American Literature

Echoes of American Pens

As we search for signs of those who came before us

All I hear is Pen to paper

I hear the turning of pages

And dialects of varying tongues.

I see different colors from different pasts,

Different eyes that have seen different things,

Things of joy and despair.

Yet we are brought back together

By the feeling of being different.

That is America a place of diversity

We have a revolutionary past

A persevering Present

And a dreamful future.

A nation inquisitive by nature

Questions of which

Malcolm X did answer

You can show disapproval without compromising a rule

That while we feel jailed a true appreciation for freedom is jeweled.

Then Martin Luther King Jr. chimed

If something is to be changed do not stand idly

Nonviolently approach the problem with your decree

As Sherman Alexie advised

Do not let the scars of the past determine the decisions of today

Pride is fine but it can also lead you to decay

Lorna Cervantes warned

This world is not here to comfort you

So let your passion seize you through.

But Benjamin Franklin voiced

Just because they are different does not make them wrong

Walk hand in hand with what’s different

That brings progress along.

These Heroes have written words of welcome

In a world where they’re words are often not welcome.

Our nation has become an eternal dance of Diversity

 Whose rhythm pulsates three beats: Revolution, Dream, and Persevere

Dive Into Confucius

Confucius and The Analects

            The critically acclaimed work of Confucius known as The Analects has been widely acknowledged as having the utmost influence on eastern civilization. The Lun Yü (The Analects), a collection of Confucius's sayings compiled after his death, encapsulates the great teacher's philosophy. This work contains Confucius’ thoughts on a wide variety of subjects ranging from proper personal conduct to government rule.  It’s easy to consider Confucius a politician for his day, yet he never actually held an office, or high position. Kong Fuzi, Confucius’s birth name, wanted a type of harmony with the governing body, most likely an individual, and those governed (Regel). The ending of the Zhou Dynasty in China was marred by warring factions within the empire, harsh rule by the power wielding elites, and to some extent, political chaos (Lorenz). The events that transpired around Confucius pushed him to the realization that a virtuous government is imperative, and by utilizing the blueprints of historical figures, sages, and kings a successful reign could indeed be achieved. One thing Confucius was always weary of was

            In order to understand what Confucius stood for you must first understand his roots and the period in which he lived. In a time known as the Spring and Autumn Period, was a book named the Spring and Autumn Annals. It was a chronicle of the state of Lu between 722 BC and 481 BC, which tradition associates with Confucius (Regel). It was a period of turbulence and changes in the economy, politics, and military affairs. In Chinese history, it was a period, which roughly corresponds to the first half of the Eastern Zhou dynasty. During the Spring and Autumn period, China was ruled by a feudal system. The Zhou dynasty kings held insignificant power, but only directly ruled over a small Royal Domain, revolving around their capital. The status of the Emperor was reduced to little more than that of a figurehead, while powerful nobles gradually extended their dominions over smaller neighboring states. According to recorded history, during the Spring and Autumn Period, there were over 480 wars, 52 vassal states were vanquished, and 36 kings were killed (Megaera). For the duration of the Spring and Autumn Period, a complex system of relations developed and many projects requiring the collaboration of two or more states were undertaken, such as drainage operations, canals, dikes, reservoirs, and roads. Massive walls were built, both as protection from each other and from aboriginal and nomadic tribes (Clements). 

            Even though this period was fraught with chaos and bloody battles, it is also known as the Golden Age of Chinese philosophy because a broad range of thoughts and ideas were developed and discussed freely (Regel).  The movement known as The Hundred Schools of Thought can characterize the thoughts and ideas discussed and refined during this period, and has profoundly influenced lifestyles and social consciousness up to the present day in East Asian countries (Megaera). The intellectual society of this era was characterized by itinerant scholars, who were often employed by various state rulers as advisers on the methods of government, war, and diplomacy. This period ended with the rise of the Qin Dynasty and the subsequent purge of dissent. The Spring and Autumn Period was also considered as a period of philosophies: Daoism, Confucianism, and Legalism originated during that period. Many important cultural developments took place, and great Chinese thinkers including Confucius, founder of Confucianism; developed the philosophical systems, which have shaped North Eastern Asia until the present day. 

            Confucius tended to marvel at history, and used it as a foundation to propose his thoughts and beliefs. He found that history could prove to be a guide to establishing a successful government.  Confucius firmly stated that, "If by keeping the old warm one can provide understanding of the new, one is fit to be a teacher" (2:11, Analects). Confucius often taught by pointing to examples of the behaviors of successful and unsuccessful historical figures. He praised legendary heroes like Bo Yi and Shu Qi (5:23, Analects) and Yao and Shun (6:30, Analects). In fact, much of Confucian philosophy was drawn from that of ancient Chinese politicians, kings and legendary figures. Confucius was inspired by the legends of the Sage Kings, and by the early kings and officials of the Chou dynasty. Both Confucius's love of imitating history and his admiration for the Chou rulers are well represented in his statement that "Chou observes the example set by two dynasties, so how splendid is its culture! And we take Chou as our model" (3:14, Analects). The Chou ruling family had invented the concept of the Mandate of Heaven, which stated that heaven chose rulers on the basis of their virtue, and if they were not virtuous, they would be overthrown. This Mandate was one of the three things Confucius said the "gentleman holds in awe" (16:8, Analects). Probably the greatest influence on Confucius was the philosophy of the Duke of Chou, whom Confucius described as having "perfect virtue" (8:20, Analects). The Duke advised his nephew, the Emperor, in proper decorum and virtuous behavior, and did not hesitate to criticize and correct the Emperor's behavior. This fits with Confucius's idea of how to serve a ruler: "It means don't be deceitful. But do stand up to him" (14:22, Analects). His ideas were similar enough to Confucius's that he had a saying attributed to him in the Analects. While he supported the idea of government by an all-powerful sage, ruling as an Emperor, his ideas contained a number of elements to limit the power of rulers. He argued that language with conviction and honesty was of paramount importance. Even in facial expression, truth must always be represented. The idea of standing up to one’s ruler in this period was very risky.  Confucius is seemingly encouraging boldness towards the ruler by his officials, in a period where execution was not absurdly rare. Moreover, "What is called a great minister, is one who serves his prince according to what is right, and when he finds he cannot do so, retires."(11:23, Analects). Again Confucius urges that one most be resolute in understanding the difference between virtue and evil in the midst of a ruler’s actions.

            In the Analects you can see that Confucius has quite the opinion of who should be in charge, and how that person should operate the happenings around him. When asked by a ruler of the large state of Qi, Lu's neighbor on the Shandong peninsula, about the principles of good government, Confucius is reported to have replied: “Good government consists in the ruler being a ruler, the minister being a minister, the father being a father, and the son being a son.” (12:11, Analects) Which seems to be saying that one must not overstep what they are truly capable of doing. He is warning to not bite off more than you can chew; understand where you belong, and what you can do for society.

Above all else Confucius found that a virtuous ruler would inspire his followers to be the same at every level within the Chinese feudal system (Yu). To Confucius an emperor should rule, and his rule should be established through benevolence and high merit. Even though laws and punishments could be instituted, the only true way for people to follow what was good was to see that their leader was good. In other words, Confucius taught that rulers should lead by example, and this was the only way a truly great empire could be created at last. In addition, virtuousness did not exclude all those underneath the Emperor, but also the entire bureaucracy, military, and any other that the Emperor could promote to power. This would enable the class being ruled to confirm that all those in power were benevolent and just, making them want to imitate the favor for the Emperor and statesmen. Confucius instilled that the Emperor was everything for the nation. For all could be in ruin but as long as the people still held faith in their ruler, as long as the people still followed unwaveringly, the state would be secure (Yu). For a military can fall, the people could become weary without food, and many other factors can lead to the downfall of a state. He did not approve of rulers who did not follow the examples of famous sage kings, scholars and culture heroes (7:15, Analects).  Confucius said, “When a prince’s personal conduct is correct, his government is effective without the issuing of orders. If his personal conduct is not correct, he may issue orders, but they will not be followed.” By saying this, Confucius has put before the ruling class the entire responsibility of their territory. Confucius' political philosophy is also rooted in his belief that a ruler should learn self-discipline, should govern his subjects by his own example, and should treat them with love and concern. “If the people be led by laws, and uniformity among them be sought by punishments, they will try to escape punishment and have no sense of shame. If they are led by virtue, and uniformity sought among them through the practice of ritual propriety, they will possess a sense of shame and come to you of their own accord.” (2:3, Analects).

            For Confucius, what characterized superior right to rule was the possession of de or virtue (Yang). Conceived of as a kind of moral power that allows one to win a following without recourse to physical force, such virtue also enabled the ruler to maintain good order in his state without troubling himself and by relying on loyal and effective deputies. Confucius claimed that, “He who governs by means of his virtue is, to use an analogy, like the pole-star: it remains in its place while all the lesser stars do homage to it.” (2:1, Analects) The way to maintain and cultivate such royal ‘virtue’ was through the practice and enactment of li or ‘rituals’—the ceremonies that defined and punctuated the lives of the ancient Chinese aristocracy. These ceremonies encompassed: the sacrificial rites performed at ancestral temples to express humility and thankfulness; the ceremonies of toasting, and gift exchange that bound together the aristocracy into a complex web of obligation and indebtedness (Ming Dong). However, virtue is not for the sake of getting material rewards. One should not be extravagant or self-serving. Self-cultivation is done for the success of the rest of society.

            The philosophy of Confucius demanded government morality, the responsible kingships with the occasional limitations, and the virtuousness of the ruler and everyone underneath him. The Analects 2.1 states that, “ Governing with virtue, can be compared to being the North Star: The star dwells in its place, and the multitude of stars pay it tribute.” I find that this excerpt brings Confucius’ philosophies to a strong finale. Those within the government must be that light in the sky for others to follow. That which allows them to shine brighter than other stars it the competence of their virtue. For without that virtue the people of your lands will wander aimlessly, and none will sing of your legacy. The most pressing matters are simple: respect your limits as a ruler, be a virtuoso, and prepare a government that is capable without you.

Bibliography

Brooks, Bruce. The Original Analects. New York: Columbia University Press, 1998. Print.

Ames, Roger, and Henry Rosemont. The Analects of Confucius: A Philosophical Translation. 1st. New York: Ballantine Books, 1998.

Clements, Jonathan Confucius: A Biography. Stroud, Gloucestershire, England: Sutton Publishing, 2008.

Regel, Jeffrey. "Confucius." Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 2003 edition. California: Metaphysics Research Lab, Web. 20 Mar 2012.

Lorenz, Megaera. "What Confucius Thought." Heptune. (2001): n. page. Web. 20 Mar. 2012.<http://citationmachine.net/index2.php?reqstyleid=1&reqsrcid=MLAJournal&srcCode=3&more=no&mode=form>.

Yang, Ye, Seiji Tsuchiya, and Fuji Ren. "Construction Of An 'Analects Of Confucius' Knowledge Base Including Pragmatics Information." Electronics & Communications In Japan 94.4 (2011): 1-8. Academic Search Complete. Web. 13 Feb. 2012.

JIYUAN, YU. "Yi: Practical Wisdom In Confucius's Analects." Journal Of Chinese Philosophy 33.3 (2006): 335-348. Academic Search Complete. Web. 13 Feb. 2012.

MING DONG, GU. "Everyone's Confucius, All Readers' Analects." Journal Of Chinese Philosophy 37.1 (2010): 34-47. Academic Search Complete. Web. 13 Feb. 2012.

Sim, May. "Dewey And Confucius: On Moral Education." Journal Of Chinese Philosophy 36.1 (2009): 85-105. Academic Search Complete. Web. 13 Feb. 2012.

I-YAO, SHEN. "Confucian Analects: Selected Reading (12)." Chinese American Forum 6.4 (1991): 23. Academic Search Complete. Web. 13 Feb. 2012.

            

             

Gender Differences with Compliments

Micah Moyer

3/28/12

Linguistic Analysis

Gender Differences with Compliments

Introduction

            According to the text How English Works, compliments are typically intended to make others feel good, praise them, and to create solidarity or positive relations (Curzan, 253). However, with all the positives that compliments can bring, there are occasions where they are inappropriate. Gender plays a large role in compliment behavior in many language varieties. Is it always appropriate for males to compliment females? How about males complimenting males? Also, does the topic vary depending on the gender of the person receiving the compliment? I’ve consciously taken note while at various locations over the period of a month, which gender employs compliments more so, and what those compliments tend to be about. I’ve compiled my findings into pie graphs to establish a visual for the numerical data based on the total number of compliments I’ve heard over the past month I’ve found that unless in a goal oriented environment compliments between males and females have varied.  As far as same gender compliments go, Females tend to compliment on appearance such as hair, makeup, and the occasional outfit. While males compliment on materials such as shoes, apparel, or other accessories like watches or hats. When the compliments are to opposite genders, males compliment more so, while females are less likely to present one.

Methods

            For my experiment within the time period of one month, I would gather data from an assortment of place such as parties, baseball games, soccer practice, work, around campus, and at the mall. At these places I would sit in crowded areas and listen in on conversations, hoping to hear same gender compliments, and different gender compliments. On the chance I hear a compliment, normally I’d jot it down in the notes section of my phone to add to the compilation. I’ve placed no age limit as far as age restrictions go for the unknowing participants. The goal was to reach one hundred, which fortunately was accomplished to ensure making a pie chart would be ideal. As far as making the graphs I grouped the same gender compliments on the most common body, hats, shoes, and clothes. While the females were based on clothes, body, accessories, and shoes. These choices were based on the type of compliment I heard most often. Thus making a pie chart out of 100 participants.

            As no study is perfect, there are certain aspects that will keep me from some of the facets that would allow a more accurate and thorough study. That being said, the more people I have at my disposal the more results I’d be able to analyze, however, unfortunately I will not be able to hear every compliment but within an immediate area. In addition, though there is prior research on the topic, it was hard to find credible conclusive data on the topic, so I must rely on self-reported data for the most part. However, self-reported data contain several potential sources of bias that should be noted as limitations. One large problem was the amount of time I allotted myself. One month to gather as much data as I truly needed would’ve needed ample amounts of time, which unfortunately I do not have. Furthermore, It’s hard to generalize with just the use of gender as compliments vary socially, racially, and economically. Methodology required the power of observation. Being very acute to my environment and multiple conversations.  Every time I heard a compliment I would put a note down in my phone, about who said it, and what the compliment entailed.  Sometimes the situation did call for smooth talking, in cases where I’d been caught eavesdropping.  For the most part to avoid any misunderstandings, I would act as a fly on the wall, or take part in the conversations myself. After the deadline started rolling closer, I compiled the data into pie charts depicting a break down of all of the data from my phone.

Results

            Based out of 100 participants you can see that the graph above depicts how the amount of compliments in a percentage by both genders. As most can guess most compliments came from males. This was of course no surprise, as males use compliments and conversation openers quite frequently with males, and females. Further down a heavier representation of compliments will be brought to light, of the results that were found while out observing.

            Who is complimenting whom the most? As shown in the pie graph above, you can see who gives the most compliments, and again whom they are giving them to. You can see that the breakdown includes both genders and all possibilities of any pairs of complimenting.  Naturally the male gender complimented females the most to start conversations, while female-to-female compliments comes in second.  Opposite gender compliments seemed imperative to conversation in a variety of places, while same gender compliments were usually within areas of business, or at high competitive areas such a sports practice, or in the classrooms. It was also interesting to see females’ facial expression in the same gender compliments as it seemed almost as high as 45% of the compliments were insincere.

             In this depiction we take a look at male-to-male compliments. The only compliments that I heard were of the options shown on the chart. Guys tended to compliment each other more so on material. Giving props to a nice snapback hat, or the newest pair of Jordan’s, as well as original clothes. To my surprise the occasional compliment of a guy’s muscles was heard. To no surprise the material objects laid heavily on males’ minds, and the breakdown of compliments displays that thoroughly.

            For the other same gender compliments, you find girls complimenting each other on accessories over things like jewelry at older ages, and for college ages its more along the lines of makeup. However, again the graph shows similar results to which compliments are held in lowest regard when it comes to one another. The results were not as balanced as I presumed that they would be, as clothing compliments took a very commanding rank. The tie between shoes and accessories was also a bit of a

            As for the opposite gender compliments we step away from materials, and go into things less tangible, but highly appreciated. That being said female to male compliments stood strongly with actions and personality. Concerned mostly with what guys did or said. This is not a surprise, as girls do not tend to be as worried about the physical aspects of a relationship, thus only judging guys on how they seem to be received by others. Apparel was clearly not a concern to some extent, as I saw quite a few sloppily dressed males with a many of sought after females.

            Males were very simplistic with their compliments; occasionally you’ll hear a well-versed guy say everything right. However, for the most part guys were strictly complimenting girls solely off of appearance/body/face. It is no surprise that guys are strictly into the physical. A lot of these compliments were done secondhand however. Meaning they would compliment a girl among a group of the male friends without her knowing. Compliment in that setting is a loose term however. As far as one on one, guys were big in to complimenting on eyes. I heard a plethora of compliments as far as females being funny, smart, or driven as well. Perhaps there is hope for males yet.

Discussion

            The results indicate certain patterns, which obviously cannot be overlooked. Having said this, it’s imperative to shed light on such occurrences. I’ve used these studies to demonstrate their theories about inherent differences between the genders and the societal impact of gender roles. Compliment patterns appear to be quite different when the complimenter and complimentee are the same gender from when they are different genders, and differences between males and females still arise even within same-gender interactions. In the field research indicated that the discrepancies in male-male and female-female complimentary language may be due to differences in perception concerning the purpose of compliments. The hypothesis is that women use compliments to build affiliations, while men use compliments to make evaluative judgments. Compliments are usually classified into one of four categories, depending on what they refer to: appearance, ability and performance, possessions, or personality.

            My data from opposite gender interactions show that male-female compliments are significantly more frequent than female-male compliments, following the general pattern that women receive the most compliments overall, whether from other women or from men. Since males are expected to be relatively more forward, they readily gave more obvious compliments. Male initiation of romantic relations is more socially acceptable, so a misinterpreted compliment would not be viewed as unnatural. Women tended to compliment each other considerably more often than men complimented each other. I one found that compliment topics varied by gender. Females feel a relatively greater need to be cautious when giving appearance compliments to males, for fear of seeming too forward or attracting unwanted attention. I was very surprised by the rest of my results as far as the compliment topics went.

            One far out detail I found interesting was that in How English Works, compliments weren’t only received by mostly females, but also given as well. My study showed complete opposition with that statement as far as who gave the most compliments. Janet Holmes suggests that the discrepancies in male-male and female-female complimentary language may be due to differences in perception concerning the purpose of compliments. Moreover, in New Zealand data, it is shown that women tend to compliment each other based on appearance most often. Men were found to compliment each other based on possessions more often than they compliment women based on possessions. Finding prior research for the topic proved difficult, and on occasions the research found varied in who gave the most compliments. What was found as consistent in all data I came across, and verified myself, was what the compliments tended to be about.

Conclusion

        It seems evident that women and men values vary heavily from one another.  While same gender compliments vary as far as what possessions are held with high regard, it’s those possessions that receive so many compliments. On the contrary with opposite gender compliments from females value less tangible matters such as personality, and the caliber of male’s actions. While males are very much so stuck in the world of the physical, and compliment solely on what they can touch, smell, and see. So it’s almost safe to say men are indeed from Mars and women are from Venus. Yet, here we stand in a mixed array of sweet words that can hinder motives as quickly as they may hasten.

Works Cited Page

Cameron, Debra. "Complimenting: a Positive Politeness Strategy." Gender and Interaction Theory. N.p., 1996. Web. 1 Apr 2012. <http://aggslanguage.wordpress.com/gender-interaction-theory-–-holmes-tannen-cameron-defrancisco/>.

Curzan, Anne , and Michael Adams. How EnglishWorks . Third. Boston: Longman, 2006. 253-255. Print.

Donna M. Johnson and Duane H. Roen.Language in Society. Vol. 21, No. 1 (Mar., 1992), pp. 27-57. Published by: Cambridge University Press. Web. 1 Apr. 2012.

     <http://www.jstor.org/stable/4168310>.

Holmes, Janet. 1996. The role of compliments in female-male interaction. Using English: From conversation to canon. ed. by Janet Maybin and Neil Mercer. London: Open University. Web. 1 Apr. 2012.

Rees-Miller, Janie. "Compliments Revisited: Contemporary Compliments And Gender." Journal Of Pragmatics 43.11 (2011): 2673-2688. Academic Search Complete. Web. 1 Apr. 2012.

Wogan, Peter, and Christopher Parisi. "Compliment Topics And Gender." Women & Language 29.2 (2006): 21-28. Academic Search Complete. Web. 1 Apr. 2012.

Wolfson, N. (ref: Brower, Gerritsen, DeHaan 1979). (1984). Pretty Is As Pretty Does: A Speech Act View of Sex Roles. Applied Linguistics 5(3):236-244 doi:10.1093/applin/5.3.236. Web. 1 Apr. 2012.

<http://applij.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/citation/5/3/236>

My Eyes

My Eyes

When you look in my eyes what do you see.

Some see fear

I do see fear but I only fear what I won’t become.

So you should fear what I will become.

Others gaze into a fiery stare.

And see courage

I see courage but this I will not use for the means of any medal.

So you will watch my courage blaze me towards the gold.

Many look and see something unnerving.

That thing that’s sending chills down your spine is my resolve.

I won’t quit until I know I’m done.

So you will watch my tale be written.

Several perceive a hint of something relentless

I call it passion

The one feeling that drives you day after day

So you will observe a maniacal obsession.

Now you think you can tell where my eyes are leading you.

Look at me and listen because they deceive you in thinking that that was it.

That my saga ends with passion

I know what you don’t see.

You don’t see the sweat that entitles my ending to be so far my beginning isn’t in sight

You are blind if you believe my eyes show beyond my dread

I know what is within me, even when it is not visible yet.

Look me in the eyes, they show patience

I will become what I know I am.

Release Your Giant

Release Your Giant

Within athletes there is something greater than themselves

There is that last 1% that pushes you passed your opposition

Inside is a flame that flickers and burns through all rain

We have this spirit that screams within us to keep going when our bodies cry to quit

Within every competitor lives a voice that asks questions things others do not even dream of

Why accept being only average?

How fast, how far, how high can I go?

What impossible goal can I prove wrong?

Within every fiber of the players being is the desire to win.

These are the people who don’t talk to anyone when they are not satisfied with a performance

These people that like the pressure of being the last hope

They do not feel things such as pain, fear, or doubt.

Within every Champion there is a strength to carry the world on their backs

There is a radiance that allows their teammates to follow their trail

Inside is the boldness to step over barricades that seem endless

They have a courage to climb mountains that scrape the stars.

Within everyone is something bigger than themselves.

That thing is your Giant.

It gives us a huge power to change circumstances

That giant is unique in everyone and holds a different gift for an ultimate purpose

This giant is crafted for success

Within us is a giant

That inspires others to step far, dream big, and move the world forward

Within us is a Giant

Unlock the cage and set it free