If I were a soldier in Lieutenant Jimmy Cross' unit, I would probably carry a lot of possessions outside of what I was required to carry. As a regular soldier, I would more than likely be required to carry guns, clothes, food, and all the other necessary materials a soldier carries. But I would also be very tempted to carry around many other things that were important to me.
If I was allowed to, I would more than likely have to have my cell phone with me. Now, I know in these earlier times, cell phones weren't around, but referencing in today's time, I would definitely like to have my phone with me, to be able to keep in contact with all of my family and friends and use the internet to keep up with news and current events that took place back at home. I would also definitely carry a few pictures of my loved ones so I would feel like I was carrying them along with me on my journey. Along with the pictures, I would always have with me some paper and pens in order to write home to family and friends, and I would also carry letters that had been sent to me, so that I could pull them out and read them whenever I felt homesick or sad.
Other items I would carry around would probably consist of toiletries and necessities. This would include toilet paper, tooth brush and tooth paste, a brush, deodorant, soap, and extra clothes for certain weather conditions, such as a good jacket or an umbrella for rain.
The final thing I would carry with me would be a camera to take pictures of all the amazing places I saw all over the world, and to bring back to my family to show them the journey I had been on. Many soldiers get to travel all over the world and visit countries they would not otherwise get to experience, so I would definitely want pictures. Along my journey, I would also always carry my special memories of times in the past with my loved ones, family, and friends.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
The School Days of an Indian Girl
The school days of an Indian Girl by Zitkala-Sa displays a sad story of an Indian girl who faced many challenges and hardships in her journey to reach college. Through boarding school in her childhood, she definitely did not experience anything near resembling an American dream. In the school taught by white women, the little Indian girl suffered so many hardships that is rare for American kids to encounter. She was mistreated, yelled at, physically punished, kept on a strict schedule, and was forced to have a certain appearance and lifestyle that was molded by the whites.
This one particular sentence stood out as so shocking to me that I could never imagine having to deal with. "I cried aloud, shaking my head all the while until I felt the cold blades of the scissors against my neck, and heard them gnaw off one of my thick braids. Then I lost my spirit." If anyone ever cut my hair or did anything to my appearance against my will, I can't imagine how violated I would feel. This is definitely not an example of living the American dream, because she had absolutely no freedom and no say for herself.
As she progresses in life, she advances and accomplishes the achievement of being fortunate enough to attend college. To me, college is one of the most current icons of the American dream since it's a privilege that is so common in today's world that people pursue in order to lead a successful life and get a good job. In this sense, the Indian girl was definitely experiencing the American dream.
"Later, the decision of the judges awarded me the first place. Then there was a mad uproar in the hall, where my classmates sang and shouted my name at the top of their lungs; and the disappointed students howled and brayed in fearfully dissonant tin trumpets. In this excitement, happy students rushed forward to offer their congratulations. And I could not conceal a smile when they wished to escort me in a procession to the students' parlor, where all were going to calm themselves." This was truly one of the first times the girl felt included and happy with her life. She had succeeded and accomplished something very great that she could take great pride in. She finally felt accepted and like one of the others in this moment.
This one particular sentence stood out as so shocking to me that I could never imagine having to deal with. "I cried aloud, shaking my head all the while until I felt the cold blades of the scissors against my neck, and heard them gnaw off one of my thick braids. Then I lost my spirit." If anyone ever cut my hair or did anything to my appearance against my will, I can't imagine how violated I would feel. This is definitely not an example of living the American dream, because she had absolutely no freedom and no say for herself.
As she progresses in life, she advances and accomplishes the achievement of being fortunate enough to attend college. To me, college is one of the most current icons of the American dream since it's a privilege that is so common in today's world that people pursue in order to lead a successful life and get a good job. In this sense, the Indian girl was definitely experiencing the American dream.
"Later, the decision of the judges awarded me the first place. Then there was a mad uproar in the hall, where my classmates sang and shouted my name at the top of their lungs; and the disappointed students howled and brayed in fearfully dissonant tin trumpets. In this excitement, happy students rushed forward to offer their congratulations. And I could not conceal a smile when they wished to escort me in a procession to the students' parlor, where all were going to calm themselves." This was truly one of the first times the girl felt included and happy with her life. She had succeeded and accomplished something very great that she could take great pride in. She finally felt accepted and like one of the others in this moment.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Bonus Blog
After reading Howells' story "Editha," I had a whole different perspective on the meaning of patriotism and imperialism. On the subject of the Spanish-American War, the Americans chose to fight a battle on their own terms that had the potential to desecrate an entire generation of people. At this time, there was no draft in place, but many young Americans still strove for war and had the hunger to fight and defend their country.
Editha's husband, George, was not one of these men initially. I found it very confusing that Editha was the one eager for her husband to jump into battle, and George was very apprehensive. Relating with today's world, where there is no longer a draft in place again, and people go to war by choice, it is very common that women, whether they be girlfriends, wives, mothers, or sisters, dread the men in their life going to war and risk death. But these roles were definitely reversed in Editha.
It's ironic, because reflecting on this story, I found that if the rules we have today applied back then, and women were allowed to go to war and fight for their country, Editha would probably not have been near as eager and enthusiastic to enlist in the war. Although she pushed and blackmailed her husband into war, because she was so sure that it was the right, patriotic thing to do, if it came down to her herself having to actually be put into battle and put her life on the line, she probably would have had much different of a perspective.
This truly showed her selfishness that she didn't mind her husband risking his life for her personal pleasure. She knew she would love him more and feel a greater sense of pride to be his wife if he went to war, fought for his country, and returned back to her as a hero. She wasn't realistic that his life really was at risk and he could very much so potentially die in battle and not return home to her. But she didn't care, because all that mattered was that she got what she wanted. She preferred to live in her own little world full of naive and selfish tendencies, which in turn made her appear crazy and out of touch with reality.
Editha's husband, George, was not one of these men initially. I found it very confusing that Editha was the one eager for her husband to jump into battle, and George was very apprehensive. Relating with today's world, where there is no longer a draft in place again, and people go to war by choice, it is very common that women, whether they be girlfriends, wives, mothers, or sisters, dread the men in their life going to war and risk death. But these roles were definitely reversed in Editha.
It's ironic, because reflecting on this story, I found that if the rules we have today applied back then, and women were allowed to go to war and fight for their country, Editha would probably not have been near as eager and enthusiastic to enlist in the war. Although she pushed and blackmailed her husband into war, because she was so sure that it was the right, patriotic thing to do, if it came down to her herself having to actually be put into battle and put her life on the line, she probably would have had much different of a perspective.
This truly showed her selfishness that she didn't mind her husband risking his life for her personal pleasure. She knew she would love him more and feel a greater sense of pride to be his wife if he went to war, fought for his country, and returned back to her as a hero. She wasn't realistic that his life really was at risk and he could very much so potentially die in battle and not return home to her. But she didn't care, because all that mattered was that she got what she wanted. She preferred to live in her own little world full of naive and selfish tendencies, which in turn made her appear crazy and out of touch with reality.
Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen
"For this reason she clung with tenacity to the affection and constant attentions of her son, and no man could be more devoted than was General Dominis to his mother." (ch. 4)
This sentence really stood out to me because it is a custom in today's world more commonly for males to be close with their moms, but it is not something I thought was common in past times. I was always under the impression that in past times, males would move out of the house early on, create their own life, and not really turn back to their family they were apart of growing up. Today, it is much more common for people to remain close with their parents, so this struck my attention since General Dominis was so loyal to his mother, even as an adult. It is obvious that family ties were a priority with this culture.
This sentence really stood out to me because it is a custom in today's world more commonly for males to be close with their moms, but it is not something I thought was common in past times. I was always under the impression that in past times, males would move out of the house early on, create their own life, and not really turn back to their family they were apart of growing up. Today, it is much more common for people to remain close with their parents, so this struck my attention since General Dominis was so loyal to his mother, even as an adult. It is obvious that family ties were a priority with this culture.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Endless Faith
After reading Pauline Hopkins' "As the Lord Lives, He is One of Our Mother's Children" and Claude McKay's poems, I wonder how people of their time still managed to have faith in God despite all of the turmoil and hard times they faced. This shines through in Hopkins' story with Stone and Reverend Stevens.
Reverend Stevens was a kind, Godly man who found it in his heart to take in a desperate man, George Stone, when he was sick and at a dead end. He later finds out he was accused for the murder of a black man and there was a reward out for finding him and turning him in. While Reverend Stevens could have made $1,500, he found it in his heart to cover Stone's back and keep him safe in hiding, until all of the commotion blew over and he could safely escape. This display of kindness and care is expected of a reverend, but it also showed in a fugitive black man, who had no hope in life, George Stone.
After parting ways with Stevens and his beloved son Flip, Stone encounters them again years down the road in a tragedy situation. Stone discovers a huge tree on a train track, and hears God telling him what he has to do. He must remove the tree from the track so that the train can safely pass without crashing and killing the passengers on board, which consists of Reverend Stevens and his son Flip. After all Stevens did for Stone out of the love in his heart, Stone knew he had to save him and his son. Therefore, he works and works to get the tree off the track, with the love and support through prayers from God. In his final moments alive, Stone is one on one with God, praying for help and salvation. Stone then gets struck by the train, taking his life to save the lives of Stevens and Flip. Both men found it in their hearts to sacrifice their safety through God's faith and love to save the other.
One small example of having faith in God also shows up in one of Claude McKay's poems, "If We Must Die." Claude explains that in his times, many many black men were lynched and violently killed for one reason or another. This reflects him believing "If we must die, let it not be like hogs Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot, While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs, Making their mock at our accursed lot" (page 707 lines 1-4). He knows even if he must die, he needs to do in nobly, with faith in God that everything will end up alright and not fight what his fate holds.
Reverend Stevens was a kind, Godly man who found it in his heart to take in a desperate man, George Stone, when he was sick and at a dead end. He later finds out he was accused for the murder of a black man and there was a reward out for finding him and turning him in. While Reverend Stevens could have made $1,500, he found it in his heart to cover Stone's back and keep him safe in hiding, until all of the commotion blew over and he could safely escape. This display of kindness and care is expected of a reverend, but it also showed in a fugitive black man, who had no hope in life, George Stone.
After parting ways with Stevens and his beloved son Flip, Stone encounters them again years down the road in a tragedy situation. Stone discovers a huge tree on a train track, and hears God telling him what he has to do. He must remove the tree from the track so that the train can safely pass without crashing and killing the passengers on board, which consists of Reverend Stevens and his son Flip. After all Stevens did for Stone out of the love in his heart, Stone knew he had to save him and his son. Therefore, he works and works to get the tree off the track, with the love and support through prayers from God. In his final moments alive, Stone is one on one with God, praying for help and salvation. Stone then gets struck by the train, taking his life to save the lives of Stevens and Flip. Both men found it in their hearts to sacrifice their safety through God's faith and love to save the other.
One small example of having faith in God also shows up in one of Claude McKay's poems, "If We Must Die." Claude explains that in his times, many many black men were lynched and violently killed for one reason or another. This reflects him believing "If we must die, let it not be like hogs Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot, While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs, Making their mock at our accursed lot" (page 707 lines 1-4). He knows even if he must die, he needs to do in nobly, with faith in God that everything will end up alright and not fight what his fate holds.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
The "Ah Hah" Moment
There is one literary element that makes all texts worth reading: suspense. Many people search for books and novels that are suspenseful because they like to have surprises and “Ah Hah!” moments when they get to the end, when everything comes together and makes sense.
Two texts in particular that create these moments are “Learning to Read” by Frances E.W. Harper and “The Wife of His Youth” by Charles Chesnutt. Both of these readings create an “Ah Hah” moment where the story comes to a surprising conclusion. Harper’s poem “Learning to Read” leads the reader to first believe that Frances Harper was a deprived slave who never received the privilege of learning to read by her recollection that “Our masters always tried to hide Book learning from our eyes; Knowledge didn’t agree with slavery - ‘Twould make us all too wise” explains how it was frowned upon and almost near impossible for slaves to be able to learn to read. Right when one believes she will never get the privilege she so longs for, the story takes a twisting turn. Harper speaks of her determination and how she “Got a pair of glasses, And Straight to work I went, And never stopped till I could read The hymns and Testament.” After reading this and concluding the story, I was surprised to find out that Frances Harper was finally able to learnt to read, and lived with her freedom and independence in her own cabin for the rest of eternity.
In “The Wife of His Youth” by Charles Chesnutt, the protagonist, Mr. Ryder, tells a story of his journey to the woman of his dreams. Chesnutt first leads the reader astray at the beginning by telling the story of how Mr. Ryder had met a woman named Mrs. Dixon and he had fallen completely in love with her and wished to marry her. This leads the reader to think he is going to end up with this woman he has just met. Mr. Ryder plans a ball, where he would propose to Mrs. Dixon. At this time, an older black woman walks through the gate and catches Mr. Ryder’s attention. She begins to speak to Mr. Ryder: “"'scuse me, suh, I's lookin' for my husban'. I heerd you wuz a big man an' had libbed heah a long time, an' I 'lowed you wouldn't min' ef I'd come roun' an' ax you ef you'd eber heerd of a merlatter man by de name er Sam Taylor 'quirin' roun' in de chu'ches ermongs' de people fer his wife 'Liza Jane?” Here, Liza explains she has been looking for her husband for 25 years since he has been freed from slavery, but she has yet to find him. Liza proceeds to show Mr. Ryder a picture of her long lost husband, to which “He looked long and intently at the portrait…..and it was easy to see what manner of man it had represented.” This gives the reader a hint of insight that he recognizes the man in the photo. He then proceeds to go upstairs and stare at himself in the mirror at his own reflection. Returning down to the ball, he speaks to his audience about what he should do in a time of crisis where a woman returned to seek her husband after 25 years. He wonders if she should be accepted or not. Chesnutt then throws the final curveball by ending the story, “Ladies and gentlemen…this is the woman, and I am the man, whose story I have told you. Permit me to introduce to you the wife of my youth.” This is such an amazing moment for a reader, after reading this long story, they finally come to the realization in the very last sentence that Mr. Ryder was the long lost husband Ms. Liza had been searching for. In just one final sentence, the whole story comes together in an instant and gives the reader lasting satisfaction.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Post-Civil War America
While reading the intro, pages 1-29, I noticed a big theme that stuck out to me that seems to still be a contemporary issue we still face today. It was very interesting to me to read about all of the immigration problems that erupted in America after the civil war, because we definitely still deal with immigration issues in our society today.
Back in post civil war times, American citizens were just getting used to the idea of immigrants coming into America and taking over territory and jobs. Our country had just received the Statue of Liberty from France, which was supposed to be our symbol of welcome and hope. But many citizens struggled with this, as many do today. The Chinese were excluded from our country may decades ago, which caused a huge uprising among their culture.
The text states that “Immigration and rapid industrialization also generated growing conflicts between labor and corporations, or trusts, controlled by a few wealthy men” (18). We still face this problem today with a wave of immigrants coming into our country from Mexico, crossing over the border to receive a chance at a new life, eager to work at very cheap wages, just like post civil war times when the Chinese were coming to America to perform cheap labor.
I think as long as we are as accepting of a country as we are, and aren’t very proactive to prevent immigration that is negative, we will always have our current threats of terrorism scares and bad intentions from foreigners. This didn’t seem to be as severe of a risk back in earlier times. I believe those times were full of immigrants coming to America with truly sincere intentions to settle new land and have a good life, as opposed to the negative intentions of many immigrants today, who strive to destroy America and the way we operate.
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