Little brother Blog #5

     There are many traits that are required to become a hero. No one is ever born a hero they are made into one. It takes several skills, but in truth, there isn’t a whole lot that is needed to be a hero. All that is needed, is pronounced determination, a will to fight, and a heart to be there for others when they are in need.

     Everyone has probably had a hero as a child. Whether it’s a family member, a friend or a character from a movie or book. We all look up to them, not because they’re superheroes, not because they’re movie stars, but because of the generous acts of everyday. Heroes can do things for themselves, but it’s their selflessness that makes them so important.

     In both the movie “V for vendetta”, and the book “Little brother”, the main character fights for the freedom of others. The manner in which they convey this may differ, but their intent remains the same.

     Marcus from “Little brother” decides to take a stand for his people by attempting to expose the DHS, and end their rampage on accusations. He does this by creating a group called the Xnet, which is formed by others who share his opinion on doing what’s right.

     V from “V for vendetta” is attempting to fight for the rights and freedom of a society that has slowly lost it through the cruelty of their government. He wishes not to be a hero however, and doesn’t even think to follow the rules. Nonetheless, he knows what must be done to create a brighter future for their country.

     What both these protagonists have in common is their sheer determination and passion for what they believe is right. A hero can overcome simple tasks, changing the lives of many in simple gestures and making the days of everyday people just a little brighter. A hero could also be someone who takes a stand, and will put all their heart and soul into their goals. They keep on pushing until they cannot push any longer, and that truly marks courage.

     So a hero, whether big or small, famous or infamous, young or old… they can all make a difference. Certain skills may help, but are not necessary, what truly matters is what their hearts tell them. What really makes a difference, what really makes a hero, is taking the chance to make a change, and to fight for what they believe is right.

Little brother Blog #4

     If the government (DHS) decided to take the steps in which they did in “Little Brother”, with the addition of unnatural amounts of security and the fashion of how people are treated, I would want to strongly stand up to them. I would want point out to them that what they’re doing is wrong, but when it comes down to it, I would most likely not make any strong actions like Marcus Yallow did.

     The DHS did some serious accusations and treated the public poorly for crimes they hadn’t committed. I would strongly want to do something about the predicament, however I don’t think I would have the motivation or the courage to stand up against them alone.

     On the contrary, if a large group of people were assembled, like the Xnet was in the book. The Xnet is a large group of kids that Marcus is able to communicate with via his Xbox without the government having the knowledge that he is. I would be hesitant still, but the fact of having more people to stand up with could make confronting the government slightly less of a weight on my shoulders.

     Near the end of the story, Marcus and the Xnet decide to start a Vampmob, in which they dress up as vampires and go around the city hall. Later they pretend they’ve all been gassed, and because of they’re large numbers, it was believable. If something such as that were to take place then I probably would join them so I could at least make an impact on what cruel acts the government has made.

     It would take a lot of perseverance but if I had the chance to make a change I would. I just wouldn’t have the will to try and reach that goal on my own. I would need a group like the Xnet to have my back, and to be willing to accomplish the same actions as me. If our protestation went beyond the law however, I wouldn’t see myself going through with whatever plan had been put into place.

     So all in all, if the government treated people in such a way that would drive me to be willing to make a difference, then I would strive to make that difference. If I had others at my side, as well as making sure I wouldn’t be breaking any rules in doing so, than I would make a change.

Little Brother Blog #3

     If the government were to actually take so many precautions, and the number of security additions like how they do in, “Little Brother", then in reality I’d probably not have too much of a reaction. However I’d much rather have the confidence, to make a difference.

     If the government decided to make a difference at such extremities as they do in the book. For example, adding all the extra cameras, the new securities and the addition of several more police officers patrolling the streets. These changes wouldn’t necessarily affect me in particular, but I would definitely remark them, as an invasion of my, and other’s privacy.

     As for taking procedures about it would be a different story. If our entire computer wiring had been changed, I would find the means to download software, or other changes to make to the system, so that the government wouldn’t be able to monitor every click of a button that I push.

     As far as the police and cameras in the form of monitoring, I wouldn’t do a whole lot to change what they’re trying to accomplish. No matter what steps you take, they’ll still continue to do their job despite your actions, so I see no use in trying to reconfigure their goals. If I were to take any action, it would be to avoid the cops and cameras as often as I can, and make sure that I step out of their way when need be.

     In the end, if the government were to take a precautionary turn such as in the book, than to truthfully tell you, I wouldn’t do a whole lot to change that. I would like to let them know, that perhaps everything they do isn’t ideal, but no matter what, they won’t go out of their way to change what they’ve already set up. For people who would take on the challenge I commend them, and can do nothing more than to wish them good luck.

Little Brother Blog #1

     In the story, "Little Brother", I think that Marcus would be defined as a bad kid. He isn’t necessarily the most outstandingly well-behaved guy ever. If any person, Marcus’s age or not, decides to hack into the school system, and slip through any of their security, then that should be a red light standing at point blank.

     So far in the story, Marcus has already gotten himself sent to the principle’s office, for the crime of multiple hacks into the school security system. He’s caused many of the other students, who attend the school, to be enrolled in his schemes as well. Someone has been expelled for using one of his hacking devices. That in itself, is a legitimate reason to get in trouble. 

     While he’s not discriminating or mean, he does have a handful of reasons to be set right. His attitude is that of an individual that lays back and enjoys the ride, not caring what the outcome. He believes that no matter what the circumstance, he’ll somehow evade getting caught. He takes the backdoor out of situations and never admits to any scandal.

     For example, he get’s passed the gait cameras, by stuffing his shoes with gravel. By doing this, he’s attempting to foil the cameras into believing that his footsteps don’t belong to him. It’s clever, but also a true sign that this kids’ a rule breaker.
     

     With only a chapter into the book, and more then three individual violations, you can tell that Marcus is more of a bad kid than he is a good one. Since main characters are usually round characters, there is a possibility that he’ll change. However, from hacking the school security, to misbehaving during class, to insulting the principle, Marcus has been a bad boy. Only time will tell what happens from here, but there’s no denying that changing this guy won’t be easy.

Little brother Blog #2

     I believe that us, as a society, live in somewhat of a police state. These days, every single action people make is monitored. Like in the book, “Little Brother”, many things happen around us without even our slight recognition that they are.

     Cameras for example are everywhere, such as schools, and workplaces, and many other locations around our society. They watch our every step. Literally. Certain cameras can detect movement, sounds or even the steps you take, just like the gait test in the story. While most of these cameras serve a rightful purpose, others shouldn’t be installed where they are. For example, while it’s useful to see who’s leaving the school in, “Little Brother”, the gait recognition is a slight step too far.

     Social media can also be a factor for a monitored society. While people live about their lives, posting things onto the Internet, officials can look into everything that you post, regardless of what program you’re using. The can find information about nearly any person, and all the activity that happens digitally. Some may say this is great, but others may find it an invasion of their privacy.

     Not only are their cameras and social media trackers, but also we can be monitored even without any sort of device. We see it happen almost everyday, such as at school, or even by your own parents. Teachers may want to monitor you so you don’t leave class, or don’t misbehave. Such as in the book, Marcus is monitored constantly because of his suspicious traits. Your parents would be for a more concerned reason that they would monitor you. Nearly everyone has gone under the closely watching eye of his or her parents or teachers, and at times it’s the most common way to be monitored.

     All in all, we’re being watched at nearly all times, in the streets, on the Internet or even at home. This concludes that we may be living in a police state, but whether that’s a good thing, or a bad thing, is up to you to decide.