Blog# 10 Kaplan: Racist or Satire?

Over the last 100 years the book Huckleberry Finn has been examined and overlooked in so many different ways due to the use of the N word. Some see the book as a complete disgrace to humanity, while others argue that it is the greatest book ever written in American Literature. Many people till this day ridicule the book for the use of the N word and many others seem to completely dismiss the word seeing it as nothing more than a satire.

In Kaplan's Essay he strictly points out that many do not see the humor and that it is simply overlooked in the book, but rather see more of the racism in the book. He feels that to get ones point across about something one has to tie in humor, and make it unrealistically funny to a point.
He explains that through great humor one has to take it to a much deeper level.

Kaplan states " One of the funniest things about humor is that people don't take it seriously enough. If they did they might discover that, at heart, great humorists are not merry as crickets, but quite the contrary. Enduring humor is not kindly, not harmless. It has the power to inflict pain, even commit mayhem, and unless it exercises this power is not likely to endure." P (381)

I would have to say that I agree with Kaplan's statement here, and he is right. I do believe that people often miss the point. It all depends on the person's personality, and how far they read into things. I know people 100 years ago were not very humorous about things, in fact its hard to say that those people even had a sense of humor at all. Humor was not accepted back in those days like it is now.

Essay # 4

To me Huck is somewhat of an inspirational character, he has a lot of courage and has a will to survive. After reading in to these chapters my first general response to Huck is that I like his character. In many ways I feel like I can relate to his sense of being. His experiences are somewhat similar to ones that I have had, and the feelings he constantly has to battle are ones I have also dealt with. Huck is an ambitious person but nieve at times and this shows through his character constantly as the story unfolds. Based on his adventures and the relationship with his dad I would say Huck is very independent and strong hearted. No matter what he has been through he seems to walk with his head up high to show his courage. Huck may may seem ignorant at times because what society has taught him, but deep down inside he has a really good heart and this is something that shows through out the relationship that he has with Jim.

Blog # 9 My thoughts on The City Councelman

Well after reading the article and reading several others, I'm actually a little stunned but I can say that it doesn't surprise me. I can actually see both sides to this but really don't agree, I think that the councilman is slightly racist I mean as a white person you just don't do that kind of stuff unless your asking for trouble or your trying to get your point across about being racist without coming out and saying it. Maybe because of the fact that he is over 50 might show that he comes from the era where racism was an issue. I hate to say it but he looks like a republican and clearly doesn't want Obama for his president so maybe his thoughts were to mock the whole situation. It also seems the minute it was questioned it was denied, but pictures are supposed to be worth 1000 words! It is possible that he is not racist but is just really dumb and clueless on how to get his point across because there are a lot of people that are exactly like this at least from what I have encountered in my experiences. People just don't know when to use force or voice and when too. He's clearly a moron in handling it the way he did, also based on his statements you can kind of see what I'm talking about. "How dare anyone dictate to me how I choose to wear my hair and make-up". See but why would you do something like that intentionally without it meaning something you know...makes no sense! Then he states that "others are racist for labeling people hippies, rednecks, blacks, and white privileged people. First off he doesn't know what he is talking about because if that was racist those people would be called something worse, like white trash, a harsher word for a black person or even people who are hippies that's not necessarily a bad thing and that's clearly not being racist. There is a difference between labeling someone and talking down on someone through action and perverse language that clearly would offend someone. Believe me there is a difference and it's obvious that he does not see that. Something that he also stated was "Don't let these people use the race card. We are only one race. "The human Race". Wow really, u know I'm sure that many feel this way in hopes that we will all be one but that simply is not the reality of it. Yes we are all human but we are also our own person with different characteristics duh! You can't just say these things without taking everything else into account. He might have said that to throw people off into believing that what he was doing wasn't racist if you think about it but I personally didn't think that it was a very smart thing to do. If he wanted to change the logo he should of talked it over with someone else that is on the committee instead of giving people the wrong idea. Maybe its possible that he wanted some kind of attention or was looking for an excuse and reason to stir up the crowd and create a controversy for nothing. It may be possible that the committee is racist but I don't really see that being the issue here or maybe it is because they don't want a black face on the logo. Who knows maybe he really likes black people and has a weird way of showing it. I mean he did state that he was in a blues funk band back in the day. I believe we all have the freedom to speak our mind but you should always be really careful how you choose to do that or else like this it could piss someone off. Yes he does have a right to his freedom of speech but then again he is a council member and what ever you do is taken very seriously. I actually kind of feel bad for the guy because of this wasn't intended to be a race issue then he obviously didn't know how to address what he was trying to say instead he posted up something that was clearly offensive to others.

Blog #8 My Topic

What do you think your thesis will be? What points will you develop in your body paragraph? What concerns and or questions do you have?


I chose to do my essay on topic # 3 which is What is your response to Huck? What do you make of his adventures towards Jim?
I chose this topic for of a few reasons, but the most important one is that I can somewhat relate to Huck and his whole life. My thesis is a little tricky because I haven't quite decided on a strong thesis yet...but I am working on it. I 'm trying to structure my paragraphs so I can come back to my thesis. The points that I will develop are going to be his home life and the past stuff he had to deal with. Also his independence and how that strongly sticks out in the book, and his adventures and why he takes the adventures he does. Also his attitude towards Jim, why he has befriended him the way he did and his intentions towards Jim. I don't really have any concerns or questions...just stressing out on my thesis but i'm sure I will figure it out as I always do....:)

Blog # 7 What is a Satire?

What is satire? Can you find an example? What are the elements of an effective satire?

Can you find a contemporary example of a satire? How effective is this example? Why?

A Satire is the use of humor or sarcasm to criticize the particular subject.

In the book of The Adventures Huckleberry Finn I think there are many examples satires, the book it's self is a satire simply because of the so called humor that is presented before us....but is was based on a time where there was a lot of slavery and who knows if this would of actually happened but the fact is that Mark Twain wanted this story to be known for a reason.....maybe for the humor to make people to be more accepting and aware of the race it's self or to turn people the other way and say okay yeah it's okay to be racist. I do know that Mark Twain based some of these situations on stuff that he experienced when he was a little boy. The way they portray Jim in the book is kind of a mo chary and a satire to the black man because of how he is portrayed;example, grammar is completely non-understandable and the kinds of things that he speaks about not everybody might think this way but because he is stereotyped I guess they are all supposed to think a like. The fact that he is dumb witted, illiterate, black, and poor is a complete satire of the Black working man and that is exactly what they state in this book. Pap is also a satire, pap's threats are humorous because of the obvious irony; how could a father not want his son to learn or 2 not proud of him. Pap exudes bigotry and hate, his ludicrous tirade against the government and blacks is pathetically comical because of his obvious arrogance and ignorance. The irony, however is more painful than it is humorous because it symbolizes a common racist attitude built on ignorance and insecurity. Also I noticed other satires referring to Shakespeare, the parody of Shakespeare is another staple of frontier humor that Twain uses for comic effect. Twain also uses the families to underscore his subtle satire on religion, as the two families attend the same church, leaning their guns against the walls during the sermon about "Brotherly Love."Go figure...!

A perfect example of a contemporary satire I would have to say would be scary movies; the movie Scary Movie is a contemporary satire in the pop culture...it simply exaggerates the use of violence in movies that is used to scare audiences ...or even T.V shows like Saturday night live...they are constantly making fun of every actor/actress, Career, family and so on...These both are really effective because they are portrayed throughout the media...everyone loves to laugh and many use that to relate to others when they want to make fun of something they get you to laugh with them and not at them...without hurting any one's feelings. Also T.V shows like South park and Weird Al Yankovich are also great examples of a contemporary satire, they are always finding ways to mo ch everybody and everything...

Blog #6 Adventures of Huck Finn

How are you interpreting Jim? What meaning does he take away from the characterization of him in the text? Is he an example of a minstrel? Is his characterization contributing to double consciousness?

I guess I interpret him as a very uneducated human being, he is some what shy and curious and somewhat friendly. He is very superstitious and seems to know a lot about the world around him meaning his surroundings and having to fend for himself. He seems really frightened by other people that are chasing after him, but finds Huck. He seems like he is in dire need of a friend, someone to understand him and accept as a human being rather than just what people see him as. He seems to talk a lot but I think that it's just because he is very lonely. I can see him as a ministrel show for sure because of his race and how he is seen by other people. Granted he doesn't dance around and act all happy, but many see him as another stereo typical thing rather than a human. He is mostly seen for his skin color rather than his personality which is a example of a minstrel show. I think his character is contributing to a double consciousness because of how is seen to many and how he see's himself. He seems to have a decent heart and concern for others and that is what most people do not get to see. I believe he views himself as a decent human but is also aware that there are many that see him as that stereo typical minstrel.

Blog #5 Rasicm and Sexism; are people equal?

"Things are so much better now". Racism and Sexism are no longer present; neither race nor sex are factors in the way people are perceived. "People are treated equally". -

If this is the way people view our times now, they are sorely mistaken. All of these statements are a crock of shit and should be fed back to the people that stated them. I believe that racism and sexism has come along way, but has not totally banished. As we try to become more equal people will always try to find ways that we are not and exploit them. Everybody knows that there will always be racism and sexism and you simply can not ignore it. I think that in this country we have come along way in trying to get along, but that hasn't always worked. There is sexism everyday as much as there is racism and I witness it almost everyday, maybe not in the ways like it used to be but it is visible. I witness it in the work world, take my job for example I used to work with an all guy team at my job. All were managers, one was just right below them and wanted to be a manager but his job skills sucked. There was chance for a women to be manager but was turned down because the store manager wanted one of his guys to do it but the DM wouldn't allow it. So basically he refused because he was being sexist. Also before all of them got fired he wanted to hire another guy for supervisor which made it but is being demoted because he sucks at his job. Believe it or not we have an all women staff but because the DM is sexist against men because of the way they do their job. But here is the thing about sexism is that women are better at things than men just as there are men are better things than women. I think all should be given a fare chance to see who is best for the job. Also think about clothing, women pay more $ for their clothes than men do. They make the excuse that they have more curves which is true but give me a break. Racism is an everyday thing as well, just look at the election this last year. It almost was about a race and sexism thing. We had a women running for president against a black man running for president go figure. As much as Hillary would of been great, she was singled out because she is a women. Obama as well, there were so many people who didn't want Obama because of his race, even though he still won, but there are a lot more minorities out there then their are the rich. I also have been seeing it a lot when it comes to the Internet, I was looking up pictures of guns, and I saw a picture with a money, of course you have all the pictures of the presidents on it...then I scrolled down and there was a picture of a food stamp with Obama on it. I also ran into a lot of other propagnada that was rac and sexism bashing.

Blog #4 Contradictions?

Well first off ....yes I beleive there are multiple messages being sent to these childeren. Childeren are taught a lot when it comes to all kinds of things...but in a way just from an add like this we are also confusing them with reality and their sense of childhoodism. It's bad enough that they learn these things in school, but now the media has to take part in this, like were not confusing these kids enough with all the other mixed messages that we are sending them. I think that there are far worse things that are happening to our kids then just a bunch of mixed messages, but I beleive this is one of them. First by showing that barbie is fat it's automatically telling them that to be fat is the worst thing, so by doing this, this creates a fear just from what started out as a toy that these little girls love to play with. What I dont think is right is that they are using props like barbies and super hereos to get into these kids minds. Talk about preying on inosense; Fuck!

So by telling them that being fat is the worst thing this automatically brainwashes them into thinking that you have to be super skinny like a barbie doll, and this usually causes a quite a few kids into becoming self conscience and anorexic, because they can never be to perfect. Also for the little boys that like to play with pirates or super heros, if they are somewhat heavy this is only goona give them a horrible self esteem and feel down on themselves for being heavy when it really isn't ther fault, I mean all they want to do is play with their toys you know? It is a contradiction to these kids so they never know what to believe. I think ads can be pretty effective, it is the structure of what we base our world on. A target for anybody that is gullible, and now they are preying on kids wow what a country! Arent we supposed to be tecahing these kids actual knowledge and not consumerism? They will learn that stuff as they get older, let them have their childhood and start targeting the parents! It seems like an excuse for bad parenting when you have to target inocent childeren. A lot of kids will do what you tell them, and usually they will believe anything because they are kids. As for adults they should be the ones paying closer attention to thier kids and spending quality time with them it almost shows that they don't care about their childeren.

I defenitly think that these ads are contributing to a generation of kids to be thin, no body wants to be picked last for the team if you know what I mean. It is a given fact that most kids want to be popular, and unfortunatley it is based on looks most of the time. I think that the problem with childhood obesity does warrant this kind of action. But In many ways it doesn't cause there is still an obesity problem in our society. Parents have a lot to with it because they are the ones in control, it's basically easy it is to obtain such fattening foods, fast foods, school lunches, and parents usually let their kids wonder unsupervised like at the mall plenty of bad food there believe me. Bad parenting does account for this, it's all how you were raised as well. Most parents will put food in their kids mouths just to shut them up because they don't know how to deal with it. Also T.V is the worst, what do you do? You stick a kid in front of the T.V with food, just so they can see more ads for more tastier snacks bamm there you have it! there is a need for want because they make you want it, it's like having your first of anything; it draws you in for more! In a way it's wrong to make these kids have a slef image simply because these are problems they will be dealing with later in life. They should be able to enjoy their childhood without the pressures of society and the parents should know better and whats best for their kids! Pay the fuck attention!

Essay #3 Perception is Selective

As human beings how we perceive things can be quite deceiving to many of us and to many it can create a false imagery or something much more than that. We generally are so quick to judge our perception on things. As I have learned

perception is selective and how you choose to look at it is a judgement. As individuals we are all seen as something by others, whether it is a label to a stereotype, this is how we are perceived. How people perceive me is some what quite interesting and a little frustrating at times. In many ways I am misunderstood due to people's perception, and for so many reasons. It is a given fact that many see me as much more than a human being, I have experienced reactions to every face of every kind. Many perceive me as intimidating, tough, dark, and emotionless; unfortunately they base this on my image alone. Yes I can be all these things, but there is so much more to me then meets the eye.

How I look has a lot to with how I am viewed by others, growing up the way I did has a lot to do with my image and I'm sure it speaks for it's self. There are only the few that actually get to know me for who I really am rather than the image and I will admit I don't let people in so easy, if your sincere about getting to know me you have to earn my friendship. You have to be able to fully get past the image and take into consideration of what that person has possibly been through. You have to be willing to be open to perceive things differently and possibly be able to explore the dark that comes with the light; you have to be willing to see both sides to everything. I don't always like reaction I get from people when they pass me by and it does bother me somewhat, but it's something I have to be willing to except to comfortable in my own skin. This is something that happens way to often, even when people can't put there thumb on it, they either freak out and turn the other way or stare like I'm some kind of freak! I can admit this something that I would expect and to be honest it is something that I have done intentionally to serve as security blanket. Yes intimidation can go along way, at least for someone like me. I think that my image says a lot to people when they generally look at me, why else would they stare?


The fact that I wear all black generally makes people uncomfortable, for only a few reasons. I'm either considered Gothic or a criminal, which is really hard to swallow because I'm neither. I can think back to when I was that little girl who usually wondered about the kids who were a lot scarier and wore all black, I will admit that I was intrigued but scared at the same time; I have become what I used to fear, I guess that is true for the many people who perceive me the way they do. It is a given fact that people are often scared of what they don't understand; and that is the truth. Wearing all black has become a big part of my life believe or not, it has given me my own identity and has allowed me to become who I am. This does serve a problem in the eye of the public because like I said before I am seen as Gothic or a criminal. Many people are usually scared to talk to me because of the black clothes; kind of ridiculous but what can you do?

My tattoos have given me a sense of my self and has allowed me to be okay with who I am, but I feel many people also judge me based on my tattoos. I guess in many ways my tattoos have spoken for them selves. I'm automatically labeled or stereotyped just for having ink embedded in to my skin. Of course this is expected from many people who don't like or have tattoos to begin with. Instead of being able to be comfortable in my own skin many people take that a way from me. It's really sad because I feel it is the only thing I have to be comfortable in my own my skin.

Essay #2 Spelling Bee (The Power of Literacy)

I have learned a lot from people and the world around me but it wasn't until the age of seven that I actually learned the true power of literacy. I spent most of my childhood as a little girl being very quite and shy. I didn't speak much to others and mostly kept to myself. Being so shy and looking so young kept me from interacting with other kids. Between the ages of three and six I didn't say a word, that is until I had to. I spent a lot of time observing other kids rather than talking to them. For me this was the easiest way to learn, and to not get picked on by the other kids. Also this always gave me the opportunity to gain more insight on a situation and learn from it . If I had the bravery to talk, then I would know what to say without embarrassing myself; always think before you speak.

Even though I didn't speak much I usually spent a good portion of my time thinking and daydreaming. I always completed my work and usually did more than asked. At times I was a little disruptive in class but that's because no one usually noticed me. At that age I didn't really pay attention to the problems that other kids were having because I never had no problems, so honestly I didn't really know what it meant to have trouble with school. My mom usually spent no time with me when it came to any kind of school work. When I needed help with anything in particular I could never turn to her because she was preoccupied with her partying and was usually never around. So I did what I supposed to do; I did all my homework by myself and went to school everyday. Not knowing that I had a gift of any kind I usually spent a lot of time reading and writing. I loved to write a lot usually it was just a bunch of nonsense because at that age what can you really be writing about? So not interacting with kids gave me a lot of time to just think as well and come up with random ideas for writing you know kids stuff.

It wasn't until the age of seven that I realized the true meaning of literacy, it was second grade and I was extremely terrified. I remember it was only a few weeks in to the school year and one of the faculty members came to our classroom to talk to the teacher about a spelling bee the school was having.I didn't have a clue what the hell a spelling bee was, so I didn't really pay to much attention to what they were talking about. The very next couple of days were spent testing kids on how well they could spell. I remember when they came to our class room, I will never forget that day. They were making kids get up in front of the class room and spell out words to see if they were capable of knowing how. The first thing that ran through my mind was " No way am I getting up in front of class to spell". So if you could of imagined I was very terrified and frightened. Just thinking about what I was going to spell was scary, let alone to be able to spell correctly without embarrassing myself.

So I watched and observed other kids with the words that were being presented to them and come to my surprise half of these kids did not know how to spell. Where did that leave me? This is all I could think of, there was a reason why I had been so quite all this time. I didn't believe I was the smartest kid nor did I even know what it meant to be smart. So this was it, my name was called "Michele Dolstad will you please stand up". So I stood and was asked to spell my word out and I did. It didn't stop from there it seemed there wasn't a word that I couldn't spell. There were only a few kids that made it past the first ten words and for others they didn't even make it past the first five. The idea was to see who could spell the best and who could go the longest. So the more words they kept giving me the more I kept spelling them correctly and there was no stopping me. It came to a point where they had to stop me some where, but it wasn't cause of the fact that I couldn't spell anything. After testing every second grader in the school there was only one other student that could spell as well as I did and they were soon to be the enemy. So there I was only seven years old and I discovered that I had a talent; I was smart whatever that meant. This also meant that I had to get up in front of the whole school and do exactly what we did in class. This was intense for me and I wasn't so sure I could go through with it. Here I had spent this whole time not saying a word and the minute I open up my mouth there it is. All the attention was drawn on me exactly what I was trying to avoid in the first place, it was the scariest thing I had ever done in the whole seven years of my life.

That night eventually came around and it was scheduled event for everyone to come and enjoy. Everyone and their parents were there and all the staff and faculty were there as well, rearing up and waiting to go. I was so nervous and had never been that scared in my life. There were a few other kids that were going to go before me, the few that made it through the first stage . As I watched I grew less nervous, thinking "I can do this". "I got myself here in the first place and I didn't even mean to". Also because recognizing what I had was empowering and I was excited to use it. From there I watched as each kid failed miserably but at least they tried, then came my time, and I was up against a line of kids. I made it through the first set of words with flying colors, but it was the next set of words that made me nervous. Only because as we progressed into the next set of words they just got bigger. So far I was still left standing and it seemed know one could out spell me, that is up until I was faced against the other kid that could spell just as well as I did. There we were across from each other and all I could think of is "where is my mom and how could I win this with out no support"? I didn't even know I had the capabilities in the first place. So then we started and they were throwing words at us like it was nothing. The more words I spelt right the more confident I became. Then something happened and I went blank, we must have went through more than 74 words face to face before I drew a complete blank. There it was, they gave a word I simply could not spell and it was a big word. Now here is the thing if this happens then they give the other kid that very same word and if he doesn't spell it correctly then we move on, and of he does spell it right then he wins. Sure enough he actually spelt the word right and I was in immediate shock. Only because I had it locked in my mind that I knew I could Winn this but sure enough I didn't ,instead I took runner up which was second place.

I don't think I have ever been so proud of myself, in that very moment I knew what the true power of literacy meant to me. I felt different some how, learning that I had a talent becasue I never talked in the first place. I beleive that observation can teach you a lot, the power of words as well can be quite empowering. Knowing something that not everyone else knows can also leave a feeling of empowerment . From that very day I was determined to suceed at anything especially when it came to schooling. From there Icontinued to do quite well in school like always. That following year I became an honor student and student of the month twice which was usually a hard one to make. I started to spend more time reading and writing, and eventually joined the schools reading team "Books across America". I started to speak up a little bit more, once I learned the empowerment of voice. Last but not least I was finally able to make perfect attendance, once my mom stopped moving me around. So this is literaly what started my quest for knowledge and recognized what the power of literacy was.

Blog #3 Who's Suffering?

There's a lot in mind when I watch this video, words can't even begin to describe it. I'm overwhelmed by sadness and disgust of the way the world has become. I see one boy getting a normal well deserved life and the other, I see kids that are living a very painful life that dont know anything but to be slaves in a sweatshop for the people that are getting a well deserved life. It's kind of ironic how we as people take things for granted and we don't really think about it until someone points it out to us. Just like that good old sang "you don't know what you have until you lose it". This is something I try to remind myself of everyday just because I don't want to classify myself as one of those people, but we do it anyways. It's so easy to forget the good things in life when life moves so fast and we constantly seek for more, as if what we had wasn't good enough to begin with. In many ways I can relate to both aspects of the story, one the shitty life that you are given, and two a glimpse of what a great well deserving life can be. The reality is that some of us don't have it quite so lucky, and many of us tend to take it for granted and forget to stop and think about the other people who have it far worse. Many don't even care because it has no concern to them, but for others there are many that hurt. I think the general argument is that certain things tend to go unoticed until you point it out for them. As americans we have also become spoiled, that everything we enjoy is at someone else's cost. I do think that these are very compelling arguments being stated. Alot of peolpe are afraid to speak up in a sense or they just don't care because they are to concerned with them selves. But I think that it is nessecary for someone to speak for them, becasue they might not ever have that chance.

Blog #2 Freedom of Speech?

After watching the video on the kid that wasn't allowed to wear his Obama shirt to school, Ive become a little agitated and familiar. I can understand the reasons why he wasn't allowed to wear his t-shirt but also know that it is bull-shit! When this country wrote it's amendments I'm sure they werent to concerned about what falls under the categorie of freedom of speech, which is why Freedom of Speech is our second ammendment for all. Basically there is no such thing, anytime you start altering an ammendmant you pretty much have taken it away just like they did to this little boy. Here you have a little boy who is clearly not into drugs, gangs, or violence and is proud to have someone like obama be his president but your telling him he cant wear his t-shirt. To me it's no more than a contridiction to what the teachers tell these kids at these schools. They encourage you and tell you to be proud of the things that make you proud but then they go and take it away. It's just like anything else in this world thats clearly viewed.

In a way I can kind of see the point they are trying to get across, maybe because it could be a saftey issue and if that is the case then they need to state that clearly. But I do think that they are in the wrong and that it might be that the board of education might be racist and that right there might be an issue within it's self, seeing as how they are trying to teach these kids about equality; doesn't really make sense. I personally think that people take things way to litteral and with the century we our living in today nothing should come as a shock anymore. I also understand that there are certain rules for certain reasons but the minute people start contradicting those then there is a definet problem and should be questioned. High school for me was about the same, couldn't wear certain colors blue or red cause it was in reference to gangs. Couldn't wear nothing with drug or alcohol reference nor could we wear anything with racism on it. Understandable to a point but half the shit they dont let the kids wear now is kind of a joke! Now that I'm older what I'm wearing is'nt so much an issue but can be for some people no matter where you go.

Example: Funny thing I work in the mall and I like to wear bandannas in fact I actually collect them. I was told by mall security I could not wear my bandanna hanging out of my back pocket. I asked them why and they said "it was a gang thing" I told them I wasnt in a gang and my bandanna was all black". They still said that I had to take it out, I told them to fuck off and then I walked away! That actually really upset me cause first off greaser's started the whole bandanna thing and a greaser was usually a mechanic who whore a bandanna out of his back pocket! So it was never a gang thing, they just copied them and ruined it for the rest of us. It's funny metal heads, greaser's and even rockabilly kids are the ones you'll find the most with a bandanna hanging out of there back pocket. I also tend to get that judgment from all people cause I wear all black and I have tattoos. I'm either looked at as a criminal or someone who is in a gang.

So it is everywhere, even at some highschools you are not allowed to wear black because it is considered to be gang affiliated. I even know some parents who believe the same thing; wont let their kids wear black because of the whole gang thing. I don't think kids have too many right's when it comes what they can and can't wear. To be honest it's just gotten worse and it's always the other one's that ruin it for us. I mean it's good that schools do have some rules about the issue but sometimes they tend to take it way to far or contridict what they are saying. I don't think that they should of banned either one, First one was proud of his country and the either proud to speak his mind, we should encourage these kinds of things rather than discourage them.

Blog #1 Metal For The Masses

There are only a few things in this world that get me by, and my metal is certainly one of them. Now when I refer to Metal, I'm not refering to a peice of steel or a object created out of metal. When I say "Metal" it is in reference to that music that adults tend to hate so much, that they cringe just to the sound of. They often say that it all sounds the same, or "how can you listen to that crap?" "Doesn't it drive you crazy"? My response to that is..."What can I say metal is in my blood". "They don't call me Metal Michele for nothing"! I love all music dont get me wrong, but if you were to go to my inner core metal is what you will find. To many it is just a distorted sound, but for others it's the sound of freedom; it speaks the words we are afraid to say aloud.

For me Metal runs a lot deeper than your typical main stream metal song that's played a million times on the radio. Yes when it comes to metal there are quite a few genres that can be classified, you have your black, your death, your thrash, your speed and your hardcore. I place myself in between Death and Black, but yes it is all metal. For me it is the air that I breath, it's what gets me by and allows me to express feelings that are forbidden in the norm world. It is a place where I can go when the world has become to much. Metal is not for the timid, nor is it for just anybody and can be like beer; a very aqiured tatse. I spent most of my life around rock 'n' roll and it just grew from there.

I have been through every genre of Rock 'n' Roll there is. As I listened I found the heavier the better and the more intense it becomes. Let me tell you there's nothing like tearing up a pit when the heaviest most intense music is playing and you have that rage flowing through your veins, theres nothing like that shit! In many ways it has become my therapy, as for many people who share my same passion. My metal will never let me down, just like a tattoo it will always be there forever. For me it has become a big part of who I am and for many like me it is a way of life, and it gives meaning to who we are. Ask any metal head and they will tell you. Metal is something that is so keen to the ear that only the true heart felt listener will embrace its true meaning and beauty. Horns up!

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