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