Cover Letter

Dear Professor,

                For my first term, in my first year of college, I was required to take the course Basic Communication and Study Skills (ENGLCOM). I have set my goals for each component, as I have aforementioned. Truly, I can say that I have attained my goals on some level.

                There are several things I learned throughout this term, in this course. Mainly, I have improved my writing skills, especially in academic writing, which is one of the goals I have set for this course. I am more conscious of my grammar and my usage of words. Also, I’ve never had to write an outline for an essay before. I learned how to make an outline for essays. At first, I find the idea of writing for a specific purpose quite challenging. I was used to writing whatever came to mind. Having an outline to follow, to help in organizing my ideas, made academic writing less challenging.  I now appreciate the use of outlines in writing.

                It may not be evident to others, but it is to me – my vocabulary has improved. My choice of words changed. I rarely use slang for writing now. I rarely use it before too, but I use it less now. However, I keep in mind that the choice of words is not as prioritized in writing. Yes, one may use highfaluting words, but will the readers know the meaning of the word? More importantly, does the writer know the meaning of the word? Our words will help convey our messages to our readers. If the readers do not understand the words, how then do we expect them to understand the message? Sometimes, it is still better to go back to basic. It is still better to use simple terms. It is easier for the readers and for the writer as well.

                Yes, there are more things to learn in the field of communication and writing. There are more lessons to learn and skills to acquire. I will get there. I must keep on improving. I may be in the field of business; some people may say that writing is not very important in the corporate world. Well, I beg to differ. How will we even have business transactions with local and international people if we are not effective communicators? How will we convince investors? How will we do our proposals? Communication skills are important in not only in the corporate world, but also in everyday life. It is not just a requirement in school. It is actually necessary in our everyday lives. Having impressive skills in communication will go a long way.

Respectfully yours,

Student

Goals Essay (Final)

Thesis Statement: My writing course in Englcom will help me be a better writer.

OUTLINE

I.                   Introduction

A.    Question

B.     Thesis Statement

II.                Body

A.    Purpose of the course

B.     Goals

1.      Learn how to write

2.      Improve grammar

3.      Improve vocabulary

C.     Ways to attain goals

1.      Practice

2.      Take lessons to heart

3.      Read more

III.             Conclusion

A.    Summary

B.     Quotation

Have you ever wanted to do something so much, but you aren’t sure how you’re going to do it? I have. I have always wanted to be able to write well. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it, but I wanted to write. My interests have always lied in literature, may it be in Filipino or in English. Actually, if all else fails (meaning: my major – BS Accountancy), I plan to shift to a literary major. I have always loved reading, now, I want to “take it to another level” by writing. I believe that I have a creative mind. I will be able to write astounding literary works. Now, I am given the chance to learn how to write in my ENGLCOM writing course. My writing course in ENGLCOM will help me become a better writer.

The ENGLCOM writing course is, fortunately, included in the subjects I must take as an Accountancy student. Others may dread having this subject, but I am quite enthusiastic to take it. I know that, somehow, it will help me be the person I’ve always wanted to be. This will be part of the challenge, and I am willing to take on it. I have set certain goals for this writing course. Actually, my goals are inter-related. My first goal is to learn how to write well. I’m quite sure that the professor will not make us write stories. But, she will ask us to write and that is what’s important. It doesn’t matter what kind of literary work she will ask us to write. As long as we will write, my skills will develop. I will be able to practice my writing skills and will be able to develop it further.

Another goal I have set for this course is to improve my grammar. My grammar is not too bad, I think. But, there’s always room for improvement. Besides, improving my grammar will result to me improving my writing skill which is the main goal anyway. My grammar does not have to be flawless. It just has to be something almost similar to flawless. I just want to be able to convey to my readers my ideas clearly, but in a correct manner. Also, it would be quite embarrassing to write with incorrect grammar, in any language.

The last goal, as of now, that I have set for this course is to improve my vocabulary. Again, this will aid in improving my writing skill. When I write, I don’t want to repeat my words too much. As you can see, my words are repeating more times than what is preferable. Improving my vocabulary will also improve my personal communicating skills. Repeating words will make my essay seem redundant. It will be quite dragging to read. Also, I have always admired people with a wide range of vocabulary. I have always wanted to be more like them.

The goals I have set for this course are not so impossible to attain. There are ways for me to attain these goals. First, I have to practice. I have to practice the things that were taught to us. I have to apply the lessons that we learned. If I commit a mistake, that will be alright. I will also learn from those mistakes.

Second, I have to take the lessons to heart. Whenever I write, I must apply the things I learned. I must take everything seriously. I have to try (very hard) to not commit the same mistakes. I have to improve each time I write. Lastly, I have to read more. Reading will improve my vocabulary, and my writing skills. I will observe other writers’ techniques. I may use some their techniques, but I must create my own style. I have to be my own person.

Truly, it is not so impossible to reach my goals. I just have to persevere. I have to keep my eyes on the prize. I must only work very hard and exert ample amount of effort. Yes, there will be difficulties. There will be times that I will want to give up. There will be times when I will fall to the ground, and I will not want to get up. But, I must. I must stand up, taller than ever, and carry on. As they say, "No pain, no gain"

Argumentative Essay (Final)

Thesis Statement: Although social networking may have changed the world for the better, it may also cause distraction to students, change the way we interact with people, and cause psychological changes.

I.                    Introduction

A.      Question

B.      Thesis Statement

II.                  Body

A.      PROs

1.       Pro 1 – allows us to communicate even with great distance

2.       Pro 2 – makes us more aware of our surroundings

3.       Pro 3 – allows us to meet new acquaintances

4.       Pro 4 – allows us to exercise our empathy

B.      CONs

1.       Con 1 – distracts the students

2.       Con 2 – changes the way we interact with people

3.       Con 3 – causes psychological changes

C.      REBUTTALS

1.       Rebuttal 1 – does not distract everyone

2.       Rebuttal 2 – does not make everyone attention-seekers

III.                Conclusion

A.      Restatement

B.      Challenge

You Know Virtual Me, not Me

We live in the time where communication is possible without having to exert so much effort. We live in the time where SOCIAL NETWORKING is the main medium of communication. Nowadays, we need only to have computers (cellular phones and smart phones included) and proper internet connection to be able to communicate with someone from another country. Also, several people who have their own business take advantage of social networking; they use this to reach out to more people and sell their product. It seems that social networking has changed the world for the better, but is that all there is to this phenomenon? Do we really benefit from social networking? Dr. Larry Rosen – an international expert in “Psychology of Technology” – says this isn’t so. At the 119^th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Larry Rosen did a presentation on how social networks may help and harm the children. Rosen (2011) said that although social networking may have changed the world for the better, it may also have negative impacts on a person such as: causing distraction among students, changing the way a person interacts with other people, and causing psychological changes.

It is given that social networking is a great means of communication. It is quick, easy, and simple. The complexity of communicating with people from another part of the world is no more, all because of social media. Also, social networking has also made us more aware of what is going on in the other parts of the world, in real time. We are more up to date with the issues and the happenings, may it be good or bad, around the globe. Social networking has also made it possible for us to meet new people, without having to actually see them in person. One good example for this is Omegle - it is a site where one is made to talk to strangers who share a similar interest. Through this, two persons have the possibility of being friends. Rosen (2011) says that people who use social networking sites are more able to develop their sense of empathy. Once someone sees a person’s status saying something negative, that someone will immediately ask what’s wrong. Therefore, practicing empathy or ‘virtual empathy’ as Dr. Rosen calls it. Evidently, these are only some of the positive impacts of social networking.

It is quite obvious that using social networks has its benefits. The negative effects, however, are not as apparent. One negative effect of social networking is that it causes distraction to students. Rosen (2011) reported that the students who use social networking sites, such as Facebook, have lower grades than those who use said site less often. Students say that they do their school works, or what not, when using their computers. As they do their homework, they also check on their Facebook or Twitter accounts. Therefore, their time for doing school works has decreased. This, then, leads to mediocre work or no work at all.

Another negative effect of social networking is that it changes how people interact with others. Derbyshire (2009) said that people who use social networking sites have the tendency to become more narcissistic. They also, somehow, tend to be more attention-seeking.  This kind of attitude will make other social network sites users be, somewhat, annoyed at the person who is an attention seeker. Then, this will lead to cyber bullying, which is extremely serious and should not be taken lightly. All of this could possibly lead to psychological changes, another negative effect of social networking.

According to Derbyshire (2009), frequent use of social networking sites helps shorten people’s attention spans. People, who are very much active in cyberspace, are more likely to have short attention spans because their brains are used to reading only short texts (due to a limit in character count). Any text longer than a paragraph might seem uninteresting to people who are active in social networking. They want to get to the main point immediately; they do not want to elaborate further.  A greater effect of social networking in psychological changes is suicide.

Due to the trauma of cyber bullying, or other bad experiences on social networking sites, a person might develop certain psychological changes. Bullying, of any kind, is a great factor in depression which might probably lead to suicide. According to statistics, suicide is the third leading cause of death among the youth. Victims of bullying are more likely to consider suicide. The seriousness of this issue is not taken properly.  The issue that such small things, like a comment or whatnot, can make a person take his life is should not be taken lightly.

Of course, several people will not agree with the points I have presented. Some individuals will say, for example, that not all students check Facebook while doing their school work. Clearly, not everyone does that, but the temptation of being able to check one’s account lingers. One might not be multi-tasking, so to speak, but one might be rushing his work just so he can do whatever he may on the computer. This will still lead to mediocre work. One might also be rushing the review of his lessons just so he can use the computer already. It is quite interesting to know how that will turn out for them.

People might also disagree with my second point, saying that not everyone becomes attention-seekers when active in the social networking world. That may be true, but they might also be anti-socials. Rosen (2011) said that people who use social networking sites have greater tendencies to become anti-social. They might not consider themselves anti-social because they are active users of social networking sites, but they are not socially active in real life. They refuse to talk to people in person, they would much rather converse with them online. Somehow, they think it is easier to convey messages online than in person reports Derbyshire (2009).

It is quite clear that social networking has “taken over the world”. Almost the whole population experiences its positive effects. Some might even say that social networking is the best thing that ever happened to mankind. This may be true, if one only looks at the positive aspects of social networking. The real challenge is looking deeper. If one only looks behind the façade presented to us by cyberspace, then one will realize that not everything about social networking is good. What we should practice when socializing online, even in real life, is minding our actions. The world is bigger than an eleven-inch laptop, or a two-inch screen phone. The laptop screen will not tell us how someone felt when they read the comments we made online. Even the smartest of today’s smartphones will not be able to alert us about how other people feel or what other people think about us. We must keep in mind that, although we have the freedom to express our thoughts and opinion, we still have audiences. We may or may not want to have one, but we do because we are subscribed to social media. Our words and our actions matter greater than we thought. We do not know the impact of the words we post online.  Therefore, we should be more careful with everything you do or say online. Think twice before you click the post button.

References

Parrack, D. (2012) Retrieved from:  http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/negative-impact-social-networking-sites-society-opinion

Rosen, L. (2011) Retrieved from:  http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2011/08/social-kids.aspx

Bullying Statistics (2011) Retrieved from:  http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/bullying-and-suicide.html

Derbyshire, D. (2009) Retrieved from:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1153583/Social-websites-harm-childrens-brains-Chilling-warning-parents-neuroscientist.html

Extended Definition Essay (Final)

Pop Culture has numerous effects on society and teenagers

I.                    Introduction

A.     Common definition of Pop Culture

B.     Thesis Statement

II.                 Body

A.     Effects on society

1.      Creates cliques/groups

2.      Promotes innovation

B.     Effects on teenagers

1.     Stereotypes other people

2.      Defines self

III.               Conclusion

A.     Restates points

B.     Suggestion

Popularity: Is that all there is to it?

Popular culture, better known as pop culture, is defined by many as the latest trends in society. If one asks the members of Generation Y, pop culture is equated to Justin Bieber, the Dougie dance, Harry Potter, and several others. But, if one asks the members of Generation X, pop culture is equated to Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Madonna, and all those trends back in the 60’s up to the 80’s. But, what does pop culture mean?

Pop Culture, as defined by dictionary.reference.com, is the set of activities, products – probably even people – that are preferred by the general public. Other people also refer to pop culture as “mainstream”, which means current trend. Pop culture is dynamic; it changes as the tastes of the masses, especially the youth, change.

Although the trends are, more often than not, set by the younger masses, pop culture also aims at the elder masses. Since pop culture has a wide range of audience, there are numerous effects of pop culture on society and on teenagers.

It is extremely evident that pop culture affects society. It aids in the forming of cliques, groups, and what have you. People certainly have various tastes in music, clothing, and other aspects. We identify our likes and dislikes, and then we approach people who have seemingly similar likes and dislikes as ours (Linley, 2011). Evidently, someone who likes Eminem will not have much in common with someone who likes Incubus. Some people, though, would enjoy conversing with someone who has a very different taste from his own. Still, it is highly rare to find someone who would do that.

Another plausible effect pop culture may have on society is the promotion of innovation. How different is our world today than yesterday? The latest trends drive people to be more innovative (Linley, 2011). What is here today was not present yesterday. There were no smartphones, no tablets, and no modified headsets back in the day. The clothes we wear today might seem unusual to the people living in the past just as their clothes will seem unusual to us. The items of today drive people to be more innovative for tomorrow. The most asked question on people’s minds today is how they will change and/or improve something. The gadgets and other things we have today are no match to the things the future people will have. The possibilities of developments are endless, and this is partially because of pop culture. There might be no need for a laptop or a tablet in the future; things may possibly take a holographic form.

Pop culture greatly affects teenagers since the youth is the one more involved with the latest trends. Pop culture aids in a teenager’s definition of himself. (Tramel, 2011) His tastes in clothing, music, hobbies, and others are usually what “defines” a teenager. Teenagers have coined terms for what to call themselves. Usually, these terms are based on the things they like. For example, people who like Justin Bieber are called “beliebers”. People who have read, and have fallen in love with, the Harry Potter series are called “potterheads”. It is as if teenagers of today have some sort of label plastered on their foreheads determining what kind of person they are. This, therefore, leads to another effect that pop culture has on teenagers – classification of other people, also known as STEREOTYPING.

Not only do the youth of this generation classify themselves as one type of person, they also classify other people – still based on their tastes (Tramel, 2011). People have the tendency to judge someone simply by the clothes they wear or how they act in public. People today, especially teenagers, tend to judge someone via the things they like and do not like. As mentioned beforehand, people, nowadays, choose the people they talk to. They prefer conversing with someone who might share their interests. In the same manner, they prefer not to talk to people whose interests are quite different from theirs. Often an argument among people with opposing likes and dislikes happen. This argument is referred to as “fan wars”. People who participate in these “fan wars” have uttered very hurtful words towards a person and the things the person likes. When these arguments occur, people are not well aware of what they are saying. These fights over certain things then, somehow, lead to violence.

Pop culture may also be promoting violence, at some point (Tramel, 2011). Every aspect of pop culture today has cursing or some sort of violence in them. A pop song without cursing or some sort of bad vocabulary is difficult to find nowadays. The video games might have the most impact on the promotion of violence. This promotion of violence is not as prominent as the others mentioned beforehand, yet still present.

Pop culture is as wide as the range of its scope. Also, pop culture makes a huge impact most especially on the youth. Its effects may be positive or negative, but its influence cannot be stopped from spreading. As long as the times are changing, and there are people left in this world, the influence of this culture will go on and on. We cannot avoid persuasion brought about by pop culture, no matter how hard we try.

A single move by Rihanna will appear in tomorrow’s tabloids. The week after, girls will be trying to imitate her. A new single released by Usher will be tomorrow’s hottest song. Soon, everyone will have memorized this new single. The hairstyle Jennifer Aniston once wore (The Rachel) was the hairstyle of that year. Everyone wanted to have friends like Monica, Chandler, Joey, Phoebe, Ross, and Rachel. Every turn of the head, one will see another drinking Starbucks coffee. The impact of pop culture on us is undeniable. People may say that this popularity thing is unnecessary, that we must be true to ourselves and only then can we be judged. We know that this is no longer as true as it was before, if it were even true.

There are things in this world that we cannot change, and our instinct to follow what is prominent is one of those. Trends are here to stay, there is no denying that. Pop culture is as immortal as myths and legends. We should find a way, somehow, to use pop culture for a more positive thing. There are several conflicts that this world is facing today, and pop culture is a remarkable medium of influence. Personalities might as well use their influence for the betterment of the world and mankind. It is probably part of our survival instinct to follow a leader of some sort. Let us use this power we have wisely.

References:

popular culture. (n.d.). Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon (2012) Retrieved from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/popular+culture

Linley, P. (2011) Retrieved from: theoryofthephil.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/the-function-of-popular-culture-in-society

Tramel, A. (2011) Retrieved from: livestrong.com/article/524468-the-effects-of-pop-culture-on-teenagers

Argumentative Essay (Draft)

Thesis Statement: Although social networking may have changed the world for the better, it may have negative impacts on a person, particularly a teenager.

I.                    Introduction

A.      Question

B.      Thesis Statement

II.                  Body

A.      PROs

1.       Pro 1 – allows us to communicate even with great distance

2.       Pro 2 – makes us more aware of our surroundings

3.       Pro 3 – allows us to meet new people

4.       Pro 4 – allows us to exercise our empathy

B.      CONs

1.       Con 1 – distracts the students

2.       Con 2 – changes the way we interact with people

3.       Con 3 – causes psychological changes

C.      REBUTTALS

1.       Rebuttal 1 – does not distract everyone

2.       Rebuttal 2 – does not make everyone attention-seekers

III.                Conclusion

A.      Restatement

B.      Challenge

We live in the time where communication is possible without having to exert so much effort. We live in the time where SOCIAL NETWORKING is the main medium of communication. Nowadays, we need only to have computers (cellular phones and smart phones included) and proper internet connection to be able to communicate with someone from another country, perhaps. Several people who have their own business take advantage of social networking; they use this to reach out to more people and sell their product. It seems that social networking has changed the world for the better, but is that all there is to this phenomenon? Do we really only benefit from social networking?

At the 119^th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Larry Rosen did a presentation on how social networks may help and harm the children. Rosen (2011) said that although social networking may have changed the world for the better, it may also have negative impacts on a person, particularly a teenager.

It is given that social networking is an outstanding means of communication. It made it possible for a person in the Philippines to communicate with someone from the other part of the world. It made it possible for people to communicate with people they have not talked to in quite some time. Social networking helped entrepreneurs widen their market. It is quick, easy, and simple. Also, social networking has also made us more aware of what is going on in the other parts of the world, in real time. We are more up to date with the issues and the happenings, may it be good or bad, around the globe. Social networking has also made it possible for us to meet new people, without having to actually see them in person. One good example for this is Omegle - it is a site where one is made to talk to strangers who share a similar interest. Through this, two people have the possibility of being friends. Rosen (2011) says that people who use social networking sites are more able to develop their sense of empathy. Once someone sees a person’s status saying something negative, that someone will immediately ask what’s wrong. Therefore, practicing empathy or ‘virtual empathy’ as Dr. Rosen calls it. Evidently, these are only some of the positive impacts of social networking.

It is quite obvious that using social networks has its perks. The negative effects, however, are not as apparent. One negative effect of social networking is that it causes distraction to students. Rosen (2011) reported that the students who use social networking sites, such as Facebook, have lower grades than those who use said site less often. Students say that they do their school works, or what not, when using their computers. As they do their homework, they also check on their Facebook or Twitter accounts. Therefore, their time for doing school works has decreased. This, then, leads to mediocre work or no work at all.

Another negative effect of social networking is that it changes how people interact with others. Rosen (2011) said that people who use social networking sites have the tendency to become more narcissistic. They also, somehow, tend to be more attention-seeking.  This kind of attitude will make other social network sites users be, somewhat, annoyed at the person who is an attention seeker. Then, this will lead to cyber bullying, which is extremely serious and should not be taken lightly. All of this could possibly lead to psychological changes, another negative effect of social networking.

According to Rosen (2011), frequent use of social networking sites helps shorten people’s attention spans. People, who are very much active in cyberspace, are more likely to have short attention spans because their brains are used to reading only short texts (due to a limit in character count). Any text longer than a paragraph might seem uninteresting to people who are active in social networking. They want to get to the main point immediately; they do not want to elaborate further.  A greater effect of social networking in psychological changes is suicide.

Due to the trauma of cyber bullying, or other bad experiences on social networking sites, a person might develop certain psychological changes. Bullying, of any kind, is a great factor in depression which might probably lead to suicide. According to statistics, suicide is the third leading cause of death among the youth. Victims of bullying are more likely to consider suicide. The seriousness of this issue is not taken properly.  The issue that such small things, like a comment or whatnot, can make a person take his life is should not be taken lightly.

Most definitely, several people will not agree with the points I have presented. Some individuals will say, for example, that not all students check Facebook while doing their school work. Clearly, not everyone does that, but the temptation of being able to check one’s account lingers. One might not be multi-tasking, so to speak, but one might be rushing his work just so he can do whatever he may on the computer. This will still lead to mediocre work. One might also be rushing the review of his lessons just so he can use the computer already. It is quite interesting to know how that will turn out for them.

People might also disagree with my second point, saying that not everyone becomes attention-seekers when active in the social networking world. That may be true, but they might also be anti-socials. Rosen (2011) said that people who use social networking sites have greater tendencies to become anti-social. They might not consider themselves anti-social because they are active users of social networking sites, but they are not socially active in real life. They refuse to talk to people in person, they would much rather converse with them online. Somehow, they think it is easier to convey messages online than in person.

It is quite clear that social networking has “taken over the world”. Almost the whole population experiences its positive effects. Some might even say that social networking is the best thing that ever happened to mankind. This may be true, if one only looks at the positive aspects of social networking. The real challenge is looking deeper. If one only looks behind the façade presented to us by cyberspace, then one will realize that not everything about social networking is good. What we should practice when socializing online, even in real life, is minding our actions. The world is bigger than an eleven-inch laptop, or a two-inch screen phone. Our actions matter. Therefore, we should be more careful with them.

References

Dave Parrack (2012) Retrieved from:  http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/negative-impact-social-networking-sites-society-opinion/

Dr. Larry Rosen (2011) Retrieved from:  http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2011/08/social-kids.aspx

http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/bullying-and-suicide.html

Extended Definition (Draft)

Pop Culture has numerous effects on society and teenagers

I.                    Introduction

A.     Common definition of Pop Culture

B.     Thesis Statement

II.                 Body

A.     Effects on society

1.      Creation of cliques/groups

2.      Promotion of innovation

B.     Effects on teenagers

1.      Classification of other people

2.      Definition of self

III.               Conclusion

A.     Restatement of points

B.     Suggestion

Popularity: Is that all there is to it?

Popular culture, better known as pop culture, is defined by many as the latest trends in society. If you ask the members of Generation Y, pop culture is equated to Justin Bieber, the Dougie dance, Harry Potter, etc. But, if you ask the members of Generation X, pop culture is equated to Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Madonna, and all those trends back in the 60’s up to the 80’s. But, what is POP CULTURE?

Pop Culture, as defined by dictionary.reference.com, is the set of activities, products – probably even people – that are preferred by the general public. Other people also refer to pop culture as “mainstream”, which means current trend. Pop culture is dynamic; it changes as the tastes of the masses change. Since pop culture has a wide range of audience, there are numerous effects pop culture has on society and on teenagers.

It is extremely evident that pop culture affects society. It aids in the forming of cliques, groups, and what have you. People certainly have various tastes in music, clothing, etc. We identify our likes and dislikes, and then we approach people who have seemingly similar likes and dislikes as ours (Linley, 2011). Evidently, someone who likes Eminem will not have much in common with someone who likes Incubus. Some people, though, would enjoy conversing with someone who has a very different taste from his own. Still, it is highly rare to find someone who would do that.

Another plausible effect pop culture may have on society is the promotion of innovation. How different is our world today than yesterday? The latest trends drive people to be more innovative (Linley, 2011). What is here today was not present yesterday. There were no smartphones, no tablets, and no modified headsets back in the day. The clothes we wear today might seem unusual to the people living in the past just as their clothes will seem unusual to us.

Pop culture greatly affects teenagers since the youth is the one more involved with the latest trends. Pop culture aids in a teenager’s definition of himself. (Tramel, 2011) His tastes in clothing, music, hobbies, and others are usually what “defines” a teenager. Teenagers have coined terms for what to call themselves. Usually, these terms are based on the things they like. For example, people who like Justin Bieber are called “beliebers”. People who have read, and have fallen in love with, the Harry Potter series are called “potterheads”. It is as if teenagers of today have some sort of label plastered on their foreheads determining what kind of person they are. This, therefore, leads to another effect that pop culture has on teenagers – classification of other people.

Not only do the youth of this generation classify themselves as one type of person, they also classify other people – still based on their tastes (Tramel, 2011). People have the tendency to judge someone simply by the clothes they wear or how they act in public. People today, especially teenagers, tend to judge someone via the things they like and do not like. As mentioned beforehand, people, nowadays, choose the people they talk to. They prefer conversing with someone who might share their interests. In the same manner, they prefer not to talk to people whose interests are the quite different from theirs. Quite often, an argument between people whose likes and dislikes are different from each other’s happen. This argument is referred to as “fan wars”. People who participate in these “fan wars” have uttered very hurtful words towards a person and the things the person likes. When these arguments occur, people are not well aware of what they are saying. These fights over certain things then, somehow, lead to violence.

Pop culture may also be promoting violence, at some point (Tramel, 2011). Every aspect of pop culture today has cursing or some sort of violence in them. A pop song without cursing or some sort of bad vocabulary is quite difficult to find nowadays. The video games might have the most impact on the promotion of violence. This promotion of violence is not as prominent as the others mentioned beforehand, yet still present.

Pop culture is as wide as the range of its scope. Also, pop culture makes a huge impact most especially on the youth. Its effects may be positive or negative, but its influence can not be stopped from spreading. As long as the times are changing, and there are people left in this world, the influence of this culture will go on and on. We will never avoid our brains from being washed by this pop culture, no matter how hard we try.

A single move by Rihanna will appear in tomorrow’s tabloids. The week after, girls will be trying to imitate her. A new single released by Usher will be tomorrow’s hottest song. Soon, everyone will have memorized this new single. The hairstyle Jennifer Aniston once wore (The Rachel) was the hairstyle of that year. Everyone wanted to have friends like Monica, Chandler, Joey, Phoebe, Ross, and Rachel. Every turn of the head, one will see another drinking Starbucks coffee. The impact of pop culture on us is undeniable. People may say that this popularity thing is unnecessary, that we must be true to ourselves and only then can we be judged. We know that this is no longer as true as it was before, if it were even true.

There are things in this world that we cannot change, and our instinct to follow what is prominent is one of those. Trends are here to stay, there is no denying that. Pop culture is as immortal as myths and legends. We should find a way, somehow, to use pop culture for a more positive thing. There are several conflicts that this world is facing today, and pop culture is a remarkable medium of influence. Personalities might as well use their influence for the betterment of the world and mankind. It is probably part of our survival instinct to follow a leader of some sort. Let us use this power we have wisely.

References:
dictionary.reference.com/browse/popular+culture
theoryofthephil.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/the-function-of-popular-culture-in-society
livestrong.com/article/524468-the-effects-of-pop-culture-on-teenagers

Goals Essay (Draft)

Have you ever wanted to do something so much, but you aren’t sure how you’re going to do it? I have. I have always wanted to be able to write well. I wasn’t sure how I was going to do it, but I wanted to write. My interests have always lied in literature, may it be in Filipino or in English. Actually, if all else fails (meaning: my major – BS Accountancy), I plan to shift to a literary major. I have always loved reading, now, I want to “take it to another level” by writing. I believe that I have a creative mind. I will be able to tell great stories, and such. Now, I am given the chance to learn how to write in my ENGLCOM writing course. My writing course in ENGLCOM will help me become a better writer.

The ENGLCOM writing course is, fortunately, included in the subjects I must take as an Accountancy student. Others may dread having this subject, but I am quite enthusiastic to take it. I know that, somehow, it will help me be the person I’ve always wanted to be. This will be part of the challenge, and I am willing to take on it. I have set certain goals for this writing course. Actually, my goals are inter-related. My first goal is to learn how to write well. I’m quite sure that the professor will not make us write stories. But, she will ask us to write and that is what’s important. It doesn’t matter what kind of literary work she will ask us to write. As long as we will write, my skills will develop.

Another goal I have set for this course is to improve my grammar. My grammar is not so bad, I think. But, there’s always room for improvement, right? Besides, improving my grammar will result to me improving my writing skill which is the main goal anyway. My grammar does not have to be flawless. It just has to be something like flawless. I just want to be able to convey to my readers my ideas clearly.

The last goal, as of now, that I have set for this course is to improve my vocabulary. Again, this will aid in improving my writing skill. When I write, I don’t want to repeat my words too much. As you can see, my words are repeating more times than what is preferable. Improving my vocabulary will also improve my personal communicating skills.

The goals I have set for this course are not so impossible to attain. There are ways for me to attain these goals. First, I have to practice. I have to practice the things that were taught to us. I have to apply the lessons that we learned. If I commit a mistake, that will be alright. I will also learn from those mistakes.

Second, I have to take the lessons to heart. Whenever I write, I must apply the things I learned. I must take everything seriously. I have to try (very hard) to not commit the same mistakes. I have to improve each time I write.

Lastly, I have to read more. Reading will improve my vocabulary, and my writing skills. I will observe other writers’ techniques. I may use some their techniques, but I must create my own style. I have to be my own person.

Clearly, it is not so impossible to reach my goals. I just have to persevere. I have to keep my eyes on the prize.