Cannot write blog, only "Subject" linearcadianwannabeSeptember 14 2009, 20:17:44 UTC
Hi Debbie,
This is my first-ever blog, and I am having a little technical trouble. For some reason, when I try to post my blog, it only lets me write in the "Subject" line, but not in the body of the message. It will allow me to switch to HTML from "rich text" format, but I didn't want to risk HTML in case other users couldn't read it. It does allow me to respond to other bloggers, so I will send Blog #1 - Letter to America, to you, now. Do you have any suggestions about this issue? Also, is there any way to save the blog as we write, in case of computer crashes, or can a blog be written in Word format, then copied and pasted into the blog? I appreciate any input you can offer.
Now for the critical reading assignment of Atwood's, "Letter to America". Written in the personal narrative style of a letter, Atwood set out to express her disillusionment in the American state of affairs, in particular in what she perceives as a breakdown of basic values of justice and peaceful democracy, as well as the use of questionable foreign policy practices.
Her letter is directed toward the U.S. government, and although intended to be read by a general adult audience, the focus is on the "baby boomer" demographic. This target audience became apparent to me as I read some of the cultural references, like Elvis Presley, Huckleberry Finn, Marlon Brando, Humphrey Bogart, etc. While these are American classics in their prospective genres, they, like Atwood herself, were borne of the mid twentieth century and she uses those references as cultural metaphors reminescent of "her America's" former glory. Presley's fun, Huck Finn's boyish mischief, Brando's and Bogart's "standing up for freedom, honesty and justice" represented the American values that Atwood clearly believed in and now yearns for, as they have passed.
The examples of the U.S., like "Marley's ghost" learning too late that mankind is their business with regard to the invasion of Iraq, and the "Jolly Green Giant" (American corporations) on a rampage, both point to Atwood's metaphorical device of cautionary pleas for the U.S. to return to sanity and sound political judgements.
Although the above-mentioned cultural references could be understood by many adult readers and were therefore effective, other film references used in the letter may have been too obscure or technologically "dated" to be appreciated by younger readers. Brando's "On the Waterfront", and Bogart's "Key Largo" are films that are no longer in common theatrical circulation, and I don't know if they are available on DVD or Internet download, which are some primary methods of media consumption for young adult readers of Atwood's letter. Some of the bloggers noted being "culturally mystified" by some of the references; both Atwood and the readers lost a little because of this.
What could Atwood suggest to "her America" to help it restore itself to its former glory, and "save face" in front of the rest of the world? Perhaps Atwood, a "Lady Oracle" herself, will pose some of these suggestions in her new book about the U.S. (whose name escapes me)....
I will respond today to two other student blogs, in completion of this assignment.
Re: Cannot write blog, only "Subject" linedebbie_gSeptember 15 2009, 00:20:46 UTC
Sorry, but I have to ask you to keep trying.
I can't accept work that is not either in your blog or in D2L - it's just too complicated trying to keep track of things. I have no idea what could be causing this issue - _maybe_ some pop-up stopper software you are using? That's the only thing I can imagine. Try in a different computer or with a different browser. If it persists, please come and see me or talk to someone in the computer labs.
LJ auto saves work, or you could write in Word, then cut and paste into LJ, although sometimes the formatting won't work very well. If you are able to compose in the html area, you could use that. It doesn't publish as html.
Re: Cannot write blog, only "Subject" linethe_london_eyeSeptember 15 2009, 04:49:12 UTC
Hey Debbie,
I'm still trying to figure this whole blog thing out... I posted the blog on my own page, but here it is again in case that didn't work.
Close The Plughole
In the year 2003, Canadian writer Margaret Atwood published “Letter to America” to emphasize how America was failing to remain a positive mentor to nations worldwide. Atwood accurately prophesizes many issues that fuel America today, such as their economic collapse in her reference to the great “torching of the American economy”. As a Canadian myself, I find that Atwood’s perceptions of Canada’s own dependency upon America is sobering.
Already we have begun to follow in America’s economic struggle with our own downfall, simply because as Atwood states “if you [America] go down the plughole, we’re going with you”. Canada must recognize Atwood’s revelations of America as a growing support system to Canada. We must take interest in our own news and culture, rather than the politics and celebrities of America. By having our own issues as our focus, we would be able to exercise our own control.
Atwood depicted America as “a light to all nations” as they truly are an idol for all, and yet she speaks out to America as if it were not a nation, but a close friend. If one were to assume that Canada and America were indeed close friends within say a high school of nations, I believe that at this time America would be the popular jock, leaving Canada as the geeky younger sibling.
Even as Atwood states “I’m not sure I know what’s really going on” with America, and yet Canada remains loyal to a country with so many problems. Why not have “Letter to America” inspire Canadians to take a stand against our need for America. After all, if America has such a strong sense of self, could Canada become independent and save itself from America’s destructive nature?
Margaret Atwood’s generation was strongly influenced by America. Do you believe that our generation is as influenced by the States, or does Canada play a larger roll now?
This is my first-ever blog, and I am having a little technical trouble. For some reason, when I try to post my blog, it only lets me write in the "Subject" line, but not in the body of the message. It will allow me to switch to HTML from "rich text" format, but I didn't want to risk HTML in case other users couldn't read it. It does allow me to respond to other bloggers, so I will send Blog #1 - Letter to America, to you, now. Do you have any suggestions about this issue? Also, is there any way to save the blog as we write, in case of computer crashes, or can a blog be written in Word format, then copied and pasted into the blog? I appreciate any input you can offer.
Now for the critical reading assignment of Atwood's, "Letter to America". Written in the personal narrative style of a letter, Atwood set out to express her disillusionment in the American state of affairs, in particular in what she perceives as a breakdown of basic values of justice and peaceful democracy, as well as the use of questionable foreign policy practices.
Her letter is directed toward the U.S. government, and although intended to be read by a general adult audience, the focus is on the "baby boomer" demographic. This target audience became apparent to me as I read some of the cultural references, like Elvis Presley, Huckleberry Finn, Marlon Brando, Humphrey Bogart, etc. While these are American classics in their prospective genres, they, like Atwood herself, were borne of the mid twentieth century and she uses those references as cultural metaphors reminescent of "her America's" former glory. Presley's fun, Huck Finn's boyish mischief, Brando's and Bogart's "standing up for freedom, honesty and justice" represented the American values that Atwood clearly believed in and now yearns for, as they have passed.
The examples of the U.S., like "Marley's ghost" learning too late that mankind is their business with regard to the invasion of Iraq, and the "Jolly Green Giant" (American corporations) on a rampage, both point to Atwood's metaphorical device of cautionary pleas for the U.S. to return to sanity and sound political judgements.
Although the above-mentioned cultural references could be understood by many adult readers and were therefore effective, other film references used in the letter may have been too obscure or technologically "dated" to be appreciated by younger readers. Brando's "On the Waterfront", and Bogart's "Key Largo" are films that are no longer in common theatrical circulation, and I don't know if they are available on DVD or Internet download, which are some primary methods of media consumption for young adult readers of Atwood's letter. Some of the bloggers noted being "culturally mystified" by some of the references; both Atwood and the readers lost a little because of this.
What could Atwood suggest to "her America" to help it restore itself to its former glory, and "save face" in front of the rest of the world? Perhaps Atwood, a "Lady Oracle" herself, will pose some of these suggestions in her new book about the U.S. (whose name escapes me)....
I will respond today to two other student blogs, in completion of this assignment.
Cheers, Kelly
Reply
I can't accept work that is not either in your blog or in D2L - it's just too complicated trying to keep track of things.
I have no idea what could be causing this issue - _maybe_ some pop-up stopper software you are using? That's the only thing I can imagine. Try in a different computer or with a different browser. If it persists, please come and see me or talk to someone in the computer labs.
LJ auto saves work, or you could write in Word, then cut and paste into LJ, although sometimes the formatting won't work very well. If you are able to compose in the html area, you could use that. It doesn't publish as html.
Reply
I'm still trying to figure this whole blog thing out... I posted the blog on my own page, but here it is again in case that didn't work.
Close The Plughole
In the year 2003, Canadian writer Margaret Atwood published “Letter to America” to emphasize how America was failing to remain a positive mentor to nations worldwide. Atwood accurately prophesizes many issues that fuel America today, such as their economic collapse in her reference to the great “torching of the American economy”. As a Canadian myself, I find that Atwood’s perceptions of Canada’s own dependency upon America is sobering.
Already we have begun to follow in America’s economic struggle with our own downfall, simply because as Atwood states “if you [America] go down the plughole, we’re going with you”. Canada must recognize Atwood’s revelations of America as a growing support system to Canada. We must take interest in our own news and culture, rather than the politics and celebrities of America. By having our own issues as our focus, we would be able to exercise our own control.
Atwood depicted America as “a light to all nations” as they truly are an idol for all, and yet she speaks out to America as if it were not a nation, but a close friend. If one were to assume that Canada and America were indeed close friends within say a high school of nations, I believe that at this time America would be the popular jock, leaving Canada as the geeky younger sibling.
Even as Atwood states “I’m not sure I know what’s really going on” with America, and yet Canada remains loyal to a country with so many problems. Why not have “Letter to America” inspire Canadians to take a stand against our need for America. After all, if America has such a strong sense of self, could Canada become independent and save itself from America’s destructive nature?
Margaret Atwood’s generation was strongly influenced by America. Do you believe that our generation is as influenced by the States, or does Canada play a larger roll now?
Reply
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