VIP Class Notes (Raph)

Vocabulary

Normalize (v): 1- to make something wrong or unnatural appear normal.
E.g.: We cannot normalize this type of behavior.

Outcry (n): 1- a strong expression of anger and disapproval about something, made by a group of people or by the public.
E.g.: The release from prison of two of the terrorists has provoked a public outcry.

Pornography (n): 1- books, magazines, films, etc. with no artistic value that describe or show sexual acts or naked people in a way that is intended to be sexually exciting.
E.g.: There is a major campaign against pornography happening in the country.
E.g.: hard(-core) (= very detailed) porn
E.g.: soft(-core) (= not very detailed) porn

Cyber- (prefix): 1- involving, using, or relating to computers, especially the internet.
E.g.: Cybersecurity / cybercrime / cyberculture

Violate (v): 1- to break or act against something, especially a law, agreement, principle, or something that should be treated with respect.
E.g.: They were charged with violating federal law.
E.g.: The doctor has been accused of violating professional ethics.

Inviolable (adj): 1- that must be respected and not removed or ignored.
E.g.: Everyone has an inviolable right to protection by a fair legal system.

Sexual harassment (n): 1- unwanted or offensive sexual attention, suggestions, or talk, especially from someone who is in a position of power.
E.g.: There are major sexual harassment scandals happening right now.
E.g.: We need to address the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Social media site reverses LGBT ban after outcry
(Source: www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1804/180418-lgbt.html)

One of China’s largest social media sites, Weibo, has reversed a ban on users posting online content related to LGBT issues. On Friday, the social networking giant issued a statement announcing that for the next three months, it would be deleting images, cartoons and videos that were “related to homosexuality”. It also said it would remove content with “pornographic implications” or content that promoted “bloody violence”. The Internet company said it was part of a new “clean-up campaign” that intended “to create a sunny and harmonious community environment” within China’s online community. It also said it was complying with China’s cyber-security laws.

Weibo reversed the decision on Monday following a passionate public outcry from the country’s Internet users. Many of Weibo’s LGBT community responded to the initial ban by posting photos of themselves with their partners, often adding rainbow emojis. Many people cited China’s constitution, which protects minorities. One user said the constitution maintains that the “personal dignity” of citizens is “inviolable” and that insult directed against citizens is prohibited. A woman from Shanghai posted: “I suddenly find that in this strong country, Weibo is discriminating against and attacking this sexual minority.” Weibo responded to the outcry by reversing its decision and thanking everyone for the discussion.

Grammar

Search internet – Search engine

Before I go here. – Before I came here.

I cannot to express my opinion – I cannot express my opinion.

I need to learn a lot a lot of vocabulary for the medical. – I need to learn a lot a lot of medical vocabulary.

When I was young I could to remember things more quickly. – When I was young I could remember things more quickly.

Pronunciation

Pornography: /pɔːrˈnɑː.ɡrə.fi/

Harassment: /həˈræs.mənt/

Harmony: /ˈhɑːr.mə.ni/

Harmonious: /hɑːrˈmoʊ.ni.əs/

Inviolable: /ɪnˈvaɪə.lə.bəl/

Violate: /ˈvaɪ.ə.leɪt/

Scrambled: /ˌ’skræm.bəld/

Cilantro: /səˈlæn.troʊ/

Decision: /dɪˈsɪʒ.ən/

Almond: /ˈɑːl.mənd/

Quinoa: /kɪnˈwɑː/

Tutor: /ˈtuː.t̬ɚ/

Issue: /ˈɪʃ.uː/