Interpreting Editorial Cartoons

  

Facebook has always been a popular social network that lets people update their status, upload photos and videos,  and communicate with new and old friends from around your city to around the world. However, when the protests of Egypt erupted the country, people started to use Facebook for other reasons other than to update that someone got out of class. The people of Egypt used the social network to create groups to help the cause of its revolt with events being posted for people to attend and to spread the word around. This act of unity against the unjust experienced in Egypt has been possible with Facebook and its continuos spread of communication. America on the other hand is not using this networking tool to help fellow Americans with problems but just add useless status updates that really no cares about. People need to learn from the Egypt event and know that there are more important things that this social network can do other than talk to friends. I personally am I victim of this sort of Facebook useless status updates and with the current news, I've realized that it needs to be put to use not just entertain me when I'm bored. America needs to follow Egypt's example and put Facebook to good use. No one cares about you ate for dinner or that you don't know what to wear. Really.

Arizona Shooting Incident

A horrible tragedy that could have been avoided if the government had stricter regulations on gun ownership. The Arizona shooting incident claimed the lives of six people including a federal judge and injured 14 including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Jared Lee Loughner, responsible for this horrendous crime, legally purchased the gun involved in the assassination. This incident should really make America think twice on who should be able to purchase guns or not. However this aftermath has shown no sign of the government's interest in regulating and prohibiting gun purchases to ex-cons or the mentally ill. This form of gun violence has not pushed Congress to amend the Constitution or pass a law banning gun ownership rights that could make its citizens feel more safe. America should find a system to stop these violent outbreaks to happen anymore because government does in fact have the power and right to do this...they just choose to ignore this and hope it doesn't happen again. This incident like future ones soon to happen will take the lives of innocent people that don't deserve this. Congress needs to act before President Obama yet again makes an address about another shooting rampage affecting America. Real action of regulating gun ownership needs to be taken before it is too late. 

'Huckleberry Finn' N-word Controversy

These editorial cartoons show how a recent controversial outbreak has occurred regarding Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn'. It has been proposed that the n-word should be censored because it makes students uncomfortable reading it. I believe that this censorship is just a waste of time and people should focus on more important issues such as how to better the economy than to try to censor an American classic. The second cartoon also emphasizes that rappers nowadays also use the n-word but do they get censored? No. They make millions and thousands of their records are sold across the nation. If they should start to censor that word it should also begin with all the lyrics all these rappers like Jay-Z and 50 cent than to start with a book that shows how life was back then. The book showed that back then people like Jim were called this word but just because it makes a few people uncomfortable to read doesn't mean that gives editors the right to edit this word out. I personally had no problem reading this word when I read it my junior year in high school and neither did any of the students in my class. However I suppose some others find some offensive in that n-word and believe it should not be repeated or seen in literature. Huckleberry Finn shows how history was and is part of American history. You can't just censor that. 

My Attempt To Accomplish My New Year Goals!

Every January 1st, people around the United States attempt to accomplish some sort of goals that will help improve their lives. I have never taking part in this tradition because I know myself and know that after the first two or three days I will unconsciously stuff my face with junk food or stop going to the gym because I feel "too tired". However this year, I have planned to overcome that temptation and go forth to make some goals that can help my unhealthy lifestyle. I have planned to regulate the amount of junk food that I eat and try to limit a little more each day. I am super addicted to eating chips and tons of cookies but this year I plan to avoid these delicious sweets. I have to start telling my parents to hide these treats around the house so I won't find them. Another goal I want to accomplish is to start heading to the gym and try to work out. I know myself and know that I will not work till I drop dead with exhaustion with sweat and hunger. A final goal I would like to accomplish is to not be too addicted to the social network Facebook. I have been noticing that I have become to addicted to it and just wanted to spend all day looking up photos and reading friend's status updates. I have been Facebook free for about 3 days now and plan to continue with this for a while. This year I plan to accomplish my goals in pursuit of changing my life for the better.