UW Symposium

I really enjoyed myself at the University Writing and Research symposium. I think our class chose a great way to display our work. It kept visitors entertained and allowed them to ask thoughtful questions. I liked how we were able to interact one on one with the visitors, it made much easier to discuss our topics in depth. I also liked being able to walk around and view my fellow classmates presentations It was nice to see how their ideas had progressed. Some of the other symposium presentations were not as interactive which made them slightly boring. In the presentation i attended, two of the students had more of a discussion about their papers and the third student just read her paper verbatim. This was not as entertaining and would have like their to have been more interaction. I think if there is more interaction the presenters have with the viewers, will result in a more enriching experience for both parties.

Response to Straight Up and Dirty

After reading the first page of Stephanie Klein's memoir I was instantly hooked. I couldn't get enough. I loved her bluntness and matter of fact tone. Being from New York, I knew some of the places where her dates took place, which allowed me to visualize the text better. It also allowed me to relate to her a little more, which was refreshing. I also found the review of her book in Elle magazine very interesting because it went more in depth about Stephanie's personal life, i.e. eloping with her husband and having an abortion. Additionally, I liked that the review spoke about how divorcee's were frowned upon, but Stephanie completely transforms this image and makes them empowered. The article also showed two points of view of readers, which I thought was important to reveal. I was surprised at what people were saying about her, calling her a Carrie Bradshaw wannabe. I completely disagree with this view and feel as though Stephanie owns her work and is not trying to be anyone but herself. I look forward to our class discussion about this, it should be a fun and I can't wait to read on!

Comments for Candice

Hey Candice I really like your topic about Sororities. I think that comparing the ideals of the universities that the sororities are a part of to the ideals of the sororities that are affiliated with them, will show how backwards the ideas of southern sororities are. Interviews with students who are in sororities and who are not involved in greek life might be helpful for your paper. I look forward to reading the end result!
-Star

Comments for Gylise

Hey Gylise,
Your topic about African American female bodies is one that I find very interesting! I especially like the reasons you stated for why the African American body is becoming less curvy and more stick thin. I agree that this is due to the reasons you stated; self esteem issues, an effort to improve health, to appeal to their partners and pressure from the media. As I’m sure you have noticed, many African American celebrities ( Tyra Banks, Oprah, Star Jones, and Janet Jackson) are slimming down, a concession you could use in your paper could be the example of Monique and Queen Latifah embracing their curviness. Also, I think that it will be interesting for you to compare the US African American body type to the curvier body type of women in Africa. Additionally, instead of using Carrie Mae Weems, you should use the black body as your form of autobiography and discuss how it is transforming. I hope this is useful!