The Importance of Imperfections - Irene Kim

Eventown book cover

    Eventown, written by Corey Ann Haydu, is a novel centered around an 11-year-old girl named Elodee. The story begins by illustrating Elodee's life in Juniper: the never-ending sighs in her house, her always-gloomy parents, and "friends" who look at her weirdly and don't invite her to their birthday parties. Her life wasn't always like this. Everything had changed a year ago. Something happened that day--something sad--and it hurts to remember. The dark cloud that has been looming over Elodee and her family since that day seems as if it will never disappear. 

    Until, one day, Elodee's parents announce that they will be moving to a new town: Eventown. At first, Elodee and Naomi aren't too happy about the move. There won't be any cars or TV. In other words, no fun! However, they both know that there needs to be a change. Something needs to change to shoo the sadness away. And their parents are smiling for the first time in what seems like decades. How can they argue when their parents look so happy?

    When they arrive at Eventown, everything is perfect. The beautiful scenery, the ice cream, the neighbors, the school... But Elodee notices a strangeness among the perfectness. The way they only play "the Eventown Anthem" a dozen times every music class because it's the only song they have in Eventown... the way all of the girls doing gymnastics, her sister included, do the exact same routine the exact same, perfect way... the way her ice cream never falls over or melts no matter how long she waits... the way all of her cooking from the Eventown recipe book ends up perfectly delicious every time... Everyone around her seems to be in love with the perfectness, but Elodee thinks differently. Of course, it's kind of nice having everything work out the best way possible every time, but she misses the not-so-perfectness. Elodee misses Naomi's not-so-perfect flips that made the good ones more special... her wacky cakes and slightly burnt fried chicken... Even though these things before Eventown weren't perfect, they were so much more fun and special. But it seems like Elodee is the only one who thinks this. Everyone else seems to have forgotten this specialness. All of their memories before Eventown seem to have disappeared. And Elodee's are starting to fade too.

    The author's message on appreciating imperfections stood out to me. I think our world today focuses too much on perfectness: getting perfect test scores, doing perfect pirouettes, getting first place... We often forget to appreciate the imperfect moments of our lives, even though they are the ones that make the perfect moments more special. Imagine the weather is perfect, every meal is delicious, and you never make a single mistake every day for the rest of your life. Sure, that would be nice, but these perfect things wouldn't be special anymore. I believe that imperfect moments are equally as important as perfect ones, because they are what make the perfect moments shine. And I think we, in the world today, should take a moment to stop and appreciate these imperfections sometimes.

Do We Still Need Libraries?

 https://archive.nytimes.com/learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/05/07/do-we-still-need-libraries/?rref=collection%252Fcolumn%252Flearning-student-opinion

by Sarah B

Image Source: https://archive.nytimes.com/learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/05/07/do-we-still-need-libraries/?rref=collection%252Fcolumn%252Flearning-student-opinion

Libraries are important assets in our society. They have been around for a since before 600 BC (Pettegree and der Weduwen), and have continued to be useful. They provide useful information hard to find elsewhere. At least they did. However, now that we have the internet, that information is available readily in the palm of your hand. Some people think that libraries aren’t relevant anymore. However, I don’t think that’s true. While there is a lot of information on the internet, not all of it is reliable. However, library sources are reliable, as they are picked and chosen. Also, for many people, a physical book is much more preferable to an electronic one.

Libraries are good book sources for people of all ages. When I was younger, and still today, I used to love the library. I would check out books that I didn’t have at home, instead of buying them. More recently, I would check out books about certain topics needed for a school paper, and use them as a reliable source. I mainly checked out books at my school libraries and my local library. I mainly go to the school library, since it’s more convenient.

Normally I check out a book every week or so, but It’s been a while since I even picked up a book. I’ve been busy lately, so reading isn’t at the top of my priority list. But normally I use libraries to check out books for fun reading, like fantasy. I look for the next book/book series on my reading list and go check it out if I don’t have it at home. Sometimes, while physical books are preferred, I will read an e-book. My book-checking-out preferences are school library, e-book, and local library, in that order.

One reason why Libraries may not be receiving the proper funding is that the people in charge are picky with where they send their money, and they may think that libraries aren’t important with the internet. However, this isn’t true. “A study conducted at Ghana University of India showed that 53 (32.1%) respondents indicated that they use library occasionally and 69 (41.8%) of the respondents use library often” (Azam et al., 39).  They continue to be useful and provide both credible information and a place that anyone can go to. Libraries should continue to be funded, and even get an increase in funding.

Azam, Mehreett, et al. “Female Students’ Preferences, Internet and Library Usage at The Islamia University o f Bahawalpur.” Pakistan Library & Information Science Journal, vol. 51, no. 1, Jan. 2020, pp. 38–44. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lls&AN=141232369&site=eds-live&scope=site.

Andrew Pettegree, and Arthur der Weduwen. The Library : A Fragile History. Basic Books, 2021. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=2948452&site=eds-live&scope=site.

Is 13 reasons why bringing awareness to teen mental health or glamorizing it? trigger warning: suicide

  

Brianna Gibson

O'Brien

Language and Literature 2

October 12, 2023

Is 13 Reasons Why bringing awareness to teen mental health or glamorizing it? 

t.w: suicide

      The Netflix drama covers topics relating to suicide, depression, sexual assault, and violence in schools. The series was cancelled on June 5, 2020 for its negative impact on young adults. While some young adults found it disturbing and off putting, others felt that the show was overall a great depiction of what teens today go through. They felt represented, and seen. An example of the disturbance felt by audiences, a now deleted scene from the show. This scene showed the suicide of a young teen named Hannah Baker, who was one of the main characters in the show. Hannah recored 13 cassette tapes regarding the people who did her wrong. She left these tapes behind for people to find. Unfortunately, this scene raised a drastic suicide increase in teens. These results and reactions were what originally began the controversy. 

      I personally, believe that the show explained many of the struggles of teens today, but they were not executed in the right way. I would not say the show glamorizes teen mental health, I would rather say it doesn't depict it as what it entirely holds. Many shows today do not accurately show the problems that many young adults face today, and I felt that this show added to that list. Today, one of the three largest national pains in the U.S are suicide deaths. To create a show discussing a topic that has been glamorized, ignored, and dismissed for years, I would expect for it to be done in a better way. Various reviews of this show from people who have dealt with even the thought of suicide found this show disgusting, and misrepresenting. 

       The show covers Hannah's suicide by explaining how she did it, and why she did it. In my eyes, it almost seemed as if they turned it into a game. Having the 13 cassette tapes waiting to be found, it just seemed odd. Aside from the idea of the cassette tapes, the show had potential. In the original trailer for the show, Clay Jensen (protagonist as well as Hannah's dear friend) quotes, "...and everyones so nice, until they drive you to kill yourself." I feel that this quote showed one of the moments in the show that had potential, and meaning. Though this quote and speech in general brought awareness to teen mental health, many moments in the show were not accurately done, and caused distress in many viewers. However, the shows main idea was a great concept. I just think with more time and input, the show could have been better. 

In conclusion, I believe that the show is not doing its full justice to the nationwide issue of suicide. Though some points bring awareness, the statistics and removal of the Hannah Baker scene say a lot. Just the fact that suicide rates increased seems to be a clear sign that something was not done correctly. A show discussing suicide in the first place should include a trigger warning, (as the show did not), and help lines for viewers watching. The removed scene just gave viewers ideas regarding suicide, and pretty much helped them complete the plan. Overall, I believe the potential of the show would have been great, if it were just done better. 

Can a video game be a work of art? By Ana Artz

    Yes, I think that video games are within themselves a work of art. The story, the music, the background art, the characters, these are all separate works of art. Why can't they be art when put together? Or better to start with, what even is the definition of art? According to Britannica, the definition of art is “a mode of expression that uses skill or imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others” (Britannica). Video games fit into this description, yet the argument is still up to much debate with experts all around the world.

    Story is considered an art. When put into a category, story is considered a section of literature art, like a poem. Similar to other parts of a video game, the story engages players on a deep and emotional level. As players dive into the rich worlds, characters, and dilemmas presented in video games, they form a unique connection. Unlike other kinds of storytelling, games actively encourage the participation of the player, changing the games’ direction and outcome through their choices. Storytelling in a video game is kind of like a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book. It's still a book, but not the traditional kind.

    In video games music is performed to the gaming audience with the intention of captivating them, but not always as the main focus. As a performance art, music is meant to captivate the person. It doesn't matter if the game is about some clashing clans or if the game is about some scary nights at a pizza place. There is always some sort of music playing. In lots of cases, music is what makes the game recognizable or deemed “iconic”, such as the "Plants vs. Zombies" theme song. The music in "Plants vs. Zombies" is commonly identifiable in the casual gaming world because of the strong emotional bond it ties to the players. Now that, is a work of art.

      In video games, the background art is like a beautiful painting that makes the game world feel breathtaking. The difference between the game and real life is almost non-existent. It's not just a plain background, the game’s background can be fundamental to the storyline. Whether it's the amazing views in the big welcome screen or the tiny details in a scary house that appears once, the people who create these backgrounds are artists making art! The background art changes the entire feel of a game, imagine a spring meadow with creepy music and dialogue versus a spooky abandoned shack with creepy music and dialogue. The feeling of the game would be completely different if it weren't for the background.

    Many critics argue that video games are not art because they mainly focus on entertainment and interactivity rather than conveying a message or lesson. Unlike traditional forms of art like paintings, sculptures, or film, video games specialize on the gameplay mechanics and success of the game over artistic expression. Critics say that the main goal of games is to entertain and engage players with violence, instead of trying to spark deep emotions or thinking.  However, these critics are generally stereotyping video games. Take “Ori and the blind forest”, that game specifically concentrates on the visual elements. *Image 1* shows a minor background from the game. 

    Despite what critics are saying, not every game is simply a showcase of violence or competitiveness. They can be a work of art, each a unique product of the creator's imagination. Video games, such as any other art form, are thought out and carefully crafted. Like a book a troubled author spent hundreds of hours writing, a struggling artist who painted an award-winning painting, or a team of actors who are staring in a film, a video game is combination of art. 

Image 1: 

Works Cited: 

 Schulten, Katherine. “Can a Video Game Be a Work of Art?” The Learning Network, 25 June 2010, archive.nytimes.com/learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/25/can-a-video-game-be-a-work-of-art/.

The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. “The Arts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 Feb. 2018, www.britannica.com/topic/the-arts.

“Games as Art/Literature.” The Johns Hopkins Guide to Digital Media, by David Ciccoricco et al., 1st ed., Johns Hopkins University Press, 2014. Credo Reference, search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6NDYwNDAy. Accessed 8 Oct. 2023.

Stuart, Keith. “Are Video Games Art: The Debate That Shouldn’t Be.” The Guardian, The Guardian, 22 Feb. 2018, www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2012/dec/06/video-games-as-art.