Violence in Our Veins

At the age of eighteen years old, a child will witness on television 200,000 acts of violence including 40,000 murders. Violence has been an issue since the dawn of time and always will be. Until we fully grow to accept one another regarding; religion, ethnicity, gender and personal bias, violence will continue to be an issue throughout the globe. North America is most greatly affected by violence via; racism, drugs and alcohol, media and peoples own personal beliefs.

Racism and discrimination are underlying causes to mass violence throughout North America. Groups such as the Klu Flux Klan ( the KKK )have been around since the late 1800's. They are a white supremest, located on the far right of the political spectrum who have originated in the southern United States. The KKK has been involved in acts of terrorism, violence, murder and the oppression of African Americans, Jews and other minorities and to oppose Roman Catholics and labor unions. Discrimination is not merely based around race, it also gravitates around gender and age. Canadian women received the right to vote in 1918, the thought that women were inferior and should deal with matters of the political agenda. The UN introduced the right for women to vote in 1948 making it an international law to do so. Took you long enough!

Drugs and alcohol pain North American society with much sorrow, due to the massive amounts of crime and violence linked to them. Both drugs and alcohol have negative affects upon ones nature, no one drinks and becomes a better person who is going to change the world. Maybe a more open person, who will tell you what for but certainly not a better one. Alcohol is related to domestic violence cases, drunk driving and violence in general, very seldom does drinking result in a positive outcome. Drugs have sparked massive gang wars and death due to it's illegal trafficking across borders, from one person to another. There is a global black market of drug sales, manufacturing and cultivation, lays many jobs on the line. Due to the great illegal operations that trace drug production it's prices are high, which allow for greater conquest to receiving such drugs whether they be by purchase or robbery. With suck great stakes such as ones home or dinner on the table, lives are lost commonly and violence is induced in order to ensure "business" goes well.

The media has inadvertently desensitized the globe, to matters such as rape, violence and murder due to it's widespread access into each and every civilians life. Many claim that the increase in aggression due to media is at par with the rates of lung cancer and smoking. This is quite alarming in such a time, where weaponry is easily accessible and nuclear war heads are at our governments disposal. Children, ages 8 to 18, spend more time (44.5 hours per week- 61/2 hours daily) in front of computer, television, and game screens than any other activity in their lives except sleeping. Violence is administered, like flu shots at a clinic, every minute, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Children learn by observing and imitating, games such as Grand Theft Auto introduce ideals such as drugs, prostitution and gang violence leave great impressions on such a young child's mind. In the film Bowling for Columbine, a news paper add at a bank states that if you apply for a membership there you will receive a gun upon joining. How is this ethical? If you know please tell me, because this truly makes no sense to me. All American's enjoy the delight of the right to bare arms, to protects ones homestead and well being. I believe this decree has been abused and should be abolished but who am I to govern a country. Nothing more then a 17 year old girl who scoops ice cream.

People's own personal choices, bias and beliefs have catalyzed much disruption in society. Religion is an underlying cause to much violence, due to prejudice towards one another's beliefs and contradictions as to who's religion is superior or correct. But that is in the eye of the Bible or Qur'an holder. (I would list more religious materials but it's almost past my bedtime so this should suffice)Disputes are easily fueled by simple contradictions or arguments. Students come into their schools guns blazing all because of some bullying or hate for their fellow peers. That's madness, you'd think a councilor would suffice to discuss such matters but I guess this isn't the case for some.

North American society will continue to be affected by violence, it seeps into ones home without dismay. One can only hope these factors change, but then again global warming is still a freight train heading our way and what have we truly done to stop that.

Two Men, One Mouse

A sweat bead drips down the collar of your shirt and you shudder as it traces down your spine, the sun bears down upon you like an unwanted filth. Your dearest companion trails behind you on your search to soothe the unemployment that lingers about you much like a fly to a carcass. The great depression was an utmost challenging time, dusty, baron trails, empty pockets and stomach churning from an incessant hunger. Sounds tantalizing doesn't it? The film "Of Mice and Men" does no justice to John Steinbeck's novella. Triple threat Gary Sinise whom, directed, produced and starred in this film came up short. The novel paints such a glorious and trying setting throughout each and every chapter. Where as the movie neglects essential sections such as character development and the microcosm that the novel depicts.

The film tracks two companions; George Milton (Gary Sinise) whom is a "quick witted" and Lennie Small (John Malkovich) whom just so happens to be mildly retarded as they skim California's Salinas Valley, in search for work. They stumble upon a ranch, in which they slave upon day in and day out to store enough cash in order to afford their dream ranch. Along their many turmoils they encounter titillating characters and emotion stirring events.

Of Mice and Men was anything but good, overall it was a poignant excuse of a film. It lacked many vital components of the novella. Character development of Curley's "tart" of a wife was surpassed and she was conceived to be the "girl next door" not the trouble causing vixen from the novella. Curley's wife had a fundamental role in the stating her authority of the microcosm that was portrayed throughout the novel, yet in the film she showed nothing more then loneliness and naivety. Director Gary Sinise, clearly traced every square inch of the book which requires no creativity or talent what so ever. The script was essentially straight from the pages of John Steinbeck's novella. The film also jumps from scene to scene with no time fillers in between, which leaves one feeling heckled and rather distraught.

Gary Sinise played the character of George Milton rather well, he's no grade A actor but his efforts were better then those of his frugal costars. John Malkovich whom depicted Lennie Small, was an utter disappointment. Lennie was said to be a brute like fellow, whom was slow but could follow orders well. Malkovich was much too lanky, to be the almightly man Steinbeck writes about. He came off as a 5 year old trapped in a giants body, not a man with mild retardation.

For those who have not had the pleasure of the novel, please don't be biased due to this film. I would strongly recommend the novella over the movie any day. You grasp a better sense of the setting and depict some truly glorious imagery with Steinbeck's wise words to guide you. The film itself was poorly executed and lacked severelly in captivating ones attention. Going to the dentist would be as thrilling as the 116 minutes of my life I will never get back. Thanks so much Sinise! The most thrilling part of the whole "Of Mice and Men" experience was getting my refund at the end and removing my plastered feet from the theatres floor.

The Sketching of George Milton's Character

The sunshine grazes the brim of your hat, sunset is breaking and a new day has begun. “A few [short] miles south of Soledad” you set out on foot the “golden foothills” are your only obstacle. Narrow paths “beaten hard by tramps” weave an intricate setting about you. Your best friend is by your side and the two of you have set a plan to keep you motivated through thick and thin. Sounds tranquil, doesn’t it? Take a glimpse at the severe contrast and struggles between the two protagonists. Whose lives you trail eagerly like a hungry water snake at the waters edge, throughout the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. The reader is introduced to two very diverse characters one by the name of Lennie Small and the other by the name of George Milton. These two dear friends undergo their journey in the utmost frivolous way, which involves laboring on a ranch. In order to earn enough income to afford a “little house” with “a couple of acres an’ a cow and some pigs”. Lennie is "a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders." Whom lost his aunt and relies on his dearest friend to help him through his every day trials and tribulations. George Milton is said to be "small and quickwitted, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features." Although George sounds miniscule in comparison to Lennie; he is a much more indepth character than his counterpart. George is an extremely kind and not to mention a great friend, whom tends to keep to himself. As Lennie took a drink from a “scummy” pool George halted him, “You gonna be sick like you was last night.” George is a truly protective and loyal friend. While being interviewed for a job, George speaks on Lennie’s behalf due to the fact that Lennie isn’t the brightest bulb on the tree. George attributes great selflessness in doing so and impresses his boss, “I never seen one guy take so much trouble for another guy.” Optimism, is a very powerful trait George also posseses “with us it ain’t like that. We got a future.” Despite overwhelming differences, both George and Lennie rely on one another for companionship, this ultimately ties them together . All in all George’s characteristics are that of a true friend, chapter through chapter he proves this with his intricacy and kindheartedness. George is the type of friend all should have, or have had from one time or another. One who is faithful to his word and shows great compassion for others

The Battle of All Ages

For many generations this question has crossed paths and the thoughts of many. Don't even lie you have argued about this from one time to another. What on earth is she talking about you may be asking yourself, well simmer down and I will tell you. Whom do I think would win in the Batman Vs. Superman battle? This is a no brainer Batman would indefinitely win this fight. Batman is far more superior, he's a billionaire play boy and Superman is merely a farm boy who works for a news paper. Batman has the money in the bank to make anything happen. No ammount of super human strength, speed or let alone heat vision would help you from his wrath. The smallest piece of kryptonite brings Superman to his knees and Batman keeps on trucking regardless of his injuries. He's the craftiest crusader of the night and he gets things done. Where as Superman is too busy playing footsies with Lois Lane and rolling in hay to care for much. I could go on for days but my stomach is growling and class is coming to a close so I leave you know with the final words that Batman would win the fight against Superman any day of the week.