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My self-assessment

This semester, my writing improved significantly. Initially expecting a mere review, I learned useful strategies and different ways to think. Trying out new methods enhanced my consistency. In English 110, I identified my strengths and improved my skills through different assignments. I learned to edit and write more professionally. Some outcomes had good reactions, while others had bad ones, shaping my overall experience.

There were eight course learning outcomes below:

  1. Examine how attitudes toward linguistic standards empower and oppress language users.
  2. Explore and analyze, in writing and reading, a variety of genres and rhetorical situations.
  3. Develop strategies for reading, drafting, collaborating, revising, and editing.
  4. Recognize and practice key rhetorical terms and strategies when engaged in writing situations.
  5. Understand and use print and digital technologies to address a range of audiences.
  6. Locate research sources (including academic journal articles, magazine, and newspaper articles) in the library’s databases or archives and on the Internet and evaluate them for credibility, accuracy, timeliness, and bias.
  7. Compose texts that integrate a stance with appropriate sources, using strategies such as summary, analysis, synthesis, and argumentation.
  8. Practice the systematic application of citation conventions.

I feel like there were some things I did better than others. The second one, “Explore and analyze, in writing and reading, a variety of genres and rhetorical situations,” stood out. In class, we saw different ways people wrote. We first read about Amy Tan, and the way she wrote her article is different from what you would normally see. This influenced my approach when writing about “men and machines.” I tried to write it in an educational but somewhat informal way. I also did some extra things like adding pictures to my essay to make it feel more normal and more like me. My essay on why men are most likely to commit mass shootings explores the connection between men, masculinity, and mass shootings, highlighting incidents like the Parkland shooting and discussing the disproportionate involvement of men in such events. It delves into societal expectations, gender roles, and mental health as contributing factors. The piece suggests that early trauma may lead some men to resort to violence and questions the feasibility of predicting mass shootings based on mental illness. The essay also touches on the idea that men externalize problems and may be influenced by previous shooters, proposing a need to redefine masculinity, address mental health stigma, and implement stricter gun control measures to prevent future tragedies.

Another one of the eight course outcomes I did well on is understanding and using print and digital technologies to address a range of audiences. When I did my spoken L and L narrative, I recorded and edited a video to present to the class, which I’m really happy I did because it was something that was really new for me. Overall, a good experience with that project. Another one of the eight course outcomes I did well on is “Locate research sources (including academic journal articles, magazine, and newspaper articles) in the library’s databases or archives and on the Internet and evaluate them for credibility, accuracy, timeliness, and bias.” Throughout the whole semester, the professor showed us different ways to locate research sources. One example I do want to mention is going back to the “men and machines” essay I did. I was on Zoom with the professor and was having trouble trying to locate articles, and I don’t know why I didn’t think about this, but the professor showed me that I can press “news” on Google, and that could help me too, and I think it did. I got most of my research about my topic from news articles.

For the “Recognize and practice key rhetorical terms and strategies when engaged in writing situations,” I incorporate Ethos, Pathos, and Logos into my compositions to effectively convey my ideas and perspectives. During Muntaha’s visit to Pakistan, underscoring the importance of embracing one’s culture even amid occasional struggles to fit in: “A pivotal moment during her visit to Pakistan underscores the importance of embracing one’s culture, even when one occasionally grapples with feelings of not entirely fitting in.” In terms of ethos, Muntaha establishes her credibility and ethical standing through direct insights shared in a conversation: “In a conversation with Muntaha, she offered valuable insights into her narrative and the underlying themes.” This lends authenticity to her account. Furthermore, the logical appeal (logos) is evident as Muntaha, when asked about advice for those facing language-related challenges, logically advocates for wholehearted cultural embrace: “When asked about the advice she would give to individuals facing similar language-related challenges, Adil encouraged others to embrace their culture wholeheartedly.” This combination of emotional resonance, credibility, and logical reasoning enhances the persuasive impact of Muntaha Adil’s narrative, which I think I did pretty well doing.

In conclusion, my experience in the English class during college has been good. Would I do it again? Yes, I would.

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Men & Machines

Men, Masculinity and Machines: Are men most likely to commit mass shootings?

Valentine’s Day. February 14, 2018. It was an ordinary Wednesday afternoon when the halls of Stoneman Douglas High School were forever altered by the haunting echoes of gunfire. Panic gripped the air as students and teachers, once focused on textbooks and lessons, now scrambled for cover. The once-familiar halls transformed into a surreal battleground where fear and confusion reigned.

This tragic event marked one of the deadliest school shootings in American history. As the nation grappled with the aftermath of the Parkland shooting, investigators sought to understand the complex factors that contributed to such devastating acts of violence. One alarming trend that emerged from analyses of school shootings is the disproportionate involvement of males in these incidents. Diving into the psychology and social reasons behind this pattern reveals a troubling narrative that intertwines mental health, societal expectations, and the need for a deeper exploration of the root causes of such atrocities. Why is it that Nikolas Cruz, along with hundreds of other men, decide to commit such a horrible and inhumane event?

Before I continue, I want to explain what a mass shooting is. A mass shooting is when one or more people purposefully hurt or kill others in a public place. This can happen at various locations where many people are present. The attackers choose victims and places either randomly or because they hold some meaning. The attack causes harm to multiple people, including both injuries and deaths. This event happens within one day, usually lasting only a few minutes. It’s important to note that the reason behind the shooting is not related to gang violence or planned militant or terrorist actions.

I’m sure the average person living in the world today, including you, has heard at least one more account of there being a mass shooting. In fact, since 2014 in the United States alone, almost 42 million people have lived within a mile of a mass shooting (Uzquiano). But for a second, let’s step outside the box. I mentioned in the beginning that men are most likely to commit mass shootings, but I also want to mention how men, in general, are also most likely to be violent. The truth is, men commit more violent crimes in general, three times as often as women do (United States Department of Justice).

From a young age, women are told to be cautious around unfamiliar men to stay safe. This warning, while aimed at protection, can unintentionally contribute to viewing men as potential threats. 

Society often expects men to be strong and dominant, making it hard for them to express vulnerability or seek help. This pressure, along with other factors, may lead some, mostly men, to resort to violence as a way to assert power. The link between societal expectations, gender roles, and violent acts like school shootings emphasizes the importance of discussing mental health and challenging stereotypes to create a safer and more understanding society.

Now, every day when I wake up to get ready for school, these thoughts always linger in my head: “Will I be next?” Let’s be honest; we can all agree that most school shootings are caused by men. To name a few, there’s Virginia Tech, where a 23-year-old student named Seung-Hui Cho took the lives of thirty-two students and faculty members through two separate attacks on the campus before ultimately ending his own life. In the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, 20-year-old Adam Lanza perpetrated a heartbreaking act, killing twenty-seven people, including twenty first-grade children aged six and seven, along with six adults, which included his own mother. 

During the Robb Elementary School shooting, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos entered a classroom, shooting both children and staff members present. He engaged in gunfire with law enforcement officers who had arrived on the scene an hour earlier but did not enter the classroom. In the University of Texas tower shooting, 25-year-old engineering student and former U.S. Marine Charles Whitman ascended the clock tower at the University of Texas-Austin. Whitman killed three people inside the tower and continued his rampage by firing from the observation deck, claiming the lives of twelve more people and injuring 31 others during a 96-minute shooting spree. The ordeal concluded when police shot and killed Whitman.

According to the SUNY Rockefeller Institute of Government, the number of mass shootings in the United States is 441 from 1966-2022 with 3,923 victims (both injured and killed). 95.7 % of the shooters were male. You can see that comparison on the graph . Ever since I started hearing about mass shootings and school shootings, I always wondered why it’s always men that do that? And honestly, in general, why is it that men are most likely to act violently in any situation? I’m sure we have all thought about it, but is there a deeper and more complex reasoning behind this question?

In “Speaking of Psychology: How to stop mass shootings, with Jillian Peterson, PhD,” special guest Peterson said something very interesting; he said, “So in our database, it’s 98% men. There’s four women in the database; two of them perpetrated the shooting with a man. So we see this common pathway, and of course, it’s a little different for each person, but this pathway seems to start with really significant early childhood trauma. Things like physical abuse, sexual abuse, suicide of a parent, domestic violence in the home. Over time, that individual becomes angry, becomes isolated, becomes hopeless, there’s a lot of self-loathing there. Many of them are suicidal and attempt suicide before doing a mass shooting.” Men, more so than women, often express their issues outwardly and may seek others to hold them responsible, potentially leading to feelings of anger and resorting to violence. Additionally, when women do resort to violence, firearms are typically not their preferred means of carrying out such actions.

Now, many people say, “Well, can we predict if a person is about to mass shoot?”. Many will argue yes, but I believe no. In “Why mental illness can’t predict mass shootings,” writer Nsikan Akpan states, “Approximately 96 percent of violent crimes— including shootings — would likely still occur even if every suspect with a mental health condition was stopped before they carried out an attack.” Think about this way; in America itself, approximately more than one in five U.S. adults have mental illness. That’s 57.8 million adults in America alone. To awe you even more, 1 in every 8 people in the world has mental illness, which is 970 million people living with a mental disorder or anxiety or depressive disorders, etc. How possible would it be to figure out, out of 970 million people who will shoot up a mall, school, or workplace next?

 It simply wouldn’t be possible. Dr. Jonathan Metzl, a psychiatrist and director of the Center for Medicine, Health, and Society at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee said, “Most of the research shows that people with mental illness are actually less likely than the general population to go on to shoot somebody else or to commit mass violence.” Let’s say you have a magic wish to make one thing go away from this world. Whether it be world hunger, climate change, extreme poverty, or deforestation. Now you get to choose to get rid and cure all mental illness in the world. Should we successfully eliminate mental illness tomorrow, an amazing achievement, our issue with violence would decrease by approximately 4 percent, meaning the majority of the problem would persist.

While doing my research for this paper, I came across an interesting theory. According to NPR, researchers suggest that men, more than women, tend to blame others and externalize their problems, leading to potential anger and violence which I mentioned previously. When women resort to violence, guns are not typically their weapon of choice. In the context of mass shootings, where men significantly outnumber women as perpetrators, there’s a concerning trend. Male shooters often become role models for subsequent attackers, especially among young, white men. The Violence Project data implies that white men are disproportionately responsible for mass shootings compared to other groups. This phenomenon involves aspiring shooters identifying with and copying those who came before them. For instance, many school shooters study incidents like Columbine, while university shooters may look to the Virginia Tech shooting as a blueprint for their actions. This is also called “The replacement Theory.” Almost all school/mass shooters want to be remembered by name. They want to be remembered for how many people they got to kill and if their number is higher than the previous. It is truly a sick mindset.

To conclude, how exactly should the world deal with school/mass shootings? My answer to that is we need to work backward, figuring out the root of the problem. The problem with that is there are endless possibilities. The shooter might have a domestic abuse problem, might have been bullied in school, might have been rejected by a certain person(s), easy access to a gun. The most obvious concern I believe is the easy access to purchasing a gun. According to “Many mass shooters acquire guns legally” author Erin Doherty states, “From 1966 to 2019, 77% of mass shooters purchased at least some of the weapons used in the shootings legally.” More than 80% of the assailants responsible for K-12 shootings stole their guns from family members (National Institute of Justice).

I believe Congress should push to further ensure safer gun ownership, which involves better background checks for those buying firearms. We can do this by looking into someone’s history, mental health, and criminal record. This can better spot potential risks and keep guns away from the wrong people. Parents need to be extra careful with where they keep their guns, especially if there are kids around. Using more secure options like gun safes or lock boxes can help prevent accidental discoveries by curious children/teens. It’s also worth considering hidden storage that’s easy for the owner to access quickly but keeps the gun away from anyone who shouldn’t be messing with it. In the haunting aftermath of mass shootings, we can see a troubling pattern emerge – an insane number of male perpetrators. Masculinity, with its toxic expectations, plays a role in these tragic events. The solution lies in redefining masculinity, fostering environments that encourage emotional well-being, and dismantling the stigma around mental health.

 Additionally, we need to address gun control and stricter rules to prevent people from having easy access to lethal weapons. If we all confront and educate each other on this issue, we can possibly help prevent the next mass shooting.

Link

In the essay entitled “Muntaha Adil’s Written L&L Narrative,” Muntaha Adil, a college student, delves into the complex issue of language discrimination and highlights the challenges of acquiring proficiency in a new language. Although born in the United States, Adil’s narrative revolves around her pursuit of knowledge in Urdu, a commendable endeavor showcasing her unwavering commitment to preserving her cultural heritage. Adil’s primary objective in crafting this narrative is to enlighten her readers about the hardships associated with mastering multiple languages. Her journey towards fluency in Urdu serves as a conduit connecting her to her Pakistani roots. A pivotal moment during her visit to Pakistan underscores the importance of embracing one’s culture, even when one occasionally grapples with feelings of not entirely fitting in. Adil’s narrative employs a tone that suggests she wrote this piece for individuals who, like herself, have confronted language difficulties.

Muntaha Adil employs vivid descriptions to engage her readers, enabling them to immerse themselves in her narrative. For instance, when she reminisces, “One day I was sitting on the couch in my dadi amma (dad mom) house. It’s a huge house that no one has lived in since the whole family moved to America, so when we go to Lahore we stay there. It has about 5 floors and it isn’t renovated, so it’s still like a vintage house from the late 20th century.” Her attention to detail draws readers into the narrative, allowing them to visualize and empathize with her experiences. Adil’s intent with such vivid descriptions is to enable readers to better understand her journey and perhaps find parallels in their own lives, as they see how she overcame her language challenges.

In a conversation with Muntaha, she offered valuable insights into her narrative and the underlying themes. When asked about the advice she would give to individuals facing similar language-related challenges, Adil encouraged others to embrace their culture wholeheartedly. She emphasized the importance of not distancing oneself from their cultural roots, especially for first-generation individuals who may grapple with the desire to conform to American norms. Adil’s message resounds with the significance of embracing one’s cultural identity, irrespective of external perceptions.

Furthermore, when questioned about her motivations for choosing this specific topic, Adil shared that sharing her narrative and connecting with others who have had similar experiences brought her a sense of fulfillment. Her willingness to share her experiences allowed her to step out of her comfort zone and shed light on her language barrier struggles. This, she believes, is a positive and empowering act, illustrating her growth and resilience.

As for the changes in her Urdu proficiency since writing her narrative, Adil revealed that her commitment to improvement was unwavering. She diligently corrected her mistakes and monitored her language use, thereby ensuring she didn’t repeat the errors. Her dedication to refining her language skills mirrors her passion for preserving her cultural heritage.

Reflecting on personal experiences related to language and culture, I shared with Adil my own struggle with speaking a particular dialect of Spanish. Even in situations where my Spanish differed from the mainstream dialect, people still attempted to correct me, which paralleled her experiences in many ways. Adil’s narrative resonated with me, as we both faced language challenges that were deeply connected to our cultural identities.

In a deeper conversation, Adil acknowledged that her mistake in pronouncing a particular Urdu word was a pivotal turning point. She recognized that, had this not occurred, she might have continued making the same error throughout her life, uncorrected and unnoticed. Ultimately, she found the experience to be enlightening, despite the initial embarrassment she felt.

Muntaha Adil’s connection to her culture and language is profound and enduring. As a Pakistani, she holds her cultural identity close to her heart and actively engages in cultural expression. Her love for Urdu, her participation in cultural activities, and her passion for Desi entertainment reflect the deep-rooted significance of culture and language in her life. Adil’s narrative serves as an inspirational testament to the importance of preserving one’s cultural heritage and the power of language in fostering that connection.

Snapshot of Language/Literacy Moment

My first language was Spanish until I first started school and English obviously took

over. Something that I still struggle with to this day is having my name said correctly. My name

is quite literally two simple names merged into one. But somehow my whole life people have

still found ways to mess up completely. The struggle of people mispronouncing your name is

very common for people who come from different cultures and linguistics that aren’t

“American”. I am Dominican and I speak Spanish. My parents also speak Spanish and when they

named me “Frida-mel ” it was supposed to be said in a Spanish accent, not anyways else. My

name, when pronounced in the correct Spanish accent, holds a big part of my identity. Because

for me it’s a reflection of my heritage and my culture. Growing up I had to get used to people

saying, Frida-mel, in an English and more boring way. It can be very disheartening when people

constantly mispronounce it and I just started to ignore it and accept every version of it. I

understand that for most people who don’t have a Spanish accent, it can be hard to say my name

with it but in most cases, I feel like most people simply don’t care and will pronounce any name

the way they want, which is ignorant. People tend to pronounce names in ways that are

comfortable to them even if it deviates from the correct pronunciation. I found myself at a

crossroads, whether to correct people every single time they mess up or simply give in and let

them say it however they want to. To me it was 50/50, meaning if I let people pronounce my

name however they please then I learn to appreciate the effort they make in addressing me by my

name, combined with their own accent, which to me is cool. On the other hand, I stay mad at

people for not pronouncing my very simple sweet name the way my beautiful parents intended it to be said. My mother spent 9 months deciding on the perfect name for her first daughter and

anytime anyone says it wrong she is quick to educate them. Although I’m grateful my mother has

stood up for me, I myself have started introducing my name to people with an English accent.

Not because I like it more but because I understand that for most people hearing my name for the

first time can be hard, pronouncing it perfectly each time can be hard