Kenneth McWilliams
English 102
Professor Salsich
5/09/10
Most believe that from the moment we are born we begin to die. The realization of this fact does not, however, minimize the impact of losing a love one. Dealing with the aftermath of death is the underlying theme of the three poems discussed in this essay. Margaret Atwood, Canadian author and poet, reminisces about the details of her father as she adjusts to life without him in “Bored.” Additionally Emily Dickinson, critically acclaimed as a major American poet, describes the feelings after a loved one dies in “The Bustle in a House”. Lastly, Donald Hall, winner of two Guggenheim Fellowships and the Frost Medal, struggles with letting go in “Letter with no Address.”
In “Bored,” Atwood attempts to cope with the regret following the loss of her father by performing a series of actions. Initially, the loss causes her to reflect on the physical attributes of her father. She recalls “the blackish and then the graying bristles on the back of his neck,” they were more than a detail but an association with a happy moment they shared. Following an important revelation he shared with her about her life, she remembers “the whorled texture of his square finger, earth under the nail.” Additionally, she remembers the moments they shared together. “Holding the log while he sawed” was an insignificant event in itself, however, it was important to her psyche because she assisted him. This was also evident as she talks about “holding the string while he measured, boards, distances between things, or pounded stakes into the ground.” Her last coping method involves her transformation from child to adult. She initially “could hardly wait to get the hell out of there” comparing her life to animals “[spending] most of their time at, ferrying sand, grain by grain […] in their burrows.” As an adult and experiencing this loss she concludes, “Now I wouldn’t be bored. Now I would know too much. Now I would know.” Atwood’s steps to deal with the regret she felt following the loss of her father were necessary for her healing process; just as this poem.
Similarly, Emily Dickinson’s poem “The Bustle in a House,” describes the stages of adjustment many observe following the death of a loved one. First stage is the feeling of emptiness following the death. Ironically, Dickinson uses the statement “bustle in a house” to describe the next day following the news of the death. Remembering the loved one creates a void in the life of the author that is transferred to her surroundings. The second stage, following the realization that the loved one is gone, is the routine it takes. She describes this as the “solemnest of industries” suggesting that dealing with this is like going to a job; a necessary evil. An industry or routine that she expands to the world, as revealed in her statement “enacted on earth.” Lastly, she rationalizes that a regrouping is required to deal with the loss. Regrouping requires “sweeping up the heart” that is broken into pieces from this loss. Followed by “putting love away” that was felt for the person not “to use again until eternity.” The stages described in this poem, suggest a pattern followed by the author to deal with the death of someone loved.
Likewise, Donald Hall takes steps to cope with the emotions following the death of his wife. Initially he manages the emotion by remembering his deceased wife. Every memory is of upmost importance during this phase, such as how she looked “astonishing in the long box” before she was laid to rest. Helping his wife when she could no longer help herself was another important memory that he would “play […] over and over.” Another technique he used in coping was remembering the times they shared together. One of his most cherished moments was “watching [her] gaze out the January window into the garden of snow and ice” as they worked on poems. Even “coming back home” he would keep her memory alive imagining she “returned before [him], bags of groceries upright in the back of the Saab.” Furthermore, he honors her memory by not letting go of her. This is demonstrated by the details surrounding his graveyard visits, as illustrated in his statement “three times today I drove to your grave.” Additionally, he “drive[s] and talk[s] to [her] crying” returning home just “to talk to [her] photograph.” Obviously, the author felt that the steps necessary to deal with the loss of his wife involved keeping her memory alive.
The strong emotion surrounding death has been the topic of preachers, psychics, song writers, and poets for centuries. Atwood’s “Bored,” deals with regret following the loss of a loved one and how she grapples with her feelings. In “The Bustle in a House” Dickinson describes the process of adjustment following a loss of a loved one. Similarly, Hall exhibits a huge loss following his wife’s death and manages his grief by keeping her memory alive. Just as these poets, death can even affect a perfect man, following the death of Lazarus the apostle John writes in chapter 11:35 “Jesus wept.”
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Kenneth McWilliams
English 102
Professor Salsich
4/21/10
A Rude Awakening:
Looking for Trees in the Midst of a Forrest
Awakening, as defined by Dictionary.com, is the recognition, realization, or coming into awareness of something. This theme of awakening is an underlying theme of the three essays discussed in this essay. Ernest Hemingway, acclaimed writer and winner of the 1954 Nobel Prize in Literature, discusses a soldier’s struggle to find his “place” following his return from war in “Soldier’s Home”. Additionally Ralph Ellison, writer and professor, describes the awakening of a child when exposed to various forms of racism. Lastly, Sarah Orne Jewett, American novelist and short story writer, shows the transformation of the main character as she becomes self-aware.
Transitioning into society is still a common theme and relevant issue with many soldiers today. Hemingway in “Soldier’s Home,” discusses a soldier’s struggle to find his “place” following his return home. The soldier’s first identity crises, is directly contributed to the extended period between the end of the war and the soldiers return home. By the time he returned home “the reaction had set in” and Krebs (the main character) did not receive the hero’s welcoming that he felt he deserved. His problems were further exacerbated by the town’s people who felt that “it was ridiculous for Krebs to be getting back so late.” Furthermore, his experience with women while in the army now conflicts with expectations both internally and externally. Krebs stated that American girls “were too complicated,” and that he did not want to deal with “the intrigue and politics” of dating. Krebs mother added external pressure when she stated “the boys are all settling down; they’re all determined to get somewhere.” Additionally, Krebs found it difficult to relate to people following his return home. People were exposed to so many war related stories, that when Krebs “felt the need to talk […] no one wanted to hear about it.” Krebs’ internal conflict and desire to fit in, forced Krebs to lie about his war experience, leading to his own “reaction against the war and against talking about it.” Hemingway masterfully showed how Krebs’ poor timing, attitude toward women, and inability to relate to others, were instrumental in Krebs’ attempt to fit-in.
Similarly, Ralph Ellison’s short story “Battle Royal,” describes the awakening of a child when exposed to various forms of racism. Initially, Ellison describes how racism experienced by the main characters grandfather influenced his early life. On his death bed, his grandfather talked about racism as if it was a war, a war they had lost, and now he had to “keep up the good fight.” The grandfather labeled his own behavior as “treachery,” which led to confusion in the boy “when [he] was praised for [his] conduct.” Additionally, he was further enlightened by the outward display of racism by the leaders of the community. During the battle royal the school superintendent used a derogatory term stating, “Bring up the shines, gentleman! Bring up the little shines!” He was shocked that “they were all there – bankers, lawyers, judges, doctors, fire chiefs, teachers, merchants;” all to participate in this racist event. Furthermore, the racism of the men transformed them into instruments of hate; ultimately forcing them to act on each other. He was told, “if you don’t get him, I’m going to get you. I don’t like his looks.” The men also yelled to the boys, “slug him black boy! Knock his guts out! Uppercut him! Kill him! Kill that big boy!” The effects of racism were demonstrated at every level during this story, his family, peers, and respected members of the community, forcing the boy to deal with both internal and external conflicts.
Similarly, Sarah Orne Jewett develops the idea of transformation in her character as she becomes self-aware. This awakening began when Sylvia’s (the main character) surroundings changed. Her natural curiosity and desire to explore was stifled by her “crowded manufacturing town,” limiting her growth and potential. She stated, “this is a beautiful place to live in, and she never should wish to go home” following her arrival and greeting at her new home. Additionally, she blossomed into a contributor and helper in the household. Mistress Molly (their cow) would wander off daily and “Sylvia had to hunt for her until she found her;” a daunting task for her grandmother. Following the meeting with the stranger, her grandmother shared that “soon it would be berry-time, and Sylvia was a great help at picking,” further cementing her worth. The real transformation, however, occurred once the stranger arrived on the scene. The Stranger offered riches in exchange for the heron; money they needed, money Sylvia wanted, money that made her “forget to think of sleep.” While in the big pine Sylvia was transformed from a child desiring a huge bounty for betrayal; to knowing the value of life. This simple story not only details the transformation of a child as she becomes self-aware; but provides a life lesson for us all.
Psychologists define knowledge of self (or self-knowledge), as information that an individual draws upon when asking the question “what am I like.” Hemingway’s “Soldier’s Story,” discussed the struggle to find acceptance that a soldier undergoes following his return from a terrible thing; that no one can understand. In “Battle Royal” Ellison describes how a naïve youth is reborn following his personal experience with racism. Similarly, Jewett shows how a child becomes self-aware following a change in her environment. The apostle Paul wrote in a letter to Corinth, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” What he failed to mention is what occurred during that transformation from child to man; everyone struggles, everyone fails, everyone eventually realizes.
English 102
Professor Salsich
4/21/10
A Rude Awakening:
Looking for Trees in the Midst of a Forrest
Awakening, as defined by Dictionary.com, is the recognition, realization, or coming into awareness of something. This theme of awakening is an underlying theme of the three essays discussed in this essay. Ernest Hemingway, acclaimed writer and winner of the 1954 Nobel Prize in Literature, discusses a soldier’s struggle to find his “place” following his return from war in “Soldier’s Home”. Additionally Ralph Ellison, writer and professor, describes the awakening of a child when exposed to various forms of racism. Lastly, Sarah Orne Jewett, American novelist and short story writer, shows the transformation of the main character as she becomes self-aware.
Transitioning into society is still a common theme and relevant issue with many soldiers today. Hemingway in “Soldier’s Home,” discusses a soldier’s struggle to find his “place” following his return home. The soldier’s first identity crises, is directly contributed to the extended period between the end of the war and the soldiers return home. By the time he returned home “the reaction had set in” and Krebs (the main character) did not receive the hero’s welcoming that he felt he deserved. His problems were further exacerbated by the town’s people who felt that “it was ridiculous for Krebs to be getting back so late.” Furthermore, his experience with women while in the army now conflicts with expectations both internally and externally. Krebs stated that American girls “were too complicated,” and that he did not want to deal with “the intrigue and politics” of dating. Krebs mother added external pressure when she stated “the boys are all settling down; they’re all determined to get somewhere.” Additionally, Krebs found it difficult to relate to people following his return home. People were exposed to so many war related stories, that when Krebs “felt the need to talk […] no one wanted to hear about it.” Krebs’ internal conflict and desire to fit in, forced Krebs to lie about his war experience, leading to his own “reaction against the war and against talking about it.” Hemingway masterfully showed how Krebs’ poor timing, attitude toward women, and inability to relate to others, were instrumental in Krebs’ attempt to fit-in.
Similarly, Ralph Ellison’s short story “Battle Royal,” describes the awakening of a child when exposed to various forms of racism. Initially, Ellison describes how racism experienced by the main characters grandfather influenced his early life. On his death bed, his grandfather talked about racism as if it was a war, a war they had lost, and now he had to “keep up the good fight.” The grandfather labeled his own behavior as “treachery,” which led to confusion in the boy “when [he] was praised for [his] conduct.” Additionally, he was further enlightened by the outward display of racism by the leaders of the community. During the battle royal the school superintendent used a derogatory term stating, “Bring up the shines, gentleman! Bring up the little shines!” He was shocked that “they were all there – bankers, lawyers, judges, doctors, fire chiefs, teachers, merchants;” all to participate in this racist event. Furthermore, the racism of the men transformed them into instruments of hate; ultimately forcing them to act on each other. He was told, “if you don’t get him, I’m going to get you. I don’t like his looks.” The men also yelled to the boys, “slug him black boy! Knock his guts out! Uppercut him! Kill him! Kill that big boy!” The effects of racism were demonstrated at every level during this story, his family, peers, and respected members of the community, forcing the boy to deal with both internal and external conflicts.
Similarly, Sarah Orne Jewett develops the idea of transformation in her character as she becomes self-aware. This awakening began when Sylvia’s (the main character) surroundings changed. Her natural curiosity and desire to explore was stifled by her “crowded manufacturing town,” limiting her growth and potential. She stated, “this is a beautiful place to live in, and she never should wish to go home” following her arrival and greeting at her new home. Additionally, she blossomed into a contributor and helper in the household. Mistress Molly (their cow) would wander off daily and “Sylvia had to hunt for her until she found her;” a daunting task for her grandmother. Following the meeting with the stranger, her grandmother shared that “soon it would be berry-time, and Sylvia was a great help at picking,” further cementing her worth. The real transformation, however, occurred once the stranger arrived on the scene. The Stranger offered riches in exchange for the heron; money they needed, money Sylvia wanted, money that made her “forget to think of sleep.” While in the big pine Sylvia was transformed from a child desiring a huge bounty for betrayal; to knowing the value of life. This simple story not only details the transformation of a child as she becomes self-aware; but provides a life lesson for us all.
Psychologists define knowledge of self (or self-knowledge), as information that an individual draws upon when asking the question “what am I like.” Hemingway’s “Soldier’s Story,” discussed the struggle to find acceptance that a soldier undergoes following his return from a terrible thing; that no one can understand. In “Battle Royal” Ellison describes how a naïve youth is reborn following his personal experience with racism. Similarly, Jewett shows how a child becomes self-aware following a change in her environment. The apostle Paul wrote in a letter to Corinth, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” What he failed to mention is what occurred during that transformation from child to man; everyone struggles, everyone fails, everyone eventually realizes.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Conformity: A World Bound By Rules
Does thinking different, or dressing different, or looking different, guarantee I will be perceived as an outsider in our “society?” This theme of uniformity to society standards are the underlying theme of the three essays discussed in this essay. Judith Ortiz Cofer, professor of English at University of Georgia, discusses the social rejection she was shown as an offspring of a mixed-raced family in her essay “The Story of My Body.” Nora Ephron, movie director and senior editor for Esquire, also examines the theme of compliance to accepted norms in her essay “The Boston Photographs.” Lastly, Eric Schlosser, essayist and social critic, attacks the “homogenizing influence” of corporate America on the fast food industry and American culture, in his essay “What We Eat.”
Despite the advances we have made as a society, growing up in a mixed-race family is still frowned upon. In Judith Ortiz Cofer’s “The Story of My Body,” she relates a personal experience of prejudice she suffered simply because she was an exception to societal norms. Her first experience of racism dealt with her skin color. Cofer was considered an outsider in her home land of Puerto Rico due to her lighter skin; often she was referred to as “blanca” and ostracized for her “pale skin.” Similarly, she was called “colored” and looked at as being “dirty” by Americans. Additionally, Cofer was criticized for her height. By Puerto Rican standards she was considered tall; however, by American standards she was smaller and “had a reputation as a “shrimp,” a hopeless nonathlete.” Her small stature led to further torture while participating in gym, she expressed this stating “every child who is the last chosen for a team knows the torment of waiting to be called up.” Furthermore, she was ostracized for her looks. Despite thinking that she was pretty, she “found that the hierarchy for popularity was as follows: pretty white girl, pretty Jewish girl, pretty Puerto Rican girl, pretty black girl.” Another realization was that “Puerto Rican boys had learned to respond to a fuller figure: long necks and a perfect little nose were not what they looked for in a girl.” Cofers’ physical attributes limited her from achieving societal norms and resulted in the prejudice she experienced as a young adult.
Similarly, Nora Ephrons’ essay, “The Boston Photograph,” examines the theme of compliance to accepted norms. Initially, she focuses on how the sensational nature of the pictures, are contrary to expectations for newspapers. One example of the sensational nature of the photos were expressed in a letter-to-the-editor, the reader expresses dissatisfaction stating “I thought I was reading the National Enquirer.” Another periodical, the Star, even acknowledged the sensational nature of the photos and posted the headline “SENSATIONAL PHOTOS OF RESCUE ATTEMPT THAT FAILED.” Similarly, Ephron explored how photos of certain human events can cross the borders of traditional. Customarily, pictures involving death are perceived as taboo, so pictures involving fatal accidents, war, and murders are typically not printed by newspapers. Unfortunately, newspapers will print photos surrounding these events, Ephron states “murder victims are almost never photographed; they are granted their privacy. But their relatives are relentlessly pictured on their way in and out of hospitals and morgues.” Lastly, she argues that the perception of the photograph can lead to a violation of societal norms. Despite the woman desperately struggling to save the life of her family, one reader focused on the explicit nature of the photo commenting “you could have had some award-winning photographs of her underpants as her skirt billowed over her head, you voyeurs.” Another comment discussed how the reader compared the picture to some cheap thrill, the reader states the picture assigned “the agony of a human being in terror of imminent death to the status of a side-show act.” Ephron not only realized the power of a picture, but also realized the power of a picture that pushed the boundaries established by society.
Lastly, Eric Schlosser attacks the “homogenizing influence” of corporate America on the fast food industry and American culture, in his essay “What We Eat.” Schlossers’ first argument discusses how the fast food industry has developed a culture of conformity. Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald’s stated, “We will make conformists out of them in a hurry…The organization cannot trust the individual; the individual must trust the organization.” Schlosser also brings to light how fast food “has become the operating system of today’s retail economy […] obliterating regional differences, and spreading identical stores throughout the country.” Similarly, he explains how the success of fast food has evolved our nation into a nation of followers. The impact of McDonald’s on our nation has made McDonald’s “the world’s most famous brand,” becoming so powerful that 96 percent of schoolchildren could identify Ronald McDonald. The unprecedented success of McDonald’s has revised business models, Ephron stated “the key to a successful franchise […] can be expressed in one word: “uniformity.” Schlosser’s last argument deals with the social aspects of fast food in the assimilation of societal values. He discusses how integral fast food is to our nation, stating that “on any given day in the United States about one-quarter of the adult population visits a fast-food restaurant.” Additionally, he states “the fast-food industry has helped transform not only the American diet, but also our landscape, economy, workforce, and popular culture.” Schlosser demonstrated how the “McDonaldization of America,” would lead to a loss of individualism, and threaten every aspect of American culture.
Man has seemingly always fought change and in the process made outcasts of individuals who would defy the status quo. Cofer used her personal experience to show the prejudice we show each other due to differences in physical qualities. Similarly, Ephron discussed how societal standards can shape our very thoughts and viewpoints. Lastly, Schlosser argued how our society has been forced to conform due to the success of the fast-food industry. The persuasiveness of these essays inclines even the casual observer to acknowledge the influence of conformity in our lives, that innate desire to fit-in and not go against the status quo.
Despite the advances we have made as a society, growing up in a mixed-race family is still frowned upon. In Judith Ortiz Cofer’s “The Story of My Body,” she relates a personal experience of prejudice she suffered simply because she was an exception to societal norms. Her first experience of racism dealt with her skin color. Cofer was considered an outsider in her home land of Puerto Rico due to her lighter skin; often she was referred to as “blanca” and ostracized for her “pale skin.” Similarly, she was called “colored” and looked at as being “dirty” by Americans. Additionally, Cofer was criticized for her height. By Puerto Rican standards she was considered tall; however, by American standards she was smaller and “had a reputation as a “shrimp,” a hopeless nonathlete.” Her small stature led to further torture while participating in gym, she expressed this stating “every child who is the last chosen for a team knows the torment of waiting to be called up.” Furthermore, she was ostracized for her looks. Despite thinking that she was pretty, she “found that the hierarchy for popularity was as follows: pretty white girl, pretty Jewish girl, pretty Puerto Rican girl, pretty black girl.” Another realization was that “Puerto Rican boys had learned to respond to a fuller figure: long necks and a perfect little nose were not what they looked for in a girl.” Cofers’ physical attributes limited her from achieving societal norms and resulted in the prejudice she experienced as a young adult.
Similarly, Nora Ephrons’ essay, “The Boston Photograph,” examines the theme of compliance to accepted norms. Initially, she focuses on how the sensational nature of the pictures, are contrary to expectations for newspapers. One example of the sensational nature of the photos were expressed in a letter-to-the-editor, the reader expresses dissatisfaction stating “I thought I was reading the National Enquirer.” Another periodical, the Star, even acknowledged the sensational nature of the photos and posted the headline “SENSATIONAL PHOTOS OF RESCUE ATTEMPT THAT FAILED.” Similarly, Ephron explored how photos of certain human events can cross the borders of traditional. Customarily, pictures involving death are perceived as taboo, so pictures involving fatal accidents, war, and murders are typically not printed by newspapers. Unfortunately, newspapers will print photos surrounding these events, Ephron states “murder victims are almost never photographed; they are granted their privacy. But their relatives are relentlessly pictured on their way in and out of hospitals and morgues.” Lastly, she argues that the perception of the photograph can lead to a violation of societal norms. Despite the woman desperately struggling to save the life of her family, one reader focused on the explicit nature of the photo commenting “you could have had some award-winning photographs of her underpants as her skirt billowed over her head, you voyeurs.” Another comment discussed how the reader compared the picture to some cheap thrill, the reader states the picture assigned “the agony of a human being in terror of imminent death to the status of a side-show act.” Ephron not only realized the power of a picture, but also realized the power of a picture that pushed the boundaries established by society.
Lastly, Eric Schlosser attacks the “homogenizing influence” of corporate America on the fast food industry and American culture, in his essay “What We Eat.” Schlossers’ first argument discusses how the fast food industry has developed a culture of conformity. Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald’s stated, “We will make conformists out of them in a hurry…The organization cannot trust the individual; the individual must trust the organization.” Schlosser also brings to light how fast food “has become the operating system of today’s retail economy […] obliterating regional differences, and spreading identical stores throughout the country.” Similarly, he explains how the success of fast food has evolved our nation into a nation of followers. The impact of McDonald’s on our nation has made McDonald’s “the world’s most famous brand,” becoming so powerful that 96 percent of schoolchildren could identify Ronald McDonald. The unprecedented success of McDonald’s has revised business models, Ephron stated “the key to a successful franchise […] can be expressed in one word: “uniformity.” Schlosser’s last argument deals with the social aspects of fast food in the assimilation of societal values. He discusses how integral fast food is to our nation, stating that “on any given day in the United States about one-quarter of the adult population visits a fast-food restaurant.” Additionally, he states “the fast-food industry has helped transform not only the American diet, but also our landscape, economy, workforce, and popular culture.” Schlosser demonstrated how the “McDonaldization of America,” would lead to a loss of individualism, and threaten every aspect of American culture.
Man has seemingly always fought change and in the process made outcasts of individuals who would defy the status quo. Cofer used her personal experience to show the prejudice we show each other due to differences in physical qualities. Similarly, Ephron discussed how societal standards can shape our very thoughts and viewpoints. Lastly, Schlosser argued how our society has been forced to conform due to the success of the fast-food industry. The persuasiveness of these essays inclines even the casual observer to acknowledge the influence of conformity in our lives, that innate desire to fit-in and not go against the status quo.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Injustice in our Society:
Analyzing the Issues at Various Levels
Is it merely a coincidence that the best engineered and safest automobiles are accessible only to the affluent? Do poor people not deserve the same quality and safety as the wealthy? This is a small example of the underlying failure of our society to treat all people justly. Maxine Hong Kingston’s, senior lecturer at University of California-Berkeley, develops the theme of injustice toward Chinese women by our society in her essay “No Name Woman.” Cornell West, Harvard Professor, also explores inequality faced by black Americans in his essay “Moral Obligations of a Democratic Society.” Lastly, Kofi Annon, Nobel Peace prize winner, summarizes the poor treatment of people on a worldwide basis by our society as a whole, in his "Nobel Lecture." These are all examples of how the perspective of an author can be influenced by their environment.
Fair treatment of people has been a problem since the dawn of time. In Maxine Hong Kingston’s “No Name Woman,” she deals with the wrongs suffered by Chinese women in an American society. Kingston does this by developing a theme of injustice that spawns from the family and outstretches to the community. Traditionally, Chinese women were thought as a burden to their family and did not meet the standard that their culture demanded. Families would go to outlandish depths to ensure their children were worthy of society standards, Kingston even discussed the ritual of binding of the feet, saying “we were lucky that we didn’t have to have our feet bound when we were seven.” Additionally, this desire to meet the norm permeated throughout the household. Her aunt was so upset after finding a freckle, that “she dug it out with a hot needle and washed the wound with peroxide.” This view of Chinese women, not meeting the specified criteria, was present in all aspects of the community. Kingston shared a personal experience of not meeting society requirements with the reader, stating “I made myself American-pretty” because a Chinese woman was not good enough to attract the attention of her schoolmates. She also uses the term “American-feminine” to describe the transformation required of Chinese women to meet status quo; Chinese women have to adjust their walk and speech, in an attempt to rid themselves of their Chinese-femininity. Her personal experience having been shunned by both her family and the community was a small glimpse of the injustice suffered by Chinese women.
Similarly, Cornell West develops the theme of injustice in his essay “Moral Obligations of a Democratic Society;” however, his writing specifically focuses on issues that blacks suffer due to American society. Initially, he focuses on the lack of identity experienced by blacks in this society. For example, West discussed the decline of the neighborhood as the source for problems in the society. He states the lack of interaction and development of family values even threatens their “sense of what it is to be human.” Additionally, he states “once the humanity of a people is problematized, they are called into question perennially,” which effectively continues to lower their self-confidence. Blacks are stigmatized as problematic due to their inability to attain the standard, a standard represented by skin color and physical attributes. Secondly, he discusses how financial difficulties derived from the democratic society are prerequisites for the problems experienced by minorities. West compares the black family to an investment, introducing the concept of nonmarket activity and raising a family, simply stating “much sacrifice and service goes into it without any assurance that the providers will get anything back.” The minimal return seen by parents does not justify the resources invested, creating a rift in family structure, when the investors have to weigh the long term cost associated with such a low return. Furthermore, this scarcity of “nonmarket values” has led to the failure of blacks to rally behind a cause and ultimately losing hope as their neighborhoods and families fail. Most of the problems experienced by blacks can be attributed to their financial status, poor education, and high crime rates. The aforementioned are all caused by a lack of money in the black household, West goes further to compare the average poverty level for people in the U.S. and provides concrete evidence when he explains that, “51 percent of young black brothers and sisters live in poverty in the richest nation in the history of the world.” In conclusion, West not only identified the problems suffered by blacks in this society, but he narrowed them down to society failing to meet the needs of blacks financially, and the erosion of family values due to a loss of self.
Lastly, Kofi Annan’s acceptance speech “Nobel Lecture” focuses on a more global injustice; he discusses the unfairness our society has shown people around the world, contrary to the basic freedoms most nations claim to uphold. Initially, Annan discusses the wrongs that have been portrayed throughout time against poor people. His initial argument discusses an afghan girl, her conditions are seen by him as “inhuman,” because she can’t get her basic needs met due to the economic status of the area in which she is born. Furthermore, Annon discusses how poverty can negate the opportunity for people to maximize their ability and overcome the problems surrounding them. When impoverished people struggle to have their needs met, creativity and opportunity is lost which digs a figurative hole in which they can never overcome. Secondly, he alludes to unfair practices shown to people of different ethnic backgrounds. One of the greatest examples we have of injustice toward people of different backgrounds, is the genocide during the holocaust. Annon addresses such issues stating “A campaign of “ethnic cleansing” begins with one neighbor turning on another,” a practice that we see still today despite the best efforts of our society. All in all, Annons’ speech brought to light how far we are from solving the world’s issues surrounding fair treatment despite race, ethnic, or economic status.
The fair treatment of “man” has been a problem since the beginning of time and was the underlying theme of all the essays discussed today. Kingston emphasized cultural issues related to Chinese women, while West discussed the problems experienced by blacks in America, and a final argument by Annon focused on worldwide issues for people of different backgrounds. Despite the magnitude of each authors’ argument, the overall theme of injustice is dominant. In conclusion, we are challenged by these authors to not only recognize these failures in our society, but to also implement change at home and at work, and by doing so we can affect real change, ensuring the same standard is achieved for everyone on all levels.
Analyzing the Issues at Various Levels
Is it merely a coincidence that the best engineered and safest automobiles are accessible only to the affluent? Do poor people not deserve the same quality and safety as the wealthy? This is a small example of the underlying failure of our society to treat all people justly. Maxine Hong Kingston’s, senior lecturer at University of California-Berkeley, develops the theme of injustice toward Chinese women by our society in her essay “No Name Woman.” Cornell West, Harvard Professor, also explores inequality faced by black Americans in his essay “Moral Obligations of a Democratic Society.” Lastly, Kofi Annon, Nobel Peace prize winner, summarizes the poor treatment of people on a worldwide basis by our society as a whole, in his "Nobel Lecture." These are all examples of how the perspective of an author can be influenced by their environment.
Fair treatment of people has been a problem since the dawn of time. In Maxine Hong Kingston’s “No Name Woman,” she deals with the wrongs suffered by Chinese women in an American society. Kingston does this by developing a theme of injustice that spawns from the family and outstretches to the community. Traditionally, Chinese women were thought as a burden to their family and did not meet the standard that their culture demanded. Families would go to outlandish depths to ensure their children were worthy of society standards, Kingston even discussed the ritual of binding of the feet, saying “we were lucky that we didn’t have to have our feet bound when we were seven.” Additionally, this desire to meet the norm permeated throughout the household. Her aunt was so upset after finding a freckle, that “she dug it out with a hot needle and washed the wound with peroxide.” This view of Chinese women, not meeting the specified criteria, was present in all aspects of the community. Kingston shared a personal experience of not meeting society requirements with the reader, stating “I made myself American-pretty” because a Chinese woman was not good enough to attract the attention of her schoolmates. She also uses the term “American-feminine” to describe the transformation required of Chinese women to meet status quo; Chinese women have to adjust their walk and speech, in an attempt to rid themselves of their Chinese-femininity. Her personal experience having been shunned by both her family and the community was a small glimpse of the injustice suffered by Chinese women.
Similarly, Cornell West develops the theme of injustice in his essay “Moral Obligations of a Democratic Society;” however, his writing specifically focuses on issues that blacks suffer due to American society. Initially, he focuses on the lack of identity experienced by blacks in this society. For example, West discussed the decline of the neighborhood as the source for problems in the society. He states the lack of interaction and development of family values even threatens their “sense of what it is to be human.” Additionally, he states “once the humanity of a people is problematized, they are called into question perennially,” which effectively continues to lower their self-confidence. Blacks are stigmatized as problematic due to their inability to attain the standard, a standard represented by skin color and physical attributes. Secondly, he discusses how financial difficulties derived from the democratic society are prerequisites for the problems experienced by minorities. West compares the black family to an investment, introducing the concept of nonmarket activity and raising a family, simply stating “much sacrifice and service goes into it without any assurance that the providers will get anything back.” The minimal return seen by parents does not justify the resources invested, creating a rift in family structure, when the investors have to weigh the long term cost associated with such a low return. Furthermore, this scarcity of “nonmarket values” has led to the failure of blacks to rally behind a cause and ultimately losing hope as their neighborhoods and families fail. Most of the problems experienced by blacks can be attributed to their financial status, poor education, and high crime rates. The aforementioned are all caused by a lack of money in the black household, West goes further to compare the average poverty level for people in the U.S. and provides concrete evidence when he explains that, “51 percent of young black brothers and sisters live in poverty in the richest nation in the history of the world.” In conclusion, West not only identified the problems suffered by blacks in this society, but he narrowed them down to society failing to meet the needs of blacks financially, and the erosion of family values due to a loss of self.
Lastly, Kofi Annan’s acceptance speech “Nobel Lecture” focuses on a more global injustice; he discusses the unfairness our society has shown people around the world, contrary to the basic freedoms most nations claim to uphold. Initially, Annan discusses the wrongs that have been portrayed throughout time against poor people. His initial argument discusses an afghan girl, her conditions are seen by him as “inhuman,” because she can’t get her basic needs met due to the economic status of the area in which she is born. Furthermore, Annon discusses how poverty can negate the opportunity for people to maximize their ability and overcome the problems surrounding them. When impoverished people struggle to have their needs met, creativity and opportunity is lost which digs a figurative hole in which they can never overcome. Secondly, he alludes to unfair practices shown to people of different ethnic backgrounds. One of the greatest examples we have of injustice toward people of different backgrounds, is the genocide during the holocaust. Annon addresses such issues stating “A campaign of “ethnic cleansing” begins with one neighbor turning on another,” a practice that we see still today despite the best efforts of our society. All in all, Annons’ speech brought to light how far we are from solving the world’s issues surrounding fair treatment despite race, ethnic, or economic status.
The fair treatment of “man” has been a problem since the beginning of time and was the underlying theme of all the essays discussed today. Kingston emphasized cultural issues related to Chinese women, while West discussed the problems experienced by blacks in America, and a final argument by Annon focused on worldwide issues for people of different backgrounds. Despite the magnitude of each authors’ argument, the overall theme of injustice is dominant. In conclusion, we are challenged by these authors to not only recognize these failures in our society, but to also implement change at home and at work, and by doing so we can affect real change, ensuring the same standard is achieved for everyone on all levels.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Is it merely a coincidence that the best engineered and safest automobiles are accessible only to the rich? Do poor people not deserve the same quality and safety as the rich? This is a small example of the underlying failure of our society to treat all people justly. Maxine Hong Kingston’s essay “No Name Woman” develops the theme of injustice toward Chinese women by our society. This idea of inequality is further developed by Cornell West in his essay “Moral Obligations of a Democratic Society”. Annon summarizes the poor treatment of people on a worldwide basis by our society as a whole. These are all examples of how the perspective of an author can be influenced by their surroundings.
Fair treatment of people has been a problem since the dawn of time. In Maxine Hong Kingston’s “no name woman”, she deals with the wrongs suffered by Chinese women in an American society. Kingston does this by developing a theme of injustice that spawns from the family and outstretches to the community. Traditionally, Chinese women were thought as a burden to their family and did not meet the standard that their culture demanded. Families would go to outlandish depths to ensure their children were worthy of society standards, she even discussed the ritual of binding of the feet, saying “we were lucky that we didn’t have to have our feet bound when we were seven”. Additionally, this desire to meet the norm permeated throughout the household, her aunt was so upset with a freckle that “she dug it out with a hot needle and washed the wound with peroxide”. This view of Chinese women, not meeting the specified criteria, was present in all aspects of the community. She shared a personal experience of not meeting society requirements with the reader, stating” I made myself American-pretty” because a Chinese woman was not good enough to attract the attention of her schoolmates. She also uses the term “American-feminine” to describe the transformation required of Chinese women to meet status quo, adjusting their walk and speech, in an attempt to rid themselves of their Chinese-femininity. Her personal experience of shunning from both her family and the community was a small glimpse of the injustice suffered by Chinese women in this society.
Similarly West also deals with injustice, however, his writing focuses on issues that blacks suffer due to this society. Initially he focuses on the lack of identity experienced by blacks in this society. For example, west discussed the decline of the neighborhood as the source for problems in the society, stating that the lack of interaction and development of family values even threatens their “sense of what it is to be human.” Additionally, he says “once the humanity of a people is problematized, they are called into question perennially,” which effectively continues to lower their self-confidence. Blacks are stigmatized as problematic due to their inability to attain the standard, a standard represented by skin color and physical attributes. Secondly, he discusses how financial difficulties derived from the democratic society are prerequisites for the problems experienced by minorities. West compares the black family to an investment, introducing the concept of nonmarket activity and raising a family, simply stating “much sacrifice and service goes into it without any assurance that the providers will get anything back.” The minimal return seen by parents does not justify the resources invested, creating a rift in family structure, when the investors have to weigh the long term cost associated with such a low return. Furthermore, this scarcity of “nonmarket values” has led to the failure of blacks to rally behind a cause and ultimately losing hope as their neighborhoods and families fail. Most of the problems experienced by blacks can be attributed to their financial status, poor education and high crime rates are indicative of the poverty level seen by black children, as noted by west when he explains that “51 percent of young black brothers and sisters live in poverty in the richest nation in the history of the world”. Obviously, west acknowledges the problems that blacks suffer in this society as a product of society failing to meet the needs of blacks financially and a loss of self as the black family erodes when nonmarket values are not satisfied.
Kofi Annan focuses on a more global injustice in his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize. Annan discusses the unfairness our society has shown people around the world, contrary to the basic freedoms most nations claim to uphold. Initially, Annan discusses the wrongs that have been portrayed throughout time against poor people. His initial argument discusses an afghan girl, her conditions are seen by him as “inhuman”, because she can’t get her basic needs met due to the economic status of the area she is born. Furthermore, Annon discusses how poverty can negate the opportunity for people to maximize their ability and overcome the problems surrounding them. When impoverished people struggle to have their needs met, creativity and opportunity is lost which digs a figurative hole in which they can never overcome. Secondly, he eludes to unfair practices shown to people of different ethnic backgrounds. One of the greatest examples we have of injustice toward people of different backgrounds, is the genocide portrayed by Germany. Annon addresses such issues stating “A campaign of “ethnic cleansing“ begins with one neighbor turning on another”, a practice that we see still today despite the best efforts of our society. All in all, Annons’ speech brought to light how far we are from solving the world’s issues surrounding fair treatment despite race, ethnic, or economic status.
The fair treatment of “man” has been a problem since the beginning of time and was the underlying theme of all the essays discussed today. Kingston emphasized cultural issues related to Chinese women, while West discussed the problems experienced by blacks in America, and a final argument by Annon on worldwide issues for the people with different backgrounds.
Fair treatment of people has been a problem since the dawn of time. In Maxine Hong Kingston’s “no name woman”, she deals with the wrongs suffered by Chinese women in an American society. Kingston does this by developing a theme of injustice that spawns from the family and outstretches to the community. Traditionally, Chinese women were thought as a burden to their family and did not meet the standard that their culture demanded. Families would go to outlandish depths to ensure their children were worthy of society standards, she even discussed the ritual of binding of the feet, saying “we were lucky that we didn’t have to have our feet bound when we were seven”. Additionally, this desire to meet the norm permeated throughout the household, her aunt was so upset with a freckle that “she dug it out with a hot needle and washed the wound with peroxide”. This view of Chinese women, not meeting the specified criteria, was present in all aspects of the community. She shared a personal experience of not meeting society requirements with the reader, stating” I made myself American-pretty” because a Chinese woman was not good enough to attract the attention of her schoolmates. She also uses the term “American-feminine” to describe the transformation required of Chinese women to meet status quo, adjusting their walk and speech, in an attempt to rid themselves of their Chinese-femininity. Her personal experience of shunning from both her family and the community was a small glimpse of the injustice suffered by Chinese women in this society.
Similarly West also deals with injustice, however, his writing focuses on issues that blacks suffer due to this society. Initially he focuses on the lack of identity experienced by blacks in this society. For example, west discussed the decline of the neighborhood as the source for problems in the society, stating that the lack of interaction and development of family values even threatens their “sense of what it is to be human.” Additionally, he says “once the humanity of a people is problematized, they are called into question perennially,” which effectively continues to lower their self-confidence. Blacks are stigmatized as problematic due to their inability to attain the standard, a standard represented by skin color and physical attributes. Secondly, he discusses how financial difficulties derived from the democratic society are prerequisites for the problems experienced by minorities. West compares the black family to an investment, introducing the concept of nonmarket activity and raising a family, simply stating “much sacrifice and service goes into it without any assurance that the providers will get anything back.” The minimal return seen by parents does not justify the resources invested, creating a rift in family structure, when the investors have to weigh the long term cost associated with such a low return. Furthermore, this scarcity of “nonmarket values” has led to the failure of blacks to rally behind a cause and ultimately losing hope as their neighborhoods and families fail. Most of the problems experienced by blacks can be attributed to their financial status, poor education and high crime rates are indicative of the poverty level seen by black children, as noted by west when he explains that “51 percent of young black brothers and sisters live in poverty in the richest nation in the history of the world”. Obviously, west acknowledges the problems that blacks suffer in this society as a product of society failing to meet the needs of blacks financially and a loss of self as the black family erodes when nonmarket values are not satisfied.
Kofi Annan focuses on a more global injustice in his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize. Annan discusses the unfairness our society has shown people around the world, contrary to the basic freedoms most nations claim to uphold. Initially, Annan discusses the wrongs that have been portrayed throughout time against poor people. His initial argument discusses an afghan girl, her conditions are seen by him as “inhuman”, because she can’t get her basic needs met due to the economic status of the area she is born. Furthermore, Annon discusses how poverty can negate the opportunity for people to maximize their ability and overcome the problems surrounding them. When impoverished people struggle to have their needs met, creativity and opportunity is lost which digs a figurative hole in which they can never overcome. Secondly, he eludes to unfair practices shown to people of different ethnic backgrounds. One of the greatest examples we have of injustice toward people of different backgrounds, is the genocide portrayed by Germany. Annon addresses such issues stating “A campaign of “ethnic cleansing“ begins with one neighbor turning on another”, a practice that we see still today despite the best efforts of our society. All in all, Annons’ speech brought to light how far we are from solving the world’s issues surrounding fair treatment despite race, ethnic, or economic status.
The fair treatment of “man” has been a problem since the beginning of time and was the underlying theme of all the essays discussed today. Kingston emphasized cultural issues related to Chinese women, while West discussed the problems experienced by blacks in America, and a final argument by Annon on worldwide issues for the people with different backgrounds.
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