I’ve gained a better understanding of how writing can be used to examine social issues, voice, and identity throughout this semester. In addition to my academic development, my portfolio showcases my personal understanding of issues that are important to me, such as cultural identity, online community dynamics, and reproductive rights in America. 

In my essay, The issue of my essay Abortion services in the United States was a contentious issue faced in society. Following Roe v. Wades overturn in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, American reproductive rights underwent changes. I looked at how these legislative changes disproportionately impact women, especially low-income ones. Women of color, highlighting the fact that access to abortion is a matter of equity and survival rather than merely a legal one. I learned how to construct an argument using reliable sources and historical context while writing this paper. I also learned how to respond clearly and empathetically to opposing viewpoints, such as those presented by Beckwith. I honed my thesis, enhanced my sentence structure, and reinforced my use of transitions in several drafts to better direct the reader.

I was able to transition into a new type of researchone that is centered on lived experience and digital behavior through my Twitch/Roblox field observation. I learned how online communities can be both encouraging and chaotic by watching the Roblox community on Twitch. I examined how streamers and moderators establish safety. How players deal with trolling and digital language, as well as how streamers like Yoru\_Uma create communities. I was able to write ethnographically, categorize my field notes into themes, and explain what I observed in a way that related to broader discussions about internet culture thanks to this assignment. I hadn’t previously thought about how moderation relates to leadership and accountability in the real world, so I found that to be particularly fulfilling.

I considered how language, gender roles, and identity influence day-to-day living in my transcultural interview with Yashua. This conversation taught me about the Dominican-American experience and how cultural pride is influenced by bilingualism, family roles, and stereotypes. This interview was more intimate because it brought back memories of my own childhood and forced me to consider how culture influences more than just our perceptions.But how other people treat us. I learned from the reflection that storytelling can have a significant impact even in an academic context. I learned to write with passion, listen more, and respectfully elevate other people’s voices.

All things considered, this portfolio demonstrates my development as a writer who can investigate intricate subjects, create gripping stories, and relate personal experiences to more general social discussions. My organization, rhetorical awareness, and grammar have all improved. More significantly, I’ve discovered that writing is about making your voice heard, not just about getting your word count down. I intend to use these communication skills as I pursue my studies as a major in electrical engineering. I now recognize how crucial it is to write reports, proposals, or reflections with clarity, purpose,

• With my MMT, I plan to create a comic strip which starts within the 19th century of doctor doing the operation of abortion, Roe vs wade case explains then Planned Parenthood and finally Dobbs Decision that leads to it ending with the 20th century with of abortion being banned/severely restricted to subsequent lead having a future of population increase, Women protest and like an apocalypse america.

• I will use Google Slide on my Ipad computer. With pictures, questions and polls of medical fields such as being in the hospital as well as destruction of the apocalypse. As well as, adding questions for the class to think about. 

•      U.S Government ( President, Senate, Congress, Judicial housing) , Societies men and women, children progressing to leaders, Doctor professions or anyone in the medical field.

 

  Anthony Pointer Jr

                             City College of New York 

                                ENGL 21002: Writing For Social Sciences

                                                  C.Rodwell

                                               April 28th, 2025

“According to the American Civil Liberties Union (2022) The ability to decide whether and when to have children is essential to allowing people to control their own lives and futures.”. (American Civil Liberties Union, 2022) explains the ability of choice for abortion services in the United states. Controlling the lives and future of the female but they are not given the decision to make the choice to keep the child. With the 18th century, abortion was still a practical medical tool, with societies influence shifting most medical professions advocating for the restriction of abortion to protect maternal health. 

 Then in the Early 19th century, it was largely permitted as a common law to allow abortion but many speculated the safety of these practices which led to most laws to prohibit/criminalize these practices.  In 2022,  Dobbs decision to overturn Roe vs Wade created a network of laws to give more states a lot of more strength in limiting or even banning abortion. This ruling ignited political and social debate, disproportionately affecting low income women and women of color facing significant obstacles of access to reproductive care . This paper explores the historical context of abortion services, impacts of the Dobbs decision, Yet as well as addressing its hardships for marginalized communities and healthcare professions.

The case of  2022 Dobbs vs Jackson Women Health Organization originated in Mississippi and involved the Gestational Age, which banned most of abortion after 15 weeks. However, due to rare exception such as rape, incest non-consental . It counteracted Roe vs Wade protecting access up to 24 weeks.  With these cases, As of 2025 having over a dozen states enacting full abortion bans and triggering laws that most states in the U.S took to which prohibit the abortion services.  Criminalizing doctors, patients or people in which help assist them from getting abortion services. With nearly over 50 states eliminating abortion access. Having a gestational limit that women have the ability of anything relating to birth and conceiving within the womb. 

  Dobbs vs Jackson Women Health Organization decision vetoing the right of abortion that enacted a state ban to abortion affecting the majority of marginalized groups. The ruling overturns Roe vs Wade case and Planned Parental vs Casey eliminating abortion rights. That grants individual states the authority to regulate abortion access affecting women’s healthcare directly impacting the right of privacy. Focused on impacting disproportionate low-income women and women of color ability of reproductive rights.  Which deepens the main question of how recent events have impacted abortion service in the United States?. 

To understand how recent events have changed abortion services, it’s pivotal to exploring the historical context of the Roe vs Wade case, leading to the later Planned Parenteral v Casey. In the 1973, Supreme Court decision of Roe vs Wade case legalizing abortion nationwide. With the women’s right of choosing to have an abortion under her constitutional right of the 14th amendment which states the right of privacy. The ruling of the court had eliminated state laws that banned or restricted abortion laws and lasted for 5 decades of legal and political conflict surrounding the issue. 

This case was brought to attention by Jane Roe, who challenged Texas legislative law that made it a crime to procure or execute an abortion unless a woman’s life was at risk. The Courts had introduced trimesters. The First trimester involved the state could not regulate abortion. Second trimester being the state could impose regulations reasonably related to maternal health. Third trimester is only if the mother’s life or health is at risk to perform this surgery. 

A decade later, the supreme court revisited abortion rights that allowed for restrictions at a state level. The Planned Parenthood vs Casey decision upholding the Roe decision on the right for women to have a choice in abortion. However, it rejected the trimester framework and replaced it with the undue burden. That meant enacting laws in place such as parental consent requirement, waiting period and informed consent as well as there being no obstacles or barriers for women not being able to receive these contraceptives. And even provide mother counseling for women seeking abortion.  “According to Planned Parenthood (2023) Over 80% of Americans believe abortion care should be legal, regardless of their personal views on the issue. That includes 58% of conservatives.”. (Planned Parenthood, 2023). Majority of Americans have strong belief abortion services should be legal. With many having personal views of abortion being morally right or wrong but many support it. With more than half of  conservatives supporting abortion to be legalized being essential due to them being anti abortion. 

 The  Roe vs Wade case stood as a foundation for abortion rights in 1973 but the 2022 case, Dobbs decision, erupts that framework changing its governmental legal work. The Supreme Court of 2022 ruling in Dobbs vs Jackson Women’s Health organization points to a shift in abortion rights. With the Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs Wade removing lawmaking if abortion service being viable for women in America and regulating each country to their own. Making this a trigger in many states in America  to restrict and ban abortion access. “Thirteen states have already enacted “trigger laws” that are designed to ban all or nearly all abortions once Roe is overturned, and those will now go into effect—some immediately and others in the coming hours and days.”.(Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, undoing the constitutional right to abortion in 2022 by Abrams, A., & Carlisle, M).  These trigger laws were designed by the supreme court passed in certain states in the U.S that prohibit abortion in these thirteen states. Immediately going to effect right after the Dobb vs Jackson women’s Health organization overturns Roe vs Wade enforcing an automatic ban in abortion access.

As of 2025, Thirteen states have made abortion illegal in the United States including Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. States like California, New York, and Illinois have more impermissive abortion laws. Largely affected marginalized women as low-income women from travel as they don’t have the expense to make a trip to get abortion service they would need. Women of color are not the expectation with them more likely to work in minimum paid jobs without benefits like paid leave or health insurance. Both groups are affected by not living in many medical centers to be able to get affordable care for themselves or families.

With the Dobbs case, its immediate effect state law triggers a decrease in the number of abortion clinics. With many closed doors in response in the legal environment, such as with Texas the Senate Bill 8 which bans abortion for six weeks leading to closing doors in many clinics. Meaning this ban for the six weeks if wanting an abortion having to travel out-state despite the financial struggles. 

With women of low-income and color it was near to impossible to get as the financial burden enduring to get these abortion services. For example, women who live in the rural part of Texas having to travel great distances to receive the support need to abort, especially with the lack of resources near it a death sentence for them. “Abortion and rape: Answering the arguments for abortion rights (by Beckwith) It is also said that a pregnancy caused by rape or incest is the result of a grave injustice and that the victim should not be obliged to carry the fetus to viability. This would keep reminding her for nine months of the violence committed against her and would just increase her mental anguish.”. (Abortion and rape: Answering the arguments for abortion rights by Beckwith). With certain crimes inflicted on women, forcing survivors to carry on a child in the term of rape or even incest, give psychological harm that would cause depression or even PTSD. Also with the level of severity, it could become hard to treat .

The Dobbs decision had made a revolutionary change that provided potential risk to medical professionals who provide care in restrictive states. Its legal risks have many doctors and healthcare concerned about the potential repercussions that follow for providing abortion services. The fear of a lawsuit that could cause them to lose their jobs and families resulting in losing their livelihood and becoming homeless because of the state’s laws.  These implications have made recent events for access to abortion seem to be eliminated with the Dobbs case with no real changes. Federal laws against abortion have some states trying to protect abortion access, while others enacted the ban creating a wall for women of low income and women of color.

In conclusion, the legal and political struggles surrounding abortion rights are fraught with uncertainty. As the United state progress, The role of the Supreme court, federal government, and  healthcare provider is critical to determining to the accessibility of abortion services whether in cases of rape or even incest. The future of reproductive rights hinges on the advocacy for legal protection and healthcare access in all states. Instead of letting political debates and government official rights shaping the nation’s approach to abortion in coming years. It calls for societal speak-up for an awareness of the changes, not protecting everyone’s human rights. 

Commentary 

I’ve gained a deeper knowledge of the legal implications of the Dobbs vs Jackson case not only revolutionizing the impacts of healthcare given to women, but also it affects marginalized groups in the United states.

References 

Abrams, A., & Carlisle, M. (2022, June 24). The Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, undoing the constitutional right to abortion. TIME. https://time.com/6189476/abortion-supreme-court-overturns-roe-v-wade/​

American Civil Liberties Union. (2022, January 21). Abortion is essential: Stories of liberation. ACLU. https://www.aclu.org/news/reproductive-freedom/abortion-is-essential-stories-of-liberation​

Beckwith, F. J. (n.d.). Abortion and rape: Answering the arguments for abortion rights.   Christian Research Institute. Retrieved April 29, 2025, from https://www.equip.org/articles/abortion-and-rape-answering-the-arguments-for-abortion-rights/

Guttmacher Institute. (n.d.). Guttmacher Institute | Center facts. Shape policy. Advance sexual and reproductive rights. Retrieved April 27, 2025, from https://www.guttmacher.org​Guttmacher Institute

Planned Parenthood Action. (2023, May 19). https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/blog/reminder-theres-widespread-support-for-abortion-access

How Recent Events have impacted the service of Abortion service in the United states?

Research Question: How has recent events, legal and political, impact the access of abortion services in the United States ?

1. Guttmacher Institute. (n.d.). Guttmacher Institute | Center facts. Shape policy. Advance sexual and reproductive rights. Retrieved April 27, 2025, from https://www.guttmacher.org​Guttmacher Institute
   

Summary: This source from the Guttmacher Institute provides substance information on abortion rates and factors that influence access to abortion services in the United states. Discussing how state laws such as parental consent and or mandatory counseling prohibit obtaining contraceptives. Providing the legal surrounding abortion rights, which restrict state laws and significance of supreme court.

Relevance: This article is for understanding the current state of abortion rights in the U.S. and the legal frameworks that govern them. That provides data and analysis that can support arguments related to the social impact of abortion legislation.

Connection: It can be Useful to anyone researching current events and topics related to abortion.

2. Abrams, A., & Carlisle, M. (2022, June 24).  Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, undoing the constitutional right to abortion. TIME. https://time.com/6189476/abortion-supreme-court-overturns-roe-v-wade/​

Summary : This article foretells the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision to override Roe v. Wade, explaining how the decision of abortion access puts a ban in America, especially in states with restrictive laws for what’s allowed for women’s choices of their bodies. It also discusses the transitioning landscape of reproductive rights and the legal battles ahead. That foretells the uncertainty of future reproductive rights for in-state. 

Relevance : The article is highlighted for understanding consequences of Roe v. Wade being overturned. As well as, providing insight into  political shifts involving reproductive rights in the U.S.

Connection: Analysis for after-Roe fight for rights and explore the long term effect abortion can have. 

3. Planned Parenthood. (2020). “Abortion: What You Need to Know.”
   https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/blog/reminder-theres-widespread-support-for-abortion-access?utm_source=chatgpt.com
   

Summary: This webpage offers a deep explanation of abortion process, such as the different methods involved in what women endure, and the medical and emotional aspects surrounding abortion. It also addresses misconceptions such as the safety and legal practices providing a comprehensive guide on where and how people can access abortion services. With stating that legal abortion is available to women of all ages with safe procedures. Providing an overview of in state prohibition women have with abortion services.

Relevance: This resource is essential for understanding the medical practices of abortion, addressing the different opportunities instead of taking abortion rights. Helping  clarify the debate about the safety and ethics of abortion process with the amount of death counts happening within the U.S.

Connection: Providing a perspective for the reader to be given a moral understanding of how unethical these practices are to do on humans. Picking the reader’s brain to get a choice of the importance of safety of abortion services.

4. American Civil Liberties Union. (2022, January 21). Abortion is essential: Stories of liberation. ACLU. https://www.aclu.org/news/reproductive-freedom/abortion-is-essential-stories-of-liberation​

Summary: This article gives understanding of the legal history of abortion rights in the U.S.such as Roe v. Wade, Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the state-level challenges to abortion laws. It discusses the implications of reproductive justice that deepen the issue of racism and economic inequality. Individual not having their own freedom of choice being denied and with this article highlight story of this taking place in America

Relevance: This source is important for understanding the legal battles over abortion rights, due to Supreme Court decisions. It provides an analysis of civil liberties involving debates.

Connection: Valuable to those who seek a different understanding on abortion rights, Particular scholar who chose to study the field.

5.  Beckwith, F. J. (n.d.). Abortion and rape: Answering the arguments for abortion rights. Christian Research Institute. Retrieved April 29, 2025 https://www.equip.org/articles/abortion-and-rape-answering-the-arguments-for-abortion-rights/

Summary: Beckwith argues that abortion, even in cases of rape and incest, is not morally justified because the fetus is still a human precious life. He believes support should be given to the mother-not by ending the pregnancy, but protecting both lives. However, ultimately supporting the choice of whether the mother keeps the child or not.

Relevance: This article is relevant to the debate of abortion, being in a difficult situation such as rape or incest, challenging the idea of abortion being grace.With the article urging even the readers to conside the morality status of a unborn child

   Connection: Beckwith offers a clear pro-life perspective, on the right of the unborn child having its right to live, no matter the circumstances. It provides the alternative view of abortion with the right to live. 

Anthony Pointer 

                City College of New York 

         ENGL 21002: Writing For Social Sciences

     C.Rodwell

        May 5th

My observation will focus on the Twitch-based Roblox community fostering positive interactions between streamers and viewers, focusing on chat engagements and the present trolling happening within the game. Download through the app store whether on the iphone or android, any mobile device, Roblox is an online network that enables players to create and play games. It enables a highly interactive community to make games that allow everyone to participate. Admins create servers with different types of themes and games such as anime or russian roulette games. Whether it’ll be anime or russian roulette, they would promote it through streamers. As these content creators would provide gameplay and engage with the audience. This would allow them to immerse themselves with their chat.  Moderators are the backbone for a streamer, this title is given to members of their community to enforce the rule with the chat of the streamer and their community, this way it allows less profanity and negativity in the community in which they have.

Twitch and Roblox go hand-to-hand with each other, streams can allow competitive events with other streamers such as a tournament. Where other content creators would compete in certain servers for money. Within every roblox platform, there will be an objective in each game for the streamers to find out and/or overcome. This allows for the viewer to fill in with their engagement with the game to provide helpful  pointers for the streamer. Through seeing the gameplay, the behavior and engagement with the community. With Moderates in chat to enforce rules and making sure there is no bullying and harassment in chat 

One streamer on twitch that was considered a Roblox streamer is an English streamer, Yora_uma. This streamer played different games on Roblox daily with his most recent one being Birb with a day involved in playing hiking to a mountain to fish out the caves while they climb higher. Observing him play with his friends to do tasks that would require multiple hands. He actively fosters a family friendly stream of just inviting everyone in chat to play with him in a positive environment. With moderators enforcing rules in his chat and giving warning to those who don’t follow it. Receiving a variety of punishments such as getting banned from his streamer or being a subscriber.

My first finding, many  Roblox games such as community based “Brookhaven” or “Adopt me”. Roblox moderators in the game enforce rules everyone is supposed to follow in chat such as giving warnings or timing out the user who violates the rules . The message would be no spamming, repeating messages excessively, no self-promotion, respect for others , no hate speech, bullying, or harassment. These messages on stream would be taken into account and be deleted if broken. Moderators are the security of the Roblox community. They actively set the tone for what is and isn’t allowed within the chats in-game. Giving the player a good time in the game to keep it a non-bullying and harassment. And without this, games would spiral into toxic and full chaos behavior. 

My second finding , A major disruption in popular Roblox games being stream snipers or trolls  would join the games and disrupt everybody in the lobby.  In certain games such as “Murder Mystery 2” or “Towers of hell”, stream snipers would use tactics of repeatedly killing the player, cheating and flooding the chat with insults. Yora_uma chats in-game would be flooded with accusations on players of the game, with killing the person repeatedly. The behavior is aggravating for the entire roblox community as the only way to fix it is to end the game or switch servers. Ruining the whole gaming experience for each player in the entire server. Which would cause the whole Roblox community to lobby within the game to focus their attention on them. Forcing alliance with one another to take down the threat by using reporting tools and enforcing moderators’ kicks. 

This third finding discusses how Roblox players would use “W”/ “L” or “brb” in chat to express a great accomplishment/victory. “W” , expressing a win or accomplishment, “L” being a loss or disappointment and “brb” (be right back). In a “Brookhaven” server player would type “W” dad after a player roleplaying a father figure in game would hand out items. Or in a competitive game spamming “L” representing the fall taken. Created a language to be an emotion expression using this language being an upstart trend to create a positive light on the game. Its lingo has people feeling connected to making new friends along the way on Roblox.  

Lastly, a powerful example of Roblox chat community building a public server for a birthday celebration. In Brookhaven, a user would say “it’s my birthday today” and a dozen flooded chat messages then “happy birthday” or “W starter pack”. The mood would have a more festive and celebration within the lobby to give chat to recognition of others and its emotional aspect to the community it has created. Where strangers digitally can be appreciated and felt seen as something bigger.

Robux has currency within the game, this would buy you avatar ( Knight armor, skirts, etc), pets. It would be worn in the game as a cosmetic. Also within the game, there would be cheats to be brought which gave you abilities to use in game helping get through easier. As well as, you see it promoting the game on different platforms such as youtube, kick and that create trends that people would do in game. Which makes building large structures and more interactions. Finding roblox is a platform to find a safe haven to find, understand who can relate to you, and communicate so you learn how to have conversations about what is happening around that world.  

With Roblox expanding across the globe, with it having European, American, Chinese all interacting in multiple languages. Yet, even though there are no age restrictions within each of the games. Every Platform of games on Roblox is usually for ages of 18 and higher. This is because there can be explicit, grueling and blooding games not for young kids. Roblox survey over children engaged in the game in order to protect its users. Inappropriate language, content and behavior while in game. That would include chat filtering meaning filtering curse word and content, being the avatar used has to be fully clothed at all times. If one of these rules are broken, users are allowed to report the player for indecency activity. Roblox will notice these actions and ban the account of the player. This game allows for the parent to have secondary control over what the child can see.

Being on the iphone, android and other mobile apps was just the start to it  expanding on the electronic consoles. Such as Xbox one, PS4, PS5 allowing for party chat( essentially the same as a phone call on consoles) where users of Roblox enjoys games such as murder mystery, survival games, horror games.Within these games Robloxs, they would include codes that users could use to receive certain gifts in game as well as on the platform. Such as Robux, that would enable players to buy avatars. With the occurrence of currency, Roblox games including Adopt me!Blox Fruit and other players can purchase items of random rarity and use or trade these items with other players. That can be seen as gambling because even though most games are entailed for 18 and higher, younger players who know nothing about probability can gamble their money in order for the chance they receive a reward. Leading to family relationship problems with parents and kids, who don’t understand the value of money in-real life. 

To summarize, The Roblox community is a dynamic environment for streamers and viewers can have an enjoyable time to connect and engage with each other. Through friendly streamers such as Yora_uma creating a positive and friendly space that promotes inclusiveness. While overcoming the challenge of stream sniping and cheating, Roblox implements rules to an extent to keep it balanced for players . As well as, Twitch and Roblox being a safe and protected space for younger audiences. However, the knowledge of potential risk and schemes with the game. It also creates an environment to foster friendships across the globe while finding things that they enjoy and love within the world. 

Commentary

  I was mostly intrigued by how important moderators are with both the roblox and twitch community. They maintain order and are positive in chat and bring about structure and a welcoming environment. Teaching me about how to remain respectful in places I’m unfamiliar in and the action of accountability to not cause disruption.

References 

Carter, M., & Hardwick, T. (2025, March 23). “Literally just child gambling”: what kids say about Roblox, lootboxes and money in online games. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/literally-just-child-gambling-what-kids-say-about-roblox-lootboxes-and-money-in-online-games-250387

‌Roblox. (n.d.). Britannica Kids. https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Roblox/632627

Twitch. (n.d.). Twitch: Interactive live streaming. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.twitch.tv/

Yoru_Uma – Twitch. (2025). Twitch. https://www.twitch.tv/yoru_uma

 .

Anthony Pointer 

                City College of New York 

         ENGL 21002: Writing For Social Sciences

     C.Rodwell

        May 5th

My observation will focus on the Twitch-based Roblox community fostering positive interactions between streamers and viewers, focusing on chat engagements and the present trolling happening within the game. Download through the app store whether on the iphone or android, any mobile device, Roblox is an online network that enables players to create and play games. It enables a highly interactive community to make games that allow everyone to participate. Admins create servers with different types of themes and games such as anime or russian roulette games. Whether it’ll be anime or russian roulette, they would promote it through streamers. As these content creators would provide gameplay and engage with the audience. This would allow them to immerse themselves with their chat.  Moderators are the backbone for a streamer, this title is given to members of their community to enforce the rule with the chat of the streamer and their community, this way it allows less profanity and negativity in the community in which they have.

Twitch and Roblox go hand-to-hand with each other, streams can allow competitive events with other streamers such as a tournament. Where other content creators would compete in certain servers for money. Within every roblox platform, there will be an objective in each game for the streamers to find out and/or overcome. This allows for the viewer to fill in with their engagement with the game to provide helpful  pointers for the streamer. Through seeing the gameplay, the behavior and engagement with the community. With Moderates in chat to enforce rules and making sure there is no bullying and harassment in chat 

One streamer on twitch that was considered a Roblox streamer is an English streamer, Yora_uma. This streamer played different games on Roblox daily with his most recent one being Birb with a day involved in playing hiking to a mountain to fish out the caves while they climb higher. Observing him play with his friends to do tasks that would require multiple hands. He actively fosters a family friendly stream of just inviting everyone in chat to play with him in a positive environment. With moderators enforcing rules in his chat and giving warning to those who don’t follow it. Receiving a variety of punishments such as getting banned from his streamer or being a subscriber.

My first finding, many  Roblox games such as community based “Brookhaven” or “Adopt me”. Roblox moderators in the game enforce rules everyone is supposed to follow in chat such as giving warnings or timing out the user who violates the rules . The message would be no spamming, repeating messages excessively, no self-promotion, respect for others , no hate speech, bullying, or harassment. These messages on stream would be taken into account and be deleted if broken. Moderators are the security of the Roblox community. They actively set the tone for what is and isn’t allowed within the chats in-game. Giving the player a good time in the game to keep it a non-bullying and harassment. And without this, games would spiral into toxic and full chaos behavior. 

My second finding , A major disruption in popular Roblox games being stream snipers or trolls  would join the games and disrupt everybody in the lobby.  In certain games such as “Murder Mystery 2” or “Towers of hell”, stream snipers would use tactics of repeatedly killing the player, cheating and flooding the chat with insults. Yora_uma chats in-game would be flooded with accusations on players of the game, with killing the person repeatedly. The behavior is aggravating for the entire roblox community as the only way to fix it is to end the game or switch servers. Ruining the whole gaming experience for each player in the entire server. Which would cause the whole Roblox community to lobby within the game to focus their attention on them. Forcing alliance with one another to take down the threat by using reporting tools and enforcing moderators’ kicks. 

This third finding discusses how Roblox players would use “W”/ “L” or “brb” in chat to express a great accomplishment/victory. “W” , expressing a win or accomplishment, “L” being a loss or disappointment and “brb” (be right back). In a “Brookhaven” server player would type “W” dad after a player roleplaying a father figure in game would hand out items. Or in a competitive game spamming “L” representing the fall taken. Created a language to be an emotion expression using this language being an upstart trend to create a positive light on the game. Its lingo has people feeling connected to making new friends along the way on Roblox.  

Lastly, a powerful example of Roblox chat community building a public server for a birthday celebration. In Brookhaven, a user would say “it’s my birthday today” and a dozen flooded chat messages then “happy birthday” or “W starter pack”. The mood would have a more festive and celebration within the lobby to give chat to recognition of others and its emotional aspect to the community it has created. Where strangers digitally can be appreciated and felt seen as something bigger.

Robux has currency within the game, this would buy you avatar ( Knight armor, skirts, etc), pets. It would be worn in the game as a cosmetic. Also within the game, there would be cheats to be brought which gave you abilities to use in game helping get through easier. As well as, you see it promoting the game on different platforms such as youtube, kick and that create trends that people would do in game. Which makes building large structures and more interactions. Finding roblox is a platform to find a safe haven to find, understand who can relate to you, and communicate so you learn how to have conversations about what is happening around that world.  

With Roblox expanding across the globe, with it having European, American, Chinese all interacting in multiple languages. Yet, even though there are no age restrictions within each of the games. Every Platform of games on Roblox is usually for ages of 18 and higher. This is because there can be explicit, grueling and blooding games not for young kids. Roblox survey over children engaged in the game in order to protect its users. Inappropriate language, content and behavior while in game. That would include chat filtering meaning filtering curse word and content, being the avatar used has to be fully clothed at all times. If one of these rules are broken, users are allowed to report the player for indecency activity. Roblox will notice these actions and ban the account of the player. This game allows for the parent to have secondary control over what the child can see.

Being on the iphone, android and other mobile apps was just the start to it  expanding on the electronic consoles. Such as Xbox one, PS4, PS5 allowing for party chat( essentially the same as a phone call on consoles) where users of Roblox enjoys games such as murder mystery, survival games, horror games.Within these games Robloxs, they would include codes that users could use to receive certain gifts in game as well as on the platform. Such as Robux, that would enable players to buy avatars. With the occurrence of currency, Roblox games including Adopt me!Blox Fruit and other players can purchase items of random rarity and use or trade these items with other players. That can be seen as gambling because even though most games are entailed for 18 and higher, younger players who know nothing about probability can gamble their money in order for the chance they receive a reward. Leading to family relationship problems with parents and kids, who don’t understand the value of money in-real life. 

To summarize, The Roblox community is a dynamic environment for streamers and viewers can have an enjoyable time to connect and engage with each other. Through friendly streamers such as Yora_uma creating a positive and friendly space that promotes inclusiveness. While overcoming the challenge of stream sniping and cheating, Roblox implements rules to an extent to keep it balanced for players . As well as, Twitch and Roblox being a safe and protected space for younger audiences. However, the knowledge of potential risk and schemes with the game. It also creates an environment to foster friendships across the globe while finding things that they enjoy and love within the world. 

Commentary

  I was mostly intrigued by how important moderators are with both the roblox and twitch community. They maintain order and are positive in chat and bring about structure and a welcoming environment. Teaching me about how to remain respectful in places I’m unfamiliar in and the action of accountability to not cause disruption.

References 

Carter, M., & Hardwick, T. (2025, March 23). “Literally just child gambling”: what kids say about Roblox, lootboxes and money in online games. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/literally-just-child-gambling-what-kids-say-about-roblox-lootboxes-and-money-in-online-games-250387

‌Roblox. (n.d.). Britannica Kids. https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Roblox/632627

Twitch. (n.d.). Twitch: Interactive live streaming. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://www.twitch.tv/

Yoru_Uma – Twitch. (2025). Twitch. https://www.twitch.tv/yoru_uma

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Bridging Culture: Dominican in America

                                                            Anthony Pointer 

                                                       City College of New York 

                                       ENGL 21002: Writing For Social Science 

                                                                 C.Rodwell

                                                          February 25h, 2025

Relative to the human rights practice in DR, Knowing my friend Yashua with his mother side being Dominican Republic while his dad side is Jamaican . I have interviewed him about his view of living in America his whole life. Being 19 years old, he grew up in Dyckman since he could remember his mother’s touch. His family lived in America for countless years, so growing up he primarily used English with his peers in order to converse with them. As well as, he struggles with  actually talking with his family because his Spanish is butchered. Growing up in a bilingual world shaped his understanding of the difference of the world. Such diversity when growing up in New York allowed him to meet new people and understand different cultures. He was a student from City Tech in Jay Street. Having been out of college and school for around 3 Years now because, during his first attempt at college, I dropped out. His major at Bronx Community College is Radiology technology mainly because my sister suggested it. 

His family being a big part of his life, being a man living in America. He saw the effect of gender inequality while living in a Dominican household. Dealing with the indifference of being a man because he would get luxurious treatment making him uncomfortable. As he wouldn’t see men or women while making peers, instead he saw someone who could understand him. His sister was a motivational speaker for his college major, adolescent advice. He loved learning about distinctive cultures, especially the ones that are his own. Each side from his background brings something unique, from traditions and languages to food and history.  Adapting to the ability to adjust to different languages and methods of communication while balancing his identity in informal settings since he was surrounded by a variety of groups. He saw how sexism affects the men and women within his own culture. Due to harsh amounts of discrimination/segregation living in america. Dominicans stereotypes are the result of America sexism. This is one issue for women while being a minority in America. 

Another is the linguistic/language barrier between Americans and Dominicans. Dominican as his grandmother was an immigrant later, so English was a foreign language for her. It was a strong link for her so he had to interpret words for both her and others. Through conducting this interview I got to understand and connect with him. He spoke about a holiday his family celebrates. On the 24th of December, his grandma makes a bunch of food for the family in order to come together and have a good time, laughter. So everyone has a good time just before Christmas. With the Dominican culture very in tune with including everyone even in their neighborhood. Everyone knows each other and he explains the beauty of his culture.

Finally, the stereotype that is made about dominican having a severe impact on living in America. Due to the misconception of being in the Dominican republic with gangs and drugs. They face a lot of discrimination, For example Yashua Mother is Dominican and Father is Jamaican. Many could assume Yashua is Black or Dominican which can border their perception of how they see themselves. That emotionally disconnects him from his culture of being a proud Dominican. The Dominican culture is complex, breaking down and truly understanding it making it simpler to have interactions about the proudness of this culture. I wouldn’t want anyone to take is culture to assume it as a race or ethnicity it not either. 

  I will be interviewing my friend Yashua who is from Dyckman from the Bronx at the age of 19. At the time of conducting this interview walking home from His College of Bronx Community college, basically shiver. Wearing a Black Nike Tech, washing repeatedly that same week.  

A1:How has being Dominican affected you growing up in America? 

Y1: It was affected positively, since it is such a nice culture, I was raised with more privileges.

A2:
 next question, how do you define being Dominican? 

Y2:Being Dominican is basically a family and alot of bonding. Being a closed off culture. 

A3:How does your Dominican heritage influence your daily life? 


Y3:It affected me daily when going home because his Dominican grandmother treated me really well and made sure I ate at all because it’s kind of a sexist culture. I won’t lie. Oh, really? 
So they care more about the men than the women. Yeah.  How did this make you feel?? I felt indifferent because I was benefiting from it the most. My grandma would make sure I would cherish gifts under the christmas tree as well as food in my stomach.  

A4:Next question, what Dominican traditions are most important in your family? 

Y4:There is a holiday on the 24th. I forgot the name of it in my culture but My grandmother takes it very seriously and makes a lot of food on that day. you told me, right?. 
And you guys celebrated specifically. Yeah. I see. 


A5, how do you connect with Dominican culture while living outside of DR? 

Y5:The thing is that my neighborhood is full of Dominican people in general, so it’s not very hard. 
It feels like you’re in the Dominican republic, but like a more advanced version. DR itself? What are the differences you’ve seen in your neighborhood from DR ?? DR is a broken down road and every cheap quality. The policing is brutal because they would terrorize the girls in the country no matter the age of it being 14 any age. 

A6:Yeah… What’s your favorite Dominican dish, and how does it reconnect you to DR while living in America? 

Y6:
My favorite dish is that you arvores compou, because the food, the Spanish food itself, is so good and so seasoned that it reminds me like that is really like levels to this. 

A7:Yeah, like, is it hard to like, um make the dish while living in America? 

Y7:Like far in the products and stuff? 
huh? No, like supermarkets, specifically for arrangements like my neighborhood there’s a one called dance. uh, well, there’s a bunch of the Broms and stuff. 

A8:Okay.
Next question, How does your family celebrate important life events in a Dominican way? 

Y8::We don’t like it at all. 
Not really celebrated. decided to see my second party. You guys say, um, your songs in Spanish sometimes? because mostly. 
Oh, really? grandma. okay, okay, okay. Um, I feel like that’s common for like usually the grandma not to, like speak English, but I feel like they immigrate later. so, like, maybe that’s what, yeah. She came to the country at like 13 years old, so that makes sense. 

A9:
How have you ever experienced their stereotypes about being an American and how do you respond to them?

Y9:  Yes but personally, me . I don’t do anything.. 
Yeah, it’s just something like going to say to you. Yeah, yeah, I. 

A10:Last question, what aspects of Dominican culture do you wanna pass down to the future? 

Y10: Definitely the food and the family.

A:okay. All right, 

Y: thank you for your time, 

The complexities of gender roles and cultural identity. While being very young, there were very significant moments of change in me . Seeing instances of sexism in my culture of being African-American. For example ,when my father declares the  kitchen is a woman’s place in front of my mother. This happened at a very immature age, that made me view the female society differently. As such when I would get fed first by my grandmother or just randomly ask if I was alright. It became normal but seems abnormal because even though my sister would do one little thing she would get yelled at and reprimanded so harshly. However, I would do a lot but never receive much chastise from any adult lady in my family. The reason was me being the only boy, they felt they had to take so much care of me. Within this time, I understood the deeper implication this has on the effect on women. This connection made the conversation during the interview more inclusive, being it had me ponder on more questions after realizing how reflective this question is for similar upbringings as the two of us. It deepens our understanding of the impact women feeling with the neglect of males.  This restructure of these gender norms, where male and women should be able to express themselves in whichever way they want.  Another topic discussed that was very different for me was Language. English was my first language, so it came naturally for me. But I would be open to of course learning a new language such as Spanish to communicate with others such as his grandmother, who immigrated at a young age. Also, getting some food from his culture he recommends “ arvores compou”. I like his relaxationess where he essentially does care about what people actually say about his culture. Stereotypes are very dangerous even leading to death for some people.

      References 

Yashua, J.(2025 February 24th.) Bridging culture:

 Being Dominican In America( P. Anthony Interviewer)

[Personal Communication]

Greetings everyone? Welcome to my ENGL2102 portfolio. My name is Anthony Pointer and I am an Electrical engineering major. I am from New York City, Brooklyn  and I speak English. I enjoy going to the gym, doing sports such as track and field, basketball, and swimming. At the end of my time here at CCNY I hope to Graduate with honor and make friends to network as well as introducing myself to college professors. My portfolio entails my transcultural writing , field of observation essay and  I hope you enjoy it.