"Serving in Florida"

I really enjoyed reading this participatory feature story. I think Barbara Ehrenreich takes an interesting approach to journalism. She experiences what she writes about and attempts to cover all of her subjects objectively. She not only tells us what she is going through, she tells us what her co-workers at the hotel and restaurant experience. The only situation that I kept questioning, throughout, was her portrayals of the managers.

I have no doubt that the hotel business and corporate America monitor the behavior of workers. I've worked in the hotel industry before, at the Days Inn and the Marriott, and I remember my managers’ behavior. Like Ehrenreich notes, "If the manager on duty catches you in an idle moment he will give you something far nastier to do." While this is usually true, no managers are interviewed. Ehrenreich tells us what they say from her perspective.

On the other end of the spectrum, I think Ehrenreich does a great job in covering different topics in her writing. She talks about her co-workers' financial situations, home life and multiple jobs. In my opinion, through sharing these different lifestyles, we are able to sympathize with the workers. I think the clear descriptions allow us to envision "a day in the life" of a worker. On page 142, we read that a server sees "sinks clogged with scraps of lettuce, decomposing lemon wedges, water-logged toast crusts." Indeed, this scenario brings readers into the situation and shows them what Ehrenreich is seeing.

Overall, I feel bad for the workers after reading this feature. I wonder if this was Ehrenreich's intention. If not, I feel that she is favoring one side of the story, and perhaps she should revisit her strategy.

Talking to Tent City

This past week, we met in the Bear's Den. During our class, we tracked down students participating in Tent City. This annual event takes place every year and is sponsored by the Social Justice League (SJL). We learned, through talking with Nikki Sauber, President of SJL, that the purpose of this weeklong event is awareness for homelessness. Students sleep outside and live like homeless people in an attempt to spread compassion for those who are without homes. She told us that student reactions toward Tent City are varied. Some students truly take an interest in this cause while others ignore it.

Nikki realizes that not everyone will want to participate. However, there are many ways to get involved. For instance, SJL has speakers that travel to our campus on a daily basis. They speak on subjects that relate to homelessness. Taking part in the project, allows students and faculty to realize that homelessness is increasingly affecting our nation and state. Those who chose not to sleep outdoors could donate food and toiletries.

Chapters 5 and 6 of The Mind at Work

This week, our book club focused on reading chapters 5 and 6. In both chapters, the author, Mike Rose, becomes focused on telling the stories of the interview subjects. I really enjoyed learning about the subject matter in a more personal way. In the beginning chapters of the book, Mike Rose seems to provide specific details on the jobs. While he does give a little background on the subjects, this is not the focus. In chapters 5 and 6, the voices of the interviewees come alive.

For instance, in chapter 6, we learn about a Welder and a Foreman. Both Lisa and Joe have different stories, but the readers are allowed into their worlds. And, through this entry, the book becomes about how they came into their jobs and what decisions led to their chosen fields. Indeed, Mike Rose takes a different route in this section of the book and I found it more intriguing than the first section of the book.

Michelle's Midterm Portfolio

The following link brings you to My Midterm Portfolio! Thanks for checking it out!

http://michelleenglishporfolio.weebly.com/

Hairstyling in the Mind at Work

As I'm continuing to read The Mind at Work, I'm learning about the intelligence it takes to style hair. Many times people think that hair dressers go through schooling, but they don't consider the skills required to cut and style hair. Each hairstylist has his or her own approach to hair. Some hair stylist enjoy coloring whereas others simply enjoy styling. It's interesting to read about the interaction involved in hairstyling. Sometimes a person might come in and hand a hairdresser a photo that is completely wrong for their face shape. Yet, the hairstylist still has to please the customer and, at the end of the day, make it work. Indeed, hairstyling is not just about hair. It's about the clients and they really are the most important factor. I enjoyed reading this chapter because Mike Rose, the author, interviews multiple stylists. The stylists upfront and honest facts keep the readers intrigued.

The Intelligence of Styling Hair

Chapter two of the Mind at Work talks about the intelligence of styling hair. Mike Rose, the author, tells readers about hair stylists who have to think ahead before cutting hair. A stylist has to think about how hair styles will looks on every individual who comes into the business. In addition, he or she has to consider how hair falls. To do this job, one must be a visual thinker. Many people forget that hair styling is an art and now just a job. Stylists have to be responsive to their clients and interactive. Also, it can be a challenge to work on hair with different textures. Not all hair reacts to shampoo the same way. Mike Rose talks to several stylists in this chapter, which I think helps to further his research. In the first chapter, he just talks to his mother and some of her friends so the perspective is limited.

Beginning of The Mind at Work

Our group has started The Mind at Work. So far, I've learned about the author, Mike Roses' history and education. I find it fascinating that he was not always on the academic track. He studied at a vocational high school and did not finish. However, he went on to teach in a formal education setting. All the while, remembering that blue-collar work takes intelligence. To do any job, one must exhibit know-how that includes the job lingo, tricks of the trade, and finesse.

In Chapter One, Mike talks about his mother's working life as a waitress. He remembers going to work with her and watching those around her. When reading this chapter, I was intrigued by the multi-tasking skills a waitress must develop. She must work on her feet all day and remember orders and make the delivery look effortless. Working with the public is no easy task and, it's even harder, when people are complaining and hungry. Furthermore, the physical layout of a restaurant has to be understood by those who work in it. The environment changes when it's at peak hours and takes on an unpredictable quality. Waitresses must prioritize their tasks and look relaxed while doing so.

So far, I'm thoroughly enjoying Roses' writing style. It's a lot different from novels that you typically read in English classes because it's non-fiction. We learn about Rose, but he is not a character. He is a real person describing his life and experiences. There is no fluffy language or over-the-top descriptions. Rose is honest and upfront in his story and I enjoy the fact that he gets to the point. He makes the writing interesting by taking readers through each worker's daily schedule and duties. You do not feel like you are listening to a story. Instead, you feel like you're right next to him during this process.