BLOG TOPIC - QUESTION 5

You have almost completed this semester, so, how do you view Critical Literacy now? If you have any comments and suggestions, please do so as it helps for the betterment of the course as a whole.

After experiencing an informative semester with Critical Literacy, there are a few tidbits that I have successfully obtained to be used in the near future. One of them would definitely be my favorite, which is educating me on how to carefully analyze each piece of literacy that comes across me. In this world, deceiving people by stating false facts and twisting real ones isn’t uncommon. Therefore, it is up to us as the readers to disintegrate it using the abyss of knowledge that lies in the master of our organs; our brain.

Besides that, I have concluded that Critical Literacy isn’t actually as nerve wrecking and brain exploding as I anticipated from the rumors that flow in this college. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Yes, it may be challenging at times due to the lack of knowledge and technique that is required in an exercise, but it shouldn’t be an excuse as to why one couldn’t complete anything given by the lecturer. It takes time and a lot of effort as well as concentration to get it right the first time, but once you do, the taste of accomplishment is worth it. From what I have witnessed, Critical Literacy gives our minds to expand into another dimension which is adapting new thoughts that are bent by our sole values and teachings. This leads us to think more creatively and wisely which is indeed an extremely valuable piece of technique that is needed for the future.

Next, Critical Literacy contains an excessive amount of knowledge from any side of perspective you’re coming from in a certain situation. Before it is wise to state a stand and provide the reasons why, we are taught to search for information first. It isn’t easy, but it isn’t impossible. Material for information can come in all shapes and sizes as long as you are keen enough to look for it. This teaches me the best ways to look for those valuable little pieces of information without spending too much time looking for it. Other than that, no matter where and whenever you study Critical Literacy, you will always be feeding something new into your mind. From techniques to find information to dissecting a piece of literature, you will always come back from class with a mind filled to the brim with information.

All in all, it is an extremely exciting subject to learn and I’m devastated that it has come to an end. The only drawback that I’m unhappily with is the fact that this subject is taught in a mass lecture which in my eyes wastes a lot of valuable time as we have to wait for the hall to be mostly full before the lecturer presenting for the day begins the class. 

BLOG TOPIC - QUESTION 4

The body is the greatest possession, the mind is the greatest treasure and the spirit is the greatest companion.

How do you view the above statement

Our whole being is priceless. The very life that is given to us to the tips of toes is god’s gift to us. The quote that goes, ‘the body is the greatest possession, the mind is the greatest treasure and the spirit is the greatest companion’, is indeed an excellent way to represent the exclusivity of our whole being.

The body, known as our greatest possession, is due to the fact that we are only given one body; imperfect or not. No one is willing to give up their body for the sake of another unless it is under dire circumstances. For instance, for the sake of money, the citizens of India are willing to chop a part of their body or sell their organ or even kill themselves. But, it shouldn’t be that way. This is our highest ownership that a human could have, so the wisest thing is to take good care of it and not destroy it.

Next, our mind is the only thing that differentiates us from any other living being on this Earth. We are given a mind to think and to distinguish between the right and the wrong. Other living things aren’t treasured with such an exquisite gift of thought. If there are, the world would be chaotic as every living thing would be determined to speak up and propose their ideas which would only lead to problems and no solutions. Therefore, as the mind that has been gifted to us should be treasured and fed with only the best things on this Earth.

Last but not least is our spirit. In times of our downfall and unmotivated self where we feel the world is pressuring and shaping us into something that we clearly do not desire, our spirit is what keeps us alive. The spirit within us is like a burning flame that lies in the heart of our being where it burns brightly at times and dim at other times. The need to survive and live this world until the very end is often driven by the existence of this burning flame. Without it, many would have claimed their lives instead of enduring the tests that lie for us in this world. Our essence to succeed, to love and to live will continue to burn bright as long as we are constantly reminded of its presence, only then will it continue to stay with us. It is the only thing that can keep us going in this treacherous place we call home.

In conclusion, the quote presented isn’t something out of the ordinary but it man ages to deliver a meaning that shakes our entire being. It is something that should be used to constantly remind us just how precious we are, so that we would do anything and everything to preserve its innocence and not tarnish it.

BLOG TOPIC - QUESTION 3

“If money were the only criterion by which a child’s welfare can be gauged, then a baby bought for as much as RM40,000 on the black market would seem set for life. For money-rich and child-poor couples, it is a small price to pay to introduce a small life into their home. The cot is gilded, the blanket monogrammed, the college fund filled to the brim. All that’s wanting is a bun in the oven. And where there is a baby-sale racket, money can indeed buy happiness. And after all, why not? (NST, March 3, 2013)

Provide at least two premises or two counter agreements for the statements based on your statement.

Despite money possessing numerous benefits that is obtainable with its existence, there are yet many drawbacks that is impossible to ever be conquered. The first reason as to why money can’t buy happiness is due to the initial motive of the amount of money itself. Money simply cannot buy happiness as it is only obtained through precious memories with your loved ones. Precious memories can be set up at a location that are luxurious and lavish but only the people you’re surrounded with could really make it special and extraordinary. Even with the absence of money, memories that linger in your mind would constantly be present even with the simplest gestures done by your loved ones. For instance is your lover leaving a simple written note to his partner in the morning before leaving for work. In anybody else’s eyes it may be flimsy and cliché, but in his partner’s eyes it may be the highlight of her day.

Next, since everybody in this world is extremely greedy for money, there those who can more about it than anything else as though it is the most beloved thing in the world in spite of it being untrue. Being obsessed with money has caused more destruction to this world rather than benefit it. Since the presence of money, divorce rates have skyrocketed with it being one of the top three divorce reasons. Couples who desperately want to split up due to financial reasons marry for the initial reason itself.  Besides that, since money obsession is an actual mental disorder, there are some people willing to get their hands dirty just to obtain a few more bucks in their bank account. Killing their competitors or anyone wealthy for the sake of their abundance of wealth is nothing new. In written and technological media, we can easily see just how cruel this money crazed people can get.

In my opinion, being in an environment that is fortunate in the child department but financially troubled is a better situation rather than experiencing the opposite. This is due to the fact that money can be obtained easily but receiving the gift of children is far more priceless as it can’t just be found anywhere.

In conclusion, even though may be able to offer some services that could deliver happiness towards the seller or buyer, it isn’t something anyone should take for granted. Money can be the main reason to a dirty deed gone wrong or even worse, to a vicious and torturous killing. Therefore, humans shouldn’t depend on the value of it to measure their pleasure level.

BLOG TOPIC - QUESTION 2

Stereotyping is exaggerated generalization associated with a categorizing system; they go beyond the facts at hand and make claims that usually have no valid basis. However, it is also something that most people find difficult to avoid from doing. What do you think?

Stereotyping has existed and flowed through our knowledge vessels that lie in our body’s mastermind for centuries. Passed down from generation to generation, it isn’t something that is easily avoided as it has now been implanted in us and occurs with or without our consent.

Stereotyping is defined as categorizing a certain group of people under one specification such as through age, gender, race, occupation, religious beliefs or district of country. Actually, stereotyping can occur any time at any day but it mostly occurs when one is feeling inferior and requires looking down on others to boost his motivation even though it may not be the wisest thing in the world to do. Stereotyping can happen anywhere and everywhere despite being with people whom you have known for years or not. For instance, in a classroom setting, student A may be stereotyping this rowdy bunch of students are wild and care only for their looks and reputation. But, in reality they may be loud but they care about their education just as much as student A.

Stereotyping may be an indecent act occurring between humans on a daily basis but it simple can’t be avoided. This is because, humans tend to have the tendency to cower away from things that worry or terrify them. It is in human nature to run away from those that are foreign and strange in their eyes so when concluding on whom to run from, they state a few characteristics that they are unfamiliar with or dislike and will detect and avoid those who are categorize them and put in a group where they avoid contact with.

In my opinion, stereotyping is a disgusting act that should be depleted from the minds of humans. But, even though everybody knows how vile the action is, people will still fail in preventing themselves from judging other people. So instead of completely deleting it, society should try to adapt themselves to the attitudes and lifestyle of others and decrease the need to label people.

BLOG TOPIC - QUESTION 1

You heard comments and maybe grievances from your seniors about Critical Literacy, but what is/are your expectation (s) or hope for this subject as you are just started.

Listening to the difficulties and struggles that a student must endure as she was completing Critical Literacy is downright horrifying; but to also listen to the ‘unfair’ and ‘insane’ teachings of a targeted lecturer of mine is even more downgrading. I was initially extremely excited to finally get the chance to bask in the knowledge realm that highly interests me, but the words spat out by some seniors on how brain wrecking it is made me think twice on my motivation.

My primer expectation regarding this subject was somewhat high as I’m extremely elated to get the opportunity to gain knowledge in this specific subject. I was waiting for those days where I was too numbed to even think of a simple sentence due to the extensive thinking and self-questioning sessions as I sat to complete work after work for this subject. I was hoping for someone to come to me and say that it’s hard yet I can still smile at her and say ‘it’s not that bad. You just got to put your mind to it.’ Overall, I was expecting an exciting semester due to the inclusion of this subject.

Task Sheet 1 - Alone (2007)

      Identify the character that you believe a played significant role influencing the plot and justify why and how?

c

I believe Pim is the role that influences the plot. What made me feel that Pim is the plot changing character is due to her sudden reappearances in Pim’s (Ploy) life. Her appearances in Pim’s (Ploy) life cause me to question the real reason for the twin’s sudden death. Was it really because of the surgery and why were there sudden flashbacks of their hospital days and meetings with Wee? Did that have to do with Pim’s death? The scenes that included Pim’s sudden, horrifying scares that at first only haunted Pim (Ploy) but gradually start to evolve into Wee’s vision looked weird as if she’s trying to reach out and say something. Other than that, the flashbacks of their lives as conjoined twins look sketchy as it makes me wonder the need to show it and question Pim’s (Ploy) reason to move to Korea.

What do you think is the main topic / issue highlighted in this movie? And what is the writer belief?

I feel that the main issue in the movie is why sister rivalry over love. It can be seen clearly in the movie that Pim and Ploy love the same man, Wee. But, Wee only returns Pim’s affections thus leaving Ploy devastated and jealous. The end result of this is the death of Pim. On the other hand, Ploy is so consumed by her love for Wee, she uses Pim’s identity and lives her life in order to have him. Other than that, my belief of this movie is that the dead twin is unhappy to receive the short end of the stick from the surgery which is death and has come to drag her other sister to the same fate as her as they promised each other to be together forever. Despite being total opposites in the personalities department, Pim and Ploy are extremely close until Wee comes into their lives which promote a bigger drive in Pim to be separated from each other even though there are dire consequences from undergoing the surgery such as death and Ploy refusing to ever be separated from her claiming that she wants to be together forever.

Justify what you believe about the above topic / issue.

I believe that the main issue earlier mentioned gives out a few questions such as, “is guilt the only reason for Pim (Ploy) to run away to Korea and refuse to return?”.  This is because, from what I watched, Pim grew up into someone who cares more about others than herself which makes me question her wanting to leave everything behind including her own mother. If she cares about others more than herself why didn’t she bring her mother along? Why did she leave her mother to wallow in her own sorrows in Thailand until she fell ill while she lived the high life in Korea with her boyfriend, Wee? It was as if Pim’s personality took a 360 degree turn once she was separated from Ploy and she basically became her twin sister, Ploy. Yes, maybe the reason for her sister to die in the first place is because she wanted the separation surgery which caused her twin’s life in exchange for her freedom, but to leave everything behind and start all over again with clean hands is a little far-fetched for someone with a caring and soft-spoken nature such as Pim.

What is your opinion of the movie?

My opinion of this movie is that overall it is a great movie and packs a punch at the end. The suspense and mystery factors are played out well and it didn’t leave any loose strings other than leaving the viewers to question the reason why Pim (Ploy) never wanting to set foot onto Thailand. The movie started rather slow though with lots of twists, scares and confusing flashbacks but it was redeemed with a backbreaking plot twist at the end which is worth waiting for. The background story is also very chilling as it tells the tale of Siamese twins which is a very sensitive topic itself and contains a lot of myths as it is a foreign topic amongst the majority of society. Other than that, the additional idea of a conjoined twin coming back to haunt the other is also pretty impressive and is slipped in well with other factors that are included in the movie. Even the ending is unexpected as it ends with the dead twin successfully ending the life of her living sister.