Reflecting The Lesson and Experience

    Generally "easy" comes to mind when referring to a course named after your primary language, but when understanding the deeper literary complexities involved, then you have the true meaning of English. It has been a roller coaster ride for me personally because its seems sometimes I can write rather artistically, then other times I feel like I am butchering literature so to speak. It has been a while since I last taken an English course, so my understanding of sentence structure was rather pre-historic in my own logic. Still, after the first week of class Mrs. Knapp explanation of what to expect throughout the semester and through my acknowledgment of that I began to relax a bit. Only until the bigger assignments I began to question myself if whether I was a good writer or to become a good writer.

    The introduction of MLA style format and the often reiterated proper use of citations were great tools to add to my metaphorical “writing arsenal.” Sure a lot of it kind of seemed like common sense to me which is why I caught onto its use rather quickly, but I still knew that I needed to continue to refine my writing capabilities. Mrs. Knapp helped me fully understand the ability to revise and polish a literary assignment because in the near future we all will desperately need to understand how to write properly when approaching higher levels of education. The signal phrase/quote sandwich, TEA paragraph, fine thesis, and the ever so important attractive topic sentence are all bullet points etched in our memories and our habits as writers after taking this course. With this in mind Mrs. Knapp really did help me find my voice through literature and taught me how to apply it directly into a higher academic establishment. With that being said, in the words of my English instructor this semester and in reference towards all her hard work to make all of us students the best we can be, “Bravo!” (Knapp. Once upon a time). 

Research Paper Draft

Christopher Gibson

Mrs. Knapp + Mr. Gryzmala

English 1A + History

3 May 2012

Outline

I.                    INTRODUCTION –

II.                  BODY –

A.      Agricultural Makeover

1.      Happy Farmer

2.      A Driven Mr. Stanford

B.      The Impact of Hot and Cold (WWII & Cold War)

1.      Government, give me some money!

a.      Tech Advantages

2.      R&D Rises

a.      What coin phrase?

C.      Birth of “The Silicon Valley”

1.      Flock of Entrepreneurs

a.      What do you mean “New Business Model?”

2.      Invasion of Venture Capitalists

D.     I’ll have another, Tech Boom that is!

1.      A brave worldwide web

2.      Creative Destruction

3.      What have you done for me lately

III.                CONCLUSION –

Where Innovation Always Has a Home: Silicon Valley

            The Silicon Valley has been considered a hotbed for Research and Development since the beginning of the 20^th century. Through its agricultural way of being to its modern technological dominance, the Valley has experienced a successfully steady incline of prosperity since pre-WWI. What I intend to bring to light is how the South Bay earned the official High-Tech leader label as “The Silicon Valley” which it is heavily known as today. The focus will be on the main events that kick started the evolution of the information era and how it affects us today. While geared for development of both economical and societal advancement, the second half of the 20^th Century in the Valley generated a quantum leap technologically which inevitably changed mankind forever. This Valley’s roots will be revealed from the Agricultural based Santa Clara Valley era; through its maturation to becoming the innovative high-tech based Silicon Valley era.   

A.    Agricultural Makeover

            Before there was High-Tech based “Silicon Valley” the south bay was the Agricultural based Santa Clara Valley. Early on Santa Clara Valley was known as “The Valley of Hearts Delight” or “The Garden of the World” in part due to all the masses of produce rose. The scent of fruits and vegetables filled the clear air until the 1960’s. Fruits like apricots, grapes, prunes, cherries, and many more along with vegetables like broccoli were the valleys primary source of revenue. This was a great time for farmers all over the south bay stemming from San Jose, Campbell, Milpitas, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara. These hard working farmers sparked the innovative mindset within the region by creating the first commercial canned produce system which farmers thrived in throughout the United States. Still, these simpler milestones were proof that innovation was inevitable, therefore that mindset eventually lead to a research and development (R&D) industry.

            Generally something big or great has to start off through something small. A man can start his life off modestly, and then through hard work can later develop an empire of wealth within the railroad industry. Leland Stanford became founder of the Southern Pacific and president of the Central Pacific Railroads in 1861. He was widely considered a Robber Baron due to questionable method choices to construct and link the Transcontinental Railroad by 1869. Before he was a young student in a moderate lifestyle and now he is a Politician, President, and Owner of a strong industry.  The same logic can be translated into a Leland’s sentiment towards his son. Leland Stanford exuberant drive towards encouraging excellence in the fields of science and technology were all attributed to one incident while on vacation in Italy. There Leland’s son grew I’ll of Typhoid Disease and eventually died, therefore inspiring Mr. Stanford to find a way to honor and remember his son. Martin Cheek states in his handbook Silicon Valley that “Stanford University opened on October 1, 1891, and quickly became a cauldron of knowledge and innovation on which much of today’s high-tech world is based” (Cheek 14). The encouragement of knowledge may be directly influenced by Mr. Stanford’s quest for a cure to the disease his son had fallen to. Regardless of the influences, Stanford University had begun something special and later linked to the City of Palo Alto which eventually developed into a symbolic relationship between higher learning entities. The innovative relevance of copper wire was discovered here along with its electrical value, but it was “research in the new field of radio that planted the seeds of Silicon Valley” (14). This field of research would later aid the efforts of a mega event such as WWII.

B.     The Impacts of Hot and Cold (WWII & Cold War)

            The thought of any war being fought is almost unbearable, but when it involves every continent on the planet, then we ought to think of a technological advantage.  During WWII, the radio became more invaluable than ever and other sources of innovation were in high demand. Aviation became a heavily popular industry amongst both young and mature Americans. Along with means of attack from above the U.S. Government focused its attention and funding towards the development of micro chips which would guide missiles into hostile territory solo. If capable this accomplishment would be considered a “game changer” within any military context. However, this source of technology continued experimentation through R&D even until after the war. The Atom bombs had to be dropped from a plane directly above its target to finish out the war on the Pacific front. Nevertheless, even after WWII the U.S. Government pursued further funding of projects through R&D (particularly in electronics) and fundamental lab research through select Universities and Private Companies. Stanford University was one of the chosen ones along with a Private research lab located in Menlo Park during 1945-1973. This signifies the very first time the U.S. Government had involvement with the Santa Clara Valley which sparked the beginning of its transition towards being identified as “The Silicon Valley.”

            The events that ensued after a victorious WWII outcome lead to a prosperous United States amid the destruction of both European and Asian Power Nations. The United States stood as the only country relatively unchafed (Aside from Pearl Harbor) by the war and cashed in on the consumer demands of the International community. As stated by Thomas McCraw in American Business…How It Worked, he explains that the “sectors of the economy besides basic consumer goods and new home construction were high-tech industries-particularly aircraft and guided missiles, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and electronics” (McCraw 114). The American strategy of investment for the future revolved around the rising R&D industries and funding would most certainly be directed towards the innovative Valley of Santa Clara. In Cheek’s handbook Silicon Valley, he also illustrates that “In 1971, Don Hoeffler, editor of trade journal Electronics News, realized how important electronics had become to the Santa Clara Valley…he coined the term ‘Silicon Valley’ after the silicon wafers used in producing computer chips. The nickname quickly caught on as a way to identify the electronics Mecca” (Cheek 17). As a result, elite companies, respected researches, and innovative entrepreneurs could not help but be drawn towards this intriguing hotbed evolving in the Bay Area’s Valley.

A.    Birth of “The Silicon Valley”

            Silicon Valley’s core of innovation throughout the 1970’s revolved around its evolving stable of open minded entrepreneurs and researchers. Local University students and nonstudents were encouraged to think outside of the box and create something rather innovative. Individuals like the famous Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak were among the many pure thinkers who revolutionized the personal computer industry with Apple Inc. Nolan Bushnell founded Atari which sparked the video game craze, William Hewlett and David Packard both founded what is now referred today as HP in their garage in Palo Alto during graduate school at Stanford, and the eight engineers that left Williams Shockley’s Semiconductor business to found Fairchild Semiconductor which  played a crucial role in developing the silicon. Along with the ability to pursue technological advancement these groundbreaking individuals applied that effort towards their business practices as well. Chong Moon Lee states in The Silicon Valley Edge that the “Silicon Valley business models are open and fluid. Open to new ideas and new people as well as to new technological standards, the winning companies in Silicon Valley are constantly inventing ways of doing business” (Lee 82). What went on during the 1970’s was more than just creating technologies; it was a complete transformation in almost every conceptual way of being through means of doing business throughout all industry. These new open business models were supported by a relatively new entity in its self at the time and that would be Venture Capitalism.

Startup companies began popping up everywhere within the Valley and electronics were the main target of exploration. A Web Services called English-Online article Silicon Valley: Americas High Tech Centre, states that “such growth was possible because people could found a company, get money and rent an office space in only a few weeks.” This process was supported by the emerging Venture Capitalist Companies which were initially based off Sand Hill Road, Palo Alto. Venture Capital is Financial Capital which helps small startup companies whom are unable to secure a bank loan due to limited operation history or are too small to raise capital within market themselves. That means that Venture Capitalist Firms would invest in select startups that they project will have staying power/future. These investments are thoroughly analyzed, but that does not negate the fact that it is always a high risk and high reward business. The returns these Venture Firms generate are significant portions of equity within their investments (Startup Companies) and control over company decisions. The successful investment strategies lead to the maturation of companies such as Apple Inc., Genentech, and Digital Equipment Corporation through the 1970’s-1980 within the Silicon Valley. As time moved onward the emphasis of the technological craze became more and more evident that experts realized that it wasn’t just a fad that may pass, but rather a beginning of a new era altogether.

B.     I’ll have another, Tech Boom that is!

            During a time when Venture Capitalism had already been established and being an Entrepreneur was actually considered a job, the two would then meet to create a boom which is something called the World Wide Web. In 1993 the Internet was introduced to the market as a symbol of the future and as well as a result from the past. Chong Moon Lee states in The Silicon Valley Edge that “ ‘The Internet changes everything.’ This is a Silicon Valley mantra” (Lee 124). Moon Lee essentially explains that without entrepreneurship there is no internet period. Entrepreneurs are the driving force behind this life altering tool and along with Venture Capitol help these entrepreneurs are encouraged to continue the process of innovation throughout the Silicon Valley. The mid 1990’s was a time the “dotcom boom” was in full effect and it seemed that almost anyone could start a million dollar business just by placing a “.com” at the end of their company name/logo. The internet began to take shape and display its seemingly unlimited usefulness to the world. Having access to this universal tool would then rapidly speed up business interaction, transactions, stock market fluctuations, media access, general consumerism, the list is endless and this is made possible through innovation. This new invention grabbed the hearts and imaginations of countless Americans (let alone others around the world) and sparked mass interests the industry really needed to become the economic power that would later lead the world. However, this process is not a given and has no hassle free blue print to follow, so eventually this dotcom buzz would have to temporarily end somehow.

Out of all the good that came from a prosperous time in our economy like the dotcom boom the Silicon Valley there is always an event that balances everything in the end. It has been the same story throughout history that all good things must come to an end much like the ancient empires, the roaring twenties, Sonny and Cher, the Harry Potter Series, and well you get my point. Still, by the time the year 2000 hit the whole boom turned into a bust and as a result the market collapsed enough to force the Federal Reserve to increase its interest rates at least six times causing the market to slow down considerably at the turn of the century. NASDAQ was hit hard based on the fact that it is technology heavy and during 2000 it had lost at least ten percent of its peak according to Wikipedia records. The major culprits were the failing startups who squandered almost all their Venture Capital with no actual “Net Gain” to show for it. This type of cycle seems to continue somehow in a Capitalistic Society under an innovative driven industry. There great example stemming from a popular Karl Marx theory called “Creative Destruction,” which inevitably suggests that economic innovation linked to business cycles under Capitalism leads to wealth annihilation, and then re-arises out of destruction to return to a new form of wealth. This example can easily be related to the beginning of the 21^st Century and how the High-Tech Industry not only recovered, but took off like a rocket worldwide thanks to semiconductor, software, and social networking companies such as Adobe, Cisco, Google, Amazon, Intel, and even the emerging Facebook who are all in power today.

            Today’s Silicon Valley faces shaky economic issues, but still conducts itself as a leader of innovative change. By again altering business plans, this region still puts forth its innovative instincts and tries to find ways to strengthen the local economy. A Web-Article named “The Registry” has an article called “Contract Manufacturing Thriving in Silicon Valley” which illustrates that several local businesses/companies have started to invest in local contract manufacturing to ensure the valley’s “Economic Resurgence” (“Contract Manufacturing…”). The article also states that “their client companies are tapping the Valleys deep manufacturing expertise to design and produce the very latest innovations here—before they do high-volume production globally” (“Contract Manufacturing…”). This means that hardware and software based companies throughout the Valley like Google, Apple, startup’s, and everything in between are starting to build prototypes domestically via R&D before they later approve the product for mass production overseas. This is a step in the right direction which brings jobs and revenue back to the Silicon Valley and the United States in general. The whole logic behind decision like this is a testimony to the openness leaders in today’s top companies throughout the Silicon Valley share amongst one another to address an economical issue. It’s an ever evolving business model, or a new software upgrade, or hardware modification, or simply an innovative approach directed by unique entrepreneurs that molded this Valley and influenced this Valley and inevitably run this Valley.  

            In the end, this “Mecca of innovation” may have its bumps along the road of advancement, but inevitably it will be known that technology has no ceiling. The agricultural era of the Valley showed the world one thing and that was the spark of innovation is not just a physical accessory, but instead a state of mind which everyone has the capability to hone. This Valley’s innovative capability has speared through WWII, the Cold War, and has not looked back since the turn of the 21^st century. This is a place that encourages new ideas and making groundbreaking industrial movements. Entrepreneurs, researchers, big businesses all are attracted to and have learned that this region is unique to all and thrives while being an unorthodox open book. Idea sharing/networking and encouraged innovative opportunity has a home called the Silicon Valley. Honoring the past and respecting the technological advances of the future create the acknowledgment that the Silicon Valley has plenty of innovative offerings for today.

                       

Works Cited

Cheek, Martin. Silicon Valley. Emeryville, CA: Moon, 2002. Print. Page 12-21.

"English-Online." Silicon Valley. Web. 19 May 2012. <http://www.englishonline.at/technology

/silicon-valley/silicon-valley-americas-high-tech-center.htm>. Par 5.

Lee, Chong-Moon. The Silicon Valley Edge: A Habitat for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Stanford, CA: Stanford UP, 2000. Print. Page 82-126.

Malone, Michael S. The Big Score: The Billion-dollar Story of Silicon Valley. Garden City, NY:

Doubleday, 1985. Print.

McCraw, Thomas K. American Business, 1920-2000: How It Worked. Wheeling, IL: Harlan

Davidson, 2000. Print. Page 114-115.

"News Releases." The Registry. Web. 22 May 2012. <http://news.theregistrysf.com/contract-        manufacturing-thriving-in-silicon-valley/>.

2nd Annotated Bibliography

Gibson 1

Christopher Gibson

Mrs. Knapp

English 1A

April 30, 2012

Then and Now: The Developmental Impacts

of Silicon Valley

McCraw, Thomas K. American Business, 1920-2000: How It Worked. Wheeling, IL: Harlan Davidson,

          2000. Print.

    Geared for both historical insight and American business model applications this book provides information on the Governments investment on R&D (Research and Development) during the Cold War. The Author shows the relevance of R&D and the Government’s willingness to generously fund high-tech industries and fundamental research in order to stay ahead of the Soviet Union’s advancements. Further explanations are given in detail about how much the government invested in research through Private Companies and upper-tier Universities where both of which are directly linked to the Silicon Valley. The Author is the Isidor Straus Professor of Business History at the Harvard Business School and has involvements in several articles, chapters, reviews, and of course books since 1971.

    The book is useful for thorough insight on how businesses work and especially lays a proper foundation that explains the Silicon Valley’s massive technological development since the 1950’s. This book also contains additional detail that I am sure I have yet to discover as well.

Cheek, Martin. Silicon Valley. Emeryville, CA: Moon, 2002. Print.

    Primarily suited for travelers/tourists who want a more in-depth understanding about the Silicon Valley, this book provides prideful detail of what the Valley was and has become. The Author displays key dates of which the Governments invested in research done by Stanford University and non-profit based labs located in Menlo Park. The Author also explains how New York based business giant IBM was one of the first Companies that grew fond of the Silicon Valley and its electronics developments. The Author is supported by Publishers Group West and is widely considered one of the finest guidebooks in the country. This guidebook is part of a series of Moon Handbooks which strives to provide the latest and greatest of all regions researched and that includes the Silicon Valley.

    I do consider this source valid and absolutely useful based on the detailed historical facts provided. This book will help me build an extensive picture for the reader about the historical aspects of the Silicon Valley and worldwide impacts of which most individuals are not aware of.

Malone, Michael S. The Big Score: The Billion-dollar Story of Silicon Valley. Garden City, NY:

         Doubleday, 1985. Print.

    The main objective of this book is to take a look beneath the glamour of the Silicon Valley as the high-tech hub of the world and better understand its roots, its faults, and its futuristic outlook. The book was copyrighted in 1985, so the details provided are dated, but that does not mean useless. My strategy is to use this view toward my benefit with current knowledge. He strives to create a thorough picture of the daily lives of people who work in major companies throughout the Valley and the stressful yet joyous lifestyles they live. He also attempts to describe a prediction of the future and how the Silicon Valley will evolve. The Author of this book is a respected writer with a working background in the Silicon Valley.

    Like the Author, I will try and use his strategy by making a prediction/projection as to where the Silicon Valley will be 10 years from now. My guess is that a decade from now will be completely different from today and by honing the Authors logic I feel it can also be quite insightful.

1st Annotated Bibliography

Gibson 1

Christopher Gibson

Mrs. Knapp

English 1A

April 25, 2012

Then and Now: The Developmental Impacts

of Silicon Valley

Moon Lee, Chong. "The Silicon Valley Edge: A Habitat for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Stanford Business Books) [Paperback]." Amazon.com: The Silicon Valley Edge: A Habitat for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Stanford Business Books) (9780804740630): Chong-Moon Lee, William Miller, Marguerite Hancock, Henry Rowen, William F. Miller, Marguerite Gong Hancock, Henry S. Rowen: Books. Stanford University Press. Web. 25 Apr. 2012. <http://www.amazon.com/The-Silicon-Valley-Edge-Entrepreneurship/dp/0804740631>.

            This book received the admiration and credibility it needed to inevitably lead the University of Stanford to publish it. While being a product influenced, authored, and edited by several academics and industry leaders; the overall objective of this book is to focus on what makes the Silicon Valley region the quintessential example of entrepreneurialism and innovation. The continuously new styles of entrepreneurship, innovative business models, rise of social networking, commercial financing, influence of venture capitalism, etc. have all been incorporated and assessed through means of dissecting the valleys technological economic boom during the end of the 20^th century. Therefore, the book covers the ground breaking high-tech approach that was exercised in order to trigger substantial economic growth, but also sheds some history as to what lead the change from older set industries to the innovative entrepreneurial mindset.

            Locating a book with this much in-depth information on my subject has been trying, but the Authors of “The Silicon Valley Edge” have provided me with both broad and specific details. The historical aspects dating back to the begging of the Silicon Valley are rather limited. Regardless of that fact the insight from so many respected sources in this book allow me to depict accurate snapshots of the regions development over the past couple of decades. Having this resource available with a relatively broad source of information allows me to choose a more narrow and concise aspect within my topic. With that being said, I definitely feel this book will have an absolute impact on my pure knowledge on the topic of my research paper.

Samples of My Genre

The Beauty of Contemporary R&B

  Music has a unique way like no other of igniting a vociferous fire within each one of us at anytime. Whether it be a smooth melody, loud ruckus, symbolic meaning, or spur of the moment, everyone has their own type of style that gets them going and feeling good. What I have acquired through the years is an understanding of what moves me no matter the specific genre. However, I still stay true to that of classic R&B, soul oriented R&B, and now contemporary R&B. Like everyone else my style is what makes me ignites my fire and how I interpret it is what makes me unique.

  Generally, revealing specific information or details about myself is not a natural feeling nor my strong suit by any means. I would not consider my passing of this invisible obstacle a form of strength, but more of a relaxed state of mind. The fact that I am posting a music video of a song I enjoy kind of speaks for itself in that "I am overcoming my fear of sharing" so to speak. As R&B evolved since its roaring Jazz based introduction in the early 20th century I have followed and owned its modification even in today's contemporary version. What I have attached is a music video of an artist named Musiq Soulchild who signs the featured song "Just Friends" with a smooth flowing beat which incorporates some old school melodies as well. The message put out there can be interpreted in anyway an individual see's fit, but its the songs free flowing atmosphere that has me gravitate to this song which is not violent, overly sexy, offensive/vulgar, or stereotypical by any means. This song is a reflection of the neutral commercial friendly evolution of contemporary R&B and how this style's objective is still based on bringing people together.

  In the end, as time goes on my taste in almost everything may change, but I am certain that my love for all types of R&B will be forever strong. Maybe its because I am a form of a hopeless romantic or simply enjoy the general lyrical conclusion of most R&B songs created, but at the end of the day it is my form of musically expressed identity. The mixture of electronic instruments (piano and guitar) and the natural beat-box-rhythm is a creative combination that sets the artist in the video apart from the rest of my choices simply because it is a great example of the genre's evolution from saxophones and etc. With that being said, it is always difficult to decipher a genre based off one single song, but I chose a song that best displays a contemporary R&B artists versatility by reaching out to other genre's and further evolving music in general.



A brief description and recommendation:
  Here is the highly anticipated song "Just Friends" performed by Musiq Soulchild. The lyrics tell a story which can be frowned upon, but is still relatively PG-13 in the grand scheme of things. If you do not like the lyrics, then please focus more on the melody and overall flow of the song. That is what I get caught up most in anyway. Most of the time lyrics can become secondary to the music itself and this song is a great example of that too. But, nevertheless with all aspects united the song is a barer of good moods. I hope you enjoy!

My Illusive Identity (Rough Draft)

                                                  My Illusive Identity

            Generally all individuals begin developing their identity during adolescence.  Growing up as a self proclaimed “hybrid” because I was both White and Mexican, I found it very difficult to understand culture. My mother had been cohabitating with a man that I genuinely thought was my biological father. He also was Mexican, but didn’t really practice his culture away from his family, thus leaving me wondering until the latter years of his life. Still, whenever we visited his side of the family it became clear his culture was all about being loud, having a good time, and enjoying great Mexican cuisine. The scent of albondigas stewing, watching tacos being constructed, analyzing the secrets of amazing tamale recipes, and of course occasionally walking through the kitchen stealing fist full samples of all that is food stick with all my senses till this day. I could not help but to compare my experience to that of Gloria Anzaldua’s when she describes her identities through food. With that being said I can arguably say that my love for food and the senses triggered by it became my first sense of identity.  

            After acknowledging my fancy for Mexican food, then I searched for a sense of guidance on what type of person I should be. However, unfortunately I did not exactly have the best role models growing up. Most of my “step fathers” family did drugs, smoked, joined gangs, stole, accepted dead end jobs, didn’t graduate high school, belittled me, called me stupid, and blamed the world for their circumstances. Yet oddly for some reason I somehow developed my own reasoning and decided that I didn’t want to follow their footsteps. My mother’s side was not much better; therefore theoretically I was being set up for failure. By somehow understanding that I can make my own decision or choose my own path I created an internal sense of pride and belief that I could change my stars so to speak, even at the tender age of eight years old. Therefore, the history of my “step-fathers” and mother’s families could not affect me anymore, thus influencing my unique frame of mind today.

            The language barriers in life consist of variables in which we as individuals sometimes struggle to connect. I moved back to California for the second time at age twelve, but unlike the first time around I was now slapped in the face with the Mexican/Latin culture. The middle school I attended was roughly 90% percent Latino and I had just moved in from Salt Lake City, Utah. Instantly I had to learn Spanish at least a little bit just to get by and several slang language was used along with different dialects. Immediately I was labeled the “gringo” not just because of my lack of speaking Spanish, but also due to my light complexion and height. Some kids could only speak Spanish, so that forced me to try and develop a common ground of communication. So that means I ended up speaking some Spanish and they would speak some English and we would practically invent words that only we understood to work on and complete assignments. However, other kids felt that I should try harder to learn their language and would put me down for being “so white.” After a while I gained the confidence to ignore them and be proud of the fact that I have one primary language. Gloria Anzaldua in “How to tame a wild tongue,” states “I will no longer be made to feel ashamed of existing. I will have my voice: Indian, Spanish, White. I will have my serpents tongue” (109). At that time I did develop the same type of protest as Gloria, even though in this particular context it is slightly reversed. It is tough being caught between two cultures and not truly living either one of them, but through my youth experiences I can confidently say that the Mexican culture the one I can call my own.

            In conclusion, since the moment I was brought into this world my sense of identity has been increasingly hard to come by. Through the shambles that existed throughout my adolescence I did learn a lot about myself and what I am capable of. Both Mexican and White cultures are a part of me, but I am neither a master of either one as well. Love was learned through values, values were learned through common sense, common sense was learned through experiences, and experiences were learned through mistakes of others as well as mistakes of my own. Through my developed logic over the years all these characters lead to my uniqueness, my sense of being, therefore my identity.

Work Citation:

Gloria Anzaldua. “How to tame a wild tongue” Mercury Reader. Boston, MA:

                Pearson Learning Solutions. 2012 Pg. 102-115.

Revised: MLA Amendments

 The very first positive outcome of the American Civil War revolved around the XIII Amendment. Slavery was officially abolished once Section 1 of the Amendment was released. As stated in "America Past and Present" section 1 "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for a crime whereof the party shall have been convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction"  (Divine, Robert A, A-12). The firmness of the literature truly emphasize the radical change of that time. This means that nowhere is it legal on American soil the practices of slavery or involuntary servitude unless it is for punishment of a crime against the law.

  A couple of years later, the country is still uncertain and unsettled about the XIII Amendment. The XIV Amendment was passed and enforced nation wide in 1868. This section formally defines equal "Citizenship, Life, Liberty, and fair entitlement to property" (A-12)  was emphasized in Section 1. As stated, "nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law" (A-12). This allows the Federal Government to protect all naturalized citizens from any cruel laws being passed through the state level.

  In addition with the XIV Amendment the ground rules on voting rights were explained along with what defines a US Citizen and who is not eligible to run for office (civil or military) in the following sections. Section 2 clarifies that any male 21 years of age is entitled to vote no matter the race. As stated in Section 2 "any of the male inhabitants of such state, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States... shall bear to the whole number of male citizens" (A-12). This means that post slaves are counted as "one whole person" per-vote rather than being considered 3/5ths or a person as previously enforced.

  Section 3 stressed that all members of the old confederacy leaders not have the ability to hold any Federal Office. As stated, that no person shall "have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same or given and or comfort to the enemies" (A-12). The only way they should have a chance to regain full citizenship and a spot in office is through a passed 2/3 vote from congress itself. This voting measure was put in place to control the possible Confederate political influence during the reconstruction era.

  Continuing on with the XIV section 4. As stated "any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void" (A-12). This was a section firmly stating to all southern states that there will be no payments or compensation for loss of slavery or payment to slave traders at that time. Section 5 pretty much speaks for its self. With support of legislation, Congress has the power enforce all said through this article. This adopted Amendment covered several issues stemming through that time and was a major stepping stone towards African American Civil Rights.

  The final Amendment passed through the post Civil War was designed to guarantee that former slaves would retain their voting rights from any ban. The XV Amendment, section 1 states, "the right of citizens of the United States shall not be denied... on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude" (A-12). This section was written to counter the suffrage laws being placed by southern states to discriminate any kind of groups. Loopholes were eventually manipulated in this Amendment as well as the rest and states found ways to continue banning/preventing blacks from voting even up to the 1960's, but nevertheless they were stepping stones towards inevitable implantation of full Civil Rights.



    Work Citations:


Divine, Robert A. "Appendix" America Past and Present. Upper Saddle River, NJ:


    Pearson Education/Longman, 2011. A-12.

"Open Letter" - My View

  The lack of enforcement protecting the adopted Amendments and all citizens covered by them since the Civil War ended was the main issue during the last quarter of the 19th century. With violence and discrimination running rampant throughout the south during that time African Americans were forced to stand up for their newly acquired rights. As stated in the "Open Letter to Pres. Mckinley" By the Colored People of Massachusetts, "the Colored National League (CNL) arose to combat the discrimination and violence against freed slaves" (44). The CPM state, "we ask for the enjoyment of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness equally with other men" (45). The plea and argument which was so righteously bestowed upon President Mckinley for his viewing pleasure pointed out several malicious acts carried out by local mobs against helpless black individuals and how they were strategically ignored. This brings light to how society was during that time and how the effects of racial discrimination stemmed even to the top of the executive branch.

  Civil equality seemed like nothing but a dream to those suppressed by their white counterparts, but the willingness to fight for those rights and the hope that future generations can benefit from these efforts is what motivated organization such as The Colored People of Massachusetts. The CPM expressed that even after all the barbaric tactics had been done by mods across the south specifically, they still somehow had faith that these issue will be addressed at the state of the union. However, as stated by the CPM, "But not one word did your message contain on this subject, although it discussed all sorts and conditions of subjects" (48). Also, the facts that Pres, Mckinley and the rest of the Legislative branch supported the act on liberating Cubans during the Cuban Revolution, but did not act on a similar conflict back home in the south were the issue at hand were effecting African Americans was argued as well. The CPM did state and argue that the President "wished to terminate and did terminate" (51) the Spanish influence on Cuba with Federal forces, but did not see the actions in the south as "injurious and menacing to our interests and tranquility, as well as shocking to our sentiments of humanity" (51). This information clearly states as evidence that Pres. Mckinley and the Legislative branch did contradict themselves to an extent based off of what the Amendments stood for and why the constitution was in place. 

  The Legislative, Judicial, and of course the Executive Branches all should have imposed their power to enforce the laws that passed through the system. The same federal military forces that handled the Cuban liberation instead should have been mobilized for domestic purposes in the south to establish security and fortify the proper insertion of the current laws for all American Citizens. The prejudice sprinkled throughout each branch should have been overruled by the constitution which does not see color, but an individual born of this opportunistic soil who should enjoy all rights equally with his or her fellow man. The change in mindset of an already established by a politically white post Civil War generation would not change in any scenario, but having laws passed during the reconstruction era acknowledging African Americans as citizens was the seed that will eventually grant the future generations their rightful place amongst equal Civil Rights.        

  

  Work Citation: 

The Colored People of Massachusetts. "Open Letter to President Mckinley" Mercury Reader. Boston,
   MA: Pearson Learning Solutions. 2012. Pg. 44-51. 

Reflecting Meta-Cognatively

  Literature can be persuasive on so many levels that, in some cases, can oddly overwhelm the reader. Being a reader of many essays, articles, biography's, novels, etc; I naturally critically think my way through whatever the author has to throw my way. Sometimes though, I can get so involved in the literature that, all of a sudden, I just cant help but to view the plot from various angles. Meaning, I can follow along with the flow that the author provides in his/her writing, then I start predicting whats next, or start viewing the story from a macro perspective, or even start disagreeing with the writing based off a critics point of view, thus leaving me wondering what the author was really writing about all along. All these little point of views help morph a straight forward story or passage into an overly analyzed stack of words that sometimes requires me to read over one more time to get the story straight. All in all, I do not think this is a bad thing, but surely enough it is a positive underlying obstacle I possess and endure.

  Naturally, I am not truly fond of reading often. Like most individuals, I like reading what interests me first, then what the instructor has assigned for me later. Regardless of these facts I do what I have to and stay current on my readings. As past experiences have taught me, being responsible with a great work ethic generally leads to self fulfillment and a true pride that no one can take away. The fact that I am writing this blog and sharing the way my mind functions is a bit of a noteworthy feat. All this was not the case early on when I initially graduated High School. I did not take my reading assignments seriously, then when quiz's and tests came along I simply found myself mostly at a loss. Not a good feeling! After a couple of years of added maturity and a full understanding of a direction pertaining to a career; I find reading quite useful and sometimes fun. Life lessons and career orientation have helped me adopt the practice of recreational reading no matter the case.

  As far as a timeline for reading, any quiet moment through the day is an opportunity. Whether its at home, in my car, at school, or elsewhere, reading has become a regular. I feel I have an intuitive understanding of the text thus far, given by my instructors this semester. Also, I am caught up on my readings for History and even English, so I have no difficulties relating to any of these courses. From immaturity to thinking critically to successful application of my new found habits, reading is not just a requirement anymore, but a successful tool for hopefully a successful Engineer someday. Now that my friends, is a good feeling!

Owl Creek Bridge

  Its Northern Alabama, Payton Farquhar is standing on a railroad bridge overlooking the fast, yet cold water below. The opening scene and the details of uniformed men' postures, purposes, protocol, overall landscape and all structural surroundings ease into the atmosphere at hand. The authors reason for this scene is to create a mental picture describing an obvious ceremonial lynching by the Federal forces. The civilians demeanor and appearance is also described as one of a gentlemen. The location was secluded with nowhere to go, the lynching was going to happen and sadly Payton's fate was undoubtedly set. This gives me reason to believe that the civilian (Payton) had to have sided with the confederate's somehow and was being convicted and executed by a wartime penalty.  

  The purpose for this scene was to engage the reader and share what Payton was feeling while standing on a plank supported by another mans weight with a rope fastened securely around his neck. How it was an air tight  fail proof situation that he was in and what flashed through his mind in the waning moments until the plank was no longer supported. The possibility of escape and scenarios to achieve it would run through all of our minds. When acceptance sets in, then the ones we love the most become our priority to the last breath. Payton was a good man, but sometimes even good men pay the price for standing up for what they believe. This scene sets the foundation for what is real and what is wishful throughout the remainder of the story. 

  While reading the whole Ambrose Bierce story I naturally try predicting the conclusion at the very beginning. Understanding the situation and being part of the current military myself, I quickly finalize that Payton will be lynched, so when the details of his escape were given I couldn't buy it. I mean the soldiers were positioned at both ends of the bridge and around him. The rope was secured to "stout timber" above his head and even if the rope somehow broke, the positioned soldiers would have a clear shot. As the story went on and after Payton escaped by surviving the initial jolt of the rope/brake, then pulling a houdini by freeing his hands, eluding bullets while fighting currents down stream and successfully running into the woods in the direction of home; the story comes back to the last details of the first scene. As it turned out, the escape scene that perceived to last a whole day really lasted just moments in Payton's mind as he was falling to his doom. Maybe I think a little too logical or critical, but somehow it did help me this time because I actually accurately predicted the outcome to this story.

  The fall of Corinth caused great trouble for the South during the war. The railway supply lines were cut and after several attempts to retake it, the South ultimately failed. Payton's character is described as "naturally an original secessionist and ardently devoted to the southern cause. Circumstances of an imperious nature, which it is unnecessary to relate here, had prevented him from taking service with the gallant army that had fought the disastrous campaigns ending with the fall of Corinth, and he chafed under the life of the soldier, the opportunity for distinction." (Ambrose Bierce, 173). The Federal forces are advancing and with each stride the railway is being rebuilt for use again. Payton was a supporter of the Confederacy/South and based on the fact that the scout pretty much duped him into trying to burn down the Owl Creek Bridge. The North may have been trying to lure all confederate extremist left to the bridge, then legally execute them based on their actions. This could indicate there was quite a disparity between the North and South during this time of reconstruction.

Citations Used:

Ambrose Bierce. Great American Short Stories. Mineola, New York:

Dover Publications, INC. 2002. Pg. 713. 

MLA Amendments 13, 14, 15

 The very first positive outcome of the American Civil War revolved around the XIII Amendment. Slavery was officially abolished once Section 1 of the Amendment was released. As stated in "America Past and Present" section 1 "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for a crime whereof the party shall have been convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction"  (Divine, Robert A, A-12). The firmness of the literature truly emphasize the radical change of that time.

  A couple of years later, the country is still uncertain and unsettled about the XIII Amendment. In 1868, the XIV Amendment was passed and enforced nation wide. This section formally defines equal Citizenship, Life, Liberty, and fair entitlement to property was emphasized in Section 1. As stated, "nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law" (Divine, Robert A). This allows the Federal Government to protect all naturalized citizens from any cruel laws being passed through the state level.

  The ground rules on voting rights were explained along with what defines a US Citizen and who is not eligible to run for office (civil or military) in Sections 2 & 3. Section 2 clarifies that any male 21 years of age is entitled to vote no matter the race. Stated in Section 2 "any of the male inhabitants of such state, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States," continued "shall bear to the whole number of male citizens" (Divine, Robert A). This means that post slaves are counted as "one whole person" per-vote rather than being considered 3/5ths or a person as previously enforced. Section 3 stressed that all members of the old confederacy leaders not have the ability to hold any Federal Office. Section 3 states that no person shall "have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same or given and or comfort to the enemies" (Divine, Robert A). The only way they should have a chance to regain full citizenship and a spot in office is through a passed 2/3 vote from congress itself.

  Continuing on with the XIV section 4. As stated "any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void" (Divine, Robert A). This was a section firmly stating to all southern states that there will be no payments or compensation for loss of slavery or payment to slave traders at that time. Section 5 pretty much speaks for its self. With support of legislation, Congress has the power enforce all said through this article.

  The final Amendment passed through the post Civil War was designed to guarantee that former slaves would retain their voting rights from any ban. The XV Amendment states "the right of citizens of the United States shall not be denied," continued in section 1 "on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude" (Divine, Robert A). This section was written to counter the suffrage laws being placed by southern states to discriminate any kind of groups. Loopholes were eventually found in this Amendment as well and states found ways to continue banning/preventing blacks from voting, even up to the 1960's.



Citations Used:


Divine, Robert A. "Appendix" America Past and Present. Upper Saddle River, NJ:


Pearson Education/Longman, 2011. A-12.
 

 

Journal Writing: Point of View (Civil War / Basics)

  January 1861. President Lincoln was newly elected and widely know as a abolitionist (people who strive to abolish slavery). The fact that Lincoln was put in power seemed to be enough to force South Carolina to hit the panic button and become the first state to secede. The sole purpose for this move was simply because they relied heavily on slave labor and couldnt imagine life without them. Soon after, the secession welcomed six more states, then later a of 11 total states will round out what eventually was known as the Confederacy. This kind of diversity within the country created heavy tension and soon enough something was about to give.

  President Lincoln tried to avoid any kind of spark that may ignite warfare, but on April 12, 1861 it was made inevitable. Shots were fired on fort Sumter (based in SC), then after sometime the fort was surrendered to South Carolina and the American Civil War was begun. Needless to say, from this point four years of brotherly bloodshed would be spilt in what may still be the most horrifyingly gruesome and detrimental wars of American history.

  After years of brutality, Confederate Army Commanding General Robert E. Lee scheduled to meet with Union Army Commanding General Ulysses's Grant in a home in Virginia at Appomattox. On April 9, 1865 the American Civil War was effectively over. The Union had finally won and the Confederacy hopes for establishing itself as a permanent independent republic was halted.

  Shortly after the war, President Lincoln was assassinated. The Era of reconstruction began with a bang so to speak. The true outcome of the Civil War revolved around the implementation of a reconstructed government for the south. This time was not peaceful, but a violent time filled with controversy turmoil. Everyone wanted to take advantage of how weak the south was. The 13th amendment was passed and slavery was abolished. The south was left trying to piece what was left together.

  The 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments were the real success in the aftermath of the war. Later the 14th amendment was passed to give Federal Legal Protection to all citizens (including African Americans specifically) to help with the transition from slave to free citizenship. The 15th amendment gave the African Americans a voice/vote. These Amendments were the true victories of the Civil War, eventhough it took each state so much longer to actually transition and accept the true meaning of equality. It took up to as much as 12 years for the southern states to finally transition back to the United States. In 1877 the reconstruction was considered over when the remainder of federal troops finally were removed from the south.

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