My E-Portfolio

Hello! My name is Kele Powell and on my E-Portfolio I have included a selections of my work which I have completed as an undergraduate student at Pennsylvania State University. I am a Crime, Law, and Justice major with a minor in Spanish. After graduating Penn State, I would like to be nearly fluent Spanish speaker. Also, I have become inspired to make a difference in our world and I would like to volunteer in the Peace Corps after college. I want to be a Youth & Community development volunteer and travel to South America where I can use my talents as a Spanish speaker to make a difference. Not only could I make a difference in the lives of young children but it would build my career as a potential lawyer. I plan to attend a prestigious law school and become a prosecutor or defense attorney.


At Penn State, I am learning about the United States’ Criminal Justice System and the Spanish language. I believe that I would make a successful criminal lawyer because I am hard working and very determined with a degree of toughness. I have an emotional commitment to justice and I want to use my talents to better the lives of others. The works I have included in this E-Portfolio demonstrate my proficiency in Spanish and my accomplishments as an undergraduate student. I hope that you will enjoy viewing the “Writing” section of my E-Portfolio. You can see through the various documents posted that I am an exceptional Spanish speaker who is strong and independent with valuable opinions. These documents range from Spanish and English papers to speeches. If you have any questions about my works please feel free to visit the “Contact” section of my E-Portfolio! I hope you enjoy your time spent on my page!

My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance

Randi is a single elementary school teacher from Arizona. She comes from a good family with good values. So why is she on reality tv? Fox offered to pay Randi 250,000 dollars if she could marry Steve and convince her family to accept her decision in a matter of 12 days. Also, if she succeeded her family would receive 250 grand as well.



The twist is that Steve is a paid actor who will make it hard on Randi to accomplish her goal. When Randi introduces her family to Steve and his family, they make an awful first impression. Randi's mom does not want this kind of future for her daughter and her brother refuses to go to the wedding. But, if she cannot get her entire family to come to the wedding and then make sure they dont object, then she will not win the prize money!

Basically Randi is humiliated on national television when she is standing at the alter and Steve confesses that he is a paid actor and the entire wedding was a scam. Her family is also embarrassed when they find out their Randi has lied to them. However, FOX gave Randi 500,000 dollars and also 500,000 to her family.

Now if you were approached by a major network like FOX and they offered you a quarter of a million dollars to go on reality tv what would you tell them?

I know for a fact that if i brought home someone "fat" and "obnoxious" to meet my parents they would not be thrilled. My dad would want nothing to do with him and my mom would pretend like she supported me, when really she would want to kill me. My brother would most likely punch Steve in the face and they would spend hours trying to convince me not to ruin my life before it even starts. I really dont think I could lie to my family for money? And i would be extremely mad when I found out that my partner in crime had other intentions? Not to mention that its against the Catholic religion to use the sacrament of Marriage when you know that youre not planning to spend the rest of your life with that person.

I guess that money and having 15 minutes of fame really changes the morals of society. Whenever someone sees a dollar bill they will do anything to put it in the back.

The "Bad Girls Club"

Essentially this reality TV program, Bad Girls Club (BGC for short), shows a cast of outrageous young women who live in a mansoin together. Seven "bad girls" between the ages of 21 to 27 live with one another for three moths. They recognize that their behavior in the past has hurt not only their relationships but their lives in general. They have a number of problems including personal, behavior, and psychological.

It has been airing since December 2006 and there are 6 seasons of the reality program. It is the first show on Oxygen to reach one million viewers. The girls each have different personalities, backgrounds, sexual orientations, and lives. They must try to live together without violating the rules that they are given before they move into the mansion.



Throughout the show the house is divided into cliques which creates massive amounts of drama.
The girls were given mandatory nonprofit jobs to help them build work ethic. The goal is for girls to work as a team in order to build relationships after the season is over.

On Season 5 a "bad girl" on the show was at a bar when an incident happened. Kristen was drugged from a man who bought her and another girl on the show. She says, "I had no idea wehre I was and had to go to the ER over night. They later discovered someone put PCP in my drink. They can't show it on the show because then that guy could sue for slander. I am honestly really upset they didn't explain that during the show. I think its really messed up how the entire story wasn't shown, whatever. Done!" She also got into an altercation with one of her room mates during the season.


Now, clearly the show isn't helping anyone with their bad habits or their lady like behavior. The show is meant to entertain the millions of viewers throughout the past 5 years. I am not sure why a young woman would volunteer to be on a show that embarrasses you on national television but I guess everyone has their interests. Our society enjoys watching bad behavior, just like the Jersey Shore.

Temptation Island

A "relationship" between a couple can be defined as a physical and emotional connection made between two people which is intimate with profound feelings involved. But, reality television has turned the meaning of a"relationship" into some kind of entertainment. There have been multiple shows following couples around an testing the boundaries of a relationship. The strength of a couples relationship is truly tested whenever they are put on national television for the entire world to judge how their "relationship" is not perfect.

FOX broadcast the show, Temptation Island. Four devoted young couples were transported to an exotic island. These couples agreed to live with a group of singles of the opposite sex. The overall point of the show was to test the strength of the couples relationships. There were three seasons with 26 episodes in total. The first season aired in January of 2001 and took place in Ambergris Caye, Belize. The next two seasons had bad ratings so the show stopped being aired after the third was broadcast.

After the location is selected for the season, the four couples are separated for twelve days. They are sent off to opposite ends of the island and coupled with singles. The males are surrounded with 13 georgeous women and the females stay with 13 sexy guys. Each of these singles are picked to test fideilty. On the last day of their stay on the "Temptation" Island the couples are reunited.

The entire point is to test the meaning of a true and devout "relationship." The couples are asked if they still want to be together or if they have chosen one of the single temptations. Not only are the couples separated but during the episodes the couples face a number of challenges. The couples test their relationships and find out the meaning of the word temptation.

NEXT

THE NEXT BUS

"Next" was an MTV reality dating show that had 285 episodes. A single man/woman looks for a significant other. Five other people, secluded in the "Next Bus" (posted above), come to meet the certain someone who is waiting for them at the bottom of the bus to go on a date. The show starts with an interview by the 5 people waiting on the bus. Heres an example: 

Embarrassing? Well it gets worse, once the girls step off of the bus the person waiting for their date can say the one word, "Next!", and the date is immediately over. The person is sent right back to the RV, never to see the single person again. The word "Next" has a negative connotation in this scope because it means that you don't fit the person's criteria then you're instantly off. The same process continues with the next person in line who is waiting on the bus. It was not uncommon for the single person to "next" a person within first sight of meeting them usually because they're unattractive. This was usually called being "Instantly Nexted". But, the date doesn't always end with the person being "nexted". A date can end if they feel that they have made a physical or emotional connection with they person while on the date. In this case, the man or women would say, "You have been on a date with me for ( amount of minutes), you can either take the (amount of money), and run, or go on a second date." The episode ends either when the contestant finds someone he or she is interested in, or if all the contestants were "nexted." Once there is a couple made or 6 single people, the Next bus continues on its way to the next scheduled date where people find their true partner.

Now that you now the layout of the show, lets talk about the impact this has on society. I know that growing up MTV was big in my group of friends. Therefore, whenever we saw a guy that we weren't interested in the word "next" would be said to make it known that he wasnt our type slash he had no chance. Awful right? Well at least I can say that I've matured since I was 13 years old? This is just an example of how reality TV can affect the youth and how a common word can have it's meaning changed after a reality TV show has set air.

The Flavor of Love

Now, you all knew this one was coming, The Flavor of Love, it was just as famous as it was ridiculous in 2006. It was a "successful" dating game show on VH1 with the rapper Flavor Flav from the Public Enemy.

There were actually three seasons of Flav trying to find his true love. Turns out, he did not end up marrying any of the 65 contestants and he married the mother of his 7th child instead. Yes, you read this correctly, at 52 years old he is the father of seven children and a grandfather to two children. Although William Jonathan Drayton Jr is a "recovering" drug addict and has spent time in jail, his reality TV shows were still major hits. I guess the trashy show was appealing to the millions of American viewers because it lasted for 39 episodes and it became a spin-off for many other shows.

Who wouldn't want to marry this?

Each lovely woman was given a nickname by Flav at the beginning of the season. Some of the most famous nicknames included Hoopz, Deelishis, New York, Black. The contestants consist of 20 girls from different races, ages and body types. Each time a contestant was eliminated their real name would be revealed and they had to say their goodbyes. It features a clock ceremony where contestants who are not eliminated receive gold clocks to wear around their necks with their picture behind the hands of the clock. When a contestant is eliminated, her real name is then revealed, followed by a champagne toast. The women, selected for their "personalities", compete for Flav's affection in contests. The show centers on Mr. Flav’s selection of a “mate,” as opposed to a “girlfriend” since many of the participants’ on-air activities resemble animal behavior more than the standard conventions of modern, non-catfight-based courtship.


All in all, America watched this famous rapper nickname women based upon their physical appearance, make out with them on television, and hand out clocks. We are definitely headed in the right direction guys, right towards stupidity, low standards, and immorality.  But I guess, the shiny clocks and flashy clothes could be the reason that the shows audience was persuaded into watching the 60 minute episodes religiously. On the other hand, after seeing a second of that man's teeth and his over sized watch I immediately changed the channel.

Paris Hilton’s My New BFF

When I refer to my best friend I think of the first person who you call when you're making plans. It is a term of endearment that only few people should be called. They are the first person you go to when you need someone to confide in and they always know how to make you happy. Not to mention, whenever youre in trouble they will come right to your side. They truly care about you and they would never want to see you hurt. Maybe this exact word is what attracted people to this obscene and chaotic show. But, when Paris Hilton and "BFF" are used in the same sentence, it worries me. Therefore, the title of this reality TV show alone should be a hint for everyone out there to turn the channel. It was a shallow and meaningless competition aired on MTV in 2008 for princess Paris to find a "true" friend.

 “My New BFF” is an example of how many beauty obsessed, money crazy, material girls you can fit in front of one camera.  Personally, I would never give Paris the satisfaction of thinking that she was anyone's best friend. I believe that Paris Hilton's idea of a "best friend" is someone who will tell her she looks skinny, will follow her around constantly giving her compliments, and probably take the blame for anything the media found Paris doing that month.  The word is completely distorted whenever it comes out of her mouth, anyone who says "BFF" in the first place is a complete loon. No gracias Paris.

The winner of the first series was named Brittany Flickinger. But, she didn't last. She was dropped within the blink of an eye. I thought the last "F" stood for forever? Apparently not. The "winner" of the second season isn't even woth mentioning because the same exact thing happened to her. In conclusion, you can say that they wasted months of their lives. Smart. 

The Swan

"The Swan" was a reality TV show in 2004 (seems like that was last year?) aired on FOX about ugly ducklings being turned into beautiful swans within three months. The show is featured nine women who were judged as "ugly" went through a series of plastic surgeries and plenty of alterations until they became what society views as "beautiful."

Each contestant was given a coach, therapist, trainer, cosmetic surgeons and a dentist to remake their appearance. The Plastic Surgeons on the team were chosen among hundreds for their ability to perform often startling transformations. Basically these women underwent several plastic surgeries for the chance to win a beauty pageant that for the most part judged with plastic surgery ended up the best.

Each week two women were featured on the show, at the end of the show one woman would be sent home and the other would continue on to the beauty pageant. At the "Swan Pageant" the chosen women would compete to see who would become "the Swan."

(Before and After picture of Rachel, the winner of Season One)

This reality TV show was criticized for promoting plastic surgery and promoting the view that beauty is completely physical. In my opinion plastic surgery is not a self-improvement if your goal is to become a completely different person. Plus, not only did this show change the appearance of women, I can guarantee you that this show has had plenty of negative effects not only on the participants but also on its audience. It preyed on vulnerable "ugly ducklings" who have been judged their entire lives to be worth less than women who are seen by society as pretty/hot/sexy.

Not to mention, that the audience was probably girls who wish that they could improve their self image. The tv show uses pathos to appeal to the audiences emotions and relate to their feelings about their self consciousness. Those who watched these two seasons probably started to believe that being pretty is their top priority in life.

One of my pet peeves about the public today is that they pass judgment on someone based on their looks. They won't even get to know a person unless their physical appearance meets their requirements.  I'd be a hypocrite if i said that the first thing that attracts me to a person is their physical appearance, but I would never ignore someone or be rude to another person who wasn't seen as pretty by society. Hopefully, we can work towards becoming a more genuine community that accepts people no matter how they look.

Who's Your Daddy?

Let me start out this blog entry with a story about two happy parents adopting a precious baby girl. She is loved unconditionally and raised in a caring atmosphere. Eventually, her parents tell her the truth, "you're adopted." Maybe she feels that it doesn't matter who her birth parents are because her adoptive parents are her true parents. But, maybe she beings to question her entire life.

Well, I am not adopted, so I cannot give speak for any adopted child but I believe the issue of adoption is a sensitive subject. Whether you are the child or the adoptive parents, it can be hard on the parent-child relationship once the secret is revealed.

So, tell me, why would anyone run a controversial program that would offend those people who have adopted children? Fox ran a program called, "Who's Your Daddy?", about an adult who was adopted at infancy searching for her father. That doesn't sound awful but here's the catch, she met with 25 men, one of whom was her biological father. If she picked the man who was her biological father, she wins $100,000. If not, the man who she picked wins $100,000.

When the phrase "Who's your daddy?" comes to mind I tend to think of a pimp The phrase, "Who's your daddy?", is a slang expression that takes the form of a rhetorical question. It is commonly used to show dominance over someone. Not to mention, it can be a sexual reference. Relating the issue of adoption with a such a phrase is disrespectful. Some children are actually asking the real questions, who are my parents and why did they give me up?

To my satisfaction, only the first 6 episodes of this reality tv show was aired, the remaining episodes were not put on television because it received bad reviews from the public. At least the United States hasn't completely lost touch with the true meaning of reality.

The Real World

“This is the true story... of eight strangers... picked to live in a house...work together and have their lives taped... to find out what happens... when people stop being polite... and start getting real...The Real World.”

The show took off in 1992 and has had 25 seasons thus far including Real World: Las Vegas which has just begun. I can admit that I have watched different sets of strangers from the Real World ever since I was around 8 years old.  When I began watching drama between these room mates I remember thoroughly enjoying it. Maybe it was because I had an older sibling who also watched the show, but, regardless, it gave me the wrong message. A child should never want to imitate the profanity which this show broadcasts on national television. My group of friends planned to go on the Real World when we were old enough (18-20 years old) to venture around a new city while going to clubs and experiencing the “real” world. We were influenced by the show at a young age and our eyes were glued to the television whenever a new episode came on the screen.


First Season: New York

Why wouldn't an immature 10 year old want to be on a TV show where the cast has lived in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, LONDON, Miami, Boston, Seattle, Hawaii, New Orleans, Chicago, Las Vegas, PARIS, San Diego, Philadelphia, Austin, Key West, Denver, SYDNEY, Hollywood, Brooklyn, CANCUN, D.C., and New Orleans. MTV has definitely succeeded in making the show seem appealing, the viewers enjoy the drama and excitement. They see a flashy house with attractive people and a great night life. But, what they don't see is the message that the show is portraying to young adults throughout the United States, its okay to parade around causing scenes and acting immature because it will bring attention to the show.

Season 12: Las Vegas

In my defense, I am 19 years old now and I stopped watching the show when I was 16. I was mature enough to realize that these people are taking months out of their lives to make bad decisions and humiliate themselves. Generally, any enrolled college student or devoted employee would not be able to put their lives on hold in order to move to a new city and bring chaos into their lives. At 20 years old, I think you should be enrolled in college trying to figure out where your life is headed.

Season 22: Cancun

What successful business would want to hire you after watching you freely embarrass yourself on national television. Not to mention, who is okay with having your parents watch your drunken mistakes? Definitely not someone who should be a reliable role model for adolescents. All of these questions are things that should be expressed on a reality TV show but that is not the case with our generation or television viewers.

This I Believe Podcast

http://www.zshare.net/audio/860557416676c821/

My Super Sweet Sixteen

The "reality" television show My Super Sweet 16 is going strong with 8 seasons under it's belt and a few more to go. For those of you who haven't seen the show, it is an MTV reality series documenting the lives of teenagers who are turning 16.

"My Super Sweet 16 takes you on a wild ride behind the scenes for all the drama, surprises and over-the-top fun as teens prepare for their most important coming-of-age celebrations. Meet the kids who are determined to go all out to mark this major turning point in their lives, the parents who lavish every wish, and find out first hand what it's really like to turn 16 these days," (www.mtv.com).  
 

Good joke, these teenagers are far from average. This is not "what its really like to turn 16 these days." They have super rich parents who spend enormous amounts of money on an event which will last up to 5 hours, if that. It is pathetic.

In particular, one of the "average" birthday girl's, Nicole, made the statement that “My party cost over $200,000 and it was definitely worth it.” Now, this is supposed to be an average American girl who is simply enjoying her 16th birthday. I dont think so.

This show presents over the top parties to be an aspirational norm to impressionable young people. My younger cousins are already talking about their Super Sweet Sixteen birthday party, how its going to be the best one of the year! In real life, the average American is lucky if their parents hand them a set of keys, let alone let a brand new pink Range Rover.

Through broadcasting this TV show, MTV is giving American adolescents an unreal understanding of money. The viewers of this TV program are likely to try and follow their examples which will result in becoming superficial and spoiled. The impact that these adolescents are making on the young people is horrible. It conveys the wrong message and should not be taken seriously by any of it's viewers.

Jersey Shore

There are two words that come to mind when I think of the popular reality TV show called the Jersey Shore, “guidos” and “grenades.” Now, if you have never seen the Jersey Shore before, then, naturally, you would think the word “guido” refers to the derogatory term used to describe an urban Italian-American man and a grenade may remind you of a small explosive device used in war. But, after watching a single episode of the Jersey Shore, possibly even watching 10 minutes, you would understand exactly what the cast is referring to when they use these expressions. 

The term “guido” is slang for a lower class Italian-American man. The term is used to insult Italian-Americans because it implies that they are uneducated and ignorant. It is perceived by the majority of the Italian-American population to be demeaning and inappropriate because this stereotype is the farthest thing from complementary.

Two years after the Jersey Shore aired in August of 2009 the term “guido” took on a completely different meaning. America now relates the image of a “guido” to a tattooed male with gel in his hair and a fake orange tan who lacks any sexual discretion. The cast has been very successful in convincing the citizens of America to insult the Italian culture in everyday language.

“Pauly D. was with the grenade.…when you go into battle, you need to have some friends with you, so that just in case a grenade gets thrown at you, one of your buddies takes it first,” says Mike Sorrentino, otherwise known as “The Situation.” As you can see, the use of the phrase “take the grenade”, does not mean jumping onto an active grenade to save your unit in the army. Rather, it means to take interest or to distract a less desirable woman so that your friend has the chance to “smush” her more attractive friend. Not only is this term extremely rude and insulting but it teaches males around the world that appearance is the only thing that matters in relationships. Once these “grenades” watch the episodes of the Jersey Shore, I’m almost positive they will immediately lose their self esteem.  

Now, how can anyone watch a TV show that insults Italian-Americans and demeans women every other minute? This cast has succeeded in giving America a bad reputation while looking selfish and unintelligent on television. Thank you.