Public Displays of Disaffection

1. What are three main points in this article? Support each point with a properly integrated quote

The three main points in the article "Public Display of Disaffection" by Anne Kingston are that cell phones have become a large distraction, they affect how people communicate with one another, and they are changing the behaviour of society. Firstly, cell phones have become a large distraction for those who are using them and as well for those who are not. For example "one woman so preoccupied with her cell [did not] even notice the sirens flagging her down" (Kingston 10) while driving. The second point is that even if the user believes that it is an appropriate time to use their cell phone, it may be considered inappropriate and extremely distracting to someone else - especially in a public area. A "poll found 63 per cent frowned on texting, checking email or talking on the phone in a restaurant," (Kingston 16) as it is disrespectful to those around them. Moreover, the use of cell phones are affecting social interactions. Rather than meeting someone and having a face-to-face conversation, many people would most likely make a quick and easy call where little effort would be involved. Finally, cell phones are drastically changing society's behaviour and attitude for the worse. Society uses social media accessible by cell phone to voice their opinion as "anonymous" and this has "turned formerly nice, sensitive, creative types into assholes,” (Kingston 12) because "technology itself can provoke perceived rudeness. (Kingston 12). The evolution of cell phones may have caused an unexpected, unintentional apocalypse.

2. Agree or disagree with each of her points. Please back up your ideas with specific examples.

For Kingston's first point, I do agree that cell phones are a huge distraction. Cell phones are constantly being used by students during class time and pinning the focus on their cell phone takes away the ability to be aware of what is more important - learning. As well, having a job as a waitress, it is irritating to wait for a customer to finish a text before taking their order. Kingston explains that communication has changed drastically as well. Cell phones have added social-awkwardness to face-to-face conversations. In the modern world, people are busy and sending a text would be easier. However there is still a vast amount of people interacting with each other - without a cell phone! At a job, at school, or at a dinner table, it is clearly not a rare occasion to observe someone having a conversation with someone in front of them. Lastly, Kingston believes that the use of social media cell phones could be transforming people into "assholes." Blogging, tweeting, or vlogging could be self-monitored if it were to stay on the computer. But nowadays, social media has become mobile and people are beginning to say whatever they would like without a conscious thought. However this point I do not fully agree with because if there was no easier way to voice an opinion, then fixing a problem would be more difficult to do.

3. When are times when you believe that cell phones are acceptable? How about  Unacceptable? Should schools, movie theatres and other public places consider bans or cell phone jammers like Europe?

Personally, I think that it is hard to consider what is acceptable versus unacceptable. For one person, they may think that no one else has a problem with cell phones but in reality, they might feel uneasy. Typically, people at any special occasion where dignity and respect are needed, such as receptions, or funerals, should definitely avoid using the cell phones because it is most likely considered rude. Cell phone jammers in schools, movie theatres and other public areas are not necessary. Modern society is starting to adapt to living with a cell phone at hand. There should not be such an excessive way to deal with the use of cell phones. Rather than blocking off the mass use of cell phones at once, trust should be deposited into those with even the slightest bit of common sense. Admittedly, cell phones truly do have great benefits that outweigh the downside - such as emergency calls or a navigation tool.

Days of the Week

     The word "notorious" does not even begin to describe this group of people and their reputation and fame is completely beyond any celebrity. Everybody must be acquainted with this group if they want to have a hold on life because each day can teach a valuable lesson by coaching them through each day. These seven people call themselves "Days of the Week," and they have been together for a millennium - possibly longer. Despite the fact that they are all united in one group, they have their unique differences. The most lenient day is Sunday. Rarely is she seen doing anything productive. She is often misjudged and is seen as lazy teenager but most people enjoy her companionship because she is easygoing and tremendously laid back. Although, anxiety can overwhelm her when she suddenly realizes she forgot to do her favour for Monday. Monday is an infamous elderly lady who never seems to have a pleasant day. Generally, everyone stereotypes her as the "ill-tempered old lady." Sleep deprivation has caused the wrinkly bags under her eyes draw the attention away from her caring personality. No one realizes that she never intends to ruin others' day, but perhaps she is miserable with how she is viewed. Tuesday is average. He has an average career, an average diet, an average preference in clothing and music, and he lives in an average home. Nothing is out of the norm for Tuesday. One odd thing about Tuesday is that maybe he is overly average. Wednesday is typically in the middle of everything but she never settles on a side. Her ideas and opinions seem to satisfy everyone even though she is very opinionated. Thursday is incredibly reassuring. He reminds everyone that they need to triumph over obstacles in order to accomplish their ambition. He is the shoulder to lean on and his generosity is endless. If someone wishes to vent or desires unforgettable advice, Thursday is there - guaranteed. Friday is the most popular. His clothing shows off his knowledge in the latest trends and he knows how to acquire the attention. The uniqueness of Friday is that his charisma and charm pulls in other people to the point where everyone is his best friend. Saturday is not the most popular but she is the most favourable. She depends on the other 6 days to manage her decisions but she is an individual who recognizes when to be sensible, and when to be silly. Everyone admires her because she is organized and knows how to balance her life. But there is always a concern about the future for her and the other days in the back of her head.

The Road - Connection

"He withdrew his hand and sat looking at the Coca Cola. [...] He put his thumbnail under the aluminum clip on the top of the can and opened it. He leaned his nose to the slight fizz coming from the can and then handed it to the boy. [...] The boy took the can [...] and drank. 'It's really good,' [the boy said], 'I won't ever get to drink another one," (McCarthy 23).

Everyone comes across a realization at least once in their life and taking things in life for granted is one of the most common. Clearly, it is a lot easier to appreciate the more momentous events, objects, and people. But the smaller scale items that are involved with everyday lives are the things that people truly need to be aware of.  When objects or people are already present, many tend to overlook how important they can truly be. However, when those things suddenly taken away, people are awaken by the thought that things have much more value than they realized. This awareness occurred to me on my trip to Vietnam. There were things I was prepared for. Smaller living spaces, shared rooms, modes of transportation and more. But I did not consider that even the simpler situations that happen everyday were going to be difficult as well. Sleeping was the factor I was most shocked about. Obviously being raised in Canada I familiar to sleeping in a safe clean room and having to adapt to the room which was crawling with geckos and ants was a bit unsettling. Watching the geckos crawl along the walls as I fall asleep, and then waking up with several itchy ant bites was not something I was expecting. Moreover, I always thought about sleeping peacefully in my own bed but at least I was sleeping on a queen-sized mattress. Finally, when I traveled back to Canada, I was more than appreciative to be able to sleep without any unwanted company.

This quote gives me an understanding of what the characters are feeling and a theme from the book as well. The boy in "The Road" is struggling through a post-apocalyptic world with his father and is far from living a "normal" childhood. A can of soda can quite be the norm for a child, but for the boy it is an bizarre drink. The characters in the road do not have anything left, and even the simplest things are considered a treasure to them. The book shows that even though it is unlikely for things to mend, anything that carries the slightest bit of greatness can be a motivator for hope.

Roller Coaster of Life

       It was raining cats and dogs outside. I was bundled in my blanket and I felt as snug as a bug in the rug. However, I knew that I had a long day ahead of me and I would be as busy as a bee at work. I checked the clock and realized that I had slept in. My time was cut short but it was better late than never. As quick as lightening, I got myself ready. No time for breakfast, I thought. I grabbed an apple and an umbrella and headed out the door. The apple was not filling but it was better than nothing. On the bright side, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. As I was on my way to work, I noticed a poster of an upcoming concert. I decided to pull out my phone to take a picture of it. Just my luck. I had lost my cell phone. At this point, I was so miserable that I never took my eyes off the ground. I ended up running into a handsome devil who looked like the man of my dreams. We apologized and made some small talk. "I lost my phone number. Could I borrow yours?" I joked. When life gives you lemons - make lemonade. Eventually, I received his number which turned my frown upside down. The bottom line is life will never have a dull moment if you can tough it out.

Not So Mundane

           The constant feeling of not knowing or understanding something can be extremely discouraging. What if I could overcome that feeling if I were to have superhuman intelligence? I would know everything - from useless facts about celebrities to the answers of the hardest physics equations in the world. Many may think being a geek, or a nerd is unexciting and too mundane. However, being a big “braniac” and having more than enough knowledge would be out of the ordinary, and fascinating. Basically, I would be a walking encyclopedia. I would know the reason for the sky being blue; I would know if there was the existence of a parallel universe, and I would know which came first: the chicken or the egg. Spending my time studying or researching for tests and projects would be preposterous. I would effortlessly ace every challenging quiz, test, and exam without even trying. Moreover, I, most likely would not have to be in school if I was that clever. Without school, I would have an abundance of spare time on my hands and I could do whatever I please with that time. Maybe I could discover a cure for cancer or create a novel about the meaning of life. I would have a record winning streak in the game of “Trivial Pursuit.” With my competitiveness and passion, I could go on “Jeopardy” and answer every question that is asked without any hesitation. Everyone’s minds would be blown. Something even more thrilling would be being a part of the FBI. In the show “Criminal Minds,” I would be equivalent to the profiler, Spencer Reid. As a profiler, it would be extremely easy for me to figure out who the criminal was and the team and I would be able to solve a case exceptionally faster than reality.  I would have the potential in becoming a world superhero by “making the world a better place.” With all things considered, having unlimited intelligence would clearly be the ultimate superhuman power.

Write For Your Life

Niki Vuong
744 Armstrong Drive
Penticton, B.C.
V2A 8L4

February 2, 2012

Captain Draude

Commander
HMS Princess Margaret

O Captain, My Captain, The One and Only:

       I understand that you, a very courageous captain, are about to go through the most traumatic choice-making situation you will ever experience. However, I can take the weight off of your lovely shoulders and this will become one of the easiest decisions you will ever have to compromise. Many of your crew members may tell you that they are worthy of life and that they will become very influential, but does that sound realistic? No. My aspiration is much greater than the others'. I am on my way to becoming a cat lady. I am already halfway there, but many others haven't even taken the first step towards their goal. They can talk the talk, but they can they walk the walk? Do they even have the reputation they require? I certainly do, seeing as though I own a delightful domestic tabby cat named Toby. As well, I am very popular for my obsession and tremendous love of cats. Needless to say, I'm also known for being awesome but it's not about that. You see, the love I have for cats will be extremely useful in the near future because we all know that there will be a cat-pocalypse. How will it be useful, you, the best captain in this universe, might ask? Well, only a cat lady will have the knowledge of a cat's thoughts and will know how to control the outrageous, dangerous and destructive behaviour the cats will display. Therefore, I will be the only person who can save the world (that means you) from the takeover of cats. If you want me to save the world, you must save me first. Saving me also means great benefits for you. After I have protected the world from the apocalypse, I will let the world know that I wouldn't have been able to become the world's saviour, if you weren't mine in the beginning. Soon after that, you will have all the glorious fame and fortune you have ever wanted. After all, I know that you are the most kind-hearted, generous, and instinctive captain, out there. So please, do the world a favour, and save me, a future cat lady, someone who will do the world justice.

Do you even have to consider saving the others?

Sincerely,

Niki Vuong

About Me

          Even though she is not the most popular kid in school and has absolutely no talent, she definitely does not live and average life. In the morning, she acts as if she is a just a regular citizen blending in with the rest of the crowd. However, by night she creeps around the city as quiet as the wind, in search of villains with the aspiration to take over the world. While the dead hour of night comes around, Niki reminisces in her rocking chair pondering about her night life. With the ears of a bat, she suddenly hears a crash coming from the other side of the city. She quickly leaps out of her rocking chair and dashes out the door like a cat. Niki navigates her way in between each building like a snake and arrives at the scene of a crime in a split second. "You're not asking for a death wish, are you?" she asks. The enemy stood there frozen with fear. But Niki doesn't hesitate and gracefully attacks her victim and defeats him. Another one down, she thought proudly.  The break of dawn arrives and it seems like she was under the spotlight of the sun. She smiles as she goes to bed, even though she knows she will just be another ordinary person when she wakes up.