Reading Response #1

After reading Manuel Munoz's essay, "Leave your name at the Border" in Convergences, I'm left to ponder a few thoughts. Munoz talks about identity among Mexicans, when it comes to pronunciation of their names, or even the Anglicization of their names. He uses the example of family members distancing themselves from traditional Mexican names to more Americanized names like Brandon or Kaitlyn.

Why are people replacing their culture with appearance? Munoz states that the perception of Mexicans being lower class illegal immigrants, basically forces them to. For example, his step father changed his name from Antonio to Tony; Not because he wanted to , but because he didn't want to be passed over for work. In a day and age of supposed equal opportunities, it is sad to see such stereotypes still exist. When someone has to actually change their name, and abandon their culture in order to be accepted in our society, what does that say about us?

One thing that surprised me in the article was when Munoz pointed out in a few different occasions when he was shocked to hear a name pronounced correctly, or to see someone still using a traditional Mexican name. They have become so accustomed to people not respecting their culture, or attempting to pronounce their names correctly, that it actually shocks and confused them when someone does.

Another thing I found fascinating was the gate agent, a Mexican woman, at the airport. She called a Mexican man overhead, and he had a traditional Mexican name. He wondered if she would speak to him in Spanish or would she speak loudly to him as if he were deaf, assuming he didn't know English due to his Mexican name he didn't change. Basically, he was wondering since she has a good job and is using make-up to lighten her skin color, if she totally abandoned her heritage. It's sad to think a person has to separate themselves from their background in order to feel accepted by their own society.

Screen Shot

How does composing change shape in digital spaces?

When I first saw my work as a photograph, it reminded me how often we take technology for granted. There are so many things we are able to do, and it has made our lives so much easier.

In reality, a computer could hold everything a person needs to compose a paper. Back in the day, one had to gather a notebook, pen, books and notes. Digital composing allows for someone to have access to everything they need in one place.

Digital composing is more organized, and allows a person to collect their thoughts more effectively and neatly.It also allows us to easily make edits, and correct any mistakes. I can simply press the backspace button and fix an error I find. If I had to do this manually with a pen and paper, I would probably have to rewrite the paper. I am also able to find any spelling errors with a click of a button. Digital composing saves time and stress.

How can we better understand digital composing processes?

The best way is research or trial and error. In order to learn anything, someone has to try and experience it. For example, I was aware of how to do a screen shot, but I have never had to save it as a jpeg before. I went on the Internet and entered my inquiry in Google, and found my answer in less than a minute. To better understand anything, we have to have the willingness to learn something new.