Vincent Coppola
12/9/07
Reflective Letter

My goal during Writing 101 this quarter was to effectively deliver my thoughts in written form. Sure, I’ve got a great mind and intellectual thoughts to go with it; but if I cannot effectively communicate my views to other people, then nobody will benefit from them. I’ve struggled numerous times in many areas of writing, but my greatest obstacle has always been communicating my beliefs in writing with a clear and decisive voice. That’s why I have accepted all of my instructor’s criticism and applied the knowledge I’ve gained to each of my academic papers. In this letter, I will express in detail my strengths and weaknesses throughout three assignments I’ve written this quarter, while also demonstrating how drastically my approach to the writing process has progressed and how severely my writing philosophy has changed.

In my first essay of the year, a persuasive essay regarding Bacon's Rebellion, I had numerous pitfalls along with way and even more flaws in the finished product. The biggest problems I had with the final draft were things like incorporating smooth transitions, explicating a clear thesis, and sticking close to the themes of that thesis throughout the whole paper. Initially, I wanted to fix the beginning of my intro paragraph which lacked a clear explanation of the image that I began the essay with. I started with a very vague reference: “The scene depicted above is nearly a perfect representation of what was happening in Virginia in the 17th century: the higher class citizens were taking all of the freedom, money and benefits and using them to help themselves while neglecting the lower class citizens.” I then added more detail to create a direct correlation between the “robin hood” image and the unjust acts of the government: “In the comic above, a poor man is confronting “Robin Hood and his Merry Men” who are laughing at the fact that they should be distributing what they’ve stolen back to the poor people in society. This situation relates very closely to what was happening in the economical and political realm of the colonies in the 17th century: the “elite” in society were living happily on the benefits that should have been used to help the less fortunate in society.” After I revised that portion, I decided to add some clarity to the thesis, which was actually wandering curiously in the introduction of my first body paragraph. Finally, I touched up the other paragraphs to make sure that I was actually maintaining the argument that I started the essay out with.

The second piece I wrote was a collection of blog posts. In this assignment, I was supposed to assume the identity of an 18th century merchant and argue (or rather, “Debate”) issues pertaining to the great conflict between loyalists and patriots. My struggles in this assignment were different than in my first essay. I no longer had problems creating a clear thesis or making clean transitions, but I still lacked an individual voice that needed to address an audience that was ignorant on the subject I was writing about. Although my progress was substantial, it was still clear that my greatest objective, my personal voice, still needed to be developed. In the beginning of the blog posts, I began by ranting about some sort of unheard of independence that was orbiting around. I needed to alter the introduction and implicate some details so the reader could understand what I was talking about. In addition, I needed to incorporate some of my own voice to fix the “corny” part. In the end, this is what I ended up with for an introduction:
“How could those patriots make a move for all out independence from Britain?! Not only is it foolish for our established economy and political system, they are putting our entire country in jeopardy! They finally made the provisions for a declaration to announce their claims for independence. Also, word is that Thomas Jefferson even wrote the draft while accepting revisions by Ben Franklin and the like. This WILL NOT turn out good..” Revising this specific project helped me to understand how my word choice affects the type of voice I use in my essay. Since I was attempting to adopt a different personality, I ended up choosing words that I ordinarily wouldn’t have added.

Lastly, I wrote my final for the whole quarter of writing. It was tough to compile all of my ideas and utilize the knowledge I’ve gained throughout the entire quarter in one paper, but I feel as if I was eventually successful. In my final, I know that I have finally developed my own personal voice that demonstrates my thoughts and opinions clearly. I know that I explicated a thesis and I stuck close to that thesis throughout the paper. Overall, I feel very good about the work I did. The only weakness I noticed was that near the end, my argument started to lose strength and become very bland. I knew this as I was writing, but I was sure that the rest of the paper would make up for it. I was very satisfied with my finished project and felt that it was a wonderful representation of my growth throughout the quarter. I strengthened many of my past weaknesses, gained experience, and also achieved my initial goal of developing a clear and decisive written voice.

Vince Coppola

10/12/07

Bacon's Rebellion and Social Injustices

In the comic above, a poor man is confronting “Robin Hood and his Merry Men” who are laughing at the fact that they should be distributing what they’ve stolen back to the poor people in society. This situation relates very closely to what was happening in the economical and political realm of the colonies in the 17^th century: the “elite” in society were living happily on the benefits that should have been used to help the less fortunate in society. In 1676, Nathaniel Bacon led a rebellion against the governor of Virginia and all those who stood by him to thrust the injustices of colonial social classes into the open for all free men to repeal; and despite the fact that many people believe that politics and the economy were the major contributing factors to Bacon's Rebellion, it was actually conflicts among the social classes in the Chesapeake region during the 17^th century that played the major role.

Initially, the lower (or poorer) classes were deprived of many of the rights that were only distributed to the upper class citizens, including the right to be protected by the government. This is attributed to the elite themselves for hogging control of the government and only electing their own people into office. They did this so they could maintain their high level of power and control over the society and only protect and benefit themselves. There were also many accounts of favoritism issued by the Governor Berkeley himself to his most favorite group of tidewater gentry.

Undoubtedly, the frontiersmen suffered from many ill side effects as a result of being left out of the governors little circle of favorites. These awful effects included small estates, unfertile soil, and constant Indian raids due to their position on the frontier. It was their hate for the Indians that fueled much of the rebellion's motivation. In Bacon's declaration of his rebellion in 1676 he wrote, "For having protected, favored, and emboldened the Indians against his Majesty's loyal subjects, never contriving, requiring, or appointing any due or proper means of satisfaction for their many invasions, robberies, and murders committed upon us" (historymatters.gmu.edu). The Governor's negligence to protect the lower classes of society was not easily overlooked. And because there was this defined lack of protection, the colonists on the frontier were in an ongoing battle with the Indians.

Meanwhile, Nathanial Bacon was a young man living on a large estate in Virginia. Contrary to popular belief, Bacon was actually a man full of hunger for power. It was this hunger mixed with his raging hate for the Indians that made him the perfect candidate to lead the colonists against the Natives and against the Governor.

Susan McCulley, a noted author concerning Bacon's Rebellion, commented on the degree to which the colonists hated the Indians, "The situation became critical when, in a retaliatory strike by the colonists, they attacked the wrong Indians, the Susquehanaugs, which caused large scale Indian raids to begin" (nps.gov). They led many raids against the Indian tribes along the frontier in spite of both the Indians themselves and Governor Berkeley. In 1676, Nathaniel Bacon led his band of followers straight to the capital and pressed the governor to clear the frontier of all Indian tribes. Some may view this event as rebellious, but it was actually quite patriotic. Despite this, the governor still refused to obey Bacon's orders even when he was threatened with death. Immediately following, Bacon formed his infamous "Declaration of the People" on July 30, 1676.

Bacon's famous declaration made points against both the local Indians and against Governor Berkeley (historymatters.gmu.edu):

For having, when the army of English was just upon the track of those Indians, who now in all places burn, spoil, murder and when we might with ease have destroyed them who then were in open hostility, for then having expressly countermanded and sent back our army by passing his word for the peaceable demeanor of the said Indians, who immediately prosecuted their evil intentions, committing horrid murders and robberies in all places, being protected by the said engagement and word past of him the said Sir William Berkeley, having ruined and laid desolate a great part of his Majesty's country, and have now drawn themselves into such obscure and remote places and are by their success so emboldened and confirmed by their confederacy so strengthened that the cries of blood are in all places, and the terror and consternation of the people so great, are now become not only difficult but a very formidable enemy who might at first with ease have been destroyed.

Subsequently, large scale raids were commenced by Bacon against all types of Indians, whether peaceful or not. Most authors will try to frame the events of the raids as against the Indians, but the truth is that Bacon's militia also attacked the farms of the upper class citizens, "Bacon and his band pillaged and ransacked tidewater plantations" (caho-test.cc.columbia.edu).

In the long run, the rebellion was powerful while it lasted, but it ended with Bacon's death of dysentery in October of 1676. Because the leader was now gone, his followers soon disbanded. Any followers who were left remaining found themselves under heavy persecution by the governor. The execution of the rebels lasted for some months until one thousand English soldiers arrived from England to suppress all of the calamity caused by the rebellion and its aftermath.

Despite the short life of the rebellion, it did of course have some sort of impact on the Virginian society. In the months following the rebellion, the planter elite still maintained social superiority although they now recognized the threat that the poorer citizens, indentured servants, and slaves posed against them. Because of this, an army was soon formed to expand the frontier and free it from all Indians. The results of all of this new land brought satisfaction to the poorer settlers because they no longer suffered from Indian attacks and now had more land to harvest.

If I were to take the self-interests of the government during Bacon's rebellion and compare them to a point in my life, I would go back to a time during my earlier teenage years when everything was unfair. Because the disproportional distribution of land and money to the lower class citizens relates so well to teenage years, I can remember countless times when I felt like parents, teachers and other authorities were only worrying about themselves and how much they could benefit from things that actually negatively affected me.

One time, a middle school teacher of mine only called on girls in the classroom. Despite the fact that there were many intellectual males in the room, time and time again the teacher only called on females exclusively. Although my experience doesn't pertain to injustices of social classes, it is still a socio-ethical problem that is proven unjust by the fact that all people are equal.

Consequently, I chose to confront my opposition in the same manner that Bacon did. I told my teacher that there were many male hands being raised and unless they were called on in equal proportion to the girls, I would take the problem to the principle. The incident was immediately solved because the teacher was unaware of his favoritism and apologized kindly and started calling on both genders.

Although my situation called for less action than Bacon's Rebellion did, it still demonstrated the necessity for a bold confrontation in times of injustice and moral infrequencies. Looking past the fact that Bacon's Rebellion only lasted a very short time, it still brought a great notice to the rifts in colonial America's social classes. It exposed a flaw that helped to make our country form its wonderful foundation of equality that we enjoy today.

Vincent Coppola

Loyalists vs. Patriots

First Blog Post

How could those patriots make a move for all out independence from Britain?! Not only is it foolish for our established economy and political system, they are putting our entire country in jeopardy! They finally made the provisions for a declaration to announce their claims for independence. Also, word is that Thomas Jefferson even wrote the draft while accepting revisions by Ben Franklin and the like. This WILL NOT turn out good..

They do not realize how much danger they are putting us in. And I only couple my name in the same sentence as them because I live in this now God forsaken country. When the French and Indians were attacking us, who was there to defend the colonists? That's right. The British.

It is unbelievable how ungrateful they are. Even more, they are rebellious and commit crimes against their own government. How dare they call the Crown unlawful when they destroy the private property of Royal Officials! And all of this because of some measly taxes! What's more, the people over in Britain pay MORE than we do over here.

This declaration of independence is more than just an attempt for justice. No, it must be some sort of crazy power trip between those Sons of Liberty and our faithful King. And aside from a power trip, it must be a plea for death, because when the British come for us now, we are going to be mutilated.

It would have been wise to keep things as they were. To remain as loyal to the British as they were to us...

But those ignorant fools made their choice! Now everything is going to be completely horrible for those rebels. They will most definitely reap what they sow. If not by the almighty British, then definitely by the Almighty God.

Vincent Coppola

12/10/2007

Writing Final

“Why [consider history]? Simply because I am interested in the past? No, if one means by that… a history of the past in terms of the present. Yes, if one means… the history of the present.” In this quote, I can hear Michel Foucault describe his process of approaching historical matters. In actuality, Foucault was using this quote to answer a question posed by an imaginary person as to why he was so intrigued with punitive methodologies of the past, but his ideas can easily be applied to the approach of history as a whole. Foucault, as a 20^th century philosopher, believed that the most effective tactic to understanding history is to try to see the present as a variable that is contingent on affairs of the past. His views are contradictory to the idea that the past is dependent on the present and that history is on an inexorable path to its ultimate destination. Foucault’s theories are very popular and are applauded by many. However, I find myself disagreeing with Foucault’s ideas.

I’ve come to learn that the best way to develop an understanding of the past is to correlate its thematic examples with those of the present in order to develop a more important comprehension. Therefore, if Foucault’s question is “Why consider history?” I would answer by saying, if not for pure interest and curiosity, then I would choose to ponder the past solely to recognize historical patterns so that I could alter my present thoughts and actions. For example, in class, when I learn how the Spanish approached the Indians with immediate violence and disrespect which lead to retaliation, I will apply that situation to my life and change the ways I choose to approach new people. But on the other hand, I can also learn many positive lessons from history. I remember when I learned how Columbus couldn’t find a sponsor for his voyage in Portugal, but when he went to Spain, the king and queen agreed to sponsor his circumnavigation of the globe. I applied this lesson to my life and learned that sometimes, by making risky investments, it can pay off big time. Spain did, in fact, control the majority of the western world for an extended period of time.

If I had instead chosen to agree with Foucault’s statements, I would no longer be able to pick a present theme and trace it through history. I would not be able to think to myself, “Okay, so wars are generally initiated by the dissatisfaction of one side over the other… How can I piece apart the Revolutionary War to shed some light on my theory?” This type of thinking would be evaluating “a history of the past in terms of the present.” Foucault only considered the past for the purpose of discovering the history of the present. Not only is this pointless, it also doesn’t utilize the full potential of evaluating history.

Essentially, there are two main reasons why we evaluate and analyze the past. The first is for entertainment. Many people find a grand amount of intrigue and interest in historical accounts. The second is for the purpose of changing the present. I believe that this is the only true use for history and it is the very thing that contributes the most to the continuity of our society. I believe that if we didn’t analyze the past to learn how we must change, our world would be very different today; full of a plethora of duplicated mistakes from the past.

Vincent Coppola

12/10/2007

Writing Final

“Why [consider history]? Simply because I am interested in the past? No, if one means by that… a history of the past in terms of the present. Yes, if one means… the history of the present.” In this quote, I can hear Michel Foucault describe his process of approaching historical matters. In actuality, Foucault was using this quote to answer a question posed by an imaginary person as to why he was so intrigued with punitive methodologies of the past, but his ideas can easily be applied to the approach of history as a whole. Foucault, as a 20^th century philosopher, believed that the most effective tactic to understanding history is to try to see the present as a variable that is contingent on affairs of the past. His views are contradictory to the idea that the past is dependent on the present and that history is on an inexorable path to its ultimate destination. Foucault’s theories are very popular and are applauded by many. However, I find myself disagreeing with Foucault’s ideas.

I’ve come to learn that the best way to develop an understanding of the past is to correlate its thematic examples with those of the present in order to develop a more important comprehension. Therefore, if Foucault’s question is “Why consider history?” I would answer by saying, if not for pure interest and curiosity, then I would choose to ponder the past solely to recognize historical patterns so that I could alter my present thoughts and actions. For example, in class, when I learn how the Spanish approached the Indians with immediate violence and disrespect which lead to retaliation, I will apply that situation to my life and change the ways I choose to approach new people. But on the other hand, I can also learn many positive lessons from history. I remember when I learned how Columbus couldn’t find a sponsor for his voyage in Portugal, but when he went to Spain, the king and queen agreed to sponsor his circumnavigation of the globe. I applied this lesson to my life and learned that sometimes, by making risky investments, it can pay off big time. Spain did, in fact, control the majority of the western world for an extended period of time.

If I had instead chosen to agree with Foucault’s statements, I would no longer be able to pick a present theme and trace it through history. I would not be able to think to myself, “Okay, so wars are generally initiated by the dissatisfaction of one side over the other… How can I piece apart the Revolutionary War to shed some light on my theory?” This type of thinking would be evaluating “a history of the past in terms of the present.” Foucault only considered the past for the purpose of discovering the history of the present. Not only is this pointless, it also doesn’t utilize the full potential of evaluating history.

Essentially, there are two main reasons why we evaluate and analyze the past. The first is for entertainment. Many people find a grand amount of intrigue and interest in historical accounts. The second is for the purpose of changing the present. I believe that this is the only true use for history and it is the very thing that contributes the most to the continuity of our society. I believe that if we didn’t analyze the past to learn how we must change, our world would be very different today; full of a plethora of duplicated mistakes from the past.