Category: Reading Log

Global Warming, Greta Thunberg

(speech)

“You are not mature enough to tell it like it is. You are failing us”

Greta Thunberg presents a powerful talk on the effects global warming is having on our planet right now. Greta condems world leaders in an emotional speech at the U.N in front of hundreds of politicians. The 16 year old swedish girl states the “Betrayal” of how young people globally feel of the environment they are living in.

Justice is portrayed through this speech as Greta has been fighting for the recognition of global warming since she was young. Although most politicians in the Union still refuse to believe the effects that this is having. Greta is only one voice out of millions of children who feel as though they are being let down by the lack of interest in the most important of topics. Days after Greta’s speech, millions of teenagers protested in the streets for immediate action in global warming. Most were walking out of class for this protest to make sure all their voices were heard as they have no regard to be ignored anymore. World leaders had gathered to discuss their efforts in reducing carbon emissions from big companies. But Thunberg presented that nothing would be done about this although cutting down on greenhouse gasses could eliminate the risk of a catastrophic climate breakdown. 

I believe that Greta is making her voice heard loud and clear. The speech to the Union was filled with emotion demanding not asking for but instead making a point in what we must do instead of what we could do. “The eyes of all future generations are upon you. And if you choose to fail us I say we will never forgive you. We will not let you get away with this. Right here, right now is where we draw the line.” Meanwhile China refused to put forward any new measures to stop climate change. Greta’s summit was to was designed to address the climate crisis amid increasing warning of environmental scientists on the catastrophic events that might take place if we do not take action immediately.

Greta is not only fighting for her own justice but the justice of millions of youth globally. We are going to have to live in this world when we are older as a consequence of the previous generations actions. I feel as though the young people of this world have to clean up the mess of the elders and it is not fair. I personally think Greta is our strongest path into fixing this problem as she has sparked wide discussion within the politicians of the world. By speaking to the commissioners they have the power to decrease the carbon footprint within their country. 

This speech made me reflect on the future that me and my own children may have to grow up in. I do not want to live in a world where I am faced with the decision of starting my own family if they are not going to be able to survive in these conditions. The extremity of this global crisis is huge and we need everyone to be educated on the effects this will have for ourselves and future generations to come. Personally I thought Greta’s speech to the Union was so powerful and inspiring. I believe this will inspire more of the youth to get out and take action by protests and other forms to stop global warming. I know it has made me more aware of the effects this crisis will have and as she said “We are the beginning of a mass extinction”. This quote is extremely powerful as how true it is becoming.

Not only within my personal life is this effecting me but yet as continuing evidence has arisen that we need to take action to this global crisis immediately, there is a number of world leaders that refuse to take in the information being given to them as they will not reduce there carbon emissions. Donald Trump the current President of the United States reports that he does not simply “Believe in it”. After a report came out called “The fourth national climate assessment” which outlines the potential impacts that this global climate change will have across every sector of America society. The report notes the effects the country is facing already due to this crisis yet Trump refuses to come to terms with the potential lethal outcome this country will face. Trump is only one example of a world leader refusing t abide for the benefit for the world and if this continues the quotes said in Greta’s speech will come reality.

“Same Love”, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

(Song)

“I can’t change even if i try, even if I wanted to” 

Same love written and performed by Maclemore and Ryan lewis is a power anthem describing the effects that young gay people face in today’s society. The song begins with an acoustic piano track which creates an immediate emotional response from the listener. The song was apart of their 2012 album and reached number 1 on the record charts in Australia and New Zealand and was nominated for song of the year at the Grammys.The song was recorded during the referndum campaign which upon approval came to legalise same sex marriage in the United States of America. 

The song raises important issues like homosexuality, black culture and acceptance within its community. The lyrics in the song tackle important issues faced by the LGBTQ+ individuals. The lyrics state that being homosexual is a “choice” and it quote “Can be cured with some treament and religion, man made rewiring of a predisposition”.

The Song portrays the theme of justice throughout its lyrics as gay people have been constantly fighting for their rights to be excepted into society. It describes the feelings of dispear homosexual individuals including the youth have to endure as the consequences as coming out which they face with public humiliation, bullying and judgement they suffer due to their own sexual orientation.  “When kids are walking ‘round the hallway plagued by pain in their heart/A world so hateful some would rather die than be who they are.” In the world that we live in people are constantly searching for the approval of others, meaning never finding it. This is the biggest problem they face today, not being accepted for who they are can lead people down the darkest of roads and their mental health becomes damaged severely. 

Although this song has caused some controversy around the world. A Michigan highschool teacher was suspended after playing “Same love” to his students as the lyrics are about homosexuality. This incident just reinforced the idea that the LGBTQ+ community still has a long way to go to be accepted and may never be. The continual fight for equality and justice to the people comes in many forms, one of them being this song. The promotion of gay rights through music is very sucessful as everyone loves listening to music. Music is also a very accessible resource to most people who can gather this off websites like youtube which is free to use. 

I personally support the LGBTQ+ community greatly and believe this song has gotten a lot of recognition for the right reasons. I can see how much homosexual people will stuggle with coming out to their own friends and family in fear or regection because of culture or beliefs. I understand that this can lead individuals to do the worst to themselves or others, this is why educating particular the senior years about acceptance and the rights of their freedom is so important in this time. Young gay people are dealing the ultimate fight for justice. 

Annabel Carter

Fruitvale station 

(Film)

“You shot me! I got a daughter!”

Fruitvale station a film which sticks closely to the facts of the unlawful killing of a young black man in 2009. An African American man by the name of Oscar Grant 111 was fatally shot by a white police officer inside Fruitvale Station on New Year’s day. The film begins with real life video footage of the shooting of Grant in the station, then it backtracks that one night and the life he portrays. 

By placing the real cellphone footage at the beginning of the film the viewer is already captivated into the story and holds an emotional response and personal view of the situation before even learning about his story. I personally felt anger and frustration towards the white officer from this first scene without even knowing his reasonings behind it. The events that followed in Fruitvale Station is a significant historical shooting of one ordinary man, that has raised debates on the unlawful killings of white officers to date against people of colour. 

The films time frame is set all in one day, New Years day. Grant had recently been fired from his job in the supermarket and was struggling to keep up with bills in his house to feed and sustain his daughter with his girlfriend. Hi past life had included selling drugs and having a hard time in prison and as he had to earn money in some way he resorted back to drug selling on the streets. Grant portrays kindness and is family oriented for most of the time, although he can be shown to be a complicated character, with an uncontrollable temper at times. He also has the tendency to lie about not cheating on his girlfriend and getting fired from his day job. 

Throughout the film Grant is portrayed as a caring genuine guy but one scene is said to be too far reaching in making the audience feel sympathetic towards him, it is when he comforts a dying dog on the street who had just been hit, this scene is fictional and never happened in the real grants time. It is supposed to change the viewers perception on Grant to feel and emotional response and become understanding of his actions but personally I did not find myself feeling sorry for him as the cinematography of the whole scene seemed a little too set up. 

As the film navigates through Grants day it all builds up to reach the climax of the story where Grant with three other black men lay face down on the floor of Fruitvale Station. On the 1st of January 2009 Officer Johannes Mehserle fatally shot Oscar Grant 111 in the back. Bystanders filmed the whole ordeal and pleaded to the jury that Grant did not pose any threatening evidence towards the officer and the officer had no motive to shoot the man. The theme of justice does not just come from Grants family and friends but instead a whole nation backs him, justice needs to be served to this police officer of the unlawful killing. More outrage was turned when the white officer was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter when he said he mistook his gun for a taser this is a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter which the public were hoping for. The film focuses on Grants family and friends instead of the police officer and the effects this has had on them to this day. 

I believe Fruitvalle station is a fair portrayal of Oscar Grant’s story and the justice millions of people fought so hard for him but was never received by the court. This brilliant portrait of how lack of opportunity, incarceration and racism conspire together to continually devalue the lives of young black men in America today. Fruitvale station stuck out to me as it highlights so clearly the challenges coloured people of America are facing to this day. The recurring problems with white police officers I seem to see on the news so frequently scares me as I do not want this to be the world I or my children will grow up in. I cannot imagine just how hard life would be for Grants family and friends after this tragic event. 

“I told him to take the train. I told him to catch the BART. I didn’t know they were gonna hurt my baby. I should’ve just let him drive. I should’ve let him drive, but I wanted to keep him safe. You gotta let me hug him. Please, let me hug him. Please. Please! He didn’t like to be alone”.  

This film made me reflect on my own privileges on my race and ethnic backgrounds. I live in a wealthy town that is sheltered from all the hatred that we see out in the real world. I can not begin to think about if I were in his shoes and what sacrifices I would make for the greater good of my own family. I have had no personal experience with feeling threatened by a police officer and I feel as though I shall not come across as a result of my privileges. I have not been discriminated against because of the colour of my skin and have not had to experience racial prejudice.

In a wider world context people of colour are constantly being threatened by police officers which may result in their own unlawful death. Every time I turn on the news it seems as though their is a new story on the unlawful killing of a black man by a police officer, many of them being unarmed and not threatening to anybody’s life. Not only do we hear these stories from overseas but within our own soil. New Zealand is one of the most ethically diverse country’s on earth, We have spent years trying to fix our racial discrimination and it feels as though we are reaching a solution, now its up to us to keep it that way. There have been a number of instances within the United States when 911 calls have been given to everyday people of colour that may simply just of been walking down the street. Marc Peeples a 32 year old black man was the subject to a number of 911 calls when he decided to plant seeds in a field to create a garden for himself and his family. After some time the allegations against him became more serious all who made those allegations were white. He ended up going to trial and spent time behind bars for simply trying to help out his community. This is just one example of the everyday struggles people of colour have to face on a day to day basis just like Grant had to endure during Fruitville Station.

Annabel Carter

The hate you give 

(Novel)

“What’s the point of having a voice if you’re gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn’t be?”

The hate you give is a book based on the following events of white privilege, community and the criminal justice system. We believe every person should have a right to an education, food, water and shelter. A right of treating everyone with the same respect and attitude disregarding any colour, religion or sexual orientation. This novel portrays a first person’s outlook on events which highlight each of these categories and a families ultimate fight for justice. 

The story follows a 16 year old black girl named Starr Carter and her life within a white privileged school. Starr moves between worlds; the poor neighbourhood where she lives and the fancy white suburban prep school she attends. Her life is complicated on a day to day basis but when she witnesses the fatal shooting of her best friend Khalil at the hands of a white police officer her life shatters into pieces. By 16 star becomes the protagonist of the book as she deals with the loss of two of her best friends, all of whom are coloured, one by gang violence and one from the bullet of a white police officer. As the sole and only witness of the fatal shooting of Khalil the novel follows Stars overwhelming pressure of testifying before the grand jury to seek justice in Khalil’s name. As the incident unfolds within court, Stars two worlds begin to collide, in weekdays she is attended a prestigious private school where there she is known as the one “black girl”, while on the weekends she comes home to a suburban neighbourhood ridiculed with gang violence and drugs. Her former gang member dad is fighting to make their neighbourhood a better place while her mum is suggesting to move completely out to keep the family safe. 

The theme of justice begins when Star begins fighting in court for Khalil’s justice a new narrative begins, one that points at Khalil’s actions towards the white suburban cop, this being portrayed as a heavy drug user that threatened a cop with a “deadly weapon”. This “deadly weapon” was a hairbrush. Star has a great sense of courage and challenges these false statements in court which is framing her best friend out to be someone he is not. The novel begins to highlight the important issues of interracial teenagers in this time. The intimate first person account shows Stars full emotional response through the shock, pain and outrage of the aftermath of these shootings. 

As a result of this the reader is able to see the full complexity of their lives as they may be going through or have seen similar experiences in life which connects the reader on a deeper understanding. The novel goes on to show credible counter-arguments against Star and her neighbourhood and the court of law, these different narratives are often presented by authoritarian figures above Star and her race which are echoed by media outlets showing recent shootings of young black men. The hate you give confronts the reader of just how much racialized violence is taken out on young black youth and illustrates how young people of colour like Star who might speak out front to defend their late friends or family members will be unfairly criticized for their actions to take back justice. This novel understands deeply the real dangers young people of colour are having against white cops and the criminal justice system. 

Once again “The deceased get put on trial, rather than their killers”. 

I personally believe this novel portrays the black society and problems with white police officers so honestly, the challenges they face on a day to day basis makes me wonder how lucky I am to be where I am today. I do not face these problems and can only imagine how hard it would be living your life as today may be your last. 

Annabel Carter

The girl on the train: 

(Novel)

“For once in my life I have a purpose, or at least I have a distraction”

The girl on the train written by Paula Hawkins is a novel based on the story of a woman named Rachel who catches the same commuting train each morning. Rachel knows the train stops at the same signal each time, looking into the row of homes stationed near the tracks. Rachel even begins to feel that she knows the lives of those living within their own homes, if only she could be that happy. Until one day when Rachel sees something utterly shocking and in that one moment her life changes forever. The novel is written in narrative of many perspectives, Rachels, Megans and Annas. This shows contrast between each characters actions and thoughts and relates the viewer and myself to their own perspectives. The theme of justice is shown throughout this novel when Rachel finds herself at the centre of a woman’s disappearance (Megan). As Rachel’s world is already profoundly messy and unorganised, her attention shifts towards this mystery as she now finds herself looking for justice. 

Throughout the novel Rachel looks back on her past life with her now ex husband Tom and his life he is living with his new girlfriend Anna. Throughout the book the theme of justice is all shown through the aspects of betrayal, feminism, abandonment, alcohol and digital communication are shown as a way to create justice. 

Rachel uses the power of technology to look on her ex husbands phone and see messages that could lead her to the disappearance of Megan. This paper trail left behind by digital communication leads Rachel to discovering Tom’s affair with Anna and Anna getting wind of his secret relationship with Megan and his involvement in her death. As well as Megan’s justice we see Rachel fight for her own after being repeatedly cheated on in numerous occasions, she seeks her right to feel loved again. Rachel has had her fair share of betrayal throughout her life so she felt she could relate to Megans scenario after she supposedly saw her kissing another man not her husband while Rachel was on her way to work. This first witness account of this event saw Rachel as a top priority in solving Megan’s case after she was reported missing. 

We see Rachel gradually getting emotionally connected to this family and her fight for justice grows greater each day. While all this is going on Rachel also battles with her day to day alcoholism and the effects it is having on her mental health. Alcohol can be betrayed as an evil character throughout the book as it hinders Rachels decision making and memory which is highly important in solving Megan’s case. Alcohol is used in the story as a catalyst for bad decisions but can also be an indicator that bad decisions are being made consciously, for example when Anna pours herself a glass of wine before snooping on Toms computer. This may lead the characters to justice or just keeps them further away from the truth. 

Rachel fights for her own justice against her battle with alcoholism throughout the film, ultimately in the end she wins her fight and you can see the effects of rehab straight away. 

I believe this book betrays the permanent effects of Alcohol and her justice as it would be in real life, She is constantly reminded by her past and struggles to keep moving forward each day.  Rachels fight for justice becomes increasingly difficult when she struggles to remember the events that took place the night of Megan’s disappearance. Her Alcholol problem leads her to blackouts preventing her to identify the man invloved in her murder that night. Rachel also relives the lies she was fed when she was married to Tom which caused her to have significant mental health problems in the future. Both Rachels and Megan’s fight to forget earlier memories from past relationships plagues their lives. 

Personally I believe Rachel was a good person, she was constantly reminded by lies and had no sense of direction, yet she was still willing to find justice for Megan and her family, this was a very selfless act. Her passion for other people was shown throughout the book while also struggling with problems of her own. Although her addiction hindered the time it took it seek justice, the outcome was worth the wait as Tom was sentenced for the murder of Megan and Rachel was finally able to live her life without lies and the battle with alchohol. Personally this book drew me closer to the character of Rachel as some of her problems are seen in my life today, I was able to be emotionally connected towards her and the hatred she holds towards herself as it is very common in teenagers. I constantly am scared what other people think about me and their own opinions but I am learning through time that nobody else’s opinions matter, just what Rachel finds herself towards the end of the book. “The holes in your life are permanent. You have to grow around them like tree roots around concrete; you mould yourself through the gaps.”

I have had no personal experience with any kind of justice which is due to a murder. This made me realise how thankful I am to not be in a situation like Rachel’s. I am constantly being supported by my friend and family around me and have never felt as though I have been alone in fighting for what is right. Although this situation is far out of my life I strongly believe that if I were to come across something similar I would have a great support behind me in finding the justice for a friend of family member.

In a real world context this text can be related to a number of peoples lives. Rachel portrayed a lonely women who was struggling with her own addictions. In the world that we live in now people are constantly feeling pressure from social media and the public which causes unthinkable measures to be taken. New Zealand has the highest teen suicide rates in the world and its because of constant pressure they face on a day to day basis. We need to find a way to cope with addiction just like Rachel did in the end and it was all because she found a purpose for once in her life.

Annabel Carter

Shawshank redemption: 

(Film)

When does the consequences of fighting for your own justice suppress the feeling of redemption? 

“The Shawshank Redemption” written and directed by Frank Darabont takes on the 1994 American drama film based on the 1982 novel written by Stephen King called “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption”.

The film follows the life of banker Andy Dufresne wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife and former lover, sentencing him to two life sentences within Shawshank State Penitentiary Prison. The film portrays the theme of justice by Andy’s fight in hopes to one day walk as a free man. Within the walls of his confinement he befriends a fellow prisoner by the name of Ellis Redding commonly known throughout the film as “Red” who is completing his sentence for smuggling drugs into prison. The film spans just short of 20 years showing the growing partnership of Andy and Red which portrays their life within the prison cells, giving insights into their personal experiences adjusting as best they can behind bars. Throughout the film the recurring theme of social Justice keeps Andy and Red fighting for their rights in hopes of one day being able to walk free of conviction. In order to reach this point Andy must navigate his way through sexual abuse, beatings and starvation to find his prupose, his purpose fueled by justice. Andy uses his past powers and knowledge of money laundering and illegal financial abilities to gain certain privileges for himself and other inmates including Red in order to successfully survive within the State Prison. Although all this mental and physical abuse has a large impact on his mentality. 

As the viewer you can see the impact this prison has on his mind, including his decision making a radical actions to be a free man. Us as the audience ultimately views these acts in favor of the inhumane actions placed upon the prisoners and Andy himself, this is nothing less than an act of abuse in power to convey how authority can dictate a person’s actions and ultimately end result in a person’s life. “Justice delayed is justice denied”, this quote is recurring throughout the film by Andy. 

A powerful scene in the film is where Andy’s innocence is shown and the truth gets out, this should have been the catalyst of the movie, the turning point where Aandy walks free of conviction. The justice and moral ethics should have come together to grant Andy his freedom and the justice he deserved. But instead the legal professionals involved in Shawshank Prison would not comprehend the new evidence in favor of him and instead of doing their legal duty they chose to silence the new evidence found to keep Andy’s criminal transaction intact.  Throughout the film Andy and Reds reaction to the principles of injusticement and abuse in power provides there catalyst on the driving force in becoming free men clearing their name. By the film being at a first person point of view it makes it more realistic to an outside audience experiencing the physical abuse and psychological torture these men went through. Director Frank Darabont uses a technique throughout the movie to relate the viewer to the theme of the film in the form of voice overs which is portrayed through Reds voice. The fellow inmate serves as the narrator within the movie, the emotional weight Red Carries through prison is shown in his own perspective which speaks directly towards the viewer. The first sentence of the film through the narrators eyes includes the word “You” bringing the audience into the film within the beginning. Reds voice is portrayed as eloquent and poetically spoken nothing like convict talk you would most likely find. His voice shows humorous sides almost covering the emotion distress he is experiencing, Red controls the overall tone of the film keeping it light hearted when possible while shifting to tension when necessary. The film also includes relatable experiences of life making them appear as human as possible whom indeed is following a heart and soul in the quest for Justice. Although the theme of social justice comes across to an outside viewer as very simple it is actually quite complex when Andy and Reds road to redemption is seized by optimism and the reality of spending the rest of his life behind bars. This particular motivation is stemmed from Andy and Reds past disappointment in rejection of the State of near future parole which happened in more than one instance within the film. Shawshank Redemption shows how one man’s fight for justice becomes another man’s fight for freedom.

This text made me reflect on the criminal justice systems way of sentencing and if justice really is served due to this. Watching the characters navigate their way through the prison makes me realise how lucky I am to not be in a similar situation. I cannot comprehend the abuse Andy, Red and the other prisoners must have gone through in their time. I am a person of white descendants and a female which may come to my advantage if I were to ever see myself in a court one day this is why I find it so hard to comprehend the weight some criminals must carry due to their ethnic groups or religion which may come as a disadvantage in a sentencing. I have had no personal experience with prisons but I do have relatives that have had to spend time because of decisions they have made in the past. This had a profound impact on myself and the others around me when they were not here to support us in times of need. Personally I believe this film portrays justice and criminal justice accurately to what extent people will go to get what they ultimately deserve. “A life with no Justice is a life not well served.”

In a real world context we would see this type of behaviour being portrayed very frequently behind government bars. A prison is hidden behind many locked doors and very rarely do we as the public see what is going on within them. The justice fought for through the movie by the prisoners is what many people are having to go through on a daily basis. Some may be completely innocent and be placed on death row or life sentences just like Andy and are having to fight for their own life in order to see their families again. In 1939 Joe Arridy was sentenced to death for the brutal rape and murder of a 15 year old girl in Colorado. 72 year after he was put to death Joe was found to be completely innocent and has no actual evidence leading him to the murder. This is an extreme case of sentencing an innocent which resulted in the death of Joe Arridy. This true story is similar to Andy’s in Shawshank Redeption as they both were innocent and were fighting for their right to be free.

When does the consequences of fighting for your own justice suppress the feeling of redemption? 

“The Shawshank Redemption” written and directed by Frank Darabont takes on the 1994 American drama film based on the 1982 novel written by Stephen King called “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption”. The film tells a story of banker Andy Dufresne wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife and former lover sentencing him to two life sentences within Shawshank State Penitentiary Prison. Within the walls of his confinement he befriends a fellow prisoner by the name of Ellis Redding commonly known throughout the film as “Red” who is completing his sentence for smuggling drugs into prison. The film spans just short of 20 years showing the growing partnership of Andy and Red which portrays their life within the prison cells giving insights into their personal experiences adjusting as best they can behind bars. Throughout the film the recurring theme of social Justice keeps Andy and Red fighting for their rights in hopes of one day being able to walk free of conviction. In order to reach this point Andy must navigate his way through sexual abuse, beatings and starvation to find his prupose, his purpose of justice. Andy uses his past powers and knowledge of money laundering and illegal financial abilities to gain certain privileges for himself and other inmates in order to successfully survive within the State Prison. Us as the audience ultimately views these acts in favor of the inhumane actions placed upon the prisoners and Andy himself, this is nothing less than an act of abuse in power to convey how authority can dictate a person’s actions and ultimately end result in a person’s life. Throughout the film Andy and Reds reaction to the principles of  injusticement and abuse in power provides there catalyst on the driving force in becoming free men clearing their name. By the film being at a first person point of view it makes it more realistic to an outside audience experiencing the physical abuse and psychological torture these men went through. Director Frank Darabont uses a technique throughout the movie to relate the viewer to the theme of the film in the form of voice overs which is portrayed through Reds voice. The fellow inmate serves as the narrator within the movie, the emotional weight Red Carries through prison is shown in his own perspective which speaks directly towards the viewer. The first sentence of the film through the narrators eyes includes the word “You” bringing the audience into the film within the beginning. Reds voice is portrayed as eloquent and poetically spoken nothing like convict talk you would most likely find. His voice shows humorous sides almost covering the emotion distress he is experiencing, Red controls the overall tone of the film keeping it light hearted when possible while shifting to tension when necessary. The film also includes relatable experiences of life making them appear as human as possible whom indeed is following a heart and soul in the quest for Justice. Although the theme of social justice comes across to an outside viewer as very simple it is actually quite complex when Andy and Reds road to redemption is seized by optimism and the reality of spending the rest of his life behind bars. This particular motivation is stemmed from Andy and Reds past disappointment in rejection of the State of near future parole which happened in more than one instance within the film.