Dinner for free (Chicago Essay)

Essay Option 3.

Susan Sontag, AB'51, wrote that "[s]ilence remains, inescapably, a form of speech." Write about an issue or a situation when you remained silent, and explain how silence may speak in ways that you did or did not intend. The Aesthetics of Silence, 1967.

Anonymous submission.

     Speaking nothing is much better that actually speaking something. Words exist because we use them to express our thoughts and opinions to other people effectively. Because languages are types of social agreements between people in a society, they are kept and used for so many years. But sometimes, silence can carry more meaning than thousands of words even if the person did not mean it. That was why my family ate dinner for free at the restaurants few years ago.

     On the Friday evening, my family headed for the steakhouse nearby. Everyone was in a good mood. Especially, my brother and I were excited, thinking of juicy steaks that were waiting for us. Anyway, we arrived at the steakhouse and ordered the soup for the appetizer. A few minutes later, the waitress served our bowls of soup. Unfortunately, there was a piece of hair floating on mine. I did not notice at first, so I did not ask them for a new one. Later, I found out the hair after we finished the meal. It was uncomfortable to realize the fact that I was eating on a soup that was flavored by the hair.

     “Was everything okay?” asked the waitress.

     Other people said yes, but I did not say anything. Probably thinking that my reaction was out of the ordinary, the waitress asked the same question once again. I repeated.

     At first, her expression showed that she was not expecting this situation but nothing was serious. However, after I repeated my silent answer, she was more worried. Then a different question came out from her mouth.

     “Do you want to see the manager?” she asked with a worried look on her face.

     Silence again. Then she went inside the kitchen. A little bit later, a man with a black suit came to our table. His name tag told me that he was Mr. Ratzlaff, the manager of the restaurant.

     I did not expect this incident to become so big that but observing that silence could shift things around, I kept being silent. Then somehow, there was a manager in front of me asking how to help. Thinking that I should stop at some moment, I told him about the hair, that it really disgusted me, and caused me to lose my appetite. Surprisingly, he told my father that we did not have to pay for the dinner and told me that he really felt sorry for such inconvenience.

     Silence makes the listeners to think about and beyond what the speakers want to tell. While they are thinking about the unspoken words, it is really hard for them to draw a line between rational and irrational thoughts. Most of the times, they end up with exaggeration of the situations and make errors due to the fact that they do not know what those speakers think. That is why silence can make other people behave differently, probably more paying more attention at the situation than usual. I bet you that you want to eat out for free, then say nothing when the waiters ask you “How’s everything going?”

Take Home Essay

Make a rational argument for a position you do not support personally. For clarity, please state your true opinion first and then argue the opposite position. Consider an issue that has affected you personally.

     Forcing high school students to choose between arts and sciences is pointless. But still, it can offer students advanced courses in the areas of their interests. Before they engage in any forms of higher education, students are more prepared. In high schools, they get to concentrate their academic pursuits in the areas they have chosen. Some students might prefer this system because they do not have to spend their time studying subjects that they dislike. 
     Although many students who have diverse interests cannot perfectly fit in to this dichotomy, governments and universities can classify students more easily. It is important because the efficiency directly links to the policies regarding the public education. Furthermore, because this structure has been kept for many years, the society is closely intertwined to the division of arts and sciences just like a tradition. Therefore, it could waste resources if people try to change it. People do get some benefits from this system, I guess. (999 characters)

BenX Final Review

          This movie reminded me of one of my classmates Woojin. I was in 3^rd grade back then. Woojin had autism but he enrolled in classes with “normal” or non-autistic students. Sometimes he showed aggressive attitudes toward other students without any reasons. When he threw his desk, we get to rest a little during in the middle of the class so that the teacher could make him calm. Although the teacher told us to be friendlier to him because he was special, we just could not do it while getting hit by his fists. Regardless of his will, he was isolated from his classmates including me. In the end, he moved to different schools. What should we have done for him and for us?

           The movie can be divided into two parts. The scene where Ben was saved by Scarlite is the midpoint because that moment is the turning point. Before that scene, Ben’s real life was constantly compared with the life in the game. These comparisons are visually presented. As an example, when he walked to his school, his image appeared in two different ways: actual and virtual images. Also when Ben tried to use his weapons, the similar situation in the game appeared right before he took out his cross. But after he met Scarlite, those visual comparisons disappear completely. Not a single item box appeared in the screen.

           These visual changes intended to show how Ben changed so that he could solve his problem at status-quo. Before he met Scarlite, he was constantly comparing himself with the identities in the real world and the virtual world. At the beginning of the film, he mentioned that he only sees a “jerk” in the mirror which is totally opposite to his avatar that has the highest level. The difference between two worlds makes him frustrate because there is a huge gap between what he thinks he can do and what he can actually do. However, after he meets Scarlite, he no longer resorts to the computer game. He gets to accept himself and realize how he really is in real life. With her, he managed to devise a plan to surprise everyone and change them to care more about people that are nearby.

           Then what is the answer? In the movie, Ben successfully managed to solve his situations but this kind of dramatic scene can only come true in the theaters. Personally, I believe the ending is half success. This movie succeeds because it really brought up the autism to the public. After watching this movie, it gives audience a time to think about the issue and how to do something about it. Along with raising up some important social issues, its happy ending gives people some hope that there might be a solution for this. However, this movie also has little problems in some areas. To begin with, how the movie wrapped up is so unrealistic. The idea of devising such plan with an imaginary girlfriend is absurd. This is not a realistic solution for autistic people to pursue. Of course, this is not a major issue because the movie's goal is not to present an answer but gives chance to people to think about things that they have never thought about.

           One thing that came to my mind was that the existence of Scarlite really played important role in reforming Ben’s behaviors and attitudes. She functioned as a haven for him who explains why he became so confident and optimistic compared to his gloomy past. So for the autistic people, we have to share the role of “Scarlite” so that autistic people can actually adjust to the society without getting much pain. Collaboration would be the solution that we should be patient and understanding for those people. Maybe, if I had taken my hands toward Woojin, he might not have transferred to a different school.

10 Flash Fictions

1. Finally, the ship’s voyage began. “Turn the water off while you are taking bath!!”

2. "I am studying now!” he said, as he opened the so-called "Homework" folder.

3. “It is not important whether you are white or black. Green is what that matters.”

4. “My mom is the most beautiful person.” One of the best misconceptions of all-times.

5. He can’t go home by himself. “Would you please press 24 for me?”

6. The teacher said, “If you studied a lot, it is natural to be nervous.” Maybe that was why I wasn’t nervous.

7. “Eww, there is a slice of pepperoni pizza on my cockroach.”

8. “You guys should fix those ticket machine over there.” 
    “Sorry but your card exceeded the limit.”

9. You should always buy guitars and books because they can always become great decorations.

10. I can’t understand why people put different people’s faces on their Facebook profiles.

BenX Review 2

     

     A twist in the end was really effective. Also the ending that came right after the twist was so dramatic. It was like watching the reincarnation of Jesus. (Maybe that is why he made a weapon that shaped like the cross.) But personally I felt that the way it ended was somewhat frustrating.

     

     The great part about the ending was that it was fresh unlike any other similar films. Most of my classmates failed to predict it and this clearly shows that the director really put some effort to differentiate from most of the people's expectations. However, when you think about the ending, it partly shows that Ben is helpless. What really pushed Ben forth to create such complicated plan? Scarlite wasn't even a real person but just a hallucination in Ben's mind. Maybe the "Superman"? After all, Scarlite started to appear in his imagination after he took the pill. But the director would not want victims to do drugs to get rid of bullying. Personally, I don't agree that the plan was result of Ben's own efforts or abilities. Many of those factors that seem to motivate Ben are out of the reality. They are possible because this is a movie. Also in the end, it seems like Ben decided to stay out in the ranch. It portrays that it is too hard for him to adjust in the "normal" society where people could not accept and understand his conditions. 

      

     Another thing that came up to my head was about how people's reactions changed after someone's death. At the funeral, every one of them felt sorry and cried for Ben. Even the bullies felt guilty for what they have done. But why do not they change their attitudes until a life is sacrificed? This really shows our reality. When we hear about suicides  related to bullying, many of us feel empathy for them and curse those people who forced him or her to death. But when we actually get involved in the bullying, almost all of them become a spectator doing nothing but covering up the problem. No one has the courage to do something about it.

Unexpected: BenX Review 1

Mr.Garrioch told us that this is an absurd film but wow, I did not expect that coming. The beginning scene really caught my eyes because I have never seen a movie that starts by showing the computer game. Also the title played a role in surprising me because “Ben X” is such a title that you cannot expect what is coming. The word “unexpected” would perfectly describe my first impression about the film.

I enjoyed many different and fresh approaches the film made. By comparing the main character’s real life and the virtual game with similar surrounding was interesting. Especially, the part where Ben complained about the difference between the game and the reality made me to think a little about why so many people are addicted to computer games or other sort of gateways to escape and hide from the reality.

Although I did not finish watching the whole movie, the plot is dull and simple in some ways. Many people can grasp that this movie will be dealing with the issues of autism and bullying and other similar problems. However, from the start, the director managed to develop this obvious plot into such an un-obvious way that the movie, after all, did not turn out to be one of those boring educational videos that works so well as a sleeping pill.

To eat or not to eat, that is the question : Earthling Review Revised

           
        No wonder it earned the nickname “vegan maker.” It really portrayed the ugly side of humans as if the director wanted to make the viewers throw up. Especially in the slaughterhouse scene, the workers slit the throats of cows that were hung by their legs. As the narrator politely explained, the cows were usually conscious while the whole process of killing was going on. The bleeding really warned the viewers that the next one hour and ten minutes would be painful.

From the beginning, this film clearly showed that we, humans, are “speciesist”. According to the film, “speciesism”, a similar concept to racism and sexism, is a prejudice based on different species. Because humans can overpower animals, we exploit other species just to serve our needs regardless of their thoughts, emotions, reactions and even lives. The director addressed the main five areas of the film: pets, food, clothes, entertainment, and science. Although many interesting ideas and vivid images are presented in all five areas, personally I really want to focus on food.

     

     In the beginning, it starts with the quote by Australian philosopher, Peter Singer: “Killing an animal is in itself a troubling act. It has been said that if we had to kill our own meat we would be all be vegetarians.” A very sound quote indeed, as it is portrayed in the film, it really is disgusting. However, let’s look at this quote from a more realistic view point. Do we have to kill our own meat? The truth is that we do not need to throw ourselves in those painful processes just in order to eat meat. If we have money, we can eat any kinds of meat from turkey to beef without cutting throat or shooting captive bolts into their brains. We do not need to endure the unnecessary guiltiness.

Of course, this argument sounds very “speciesist”, and I also agree on that criticism. To some people, it is really arrogant toward the animals who share many common aspects with humans which makes them very equal to us. But not everything is idealistic. It might turn a few people into vegetarians due to some sort of inspiration. But this refutation cannot force people who want to continue their meat diet. This eating habit is not just an option that can be changed easily. It is a habit that is reinforced during whole life and a part of the individual’s life style which people and the society should accept the difference.

Now let’s talk about how the film portrayed this issue on the screen. In the movie, the white word appears shortly. After, the film shows the footage related to the word. As an example, the word “Dehorning” appears, then the movie shows the video of dehorning the cow with a huge wrench. Personally, this presentation method was very neat to develop on many ideas. Also most of the scenes, there was not any dialogue but narrations. But in some special parts, narration dies out and a short dialogue by the people in the scenes come out. As an example, when slaughtering pigs, the narrator stopped talking and the voice of the butcher comes in. This tried to move the audience more toward to the director’s opinion. Also, as I already mentioned, many colorful and strong images allowed viewers to engage in the film more deeply.

Because of those methods, films are well-structured. From the division of five different areas to minor sections, the contents are ordered very well that audience can grasp the idea more easily. However, there are also some problematic parts in the video clip. During the food section, blood was all over the scenes. The director never hesitates to provide the nastiest scenes such as conscious pigs that are splashing blood all over the floor while tied up to a rope. This part contained unnecessary violence. By the word “unnecessary” here, it means that the director exploited violence, and it seems like he forgot the main goal of the film which is to change people’s “biased” behavior. While watching the film, I felt really disgusted that the scenes make me to look at other places but not the screen. However, when the film finished, it really did not have an influential effect on me because I had no problem eating meat that day. It kind of came to me that although the visual images really imprinted the sickening feeling, in the long term, there was not any significant effect at all.

Overall, this movie is a significant film that portrays well about the dark side of the human race. It really makes us to look back on ourselves. The director succeeded to induce viewers to reflect of their actions and pay more attention about the world that surrounds them. However, there are also some drawbacks. Few violent scenes of the film are unnecessary if we consider the objective of the film. Personally, I suggest that it would be fine to watch this film for greater spectrum. One thing to keep in mind is that you should be careful not to expect too much. If you are inspired by the film and feel like becoming a vegetarian, then go ahead. If you are not, well, why don’t you go have some nice sirloin steak as a prize for enduring the torturing film. 

Childhood Trauma: The fixed shoes (revised)

With a pair of shoes, you enter the repair shop. Just by glance, its size is about thirty feet square from the outside but as it turns out, it feels much larger when you enter. Inside, you can easily find shiny leather shoes which are placed on the shelves. The man who is probably in his fifties has very friendly expression in his face. At the moment when you enter the room, he is polishing a brown shoe.

     “Can you repair these shoes?” you tell him as you point the bottom of your ripped shoes. He answers with a gentle nod. You feel very assured because they are one of your favorite pairs of shoes. Then you ask the person about the price. He tells you that it is only five thousand won. Compared to what you have expected, it turned out that the price is much cheaper. You give him the shoes and money right away and thank him for such service. The shop keeper tells you to come back few hours later. As you stroll back to your home, the only thought in your mind is your fixed shoes.

     Few hours later, because you are gone somewhere, your mother goes to the shop instead. About ten minutes later, she returns with the shoes. They look like a new pair of shoes that seem like you bought them yesterday. However, your mom asks you a strange question. “Did you really pay the money?” At first, you are baffled that do not get the meaning. Few seconds later, you speak to her about the purpose of the question. Then she tells you about what happened at the repair shop.

     After finding the shoes, she is about to leave the shop. But then the shop keeper tells her to pay the price. She is confused since you already told her that you already take care of the payment. But the shop keeper insists that you have paid nothing but only gave him the shoes. So she has to pay the shoes again. Your shoes are fixed only once, but they were paid twice. Later that day, you visit the shop again to tell that you already paid for it. But with skeptical glance, he tells you that he never receive the money.

     

     You feel betrayed by the shop keeper. You do not insult him or show impolite attitude, but asked politely and paid the price. It can be a tiny mistake because anyone can make mistakes sometimes in his or her life. However, inside your mind, it is filled with anger and frustration. If you were an adult, would you be treated the same way as this? Why would not he believe you?

      

     The shoe repair shop is in the middle of the road to your middle school so you always have to pass it every morning. In the beginning, you almost try to kick the door because you are angry. However, as time passes on, your negative feelings lessen and you no longer care about it. Although it might have been a mistake, it was the first time you realize that the world around you is not always perfect. As time passes, it turns out that there are more “shop keepers”.

Reading Journal: Quotation

"You think we're insane, and we're not," said the captain.

     We are insane. But we are not insane.
   
     Then what is the boundary that determines this insanity?

      People think and act based on what they know. Like an old proverb,  "You are what you see", people cannot understand other cultures or knowledge because they are out of their scope. In history, when different cultures or people conflict with each other, the results were always tragic. In our class, we constantly related the stories of Native Americans to the novel. When the immigrants from Europe and those indigenous people collide, they had gone through violent battles that resulted so many casualties. In the end, one of them had to suffer terribly. Why could not they befriend each other and accept the differences?

     Same thing is happening the book. The captain faced many Martians who were not welcoming them but showed no interest toward them. What he received was death caused by a psychologist who could not accept the different form of an "Earth Man". For Martians, the captain was "insane" but for the captain, the Martians were "insane". Then what and who can define the 'insanity"? At least, both humans and Martians cannot, I guess. If this kind of attitude toward each other does not change, there would be similar consequences in the end that resemble the history of Native Americans.

Childhood Trauma: The fixed shoes

     With a pair of shoes, you enter the repair shop. Just by glance, its size was about thirty feet square from the outside but as it turned out, it feels much larger when you enter. Inside, you can easily find shiny leather shoes which are placed on the shelves. The man who is probably in his fifties had very friendly expression in his face. At the moment when you enter the room, he is polishing a brown shoe.

     “Can you repair these shoes?” you tell him as you point the bottom of your shoes which are ripped. He answered with a gentle nod. You felt very assured because they are one of your favorite pairs of shoes. Then you ask the person about the price. He tells you that it is only five thousand won. Compared to what you have expected, it turned out that it is much cheaper. You give him the shoes and money right away and thank him for such service. The shop keeper tells me to come back few hours later. As you stroll back to your home, the only thought in your mind is about your fixed shoes.

     Few hours later, because you were gone somewhere, your mother goes to the shop instead. About ten minutes later, she returns with the shoes. They looked like a new pair of shoes that seemed like you bought them yesterday. However, your mom asked you a strange question. “Did you really pay the money?” At first, you are baffled that do not get the meaning. Few seconds later, you speak to her about the purpose of the question. Then she told me about what happened at the repair shop.

     After finding the shoes, she is about to leave the shop. But then the shop keeper tells her to pay the price. She is confused since you already told her that you already take care of the payment. But the shop keeper insisted that you have paid nothing but only gave him the shoes. So she has to pay the shoes again. Your shoes are fixed only once, but it was paid twice. Later that day, you visit the shop again to tell that you already pay for it. But with skeptical glance, he tells you that he never receive the money.

     

     You felt betrayed by the shop keeper. You did not insult him or show impolite attitude, but asked politely and paid the price. It can be a tiny mistake because anyone can make mistakes sometimes in his or her life. However, inside your mind, it is filled with anger and frustration. If you were an adult, would you be treated the same way as this? Why would not he believe you?

      

     The shoe repair shop was in the middle of the road to your middle school so you always have to pass it every morning. In the beginning, you almost tried to kick the door because you were angry. However, as time passed on, your negative feelings lessened and you no longer care about it. Although it might have been a mistake, it was the first time you realize that the world around you is not always perfect. As time passed, your idealistic view of the society was slowly destroyed by many 'shop keepers'. Shoes were the only things that were fixed.