Running head: Newspaper Readings 1

Newspaper Readings: A Reflective Essay

Eric M. Brame

University of Central Florida

Newspaper Readings 2

Personal Reflection

“Extra! Extra! Read all about it. Eric M. Brame is a Nobel Prize Winner.” Okay… flash back to reality. Here is the reality: I am sitting in a chair. Okay, let me make it much better! I am sitting in a yellow love seat, with a white towel around my waste, along with Monster Rehab lemonade. All along, I have a half-eaten bowel of cereal. This is typical of a literature critic at work who is trying to write a reflective essay. In fact, in front of me is the syllabus for the Adolescent Literature class. Maybe I am just insane by getting up at eight in the morning after going to bed at one in the morning.

Well, my readers, you may think this is irrelevant. However, welcome to corporate America, the land of slavery. This reflection is the only time I actually have time to sit down and think. Consider it my venting point in life. At this point I hope that Dr. Jeffrey Kaplan sees me as an opinionated news reporter that is ready to get the next big “story.” Well, here is the big story: “Extra! Extra! Read all about it. Eric M. Brame, of all people, realizes that Fox News is full of crap.” Well, may not full of crap. They are about a one quart low on the crap o’ meter.

Well, so let us look at the very interesting points that were brought Adolescent Literacy: 1) Two newspaper articles that deal with education; 2) One really angry half Irish, half Colombian man. Well, now let us through in the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Welcome to modern America, the land of slavery. Why do the newspapers speak about the NCLB so many times? Don’t they realize that I have some built in anger problems that are genetic? Maybe I shouldn’t have drunk that gallon of whiskey1 last night? Oh wait, sorry, it was the pint of aguardiente2? I’m so sorry, I feel like I am lost in the commotion of utter political stupidity.

Maybe this is why my friend calls the Irish/Colombian Eric a “*#&@!$ up mix.” Further he says, “It is crazy bald head,” in his Puerto Rican humor. Well, after reading numerous academic articles and newspapers that state the NCLB is failing, do you want to know why this Irish/Colombian mutt is a little angry? We are failing the students smiserably. In fact, everything in education feels like a political arena that is ready to exploit students. Welcome to corporate America.

Do I think there is hope for the failing education system? Let me think…. Hold on to your horses…. No I don’t there is any hope for the education system. In fact, parents are so stupid by allowing the NCLB to exist without fighting it, that they deserve to lavish themselves in its thorny lashes of hysterical stupidity.

Newspapers speak about the issue. However, they never address the issues that are behind the NCLB. It is nothing but a symptom of parents neglecting their responsibilities. Sorry parents, I am not a babysitter. If you want me to be one, pay out of your about $20.00 per hour. By the time they are in High School they should know how to turn in assignments on time.

Why do the newspapers show teachers being driven away from the field they use to admire? Parents, you better take responsibility. Teachers CANNOT take the full responsibility. When was the last time you notified the newspapers of the issues of the NCLB? Why don’t you attempt write petitions to schools to ignore the NCLB? Why is it that the very tools of the media are there for you to use? However, parents, you are too busy watching television or doing

1 Refers to Irish whiskey.

2 Very popular alcoholic beverage in Colombia, South America.

Newspaper Readings 3

something unproductive to get involved. When I see your voice in some sort of media speaking out, let me know. Until then, I am not interested in your complaints.