Ignite Talk

Slide 1: Throughout this semester we have done a lot of reflecting.  Almost every day we begin class with a writing into the day assignment which usually is a quick write reflecting on something we have just read.  The purpose of this writing is not to come up with a definitive answer on whether or not something is right, but to formulate an opinion.

Slide 2: This is all very confusing sometimes, especially when it comes to literature.  There are so many metaphors to analyze with several different ways to interpret them.  It seems like there are never any right answers. 

Slide 3: The worst part about all this: we get graded on our answers.  During school, teachers force us to think the same way, without any deviation.  Teacher pick apart our analysis of a piece of literature and tell us whether or not we are right or not. But this carries on to other aspects of life. Who is to say what is right and wrong, or good and bad?

Slide 4: I've spent nearly $8000 on this car right here.  It has been spray painted, no carpet, no stereo, and no front bumper. I've spent hours on end working on this car to get it to where it is in this picture, and it still looks pretty bad.

Slide 5: Some people might argue that there are much better ways to spend all of that time and money.  As of right now, I do not have a lot to show for it all other than this old spray bombed beater.  In my opinion there is no monetary value for the experience.

Slide 6: Was this the right thing to do? I think so. I have learned a lot and this is a great accomplishment for me. When my project is complete and I will finally get to go drive my car on the track and enjoy all the hard work I put in.  Just like this guy in the photo.  He has probably dedicated much more time and money to his car, but he looks like he is having a blast right now. 

Slide 7: But there are always haters.  I'm sure some people still think it is a waste of time and money.  They would rather spend money on fancy clothes or big screen tvs.  It is true that the car will never be worth as much as I put into it.  I would probably get half of what it's worth in parts. 

Slide 8: Does this mean what I have done is wrong?  Maybe, maybe not.  Like I said before, who is to be the judge of what is really right and wrong when it comes to this sort of thing.  People can always give advice on what they think is best, but nobody can tell you that what you did is the definite right or wrong thing to do.

Slide 9: Let's take this as another example.  These people are waiting outside of the apple store, camping out for several days, for what? They are so eager to get the newest iPhone that they are willing to sacrifice taking days off work, time from their families, and a big chunk of money on the latest smart phone made by Apple. 

Slide 10: These people think that this iPhone 5 will be the best thing that has ever been in their pocket.  They hold the value of this phone much higher than the things they are sacrificing in order to obtain it.  For what ever reason, they think that having this phone will make their lives so much better that it is worth it.

Slide 11: When in reality, it is just an updated version of the phone they probably already have.  The differences between the iPhone 5 and it's predecessor are things we are all able to live without.  In the end, they both make phone call, run various applications, and can even access the Internet from virtually anywhere.

Slide 12: In my opinion, this is all a waste of time and money.  My current phone can do all of the basic functions of any other smart phone just as well as the almighty iPhone 5.  I think there is an illusion created by the manufactures that all predecessors are obsolete immediately after the newest product is released. 

Slide 13: But this brings up the same question as before. Who is right? There is no definite answers as to whether or not buying the latest and greatest smart phone is worth the monetary cost and the time sacrificed waiting in line to obtain such phone.  While I can share my opinion that I think the predecessor will achieve anything I need it to, some people's thoughts may differ.

Slide 14: Now I would like to discuss something that people may have stronger opinions about.  The use, distribution, and production of drugs.  The government has made up our minds for us by making all of this illegal, but is that really the right thing to do?  While drugs may be bad for your health, does this mean that nobody should have the right to partake in any process involved in using them?

Slide 15: Almost anybody that wants to make a good influence on you will tell you that drugs are bad.  Anybody from teachers, to parents will tell you that using drugs can only result in bad things.  The establishment of D.A.R.E. in school is a prime example of people who are against the use of drugs. 

Slide 16: However, what they all fail to show you is the success of rappers for example.  Juicy J is a good example of success through drugs.  This guy always raps about how much drugs he uses and how much money he has.  He makes his life out to be this constant vacation where he has zero responsibility  and has access to anything money can buy. 

Slide 17: Once again, does this mean Juicy J's life style and drug use is proper?  If the government had not declared it illegal, it would seem he has no worries other than what he should eat for lunch.  To me it seems that he is living a pretty easy life.  But there is always the presence of negative effects on health and various other aspects of life.  There are always people who argue that these drugs will destroy your brain.

Slide 18: Fortunately for some, the government has stepped in and declared drug abuse illegal.  This is probably beneficial to the majority of society.  They have developed a hierarchy of how dangerous and illegal certain drugs are.  They have also allow the use of certain drugs they declare beneficial or not too harmful. 

Slide 19: Now as it pertains to this class, let's consider string games.  Does it make sense that I analyzed string games in a way to compare it's complexity to the complexity in literature?  Or am I completely off and string games are just a fun and easy way for a teacher and students to acclimate to the environment of the class?  It could be both and it could be neither.

Slide 20: Finally, we are left with a the question: Did I do my project right?  It shows I have learned something, but does it really pertain to the course?  This can be left up to the discretion of anybody reading my blog, an english teacher, or and english class.  There is no singular person that should make the decision whether I am correct or completely off topic.