Research Proposal.. annotated Bib

What I have decided to write about for my research proposal after reading, "Then we came to the end" by Joshua Ferris, is the isolation that becomes a reoccurring theme among the characters vs how the book is written is in a "we" narration. While discussing how that makes the reader feels isolated reading this book because there isn't any character that they can cling to. Furthermore, I wanted to focus more on Tom who seems to be the most isolated character being a victim of gossip, stress, and bullying, and how his threats to come back and kill his fellow co-workers are a legitimate and reoccurring problem that hinders the work environment.

Annotated Bibliography

Bergmann, Jörg R. Discreet Indiscretions: the Social Organization of Gossip. New York: Aldine De Gruyter, 1993. Print. Compares the different type of gossip and how it works in the work environment. Also gives an example of each particular type of gossip. I plan on using this book to compare the several instances of gossip in the book and how it plays a major role in the characters feelings towards each other.

Cooper, Cary L., and Roy Payne. Stress at Work. Chichester [West Sussex: Wiley, 1980. Print. Describes the different types of stress and how they play a role in the office environment through sociological and psychological references. Also gives insight on the creators of stress and the effects it has on a subjects work.

Fox, Suzy, and Paul E. Spector. Counterproductive Work Behavior: Investigations of Actors and Targets. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2005. Print.
Provide a focused perspective of the “We” narrative that Joshua Ferris uses more specifically examining the dynamics of bullying, degrading, intimidating fellow co-workers in the office environment. Through historical references and instances where oppressing fellow co-workers have led to turmoil.

French, John R. P., Robert D. Caplan, and Harrison R. Van. The Mechanisms of Job Stress and Strain. Chichester [Sussex: Wiley, 1982. Print. Discusses the interaction between the employees and the employer and the strain in which each go through and whether or not it affects their physical health. In which I will compare the work environment that the characters in had and whether or not it helps creates a tone of isolation.

Boondocks

In Tuesday’s class we all had the pleasure to watch “Invasion of the Katrinians,” an episode in the Cartoon entitled, “The Boondocks.” In this episode Granddad’s relatively unfamiliar cousins, Jericho and his immediate family, comes to his house unannounced and needs a place to stay due to the mass destruction Katrina caused. Granddad reluctant at first allows them to stay in his home for a couple weeks until there able to get back on their feet. While Granddad lets them stay in his house, he quickly becomes irritated and furious with the lack of help around the house their providing. Also, how the Katrinians are eating up all his food and expending all of his resources.
In previous class discussions we talked about Chris Rose’s book, 1 Dead in Attic, a series of newspaper articles that were published after the hurricane hit. In this book, there were numerous articles about how the media portrayed the people from New Orleans in a negative way, as well as, the people who claim they would help. After watching “The Boondocks,” there were similar ideas and perceptions placed on the Katrinians, and the people who say the wish they could have done something. For example is when Jericho arrives at Granddad’s house. Granddad just gets finished saying how he wish he could have done something to help. However, when Katrinians arrive to his door he shuts the door in their face. Furthermore, to shut the door on anybody is completely rude, but to your own flesh and blood that has no place to go is wicked.
Another example, Jericho used the media as leverage in order to help persuade Granddad to letting him stay. He called the media because he knew the chances of Granddad letting him stay were slim. However, if he said no in front of the media it would make granddad look like an asshole. In 1 Dead in Attic, there were numerous articles about how the media were focused on looting, Mardi Gras, and the overall morals of the people of New Orleans.
While there were numerous examples of how this episode of “Boondocks,” is making fun of the people were who directly and indirectly affected of the aftermath of Katrina. These two specific examples show that maybe people are not as righteous as the claim, as well as, it is plausible that the Katrinians could have “milked,” what happened to them. Huey quoted the experience the best when he stated “it is the battle between the selfish and the lazy.”

Welcome

Hey class,
My name is Kyle Flemings I am a senior in the COLSA undergraduate program. I'm a student-athlete here at UNH and I'm the starting cornerback for the football team. My interest include enjoy poetry, spoken word, sports, and movies. I feel that I'm an easy going guy but very competitive.