Passion Blog Semester 2 #5: The Top 5 Best Superhero Powers/Abilities in my Opinion

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Overview:

With respect to superheroes, every comic book recognizes that each character has its own unique power or ability. After reading comic books my entire life, I now recognize how these special abilities shape the personalities of different characters. For example, with Superman, his ability for Superhuman Strength allows him to be confident and assertive. Similarly, characters such as Batman with the special ability of stealth, allows him to be clever and cunning. Superpowers also demonstrate limitations of characters because they represent each character’s strengths and weaknesses. Therefore for my blog post this week, I have decided to write about the top 4 most beneficial superpowers based on my longtime experience with comic books.

 

Number 4: Super Speed/Flight:

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One of the most beneficial abilities for superheroes is the ability to appear super fast when confronting evil villains. In comic book stories, superheroes that possess super speed or flight include Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, and even Iron Man. With regards to Superman, Wonder Woman and the Flash, all from the famous DC Justice League, super speed allows them to find villains very quickly. There super speed allows them to dodge both attacks from evildoers, such as the Brainiac or Brutale, as well as natural disasters, such as meteors or asteroids. In comparison to the DC Universe, Iron Man’s super speed is much more interesting because his human creator, Tony Stark, created this ability by using technology. Iron Man’s metal suit has jet projectors that allow him to move super fast. I believe this reflects Tony Stark’s ability to be quick and productive when the situation requires it. Super speed or flight is crucial in allowing superheroes to escape attacks from villain.

 

Number 3: Invisibility

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Along with Super Speed, another important superpower that I believe is extremely valuable is invisibility. As many of you know, invisibility allows superheroes to hide without being seen by the enemy. This can be incredibly strategic, as the super villains often cannot plan an ambush against the hero. The most famous superhero with the power of invisibility is Marvel’s Sue Richards of the Fantastic Four, also well known as the Invisible Woman. Invisible Woman’s invisibility is much more useful than simply having the ability to disappear. The fact that she is invisible also allows her to walk through walls without making a sound. Furthermore, as some comic fans may know, invisibility is also an ability commonly tied in with force fields. This ability of Invisible Woman is incredibly helpful as force fields often generate an energy resistant to magical or explosive attacks. Therefore, with respect to invisibility, I believe the personality trait that best represents it is safety, as it allows superheroes to protect their comrades from attacks.

 

Number 2: Super Human Strength.

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            With respect to superheroes, one of the most common traits associated with them is the ability of superhuman strength. This ability is incredibly useful and is seen among a wide range of different characters. These include Wonder Woman, Captain America, The Hulk, and most famously, Superman. With respect to superhuman strength, many comic fans relate it to alter egos. With many superheroes with strengths, they often undergo major transformations in which they were not nearly as powerful beforehand. This is most evidently seen with Captain America as his human form, Steven Rogers, was originally described as very weak and feeble. After undergoing a scientific transformation, he was provided with super powerful muscles that allowed him to fight against villains. Similarly, the Hulk of the Avengers also obtained the ability of super strength due to a scientific malfunction in the lab. Overtime, the Hulk learnt how to control his abilities and became a vital fighter for his team. With respect to Wonder Woman and Superman, super human strength is important as it represents justice and fighting for what people believe in. In essence, superhero strength is often tied with righteousness and transformations among famous superhero characters.

 

Number 1: Stealth

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My favorite superhero ability is not one that any character gained inherited from a transformation, rather something gained from experience. This superhero ability is the power of stealth. Stealth is the most important aspect of a superhero because it demonstrates how a character is willing to use his or her abilities towards their advantage. As I mentioned earlier, Batman, also famously known under his surname Bruce Wayne, is the best example of a superhero with the ability of stealth. Despite not having any magical of superhuman abilities, Batman is a vital members of the Avengers Team because he can attack enemies without easily being spotted. He recognizes that to find and battle villains, such as the nefarious Joker, Batman needs to think cleverly and strategically. He is often patient with his attacks and only strikes when it is necessary. Similar to Batman, all superheroes to an extent use stealth because it is needed for them to develop strategies against villains. Therefore, I believe stealth is the most useful ability for a superhero because it demonstrates intelligence, a characteristic that is found in all ordinary people.

 

In-Conclusion

As a comic book fanatic, I am here to tell you that superhero powers reflect notable aspects of each character. Whether they possess invisibility, super speed, strength, or are just a stealthy individual, their super abilities shape their character development. Next time you read a comic, I suggest you pay close attention to how each character uses his or her powers. It will allow you to understand their hidden personalities and personas.

 

Images Work Cited:

 “Thread: Superman & Wonder Woman Appreciation!” CBR Community RSS. 30 Apr. 2014. Web. 22 Feb. 2015. <http://community.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?278-Superman-amp-Wonder-Woman-Appreciation!>.

Web. 22 Feb. 2015. <http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/File:SJPA_Iron_Man_1.png>.

“Invisible Woman.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Jan. 2007. Web. 22 Feb. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invisible_Woman>.

“World Breaker Hulk vs. One Punch Man.” – Battles. 22 Nov. 2013. Web. 22 Feb. 2015. <http://www.comicvine.com/forums/battles-7/world-breaker-hulk-vs-onepunchman-1513042/>.

Stapleton, Dan. “Batman: Arkham Origins Review – IGN.” IGN. 25 Oct. 2013. Web. 22 Feb. 2015. <http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/10/25/batman-arkham-origins-review>.

Civic Issues Blog #2: Gender Equalities and Inequalities in the American Workplace

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Overview; the Struggle for Women’s Rights:

When college students think of gender equalities in the workplace, they often view the issue as skewed and unfair. As many of you might be thinking, there does exist many inequalities for women in the workplace, even in the modern day. These often include unfair treatment at work, lower wages than men, and most notably, sexual harassment. These disparities regarding civil rights for women blatantly go against United States law. While there have been considerable improvements for women in the American workplace, it is evident that there is still a long stride before they receive equal opportunities. As a labor relations and human resources major, I plan to use this week’s blog to demonstrate the many inequalities women face in the modern American workplace.

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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Title Seven of the Civil Rights Act

As I noted in my previous blog posts, one of the most important organizations in human resources is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This agency is very evident in the modern American workplace as it aims to protect workers from any form of unfair discrimination. Back in 1964, Title Seven of the EEOC’s Civil Rights Act clearly stated that it “prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin” (http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/qanda.html). Therefore, under law in the modern workforce, women are protected from experiencing any inequalities based on their gender. This includes protections based on treatments from their bosses and especially sexual harassment

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Wage Discrimination/Protections

Furthermore, another misconception made by college students is that wages are not protected based on sex. In the modern era, many women do the same job as men but receive less money for their services. This demonstrates sexism and bosses attempting to screw over their employees. As a labor relations major, I am here to tell you that wages for women are protected under federal law. According “to the the Equal Pay Act of 1963 (http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/qanda.html),” men and women are protected against wage discrimination for doing the same job at the same quality. Therefore, whenever women experience discrimination for wages and protections, their bosses are breaking federal law.

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Modern Unfair Treatment for Working Women: Pregnancies

Despite protections under federal law, there are still countless modern situations where women experience prejudice in the workplace. According to the article Gender Equality as a Development Goal from Project Syndicate, one of the major problems women experience in the workplace surrounds pregnancy. Author BJØRN LOMBORG argues “that allowing women to decide if, when, and how often they become pregnant” will “lead to fewer deaths in childbirth and fewer infant deaths.” Unfortunately in the modern American workplace, many women do not receive fair treatment when they are pregnant. Many corporations still fail to recognize the health hazards the workplace has on pregnant women.

According to another article known as The Effects of Workplace Hazards on Female Reproductive Health, workplace chemicals often also affect the wellbeing of unborn children. The article then notes how Employees are “responsible for learning about the hazards in their workplace, using personal protective equipment, and following proper work practices.” Therefore, despite knowing about the unfair health hazards exposed to pregnant workers, many women still experience unhealthy conditions in the workplace.

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Sexual Harassment
            Along with wage discrimination and unfair pregnancy conditions, the most common inequality experience by women in the workplace is sexual harassment. This semester, I have learnt plenty about the effects of sexual harassment through my deliberation assignment. These often include psychological effects, the transmittance of sexually transmitted diseases and a sense of hopelessness. I am here to tell that in human resources, thousands of women unfortunately experience these horrid effects due to sexual harassment in the workplace. Last semester in Labor and Employment Relations 100, we learnt that nearly 7 out of every 10 workingwomen will experience some sort of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Another interesting fact I learnt was that there are also two different types of sexual harassment experienced by both women and men in the workplace: a quid pro quo or a Hostile Work Environment. According to the article Know Your Rights: Workplace Sexual Harassment by the American Association of University Women a quid pro quo is a “promotion or threat” experienced by women in order for them to maintain their jobs. Similarly, the article describes a hostile workplace as one where the “environment” feels “intimidating, hostile, or offensive” (http://www.aauw.org/what-we-do/legal-resources/know-your-rights-at-work/workplace-sexual-harassment/). In essence, when college students think of modern sexual harassments in the workplace, it is true that women experience greater chances and forms of discrimination than men.

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Conclusion: How we can better the Workplace for Everyone

Despite protections under law, it is evident that many working class women do not experience equal protections under the law as men. Whether experiencing wage inequalities, unfair treatment during pregnancies or sexual harassment, inequalities are very notable in the American workplace. Ways I believe we can improve the workplace are through demonstrations. It is imperative that we let our voices be heard and show how corporations are violating working conditions protected under law. Furthermore, I believe that as college students, a major lesson we can learn from this is empathy. Just as in the workplace, we as students have an obligation to understand unfair treatments and improve them when possible.

 Sources Works Cited

“Federal Laws Prohibiting Job Discrimination Questions And Answers.” Federal Laws Prohibiting Job Discrimination: Questions And Answers. 21 Nov. 2009. Web. 17 Feb. 2015. <http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/qanda.html>.

Lomborg, Bjørn. “Gender Equality as a Development Goal.” Project Syndicate. 17 Feb. 2015. Web. 17 Feb. 2015. <http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/gender-equality-development-goal-by-bj-rn-lomborg-2015-02>.

“The Effects of Workplace Hazards on Female Reproductive Health.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 June 2014. Web. 17 Feb. 2015. <http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/99-104/>.

“Know Your Rights at Work: Workplace Sexual Harassment.” AAUW Empowering Women Since 1881 Know Your Rights at Work Workplace Sexual Harassment Comments. Web. 17 Feb. 2015. <http://www.aauw.org/what-we-do/legal-resources/know-your-rights-at-work/workplace-sexual-harassment/>.

Images Works Cited

“Equality In The Workplace.” New Trends in Management -. Web. 17 Feb. 2015. <https://newtrendsinmanagement.wikispaces.com/Equality In The Workplace>.

Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Dec. 2007. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal_Employment_Opportunity_Commission#mediaviewer/File:US-EEOC-Seal.svg>.

 

“Premier League Clubs Can Cut Wages, Bundesliga’s Christian Seifert Says.” Web. 17 Feb. 2015. <http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/apr/04/premier-league-cut-wages-bundesliga>.

“SEXUAL HARASSMENT, DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOUR COMPANY!” Craig Bushon Show. 3 Nov. 2014. Web. 17 Feb. 2015. <http://www.craigbushonshow.com/sexual-harassment-dont-let-this-happen-to-your-company/>.

Chhabra, Smriti. “12 Tips for Pregnant Working Women.” Rediff. 16 Apr. 2013. Web. 17 Feb. 2015. <http://www.rediff.com/getahead/report/slide-show-1-health-tips-for-pregnant-working-women/20130416.htm>.

Passion Blog Semester 2 #4: The Comic Book Shop: A Guide for both Comic and Non-Comic Book Fans

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Overview: My View On Comic Book Shops

After writing this blog for two semesters, I have come to a major realization about my posts: I have never written a guide to comic book shops! Comic book shops are a key aspect for any comic book fan. There is even one in downtown State College known as Comic Swap! From all my experiences in different comic shops, I will tell you these unique stores are much more than a bunch of nerds looking for new issues! Comic Book shops contain many different sections to them. These include shelves filled with collectable card games, such as Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokémon, board games, role-playing games, and video game systems. As many college comic book fans know, comic shops contain many collectibles and products pertaining for popular culture. Therefore, for my blog this week, I am writing a guide about the many benefits of having a comic book shop in your local area.

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Shelves Filled with Comics

One of the most well known perceptions people have toward comic shops is a large shelf filled with comic shops. As a lifetime, and often passion, comic fan, I will tell you this ideology is completely true! Nearly every comic book store has plenty of shelves with new issues of various titles. These include Archie Comics, Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, the Avengers, and countless other titles. One of my favorite aspects about the comic book shelves at Comic Swap in State College is that the titles are organized alphabetically as well as by genre. I find this organization in the store incredibly helpful because it lets me find titles quickly and efficiently. Manga, Japanese comics translated into English and graphic novels can also be found on these racks. Furthermore, another shelf that is often found in comic shops is a spinning rack. Spinning racks are often used in comic shops for younger readers to quickly find issues. In essence, Comic shelves and racks are one of the most common elements in a comic shop.

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Boxes Filled with Back-Issues (Past Comic books from Different times or Eras)

If you have ever been inside a comic book shop, you will often notice many boxes jammed onto the side or in the back corner. Whenever I see these larges white wooden crates, I immediately smile. These are often filled with back-issues, or hard to find comics. Back-Issues are very helpful for a dedicated comic book fan like me! Since comics, such as Superman and Batman, have been out for close to century at this point, it always excites me whenever I find past issues in a comic shop. This is what truly helps me complete my collections. To any fans not familiar with back issues, another benefit to them is price! Comic book shops usually sell them for a bargain since the comics are often old or not in proper shape! Next time you head to the comic shop blog readers, I definitely suggest checking out back issues.

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Role Playing Board Games and Collectible Card Games

Another major aspect about comic book shops is board and collectible card games. In nearly every shop I have been in, there is a section, or multiple sections dedicated to board games. For non comic book fans, board games such as Dungeons and Dragons are a key element in comic shops. Board game RPG’s relate incredibly well to comic book fans because they incorporate aspects such as magic and fantasy. Comic books often take fans to magical and wondrous realms filled with unrealistic elements. This also applies to board games. Along with role-playing games, collectible card games are also a common fix in comic book shops. Card games, such as Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh! and Magic the gathering, are bought at comic book stores. Comic shops are also known for hosting tournaments for each of these titles to boost business. Card and Board games demonstrate how comic shops are much more than simply comics.

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The Staff

            A notable aspect about comic shops is the staff that runs the store. As a comic book fan my entire life, one of the most notable stereotypes I have encountered about comic shops owners is their appearance. People often perceive them to be overweight middle-aged men who spend their time reading quietly in the back. While this stereotype can be true, I am here to tell you that many comic shop owners do not represent this image. Many shop owners are very knowledgeable about where everything in the shop is located, as well as specific tastes and preferences. One thing I also like about the staff in Comic Swap is that the owners allows customers to preorder their copies of issues before they are released. This makes it very easy and helpful in reserving copies that sell out quickly in comic shops. Next time you visit a comic shop, please judge the staff based on their helpfulness rather than their overall appearance.

In Conclusion

Comic book shops are a vital part about being a comic book fan. Comic shops contain nearly every new issue recently printed and are often easy to navigate. Comic shops also have a great reputation for helping fans complete their collections. So next time you college fans are curious about a comic shop, I highly suggest you check out Comic Swap in Downtown State College!

Images Works Cited

Boose, Kris. “Comic Swap.” Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. -. 23 June 2008. Web. 16 Feb. 2015. <http://www.diamondcomics.com/Home/1/1/3/814?articleID=25124>.

“Why You Should Read Comics: Finding What Is Right For You – Blog by Fantaffx – IGN.” IGN. 24 Jan. 2013. Web. 16 Feb. 2015. <http://www.ign.com/blogs/fantaffx/2013/01/24/why-you-should-read-comics-finding-what-is-right-for-you>.

“Comic Book Hunter & Gatherer.” Comic Shop Review. 4 Aug. 2014. Web. 16 Feb. 2015. <http://comicbookhunter.blogspot.com/2014/08/comic-shop-review-comic-relief.html>.

“What Do You Think of the New Dungeons & Dragons Logo?” Boing Boing BBS. Web. 16 Feb. 2015. <http://bbs.boingboing.net/t/what-do-you-think-of-the-new-dungeons-dragons-logo/32115>.

“File:The Simpsons-Jeff Albertson.png.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 29 Jan. 2009. Web. 16 Feb. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comic_Book_Guy#mediaviewer/File:The_Simpsons-Jeff_Albertson.png>.

Passion Blog Semester 2 #3: The Emergence of Comics in Digital Media.

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Overview:     

As a freshman in college, I find it interesting how attached people are to online and digital media. I am sure almost everyone of you reading this post have either a smart phone, a tablet, a Kindle, and of course a laptop. As technology continues to progress, we often use electronics to stream our favorite forms of media, such as television shows, movies, and news network. Of course, as an expert in everything relating to comics, I am here to tell you that comics are also becoming implemented into digital media in many forms. This includes being available as APPs, as exclusive web comics, and especially through online websites. The availability to read classic and new comic stories is readily available to any fan. Therefore, with my passion blog this week, I plan to elaborate on how comics are more available than ever through digital online media.

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Comic Book APPs Available on ITunes:

Since we live in a world surrounded by the use of the Internet, it is no surprise that ITunes has begun to distribute classic comic book stories through the use of their Applications. As a fan of digital media, I find this extremely helpful in reading stories. Rather than go to comic book stores, which are becoming increasingly harder to come by these days, I now have the opportunity to read the latest issues instantly. Fans can now view stories, such as Superman, Spiderman, Archie, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, anytime anywhere. Some of the perks of the APPs are that they also immediately go into the next issue of the series that is being read. When I first downloaded some of the comic book APPs on my phone, I found this incredibly helpful! First it let me continue reading a series without stopping, which can be hard for comic fans looking for hard to find issues. Secondly, the APP also allowed me to read stories that were long out of print and hard to find. This is also incredibly helpful for college comic fans that want to know the long origins of characters such as Wonder Woman or Black Widow. I strongly suggest that next time you have some free time to download a comic book APP and let your imagination soar.

 

Exclusive Online Web Comics

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Along with the availability of classic stories, digital media also allows exclusive web comics for fans to enjoy. I remember first hearing about Web Comics from my friend Mark in eleventh grade. He told me how online web comics were becoming a very popular trend among science fiction fans. He recommended the story Homestuck to me, an online web story that portrays the misadventures of a character named John Egbert. When I first read this story, I did not think I would enjoy it as much as I did. Within this web comic, the reader follows John’s journey through a chaotic video game world as he befriends the nefarious, and often comedic, trolls. As with many comics, John’s adventure portrays his relationships with his home friends, his struggle to battle the trolls, and even come to terms with who he is as individual. Other aspects I found intriguing with this web comic were how it incorporated animation into the story. With the expanding world of the Internet, web comics such as Homestuck, can expand the capabilities of stories to include animations. In essence, Homestuck represents the advantages of reading web comics to printed media.

Online Manga Websites

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While online comics are interesting in that they represent unique stories, Online Manga Websites are also a very useful form of online media. Manga is a genre that represents Japanese comics translated into English. In modern times, many comics stories exclusively released in Japan can now be viewed instantly on our IPads. Recently in 2012, the famous Japanese Manga magazine Shonen Jump was released digitally on their American Website. I found this incredibly useful because now I could read stories such as Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach without having to wait months or even years before they were compiled as graphic novels in the United States. Furthermore, I also found Shonen Jump’s online magazine as useful for protecting copyright. Before the magazine was published online, many comic fans used illegal websites to view their stories, rather than wait for American publications. With digital media, fans and creators alike can experience culture through comics from different countries.

 

Conclusion: Why Digital Media Matters for Comic Book Fans

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Digital online media through the Internet has revolutionized the way people experience stories. As a comic book fan, I can tell you that the Internet is incredibly helpful for viewing hard to find and unique stories.   Whether reading classics stories such as Batman, or new stories like Homestuck, the Internet expands opportunities to read comics. By reading comics online, fans experience how comics have evolved over time as well as how they have stayed the same.

 

Images Works Cited

Andrews, David. “THE COMIC BOOK LOVERS GUIDE TO SMARTPHONE APPS.” « Comic Book and Movie Reviews. Web. 9 Feb. 2015. <http://www.comicbookandmoviereviews.com/2013/06/the-comic-book-lovers-guide-to.html#.VNjypin4vFI>.

Ritchie, Rene. “Best IPad App for Comic Book Buying: Comics Review.” IMore. 24 Jan. 2012. Web. 9 Feb. 2015. <http://www.imore.com/ipad-app-comic-book-buying-comics>.

Hussie, Andrew. “File:Homestuck Book 1.jpg.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Feb. 2013. Web. 9 Feb. 2015. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homestuck#mediaviewer/File:Homestuck_Book_1.jpg>.

“Shonen Jump Alpha Launches; Print Magazine Goes Digital.” Manga Worth Reading RSS. 12 Feb. 2012. Web. 9 Feb. 2015. <http://comicsworthreading.com/2012/02/12/shonen-jump-alpha-launches-print-magazine-goes-digital/>.

Dubrawa, John. “Budget Comic Buyer’s Guide Pt. 2: The Digital Advantage.” Comic Book Blog Talking Comics. 15 Jan. 2015. Web. 10 Feb. 2015. <http://talkingcomicbooks.com/2015/01/15/budget-comic-buyers-guide-pt-2-digital-advantage/>.

Civic Issues Blog #1: The Changing Roles of the Gay and Transgender Community in the American workforce.

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Overview

As a college student at Pennsylvania State University, one of the most well known aspects of the school is its sense of diversity. People from all over the world with different cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds, perceptions and beliefs attend our prestigious university. Our sense of acceptance includes the gay and transgender community. Here at Penn State, I have seen gay and lesbian couples, as well as transgender students, take great pride within themselves and each other.   As a major in labor and employment relations, I see our school’s sense of openness as a sign of potentially better conditions in the American work force. Historically, the LGBT community has experienced widespread discrimination in the American workplace based their orientation. Their sense of belonging here at Penn State demonstrates a similar fight in the American and international workforce. Gay and lesbian activists are beginning to take a stand for equal rights and opportunities against unfair laws and regulations.

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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding homosexuality

As a human resources major, I believe that many laws in the American workforce discriminates against the gay and transgender community. One of the most famous labor laws I studied last semester in LER 100 was the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC was originally established in 1965 as a law used to prevent discrimination in the workplace. According to the legislature, the EEOC under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act “prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin” (http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/titlevii.cfm). When I first learnt of the EEOC I originally thought it extended to workers that are gay, lesbian or transgender. However, the Civil Rights Act does not defend workers based on orientation. Even despite the increase in gay marriage states, including Pennsylvania it is clear that the Civil Rights Act is still being questioned regarding LGBT rights.

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Modern Discrimination Based on Gender Identity

When I study cases in labor studies regarding identity discrimination, I have trouble understanding how sexuality and gender identity are still not protected for workers. One of the highest discriminated groups in the United States is workers who identify themselves as transgender. According to the Human Rights Campaign, 13 transgender women were murdered in 2014 and two more were killed this year. Nearly 9 out of every 10-transgender workers experience discrimination in the workplace and many states do have regulations to protect them. This is often considered ironic in modern times among certain politicians as the EEOC and Civil Rights act protect against gender discrimination.   Executive director of Trans People of Color Coalition Kylar Broadus argues that “it is imperative to address the social, economic, policy and structural barriers that prevent transgender people” (http://www.hrc.org/press-releases/entry/with-two-deaths-already-reported-in-2015-hrc-spotlights-violence-against)   from receiving equality in the workplace. Preventing transgender workers from receiving equal treatment shows a key hypocrisy regarding American laws and policies.

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Changes in the United States

While discrimination among the LGBT community is still very noticeable, there has also been significant progress in recent years for those who identify themselves as gay. As college students, the annual State of the Union Address is one of the most publicized political events. This past year, I remember watching the speech made by President Obama where he addressed how the LGBT community is a vital part of the American workforce. Obama noted that as Americans “we defend free for speech women, religious minorities” and “people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.” After watching Obama recognize the necessity to protect people of all backgrounds, I realize that there is a potential for change in the United States. According to CNN, Obama was also the first president to mention the transgender community in his speech, which shows how we are living in an era ready for change. (http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/20/politics/obama-transgender-sotu/)

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Changes Internationally

Along with changes within the United States, I also found it incredibly interesting how international policies are also addressing gay and transgender writes in economic conferences. According to the article Gay rights takes center stage at Davos, Caroline Fairchild describes how gay rights were a key issue addressed at the “World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland.” An interesting statistic addressed at the conference was how “workers who are closeted are 70% more likely to leave their employer and look for a job where they feel more comfortable” (http://fortune.com/2015/01/23/davos-gay-rights/). This in turn affects productivity in the international workplace by preventing workers from feeling comfortable in their own abilities. Therefore, as a labor studies major, it is clear that international businesses are beginning to protect LGBT rights to better their productivity rates.

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Conclusion

The modern American workplace, is beginning to become more accepting toward the LGBT community. The Civil Rights Act of 1965 demonstrates a major hypocrisy among civil rights due to its failure to protect those that identify as homosexual. Speeches made by President Obama and policies enacted in international economic conferences show how businesses are affected as a result of discrimination. In essence, I believe that as Penn State college students, we understand that living in a diverse environment requires acceptance and understanding toward others.

Sources Works Cited:

Jaffe, Alexandria. “Obama Makes Historic ‘transgender’ Reference in SOTU – CNN.com.” CNN. Cable News Network, 20 Jan. 2015. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/20/politics/obama-transgender-sotu/>.

“With Two Deaths Already Reported in 2015, HRC Spotlights Violence Against Transgender People.” Human Rights Campaign. 30 Jan. 2015. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://www.hrc.org/press-releases/entry/with-two-deaths-already-reported-in-2015-hrc-spotlights-violence-against>.

“Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.” Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/titlevii.cfm>.

“What You Should Know about EEOC and the Enforcement Protections for LGBT Workers.” What You Should Know about EEOC and the Enforcement Protections for LGBT Workers. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/wysk/enforcement_protections_lgbt_workers.cfm>.

Fairchild, Caroline. “Gay Rights Takes Center Stage At Davos.” Fortune Gay Rights Takes Center Stage At Davos Comments. 23 Jan. 2015. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://fortune.com/2015/01/23/davos-gay-rights/>.

Images Works Cited:

Jaffe, Alexandria. “Obama Makes Historic ‘transgender’ Reference in SOTU – CNN.com.” CNN. Cable News Network, 20 Jan. 2015. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/20/politics/obama-transgender-sotu/>.

Thomas, Ian. “Anti-Gay Pandering Cannot Stop Historic Momentum for LGBT Rights.” American Civil Liberties Union. 20 May 2012. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <https://www.aclu.org/blog/lgbt-rights-religion-belief/anti-gay-pandering-cannot-stop-historic-momentum-lgbt-rights>.

Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Dec. 2007. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equal_Employment_Opportunity_Commission#mediaviewer/File:US-EEOC-Seal.svg>.

Smith, Owen. “Non- Discrimination Laws Will Improve the Lives of Transgender Marylanders — and Everyone Else.” LGBTQ Nation RSS. 28 Feb. 2013. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2013/02/non-discrimination-laws-will-improve-the-lives-of-transgender-marylanders-and-everyone-else/>.

Passion Blog Semester 2 #2: Newspaper Comics that demonstrate Everyone’s Inner Child

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Overview

 

As Penn State College Students living in the twenty-first century, newspapers have often grown out of date. Rather than reading news and printed stories in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, or the Huffington Post, we often choose to read stories electronically. While news articles are much more present in online Media, newspaper comics are still very dominant in American media. Growing up my entire life with a passion for comics, I used to spend hours laughing about the bizarre adventures so many newspaper characters experienced. Some of my favorites include Calvin and Hobbes, Garfield, and of course, the Archie Series. Therefore, for this blog, I am going to write about newspaper comics that appeal to people’s inner child.

 

Calvin and Hobbes

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As college students, many of us can relate to the hilarious hijinks of Calvin and his lion friend Hobbes. I remember growing up on Sunday mornings after eating a large breakfast with my family and just laughing about how ridiculous these two characters were.   The series, originally written by Bill Watterson in 1985, demonstrates life lessons associated with adolescence As a child, Calvin is depicted as very mischievous and often tries to go on adventures through his neighborhood. Calvin represents the innocence of young children intending to go on their own journeys in the world. Hobbes, Calvin’s best friend and stuffed lion, is often seen as the voice of reason when Calvin lands them in tough situations. What many fans of the newspaper series may not know is that Hobbes is actually a stuffed animal. This truly relates to children at a young age playing with their stuffed toys and pretending they are real. Therefore, next time any of you college students are looking for a nostalgic read, I highly recommend reading the ongoing Calvin and Hobbes newspaper series.

 

Garfield

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As an owner of two cats and a dog, another of my favorite newspaper comics is Garfield The Cat. Garfield, originally introduced by Jim Davis in 1978, chronicles the life of a comedic cat and his attempts to impress his master, Jonathan Arbuckle. Growing up, Garfield always related to how I felt about my pets. In the comic series, one of Garfield’s longest running inside jokes is his rivalry with fellow pet, Odie the dog. The two often compete with each other for the affections of Jonathan. Similarly, with respect to my own pets, they also compete for my affections even to this day. My two cats, Gracie and Lucy, often antagonize my dog Gillian until they are all barking at each other. As with Garfield, they often try to gain the most attention from my family. Garfield has also spun into many films and television shows, which made him an American icon. For any pet fans, the Garfield newspaper comics are a great addition to your reading lists.

 

Charlie Brown

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One of the absolute most classic newspaper comics ever written is the Charlie Brown series. Originally written by Charlie Schulz in 1950, Charlie Brown has become a key aspect of American culture. His loyal and faithful dog, Snoopy, is well known among fans as being laid back, in comparison to Charlie Brown’s uptight attitude. Other famous characters such as Lucy, Linus, Pepperment Patty, and Marcie were all originally introduced in the classic Peanut newspaper comics. Charlie Brown as many readers known, has also expanded into many other forms of media, such as television series and movies. As a comic fan now reflecting on his nostalgia, one of the main reasons I love the Charlie Brown series is that is reminds me of my childhood. Many of Charlie’s misadventures are relatable to middle and high school students, such as clumsiness, first dates, embarrassments, and coming of age. Next time Penn State college want to remind themselves of their high school antics, I strongly recommend the Charlie Brown newspaper comics.

 

Archie Comics

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As many of you know from reading my blogs over these past two semesters, my absolute favorite comic series of all time is the Archie Series. However, what many fans of the long running series fail to recognize is that Archie is often a staple in modern newspaper comics. As with his adventures in the main series, Archie is constantly trying to decide between his two girlfriends, Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge. As a fan of the Archie Series my entire life, the main difference I notice between the comics and newspapers is the humor. The comic series often drags out the stories for an entire issue, while the newspaper only shows a few strips for the characters. I find this great for comic fans because it gets to the jokes and punch lines much quicker than in a full-length issue. This Sunday, when the newspaper goes on sale in State College, I recommend all you humor fans to pick up the latest newspaper stories of Archie and his friends.

 

Conclusion

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Newspapers, especially in the modern age and era, are becoming a thing of the past. One of the most common elements of Sunday newspapers is their comic sections. This section is often short and brief but includes stories that are very relatable to modern Americans. When you Penn State students are done sleeping in and eating your cereal on Sunday mornings, I strongly suggest you pick up the Sunday paper. Newspaper comics will satisfy your nostalgia for the past!

 

Images Works Cited:

“UNITY Disappointed in The New York Times’ Decision to Continue Use of Term “illegal Immigrant” – UNITY Journalists for Diversity.” UNITY Journalists for Diversity UNITY Disappointed in The New York Times Decision to Continue Use of Term Illegal Immigrant Comments. 25 Apr. 2013. Web. 31 Jan. 2015.

 

Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 18 July 2008. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_and_Hobbes#mediaviewer/File:Calvin_and_Hobbes_Original.png>.

 

“Garfield Photo: Garfield.” Fan Pop. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/garfield/images/26077854/title/garfield-photo>.

 

Schulz, Charles. “Charlie Brown « Peanuts.” Peanuts. 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://www.peanuts.com/characters/charlie-brown/#.VM1LNSn4ulI>.

 

Comicbookvines.com, Archie Andrews. July 7, 2011.

 

NATIONAL NEWSPAPER CARRIER DAY – September 4.” National Day Calendar. 2 May 2014. Web. 31 Jan. 2015. <http://nationaldaycalendar.com/days-2/national-newspaper-carrier-day-september-4/>.

 

 

Passion Blog Semester 2#1: Comic Book Recommendations for the Netflix Fan

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Overview:

As college students, we live in an era surrounded by technology. Modern electronics such as televisions, I pads, cell phones and tablets allow us to stream television stories and movies instantly in nearly every location. During Christmas break, my family acquired Netflix. For the first time in my life, I was given unlimited access to television shows and movies that I have near seen or heard of before. As a lifelong comic book fan, I like to see television shows through the perspective of a comic fan. While I do like Netflix, nothing beats going to pick up the latest issue of story, rather than immediately streaming through it. Therefore, for this blog, I have decided to write about comic books I recommend based on people’s interest in Netflix’s programs.

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Comedies:

On Netflix, one of the most popular additions to the website is the long running comedy Friends. Friends depict a group of young adults living together in an apartment. I was first introduced to the series over ten years ago when I first watched the program with my mom and sister. As both a comedy fan and fan of Friends, the Comic series I most recommend to Netflix Fans is the Life With Archie series now published in graphic novels from Archie. While many of you Netflix fanatics may remember Archie as the comedic high school character from your adolescence, Life With Archie takes place when Archie is a young adult. Just like many of the characters in Friends such as Rachel Green, Phoebe Buffay or Joey Tribbiani, Archie and his Friends now must deal with the relationships and responsibilities of being an adult. This includes relationships, living arrangements, potential marriages, and breakups. Furthermore, Archie’s two girlfriends, Betty and Veronica are also portrayed as more mature in this series, and demand true respect from Archie. For any college fans of Friends, I highly recommend Life with Archie as your next comic read.

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Dram-edy (The Mixture of a Drama and Comedy)

When I first got Netflix, one of the first series I watched was the series Orange is the New Black. This series is about a woman named Piper who goes to prison due as a result of carrying illegal drugs across borders. As a comic book fan, I saw this original series from Netflix as very powerful in demonstrating the effects of prison. As in many comic Superhero stories regarding women, Piper is portrayed as intellectual and clever. Like Superhero Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff, of the Avengers, Piper comes across as innocent with her fellow inmates. However, when it comes to he safety, she fights back fiercely to save her life. Therefore for any fans of Orange is the New Black, I strongly suggest you pick up stories about Black Widow of the Avengers. As with Piper, Black Widow knows how to come across as helpless but easily fight back. As demonstrated with her most famous scene in the 2012 film the Avengers, Black Widow is more than able to defend herself from guns-men and use her legs to kick them in the face.

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Crime Drama:

One of my favorite shows I am currently watching on Netflix is the 2008 crime drama Breaking Bad. Breaking Bad is an interesting show about a high school chemistry teacher who turns to a life of crime making meth. The main Character, Walter White, along with his young assistant Jessie Pinkman, make and sell meth in order to protect the financial situation of White’s family. Through the eyes of a comic book fan, Walter White represents the embodiment of an anti-hero. Despite his attempts to maintain the financial stability of his family, Walter becomes increasingly more ruthless in battling his enemies. Walter’s life, in a sense, becomes based on his need for survival. For any Breaking Bad fans, I truly recommend the Batman Dark Knight Comic or film series. As with Walter White, Batman is often seen as a hero in hiding. As seen in the film, Batman Dark Knight, Bruce Wayne causes the Batman to appear as a villain in order to maintain the stability in Gotham. Just as with Walter White, everything Batman does, including the destruction of his own identity is out of protection for the wellbeing of Gotham. For you college students eating popcorn, binge-watching Breaking Bad as I have been this past month, I truly recommend reading the classic Batman Dark Knight comic series.

 

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Conclusion:

In essence, Netflix has become implanted into our culture as college students. I mean who needs to go out when some of the best series are constantly available for streaming online? Well, if you get the chance, I highly recommend taking a break from Netflix and going to the local comic shop in State College. There are so many characters, beyond the ones I have just mentioned, where you can get that Netflix feel without being on your laptops. Some benefits include more unique stories, parallel world, and cartoon art. So next time television is boring you, I highly suggest comics: the printed version of Netflix!

Images Works Cited:

Langton, Summer. “Top 10 Netflix Movies and Shows to Watch This Winter | Dailycal.org.” The Daily Californian. 21 Nov. 2014. Web. 25 Jan. 2015. <http://www.dailycal.org/2014/11/21/top-10-netflix-movies-shows-watch-winter/>.

Guerrero, Tony. “Exclusive Preview: LIFE WITH ARCHIE #28.” Comic Vine. 22 Mar. 2013. Web. 25 Jan. 2015. <http://www.comicvine.com/articles/exclusive-preview-life-with-archie-28/1100-146283/>.

“No Reservations Film Locations – On the Set of New York.com.” No Reservations Film Locations – On the Set of New York.com. 2007. Web. 25 Jan. 2015. <http://onthesetofnewyork.com/noreservations.html>.

“Orange Is the New Black.” IMDb. IMDb.com, 2013. Web. 25 Jan. 2015. <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2372162/>.

Batman Wiki.com Batman (Batman: Arkham City)/Galle. 2013.

Wikpedia.com Black Widow (Natalia Romanova). 1967. By Don Heck.

“Breaking Bad.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Sept. 2013. Web. 25 Jan. 2015. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_Bad>.

RCL Blog Semester 2 #3: This I Believe Rough Draft; In Memory of Charlie

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Before Reading this post, I know it is long and plan to cut it down massively for the speech.  I am sorry in advance if it comes across as a sad and tragic tale near the end.  I am writing from memories that I remember growing up with in dedication of an amazing individual who I think about and remember always.  Thank you.

I believe in the power of a friendship. Close and long-lasting friendships are often developed in our adolescence. Childhood friendships contain a unique innocence to them. As kids, people we associate with can sometimes demonstrate our own open-mindedness.  I believe in the power of a friendship, as the memories remain long after a person is gone.

I remember the first day I met him. It was my first day of second grade back in September of 2003. As I entered into the bleak elementary school classroom, my teacher, Miss Cheryl Mattis, instructed me to sit next to a kid named “Charlie Zhang.” I remember walking down towards the back of the class looking pensive and thinking to myself, “wow, I am already a few days late. How am I going to feel in since with the class?”

As I entered the back of the room, that is when I first saw him giggling. This short little Chinese boy with bright shining black hair, brown eyes and the biggest grin on his face. As I walked continued walking pensively, he waved towards me, indicating that I should sit next to him. As I sat down, I could tell from his papers, that he had been doodling on them, rather than taking notes. I asked Charlie what he was drawing and he responded by laughing again saying. He responded “my image of myself.” The drawing looked nothing like Charlie, however, that is when I first recognized a key aspect in starting a friendship. The ability of being open with who you are and how you view yourself.

Friendship is derived from common interests and bonding. People are able to bond over mutual hobbies, games, and ideas. After I first met Charlie, we gradually became close friends. I remember spending countless hours throughout all of second grade reading Japanese comics, playing Super Smash Bros Melee, and ordering Dominoes’ Pizza. Just being in Charlie’s company allowed me to feel comfortable and recognize that friendships are based on enjoying each other’s company. I remember one day, at the end of our second grade school year, Charlie and I were trading Yu-Gi-Oh cards. Yu-Gi-Oh was one of our favorite pastimes and we would talk about nearly everyday at school. I remember Charlie’s smiling face as he said, “Matt Lets make a trade that represents our friendship.” He wanted to trade me one of his cards in Chinese, the all powerful Buster Blader, in exchange for my dragon card, Hyozanryu. I said sure and Charlie gave me a high five, which was our way of signaling an agreement. Now as I look back at that card over a decade later, I recognize that Charlie was signaling what our friendship meant to him; a connection that could last a lifespan.

I learnt that friendships are based around differences. As I continued growing up, Charlie continued to be a lifelong role model to me throughout all of middle and high school. Many of my closest friends, including people of the names Ocean, Larry, Laurel, Jeffrey, Jacky and Richard I was lucky enough to know as a result of Charlie. That is one of the greatest attributes of a friendship: the ability for people to introduce themselves to others; to become a tree of life that is long and prosperous.

Looking back, I will always remember the day my opinions regarding my friendship with Charlie changed.  Near the end of our senior year in high school, Charlie posted an incredible post known as the “sources of hetero-normativity” on Facebook; in which he came out as a male to female transgender. All those years of friendship we had, I never recognized Charlie was recognizing who he was as a person. I could not have been happier for him as it demonstrates that true friendships are capable of understanding beyond simple means; it requires openness. Just as Charlie pointed out in his drawing from second grade, he finally “drew the image” of himself he wanted to project to the world.

Following Charlie’s decision to reveal himself, I now recognize that a true friendship requires understanding, even at the most tragic and extreme extents. Six months after Charlie came out to the world, his amazing spirit ended in suicide. I remember sitting in English class at eight am on March 20, 2014, and could not resist holding back tears. I did not know what to fathom. That sweet little kid whose sole presence in my life for over a decade was now no longer a part of it. Every one of the amazing people Charlie introduced me to came up and embraced me that day and in a sense they have never let go. They are the piece of him I still have around me, and in my view they are his legacy. When I see them, I remember Charlie and how the bonds of friendship transcend time.

As a freshmen at Penn State University, I now and always will believe in the power of a friendship. The beauty of a friendship is that the memories and influences people have on others remains, long after their lives have ended. As I see the amazing diversity and acceptance in the school, I recognize how Charlie was one of the most unique and interesting people I have had the pleasure of knowing. He would be happy that the pensive elementary school student he knew has flourished into a person he would be proud to know. I believe that a friendship, as Charlie always used to put it, is about being open and proud of who you are destined to be.

 

 

 

 

RCL Blog Semester 2 #2

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Overview:

As I mentioned in my previous RCL blog post, I am looking forward to writing about things that I am interested in this semester. I believe that blogs are a form of writing that demonstrates a person’s interests. Writers use blogs to express their unique opinions to a specific audience. Therefore, as with last semester, I hope to draw upon my own experiences and passions to describe myself as an individual.

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My Passion Blog:

 

For my passion blog, I have decided to continue my blog surrounding my love of everything comics. Since I was a little kid, comics have been a very important aspect of my life. Long before the days of Netflix and Hulu, where people use the Internet to view their favorite television programs, I would sit in my room and read comics. These include Archie Comics, Marvel and DC comics and even lesser known titles such as Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Sonic the Hedgehog.

Last semester, I focused on the specific titles and genres that I found interesting. These include comic book characters found in different movies, video games and television shows. This semester I plan to write about how comic book characters are similar and different to modern television shows that I have recently watched including Doctor Who, Orange is the New Black and Breaking Bad. I also plan to focus on different conventions people attend such as the San Diego Comic Con or Anime Next. I plan to also incorporate newspaper comics found in the Sunday paper, as they are crucial in bringing awareness about modern political ideologies and changes.

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My Civic Issues Blog:

With respect to my Civil Issues Blog, I plan to write about working conditions among American employers. As I described previously in my last blog post, I am a double major in labor and employment relations as well as Spanish business Administration. I feel that my blog could be very useful in describing how, despite in the modern age and era, many groups of people suffer from mistreatment and discrimination. These include women, minorities, Female and Male trans-genders, and homosexuals. I will also plan to talk about how internationally, there are still many issues facing affecting immigrants, especially from Mexico and Central America. Lastly, with my Civic Issues Blog, I will mention how unions, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, are crucial in protecting workers’ rights and privileges. In essence, I will describe both national and international working policies in the viewpoint of a pre-law double major.

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My This I Believe Speech:

For my This I Believe Speech, I plan to write about the power of a friendship. Growing up, I always addressed my friends as important role models in my life. There was one person, my friend Charlie Zhang, who always supported and inspired me. Growing up with this funny lovable guy, I could always smile and laugh. We used to spend hours playing yugioh and pokemon together, laughing as carefree as can be. Many of my closest friends in high school, who also inspired and affected my life, I developed through Charlie.

However, unfortunately Charlie passed away last year from Suicide. He was questioning his gender and also experienced brain trauma to the head last year in a car accident. Charlie’s passing allowed me to focus on the power of those around me and recognize that friends are all unique and special. To me, Charlie’s life reminds me to always look toward the future as your friends lead you to light.

 

Conclusion:

I plan to continue writing about my experiences and passions as a person and individual. I hope my writing appeals to your experiences and interests.

RCL Blog Semester 2 #1: Blog Ideas

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Overview

Last semester during Rhetoric and Civic Life I, I remember thinking to myself wow I have never written blogs before. I often wondered what should be included in them, such as the language and content. Now, as I sit here halfway through my freshmen year of college, I recognize that blogs are a form of expression through writing. Blogs demonstrate how people incorporate their ideas regarding specific viewpoints. This semester, I plan to continue writing about topics and issues in which I am passionate about.

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Two Ideas for my Passion Blog

Last semester, I decided to focus my passion blog on comic books and the entertainment industry. Many of my blog posts focused on different issues regarding the comic book market. These included conventions, films, art styles, and how characters from different companies change overtime. As I sit here typing my first RCL blog, I am questioning whether I should continue my “Love of Comics” blog during my second semester.

While I did enjoy writing about comics, I believe I have covered almost every aspect of the industry. My first new idea for passion blog for this semester would be about Spanish. I am a double major in labor studies and Spanish business so I think a blog about Spanish language might be interesting. It might also be interesting to write about Spanish language and culture from an American born perspective. Second, my other idea for my Passion blog would be about food in State College. I am a huge fan of trying new foods and I have not had many opportunities to venture into State College to write about it. I would also focus my blog on food in different parts of Campus, such as in East Halls, Redifer, and in the Hub.

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Two Ideas for my Civic Issues Blog

            One of my main ideas for my Civic Issues Blog would be about the treatment of workers in the American workforce. I am a labor studies major which focuses on human resources in the American workplace. Therefore, my studies have taught me how the American justice System unfairly treats many of its workers based on gender, sexuality and sexual identity. In my blog I will focus on the injustices experienced by different workers. These will include protests, new national legislation enacted by congress, and how American workers are responding to these changes.

My second idea for my Civic Issues blog would be about the American Economy. The American economy affects every citizen in different ways and it is a major aspect of labor studies. In my Civic Issues Blog, I would describe the economic conditions experienced by men and women of different social classes. I will also focus on how the American economy is improving to benefit the needs of its people.

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Two Ideas for my this I Believe Speech

For my This I Believe Speech, one of my ideas is the concept that hard work leads to success. Ever since I was a little kid, hard work is something that has always been important in my family. Nearly everyone of my family members has attended a top tier university and they have achieved it through discipline. In my This I Believe Speech, I will likely describe my first day of kindergarten where my parents first began to instill a hardworking drive in me.

Another idea I am planning on writing about for my This I Believe Speech is about the idea of respect and equality for others. I come from a very diverse background and one of my key morals pertains to being open minded as a person. Therefore, through my speech, I will describe some of my backgrounds and friends that have led me to be accepting towards others.

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Conclusion

Overall, this semester, I plan to focus on writing blogs that pertain to my interests and how I personally view the world.

Images Works Cited

Agree Do Blog. 2014.

Wikipedia.Com. Spanish Flag. 2011.

National Cancer Institute. Food. 1988.

www.ccbcmd.edu. Labor Studies.

Bestmotivation.Com. Hard Work Beats Talant.