John Proctor: Hero or Stooge?

John Proctor, the definition of a strong-minded man for sure. His beliefs go against the majority of the towns and he makes sure that everyone knows where he stands. Living in a puritan society is no easy task, honestly, I don't think I could handle it. Strict lifestyles and using fear as a tactic for religion? Thats not the way I roll, and its obviously not how John Proctor rolls either. Everyone in the town of Salem is forced to believe the same things, and John Proctor doesn't agree with that. He tends to blame Reverend Parris for what's going on in the town and openly shows his distate for the Reverends decisions. He isn't a shy man when it comes to opinions and sharing them.

  I honestly think that John Proctor is a hero that has the upper hand in that society.  He's realistic and doesn' get sucked onto the bandwagon of beliefs that circle the town. Many people believe in witchcraft and that it is the cause for the weird behavior of the girls. John Proctor is more realistic and thinks there may be more reason behind the odd behavior. Also, many people don't stand up to Reverend Parris and just smile and agree with everything the Reverend says. John, however, always challenges what the Reverend has to say. He doesn't believe that the Reverend is doing a good job and is just manipulating and tricking the townspeople into believing things that aren't true. Living in a Puritan society, it must be hard attempting to have your own thoughts, but that never stopped John Proctor. John Proctor is realistic and doesn't give into the ignorant beliefs that the other people do. If more people were like John Proctor, maybe they wouldn't be as easily manipulated and could make their own decisions.

Sinners at the hands of an angry....who?

          For centuries, religion has played a big part in the every day lives of people. Religion influences them in their decisions and how they live out their lives. Johnathan Edwards "Sinners at the hands of an Angry God" emphasizes the punishments that follow making the wrong choice. As he preaches the words describing a God that is full of anger, he manipulates the so called "followers" using fear as a tactic. What kind of God would do that to His people though? That's what I wondered.
           In my opinion, "God" should not be used as a fear tactic for making the right decisions. The consequences for the decisions we make our because of us, not because a supreme being decides to punish us. We are the reason for the way things turn out the way they do. God (or gods) are supposed to be a sense of hope for the people. They should be able to feel comfortable in their lives and God is a sense of support during a hard time. God isn't supposed to be full of anger and hatred. What does that teach the people? Is it okay to be filled with anger? Is it okay to let out the anger on others? God is a role model for the every day people. But when God is a model for retaliation and consequence, what does that teach the people?

There goes the neighborhood....to Panama!

Wherever people go, they see cultural differences. Whether it is different from their own cultures or different cultures within the area. My life as a whole is one big cultural combination. I was born in Panama City, Panama, a country in central America, but I grew up in the United States. I go to Panama every year and get to experience living two different kinds of lifestyles. Certain aspects of daily life are similar and some are polar opposites.
When I go to Panama, I usually stay in a few days in the city and the remainder of the time in the rural mountaneous country side where my mother grew up. The city life of Panama is the same as any big metropolitan area. Cars zoom around and pedestrians attempt to get by. Buses honk there horns and the streets are filled with business. However, one reason that makes Panama City unique is that it is right next to a rain forest. Also, this city is right in between two different oceans, the atlantic and pacific. Living in a tropical area is a culture difference in itself. Growing up in Chicago, I am used to the extreme cold and hot, but in Panama its either hot, humid, or hot and humid all year round. The different cultures that exist in Panama City alone is crazy in itself! There are native indians with different traditions and people from all over the country and even other countries that come together, despite their different cultures. For such a small country, Panama is abundant with cultural "clashes".
The country side of Panama, for me, is the biggest cultural difference. The lifestyle I live when I visit the country and the lifestyle I live in Chicago are almost complete opposites. First off, technology doesn't play as big of a part in my every day life. There are computers with internet, but its an hour walk/10 min drive from my grandmothers house. The tv's work, but there isn't cable. The cellphone usage isn't nearly as much as it is in the United States, its pretty much only used when really necessary. The houses are made out of mud and/or concrete and the kitchen is a mud hut with a small table, shelves with plates and silverware, as well as a traditional "stove" (an elevated area where wood and kindling is used to light fires to cook). Chickens run around, pecking at the ground. Foliage is everywhere and the sunset is absolutely beautiful. At night I stare at the sky, spotted with stars and planets. There are no noises from cars, buses, or trains. I often find myself just sitting in a hammock, listening to the sounds of bugs and birds in the surroundings.
I believe I'm truly lucky to be able to experience such different lifestyles and cultures. I appreciate how every culture around the world is different and I love learning about them.

About me(:

Ahhh, the beginning of a new school year. Bittersweet emotions filter through the halls of Whitney M. Young Magnet School. Freshmen and ackies everywhere,running to their classrooms or attempting to look completely cool and in control. Seniors excited to take over the school and the Juniors already taking their position as part of the "upperclassmen." Then, there are the sophmores. Girls sqealing in the hallways greeting each other and boys happily accepting hugs from them. Alas, I found myself being one of these sophmore girls running here and there saying hi to everyone I possibly could. "Who is she?" you may be asking to yourself. "Is she a stereotypical teenage girl?" The answer to that is simple: no. I am a unique person with ideas and goals, but before we get to that, lets start with the basics.
My name is Monica Michelle Hamada-Pena (thats quite a mouth-full!) I am a quarter Japanese, half Panamanian and quarter Polish-American-Jewish (among others). I was born in Rio Abajo, Panama, but i've lived practically my whole life in the U.S. I visit Panama every year with my family for Christmas. I feel that being exposed to, along with actually being a part of, two completely different cultural lifestyles has really helped me become the person I am today and I have my family to thank for that.
My family consists of my mom, Maria, my dad, Matthew, two sisters, Mimi and Marisol, and of course (the most important member of our family): our pet Shih Tzu, Nicky. My family has supported me through everything and are always there for me. Ever since I was little, my mom has made sure that I stay true to my Panamanian roots. I am bi-lingual, speaking both spanish and english. My dad always helps me with my work and because of him, I am a proud White Sox fan! My sisters, as much as they may annoy me and drive me off the wall, tend to always put a smile on my face (..well...sometimes).
Music is my passion. Ever since I was little i've been involved with music. Whether it be listening to music from all over the world (thanks to my parents), being exposed to theory/technique, or making my own music. Two people that really helped me evolve into who I am musically are my paternal grandmother and a close family friend, Rodney Stapleton. They've supported me, helped me, and encouraged me to pursue music. I have been playing guitar for three years and am currently in the Whitney Young Concert Choir.
I also enjoy writing. I feel like writing is the perfect way to express feelings. To improve my writing, I love to read. I read all sorts of books, from fantasy to biographies. Reading is one of the best ways to expose yourself to other viewpoints and worlds. Getting lost in a completely different world through reading helps me stay sane (especially with my sisters!)
I may not be athletic and i've found that I can be somewhat of a klutz, but I am completely content with who I am. I have incredible family and friends. I have goals I hope to pursue and memories that will last me a lifetime. So yes, I CAN at times act like a teenage girl, everybody does. When you look much deeper than outer appearance though, I am something more and so is everybody else.