On Friday, Kyle and Ashley were giving me sass in class for having used my own name as my blog name. So I started wondering, what is the novelty behind a code name? Is it something with which to hide behind so that you can say things without being held accountable? Or is it a way to seperate yourself from people's ideas of who you are and allowing yourself to truly be heard? By using my own name am I, as Kyle suggested, "defeating the purpose?"
I know this doesn't directly relate to the Stranger (or maybe it does, those crazy existentialist are hard to keep up with) but it was on my mind nonetheless.
13 comments:
Intriguing points (and yes, I do think your post relates to the existentialists--the idea of self and others). I think that a code name does both of the things you mentioned--allows you to express what you might be afraid of expressing--or possibly reinvent yourself in some way. To compartmentalize or to protect oneself while taking a small risk.
While I definitely agree with both of the reasons Brittni gave for why code names have so much appeal to many people, I know I've found a third that I really like: it eliminates the biases I feel towards people that I bring with me to class each day. I know I shouldn't, but in class there are certain people I naturally listen to more closely. Certain people over the years have gained my respect; certain people have not. One of the great things about the blog, therefore, is that all the silly little biases that I've mentioned no longer exist and I'm forced to judge people by their responses and nothing else.
So code names? I like em.
i completely agree with bombilla. i often feel that my own ideas come off better if said anonymously. that way, there's no reading into anything too far and i can get honest feedback from unbiased parties...but sometimes people accidentally call others by their blog name in class, thus unceremoniously unmasking us. haha. (i love mrs. coleman.)
and the reason we gave you "sass"? coleman had requested that we remain anonymous and you're a rule breaker. i did toy with the idea of making my username "Kyle Elizabeth Burton" but i didn't want everyone to know my middle name.
I believe in my own opinion that it is a way to hide all of our questions comments concerens. that we choose to hide behind them because its scares us of what ppl think. its easier to state your true feelings compared to showing your really name and saying them. Im not that big of an outgoing person and i give more power to bk for doing it. Its not defeating any purpose because its a matter of opinion..
Well, this is definitely an interesting debate, but I rather enjoy the code names because it forces you to actually read the blog posts instead of passing judgements based on who wrote them. It allows you to get to know people on a completely different level, some of whom you might never have expected to find common ground with.
I, unfortunetly, have to say that, due to some circumstances, a person's oppinion won't be as credited, or even considered entirely if someone happens to see who wrote it. Some people are prejudice, and if they see someone they don't care for wrote something, chances are they will disregard it without even a second thought, whether they read/viewed it or not.
the same thing happens when people see who/what starred in a movie. if they happen to disagree with their political views, or something they did, they won't go see the bloody movie, no matter how friggen awesome it looks!! (Takes a deep breath)
Little example... Benjamin Franklin wrote under the alias "Silence Dogood" to get his oppinions out in the New-England Courant. It just happens that sometimes a codename benefits those who arn't considered "Statured" among others
I agree both sides in what Britti was saying also. I like having a code name because I feel like I can say what I want and sometimes it feels I can get it out better. Easy to state what you have to say.
I do in fact like the code names as well. They give interesting insights into the minds of each other as well as giving freedom to develop a style of writing.
I know that when I speak I am often reluctant to say something unexpected because people will expect from me, a speach that is fitting for a persona they have already assigned to me. Online, with an unknown alias I can change my style and create new standards for my own personal style.
I also feel as if these code names allow us to respond more to ideas rather than people.
I never took the time to think about why we have these code names. All of the points everyone has pointed out really make me think. I think that by having a code name we are forced to read everybodys and not just the ones that we want. I know that i would have done that if we were all known by our names. I really like bombillas point. i totally agree with that and i your point never even crossed my mind. I think the code names allow people that are not as likely to verbally voice their opinions be heard
I like the codenames! I dont really ever talk in class and if I am talking its normally not about what were talking about or if it is I feel stupid. But on here I might still feel a little uneasy with how I post things but I know that not everyone knows who I am so I just kind of write whatever.
By the way, I like everyones comments I agree with parts of all of them.
Dear everyone,
I hope you still like me, listen to me, and respect my opinions even thought I am open about my identity.
Thanks,
Me.
I think the code names are an interseting concept. They are both necessary and unnecessary. They free us from classroom biases and eliminate most inhibitions. However, they also require us to keep blog discussions and classroom discussions separate for fear of exposure. Basically, what I'm saying is that I can see this both ways. So, my conclusion is, if you don't find them helpful, use your own name. If you do, keep you're alias. Afterall, isn't our class all about trying to make each other comfortable enough to express ourselves freely? Yes, so just do whatever suits you.
I think the anonamity (i cant spell???) of the code names serve their purpose but not necessarirly for all. The names are a way for those who do not wished to be named or scorned for things they say...almost to say them with the true freedom the constitution gives them in the 1st amendment...people today and in the past have been riduculed for things they have said .."dumb" ideas .."wrong" answers..things like this have made it harder for people who are maybe a little more shy to speak out...now me.. i just dont care i am what i am I'm not the smartest person in our class but that doenst make me any different..So Brit i agree it matters none if u reveal who you are or if u remain anon.
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