They Say, I Say. . . What does Dyson say?
We reviewed the new essay due date schedule, which is included in the Dyson reading schedule. Change the dates in your copy.
We spoke a bit about the Book Report essay and types of books. We also spoke about Social Entrepreneurs who have written books or books are written about them. If students want to use such a book for this assignment (Book Report Essay), this is fine.
In groups students discussed I Always Wanted to Make a Book out of My Life using Chapter 4 in They Say to guide the discussion. Homework is to do Exercise 1 (67). Post here.
In the earlier class (8-8:50 AM) students who worked in groups can post for the group.
For tomorrow bring Dyson, Graff, Hacker and a dictionary. For this book we will practice both Literal and Free Paraphrase, Metacommentary (Graff and Birkenstein129), signal phrases (different types), outlining and developing thesis sentences using Topical Invention.
Students are to bring their notes to class. I emailed students yesterday; if anyone is not getting my emails talk to someone in Admissions and Records (A-building).
We spoke a bit about the Book Report essay and types of books. We also spoke about Social Entrepreneurs who have written books or books are written about them. If students want to use such a book for this assignment (Book Report Essay), this is fine.
In groups students discussed I Always Wanted to Make a Book out of My Life using Chapter 4 in They Say to guide the discussion. Homework is to do Exercise 1 (67). Post here.
In the earlier class (8-8:50 AM) students who worked in groups can post for the group.
For tomorrow bring Dyson, Graff, Hacker and a dictionary. For this book we will practice both Literal and Free Paraphrase, Metacommentary (Graff and Birkenstein129), signal phrases (different types), outlining and developing thesis sentences using Topical Invention.
Students are to bring their notes to class. I emailed students yesterday; if anyone is not getting my emails talk to someone in Admissions and Records (A-building).
posted by Professor Wanda's Posse at 1:01 PM
25 Comments:
Jonas Sota
Professor Sabir
English 1A 11-11:50
September 25 2012
They Say I Say P.67 Exercise 1
Agree:
“‘Your goal as a performer is to give something that’s the truth or something that is real. In the context of real-life stories – and he was usually in films that reflected real street life – he was able to draw from his experience with the streets.’ The notion of truth, of authenticity, of the real, is a recurring theme in the narratives that swirl around Tupac and that he spun for himself. ‘Keeping it real,’ is the mantra that Tupac lived to its devastating, perhaps even lethal, limits” (Dyson 5).
Disagree:
“. . . I was curious about how a thug, even a poetic one, came off as positive to a young man noted for his clean lyrics and wholesome demeanor.” (Dyson 4)
Agree- Disagree:
“Although he dropped out of high school, he continued to read a huge amount of literature until the day he died” (Dyson 14).
Works Cited
Dyson, Michael Eric. Holler If You Hear Me. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Basic Civitas
Books, 2006. Print.
Jonas Sota
Professor Sabir
English 1A 11-11:50
September 25 2012
They Say I Say P.67 Exercise 1
Agree:
“‘Your goal as a performer is to give something that’s the truth or something that is real. In the context of real-life stories – and he was usually in films that reflected real street life – he was able to draw from his experience with the streets.’ The notion of truth, of authenticity, of the real, is a recurring theme in the narratives that swirl around Tupac and that he spun for himself. ‘Keeping it real,’ is the mantra that Tupac lived to its devastating, perhaps even lethal, limits” (Dyson 5).
Disagree:
“. . . I was curious about how a thug, even a poetic one, came off as positive to a young man noted for his clean lyrics and wholesome demeanor.” (Dyson 4)
Agree- Disagree:
“Although he dropped out of high school, he continued to read a huge amount of literature until the day he died” (Dyson 14).
Works Cited
Dyson, Michael Eric. Holler If You Hear Me. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Basic Civitas
Books, 2006. Print.
Joseph Carlo O. Tolentino
Virginia Tan
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 8:00 – 8:50
25 September 2012
Agree – With a Difference
Dyson’s book, “Holler if you Hear me,” contains a bountiful amount of information regarding Tupac. In his preface, titled “I always wanted to make a book out of my life,” he quotes “The thought that Tate might have made a real difference in Tupac’s life is a missed opportunity that bathes us in a moment of silent musing.” (Dyson 6) as he believes that Tupac had such a great impact on all of their relationships towards other black men and that Tupac’s life could have been saved if one of them, Tate specifically in his quote, was able to spend more time with the rapper. He could have also described how close black men are to each other. Either way Dyson enhances both possible scenarios with this agreement “Tupac is the Bridge that brought us this close, but we don’t need to acknowledge it with anything more than an implicit recognition we glimpse in each other’s eyes”(Dyson 6). In the quote Dyson emphasized how the relationships in their brotherhood were so close that no words were needed for recognition or approval while using words that simply ignores people who might think differently. Dyson also emphasized how Tupac was a genius especially on his lyrics since his works and attitude resemble the Dualities of the Old Testament “It’s clear that his moral codes and conflicts- and, yes, his self-destructive contradictions too – were strictly biblical” (Dyson Inroduction). Finally Dyson emphasized his point on how critics do not recognize genius of Tupac’s work and how it resembled the Old Testament as quoted “Obviously his critics weren’t too familiar with the harsh personalities and dualities of the Old Testament” (Dyson Introduction).
Dyson, Micheal Eric. Holler if you hear me. New York: Basic Civitas Books, 2001. Print.
Miguel Chavez
Jeannae Williams
Professor Sabir
English 1A 8-8:50am
25 September 2012
In the reading of Holler If You Hear Me, Dyson the author disagrees about Tupac being by no means the one and only greatest rapper of all time, but perceive's Tupac as the most influential rap superstar that he was during his time of limelight (Dyson 15). In contrary, other personage's believe tupac was the greatest of all time, for example: Ray J; also a star, who is the little brother of sister Brandy, of the citcom series Moesha. Anywho, Ray J imparted to Dyson during his hopes of associating with Snoop Dogg but in the process stmbled across Mr. Ray J, who said " Tupac is one of the greatest poets out there right now" (Dyson 3). And that's the disagreement between Dyson and one who observes Tupac differently.
Pablo R. Hernandez
Professor Sabir
English 1A 11-11:50
25 September 2012
Exercise 1 on page 67
Agree:
“Tupac is one of the greatest poets out there right now” Ray told me. I took note of his present tense, since Tupac’s continually unfolding artistry, in books, in movies, and in compact discs, makes it difficult to speak of him in the past
(pg 3)
Disagree:
In the misogynist lingo of the culture, that was the job of the “ho,” or the “bitch,” and I wasn’t about to subject myself to the hateful stare or acerbic rebuff of youth no older than the students I teach at the university.
(pg. 7)
Agree/Disagree:
“I just recorded a new song with Tupac,” the young artist told me. Uh-oh, I thought to myself. Although he’s talented, this is obviously a young brother who believes that Tupac is still alive. But then I remembered that Tupac’s posthumous recordings are already legendary and that many artists have gone into the studio to supply music and vocals for the hundreds of tracks he laid down. I’m relieved. (pg. 3)
Works Cited
Dyson, Micheal Eric. Holler if you hear me. New York: Basic Civitas Books, 2001. Print.
Emily Lam
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 11-11:50am
25 September 2012
Homework They Say, I Say Exercise 1 pg. 67
Disagree
“Obviously his critics weren’t too familiar with the harsh personalities and dualities of the Old Testament.” (Dyson 3).
The author disagrees because the critics for Tupac weren’t in the way of Tupac because everyone likes him. Everyone likes his music and knows how he is, so no matter how many critics people have towards Tupac, it didn’t make a difference because in the end, everyone still likes Tupac for who he is.
Agree
“Perhaps it is because he spoke straight from the heart that we recognized that a troubled prophet had risen to articulate a truth that we couldn’t possibly live without.” (Dyson 9).
The author seems to agree that the way how Tupac presents his lyrics and the way how he sings his songs are straight from the heart. That’s
Tupac’s kind of music.
Agree and Disagree
“The vibrant imagination that fueled Tupac’s gift was often dismissed, perhaps because it was too dark, too dangerous.” (Dyson 3).
The author first agrees that Tupac’s gift of his music and writing songs were being looked at in a different way. He thought that some people think it wasn’t right to have certain languages in music, but then the author disagrees with that. The way how Tupac delivers his music, that’s his kind of way to express what’s from the heart and singing what he’s feeling.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Wei Zhang
Profssor Sabir
English 1A 11:00-11:50
9/25/2012
HW Exercise 1 in page 67 of They Say.
Agree
“Tupac is one of the greatest poets out there right now” Ray J told me. I took note of his present tense, since Tupac’s continually unfolding artistry, in books, in movies, and in compact discs, makes it difficult to speak of him in the past( Holler P3, PG 6)
Disagree
There is s distinct genre of the dis in hip-hop that pours venom and disdain on the heads of guys who outwardly display their love of hip-hop or its stars by showing up backstage to seek an autograph or give praise.In the misogynist lingo of the culture, that was the job of the “ho,” or the “bitch,” and I wasn’t about to subject myself to the hateful stare or acerbic rebuff of youth no older than the students I teach at the university.( Holler P7, PG 2)
Messi Chaib
Professor Wanda
English 1A
excercise p67 n1
I disagree with Dyson that many young people going to be affected by Tupac's message and music because he is not the first one who said that meaning what he said in his music and messages.
Kovida U
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 11-11:50am
25 September 2012
Homework They Say, I Say Exercise 1 pg. 67
Disagree
" Although they say women's rights are improving, I say women's rights are not improving" Well, every almost countries men and women do not have equal rights even thought they are saying we are all the same and we treat all people the same which is not true in everywhere. Also, depend on the culture of a group of people, the rights are different from men and women.
Anyhow, I want to say the women revolution is not done yet and women should be keep fighting for their rights.
Keelan Sunglao-Valdez
Professor Sabir
English 1A
11:00-11:50
September 25, 2012
Agree: “Perhaps it is because he spoke straight from the heart that we recognized that a troubled prophet had risen to articulate a truth that we couldn’t possibly live without.” ( 9)
Disagree: “I was curious about how a thug, even a poetic one, came off as positive to a young man noted for his clean lyrics and wholesome demeanor.” (4)
Agree/Disagree: “I just recorded a new song with Tupac,” the young artist told me. Uh-oh, I thought to myself. Although he’s talented, this is obviously a young brother who believes that Tupac is still alive. But then I remembered that Tupac’s posthumous recordings are already legendary and that many artists have gone into the studio to supply music and vocals for the hundreds of tracks he laid down. I’m relieved. (3)
Works Cited
Dyson, Michael Eric. Holler If You Hear Me: Searching for Tupac Shakur. New York: Basic Civitas, 2001. Print.
Abiodun Apata
Sam Everett
Antionette Armour
Rachel Avalos
Amanda Lara
Professor Sabir
English 1A
8-8:50AM
25 September 2012
Agree and disagree simultaneously pg.64-65
Although I disagree with much that Dyson says, I fully endorse his final conclusion that Tupac's legacy is very apparent in the hip hop culture today. Though I concede that hip-hop is very influential among our youth, I still insist that it can very misogynist. Dyson is right that Tupac had a thug demeanor, but he seems on more dubious ground when she claims that Tupac came off as a positive young man. While Dyson is probably wrong when he claims that black mythologies and legends are hard to create, he is right that they are harder to sustain. Whereas Dyson provides ample evidence that Tupac was aggressive and outspoken, Guy research on Afeni and her drug addiction convinces me that Tupac was highly affected by his mother's lifestyle.
Is being undecided okay ?
Yes it is okay, there is nothing wrong with mixed feelings or a complex thought. There is doubt and not a lot of certainty from the writer. Acknowledging that aresolution of a issur is impossible can show the sophistication of a writer. Through out the chapter we see that the writer is quoting other Artist but examples such as his conversations with Ray J, who believed that Tupac is still alive after his death.
On pg 3- . Uh-oh, I thought to myself. Although he’s talented, this is obviously a young brother who believes that Tupac is still alive. But then I remembered that Tupac’s posthumous recordings are already legendary and that many artists have gone into the studio to supply music and vocals for the hundreds of tracks he laid down. I’m relieved. “its called”Unborn Child”
Agreeing With
Tupac was surely right about immortality through music because, as he may not be aware, Michael Eric Dyson shows that Tupac himself has been kept alive through his music (Dyson, Introduction). I agree that Tupac only endorsed peace through his songs, he wasn’t actually a peaceful person, because my experience in seeing how people’s words do not always follow their actions confirms it(Dyson, Introduction). Dyson’s theory of Tupacs listeners not understanding the words of his music is extremely useful because it sheds insight on the difficult problem of the ignorance of some modern Americans
(Dyson, Introduction). Those unfamiliar with this school of thought may be interested to know that it basically boils down to the fact that through his music Tupac still lives. Dyson's theory that it is hard to talk about Tupac in the past tense because his artistry is still unfolding is extremely useful because it sheds light on why the artists he interviews talk about Tupac in the present tense (Dyson 3).
Abiodun Apata
Professor Wanda
English 1A 8:00-8:50am
25 September 2012
Disagree and explain why
“For most of his core fans and people who knew him, he was a prophet,” Tate calmly expounded in a near whisper. “It’s really weird how a person can predict things the way he did. When he passed away, everything he had talked about before he died actually happened.” (D)yson 4
I disagree with Tate’s view that Tupac was a prophet because the word “prophet” is a religious term for an individual who is claimed to have been contacted by the supernatural or the divine, and to speak for them, serving as an intermediary with humanity, delivering this newfound knowledge from the supernatural entity to other people.
Dyson, Micheal Eric. Holler if you hear me. New York: Basic Civitas Books, 2001. Print.
Prophet - definition of prophet by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia
Bianca Hsueh
Professor Sabir
English 1A 11-11:50
25 September 2012
They Say I Say pg 67 Exercise 1
Agree
“Tupac is one of the greatest poets out there right now” Ray told me. I took note of his present tense, since Tupac’s continually unfolding artistry, in books, in movies, and in compact discs, makes it difficult to speak of him in the past” (pg 3).
Dyson agrees with Ray using the present tense when talking about Tupac because it seems as though Tupac is not really gone from the hip hop world as his music continues to thrive.
Disagree
“Obviously his critics weren’t too familiar with the harsh personalities and dualities of the Old Testament” (Dyson 3).
Dyson disagrees with Tupac’s critics who do not understand the message behind Tupac’s songs. Tupac’s critics did not focus on what mattered in Tupac’s songs; they were too focused on the superficial aspects of the song, which were things that Dyson would not agree on focusing on.
Agree/Disagree
“I just recorded a new song with Tupac,” the young artist told me. Uh-oh, I thought to myself. Although he’s talented, this is obviously a young brother who believes that Tupac is still alive. But then I remembered that Tupac’s posthumous recordings are already legendary and that many artists have gone into the studio to supply music and vocals for the hundreds of tracks he laid down. I’m relieved” (pg. 3).
Dyson disagrees with the artist talking about Tupac in present tense as Tupac had already dies. However, he agrees with the artist when he realizes that with Tupac’s posthumous recording, it is hard to say that Tupac is really gone.
Works Cited
Dyson, Michael Eric. Holler If You Hear Me: Searching for Tupac Shakur. New York: Basic Civitas, 2001. Print.
Fermin Carrera
Wai Man (Remy) Tang
Professor Sabir
English 1A 8:00-8:50AM
September 25, 2012
Agreeing and Disagreeing Simultaneously
In the introduction, Dyson goes back and forth in agreeing and disagreeing with Tupac and who he really is. Dyson agrees that Tupac was someone who was inflamed with love for the desperately poor. Love is the key word with the life of Tupac, but at the same time Dyson states that how was Tupac able to proclaim peace through his art but at the same time carrying a sword.(p.3 of intro) As Dyson agrees that Tupac is someone filled with love, he also agrees that Tupac was some one who was self-destructive caused by his moral codes. In a way, Dyson contradicts himself when she says that Tupac was a self-destructive person and he mentions this through out the entire introduction. In the introduction, Dyson agrees that Tupac was a self-destructive person through his moral codes. Dyson later on in the preface states that Tupac was thug who loved to spend money and also gave messages to the youth for them to be like him.(p.3) A self-destructive attitude will be a disagreement to someone who becomes in a way inspirational to the youth because of certain messages given to them.
Dyson, Michael Eric. Holler If You Hear Me: Searching for Tupac Shakur. New York: Basic Civitas, 2001. Print.
Davian Grant
English 1A
Miss Sabir
8-8:50
September 25 2012
Disagree
“your goal as a performer is to give something that’s the truth or that is real” I Disagree because the majority of the time, people listen to entertainers to forget about the truth. The truth is not always entertaining and very rarely is it expected to be a part of the picture entertainers are trying to make us see.
Agree
The best way to gein listeners is to plainly sya the truth of what the ther government is doing. Proof of this is both Eminem and Tupac. Also Kanye west for blatantly saying that bush did not care about black people when Katrina hit New Orleans.
Wai Man (Remy) Tang
Professor Sabir
English 1A 8-8:50 AM
26 September 2012
They Say I Say P.67 Exercise 1
Agree
In the book “Holler if you hear Me” by Dyson, the author agrees with this statement by Larenz Tate: “He (Tupac Shakur) has definitely etched a mark in hip-hop culture.” Dyson has noticed that it is very hard for black icons and heroes to be as famous as Elvis Presley. He thinks that “black legends are hard to create, and even harder to sustain.” But in Tupac’s case, his legend did not die out. He continued to live through the many uncompleted songs and heartfelt messages he left behind. As Dyson said, “As long as the ghetto poor continue to suffer, there will be a shelf in the record shop devoted to Tupac.”
Wai Man (Remy) Tang
Professor Sabir
English 1A 8-8:50 AM
26 September 2012
They Say I Say P.67 Exercise 1
Agree
In the book “Holler if you hear Me” by Dyson, the author agrees with this statement by Larenz Tate: “He (Tupac Shakur) has definitely etched a mark in hip-hop culture.” (Dyson 5) Dyson has noticed that it is very hard for black icons and heroes to be as famous as Elvis Presley. He thinks that “black legends are hard to create, and even harder to sustain.” (Dyson 5) But in Tupac’s case, his legend did not die out. He continued to live through the many uncompleted songs and heartfelt messages he left behind. As Dyson said, “As long as the ghetto poor continue to suffer, there will be a shelf in the record shop devoted to Tupac.” (Dyson xv)
Dyson, Michael Eric. Holler If You Hear Me: Searching for Tupac Shakur. New York: Basic Civitas, 2001. Print.
All except one student responded correctly to the exercise.
Before posting check the layout of the document. Make sure you put space between each section, so that it is clear.
I really like: Joseph and Virginia and Abiodun Apata, Sam Everett, Antionette Armour, Rachel Avalos and Amanda Lara comments, but they are hard to read.
Shawn Johnson
Professor Sabir
English 1A 11:00 AM-11:50AM
25 August 2012
Homework: They Say I Say Page 67 exercise # 1
Agree: “Your goal as a performer is to give something that’s the truth or something that is real. In the context of real –life stories- and he was usually in films that reflected real street life-he was able to draw from his experiences with the streets.” The notion of truth, of authenticity, of real, is a recurring theme in the narratives that swirl around Tupac and that he spun around for himself. “Keeping it real,” is the mantra that Tupac lived to its devastating, perhaps even lethal, limits. (Dyson, Pg. 5) I agree with Tate and Dyson when they say that Tupac’s presence on the world and in the industry was one that was seen as real. He had used his real life experiences and real life to help act in movies and even write lyrics in his songs. The way he performed were of one and a million, always held the truth in them and had a way for every one of all ages and ethnic backgrounds to relate to, as well as feel.
Works Cited
Dyson, Michael Eric. Holler If You Hear Me. 2nd Ed. New York, NY: Basic Civitas
Books, 2006. Print.
Messi Chaib
Professor Wanda
English 1A
Exercice 1p 67
Dyson agrees that many people will be affected with Tupac's music and message because they are many people like him who had the same childhood and his music and message are for every body who is in his situation.
Luchanda Williams
Professor Sabir
English 1A
September 26 2012
Agree
“So in a way the method of recording was nothing new. But his enthused expression made it apparent that the opportunity to partner with Tupac was still thrilling”(Dyson pg3).
Dyson agrees with Ray J about the fact that the recording method has not change and that even though Tupac is dead he is happy to record with him as if his alive and in person.
Disagree
“Like he said, he is just a thug who has a lot of money. But on the other hand, he’s a thug that is giving a positive message to kids so they can be like him”(Dyson pg3).
Dyson disagrees with Ray J that Tupac was just another thug with money he believe that the thug lyrics gives positive message to youth.
Agree/Disagree
Uh-oh, I thought to myself. Although he’s talented, this is obviously a young brother who believes that Tupac is still alive. But then I remembered that Tupac’s posthumous recordings are already legendary and that many artists have gone into the studio to supply music and vocals for the hundreds of tracks he laid down. I’m relieved” (Dyson pg. 3).
Dyson disagrees with the certainty of Ray J that Tupac is still alive but at the same time agrees with him because even if Tupac is dead his music is still alive so it is difficult to think of him as being dead.
Works Cited
Dyson, Michael Eric. Holler If You Hear Me: Searching for Tupac Shakur. New York: Basic Civitas, 2001. Print.
Tatiana Johnson
Professor Sabir
English 1A 11-11:50 AM
26 September 2012
They Say I Say P.67 Exercise 1
Agree
"He has definitely etched a mark in hip hop culture, but he was also able to transcend the hip-hop culture into the pop world, to film and television and all kinds of media. For him to still be just as big now as he was when he was alive is amazing" (Larenz Tate,5)
Disagree
"Like he said, he's just a thug who has a lot of money. But on the other hand, he's a thug that is giving positive messages to kids so they can be like him" (Dyson,3)
Agree/Disagree
“I just recorded a new song with Tupac,” the young artist told me. Uh-oh, I thought to myself. Although he’s talented, this is obviously a young brother who believes that Tupac is still alive. But then I remembered that Tupac’s posthumous recordings are already legendary and that many artists have gone into the studio to supply music and vocals for the hundreds of tracks he laid down. I’m relieved. (Dyson,3)
Dyson, Michael Eric. Holler If You Hear Me: Searching for Tupac Shakur. New York: Basic Civitas, 2001. Print.
Tracci Davis
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1A 8:00 - 8:50
18 September 2012
Exercise 1 on page 67
Agree/Disagree:
“Tupac is one of the greatest poets out there right now” Ray told me. I took note of his present tense, since Tupac’s continually unfolding artistry, in books, in movies, and in compact discs, makes it difficult to speak of him in the past” (pg 3).
“I just recorded a new song with Tupac,” the young artist told me. Uh-oh, I thought to myself. Although he’s talented, this is obviously a young brother who believes that Tupac is still alive. But then I remembered that Tupac’s posthumous recordings are already legendary and that many artists have gone into the studio to supply music and vocals for the hundreds of tracks he laid down. I’m relieved. (3)
Dyson disagrees with the artist talking about Tupac in present tense as Tupac had already dies. However, he agrees with the artist when he realizes that with Tupac’s posthumous recording, it is hard to say that Tupac is really gone.
Dyson, Michael Eric. Holler If You Hear Me: Searching for Tupac Shakur. New York: Basic Civitas, 2001. Print.
Gabe Shalaby
10/05/12
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 1a
8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.
Page 67 Exercise
Agree: “'He showed me how he created music through his heart and through his spirit, showing me that you have to have a certain vibe and continuity. You're not going to appeal to everybody.' […] Tupac' art […] was an acquired taste (Trae Dee and Dyson 106). Here Dyson agrees with Trae Dee's statement that Tupac's deep raps pulsating with raw emotion were the type of lyrics that resonated with you over time. You may not have fully appreciated the complexities of his songs at first but as time passed they stuck with you and exposed his genius.
Disagree: “Those who claim the mastery of instruments through the production of original music is the only mark of genuine artistry offer first criticism.” (Dyson pg. 108) In this excerpt the author expresses his difference in opinion with musical snobs. He does not believe that original production is the only expression of true art but that there's a lot of skill in remixing and writing lyrics.
(Dis)agree: “Although hip hop was vulnerable to the claim that it lacked original music at it's birth. Tupac was fortunate to have producers who gave melody to his rage.” (Dyson pg 109) Here Dyson agrees that hip hop mostly uses remixed melodies and samples for the production of it's various beats, but disagrees that it is a hindrance. He agrees that there is a lot of skill involved in the production of tracks.
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