Olivia Ikuma

I Am Not My Generation
With every generation comes a new label. We have now merged into the new generation known as generation 'why?' or iGeneration. Though this name hits the mark accurately, there are some of us that wander away from this classification. I am one of those wanderers; the few that aren't self-obsessed, living off technology, and trying to get us named Generation Sex. 

'Me' and 'I' are probably the two words that can confirm someone's self-centeredness. If someone is giving a speech and they begin almost every sentence with one of those two words, don't bother listening to their speech about saving the environment or trying to stop terrorists. They don't even care about those bluffs. If they could marry the spotlight, they would. It seems that nowadays, people can only think about themselves. In third-world countries such as Burma or Somalia, people don't know if they will wake up to chronic hunger or deathly disease. My friends wake up to worrying if their Longchamp purse will match their new Rugby polo or if their iTouch will fit in the pocket of their tight jeans. While I sit here chewing on the rest of my protein bar, I remember five minutes back at lunch where people occasionally picked at their delicious-enough looking sandwich and eventually dumped the rest of their lunch in the overflowing trash can. They probably didn't think twice about even other people in the lunch room who couldn't afford the whopping $2.75 for a single slice of pizza. At the end of a hefty meal where my potatoes are sadly waiting to enter my digestive system just like the salad had, I get a sore feeling at the pit of my stomach that reminds me not to take more than I can eat and to store any leftovers. This sets me apart from the iGeneration. Though the people of this generation are identified as being self-absorbed, I seem to steer away from the stuck up behavior.

'Hey buddy, I miss you.' 'Same, I'll ttyl. Bye.' It's sad that this is what a conversation is known as nowadays. So what happened to the old-fashioned way of calling up an old friend or sending a thoughtful letter to a pal? Well, technology upgraded a lot. I mean a lot. Cell phones, iPods, laptops, everything has turned into texting and emailing and internet. By just typing in one word into Google, millions of inputs to the subject pop up within seconds. All this technology tends to get on my nerves though. When I'm having a one on one conversation with someone, I am about ready to claw out their eyes when they decide to cut me off by pulling out their rhinestone studded flip phone. Is it really necessary to check if anyone has texted them with news that just couldn't wait until we were done talking? The constant beeping and vibrating that rings in my ears from school to work practically drives me insane. Also, the new line of technology of the iPods and iPhones are bringing along with them cheap, uncultured music. I don’t buy all the top selling pop songs on iTunes because the songs are all repetitive. The more people buy iPods, the more music needs to be produced, and less thought is put into them. As technology continues to expand, my praise for it continues to decline.

We have become a sexualized generation. There is no doubt about it if you look at all the advertisements, the famous icons, or just around your school. In previous years, this situation still existed; it just wasn’t broadcasted like it is now. Walking into the mall, store windows and bags have pictures of half nude models on them, which I feel is sending the wrong message. Aren’t they trying to sell clothes and not the models? It’s not just in advertising, it is also the people who are thought to be teen idols such as Britney Spears or the Pussycat Dolls. It seems that the more offensive and vulgar dance moves they perform and the less clothes they wear amplifies their fame. This backwards system pushes me towards listening to the less popular bands that don’t get caught up in all the Hollywood drama. However, Hollywood isn’t the only place where this crude behavior exists. It happens in the hallways of our very own schools. The influences of the celebrities are beginning to rub off on young teenage kids. Girls walk around school with too-short mini skirts and bare legs. Guys strut down the hallways in their baggy pants that hang around their knees. People argue that these clothes are in fashion and are stylish, yet I disagree. Showing as much skin as possible isn’t tasteful nor appropriate for school. Furthermore, no one wants to witness couples slobbering all over each other between classes. It’s awkward for the bystander and embarrassing for the couple. The rudeness and selfishness of not caring about other peoples comfort is what makes PDA (public display of affection) disrespectful, especially in school. This generation is drifting along a sexually referenced course that isn’t dragging me along with it. 

With the rapid growing rate of peoples’ selfishness, technology, and a sexualized generation, everything from the economy to peoples’ self esteem could crash and burn as fast as it was all built up. People that only think of themselves may end up lonely, as well as the sexually forward people. They won’t end up with a true sense of fulfillment in their life since everything was superficial. Since people rely on technology with their heart and soul, if it were to suddenly collapse, people would be left with nothing. Consequently, the security I feel since I have moved beyond this generation keeps me satisfied with knowing that I am not a part of the generalizations of this era.  

Pigeons

Pigeons are considered to be one of the smartest birds on the planet. They have also become very popular since the smaller form of a pigeon, or dove, saved Noah's arc by finding the olive branch near land. It seems, however that the high-ranking of the bird has set it on a high horse, making them feel superior to the neighbor birds.
On the way home the other day, I watched a single pigeon swoop down and seize some food from a flock of birds. He fought each one off who approached him during his meal. It's wierd because aren't they supposed to be known as the 'doves of peace'?

What is Good Writing?

Good writing is clear, concise ideas and/or opinions written out. It contains opinion which is then backed up by fact. Grammar, spelling and sentence structure also plays in to good writing. If writing has many mechanical mistakes then it could lead readers to think the essay was written without thought or care, and therefore they wouldn't want to read it themselves. Also, good writing consists of sticking to the point or the topic you are writing about. If the writer continues to stray from the topic, it may be hard for the audience to follow. The essay shouldn't push people away from reading it, but it should grab people in by using a unique style or personality of writing. If it is too formal it may come off as boring, as well as if it is too informal. It would be better to have a reader want to read an essay even if they have completely different views on the subject, than to have a reader discontinue reading it since it is too boring. Therefore, good writing is a mixture of clear opinion and topic, writing mechanics, writing personality, formality, and informality.

My Top Dozen Television Shows

Top Dozen Television Shows
Olivia Ikuma
12. What Not to Wear- What Not to Wear is one of the few reality shows on my list. In this show, Stacy London and Clinton Kelly critique fashion mishaps with an entertaining twist, giving ordinary people $5000 in exchange for all their distasteful clothing. The different phases of recreating their clothes, makeup and hair add spice to this fashion-forward show that grabs me and keeps me addicted. 11. Drake and Josh- This sitcom portrays the humorous situations in an average life of two teenage boys. The character who causes me to watch is Meghan, their annoying younger sister who is always concocting mischievous tricks to play on her brothers. The brothers’ bursts of immature behavior and comical action create the quintessential example of being a teenage kid.
10. H2O- Like Drake and Josh, another show capturing the audience of younger teenagers is H2O. Its scenery of Australian oceans and warm, sunny beaches captivate me every time. The main characters, who are mermaids, are well-rounded idols for any young girl. Though the troubles they solve would usually only happen to a mermaid, the common themes of love and friendship should grab the interest of any teenage girl. 9. American Idol- This unscripted show about people trying to win a singing contest has been very popular amongst children and adults. The awful singing and anticipation to see who wins is what grabs the audience. Also, I love to wait every week just to listen to Simon (one of the judges) offensively criticize every singer in his British accent. His remarks are why many people either absolutely adore Simon or completely abhor him. 8. Ugly Betty- This inspirational dramatic and romantic comedy shows the perseverance and successes of an ugly girl working in a high fashion magazine company. Her big glasses, braces, dull hair, and plump figure aren’t the ‘in’ styles in a world of Gucci shoes and anorexic models, but her personality lights up the show. Her honesty and ability to stay away from superficial behavior surrounding her are exemplary and adorable behaviors. 7. Monk- The ‘Obsessive Compulsive Detective’ character of Mr. Monk is played by Tony Shalhoub, who gives an astounding performance of a detective dealing with OCD. His lovable personality and unintentional humor are probably the main reasons for my high regard to the show, though the other characters are also wonderfully cast. His movements and mannerisms are perfect for the role, and his character’s ability to solve crimes is heroic. 6. America’s Next Top Model- This is another reality show dealing with fashion and modeling. From the heated arguments between the contestants to the numerous photo shoots in exotic places, this show has a wide variety of reasons as to why it is so enjoyable. Like American Idol, it also keeps me dying to see which gorgeous model wins the contest and earns the $100,000 modeling contract with Cover Girl. 5. 90210- This chick-flick program shows the American dream of wealth and money through the kids going to school in Beverly Hills, California. 90210 shows all of the aspects we dream of having. Though their drama may include private jets and housemaids, I still enjoy waiting to see who begins dating, who becomes enemies, and who gets involved with personal problems such as money, lust, and love. 4. Criss Angel- Criss Angel, one of the most popular magicians and illusionists of today, stars in his own reality show. His daring personality allows him to perform life threatening stunts which keep me on the edge of my seat. Also, his mind-boggling tricks such as flying, disappearing, or transporting keep me mystified and devoted.3. Heroes- Heroes is easily the ultimate superhero and villain packed show ever. Finding out each person’s powers is the exciting part, and seeing whether or not they live is the suspenseful part. The special effects of gruesome attacks, flying people, and transportation are astounding and worth seeing. Also, each episode is unpredictable so the plot is entertainingly unique. 2. Lost- This is one of the most suspenseful shows out there. From the passengers of flight 815 being attacked by polar bears on a tropical island to the island mysteriously disappearing, this show bears an immense amount of science fiction that releases the imagination of all barriers. The attractive cast and beautiful Hawaiian scenery of mountains, beaches, and rainforests adds to the already addicting show.
1. The Office- This comedy, though it seems like it was recorded as a documentary, features one of Steve Carell’s best roles. The relationships blooming within the office are hysterically odd and each character is quite peculiar. Carell’s awkward jokes and prejudiced comments cause me to laugh every time, while even the catchy theme song seizes my attention. Its bizarre cast, growing relationships, and absurdly inappropriate jokes keep me a devoted Office fan.