Reflection

So far, this month has been an amazing reading period for me. I have experimented with some books and have read more than I had hoped to! One book that stood out this month was, "Stick Figure," by Lori Gottlieb. First off, it is a memoir and memoirs speak to me, because I relate to the author at times.  It’s a story, told through a diary, about an anorexic girl. The way the narrator, Lori was such a vulnerable and confused child, made me have a lot of empathy for her. I recommend this book to people that appreciate reading about the hard facts of a young person suffering, but who gets better with help. Lori is a complex character, but she writes down her thoughts in an honest way, as well as speaks her mind and tells the truth. Many teenagers these days would love this book because of the honesty she uses in her narrative. 

As I read Margot Supple's piece, "Reading to make a difference," I realized how well she persuaded me (the reader), to see her point of view, which I think is the key component when it comes to an argument essay. I stated,  "I loved this, Margot. I love how you elaborated a lot as well as tried to persuade the reader. That is a key component when it comes to writing an argument essay." 

 The reason why I said this was because Margot persuaded the reader as well as she explains to the reader how the book teaches teens about how dictatorship is not helpful. Margot's piece was nicely elaborated and had amazing textual evidence. 

Some goals I have set for myself, for next 2 months are, to be read books of different genres. I am a person who reads fiction and realistic fiction. I would love to read other books, like more memoirs, non-fiction, graphic novels, etc. This month has been a very "realistic fiction" reading month, and for a long time I have only read fiction. Also, another goal is to read books that I will enjoy. For example, I am a picky person when it comes to books. I either re- read books, or I read a book that someone recommends to me only to end up dis- liking it. My goal is that I want to explore new books and genres and focus on reading books I’m sure I will enjoy. Also, I want to explore new authors. I realized that I have read a lot of John Green this month. I want to challenge myself and read books by other authors that have different styles and subject matter. 

Should We Ban "The Perks Of Being a Wallflower"?

          Should Schools Ban the book, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower?”

By: Maya MacDougall

          A lot of parents look out for their children, when it comes to what their children read. Many books are banned in school because of “sexual content” or because they have inappropriate language and scenes with drug use. Although “The Perks Of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky has these topics in its content, it is an important story that can help and comfort young adults and teenagers. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is about a boy named, Charlie, who enters high school, and through his friendships and challenging experiences there, finds out who he is. Charlie meets friends who experiment with drugs and alcohol. The story covers topics such as sex, suicide, illegal drug use, crushes and more. This is why so many students in middle school and high school are drawn to the book. They find it easily relatable. They recognize what the characters experience and witness, in their own lives, their friends’ lives and the lives of their fellow classmates; issues like depression, drug experimentation and alcohol consumption, and even child molestation. It is important for middle school kids to have access to these types of books, because it makes them aware of all those difficult issues.

          “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” should not be banned from schools because some middle school and high school kids are able to relate to some of the characters, and if they share the same problems that the characters have, or witness these problems at school or with their friends, the book can help them deal with these problems more easily.  For example, in the article, “Good Reads: The Perks of Being a Wallflower” it states, “If a teen has been abused, the logic follows, reading about another teen in the same situation will be comforting.” This shows that teens in their daily lives may have the same issues as the characters in the text, and the book gives them a way to understand ways of dealing with these problems. It also helps them relate to “The Perks of Being A Wallflower” because the story is realistic; it gets into some of the hard problems teenagers face. On page 205, Charlie says, “I don’t know what is wrong with me. It’s like all I can do is keep writing gibberish to keep from breaking apart. Sam’s gone. And Patrick won’t be home for a few days.” This scene shows how painful being lonely and losing your friends can be. This shows the reason why teens should have access to this book. They have similar struggles with the friends in their lives, as does the main character in “Perks of Being a Wallflower.” Many teens struggle with depression and loneliness every day. Relating to the character in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” can be comforting and helpful. The teen doesn’t feel alone in his problem.

        Since there is drug use, alcohol use, rape and molestation, the appropriate audience of this text is teenagers, because most of them are mature enough to read about such content. For example, in the article, “Banned Perks of Being a Wallflower” it states that, “Not every book is right for each person, but providing a wide range of reading choices is vital for learning, exploration, and imagination.” This shows how this book may not be for every teenager, because it of its mature content. On the other hand, other teens are mature enough to read it, because this book is for a specific kind of teenager, the kind who wants to be educated about the seriousness and consequences of drug use, alcohol use and rape.  Also, in the Good reads article, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower Discussion Goodreads,” it states that the book, “discusses homosexuality, drugs and its ‘explicit sexual content. Having to read this book myself, I agree that some parts require some maturity from the reader.” This shows that even if it has mature content in it, the readers meant for this book should be able to get through the vulgar parts.

          Many parents say that schools should ban this text because it has very inappropriate content, that isn’t meant for children or teens. As in the article, “Huffington post The Perks of Being a Wallflower” talks about how a father thinks the text should be banned, “The amount of vulgarity and the amount of pornography was just overwhelming.” This is an example of how some parents may think it should be banned, simply because of the amount of vulgar and pornographic scenes. Yet, in the book there are many parts with scenes of suicide or molestation, sexual assault such as rape and a boy punching a girlfriend, as well as drug use and alcohol use that can inform a teenager and be a warning to them. Teenagers can learn from reading a story about all these things. When they read a book like this one, they see how these issues can affect their life. Parents should be aware of how reading a book with these issues in it, doesn’t make their children want to experiment with things like drugs, sex and alcohol. They learn from the characters’ mistakes, as they read about their ordeals, in order to see the truth.  Naturally, this book has very mature themes, and teens should get permission from their parents before tackling it.

          Studies show that 12.12% people say that “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is not suitable for teens. 27.99% say teens can deal with such content, 2.28% say it’s only for younger teens, and 38.3% say that we shouldn’t ban books at all. This shows that society have people who have different opinions on this topic, and that most people don’t even want to ban any book in this matter. Everyone has an opinion on banning “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” But we should not ban the book, because teenagers enjoy reading about certain difficult issues in their daily lives. Teenagers should read about the truth and what happens in the world. In “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” characters struggle with real problems like, suicide, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, even while they are dealing with their first kiss, first date, or other happier moments. It isn’t just about teen romance. It is a look into a life of what it is like to be a teenager today. 

Draft For Banning Books Argument Essay

  Draft:

            Parents look out for their children when it comes to what they read. Many books are banned because of “sexual content” or they have “inappropriate” language and drug use. “The Perks Of Being a Wallflower” is about a boy that enters High School and finds out who he is, Charlie meets friends who experiment with sex, drugs, and alcohol. The text “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” Even though the book contains depression, drugs, use of alcohol, and molester, Middle Schooler’s should have access to it because it makes them aware of all those bad issues.

            The “Perks of Being a Wallflower” should not be banned from schools because some children relate to this book because they have the same social issues as some of these characters do, and when they read the text, they understand what they are going through even more.  In the article “Good Reads: The Perks of Being a Wallflower” states, “If a teen has been abused, the logic follows, reading about another teen in the same situation will be comforting.” This shows that teens in their daily lives have the same issues as the characters in the text, and a way to relate and understand the same issues in their lives, the can read “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” because its realistic. Also, in the text page 205, “I don’t know what is wrong with me. Its like all I can do is keep writing gibberish to keep from breaking apart. Sam’s gone. And Patrick wont be home for a few days.” This shows that the reason teens should have access to this book is because they have the same issues in their lives as the characters in this text. An example is depression and loneliness. Many teens struggle with these issues daily, and a way to relate is by reading “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” .

            The appropriate audience for this text is teenagers because they are mature enough to read about drug use, alcohol use, rape, and ,molestor. For example, in the article, “Banned Perks of Being a Wallflower” states, “not every book is right for each person, but providing a wide range of reading choices is vital for learning, exploration, and imagination.” This shows that the author is saying how this book may not be for every teenager because of such content. But on the other hand, other teens are mature enough to read this book because this book is for a specific kind of teenager. One who can read mature and serious content such as drugs, alcohol, and rape. Also, in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower Discussion Goodreads” It states, “Is that it discusses homosexuality , drugs, and its “explicit sexual content. Having to read this book myself, I agree that some parts require some maturity from the reader.” This shows that even if it has mature content in it, the readers meant for this book should be able to get through vulgar parts.

Many say that schools should ban this text because it has very inappropriate content that isn’t for children or teens. For example, in the article “Huffington post The Perks Of Being a Wallflower” talks about how a father thinks the text should be banned, “The amount of vulgarity and the amount of pornography was just overwhelming.” This shows that parents think it should be banned because of the amount of  “vulgar” and “pornography” in it.  In the book, there are many parts with scenes of suicide or molester, sexual assault such as rape and a boy punching a girlfriend, as well as drug use and alcohol use. But, teenagers could learn from this. When they read a book such as this one, they see how these issues affect your life. Parents should be aware of how reading a book with such issues, doesn’t make their children want to experiment with those issues such as, drugs, sex, and alcohol. They learn from the characters mistakes.

Studies show that 12.12% people say that “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” Is not suitable for teens. 27.99% say teens can deal with such content, 2.28%say its only for younger teens, and 38.3% say that we shouldn’t ban books at all.  This shows that this society has some people have different opinions on this topic, and that most people don’t even want to ban any book in this matter. Everyone has an opinion on banning “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. But we should not ban it because teenagers enjoy reading about certain issues in their daily lives. 

Social Awareness Project: Body Image

Ella Celebi-

1)    HI. Have you ever been called “fat” or “skinny”? Who and what gender?

Ella- I’ve been called “skinny” more specifically “anorexic” because of my weight. I personally think I’m at a good weight I weigh 103 pounds. And there was once a boy who weighed 30 pounds heavier than me but he is not fat or anything he just has muscle. He weighs 133 pounds. He has called me “anorexic” because I weigh 30 pounds less than him.

2)    Have you ever looked at a magazine and wished you were the model, or wished you had their body?

Ella- not really honestly, because I know that stuff is so photo shopped. It never really bothered me, I mean sometimes I think, “Oh I wish I had her arms!” because that is an insecurity I have.  But um, I know its photo shopped so it doesn’t really bother me that much.

3)    Okay, are you insecure about any part of your body? What and why?

      Ella- Well I just said my arms because um, I don’t know my arms are on the heavy side. And lots of the girls at my school have skinnier arms than me.

4)    What do you consider a “perfect body” for a girl and a boy?

Ella- For a girl probably like nice curves, a big butt and big boobs or whatever, Nice legs, pretty face, and pretty hair. And for a guy, a guy who is taller than you, has abs, strong, handsome.

5) Okay. So would you rather choose a guy with a really nice body and a horrible personality, or a guy with a bad body and a really awesome personality?

Ella- Definitely a guy with a bad body with a really awesome personality. 

Lorenzo-

1)    Okay. Have you ever been called “fat” or “skinny” ? Who and which gender?

Lorenzo- Uhh twice. Yeah in 6^th grade I was small and over the summer I called a boy a fat shrimp, and he said, “at least I’m not a toothpick.

2)    Have you ever looked at a magazine and wish you were the guy model or soccer player?

Lorenzo- No.

3)    Okay. So would you rather choose a girl with a really nice body and a horrible personality, or a girl with a bad body and a really awesome personality?                     

Lorenzo- Uhh… how bad are we talking? ( ugly, and no curves and fat) Uhh.. I can’t decide.

4)    Are you insecure about any part of your body? And why?

Well I can’t say nothing, but my friends think I have a big head. I embrace that but I don’t like my head.

5)    What do you consider a “perfect body” for a girl and boy?

Alright, the guy has to be ripped and have abs and he has to have like biceps ya know? And then the girl like… an hourglass.

Mark –

1) Okay. Have you ever been called “fat” or “skinny” ? Who and which gender?

            Mark- Yes I have been called fat. It is mostly by girls but occasionally boys.

2)        Have you ever looked at a magazine and wish you were the guy model or soccer player?

Mark - Yes I would say that. Well whoever is skinny and looks good. And ya know have that image every guy wants to have, ya know like for a girl being skinny, and for a guy like skinny and has abs.

3) Are you insecure about any part of your body? And why?

Mark- Yeah. Um probably my ears because a lot of people say they get really red sometimes. My teeth because a lot of people say I have shark teeth. And my weight because I’m not as skinny as other people even though I wish I could be.

4)    Okay. So would you rather choose a girl with a really nice body and a horrible personality, or a girl with a bad body and a really awesome personality?

Mark- Not to sound nice or for the video but someone who doesn’t have the “everyday type of body”  but a good personality. But of course I think I would prefer          a nice body and a good personality. It depends on who the person is.

Cassi-

1)    Have you ever been called “fat” or “skinny”? Who and what gender?

Cassi- I have been called skinny by both genders. I have never really been called fat since the 5^th grade.

2) Okay. So would you rather choose a guy with a really nice body and a horrible personality, or a guy with a bad body and a really awesome personality?

          

Cassi-  Neither. I don’t need a guy in my life! They need to have the whole package.

3) Are you insecure about any part of your body? And why?

Cassi- Probably my legs. I don’t know I feel like they are bigger than other girl’s legs. I don’t know I guess its just because I’m taller. 

4)    What do you consider a “perfect body” for a girl and boy?

Cassi- For a guy probably tall has to have abs, muscles, and leg muscles. For a girl big boobs, a butt, and skinny.

       

                        “Why Cant I Be Like the Others?” A scene.

“Ugh my waist is so small. I need to be bigger to impress Chris someday,” My best friend Maggie says.

“Oh please, my butt is as small as a 2 year olds butt,” My other friend Sarah replies.

Ever since I entered High School my friends stopped eating and others spent most of their time near a toilet throwing up. I was confused on how most of the girls at my High School kept alive, I mean, I try to starve myself but after 10 minutes I find myself at the fridge.

            “ Have you guys checked out the new Victoria’s secret Magazine? I have to loose 15 pounds so I could be a model. I wish I could just be like them, tall, skinny, big boobs,” Maggie whines.  What I do in most of these conversations is just nod and think about the things I could get my mind off of this “body” talk everyone has been talking about these days.

            “Hey, Charlotte I see a little flab. Maybe you should go take a run after school or something? I do cardio and yoga everyday afterschool so I could loose 15 pounds,” Sarah says. I feel my face burn and feel the tears about to burst.

            “I am going to be late to class,” I quickly say as I run to my locker. As I do so, I think of my body. Maybe I DO need to loose a couple pounds. Yesterday Jonathan Grooco said I had no butt.

            “Hey, Charlotte,” Big Butt Annabelle walks up to me with gum in her mouth and lipstick on her teeth. She checks me out and rolls her big green eyes. 

            “Is everything alright?” I ask her. Annabelle pulls aside Maggie who walks by us.

            “This is your best friend right?” Annabelle asks Maggie as she clicks her gum. Maggie looks at me and lifts her eyebrows. “Your friend has no butt or boobs!” Annabelle cracks up. Burning tears roll down my cold face, and I couldn’t even look up at anyone. It was dead silence in the hallway except for her obnoxious laugh. I pray to someone or something that Maggie comes up with a comeback, I feel too vulnerable to reveal myself.

            “ Yeah um… she has nothing!” Maggie laughs a little with Annabelle. Instead of my face red from embarrassment, it turns red with rage.

            “Maybe I don’t have the perfect body, but at least I have some feelings, and at least I am not fake like some people. “ I shove both of them with my skinny arms and sprint to 4^th period.

            THE END

When I wrote this piece, I wanted the readers to realize how the media puts out a message saying how girls should have a “perfect body”. I also wanted to show how there are body image stereotypes in this new generation.

In the scene, girls and boys surround Charlotte. They are telling her what she should look like on the outside. But Charlotte takes a stand and shows the rude girls that looks and bodies don’t matter, it is personality that should matter. Annabelle and Maggie who tell her how she should be, take it from the media and compare themselves to others. This relates to the real world because some girls are insecure about their body. They compare themselves to other girls, which makes them feel horrible about their bodies, it could lead to illnesses such as anorexia, bulimia, cutting, etc. We need to take a stand and realize how body image is a big social issue in the world of teenagers.

My Opinion on Body Image in Society

          In a teenage girl mind, there is always a place that notices all your flaws. For instance, I know as a girl, features about me that I may not like, or want to change. I notice that some girls compare themselves to other girls. In fact, 80% of woman in the US are dissatisfied with their bodies.

         In classrooms, girls say how small their butt is, or compare bra cup sizes. When I see this all I could think is, “Why does it all matter so much? We all have different kinds of bodies.”  I feel that the media shoves this one look that all girls want to have, which is: curves, small waist, big butt, and big boobs.

        I once heard a conversation between 2 boys in my class. One boy says, “Boobs or butt?” And the other one replies, “Both. I wish every girl at the school looked like Nicki Manaj.” I immediately look at them and said, “What about personality?” But am I right? This shows the reason why girls are so insecure about their body. Some boys expect girl’s bodies should all be the same, a specific shape and size.

       A solution to this social issue is letting girls know how beautiful they are no matter what kind of body they have. There are many songs like, “All About that Bass” by Meghan Traitor, “Pretty Hurts”, by Beyoncé, and many more that put out a message that no matter who you are and what kind of body you have, you are beautiful.

“Because every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top!” –All About that Bass