happiness and meaning project
This project started off with the reading annotating, and work for the novel Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. It then plummeted into the research for an essay we had to write about happiness. We watched the movie "Happy," which gave us insight on what happiness is to us and others. The essay was basically being written at the same time as we were doing research. This project in my eyes was designed to give us a larger perspective on what happiness means in general.
"From the heart of a shuffler"project reflection1. If you were going to advise someone on how to find happiness what would you tell them?
If someone were to ask me this, all I could possibly say is,"Do what makes you happy and then you'l be on the path to happiness." It's as simple as doing what you love to find what happiness is to you. Don't listen to what others tell you on how to find such happiness, since that's their happiness, or a false printed happiness like in a book. I'm not saying to not listen to anyone, but let them point you in a positive direction towards your destiny. 2. Generate a plan for your summer that incorporates your understanding of happiness and meaning. It's not that hard to plan my summer. I'm just gonna go with the flow, since that's who I tend to be during summer break. Sure I'll make a bit of shuffle videos, go to some shuffle meetups and a rave or two. These are what I love that's why. They make me happy, to be with a group of people within the same interests as me, all I need is the flow to guide me. 3. Looking back over this project, how will what you learned in this project impact your life? Honestly, I have no clue. Should I really look in the mirror and ask myself,"Hey how did this project mess with your head?" But no, I don't know how it's really impacted my life, rather then the fact that I've seen and heard it all before. I suppose it just gave me a more solid stance on what I already know. |
happiness essayWhat is Happiness? How do we find it?
By Kodii J People like to ask why finding happiness is so important. Well we want to be happy, it’s that simple. If we don't want to find happiness, we probably wont be too happy with who we are and what we have. As people, we want to be happy and that’s really why we find it so important to find happiness. We’re only happy if we ask ourselves, “Are we happy?” It should really make us think. Just ask yourself, “Am I happy?” Only we know if we are happy, not if a bible or some book, or a person tells us if we are or not if we live life this way or that way. Only we can know if we are happy. It depends on who you are; what we love to do will make us happy, even if we do something for someone that makes them happy, it gives us a meaning which in fact makes us happy; happiness can even come at a cost, maybe someone has to suffer, maybe we’re all happy in our own ways. Learning new things can always be something that makes us happy in life, but only if we want to learn these things. A few times in life, I learned a thing or two that was completely new to me, or as I’ve heard, “uncharted territory.” An example of trying new things in my life has been learning new tricks with my dancing. The list of tricks ranges from kicks, spins, hand movements, new footwork and even aerial kicks. Dancing has been my passion for at least 3 years now, I always want to learn a new trick or two; even if they’re a little on the hard side at first, there’s always that feeling at the end where I realize, “Hey I did it!” Dancing, or “Shuffling,” was something I came across when I found this video titled “HSK Shuffle Prac 2.” It kind of went on from there until I decided to start shuffling. It was pretty awkward at first, but after a few months it got easier until I finally got the dance down. Another great example of “learning new things” is from the movie “Happy.” are the rock climbers who pushed themselves to great lengths. Even though they were not getting paid,, they’re still pushing because of the zone they’re in. In life there’s always a thing that makes us happy, and that’s usually doing what we love doing. We all love doing different things. Spending time with family is something a lot of us have enjoyed before. Those times with our mom, our dad, our siblings; those times make us happy because those people are the ones in our lives who are always there in our lives. Even if we mess up royally or if we lose an animal or friend,. They’re always there with us no matter what, because we’re their child, their sibling, their blood, and family is what brings joy and happiness to our hearts. For about three years now, dance has bsecome a passion for me. It feels as if I've been dancing forever. People could call me weird for thinking that way but it’s .all true. Plus dancing makes me happy. I know I’m happy when I dance because I feel alive, I feel as if I can’t stop. It’s always a great feeling that I never want to end. At least until my music ends and fades out. Through helping others, we find meaning, and that’s what makes us happy. As human beings we want to be happy with ourselves. We tend to either look for happiness or to help others to try and feel happy. As said in the article “There’s more to Life than Being Happy” quoting Frankl’s book,”Partly what we do as human beings is to take care of others and contribute to others. That makes life meaningful but does not necessarily make us happy.” Doing things gives us meaning. Isn’t that what makes us happy? It should, if you help someone who’s in need, you’ll feel good that you helped them through whatever they sought help for. Knowing that we did something for someone that helps them is a great feeling. It has to make us happy or else what would the point be? There’s a theory that if one should be happy, then another has to suffer in order for there other to be happy. That theory seems awfully farfetched, but according to The Ones who walk away from Omela, one child must suffer in order for a boy to play his wooden flute to make joyous music before the horse race begins. The story also claims that if the child were released, fed and given comfort; that “all the prosperity and beauty and delight of Omelas would with and be destroyed.” Even though this seems awfully farfetched, I want to dig deeper into this. If the child were to be let out, let’s be real. That’s all he or she wants, right? They believe that it doesn’t want to be around people is what I saw and read. But all we want is happiness, that child probably wanted it too, but they deemed it to suffer instead. Happiness and love is what makes us complete. We tend to go to extreme lengths just to find happiness. Some could be considered over the limit. People have tended to over commit to something, such as a relationship. Some people like to rush relationships and well, they’re going to far to find their own happiness. We all have our own pace at finding our happiness. Some are slower than others, some are faster, but to each and every person it’s their perfect rate. Rushing and looking to hard for happiness could cost us negatively as in rejection or fear of failure. The true cost is what matters to us. Go outside, have fun, live life. Do what makes you happy. That is what I’d say to a friend who asked me how to find happiness within the next day. It’s very simple if you do it your way; not the way someone else or a book tells you how how to find happiness. It’s how WE define happiness to ourselves that gives us an idea on how to find our happiness. If we were to listen to someone or something on how to find happiness, we’d only be finding their happiness; not ours. That’s how we could create a society with a true value of happiness that’s authentic. All it would need is one individual to light a spark; a spark where they would find their own happiness and something they value. That spark would make people realize what they really want for themselves to be happy. We can;t really influence change each other, that’s our decision to change and spread an idea to seek happiness throughout other cultures. But all this is a long distance down the road and all it takes is one person to make the change. |
Model Un
Project overviewWhat the Model UN (MUN) project was about giving us a view or perspective on a country we were assigned to take the position of in real world problems. For example we had to research our countries perspective on the issues of the North Korean Missile crisis and the Palestinian Right of Return. We had to take what we had gathered and put them into a resolution that had the chance of making it onto the resolution docket, but only four resolutions made it to the docket. We then ran had a simulation of a United Nations conferences, also known as the Model UN where each country would express its view and try to persuade other countries to vote for a certain resolution. The process of this project was very long,stressful, and time consuming, but in the end it was rewarding for many people including myself.
Project ReflectionWhat would you tell another student if they asked why the MUN project was important? If a student had asked me why the MUN project was important, I’d most likely tell them,”kid, this is going to give you a wider and better understanding on what’s really going on in the world. That’s if you apply yourself to this project.” If he or she understands what I said, they’ll think. But what I mean when I say,” this is going to give you a wider and better understanding on what’s really going on in the world,” is that this project lets you look at the perspective your country has and give you better understanding on what they’re going through, experiencing, and their opinions on real world problems. If they really apply themselves to this project, they’ll get the content that they’re reading and be able to take from it and use it in the MUN debates that occur throughout this project. Think of this Project overall- which habit of heart and mind were you most proud of using during the conference? During this project, the Habit of Heart and Mind I believe I used the best was perseverance. I’m proud of the perseverance because of the last parts of the MUN project. Well at first I did start to drop assignments and only turned in what I had, which didn’t help/ But later on I got my act together and began to push through assignments and work, even though I wasn’t too hot headed for somethings, like policy paper research. I wasn’t too hyper for it, but eventually I read more articles that got more interesting. That’s when I got more in tune with this project and more perseverance had finally kicked in. What was the greatest challenge you faced in the project and how did you work through it? The greatest challenge I was faced with during this project was resolution writing, and that is a true story. Resolution writing was the most challenging part because on the Israel Palestine resolution, I had a little tougher time writing because I knew so much and had a hard time trying to make it sound realistic and agreeable. What made writing the North Korean resolution challenging was me not having much of a clue on how to really write a resolution. All I really did on that resolution was try, I honestly tried, even though I was kinda classless What was the most interesting speech, resolution, amendment, or comment by one of the delegates? There were many great and interesting speeches and resolutions, but the best speech that was given by any delegates at the exhibition for the Model UN was by Vivien Doucette. Her speech was probably the most interesting because she put meaning and in a way heart into her speech. It’s how passionate she was about defending Israel in anyway she could which really stood out from the other delegates. |
Photos of Model UN Exhibition |
Model UN Policy Papers
North Korean Policy PaperKodii John
Sara Price Policy/Perspective Paper February 4th, 2014 Even though we, Libya had put an end to our nuclear program in 2003, North Korea has urged at us that the “tragic consequences” of abandoning of nuclear program that is partially finished, and deemed that it’s safe we continue it. But we choose to leave it be in order to create better relations with the Western nations. The Issue is that North Korea is building and has possession of nuclear weapons, and they refuse to shut down their nuclear reactor. North Korea has threatened the US and it’s close allies, including South Korea and Japan, putting North Korea in a situation where it’s holding the world hostage. We disagree more or less to impure our relations with the Western nations, and not only after the Libyan uprisings in 2011, we were left with at least 200 North Koreans who had been basically told, “Don’t bother coming home” by North Korean leaders in Pyongyang, followed by their weapons found here on Libyan soil. We bring this issue up a= to disarm North Korea and bring better relations within the world. For the threat is nothing but a burden. Our solution to this issue is to hopefully make the sanctions that are already in place for North Korea, even tighter; and to cut and ban the nuclear material they are in possession of. If they still persist to not cooperate with the UN there should be a troop intervention in order to send a message telling North Korea, “We Mean Business.” |
Israel/PAlestine Policy PaperKodii John
Sara Price Model UN 2-28-14 Libya’s take on The Israel/Palestine Conflict Even though the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is a complicated situation, Libya, sees the “state” of Israel as more of a stubborn child to the efforts that have been given in order to provide peace between the Palestinians and Israelis to allow the Palestinian “Right of Return,” and should give the Palestinians their “Right to Return” along with rthe Arab League. The issue here is that during the Six Day War, it had caused the Palestinian people to flee from their homes which was later taken and dubbed Israeli land. Many Palestinian refugees have made several attempts and have pleaded that they be given the “right of return,” but the Israeli government has completely disregarded the Palestinians “right of return.” The reason Israel is as stubborn as it is unable to cope with the idea of a single Palestinian inside the land called Israel, but the reason that this was brought up is for the fact on how the Israeli Troops abuse their rights and how they’ve treated Palestinian refugees as people. Followed by recent annulments from several former allies such as Jordan. As said in the Jpost Article,”And in Jordan, 47 of the 150 members of the country’s lower house of parliament signed a motion that the 1994 peace treaty between Jordan and Israel should be annulled.” (Jpost, Though) Tensions continue to rise as “recent Israeli attacks on the Temple Mount.” (Maan, Palestine) Based on the recent attacks, there is a clear problem with the Israeli people. Recently as of the last week, Israelis have been “provoking” the Palestinian Authority by praying or performing any religious acts within the Temple Mount area. Any person or persons found doing any form of praying were immediately and forcefully removed from the Temple Mound and or arrested. Libya takes this perspective because, it has not recognized Israel as a Jewish state, it supports all allies within the Arab league and follows the courses of action needed to resolve this issue. There are several solution plans that have been attempted to fix the problem between the Israelis and Palestinians such as the 1947 UN Partition plan which aimed to break up the land and make two states, one Israel, and the other Palestine. But in the end the plan didn't work because of constant disagreement. Libya’s solution to this issue is intended to be done in a short enough time frame if possible. Having the Israelis and Palestinians coexist within the same land and state which would bring the Palestinian refugees back to their home, but also giving the Israelis a chance to see what the Palestinians see, and not what they see, not their biased opinions, but more of a nationwide classroom where all of the land is a place of peace. In order for the Palestinians and Israelis to recognize each other’s religions and perspectives of life itself.4 If these standards are not met or disregarded by the Israeli people, action will be deemed necessary. Work Cited Benari, Eled. "Arab League to Discuss Al-Aqsa - Middle East - News - Israel National News." Israel National News. N.p., 26 Feb. 2014. Web. 28 Feb. 2014. "Arab League to Hold Session on Aqsa Mosque | Maan News Agency." Maan News Agency. N.p., 26 Feb. 2014. Web. 28 Feb. 2014. "Arab League Calls for Extraordinary UNGA Session on Palestinian POWs." N.p., 19 Feb. 2014. Web. "Kerry Says Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process at 'critical Point'" Www.JPost.com. N.p., 13 Jan. 2014. Web. 03 Mar. 2014. "The Temple Mount." Www.JPost.com. N.p., 27 Feb. 2014. Web. 03 Mar. 2014. |
Model UN REsolutions
North Korean Missile Crises ResolutionLibya (Kodii John)
BANNING NORTH KOREA’S NUCLEAR WEAPONS The General Assembly and Security Council, Observing that the UN has placed numerous sanctions on North Korea in possible attempts to stop its nuclear weapons program, Recalling past resolutions (825, 1695) that were unsuccessful to stop North Korea, Taking into consideration that resolutions 1985 and 2087 are currently in effect, Fully aware of the failure of resolution 1718 which “Demanded that the DPRK not conduct any further nuclear test or launch of a ballistic missile,” did not perform efficiently; hoping for a new resolution to be proposed to stop North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, Seeking aid and assistance for new resolution mentioned above, calls for allies and nations with global interest for North Korea to consider the following, 1. Expresses its hope that the General Assembly and the Security Council to be open minded about this proposal; 2. Draws the attention that North Korea has repeatedly threatened the United States and will continue to make threats if nuclear weapons remain in possession of Pyongyang officials; 3. Notes that North Korea has broken the Non - Proliferation Treaty and will continue to break treaties if not dealt with; 4. Acknowledges that sanctions must be tightened on North Korea in hopes to prevent threats to peace and the global community’s security; 5. Urges that further actions are to be taken if further sanctions fail their task or are not followed by Pyongyang’s officials: (a) Little to no aid shall be offered or given to North Korea in efforts to cease its nuclear weapons development: (b) China and the United States shall uphold responsibility of this action: 6. Strongly supports the idea of peace talks within 38th Parallel: (a) South Korea and the United States shall be in charge of the peace talks with North Korea in hopes of finding a peaceful solution for a safe direction it’s nuclear program can head in; (b) Immediate disarmament of North Korea’s nuclear weapons if past peace talks are dismissed by Pyongyang officials, leaving the North with only nuclear energy to work with; (c) The U.S, Japan and Chine will be responsible for the weapon disarmament of North Korea; (d) North Korea shall be reminded that it’s energy may only be used for energy; (e) If all else fails, Military force must be used against North Korea despite it’s warning from the UN, leaving the Security Council in charge of military forces; |
Israel Palestine ResolutionLibya (Kodii J.)
ENDING THE PALESTINIAN/ISRAELI CONFLICT The General Assembly, Fully aware of the continuous fighting between the Palestinians and Israelis has been happening for more than 60 years, Aware of 121 illegal settlements on Palestinian land built by the Israeli Government, Deeply concerned about the 102 illegal Israeli outposts on Palestinian land, Having heard of many Palestinian civilians that are abused or killed by Israeli troops without any provocation, Observing these actions in violation of Article 5 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Having considered that Israeli troops have disregarded the Palestinian people as human beings, Having heard of recent attacks on the Al-Aqsa mosque which are creating tensions among the Arab League and Israel, Guided by the information provided by PA ambassador to Egypt, Barakat al-Farra about recent Israeli rightists who have visited the Temple Mount will result in more tensions between the Arab League and Israel, Desiring there be an immediate abandonment of all illegal settlements and illegal outposts within Palestinian land by all Israelis after resolution is passed, Seeking help from other nations and allies to sign onto new resolution in order to bring peace to the conflict and hopefully quell it, 1. Supports the right of the Palestinian refugees be given their “right of return” to their homes: a. with the Israeli Government ready to accept the refugees as a Palestinian state and the Palestinian People; b. if either the Israeli government does not comply within a 15 day timeframe from when resolution is passed, sanctions and or military action will be implemented if necessary; c calls upon two countries of the UN Security Council to take charge upon this alternative 2. Declares accordingly that all 121 illegal Israeli settlements built within the Palestinian borders to be abandoned immediately once resolution is passed: a. once settlements become abandoned, they will immediately be given to the Palestinian people; b. any Israelis that do not comply or resist shall be removed from settlements with force or arrested if necessary; c. expresses its hope that the United States, the United Kingdom accept the tasks of this alternative to peace; 3. Condemns all Israeli troops harbored within the 102 illegal outposts within Palestinian territories to commence an immediate withdrawal from every illegal sector and be placed inside Israeli borders and outposts: a. any Israeli troops who resist in any form shall be arrested by UN Peacekeepers and put on trial for crimes against the Palestinian people; 4. Further requests that an official Palestinian military force be created in order to defend its people from its Israeli aggressors: 5. Strongly supports the idea of the Israeli and Palestinian people co-existing together within a newly formed state consisting of both peoples’: 6. Calls upon any UN Members willing to make a difference in this conflict: 7. Reminds the General Assembly and Security Council that any and all action taken against the Israeli Government shall be considered: 8. Accepts the idea of a one state solution in order to end major problems and atrocities: 9. Authorizes any method of negation between the Israelis and Palestinians as long as neither side is provoked by one another 10. Expresses its appreciation to any UN member that cooperates within these operations of peace: WORK CITED Benari, Eled. "Arab League to Discuss Al-Aqsa - Middle East - News - Israel National News." Israel National News. N.p., 26 Feb. 2014. Web. 28 Feb. 2014. "Arab League to Hold Session on Aqsa Mosque | Maan News Agency." Maan News Agency. N.p., 26 Feb. 2014. Web. 28 Feb. 2014. "Arab League Calls for Extraordinary UNGA Session on Palestinian POWs." N.p., 19 Feb. 2014. Web. "Kerry Says Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process at 'critical Point'" Www.JPost.com. N.p., 13 Jan. 2014. Web. 03 Mar. 2014. "The Temple Mount." Www.JPost.com. N.p., 27 Feb. 2014. Web. 03 Mar. 2014. 4 |
Greek Tragedy Playwright
What I'm most proud of in this project is our video we made. I'm really proud of it mainly because we worked our butts off while doing this project; and the fact it took a good amount of editing I'd look back at this and I'd personally say that we all did a fairly good job on this. Even though the time we had was short, we managed to do it.
Here's some advice I'm gonna give the new freshman that are coming next year. Don't mess around, pick a good group to work with if you get the chance to work in groups, do your share of work and don't drag behind. If you manage to do any of the cons I listed, it's going to bite you in the butt and you'll probably not get the grade you hoped for. NO PROCRASTINATING!!
Personally I like working with partner's; it's fun and can be pretty helpful if you get a good group to work with. If you don't that might not work out. By any chance if you do get a good group to work with. You're set.
Here's some advice I'm gonna give the new freshman that are coming next year. Don't mess around, pick a good group to work with if you get the chance to work in groups, do your share of work and don't drag behind. If you manage to do any of the cons I listed, it's going to bite you in the butt and you'll probably not get the grade you hoped for. NO PROCRASTINATING!!
Personally I like working with partner's; it's fun and can be pretty helpful if you get a good group to work with. If you don't that might not work out. By any chance if you do get a good group to work with. You're set.
Our play's script
“Deported”
Prologue
Los Angeles - Suburbs
November 23, 2015
(A teenage boy looks into the distance waiting for a friend so they can go home and prep for a long night as he waits he ponder's about how he might be able to get his brothers back to the U.S.A).
Chorus:
(Used as of Daniel’s mind and mentor)
Daniel, please don’t grieve
You drag yourself down
By grieving on the names of your brothers
Alejandro and Carlos
Wouldn’t want you to grieve
Over their departure
You are Legal
They are not
No one can change that
Not even you
Daniel / Rocky : But they’re my brothers, I have every right to try and bring them back to America! I would give or do anything to be with my hermanos again.
Chorus: (Used as Daniel’s mind and mentor.)
Do as you wish,
But be warned
The laws have changed man,
The border has tightened over the last two years
It is heavily patrolled.
There’s no way
you could bring your brothers here
Daniel / Rocky: I sure as hell better try!
Chorus :
Go for it
Then you might see where
You’ve flawed.
Scene One
November 23, 2015
Sonora, Mexico
8:15 AM “No Hope for the Week” Trailer Park
There’s a sharp smell of blood in the street, but blistering heat which makes it worse.
Carlos:: Hermanos Hermanos! My friends! Today is a big day! Our little brother, Daniel or better known to you guys as our little Rocky! He is coming home!
Al: Can't wait bro!
Carlos: I'm just concerned about going to America illegally we were already deported once.
Al:Chill out hermano, nothing to worry about.
Carlos:(kicks dirt) dude, its easier said than done, think about it everyone has been caught who has tried to cross. I don’t know, it’s way to risky. Why doesn’t rocky just come live with us? Besides if we do this we have already been caught once and the consequence is if you get caught a second time it means 10 years in JDC and of course you know how much of a hell hole that place is, I mean this is mexico bro.
Al: I promise.. dont be a chicken and not go with us..
Carlos: ok Ill go, we just need to plan this out when Danny comes tomorrow
Al: ook later bro(high five)
Carlos:(deuces)
Scene Two
November 25, 2015
Los Angeles
lAl : I think we can sneak in the trunk of Daniel rental car.
Carlos: Great, but what if he gets a truck.
This is the moment of truth
For them no car means no America.
Also Rocky will more than likely not get to see his brothers again.
(They arrive at Enterprise Car Rental Shop.)
( Rocky shows the lady his driver's license.)
Rocky, Al, Carlos are in disbelief. The lady doesn't even ask there age or where they are going
she just says I need you to sign here and here are your keys to your Nissan Centra.
Rocky: Cool thanks Señora.
( They all climb into the car.)
Rocky: Man guys I haven't been in Mexico for so long, I can't believe how dry it is.
Al: Yeah Rocky nothing new has happened down here just brown fields and drugs and of course no work or education.
Rocky: I know man I feel for you, trust me everything will be better in America.
Carlos: Definently.
Rocky: Hey guys we are 4 miles from the border so let's stop and have you guys get in the trunk.
Border Patrol: Passport please.
Rocky: Sure thing
(Rocky swallows hard as the dog sniffs every part of the car.)
Border Patrol: Thank you sir have a nice day.
Rocky: You to, keep tight watch ( wink.)
Border Patrol: Excuse me sir?
Scene Three: November 26, 2015 6: 30 Los Angeles suburbs.
Rocky: Were approaching the Los Angeles suburbs boys.
Al: I am so pumped to be back in America.
( Carlos sobs)
Carlos: I'm so happy just to be with you again Rocky and finally have a family.
Rocky: I will always be here for you man no matter what I'd do anything for you.
Al: My old house! Let's go inside and see everyone.
Rocky: Aimmee and Ash you guys remember my brothers right.
Aimme: Oh my gosh yes!!
Ash: Sup bros.
Carlos, Al: Nothing much guys it’s great to be out of that horrible place, also known as Mexico and to know were going to be together awhile again.
Ash: I feel you guys.
Aunt Marcy: Boys! So great to see you guys! It's a pleasure having you back.
Carlos: It's great to see you to and I already love being back.
Al: Same here.
Uncle Jose: Hey boys! How was the journey here.
Al: We snuck in the back of Rocky's rental car.
Uncle Jose: Why did you guys rent a car you know you have to return it, and wait how on earth did you get away with something like that
Rocky: I will fly back down to Mexico soon and return the car and we got really super lucky In fact was the happiest most relieving moment of my life.qw
Uncle Jose: Sweet! You guys hungry after that long drive.
Al ,Carlos, Rocky: Yeah!
Uncle Jose: Marcy has chicken enchilladas and rice waiting in the kitchen.
(They all say grace then eat.)
Scene four, November 26 2015 Los Angeles suburbs, Happy Camper Trailer park
(Aunt Marcy wakes up at 8 :30 because she hears knocking on the door.)
Aunt Marcy: Excuse me who are you.
Police: Hi mam, we are coming here to deport and arrest illegal boys because the neighbors called this morning to complain. It’s very unfortunate that your trailers are so close becasue your neighbors could hear everything last night, and I mean everything.
Aunt Marcy: NO!! You #$%@#!! You can’t take them they are my family, I get that they came here illegally, but for opportunities that they would not have back in Mexico can't you understand, I mean if you had a family you would understand how it is to lose someone you love. I mean come on!!!
Police: Mam I am very sorry, we are just doing our job we are not the government we cannot change this.
Aunt Marcy: You have to or else.
Police: Or else what.
(Rocky comes barging out of his bedroom and yells.)
Rocky: I give up you win police, you can just take my brother's you have stolen the two brothers that mean the world to me. I mean what's wrong with illegal's there just people to who deserve a fair chance and would have more opportunities over here, so screw you' and America, take my life to. All my life is misery and depression I just wanted love and a family!! what the hell!!!
Police: It's the rules man I cat do anything about it, sorry.
Chorus:
Death is always hard
a brother
who would do anything
to save his brothers from Mexico.
Al and Carlos knew that too.
If only immigration wasn't so complicated,
if there was a better way to come in
Instead families are driven apart,
forced back to a country
where there is no future
If only it was easier
Prologue
Los Angeles - Suburbs
November 23, 2015
(A teenage boy looks into the distance waiting for a friend so they can go home and prep for a long night as he waits he ponder's about how he might be able to get his brothers back to the U.S.A).
Chorus:
(Used as of Daniel’s mind and mentor)
Daniel, please don’t grieve
You drag yourself down
By grieving on the names of your brothers
Alejandro and Carlos
Wouldn’t want you to grieve
Over their departure
You are Legal
They are not
No one can change that
Not even you
Daniel / Rocky : But they’re my brothers, I have every right to try and bring them back to America! I would give or do anything to be with my hermanos again.
Chorus: (Used as Daniel’s mind and mentor.)
Do as you wish,
But be warned
The laws have changed man,
The border has tightened over the last two years
It is heavily patrolled.
There’s no way
you could bring your brothers here
Daniel / Rocky: I sure as hell better try!
Chorus :
Go for it
Then you might see where
You’ve flawed.
Scene One
November 23, 2015
Sonora, Mexico
8:15 AM “No Hope for the Week” Trailer Park
There’s a sharp smell of blood in the street, but blistering heat which makes it worse.
Carlos:: Hermanos Hermanos! My friends! Today is a big day! Our little brother, Daniel or better known to you guys as our little Rocky! He is coming home!
Al: Can't wait bro!
Carlos: I'm just concerned about going to America illegally we were already deported once.
Al:Chill out hermano, nothing to worry about.
Carlos:(kicks dirt) dude, its easier said than done, think about it everyone has been caught who has tried to cross. I don’t know, it’s way to risky. Why doesn’t rocky just come live with us? Besides if we do this we have already been caught once and the consequence is if you get caught a second time it means 10 years in JDC and of course you know how much of a hell hole that place is, I mean this is mexico bro.
Al: I promise.. dont be a chicken and not go with us..
Carlos: ok Ill go, we just need to plan this out when Danny comes tomorrow
Al: ook later bro(high five)
Carlos:(deuces)
Scene Two
November 25, 2015
Los Angeles
lAl : I think we can sneak in the trunk of Daniel rental car.
Carlos: Great, but what if he gets a truck.
This is the moment of truth
For them no car means no America.
Also Rocky will more than likely not get to see his brothers again.
(They arrive at Enterprise Car Rental Shop.)
( Rocky shows the lady his driver's license.)
Rocky, Al, Carlos are in disbelief. The lady doesn't even ask there age or where they are going
she just says I need you to sign here and here are your keys to your Nissan Centra.
Rocky: Cool thanks Señora.
( They all climb into the car.)
Rocky: Man guys I haven't been in Mexico for so long, I can't believe how dry it is.
Al: Yeah Rocky nothing new has happened down here just brown fields and drugs and of course no work or education.
Rocky: I know man I feel for you, trust me everything will be better in America.
Carlos: Definently.
Rocky: Hey guys we are 4 miles from the border so let's stop and have you guys get in the trunk.
Border Patrol: Passport please.
Rocky: Sure thing
(Rocky swallows hard as the dog sniffs every part of the car.)
Border Patrol: Thank you sir have a nice day.
Rocky: You to, keep tight watch ( wink.)
Border Patrol: Excuse me sir?
Scene Three: November 26, 2015 6: 30 Los Angeles suburbs.
Rocky: Were approaching the Los Angeles suburbs boys.
Al: I am so pumped to be back in America.
( Carlos sobs)
Carlos: I'm so happy just to be with you again Rocky and finally have a family.
Rocky: I will always be here for you man no matter what I'd do anything for you.
Al: My old house! Let's go inside and see everyone.
Rocky: Aimmee and Ash you guys remember my brothers right.
Aimme: Oh my gosh yes!!
Ash: Sup bros.
Carlos, Al: Nothing much guys it’s great to be out of that horrible place, also known as Mexico and to know were going to be together awhile again.
Ash: I feel you guys.
Aunt Marcy: Boys! So great to see you guys! It's a pleasure having you back.
Carlos: It's great to see you to and I already love being back.
Al: Same here.
Uncle Jose: Hey boys! How was the journey here.
Al: We snuck in the back of Rocky's rental car.
Uncle Jose: Why did you guys rent a car you know you have to return it, and wait how on earth did you get away with something like that
Rocky: I will fly back down to Mexico soon and return the car and we got really super lucky In fact was the happiest most relieving moment of my life.qw
Uncle Jose: Sweet! You guys hungry after that long drive.
Al ,Carlos, Rocky: Yeah!
Uncle Jose: Marcy has chicken enchilladas and rice waiting in the kitchen.
(They all say grace then eat.)
Scene four, November 26 2015 Los Angeles suburbs, Happy Camper Trailer park
(Aunt Marcy wakes up at 8 :30 because she hears knocking on the door.)
Aunt Marcy: Excuse me who are you.
Police: Hi mam, we are coming here to deport and arrest illegal boys because the neighbors called this morning to complain. It’s very unfortunate that your trailers are so close becasue your neighbors could hear everything last night, and I mean everything.
Aunt Marcy: NO!! You #$%@#!! You can’t take them they are my family, I get that they came here illegally, but for opportunities that they would not have back in Mexico can't you understand, I mean if you had a family you would understand how it is to lose someone you love. I mean come on!!!
Police: Mam I am very sorry, we are just doing our job we are not the government we cannot change this.
Aunt Marcy: You have to or else.
Police: Or else what.
(Rocky comes barging out of his bedroom and yells.)
Rocky: I give up you win police, you can just take my brother's you have stolen the two brothers that mean the world to me. I mean what's wrong with illegal's there just people to who deserve a fair chance and would have more opportunities over here, so screw you' and America, take my life to. All my life is misery and depression I just wanted love and a family!! what the hell!!!
Police: It's the rules man I cat do anything about it, sorry.
Chorus:
Death is always hard
a brother
who would do anything
to save his brothers from Mexico.
Al and Carlos knew that too.
If only immigration wasn't so complicated,
if there was a better way to come in
Instead families are driven apart,
forced back to a country
where there is no future
If only it was easier
Socialization Essay (Mask Essay)
Socialization and Me
By Kodii John
How have we as people been socialized? How have you been socialized? How have I? Inequality; racism; gender. I hope you know the importance of these.You NEED to understand these things if you want to know who I am, where I come from; and where I stand, and how I’ve been socialized. As a human being, also a Native American teenager, I’ve been socialized to think and act differently from most people. I’ve been raised by my family to be a “copy” or a “template” of my dad. A family man, ca real cultural person, and tough as nail. But that just isn;t me.
As a human being; a Native American to be more specific, I have a long history that’s somewhat interesting. Personally I think that this is coming from my family and possibly bloodlines or lineage. As a native, I know what it’s like to be stereotyped against and how it makes me feel. Honestly, it tends to hurt a lot. But I’ve received or heard so much stereotypical things to where I feel nothing anymore. I’ve heard a some names or terms such as “savages, or brutes, garbage, trash.” People today can be very judgmental with little to no reason at all, and It really bothers me as a Native American. It’s our past that troubles me the most. As in our, I mean as a Native, my peoples’ past. How we were treated.
The colonists, what they did still aggravates me. How they pillaged villages; how they’d murder the men, women, and children out of cold blood. It’s just awful. Also, how they would call them savages when they killed them! The “invaders.” The white people would call the natives savages just for fighting back! They only fought in defense! When I was young, I learned about The Battle at Little Bighorn. This battle is an example of how several tribes such as the Lakota Sioux and the Cheyenne Warriors made a bold attempt to protect their land and people. They were only defending themselves; the white men from that period were the murderers, the cold blooded killers who almost did what they wanted! But eventually it just dragged on until the Long Walk. My great great Grandmother Bessy Shorthair was one of the Navajo who was in the long walk. At one point during the walk, a calvary man shot a bullet in her direction; the bullet was very close to her head. If the bullet had hit her; I would not be here to tell her story.
My people had to deal with it until 1924 which is when we became citizens of the U.S, but still after that, there was lost of racism and stereotypes towards us just because of our skin color. 1973 was a good year, personally. How a band of Natives decided to make a stand! The Wounded Knee incident is what it is know as to most. But to me, that was simply amazing! My life and your life or lives are very different. Admit it; I see things way differently than how you do, and you see thing differently from me. We’re complete opposites basically! Our beliefs, how we are raised. We’re all different. I doubt in any way my life and past is anywhere close to yours. You’ve been socialized to think, act, and talk differently from me. Sure there may be a FEW similarities in there; but i highly doubt there would be a lot in common. All this? This paragraph, it says a lot if you look at it deep enough!
Who am I? Who are you? We’re all different; who we are, who you are; who I am shouldn’t matter. No one is ever the same. But how have ! been socialized to think as a male. A Native American male. Equality; an allusion. Just like perfection, which is also an allusion. There can’t be a perfect world because there is always going to be inequality, or racism. There will always be bad people in the world! No matter how hard you try it. My dad taught this; there’s no such thing as perfection and that a perfect world is just an allusion people see and want. But it can never happen. No one could be equal, someone out of the bunch would just spoil it all by using one racial comment; then it escalates. Anything, anything can happen in a “perfect” and “equal” world. I can’t believe there can be world peace. From what I’ve seen from the media, movies, videos. It seems impossible for there to be world peace! Sure it may happen, but not for long! One bad apple will just ruin the bunch. Equality may be possible, but I’ve felt what it’s like whenever I’m put in a situation with inequality. Racism was, and always will be a problem for some ethnicities. It’s always gonna be here, it may fade away but it’s always gonna be here. Deep inside someone’s gonna have hate for another race, probably for little to no reason at all! I see it like that, some people show hate for no reason, or just a lame stupid one! This is the world we live in.
The MEDIA, plays a huge role in how us as humans are told on how we should think. The wars, public events, anything. It doesn’t really matter but in someway the media is telling us how we should act and look. The media, well I kind of hate it. It’s corrupt, it’s all a corrupt system run by corrupt people. They control what they want you and I to see; sire it seems kid friendly or it wont do anything too me; but deep inside, it’ll something inside anyone click and BOOM! I’ve picked up a behavior I never saw myself doing. For example, I’ve become more inside when it comes to things about me or my life. I don’t really talk, unless I find it necessary. Or I’ll end up being straight up “Not myself.” The media can be and will be very corrupt. Movies, TV shows, documentaries, cartoons. Anything that’s digital basically! You may not see it the way I do, but I hope you do. The way I see them; the media, most likely isn’t how you see it. A lot of the big picture here is just a lie. They don’t want you to act that way! They want you to conform and act like how they portray how a “perfect person” should act! That’s how they want you, or me to act. The system is corrupt and I couldn’t really do much about it. The media always played a huge role on me, how I was supposed to ace, or dress, or look. It’s quite sad how the media portrays some people as well. Whenever they talked about the war in Iraq, or 9/11. It would just generate hate from other “Good Americans.” They’re not “Good!” They’re bad, just instantly labeling their “enemy” and giving out hate and joining the military; sometimes just for revenge. They don’t usually come back. The media causes that you see? It sends it’s little messages that makes something click in a person’s head and there they go; marching to their death. The media didn’t really socialize me; it tried but. failed horribly!
Okay, one question. Do you see things the way I see things? I’ll just guess probably not. When you really think about, well when I really thought about it and came to this realization; it somewhat changed me. I socialized myself in a way. I am my own leader, well I don’t really know how to put it. But MrCreepyPasta kind of helped me. So I read this story called “Warning” and I came to a realization that was mentioned in the story. What I realized was how messed up the world can be. That somewhere, right now. Someone is dying, or getting murdered; someone could be doing something crazy just to make money. Anything is going on. The world is crazy; it always was. When I realized that, it changed me; made me over think too much . It was shocking to be honest. Let’s just keep it at this, I listened to a story and it made me realize things, then I read more stories and my interests expanded. It all kinda got crazy to where it was like a lifestyle, something I had to do. That’s probably how I socialized myself as a person. Just rebelling basically. There’s not much to it really. I just became a rebel due too me socializing myself in someway I somehow did which probably does not make any sense at all!
In conclusion, I’d like to go back and say that I’m super extremely different than most of society. How I myself was socialized as a Native American teenager, and as a male. By my family, the media and myself. It doesn’t seem to great honestly. In some areas I don’t mind; but then in others I’m usually telling myself, “I need to get away from this huge mess!” I’m honestly not even sure if I’ve been negatively or positively socialized at all as well. It all seems so neutral and balanced! If I had too choose, I’m not sure. But everything I talked about is super important, in my opinion of course. Mainly because racism and things like inequality is something that should change; but some people are too stubborn to move on, and I’m here like “whatever!” Somethings for some people aren’t fair. How people have been treated in the past; how I have been, it’s unfair! When it comes to the media, it’s just a huge system I’ve come to hate in several areas. How corrupt it is! It can brainwash the weak minded and could even (if the hidden message said to) make them even turn on each other! The media has the power to train us how to think; it’s a huge cycle lots manage to break; and more have the potential to break! But when it comes to me, I’m not so sure how much anyone would want to go in depth with it, but basically like I said about it then; I’ve been changed and I somehow socialized myself. This is me; who I am, what I am; and who I remain as.
Sources
http://www.history.com/topics/battle-of-the-little-bighorn
“You may know my name, but you don't know my pain
I can't stand the light, I'm from the dark side
I may look the same, but I ain't playing games
I can't die, 'cause the music is my life
This is my life, my life, my life” - “My Life” - Zatox
By Kodii John
How have we as people been socialized? How have you been socialized? How have I? Inequality; racism; gender. I hope you know the importance of these.You NEED to understand these things if you want to know who I am, where I come from; and where I stand, and how I’ve been socialized. As a human being, also a Native American teenager, I’ve been socialized to think and act differently from most people. I’ve been raised by my family to be a “copy” or a “template” of my dad. A family man, ca real cultural person, and tough as nail. But that just isn;t me.
As a human being; a Native American to be more specific, I have a long history that’s somewhat interesting. Personally I think that this is coming from my family and possibly bloodlines or lineage. As a native, I know what it’s like to be stereotyped against and how it makes me feel. Honestly, it tends to hurt a lot. But I’ve received or heard so much stereotypical things to where I feel nothing anymore. I’ve heard a some names or terms such as “savages, or brutes, garbage, trash.” People today can be very judgmental with little to no reason at all, and It really bothers me as a Native American. It’s our past that troubles me the most. As in our, I mean as a Native, my peoples’ past. How we were treated.
The colonists, what they did still aggravates me. How they pillaged villages; how they’d murder the men, women, and children out of cold blood. It’s just awful. Also, how they would call them savages when they killed them! The “invaders.” The white people would call the natives savages just for fighting back! They only fought in defense! When I was young, I learned about The Battle at Little Bighorn. This battle is an example of how several tribes such as the Lakota Sioux and the Cheyenne Warriors made a bold attempt to protect their land and people. They were only defending themselves; the white men from that period were the murderers, the cold blooded killers who almost did what they wanted! But eventually it just dragged on until the Long Walk. My great great Grandmother Bessy Shorthair was one of the Navajo who was in the long walk. At one point during the walk, a calvary man shot a bullet in her direction; the bullet was very close to her head. If the bullet had hit her; I would not be here to tell her story.
My people had to deal with it until 1924 which is when we became citizens of the U.S, but still after that, there was lost of racism and stereotypes towards us just because of our skin color. 1973 was a good year, personally. How a band of Natives decided to make a stand! The Wounded Knee incident is what it is know as to most. But to me, that was simply amazing! My life and your life or lives are very different. Admit it; I see things way differently than how you do, and you see thing differently from me. We’re complete opposites basically! Our beliefs, how we are raised. We’re all different. I doubt in any way my life and past is anywhere close to yours. You’ve been socialized to think, act, and talk differently from me. Sure there may be a FEW similarities in there; but i highly doubt there would be a lot in common. All this? This paragraph, it says a lot if you look at it deep enough!
Who am I? Who are you? We’re all different; who we are, who you are; who I am shouldn’t matter. No one is ever the same. But how have ! been socialized to think as a male. A Native American male. Equality; an allusion. Just like perfection, which is also an allusion. There can’t be a perfect world because there is always going to be inequality, or racism. There will always be bad people in the world! No matter how hard you try it. My dad taught this; there’s no such thing as perfection and that a perfect world is just an allusion people see and want. But it can never happen. No one could be equal, someone out of the bunch would just spoil it all by using one racial comment; then it escalates. Anything, anything can happen in a “perfect” and “equal” world. I can’t believe there can be world peace. From what I’ve seen from the media, movies, videos. It seems impossible for there to be world peace! Sure it may happen, but not for long! One bad apple will just ruin the bunch. Equality may be possible, but I’ve felt what it’s like whenever I’m put in a situation with inequality. Racism was, and always will be a problem for some ethnicities. It’s always gonna be here, it may fade away but it’s always gonna be here. Deep inside someone’s gonna have hate for another race, probably for little to no reason at all! I see it like that, some people show hate for no reason, or just a lame stupid one! This is the world we live in.
The MEDIA, plays a huge role in how us as humans are told on how we should think. The wars, public events, anything. It doesn’t really matter but in someway the media is telling us how we should act and look. The media, well I kind of hate it. It’s corrupt, it’s all a corrupt system run by corrupt people. They control what they want you and I to see; sire it seems kid friendly or it wont do anything too me; but deep inside, it’ll something inside anyone click and BOOM! I’ve picked up a behavior I never saw myself doing. For example, I’ve become more inside when it comes to things about me or my life. I don’t really talk, unless I find it necessary. Or I’ll end up being straight up “Not myself.” The media can be and will be very corrupt. Movies, TV shows, documentaries, cartoons. Anything that’s digital basically! You may not see it the way I do, but I hope you do. The way I see them; the media, most likely isn’t how you see it. A lot of the big picture here is just a lie. They don’t want you to act that way! They want you to conform and act like how they portray how a “perfect person” should act! That’s how they want you, or me to act. The system is corrupt and I couldn’t really do much about it. The media always played a huge role on me, how I was supposed to ace, or dress, or look. It’s quite sad how the media portrays some people as well. Whenever they talked about the war in Iraq, or 9/11. It would just generate hate from other “Good Americans.” They’re not “Good!” They’re bad, just instantly labeling their “enemy” and giving out hate and joining the military; sometimes just for revenge. They don’t usually come back. The media causes that you see? It sends it’s little messages that makes something click in a person’s head and there they go; marching to their death. The media didn’t really socialize me; it tried but. failed horribly!
Okay, one question. Do you see things the way I see things? I’ll just guess probably not. When you really think about, well when I really thought about it and came to this realization; it somewhat changed me. I socialized myself in a way. I am my own leader, well I don’t really know how to put it. But MrCreepyPasta kind of helped me. So I read this story called “Warning” and I came to a realization that was mentioned in the story. What I realized was how messed up the world can be. That somewhere, right now. Someone is dying, or getting murdered; someone could be doing something crazy just to make money. Anything is going on. The world is crazy; it always was. When I realized that, it changed me; made me over think too much . It was shocking to be honest. Let’s just keep it at this, I listened to a story and it made me realize things, then I read more stories and my interests expanded. It all kinda got crazy to where it was like a lifestyle, something I had to do. That’s probably how I socialized myself as a person. Just rebelling basically. There’s not much to it really. I just became a rebel due too me socializing myself in someway I somehow did which probably does not make any sense at all!
In conclusion, I’d like to go back and say that I’m super extremely different than most of society. How I myself was socialized as a Native American teenager, and as a male. By my family, the media and myself. It doesn’t seem to great honestly. In some areas I don’t mind; but then in others I’m usually telling myself, “I need to get away from this huge mess!” I’m honestly not even sure if I’ve been negatively or positively socialized at all as well. It all seems so neutral and balanced! If I had too choose, I’m not sure. But everything I talked about is super important, in my opinion of course. Mainly because racism and things like inequality is something that should change; but some people are too stubborn to move on, and I’m here like “whatever!” Somethings for some people aren’t fair. How people have been treated in the past; how I have been, it’s unfair! When it comes to the media, it’s just a huge system I’ve come to hate in several areas. How corrupt it is! It can brainwash the weak minded and could even (if the hidden message said to) make them even turn on each other! The media has the power to train us how to think; it’s a huge cycle lots manage to break; and more have the potential to break! But when it comes to me, I’m not so sure how much anyone would want to go in depth with it, but basically like I said about it then; I’ve been changed and I somehow socialized myself. This is me; who I am, what I am; and who I remain as.
Sources
http://www.history.com/topics/battle-of-the-little-bighorn
“You may know my name, but you don't know my pain
I can't stand the light, I'm from the dark side
I may look the same, but I ain't playing games
I can't die, 'cause the music is my life
This is my life, my life, my life” - “My Life” - Zatox