Journalism in Verse- Poetry #3

Thinking through our eyes 

 

I awake with my mind in a whirlpool,

feeling overly anxious and confused,

my view of society is still cruel.

Tired of people’s opinions weighing me down,

picking myself up,

just wanting to go work downtown.

Not always as capable as some think,

I’m not always okay

given my weekly time with a shrink.

my disability clear as mud,

there is no on or off switch,

my emotions are like a flood.

I wish people understood,

I try my best

and all i want is to do good.

 

 

 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/opinion-disability-system-pamela-valentine-1.5367913

 

Blog Log #1

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/dollar24k-bronze-sculpture-stolen-from-outside-vancouver-gallery/ar-AAJTPUW?ocid=spartanntp

I found this article interesting because I’m a big fan of art. It also intrigued me because it is hard to imagine a person stealing a 160 kg piece of art, especially being in downtown Vancouver because it’s a very busy place and seems like it would be hard to go unnoticed when stealing something, especially when the item is not even inside of the store. Another interesting thought is that the art (as most) is original and unique, and assuming it was stolen to be sold for money, the man would easily be caught. Although in the article it is suggested the man may melt the bronze and sell it that way, it still is not very common for a person to own that. There are a lot of things people do that don’t make any logical sense, the man in this article included, but it is interesting to read about the stupidity that people are doing.

 

Introductory Project

Madelaine Schmidt

September 5 2019

1. How can I discuss something with someone I disagree with? Most people believe having a discussion with someone you disagree with is considered an argument. Although, it is not necessarily, because usually when two people disagree it is due to their different opinions, and you can either accept that you think differently, or try and look at things from the perspective they are presenting to you. People are often quick to defend their opinion, completely unwilling to even attempt at seeing things from a different point of view, which is usually how it becomes an argument. You have to try and understand what it is the other person is saying, and listen to it, not just hear it. The difficult part is when the other person is very close-minded, in which case there is no point in arguing or trying to get your point across. You can tell them your view and opinion, and it is their choice whether they choose to listen or not. In an attempt to not escalate the situation, leaving it at that is the best way to handle it.

2.  When do you write best? I do my best writing when I am alone in a quiet area, preferably in my own space at home. This is dependant on what it is that I am writing because sometimes I am able to work better in a more social environment when I am writing in a creative way (short stories, etc.). I usually like to save my class work for home because I find it makes it easier for me to do, which is the opposite of what most students would say. I like to write in sections, like I will work on writing for an hour or so then go and do something else for a few hours and start again after that. I can not just sit down and write for hours on end, because I run out of ideas or I just need to stretch from sitting for too long. After giving my brain a break for a bit, I like to re-read what I had written to see what else I need or want to add. This can sometimes cause me to be a bit slow with getting work done, but I would prefer to have it done well than just done on time.

3.  What do teacher sometimes misunderstand about you as a learner? I am a visual learner. It is easier for me to see examples, pictures, videos, or demonstrations. Sometimes, I also learn through trial and error or I just keep attempting at something until I can do it. This is usually for skills outside of school, but I do find it works for me. I also have trouble staying focused during long lessons, I prefer to have more work time in class and it makes me feel more productive at the end of the day, knowing that I got more work done. I will ask questions about assignments or projects if I have any, but not in front of the class.

4.  What’s the difference between fact and opinion? A fact is something that is known and can be taught. There is usually some type of experiment or test used to prove something as a fact. For example, the longest recorded (meaning that somebody actually recorded this) non-stopping swim that a polar bear has ever made was 426 miles throughout nine continuous days. This is a fact that had been proven through evidence. An opinion, however, is something you personally believe or decide. Opinions are neither wrong or right, they are just what you as a person think. For example, your friend does not like your shirt because it is blue. But you do like your shirt. This does not mean the shirt is bad or good it is just what each person believes. Opinions can sometimes be made through bias, like maybe your friend does not like your shirt because she does not like the colour blue. But, a person’s opinion can also change. Perhaps one day you think chocolate is the best thing in the world, and the next it is hardly mediocre. Facts do not change without proof or evidence. Every person is entitled to have their own opinion, but some are mistaken into thinking their opinion is the only ”right” one. A fact can be correct or incorrect, an opinion can not (despite some people’s stubbornness on saying otherwise).

5. What’s worth understanding deeply?  You are not the only person with opinions, feelings, and thoughts. Your life will not last forever. Things that you find boring to do right now, could benefit you in the future. Also, making decisions based solely off your emotions is never a good idea. Taking care of the people and things that you care about will benefit you greatly, as well as the planet which is slowly dying. Some people don’t seem to be too concerned about global warming and pollution etc., because they believe they wont be around during the time when it gets even worse. What they don’t realize is their children will be living in a world like that, and their grandchildren, and their great-grandchildren, etc.