Research

Research -- ughh! That is pretty much all I have to say.  I LOVE writing papers, but writing papers about pointless topics and having to do hours of pointless research for it is what I consider to be one of the biggest wastes of time.  Doing a research paper requires no more effort or energy than a normal paper.  I believe that students should be able to choose what they write about, write from experience or knowledge that they know or learned in class.  Research topics rarely come in handy in the future and most of the time the writers forget what they even write about a week after turning in the paper.  I find it a lot more beneficial for students to write about what they are interested in or to write about topics being discussed in their classes -- because in the long run that is what will be useful.

Proper English -- What Does That Really Mean?

The debate that never ends, what is proper english?  Does it really exist?  I say yes and no, I believe that the "correct" form of english depends on where you grew up, I also believe that proper english is very complex and at times hard to understand, and finally even though "correct" english depends on the culture you grew up in -- the fact that there are so many dialects and different forms of phrasing makes it very confusing.

Mr. Baron's view that language is a reflection on a persons own culture and diversity is very accurate.  Dialects are the result of people growing up in an area that is reserved from the majority.  This isolated group form their own ways to speak what they consider to be "proper english."  Even though these dialects and culture creates the mixing pot we all love to live in -- at times this blend of culture and language causes the pot to boil over.  Having so many forms of "correct" english often causes readers and listeners to become confused and agitated.  If a writer uses their dialect in their work, some people may grasp the overall meaning and point of the story but more commonly many readers become confused and can not asp the concept of the piece.

Mr. Baron was wrong on one thing though, that english s based on a undefined and unclear set of rules.  We study grammar and ways to speak and write "proper english" since the time we enter elementary school.  English has specific rules, and guidelines that are commonly told to us and reiterated into our minds everyday.  While these rules are a hassle and annoying to learn, it allows us to learn how to speak properly and to be understood.

Multiculturalism at Western

What does multiculturalism mean to Western?  This question can be answered just by walking around campus everyday.  As a student, diversity can be seen through the many RSO's available to us, the many activities for us to participate us and mostly through the students themselves.  Here at Western, people from many different origins, races, disabilities and backgrounds are represented.  I constantly hear people talking in different language and wearing clothes from around the world.   Even my suite mates came here from China to further their studies and get a higher education.  Many different countries are represented by our school.  Diversity is very prevalent in our school, and it makes me very proud to be a bronco.