how truthful is the "truth"?

blogger prompt. How might we productively and deliberately use different genres (and rational/irrational explanations) online to help us portray the "truth" of an ongoing situation?

After seeing both of the films, it's hard to know what is the "truth". There were multiple examples of rational and irrational explanations. I think she uses the irrational ones to compliment her rational explanations for the killings in Juarez and her uncle's death. The irrational ones provide a higher sense of credibility for the rational ones. Also, the irrational explanations play on our "pathos" because some of the irrational reasons are theoretical/religious explanations that cannot be denied or be viewed as fact. (For example, the woman who lost her daughter and the bird "knew". The mother also discussed how the bird was in tune with her daughter, etc.) and we discussed in class how that particular example may be a way of mourning and grieving the loss of her daughter. 

Who do you think is to blame for the killings of these women?

Who do you think is to blame for the killings of hundreds of women along the Mexican/U.S. border? From Shariff, to the bus drivers, police/government officials, sex slave organization, religious cult, or drug dealers, we have heard many possible suspects and a few have even been convicted. It is apparent to the majority of the class that Shariff is not the sole suspect, and that he could not be the woman-killing mastermind. But who is then? And is it a collaboration of these groups? I feel that the police are to blame for these brutal rapes and murders. From the woman who saw the photo albums and was sexually assaulted by an officer, to the mysterious bodies dressed in other girls' clothing. Also, the new bodies found after the area has been searched, seems awfully fishy to me. I also believe that the government is not doing anything about this due to little evidence against police officers and little enforcement of any new breakthroughs in the cases.

Why an emphasis on the maquiladora workers?

The Fregoso article on the killings of young women along the Mexico/U.S. border is shocking. I was not aware of the issue and the extreme government corruption that seems to be aiding these woman's deaths. The video corresponds well with Fregoso's writing but the video focuses on the maquiladoras more.  The video made it seem like all women who decide to work at these  maquiladoras are at risk. All of the women are portrayed as innocent, hard-working, trying to provide for their family, and poor. I think these attributes get the viewers sympathy/empathy used in the pathos aspect of writing. With the high number of kidnappings, rapes, and deaths-the maquiladora workers are not the only women being killed. So why do you think they have portrayed the movie to represent the maquiladora female workers as the main target for the awful killings of these women? I personally think they exploit the maquiladora workers due to increased empathy. 

Does my topic need a "good community"?

When asked today in class if we need a "good community" and/or "good citizen" to deal with our issue I was a little stumped. My issue is that of poor nutrition options on our campus. I believe that we need a good and strong community in order to make significant change. Because we are attend a relatively large university, many groups, clubs, etc must make their mark on our campus and voice that their opinion, and choices of the group/club are important for the mass majority of our campus. They try to engage in public discourse and promote their community's goals. I think that we form our own community as "eating students on campus" and if the issue is promoted well enough, and draws enough attention, students would enter the public sphere and share their demands for healthier food, or possibly go against my proposal of healthier options on campus and say that it is just fine the way it is, and nothing should change. A good community would promote what is best for the campus as a whole. What are your thoughts on a "good community"? And do you think that students would care about this issue? How could make them care? 

Warner-why must you be so difficult?

I am beginning to grasp the concept of the counterpublics but have some concern with them. Ideally you would be able to separate yourself from the physical body and enter the public sphere. Ideally the public sphere would work as a whole and communicate efficiently to work toward the better of the people. However, we get our views, morals, and beliefs from our background. Our race, gender, sexuality, nationality, etc. plays into a part of what we think would benefit us as well as others. I know Warner says that this is not in actuality what happens, but I am still confused by the concept. Whatever Warner.

The Washington Roast

I decided to check out The Washington Roast as one of the political blogs we talked about during class. It was truly interesting and entertaining. All of the blogs are very liberal, in your face, and pretty much hilarious or offensive depending on which party you belong to. The Washington Roast is open to the public, provides information about who the bloggers are, how to contact them, but no list of bloggers they follow. They also do not have a donation box like some of the other sights. The Washington Roast is filled with humor, satire, and mildly offensive captions ("Jesus in Texas" regards some of the tea party campaigns). The site is overall highly biased, mildly funny, and entertaining as all heck. It kind of reminds me of the Onion or some other sort of comedic political site.

so many questions

When I see the obese 20 year old walking out of the student union with a 32 oz. soda, a personal pizza, and a side of fries, I just want to know how this came to be. Does she have a pizza craving? Is this her normal lunch option? Did Pizza Hut have the shortest line, and that's why she chose pizza? Is that meal one of the only options in her budget/price range? Did she choose her food based on convenience of location (student union)? Does she know how bad that food truly is for her, and what it does to her body? I have so many questions for this stranger, but I don't ask her. Why? Well, because it's rude. I just want to know the reasoning and the justification of the student's food choices.

So why do you guys and girls choose the poor nutrition options at CSUSB?

Graffiti in San Bernardino

I usually see graffiti on free way overpasses, trains, residential walls, liquor stores, and billboards in San Bernardino. Freeway overpasses intrigue me the most because I often see the tagging and wonder how the taggers get themselves on the side of the bridge. I haven't seen Spider-man around lately, so it's like do they repel themselves down or are they just hanging on to ledges. It's pretty awesome when you think about it. Some of the other places are less dangerous, unless you're afraid of heights and scared to climb a billboard ladder. I know some taggers who graff in train yards and hit other places like liquor stores at night. Where else have you seen tagging/graffiti?

Public Issue

My public issue deals with graffiti in the public. To me graffiti is an art and when used positively can be used as a powerful form of public opinion. The issue is that no public space has been provided to graffiti artists so all they can resort to is to paint on public property. I know that some people are ignorant and even if space was provided, they wouldn't correct their actions. But I believe that if we tried to implent public painting spaces, such as Venice Beach has done, that more artists would transfer their energy from public buildings and property to these designated positions. I think everyone has seen graffiti misplaced within their city and can relate. I am interested to what people think? Remember that art/graffiti can be powerful and influential in the form of murals and paintings.

Problem-Posing Topic: Poor Nutrition Choices at CSUSB

I have chosen to write about the poor nutrition choices we have at CSUSB. The Taco Bell, candy, Starbucks muffins, and pizza students, faculty, prospective students, and guests are consuming is influencing our CSUSB community. I've chosen this topic because I feel it effects nearly all of CSUSB. I am a nutrition major and nutrition is something that impacts our daily lives as well as long-term health. With over 60% of our nation overweight or obese it is time that we make some changes. I am not asking Pizza Hut to become a health food smoothie shop, but merely displaying my concern for the lack of healthy options on campus. Examples of healthier options may include whole grain bread instead of white or wheat, fruit juices, and flavored water options in the pop dispensing machines, and healthy on-the-go snacks in vending machines. I am not sure of who I would contact to make things happen on campus (I'm new) so if anyone has a suggestion, let me know. :)

History and Habermas

Today we discussed how the history is incorporated with the overall concept Habermas explains about Public Sphere. Our group's one sentence to describe it was "History laid the foundation for the creation and evolution of the public sphere." I think this accurately describes the history and concept. The history describes the former public sphere consisting of only the church and state. When groups outside of the church and state are brought to discuss change and issues in an accessible manner, it becomes a public sphere.
We also discussed the different values Habermas portrays in his article. I believe that democracy is a large value discussed in his article. As democracy evolved, the public sphere grew to those in the third class (peasantry), again creating public sphere.

The Student Union

The student union works well as a public sphere. It is ideal because it has so much space to walk around and conversate with people. There are round tables, couches, and steps to sit on. There are signs and posters everywhere that involve some type of participation and inform the student body. The first thing you hear when you walk in is people talking. The university did well with design because there are vibrant colors everywhere, nice plants, and very cool social locations like Starbucks. Kudos to the students union.

the big SU

The student union is one of the most inviting places on campus. Maybe that's because there are people paid to invite you to the ASU's events, either way it is designed to have an appealing environment. Whether it's the design of the circular chairs where no one can actually face each other, to the balcony right next to the "Blue Coyote" formerly known as the pub, it has that look, which is meant to attract, however debatable its actual efficiency is.

The student union is also where most of college discourse goes on. People meet durning their breaks, or when they're finished with their classes and hang out with friends there. It's a daily hang out spot for greek life and the lonely freshman that just wanders around aimlessly with 2 hrs to kill before their next class. Here anything is an open subject, whether it's how hot that person sleeping on the couch is, to the next mayor or even just stupid talk that gets forgotten in less than 3 minutes

campus public observations

 Our group decided to look at the Student Union on campus and evaluate it as a public sphere. Students and faculty are invited to participate in this arena based on the building layout being very central on campus. There are also many entrances and glass doors that "feel" inviting. Easy access is key for a public sphere. Upon entering the Union you can see an open floor plan which again, invites both congregation and communication. Flyers, posters, bulletin boards, and announcements over mega phones fill the main level. They offer students to observe what is going on in their communities, and try to engage as many people in clubs, activities, and Coyote Pride.