Detrimental dreams

Dreams.  Most literally, a dream is said to be "a vision voluntarily indulged in while awake" (dictionary.com).  That vision is usually one of success.  For a businessperson, it could be a raise or a promotion.  For a mother, it could be the health and success of her children.  For a student, it could be good grades and acceptance into the college of their dreams.  One must have the dedication and willingness to put in the work to reach his or her goal.  Joel Osteen goes as far as saying "do all you can to make your dreams come true."  Unfortunately, as one works towards their goals, other important aspects of a balanced life are either ignored or cheated.  
For example, when men are drafted for wars, they must first pass exams in order to qualify as being physically able to fight.  One area in which they are tested is vision.  A man aspiring to become a doctor qualifies to fight.  But can he pass the physical examination?  Because he does not want to fight, he convinces his doctor to feign a letter, describing how the man's vision is so poor that if he were to fight, he might shoot men on his side if he lost his glasses.  This example displays some of the bad things that can happen as one aspires towards their goal.  If that man passed his test, he would be forced to fight, and would not be able to go to medical school until after his time.  In order to achieve his dream, he had to take advantage of the eye doctor so he did not appear capable of fighting.  Those who take advantage of others are scorned upon, and will ultimately sever previous acquaintances.

Along with deliberately "using" others, the work involved with achieving dreams can sometimes prevent one from having the time to retain relationships.  The dreamer is so enthralled in their preparations that they don't have an extra hour to go to the movies with a friend or visit a loved one.  It is when one realizes these loses that a decision must be made: is the dream worth what is given up in the process? 

No P!u.n?c:t"u*a,t/i;o'n, please!

Thesis: Punctuation is not a necessity in today's age as it restricts individuality and brings a downfall of creative minds with its confining norms and restrictions.

Punctuation itself carries a meaning which can sometimes inhibit the meaning the author intended.  Source B describes the period as "preaching order and a sure conclusion"(Source B).  There are times when a writer may be using imagery in prose to describe an open field, and in order to meet the standard rules of punctuation, periods must be used to break the text into sentences.  If punctuation was not a requirement, that writer could utilize flowing, lengthy phrases to add to the description of the expansive field. Such punctuation marks as the pilcrow and hedera have "enjoyed temporary places in common usage" (Source A) because with the passing of time, writers have found other ways to communicate their ideas, or perhaps these marks proved destructive to writing. Source C describes the possibility beyond prose as "more numerous of Windows...(and) doors" (Source C).  Windows and doors offer entry and exit for humans; in writing, they offer the free flow of ideas.  This reflects back to the description of the open field, as such literary forms as poetry which lack the rules of punctuation contain limitless opportunity for writers.

Learning proper puncuation rules is useless!!

The man is the medium

It's two weeks before homecoming.  Most boys are just beginning to realize that they need to ask some girl to go with them.  On the other hand, most girls already have their perfect dress, complete with matching shoes, bag, and accessories.  They know exactly how they want their hair to look, and they've arranged an appointment at the salon to get their nails done.  Girls, and women and general, put much consideration into their appearance for special events to everyday life for one reason: they are marked.

Deborah Tannen contrasts the ways in which men and women are viewed in various categories.  She describes how, at a business meeting, she noted the clothing and appearance of the women, while paying little attention to the men's attire.  Tannen states that each woman "had to make decisions about hair, clothing, makeup, and accessories", choices that are all marked by society, while the men have the option to choose an appearance that is either marked or unmarked.  If a women wears too revealing clothes, or applies too much makeup, she is viewed as "sexy", which can branch in both positive and negative directions.  Most every reason that women are marked while men are not is due to the fact that the marking is caused by sexuality.  This concept is well-developed in Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, as prominent character Hester Prynne is marked by her letter "a" on her chest.  This letter, earned by adultery, is the mark she holds from others.  Her moral acts of volunteering to the poor and needy go unmarked, and she remains shunned from the society.  Although everyone in the town could easily deduce that Dimmesdale is also guilty of the sin, they choose to deny it.  The townspeople look up to Dimmesdale, and the thought of their dedicated minister performing such a scornful act is disgusting.  His character is multidimensional; people recognize many aspects of his being, and he is not restricted in any way by his appearance or any other shallow characteristic.
Like Dimmesdale, boys can get away with wearing the mediocre black suit and tousled hair.  That is the normal.  That is what is expected.  It is unmarked.

Able to change

Most everyone knows the saying "actions speak louder than words".  Perhaps Hester knew the quote as well as she battled with society's view of her after acquiring her scarlet letter "a".  The strongly theocratic society shuns her from their lives, yet Hester does not live her life without hope or purpose.  Rather than taking away from the unity and pride of the society, Hester instead contributes to it by donating her time and energy to the poor and needy, which ultimately alters the viewpoint others hold of her.  The "a" shifts from a notation of "adultery" to being "able".  Hester is remarked for her ability to be compassionate and caring, despite the fact that she does not receive any of the sort from those around her.  Those whom she provides for don't even show mercy; they scorn the hand that feeds them.  Hester's strength and resiliency is prevalent in her actions, and she gains some respect from a select people in society for these reasons.

By the end of Jimmy Carter's presidency in 1980, his presidential approval rating was around thirty percent.  During his term as president, he struggled with such issues as the energy crisis, inflation, hostages in Iran, and the war in Afghanistan.  Many Americans were frustrated with him at the time, and he would undoubtedly be looked upon very negatively had he not been as active post-presidency.  Since leaving office, Jimmy Carter has created the Carter Center which promotes diplomacy and peace; works alongside Habitat for Humanity, which constructs homes for the poor, and continues to speak in interviews about many domestic and foreign policy issues.  Carter is like Hester in that he has altered what he is remembered for.  Instead of being called an "inexperienced peanut farmer", some may instead remark his volunteer efforts for the community.  While both Carter and Hester had some unfavorable traits, they are able to rebuke the shame and guilt associated by becoming "able" to give away their resources to those less fortunate.