Table of Contents

Table of Contents Dear Reader Letter Introduction to I Feel Gay Today I Feel Gay Today Introduction to Grant and Lee Summary Grant and Lee Summary Introduction to Touching the Void Reflection Touching the Void Reflection Introduction to Inventory of Being Inventory of Being

Dear Reader Letter

Dear Reader,

I know you have been waiting so patiently this quarter for yet another E-portfolio, but wait no longer because you, as well as I, have made it to the end once again, and officially making it through my second quarter at Everett Community College. Coming from English 97 last quarter, I thought that this class was going to be a breeze since last quarter was sort of a refresher course for me learning such writing skills as grammar, punctuation, and formatting. It turns out that I was wrong. Although I have learned how to write persuasive, and compare and contrast papers before, it was difficult for me to come up with interesting and intriguing topics. However, I believe that with much thought, I chose topics that have surprised even me, like defining the word Gay, debating herbal medications versus pharmaceutical medications, and how I think the internet is on the rise to becoming more advanced than television.

Majority of this quarter was focused on writing a paper in which you can support your main points with researched information, examples, opinions, and book citations. Our major writing assignments this year consisted of a compare and contrast paper, a definition paper, and an argumentative paper. The hardest one for me was the definition paper because we had to define one word in three to four pages. To do this we used actual definitions, our own interpretations, modern day usage, and the history of where the word had originated.

Some of the other pieces I have chosen this quarter vary from a summary of an essay, a seminar quote reflection after reading the book “Touching the Void,” and our very first assignment, an inventory of being poem. I chose drastically different writing assignments to show what else we have learned in this quarter. Writing summaries of essays was new to me because it taught me to read something and really understand the main points and objective of the piece. The reflection on the other hand taught me how to analyze a story or quote and find my own interpretations and conclusions to the meanings behind what I am reading.

I have learned a lot during this quarter and I hope that it reflects in the diverse pieces I have chosen to showcase. I enjoyed writing these pieces and I hope you enjoy reading them.

Intro to I Feel Gay Today

Our second Major Writing Assignment (MWA#2) was a definition essay, which demonstrated how well we could describe and define a word that may have many meanings or interpretations. This was done through theories, actual definitions, and our own understanding of the word. My approach for this paper was to pick a controversial word because I felt that it would make my paper more interesting, and also because I would have a few interpretations to write about. I chose the word gay because, although I have no opposition to a homosexual lifestyle, I have picked up on the slang version in my own vocabulary to describe something of dislike. By writing this paper, I found it very interesting that a word over time can have so many meanings. I feel this paper is strong because I used various ways to define the word; even going as far back as the 1930’s; “ In the early 30’s, French terminology Gai was merely a state of being meaning happy or carefree.”

I Feel Gay Today

The once often used term for merry or cheerful, “gay” has completely morphed into many different meanings during the 20th century. The word gay, or Gai in old French language, originally meant “carefree,” “merry,” and “bright and showy,” and often appeared as theater titles such as Gaîté Parisienne, a 1938 ballet. In the 17th century, gay had sexual connotations because the word carefree implied immoral sexual behaviors. Even to this day, gay is once again changing from its former defintion. With definitions evolving over the years to fit into modern day slang, the word gay has managed to take on various meanings and implications.

In the early 30’s, French terminology Gai was merely a state of being meaning happy or carefree. Used throughout history, the word had no other meanings, and it wasn’t until the 17th century when carefree implied uninhibited by moral constraints, and gay had altered into slang for addicted to pleasures and dissipations. In the 19th century, the term “gay-life” was established, and described sexual behaviors between heterosexual people that were thought to be unethical, such as prostitution. It did not, at the time, mean sexual interactions between partners of the same sex, but later included this situation. If it had not been for the altered meaning in the 17th century, gay may have not taken the route that it has today.

Before looking up the actual etymology of the word gay, I thought that the dictionary definition would be just another way of saying homosexual. I was surprised to find that gay, according to Webster’s Dictionary, actually meant: “merry, cheerful, light-hearted, bright in color, brilliant, pleasure loving,” and not until the very end of the list did it state, “homosexual.” Gay can be used to describe men or women, and is known worldwide. Even though the original definition means happy or cheerful, if gay is said today, the initial reaction of the public is going to refer to a homosexual person.

Over the past five years or so, gay has also become a highly used slang word among the younger generations to describe something negative or something of dislike. I personally hear and use gay on a regular basis as an adjective for something uncomfortable, displeasing, or ugly, and not because it refers to homosexual people as immoral. However, this slang most likely originated by someone who disapproved of a gay lifestyle. It is not politically correct, but the development of words is not always approved or certified before it becomes used among the public. With gay becoming more of a negative statement and less of a lifestyle, the homosexual population has claimed this word as derogatory. This has made the word gay a very controversial statement. With two very definite and modern usages, it can be very confusing of what the actual implications are.

The way I have come to define the word gay is leaning more towards the slang version meaning something of dislike. However, when I do say it, I do not think of it as a means to put down the homosexual community. Being among the younger generation of slang terminology, it has been an accustomed way of calling something dumb, stupid, useless, or boring. I can see how this might offend a “gay” way of life, but with the development of the word, it does not include any certain way of living to be classified in a negative way.

During the last 75 years, the word gay has acquired more than three meanings. To some, it simply means to be in a happy, carefree state of being, others it means to live a promiscuous lifestyle, but more familiarly, it is used as being homosexual or as young slang term for something negative. With the evolution of lifestyles, definitions, and meanings, gay has taken on many forms and may still become something of much different implications.

Intro to Grant and Lee Summary

This piece is a summary of an essay we read in the middle of April contrasting the morals of Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant and how their differences ultimately united American life. During this quarter, we have learned to write a summary of an essay, story, or article. Before, I used to think a summary was just a rewording of what I had read, and my own interpretation of it. I have now learned that a summary is a shorter version of the writer’s thesis and main supporting ideas in my own words; also including the title of the piece and the author’s name. This summary is my best because it shows a clear understanding of the main points: “Robert E. Lee believed that social stature and “pronounced inequality” would build a better community by setting an example and standard of leadership and strength for the country to follow. Ulysses S. Grant, on the other hand, felt that the only way a social class should be established is by how hard a man worked and how much he had made of himself.”

Grant and Lee Summary

“Grant and Lee: A Study in Contrasts” by Bruce Catton is a compare and contrast essay about a turning point in American history. Robert E. Lee believed that social stature and “pronounced inequality” would build a better community by setting an example and standard of leadership and strength for the country to follow. Ulysses S. Grant, on the other hand, felt that the only way a social class should be established is by how hard a man worked and how much he had made of himself. With two very contrasting views on how social equality is relevant to running the country, Grant and Lee had one major characteristic in common, which was their fighting qualities along with their need for peace. These two qualities enabled them to come together and work through their differences, which in the end united American life and ultimately surrendered Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.

Intro to Touching the Void Reflection

After reading “Touching the Void” by Joe Simpson, we had to pick quotes from the text that we found interesting, or that we wanted to talk about in a seminar. Once we found three quotes, we then had to reflect on what we thought the quote means or what the relevance is. Unlike the summary writing, my seminar reflection allowed me to write how I felt about a certain quote and ask open-ended questions to myself instead of having a structured paragraph summing up the main points. I thought my reflection showed how I put a lot of thought into my writing, while keeping the book in mind. You can see this in my first quote reflection when I wasn’t sure what the quote really meant, but instead I wrote my interpretation of it: “I would have assumed his reaction would be a bit more angry/hurt/confused, but he states that he was shocked for a moment and then brushes it off like he should have known it all along. Maybe this is where a climber’s mindset comes it.” I found this assignment interesting because I was allowed to give my opinions on Touching the Void, like in a seminar, but through writing.

Touching the Void Reflection

“I saw the rope flick down, and my hopes sank. I drew the slack rope to me, and stared at the frayed end. Cut! I couldn’t take my eyes from it. White and pink nylon filaments sprayed out from the end. I suppose I had known it all along. It was a madness. Crazy to have believed it, but everything was getting that way” (Simpson 114).

This is the exact moment Joe found out what had happened, and that Simon had cut the rope, letting him fall to his own death. I chose this passage because I found it a bit odd in the fact that Joe was so calm about it. I would have assumed his reaction would be a bit more angry/hurt/confused, but he states that he was shocked for a moment and then brushes it off like he should have known it all along. Maybe this is where a climber’s mindset comes it. He knew his own destiny would probably be death and he couldn’t count on Simon to help him. It was a fend-for-yourself situation to begin with and Simon was just trying to help as much as he could, or delaying Joe’s ultimate fate.

“I had been on to a loser from the moment he broke his leg, and nothing could have changed it” (Yates 121)

When I read Simon’s reaction to cutting the rope, I was surprised. I would think that he would have thought more about how he felt bad for Joe and his family, but it seemed like he was thinking more of himself. He was a bit selfish by thinking that he was the one was screwed over. Instead of being sad over his friend’s death, he was worried about being blamed, and the ridicule he was going to face when he got home.

“If they had gone, what then? The prospect terrified me. I knew the answer only too well. I couldn’t believe that they would have left. It seemed inconceivable after my efforts. Nothing could be that cruel?” (Simpson 181).

While reading this I found myself totally agreeing with Joe that nothing could ever be that cruel. It just seemed like, if he had had enough will to live then he would be able to make it, but it was ultimately a matter of chance that Richard and Simon weren’t gone yet, and what exactly was keeping them there? For all Joe knew, nothing was keeping them there, and at that point he felt overwhelmed that he had done all this work for nothing and that maybe he was suppose to die. I can’t imagine being in Joe’s position at that moment, and I probably wouldn’t have kept going if I thought they had gone already.

Intro to Inventory of Being

Our first writing assignment in English 98 was the Inventory of Being piece. Similar to an icebreaker in a new class, we were asked to list our hobbies, favorite books, people, and food. We listed our likes and dislikes, and what made us who we are today. This assignment was to be written in poem form. This was my favorite assignment so far in college, it allowed me to really dig deep and find what made me who I am, and I also learned more about myself through this piece then I had originally realized. My favorite part in this piece is “I sing as loud as possible when I’m in my car, And I pretend I’m good at it,” as well as, “I’m addicted to dark chocolate, diet coke, and Myspace surveys and I hate steak and speed-bumps,” because it is completely true and is unique to my personality.

Inventory of Being

I am Emily

I am 20 years old

I’m only 61 inches tall, and I love it.
I have golden-bordered green eyes,
My hair is naturally dirty blonde (shhh),
But I disguise myself with bleach blonde locks.

I love to watch people,
I hope they don’t think I’m judging them.
I sing as loud as possible when I’m in my car,
And I pretend I’m good at it.

I want to learn to play the guitar,
But I don’t have the patience.

I don’t wish on stars,
I never regret anything,
And I hate roller coasters.

I am a movie fanatic,
especially when it comes to sad dramas,
And my only definite goal in life right now is to live on the beach.

I’m addicted to dark chocolate, diet coke, and Myspace surveys and I hate steak and speed-bumps.
I enjoy math and debating about my opinions,
And I hate to be wrong.

I am mesmerized by dancers and secretly wish I could be as good as them,
Instead…
I dance around my house when I’m alone.

I like the “bad boys,”
I shouldn’t…
It always turns out bad.

My mind is my own mysterious sanctuary.
I love to daydream.
I know I am artistic,
But I am always nervous to show my work.

I don’t want to be part of the drama anymore,
although, I still find myself gossiping.
For this, music is my drug and my release.

I believe in evolution and reincarnation,
But I’m not opposed to religion.

I like driving… but only fast.
I love the snow and hate the cold,
And I have yet to find a person who likes what is playing on my I-pod…
I don’t care.

I think everyone sees me as a “good girl.”
I hate it. I’m not.

I am Emily and this is 2007.