Saif S. Onbargi 10A

Grade 10A English Assignment

[saifsonbargi10a]

This image shows the growing of justice through people. Naturally, as human beings we strive for justice. However, some are misinformed and become misguided and lose our way of life. Throughout this assignment, I have learned that the people of this world have the power to fight for justice. We the people of this world have the duty to make sure that other people in this world are treated justly and fairly. Mahatma Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." This supports the idea that as individuals, we have the power to change the world for the better and help those around us. We must fight for a new world, a world free of injustice, a world free of inequality, and a world with unalienable rights for every human being on the face of this earth. This picture best represents what I have learned during this assignment because it shows how all people are alike and are born with justice within them. The brown stem represents the hands of one person while the colorful leaves represents the hands of many others who grow afterwards. In my opinion the hands flipped backwards such as those at the bottom represent people who have become evil. We must guide these people back on track and make sure they stay on a positive route for the rest of their lives.This tree of hands may seem so small but its meaning couldn't be bigger.

Thank you Mrs. Shannon and Tumblr for giving me an assignment that truly opened my eyes. The lessons I have learned in this assignment will stay with me forever and I will use what I have learned to benefit myself and those around me.

[haris10a]

If anyone practices injustice, others would him and possibly do the same. This would cause injustice to spread. For example, if you do injustice to a child, he/she might learn from it and do the same to kid younger then themselves.

[saifsonbargi10a]

I agree with Haris Saqib's point of view. Bullying is a blatant form of injustice. In the case of Haris's example, a kid who grew up being bullied will later grow up to bully other kids and let his anger out on innocent children. This is indeed a threat to the justice of another child who has nothing to do with this chain of injustice. However, I would like to further advance his point of view. The meaning of this quote is quite different from what we believe it to be. This quote refers to injustice spreading to places of justice. In the case of the United States, injustice anywhere could and would spread everywhere to other places in the United States. For example, some racism in Georgia could spread to Illinois or any other state in the country. We as citizens of the world, should remove injustice by the roots. This way we can contain it and not allow it to spread and harm people. If we fight injustice, we fight for justice and make it less vulnerable in the face of evil.

[saifsonbargi10a]

My Point of View on Social Media

Throughout this school assignment, I have learned how to use social media in an educational way. At the start of this project, I was not a very big fan of Tumblr or social media in general. This project really opened my eyes and let me see beyond what even the critics see.

First, social media is a great way to share your work with many students from all over the world. My point of view can be different  the point of view of another student in my class. This way we can observe our differences and compare how they are alike. Social media has proved again and again how efficient it can be. The click of a button allows me to share and observe the work of other people. Rather than sending letters or sitting in a classroom, we can use social media to share our work as it is faster and more efficient. Also, truth is, to many students all over the world, social media is a lot more interactive and interesting. This causes the learning experience of student to increase as they are more active and are more eager to participate.

So, at the end of the day, social media proves to be quicker and more efficient. It allows more productive learning and enables the wonderful sharing of ideas all over the world. In our modern,growing world, social media has allowed even the simplest of people to keep in touch become more advanced electronically. 

[saifsonbargi10a]

Quote from The Piano Lesson

At the end of Act 1 Scene 1, Boy Willie lets out his frustration by making a bold statement. Boy Willie tells Doaker Charles that if Berniece refuses to sell the piano he is going to cut it half and sell his half. This shows that Boy Willie inherited the piano along with Berniece. Also, this statement represents Boy Willie's determination to sell the piano and buy Sutter's land. After reading this quote from the text, we can conclude that the piano has a sentimental value to Berniece rather than the monetary value it has to Boy Willie. However, the reason Boy Willie wants to buy Sutter's land is so that he can avenge his ancestors captivity on Sutter's land. So, they at the end of the day both Berniece and Boy Willie have a connection to their ancestors. However, their connections differ. Berniece's connection relates to the piano while Boy Willies's connection has to do with Sutter's land.   

[saifsonbargi10a]

The Addition of Music to Act 1 Scene1 of The Piano Lesson

The link to the music is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stg5uUUmMsc

This music wonderfully compliments the opening scene to this book. This story takes place during the 1930's, right in the middle of The Jazz Age. Why not add Jazz music to this scene? The opening scene with the arrival of Boy Willie and Lymon to Doaker's house is an excellent opportunity to add this music. The addition of this music would set the mood of the story and give the audience an excellent understanding of the setting of the story. When the audience hears the Jazz music, while seeing Boy Willie and Lymon drive north, they will have a clear visual of where the story takes place.

[saifsonbargi10a]

Tumblr

Answer these questions with detail to support your answers.

Do you like tumblr? Why/why not? Do you prefer a different social media website? What website could also be used to do this type of school assignment?

Honestly, I love Tumblr. This assignment was the first social media assignment for me in a very long time. This was also the first time I ever used Tumblr and I really enjoy it. Another website that could be used would be Facebook. This would allow more people would be able to see our posts as Facebook has a much wider audience serving millions of people worldwide.

Was this tumblr assignment good, or would you have preferred writing your responses in a journal in class time? Why/why not?

This assignment with Tumblr was excellent. It was much more interesting to use social media and iMacs! Writing in a journal is necessary, but, social media was a very nice break from standard writing. Using Tumblr, motivates us to write and for me there was no limit in how many words.

What changes would you make to this assignment for next time?

I would change some of the writing choices, such as the rewrite of the fist act. I would remove paragraph writing, include bullet points, and provide choices every week for a podcast. Rather than read each other's work and read what they think. A podcast or interview would be fun and more interactive. Also, making videos with each other would be more interesting. For the most part, I would keep most of the wonderful assignments.

[saifsonbargi10a]

Extra Assignment (Monday, October 12, 2014)

For this assignment, I interviewed Hamdan Al-Mehrezi, a fellow classmate. Here is what he had to say to my questions.

1) Nick-name

Hamdan

2) Age

15

3) Nationality

Emirati National 4) Hobbies

Kickboxing 5) Finish these sentences: a) When I grow up, I want to be…….an engineer with many talents and high skill levels. I would like to achieve high grades and make my family proud.

b) If I was President of the World, I would……bring world peace to our world and end starvation.

c) When my parents tell me to do my homework, I think…….Yes, I will do it immediately. Most of the time I have already done it.

6) What do you think you have learnt about justice this year? Has your opinion changed at all?I learned that justice is important in our society and my opinion has not changed at all.

7) What do you think your reputation is like right now at school? At home? With family and friends?My reputation in school is good both at home and school. It has always been good because I work hard to keep my reputation.

8) Have your ideas about reputation changed at all? Why/why not? No, I still strongly believe that every person's reputation matters. People should give off good impressions to others though their reputations.

9) As a grade 10 student, what do you think you should be responsible for? Just yourself and your grades, or other things to like your happiness and looking after younger sisters and brothers? Explain your answers. As a grade 10 student, I believe I am responsible for myself and I represent my family. I am responsible for my family and their happiness because, as a Muslim, I should.

10) How would you explain yourself in THREE words? Why?

Fat, Funny, and Clever. I describe myself with these three words. I am overweight, I am smart and clever, and I do enjoy making people laugh. 

[saifsonbargi10a]

News Article on Reputation

The link to the article is:

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/10/05/politics/isis-biden-erdogan-apology/

Vice President of the United States of America, Joseph Biden, made a very incorrect statement during a speech at Harvard University. Joe Biden stated that Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were not doing enough to stop ISIS, an extremist group. The Vice President states they helped ISIS grow by not doing anything and by not sealing their borders properly. These statements are incorrect as all of these countries, especially Turkey, sealed their borders and refused to help ISIS. They stopped ISIS from spreading and contributed billions of dollars in aid to fight ISIS. He later apologized for his statements to all of the presidents of the countries named above. 

In the U.S many people have lost confidence in Joe Biden. They believe he is not well informed and said things that were ridiculous. His claims against the countries were false and did not help international ties with these countries. People in these countries are starting to criticize the Obama Administration because of this and, once again, countries in the Arab World are beginning to dislike the U.S. Joe Biden's reputation has definitely declined and will continue to decline if he continues with these false accusations. As Vice President, he had an excellent reputation. Now, his reputation is decreasing as we speak. 

I personally still have complete respect for my Vice President. I just wish he would filter what he says and get approval from the President before he makes a statement. Other than that, he still has a good reputation in my books.  

[aaldimasi-10a]

[saifsonbargi10a]

I think Abdul Rahman Al Dimasi's post is indeed very good and gives many supportive ideas. However, I disagree with a few of his points. With all due respect and with good intentions only, I would like to argue these following points. First of all, I would like to argue that social media has not only gained a good reputation. It has also gained a very bad one. Social Media has cause many people to be put in harms way, kidnappings and other crimes have been on the rise due to the internet. Also, cyber bullying has also been a major issue in our modern world. The internet has allowed this new form of bullying to grow and affect all those who are involved. Bullying should be stopped and the only thing social media is doing is making it worse. 

I agree that social media can be a good thing in some aspects. The fact that communicating can be easier and quicker is good but to an extent. Since simply opening a device and sending a message is a lot easier, people are becoming unsocial and do not go out and explore the world like our ancestors did. They do not meet new people and when they are around new people, everyone hides behind their own device. This is very bad and could lead to serious problems in the future.

Finally, I would like to argue Abdul Rahman's statement that says social media has allowed people to have better relationships. I think social media has torn apart relationships rather than help them. The only true way to have a better relationship with anyone is to physically interact with them. Respect, love, and care are also important factors in establishing a good solid relationship with anyone. 

[saifsonbargi10a]

The Piano Lesson in Two Mediums

The Piano Lesson would certainly be enhanced in a positive way if it were shown in another medium such as a theatrical play. If this story were to be performed on stage, I believe it would be a great success. When a story is performed on stage, it comes to life and is more entertaining. Simply reading a play does not vividly show the story. A live, person to person play would essentially give the audience the entertainment they need to stay interested. In the form of a novel The Piano Lesson is wonderful but in the form of a live play, it is even better.

One piece of literature that I read that was later turned into a movie was the first book in the Harry Potter series, The Sorcerer's Stone. I strongly believe that the movie beautifully enhanced the story. Rather than reading the long book, watching the movie was more appealing to me. It also was a lot faster! The movie helped me feel emotions that I did not experience while reading the book. One example was when a character was describing the death of Harry Potter's parents. The book simply stated how they died and how it was very sad. The movie showed the actual scene and made me experience the story and not simply read it. When the scene showed Harry's mother diving in front of Harry to save him, the audience saw how much his mother loved him. We experienced the true meaning of love. This supports the idea that the movie was more visually and emotionally appealing to the viewers than the book. The way a story is told can have a huge impact on the audience for better or for worse. The Harry Potter movies are an example of a positive impact on the story and the appeal of the audience. This is why the Harry Potter series are a success. 

[saifsonbargi10a]

Extra Assignment for 10A

1) What is the best thing about GSAD?

The best thing about GSAD is the multicultural teachers, staff, and students. I extremely enjoy being a part of a school that has staff from all over the world. In this school, I have met many new friends who are from many different places that have different cultures than I do. Learning about their culture is wonderful and I enjoy meeting new people and learning something new everyday.

2) What ONE thing would you like to see improved at GSAD?

With all due respect to the school, I would like to see more organization and fast-paced action done by the administration. We are in week 5 of school and yet we still do not have our lockers. Also, the fact that some teachers of ours are leaving is sad. In general, a quicker response from administration would really make a difference in our school experience. However, overall, it is an outstanding school.

3) What would you change about English class this year?

I think English Class is wonderful and I really enjoy all of  the interactive activities that we do in class. I do not think I can even consider changing anything about the class because we are only a few weeks into one third of the school year. Regardless, I wouldn't change anything because I have faith in all of my teachers and I am confident that they are all highly-trained professionals who know what is best for us.   

4) What would you like to do more of in English class?

Perhaps one thing I would like to do more of in English class has to do with vocabulary words. I really want to improve my vocabulary skills to an AP level. A very strong vocabulary can aid in many things from school essays to debates. Vocabulary words are very important and to learn more of them would be awesome.

5) If you were Principal for one day, what one rule would you change at GSAD?

If I were Principal, I would form a body of student government, similar to the SRC but with a lot more power. That way, students could help me make decisions rather than blindly making rules for others. This student body would help me in making better decisions and help me become a better Principal. With this body of government, I would be a Principal  that  students actually cared about and looked up to.

[saifsonbargi10a]

This image represents the argument over the piano. Boy Willie and Berniece argue whether or not they should sell the piano. Berniece argues that she will not sell it as it is important to her and her family including her daughter. Boy Willie agues that selling it, getting the money, and buying land is far more important than family culture and history. I believe that justice is shown here when the piano is not sold in the first scene. I strongly agree with Berniece, family culture and tradition are far more important than a few bucks, regardless how much in dollars. The significance of the piano is truly remarkable and it should not be sold because of Boy Willie's selfishness and greed. Justice is shown here by protecting the value of the piano and keeping it in the family. Let us hope that the piano stays in the family for as long as it can.

[saifsonbargi10a]

1- Lymon      2-Beniece          3-Boy Willie

1-Lymon, in the story, seems to be a young adult who I imagine best fits Lymon's character. He looks mature, calm, and gentle. He also fit the physical description of being tall and slim. He is a hard worker who travels the country selling goods and making a living. During this time period, African Americans dressed and this way and had the same hairstyle that this man in the first image has. These are the reasons why I chose this person to play Lymon. 

2-Berniece, is a strong character who speaks her mind and is not afraid to do so. She seems to be an attractive woman, as Lymon has some feelings for her. She also is a strong and powerful woman who cares for her daughter, although her husband passed away three years ago. This woman in the picture best reprints Berniece, which is why I chose her to play this character.

3-Boy Willie is a mature adult who is very persuasive and demanding as well. He also seems to be a little bit selfish because he wants to sell the piano for some land that a man is selling. He also seems strong-minded like his sister. At the end of the first act, he ends off by saying, "If she doesn't sell that piano, I am going to cut it in half and sell my half…" This shows Boy Willie is determined to sell that piano and he will not let anything stand in his way. This character best depicts Boy Willie, in my opinion.

[saifsonbargi10a]

Quote from the Piano Lesson

In August Wilson's play, we can draw unjust dialect from the characters. Berniece claims that Boy Willie and Lymon "stole" the truck and did not buy it. This shows injustice because Berniece is judging Lymon when she barely even knows him. She is making assumptions but that is not the right thing to do. She should listen to his side of the story and then see if her assumption is correct. It is not right to judge people based on you opinion, you should judge people based on the facts and reality not by unfair and judgemental thoughts. Lymon said he bought the truck, so unless Berniece can prove that he stole it, she should not say anything at all. Lymon may be innocent but Berniece isn't even giving him a chance. Lymon is being treated and judged unfairly and this is injustice all on its own.

[stinkynerdshaleen10a]

     Since the development of social media the world has been easier to connect to and it has also been a lot more efficient. The invention of such means has not only helped the common people communicate faster it has also made raising awareness for something an easier job. Ads and publicising campaigns have made the transfer of word quicker thus helping raise incomes for companies and efficiency for social help organisations like the red crescent.

    Social media has had one of the largest impacts on the lives of people they have become very connected to friends and family has transfer of opinions, greetings, and ideas have been streamlined in to a easier and more reliable way of communication.

  But many people fail to see is the development its done to our society people today can connect to our environment in multiple ways like video conferencing in Skype, Open messaging on Twitter, or closed messaging on Watsapp Social media has taught us to behave differently to each group of people.

[saifsonbargi10a]

I agree with Shaleen Dubey's post on social media. I support the idea that it has made connecting with people easier and much more efficient. It also is a lot more reliable than written communication. Finally, I agree with Shaleen's statement which states, "Since the development of social media the world has been easier to connect to and it has also been a lot more efficient." I agree with this because it is easier to connect with people and it has been more efficient.

[saifsonbargi10a]

Social Media and the World Around Me

Social Media has helped our world become a better place, no doubt about that. It helps us connect with people that we know. Also, it allows us to meet new people. Finally, with social media, we can learn more about the world we live in and what is really going on.

Personally, after moving to the U.A.E, social media allowed me to keep up to date with my old friends. Therefore, when I return in the summer, it is not as awkward discussing things with them. 

After moving to the U.A.E, I was also able to make new friends and communicate with them through social media. I met new people and now I have friends in over three countries. These countries include the U.S, U.A.E, and France. 

Finally, with social media I am always notified through Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites. They notify me whenever something extremely big has happened. Also, my friends tell me if a storm has come and things like that so I don't miss anything!

Social Media has helped me  better connect with other people and the world around me. The world has become a smaller place and that is a good thing. 

[saifsonbargi10a]

Justice has been served...CNN NEWS Article

The link to the article itself is: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/07/justice/blagojevich-sentencing/

Rod Blagojevich, former Illinois governor, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. I truly believe justice has been served. Rod Blagojevich was sent to jail because of corruption and disloyalty to his people. He tried to benefit from President Obama's Senate seat when Obama was elected president in 2008.  When others heard about this, they sent him to the courts where he faced trial for corruption. This man was extremely corrupt and tried to get money from selling a democratically held seat in the U.S government. Justice has been served and hopefully this governor will never ever come near the corridors of power. He has been demoted and will suffer the consequences for his unjust actions towards the people who looked up to him and put full confidence in him as their governor of Illinois.