WRIT 1122 - First Draft

Many may argue that the web and modern technologies are making us illiterate and incapable of performing tasks that we were previously able to do.  Although the internet has reshaped and molded our way of thinking into one that is much more open, I do not see the web as a hindrance to our skills in reading and writing. It may take away from our attention spans and our handwriting skills, but we are “writing more than ever before” (Lunsford). In our day and age, literacy comes in so many shapes and sizes. Scribner states that literacy is “a kind of reality that educators should be able to grasp and explain... literacy has an ‘essence.’” The “essence” of it is hard to capture and to define because technologies, reading, and writing are changing  and developing in new ways each and every day.  

Scribner took on the challenge of attempting to define literacy. There are so many aspects of literacy so how do you define it? Scribner defines literacy in three metaphors: “literacy as adaptation, literacy as power,” and “literacy as a state of grace” Literacy as adaptation is “functional literacy” or the idea that people are literate because it is a necessary skill in our daily lives. Literacy as power confronts the idea that there is a “relationship between literacy and group or community advancement.” Literacy as a state of grace or “literacy as salvation” covers the concept that there are special powers and virtues given to those who are literate. Scribner declares that literacy as a whole is “critical for individual and social enhancement.” Scribner addresses various facets of literacy, and there are several other ways to define literacy in our world of ever adapting technologies today.

Literacy is a form of expression. When we write, we create something of our own. We make art. On the web, there are many places where users can write as a creative outlet. One example is seen in the blogosphere. Blogs allow internet users to write in the spur of the moment and create a work of art of their own. It does not need to be edited and re-edited before it is exposed to the world. It can be simply displayed the moment you click ‘POST’ or ‘PUBLISH’ on your blog. Blogs are personal writing. “The atmosphere,” Sullivan writes, “will inevitably be formed by the blogger’s personality.” Writing is the same way. Each person has their own style and mannerisms when writing. Many people use blogs as journals, a free write of what is on their mind. Personally, this is format in which I enjoy blogging. I experienced this writing format in several of my English classes throughout high school. In my writing class during my senior year, my English professor had us sit down for the first ten minutes of class and write. It did not matter what we wrote about or what the format it was in, but rather it mattered that we wrote for ten minutes nonstop  at the beginning of every class. This concept is similar to the journal concept in Freedom Writers. In Freedom Writers, an English teacher assigns her high school students to take time to write each day about anything they want. The majority of the students come from backgrounds full of pain and danger. The students are given a way to talk about the horrific events of their daily lives. They log the hurt and the scars that they have gotten in their short lifetimes. As the knowledge in their English class grows, the students are able to read The Diary of Anne Frank. The students are able to relate to this book, and one student mentions that even though Anne dies in the book, her situation is different from the ones of those lost lives of their friends because she spoke about her experiences, and people are able to read about it. Blogging allows people the freedom to write and reveal personal thoughts where it can make an impact.  Whatever you post on a blog, it is instantly published for readers to see. In this modern day, being able to make a difference is a common goal.

Literacy gives the reader and writer a voice. In a study where students were asked for the purpose of their writing, many “wanted their writing to count for something.” To these students, and, I think, to many today, good writing or effective writing is “writing that ‘made something happen in the world.’” (Lunsford)  In this writing class, I have the ability to write for a purpose. I write to share my opinion. I write to give feedback on what I read. I write to examine what I have read. I write and I read my fellow classmates’ posts. At home, I write for a catharsis. I write to reveal my emotions. I write to release. I write to receive advice. I write for interaction.

Literacy is collaboration. Literacy is rewriting, polishing our skills. “The real excitement of intellectual writing,” Harris explains, is "the chance to engage with and rewrite the work of other thinkers." We do not always need completely original ideas and concepts in our writing. We can take bits and pieces of things we read to make a collage of works that we cut, edit, shape, and mold to make our own. We are able to add our own feedback while connecting to other writers. Lunsford refers to the writing we do today as “life writing” because it is “collaborative, social, [and] participatory.” Sullivan reveals his purpose for blogging. He revels in the fact that he can get instant feedback from others on his writing. He can create or trigger an instant discussion. He can have people agree with him and have people argue with him. Either way, he is able to immediately post something and soon after receive positive or negative comments or feedback on his posts. In this way, much like Harris in Rewriting, suggests, readers can examine the text, "rethink" it, and "reinterpret" it. Harris describes texts as artifacts because they have been “made and designed.” In this way, they can “be shelved, filed, or stored and then retrieved and reexamined” (Harris, 11). Our writing may spur and elicit thoughts that influence other writers around us.

The web has transformed the way we think. Although it has been a positive influence in many ways, there have also been a few negative effects. In the article, "Is Google Making Us Stupid?" Carr addresses the issue of the influence of internet on our brains and activities. He reveals that "the Net seems to be ...chipping away [his] capacity for concentration and contemplation." He explains how his "concentration starts to drift after two or three pages. He "get[s] fidgety... [and] begin[s] looking for something else to do." Apparently, the more people use the Web, the more difficult it becomes to stay focused on long pieces of writing. The way we read becomes a "form of skimming activity" because we are '"just seeking convenience." According to Carr, it is not just "a different kind of reading," but it is also a "different kind of thinking."  In the article "America the Illiterate", Hedges contends that in our world, there is "a need for constant stimulus." All of the aspects of our society- the "news, political debate, theater, art and books are judged not on the power of their ideas but on their ability to entertain." We are no longer able to sit and stay still for longer periods of time if we are not interested. We have to be doing something interesting, watching something interesting, listening to something interesting, etc. "The change from a print-based to an image-based society has transformed our nation." I was able to relate to both Carr and Hedges. While reading Carr’s writing, I kept thinking to myself and was surprised at the accuracy of his statements made active in my own life. I identified with the statement on "skimming activity" because I do that often when reading on the web.

The internet and other technologies that exist have given us a more refined and interactive type of literacy. Our civilization has diversified and updated the way we read and write along with the way we live. 

When will my reflection show who I am inside?

Did anyone catch the reference in my title? It's from one of  my favorite movies! ;)

My blogging experience... it's been surprisingly challenging to me. Not that I don't love it, but it's been really different than my past blogging experiences. In the past (well, and present), I've really only written on blogs for a few purposes: to vent, to journal my everyday life, and for my entertainment. Here, for the past few weeks, I've been writing for (more or less) a purpose. I'm not only talking about the fact that this blog is technically an assignment for my writing class, but the fact that each of my posts has had some sort of direction. I love writing for this blog, it's just been harder than blogging in the past. I never really give my other blog posts much thought, but before writing these, I have to sit here and plan and think about what I am going to write. 

Anyways, it actually surprised me how much I enjoy reading other classmates' blog posts. It is so fascinating to read the way that each person writers, the way their voice and their individual style comes out. Another thing that surprised me was how easily I can combine and incorporate my voice into these posts for my class. 

I wouldn't really say that my attitude towards blogging has changed in this process. Not much, at least. It sort of has because I really see how blogs can be used for a strong purpose. It is a way that people can really speak in their own way, capture single moments. It really stuck out to me how Sullivan was able to record his feelings and emotions of what was going on during 9/11. I've had my blog on tumblr for more than 2 years now. It's always fun to go back and read my previous posts. I can remember how I was feeling and go back and reflect on those events. So, I still love blogging, but, I take it more seriously now. Although it was always a catharsis for me, it can be a movement for others.

Literacy has an "essence"

Our Semi-literate Youth? Not So Fast – By Andrea A. Lunsford

Lunsford states that we are a "generation of twitterers and texters." Our writing tends to be “riddled with errors" either with spelling, using the wrong word, improper grammar, etc. The way in which we write and the way in which we approach writing has changed. The writing we do today can be referred to as “life writing” because it is “collaborative, social, [and] participatory.” We approach writing differently. We write for different reasons. When students were asked for the purpose of their writing, many “wanted their writing to count for something.” To these students, and I think, to many of us today, good writing or effective writing is “writing that ‘made something happen in the world.’”

Literacy in Three Metaphors – By Sylvia Scribner

Scribner took on the challenge of attempting to define literacy. There are so many aspects of literacy so how do you define it? Scribner states that literacy is “a kind of reality that educators should be able to grasp and explain... literacy has an ‘essence.’” She then continues to define literacy in three metaphors: “literacy as adaptation, literacy as power,” and “literacy as a state of grace” Literacy adaptation is “functional literacy” or the idea that people are literate because it is a necessary skill in our daily lives. Literacy as power confronts the idea that there is a “relationship between literacy and group or community advancement.” Literacy as a state of grace or “literacy as salvation” covers the concept that there are special powers and virtues given to those who are literate. Scribner declares that literacy as a whole is “critical for individual and social enhancement.”

Similar to how Carr discusses the way in which the web transforms the way we read and think, Lunsford examines the digital age that we life in today. Although Hedges’ view is much more negative than Carr’s, Hedges talks about how our world is fast-paced, always moving along, searching for something new and interesting to catch our eye. Literacy as adaptation in Hedges view would work because Hedges appears upset at the fact that, in his standards, so much of our nation is illiterate.

Various definitions of literacy offered online:

• Literacy is the ability to read for knowledge and interest, write coherently, and think critically about the written word.
• The ability to read and write. 
• Competence or knowledge in a specified area.

What is literacy? I think it is a skill, a necessity to advance in our society. Literacy comes in many shapes and sizes. There is visual literacy, literacy for certain fields of interest, academic literacy, etc. etc. The concept of literacy has been transformed by the web. If you look at Lunsford’s article, people want writing to have significance. This idea goes along with our need to know what is going on in the moment based of our constant updates and links with the rest of the world. I don’t know, I think all of us are literate in different ways. 

Capacity for Concentration

Studies show that a third of a high school graduates, and 42 percent of college graduates, never even read a book after they are done with school. Is the internet a cause for this? Is our generation becoming an era where people don't read books anymore? 

In the article, "Is Google Making Us Stupid?", Carr addresses the issue of the influence of internet on our brains and activities. Carr revealed that "the Net seems to be ...chipping away [his] capacity for concentration and contemplation." He explains how his "concentration starts to drift after two or three pages. He "get[s] fidgety... [and] begin[s] looking for something else to do." Apparently, the more people use the Web, the more difficult it becomes to stay focused on long pieces of writing. It then becomes a question of whether or not reading on the web not only affects our reading, but our way of thinking. The way we read becomes a "form of skimming activity" because we are '"just seeking convenience." According to Carr, it isn't just "a different kind of reading," but it is also a "different kind of thinking."  

Does this mean that America is illiterate? In the article "America the Illiterate", Hedges identifies two different Americas that we currently live in. One, the minority, "a print-based, literate world," and the other, the majority, "a non-reality-based belief system." Hedges addresses similar issues as Carr does. He says that in our world, there is "a need for constant stimulus." All of the aspects of our society- the "news, political debate, theater, art and books are judged not on the power of their ideas but on their ability to entertain." We are no longer able to sit and stay still for longer periods of time if we are not interested. We have to be doing something interesting, watching something interesting, listening to something interesting, etc. "The change from a print-based to an image-based society has transformed our nation." 

It's crazy to me how much I related to both of these articles while reading them. In Carr's article, I kept thinking to myself, 'oh my goodness, I do that. This is scary accurate.' I identified with the statement on "skimming activity" because I do that so often when reading on the web. It actually made me very sad to realize and acknowledge that I agreed so much. I could even relate to Hedges stating that he doesn't read books much anymore. I enjoy reading, but aside from textbooks, it isn't very often that I sit down to read a book. Before high school, I did not have my own laptop. In high school, I did not read as often for leisure, and my reading speed may have possible decreased. Is this a correlation = causation situation or simply just a coincidence? I think both Hedges and Carr are pointing in the direction that more hours on the web causes different thinking. 

What did you all think? Can you relate? 

Definitions & Interpretations

How do you define reading and writing?

Reading is understanding and processing words or symbols. Reading is personal. Each person will read differently. When an author writes, they often aim to write for a specific purpose and expect the reader to get something particular out of it. However, no two people will read something in the exact same way. Some readers might pay attention more to the prose. Some may pay more attention to the appeals. Some may pay more attention to the grammar. 

Writing is creating something of your own. It is an art of sorts in that way. At times, it is creating something straight out of your mind, completely original and fresh. Other times, like Harris says, it is rewriting or rethinking something you have previously seen or read and adding in your own perspective and interpretation. Writing can be organized or disorganized. It can be carefully thought through, or in the cases of a blog, it can be more of a "log" in that it simply captures a moment. 

"We read to know that we are not alone."  - William Nicholson

Shelved, Filed, & Stored Away...

What is the point of writing? Why do we read, and why do we write? 

In his book Rewriting, Joseph Harris offers an interesting perspective on the act of writing and its purpose. Harris says that "the real excitement of intellectual writing" is "the chance to engage with and rewrite the work of other thinkers." To Harris, it is important to "push and question" what the writer has read about or seen before (2). A writer should not just take everything at face value, but rather should examine the text, "rethink" it, and "reinterpret" it (2). He introduces this idea of being an interactive reader. 

He invites the readers, a.k.a. us, to question why we write. Who are we trying to interest? For what reason are we creating a text?

I think Harris is a fan of blogging, for the most part, and would cheer us on, specifically, for our blogging for class purposes. He states that he is interested in writing that is open to general readers, which is exactly what blogging is. We are “[seeking]… to address a broader and more public set of issues and readers” (10). Is that not what we are doing? Is that not what most people on the blogosphere are doing? Why create a blog if not for the readers? Whatever the topic or style, each blog addresses an audience and fits into some niche. 

Harris describes texts as artifacts because they have been “made and designed.” In this way, they can “be shelved, filed, or stored and the retrieved and reexamined” (11). This definition of writing by Harris is similar to Sullivan’s view of blogging. The reason Sullivan blogged was to have the chance to receive feedback and  expand on his writing skills. Harris offers the same idea that writing allows a dialogue of sorts  through taking bits and pieces of the works of others and "rewriting" them with our own interpretations and ideas. 

Do you agree with Harris? Is writing, even in the case of blogging, intellectual writing? Should we take what we read and "rethink" it as Harris describes?  Why do you read? Why do you write? Do you write for the same purposes that Harris and Sullivan do, or for different reasons entirely? 

If you want to check it out, here is some positive feedback from other students and writers alike.  To see praise for Harris in Rewriting - CLICK HERE

"And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt." - Sylvia Plath 

"No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader." - Robert Frost

                                                                                                                                                                                     

Blogging: Good or Bad?

ONE -  TWO - THREE - FOUR - FIVE - SIX

Hey, all!  I found some articles on blogging that I thought gave some interesting perspectives beyond that of Andrew Sullivan. They're not long and they're more based off of personal experiences, but I thought I would post them if any of you want to check them out! They're all really different types of articles, so read whichever ones interest you the most.

What do you think about making friends through blogs? Should blogs only be written if you have a valid opinion, or is any type of blog a good thing?  What do you think of people who get paid for blogging? 
I think these are fun questions to think about. I'd love to hear your opinions! 

“If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” ~ Vincent Van Gogh

Blogging Mysteries

Does blogging make you a better writer or a worse one? Is blogging effective in sharing ideas? Should everyone create a blog? Why should we blog?

Such questions have countless possible answers. In Andrew Sullivan's article, "Why I Blog," Sullivan attempts to define blogging and how it can be effective by offering pros and cons of the blogosphere. Meanwhile, Sullivan slowly reveals the reasons for why he blogs. He begins the article by defining a blog as a "web" and a "log" and continues to explain the function of a ship's log. Sullivan states that "a log provides as accurate an account as could be gleaned in real time." In this way, logs (and blogs) can become a "narrative that was never intended as one... and is more truthful." Do you agree? Are blogs unintended narratives? Blogs are instantly published to therefore receive immediate feedback. Sullivan describes a blog “not so much as daily writing,” but rather he describes it as “hourly writing.” It can capture someone’s life based off the raw emotions built up from simple moments in time. According to Sullivan, it is an “embrace of… hazards” and a form of “literary liberation.” Blogging is “more accident-prone, … more alive” and is, conclusively, “writing out loud.” These were all phrases that really stuck out to me when I was reading the article. I tend to agree with a lot of his sentiments because I definitely feel that blogging is not as structured and put-together as traditional writing. Blogging as "writing out loud" is exactly how I view blogging, so I found myself nodding along while reading the article. 

Sullivan doesn't reveal much about his purpose for blogging until later on in the article.  He conveys his idea of a “successful blog” as one with a balance between the blogger’s perspective and outsider’s perspective. I think Sullivan blogs as a catharsis, and, at the same time, he blogs as a way to learn and improve upon his writing. He writes that blogging “makes the skills of a writer… much more valuable.” He used his past blogs to create better columns and to use parts and polish them to create a more effective argument. This is what we will be doing as a class. We will be writing individual blog posts, and, hopefully, we will be able to use bits and pieces to compose our future essays with more refined ideas from the addition of feedback from our fellow classmates.  

On another note, I found it surprising that he states that blogs are unlike diaries in that they are less private and more public. In my experience, I have written on my blogs in a very similar format as to the way I would write in a diary. I guess this may differ from person to person. Even Sullivan states this. “The atmosphere will inevitably be formed by the blogger’s personality.”

I have a final question for my fellow classmates and for other readers out there.To my classmates: Aside from this blog for our writing class, 

why do you blog or why would you blog?

And to dear bloggers and readers alike, I pose the same question.

Have a marvelous day & follow your dreams! 

The Wonderful World of Blogging

Hello, fellow students and bloggers! 

Today, I created my second blog. This one. The process for making my Blogger account was different. Once I created a url and title, I found a template and color scheme that I liked and adjusted a few small things. I am used to using Tumblr so, even though my professor went through it in class, I found it rather confusing to locate where to edit the settings, add a new post, and so on.  I started clicking on random links to try to figure out where in the world I was supposed to go to get back to my blog. Lo and behold, I simply had to click my blog title. There I was doing “guess and check” – a method used in elementary math all the way to creating a blog in college.  I was upset to see that there isn't very much customization you can do with the appearance. For some reason, I thought that creating this blog was similar to creating a Myspace. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that they are even relatively the same, but it had boxes where you could put things such as "favorite books," "favorite movies," and "interests" which brought me back to the old Myspace days. Was I the only one who thought this? 

I know that it is going to be a very different experience because I will be using this blog for class purposes (not that I'm upset or anything, I quite enjoy blogging). Hopefully, it won't be a challenge to blog on here because it’s really not so different than what I do on a daily basis. On my blog on Tumblr, I mostly post photos, text images, and rants about my day. Although, I tend to blog in a very unstructured and informal manner. Most of the time, I just sort of unleash what's on my mind, what I'm feeling, etc. It's sort of a word vomit... like a free-write. I just sit down for a few minutes and continuously go on about whatever pops into my head. I know the word limit for class won’t be a challenge for me because my mind wanders very easily.  

In my opinion, blogs are a nice creative outlet. However, it's important to be selective about what you post and where you post it because it is still the web, and you never know who might see it. I think more people should create blogs if possible. One of my teachers from high school told me that it helps to just write each day, even if only for ten minutes or so. It makes writing become a part of your daily routine so that it transforms into an instinct of sorts. That’s all to my first blog post. There will be more to come shortly.

Hope you all are having a beautiful day!