February 28, 2005
Aaron Comes To Town
Response to Assimilation
I am not sure if Assimilation is the 3rd or 4th Agenda Item, but I am just going to do it 3rd.
This essay was about an Indian woman who cheated on her white husband because she wanted to know what it would be like to be with an Indian man. By the time the story has ended, we realize how much the couple loves each other, but we also know that the wife has cheated on her husband. Her husband almost cheated on his wife, but couldn't because he loved her too much. I guess my agenda item doesn't really have to do with race. My question would be, do you think that telling the truth all the time is the best thing to do? This woman knows her husband loves her and she loves him, so do you think she should tell him she slept with someone else? Even though he will probably never find out, it will make her feel better, but it could ruin their marriage.
February 26, 2005
Response to "I'm Black, You're White, Who's Innocent?"
This essay basically talks about the lack of equality between white and black Americans, even today. I am having trouble coming up with an agenda item, but basically I feel that the only way for whites and blacks to have completely equal power, they both need to have similar power roles in American society. I personally do not think that there is any difference and I think the one way they will gain equal status is if an African American is elected as President of the US. Many think Powell would be a wonderful president, but I have also heard, "he would be the first African American President and the first African American President assinated." I guess my agenda item would be, do you think it will ever be possible for African Americans to gain the level of equality people have been striving for for decades? Or do you think there will always be racist people there to stop it from happening?
February 25, 2005
C.P. Ellis
This essay is about a man who had always struggled to make it through life. He finally felt he belonged to something when he joined the KKK. He developed a deep hatred for black while in this group, and I think this is just because he wanted to make sure he fit in. Eventually, he ended up changing his views to be completely opposite and gained many black friends.
My agenda item is: Do you think that you can try so hard to fit in that you end up developing beliefs that aren't your own? Almost as if you were brainwashed into believing them?
February 18, 2005
Day of Service
After attending a very moving presentation in rememberance of Martin Luther King, Jr, I spent Saturday, February 5 helping out the community. I worked with many other students to help mail brochures for the American Cancer Society. It felt really good to give back to the community. You never realize how much you have and how much you are given until you stop for a minute and look at the world around you. It was so nice to be able to use just a few hours of my time to help promote such a wonderful organization. I am glad I took the opportunity to help give back to those around me.
February 10, 2005
Response to Martin Luther King Jr Presentation
After attending the presentation on Martin Luther King Jr, I was very inspired to help others in any way I can. I have always known what Martin Luther stood for, but I never really related it to myself. It was so nice to have to opportunity to hear what my peers believed in regarding civil rights, and to know that almost everyone wants peace and freedom. I also was so glad that there was a chance to sign up then and there to help in the community and give back to the world that has given so much. I need to start really focusing on others and their needs and less on myself and what I want. In today's society it is so easy to get distracted and focus on just what I want. There is so much hate in this world, that everyone should put as much effort on trying to promote love and peace, and less time worrying about themselves. I also thought that the production by the theater department was outstanding. They were all so talented, and all so different. Watching all of those people, who are so different, all come together to share their talents was truly moving.
February 08, 2005
Response to About Marriage
I personally think it's a lame excuse to say that the reason men want to get out of relationships in today's society is because they feel they are no longer needed to support the family. I really think men in America need to realize that women are infact equal. Women have jobs outside of the home and contribute to a family's income. That's not going to change. I really think in today's society, women would go crazy if they had to stay home all day. Women are educated to a much higher degree now. If you're going to educate a woman, you cannot just expect her to want to stay home all day cleaning. I am not trying to downplay stay-at-home-moms (or dads), but everyone needs to realize that it's not a crime if women want to get out of the kitchen and into the real world. Women have passions for certain things and want to learn about these passions and then put them to work by getting a job. I am sorry if this makes men feel unneeded, but seriously, women need to do what makes them happy. They don't need to put on a happy face and pretend everything's all right just so their "breadwinner" husband can have his pride. Society's changing, and men need to realize women are just as capable as they are.
Response to Aunt Ida Pieces a Quilt
This poem was about a boy who had died from AIDS and his aunt is piecing together a quilt in his memory. It says before the poem that many people make quilts after a loved one has been taken by AIDS in order to help remember them. I think this poem was written to show that families love each other, no matter what they do. Many people view AIDS as such a bad thing, and therefore hate the people who have it because they think they are disgusting and have done bad things to contract it. This poem, however, shows how a family is piecing together the good parts of Junie's life and are showing their love for him.
February 04, 2005
Response to Envy
After reading Envy, I can't help but blame this little girl for acting the way she did. She lived in a society where everyone had a mother, a father and siblings. Anyone outside of that mold. felt different. She also was a colored person in a school almost completely filled with white people. I think that maybe instead of yelling at her so much, her mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher and principle should have maybe asked her why she did what she did. No one took any time to see what is wrong. I personally think if a young girl who is always pleasant has an outburst like that, there's something wrong and needs to be discussed.
Response to Talking Freaks
After reading this essay, I am quite shocked by how extreme talk shows have gotten. What's more suprising, is that people actually watch this crap. It really upsets me that shows invite guests that are going to scream at each other because their lifestyles aren't the same. I also think the people that are on these shows just want to get their 15 minutes of fame, and will do whatever it takes. When they were describing the Sally show, I could not believe the things these guests did. I don't see any need for anyone to come onto stage and begin making out with their partner, of the same sex or the opposite. No one needs to see that and they are only doing it to get a reaction. I cannot believe that people get some kind of enjoyment from watching some girl scream at her sister saying she must have been mixed up in the hospital when she was born because she's a lesbian. Get over it. People are different and I think this society spends way too much time worrying about people's sexual preferences. I personally don't understand gay relationships, but that doesn't give me the right to tell them what they can and cannot do. It also doesn't give me the right to hate them. Instead of spending so much time worrying about gay issues and making such a big deal about them on talk shows, why don't people spend their time on positive things, or things that are going to affect their life. Who cares what other people are doing. If it isn't hurting you or the world, leave them alone.