journal #9

1. Powell used a combination of the activity theory and the theories of self-representation and performance to explore how genres can simultaneously liberate and constrain and how students negotiate the various tensions they may encounter within an activity system. 

2. The author examined the students' writing habits and their method and style of self-representation. 

3. If genre means style of writing and goals in education, I believe that my peers take either the very similar angle of our professors, or the exact opposite. Because professors teach us all about the world and fill us with most of our knowledge on life, we tend to either love them or hate them, mimic them or mock them. For the most part, I would say that my peers tend to admire and closely follow their professors. If they dislike a certain one, they just don't even listen to what they are saying, their theories are in one ear and out the other. 

journal #8

1. In this piece, Pattie is trying to find out if authenticity exists within some of the most memorable moments in Rock music of the 1990's. He tries to research why the rockers created these moments, and if they really prove their authenticity, or if it is just an act for the public.

2. The author uses the story of band member Ritchey of the Manic Street Preacher, who carved the phrase "4 Real" into his arm with a razor blade to prove their authenticity to a critic. 

3. I think in today's world, with people my age especially, it's more about fitting in than being authentic. It's all about a brand name, a haircut, or a car that you have that everyone else either has or wants also. And on top of that, authenticity can really stand for individualism. Someone who wants to be authentic would go out of their way to oppose the norm of teenage culture, meaning crazy haircuts, clothes, and attitudes.