TOW #20 - IRB "Tuesdays With Morrie"

Tuesdays With Morrie

      For my IRB this marking period, I chose to read "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom. As mentioned in my earlier IRB post, this book is about a student, Mitch Albom, and his dying college professor. These two had a very close bond since Albom's college days, and in Morrie's final days they spend a lot of time together discussing about the meaning of life and its lessons. The first chapter of the book is the Curriculum-the Syllabus. In it, Albom introduces the audience to the weekly meetings he has with Morrie. Rather than describing it as a out-of-place meeting, he depicts their meetings as a continuation of his studies. The classes are held in Morrie's house. This is where we are introduced to the pink hibiscus plant, a symbol that would later come to represent life and death.  

     As Morrie's sickness worsens and his body deteriorates, the petals of the hibiscus plant begin to fall losing life. They wither and fall, one buy one as Morrie's dependence on his oxygen aid grows. The hibiscus plant is continuously used as a symbol for life, specifically Morrie's. It is understood that the closer Morrie approaches death, the death of the plant grows closer as well

     A particularly upsetting moment so far in this book was when Albom, during one of his meetings with Morrie, recalls the summer of 1979 when he graduated. After receiving his diploma, Morrie approached him to greet his parents, describing Albom as a "very special boy." In turn, Albom presents Morrie with a tan briefcase engraved with Morrie's initials. Both men's eyes well up with tears and they promise each other to keep in touch. 

     Although I have just recently begun this book, I already fill greatly enraptured by it. I too have an extremely special teacher who greatly impacted my life. I feel I can relate to Albom in the ever great thanks I feel towards my teacher. This book is also extremely meaningful with beautifully sad moments. I feel very enlightened every time I open this book and am excited to continue reading.

TOW #19 - Visual Analysis of "We Can Do It" War Poster

"We Can Do It"

     For this week's TOW, I chose to do a rhetorical analysis of the iconic "We Can Do It" war poster. More commonly referred to as the Rosie the Riveter poster, it was designed by J. Howard Miller in 1942. He was a freelance artist from Pittsburgh who was commissioned to draw up a poster that would portray American patriotism, regardless of gender, to garner everyone's war effort. When this poster was made, the United States were in midst of World War II. As the males left to fight on the forefront, women were left behind and job positions opened up. Posters such as this one called for women to take these jobs upon themselves and prove themselves equal as men. Through the artist's use of color and portrayals of strength, he is able to effectively sell the idea of America as the home of the free and equal by conveying to his audience that women are just as necessary to the war effort during this time. 

     The color scheme of this poster is very iconic and practically blares out American patriotism: blue, white, and red. As America was fighting a war during this time period, any and all public support was necessary. A movement of sorts began to bring in women into the workforce to help the nation. The bright blue shirt, red and white headband are very patriotic articles of clothing. It appeals to the audience of primary women and make the workforce and war effort an appealing thing. Despite fashion of this time consisting primarily of dresses and/or skirts, Rosie is seen wearing a blue-collared shirt; a motif of the working class. Hankerchiefs were not something that women used as sweatbands, but Rosie proved that women do not have to be held down by fashion standards either. Ads such as Rosie the Riveter were very successful in appealing to women and encouraging them to step out of the norm.  

     Physical attributes of Rosie are also key in portraying an uncommon perspective of the potential of women. Her iconic pose of flexing her arm shows the audience her muscles, which aren't overly muscular, but enough to show strength. Her facial expression is also stern and bit aggressive, showing conviction and power. Both her facial expression and her curling of her arm were out of expectations of women as dainty beings. Instead, it challenged societal expectations and showed that there are other alternatives for women. Put all together, Rosie appears to be a very hard-working woman. It conveys to the audience that women are strong enough and capable enough of men's jobs. 

     Artist J. Howard Miller did a brilliant job in illustrating a women of the workforce, especially given the time period. Rosie the Riveter would soon become an iconic image for women's rights, challenging societal norms from various different angles. It is through advertisements such as these that women were encouraged to join the workforce, and America was able to expand upon their ideology of equality and gain support for the war. 

IRB Intro Post #3 - Tuesdays with Morrie

     For my third IRB, I chose to read Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. As the title suggests, this book is a memoir about author Mitch Albom and the life lessons he learned from his old proffesor. 78 year old Morrie Schwartz was Albom's sociology professor back in college. Albom, currently a  newspaper sports columnist, hadn't heard from his professor until one day he received news that the Schwartz was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Album immediately goes to visit his professor, and to his surprise Morrie remembered his student. Together they recount their experience as a student-teacher, and from what I gather, the book ends with their last conversation. The entire book is a recount of the conversations between the Mitch Albom and Morrie. I am extremely excited to read this because my friend who recommended it to me has only said good things about it.

TOW #17 - Trump's Immigration Ban

Protests at Airport against Trump's Immigration Ban

     This photo was taken just hours after the federal judge passed President Trump's 'temporary ban' on immigration. This ban affected immigrants from seven countries where Islam is the national religion: Iraq, Iran, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Libya. Immediately following this decision where loads and loads of protests, most notable the campaigns against the ban at airports around the country. As depicted in the photograph, hundreds of people from all races, genders, age, ethnicities are protesting at the the airport. I felt strongly that the photographer well captured the facial expressions and diversity at this particular protest and effectively demonstrated the rejection of the people against President Trump's executive order restricting refugees. 

     At first glance, the disdain on each and every one of the people's faces is obvious. What makes this image particularly effective are the people sadly gazing at the American flag. It sends a more powerful message of upset and disappointedness towards America as a whole. The words "We are America" are crumpled up in the folds of the flag, and the protesters can only hope that they can make a change. This ban prevents even those with green cards from coming back into the country after leaving the U.S.. Refugees from Syria run the risk of being banned indefinitely. However the protesters clearly believe that these actions are not what America is about. Banning immigration is not American, protesting for what is right is. On top of facial expressions, the photographer focused on an extremely diverse section of the protests at the airport. By doing so, the artist is able to strengthen the image of America as a strong nation of diverse people and not just one character. The picture works as a proof of defiance as well as a symbol for unity and strength. The true America welcomes people with open arms and will not quietly allow such injustice to unravel. 

     Trump's immigration ban has raised many eyebrows and heightened tensions between many people. Some immigrants have gotten lucky with being able to remain in the states with a green card. Unfortunately, for some their luck is limited and have had to lose family members to the law. Many stories have come about on families who have become separeted because of the law. Fortunately, with people like these protesters standing up for equality, America can remain strong and defiant in the face of injustice.