You Don't Need the Dollars

After our class's cold read, and seminar, i came to realization how dependent humanity is on money and materialism. Not only is this fact rather depressing, it is also pathetic. We spend so much of our lives doing anything and everything to attain more, that we begin to loose sight of the important aspects of living. So much literature is circled around this human flaw. For example, the whole premise of The Great Gatsby is focused on the corruption of wealth, but I feel like that aspect is especially prevalent now. As a teenage girl, i know that my generation has become so focused on outward appearance. This includes clothing, hair, makeup, shoes, etc. But, the point is, we put so much effort and wealth into material, that we begin to hide ourselves. We become so wrapped up in social media, and attaining the perfect image, just like "Devastating Beauty" showed us. These are all earthly matters and worries. Instead of putting all this money into personal "up-keeping", we could really be making a difference. Do you know, on average, how much a pair of decent shoes cost? I would say at least $60, and that is cutting it real close. How many starving children do you think that money could feed? There is a difference. Even though i am a huge victim to the pressure of earthly goods, I know that we could do so much better. If society, as a whole, could just let loose of the "want" for money, everyone would achieve so much more happiness. Not only for themselves, but for others as well. Don't you think that's a bit ironic, considering we have always clung to money for happiness? The cliche is right, money really can't buy happiness.

The Best Place on Earth

Troy Michigan, the world’s most eventful place on earth. I honestly don't know where to begin, there are just a plethora of activities to do in this town. The best thing is that you'll never have to go to the same place more than once. Don't know what to do? How about you take a trip down to the mall. Don't have any money? That is perfectly fine; you can drool and yearn over gorgeous, overly priced clothing! I promise it will be an amazing adventure. Plus, if you get hungry, the pricing at the food court will blow your mind. It is extraordinarily reasonable, only ten dollars for a scoop of cold, decadent ice cream. Just want to take a stroll, the mall is the perfect place. The adorable couple- displaying a great amount of affection, holding hands and snuggling- will walk right in front of you at the pace of a snail. I love fumbling behind them, trying not to run them over. It's not like I was trying to go anywhere. I know that the mall isn't for everyone, so why not head out to the movies. You can enjoy a ground breaking, thrilling movie every weekend for the minimal price of 11 dollars and 25 cents a ticket. Although, if you want to nibble on some snacks, bring a couple extra dollars. That is never a problem though, because sixteen year old, unemployed, full time students are made of money. Looking back, there are an enormous amount of activities to choose from. The only issue is that the movies are not technically located in the boundaries of Troy. So, I guess we know where you’re headed!

An Okefenokee Life

After reading about the Okefenokee Swamp, i found that it's environment seems similar to earth and humans in general. For example, in both passages the author puts an emphasis on the variety of life found in the swamp. From the lush, "dense vegetation" to "diverse and abundant wildlife", humanity relates with it's vast amount of cultures and races. With the plants, they represent the peaceful beautiful side of people in general. Humans are attractive,despite out flaws, and we hold an exotic beauty. But, just like the swamp's animal wildlife, there is always a lurking danger. The alligator is always near. Just like these animals, we "feed off of each other". Humans hurt one  and other on a continuous basis, and cause genuine physical and emotional pain. Humans have the capability of becoming some form of a "hellish zoo". There are some aspects of people that initiate a this zoo. Adolf Hitler is an example of one these "hellish" creatures. Just like the alligator, he is lurking danger in society, waiting to attack and enforce evil opinions. On the other hand, I feel like each passage provides different outlooks on like. The first seems much more beneficial, considering it's positive tone and descriptions. Looking at life in a positive light, despite it's many negative aspects, creates happiness. Passage 2 seems to sulk over the tragic features in the swamp, and that supports it being a "hellish zoo". But, that is no way to look at an abundant platform of life. In a way, i feel like this story encourages different outlooks, and shows the impact each can have.

Stere"no"types

In Brent Staples' "Black Men and Public Space", he addresses how black men have the "ability to negatively alter space in an ugly way" (paragraph 2); he also portrays the impact stereotypes have on the public's opinion. Society has decided to take certain races and plan out their future, like they are the fates. The public begins profiling. They assume the worst and treat people like they are from outer space. This is especially true when negative stereotypes are enforced, such as African American's. People all assume that black men are set to find their "victims"(paragraph 1), however, this is completely inaccurate. Although, stereotypes don't restrict themselves to race, in cases like Jeannette Walls, people assume the worst of poor people. The public labels them as dingy thieves who live unhappy lives. The impoverished alter space by making people uncomfortable and cause society to basically ignore the situatuation. In essence there are all sorts of stereotypes, but they don't have to be true. In Sherman Alexie's piece, he portrayed Jimi Hendrix as a man who, in some cases, defied the odds. Despite succumbing to drugs, Hendrix was an extraordinarily influential musician. He is know, arguably, as one of the greatest musicians in rock history. He found a way to positively alter space, and influence others who are labeled as well. That is not something the public could ever expect from a black man. You'd think they are all too busy scaring off women on the streets. While others might say that you are your stereotype, know that everyone is their own individual. There is no true way to fight the fire of judgment. It is a component of human nature that may never escape us, but that doesn't mean we have to let society tell us who we are.

It's Okay to Shed A Tear

Beside the fact that i thought this video was really funny, I thought it was interesting how it portrayed men. In class we talked about public space, and what society has labeled appropriate behavior for men and women. It is common for everyone to focus on the large amount of things women can not do in public, but one thing i noticed is that we forget about men. Society had deemed it "inappropriate" for men to cry. For as long as time, humanity has continuously encouraged men to put on a masculine persona when in public. All men are supposed to remain big, buff, and never become consumed by their emotions. But, the truth is, men cry, just like how women burp; and since the public has made such a big deal over this, people have resulted to only do these things in private. Although i think it is classier to keep your burps contained, that goes for men and women, the public has always tried to deny the truth. This relates to Virginia Woolf's message in "The Dead Moth". She uses the moth as a symbol of humanity and our denial towards death. When in reality, death is a "true nature of life"(Woolf). A struggle in which we can not fight, because "death is stronger" (Woolf). With that comparison, you find that society shouldn't stray away from the true nature of humans. We can cry, burp, and die all we want, it's natural!

Father-Son/Daughter Relationships

We talked a lot about relationships in class this week, and a lot of it related to father-daughter/son relationships. After reading both descriptive pieces that touch upon this topic, i realized they are very easy to relate to. In Sarah Vowell's "Shooting Dad", she portrays the relationship she had with her father. Vowell illustrates herself as a daughter who lacks similar interests with her father, and because of this they tend to get into heated discussions. I feel like this fits the stereotypical father-daughter relationship. Girls tend to form their own opinions and pull away from their fathers during their teenage years. Also, because they are girls they get emotional, which is difficult for fathers to relate to. As for "Arm Wrestling with My Father", Manning shows the father-son stereotype through a relationship of similar qualities and little argument; and unlike girls, boys don't really pull away from their fathers. Although, in the end both stories depict equal love. Dispite having different or similar opinions and interest, fathers, sons, and daughters all hold equal love for each other because of a family bond.

Blue Dancers: Edgar Degas

A flock of blue dancers,
all decked out in pale white faces.
Each the same as the other,
condensed into their sleek pale pink tights
and royal blue, fluffed costumes.

Pinning back long brunette locks,
grooming cobalt tulle.

The dewy scent of perspiration
and anticipation hover the air,
along with the faint tunes
from orchestra members.

Hands firmly placed on hips,
flushed powdered cheeks.
The dancer's eyes evaluates her stretched sole.
She contemplates each movement,
playing it over.

Each step, each leg,
each arm, toe, and finger.

There is only a glance of surrounding colors.

Her tasteless balmy lips perk
just at the thought of an attentive,
wide eyed audience.
All dressed in dapper, tailored clothing.

Never mind them.

The show must go on,
let's prepare the canvas.