Journal 9

http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2010/10/12/greeks_sami.aspx

- This article comes from the PSU daily collegian. It is about the fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu, being investigated for hazing. Hazing is a major problem on campus here at Penn State, not to mention the fact that it is illegal in the state of Pennsylvania. I believe the fraternity should be kicked off campus if they are found guilty of hazing students. It is not right to force students to do certain things against their will, especially when they have other things to worry about such as their grades.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/10/27/energy.drink.ingredients/index.html

- This article is from cnn and talks about the four loko energy drink. The article describes the harmful effects of mixing alcohol and caffeine, and event talks about how one college banned the drink on campus after a few students, who were underage, became sick. The article also talks about how “caffeine seems to partially cancel out the feeling of being drunk, not the actual impairment”. I disagree with this article. They are making this drink seem like it is the worst possible alcoholic beverage out there. It’s the same thing as drinking a few red bull and vodkas or rum and cokes. People just have to learn to enjoy the beverage in moderation. That way, no more problems will arise with the beverage.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/opinion/28kristof.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=general

- The last article I found is from the New York Times and is about the legalization of marijuana is California. The article talks about how marijuana is on the brink of being totally legalized in the state of California. It also talks about the ridiculously large amounts of money the state of California spends on enforcing marijuana laws and housing criminals prosecuted for marijuana related offenses. Another thing the article talks about is the potential amount of revenue the state and country could generate through taxation of marijuana. Overall, I agree with this article. I don’t think it’s necessarily morally correct to legalize marijuana, but for the sake of the state of California and the country, I think it is in our best interest. The revenue generated from tax dollars could help build better schools, roads and many other essential things.

Black and White Boards

The chalkboard has been a staple of American education for many years. The design is quite simple; a long black board spanning almost an entire classroom and a ledge for the chalk and erasers. The surface of the chalkboard is rough. There is almost always a dusty coat of chalk on the chalkboard at all times. Chalk and erasers line the ledge in front of the board at all times. The dust the chalkboard creates can cause one to wheeze or cough, and the squeaking of the chalk can cause one to cringe. When somebody sees a chalkboard in a classroom, there first question is usually, “Why don’t we have a white board?” Although times have changed, the chalkboard will remain a classic symbol of American education.



The white board is very sleek and clean looking. Its white dry-erase board and sleek chrome ledge give it a very contemporary look. Instead of chalk, the white boards are lined with dry erase expo markers and erasers. There is usually never any residue left behind from the expo markers. The surface of the white board is smooth; it is easy for one to write on without cringing or making their hands messy. White boards are rapidly replacing chalkboards within classrooms. It is pretty rare to see a chalkboard in a new classroom or building. The white board represents the future of American education.

Evaluation

I am going to be evaluating the book The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger. The Catcher in the Rye is one of the most popular novels of all time; it is the second most taught book in American High schools. It is also one of the most banned books of all time. The novel’s risqué themes and harsh language have made it very controversial. Also, the fact that The Catcher in the Rye has been blamed for influencing Mark David Chapman to kill John Lennon makes it very controversial.
The criteria I will be using to evaluate the novel will be the usage of harsh language throughout the novel, themes, symbols, motifs, and the novel as a mind control mechanism.
There is a ton of harsh language throughout the novel. Words such as “fuck”, “shit”, and “goddam” are continually used. There are also many adult situations that Holden Caulfield, the novels main character, encounters. Some of these include an encounter with a prostitute, underage drinking, and smoking.
Some themes that are prevalent throughout the novel include Alienation and innocence. Holden is alone for the majority of the novel. He feels as if he doesn’t belong in society, so he tries to keep mostly to himself. Eventually, we start to see that Holden’s main reason for isolating himself from society is because he feels it is the only way he can protect himself. If he doesn’t interact with others, he feels like he is better then them. But in reality, Holden is usually overwhelmed and scared when interacting with people. Overall, Holden’s alienation is the main cause of his pain.
Innocence is another theme that is prevalent throughout the novel. Holden is fixated on saving the children from the dirtiness and phonies he sees in the real world. The main focus of innocence in the novel is sexual. Holden feels that he has to protect children from sex because he sees it as dirty. Holden is also “The Catcher in the Rye.” In this metaphor, he envisions a field of rye right next to a dangerous cliff. Children run around and play in the abandoned field. But if they come too close to the edge of the cliff, however, Holden is there to catch them.
There is plenty of symbolism throughout the novel, including Holden’s red hunting hat and the museum. Throughout the novel, Holden wears a red hunting hat. The hat represents his true originality and identity. He only wears the hat when he is alone though. When he is in public, he takes it off, showing his true vulnerability. But at the end of the novel, Phoebe put the hat on his head, showing that she loves him for who he truly is. The museum is another important symbol in the novel. Holden likes that fact that the art in the museum never changes. Change in the real world makes him depressed. Growing up is a major change that Holden wishes would never occur. He wants people to stay young, innocent, and pure and not have to grow up and become a “Phony”.
The novel has also been classified as a mind control mechanism. Many murders have been associated with the novel. Mark David Chapman claimed that The Catcher in the Rye influenced him to kill John Lennon. When he was arrested, he was found with a copy of the book. Ironically, John Lennon was reading the book when he was killed. John Hinckley Jr.’s assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan was also claimed to be influenced by the novel.