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This course itself brought a lot of attention to the importance of a story. How to interpret, what to look for, and so on. I can ultimately say that I don’t take interests in books nor do I find interest in reading. However, given our assignments I’ve learned to understand why it’s important to not overlook what we do read. We've learned point of view, perspective, theme, coming of age and so on. Each carrying its own significance regardless of the form of the way it was written. Understanding these elements makes it easier to pinpoint to what is being told and what should be understood. There's always a message the writer is sending and how it’s expressed through the use of tone. That in itself creates meaning and value to a story, so through our own analysis of blog posts we can learn from one another about the story that we didn’t catch. Each individual story comes with many different works and forms that are not categorized one way. Each writer has their own way of writing things including ourselves. In recent assignments learning about poems and the aspect of interpreting their life stories through lyrics was difficult because we only see it one way. Though through consistent review and interpretation it told a story in a form of a song which is incredible. Listening to songs there's times I myself disregard what the writer is saying but now I’ve managed to look over the songs I myself listen to, relate it to literature and aspects of writing . That way for not only now but on a future basis that will be a consistent habit to make sure to find the message of the story in pieces to really find the in depth details. For example when we read, “The Last Poets” by Christine Otten we were able to break it down in accordance to each lecture we learned and I believe that really developed not only my own, but as well as others to develop a broader picture of what this story was truly about. Not only that but using the blog post to see others' views on the novel in order to enhance our work over the details we may not have noticed from the start. Partaking in this class really helped my ability to analyze readings differently and actually enjoy it rather than simply writing essays and essays, by merely summarizing everything. The amount of time spent reading, blogging, and going over lectures that way I think was a better route to actually learn about stories. Most importantly as well as learning what the writer is saying but also the way the story is told. Reading countless novels for school assignments I believe the authors and artists' works in this course truly brought not only relation but also things we can learn from in our own lives. Telling a story this way brings great virtue to understand their lives but to look at what we view based on how we see it, and that's important.

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Within these lyrical poems you see a great deal of significance of telling a woman's story. To each of their own specify the struggles individual women go through that can comply with a common scenario. In one of the songs, “Brenda's Got A Baby'' by Tupac exemplified the subject of neglect and misfortune in Brenda's life. This poem was able to specify the struggles by using alliteration as it was able to make use of consonants recurring in each stanza. With these line breaks included gives a specific amount of detail  gradually easing into the journey this young woman was going through at such a young age relitvality alleviating the parents position and thought in all of this. What I’ve also noticed within this song was the rhymes included, although it wasn’t back to back it was consistent which gave a better understanding of the depths of feeling both internally and externally. The speaker in this case Tupac expressed it in a way that is sympathetic to not only Brenda but in a sense to all women struggling based on the surroundings around them. This lyrical poem can also be categorized as epic as it essentially tells a story using numerous senses such as sights, and even though to portray the actions Brenda was choosing to act upon. The techniques used to make this were truly able to put emphasis on both Brenda's personal story but also send a message to the many struggling women who suffer from such incidents in today's society. In relation to this song would be another song named, “Keisha's Song(her pain)” by Kendirck Lamar. This song in particular was able to convey a similar message on both personal and social issues that women are subjected to prosotution. Using vivid language that many aren’t used to hearing when it’s unknowingly common. The tone of the speaker made the individual feel valued although it was hardship, seeing only the greater good and character that individual has. Pushing through the challenges that ultimately feels numbing, this is where imagery comes into work. The sense of explicitly emphasizing the anatomy, the jobs, and even rape gives the reader an understanding of the commonality of the issues many women suffer and are subjected to during hard times. Within both of these lyrical poems there is symbolism that although these were individual stories it represents the vast majority whilst integrating their good character although recognizing their resorting options. They directly configure the theme of self dignity and livelihood. The misfortune that was brought to both of these individuals set a vast picture of what others perceive these women as without knowing their true story. Also of whole deception of being a woman and the vulnerability that comes with being one in a world full of dominance and disrespect.

Within the song, “Runaway Love” by Ludicris you define it in terms of what a troubled home with domestic violence is like. Interpersonal feelings and thoughts were represented throughout the song. There is repetition going on through this lyrical poem as it progresses with both “runaway love” and also age. It’s compiling a timeline from childhood to adulthood. Using touch, sights to visually explain the physical abuse, emotions and life's fate upon this young woman. With not only the way this was written the tone of voice sharing this story shows remorse and empathy for every woman that withstand these situations. Though unbreakable, each woman fought for their lives and Ludacris was able to acknowledge the hardships that all women go through. The writer in each stanza created that timeline to portray that ongoing problem that this young woman had. Pinpointing each recurring misfortune through the using mechanics of a lyrical poem. In reverse the song, “The Set Up” objectfies women and their ability to seduce men. As this virtue is commonly true it seems as though the speaker is implying this in a way to set up individuals to be killed whilst involving women. Within these lyrics you find a continuous rhyme line to line to be able to justify the actions of setting these groups up. Using the senses of smell, taste, and touch while dealing with two women in the process of the exchange. Also even using onomatopoeia to emphasize the points of actions and attitude. All inclusive with assonance as well for example using step, shake, and screw all in the same line. The writer clearly used these techniques to grab the attention of readers as they guided them through the story poetically. Being able to see these initial patterns throughout these lyrical poems clearly give much clarity and progression into something more although being short as it is. Each line and each stanza and have detail implying a new incident indicating the progression of a woman's story that suffered hardship and disparity.

Each and every women's story is different. This wasn't something they chose to do but rather was left to do to survive. A matter of understanding these songs and their lyrical story with poems indebted in was able to really pinpoint how realistic and unfortunate lives must bare to live through. This is what this video shares as well as giving insight what the speakers and writers of the songs are sharing from their point of view.

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Well known artist, Tyler, The Creator signified hardship, reflection, and growth. Through the works of coming of age it correlates back to his album, “Flower Boy”. Flower boy was an album full of inner conflict in depth of each song bringing the story alive. In each and every song you can see that it was from his point of view, from his eyes in order for the audience to gain some understanding of what he's feeling. Each of these songs are a metaphor that signifies the struggles of livelihood and own personal struggles however correlates the structure of how the setting was around him that influenced his character . Taking this back to the area and conditions of his initial childhood you gain a better understanding of his actions and thoughts based on where he was raised. In the area of Hawthorne, California is where he was raised but was constantly moving from school to school. Mentioning that he never felt accepted or a part of others, considering himself to be an outsider of the black community. Even at such a young age Tyler was musically inclined and was made with pure talent that truly is a phenomenon. This can correlate why he felt like he never fit in, his thinking and goals were different from others.

After listening and reading Tyler's album whilst analyzing the importance of the message that was being sent you see genuine feelings being portrayed. Despite all the hardship and struggles there is no form of embarrassment in sharing that message because he grew out of that person he once was. For example in the song, “Where This Flower Once Blooms” it portrayed the unstable and low waged jobs he had to work in order to make ends meet. Key statement mentioning, “In toys I only dreamed that I could afford, Now I roll through Okaga” In what was once a despairing  life with hardships and struggles, now he lives in what he believes to be Tylers perfect life. Showing the financial instability gives perspective as to what it was once like to be in his position. Relating that to many individuals who struggle today especially based on the area and jobs being offered. Not everyone is born in a stable or upper class family, so in Tylers case he had to work for it. However correlating this back to the first song, “Foreword” you see a big difference in how he views not only inner person individuality but also everything he has. Given the fact that he became wealthy and well known, Tyler was able to solve problems that he found within being rich. That it feels like materialism isn’t everything and quote saying, “Nothing lasts forever”. So these temporary feelings of happiness becoming what was once your dream can come with many discoveries that you don’t realize you’d feel. This character developed in a sense that Taylor was realizing and self reflecting upon his own self. Coming to terms with sexuality and even race in the matter of how society looks upon this topic. Lyrics stating, “And tryin’ their hardest to keep my head on straight…”How many chains can I wear ‘til I’m considered a slave?” . Most important in appoints to today's current social issues mentioning “How many ritos can It be until them Black lives matter?” There truly is this sense of his own surrounding and conflict with the world that he feels is completely against him. This is why he feels he is drowning in a pool of despair and emotions because it seems like the world is against who he is a person. This is the conflict with not only his inner self but also in terms of those around him. Society brings influence upon every individual's life when it comes to character and self development, and Tylers upbringing was expressed in a way many can understand.

Another song that gears towards the moral theme of the album is a sense of self reflection and the experience Tyler himself had to go though. Tyler had to realize all of this on his own as now he is a grown adult that is well informed on the struggles he thought were normal back in his childhood. Within this song, “Pothole” you see that once a grown man he still thinks of his mom's words in order to make personal progress of his character. Stating, “That she was right, so I triple, tyna double back...The streets are filled with some clues like how I ain’t notice that?” The recognition and acknowledgement to his mothers words brings emphasis to his own current surroundings. Meeting new people, trusting new people, it’s all in your own decisions as an individual to pick and choose who you follow. Thinking back to a time of childhood occurrences such as mentioning that he no longer eats bacon. This references the childhood foods he no longer eats as a grown adult because it must have been consistent as it is an affordable food option. Through this character development Tyler notices an issue, being lonesome. It brings a great deal of attention not only to this song but to all the others. You can see that being by himself brings a great deal of pain and questions his worth. Lyrics menting, “Everyone is a sheep, me, a lone wolf” (pothole) and “Boredom got a new best friend” (Boredom). This belief that having the money, success, everything that you want brings happiness. Though in Tylers mindset, although everything was given to him he still feels isolation and solitude even though it might not be shown. Through his music he is able to convey that message.This is where we see a pattern of coming of age. Starting from youth, recurring surrounding issues, the struggle of dealing with wealth, and ultimately coming to terms with oneself. This pattern of coming of age truly signifies Tyler as an artist and who he has become. Nothing came easily which is why himself as a protagonist in this story was naive to believe success is “everything” when in reality it’s not. Within this album you can see the growth as an individual coming to terms with the issues he's feeling. Through the classhes his own wants and what society wanted for him were complete opposites. You can acknowledge that many believed he couldn’t succeed and was accused for being homophobic, or cancelled for contriversial topics. This is self redemption and through this album he reached the adult milestone of self reflection and acceptance. This was expressed in the song, “911/Mr. Lonely” and “November”. These songs themselves bring both maturity and honestly through the lowest and highest points of his life. Expressing this conveys a great deal of change that only himself was able to realize and continue to grow. The Album, “Flower Boy” signified a great deal of meaning towards life decisions, self reflection, and individuality.

This interview with Tyler himself recollected the memories as a young child who only thought about music and the arts. Keeping this away from his family only to surprise them with something grand. Implying that his mother didn’t raise him to be something he shouldn’t and that itself made him who he is today.

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The novel "The Last Poets" written by Christine Otten is presented in a series of forms. There is no specific formation or individual but a whole set of character analogies. Depending on each character Otten utilizes the importance of that individual to determine whether or not their feelings are important, thus being able to know what that particular character is feeling or experiencing. Much of the book ranges from both first person to third person but seeing them from all angles we gain a better understanding of the formation of the last poets. For example seeing these characters such as Omar and Filipe through their eyes helps us gain a better understanding of their emotions and lifestyle. In terms of theme Otten expresses the idea of recognizing one's mistakes and progressing on for better opportunities. You can see this in terms of how the characters saw their own lives, how they reflected on themselves to do better. However from the start they had perceived themselves as worthless or undesired, even so those individuals they encountered created a path that they were set to walk on. I’ve also noticed from both the author and other characters perspective of these artists. They saw potential, they gave motivation, what they saw is something they couldn't see for themselves. Otten being able  to utilize those perspectives really configured each of these characters in much of their own character development.

I wanted to point out how every individual had their own experiences regardless if they weren’t that important of a character. All of them reflect their inner self along with their life story being told. Based on the theme in my interpretation is not being able to see a clear future even though it was there. You clearly see the people around them influenced their lives, impacted their mental thoughts, and even their surroundings changed them. I’d say their families truly impacted their lives as well. You can see the tales said through their thoughts as they did not have the greatest of childhoods or greatest of household living but making the best out of it. As children there wasn’t a full understanding of what their family wanted and what others wanted. This created confusion, misfortune, and even mistakes. Though with those mistakes they realized what they missed in life and that motivated them to do better no matter the circumstances they were in. For example, Filipe was involved in gangs, going to jail, but one particular person believed he could do better. This is all it took, a little push and motivation. This is where character development appears making a path for their own future. Otten not only uses this character development but using their virtual surroundings as a way of initiating their lives occurrences both from young and old. Being able to articulate this way conveys a greater explanation and ideology the audience can analyze throughout the book.

After analyzing and relating each character to each other you see a great deal of conflict. Conflict coming in many forms from moral to immoral. Relatively seeing each character for who they are and how their experiences created made a great deal of recreational difference in character throughout the book. These conflicts are what made these characters become who they are and I believe that’s what Otten wanted the audience to really pinpoint and relate to. Sometimes not being able to realize your own potential even when others tell you. It's the consistent mistakes and reflecting that made them better people. Maybe questions you can even ask yourself is what mistakes have I made that made me who I am today? How do you feel Otten feels about these characters?

A sign of self individuality that even characters in the story struggled to see

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One of the characters that is deemed to be one of the most interesting is the only and only Felipe Luciano. Felipe was born in 47 in New York and was considered the “golden child” based off the color of his skin, thus being privileged compared to everyone else. Throughout his experiences and struggles with himself he gave insight about how he truly feels. Otten used Felipe's discussions and encounters through first person in order to have a sense of empathy as if we were in his shoes. Much of his childhood follows through criminality and jail time that gives a sense of where he has been most of his life. That being said we can acknowledge the worry and craving for change Felipe expresses. He once mentioned, “I keep telling myself that I was turning over a new leaf, that the future was mine and that everything was possible--but once I was back in East Harlem I felt old and worn out.” Otten using first person to withhold this notion that Felipe does want change, does want a better life but doesn’t feel worthy of doing so. Not only does his story convey personal thoughts but also memory. His memory is what’s most worthy and it portrays nostalgia. Reacting to those memories within his mind to create a picture of what he did have. For example recollecting scenes from his mother cooking, music playing, strong aroma of Bustelo coffee and so on. These are crucial points to look at as Otten is trying to express the urge Felipe has to make something of himself in order to have these back again.

Speaking on his behalf of the experience at Coxsackie prison  you can see a change and fundamental aspects as his character develops. The physical prison itself and the people within expressed both dominance and uneasiness to Felipe. Encountering people he knew and then rejected, resulting in staying by himself where no one went. The primal instincts of his were to stay out of sight amongst inmates by going into a patio. Claiming “a cell block smack in the middle of the prison, where nobody wanted to be, but where the gangs had no influence.” This demonstrates that no one was able to bother or mess with him predominantly because he was hidden away in such an area. Ultimately keeping his identity intact without others influencing unlawful criminality that would make him change completely. Recalling his past experiences at other correctional facilities and vivid memories of his family he became emotional. Filipe being able to express these emotions shows how important his family is to him. Otten enables this part of his memory to show the viewers how they would be able to relate in terms of family relation. In troubled times thinking about your past experiences or even your family can trigger emotions such as Felipe is experiencing. His surroundings are what triggered these memories as he is in an enclosed area with no escape. Once confronted by a fellow inmate named Diablo who was the head Felipe managed not to start any issues. If anything he felt protected and felt at ease while in stay at the prison. Felipe only had five years compared to everyone else in there. Diablo stated, “We knew about you before you came in here. We heard about all the rabbis and priests and teachers that testified for you. We knew you wouldn't get no time, mutha****. You’re a golden boy. Everybody loves you.” Again with that phrase “golden boy” it seems that Otten has changed the significance of this phrase and Felipe is seen as a good person and not for the color of his skin as it stated from the start. Coxsackie taught him a well defined lesson in which he recalled all the good things he had in life previously and still managed to keep his identity. Even helping out his fellow inmate with writing a letter to his girlfriend. Little details like this expresses that his surroundings didn’t affect his character negatively but in actuality made it better. Otten utilizes this prison experience that previews his character development to whom he has and will become.

The moment Felipe was released he met a man named Victor who was his older brother's friend. The encounter led up to his driven path he was destined to have. However, when they did discuss each other's plans Felipe mentioned he was going to study since he didn’t want to mention his time at Coxsackie. Though Victor implied that it wasn’t safe to do what he wanted in that moment as there's alot going on. Given the fact that Felipie has been imprisoned for so long he wouldn’t know what to expect. This is where I’d say Felipie is having an Internal Conflict with himself. Felipe didn’t know what he would do with himself or see a future he can potentially have. We can see he lived his life in correctional facilities making it difficult to plan something he hasn’t started. This didn’t stop him though because what he already had these skills, to read and write. When Victor did mention poems Felipe thought about it too and asked for help. Then being referred to a man named Gylan Kain to start his journey with. If we look back from where he started you can see why and how he wouldn’t be able to pinpoint what his future held but these lessons brought hope in what is to come. Otten uses these experiences, triggers, and areas to reference the true meaning of who Felipe is. Felipe doubted himself the most as we are our biggest critics. This is what conflicted his path until the moment he felt the need to write. Some questions you can ask yourself do you think his family played a huge role based on his personality? How do you think his prison experience changed him as a person? What was Otten trying to convey when speaking on behalf of Otten by bringing Felipe's memories into play?

This location represents Felipes five year experience at Coxsackie Correctional Facility

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The character I've come to analyze is Dora, a ten year old female who was in a mere relationship with Jerome. In my personal view I'd have to describe her character as round and static. My reasons for describing her character as round is because of how Jerome expresses his feelings toward her, admiring her. Within the novel Dora is treated with an undeserving father. That being said Jerome felt the need to accept everything Dora had to say and took her favors in without hesitation. As for being static Dora's character doesn't develop, her life continues the same way. Jerome no longer brings comfort or help to give. As this was a time of discrimination and racism their lives could not collide as they were both different races. Dora was destined a horrible fate but was uplifted with the presence of Jerome even if it lasted for a short while. When they met during their first encounter Jerome had asked if Dora had a father and in her reply, "That's my father..". Otten wanted to point to and signify the important details of her surroundings of those who are around her. This being a way to describe her actions and reasons for them. At such a young age Dora and Jeromes sexual intimacy was conducted, that's all Dora knew how to do. Thinking about their lives only brought sadness and cluelessness. Jerome eventually encounters her father and him mentioning, "Gimme a shine..and then we'll see what you're worth." Both worlds were faced with distraught and hardship. Dora is another person Jerome could not stand up for.

Doras story was conducted in both first person from the dialogue but transitions to third to explain details about her appearance and what her personality seems like. Expressing these through Jerome's thoughts for the readers to learn about but unknowingly what Dora feels. Her dominating actions and expressions were what signified those motives. Otten failed to display her own feelings by giving her the ability to do one thing, the desire to be with Jerome. Expressing her want for eloping with him and having a life together. We can make our own assumption of what her feelings are based on her situation and what she had said. Dora mentioned,"I mean: I don't ever want to go back. To my house. It's a pigsty. My mother never does anything. Can I go home with you?" The way Dora spoke about her home life is what replaces her inner thoughts. Otten intentionally wants the readers to sympathize and think of the situation on their own to gain insight on how she might feel. The abuse that's been carrying can only be seen from Jerome's own thoughts and views from her. An expression of being unreliable is when Jerome mentioned he'd stay by her side and be her friend. As this must be, Jerome truly feels there is a lie in between where he cannot stand in between her life for he is a colored boy. This represents that we can only see Dora’s life from a third person point of view and can only interpret her first person comments. This is a crucial part to know because even though there is so little told about how she really feels her surroundings speak up against what she really wants.

The perspective Dora carries is the urge to leave her home life. Also acknowledging that she wants to be only with Jerome even if it’s just as friends. Identifying that her family is against the black race Dora is rebelling against that thought for herself and cares about Jerome. Having the urge to leave so suddenly is her way of showing that perspective of desperation. A silent cry for help as she lives daily through mistreatment and sexual abuse. The narrator expresses Doras perspective through Jerome without having to interpret what Dora is thinking about. For example, within our personal daily lives we don't always acknowledge everyone we see who is in trouble. Feeling like a bystander knowing very well that individual needs all the help they can get. This perspective entirely reaches a point of realistic instances that occur in real life situations. Within this story we can analyze and elaborate on all the possible feelings and emotions she might be suffering from; however with the little information we received, it's enough to predict. The overall perspective of the situation was of both Jerome's feelings about Dora and their surroundings. We can justify that Dora wishes to leave her life entirely in search of having a happy and free life without her family.

This image represents a relationship that Dora cherished and felt happy about in such little time.

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Hi everyone!
My name is Jaquelin Murillo but prefer to be called by my nickname Jackie.I'm a Psychology major in hopes to become a social worker in the future. One of the many activities I enjoy doing the most is traveling. Traveling has been a phenomenal experience in my lifetime being able to experience different cultures, food, and sceneries for a change. I also enjoy listening to music all the time, puts myself at ease from stress. I'm one to listen to music in a variety of languages from English, French, Korean, Spanish and more. I enjoy it all along with my favorite genres of rnb, pop, noise, and house. Thank you for taking the time to read this and know a little more about me. I hope we can work well together!