Author Archives: jjg4922

 I think the question Anzaldua asks, “how do you tame a wild tongue, train it to be quiet, how do you bridle and saddle it? How do you make it lie down?” resonates with many people from different ethnicities. Anzaldua herself identifies as Chicano, which essentially means Mexican American, but that identity conflicts with one another. Ones heritage is shown at the base of one’s household through many traditions and by the use of language. Therefore, the question poses the difficulty that many of these people face. It reveals the discomfort and sense of belonging that many of them face due to their culture. Being able to use your language gives you a sense of belonging to your ethnicity and heritage. To be told to neglect that part of you or to walk on eggs shells wondering if it’s okay to use it is quite horrendous. Ideally speaking, a tongue can be tamed such as any other wild thing. However, it would require a huge amount of domestication since language is a part of one’s identity. It is like asking to give half of yourself to society and reject the other half you are made up of. Training to be quiet or to bridle one’s tongue remains pointless in the aspect that language is a part of those who are of different ethnicity. There isn’t a simple answer or guide to erase that part, especially when language is one component that shapes them, such as Anzaldua, and is shared through friends and family.

-Jaileen Gutierrez

I remember I had this friend during college who would always party. She was really one wild woman.

His grieve and loss of his wife led him to become a drunk and have hallucinations. He was taken to a psychiatrist, and we never saw that wild man again.

As I was walking through the forest, I saw something with white fur and long ears. It must have been a wild animal!

After the murder of his sister, he was filled with hatred. That led him to become a wild beast, hungry for revenge.

My dog is always jumping around and can never sit still. He sure is a wild thing!

-Jaileen Gutierrez

Oscar Wilde was born in 1854 till 1900, and was a Irish poet and playwright. He wrote many playwrights and dramatic pieces during the Victorian era. As a child, and during college, he was known for his intelligence and during the 1890s, his playwrights became popular. Some of his most famous works were, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891), Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892) and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895). Although his work was gaining popularity, he became a controversial figure as a writer and a person. One of his writings that got a great deal of attention during the 1890s, was the novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. The novel contained elements of homosexuality and was banned due to this. To add, this shed highlight into his personal life and his marriage. He was suspected on having an affair with Lord Alfred Douglas in 1891. This unsettled Douglas father, the Marquess of Queensberry, and blamed Wilde for his son’s acts. Queensberry accused Wilde of committing homosexual acts, and Wilde went onto trial and sent to prison. All these events affected Wilde’s reputation and status and was labeled as “wild.”  

One of his most controversial works was his novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray”, where one of the characters tell Dorian “It is quite true I have worshipped you with far more romance of feeling than a man should ever give to a friend. Somehow I have never loved a woman.” This sentence was one of the many parts that were censored and changed. It was viewed as “vulgar”, “poisonous”, and “discreditable.” To add, the novel was considered “dangerous” and “immoral” for young and older audiences. In this quote, Dorian’s companion confesses his love for him and reveals his homosexuality. This was considered “wild” because society only believed in a relationship between a man and a woman. Being in a same-sex relationship was considered taboo, and therefore Wilde was labeled as a “wild” writer. During this time, his writing and identity were not accepted by society, but I don’t consider him to be a “wild” writer. It was a different time and period, hence the “wild” label, but his work is now accepted in today’s society. He is known and respected for his work and considered to be a famous playwriter.

-Jaileen Gutierrez

In both stories, “The Good Lion” by Hemingway and “where the wild things are” by Maurice Sendak, the use of “wild” is used in context to civilized and uncivilized. In the Good Lion, we see the difference between what a “good” lion and a “bad” lion is. The bad lion is considered wild and evil because of their choice to eat Hindu people with no regard. On the other hand, the good lion is viewed as good for only eating pasta and scampi. In this story we can see the way wild is used due to the lions actions and choices. On the contrary, In Sendak story, wild is used to describe attributes and environment associated with wild. The main character is a boy who dresses up in a wolf suit and takes a journey to the wildness. In this setting, he is appointed as the king of all wild things for being frightening. The difference of wild in Sendak’s story, is that the protagonist is a mere human but is viewed as wild due to his suit and frightening impression. However, after being king, he longs for love in a normal and domestic society.

These both stories shed light in the different meaning of wild(ness). In the Good Lion, Hemingway uses “wild” to define the acts and savageness of untamed animals. For example, Hemenway writes” the bad lions would roar with laughter and eat another Hindu trader and their wives would drink his blood.” This act shows the differences between good wild and bad wild. Having consumed humans with no regard or shame, expresses the gruesome behind wild animals. On the contrary, since the good lion chooses not to consume Hindu traders, we view this lion to be good. Although they are both lions and considered “wild”, the use of words and imagery highlight the difference between good and bad in a wild setting. On the other hand, Sendak story uses wild to describe wild creatures that are associated with “terrible” characteristics. For example, the story says, “they roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth and rolled their terrible eyes and showed their terrible claws.” Wild is used in an observatory way for abnormal characteristics. The protagonist is considered “wild” due to his wolf suit and the wild animals are established as “wild” because of their abnormal teeth, eyes, and claws. Although both stories use wild, the context of it differs and shows a different meaning for each of them.

-Jaileen Gutierrez

The Wizard of Oz is told by the author, Frank Baum’s. The story is about a young girl named Dorothy, who is lost far away from her home in Kansas. Dorothy lands in a strange place during a tornado where she meets a scarecrow, a tin man, and a lion. This story is considered a “children’s book”, because of Dorothy journey, but the story and events say otherwise.  Although the Wizard of Oz is filled with magic and magical creatures, the context can go deeper. There are some controversial topics concerning the Wizard of Oz and witches. The Wizard of Oz shows the untruthiness behind politicians and how they don’t do anything behind the scenes. As for the witches, it portrays the idea that there is such a thing as a “good” witch. However, children don’t interpret things this way and is attracted by the magical land. To add, many “wild” things happen in the story that children love to witness. There are talking animals, magic, the scenario is colorful, and there is friendship shown. The lion and other companions of Dorothy creates a mystical and extraordinary story that entertains kids.

One part that contains the word “wild” is in chapter 18, where the lion states, ““for I am tired of your city and long for the woods and the country again. I am really a wild beast, you know. Besides, Dorothy will need someone to protect her.” “Wild” is used here to describe the lions need for nature and to not be domesticated. He has grown tired of the city and its restriction on behaviors and wishes to be himself without any expectations. This “wildness” in him will provide safety and protection for Dorothy. This use of pathos appeals to children by providing them a sense of security for Dorothy. It gives them hope and joy that the lion will come along and protect her.

-Jaileen Gutierrez

A “wild” song I decided to comment about is called “Young, Wild and Free” by Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg, and features Bruno Mars. This song is considered to be Pop-rap and was released in 2011. The song was successful and was in the top ten in several categories, including being number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. To add, it was nominated in the Grammy awards in 2013 and received most performed song award in Pop Music Awards. The single also became popular in France, Switzerland, Australia, and many more. The song talks about drinking, smoking, and partying.

One lyric that stands out goes as:

“We’re just having fun
We don’t care who sees

so what we go out

that’s how it’s supposed to be

living young, wild, and free.”

Typically, “wild” is described as something relating to the wilderness, however, they use “wild” as a means of freedom. Drinking, smoking, and partying is viewed as irresponsible and is illegal at the age of 17. However, I believe they use “wild” as going against society and its rules and to be “free”. Being free means to enjoy yourself and not worrying about the repercussions of your actions. The song describes these actions as “wild” because society views it as such, but they see it as having fun. The song is about being young and “having fun” by partying. It is living out your “teenage years” by having fun because that’s the way it “should” be.

On a different note, I remember hearing this song when it got popular and loving it. I didn’t know what the song was about, but it made me feel good and alive. Hearing it now gives me a “nostalgic feeling” of being younger and being free, even though I wasn’t partying or doing anything.  Now listening to it at my age, I can understand the meaning behind it. I can relate to feeling “wild” and crazy after having fun and being stress-free.

The video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa5B22KAkEk

-Jaileen Gutierrez

Basketball is a team sport composed of two teams, with 5 players each. It is played in a court and the goal is to defend your hoop while trying to shoot in the opponent’s hoop. These rules apply to both women’s basketball and men’s basketball. However, in women’s basketball, there are some differences. For example, the size of the women’s basketball is one inch smaller than the men’s basketball. The reason for this is because women’s hands are generally smaller than men and having a smaller ball is easier. Another difference is that the women’s three-point line is closer to the basket than men’s. In most games, men tend to score more and are typically taller, so the three-point line is farther. Both women’s basketball and men’s basketball have been around for the same time. However, men’s basketball, or specially, the NBA, has grown to become more popular.

In both of these videos, we can see the intensity between the teams. I decided to show both men’s and women’s basketball to show the difference. Although the sport is played the same in both genders, they have different gender dynamics. Men’s basketball is more popular and is considered to be better than women’s. To add, players are more violent and creative. Watching the two games, the audience can tell the difference in skill and technique. Men are able to dunk more than women and typically score more. They also learn more ball skills and tricks and display it during games. Violent outburst does happen in women’s basketball but is more common in men’s. They can get aggressive and serious during a game and show more intensity. Both genders are able to play basketball, but men’s basketball acquires more audience and fame. Typically, basketball isn’t seemed as a “wild” sport, but men’s basketball is more aggressive and intense and can sometimes be viewed as such.

Jaileen Gutierrez

One particular film that I consider wild is “What Happened to Monday.” The movie came out in 2017, originally in France, and directed by Tommy Wirkola. The movie is a dystopian Sci-fi film in a world where overpopulation occurs. Due to the limited resources available, the government implements a law stating that each family is limited to one child. Any additional children are taken and put into cryosleep. One of the things that make this film wild, is that Terrence (the grandfather) is left to take care of 7 identical children. He does this in secrecy and names each child the day of week, which is the day they are allowed outside. I find this wild because they successfully do this for a while without being caught. Its wild to think that 7 different females must act as one and are only allowed to see the world on one day. Eventually, one of the sisters go missing, and the rest of the sisters try to find what happen to them. In this pursuit, they are found out and go through many hardships to survive. To add, they find the secrets of the government and expose the truth.

One specific scene that reflect my reasoning is towards the end of the movie. One of the sisters figure out the truth behind the additional children. The government told each family that all additional children are placed into cryosleep and are safe until the overpopulation decreases. However, she finds out that in reality, the children are put to sleep and burned to ashes. The government lied to the people saying that they are put away to be placed into a better world. They are killed by the government because they believe they don’t have any more space for them. The crime the government commits without any regard to other people or guilt is extremely wild to me. They knowingly kill these children with no remorse and continue to lie to these families. As I watched this scene, I was flabbergasted by how little importance they had for them and how wild they were to do this.

-Jaileen Gutierrez

  According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “Wild” is defined as (of an animals plant) living or growing in the natural environment; not domesticated or cultivated. They also define “wild” as uninhabited, uncultivated, or inhospitable. On the other hand, the Merriam-Webster definition of wild is “growing or produced without human aid or care.” To add, the Cambridge dictionary also contains similar definitions such as “uncontrolled, violent, or extreme.” They also give the definition of “wild” that is used in slang. The definition is “very unusual, often in a way that is attractive or exciting.” In all these English dictionaries, they aim to describe wild as something that is “animal-like”. They define wild to be undomesticated and violent. In Spanish, no word correctly translates the word “wild.” The closest translation would be “Salvaje”. However, “Salvaje” is also translated to “savage” in English. The Spanish dictionary also defines wild as undomesticated, untamed, and feral.

   It is interesting to see how many different words are used to describe “wild.” All these definitions use similar words to explain what wild is. I say that for the most part, it is correct, and I have used the word wild as each definition states. I say wild is defined as something bizarre and unnatural to society. It is something that is yet accepted by people or may not be comprehended yet. In English, the world wild is used frequently to describe something out of the ordinary. Also, I say many young people use the word “wild” in a slang way. It is used to describe something that is” crazy but cool”. However, although in Spanish we use the word similarly, it is more extreme and less commonly used. It’s used to describe something cruel or vicious and mostly something that comes from the forest or mountains.

-Jaileen Gutierrez