Romeo and Juliet: Rashness V. True Love

          In Romeo and Juliet characters are young and inexperienced. They are still teenagers, they are still learning what true love really is and feels like. Juliet is 13 and Romeo is 16. I Romeo was just caught up and wasn't thinking when he married Juliet. He was acting rashly without thought when he married Juliet who he has only known for a very brief time. Also he was extremely depressed and in a state of sorrow about Rosaline that very day. Romeo was not in a state of true love. Romeo was excited to have requited love and to feel so immensely happy  since had been such long time. He was to caught up in the moment and acted rashly.
         Romeo and Juliet are young and don't know what true love is yet and they don't have enough experience to logically make theses drastic decisions. Marriage is something that if it isn't right, you can't just bail, it is a commitment to someone you know and have loved for a long time. Romeo isn't thinking of the consequences. For example in Act 2.3 lines 61-62 Romeo says " If Romeo was truly in love and his whole mind was set on Juliet and he wouldn't even think about Juliet being a Capulet. If the love was strong enough to get married so quickly then he wouldn't care about her being Capulet and ignore the fact shes his family's enemy. He thinks he is in love but when it comes down to doing it he isn't ready deep down. Romeo is obviously acting rashly and on haste if he admits it himself. In Act 2.3 line 200 he says, "O let us hence. I stand on sudden haste." He even admits he is moving fast and and is in "haste". Romeo knows he is moving fast so obviously he isn't thinking he doesn't want this to end or stop because for so long he has been deprived of true requited love. He obviously is blinded by what was happening with Rosaline, since that was so bad, this is such a big improvement. In Act 2.3 lines 48- 49 he says " Rosaline? No. I have forgotten the name and that name's woe." he says "woe" so obviously he had love for her and before that day in Act 1.4 lines 19-20 he said, " I am to sore enpiercèd with Cupids shaft to soar with his light feathers, and so bound" He was depressed and in sorrow because he loved Rosaline with such passion, he refused to even try to find new love. He was ruined but now he has a new love who gives him love back. So his mind is muddled and hazy, he isn't thinking straight. So a decision to marry the daughter of your arch rival who you've just met, cannot be a logical decision that was from true love.
         Teens are young and inexperienced when it comes to love. When you are 16 you don't know what true love even is. You are still young and reckless you make rash decisions that might not make sense. Not always little, in Romeo and Juliet he isn't thinking logically, he is caught up in everything that's happening. He doesn't have a calm life to think right, he is still young. When he marries Juliet he was being irrational and hast. If he was really in love he would have waited to make sure their love was right and to make sure it lasted. Romeo rushed and was acting out of muddled thoughts and rash decisions.
 

Lost Hero: Character Struggles

          People have all kinds of struggles, physical, emotional, etc. The worst struggle overall is mental. There are so many different kinds of mental struggle from keeping a secret to not knowing something or feeling like you don't know enough to solve a problem. In the story the characters mainly struggle with mental struggle of memory, secrets and not fitting in because of your past that you must deal with alone. They all deal with mental struggle throughout the story and it really effects them and takes away their focus and perform throughout the story.
          Jason struggles with his memories being stolen by Hera. He struggles remembering what his life was and if anyone is looking for him. He is anguished that he isn't really sure if he has anyone who is in pain for him looking for him. His biggest problem isn't not knowing if there's anything their, he really struggles with something that would give anyone a big issue. He knows he has a life somewhere, but he doesn't know a thing about it. He doesn't know if maybe he has a life on the run and nobody really cares for him, or if he has a huge group of friends that are going head over heels to find him because they care about him so much. He has silhouettes and impressions of memory but no full image. Imagine your life, the one you had right now, gone. Suddenly you are somewhere else with a new life and you have no clue about your old life but you know there's something there... just out of reach. Jason knows he has a life but barely knows anything about it for certain besides he had a drug addict mother who gave him away and a sister who thought he was dead.
          Piper struggles with a secret about a decision, she must choose between her dad who she loves a lot and knows well (of course) but doesn't understand her. Then her new understanding family who gets her so well and has been through similar problems. Piper is under the threat that if she doesn't cooperate her dad will die and her friends live (maybe), and vice versa  if she cooperates. I'm kind of disgusted by her selfishness. She is letting 100s of people die so she can live with her dad. Just being guilty about it doesn't make up for it. It isn't the fact that she is choosing her dad over all these people. If my dad was at risk of death I would absolutely want to keep him alive at all costs. Piper though isn't even trying to think of an alternative where both sides live. Throughout the book she always talks about feeling worthless and that she can't fight or do things for herself. Well now she's just giving up immediately and thinking oh I must betray all these people sorry guys, if she doesn't want to be helpless maybe fight for yourself and don't give up. Piper throughout the book seems to be a damsel in distress with a nice voice and pretty hair, that just seems how the author portrays her. Although she is being unfair it still must be hard for her. Keeping this secret from all of her friends must be eating her up. Keeping such an extreme thing inside and not being able to tell a soul. Especially a slip up and she tells someone could get her dad killed!
          Leo struggles with a secret as well of his abilities. He can make fire out of nothing which is officially named the "blessing of hephaestus" but many see it as a curse so he hides his power. Leo has to deal with his difficult and then there's the addition of his new siblings saying his power is a curse without knowing if he has this power. He is ashamed because he killed his mother with fire when he was only 7 it seemed to have scarred him. He can never truly settle down anywhere and join a family because of the trauma he went through as a kid with his mom. He always wants to run, he struggles with being an outcast. Leo seems to have a record of being the kid who puts on a smile cracks a joke but never truly connects well. He is comfortable with machines not "organic-life forms" as he puts it. A good word for his struggle would be the ultimate third wheel. Leo seems to be scared as well, his fire scares him and he doesn't want to become close again, at the chance that he might lose someone close as well. Leo has a dark past that he dwells on so he cannot have a chance at a future, his life struggles have given him the instinct to do one thing. Run.
          In "The Lost Hero" all the characters are lost and unsure they all must deal with their extreme issues alone. They must also do it while moving from near death experience every 5 minutes. They all have a problem that is inside that can only be solved by acting. The struggle is mental, all in thoughts and dream and memories of the past but they all must be dealt with in action, a fight from the inside that must be fought on the out.

Response to Cross-Dressers of the Civil War

          This article discusses women in combat at war. It discusses women and their roles in war throughout time. It mainly focuses on the women who snuck into the Civil War. The article discusses why, how, what happens when they were discovered and the overall topic of women fighting during the Civil War. The article also contains information of women's rights in war and how they contributed. They ended up in many cases achieving greater then men in some cases, they acheived ranks and fought better, more then men at times throughout the war. Women would sneak in for love, money and honor by dressing up as men since there wasn't really a check or ID necessary. This article shows that women had/have just as much power and capability as men in combat to fight for their country and the side they believed in.
          It seems to mainly focus on the idea that women were just as good as men and they could fight hard, but in our history, they were forced to hide their identity since men did not believe females could do anything. There was great sexism and the author shares different girls in the Civil war's story. People would sneak in for love to join their husband or brother, because for some the thought of separation was to much, and they fought bravely with them or after they died, for the. Also women would be poor or close to poverty, since most women jobs lacked sufficient pay, so they snuck in so they could get a pay of 13 to 16 dollars a months which was much better then most of their jobs as maids. There was also great bravery told in the article of women wanting to fight for their country so much they couldn't help but sneak in. There was still great sexism told of in the story when women were discovered despite their success women were kicked out most of the time until later when the confederates lacked troops they didn't care your gender. It was sad that it took desperation to have women be permitted in only if it was in dire situations! Despite their achievements women were still seen as lesser beings and objects to do the work. They were never seen as people who could fight a war or deserve equal pay. The author wanted the readers to see that women were a big deal in the war and they played an important role, just as much as the men. They wanted us to see that women can fight wars and they have been doing so well for centuries and those girls deserve respect just as much as any of the male fighters. She tells stories of female fighters to show us that women are capable, and they can perform just as well. There's far less sexism now but the authors trying to say it took to long for men to let go of their lesser opinions on women.
            This makes me think about racism as well. Not only was racism going on but there was sexiest opinions as well. Racism was the main focus of that time, which was a huge deal. People were being terrorized and killed for being black before and after the war. Racism was the only problem dealt with, that had to do with biased opinion's. Although blacks were treated harshly, the black men could vote, own land, work in certain jobs and fight for their cause without needing to sneak in, dress up and pretend. They were allowed in. These two problems, were both important, both happening in a big way at that time, and still has a great impression on todays society. Black people are treated unfairly, in cases like Eric Garner, Mike Brown and other. Women have lower pay in many areas, have to work harder for certain things and weren't allowed to fight in the front lines of war officially until 2013!

Power and Resistsnce Titans Curse Response

         In the Percy Jackson book "The Titans Curse" by Rick Riordan a group of 5 go across the country from New York to San Fransisco. They are trying to save their friend Annabeth the god Artemis from Kronos. During their adventure they have many decisions to make and someone needs to lead them, the question is who? In their group 3 of the members are very strong, powerful and experienced leaders, and when they  are put together they are not okay with being led they want to be in charge like they are used to. A fight among 3 powerful leaders for power makes things hard for the group.
          Percy and Thalia and Zoë  are all powerful but they are all both quiet quick tempered. Thalia and Percy are more powerful considering their parentage and they get in fights more often which becomes dangerous. Powerful people together becomes dangerous in any circumstance and in the book mix magic in and there is a whole load of chaos. Zoë is also a leader and shes been leading for thousands of years, being immortal and this makes her feel superior and a bit cocky possibly a hint of braty but she has some right to do so. Thalia and Percy are both extremely inexperienced compared to Zoë they are both powerful but only been demigods for a total of about 3 or 4 years Zoë. has several thousand years on them. Experience is everything when it comes to leading if you have been doing something for 3 years compared to someone who's been doing it for 13, now matter how natural you are their is a good chance they are better then you. Thalia and Percy both argue with each other but also with Zoë about her making decisions but they seem just jealous and out of place, used to being the one who tells people what to do.
          In the quest the 5 of them do have great struggle because of the strong resistance to each other, but then there is the two other people who, Bianca and Grover. Grover and Bianca are both portrayed at first as weaker people and not as combat ready. They are good supporters and back ups and there is zero resistance, even as Bianca quickly becomes skilled and powerful. Both characters seem modest and are glad to let the three be powerful and leading but they do little to support them in fights among one another or stop/ break up an argument which spirals into violent combat. Sometimes a little resistance is necessary to maybe stop a stupid decision, they become so obeying and quiet, never going against a command they never tell someone "Thats not really the best idea" and as good as it is that they listen and are modest sometimes you need to step in before things get ugly.
          In the book great power and soldiers are put in a mix, and doesn't come out well. The mix of such high powers is to much and can actually make things worse. Mixing three people who are known to be highly skilled on one team doesn't always work out, you need one person who can be in charge. You need a skilled and experienced and then you need people in the middle, and putting people who are new and unskilled does not even it out. You can really only have one best, not three.
        

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief Power Scale

         In books and in life there's almost always that one or two people who really call the shots. Everyone might say, "noooo! We're all equal in this group, no one person is more powerful then another, ha!" but really there will be that one person in your group, who may even realize it, be the one who really makes the decisions, where you go what you all do. They're not necessarily being mean but it's pretty likely that in one of your group of friend's there's one. In "Percy Jackson" Annabeth seems to be calling the shots in their group of her, Grover, and Percy, but throughout the  book it seems Percy seems a resistant to many forms of power.

         Percy consistently in the book seems to be a bit of rebel and resists major power. When he meets the gods he was extremely disrespectful and mocked them to the point of a fight with one. Percy is developing into a Short-tempered character and doesn't understand when maybe he needs to be quiet. There's many times in life when we burst out, we just want to scream at some one we really shouldn't, but we still do. This is understandable, but Percy is often set off by tiny remarks and some times when people are the ones with power and they are better or smarter then you, some times you need to step down and hold in your resistance no matter how hard or you might lose them and their help.

         Annabeth is definitely the most powerful in the group of three. She being a daughter of the goddess of planning she usually is the one to make the calls. She is a bit controlling though and forces her way to the leading position. For example in the scene when Percy and Annabeth are hurtling towards the gates Percy says  "when I say" Annabeth says "NO! When I say!"

This happens several times but she has the right. In life sometimes you need to take charge when you know that your going to do a better job, sometimes even if it's rude or a little mean you need to take charge. This is exactly what Annabeth is doing, Later Percy admits if he called it they'd be dead. Annabeth takes charge firmly but she must or they would never get anywhere with out her push.

        Grover is not a leader, in their group he is supposed to be the protector of Percy and Annabeth but they often end up saving his life. I don't think Grover is a leading character, he should be a sidekick not a leader. Grover is jittery and Nervous and sometimes has poor judgement, he's not proud of constantly being protected and saved but i think it's content for him and he was made to listen, because he's pretty good at being the look out or the backup. Some are made to help others, not to lead them but to give assistance, this really is what suits Grover the best he should not be in power but to help the ones with it.

        Powers a big thing in a relationship, people may deny it but there's definitely a sense of power in any group or partnership. In Percy Jackson power is different for how some use it, or feel about it. Power in relationship causes great controversy  everyone wants to be the one who calls the shots, makes the move, some don't, some hate power and are against the ones with it, and some just aren't sure and are lead and it just fits. Power is weird and all over the place but it's important in a relationship, it decides how everything functions

Upfront Response to " No Job? Get Lost!" by Andrew Higgins

          In the article " No Job? Get Lost!" by Andrew Higgins the author discusses a town in Norway with some interesting political strategies. The town is called Svalbard, they have a law that is, if you don't have a job then your breaking the law, it is illegal to be unemployed. This may seem ludicrous but it's turning out to be effective with only the need of six police officer and one jail cell, which the article states as 'overkill'. The area is twice the size of New Jersey but there biggest issue is some scientists who were littering in the woods.
          The reason that most crime are so small and insignificant is because most crimes come from unemployed people in other countries. The idea is a bit harsh and not like other laws where you just don't do something and your fin, but I believe it's effective and worth the strict policy. You also may not be homeless you must stay in some form of official home, apartment, etc. Although this law may be difficult to  abide for some, but it's probably a law that every ones going to want to follow, I mean who ants to be homeless. This is definitely unfair to be a law but according to the article unemployment is 3.3% of the population. This means that 98.7% of the country is employed! The residents of Svalbard feel very safe and secure. I would honestly love to feel the ease and relaxation they do. "Residents regularly leave their car and snowmobile keys in the ignition and don't bother locking their front doors." as a new yorker this seems ridiculous because of the constant car robberies in our city but their they feel confident that wit hthe little crime going on that there's no way that they'll get robbed. The also feel safe enough that "Coffee shop patrons leave their computers unattended, never worrying they might get stolen." In a city full of crime no one in this city would risk leaving their precious lab tops out. This area feels so safe that they are confident, not in their police, but in the community. I think that this idea is actually pretty smart, since evrey one has a job no needs to commit crimes, since most crimes are from the homeless and unemployed.
          This act may seem crazy to the outsiders but in the article they give more and more reasons that this isn't so stupid. To other countries this may be idiotic but it is pretty in genius to me. There isn't any major cons besides that if you really just can't get a job or you can't afford house. This may seem harsh but it's pretty tough anyway to be homeless and unemployed and it makes people commit more. You may not want to live there but the people who do are relaxed at ease and life just seems better.

Darkness to Visible

     In the article, "Darkness to Visible" the author Megan Cox Gurdon published in the wall street journal, the author is trying to get a message out. She wants us, the readers, to know that the content of young adult books has become much more "grueling", then a few decades previous. She wants us as readers, after reading her article, to think or agree with her that the literature of YA books has become highly in inappropriate our future generation of young adults.
     The author not only is trying to persuade us something, but also trying to
 makes feel a certain way (in order to persuade us). The author, Megan Cox Gurdon is trying to put us in a feeling of darkness, because she wants us to understand that lots of YA books  are dark, so ,of course, she wants to put us in a "dark" mood. To put us in a dark mood she definetly uses the word "dark in numerous forms a large sum of times.
She also gives of books like "The Marbury Lens" or "Go Ask Alice and then gives a dark,  descriptions that make the books look worse then they may really be.
For example for "Go Ask Alice" the author states  "recounts a girl spiral into drug addiction, rape, prostituition and a fatal overdose. Also the description of "the Outsiders" is much worse then the book really is; "class tensions, family dysfunction and violent, disaffected youth" I have read this book and personally the description to me is way overboard. There are warm hearted scenes of family and friendship and other beautiful moments that if anything is a good influence on teens. The author to set the mood and to make the feel dark or effected gives several examples of YA books and gives grueling descriptions of them and is very dramatic to connect with her readers.
     I do agree that there are plenty of Young Adult books that are violent inappropriate and disgusting, but I do not like the way the author, Megan Cox Gurdon, tries to persuade her reason. I'm actually in some way irritated with the way she described some of the books. Honestly I haven't read to many of the books she mentioned but she just completely made these books sound cruel and vicious. She is way to dramatic about the subject, although the way she makes these books sounds, she is quite successful with her arguing, but still I do not agree with her perspective on most of these books, even though i have not even read most of them. If anything after reading this article her righting has irritaed me to the point that I now want to read some of these books just to see if her dramatics are true to the book.