Paper #4

I'm not quite sure whether I'll be writing a traditional paper or attempting the creative project. I still need to read Persepolis so whatever themes that book may hold have yet to enter my mind. I know some common themes that I would like to press on that have been prevalent in the stories that we have read are, conflicts with religion (I may relate this to the war in Iraq, Christianity vs. Islam), or even bullying (stronger countries demanding other countries for resources), or I might take a stab at discrimination that Middle Eastern individuals may be experiencing in the States (because of their physical similarities with those we are fighting, similar to the Japanese in the U.S. during WWII). I'm going to have to browse through my notes and read Persepolis before I come to a definite conclusion. Primarily though I am leaning towards a topic including the Middle Eastern peoples because judging by the pictures, I think Persepolis is of that region.

I'm going to focus on the discrimination based on appearance most likely, because a lot of the characters that we have read about have dealt with this obstacle.

Friar John Fails to deliver Letter

When Friar Laurence asks for Romeo's response to the letter he sent containing their devious plans to forge Juliet's death, Friar John then tells him that he was stay'd and could not travel to Mantua, where Romeo was in hiding.

John was unaware of the importance of the letter and in failing to deliver it, he contributed to the untimely fate of Romeo and Juliet. That little miscommunication, has a ripple effect that caused Romeo to buy poison, Juliet to wake up and watch her lover die, and finally her own suicide with Romeo's dagger.

If Shakespeare had not written this, the tragedy in its entirety would be changed to a love story that ends well, a dark comedy even. But being that the story starts off with the deliberate intent to inform the reader that this is no happy tail, that the two star-crossed lovers are indeed doomed to die, this miscommunication was necessary. Shakespeare's flawless capability to write tragedy is astounding in the sense that everything that he wrote four hundred years ago is cleverly applicable to today.

Because of miscommunication during the Civil War, the North and South forces fought even after the war was over, resulting in needless deaths. Often a simple lack of relay between two opposing forces can result in devastating circumstances.

Because of this, I find Friar John and Friar Laurence's misinterpreted calculations on the importance of the letter to be crucial to the story.

Cultural Standards

Cholly and Pauline's relationship was very romantic and entrapping at first. They were in love with one another and like any love story; they ran off and moved away to start a new life together. Page 117 shows a large passage that is written in Pauline's perspective. It's a good example of the changes that took place in the marriage being the result of Cholly's alcoholism. He was a drunk and often forced himself upon Pauline. Even though they were married; the idea of consummation is that both parties are willing and happy to have intercourse. Cholly began to lose his gentlemanly qualities, replacing them with typical domestic abuse characteristics.

When I picture these two, I think of many movie's depictions of broken marriages in trailer parks. The dad is always angry, while the wife does her best to comfort her children, and everyone is in constant turmoil. By the actions of Cholly, I view today's culture more than I do the 1940's. I think they are an example of another marriage that will attribute themselves to the 50% divorce rate in the U.S. He was a pedophile and statutory rapist to his own daughter. In today's society he would most likely be a candidate for the Jerry Springer show.

In the summer when the town's people hear of Cholly's deeds, they are more concerned with Pecola bringing an ugly baby into the world than of her defilement. Page 190 shows that some overheard conversations stated "...two ugly people doubling up like that to make more ugly." they are speaking as if Pecola and Cholly hooked up one day and that she was now pregnant and a burden on their town. Pecola was clearly raped and abused by Cholly, which should cause a little more compassion to enter the people's hearts. Because of the "indicated voices", being they must be white and higher in the social class, they ultimately consider themselves to be pure and the "uglies" to be scum, incapable of compassionate thought or even undeserving of it.

Peggy McIntosh/Bell Hooks Observations

I found both the perspectives of Bell and Peggy to be very interesting and enlightening where my own views were broadened or awakened. Peggy's perspective on white privilege, was accurate to my own thoughts including how many things that are available to white people with little effort. I never put much thought into making a turkey sandwich or eating PB&J sandwiches while listening to music on my iPod or watching a movie. I went to Chicago over spring break for a few days, and seeing all of the homeless there, which primarily were African-American, made me notice the simple pleasures which I enjoy on a daily basis are indeed great privileges to others. There was a great number of homeless that would wander the streets asking for money and it's emotionally taxing telling them no. Even if you give money to one individual, there are hundreds with the same need and it's just not possible to help them all. 

I found the title "earned strength, unearned power" to be very compelling and upsetting by the obvious truth of the matter. There is no doubt that a white male has more authority in most circumstances than a maybe a Hispanic male. I notice in various work places in Kalamazoo, the custodial positions or cooking positions in establishments are African-American and Hispanic men, compared to the administrative positions which are filled by white men. African-American women dominate the hotels as maids while the desk clerk or hostess is often white women. This whole idea that gender roles decide where you work, and how far you can progress is a problem in society. Women have to work harder than most men, for similar circumstances.

When Bell Hooks talked about Spike Lee and how hollywood labeled him as a failed director based on his revenue from making a film over his artistic intent, they were taking sides against his color. She makes the comparison to Woody Allen, who is a white male, making many movies that aren't blockbusters, yet he is considered artistic or witty. Two similar directors in their own ways, making films, not movies mind you but actual "films" that are targeting the public to get reactions. Hollywood is liberal and fairly open with different types of movies being released but they have the constant agenda to make the big bucks. If it isn't going to sell tickets they will do whatever they have to, to the script, to make it marketable. I cringe at the idea that the only way to make a decent living as an actor is to sell out. Creativity is slowly losing its place in the world, making way for dollar signs and franchises. 

I thought the inclusion of Madonna in regards to her abandoning feminism for a new gimmick that would sell was a bold but honest statement. Madonna was much more rebellious and outright in her earlier work than in her later years. Hooks told how she debased and degraded her principles to keep earning more and more money which resulted in the reaffirmation to white supremacy and patriarchy. Hooks tells that there will always be more money to be made on the right wing, compared to the left. I agree with this because of the millions of Americans I think the majority fall along the right side of the political spectrum. It is this fact that excites me with the upcoming presidential election. Coming from a conservative family, I constantly hear that McCane will win the election, but in all honesty I hope that Obama does. I would prefer to see some change just to see what happens to the country, than keep it safe and vote republican as American usually does.

Both women had such interesting views on their topics that I found it informative in reading/watching their ideas and I feel that I'm better educated for doing so.

In-Class Writing 3-12-08

Home

I think that "Those Who Don't " is a good vignette that describes how a person's home is always a safe haven for them, even if others find the area afraid. Esperanza feels a sense of security when she is surrounded by her own type of people on Mango Street. She feels it is a comfortable area despite her wanting to move to a nicer house somewhere else. This is is important because it applies to all peoples of the world in all places. I naturally feel safe and at home in my house on my street, around people that are familiar to me. If i find myself gallevanting in cities that I am foreign to, I begin to feel anxious when I notice the area might be putting me out of place. I mean this in regards to societies expectations on appearance. If I was to wonder in the ghetto wearing an expensive shirt and tie in my home town of Monroe, I know I would be singled out in the minds of the locals based on my appearance. Even though the city is my home, certain areas are out of reach for my comfort zone. Esperanza had this experience in a similar way, she was afraid of all white areas because to them she was alien. A major theme in this story is to grow to love yourself and find peace. I think by the end of the book it is clear that Esperanza wishes to leave Mango St., but only to come back and help those less fortunate. She is escaping to gain experience so she can perhaps take that fear out of peoples eyes.

Family

Esperanza has a very interesting relationship with her family. She tells how she had never seen her father cry until his father died. Every morning he was off to work before the sun was even up because he loved his family and did all he could to support them. I think this is repaid when Esperanza gets a job at the photo shop to try to help the family as well. Esperanza's relationship with Nenny especially was an example at the bonds shared within the family. She tells how even though she didn't always prefer to be Nenny's friend, she found when they were with other people, Nenny understood her better than her own peers. They grew up in the same household with the same values and traditions so naturally they know each other better than they even realize. Despite the fact that the boys didn't mingle with the girls outside of the home, and they lived in the "male world" I have no doubt that Esperanza's brothers would protect her at a moments notice, most likely in their older years, but indefinitely they would be by her side.

Personal Identity

Esperanza struggles with personal identity because of her race, social status, and economic status. All of which are interconnected in the story and playing a major role in how she feels about herself. When she wanted to eat at the canteen her mother agreed, after three days of begging by Esperanza, and Esperanza finally felt like she would belong, being able to eat as the other kids did. When the nun in "A Rice Sandwich"assumed that she lived in the crummy flats down the street, Esperanza was hurt and felt ashamed. Even though she didn't live in such apartments, she didn't say the nun was wrong. Outside influences are the major factor when affecting a person's self-esteem, and especially with sexuality, Esperanza experiences many bad moments. it's hard times that people go through that give them a clear awareness of where they stand or where they would like to be in the society.

The House on Mango Street

I enjoyed reading the book because it was creative and playful. Having such a diverse style, Sandra Cisnero gives me multiple aspects of her culture through every section. I enjoyed the spot about hips and all of the girl's different opinions on their function. In particular the lines 

"Some are skinny like chicken lips. Some are baggy like soggy Band-Aids, after you get out of the bathtub. I don't care what kind I get. Just as long as I get hips." 

I found it easy to relate with drawing my own desires as a young boy. When I was young there were many aspects of men and women that were foreign to me. Seeing my dad with all kinds of facial hair, his manly work hands, and other features I hoped that I too would become a distinguished man. Although I have plenty of hair my hands and features still seem to be of a young man awaiting his arrival to adulthood. The third sentence which claims it doesn't matter what kind, just as long as she gets them, is comical and accurate. I notice the many kinds of patterns that facial hair can take along with hair lines and hair thickness in old men. The thought that I will most likely go bald in the future is sad, and seeing the many bald men who wander around only affirms this fear, but the mere fact that there are hundreds of outcomes is funny and exciting. I could be an old man with distinguished enormous ears and white hair, or I could be that frail man who giggles alot. Perhaps even the senile crazy down the street is my future. She just wanted hips, and I just want some hair when I'm old :).

I use to be a photo man at Walgreens so I enjoyed that she too worked with the material. There are certainly some shady characters that enter the workplace, no matter the field or location, so I found it amusing that I wasn't the only one to experience that. Her experience in particular was much more damaging than anything I have ever dealt with at the office but equally, working in a new environment is awkward and challenging. Despite her young age, I admired her will to help the family and take legal issues, such as her age, out of the equation. 

I think the book itself is an excellent portrait of what Cisneros' life may have been like. I grew up a little white boy hopping in and out of trees, similar to Meme or Juan, but I never had a shortage of meats or foods, some considered a luxury to Esperanza. The rice sandwich impacted me with relations to my time spent in Tennessee. I completely understand her desire to sit and eat lunch as a regular person in the Canteen. I often sat alone when I wasn't lucky enough to spend lunch with my older sister. Belongingness is a key factor to functioning as a human and more importantly a happy individual. Her desire was similar to mine which helped me understand her circumstance better.

I'm a white male in the most white male dominant country. It's unnerving at times being in situations where I'm the minority because I feel they will judge me just based on my "fortunate" appearance. I say fortunate because I know I have had less hardships simply because of the way I look compared to those who may be Hispanic, African-American, or otherwise. It's difficult being the majority and especially when I find racial discrimination absurd and ignorant. I try my best to fully understand people on all of their aspects, not simply on their projected appearance. Taking time to assess how people act and why they might act this way is a big step to understanding your own actions. 

I'm American and I'm okay with that. I'm not too political so it's hard to be the noble patriot, but I certainly have values that will not be cast aside at a moments notice. Convictions and aspirations separate people who may seem the same but act independently. My resilience is a cultural and environmental trait that I am proud to have and it reflects on my parents and family. I think it's a trait that Esperanza and I share along with most people in the world.

Individualism battles Conformity

I found that a prominent theme in all three texts was the battle against conformity or being ashamed of ones natural desires.

In Blankets, Craig is constantly questioning his direction in life, whether he should pursue art or the ministry, and his mentors reinforce the latter regardless of his desires. He struggles with independence from Raina, his parents, his peers, etc.

"So what's with the way you kids dress? is it the GRUNGE thing?" said by Dave pg. 265. 

This passage is important with my topic because it shows Craig's individualistic style of clothing is just another genre to someone else. Even when he dresses in his own unique way, he is following suit with another crowd. It's almost like complete independence is impossible.

In the story Oranges... Jeanette has unnatural passions according to her religious beliefs. Her feelings are of love though, making them impure by nature, but naturally pure to her. With her relations with Melanie and Katy she still finds a way to continue her church going and participation, while having secret love affairs with women on the side. A conflict of beliefs is all that separated her from her parents. 

"Unnatural Passions." said by Pastor Finch pg. 85.

This passage describes all three books in two simple words. It symbolizes Craig's lust towards art, Jeanette's affection for women over men, and Mayella Ewell's attraction to Tom Robinson. Even though all three subjects were as natural as breathing to the characters, societies norm was against them and while some prevailed, some fell into conformity changing their story (Mayella) to condemn someone else for their aspirations. 

"No sir, they oughta do away with juries. He wasn't guilty in the first place and they said he was." said by Jem pg. 220. 

I chose this passage over one with Jeanette because it's impact on me was evident. Jem is very passionate on truth and justice being served and when Tom is sentenced to death for a crime that he did not commit, Jem is outraged. He wishes for the jury system in his entirety to be done away with. He finds people's actions to be selfish and for the good of their image, compared to the right thing to do. Tom didn't rape Mayella, but because she is white and he is black, the white opinion will always win in court. Atticus told Jem this and Jem rebells against the premise completely. He won't accept the close mindedness of the world, and finds it hard to even tolerate it. He has very strong convictions for such a young man and will not falter in them by any force.

All three books share this perspective; society is unchangeable and unimaginative in their understanding. It reflects on conservative close mindedness in the states, racism, bigotry, or any other prejudice that is unjustifiable. Although I don't personally practice homosexuality, and according to most religions I find myself relating to it is sinful, I would never condemn a person for their beliefs. The same as I wouldn't condemn a man to death for a crime, without undeniable evidence that he actually committed it. One should never abandon their beliefs, if they are justifiable, because of outside influence.