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- Reading responses must be AT LEAST 250 words.
- Include your full name at the end of your comments. Unnamed comments will be deleted.
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- Reading responses are due by midnight on the night PRIOR to our discussion of the required reading.
Tales of the trash, i really enjoyed Hassler’s essay, brings back memories when my uncle was a garbage collector. He would tells all these stories about weird things he would find. It was really creepy because he would describe in detail his findings; animals, amulets, etc. Within these stories he would add a little “grossy” verbs to his stories and we would be grossed out to the point of thow-up. I knew it every time we would see him he had another story to tell. Much like Sayyid Ahmed, not only the finding were amusing but the way he knew people. The things he would find in their garbage. Then of course with some twist and turns about Sayyid made the essay more interested to read. At the point where he didn’t seemed what he looked. A person not so poor after all.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading Moore’s chapter I agree on doing research on before writing. Even if you know the plenty about a topic it is always good to do more research. I believe that when doing research our writing becomes richer. My passion is story telling on screen. Been doing that for a while. Every time I start a project I do research on characters. I want every character in my story to be as rich and as real as possible. Every detail in the characters makes it more believable. I am very fascinated with the essays we have read. It is fun to read when authors describe characters in detail.
-Luis Rodriguez
In “tales from the trash”, I have to say that it’s been my favorite read from all. It’s interesting from beginning to end. There’s all this interesting things happening throughout that don’t make it a drag like some readings have. From the moment it starts it captures my attention to want to keep reading what happens between the characters. Then towards the middle end there is all this un-expecting drama happening. I also really like that, at the same time the author gives the characters a unique point of view. Almost like an attitude towards things. There’s a part where the writer starts to notice that the zabal is very nosy and opens everyone’s trash to investigate what’s inside. He is almost like a kitty investigating the trash and eating anything colorful. Just a great read over all. I wouldn’t mind reading the entire story to it. Caught my attention.
ReplyDeleteIn “write what you wish you knew”, I agree, research can sometimes be a drag it’s up to you to notice the details that make it interesting. I had to do a scientific research paper and I chose to do it on geckos because I have three of my own. Little did I know that I would come to not enjoy one bit of it. It was hard to find any research just because there’s hasn’t been a lot studied on geckos. Later like Moore explained if you focus on who was part of the research it becomes easier to approach. When I went back and looked up the authors of the readings I was able to find a lot more information than from just looking up “gecko behaviors”. Also liked there wasn’t 100 interruptions throughout the reading like last time.
Stephanie Cisneros
In “Tales of the Trash” I enjoyed how the narrator would go into detail about the jobs, religion, and culture they have in Egypt. On page 133 I liked how he goes into the history of zabal about how there’s a system and how everyone takes a part in it. Also, he mentions about how the women have to wear a niqab, he explains how women are supposed to wear them to cover their faces since its conservative by Muslims. However, I didn’t agree with Sayyid belief in having his daughters go under surgery for gentle mutilation. I understand that is what they believe in and think that’s what’s best for the women but I strongly disagree. Those little girls should have a choice since it’s their body they are the ones who are more than likely going to have a painful experience during intercourse instead of the men.
ReplyDeleteIn Moore’s journal, I wish he would have been clear as to what he was saying I kept getting lost on the different ways to write an essay. He quotes other authors on how they started or ended their essay with something completely different to what they have originally thought. Some having to do with taking a chance on something different, finding people interesting or not needing to travel around the world to learn about a different culture. It seemed like I would understand where one person was coming from then getting lost when he would explain about the others. I liked how on page 179 it says “The people are the story” I found that relatable because if you’re going to explore and want to know more about another culture or research about other things having to do with conflicts around the world being political or not. I think it’s always best to ask those who are being affected by it or ask for their view, it’s give you either a better understanding or a whole different view you didn’t know about.
Monika Gonzalez
“In Tales of the Trash” the way the author portrays the story is very detailed. He described the places and the people in such detail that it gave it a feel that I was there witnessing everything. The way that he described how the Egyptian government work. The way he let us know that governments are different in other countries, the way the systems work. It made it so much helpful to understand every aspect of the essay. And that is what Moore refers to when he said that us as the writers should do our research on things. For example, if we were to write an essay on a particular place, we should research the history of that particular area. We should look to see if there is a meaning behind the places’ name, or if there is a history behind that specific bench in the park, or the name of a popular street. We should get facts on everything, and not just guess. This is something that is very helpful to us as writers because now we know what details to add and how to obtain the precise information to give to the reader.
ReplyDeleteCelica Chavez
Tales of Trash
ReplyDeletePeter Hessler takes us deep into the unique city of Cairo, through the eyes of a garbage collector. We throw trash away every day, without even considering what revelations of our lives are being thrown out. Reading this story really got me thinking, what knowledge about me can someone acquire from solely looking at my trash? Trash is just garbage, but we never really think about looking at it from the other way around. It’s very intriguing to learn about the unfair work zabaleens (garbage people) go through daily, and yet they somehow manage to make a living off it (while being environmentally conscious) despite the lack of payment from many. Oddly enough, Saayid seems to thrive off it. Something about knowing who the people are without them knowing who you are holds an advantage for him. Through his eyes, we can see the truth of many people, but something important that he noted is that none of these things are really his business, he must mind his own. This was my first time ever being exposed to the city of Cairo, and I learned a lot: from sexual taboo to the unjust law systems… I think that was an excellent example of travel writing, exposing others to the untold tales of the garbage man, who pays much attention to detail. What I especially enjoyed about this piece was the fact that the author was able to observe the interesting life of Saayid and retell it as if we are the ones getting to know him.
Write What You Wish You Knew
Find something that picks at your curiosity and dive into it! That’s the advice I acquired from reading this chapter by Dinty Moore. The sense of wonder is grand, and it is up to us to unravel tiny little worlds that we are unfamiliar with. I think what he means by the title of the chapter is to write about something you want to learn, and learn/write about it as you go! The examples of writing he gives are more than enough to convince me that it can definitely lead to new experiences and an opportunity to get creative as my mind is stimulated with new ideas. There is not much risk to take when you are taking on a new adventure, or getting out of your comfort zone. There is so much to learn around us, and if I could use all of that and effectively put it into writing, I’ve created the perfect motivation to learn even more. Research is always important when it comes to writing, but what better research than going out there and figuring it all out on your own? I admire that he emphasizes the importance that each person will have when it comes to writing: “The people are the story”. I actually enjoy the notes he places at the end of his paragraphs. The advice is usually one I would follow in my own writing endeavors.
Damaris Cantu
Hessler’s “Tales of the Trash” was a very interesting and informational story! A lot happened during his time in Egypt and I was quite surprised that he remembered that much to add so much detail. During his travel essay he spoke much about the zabal, Sayyid, who he befriended and learned a lot about the culture and some of their systems which amazingly are not a part of their government. This was an entirely different essay compared to that of Abend and Moores. But I’m glad that he showed us a different part of Cairo, that you only hear of beauty of and the famous touring spots. Yes he does mention seeing the Nile during his time but he also sees the different kinds of people that live in his part of the city and sees how the other half, where Sayyid lives, as well. Hessler also gives us some linguistic knowledge as well throughout the story along with some of their beliefs and culture. Of course some of the things that I didn’t like about the story were some of their traditions but that’s their beliefs so I have no say in the matter. Some other things are of how he focuses more on the people that Sayyid talks and describes of. Although I guess you can take it as another way of writing a travel essay or even a nature essay. With Moore’s story I can get what he says about us not needing to go to foreign countries to write about it and their traditions, you can do the same by reading a book or talking to people in your neighborhood who follow these traditions and have relatives who lived there. But it’s not the same as going there and experiencing it first hand. I also found it interesting how even if we do go there to wright about one thing and end up writing about something else entirely.
ReplyDelete-Adrian Gonzalez
Tales of the Trash: I have really mixed feelings from the story. I went through stages of liking it and disliking it. I didn’t particularly enjoy the constant details, in my opinion it was too many and I would find myself skipping over lines and even a paragraph at one point. What also turned me away was the over load of information and the names of people, for me it got really confusing at points. Not sure if it is the lack of sleep or caffeine depravation but it was a little difficult to sit through and read it. What I did like was the tone of the piece, it was lax and conversational in a way, the side marks that the author makes to himself make it seem like the story is being told rather than it being read.
ReplyDeleteWrite What You Wish You Knew: He starts with talking about writing what you know which is something I completely agree with. One of my BIGGEST pet peeves (because I am a violinist) is when I see people faking how to play an instrument in a movie, I know this really doesn’t relate to this but when reading this is what came to mind, but it is something that really agitates me. I liked a statement that he made at the end “I highly recommend you work to cultivate your own inquisitive side” (184) I don’t know why but this really stood out to me. I think he is trying to say that he wants us as writers to go out of our way and invest in what we are working on so that way when we write about it our thoughts on the subject are completely our own.
Jessica Guzman
ReplyDelete“Tales of the Trash” The styles of writing and the ways Hessler applies his techniques was very effective. I thought it was very interesting how he incorporated a lot of historical and cultural information. This gave me a more holistic understanding of everyday life in Cario, and how being someone with limited knowledge, I was able to adjust my American views to understand their culture. The specific details and background knowledge the author shares with the reader is imperative for a general understanding of the piece. I did like the way the author describes his encounters with Wahiba. His description of her physical appearance as well as the ways that she became “more mysterious”. I did appreciate the humor and the ways how, although different views, Hessler was still open-minded and welcoming to his friend, Sayyid. In some ways, it felt like a Netflix movie you watch then wonder why the director gave up on the film with an abrupt, uneventful, anti-climatic ending.
"Write what you wish you knew" was so insightful. I read a terribly boring story called "Some Luck" (Jane Smiley), last semester and it was so uneventful but the historical information and the ways that the time line of events mirrored what could have really happened during that time frame was really remarkable. I saw many of the techniques Moore identifies in Hessler's piece. I do always enjoy Moore's examples but reading a essay that directly executes these writing suggestions was very impactful. It made me reflect more on how I should be more aware of the substance of my content and why that is important.
-Amanda Gonzales
In Peter Hessler’s Tales of the Trash there were lots of things that I really liked about it, but overall I just thought the story was super interesting. The way Hessler explained the garbage pick-up system and Sayyid’s routine was a really great way to cement the concept of his essay, and it honestly kept me interested because of how Sayyid knew so much about all of the tenants of Hessler’s building. I also liked how Hessler addressed Egyptian women’s culture in his essay, because it was interesting to see how Wahiba handled her feelings towards her marriage and then totally dropped all of her charges out of nowhere. I just really liked this essay overall because of all the concepts he covered in it.
ReplyDeleteIn “Write What You Wish Knew” by Moore I really like how he’s pushing writers to choose any type of subject and run with it. But instead of just pulling whatever you can think of off the top of your head, he encourages you to go travel to places that center around your topic and actually research about it. I feel like nowadays people try to get away with writing about things without putting any effort into actually knowing anything about their topic. But, I really think it’s important to get out and find a way to connect with your topic in some sort of way. So, I really enjoyed this chapter because of I think it’s a necessity to have some sort of first-hand experience with your topic.
Ayesha Crutchfield
In “Write What You Wish You Knew” I have to talk about the first paragraph because honestly as soon as I read it I felt like I really understood it. I love how Moore talks about unexpected information being so energizing, because there has honestly been so many times that I’m writing an essay that I’m so into and I just cant stop typing and then next thing I know an hour or two has gone by because I’m just so into it. I honestly couldn’t agree more with the “write what you know” being completely know because doing research and learning knew things can never doing anything but make your paper more interesting and more factual. I really like how Susan Orlean describes things in her writing because you can completely visualize exactly what she is saying. I can paint a vivid picture in my head.
ReplyDeleteIn “Tales of the Trash” in this essay I felt the same as I did about the other one that Moore wrote because I could really picture the old building that his family live in, in Cairo. I really like how he gives you background on Cairo, he gives you the information that is not necessarily information that is needed but I think that it sort of keeps you more intrigued and it also teaches you about a new place so that when you are done with the essay you aren’t just leaving with a story but you are also leaving with new history of a place you didn’t know anything about before.
Jessica Young
Peter Hessler really taps into our "behind the scene life" to show us who we are in other eyes. Hessler brings this experience of a zabaleen to life, he engages us with the journey that Saayid goes through on a daily basis. Saayid is a garbage man that seems to know those for who he works for closer then they might know. Hessler is in Ciro as a foreigner, Saayid quickly picks this up based on solely the trash that he disposes. Saayid uses the trash that is daily disposed to make an personal connection to those who he encounters. Through the travel and experience that Hessler has we learn many things about the Egyptian culture and community in Ciro. There are plenty of experiences that I felt I have witnessed with this travel piece, from marriage to education in Egypt. Hessler does a great job in exposing the reader to another side of the world. However, I will say that he seems a bit harsh and bias on his experience but hey what do I know, I didn't experience this with him.
ReplyDeleteDinty Moore says "The people are the story", in Write What You Wish You Knew. I think that curiosity is important in writing, writing about what you know is safe and fun but when you write about something you are not quite sure on it seems to translate authentically in writing. Not being afraid to get out of one's comfort zone is what I get from Moore. You don't have to intentionally look for your travel just do it and then write. It can be hard when you have a preconceived idea for what you what to experience but until you do so you'll never know.
-Elizabeth Diaz
Moore suggests that the best fuel for writing is to go out and experience life itself. Doing things for the first time, and experiencing something fresh and new will ultimately lead to inspiration for writing on a certain topic. What I found most interesting about Moore’s essay is that, it doesn’t have to be specifically vague. Per se, if I go on a trip to San Antonio, my essay doesn’t’ have to be about San Antonio, but it could be about the Trump supporter with a gay son, I met at the Loves truck stop; and from there I can break away and make a point about Trumps politics, and his alternative facts. Now in Peter Hessler’s essay “Tales of the Trash” we see this practiced, he introduces the character Sayyid, and we get to build a personal connection, and as Hessler continues to go on with Sayyid he touches on certain subjects and topics, that being, for example, the pig massacre of 2010, where her provides actual facts and statistics of the event. Now Moore touches on this in his essay, he says what people actually care about is the characters and the people in your writing, nobody cares about. “Learn the facts, but always remember the people,” this way you make subtle, important statements but also keep the reader enthralled in your writing, and doesn’t take away from the certain statement you’re trying to make. What we got Hessler’s essay was just that, he found a way to make the story about his time in Egypt, into a rather politically strong essay.
ReplyDelete- Jesus Garcia
This is my response
ReplyDeleteIn “Tales of Trash” I really enjoyed this reading it was something I had never read before. I liked how in the end it all had a connection somehow. It took me some time to read this one, I would get lost for some reason. There were some parts that I would skip and then say ok no I have to go back and re-read so I can understand better. In the end reading it twice did it more justice. Something I found interesting is how the couple isn't that different than your normal couple from another culture. Although they deal with arranged marriages, but so do other people in other countries. So with saying that all couples fight and send crazy text messages when they are upset. I went back and started to think about everything going on in our country right now, and thought no matter if you are a trash collector etc, we are all going through something no matter what part of the world you live. Another thing that stood out to me the most was the text messages, it was sort of funny, as a wife you think to times you send your husband crazy text messages. Overall it was a really good reading in my opinion.
In Moore’s reading “Write What you Wish you Knew” I liked how he says to get out there and write about places you wish you knew. Go out and read and research a place was interesting to me. I have been taught to write about things I know because it is easier to write about our own experiences. I am not sure how I would do in this case because I rather write about things I see with my own eyes, but I will try it out to see how I do.
Lizette Garcia