8th Blogpost

(Academic Level & depth of your entire argument):

After consulting with another peer in my dance class, and allowing her to view the work proposed for my critical argument, she found that a lot of the work should be specified more and given greater depth. She also states, "Although the topic at hand may be specific, the concept is too broad. It should be narrowed down to focus on one centralized portion of the argument." 

Successful Arguments

(Post 7: April 8, 2016)

A successful argument varies on the contextual evidence and background information that can be provided on the topic. It also about challenging what is perceived as the constructed norm and proving why it can be challenged and thus, changed. These traits are successful and important in order for a new idea to emerge. It is the idea that going against something can entail a completely new perspective that can eventually lead to deeper understanding of a topic or a new discovery.

Brainstorming/Planning for Sequence III

(Post 6: March 23, 2016)

How would I describe sex trafficking in the United States? 

Does sex trafficking continue today?

Are we working towards helping these victims? 

These are a few of the questions I asked myself while brainstorming this topic. In planning how I would approach the answers to these questions, I took my own internal perspective without tying an emotional appeal to my response. I figure that being bias in a research paper will ultimately cause the reader to lose interest, because they cannot construct their own opinion. In asking other's opinions, how would you approach these questions? 

The Process

(Post 5 - March 18, 2016)

The development of my topic for Sequence III varied on the concept of what I believed could be researched in greater depth. Instead of looking towards a topic that was easily accessible in terms of resources, I chose a topic that varied extensively in where I could acquire more information.

After deciding on the topic of sex-trafficking, I tried taking the broad topic to a more specific location, geographically. Being from the South had already exposed me to this topic, but it was still surface level. I figured that researching sex trafficking in Atlanta, GA specifically could be an interesting topic. A few minor setbacks during the process of research were finding online resources that could help further explain this ongoing issue.

As I looked for resources through search engines like Google, I found that certain publication companies like CNN had covered the topic. As I became familiar in what websites were resourceful, I found new information that could eventually be further explored throughout my explanation.

Overall, the research for this Sequence assignment became easier as I figured out which websites, resources, and films could expand my interpretation of sex trafficking.

The Flama: (Trade Publication/Revision)

"The Flama is a digital network created by, for and starring young Latinos. We focus on comedy and culture (stuff like our crazy relatives, entertainment, music and food). We create funny videos, write offbeat lists and bring awareness to issues affecting our heritage and lives. We aim to capture and celebrate the Latino spirit. Oh and we love llamas way more than cats."

I've recently encountered this online publication and found it very interesting considering the fact the publication is ran solely by Latinos. I noticed that they mention talking about comedy and culture, but after reading some of their work, I would say that they focus less on culture and more on comedic appeal. Although we do need some type of release from the seriousness of life, I would wish they tackled more relevant issues that affect Latinos. Most of the time, when they do tackle topics in relation to economic and political topics, they still find some way to make it comedic. 

However, I would like to more about this online publication and how it came to be. I would like to know who created it and why. What purpose does this website serve for not just Latinos but everyone who reads it. I feel that having finalized answers to these questions would enable me to better understand their objective. 

Just Mercy: Major Issues

In Bryan Stevenson's "Just Mercy" the opening chapters tackle major issues in relation to mass incarceration and extreme punishment in America.

From an outsiders' perspective the issues he tackles may seem far-fetched and bizarre but unfortunately, I know first hand from personal experience what he means when prisoners are sent to solidarity and/beaten. 

My older brother was wrongfully convicted of an accusation for a crime he didn't commit. In reality, you'd always believe that I would be biased, but in this case, there was no proven evidence. His accusation was brought forth by a co-worker who stated she was a victim of battery assault. (key word, stated.) 

My major issue lies in-between the context of justice in the courtroom and justice in the actual prison facility. My brother has often stated when we visited him that many of his peers were wrongfully abused and sent to solidarity without a sole reason. This is an inhumane way to treat those who are serving their sentences. In a way, they're sitting chickens. If they retaliate they'll be beaten or given more time, if they don't say anything, their reputation dwindles to a coward. But where do you find the validity between treating someone who committed a crime justly or do you punish them for acting on impulse at that time? 

"there is light within darkness." is one of the statements that I resonated with the most. It was a different feeling watching my mother visit one of her children in prison. Throughout those 6 years, a heavy spirit used to lure our home and our souls. After finally being released I noticed the change in atmosphere. Her glamour and genuine smile returned. Our peace of mind finally came home. 

Another major issue I noticed while reading was the absence of acknowledging those from other native countries. After gaining citizenship, my brother was released and deported. Without any hesitation, all the years of hard work to become a United States citizen were thrown down the drain. 

Here I ask, after becoming a U.S. citizen being released from prison, should a foreign native be automatically deported or should they be given the same rights as a natural born citizen? Most released convicts are given parol or some type of leeway to shorten their sentence(brother was given neither). 

The issue of racial profiling is still a prominent issue that needs to be addressed. In comparison to "keeping the streets safe," how is the police keeping anyone safe if they find the need to arrest or interrogate a person of color, solely based on their complexion. In "Just Mercy"after Stevenson is bombarded and has his car raided by the Atlanta SWAT team is when he comes to terms as to how little progression we've made in race acceptance. Ironically, afterwards, he is told to file a compliant with the Atlanta Police Department. Not to mention, the use of illegal tactics to find evidence. The SWAT team had no warrant to search his car because of a "suspicious person." 

In this statement lies the question of how honest is the police when no one is watching? Can we a trust an institutionalized system that works in favor of themselves instead of the concrete facts? 

My ability to trust a government is solely based on the expanding branches that it puts out into the world. (e.g. The police, SWAT, FBI, media)

 I find little comfort in a system that uses its resources to bring forth power and solidarity, instead of  justice and equal rights. 

Campus Life as Research

During my first semester as a Badger I've noticed many issues regarding racial discrimination. As an Atlanta native, moving to Madison has been a bit of a culture shock. I've always been accustomed to a variety of cultures and people down South, but moving up North has steadily decreased the abundance of culture I've come across. In regards to major issues on campus, I've witnessed various moments of cultural appropriation during the Halloween weekend. I felt personally affected by this because it was degrading my own culture. It also made me question how long I can withstand a school that will easily address an issue affecting a person of a white background, but will not acknowledge the severity of slandering another culture (e.g. wearing panchos, afros, spray tanning aka "black face").

Furthermore, this past November, many students of various ethnic backgrounds participated in a March for the students in Mizzou to help bring awareness to the issue of racial discrimination on college campuses. After this march, I considered being much more present in issues of racial discrimination by helping in any way that I can. Through the "Blackout UW Board of Regents" I will be utilizing this platform as a source for further growth in my activism.

This semester, I have also taken into consideration the blatant derogatory racist comments that Donald Trump has brought forth in his campaign.

As a son of two immigrant parents, I felt the necessity to voice my concerns for those in the Hispanic community who cannot speak for themselves because of language barriers. I've been working on a poetry mixtape about Donald Trump titled, "TRUMP," that will be released January, 29th, 2016. The project tackles topics of race, discrimination, and immigration. Taken from the idea of a celebrity who believes that he can dog whisper his way into the presidential seat is what the project is cenetred around.

As a second semester freshmen, some shifts I am noticing in my thinking of social surroundings is how much work we have left as a community. It isn't enough to know that these issues exist; it's about knowing and acting. We shape the world and our environment. Race is an issue that the environment uses to communicate how segregated we are. Thus, our response must be stronger and deeper than the contextual surface level. Only through learning and applying knowledge in social spaces and in our everyday lives, can we move forward towards a country rooted in unity instead of separation.