Cassy's Perspective

Career?

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:44:00 -0400

Carlton Davis

Sun, 28 Oct 2012 19:54:00 -0400

Middle Class American

I’m the embodiment of middle class America

“I got mine at vision works”.

The person depict in the image on page 440 does appear to be a middle class American from his dress he appears to have a regular office oriented 9 to 5 that probably is informal from the necklace that he wears and the headgear.

From his caption that he embodies middle class America upon looking at him that is what one sees. He’s clean shave has a crisp white shirt over what appears to be a suit jacket and seems serious about the work he is to perform.

Vision works has chosen him to do a commercial and I feel that he was a good choice from the manner in which he looks. His eye-wear forces one to look at his eyes and I feel that they were a good choice for him. They showcase his features in a good light the oval shape is very appealing on him. He does force one to put more effort into choosing eye wear as to choose something that highlights one’s features.

The caption on page 441

I used to be a gang member

I’m a formal gang-member that has become a teacher

Bandannas not just for gang-members

After observing the I used to be a gang member caption I see what are gang member attributes in this gentleman. Tattoos, bandanna on his head and his overall stance, gives the impression that he is a gang member.

After reading that he has now become a teacher I say wow people can reform and that was probably a good choice for him as he can detour some young adult from going down the same path. He can share with them insight that they would have not gotten otherwise had he not lived the tale. I think that was probably a excellent choice for him on his career path one where he can make the most impact.

Having a bandanna company come in and offer to pay him for a commercial is phenomenal he show cases how bandannas can be used by not only gang members but by others in their off time. They have a multi-purpose and cross all social economic lines.

The image on page 442

I survived poverty

I had nothing but threw hard work, I turned it around.

Give to the united way so people like Carlton Davis can have a second chance.

After reading I survived poverty, this gentleman’s picture to me can be viewed as someone who has come threw poverty. His clothing doesn’t appear to be very expensive and he appears to be low key.

Upon reading how he turned it around I’m impressed with his due diligence and not giving up and knowing that there is always a better day and better times ahead. For the United Way to have chosen him as their spokes person is commendable as he impitizies an American coming threw on the other side of poverty. He shows his perseverance and committment to being and wanting a better life.

Page 443

This is what hope looks like

America gave me a second chance

Hallmark has decided to use him along with several other father’s for their up coming Father’s day commercials.

After reading the caption what hope looks like, I can see hope beaming from this gentleman, he appears as easy and at peace.

After reading America gave me a second chance, I want to know more of his story because from that statement I gather that this gentleman has been threw some things which were probably difficult but he overcame them and came out on the other side.

I think it’s phenomenal that Hallmark has decided to use him as one of their spokes people, this was a campaign of which one had to be nominated and a two page essay had to be provided as to why you want to recommend this candidate. From this I gather he must be a pretty good father, despite any other challenges he may have encountered in his life and that is commendable.

These are the eyes of sadness

I’m bruised but not broken

I’m Christianity

After reading the caption the eyes of sadness, I see sadness in those eyes and wonder what story they have to tell. What troubles they have withstood and what pain has had to be washed from them.

After viewing the caption bruised but not broken, I’m further intrigued by what bruises he may have suffered and at the hands of whom. Family, friends, relatives etc.. Obviously from his quote it has been a difficult journey but he has managed to survive all of the turbulence.

The Southern Christian leadership group is putting together a few commercials and has chosen this Carlton Davis as one of the spokes people. The board was so moved by his story and all that he has been threw that they unanimously choose him. Wait until we see these commercials one could not help but be moved to be and do the best that they can.

My ethnicity is made of the following: My environment where I grew up, it was a small city, where...

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 19:08:00 -0400

My ethnicity is made of the following:

My environment where I grew up, it was a small city, where everyone knew everyone; it was quaint, and safe.

My values come from a strong believe in God and my religion. The manner in which I was reared. There was a strong sense of work instill in me, from what I experienced growing up. Mom and dad always had a strong work ethic.

My life experiences having been around several different cultures throughout my life.

My family has been such a strong influence on my being, from our holiday traditions to how we keep in touch.

All of the above traits have contributed to my being they have influenced the way I behave in my daily life. From how I treat people I’m always trying to treat people the way I want to be treated. My drive to be the best in all I can do, steams from seeing how hard my parents worked throughout the years. It makes me strive to be the best and do my best at all times. My culture that taught me that I could have whatever I desired as long as I was willing to work hard. My life experiences being around different cultures helped me to realize there are different ways of doing things. Sometimes they are for the better and sometimes not, but it’s good to know there are many paths that will get you down the road you wish to travel. Perhaps finding one that’s better or one that runs a little smoother. Having the holidays spent with my family where we gather for Thanksgiving and Christmas to enjoy a good meal and exchange presents.

Observation Photos

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 12:14:00 -0400

The first image has a couple of small groups scattered about. Some are ordering at a concession stand, some seem to have found an interest in just having a casual conversation. The ones ordering seem to have found a taste for the items on this particular concession stands menu. They all appear to be dressed casually as if they are at an informal event.

The second image is of two groups of students on campus. The two guys appear as if they maybe going back to the dorm. While the other group appears to have books and maybe coming from or going to a class. They all seem to possibly be chatting about common interest.

The third image is of gentleman that appear to possibly be going to work. The photo was taken early in the day one gentleman appears to have purchased a cup of joe. The others are waiting for the light while one talks on the phone and the other appears to be checking out the surroundings.

The fourth image is of the game on yesterday with Dallas and Carolina. This photo shows one fan as he works with his cell phone. The teams seem to be gather on the field to perhaps go over their plays.

The fifth image is of a group of gentleman hanging out in the park. One gentleman appears to be on the phone, the others just appear to be observing their surroundings. They are all dressed casually some of them could possibly be homeless from their appearance.

The sixth image is of what appears to be a family, possibly tourist. The gentleman appears to be the dad and is holding what looks like a camera. The mother seems to be partaking in conversation with her child. They are dressed casually as if they are sight seeing.

The seventh image is of the Marta station, people are hustling around trying to get to their destination. Most of them appear to be in a rush to get some place. There is what seems to be a family off to the side in what may be an attempt to get a game plan in order as to how they will proceed with their day.

The eighth image is another view of the game, there is a massive array of people in attendance. They come from all walks of life but all gather to support their favorite team. There are tons of hats, sunglasses, team jerseys and tees display. A great time to be had by everyone.

The ninth image is of a group of people going threw security to enter the court house. They are preparing their bags to go threw security. There is a woman to the right that appears to have a clip board and is possibly there to give directions to anyone in need.

The tenth image is of a group of people waiting to cross the street. The women seem to know each other and or participating in casual conversation. The guys seem to be acquaintances also as they are holding a conversation. Everyone is dressed casually as if they are out for a relaxing casual day.

Images I can Be Mistaken For

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 19:03:00 -0400

The above photos capture me in my purest state, I’m quiet I learn a lot this way I observe more, I’m more attentive and observe body language a lot more than one who isn’t as quiet. I didn’t start out this way I use to get in trouble at school for talking to much, I have allowed my life experiences to bring me to this point. I’m extremely shy have always been, it something I constantly struggle with I’m most comfortable in a quiet space with minimum people. It’s one of those traits I have to fight against every day. I’m especially detailed orient I establish goals for myself and proceed everyday in the direction that will get me closer to obtaining them. I find that if you write them down and constantly view them it places you on a path to obtaining them. I’m very loving, I only have a few close friends that I adore and cherish along with my family. These are people that I would go out of my way for at any time. I try to be forgiving I’m moving in that direction it’s not always easy, that’s why I struggle, one of those things I have to make a constant effort to do. Lastly I’m memorable once you get to know me you want forget me. I’m unique in my uniqueness.

Self-Portrait

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 18:53:51 -0400

Upon viewing the images of Mr. Mapplethorpe I find several differences starting with the cigarette protruding from his lips in the first photo and no signs of it in the second. His hair is styled in a masculine manner in the first photo and very feminine in the second. His eyebrows are shaped differently from the first photo to the second. He appears to be wearing make-up in the second photo it appears that he has chosen to wear full facial makeup from eyeliner, mascara, blush, foundation and lipstick. With the removal of the shirt and jacket this provides an even stronger visual to Mr. Mapplethorpe’s attempt at a feminine appearance; the shirt and jacket are very masculine and with the simple removal of them along with the above mentioned enhancements Mr. Mapplethorpe has made a commendable attempt to appear feminine.

I invest time and effort into my appearance on a daily bases. I ensure I have styled my hair in a neat manner and have applied makeup. I choose clothing depending on my mood that day since my work affords me the ability to dress down if I choose I choose to do so on most days. By wearing jeans and t-shirts however there are those days when I want to dress up or I may have a meeting which forces me do so. I can go either way dress up or down but which ever way I choose I always make sure my basic grooming requirements are always met

This photo is from 1987 a lot has changed with me personally since the taken of this photo and...

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 13:25:00 -0400

This photo is from 1987 a lot has changed with me personally since the taken of this photo and society in general. Starting with society, computers are now main stream and they weren’t then the things that we did growing up are embedded in memories and not posted on face-book and twitter in a lot of ways I’m grateful for that. That was a time one could make a mistake and it wouldn’t haunt you indefinitely except in your mind when we choose to reflect upon it. This was the time when you could deposit .10 in a pay phone and make a call and we did quite often, now I can’t remember seeing a pay phone never the less using one. They may still exist but quite honestly I haven’t noticed, has anyone? Answering machines were still main stream now voicemail is the thing. This particular hairstyle I choose to display was popular then now unless I see someone lost in the 80’s this style is nonexistent. Penny loafers were mainstream when have you seen a penny-loafer? I miss the Flintstones what happen to Fred, Barney, Betty and Wilma? I watched schoolhouse rock on Saturday mornings learning what the function of a conjunction was; it was entertaining and educational.

Personally I have grown tremendously over the years going from a very naive teenager to a well rounded adult. I still often reminisce on past dreams such as becoming an attorney. I still believe I would have been a great attorney, but never pursued the road to attorney land it just always remanded elusive. I ended in a field of sales and it’s been a great ride , the road I choose didn’t end where my initial dreams thought that it would but where ultimately I should be. I still view the world threw the eyes of a teenager with all the endless possibilities and knowing that all I desire and want is mine for the taking if I just work hard and believe.

My Photo

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 19:05:00 -0400

I chose this photograph because I feel it truly captures me. I feel as though I have a great smile and a bubbly personality and this photograph captures the essence of me. It shows me in the best version of myself, happy, peaceful and joyful. I remember the day I set out to take this photograph it was a chilli winter day. I think the photographer capture the photo at the optimal moment. The pose doesn’t seem forced or staged it capture me at my best, warm, happy excited about life and it’s possibilities. This photograph represents my outlook on life and all its potential, I feel that life has to offer all that you desire if you have a positive attitude and or willing to work hard and push threw the challenges as there is always a better day if you stay in the fight.

Photo Images

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 08:05:13 -0400

I believe we all use photos as a means of remembering when. I believe there is a part of us that is so afraid of forgetting really special,precious memories and photos recapture them. After reviewing the images on pages 236-239, I’m more incline to believe this, we forget the real reason for taking the trips we take; to have the experience of seeing or doing something we always wanted to, and get lost in trying to have evidence that we did. Perhaps there is a part of us that believes others want believe us unless we can provide proof. Regarding the gentleman holding the camcorder it seems as if he’s lost for what he truly wants to focus on. He probably started out looking threw the telescope and then transition to the camcorder to capture something he thought was memorable then something caught his eye outside of that. Perhaps there were so many intriguing images that he couldn’t decide on which he wanted to focus.

The image of the photo being taken at Acropolis seems to be of tourist trying to capture evidence of their trip perhaps to share with friends and relatives upon the return home.

The image of what appears to be a grandmother taking a photo of her granddaughter at the beach is a bit intriguing to me. Is the photo a means to remember when they were at the beach and saw the rainbow, or was the taking of the photo with the rainbow not even a thought. Perhaps the girl said grandma take my picture not even realizing there was a rainbow.

Finally the photo of what appears to be tourist taking photos of poses holding up the leaning tower of Pisa is fascinating that so many people feel compel to capture this pose as their own.

The image that's culturally related to me

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:28:54 -0400

The computer has a significant culture reference for me because it has completely changed the way in which I do things. From how I pay bills to the manner in which I shop. I no longer have to mail or write checks I could actually live without a check book which 10 to 12 years ago this seemed so far fetched. I no longer have to drive to a department store it now literally comes to me. It has caused once viable companies to go under as it makes information that required me to take a trip is right at my fingertips it has brought most things that I want and need to my fingertips. I can make phone calls, I can do my grocery shopping and I can have it delivered with a few keystrokes.

Attendance

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:04:51 -0400

I attended class on 9-17

Neighbors

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 22:25:28 -0400

There are tons of ways people fail to communicate in neighbors, the girls hand over her mouth, the cracking of the door to see whom was outside and the person deciding that the woman couldn’t be trusting because of her appearance. I believe Alvarez was trying to say that we can learn a a lot from people and different cultures if we take the time to communicate. A lot of perceptions can be be debunked and prejudices alleviated; if we would take the time to get to know our neighbors. The wife wanted to know why the little girls always covered their mouths and she was determine to find out. The husband didn’t seem to have any real interest in doing this.

The girl and her family were mysterious in that the girls always had their hand over their mouth. What was that about were they shy, afraid truly trying to diminish the stench from the home. The relative whom came to the door and cracked it without saying anything was mysterious as well. Alvarez shows concern by the way the wife wants to get to know her neighbors and makes an attempt to do so; by telling them they are neighbors. The husband and wife seem to really want to get to know their neighbors by taking the time to have conversations with the workers “asking them how they feel about the work they have done”, however their is a reluctance to be open and honest. Initially the picture was mysterious and how the story would relate after reading the story the caption is quite clear.

The Streets Change, But Memories Endure

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 19:09:00 -0400

Jasper accentuates the past memories he shared with his dad. From him teaching him to ride a bike to sledding on that winter day. He emphasis certain past memories from the “bamboo shoots” to the “syringe” he and his friends found. He talks about how the neighborhood has changed from when he grew up to the present. How it used to be a neighborhood of mixture it became a neighborhood of a primary color and then a neighborhood of another. He describes these instances in great detail you can picture them vividly in your mind.

He characterizes his neighborhood with phrases such as “class lines blurred”, “undesirable”, and “the Village”. I fell that the “class lines blurred” phrase is most effective in that I picture a mix community with a sprinkling of all that makes up any community. I don’t mean you will find this is all neighborhoods but he’s saying take your neighborhood, my neighborhood and your co-workers neighborhood and combined them and this composes “class lines blurred”. When he used the phrase “undesirable” he gave the impression that a lot of people would be turned off by the looks of the neighborhood as it has changed over the years.

Jasper’s use of figurative language in his essay emphasis how he views his old neighborhood from where it used to be to what it has now become.

I believed Jasper is black. I gather this from the way he mentioned how “violence and crime deterred middle-class Washingtonians from planting stakes in the area”. Most telling to me was when he mentioned the T shirt that read”Keep D.C. black”; He goes on to mention how “low interest rates and a nationwide home-renovation” trend had begun to change the racial makeup of his hometown”.

I believe if a Chinese American, were writing this essay they would not have used the reference regarding “Keep D. C. black” and how the racial makeup had change using this as reference point. I just don’t believe anyone other than someone of Jasper’s color would feel compel to include this in his essay.

I strongly remember the memories he shared with his father as I could relate to those. I also remember how he mentioned a child hood fried whom had gone to prison and one whom had been shoot over a girl. They were instances that I hear about all the time on the news.

I actually have two visions of Fairfax village one of a melting pot the other as a more affluent neighborhood of one particular race. First the melting pot where Jasper grew up it seems to have encompassed a mixture of people and various backgrounds and incomes. It appeared to have been a place that anyone would feel comfortable settling down and establishing roots. Over the years it has change because of life circumstances the community changed and appears to have declined considerable until someone realized that if they would revamp it they could change the demographics and make it desirable to people of affluence.

Going back to my old neighborhood a lot of things have changed as well. Where I grew up when we first move to the neighborhood there were only a few house and it was a very quiet place. I remember spending many evenings in the yard playing with my friends. I enjoyed the many cookouts we shared with family during the summer and all the holiday dinners. Writing this I get a little sad as I remember some people who were once here and now gone and all I have are the memories. Our neighbors were close back then and they looked out for one another and now there isn’t much of that. My mom sold our home and moved two years ago I came home and just to spend a few nights in the place we called home for so many years. It was a way of saying goodbye to a place I so love and I will always cherish in my heart. I imagine in a decade of so the place will have changed considerable I hope the new owners of the home will take as great care of it as my dad did. It’s sad though the house next to our house have been slowly falling apart as no one is taking care of them and now the neighborhood has seen an influx in crime and the entire community looks completely different; the neighbors that once inhabited the community are now gone and you see the difference everywhere you look.

Impression of The House By The Railroad

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 18:31:31 -0400

The artist painting this image has presented it in a way that leads one to draw the conclusion that this home is lonely. The house appears sad as if it’s crying. It seems to know that no one loves it and wants to take it as their own. It appears lifeless and the life seems to have been taken not only from the house itself, but also from its surroundings. The only one that seems to have a need for such a place is someone like that place. Lonely in need of love and a sense of belonging. The painting seems to have brought on a sense of contagion regarding the artist, that the image he once painted has caused him to have those same feelings. So much so that he has decided to pack up and move to the next assignment. Not realizing that he can’t escape his own perception. This house has a headline so to speak that reads desperate, lonely needs love and attention.

When asked where I'm from

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 12:57:30 -0400

When I’m asked where I’m from my responds is Alabama. Then there is the usual ,what part well that would be a little town called Sardis. It’s about 30 minutes from Selma. While my parents no longer live there I still claim that as my start my roots so to speak. I’m sincerely grateful that I grew up in the time in which I did, it was much simpler and perhaps may be I was naive and was just viewing the world threw the eyes of a child. However a lot of the concerns parents have today they didn’t appear to exist then. We could set out in the middle of the day for a little exploration. Eyes gleaming with anticipation of what we would find. Something as simple as a rock could serve as entertainment for the remainder of the day. Playing jacks and hopscotch I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen this taking place in this day and age; but it made for a great time back in the day. I chuckle at the commercials I believe it’s from AT&T where a kid is explaining to his younger siblings how hard they had it growing up and how much easier it is for them now. I have heard the argument that times aren’t that different we just have so many additional outlets to get the information, that gives one the illusion that there are such stark differences. I disagree while that’s true in theory; people seemed to have had a greater sense of community back then. Where ones neighbors kept an eye on each others kids, where parents were more accepting to allow teachers and other adults to discipline their children. I can’t remember a instance growing up when someone brought a gun to school. Sure we had the fights, but everyone walked away and more often than not a friendship developed on the other end.

Summers were spent at my grandparents with my cousins. I looked forward to those summers we didn’t have a lot of toys, but we didn’t need them. We created games hide and go seek, red light ,green light etc. I was the oldest so I was responsible for preparing lunch for all of us, while I dreaded this at the time looking back it gave me a sense of responsibility in knowing I needed to prepare something that we would enjoy eating and most importantly it wasn’t burnt. So yes I’m from Alabama the country actually and I will always claim it for it has played a major role in who I am today.

Writing Home I...

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 06:43:00 -0400

Writing Home

I purchased my home in 2002; at the time what drew me to the house were the aesthetics. I found it to be charming and different from the others in the subdivivision. It had the brick feature on the front around the garage. The communities’ creek likes directly behind it and when I sit on the patio during the day the soothing sound of the water relaxes me.

I’ve added plants to the exterior to give it a sense of me. I love roses so I added a few and a crape myrtle to the back yard it’s different from the ones that were already on the property in that it’s a rich red it gives the back yard a burst of color a sudden radiance.

Walking up to the entrance you will find a Japanese maple surrounded by several shrubs. Once you arrive at the front door you’re greeted by a beautiful red flower. Upon entering the home one feels welcome by the “Welcome Friends” floor mat.

Over the years I’ve painted and furnished it developing it into my own oasis. Everywhere I look there are now elements of me. The browns that I’ve chosen to enhance the appearance of certain rooms to the bedding attire. Each telling a story of its own. The guest bedroom has curtains with panels that reduce the sunlight. I choose those because that’s the hottest room in the home; the sun seems to have staked its claim on that room, baking it with its rays. The curtains have helped tremendously making a room that’s not so comfortable otherwise, comfortable. The bed dressing has the color of the curtains as well as other coordinating colors in it; all working together to make the room cohesive. From the art on the wall to the floor lamp and furniture. The guest bathroom picks up on the flow of the room with it’s dressing to make them both appear to be one flowing project. The kitchen has served as a gathering place for some special memories and many great conversations. From the events of the day to where the next vacation will be spent. It has served as a place for preparing many meals. Which have included the basic dinner to a trial and error of mixing different ingredients and spices to create that unforgettable dish. It has also been a place that has seen a few dishes that met their demise, do to inadequate attention. Needless to say there have only been a few of these. The living room room has felt like and old friend over the years. Serving as a comfortable place to relax and enjoy a movie or a good book. Its inviting atmosphere begs one to come in make yourself comfortable and enjoy the ambience.

While I love the changes I’ve made I have several more I will continue to make over the years making it into my own, my home.

America Is

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 19:00:00 -0400

America Is

Extraordinary Object

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 07:16:00 -0400

My extraordinary object is a Lamborghini, it’s unique, nontraditional.

You don’t see many of them and when you do it will catch your eye.

It’s design makes it so extraordinary, it goes against the common automobile

body. It’s exceptional, uncommon, rare; it’s sleek look will take your breath

away. It’s appearance is phenomenal, rare, remarkable. While it’s color isn’t

extraordinary, simply by placing what is ordinary on something extraordinary makes

the ordinary extraordinary.

My Ordinary Object

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 15:35:00 -0400

My ordinary object is my coffee mug. It’s boring one could pass them all day and

not notice them unless they are looking for one, or it’s of a particular color or style

it serves a basic purpose it can be interchangeable either for a hot or cold

beverage or used as a writing instrument holder. It’s been around for many years,

pricing varies from extremely reasonable to expensive. Because of it’s design

one always recognizes it.

"Live your life to the fullest, you only get one shot, live with no regets!"

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 19:55:21 -0400

“Live your life to the fullest, you only get one shot, live with no regets!”