (Hansberry 145). Lena, though in the 2008 adaptation, strikes equally disappointed in Walter the best balance between Ruth’s Lee, responds by saying, “Child underlying anger and world- when do you think it is time to weariness. She comes across love somebody the most? When with all the tired disappointment they done good and made things life has left her and a sense of easy for everybody? Well then quiet desperation rivaling Walter you ain’t done learning because Lee’s verbalized discontent in that ain’t the time at all. It’s when magnitude. This is best displayed he’s at his lowest and can’t believe in the scene in which Ruth visits in hisself ‘cause the world done an abortion clinic, operated out of whipped him so” (Hansberry 145). the neighborhood beauty parlor. In this scene, Rashad rivals the While Ruth is waiting for the exemplary earlier performance procedure, she looks around the of Esther Rolle in the 1989 room, and as she thinks about adaptation. Rolle’s portrayal of her decision, her eyes tear, her Lena is similar to Rashad’s in misery palpable. It is an affecting that she comes across as a strong- performance created by a gifted willed woman who can be harsh actress. with her children when necessary, but her devotion to them is Lena Younger embodies many evident in every scene. In the of the archetypical features of a 1961 adaptation, Claudia McNeil mother figure. She is described as portrays Lena as a harder woman “…a woman in her early sixties, than in the two later adaptations. full-bodied and strong. She is Her devotion is unwavering, 4 but her tone is angry much of original play. In the original work, the time. The portrayal conveys Beneatha is dramatic, but not strength, but the warmth, which ridiculously so. Sanaa Latham comes through in the other two captures this best in the 2008 performances, is lacking in this adaptation, as her performance one. embraces a sense of Beneatha’s dramatic nature, yet she is not a Beneatha is described as similar to caricature. her brother in nature in intensity, but education has differentiated In all of the above performances, her from the rest of her family character emerges with the (Hansberry 35). In the play, she progression of conflict, both comes off as given to the dramatic, character and plot. It is apparent but young and both Walter Lee idealistic as well. His desperate search for and Beneatha are Sanaa Lathan’s a better life is made all struggling with portrayal, in the the more futile because of self-identity. 2008 adaptation, the oppression he faces in Walter Lee is falls between a self-centered a racist society, and now Diana Sand’s individual, portrayal of the he feels his one chance at placing more character in the something more is being importance 1961 film and taken from him by his own on his needs Kim Yancey’s in mother. than others’. the 1989 version. He continually Yancey overacts harasses the part, as her Beneatha about performance seems better suited her desire to go to medical school. to the theatre, where a larger It is not that he does not want performance is necessary. With her to go, he simply wants to use this adaptation being a play filmed the money for his liquor store. He as a play, the performances are believes she should be willing to more theatrical in nature than in sacrifice her dream for his. This is the other adaptations; however, the same belief he has regarding the inclusion of the camera his wife Ruth. When Lena places necessitates an alteration in the a down payment on a home, Ruth performance that simply does cannot contain her happiness. It not happen. Instead, Yancey’s is obvious from Ruth’s reaction performance seems over the top that she needs this move—that in a few scenes, such as the one it is integral to her well-being. in which Beneatha argues with Her happiness over Lena’s use of Walter Lee early on and, later, the the money is a direct defiance of scene in which she interacts with Walter Lee’s own unhappiness, Asagai when he’s first introduced. and she knows this. She pleads Contrasting this in the 1961 with Walter Lee to be happy adaptation is Sand’s performance, about it, but he is unable to so which is low-key, resulting in (Hansberry 92.) Instead of seeing a temperance of Beneatha’s his wife’s happiness or his mother’s personality when compared desire to keep her family together, to the other versions and the 5 he sees his own opportunity it’s your seventeenth birthday, eluding him. Walter Lee’s options what is it you’ve decided?…Just in life are limited because he is tell me where you want to go to black. His desperate search for a school and you’ll go. Just tell me, better life is made all the more what it is you want to be—and futile because of the oppression he you’ll be it…Whatever you want faces in a racist society, and now he to be—Yessir! You just name it feels his one chance at something son…and I hand you the world” more is being taken from him (Hansberry 109). by his own mother. Despite this reaction, Walter Lee is not entirely It is unfortunate this scene did not selfish. He is motivated not only make it into any of the adaptations by a desire for something more for because it accomplishes two himself, but things; it lends also for his “and Ruth will come an element of family. A scene kindness to conspicuously downstairs and meet me at Walter Lee’s missing from the door and we’ll kiss each character by all three other and she’ll take my arm revealing that adaptations and we’ll go up to your room his motivations effectively to see you sitting on the floor are not entirely depicts this with the catalogues of all selfish, and it desire. After also touches on Lena has given the great schools in America the theme of a Walter Lee around you…All the great person finding the money schools in the world!” hope for the to put into future in their a checking children. account, he The omitted begins talking to Travis, telling scene shows Walter Lee is not him his dream for the future: as far away from being the man his father was, as it might seem. “That’s how come one day when Had that scene been in any of you ‘bout seventeen years old I’ll the versions, it would have added come home and I’ll be pretty tired, strength to theme and character. you know what I mean, after a day of conferences and secretaries Beneatha’s search for identity getting things wrong the way they does not have the quality of do…’cause an executive’s life is despair Walter Lee’s has, as she hell, man—and I’ll pull the car up has not been forced to sacrifice on the driveway…and I’ll go inside her goals and aspirations in and Ruth will come downstairs order to support the family. Her and meet me at the door and we’ll pursuit instead has to do with an kiss each other and she’ll take my expression of self and search for arm and we’ll go up to your room inner fulfillment. When she tries to see you sitting on the floor to explain this to her mother and with the catalogues of all the great Ruth, they burst into laughter schools in America around you… (Hansberry 48). The concept All the great schools in the world! of self-expression is foreign to And—and I’ll say, all right son— these women concerned with 6 surviving as opposed to expressing themselves. Beneatha’s search In the characters of Lena and for self-discovery leads to her Ruth, the playwright has presented relationship with Joseph Asagai, women of a self-sacrificing a native Nigerian she befriends at nature. Lena has spent a lifetime school. Her experimentation to sacrificing for her children, just this end includes dressing in native as her husband did. She does so Nigerian robes Asagai brings her, with a faith in something bigger, listening to Nigerian music, and a belief that all the sacrifice is allowing her hair to return to its for a purpose. Even the death of natural state. The only adaptation her husband, due in large part to in which Beneatha changes her his own life of sacrifice, does not hair is the 1989 film. In the other destroy her faith. Having sacrificed two adaptations, no mention is so much herself, she cannot see made of her why this same hair, while The concept of self- sacrifice is the robes and expression is foreign to eating away at music are kept. these women concerned Walter Lee. Beneatha’s with surviving as opposed to hairstyle is expressing themselves. In each symbolic of her adaptation “assimilation” Walter Lee into the stops going accepted white culture of the time to work after his mother refuses period and the larger “assimilation” to entrust him with the money to of black people into a country invest. Both the 1961 and 2008 in which the white culture is adaptations have Lena show up predominant. The loss of Beneatha at the bar to retrieve her wayward changing her hairstyle in an son. In the 1961 adaptation, Lena attempt to break with conformity sits with Walter Lee in the bar, in the 1961 and 2008 adaptations and he asks her why she left the is a loss of one of the play’s larger South so long ago. As she explains symbols. her motives to him, she realizes he, too, is driven by a desire for What is ironic in the lack of a better life, just as she was. A understanding between Walter new understanding develops Lee and Beneatha is that Walter between the two, and that is when Lee does not seem to understand she gives him the money. This that Beneatha’s desire to go to scene is altered in the 2008 film medical school is much like his as Lena commands Walter Lee own desire to invest in the liquor to follow her out of the bar and store and just as important. Nor is shown outside waiting, doubt does Beneatha see Walter Lee’s written across her face, until he desire to invest in the liquor store does follow her. It is evident she is as an aspiration equal to her wondering if her action is too late, desire to go to medical school. if she has already lost her son. This Walter Lee and Beneatha both change from the original play and want something more out of life; the 1989 adaptation is effective however, they do not relate to each because it lends credibility to other’s struggle. Lena entrusting Walter Lee with 7 the money. The alteration to this status. George believes himself scene also allows for the parallel to be better than Walter Lee, not bond to be drawn between Lena because of race, as they are both and Walter Lee and reiterates the black, but because his father is a thematic issue of a desire for more successful, wealthy businessman in life. and Walter Lee is a chauffeur. Mrs. Johnson, the Youngers’ neighbor, The character of Joseph Asagai is also representative of a type of serves multiple purposes. He is discrimination. She is critical of symbolic of one of the major the Youngers, implying that they thematic points of the play, think they are better than others depicting the larger overall racial because they are unwilling to struggle and divide between those settle for what they have in life. who have and those who do not. That they want more, that they Asagai comes from a place where are unwilling to keep their place, “it is the exceptional man who can so to speak, is an affront to her. even read a newspaper…or who This is apparent by the way she ever sees a book at all” (Hansberry speaks of Beneatha’s education, 135). He is able by her comments to bring a unique This change from the that Walter Lee perspective to original play and the should be satisfied the Younger’s 1989 adaptation is with being a struggle. Asagai effective because it chauffeur, and by reinforces the lends credibility to Lena her thinly veiled message of entrusting Walter Lee with implication that hope and the in moving from importance of the money. the neighborhood maintaining it in the Youngers times of despair. are inviting He states progress cannot always misfortune (Hansberry 102). Mrs. be seen, but it does not mean it Johnson’s visit is only in the 1989 is not being made (Hansberry adaptation, and both the 1961 134). Asagai’s part is minimized and 2008 adaptations lose any in the 1961 film, while the 1989 exploration of this thematic issue. and 2008 versions maintain the scenes between him and Beneatha The loss of Mrs. Johnson and the where the above thematic issues symbolism related to Beneatha’s are underscored, reinforcing the hairstyle are two examples of the character’s symbolic value, the ways in which the 1989 adaptation play’s larger theme, and developing offers the most authentic character conflict between Asagai recreation of Hansberry’s original and Beneatha. work. It is minimally altered in terms of content, allowing for Two additional minor characters, a full exploration of the play’s George Murchison and themes and character conflict, Mrs. Johnson, also serve to while both the 1961 and 2008 represent larger thematic issues. adaptations are drastically edited. The character of George is While Hansberry herself adapted representative of the social divide the screenplay for the 1961 film, that exists because of economic the content was cut by almost an 8 hour’s length of running time, their new home is a hopeful one. which meant conflicts were The family tours their home, and condensed and not all themes the scene ends on a happy note were given the same amount of with Lena receiving the presents attention, as is normally the case from her children and Travis. with an adaptation. The 2008 In the 2008 version, the end of adaptation is edited to an even the scene is altered to depict the larger degree in the respect that white neighbors staring out of content was deleted and altered, their windows at their new black but scenes were also added. This, neighbors with suspicion, fear, however, does not lead to a fuller and anger. This addition reinforces exploration of the play’s original the theme of discrimination themes, as this adaptation focuses and racism, and Mrs. Johnson’s on the individual thematic issue implication of future trouble of racial discrimination more than for the family. The additional any other. settings in the 2008 adaptation, including the market, the home In the 2008 adaptation, the in Clybourne Park, and the bar, additional The loss of Mrs. Johnson enhance the settings and the symbolism related to thematic serve not Beneatha’s hairstyle are two issues of only to add the film. In to the tone examples of the ways in which the 1961 of the overall the 1989 adaptation offers the film, the film, but most authentic recreation of additional they also Hansberry’s original work. settings depict the also include the bar that Walter discriminatory treatment the Lee frequents and the home in Younger family receives from the Clybourne Park. The addition of world outside their apartment, these settings allows for scenes in including Lena being treated which Walter Lee interacts with poorly by the grocer at the minor characters Bobo and Willie; supermarket, and Walter Lee however, these interactions are dealing with the police officer on brief, and, while they add to the the street. Both of these scenes general cinematic aspect of the speak directly to the subject of film, they do not serve to enhance racism alluded to in the play but any thematic conflicts. not shown, as the play has no such interactions. The scene in which Cinematography is limited in the the family goes to visit their new 1989 adaptation as it is filmed home also defines the difference as a stage work and most of the between the two films. Lena has shots are close-ups and medium put a down payment on a home close-ups. In addition, the singular in Clybourne Park, an all-white setting limits the cinematography neighborhood. Their presence is of this adaptation. The setting not a welcome addition to the maintains the description given residents of this area. In the 1961 in the play of the apartment version, the Youngers’ visit to being “tired” from having “had 9 to accommodate the living of too The 2008 adaptation has a superior many people for too many years…” musical score than the other (Hansberry 23). One benefit to two films as well as better sound the single setting is the sense of effects. The score enhances the confinement it provides the play. adaptation, instead of detracting The family has been bound to from it, unlike the score to the this apartment for too long, and 1961 adaptation, which is dated it shows. The 1961 adaptation has and overpowering. The scene many of the same limitations in in the1961 film in which Lena cinematography, in that even with slaps Beneatha is an example of the addition of setting, the overall the music detracting from the direction is not wide ranging as intensity of the scene instead of in the later adaptation. A series supporting it. The jazz used is too of close- fast-paced ups and The 2008 adaptation is also for the medium close- able to capture the subtlety of ups are the individual performances with employed the combination of direction and with the employment of close-up shots, addition something lost to the other of a few adaptations, which elevates orienting shots, such it comparatively in terms of as the train cinematography. passing on-screen before the scene cuts to the neon sign melancholy tone of the film, and for the Kitty Kat Club and then the saxophone score in the 1989 cuts to Walter Lee sitting inside. film is much better in adding The cinematography in the 2008 to the tone of the adaptation. adaptation is more expansive Another important aspect of than in the previous two films. score in all three adaptations is This adaptation uses a number the symbolic use of Beneatha’s of point-of-view shots, as well Nigerian music to emphasize as orienting and scenic shots, to her exploration of self and, provide a better sense of setting additionally, each adaptation than the 1961 adaptation does. shows how music can be used to The 2008 adaptation is also able enhance a mood or tone when it to capture the subtlety of the is used to effectively underscore individual performances with Walter Lee and Ruth’s newly the combination of direction restored happiness with one and employment of close-up another. The use of sound effects shots, something lost to the is sparing in the 1989 adaptation, other adaptations, which elevates and the sound heard from the it comparatively in terms of street below when Walter Lee cinematography. opens the window lends a sense of realism to the scene. Sound effects are not incorporated as 10 well in this adaptation, however, first produced. The deferment as they are in the 2008 adaptation. of dreams is also something In that adaptation, when Ruth that afflicts many. That the 1989 cooks the eggs, we hear the sizzle, adaptation fully and effectively which adds authenticity to the explores the themes of Hansberry’s scene. Most of the sound effects play is what makes it the better employed are so natural that they adaptation of the three efforts. are not noticeable separately but they would be missed if left out.

In comparing the adaptations and Works Cited the changes made within each one, the 2008 film is more effective A Raisin in the Sun. Dir. Bill than the 1961 film. The addition Duke. Perf. Danny Glover, Esther of the aforementioned scenes, as Rolle, Starletta Dupois, Kim well as the increased number of Yancy. 1989. VHS. Fries Home settings and character interaction, Video, 1990. expansive cinematography, improved musical score, and A Raisin in the Sun. Dir. Daniel exemplary performances by the Petrie. Perf. Sidney Poitier, Ruby female principals, lead to a more Dee, Diana Sands, Claudia fully-realized film. However, McNeil. 1961. DVD. Columbia neither the 1961 adaptation nor Tristar, 2000. the 2008 is able to actualize the most important aspects of the A Raisin in the Sun. Dir. Kenny original work—the complicated Leon. Perf. Sean Combs, Sanaa thematic and character Lathan, Audra McDonald, conflicts—as well as the 1989 Phylicia Rashad. 2008. DVD. version. The thematic issues and Sony, 2008. characterizations in the play are what made it groundbreaking Hansberry, Lorraine. A Raisin in when it was first produced and the Sun. 1958. New York: Random what continue to make it relevant House, 1994. today. Besides racial and gender discrimination, social class is still Nemiroff, Robert. Introduction. a major dividing factor in this A Raisin in the Sun. 1958. By country. The desire for a better Lorraine Hansberry. New York: life resonates with most people, Random House, 1994. 5-14. as it did when the work was

11 Kaneez Sayeed is currently completing Gifts to an general education courses and plans to graduate Infant with an Associate’s Degree. by Kaneez Sayeed

Wrapped in a rectangle of soft with or damaging my earlobe as cotton are two small hoops of the needle was separating my flesh. chiseled gold. Simple and plain, After the piercing, the barber’s they would be dismissed as only wife inserted a loop of thick black two pieces of old gold. However, yarn through my earlobes. For I know the great significance of the next few days, my mother these earrings. The small hoops checked my ears for infections. were a gift to me from my mother. Her mother had done the same for As I see them gleam in the light, her when she had been an infant, I remember that my mother had and the cycle had been repeated a goldsmith make them especially for generations. My grandmother for me. The small hoops are a knew when my ears were ready child’s version of the large circles for real earrings, so she decided a few weeks after that hang Fortunately, the barber’s from my the piercing to mother’s wife had the ability to pierce tell my mother ears. ears without complications to pay the goldsmith to Every make a pair of grandmother or mother in my earrings for me. ancestral village gives a female infant a pair of earrings made of My mother paid a village either silver or gold. My mother goldsmith to make earrings and grandmother decided to for me. In Barazai, my familial mark my sixth month of life by village, goldsmiths make gold having my ears pierced. In my trinkets, including rings, necklaces, village, the barber’s wife pierced bracelets. Jewelry designs are the ears of every infant girl, so my sent to patrons for their approval. grandmother sent a request for her After my mother chose the services. Fortunately, the barber’s style of earrings she wanted, the wife had the ability to pierce ears goldsmith began his work. He without complications. From my melted the small amount of gold mother’s stories, I know that I and selected the proper mold to screamed as my earlobes were split pour it into and then chiseled in the center by a tiny incision. My and shaped the gold into a simple mother held me tightly to prevent hoop with a hooked closing. It has my wriggling from interfering been twenty-four years since my earrings were made. Although the 12 goldsmith may not know it, he has predicted that the small golden a connection to my life through hoops would offer me comfort on the earrings he made for me all my frightening first day of school. those years ago. The golden earrings I received as I wore the earrings as a toddler an infant are too small to be worn and a young child. At two years now, and I have had a couple of of age, I emigrated with my pairs made since, but they do not family to the United States. I replace the original set. Every time was wearing the earrings as I left I open my jewelry box and look my grandmother, my familial at my tiny gold earring, wrapped village, my ancestral homeland of in cotton for protection, I quickly Pakistan. The earrings stayed in remember my grandmother, who my earlobes spent the last as I adjusted Her mother had done the same twenty-three to a different for her when she had been an years of her country and infant, and the cycle had been life in Pakistan home. Three repeated for generations. separated years after I from me. The arrived in the circumstances United States, through which I began kindergarten. My parents the earrings were given to me bought Western dresses for me to inspire a longing in my heart to wear to school, but they did not visit my ancestral country, which remove the golden earrings. On I have not seen in twenty-three my first day of school, I did not years. My goal is to thank the understand a word of English. goldsmith for contributing to the However, when a little girl smiled familial practices in the village and at me and gestured to her ears and for continuing a beautiful craft as then to mine, I understood she my golden earrings are not only a admired my earrings. My mother symbol of my family but a precious and grandmother could not have heirloom.

13 Lack of Failure?

Javier Villalobos Javier Villalobos, from Manteca, California, currently works in sales. When he’s not at work, In today’s society, confidence experience of failure usually gives he’s usually at church, may be as important to as any that person the impression that he school, or the gym. He is other personal attribute. Without has reached his limit of success. back in college at the age confidence, a person might find Once a child believes that he has of 30 pursuing a degree his aspirations a little bleak. reached this limit, he abandons in nursing. He states the People who the hope or idea following: “I believe in lack confidence The that he can ever the power of prayer. And never really take do any better. I remember, that around psychological chances. One The psychological the time that I wrote this example is taking and physical and physical essay, I asked the Lord out a long-term effects of failure to encourage me, and effects of failure loan to purchase can make a child to help me to do well in a new home. A can make a child feel discouraged, school. With my essay person could inadequate, and now being published I can feel discouraged, be intelligent alienated in many safely say that God has and have a good inadequate, and cases. So parents answered my prayer.” job. But if that alienated in should protect person does not against it. have confidence, many cases. he may not The psychological take the chances necessary to discouragements purchase a new home. Uncertain and frustrations of failure can people usually blame their break down a child’s confidence. lack of confidence on past Failure results in embarrassment. childhood failures. In recent years, If a child displays poor dexterity, psychologists have begun to tell his peers and opponents parents that failure in childhood is might heckle him. The shame a healthy experience. Furthermore, experienced due to heckling some psychologists believe that can directly influence the child’s parents should not always protect confidence. In fear of further their children from failure. I humiliation, a child might disagree. The psychological and withdraw from activities. For physical effects of failure are far example, if a child does poorly in too unhealthy and should be a physical sport, he may decide avoided. The definition of the word that that specific sport is not his failure means lack of success. The forte. When multiple attempts 14 to overcome a challenge result than continue. I would suggest to in defeat, the child becomes parents that if their child is going frustrated. As a child, for instance, to participate in a team sport, then I remember doing very poorly the parents and the child should in basketball. It was because set aside a little extra time to of my inferior basketball skills practice and prepare for his first that I decided very early in my game. childhood that basketball was not going to be my long suit. Realizing Sometimes failure can cause that I would rather not be teased social alienation. For example, if a about my poor skills on the court, child were to fail publicly in front I chose not to be on the court. of his peers and companions, a crowd of the child’s peers might Failure can also make a child feel criticize him for his failure. physically inadequate. Imagine Such disapproval could cause his a child playing companions and baseball or softball A lack of other groups of for the first time. academic the child’s peers As expected, a to conclude that rookie ballplayer is achievements the child lacks the not likely to do too in a competitive ability to benefit well in a game of their group. In baseball. One can environment circumstances like easily foresee that a can cause a this, the other rookie would likely children might strike out a few child’s peers to even find the times. It wouldn’t see him as an child’s presence be surprising to to be a weakness. see the newcomer underachiever When a child maybe throw a or a failure. experiences baseball too short social alienation, or too long. Seeing he might feel the majority of his teammates depressed. The alienation and perform better can cultivate in him disconnection from his friends can feelings of physical inadequacy. lead to loneliness. For a child, this can easily progress into the idea that the other Failure can cause a child to be children are physically superior to negatively labeled for his past and him. What if the team were to lose present failures and shortcomings. that baseball game? Believing that This negative verbal abuse due to he lacks the physical skills that failure can easily result again in his peers may possess, the child humiliation and loss of confidence. and his teammates may find the For example, if a child does not child to be at fault for the failure. do well in sports, he often receives Now I’m not trying to imply that the physical label “wimp.” Another parents should not allow their label that one might receive due children to play baseball or other to insufficient success is the term team sports. I’m just trying to “loser.” “Loser” usually describes point out that in dilemmas like someone who is constantly failing. this, children tend to quit rather Most of the labels people think 15 about that describe failure are terms that describe physical failure. In situations that result in failure, There are other types of failure; the psychological and physical take for instance academic failure. consequences negatively affect I remember the child. These as a child that effects can school was a I know from my continue far very competitive own personal into adult life. I environment. A know from my lack of academic experiences that own personal achievements the yoke of my experiences that in a competitive the yoke of my environment past childhood past childhood can cause a failures have failures have child’s peers to many times kept see him as an many times kept me from success. underachiever me from success. For psychologists or a failure. The to champion labels “idiot,” the idea that “stupid,” and parents should “dummy” are all commonly not protect their children from associated with academic failure. experiencing more failure is These labels can be devastating to unprofessional. Life is tough a child’s confidence. That’s why and already filled with far too it is so important for parents to little success, not lack of failure. observe their child’s academic Thus I advocate that parents progress, especially if their child should always help their children wants to compete academically. experience the happiness Through observation parents and benefits of success, and will know how to better prepare protect their children from the their child to achieve academic embarrassment, devastation, and excellence and success. hardships of failure.

16 Online Classes: Promoting Critical Thinking and Cooperation between the Sexes by Deanna Tocco

For the past couple of weeks the that has brought about violence students in our English class have in our world. Rich’s conviction been reading and analyzing works on mastering the art of critical by two authors, then re-analyzing thinking and Clancy’s belief that those texts in relation to a specific we must have cooperation—not synthesis question. domination— Deanna Tocco was born The two texts I Rich’s text focuses between the sexes and raised in Manteca, chose to read are mainly on concerns led me to analyze California. She is a Adrienne Rich’s the online classroom 46-year-old mother of “Taking Women pertaining to environment in three and grandmother Students Seriously,” the suppression relation to these of one; her children a short essay from two skills. In doing range in age from 31 to On The Contrary— of women in the so I came to the 23. She is continuing Essays by Men educational arena. conclusion that the to pursue her long-time and Women, and online classroom goal of completing her a second short environment does bachelor’s degree in essay, “Taming a far better job business administration Testosterone” by Jeanette Blonigen at promoting critical thinking while also working Clancy from the The Rule of and cooperation between the fulltime as the Vice Mars—Readings on the Origins, sexes than does the traditional President of Operations History and Impact of Patriarchy. classroom setting. for Guntert Steel in In my small workgroup of three Ripon, California. students our focus has been this In “Taking Women Students Having started a family question: How might teaching Seriously,” American poet and at such a young age, online students, rather than feminist Adrienne Rich addresses she has met many traditional on-campus students, what it means to be a woman obstacles on her journey change the focus of concern student in a man’s world, a in life, but she wants for these authors? Would these world that she believes has been to encourage young authors be happy or upset to see organized by and for men. She mothers everywhere to students writing in an online explores woman’s role as a second- never give up on their environment rather than in the class citizen from 1947 through dreams; with hard work traditional on-campus setting? the late 1970s, reminding us and dedication all things Rich’s text focuses mainly on of a time when women did not are possible. concerns pertaining to the receive an equal education or equal suppression of women in the opportunity in the workplace. educational arena while Clancy’s She attributes this discrepancy, in focus is the suppression of women part, to men viewing women as in patriarchal societies and how prey. But she also contends that 17 females had been indoctrinated to both authors see women as being believe that assertive or aggressive suppressed in a male-dominated behavior by women would leave world. However, how they view them unmarried, thereby making this male domination is very them failures. She calls on women different: where Rich focuses on educators to challenge their female the effects of man’s domination students to expand their thought over woman, Clancy’s focus is processes and to master critical on the consequences our society thinking skills. She closes by experiences because of male saying women must be cognizant dominance and aggression. of what has caused their self- depreciation According to if they are to Rich, women become critical They fail to assert their are being thinkers and prevented from successful ideas and their beliefs obtaining equal competitors in a out of fear of male education and man’s world. workplace retribution. advancement In educator due to man’s and writer view of Jeanette Blonigen Clancy’s short women as prey. Rich states, “… essay “Taming Testosterone,” on many campuses—Rutgers she addresses women’s dominant for example—where traversing role under matriarchy and their a street lined with fraternity submissive role under patriarchy. houses, she [woman] must run a She list reasons for the societal gauntlet of male commentary and shift to the latter, including both verbal assault” (168). Rich goes agricultural technology and womb on to say, in regards to rape of the envy: the theory that man envied mind, that “Most young women woman because she could produce, experience a profound mixture nourish and raise a child with of humiliation and intellectual relatively little contribution from self-doubt over seductive gestures a man. Clancy gives modern- by men who have the power to day evidence of societies absent award grades, open doors to grants of violence and war, which she and graduate school, or extend attributes to the absence of male special knowledge and training” need for domination in those (169). Rich claims that these societies. She also touches on the acts cause women to be hesitant reality of biological aggressiveness in their actions and result in a in males, but shows evidence that continued cycle of suppression violence and aggressiveness are where women fail to speak up, actually learned behaviors. She both in the classroom and in the closes by saying that only through world at large—where they fail to female relationality—cooperation, assert their ideas and their beliefs absent of domination—will out of fear of male retribution. mankind be able to experience Rich claims the only way to break true worldwide peace. this cycle is through women becoming critical thinkers, who It is clear from the texts that can collect, analyze and synthesize 18 data and who can apply what all involved. In other words, they they’ve learned to the real world. I had to think critically. believe that Rich’s concerns would be greatly dissipated in the online So, what would Rich and Clancy learning environment of today—a think of today’s online learning learning environment that goes environment? Would they a long way in promoting critical consider it a step in the right thinking while also serving to direction? I believe they would. eliminate the issue of women as I also believe that they would be prey. thrilled with students writing in the online environment. I base Clancy views the Students, and more this on the fact consequences of that in the online male domination specifically women, environment somewhat no longer have to feel students are differently. Her able to read focus is on like they have a sea of the postings of violence and eyes looking at them, 20 to 30 other war. She gives students. This evidence of waiting for them to say exposes them societies where something foolish or to many views violence and different from aggression were inadequate. their own and non-existent: serves to broaden “…the earliest their way of societies were neither patriarchal thinking. This is a positive aspect nor militaristic. In the art of these of online learning that is virtually societies, there was a conspicuous absent in the traditional classroom absence of the portrayal of environment. So how well does violence, conquest, domination, the online class environment or the destructive effects of war address the two main concerns of such as master/subject imagery” our authors? Let’s take a look. (303). From this we can deduce that these were peaceful societies, Rich’s main concern is that women societies in which cooperation and do not receive an equal education; open communication would have that they are often afraid to speak existed. So how did these peaceful up in the classroom and voice societies come to be? What did their opinions because they are they have that current societies do treated as prey. This concern has not? I believe one of the biggest been mitigated to some degree in differences has to do with the way the online classroom environment people think. To have peace, there where “speaking up” is much easier had to be open communication to do because a student can voice and cooperation between the his or her opinion somewhat sexes. The citizens had to be able anonymously. It’s not that other to look at each other’s point of students in the class don’t know view, to analyze the issue from all who is posting the response, angles, and to use common sense, because all postings list the name, experience and reasoning before and sometimes the picture, of the coming to a workable solution for student who is submitting the 19 post. But in an online environment between student and student. This you never have to meet your requirement is applicable equally classmates face-to-face, so this to men and women. In fact, some creates an illusion of anonymity. instructors, as part of the course Students, and more specifically curriculum, require students to women, no longer have to feel like participate in small workgroups. they have a sea of eyes looking These workgroups can be made at them, waiting for them to say up of both men and women something foolish or inadequate. and can serve to promote better With the fear of ridicule communication between the sexes. dissipated, women may feel more In a traditional classroom setting at ease contributing new ideas and women may be more inclined to participating in gravitate toward class discussions. Mothers can take other women Women may classes without having when discussing also feel more topics of study. comfortable to leave home—allowing But in the online contributing to them to balance both environment the class discussions instructor may because online family and educational assign men and classes offer demands. women to the students the same workgroup; flexibility to women may do their work even feel at a pace that is comfortable for comfortable enough to invite men them and that works with their to participate in their workgroup. schedule. This freedom allows Members of each workgroup come the student time to process to rely on dialogue and feedback information and come up with from their fellow workgroup logical responses before replying members in order to maximize to fellow students’ or professors’ their learning experience. This type inquiries. In other words, it of learning environment not only alleviates some of the fears that are promotes cooperation between present in a traditional classroom the sexes, as Clancy feels is so environment. The online class crucial, but also advances students’ environment creates a safe haven critical thinking skills, which are in which students can feel free often lacking in the traditional to openly express thoughts, views classroom setting. Clancy’s view and opinions. It allows students that cooperation between the to create dialogue with each other sexes will lead to world peace and provides them the opportunity may be a tad overreaching, but it to see issues from others’ points of is definitely a starting point. For view. In short, it promotes critical if we have open communication thinking. and a willingness to cooperate with one another, we have In addition to promoting the beginnings of a peaceful critical thinking, online classes environment, and this, in turn, require discipline, cooperation may lead to more conducive and communication between learning. As time progresses and student and instructor and also more students take advantage of 20 this new opportunity, Clancy’s critical thinking has traditionally dream of cooperation between the not been a staple of learning sexes may yet transpire. as reading, writing, and math have been. In the classroom we I believe that the online learning are taught from a very early age environment creates many to memorize. Memorize the opportunities that many men alphabet. Memorize multiplication and women may not have had. tables. Memorize spelling

Mothers can take classes without words. Memorize, memorize, having to leave home—allowing memorize. And memorization them to balance both family and does have its place in education. educational demands. Working But more important than mere professionals are afforded the memorization is teaching students luxury of still working full what to do with that information time, while also having the once it is memorized. Teaching advantage of continuing their students how to apply what education—something that is they’ve learned to their own crucially important in this day life—how to reason and come to and age. In addition to these two logical conclusions—this is what is key advantages is the bonus that important. critical thinking and cooperation between the sexes—two skills In school, the skill of reasoning— that are immensely important to the ability to think, to understand a successful life—are promoted and to draw conclusions in an in online learning courses. Both abstract way—is something that is of these are learned skills; they rarely taught to students. But it is are not second nature and they a skill that is crucially important. don’t just magically develop. Teaching students how to analyze They are skills that must be what they’ve learned and to apply taught and nurtured in order the knowledge to their everyday, for one to become proficient real-life world has been lacking in at them. Unfortunately, in the the classroom. But online learning American educational system actually promotes these skills and 21 forces the student to interact with patriarchy on not only women, fellow classmates and instructors but on our entire world. Neither in a way that does not happen in Rich nor Clancy liked what they the traditional classroom. Take saw and they sought to change it. for instance my current online Maybe, just maybe, their work has English class. In this class we have helped to promote the educational been encouraged to interact with environment we have today. each other, to toss out ideas and have other students respond. This Rich and Clancy have brought to is encouraged and expected from the forefront issues that affect not both male and female students. only women, but also our society This type of teaching has created as a whole. While many of Rich’s a dialogue between the students concerns have been rectified over and the professor that has forced the years, the concerns that Clancy us to rethink some of our ideas. had are still quite real. As our It has allowed us to expand our society and our world continue to views and thought processes so evolve and work towards equality that we better understand the between not only men and women, topics we are studying. In other but amongst all humans, there is words, we are honing our critical no better place to start than with thinking skills. At the same our educational system. Hopefully, time, we have also broken down the online classroom environment the barriers of communication will serve as a catalyst in which between men and women. We the skills of critical thinking and interact with one another and cooperation between all humans work together as a regular part of can be nurtured and instilled— our classroom assignments and providing a solid foundation for this has promoted what Clancy the betterment of women and envisioned—cooperation between towards world peace. the sexes. I don’t ever recall taking a traditional, on-campus class Works Cited where either critical thinking or interaction between the students Clancy, Jeanette Blonigen. was as prevalent as it has been “Taming Testosterone.” The in my online courses. I can only Rule of Mars—Readings on the imagine what life must have Origins, History and Impact of been like for women in the era Patriarchy. Ed. Cristina Biaggi. that Rich grew up and taught Manchester, CT: Knowledge, in. Equally hard to imagine is a Ideas and Trends (KIT), 2005. world where men devalued women 301-10. so much that women’s thoughts and opinions didn’t matter. This Rich, Adrienne. “Taking Women was the reality of the world that Students Seriously.” On the Rich grew up in so I can see why Contrary—Essays by Men and she is so adamant about women Women. Ed. Martha Rainbolt and pushing themselves to master Janet Fleetwood. Albany: State critical thinking. For doing so University of New York Press, would allow women to follow their 1983. 165-71. dreams. In her lifetime, Clancy witnessed the negative effects of 22 Running with the Team: An Examination of the Positive Effects of In-Group Conformity

by Nisa Shinagawa

More often than not, conformity that requires two-to-three-hour is seen as negative. It is taught that practices, five days a week (with everyone should strive to be an the occasional Saturdays), five individual and stray from doing months a year, to sweat, hurt, the same things as everyone else, and sometimes bleed. The simple Nisa Shinagawa is 18 but not all forms answer is that years old and attending of conformity conforming to her second year at are bad. Many a team, such as Delta College. She athletic teams cross-country, hopes to finish general have been shown brings forward education along with to have a positive a sense of hard pre-requisites for CSU effect on their in- work, dedication, nursing programs. group members: and belonging. Although reading and the athletes. Involvement in writing was not her According to athletics instills strong point growing Gordon Allport, lifelong values up, she has always “members of an that help guide loved it. She enjoys in-group all use teens throughout running, listening to the term ‘we’ with their entire lives. music, and being with the same essential Gordon Allport’s her family. significance” concepts of (62). This idea of an in-group is in-groups vs. reference groups, seen in sayings such as “there’s of “rewards,” of the group norm no ‘I’ in team.” A team is a group theory of prejudice, and of of individuals who are talented achieved and ascribed status help in a sport and work together to to explain just how the basic defeat a common enemy: their principles of an athletic team can competition. One prominent positively affect the athletes that example of conformity having are a part of it. a positive effect on its in-group members is a team. I myself was The concept of reference groups a part of a cross-country team and in-groups distinguishes the throughout high school, and the differences in attitudes towards habits and lessons that I learned one’s groups. One represents “the on that team have stuck with me sheer fact of membership” (65) to this day. One may ask why and the other “tells us whether the someone would voluntarily be individual prizes that membership” a part of a cross-country team (65). In my experience, my team 23 represented a reference group that the same time. My coaches and also served as an in-group. I was a teammates constantly encouraged member of my high school cross- me to work to my full potential, country team, but it was my choice but most important, my parents to be a member of that team and I were always there to cheer me on. “[prized] that membership” (65). I All of this recognition created was not the most outgoing person “loyalties” and a sense of pride in in high school, often too shy to what I was doing. approach anyone or to strike up a conversation, so I relied on cross- The concept of the group-norm country to jump-start my social theory of prejudice holds that “all life. It was important groups (whether in- to create team unity For me, these bonds groups or reference by becoming familiar formed the feeling groups) develop with everyone of responsibility to a way of living on the team, no my team, and being with characteristic matter his or her on that team meant codes and beliefs, age, sex, or race, that I was a part standards and and as Allport says, of something bigger ‘enemies’ to suit their “What is familiar own adaptive needs” than myself. tends to become a (66). In the case of value” (61). Through my cross-country athletics, people can form team, we created a set of beliefs friendships and bonds. For me, that called for respect of one these bonds formed the feeling another, dedication to the team, of responsibility to my team, and and determination to always try being on that team meant that I our best. These beliefs mirror was a part of something bigger many of the unspoken social rules than myself. I witness everyday at my job and in the classroom. It is these beliefs Rewards came quite frequently that have helped me become a when I ran cross-country. Being a better and more respected person student-athlete at my high school every day. At work it is necessary was highly regarded. Gordon to show up on time every day Allport explains that children that I am scheduled to work. This “[are] ‘rewarded’ by virtue of proves to my boss or manager [their] memberships, and that that I am a dependable employee, this reward creates the loyalty” and it creates a good work history (61) that they have towards their should I decide to look for a new in-group. The same applies to or better job in the future. In cross-country. The boys on the school it is important to always team were shocked when I, a try my best because the choices female runner, could compete, I make may dictate what my life the younger students looked up will be like tomorrow. In college to me, the older students began it is the student’s responsibility to to see me as more than just an put in the work needed to take full underclassman, and the teaching advantage of what is being taught. staff applauded me for my ability All of the core beliefs that I have to maintain outstanding grades learned during cross-country have while participating in athletics at made me a better person and have 24 stayed with me to this day. achieved that title through long hours at practice, through dozens Finally, Gordon Allport’s concept of miles put on our running of achieved as opposed to ascribed shoes, through many days of sore status helps to muscles, and illustrate the through the positive effects We did not earn the title of creation of of in-group section champions by sitting a tightly- conformity. on our rear ends all day; we knit unit of This concept individuals achieved that title through basically states working that achieved long hours at practice, towards the status is one through dozens of miles same goal. that must put on our running shoes, What we had be earned or through many days of sore achieved as “fought for” muscles, and through the a team was (63), while creation of a tightly-knit the greatest ascribed status unit of individuals working “reward” I is “conferred towards the same goal. received every automatically season. by birth” (63). Take for An athletic instance the difference between team may require a lot of time being handed a trophy for no and effort, but the sacrifice is reason versus being handed a well worth the positive impact trophy after running a three-mile that team can play on one’s life. race in under twenty minutes In-groups, like sports teams, and getting eighth place, sweat have changed their members’ dripping down your face, arms lives because of the challenges and legs, muscles aching, lungs they create, the friendships they burning, and your mouth dry from form, the pride they feel from heavy breathing. Which seems the glorification from others, more rewarding? The feeling of and the self-satisfaction they helping my teammates earn first, manifest from achieving goals second, or third place meant more and accomplishing amazing to me than any material object. It physical and mental feats. The core was a way to prove that all of our principles of athletic in-groups hard work, time, and effort were (teamwork, dedication, etc.) create well worth it. We did not earn stepping-stones for their members the title of section champions by to use and follow in creating their sitting on our rear ends all day; we own set of beliefs and principles to live by for the rest of their lives.

25 Working Mothers Are Benefiting the Family

by Supreet Mann

The basic unit of every society is the family. Families make up the Working parents and nonworking fabric of every community and parents alike have a common goal should be valued for the important in mind for their family: that role they hold in keeping people their children are well taken care together. The heads of each of and provided with everything Supreet Mann has familial unit have a duty, a duty that they might need. In “Working spent much of her 20 that I feel is unique to each Mothers are Harming the Family,” Richard Lowry years in the Central family and can My parents both argues that when Valley and is proud change over time. Traditionally, the work because given the choice, to call it her home. father has been they believe that most mothers She has always had the breadwinner— would choose to a passion for reading working several it is in their stay home with and writing and finds days a week to children’s best their children. that the peace she gets provide for his I disagree with from holding a pen family financially. interest. Lowry. In today’s cannot be matched. The mother has competitive She is majoring in traditionally been society, in order English and hopes to the homemaker—taking care of for a family to do well, it is often go on to law school in the children and the house. In necessary for both parents to work. Parents work because of the the future. recent years, our society has seen a rather dramatic shift in the undeniable financial benefits that expectations of both the father come with having both parents and mother. We now expect the work. Two-parent families in father to play a more active role which both parents work make in the lives of his children and an average of $26,000 more in the running of the household. than families in which only one We also expect the mother to be parent works (Karaim). I have more active outside of the home, seen many examples of this in my often by working. There has been own life. My family and many of a division amongst people as to my relatives live in households the benefits and consequences of in which both parents work. For having women work outside of the my family, having my mother home. While some believe that work has had enormous financial working women are harming the benefits. My father is self- family, I feel that working women employed and we are dependent are benefiting their families and on my mother’s job for our health teaching their children valuable and dental insurance, without life lessons. 26 which life would be much more to work and play sports, roles that difficult for us. Having the second some would argue are for “boys income also enabled my family to only.” By encouraging me in this afford a nice home in a safe part of way, my mother has gifted me town, and allowed for my parents with a strong will. I know that I to send me to good schools. My am no less than any man and can parents both work because they be just as successful, if not more believe that it is in their children’s so, than my male counterpart. best interest. Like other working Children from families in which parents, they are simply doing both parents work are very lucky what they believe is right for their because they receive a more children. dynamic view of the importance of working and the happiness it can Working parents often set bring to a person’s life. a good work ethic for their children, helping to make them Despite some of the obvious productive members of society. benefits of having both parents For instance, in “Working work, there are several common Mothers are Benefiting the arguments against having mothers Family,” Reed Karaim states that work. As Michael Noer states in working mothers set an example “Don’t Marry Career Women,” for their children by showing a relationships in which both “willingness to work” and the members work have a higher positive outcomes of working: divorce rate, a higher likelihood namely a sense of independence, of cheating, and the couple pride, and fulfillment. Karaim also is less likely to have children. believes that working mothers I do not believe that this is a help to break the stereotype valid argument against working of women being in the home, mothers. A relationship with concerned with nothing more than problems like Noer describes does their physical appearance. Rather, not result directly from having they are successful independent both members work; rather they women who value and use their are deep-seeded problems that intelligence as much as possible. build over a long period of time. It I agree with Karaim and believe is not fair to blame one member of that working mothers set an the relationship for a problem that example for their children to live occurs between both members. life to its full potential. My mother And while I am sure that there has always encouraged me to be are some couples that cannot active in various aspects of my handle having both members life. She believes that all children work, there are also many couples need to be provided with the that work full time and are able opportunity to do anything and to maintain a loving healthy everything that they may want. relationship. In “Don’t Marry a My mother developed this sense Lazy Man,” Elizabeth Corcoran of independence because she has talks about how marriage is a been working for several years. She two-way street, and both members knows well how fulfilling a sense have a responsibility to maintain of accomplishment can be. She has their relationship. She also gives always encouraged her daughters a personal example by talking 27 about how she and her husband from a family in which English have been able to maintain their was not the primary language, I relationship despite both working lacked communication skills and full-time jobs. My own parents self-confidence. In a daycare center have been married for twenty-two at a young age, I learned many years, nineteen of which both my of the skills necessary to thrive mother and father have worked. both in school and with my peers. I am happy to say that they still Daycare gave me a head start in maintain a happy and healthy school and helped me learn how relationship. to communicate with children my own age. Another common argument against having Another common The arguments both parents argument against for and against work is that the having both parents working children end work is that the children mothers are up in daycare end up in daycare valid in many centers. I do not centers. ways. However, feel that a daycare I feel that center harms a mothers who child in any way; Daycare gave me a head work bring more rather I feel that start in school and to their families the children learn helped me learn how and their how to be social to communicate with relationships with children children my own age. than mothers their own age. who stay at Lowry argues home. In both that being away from the mother cases mothers are doing only what results in more “aggressive and they feel is best for themselves and defiant” children, as reported by their families, but when talking the National Institute of Child about the overall benefits, working Health and Human Development. mothers bring a lot to the family. And while there are some daycare Not only do they bring an extra centers where children are income to the family but they help neglected and not treated well, it to instill in their children a good is always the parents’ responsibility work ethic. Working mothers are to find the best daycare center forced to go against the long held they can afford. When placed in stereotype of the typical family a good daycare, children learn to do what is best for their family how to interact with other kids in today’s times. Mothers should their age. Furthermore, children never be discriminated against for in daycare are provided with choosing to enter the workforce. many resources that they often do Rather, they should be held in not have at home. It is a parent’s high esteem for making a positive responsibility to make sure that contribution to the community. children are being adequately cared for. I was placed in a very good daycare center at a young age Works Cited and believe that it was much more beneficial than harmful. Coming 28 Mothers Are Harming the Corcoran, Elizabeth. “Don’t Marry Family.” Opposing Viewpoints: a Lazy Man.” Forbes.com. 1 Apr The Family. Ed. Auriana Ojeda. 2009 San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2003. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale. Karaim, Reed. “Working Mothers Are Benefiting the Family.” Opposing Viewpoints: The Noer, Michael. “Career Women Family. Ed. Auriana Ojeda. San Make Bad Wives.” Opposing Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2003. Viewpoints: Working Women. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Ed. Christina Fisanick. Detroit: Center. Gale. San Joaquin Delta Greenhaven Press, 2008. College. 20 Mar. 2009 Opposing Viewpoints Resource Lowry, Richard. “Working Center. Gale.

29 My Family’s Black and I’m Proud: A story of how two small souls brought some color to our lives

by Amanda Marie Zimmerman

Amanda Marie Throughout my life I have Jersey. My parents never Zimmerman is lived in predominantly white intended to keep any of the currently finishing neighborhoods and attended children, but they couldn’t her last semester predominantly white schools. help themselves. As corny as it at Delta and is At my high sounds, they transferring to the school there It was six years ago when had fallen in University of the were only love with two Pacific in the fall two black my parents decided that little people. to complete her people. My they wanted to make a My brother, degree in Studio family was contribution to society, Joshua, was Art. Her passions pretty much the first one include laughing a carbon so they began to foster to come with family and copy of the children from inner city home. His friends, photography, show Leave families in Newark, New birth mother sculpture, reading, it to Beaver. was a drug and talking. Her My family Jersey. addict and parents always told never had alcoholic, and her, “All you can do is a problem she wanted your best,” and that’s with people of different races; nothing to do with him. In fact what she strives to do however, we always seemed the only thing she gave to him everyday. to surround ourselves with was his name. My mother and mostly white people. As I was father brought him home from growing up, my parents never the hospital, and he hasn’t left mentioned anything about since. His sister-to-be, Kiannah, race; it was never an issue. In was not initially placed in our fact the only time we spoke home; we received her when of it was when my parents she was about two months made a few additions to our old. Her birth mother was also family, and with these new a drug addict. After she gave family members we have since birth to Kiannah, she left the become more in touch with our hospital without even naming inner blackness. her.

It was six years ago when My family was elated my parents decided that they about our newest members; wanted to make a contribution however, not everybody was to society, so they began to as accepting of these new foster children from inner additions to our family. I city families in Newark, New remember a time when we 30 were at my cousin’s wedding American family, ironically and my aunt met my adopted named the Whites, in hopes of siblings and told my mother giving my brother and sister that she should lock her more black role models. Soon bedroom door at night because after we met the White family, when the children grew older they helped our exceedingly they would probably steal her white family become more in belongings or kill her. We were touch with our soulful selves. all shocked by her comment My parents started buying and haven’t spoken to her clothing for my brother and since. sister that was made by black designers, such as FUBU and Another Baby Phat. problem we Soon after we met Along with run into on a the White family they a new set of more regular helped our exceedingly threads, we basis is dirty also adopted looks and white family become a more soulful unwanted more in touch with our soundtrack comments soulful selves. to our lives. from people With the of the influence of community. the Whites, my I recall a time when Kiannah father has downloaded rap was 6 months old, and I took songs by artists like Soulja her to Wal-Mart. While I was Boy, Black Eyed Peas, and checking out, I overheard a Lil’ Wayne. Consequently, woman making a comment it is not uncommon to walk to her friend that I was a into our house and hear the “black lover.” As bad as these Godfather of Soul, James comments are, many other Brown, shouting, “I’m black people have said the same or and I’m proud,” a song which worse. My family continues to has become my family’s make light of their criticisms anthem. Adopting Joshua and and not let them affect our Kiannah has greatly enhanced lives. my family, and also brought a little soul to our lives. Now After adopting Joshua and rather than resembling Leave Kiannah, my family has it to Beaver, we more closely made quite a turnaround. resemble the 1970’s sitcom Although we still reside Diff’rent Strokes, and I’m in a predominantly white proud of that. part of town, my mother has befriended an African

31 What Rock Music Means to Me

by Charles Ogren

For me music had its be accomplished was for all beginnings when I was about three singers to listen to each six years old during cross- other and to move together Charles Ogren, a country road trips with my or in contrast, whichever was returning Delta family. My two older sisters, appropriate. I have to say, my College student, while singing 1950’s “Doo- sisters may not have agreed, is a native of this Wop” music, grew tired of but after about 100 miles, I area. He grew up singing two-part harmony. felt that I had moved past with a culture of They rightly decided that if them, artistically speaking, music throughout his two parts were good, three and began to ad lib melody entire family. With parts would lines just to a family filled with be incredible. Rock music demonstrate talent and sprinkled When my the depth of with professional cannot be older brother my talent. It performers, Charles said no, they defined by will always be was instilled with came looking my considered a raging passion to one style, nor for their baby opinion that sing and to write brother. To can it trace sisters really music. Married and everyone’s have no sense with three young its beginnings surprise they of humor. Did children, he seeks to successfully from a single I mention that pass the fire on to taught me I was 6 years his gifted ten-year- source. to sing the old? It was old daughter. third and final not possible harmony. to know then, I was introduced to three but the very act of simply songs: “How Much is That singing songs would send me Doggie in the Window?,” the on a journey that would shake unforgettable “Hot Diggity, me to the very depths of my Dog Ziggity, Boom,” and the soul. Then, I learned about folk classic “Michael Row rock ‘n’ roll. Your Boat Ashore.” I was taught that harmony was the You might say that rock ultimate in team dynamics. educated me in ways that The goal was to hit notes spoke just to me; it instilled that, while different than the me with a passion for music, other two, invoked resonance, which is still one of my richness, and the vibration greatest motivators. I knew of every overtone that the that I had uncovered a special atmosphere could muster. The connection, to “forces” in the only way true harmony could universe that understood how 32 I thought, how I felt. This the musicians themselves, was music that I was meant took a little from all those to play, and to sing! How whose talents I respected. I was that possible? I wasn’t listened as the songwriters your stereotypical “Bad Boy” divulged my innermost like Jim Morrison; I didn’t thoughts. In 1973, Roberta do drugs or have much of Flack’s Grammy award anything to protest. Rock ‘n’ winning hit “Killing Me Softly roll, it is said, has to bleed; it with His Song” said it best, has to cry the blues, so why “strumming my pain with then did it his fingers, seem so right? You might singing my It began to life with dawn on me say that rock his words… that rock spoke educated me Telling my to all people; whole life it wasn’t just in ways that with his for those who spoke just to words.” I sought to think that all protest against me; it instilled of us at one political me with a time have practices they felt that a disagreed with. passion for songwriter It wasn’t only music, which understood us for those who completely. sought to “drop is still one of Lyricists, like out” of society my greatest all artists, with the understand help of some motivators. the reality of “chemical” life, yet they inducement. write about It was also for those who the world they wish to see, just wanted to scream, “I am that they wish to be a part of. young and alive!” In fact, The music itself, because of all the usual stereotypes its ever present “beat,” helped regarding rock and its culture me to visualize the rhythm were both true and yet and flow of the poetry within not true at the same time. the lyrics that I wrote. As a What drew us all together, result, I could write in perfect regardless of what part of iambic pentameter. rock ‘n’ roll’s culture we came from, was that it was our For myself, I started a band, music: we had ownership, had opportunities to play and it told our story. It was in clubs, record, travel, do universally accepted that this concerts, and even sing solo was the dawning of a new in front of ten thousand day, and this music heralded people. But, all that aside, its coming. the greatest gift that rock ever gave me was the chance I studied popular music and to share my thoughts, my 33 feelings, and my world views an “open-ended” genre, ever through the lyrics of the songs changing, always seeking to that I wrote. push out walls and expand its boundaries. And that is why Rock music cannot be defined my children’s rock will be as by one style, nor can it trace different as my father’s was its beginnings from a single from mine. Rock music still source. In the lives and it same way, still breathes its writers, What drew us all through the musicians, together, regardless contributions and fans, of what part of of artists cannot be rock ‘n’ roll’s from B.B. categorized by culture we came King to the any narrow from, was that it King himself, exclusionary from The definitions. was our music: we Platters to We have to had ownership, and the Beatles, remember it told our story. from Richie that many of Valens to the trappings that we have Eddie Van Halen, and from come to believe are indelibly Michael Jackson to P. Diddy. linked to the music were But it is at its most powerful labels from its detractors when it regenerates itself not its supporters. Rock through the experiences of music is for everyone. But those kids playing rock in we must pay our dues and their garage, and bringing find our own place within it, to us new talent and new and in so doing make it our perspectives. own. Rock will always be

34 Alexandra Eriksen-Hisel When Thin Stops is currently in her first semester at Delta College. She plans to stay at Delta Defining Beauty for the next two years and is eager to see where her Alexandra Eriksen-Hisel general education degree Young girls everywhere regular women and girls to be will lead her. The only girl open up magazines, watch happy with their body image. of four siblings, she has TV commercials and look Tyra Banks, once a super grown up with a love for at billboards only to find model, now talk show host and the outdoors, sports, biking thin women in tiny clothing producer, has said that her and new adventures. With advertising lifelong goal is parents who allowed her to anything from Although American to “help young explore everything she was electronics to culture puts pressure girls see the interested in, Alexandra has learned to never be fast food. The on being unnaturally beauty in their American media differences.” afraid to try something hint that if you thin, in West African On season new; she appreciates the are thin you culture thin women ten of Banks’ knowledge she has gained will be sexier, are looked down “America’s Next from her experiences. To Alex, music is life, happier, more upon and thought of Top Model,” successful, and a plus-sized cooking is her passion, have a fulfilling as unattractive. model named reading is her hobby and love life. Yet Whitney reality television is her being thin guarantees none Thompson won the grand prize guilty pleasure. But most of those things. Celebrities for the first time. Since then important of all, she sees go to crazy lengths to there has been a rise in the a white picket fence in her demonstrate an unrealistic popularity of plus-sized models. future. view of women with extreme cosmetic surgeries, strict diets As a guest on Tyra Banks’ talk and hours of exercise a day, show, Crystal Renn, a famous and some are still not happy plus-sized model, promoted with themselves. How will her autobiography Hungry. this affect the self-esteem of The book is about her struggle American women if we don’t as a teen with anorexia and start showing that the average bulimia to be a thin model. woman is not a size two? Are She later found more success women bound to this cookie and happiness when she cutter shape, or is thin just a realized she was meant to trend soon to die? Will it ever be a plus-sized model. In the be possible to change the rose book Renn shares her opinion colored glasses that American on the media’s fixation with culture sees through? I believe thin women: “I believe there there’s hope. is a cycle to everything—Wall Street, the housing market, There are some women in and modeling, too. Back in the the media who are trying to Victorian days, it was all about change the mold that has been a full figure, in the ’50s, it was set by pop culture and help about the boobs, in the ’80s it 35 was shoulders and in the ’90s beautiful but everything to do it was waifs. It can only go up with cultural trends. from here.” Renn’s inspirational story is just another step in the Being a curvy woman myself, reformation of the American I find much comfort in seeing women’s body image. larger women shown in such a positive light. Just being The January 2010 issue of healthy should be the main Marie Claire focuses on the priority on every woman’s list. top five plus-sized models If more women in the media in America. There are many would set good examples, different photos of all the curvy women could and would models spread throughout the stop being ashamed of their issue. The magazine even figures. Young girls wouldn’t features a nude shot of one of have half as many self-esteem the models. It was refreshing issues if the pressure to be thin to see fewer thin models when were eased. I think change is reading that issue. This subject possible. was such a hit that Marie Claire now has a permanent column dedicated to tips and Works Cited tricks for plus-sized women. If every beauty magazine could Falcon, Ashley. “Big Girl in recognize full-figured women a Skinny World: Fashion the way Marie Claire did we Resources.” Marie Claire would be headed toward a 27 Jan. 2010. 12 April 2010 brighter and more accepting Some countries just have their preferences. For example, Haworth, Abigail. “Forced to although American culture puts Be Fat.” Marie Claire 12 April pressure on being unnaturally 2010 There the women who are overweight are considered Renn, Crystal. Hungry: A Young beautiful. According to Abigail Model’s Story of Appetite, Haworth in “Forced to be Fat,” Ambition and the Ultimate a tribe in Mauritania, Africa, Embrace of Curves. New York: has families who put their teen :Simon and Schuster, 2009. daughters on high calorie diets and send them to force feeding camps to make them a “Trophy Wife” for their future husbands. Not that I believe this is how America should be but this shows that being fat or thin has nothing to do with being 36 The Decomposition of The author chooses to Education remain anonymous.

Why does it seem that My first argument would students who enter college, be that some teachers lack whether in a UC, CSU or the boldness to give failing Educators, JC level, do so without grades to students who the skills needed to be earn them, thus causing if you are successful? According to the students to have no real Barbara Baran and Vicky fear of failure and worse yet reading this, Lovell in “Cuts Threaten no desire to succeed. During Classes That Teach Basic my years of high school please, be Skills,” “about nine in education I was blessed at ten community college the time, cursed in the long bold! students, more than half of run, by receiving test scores California State University that were graded on a curve. students, and Perhaps the approximately During my years of teachers graded one-third of UC high school education on a curve students do not I was blessed at the because they have the skills time, cursed in the were afraid to to successfully hurt the feelings complete college- long run, by receiving of students. level coursework” test scores that were Perhaps the (A-11). These graded on a curve. teachers were are staggering more concerned statistics, with having especially when students like we consider the reasons them than with challenging why this phenomenon has students to do better. For come to be. Some people the sake of emotions, we might say that it is because have neglected education. the teachers are not doing The focus, I believe, has to their job as educators. They be on a sense of shame for are not educating students failure and a sense of glory with the basic reading, for success. Educators, writing, and arithmetic if you are reading this, skills needed to succeed. please, be bold! There is no Others point to parents crime in giving constructive as the reason for the lack criticism to a student with of education. My goal in a failing test score. This this essay is to challenge would actually encourage parents, teachers, and students to work harder even students themselves and study more. However, to fulfill their roles in the it is a crime to reduce preservation of education.

37 education on the basis second reason students of saving face or avoiding enter college without the discomfort. I have heard of skill needed to succeed in history teachers who do not college is because we, as teach about slavery in the students, have been trained United States because it is to not apply ourselves. a “touchy subject.” What is There is no real need to the payment for this crime? retain knowledge. No fear Students, thousands of of not knowing an answer students, are left behind the to a test because tests have bars of institutions of higher been reduced to true or learning, never able to false and multiple choice, acquire a decent education. or, as my economics teacher rightfully puts The second it, “multiple reason If such a study guide guess.” Why students study when do not have is provided, there is no we can just the basic need to pay attention guess the foundations to anything my teacher answer with a needed high chance for their has to say during the of getting education weeks prior to receiving the question is that they the study guide. right? I even have been had a friend trained to who would, not apply themselves. I on the ridges of his pencil, have taken enough tests write the letters A, B, C, D, by now to know that it and E. When he came to doesn’t matter what I learn a question on a test that during the semester, as he did not know, he would long as my teacher provides gently roll his pencil on his a midterm or final exam desk and whichever letter study guide a week before was face up when it stopped the exam. If such a study rolling would be the answer guide is provided, there is he chose. He was very wise no need to pay attention to in the art of not applying anything my teacher has to himself. say during the weeks prior to receiving the study guide. Finally, the last reason In order to pass the exam, students lack the basic all I have to do is look over skills needed to succeed in the study guide the night college is partly the fault before the exam and, come of parents. Parents have test day, voila, I pass! Then, a mandate to teach their over the winter and summer children basic skills. Why breaks, I forget everything would teachers give out I have learned during the homework to their students previous school session. if they didn’t believe that This is why I believe the there was someone at home 38 who was able to help the spends more time at the feet students understand the of the TV than at the feet problems? They wouldn’t. of her biological mother. If Parents need to encourage parents continue to hand their children to work hard over the responsibilities of and to apply everything parenting to the television, that they are learning. then there can be no hope Parents should instill the for their child’s education. fear of failure and a sense My niece does not have Without the of glory for boldness of success into one mother, or father, educators, their child’s or teacher. No, she has we avoid life. Sadly, thousands, perhaps constructive however, I fear millions of mothers, criticism. most parents Without the have neglected fathers, and teachers, need to apply this duty, because she spends more oneself, we and as time time at the feet of the TV take away the goes on more than at the feet of her need to retain and more knowledge. parents will biological mother. Without the follow suit. parent playing Unlike teachers, parents an active role in educating have a condensed “student- the child, only images to-teacher” ratio to deal without words reside in with. They also have the mind of a child. If this more grounds for giving continues… perhaps, in the constructive criticism near future, no one will be without losing the love of able to read this essay, let the child. One of the ways alone to graduate college. that parents have neglected this duty is by allowing the excess viewing of television Work Cited in the home. My niece does not have one mother, or Baran, Barbara and Vicky father, or teacher. No, she Lovell. “Cuts Threaten has thousands, perhaps Classes That Teach Basic millions of mothers, fathers, Skills.” San Francisco and teachers, because she Chronicle 1 July 2009: A-11.

39 Cutting Basic Skills Courses at Delta College

by Cara Pellegri

Administrators continue classes such as anatomy, to drop classes at Delta statistics, and English 1A. College because they claim they do not have the money The administration states Cara Pellegri is nineteen that through the period of years old and was born and resources to fund these classes. The administrators budget cuts, Delta College and raised in Tracy. After must put its money and graduating from Millennium at Delta College believe that they should resources High School in 2009, she The administrators at toward their enrolled as a full time not focus on classes that Delta College believe main goals, student at Delta College at which are the the Mountain House campus. students that they should not should have transfer level She began attending Delta focus on classes that courses and College when she was a learned in high school. students should have the career- junior in high school and technical took two to three college They claim learned in high school. they should training classes on top of her high courses. school work. She plans to not have to educate It is only receive her AA at Delta in fair to cut the lowest level approximately a year and low-level students with the economy the way it is. of basic skills courses. I then transfer to Diablo strongly believe that what Valley College to become a Delta College administrators believe that they should the administrators are Dental Hygienist. She works currently doing at Delta at a nearby orthodontist focus more of their money and resources on classes is the best way to resolve where she plans to pursue their money issues. Since her career in the dental that are transferable. It is already tough to get the administrators have to into transferable courses cut courses somewhere, because the administrators it should definitely be have been cutting back the basic skills, such as sections. Classes are being reading, math, and English limited all across the board. as a Second Language. Always at the beginning These are classes that were of the semester it is hard taught in high school. If to get in to high-demand, the students still do not transferable classes. These understand the material, are the classes every person then why did they even needs to take to transfer graduate? I do not believe to a four-year university. that these classes should There is a limited number of be taught at Delta when the these hard, but transferable budget has been drastically 40 cut. Delta College is doing level basic skills courses. It the right thing by cutting is not the college’s fault if services to the lowest-level the student did not absorb students so the college can that material while in high focus more on the students school. who worked hard in high school to get to where they Another reason I support are today. If the students the administrators’ passed these classes, why decision is that adult would they want to take school can serve under- these courses over again? prepared students. The English 70 is a very simple administrators are not and straightforward course, saying, “You failed at life, and anyone who and we do not want cannot pass that Delta College to teach you the class has a lifetime is doing the basic skills.” The of learning to look administration is forward to. I took right thing encouraging lower- English 70 last by cutting level students semester here at services to to attend Adult Delta, and it was School first and one of the easiest the lowest- then concentrate classes I have level students on attending ever taken. The so the college a community only reason I took college. The college that course was can focus administrators are because I was on more on the not giving up on the wait list for students who these lower level English 79 and students. If they was unable to be worked hard really want to take added to the class. in high school a remedial class, I needed to take to get to then they should twelve units to go to Adult School. be considered a where they When students full-time student are today. turn eighteen, they and to be able have the right to to receive four continue with their scholarships. When I was high school education or not able to add into English drop out of high school 79, I had to find another and apply to a community five-unit course. An English college. I do not think 70 instructor let me in to that this is the smartest her class. English 70 was decision, but that is their an easy “A” for me because I choice. There are several had learned all the material students who transfer to when I was a sophomore Adult School, take some or junior in high school. basic classes and return to Personally, I do not think their high school. One of my that community colleges friends did not pass a basic should be offering such low math class at Millennium 41 High School. She went to right now, reducing the Adult School three times a number of students who week in the afternoons. She attend college because of learned her lesson not to low education levels, but mess around because for maybe these students will that time period when she learn that high school is was at Millennium and also very important and that at Adult School all she ever they need to start to grow did was homework. She had up. They can teach their absolutely no free time. children down the road to focus on getting an It is not the college’s education in high school in responsibility to work with order to achieve their goals the students who were and achieve success in life. not serious in high school. College is for students who Delta College administrators have a goal in are doing the life and who The administration right thing by worked hard cutting basic in high school is encouraging skills, such as and who will lower-level students reading, math continue to to attend Adult and English work hard as a Second in college to School first and Language. accomplish then concentrate Community their goals. on attending a colleges need The teachers to focus on should not community college. transfer have to teach level courses students who and career do not know the basics for technical training courses. college. It is the college’s College is not meant for responsibility to make everyone, so maybe the sure that the students who students who need to take want to learn have a good the low level courses are not learning environment in meant for college. However, order to become successful. if the students do believe It is the college’s mission that they need to attend to encourage students to college and that college is work hard and give them meant for them, then Adult confidence to strive for School can prepare them to their future. It is sad how enter college at a later date. severe the budget cuts are

42 Selective Education at Delta College Gabriel Haro-Acosta grew up, by Gabriel Haro-Acosta attended Tracy High School and currently lives in Tracy, California. Born in Culiacan, Should higher learning be in this country. The Sinaloa, Mexico, he has been available only to certain foundations of this country attending SJDC for over 2 years, sectors of our society? Or are based on freedoms of studying for his AA in Graphic should college be available education, in accordance Design, and plans on attending to all who require its with free speech. I believe the Art Institute of Sunnyvale for services. In these harsh that education is the single Computer and Game Design. economic times, it is with most important tool to a quick scribble of a pen succeed in life, and should that politicians make or not be available to a select break people’s futures. Not few people in our society. only are our health services San Joaquin Delta College being stripped from the (SJDC) had a decision to very citizens make, whether it is intended I believe that education to cut or to for, but our is the single most keep services education to low-level centers important tool to succeed students. The are being in life, and should not be administrators systematically available to a select few chose to cut obliterated the services. brick by brick. people in our society. Cutting back While it is true education not that we have only affects to balance our budgets for our citizens individually, the “greater good,” we first but damages our society have to start by cleaning up as a whole. As low-level certain bad spending habits. education services are cut I can confidently say that out of the Delta College Education is “not” a bad curriculum, so are low-level spending habit and thus students’ futures. should be preserved by any means necessary. At Delta, low-level students’ services used to include Education is one of our programs ranging from most beloved freedoms English to math and

43 While I agree that we everything in between. What should concentrate on our these decision-makers need transfer and career classes, to realize is what these no one who is willing to basic services are. A great learn should be denied that majority of these services privilege. I personally can catered to our foreign-born account for my reasoning residents who needed these because I’ve gone through basic skills to assimilate a path that most low-level and integrate themselves students know well. My into American society. An native language is Spanish. example of who has been I was born most affected I can honestly say that in Mexico. I by these cuts grew up in can be found with the skills from these the American in the English “low-level” services Delta educational as a Second College has been offering system. Language me, I have become more And while (ESL) establishing program. confident, more willing to a solid These basic reach further into what I foundation for classes can be can become as a person in my education, the deciding this country. I felt that my factor as language skills to whether pertaining to an ESL English were not up to par student can land smoothly with students who were and make a successful from this country. I can transition into American honestly say that with the society. Strengthening and skills from these “low-level” solidifying the foundations services Delta College has of these individuals should been offering me, I have not be de-prioritized. become more confident, While in the short scheme more willing to reach further of things, cutting the into what I can become as lowest levels of basic skills a person in this country. It might seem like a good has made me realize that fallback option, there these classes are vital to the is a human factor that many people similar to my these administrators are situation. passively ignoring. As many of these low-level students The recession era we are are turned away from currently living through education, their chance for has been a very destructive advancement in education one. Our vital services are and for a higher quality slowly being phased out, of life dissolves. This will and with it so are our low- ultimately impact these level educational services. students in a very negative But what are politicians way. and administrators really 44 cutting back? Numbers in built upon or to limit future a budget sheet? generations Or the futures But what are from achieving of the people their potential. these programs politicians and Delta College are designed for? administrators administrators Education leads really cutting back? and Board to the path of Numbers in a budget Members enlightenment, single-handedly tolerance and sheet? Or the futures control the understanding. of the people these future of the As the recession programs are many people continues, SJDC designed for? who attend will have more this campus. very important I hope that decisions to make: in the future to enhance those principles they come to some mutual to which great societies are agreement that can benefit all.

45 Notes

46 Notes

47 Notes

48