Communities

We are all involved in many communities. Some we may not even realize until it’s brought to our attention because we may not think of a certain characteristic as being included into its own community, for example fathers. I understand that I am a part of several different communities, and that in each community I behave (and sometimes it is expected of me) a certain way.
My first and main community is my family. When I am at home, I am a daughter and big sister. I know that I need to be respectful to my parents so that my little sister will follow my example. And as the oldest child I have certain responsibilities within our house, even though they may be minor. Also, my family sees me a reserved, quiet person. I’ve always heard growing up that when I was younger, I never really did cause much trouble, and I was an easy child to care for. In my home environment, I tend to keep to myself.
However, at school (high school and college); around my friends I am a completely different person. I’m outgoing; I’ll usually try anything within reason (except most new foods). I like to have fun and sometimes be loud. Most of my friends have told me that I’m a funny person and they enjoy being around me because there is never a dull moment. With my close friends I do share my feelings and some problems, but for the most part I still keep major stuff to myself. I like to think of myself as an over caring person; I will keep my problems inside but I’m more than willing to help a friend at anytime should they need me because I want to be the person that people can depend on and I do not want to bother others with my own problems.
Even though the previous community was at school, I think to me that is because school is away from home (over an hour away) and my family is not here or even constantly in contact with me. So, the classroom would be a third community that I am a part of. This is another space where I am standoffish and to myself. I do not really know anyone in my classes and I am uncomfortable speaking in class. It’s not really enough time for me to get to know these people either like the time I had in high school to get to know my friends. -jd


I never thought of how being part of a certain community makes you act a different way than you would in another community, but you’re certainly right. Are these communities close-knit or impersonal? Do you think the size of the community matters? I know many people who while living with their family felt it was very impersonal, even though there were only three other people, simply due to lack of interest or trust in one another. It seems like a big community is makes it easier for you to be yourself, which does not really coincide with what Bell is saying – so you bring up a very good point! This also makes me think about classrooms, and I must agree with you and Bell in that they are thrown together almost at random, and never for a long enough time to get to know other people personally. -JoEllen-

I agree with your point about how a person acts differently in class, especially a college level course, because there isn’t enough time to really get comfortable with your classmates unless you have other connections with them as well or run into outside of class. I agree with your statement where a person acts a certain way in front of their family and then are able to let loose and be more themselves when around their close friends and people more their age. Also, another point to think about is a person tends to act similar to the people they are around. For instance, if you friends are loud then you will become a little louder, and if your friends are more chill and reserved, you may become a little quieter as well. Just a tiny thought to ponder.
Constantina



Also, I wanted to mention that a community that I am not a part of is a minority group. I am from a white middle class family. I have no idea what it is like to be cruelly discriminated against because of my background. I can understand that it may be difficult or hurtful to be a part of this type of community. But I do not think I will ever be able to fully relate to those people although we may share other things in common that can connect us to one another so that we are able to communicate. -jd

Deleuze & Guattari

(Deleuzoguattarian)

Their theory almost comes off the concept of Baudrillard (copy of a copy). The types of language we use through the internet comes from someone/something but from whom/where? Needing to keep up with technological advances along with a little laziness, online acronyms are a part of everyday conversations of chatting. Some examples are: lol – laugh out loud, ttyl – talk to you later, brb – be right back, ppl – people, b/c – because. There are also rules of conduct; it’s typical to use all lower case letters, otherwise someone could take offense if you’re using all capital letters because that is considered yelling.
Sometimes, I find myself actually saying “lol,” “jk,” or “brb.” My friends and I sort of use them jokingly because we are use to that type of language. I’ve typed a paper and had “b/c” in it because I am so use to that shorthand in notes and online conversations. We are all surrounded by computers and it’s only natural that over time people will tend to think and respond in ways they are familiar with even if they are internet acronyms. We all seem to understand and accept this type of casual communication.

Computers and toys

The 80s, I don’t really remember much about that time because the oldest I got was about seven. It was fun to take the quiz and look back on some of the cool 80s toys. I recalled some of those possibilities. But before taking the quiz, when Will had asked us about our first computer toy, the first thing I thought of was this little robot toy I had and you could change the cards in him do play (learn) different things. (I just can’t remember what it’s called.) And then actually before that I had a similar type of game with changeable cards that helped me with my shapes, colors, numbers, letters, and other basics; however, it was only a rectangle and I never really thought of it as a “computer toy” probably because it was not complex looking. It’s interesting that Bell points out that even our childhood toys are computers. It’s a new perspective and fun to reminisce about the simple toys we played with and think of them as types of computers (almost seems somewhat bizarre). I liked the way Bell presented the idea to us of how early we are exposed to computers and do not even realize it. As far as an actual computer, my first experiences were in primary school (maybe 2nd or 3rd grade) on which I played games like Oregon Trail, Word Munchers, Number Munchers, etc. My family did not buy a computer until I was a senior in high school (even though I had already accessed the internet in junior high and also took keyboarding); so even today much of this technology it still new to me, and I know that there is a lot that I do not know and may never know. Lots of times I don’t get some of the online concepts, but I try to learn as our world advances.

"What childhood toy from the 80s are you? "

i knew i was a nerd without a computer quiz telling me, but thanks. check it out:




You're a Speak & Spell!! You nerd, you. Just
because you were disguised as a toy doesn't
mean you weren't educational, you sneaky
bastard.


What childhood toy from the 80s are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

"Making sense of . . ." precis

“Making sense of the Web: a metaphorical approach” (October 2000), an article by Lee Ratzan argues that the internet is an unfamiliar place and contains un-chartered territories. Ratzan focuses on how these metaphors affect internet users’ perception of the internet. In order to make sense of the internet, people use terms they are familiar with to describe it. This article will assist internet users to better navigate their way around the World Wide Web.
Ratzan conducted a research to see how these metaphors were received and interpreted by people through a questionnaire. The internet is a big part of communication for the world so it is important that everyone understand the language of the internet. The study shows that women tend to use more metaphors than men. However, men believe that they are more experienced with the internet than women. Most internet metaphors are a significant part of online correspondence, otherwise nothing would be clear and no one would comprehend internet information.




Ratzan, Lee (2000) "Making sense of the Web: a metaphorical approach". Information Research, 6(1) Available at: http://InformationR.net/ir/6-1/paper85.html

"Queer Spaces . . . " precis

In “Queer Spaces, Modem Boys and Pagan Statues,” Randal Woodland informs a general audience that gay people have found a haven in the internet, that they have certain protective forms of presenting themselves online. In a society where being gay is looked down upon, usually gays are isolated, maybe physically and/or mentally. In order to feel secure in a setting, this case: cyberspace, this group has developed ways of communicating without broadcasting that they are in fact gay.
In cyberspace, a casual conversation can twist and turn, to one user, a specific turn may be inappropriate. Proper etiquette online is to be considerate of others. A sexual conversation should not be conducted in a general open chat room where just anyone can see it. More private conversations should be moved to a personal room or to one – on – one messaging, depending on the parties involved. Moving to another location shows respect for the other internet users so that one may avoid possibly offending someone. Suggesting such a move in some cases could easily be a metaphor for an invitation to enter into an explicit conversation to an unsuspecting guest. Types of these “queer spaces” include sites that are joined through a paid membership, freely accessible sites that designate specific areas for certain groups such as gays, sites targets to a certain group (in this case: gays) and those that deal with homosexuality closely but are not homosexual themselves (such as a family member of a gay person), and sites that are for gays but allow/welcome others to visit and/or join.
Furthermore, gay users are encourages in chatting with other including non - gays if they would like by being permitted to create their own rooms. This provides comfort to know they have rights regardless that they are not a majority. Even though, the material within a chat can be compelling and yet it is also significant, everyone is welcome at their own free – will and/ or curiosity and can leave at their discretion. Although the gay community is becoming more accepted, it is important that they have these safe places to turn to and to be able to confide in others. And it is also good that there are these types of cyberspace places for various groups that face adversity.

entry # 1

this is my first blog. it's mostly for an english class, but we'll see how it goes...it might be continued afterwards. :) depends on my busy-ness (HAHAHAHA)! alright, later. -jamie