Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Freshmen: Utopian Links



To supplement our Lord of the Flies Utopia project, visit the two links below and respond to the prompts on your syllabus by 4-4-08. Make sure to view the video segment regarding Denmark. Post your responses here.


The World: Dubai

Denmark: The Happiest Place on Earth

20 comments:

Rachel<3 said...

I think the islands in Dubai is really pointless. Yes, it is beautiful, but they should have put their money to better use.

Anonymous said...

I think the islands in Dubai is a really good idea, it is a very nice set up. On the other hand it is only cool if you have the money, if not then it's pointless to spend the money on the property that you do not have.

- Suzanne

Anonymous said...

I think that the idea of equal living in Denmark is spectacular thinking on there part. It would be very nice to be able to openly do what you want to do and not have less or more money than anyone else. I find the results of Butner's test quite shocking.

Lexi

Anonymous said...

I have to say that the Dubai islands are a bad idea. We should not be tampering with nature and building islands out into the ocean so that some rich people can have another house to live in. I’m sure that the islands are beautiful and I would jump at the chance to be able visit at least one of them but I just don’t think it’s right that they are man made. Not to mention the cost of this project was in the millions and this is something that is not necessary at all. Creating this place was a very dangerous thing to do for the environment.


Lindsay White

Anonymous said...

I think the islands in Duai are a great way for people to startliving better lives but on the other hand the more people live there the more its going to end up like the rest of the world so if you really think about it its just another island
tyana

Anonymous said...

I think that "The World" is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. It is a combonation of pure natural beauty and archetecturial genious. With todays real estate the timing was not that great however in the upcoming years the tycoon who produced this place will be a very rich man.

Lexi

Max Wiese said...

Denmark must have to be doing something right to make a prince follow his dream to be a carpenter. I don't believe that Denmark is a complete utopia though, for they are not disconected from the rest of the world. Dubai the world was an excellent idea. Even though Dubai is already extremely wealthy, the world will attract visitors and raise the economy. Maybe even boost them to a super power.

Anonymous said...

I have to say that I am excited that there is at least one happy place in this world. Denmark is not a place I would personally like to live but I like how it is run. Everyone is taxed according to how much they make and they are able to do the job that they have always wanted to do. There are some flaws to that, like a doctor make the same amount as a trash man, in my mind that is not right and I would not be very happy if I was working harder and making the same as him but some how they are able to overcome that and that is why they are happiest place on Earth.

•Lindsay White.

Anonymous said...

The world of Dubai seems to be a great place to live in because they are setting up a great community. I find it amazing that Denmark is the happiest place on Earth because it really seems like a terribly boring place to live.
-Charlie Switzer

Anonymous said...

i think the islands of Dubai is cool but bad at same time. but its only for the wealthiest people tho so its not that great for "regular" people like us. its kinda shocking how Denmark is the happiets country, I always thought maybe it would a rich or democratic government not a socialist government like a boring place like Denmark.


Steve Tessier

Anonymous said...

i think the islands of Dubai is cool but bad at same time. but its only for the wealthiest people tho so its not that great for "regular" people like us. its kinda shocking how Denmark is the happiets country, I always thought maybe it would a rich or democratic government not a socialist government like a boring place like Denmark.


Steve Tessier

Sara. said...

I have to agree with Rachel; as beautiful as those islands may be it is a big waste of money. That money could have been used for other charities, or could have been used to make their country a better place possibly? Also, its just plain interfering with nature and that is not right. Anywhere from 10-100 years from now they're going to rue the day they started that project because it is going to mess up the environment immensely. I also really like the idea in Denmark; I'm actually still contemplating whether or not I want to change my utopia's ways to be like theirs. I think that America should adopt Denmark’s ways.

Anonymous said...

I don't think the islands of Dubai are a good thing because you shouldn't be creating things that weren't there in the first place. The Earth has to deal with global warming and now this. I guess celeberties would think this was just a good idea because it gives you the ability to get away and not have anyone bother you. It's pointless to spend money building something that might someday be distroyed.

-Kristin Murray

Anonymous said...

I think it is amazing that they created the islands in Dubai. In a somewhat fast amount of time they went from nothing, to creating tons of small islands. However, it seems like a waste of supplies and money to make islands.
I find it interesting that Denmark of all places is the happiest. I also think that 50-70% of your money going to taxes is a bit extreme.
-Mike Costa

Anonymous said...

I thought the islands of Dubai are a waste of money, and if someone was going to buy an island they could probably get a better one somewhere else.
-David Littlefield

Anonymous said...

I loved Denmark's economic system and how everyone basically brings home the same amount of money. I also like the idea of how much you are taxed because school, health care, most of electricity and oil, and many more needs are covered. I just though it would be very peaceful living there because everyone feels equal and you don't have to worry about money.
-David Littlefield

Anonymous said...

1. Symbol: The concrete expression of an abstract idea, or literal representation of a figurative meaning, such as a heart for love or a dove for peace.

a. The conch shell is a symbol that represents order. “He lifted the conch ‘seems to me we ought to have a chief to decide things.’”(pg 22)
b. Piggy is another example of a symbol because he is the voice of reason. “I got the conch,’ said Piggy bleakly. He turned to Ralph. ‘I got the conch, ain’t I Ralph.”

2. Imagery: Words and phrases that recreate vivid sensory experiences

a. “The shore was fledged with palm trees. These stood or leaned or reclined against the light and their green feathers were a hundred feet up in the air.” (pg. 9) The palm trees
b. “The boy with fair hair lowered himself down the last few feet of rock and began to pick his way through the lagoon.” (pg 7) The boy at the beginning

3. Characterization: The techniques by which an author develops characters

a. Ralph is a great example of characterization. He is the leader of the group. “‘Who wants me?’ Every hand outside the choir except Piggy’s was raised immediately.”(23)
b. Piggy is another great example of characterization. He is a fat kid that tends to be ignored, despite his good ideas and requests. “They used to call me ‘Piggy.’” (Piggy, 11) “I said I didn’t want-”(Piggy, 11) “Piggy! Piggy!” (Ralph, 11)

4. Conflict: A struggle between characters or forces (external) or within a character (internal.)

a. Ralph calling Piggy “Piggy” is a great example of a conflict because Piggy doesn’t want to be called that. “They used to call me ‘Piggy.’” (Piggy, 11) “I said I didn’t want-”(Piggy, 11) “Piggy! Piggy!” (Ralph, 11)

b.“‘Kids names’ said Merridew. ‘Why should I be Jack? I’m Merridew.’”

5. Setting: The time and place in which the story occurs

a. They are on an island. “This is an island. At least I think it’s an island ” (7)
b. We’ve been on the mountain top and seen water all round.” (32)

6. Antagonist: The person or force that opposes the protagonist

a. Jack is a great example of an antagonist because he is always questioning Ralph’s ideas and otherwise complaining. “Kids’ names,’ said Merridew. ‘Why should I be Jack? I’m Merridew.” (21)
b. Ralph is an antagonist to the direction of Piggy. “They used to call me ‘Piggy.’” (Piggy, 11) “I said I didn’t want-”(Piggy, 11) “Piggy! Piggy!” (Ralph, 11)

7. Foil: A character who provides a striking contrast to another character

a. Ralph and Jack “Jack’s face disappeared under a blush of mortification.”(23) When Ralph won the election, they hate each other
b. Ralph and Piggy “They used to call me ‘Piggy.’” (Piggy, 11) “I said I didn’t want-”(Piggy, 11) “Piggy! Piggy!” (Ralph, 11) Ralph is constantly picking on Piggy and all Piggy wants is respect.

-Charlie Switzer B Block

Anonymous said...

I believe that the “world” was a creative, unnecessary way to get more money. Even though these islands look fantastic, they are a huge waste of money. With the sea level rising and the ocean waves moving the sand to other locations, this great idea will soon be underwater. The money could have went to saving lives in Ethiopia or building schools in Wulang. I love that people in Denmark can choose any career they want. If this does not lead to people slacking off and just not working at all, I think that it is successful. I don’t know if I would want to live there personally, but the idea is working for them.

Sarah Tenglin

Anonymous said...

I think that the way Denmark is run is awesome. It's amazing to have all of the people in a country treat everyone equally. People in the U.S. claim to treat people equally, but no one really does, (at least not enough people do).

I think that the world in Dubai is a cool idea. But when there are so many problems in the world, the money could have gone to a much better cause.

~Jill Wry

Anonymous said...

The islands at dubai were a great idea but its so expensive to stay there that no one would want to besides the extreamly rich. Which doesnt make much of a nice community even if they are there.

Derek S.