West Side Story

In English class we are learning about " Culture Identity " . A topic I find very interesting and important. We study the reading " Guava " from Esmeralda Santiago and also, we read: " The myth of a Latin Woman " by Judith Ortiz Cofer. Both readings were great. Now, we are learning more about Puertorican culture. Therefore, we are watching a movie that talks about it. The title of the movie is " West Side Story ". The movie which is a musical, explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks. Two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. The members of the Sharks from Puerto Rico are taunted by the Jets. A Polish-American working class group. This represents the differences between the groups and how they would be in a constant battle because of the different colors of skin and their origins. I'm beginning to love the movie and I can't wait to finish watching it. So far, what I have learned in class is that no matter what, you should be proud of what you are and where you're from. It doesn't matter what color of skin, accent, or style you have, as long as you stay true to yourself, everything will be okay. We should all focus on our values and how we are as human beings instead of being judgmental of everything and everybody.

Here's the trailer of the movie " West Side Story " : 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA_aFprGzyc

Gay Marriage

Legalize Gay Marriage

by Stephanie Lopez Rivera 

  

For many years people have been talking about homosexuals rights.I believe this topic would never have an end. A lot of people agree and disagree with it for many reasons. I think that if you are in favor or against, you should say your opinion with respect and there is no reason to judge someone in any way. People tend to say things in a rude way but, do you do the same thing? I can say three reasons why people disagree with legalizing gay marriage. Also, I will tell you why I do not agree with the reasons I'm about to say.

  The first reason, is an important one. People disagree with legalizing gay marriage because of religion. Some people ask me, what religion do you follow? I prefer not to say. For me, it's kind of a private and emotional thing. I can say though, I do support and have no problems with gay couples. 

   The second one, would be society. People create and say bad things without knowing what they are really talking about. They just see the bad side of things. Some don't have values and criticize. They say their opinions without respecting others. If everybody truly respected one another this world would be different in many ways. You can't say one thing and then show another with your actions. If you have something to say, always remember everybody is not the same. Society should pay attention to their own life and mind their own business.

  The third reason, is that they disagree because of the parenting. Some don't believe it's right for a child to grow up with parents of the same sex. I think it is not fair to say that. What is the difference being bred by a mom and dad that have values and being bred by two dads or two moms that also have values? In my opinion, there is no difference. I think it's not really what sex is the person you choose but how is the person you choose to be with as in personality and character. If the person is bad and has no values or morals, now that's a problem.

   In conclusion, it's a topic where people are always going to be in favor or against it. I think people shouldn't judge and let them have the same rights. They should get married because they're humans and they should be allow of being part of something so important like love and marriage. There should be equality and justice in this world. What do you think of instead of saying: " We should tolerate diversity " we say, "We should accept diversity". Accepting is the first and the most important step to eliminate crimes of hate and to unite as humanity. If we accept, humanity will join. If humanity joins, the equality of the human rights will become reality, and if it becomes reality, peace is within our reach. In the end, would you rather see two men holding hands because of love or two men holding guns because of hate? You decide.

Since I support legalizing gay marriage, Here's a video of Ricky Martin talking about President Barack Obama supporting gay couples ; 

Obama Pride: Ricky Martin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y-musdidu4&noredirect=1

Police officer takes advantage of his power

     I would like to talk about the violence that is going on lately. It's surprising to see a police officer taking advantage of his power. Just because you're a policeman does not mean you can do whatever you want. In the latest incident, cell phone video shows Lt. Jonathan Josey hitting a woman at the Festival de las Americas following the Philadelphia  Puerto Rican Day Parade. It hurts me to see such a thing. Officers are here to protect and help the community not to be against it. The citizens have to pay some respect to the officers but they can't forget that they have to respect us too. They are many ways to solve misunderstandings and with violence is not the way.  In my opinion, the officer didn't had to punch the lady at all. If he's an officer he should know better. What concerns me the most is that even officers are acting violently when there suppose to be a figure of discipline and courage. I ask myself, what is this world coming to? Everything can change if we communicate better and stop resolving things with violence and aggression. To conclude, we have to be more careful of what we do and what we say. We must respect our peers and communicate better with them so that we can see a change in the world.

Here is the link of the disturbing video of the police officer hitting the woman at the festival ; 

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/breaking/Police-Officer-Hits-Punches-Woman-Philadelphia-172092861.html

Cosplay!

   Cosplay is a type of performance art in which participants wear costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea. Cosplayers can be from little kids to adults. They often interact to create a subculture on role play. A broader use of a the term " cosplay " applies to any costumed role play. The favorite sources include manga and anime, comic books, video games and films. Any entity from a real or virtual world that lends itself to dramatic interpretation may be taken up as a subject. The cosplayers mainly have three purposes which are the following;

a) The first is to express adoration for a character, or in feeling similar to a character in personality, seeking to become that character.

b) The second is those people who enjoy the attention that cosplaying a certain character brings. Within the cultures of anime and manga specifically, as well as science fiction and fantasy.

c) The third is those who love the creative process, and the sense of personal achievement upon competition.

    In conclusion, cosplaying is more than dressing up. It's a way to express yourself within a character that may have an effect on you. It's a chance to be another person for one day. I think they should be more activities like this in the world. It helps a lot in many ways. For example, it makes you socialize with people who share the same passion as you. The teenagers get involve on how to project a character rather than how to use drugs or alcohol. It helps them stay busy and out of trouble. You learn a lot of interesting things about anime, books, movies, etc. Cosplaying is just an positive escape from the mad world.

P.S. My English Professor should do a cosplay and have fun with it xD

Star Wars Cosplay!!

Sakura Cosplay from Naruto !!