Saturday, May 14, 2016
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Remembered Rapture
Prompt: How does having an educational background change the way you understand a story?
(Remembered Rapture by Bell Hooks)
A lack of education can cause a person to be very one sided. This is due to the fact that they base their opinions solely on what they have experienced. However, they do not have the knowledge of other places or cultures to compare the writing to. For this reason, aspects of a story can seem very offensive. An explanation for this might be that they feel targeted based on things like gender or race and the stereotypical duties that come with these labels.
On the other hand, having an educational background can help the reader perceive the story differently. Remembered Rapture by Bell Hooks expresses this idea when comparing the thoughts of her parents to the views of her siblings. Since Hooks' parents did not attend college, they view her interpretations of their family life as false. However, her siblings that have attended college, are a lot more supportive and understanding when it comes to Bell Hooks writing and memories. Although educated people might not agree with what is being said, they can have an easier time accepting what the text has to say. This is because they are more informed about the obstacles other people and groups face. They also see that writing is a form of self expression that can be interpreted differently based on the open mindedness of others.
A Small Place
Prompt: Why do tourists view their vacation destination differently than those that actually live there?
(A Small Place by Jamaica Kincaid)
When visiting a different place on vacation, people tend to see beautiful parts of that piece of land. Referring to A Small Place by Jamaica Kincaid, she states on page 4, "You can stay in this place where the sun always shines and where the climate is ridiculously hot and dry for the four to ten days you are going to be staying there." This makes the vacation spot seem like a dreamland. However, people fail to realize that although they are experiencing the top quality aspects of this place, there are those that are suffering in poorer parts of this location.
I believe that tourists tend to ignore the fact that others are struggling because they do not encounter such people. This is because the vacationers stay at places like resorts, which supply them with goods and necessities to accommodate the traveler's stay. Another reason for this blindness is that many tourists only see the nice parts of the destination. This gives off the assumption that every other place around there is similar because they are part of the same land. Based on the way that hotels and guides create this pleasant experience, those traveling are given a false perception of what is actually occurring. Therefore they are too focused on all of the positive things that are presented to them to notice that other people do not have essential resources like clean water, which they need to survive.
(A Small Place by Jamaica Kincaid)
When visiting a different place on vacation, people tend to see beautiful parts of that piece of land. Referring to A Small Place by Jamaica Kincaid, she states on page 4, "You can stay in this place where the sun always shines and where the climate is ridiculously hot and dry for the four to ten days you are going to be staying there." This makes the vacation spot seem like a dreamland. However, people fail to realize that although they are experiencing the top quality aspects of this place, there are those that are suffering in poorer parts of this location.
I believe that tourists tend to ignore the fact that others are struggling because they do not encounter such people. This is because the vacationers stay at places like resorts, which supply them with goods and necessities to accommodate the traveler's stay. Another reason for this blindness is that many tourists only see the nice parts of the destination. This gives off the assumption that every other place around there is similar because they are part of the same land. Based on the way that hotels and guides create this pleasant experience, those traveling are given a false perception of what is actually occurring. Therefore they are too focused on all of the positive things that are presented to them to notice that other people do not have essential resources like clean water, which they need to survive.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Coyote and the Pebbles
Prompt: What are the negatives of only considering your own desires?
(Coyote and the Pebbles- Dayton Edmunds)
Often, people are not grateful for the things that they have or the events that take place in their life. They make it a necessity to have things done their way. This causes people to focus on tiny individual events. However, this can make a person ignore the bigger picture of how these situations add up as a whole. This topic can be shown through the story Coyote and the Pebbles by Dayton Edmunds, where selfish animals desire light for the night creatures. Although they receive this light by the end of the story, they are still unsatisfied because it was not in the way that they had in mind.
This connects to today's world because people have to learn to accept the fact that they can't have full control over the occurrences in their life. Other influences, whether it be things like people or the environment, have an effect on the way plans are carried out. It must be remembered that even if things do not go as expected, a good outcome can come from it. It is possible to still achieve long and short term goals despite these obstacles, but you may have to take a different path to get there. A good quote to represent this positive way of thinking comes from the story Coyote and the Pebbles, which states, "By looking at yesterday and its consequences, one can change tomorrow." Therefore, people need to gain a better outlook and not dwell on events of the past.
(Coyote and the Pebbles- Dayton Edmunds)
Often, people are not grateful for the things that they have or the events that take place in their life. They make it a necessity to have things done their way. This causes people to focus on tiny individual events. However, this can make a person ignore the bigger picture of how these situations add up as a whole. This topic can be shown through the story Coyote and the Pebbles by Dayton Edmunds, where selfish animals desire light for the night creatures. Although they receive this light by the end of the story, they are still unsatisfied because it was not in the way that they had in mind.
This connects to today's world because people have to learn to accept the fact that they can't have full control over the occurrences in their life. Other influences, whether it be things like people or the environment, have an effect on the way plans are carried out. It must be remembered that even if things do not go as expected, a good outcome can come from it. It is possible to still achieve long and short term goals despite these obstacles, but you may have to take a different path to get there. A good quote to represent this positive way of thinking comes from the story Coyote and the Pebbles, which states, "By looking at yesterday and its consequences, one can change tomorrow." Therefore, people need to gain a better outlook and not dwell on events of the past.
Coraline
Prompt: What are some reasons in today's world that make people feel neglected? (Coraline- Neil Gaiman)
Many people are never completely satisfied with their lives. This causes them to solely focus on themselves in order to gain a sense of self fulfillment. Through this process many social ties are cut off, causing others to feel left out. A strong representation of this is shown in the story Coraline by Neil Gaiman. The main character Coraline feels neglected by her parents and seeks their attention.
Many people can connect with Coraline's desire for acknowledgement. This is because people in today's world are extremely disconnected, devoting their time to other things like use of technology and constant work. Often, people will keep to themselves rather than to talk with others. This creates a life of isolation where communication ceases to exist. Instead of speaking with others, people focus their attention on things that they deem to be more important. On the other hand, this can be negative for those who seek recognition and someone to talk to.
Many people are never completely satisfied with their lives. This causes them to solely focus on themselves in order to gain a sense of self fulfillment. Through this process many social ties are cut off, causing others to feel left out. A strong representation of this is shown in the story Coraline by Neil Gaiman. The main character Coraline feels neglected by her parents and seeks their attention.
Many people can connect with Coraline's desire for acknowledgement. This is because people in today's world are extremely disconnected, devoting their time to other things like use of technology and constant work. Often, people will keep to themselves rather than to talk with others. This creates a life of isolation where communication ceases to exist. Instead of speaking with others, people focus their attention on things that they deem to be more important. On the other hand, this can be negative for those who seek recognition and someone to talk to.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Oscar Wao- Escaping From Reality
Prompt: Why do people use certain activities to serve as an escape from their troubles?
During rough times, many people find outlets to distract them from the occurring situation. These activities can help take their emotions and exert those feelings into something physical. By doing so, it serves as a temporary block of how they really feel. An example of this is present in the book The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz. Here, Oscar turns to writing sci-fi pieces when he feels rejected or upset.
On the other hand, I believe that this is the wrong path to take. This because many people who go down this road begin to isolate themselves, which can amplify these negative feelings even more. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao represents this on page 32 when the narrator states that Oscar felt lonely when all he did was played games, read books, and wrote. By not outwardly expressing your emotions, they will get bottled up until you reach a breaking point. However, if you expressed how you felt, you would be able to gain a better understanding and possible solution as to how you can move on from the situation.
During rough times, many people find outlets to distract them from the occurring situation. These activities can help take their emotions and exert those feelings into something physical. By doing so, it serves as a temporary block of how they really feel. An example of this is present in the book The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz. Here, Oscar turns to writing sci-fi pieces when he feels rejected or upset.
On the other hand, I believe that this is the wrong path to take. This because many people who go down this road begin to isolate themselves, which can amplify these negative feelings even more. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao represents this on page 32 when the narrator states that Oscar felt lonely when all he did was played games, read books, and wrote. By not outwardly expressing your emotions, they will get bottled up until you reach a breaking point. However, if you expressed how you felt, you would be able to gain a better understanding and possible solution as to how you can move on from the situation.
Oscar Wao- Physical Appearance
Prompt: How does physical appearance effect ones life?
Physical appearance serves as a major focus for many humans. One reason as to why people may change the way they appear is to boost their self esteem. This subject plays a crucial role throughout the book of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz. Here, Oscar is very self conscious when it comes to the way that he views himself. On page 16, it states "Over the next couple of years he grew fatter and fatter. Early adolescence hit him especially hard, scrambling his face into nothing you could call cute, splotching his skin with zits." These types of changes are prominent throughout teenage age years as children go through their pubescent stage. Most people have a hard time dealing with these types of changes because it is not fully in their control.
Many people also struggle with personal flaws because they fear judgement. This is also the case with Oscar because he does not fit the stereotypical "normal Dominican man." To become more of a representation of this, on page 30 it states that he takes steps like getting a haircut and buying contacts. Just like many others, these are some of the attempts that people make to fit in with the crowd. I believe that people find this very important because they don't want to feel excluded. By tweaking certain things about yourself, it can make you more confident and satisfied with the way you appear.
Physical appearance serves as a major focus for many humans. One reason as to why people may change the way they appear is to boost their self esteem. This subject plays a crucial role throughout the book of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz. Here, Oscar is very self conscious when it comes to the way that he views himself. On page 16, it states "Over the next couple of years he grew fatter and fatter. Early adolescence hit him especially hard, scrambling his face into nothing you could call cute, splotching his skin with zits." These types of changes are prominent throughout teenage age years as children go through their pubescent stage. Most people have a hard time dealing with these types of changes because it is not fully in their control.
Many people also struggle with personal flaws because they fear judgement. This is also the case with Oscar because he does not fit the stereotypical "normal Dominican man." To become more of a representation of this, on page 30 it states that he takes steps like getting a haircut and buying contacts. Just like many others, these are some of the attempts that people make to fit in with the crowd. I believe that people find this very important because they don't want to feel excluded. By tweaking certain things about yourself, it can make you more confident and satisfied with the way you appear.
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