FINAL PORTFOLIO LINK

Here is the link to my final portfolio:

http://nbrids.weebly.com


Thanks for a great semester.

Thanksgiving Blog Post

It was really hard for me to find websites for the publishing assignment however after some searching I can across BookTango and Lulu. I'm not sure if BookTango can completely relate to our class because it seems like longer pieces are usually published there. However it allows reviewing and editing by an online editor. Then writers can upload an entire piece with a cover included. Once its published it stays in an online library where people can search and read the writers piece.

Here is the link to BookTango: http://www.booktango.com

Lulu is an online publishing site that is similar to book tango. It is easy to use and free to sign up for. It helps edit and work out any errors with an online editing system. Then it is published online and you can create hard copies with shipping. 

Here is the link to Lulu: https://www.lulu.com

Ferguson Case:

Personally I do not keep up with current events as much as I should. However I know enough about the situation to add my input. I think it is ridiculous how people are rioting, fighting and burning things. These actions will not change anything in the grand scheme of things.  Animalistic behavior unfortunately ties into stereotypical behavior. I understand that people are upset by the outcome of this case and I also understand the argument where race comes into play. I think people need to see both sides of situation in order to understand the out come and reactions of people. 

Final Book Club Post

When finishing Princes: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil, I had many thoughts and feelings. The last chapters so many things happened. I was disappointed to see Kareem's true colors, when he wanted to have a second wife. I feel this turn of events signifies the theme that all deep down all Saudi Men have the same beliefs regarding patriarchy.  I was proud when Sultana got up and escaped for the country with her children and fooled Kareem. Throughout the story Sultana's feistiness increased and decreased but it was always present. Unfortunately, I felt that during some parts of her story she fell into the casualties of being a princess and forgot about her original goals and beliefs.
While reading the end of the book, I can't help but feel that understand to both Sultana and her friends and Kareem and his thoughts. Sultana and her friends were using the war with Iraq, Kuwait and America as a way to advance the women's place in society. I can see why they would use this vulnerable time to take action. However I can see why Kareem is upset because the country is in chaos.
In all I felt I learned a lot of Saudi culture and religion. I think a lot of the issues that are present in the nation are due to religion fundamentalism. Saudi people take the role of the Koran to literal and apply in in the wrong places. The extreme religious practice and memorization of the Koran in my eyes is a form of brainwashing Saudi's people.

Death of A Playmate (mixed up dates with book club)

Because Death of a Playmate was a magazine article, it had a lot of freedom which is something I enjoy about magazine. The piece immediately grabbed my attention just by the tittle. I feel with the subject matter it is one that would attract many people because its focus on sexuality, relationship failure and life and death. I am not completely sure how I feel about the quotes because in a way I think there may have been too many and took away the authors voice. Overall I did like it but I think that’s because of the magazine format.

Book Club 11/5

Chapter 13 begins with a paragraph discussing how Saudi Arabian women of Sultana's mothers age spend their entire life waiting to be married. Although very different, it made me think of some girls in my generation because many girls only focus on that. The women of Sultana's mothers generation had no choice. However girls my age do not appreciate the opportunities they have and only focus on their future with men. 

Another thing that struck me as familiar was the mother-son bond. Like above the situations are much different, but sometimes in American culture you see an unbreakable mother-son bond. A daughter-in-law with struggle to fit the demands of the mother and will always fall short no matter what. It is much different from the Arab culture but the similarities are still present. It makes me think maybe it routes from a psychological aspect of human nature.  

Midterm

http://nbrids.weebly.com

Above is the link to my midterm portfolio. Enjoy.

Book Club 10/28

This week for book club we only read two chapters because we are ahead. However a lot happened in the two chapters. My favorite part of this weeks reading was to see the progress Sultana has made as a female. Although she is getting married at a young age, her situation is working to her advantage. She is the first female to ever meet and chat with her fiancé before the wedding. This shows progress for females in the middle east.
Kareem, Sultana's new husband, is not the typical Saudi Arabian man. He admires how high spirited Sultana is. He also respects her as a person and does not force her into any relations she doesn't want to partake in. As I was reading I almost felt that this situation was too good to be true. However, as the book goes on it foreshadows a downfall because of his mother. His mother despises Sultana's actions and believes. It is evident that she is going to try and ruin their marriage.
As I read these chapters I felt proud of Sultana. Her actions and high spirited ways make her one of a kind. The wedding was a great festival that everyone enjoyed, even though in the past everyone dreaded it. Her behaviors and attitude is hopefully only the beginning of progress for females.