Officially English

In Times Magazine (2006), the essay "In Plain English: Let's Make it Official," Charles Krauthammer analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of bilingualism. He starts off by stating he was from Canada, where he "had no choice about bilingualism." The United States, which is composed of many diversities, cultures, and religions has only one language officially: English. By explaining and referencing his experience in a country founded by bilingualism, Krauthammer wonders why America and its citizens are choosing to lose an opportunity to be bound by one language. Logically and ethically, he explains that it is acceptable to practice different languages, but it is NOT acceptable for the United States to establish every language as official: "No immigrant presumes to make the demand that the state grant special status to his language." While each person may continue spreading the use of their language, they should accept English "as the gateway to American life." By comparing the French-speaking people in Quebec and the rapidly growing Spanish communities in America, Krauthammer predicts that the acceptance of Spanish as an official language may be widely protested, as America is "a world far more complicated and fraught with division." With every document in English, it only makes sense to maintain the norm of English as the "U.S.'s national and common language." While America grants every individual the power to act upon their own opinions and practice their own practices, it is important to establish regularity and unity throughout the country. Which is in english. Branching off of his credibility, the reader understands the perspective and point Krauthammer displays. 

Words Mean What They Mean

While Steven Pinker argued that several times in life words are used to define relationships and create boundaries, words can be used to express true feelings and reciprocate strong relationships. While I may mention "Do you think you can pass the salt," it doesn't necessarily label our relationship. I may have asked her a question instead of a command like "Gimme the salt" to be polite because being polite is my personality. Words can be spouted out based on moods and feelings, and the fact that Pinker represents words as an influential power that constantly affects a person life can be untrue. Human nature doesn't always have to entail being 'intentional' or 'upright.' Sometimes words can be used to express feelings at the time, without a second-handed thought. Not all words have to have a reason or purpose. Although I don't necessarily agree with Pinker, I definitely have a newfound appreciation for the complexities of language; his piece created a new insight into how our minds work in the world, about ourselves and affect those around us. 

After reading the piece, my interest in what Pinker's book, "The Stuff of Thought," increased. He analyzes human nature and negotiates the relationship between the reader and audience. As a psychologist, Pinker contemplates the meaning of the word "f***" in "f*** you." Do you know? I don't. Pinker paints human nature as having "distinct and universal properties, some of which are innate – determined at birth by genes rather than shaped primarily by the environment."

                                                 https://youtu.be/LjQM8PzCEY0

This is a TED talk by Pinker. He talks about language habits and grammatical structure, and the in-depth meaning of what we say on a daily basis. Highly recommend it.

Troy High

Not a magnet school, not a charter school, but the 397th best school in the United States. With 110 full-time teachers and 2,018 students enrolled, the school has been dictated as the 6th best in Michigan. Each student in this school strives for a strong and successful future proven by the fact that 98% of the students attend college. Although the total minority enrollment is 44%, each student sustains a high proficiency in core subjects such as math and english. This school preserves a 60% college-readiness level, preparing students for the next step in their lives. Given the fact that there is a 18 student to 1 teacher ratio, aspiring young adults are given the opportunity to learn more. With math and english being above the district, state, and national standards, Troy high places as one of the best schools to attend.

As a public school, Troy high school is definitely an overachiever. Placed in the top 3 of the public schools in the state, winning a gold medal for ranking extremely high nationally, and having 90% of its student pass AP tests, are just a few of Troy High's achievements. Many students deem Troy High as the ultimate school to be admitted at. It is perfect, exemplary, and the best combination of sports and academics. It is "unfathomable" to understand the greatness of the school, without attending it. Although it is an area filled with stressed students, heavy books, and pressurizing parents, the numbers speak for themselves. The rest is inapplicable. It remains as an area that fulfills student's dreams.

Flip Again

"Long before I began to gain" wealth and fame "I was impressed with" Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton "enough that I wrote" books about them "to discover" what it takes to be wealthy." I learned from them that to be wealthy, I not only needed to be stinkin' rich but have a faithful attitude towards expensive items and pricey clothes. Although I am a millionaire now, I started off as a girl that sat on the streets, shifting from person to person...mugging them. I prefer the term "mugging" rather than stealing because I am providing safety to the individual from other stealers. One day, I sat next to my best friend, Vera. Vera-now a proficient dumpster diver- was fishing through the dumpster for the hundredth time. This was no random dumpster. It was the dumpster behind the 5500 square foot, high-end Prada store. Vera pulled out one of the most amazing, silver, cross-body, flat-bottomed with round sides, elongated purse. It was love at first site till I saw the next purse. And the next one. And the one after that. I became proficient in not only mugging people, but mugging people with rich purses. People disdain muggers like me; however, I'm not one that sits on my couch after 8 hours of a computer job cutting life day by day. It's an art. It should be viewed as an art that allows people to coordinate for the betterment of a life- if that makes sense. Now, I search for the most high-end purses and clothes to keep my passion satisfied. I'm just another Kardashian on the street.