Essay Critique "Sex, Lies, and Conversation" by Spencer Lynch

I enjoyed this essay, because I believe that what Deborah Tannen is saying is very much true. She is imposing that in a given relationship between a woman and man, most of the time men show lack of communication. They act as though they are not listening. But Deborah reassures us that men are listening, they just might not know how to respond. Although, in a public situation around a small group of people, men tend to be more social and talkative. I agree with her strongly, because from a male point of view I can understand what she is describing. I know that when I am around a small group of people that I do not see as often, I am more social and talkative than if I was at home.

Sex, Lies, and Conversation crtique by Dora Barnhill

This essay is about how men do not show that they are listening and how communication is key to a good relationship. I really enjoyed reading what Tannen had to say because I can relate. Allot of times when you are in a relationship with bad communication it can be very difficult and stressful. I feel as if the best way to communicate is to stay calm and not get mad at the other person, and if they do not seem to be listening then let them know how you feel. This essay made me think about things and I found it very interesting. I also thought that the way she wrote the story was very easy to understand and it had facts to prove her thesis. To conclude I felt like the tone of the essay was very educated and well thought out.

Essay Critique "Sex, Lies, and Conversation" by Matt Duncan

I enjoyed this essay and felt that Deborah Tannen did a good job of writing this essay, I felt it was to the point and easy to read. Also, I agree with Tannen when she says that a lot of women, while talking to men, feel that the men are never listening. I can also agree when Tannen says that when to men talk to each other their usually isn't constant eye-to-eye contact. This essay led me to think of an idea to better understand differences and ways that men and women communicate with each other.

First off, I would gather couples at various different points in relationships. For example, a newlywed couple, a couple that has been dating/married for a few years (atleast 5), and a recently divorced couple. After gathering these people I would have a "reality/game" show where the different couples through various communication exercises would compete against each other. As usual there would be prizes involved, just to add the extra competitive spirit. Like most reality shows nowadays, there would be some tenious moments that would spark heated conversation. By comparing how these different types of couples communicate, myself and whoever else is concerned could have a better understanding of differences in communcation between males and females.

Critique " Sex, Lies, and Conversation" by Peggie McNeil

The essay is an essay that explains why men don't communicate well with women. Her assessment of the differences between male's and female's ability to communicate with each other is on the money. Although males and females have inhabited the earth since the beginning of time, like she stated,"there are many cross-cultural differences", and society assigns a role to each. Male children are integrated into society to interact mainly with other male children at a very early age ,and they are often frowned upon , thought of as being weak , or even gay if they interacted mainly with female children. The sexes usually don't mix until adolescence. It's only natural that the guys won't find it easy to communicate with the females. This is new territory for many of them ,and they wont feel as comfortable talking with the opposite sex as they will the same sex. As for females, most females are born with a natural ability to communicate,(Eve was the one that communicated with the serpent, not Adam), and many find it easy to communicate with just about anyone.

In most cases , men don't say much because they aren't sure how the female will react to their feedback. Like she stated in the essay, "Their greatest fear is being pushed away. But men live in a hierarchical world, where talk maintains independence and status. They are on guard to protect themselves from being put down and pushed around".

We as females should take in consideration the differences in the rearing of male and female children, and try to be a little more understanding. Many of the standards by which males were raise for generations are still in play today,almost as if evolution is at a stand still.

Essay Critique "Stereotyping of Arabs in the U.S." by Matt Duncan

I felt that this particular was contrite and to the point, although I had to look up a couple of the words that Said uses; overall it was a decent read. I agree with Said when he says that Americans look upon all Arabs as "terrorists" and that Arab-Americans have become one of, if not the most stereotyped group of people in America. Infact, one of my roommates has this happen to him all the time. He was born in Buffalo, NY but because his dad's family is from Yemen (a country located south of Saudi Arabia) and he looks "peculiarly similar to the infidels" he is looked down upon because his skin looks different.

I sympathize with the author when he says that some Arabs have lost their identities because they have been lumped together, and that the U.S. government has lost some control of its motives when invading the Middle East to help Israel. Now every country is being considered a "threat" to produce W.M.D.'s and the countries that are not considered hostile are still enduring American respresentation because of the oil that these countries hold. I find it a little sad that we can't bring our soldiers home and spend some of the money invested in keeping soldiers in these countries and put the money towards advancement of cleaner, more eco-friendly kinds of fuel so that we wouldn't need to prolong our stay in these foreign countries for oil. All in all I thought it was a decent read from Mr. Edward Said, and I agree that Arabs are being discriminated in the U.S.

Essay Critique" Stereotying of Arabs By The U.S. Ensures Years Of Turmoil" by Spencer Lynch

I believe that Edward truely gets his point across when he speaks of the stereotyping of Arabs in America. Although, I do not believe that America is to blame for the problems in the Middle East. I do not think it is fair that American citizens categorize one another, but that is what becomes of it when people are applicable to freedoms and rights. They are allowed to say whatever they feel without any consequences, and Edward makes it clear that this is what creates the termoil, America is the main source to blame.
I know America is not responsible for "termoil" in the Middle East. The termoil in the Middle East is brought on by war between its surrounding territories, amongst the people. The worst part about it is that we are trying to help this corrupted group of people, and form a stable economic government out of them.

Stereotyping of Arabs by the U.S. ensures years of turmoil critique by Dora Barnhill

Edward Said wrote about stereotyping of Arabs in the U.S and he blames America for the turmoil in the middle east. I agree with Edward that in America we stereotype Arabs unnecessarily. I have seen this first hand and I must say I can be accused of it. When I see a Arab pass me on the street I have a since of fear even though this particular person is just like myself. I feel that this is wrong and I feel that Americans will always feel this way. 

I disagree with Edward when he blames America for the turmoil in the middle east. The reason there is turmoil, is because neighboring countries are invading each other. This fact has nothing to do with America and if anything America is trying to change this. We are fighting in Iraq at this very moment to change this. 

Essay Critique" Stereotying of Arabs By The U.S. Ensures Years Of Turmoil" by Peggie Mcneil

What a true statement the title makes. However, stereotyping of any group will cause turmoil. Surely, the U.S. should know that by now. I guess people take the easy way out by listening to what others say instead of finding out for themselves. What happened to "judge me not by the color of my skin, but by the content of my character?" That also applies to the size of my turban. Why is stereotyping needed? It serves to validate the "in group" in the same way discrimination serves the "in group". It helps them feel superior. I personally think it makes one weaker. Stereotyping is a vile practice, because not only does in hurt the group that's being stereotyped, it robs the group that is practicing it. How so?, because of their perceived notions about the "out group" , they will make no effort to get to really know a person of the "out group", or even pass the time of day with them. They could be missing out on many enriching cultural experiences or even a very good friend. Can we not respect our fellowman for who they are and realize that it takes all kind to make a world? Should we vilify all the people in the " out group" because of the acts of a few?
Peggie Mcneil

"Why I Want a Wife" Critique by Matt Duncan

1972 when this article was written was right in the middle of the women's rights movement. In fact, Title 9 occured in 1972. I think that Judy Brady was trying to get across the point of all the things that women did for their spouse's and their families growing up in that time. A woman's "job" during that time was to be the stay at home mom, if you will. Washing the dishes, taking care of the kids, cleaning the house, and even getting a job to help get their husband's through college were not out of the norm. Even today some women are still stay at home moms, but with the changes in society over time it is not unusual for dads to be stay at home dads nowadays. Women have become increasingly independent because of the women's rights movement and new jobs and other opportunities in life that were not open to women then, are available now. I grew up in a family were my dad would go out and work all day to make money to provide our family with food and shelter. While my mom would take care of my three brothers and I, clean the house, cook the meals, etc. Some women, like my mother, enjoy this lifestyle while some pursue a more business job environment. All in all I thought it was a decent read, I was a little dissapointed how Brady made the male aspect in this story seem as if they did absolutely nothing except "education, and then eventually a job, allowing the wife to quit her job and take better care of a wife's duties."

"Why I Want a Wife" by Judy Brady- Critique: Spencer Lynch

In the selection "Why I want a Wife" it is very easy to see that Judy Brady's tone is very exhausted, frustrated, and sarcastic all at the same time. Because this piece was written in the 1970's it is obvious that she is a stay at home mom who does not have a career position. Instead, her job is to watch over the kids, have the food ready when her husband returns, and run all nesesarry errands thoughout the day. She is frustrated with this because at that period in time society believes that is all a woman is capable of handling. She also makes a point to say she wants to go to school, she wants to get an education, and she wants a career. She wants to experience things in life which women were never allowed to experience.
I agree with Judy Brady. I think that women should be allowed to go to school,and make their own life. They should not be 100 percent dependent on someone else for income. Women are just as intelligent for men, and there is a job for everyone(besides watching the kids all day).

"Why I want a Wife" by Judy Brady Critique- Dora Barnhill

In the 70's, which is when this essay "Why I want a wife" was written, it was different then it is now. At this time woman stayed at home and watched the kids while their husbands got to go out and work and experience new things. In a way I feel like Judy Brady is angry because she is stuck at home taking care of the kids, cleaning house, making dinner, and just being a housewife. I also gathered that she wanted to go to school, she mentioned this a lot and I feel like it was the main source of her anger.

If I was put in Judy Brady's shoes I would feel the same way. I would hate to have to spend all my time at home and not have a job just because thats how society thinks it should be. All in all I feel like she was just trying to get the point across that women do a lot for their family but they should be able to get help from their husband and be able to go out and do things for their selfs, such as getting a higher education.

"How to Tame a Wild Tongue" by Gloria Anzaldua critique-Dora Barnhill

En boca cerrada no entran moscas. "Flies don't enter a closed mouth" is one of the sayings that Gloria mentioned in this essay. I found this story very hard to read and it hardly kept my attention. I felt like the story would have been more effective and enjoyable if she had clarified what more of the Spanish words meant. Because of this I had to look up alot of words. Here are some of the ones I looked up.

1.Bracero- A Mexican laborer admitted legally into the U.S. for a short period to perform seasonal, usually agricultural, labor.

2. Corrido- A Mexican ballad or folk song about the struggle against oppression and injustice

3. Mestizas- A woman of mixed racial ancestry, especially of mixed European and Native American ancestry.

4. Pocho- An Americanized Mexican.

Critique " Why I Want a Wife" by Peggie McNeil

The essay , Why I Want a Wife, by Judy Brady, is delightful. I really enjoy this type essay. It is lighthearted, picturesque, springy, bouncy, funny, and entertaining. Her sense of humor reminds me of Erma Bombeck's.
I think that Judy was the wife she wrote about in this essay because I can feel her heart in it. She thought of all the things she had done to make a happy home for her family, and how wonderful it would be to have someone to do these things for her for a change. She is comparing her life as a female ,during that era, to the male's life.
Judy almost made me wish I had a wife, but I decided on a husband with those same qualities and traits ; however, he would come with a few extras.
Besides all of his responsibilities at home, he would also have a job. He would be at least 6ft., 4in. tall and have a physique like Tyson Bedford's; In fact, I wouldn't be upset if he looks like him too. He would shower me with gifts at all times, keep them coming, baby. He would insisted that I pick out the sharpest BMW on the car lot because he wants his wife to drive in style, and he would demand to make the payments each month. He would perform a moonlight serenade nightly, regardless of the weather. He would give great back massages and pedicures.
Boy, what a great hubby he would be, and then I woke up. I saw my husband leaning back in the recliner drinking a beer. Maybe God does have a sense of humor.



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Critique "How to Tame a Wild Tongue" by Matt Duncan

Anzaldua opens with the story of her dentist, who tries to tame her wild tongue, and uses this to begin the explanation of how limiting someone's tongue, their language, is a form of oppression, a form of violence or murder. She quotes Ray Gwyn Smith: "Who is to say that robbing a people of its language is less violent than war?"
Anzaldua also explains quite a few of the languages she speaks, listing many of them and explaining that she often speaks many of these languages among certain groups. For example, she speaks 5 of the 8 languages that she speaks with her sisters. She describes the shame that many Chicanos feel because either their language isn't English enough, or Spanish enough, and how many Chicanos will be hostile to each other because of the language spoken, "vying to be 'real' Chicanas, to speak like Chicanas. There is no Chicano language, just as there is no Chicano experience."
I felt that this was a good, but a challenging read because the story kept jumping from English to Spanish. Although it was needed for the story, it caused me lots of confusion as I had to read through it at least twice. All in all I enjoyed Anzaldua's "How to tame a Wild Tongue."

Critique " How to Tame a Wild Tongue" by Peggie McNeil

I read the essay and found it to be a very strong writing. I appreciated the metaphor "you just cut it out". That is what happens in the end. For this Critique, I decided to find the definition of four words that are contained in the writing. I thought of examples of their connotation because I couldn't find anything for the connotations.



1. Acculturating- Absorb and integrate into a different culture( denotation)-Micheal Jackson( connotation), Origin: Americanism, 1880.



2. Aberration- A deviation from the proper or expected course( denotation)- Rebel ( connotation), Origin: Latin, 1585-95



3. Abhorrence- One that is disgusting or repellent, loathsome( denotation) - Bum or wineno (connotation): Origin: Americanism, 1650-50



4. Agringadas- Gringo like or a Women Libber( denotation) - a White person ( connotation)