The Thing Around Your Neck by Perry Sun

Key Words And Concepts

yupeisun0207 — 2021-09-05 23:38:16 UTC

Egalitarianism: A belief in human equality especially with respect to social, political and economic affair
Cultural Diaspora: The movement of the Jewish people away from their own country to live and work in other countries.
Benin: Former kingdom west Africa on lower Niger River, incorporated in Nigeria after 1897.
Assimilate: To fully understand an idea or some information so that you are able to use it yourself.
Post Colonialism: Postcolonialism or postcolonial studies is an academic discipline featuring methods of intellectual discourse that analyze, explain, and respond to the cultural legacies of colonialism and imperialism, to the human consequences of controlling a country and establishing settlers for the economic exploitation of the native people and their land.
Perspective and Stereotypes: A particular attitude towards sth; a way of thinking about sth and a fixed idea or image that many people have of a particular type of person or thing, but which is often not true in reality.
The Danger of a Single Story: The problem that only reading one of the story would lead to mistake and misunderstanding.
Limited Perspective: Do not have sufficient of a particular attitude towards sth or a way of thinking about sth
micro-aggression: subtle but offensive comment or action directed at a minority or other non-dominant group that is often unintentional or unconsciously reinforces a stereotype.
Authentically Africa: The stereotype of some properties of the Africa.
Impressionable: easily influenced or affected by sb/sth.

On Monday of Last Week

Queer Desire: an offensive word for a homosexual , especially a man, which is, however, also used by some homosexuals about themselves
Role Reversal/Gender Role: the overt expression of attitudes that indicate to others the degree of your maleness or femaleness
The American Dream: the values and social standards that people traditionally try to achieve in the US, such as democracy , equal rights and wealth
Race Conflict: The conflict in terms of economics, social, and political issues between races
External
Internal
Language barriers: half castes: a person whose parents are from different races

Patriarchy: a society, system or country that is ruled or controlled by men
Feminism: the belief and aim that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men; the struggle to achieve this aim
Cliched Assumption: assumption that has been said, done, or used many times before, and is boring or untrue.
Toxic Masculinity: the bad quality and property of being masculine
Objectifying: to treat sb/sth as an object

Reflection

yupeisun0207 — 2021-09-06 00:15:23 UTC

The danger of a single story

The setting and the cultural background would help people to understand story better within the cultural and historical background.

Usually the single story would lead to the misunderstanding of a certain identity or cultural group.

I change my perspective of the character as before I believe that Nkem is very poorly educated but after I know that there are people well educated in Africa.

How are female characters portrayed by Adichie in her short stories?

In the story of imitation, female characters are portrayed in various ways, some of them, such as Nkem is portrayed as a female character against the traditional patriotic society but is also a mixed and complicated role as she would also fear and she is not confident enough as she still make imitation. On the other hand, Amaechi is portrayed as a people who follow the traditional patriotic society.

What is Adichie's intention with her portrayal of the character Nkem?

I believe Adichie wants to create a role that could reflect women who are able to realized the problem of the traditional patriotic society and try to make change. The story especially features the underdeveloped society of Nigeria in Africa.

What Elements of this story are global and could happen anywhere in the world?

I believe the most important element which is the feminist and the protection of the right of the female would happen globally nowadays. Different from the society several years ago, the problem of patriotic is diminished and alleviated, in most places, at least places that are more developed, the majority of people don't hold the conventional thought regarding females. However, some of the feminist are getting to the other extreme. They are too sensitive. And this would obviously influence a lot of things today, especially social media and pop culture. People are scared of speaking as when they are expressing ideas, they have to make sure it can not be mi misinterpreted or distorted by the extreme feminists.

Making Connection

yupeisun0207 — 2021-09-08 03:26:43 UTC

https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/articles/393a032b-ae04-4fd9-83c1-f44b89f78552
Why Guns n' Roses shouldn't be reformed.

Guns and Roses is one of the best Hard Rock band globally and is also my favorite band. In the article is accused for misogynist. The article criticize that in songs like "It's so easy" and "Back off B****". It reflects that even now, the problem of anti-feminist still exist, especially in hard rock bands. However, I believe some kinds of misogynist should not be considered as anti-feminist, it is a personal preference. People should be entitled with rights to hate something. Moreover, they are real rock band, they surely would possibly express their emotion in a comparatively more extreme way.

This lead to another connection to current events. When some bands or artists express "inappropriate" thoughts, especially opinions regarding feminists. They would be hated and boycotted by the society, but isn't we appreciating the artifacts created by them. In my opinion, at least I would not judge a artist by his or her opinion or personality. I only appreciate the artifacts.

How to write about Africa

Target Audience:

Ridicule "you"- Edward and "well" educated writers
Tone: Sarcastic
Edward - Pachriarchy

"The Danger of the Single Story" transcript by Chimamanda

Danger of the single story:
1. It robs people of dignity
2. It emphasizes how we are different rather than our similarities
3. They are incomplete - "whole story"
4. Nkali - Power
"Igbo"
"Repair"
"Equality"

The article regarding queer that is related to On Monday of Last Week:

http://emp-web-84.zetcom.ch/eMP/eMuseumPlus?service=ExternalInterface&module=exhibition&objectId=3511&viewType=detailView

The article of The Hour of "What About the Men"

This article is about the the argument of the feminist from a man's sight, in the essay, the problem of man is illustrated. The passage clearly pointed out the negative influence patricharchy pose on the life of men. In the end of the passage, it even pointed out that though both being the victims of the patriarchy, women's life condition have been severely improved while the condition for man is the absolute contrary side.

Journal Entry Prompt

yupeisun0207 — 2021-09-10 03:01:40 UTC

2021, 9, 10
Sunny
Misconceptions Regarding Africa

Last week in the EB class, I was introduced to the book which is written by Nigerian author Chimamanda. At the time I heard the word "Nigeria", I instantly connect it with Africa, which I then connect with poor and underdeveloped as I learnt lots of developing countries in Africa with low GDP. At that time my first misconception is corrected that is the natural tendency to view Africa as a nation rather than a continent because the lack of information about and attention paid to this continent. To further eliminate the stereotypes about the Africa, we are exposed to the modern side of this continent. At that time, I realized the diversity of this land regarding races, the rapid development of the city and the importance to change the old stereotypes regarding these countries. But more importantly, I realized the severe problem of the unequal development. On one side, it is modern and advanced, even comparable with globally famous cities such as New York and London, while on the other hand, a considerable number of people are still suffering from starvation and living below the poverty line. I became more

Discussion

yupeisun0207 — 2021-09-22 05:34:08 UTC

What is the significance to specifically describe the appearance of the conferees？

Answer (Sally):

sally335517 — 2021-09-22 05:56:09 UTC

Personally, I think it's a writing technique/craft to show the readers the diversity of African people. Since conferees are all come from Africa, some people with biases or stereotypes may consider African people are all looked or dressed the same. However, by specifically describe the appearances, not only to distinguish characteristics of character but also shows the aesthetic diversity of Africans.

Diary rewrite the first 3 paragraphs (into 2 paragraphs)

yupeisun0207 — 2021-09-27 10:39:32 UTC

When Tony Chen, one of my classmates was first introduced to economics, he was informed the famous sentence from Adam Smith’s , “it is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer or the baker that we expect our dinner but from their regard to their own.” Whenever I met him, he would argue and debate passionately that it is such a profound and thought-provoking theory. Consequently, for a long time he went into the extreme that we should not help others, otherwise we are hurting the economic efficiency because of the redistribution of resources. Consequently, he strongly believed in the efficiency market theory and the invisible hand, and he advocated the opinion that “business is the greatest charity.” in each circumstance.

Last week in the economics class, we discussed the effect of the market. As always, Tony Chen Stood up immediately and advocate the theory of the market efficiency. At that time, I Had a strong sense that I must debate with him. That theory is the foundation of the economics and I agree with that, but economics would be considering much more aspects. I believe economics would not be a study solely about the efficiency and welfare, but also a true humanity and social science that would consider. As a result, I began to think about the way to argue with him, and to find the loophole of his argument that is too absolute. I began to challenge the traditional economist’s point of view of the market efficiency. At that time, I came up with the result that it is true that market would lead to the maximum efficiency when it is functioning, but I realized that there are different conditions that need to be considered. As a result, in the class discussion, I proposed my understanding about the market and debated with Tony Chen.

Comments on Journal Entry -Ms. Kelly

karakellysh — 2021-09-28 03:05:37 UTC

There is more reflection in your second paragraph than before and your points are clearer and linked more to the prompt but hte first paragraph is a little disjointed.It's all about Tony which has little to do with what the prompt asked. It might be better to lead with you and your thoughts first so it suits a journal entry you are writing, for example- "Today Tony really annoyed me again with his views on economics. He hasn't a clue what he's talking about - he thinks..." A journal entry is more about you and your reaction to events and others that happen in your daily life. Language 9/12 Message 9/12 Conceptual Understanding 4/6

What is the lure of Tracy? Discuss their encounters.

yupeisun0207 — 2021-10-12 05:52:51 UTC

Tracy and Kamara met after Kamara has been to the house of Tracy for months. I believe that Kamara is attracted to Tracy because of her superiority that Kamara views. In the story, it is portrayed in several angles. First, Tracy has a jewish husband and live in a very decent house in the US. this make a clear distinguish from Kamara's condition that is still struggling in US, a new and idealized nation in her mind. Second, Tracy have an occupation that Kamara would view as advanced and mysterious. Both of the characteristics of the job of Tracy would attract Kamara as people are inherently attracted to advanced experts and the mysteriousness of the job would further strengthen the lure of Tracy as people are inherently attracted to mysterious things. The description of the meeting and the occupation of tracy would made it reasonable for the respond of Kamara and would convey the theme of queer desire. After reading that, I learnt the queer desire.

Question About On Monday of Last Week

yupeisun0207 — 2021-10-12 09:32:29 UTC

Why would Chimamanda describe a distorted emotion and desire between the distorted characters? Why would Chimamanda describe the love that is not supposed to happen and even Kamara and Tracy would knows that they are in a love and emotion and is not supposed to take place.

Feedback of Monthly 1

yupeisun0207 — 2021-10-13 04:40:50 UTC

1. In the blog, a hook is required to engage readers.
2. Make the paragraph clear so that one main topic is discussed in each paragraph
3. Make sure that the content in the passage is relevant to the prompt.
4. Get to the main focus quicker in the passage
5. Increase the size of the words so that it is recognizable.
6. Use more emotive language that can appeal to the emotion of the readers and myself.
7. For the things that are not defined in the prompt, define it. E.g. an author, give the name; a book, name the book.

IO Structure

yupeisun0207 — 2021-10-13 05:32:34 UTC

1. Synopsis(30-40 seconds):
- Context: opening? climax? ending? in the developing of the... of the story? Situate the story
- Plot: Summarize
- 5 Ws: Who, What, Why, Where, When

This extract is about... is between...
It comes from the point in ...
The story when...
It concentrates on the (character)

2. Theme and Thesis(focus), it is also possible to focus on the character, e.g. the development of character
- The main theme(s) this extract focuses is
- The theme is developed from the e.g. the relationship of the characters, the dialogues.

3. Use of Language(to support the theme)

3-4 use of language: point, example, explanation. Use of language support the themes mentioned above.

4. Message

The overall message that Chimanmanda want to convey to the readers.

E.g. I believe the significance of this extract for the reader is...
Message E.g. the formation and the description of the characters is not common for the reader

Or just wrap up everything.

5. Prediction

thought about the secondary sources and predict the questions that would be possibly asked in the second or third part of the IO.

Reflection about "what about men", "what does feminism mean today"

yupeisun0207 — 2021-10-17 22:55:36 UTC

After I read "what about men", I realized the problem that men, like women are also victims of the patriarchy, Although I used to know that both gender would be required to perform a certain role in the society, I didn't realized that this is because of the patriarchy. However, I believe that some points made by the passage I can not agree with, I don't think that men make a high average income is because the employers are discriminating women, because in nowadays society, that is almost impossible. Under a market with free information that firms' primary goal is to achieve profit maximization, people's wage is determined by the market and based on the work they can accomplish and their background. I don't think firms would consider the gender before enrolling a female.

Discussion on the Four Questions

yupeisun0207 — 2021-10-24 22:57:07 UTC

1. What point of view did you not consider earlier in class?

I used to didn't consider the the reverse gender hierarchy which would be the reverse of the traditional hierarchy of gender and races. This is due to the excess use of the equity point of view that would provide too much helps to the under-represented groups and also lead to inequality.

2. Which argument do you think was expressed the best?

I believe the argument that one of the woman claims that she is not a feminist but she is still a very independent woman is expressed the best. I can understand and support people that are under-represented or have less power make voice from themselves, but what I appreciate highly are those people who are strong enough in a group of people that are under-represented, using their own power and strength to strive and become the best of themselves and don't ask for any help. These are people I appreciate the most.

3. Did your mind change at all throughout?

My mind actually didn't change because I have the same point of view as the mindset mentioned in the program. I believe both of the side is correct to some extent. I always support the feminism that promote the equality between genders and I think that before the equality is reached, use some help to first achieve equity and then gradually make it equal is also acceptable.

4. Should all men and women work together to create fairness and equality?

I believe that is an evident goal people should work for. But the ultimate goal I believe is always equality rather than fairness. The quality between all of the people in the world is the basis of the civilization of the globe in comparison to a savage.

monthly 2 IO reflection about what went well & why

yupeisun0207 — 2021-11-01 00:57:35 UTC

1. I believe that I constantly connect my analysis of the point with the book, because I used a lot of extract in my presentation and when I raise a point, a theme or something about the character development, I would use the analysis of the sentence and the use of language in that sentence to justify my answer.

2. I believe that although still not very fluent, overall, I improved the fluency compared to the IO last year. Because in the IO, though I still pause, the length of the pause and the frequency of the long pause is decreased compared to the IO I have done last year.

3. I believe I improve the ability to talk about the part 3 because I am able to express my idea about certain themes. Although sometimes I talk about too further and not directly related to the question asked.

Reviews about Chimamanda

yupeisun0207 — 2021-12-13 00:51:08 UTC

Keywards:
-parallel->repetitive
-leftover
-personification of male characters
-portray male characters as one sided
-defiant
-arresting

My own words:

Feminism: I believe the key theme of Chimamanda's stories are always feminism. I believe that is the theme she experienced most and believed in most, so she spent almost all of her stories to convey this theme.

Pessimistic: I believe the majority of the stories ended at a quite negative and despair emotion of the protagonist, in imitation, Jumping Monkey Hill, On Monday of Last Week and the American Embassy.

Serious: Compare to the language used by Trevor Noah, the words used by Chimamanda is quite serious and not so humorous but is also descriptive.

Feminist Writer:
Feminism usually been associated with the extreme version of it.

Feminism v.s. humanism

hold the door?

chivalry

weak should leave rather than women and children leave at first.

man participated in feminism

men likely to listen to man