Writing Prompt

Body Shaming

Body shaming is a topic that people are very sensitive about. Body shaming is basically when someone says negative things about some one's body weight. There are two types of body shaming, one is about your height and the other is about your weight. We live in a society where the way we look is so important. So many people are trying to loose or gain weight because of the negative comments they have received. It's natural for people to notice how a person looks  but there is no reason to point it out. People are being judged by the way they look everyday. There are people who are naturally skinny or naturally thick. They can't change that about themselves. Nobody likes to be called fat or even chubby. Even if people say "oh you're so lucky you're so skinny" as a complement the person might be offended. Body shaming is wrong. Just because someone has the image of a perfect body does not make them any more of a women. What is the perfect body? As long as the person is happy with the way they look, that's what truly matters.

Pratichhya G.
English 112

Cruel Nature

Cruel Nature

On April 25, 2015, Saturday, a devastating earthquake of 7.8 magnitude strike my county, Nepal. Thousands of people were killed, many were buried under ground, and thousand more were left homeless. Nepal is a developing country, a very small country in between two huge nations. Although, the nation is poor but it was historically and culturally rich. Yes, it WAS because this cruel nature left nothing behind but only the remains of our culture. The aftershocks even today which is after thirteen days is experienced. But I can boldly say, that my country is strong. We will bounce back, for now we need to stay strong. Citizens of my country are brave enough to hold back their tears and help to rescue the one's who are struggling. I, personally appreciate all the help that we have experienced from all around the world in this tragic situation. 

#prayforNEPAL


S upreti
ENG 112

Africa is a continent

Enough! We as Africans have had enough. Some would argue that there are no stupid questions- or are there? How about questions such as "do you live in huts?" Or "do you speak African?"
Yes, these are quite ridiculous questions and Africans are tired of having to answer them over and over again.  Africa is not a country. It's a continent that consists of 54 countries all with different cultures, customs, religions, and languages. When you ask us questions like "do you speak African" we are genuinely shocked by the level of your ignorance. It's like asking Italians if they speak  European. So for those who have asked this question before I suggest that you think before you speak. When I told people that I had recently moved here from Ethiopia I was asked if I had come here with a "boat." This person assumed that I couldn't have had the wealth or reason to travel around the world with the use of an airplane- which is crazy to be honest. It's sad how Africa is portrayed  as this poor and unproductive continent where everybody speaks the same language and live in huts.  It's time for people to acknowledge our achievements and accept our differences. We suggest that you take a few minutes to research the different countries and cultures. Make sure to never address Africa as a country and when you refer to a place in Africa be specific. Don't ask if we speak African and most importantly don't assume that we are poor.

- Naomi Simatos

Hard work always pays off!

You can do anything you set your mind to. An example of this for me was when I took PE III during my junior year. During the course we were required to go to the weight room, and this helped shape me to grow both mentally and physically. I was a really skinny guy, and that made me uncomfortable when I entered the weight room. I was unfamiliar with the weights and could not compete with my stronger classmates. In addition, at the beginning, I did not like how we had to go to the weight room because I did not feel physically capable to lift weights. It was uncomfortable for me, because I felt weaker than others in the class who would lift heavier weights than me. The first week I was there, I pretended to do something else. For instance, when I bench pressed for the first time, I could not even balance or lift the bar. But my friends were always there supporting and helping out. Then, later in the year, I saw improvement in my body. I slowly gained weight and muscle. Friends in my class helped me out by giving me tips and pointers for when I would work out. This helped me grow more comfortable in that environment. I started to go to the weight room outside of school. And the results of my hard work made me feel very pleasant, and I wanted to continue this success.

-David Workneh
Eng 112

Police Brutality

                                                             
The incident with Eric Garner is one of the many examples of police brutality. However, it also shows the racial in deference that is now the biggest issue in the nation. Many people thought racism ended after the civil rights movement, but I believe it is now that people are expressing their true opinions towards the issue. I believe what happened to Eric garner as well as to Mike Brown and many young African American males are tragic and they deserve justice. That being said, the citizens of America especially the African American community lives day by day with the fear of police officers. I would like to ask all the youth citizens how to address this issue effectively by protesting. Also Eric Garner left behind a wife and six children. His family still needs support with financial after the tragic loss. You should go to this link https://fundly.com/eric-garner-family-support-fund#home), then click on donate. If you donate $50, you will receive the "I Can't Breathe" t-shirt to join in solidarity with those protesting the death of #EricGarner. Afterword, you can share it on facebook, twitter or leave a comment below.

-Daniel Debesay
Eng 112 

Labels Are For Products NOT People

I seem to be going through an identity crisis. I know for a fact that I am an African-American male, but for some odd reason every time I do something I gain a new ethnicity. When I talk properly, which is just how I was raised, and strive to succeed in my music aspirations, since it isn't rap I'm white. When I play soccer, my favorite sport, and throw a little Spanish in my sentences I instantly become Hispanic (or also known as a less flattering term for that). Does this mean I could be Chinese since I love the food so much, even though I don't speak a lick of Mandarin or Cantonese? But the reason why I am reassured I'm at least PART black, is due to the fact that last week when I was in a 7-11 I had my first unpleasant profiling experience. Even though I try my hardest not to fulfill any stereotypes and present myself as a nice young man, he saw me as no different than shady person roaming the streets. Not sure how many "potential shoplifters" say "please", "thank you", and "have a nice day" but that is besides the point. I don't share this to complain but to ask that you think about what you say to people. I know I'm not the first or last to be treated this way, still one never knows how another person will react. I've learned to not pay it any mind because I'm proud to live in a very multicultural area, and have become a very multicultural person thanks to that. I hope this helps anyone who may have experienced the same thing and that it helps you to be true to yourself. Take it from an African-American, Latino, Caucasian, and Asian kid. Whose experienced a lot of different cultures in only 19 years of life.

-Izaak G
 Eng 112