Some Lessons from the Assembly Line

Andrew Braaksma’s purpose in writing “Some Lessons from the Assembly Line” was to give the readers insight into his life. Going to school while maintaining a part-time job in a factory, and how it wares on a persons body. I most definitely agree with Braaksma’s essay I to have a part time job unloading trucks in a warehouse so I can understand the struggle. Having a part-time, I began to understand that I needed to better my own life.

My own revelation is very similar to Andrew Braaksma’s own experience. Since High School ended I’ve bounced around from one dead end job to the next. Seeing people I went to high school with carrying on in college and getting actual degrees made me take a look at my own life and make a decision that I don’t want to be doing this for the next 50 years. I wanted a career I could be proud of. I wanted a life that I could look back on and be proud of the fact that I turned it around by going back to school. Sometimes you have to struggle to find the strength within to make that step and that first step is the hardest. Everyday, though, I am glad I took it.

Cell Phones and Social Grace

         Charles Fisher’s purpose in writing “Cell Phones and Social Grace” was to share his
opinion with the readers; cell phones have utterly destroyed social grace with society. I very much agree with Fisher’s essay. I wouldn’t want to hear someone else’s marital problems while shopping at the grocery store, or while I’m eating out with my family. For instance, I was on a family vacation going camping; you would think being in the forest that people won’t be blabbing away on their cells. So, I was eating some amazing burnt marshmallows, and my thirteen year old niece’s cell went off very loudly. This loud cell phone pulled me away from my burnt gooey friend. She then started talking about one of her friends, and how bored she was here.
       I do agree with most of his opinions, except one fact. It sounds as if he feels that once you get a cell phone, you become socially disruptive. I have a smart phone and I don’t do half of what he said people do. I never text or talk while I’m driving my car, and I hate talking in public; it’s rude and I know other people can hear me. However, I do have to say that cell phones can be the ultimate social weapon of destruction. Literally in some cases.

Darkness at Noon

Harold Krents’ purpose in writing “Darkness at Noon” was to inform people that you should not judge a book by its cover. Being blind does not hinder your other motor functions; such as your ability to speak and to hear. I completely agree with Krents, but unfortunately, I think that most of our narrow minded society can’t see past his blindness. They probably also won’t stop treating him like he’s Helen Keller. However, I’m probably talking out of my butt. I do understand where he is coming from, not personally, but my father was in an accident in which he lost his leg when he was three years old. After he recovered, people started treating him a lot different; even now at age sixty-seven. Also, for example, when he was eighteen years old, he tried to join the military and the recruiters just laughed at him.

Fortunately for my father, he has a prosthetic leg and can easily cover his leg up. But my father is never shy or embarrassed to show off his leg. I remember when I was a kid my dad would always make jokes about his leg; probably because we got scared. He would make his leg look like a dog’s face, and pretend that it barks. I know that may sound creepy and a little disturbing to some people, but to my siblings and I, it was the most hilarious thing in the world! So in Krents’ case, I’m sure he lightened the mood, and made the best of it. And most importantly, he didn’t think he was cursed.

Conglomerate!

             I completely agree with Anna; a majority of Americans have become blind and are slowly, but surely going more into a depression. She talks about Wal-Mart and the employee getting trampled, which I find sickening. Why? People wanted cheaply made stuff from foreign countries. This cheaply made stuff is made by kids in sweatshops getting paid a dollar a day. There’s really no solution to the problem; however, there is raising taxes, eliminating the tax break for the wealthy (being the 1% of the country’s people), or creating jobs. But it would never work, unless people open their eyes.

              I hate Wal-Mart. I never shop there; they are nothing but conglomerates and the county would be better off without it. The reason why is while they are doing well, the “Mom and Pops” store down the street is going out of business. Yeah sure, they can try and get a job at Wal-Mart, but who would want to work for a company that put them out of business in the first place? Someone who needs to put food on the table, that’s who. My sister and brother-in-law own a video game store; they are doing well. However, the games they have are available to buy at Wal-Mart for cheaper. So, they have to compete with that, and it’s not right. Their store, in my opinion, is amazing. Also, their customer service is without a doubt unquestionable; which goes for all privately owned businesses. I suppose that’s why people keep going back. However, I guess having manners and knowledge of their products is not enough, and the cheap, bad-mannered, unknowledgeable giant corporations are better.

Tan's blog

       Amy Tan shouldn't be ashamed of who she is, and where she came from. However, when we're young, sometimes we can't help but feel ashamed of one's family. For example, the first time I felt ashamed of my family was when I was ten years old. My father would bring home bikes from random garage sales for my brother and sisters. The bikes were rundown and rusty, but they would work. My friend at the time always had nice bikes. So, I felt very embarrassed, and would complain to my mom and dad, but they would say "Just be happy you have a bike." Now that I think about it, I wish I didn't complain so much, and showed them that I was grateful for them getting me a bike. It's funny, now I buy rundown bikes and fix them up. I personally understand Amy Tan's purpose. As of now, I feel out of place. This is my first experience going to college. After high school, six years ago, I feel that I'm somewhat a step behind everyone. But hopefuly that will all change later in the year.

C