Look me in the… mouth? March 31, 2008
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“I didn’t think the author was literally referring to his eyes. Instead, I thought he meant it figuratively. That is, he meant to say, examine me closely . . . as I read I found there was a double meaning.”
http://www.umasswiki.com/wiki/Class:COM352_-_Group_Dynamics_-_Spring_2008/course_outlines_and_in-class_activities/eighth_day_of_class/Test#look_me_in_the_eyeThere is a substantial difference regarding meaning when combined with the visual on the cover of the book. When I first read the title of the text in the syllabus, I was thinking in terms of the quote above. I figured that many literary works use clever titles to not only catch attention, but to convey ideas which are not necessarily directly stated. After seeing the book in person, I realized that the meaning might be slightly more direct than I had originally thought. The young boy with his eyes tightly closed gave me a sense that he was being instructed to look someone, possibly an authority figure, in the eyes and was strongly resisting.“His eyes are shut on the cover to convey that he doesn’t want to reveal or share anything when in fact he’s letting us into his life through his retelling of experiences.”My first ideas about the meaning of the title could easily drift more towards the gist of the above, as the incorporation of the cover visual greatly changed the meaning for me. When this additional information is added, there are more interpretations available. Could the boy being trying to hide from something or someone? Is there some untold truth that is being concealed behind the scrunched face and crinkled eyes? This is indeed clever and intriguing as a book title cover.“The image I had was a book about truth and integrity, with looking someone in the eye traditionally being a visual clue of honesty.”This led me to a final dimension of thought, the last quote written here. The meaning has transformed from a purely physical action to a symbolic form of honesty and integrity. Depending on how different cultures interpret eye contact, we could determine that this young boy is avoiding telling the truth, being non confrontational or any other number of meanings associated with the human eyes.
Course wiki – Blue Skies March 31, 2008
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I think I would like to create my section about a sport I enjoy, and how a student can get involved in it. I am a licensed skydiver, and I think many people would be interested in what I do and how they can get involved. I would include pictures, general information such as a Q and A, and other pertinent topics. If I could figure out how, I could put my videos and other stuff on there. Who knows where it could lead…
Damn hippies…! March 9, 2008
Posted by churchofgoogle in Small Group Communication, Uncategorized.1 comment so far
The Pioneer valley is regarded as an educational and cultural Mecca in Western Massachusetts, characterized by a free flow of ideas and a generally accepting environment for alternative lifestyles. With the “liberal” atmosphere of the “Happy Valley” as it is called, I’m sure many of us have heard the term “hippie” in reference to certain people in society. These individuals are seen as dreadlocked, patchouli wearing, environmentally friendly, pot smoking people who rock patchwork pants and have jam circles in any public area. While we know that all of these aspects may not necessarily apply, there is still a very definitive notion of what a “hippie” is in New England. As stated by The Online Entymology Dictionary: hippiec.1965, Amer.Eng. (Haight-Ashbury slang), from earlier hippie, 1953, usually a disparaging variant of hipster (1941) “person who is keenly aware of the new and stylish,” from hip “up-to-date” (see hip (adj.)). The route offered by The Online Etymology Dictionary offers a take on the early history of the word. This somewhat innocuous reference to our modern “cool” has evolved into the “crunchy granola” version of our time. hip·pie ˈhɪp i – Show Spelled Pronunciation[hip-ee] Pronunciation Key–noun
| a person, esp. of the late 1960s, who rejected established institutions and values and sought spontaneity, direct personal relations expressing love, and expanded consciousness, often expressed externally in the wearing of casual, folksy clothing and of beads, headbands, used garments, etc. |
As has been a trend in American history, a term which began as an inoffensive word was applied to a minority in order to label and ostracize them. In the past, when certain groups have been deemed a threat politically, culturally, or otherwise, these terms have been applied to them in order to separate the minority from the majority. The cultural movement of the 60’s fostered entire populations of these social pariahs, who were consequently labeled hippies. The general ideas of peace, love, and unity of this earlier period were translated into more modern times with the development of hippie clothes, speech, and lifestyle. The word hippie is not necessarily derogatory, but has been instilled as a way to categorize and label those who are not the majority. Human being use these terms in order to predict behavior, have expectations and gain insight into others without having any direct contact or knowledge.
Concerning our group dynamics, I don’t recall having heard the term hippie being used in class at all, although I’m sure there has been use of similar labeling being used. I would guess that these terms might not be as noticeable to me because of their casual use. After this assignment, I will be more likely to take note of particular instances where certain words may be used as oppose to others. I believe that if any of these terms were used in class it would be for ease of use, not to be offensive in any way.
