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.

Seeing isn't believing, believing is seeing

I believe in things that would seem impossible to most. Anything that the imagination can conjure; that is what flows through my head. I watch movies of all kinds and my favorite have fantastical situations to which would not normally happen in the world. So you ask, does he believe in fairies? Trolls? Well, sadly in this day and age I hear they are impossible to find. For those who are believers of an entity that created everything like myself, I find anything would be possible. If one being can create the universe and everything in it, it's totally understandable for unicorns to exist. It would simply have to be the desire of the creator. To my disappointment, I'm afraid that wasn't part of the plan. Although magical creatures don't lurk in the shadows or roam the forest, there are plenty of wonders that catch my eye. Pyramids, rain forests, intelligence, photography. 

I believe in all things that makes a person feel like himself. I enforce the virtues of right and wrong; knowing the difference and practicing one while combating the other. Pursuing ones dreams, because they give you focus and purpose. If someone has a dream of becoming a serial killer, well I'd say they need to find some help because that is clearly wrong. If a boy wants to scale Mt. Kilimanjaro however, lets get him some training, lots of  veggies, and watch him ascend that mountain. I don't think that everything is as simple as black and white. Many things have a great void of gray to which people may have different opinions. Stealing for example is illegal and immoral. Yet I have friends that have vast amounts of copied DVD's and computer softwares that were not quite purchased with money. I don't consider them criminals, yet on all movies the FBI warning states they can go to prison and be subjected to pay fines of great amounts. A simple scenario of the miss-interpretation of laws and/or morals. So without a doubt I would take the red pill, and save the blue pill for a midnight snack.

Most of my beliefs are traditional, in the sense that my parents raised me, therefore they had a great deal of impact on my development. As people grow older they become more individual rather than copies of their parents, and that is when differences of opinion can occur. When dating someone, their beliefs tend to mesh into your life, vise versa, and your entire system is a now a collage more so than a distinct picture.

I know when I dated a girl in high school, we dated 3 years and saw one another on a daily basis for the majority of that time. Naturally I would start to pick up habits of hers, and she would begin behaving in manners that were alien to her years before. You begin sharing interests and developing entirely new ones. Finally when that relationship ended I found that my life would be very different. It was hard to picture anything because I didn't have a solid frame to look through. My behaviors would begin to change, interests would fall and become a faint memory, while new ones would develop once again. It was the same process as when the relationship began, except with different circumstances. That little drama changed me in a million different ways, yet in many ways I just reverted back to the person that I thought I remembered myself as. 

There is no clear view on the world from any one person that can be valid or invalid. Everything is taken through an individual perception which counters everyone else's. This can be noticed in Harpers book in many ways. Atticus believes in empathy and justice, not judging people and forgiving them for their ignorance. He is the central source of moral in the story and it radiates from him to his children. Most of the people in the town believe that the "negros" are inferior and of little use except for menial tasks. Atticus defends Tom regardless of the discrimination he might be subjected to and believes in his innocence, while the jury is racist and prejudice, believing the lies Mayella because of her skin color. The very dilemma of Tom being killed and injustice being served is thick in the writing. Evil vs good is a very prevalent theme in the story taking its form in various ways from Boo Radley, to Atticus himself. 

In Harper's Bildunsroman, Scout and Jem go from two innocent children, to two very different adolescents who have had a taste of the bitter reality that the world has to offer. They struggle to hold on to their ideas of good and its overpowering of evil when they see that their father's efforts were not applauded in the trial, but put aside and Tom Robinson was condemed anyway.

Segregation and Scout's advance to the intellect of adulthood

Indivisible it says. Our country has never been such in any way. Civil wars, poverty, religious views: simply three examples of how divisible our country truly is. Since it was established it has been impossible for everyone to see "eye to eye" except when discriminating against a common factor. Whether that factor be based on race, sex, social circumstance, or any other characteristic a human may possess, it is the only thing that has the power to unify people. 

It took the catastrophe of 9/11 to wake people up and embrace one another for the common goal of helping those in need. A vast amount of people must die for society to realize their faults: that's at least the message our country has been encoding into our minds by their actions. 

I find it detestable that such vast boundaries between peoples of different beliefs are current in my life. Because of the actions of a few, many must suffer stereotype. Because of Columbine, trench coats were banned from high schools, middle-eastern peoples are thought as terrorists at first glance, african-americans as less intelligent and economically sound compared to white men. Japanese were imprisoned during WWII because they appeared the same as the enemy regardless to whether they were even from Japan. While these stereotypes are gathered from different eras, they all share a common perception in which I call "just in case." Just in case the rumors are true, I will assume what I  fear is true.

I have been subject to stereotypes becoming reality in this very town, to my great dissatisfaction, but I refuse to give up on the whole because of the actions of a few. This country is progressing slowly, and even though it has made many changes, it has far to travel still. 

I admire Scout and her deep understanding for such a young girl. She is the black sheep of Maycomb, as far as stereotypes for ladies in the south goes. Wearing overalls and climbing trees with the boys, she is fearless and the perfect example of what people should follow. She does not adhere to society's expectations, rather sets expectations for herself and pursues them with full impudence. 

She is a little girl with big morals as the story begins, and by the end she has even more of an adult frame of mind towards understanding human goodness, while not being oblivious to evil. At first she doesn't understand the differences between herself and the negro children, with financial status or their standing in the  social caste that exists in Maycomb at least. Her understanding is novice yet developed in certain ways. While Jem is experiencing many changes while he goes through puberty, Scout asks Atticus if Jem might have a tapeworm on pg. 105. This shows that while she may be further along than most children her age, some simple things have yet to enter her field of experience just yet. I think it adds an innocence to her character that hasn't been tainted by age.

With the absence of her age in the text, one would probably assume she is at least mid-way through her teenage years. Yet she is barely in grammar school. Her point of view is always open throughout the novel and with more experience she grows more understanding towards the visible prejudice in Maycomb. 

Her aunt is the very personification of ideals and traditions that she fights against. She would usually be the nurturing motherly figure that fills in the absence of the actual mother. In this story however, Jem and Scout find friendship from family friend and widow Miss Maudie Atkinson. Sharing the same passion for justice, she is a good role model for Scout who follows similar manners as her father.

Beowulf

Translations Read: Michael Alexander, Roy M. Liuzza, Seamus Heaney, Felix Nobis, and for fun we'll say Robert Zemeckis as well (the film).
Segment in Discussion: Grendel's Arm

I'm a big fan of Beowulf the epic. It's a mantastic adventure with the greatest hero to ever be. It should be obvious then that I chose the segment where Beowulf tears Grendel's arm off with his bare hands. I find it funny that even though no weapon can harm such a foe, treacherous Beowulf will tear his limb with nothing more than his judo grip. It is of course very far fetched. No man can do what Beowulf did. It isn't conceivable. However it is awesome to read of a story filled with such action and adventure that you wonder why evil doers even tried. It was apparent that Beowulf was basically invincible. If I were an evil-doer I would have given up my quest for power and lived in his kingdom under his protection. Beowulf's reputation was so fierce that for 50 winters it lay safe and unchallenged. It's a win-win situation for everyone.

I enjoyed the underlying humor in Beowulf's strength. He wields a sword for giants, that no other man could possibly carry. He kills sea monsters while racing a fellow warrior in the sea for five days straight. I consider it quite silly.

As far as themes that may be present in the story, well they are numerous. Fighting to establish an identity. Beowulf's culture was pagan so they did not believe in the afterlife. They thought by doing valiant deeds and being remembered then their future ancestors will have good fortune. Notice that everyone in the entire story, is basically introduced as someones son. Wiglaf son of Weohstan for example. A reputation is critically based on your families deeds in the past.

As Beowulf progresses from being a valiant warrior to a wise king his values and goals change. Once being young and with nothing to lose he desired personal glory, while when he was old and the dragon attacks he fights it to protect his people, and not for glory. He wished to be a good king remembered for his great deeds. This could be seen as vain; however, what good is a king unless he is a just and selfless king willing to die to protect his kingdom. Otherwise we would call him a tyrant.

The translations varied in context on different levels. Some were shorter and more poetic while others were in the form of large paragraphs that seems more like a book. The story of Beowulf is a poem in its original form therefore I like the translations that took that approach. Though regardless of the style, if I had not already read Beowulf, I would be able to get the idea of it from the excerpts .

Beowulf is a classic example of the heroic journey because he hits basically all of the steps. Beginning as a warrior, he ends his life as a valiant king, with all of the dilly dallying in between.

They typical hero is thought to be muscular beyond compare, possessing bravery that is unrivaled, and most often than not, a male. Tolkien proves that heroes can come in all shapes and sizes with the Lord of the Rings. I find that heroes are simply fighting for a cause that no others will stand up against. Hercules is a good hero (the Disney version; not actual myth) because he strives to constantly save people in distress and help others in every day fashions as well. He does not charge for his services but instead takes satisfaction in being the hero itself.

Heroes are most definitely dauntless, but that does not mean they do not have fears. What makes the hero unique is that he pushes through his inhibitions and qualms to succeed in his tasks of vanquishing evil rather than submitting to them.

Heroes are cash crops in the movie business as well as in literature. Males especially love to read and see these steadfast figures smiting foe after foe with an M47 rifle or a gargantuan war axe. It allows them to live some of their fantasies; being the hero themselves. People often enjoy something that they can relate to: living in the temporary fantasy of accomplishing great deeds to which are normally alien to them. The world is in need of heroes still, even though there are not evil sorcerers with vast empires set on world domination, there are warlords that kill innocent people by the hundreds. There are monopolies that make their profit by hording supplies which causes the poor to live with undying hunger. Heroes in reality take all forms and do not need mighty weapons to defeat their adversaries. They are needed, and people are waiting.

Monomyth - Frodo Baggins

Frodo Baggins. The friendly hobbit, the savior of Middle-earth. He had many stages that correlate perfectly with the monomyth structure. He was an ordinary hobbit living in the Shire until his uncle Bilbo Baggins left him a magical ring. It was this one ring that led to his most significant journey and that would decide the fate of Middle-earth and all who dwell in it. Frodo embarked on his journey, from his birthplace with the aid of eight companions that are his "helpers" as the monomyth describes. On their journey Frodo is given the Star of Elendil, which contains the light of a star; could be considered his form of the elixir. He is given a mithril vest from his uncle which can relate to the amulet a hero is given for protection. Mithril is the hardest substance known in Middle-earth therefore it is the most protective form of gear imaginable. On Frodo's adventure he and Samwise (his fellow companion) are separated from the rest of the fellowship and alone are subject to many trials that test their courage and friendship as well. They gain an deceitful guide who betrays them while leading them to Mordor. When Frodo, Sam and Golem (the guide) enter Cirith Ungol and later Mordor, it is a definite crossing of threshold into a much darker atmosphere. Finally once Sam and Frodo dispose of the ring in the fiery pits of Mount Doom, his fellow companions are battling all of the evil in Mordor at the entrance called the Black Gate. This is very much the final battle/climax in Middle-earth. Evil is destroyed and Frodo and all of his friends are on their journeys to return home. Even once Frodo gets back to his familiar Shire he leaves Middle-earth for Valinor, the undying lands of the elves. This is almost a second call to adventure and birth/home because of the trip to an unknown land. Frodo embarks on the journey of a lifetime and during which he passed each and every monomyth stage at one point.

What is an American?

I guess the simplest way to decide if someone is American or not, is to compare their lifestyle amongst other Americans. By this standard most anyone can "be" American but with such a diverse country and its many cultures, is it even possible to find a standard to judge against? I live in America, as was I born here, but I don't consider myself anymore American than anyone else. I am not political, I find the majority of the country is struggling with obesity, and with all of the fast food monopolies running the market, it's not easy to get from overweight to a healthy fitness level. I find that other countries in the world have superb living standards, and even more interesting cultures. Would that make me unpatriotic then? American is a point of view, no matter what the skin color or ethnicity, it is determined by the frame of mind that people view this country and the actions that they take to secure a good lifestyle. People come here to live the American dream as they say. I consider it to be the dream of everyone, it's ignorant to think that only America can provide happiness. It supposedly has a greater opportunity for success that's all.