Bring on the Satire!!!!!

I must admit that I am completely thrilled that we've started satire in class. It is by farrrr my favorite kind of writing whether it’s dark or lighthearted.  I thoroughly enjoy reading pieces that reflect the vices in society. It is at times nice to know I am not the only one that thinks and feels the way I do. There are very few satirical writings that I've read that I didn't enjoy. I might as well add that Mark Twain is a literature GENIUS. But of course, I am sure that everyone knows that. ;) I've also figured out that modern day satire is just as good as the classic stuff, if not better. The Onion has become a frequent source of entertainment for me; if I didn’t hate writing so much I’d even consider writing for it. I encourage everyone and anyone to visit the site. It’s well worth your time. Another good satirical piece I've read recently was “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift. Enough with the critiquing though, go read satire!!! :D

Too Personal????

I’d like to start off by informing you of the fact that biographical writings have never been of any interest to me. Although my views may be skewed because of this, I’ll try not to make this blog completely crammed with personal opinion. From a logical point of view, I've never understood why anyone who is alive would allow a stranger to march into their home and write about everything and anything they do. Viewing the human race as a whole, you’d assume that 99.9% of people would find that extraordinarily awkward. Even in the case of a publicity craving (like many celebs out there today..*cough* Jersey Shore) allowing someone from the media into your personal life often leaves the public with a not so good opinion about you.   More often than not, these press writers, etc. find the most controversial information they can then they display it for everyone to see. First off, I think that’s morally incorrect, so shame on them. But why? Why would you want everyone up in your business? I believe privacy is one of the elements of life that keeps us sane.  I feel like there should be some kind of boundary when it comes to authors and biographies on the living. I don’t think people living in the high light should allow it and I don’t think author’s should be trusted as much as they are. Look at what happened to Petraeus. Is it really worth it?

Ban "The Most Dangerous Game"? *Facepalm*

I want to start out by saying that people are ridiculous. There are some individuals that make me want to live on a different planet due to their ignorance. This lady upset about a story is one of them. I understand that the content of the STORY can be controversial. However, let me emphasize this again, it’s a STORYYYYYY. I am attempting to understand her point of view, and I will admit that I’m struggling. Maybe I’m an inconsiderate dummy? Literature is not usually written to purposely evoke negative, riotous events. “The Most Dangerous Game” has been taught in schools for decades and never has it been proven to evoke violence in those who read it. In my opinion it actually repels thoughts of murder, etc. The sick idea that someone would hunt humans is utterly disturbing. I don’t know a lot of people who would read that and react with a desire to kill or a desire to be anything like the characters in the story. I’m sorry that this woman is upset but at the same time I do believe she is blowing this situation WAY out of proportion. I wish people like herself could understand that stories in fact have hidden motifs and underlying messages. They weren't targeted to corrupt everyone. Sometimes people irk me. :/   

No me gusta...

Although this is kind of off topic from the current studies in our English class, I have come to an odd realization. It seems as if children’s books are not what they used to be. In my psychology class, we were assigned to create a toy or children’s book (we’re studying child development). As I browsed the web searching for a bit of inspiration, I stumbled upon several odd pieces of literature. I remember the classic Dr. Seuss stories we all loved as a kid, and the brightly colored stories whose plot attempted to teach some valuable moral lesson. I haven’t found this to be particularly true to books published in recent years. Although they still posses the aesthetic appeal that all young humans enjoy, their messages are serious and solemn at times. To me it seems like today’s generation wishes to grow up a lot quicker than they need too. I don’t ever remember seeing books in classroom or library that dealt with alcoholic parents (I Wish Daddy didn’t drink so Much by Judith Vigna) or disabled people (Who Cares about Disabled People Illustrated by Pam Adams). It’s almost kind of offensive to me. Although these are issues in modern day society, I don’t think it’s ok to write books about these subjects aimed at young children. Am I crazy for thinking that??? 

P.S. Here are some links on the subject. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/29/the-creepiest-childrens-b_n_513489.html#s75168&title=Joined_At_Birth

http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2012/02/the-10-most-unintentionally-terrifying-childrens-books#4


http://allthingsmundane.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/bedtime-stories-gone-awry-really-weird-childrens-books/