In Praise of the "F" Word

In Praise of the "F" Word, written by Mary Sherry was a really good article published in Newsweek magazine in 1991. This article was intended to target teachers and the educational school system within the United States. It was a reflection of her observation of how this country has failed in providing adequate education our students. It was really sad to read that children do not try to excel in their studies and subsequently suffer as adults. In agreement with the tone of the article, teachers should not accept or adhere to the excuses of poor environment, such a nice kid so I won't fail them or students with potential doing enough to get by. Excuses should not be an option for the the teacher in deciding whether or not a students passes or fail. Students should be compelled or maybe incented to achieving good grades that translant into a successful, well-rounded education or suffer the consequence of failing the class. Teachers must rise up, show some back bone, develop better teaching techniques and care about the future of our educational system and the students. This country has too many generations upon generations of illiterate children who are not prepared to face life issues and the ability to obtain employment sufficient to sustain themselves. The students that Mary Sherry taught basic skills were woeful examples of what happens when students are not motivated to succeed.

No, students should not accept failure, teachers should not accept failure and our administrators should not accept failure; however, we should all face the truth and maybe the failing of some of these students will be the catalyst that propels them to ultimate success. There will always be that little nagging in the back of their minds, the BIG FAT F WORD!!!

Should This Student Have Been Expelled?

After reading the article, it required reflection. This essay really touch home for all of us. The comments of Doug Hann were very offensive to Black people, Jews and homosexuals. He must have been exposed to and taught racism, anti-Semitic and Homophobic insults. This had to be the topic of discussion in his home environment. What a pitiful situation!

Mr. Gregorian, president of Brown University, may have overstepped what he originally felt the punishment should be when students simple can't cope with reality. Expulsion should have signified that the student must reevaluate his position he took and have his parents reflect on his behavior. The comment "my parents own your people" is a direct result of his upbringing. Doug Hann should have been willing to change his outlook and behavior. How can anyone accept the blame of deeply inbedded hate on alchol? This was not his first time getting drunk and making offensive comments. It was an excuse to act out what has been internalized and an expectation for others to overlook his unpleasant behavior and outburst regardless of the cause. The old saying,"a drunk heart speaks a sober mind." certainly applies in this sitution." Doug Hann did not hurt anyone because friends held him back, but what if they hadn't?

Nat Hentoff developed his argument in this essay very well. After reading the article, it required reflection. This essay really touched home. Drunk drivers are incarcerated because of their behavior and choices. On the other hand, was expulsion to harsh? Would it have been better to assign an activity that would have provided an opportunity to change the heart, mind and perspective of Doug Mann?  The comments were wrong and punishment of some sort was warranted; however, do we have the right in this country to speak our minds or not?  What may appear as 'hate' for one group can be acceptable to another.  It has been said over and over again--This subject requires candid dialogue that just has not happened at any level.

Why We Crave Horror Movies

Stephen King’s essay on, “Why We Crave Horror Movies,” very interesting and explains the dreadful justification he personally offers for developing movies and novels associated with terror and fear. The title should have been "Why I Crave Horror Movies!!" because he is speaking from his point of view and is based on his opinions. He starts off by saying "I THINK WE ARE ALL MENTALLY ILL", this statement alone sets the tone for the essay. It isn't based on any facts at all. He didn't offer statistics, survey results, nor was there any concrete information to support his claims.

He continually illustrates the benefit of feeding into mental illness and attempts to convince the reader that everyone should acknowledge his viewpoint on the acceptance insanity as a normal human condition. His suggestion that he specifically targets young minds and hearts with his drastic accounts of death, murder and chaos borders on criminal. Comparing horror to a “fairy-tale” and a means of relief runs against the average person’s beliefs and value system. Horror movies offer suspense, which is why mean people enjoy a good horror movie. And the degree of analogies presented! Jack the Ripper vs picking your nose are hardly in the same category. Nor would picking your nose prevent anyone from being invited to the best parties. How demonic is Jack the Ripper?

Personally, the final straw was his statement pertaining to those that desire and practice as a way of life the ability to resist the thoughts and actions of anger and negative emotion. Has he had a child or a loved-one act out their insanity and ended up in prison or worse? I think not or he could not in good conscience assert the conclusions included in the essay. Why not just call it entertainment and leave it at that. Stephen King has a very strong introduction because it immediately grasped the attention of the reader, but the conclusion was a bit confusing. It was a convincing essay; however, perhaps as a seemingly insane individual he is trying to convince himself that he has virtue. His fascination for horror is very clear. Writing books and movies based on horror seems to provide some relief for someone like him. Committing himself to an asylum for a reasonable period oftime just might change his opinions on insanity. Ha!

Behind the Formaldehyde Curtain

This eye-opening passage from the book, "The American Way of Death," written by Jessica Mitford was both informative and distressing. Ms. Mitford elected to take on a subject that is rarely a topic of conversation and provide details generally undisclosed outside of the industry of those trained to prepare the deceased for burial. She investigated the way cadavers are handled in America and explains in great detail the process from the time the body is released to the mortician through the preparation for public viewing.

It was interesting to note that in the early history of the United States, a family member was required to be involved in this process serving as oversight to the work being performed on a loved one. This is certainly not the case today and Ms. Mitford implies that it is actually discouraged by funeral directors and for good reason. The process seems cruel and heartless. Although at times described in a satirical tone, it is not lost on the reader that Jessica Mitford’s intention is to entice the reader to her viewpoint by divulging the minute details of the procedure of embalming.
When you think about it, was it necessary to vilify an industry that is trying to comfort those experiencing loss by providing a service that many would not dare to approach? Sure, morticians have to manipulate and reconstruct the body; they are truly cosmetic surgeons most perform amazing work. Talk about skills! If a family has made the choice to hold a memorial service with public viewing, there is no other way to do it. To give credit to Jessica Mitford, full and fair disclosure to the public is noble and necessary. However, why are other options not introduced? In the end by mocking the memorial process, she mocks the grieving family. Does the average person need books or visuals of what goes on after you leave the earth? Personally, we believe that most don't care about the process of embalming the body after death.

Online Essays - Is It Really Free?



It is simply amazing how people will go through great lengths for so-called achievement.  Michelle Vu outlines two more essay-for-sale websites in, "Free Online Paper Mills".  This practice is crippling the minds of future business owners, politicians and possibly even educators.  She presents the contrast of eCheat vs Custom Writings.  On one site, eCheat, the student is not given a chance to preview what the final outcome of paper will be.  However, it does specifically warn that submitting a purchased essay to any third party without proper citation (eCheat) is plagiarism. Instant doom!  In contrast, Custom Writings goes to great lengths to convince the customer that the paper is plagiarism free, and then discourages turning in the paper in their terms and conditions.  What a contradiction!  Both sites come with a price that could ultimately be free and no worries if students will put in the time to do the work, practice adequate time management and integrity.  

                        

The student, maybe unknowingly, sacrifices an important part of the education process as they dismiss dedication and the practice of writing and rewriting to perfection.  They forego the building of important life lessons of building upon the characteristic of determination and a yearning for excellence that will serve them well as they push toward their pursuit of education and life balance.

Surgery: New, Improved Options

Jacqueline Owen’s essay, "Robotic Surgery" was informative and, like she stated, very exciting.  She addressed the possibilities that robotics offer in great detail and describes the advantages and challenges associated with this minimally invasive technique during surgical procedures.  It is an almost perfect surgery and answers the question of why patients are discharged so early from a hospital stay after a major procedure.   

Ms. Owen is careful to promote the benefits as well as the drawbacks of robotic assistance during surgery.  She is convinced, and hopes that her audience will also be persuaded, that the good factors outweigh the concerns raised by the medical community.  Healthcare professionals appreciate the efficiency of the robotic assistant and the outstanding medical outcomes for patients, such as reduced blood loss, reduced risk of infection and swift recovery time, is fantastic. And the patient must feel better.  Just think, it no longer takes two to six weeks for a full recovery and it's many potential complications.  This has been shortened to a whopping three to five days!  The significant reduction of costs to insurance companies by relieving the requirement of long in-patient care cannot be argued.  But should they add a modifier 62 (assistant surgeon) after the surgery has been completed and check off the instruments used?  Robotic...Check.  Patient tolerated the procedure well and went to the recovery room in stable condition. 

However, even the medical community has expressed concerns regarding safety.   Some issues are related to hardware and software glitches that could result unavoidable errors.  Those errors may not be readily identifiable and this is a definite downside for surgeons, medical facilities, and ultimately the patient.  In addition, to purchase the equipment is very costly.  How and where are physicians being trained if the price of the technology is so cost prohibitive?  Could this limit the number of physicians that have actually obtained the appropriate skill set needed to perform surgery using this procedure?  Does this drive up the fees for this type of procedure?

Although this information remains exciting and convincing, it is important to analyze all aspects of safety and patients should receive full and fair disclosure before electing the way they want their surgery performed.  At the end of the day, the risks are mimimal...just turn the robot off.  Amazing...I think I'll schedule that needed surgery!

The Cost of Plagiarism

This is a perfect follow up to the previous blog that covered cheating.  Katie Hindman's essay, "Free Essay Websites: A Convenient Way to Plagiarize", provided information that many college students may not be aware of.  She outlines the various sites available and details on how they work. Prices were listed and the sites promise original, customized essays in as little as eight days depending on the site.  Some of the sites are clear and have a disclaimer that states the student is held solely accountable if accused of cheating by an  instructor.  Other sites guarantee absolute confidentiality.

Sure it may be convenient, but using sites like WriteMyEssay and Essay-911 is expensive, dishonest and a very temporary solution.  At the end of the day, the student who chooses to plagarize will not be able to hide his or her inability to write well from future employers or college-level instructors.  Good time management and planning will assist good students in avoiding paying twice for their education.  An added consequence is the possibility of severe discipline from the college, losing financial aid and an opportunity for a good education. 

Is it worth the cost--$10.95 to $79.95 per page, dignity, and self-respect after knowingly choosing to cheat?