Reaction Article #8

How do you raise ‘normal’ kids in the White House

My Reactions:

According to Suzanne Smalley in “How do you raise ‘normal’ kids in the White House,” the president-elect Barack Obama will move into the White House soon with his family. People are not only interested in his policies, but also concerned about how they will raise their children in the White House.
In my opinion, it is not easy to keep their children in normal since they are the celebrities and everyone in the world is taking focus on them. Therefore, they have to face public and media everyday because people think what they do is interesting. In fact, it brings a bad effect to the children, they are too young to deal with the situation and have no idea what to do. It is just too stressful to them.
Besides, living in the White House, a place where may be the center of power in the world and offer excellent care, might not help children to grow. It is because they are well protected and people in the house will look after them carefully. After a long time, they might be over spoiled and take things for granted. For this reason, I think it is good for the Obamas to enforce the kids do chores and handle their own stuff.

Reaction Article #7

That Dress? Everyone Has an Opinion

My Reactions:

According to Ruth La Ferla in “That Dress? Everyone Has an Opinion,” Michelle Obama wore a red-and-black sheath to the stage on Tuesday night. People put focus on her dress and have different opinions. Some of them thought that it was a charming dress, but the others said it was a terrible look.

In my opinion, people put too much focus on her look instead of Obama’s victory speech. I know there are many political celebrities who spend much money in hiring personal stylist in order to attract viewer’s focus easily. Actually, public may prefer them using these money in helping the poor. It is not so important that whether they are dressing fashionable or not. What people really care is their contribution to America.

Besides, I think the comments were just so mean to her and she had made a right choice. It is good for her to choose an American designer frock. Especially red is an American color and it represents the spirit of American, passion and freedom. However, she just has to be who she is and choose what is right for herself. I look forward to see how she works in the white house.

Reaction Article #6

Rape Victims’ Words Help Jolt Congo Into Change

My Reactions:

According to Jeffrey Gettleman in "Rape Victims’ Words Help Jolt Congo Into Change," the rape problem in Congo is considerably serious. Lots of women have been raped in the past few years. International organization and the government hope to encourage victims to speak out in order to fight for their right and bring out better outcome.

I was shocked by this article because women in Africa are much poorer than I thought. There are rapes every day, women are living in danger and worrying about how to deal with the situation of being raped. In my opinion, I think impunity is an unreasonable system. For this reason, bandits are encouraged to break the law indirectly, and without taking any criminal responsibility. However, the government has to put much effort on keeping women safe as well as providing counseling to victims and their families. They did nothing wrong. We should help them to get over from guilt and embarrassment.

Besides, there are also lots of problems in Africa, people are suffering in starvation, war and poverty etc. They struggle with their life and have no choice. I think we are fortunate living in our city compare with them. What we have to do is to treasure the things around us and give a hand to those who need help.