Wednesday, April 30, 2008

In-Character

Barbie
Barbie can be two things to a little girl; either something they despise, or someone they want to be. Growing up I was more into the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, My Little Pony, and a Power Rangers girl, more so than a Barbie girl. I know I owned one, maybe a couple but I guess I just don't remember my feelings on her. I probably wanted to be like her; pretty, skinny, perfect. I think for young people that's not necessarily a good role-model, but the company has made good attempts at making her a more positive role-model. Making her a pilot instead of a flight attendant, and a doctor instead of a nurse. Not that those career choices are bad, just it shows younger kids, more specifically girls, they can be more than what people tell them.

Bugs Bunny
Bugs Bunny for me as a kid was a loveable character. I think our nation learns a new sense of humor from him, one that isn't necessarily violent, well sometimes it is. He was first created in the 1930s, it brought humor to people during those times, especially during WWII. I don't think sarcasm would have ever taken off as a style of humor if it wasn't for Bugs the loveable bunny!

Mr. Incredible
Mr. Incredible is a superhero, but I think the American people can see him as more than that. Along with being a superhero he is also a husband, father, and friend. In most other movies and books, superheroes are a superheroes and nothing else; they save lives, and they save the world. Mr. Incredible is someone who little kids, dads, moms, and even teenagers can admire. He has a crappy job at an insurance firm, which I think really connects to parents because I know my parents like to complain about work! It's never fun, no matter if you do something you like. Let's be honest, work is work, the majority of the time it's pretty stressful. He also on top of that has a wife that nags him about helping around at home, which is a common issue in households around the country and even the world, even if they are in love. He also has to deal with his whiny kids, let's just say that's an obvious one for parents. I think parents are really like superheroes, just by that alone considering all they have to do, puting up with kids is really far more difficult than one would think! Once you add on saving the world, that truly is a hero! That is what kids look up to. They aren't satisfied with just their average dad yet, they want a superhero dad; one who can lift up cars and planes. And to teenagers, some may act too cool for the movie, but it's one of my favorites. I think anyone my age who doesn't like it is lying. It's a heartfelt adventure, how can you not enjoy it!




Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Characteristics Of A Well-Told Story

Part 1
Stories are a very important part of developing a childs' imagination. It helps them to develop a creative mind that can help with problem solving and help them develop a can-do-attitude. When parents take time to tell their child a story either from their childhood or completely made up, it can give the child the attention they need as a child. Parents are only helping their child to succeed later on in life by telling and/or reading their kids stories.

Part 2
When people get older reading stories serves a few purposes; It can be a hobby or even an activity for some. Some people really get joy out of reading, others it is just work. Many highschoolers have to read for school and alot of the time the books are assigned, but sometimes there is an opportunity to choose the book you want to read. I think this is more beneficial because it gives the student an opportunity to pick a book that they are going to enjoy reading and take something they may relate to out of. I think as you get older you take out various things from different books, and the reader finds the themes themselves instead of having it be obvious like when we were little.

Part 3
I think reading is a great tool to bring people together. So many people read the news each day and that helps to spark up conversation and adds to the knoweldge of an individual. Authors these days write about things that can relate to the readers which in the end is just one big circle. Writers write, then readers read, then everyone converses!

Part 4
I remember a story about a ballet dancer, one about a brown bear, The Boxcart Children, the story Olivia, and the Little House On The Prairie stories. There are alot more but those ones stand out. I remember these because they were my favorite and for alot of them I admired a character in them or wished I would be a character in them. I also remember stories my grandpa would tell me and my dad. They always had really great stories because they grew up in a small town on a farm. I also remember stories from my great grandma about the Titanic and imagrating to the US. Most these were fascinating to me and I always wished I could have experienced some of the things they had.

Part 5
1. One major theme, with underlying themes too.
2. Round characters, as well as some flat, but you need to get to know at least one character well.
3. Pictures! I still love looking at pictures, even if there is only a few.
4. A catchy title, let's be honest, that really gets people interested.
5. A climax, the story needs to get exciting somewhere.
6. A surprise ending, not always but it always makes a story that much better.
7. I think the author should have some inspiration to writing what they do, it attracts readers more I feel.