For my final post, I want to talk about Winston and Julia getting caught by the government. I find it so interesting how the government can make them do things the way they did. After they got caught they were broken and beaten until they believed twisted lies. O’Brien and the government made them believe in only the thoughts the Party's and government wanted. On page 234, it states, “No one dares trust a wife or a child or a friend... there will be no loyalty except, for loyalty for the party. There will no love, except the love for Big Brother.” They only want the people to love and have trust in Big Brother, not a family member or friend.  The people of Oceania should love and praise Big Brother as their “savoir” like on page 7.

It is not very common for Oceania to see people come back from being caught by the government but Winston and Julia both returned as every single other citizen. Winston’s identity and appearance is broken, and people can see it. Julia’s physical appearance at the very end of the book mentions how and broken she looks as well. The party completely destroys Winston and Julia, to not even be there self at all. They are both just like puppet on strings. In my last blog I talked about propaganda and “Big Brother”. They tortured them with propaganda to break them and replace it with happiness and faith in the Party’s. By the end of the book, Julia and Winston are released and act if nothing has happened, because that is what they believe. Winston and Julia do not even know they had feelings for each other. The last sentence in the book quotes, “he loved Big Brother.”

What are some things or events in the book you thought were really out of the ordinary, like for me was the relationship between Julia sand Winston. Winston talks about how much he hates Julia because he loves her. Then on page 107, Julia slips Winston a note saying “I love you”. I found this kind of strange. Did you find this strange too? What is your impression on Orwell’s novel, 1984? Did you like the book, if so why?

What does Big Brother have to do with total government? In George Orwell's book, 1984, Big Brother is known as a god like symbol to the people of Oceania. Big Brother keeps people in control and in favor of the government. Everyone is expected to be respectable to him and follow what he (the government) wants. In Oceania, everyone seems to be afraid of big brother. “Big Brother is watching you” is posted almost anywhere you look. His face is on a big poster board over the city to make people fear them or in our case the government. Big brother is used as a frightening technique to totalitarian government to possess absolute power. If you are caught betraying him, you aren't to be found again. No one knows or really cares to what actually happens, but you are no longer seen again. They use this fear as another skill to control its subjects, and to extent of the power and control of government.

The first few chapters have a big part telling about the telescreens in their homes. The telescreens are another way that the government or in the story, ‘Big Brother’ is watching them. In 1984 they are known as an instrument, which is always on some kind of propaganda. Any hint of obedience or dislike can be detected by many such as the Thought Police, telescreen, or even your children who will not hesitate to betray you to the authorities.

There is no real truth in Oceania. The effect of Big Brother and propaganda takes a citizens opinion to believe they want something different. They twist the truth to make them seem higher in power. He parties and Big brother manipulate them to break them down and then replace the hatred by fear and faith for the Party, Big Brother, and the government. 1984, emphasizes throughout the book how government puts in citizens minds that there is no such thing as bad; only ungood. Governmental use of manipulation and physical control is used to maintaining its power.

In today's society, it is not this harsh. Although, the government today is not as brutal as in 1984; it is still somewhat real in today’s society. We have the cameras and technology to “spy” or “watch” others. We also have phones that can tracks where we are. In the presidential debate, Donald trump states, “We need toughness”. This proves the kind of society we are coming to next. It is terrifying knowing that someone could control us, like in 1984.

Do you think our society will become like in '1984'? What kind of events are similar to the society and government in ‘1984’, today?

Throughout the first half of 1984 by George Orwell and it is confusing concept to grasp. The information is twisted and contradicts itself throughout the book. In Orwell's novel, 1984, throughout the beginning of the book he talks about the Three Slogan's of the party. But what exactly do these three slogan's mean? What do they mean to Winston?

War is Peace

Freedom is Slavery

Ignorance is Strength

If you didn't notice all three slogan's contradict themselves. War means to fight but peace means to have no harm. It makes the mind believe that these things are true. Winston can see how controlling the government or "Big Brother" is. They try to confused people in to believing these slogans. Sadly, it is working for many. Unlike Winston who writes repeatedly, "DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER, DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER" does not want to be watched all the time. Big Brother as their major propaganda, and makes them think twisted information. The party has the slogan's to make everyone believe in them. They repeat it over and over to tattoo the slogan's in their minds. Why do you think that is? Also why do you think the story has a lot of propaganda? Propaganda can easily persuade people with your emotions and is used as a brainwash. The people are persuaded to think that the party is actually there to help them. Like on page .., after people riot, Big Brother comes on the screen and a lady is filled with joy to see Big Brother. All Big Brothers, the party and Goldstein do is manipulate them.

In the novel, propaganda is used to keep the people under controlled, to think and act any way they want them to. Characters in the book and even in our society today are influenced with the double speak and propaganda. Even today no one knows the real truth. The Three Slogan’s “War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength.” and Big Poster boards with “Big Brother is Watching You” are used as Propaganda as a way for the Party’s way to have control.

In the picture below, you can read the Three Slogan's. You can also see the three picture that go next to it. What do these picture mean to you and what do they show? Also how do you think in the book they represent the people in that society? In today’s society do we still have propaganda? If so, What are some ways we are persuaded?

This is my third blog for my book, "Beautiful Music for Ugly Children". I ended my last blog off with John going off to the hospital. Gabe goes through a tough week without John. He comes by everyday and sits in the hospital for hours blaming himself. "I shouldn't have let him give me a show. I should have stayed Liz. I should have mowed his lawn more often and brought him more birthday gifts. I should have told him what he means to me(Cronn-Mills 243)." Gabe can't do what he loves without John.Week after the accident, on Thursday afternoon, nurse tells Gabe and Paige they have stopped the sedative and if he is going to wake he will do it in the next week. John may not make it if he does not wake up this week.

Paige reminds Gabe the 'Vibe' is tonight in Brooklyn, New York. Debating whether to go or no, he knows John would want him to go. Paige stays with John while Gabe goes to perform. Gabe gets on stage in from of millions of people at 11:30pm and feels no motivation for his music. Lost and effortless he plays his music and gets off stage. Friday morning, Gabe checks UCB's webpage for 'Beautiful Music for Ugly Children'. Many great posts were made out to John to get better and Gabe decided to do a Beatles show for his viewers in honor of John. "He...stay"(Cronn-mills 251). John wakes up and Gabe is thrilled. He apologizes for everything and how he sucked on the 'Vibe'.

The night of John waking up Gabe gives a strong Beatle themed talk show for John and his viewers. Ending his show with, "Thank you, Ugly Children Brigade, for accepting me. I can never tell you how much that means to me."

The end of this book, Gabe decides he is going to go off to community college while Paige is off to college in the city. Community college will take anyone, so Gabe has a full semester to become legally Gabe. John knowing Gabe did not win the 'Vibe' because of his injury he brought his Tupelo guitar to New York for auction and gained twenty-five thousand. The money meant so much to him, Gabe thanked John then started to talk about his next show. Even though Gabe did not win the 'Vibe' or the money in the end it all worked out for Gabe. He has his family, Paige, his show and most importantly his music producer and idol, John.

I found this book to very inspiring to be outgoing and work hard for what you dream for. This story shows readers a great quote and lesson to keep the people you truly care about close to you. John and Paige showed a great motivation for Gabe to be his true self, no matter what Paul and Kyle did, Gabe was not giving up his name. The guitar was a great symbol in this book as well. the guitar showed how much Jonny really meant to Gabe and showed the hard work Gabe put into building a career with a difficult challenge. Gabe got to be who he truly is and was able to show the world.

                                                             

This is my second Blog for the book I am reading, "Beautiful Music for Ugly Children". In the middle of the story Gabe gets noticed by so many people. In the story, he faces many problems with everything going on in his life plus the challenges of being transgender. Gabe starts to come into play as a big part of this life. His parents and brother, Pete are finally starting to accept calling Liz by her new name, "Gabe". It is very hard for Gabe's parents to truly accept Gabe to be different, but they put a big effort to call him by his real name.Gabe starts to experience exciting new events happening in his life more as a guy, and mature adult. He is starting to built his new life. He is becoming a big star on the radio and web. Gabe gets a job at a music record store, is getting great reviews and hits on his radio show, and gets excepted to be on the 'Vibe' talk show radio. Also within the chapter Gabe gets asked out on a date by a girl.

Within the story, the girl, Mara, he goes on date with, finds out Gabe is actually Liz from school. Gabe failing to explain, Mara posts on BUC wall on Facebook, telling followers Gabe isn't who he says he really is. Making more followers interested in Mara's comment. Mara exposes Gabe's identity to her friends. Later that night Gabe gets visitors at work from two guys with a Jason and Scream masks. Jason mask puts on page next day, "You need to know Gabe is really Liz Williams!" After, stating another comment, "nobody that sick should be able to live"(Cronn-Mills 141). I was shocked to read that. These two unmasked boys threated a person on the internet and no one did anything for awhile. Being assaulted like that for being who you are and expressing yourself should not be a crime.

After all the bad reviews Gabe's fans send Gabe a positive post stating, "Haters have been blocked, come hang with us at the B Side, Gabe. 1:30am on July 9th. We want to meet you!(Cronn-mills 153)." In the next few chapters Gabe had a few exchanges with Jason and Scream. After one of Gabe's shows, the boys are outside waiting for Gabe. John and Paige try to get them to back off but Gabe ends up getting a little beat. The boys threatening Paige too, they run away and on his Friday night show they call with a threat for his family. After all the threats they finally go to the cops. Boys showing no more threats for few weeks Gabe goes to see his fans on the B side wall.

The night of July 9th, Gabe met many of his fans, getting to know a few. Shocked to see Mara. Walking up to Mara, Jason and Scream both tackle Gabe out of no where. In front of all his fans they try to beat Gabe again. finally showing their true identities, kids from his school, Paul and Kyle wanted to teach "Liz" or Gabe a lesson but John and a fan, Jake both stopped them. Jake knocking Kyle out, and Paul to the ground, they were arrested.

At the end of the fight they found John was badly hurt on the ground and rushed to the hospital. The doctor had bad news that a blow to head isn't easy to recover from. This is where I ended reading, leaving three more chapters. Will John be able to make it? Gabe hopes John can make it through his injury, he can't do a show and make music without him.

A Transgender Teen Becomes Homecoming Queen

I am excited to share my blog and tell you all about the book I am reading. The book I am currently reading is called "Beautiful Music for Ugly Children" by Kirstin Cronn-Mills. It is a very interesting and inspiring book about my character, Liz or as she calls herself Gabe. Throughout the beginning of the book Gabe gives his story of finally being able to start his life as Gabe. Gabe is a transgender and he has known it his whole life. Knowing how hard it is, Gabe waits to be himself after high school. Not many know about Gabe, only his family knows and close friends find out within the first few chapters.

My book tells us Liz's challenge into becoming Gabe. In beginning of the story, Gabe is a senior in High School and has a huge passion for Music. He wants to peruse his career into his music once he graduates. Gabe has a talk show radio and music station on KZUK radio but only his viewers know him as Gabe, just a regular guy. His talk show is were he can express his passion for music and be himself. Only Gabe's closest Friends, Paige and his neighbor and music producer, Johnny know about his talk show. Although, he has a difficult time of letting the world know Gabe. Paige and John both help him get through telling the world about Gabe. Gabe's show, 'Beautiful Music for Ugly Children' gives many people an inspiration to be themselves or as Gabe calls it, showing people your 'A side or B side'. Will Gabe be able to keep his show running once people find out about Gabe's "A side", Liz? So far his show gives great advice for teens to be themselves and be outgoing.

Throughout Chapter 1-3, The book starts off with Gabe at his first talk show on air. He is pretty nervous but does amazing on the show. Gaining more and more followers over the few months, 'Beautiful Music for Ugly Children' becomes very popular. Of course, no one at school knows about Gabe, "Liz" hears his peers at school talk positively about his radio talk show all over school. Being Liz or his A side in high school is hard for him. Gabe is graduating soon and he can finally be B side, Gabe. Every show Gabe has a kind of music and inspirational theme to every show. One of his first talk shows he introduces the idea of A side and B side to his viewers, without actually telling them about Liz or Gabe. All over school, internet and graphited walls show that viewers are listening. Inspired viewers graphited and spray painted walls telling people what side they are. Viewers also built a fan page for Beautiful Music for Ugly Children and commented and posted pictures of their outgoing experiences and achievements.

Going into more detail on Chapter 3, Gabe is listening a famous talk show called the 'Vibe' and they announce there is a contest for 'new song'. The contest winner gets a chance to win five thousand dollars and a seven-to-midnight weekly guest spot on the Vibe. You must enter with your name and titles of your five coolest summer songs on their blog for a chance to win. Gabe goes to help him enter but John already has entered him, as Liz. In that time John did not know about being transgender and Gabe is forced to tell John about and introduce Gabe. This chapter shows, how challenging it is for Gabe to show himself  and the relief he feels once he announces to one of his closest friends, "My name is Gabe"(Cronn-Mills 39). After expressing Gabe, his talk show that night he announces to viewers the idea of having an 'A side and B side'. "Are you more of an A side or B side? I prefer my B side (Cronn-Mills 42)."  Gabe got so many positive calls from many viewers announcing what side they were.

Now today being Transgender is more acceptable now that it is happing more often. Although many still do not accept people for showing their true color. Today we give more of a better example of being yourself. Gabe has a hard time telling John about being Gabe and not Liz. Not everyone excepts transgender right away especially is it was someone you were very close to. The first few chapters were inspiring to me. He showed his true self to the world and gave his viewers an inspiration or goal to set as well. Everyone should go and try something they love or have always wanted to do. It doesn't matter what gender or race you are, everyone needs to follow their inspiration.