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A girl only a few years older than myself has written a book reflecting like if Baghdad. She wrote this not in attempt for a book to be published or sympathy rather for sanity of living day in and day out in the midst of a brutal war. When it comes to the topic of the War in Iraq, most of us will readily agree that this affects many people. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question is, are we really aware of how much it affects the people of Bagdad. Whereas some are convinced that the United States is trying to help make their country a better place, others maintain that it is cruel and a waste of American money, and our Country’s morale.  There is much discussion of the transformation of politics into the Iraqi War as can be seen in the introduction and preface of Baghdad Burning, A blogging memoir , “Everything changed in an instant for U.S.- Iraq relations- and for the well-being of the Iraqi people- when Saddam invaded Kuwait in 1990, and the United States responded with a brief but deadly war” (Ridgeway xiv). It is important to look at the relations leading up to the war as history is known to repeat itself. Aside from that however is the importance of the people struggling in Baghdad that have been stripped of their lives such as Riverbend. I in no way claim to be a history buff so reading the chronological events leading up to the war developed my understanding drastically. I really was intrigued by Ridgeway’s comment, “It remains unclear just who manipulated whom” (Ridgeway xxi). This comment was made in regards to Bush and Chalabi with references made about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. I feel the war is so complicated that I do not have enough inside facts to base my opinion. I do however know that something drastic must change for we cannot go on living in this continuous war.

Virginia Woolf examines that throughout time women eventually were able to express themselves without even having to use fiction. As women became able to express themselves it was evident that they were more than domestic items as Virginia notes, “Also, I continued, looking down at the page again, it is becoming evident that women, like men, have other interests besides the perennial interest of domesticity” (Woolf 83). I feel what Virginia Woolf wanted was for everyone to be able to fully express themselves regardless of their gender. She uses a room metaphorically as a place where one can always freely express themselves. I have many places where I am always showing my true character. Virginia talks about some points that Coleridge makes “ He meant, perhaps, that the androgynous mind is resonant and porous; that it transmits emotion without impediment; that it is naturally creative, incandescent and undivided” (Woolf 98). I personally feel that he is implying and Virginia Woolf agrees that a person who does not see the world as gender divided can take in the true essence and can has a clear perspective. I attempt to live my life this way however with media and other influences in society it is not the easiest task. Virginia Woolf would be pleased to see the trails blazed by women in the recent years.

“With Apologies to Virginia Woolf”

As women we are always playing catch up to the male revolved world. Powerful women rarely earn respect more often they receive unpretentious stereotypes. As Hillary Clinton embarks on her campaign trail she has bestowed a new hope in women across the nation. That was until she cried on the campaign trail! According to a recent article posted on Jezebel, entitled “Crying at Work: Generally a Dumb Idea, Right?” They reflect on women crying in the workplace. It seems the only positive they find from it is advancing your position, pathetic I feel. Once again we are regressing by proving to men and others we are too weak and need them to empower us. I once said “For it is a perennial puzzle why no woman wrote a word of that extraordinary literature when every other man, it seemed, was capable of song or sonnet” (woolf 41). Now that women are beginning to receive the power in which they have strived for they are learning to adjust to their new role in society which should not include crying in the work place!

http://jezebel.com/369295/crying-at-work-generally-a-dumb-idea-right

Throughout the entirety chapter two in Virginia Woolf’s, A Room of One’s Own, there is a paradoxical tone. Some of it is due to the fact that I as the reader have to interpret what she is saying. She begins by mocking individuality “We were all being shot backwards and forwards on this plain foundation to make some pattern” (Woolf 26). Woolf is describing the aura she feels in London as if individuals are overseen it is the whole picture of London that anyone gives any importance to. It is interesting because in the first chapter she proclaims that men are powerful individuals and now she is saying that everyone goes through the same motions. As she continues on with her day into the library to research her ideas on women and fiction she develops a frustrated tone. She reaches a point where she cannot bear to read what male authors have to say about females. “One might as well leave their books unopened” (Woolf 31). She realizes that it might be best for her to make her own observations and tangible evidence, not the arbitrary work of men. The most profound idea of irony Virginia Woolf professes relates to what she had been working towards during the proximity of the chapter, “Yet it is in our idleness, in our dreams, that the submerged truth sometimes comes to the top” (Woolf 31).  This is so ironic because here Woolf has spent the entire book searching for answers and than admits that sometimes answers and the “truth” just come to you when you expect it the least. It is interesting to read her work as she writes from the mind leaving much for the reader to interpret.

The paragraph I feel is very influential in the reading of  “Web of Influence,” talks about how blogging can relay information from all around the world that other news sources might not have access to. Consider foreign newspapers for example, regular television and local newspapers are not going to take the time to translate the articles for Americans to read. On occasion they might talk about a headline story from another country but for the most part one has to search for their news on other countries. My point is that mainstream media is not going to take the time to give you small detailed stories. They focus their time on big issues that involve their coverage area. Although some readers may object that foreign countries are well represented in mainstream media, I would answer that not enough attention is given to current events beyond our American boarders.

After reading the interviews and scrolling through the websites of both Markos Moulitsas Zuniga and Marie Cox, I feel I would personally be influenced towards a particular vote by Marie Cox. She is brutally honest which I admire. On her site she uses catchy titles and has made the sure the site is navigable. At one point in her interview she compares blogging to drunken talk. Meaning that there is a lot of babble but every once in a while something profound comes out of it. I cracked up when she said “I don’t want to ruin anyone’s life. But I don’t mind ruining their day,” (Cox 62). This comment lead me to believe that she will be truthful about candidates, however will not post the backstabbing garbage many political blogs use in attempt to kill a campaign career. Usually I find female political advocates and writers overbearing with a feminist tone however I truly enjoyed Cox’s writings. I give props to Marie Cox she is an admiral women.