Great Speech Project- Rhetorical Analysis
This was an acceptance speech given on December 7, 2012 by Mo Yan in front of the Swedish Academy, receiving the Nobel Prize for Literature. Mo Yan’s obvious purpose is to accept his prize and tell of the many stories of his past that brought him to this point. He repeatedly reminds his audience that he is a story teller and this use of anaphora continues throughout much of his speech. Mo Yan spends the beginning talking about his “clearest memory”, his “most remorseful memory”, his “most painful memory.” As he talks about the time he spent growing up, he also alludes to the writings of the American William Faulkner and Columbian Gabriel Garcia Marquez and how they inspired him to develop his individual style. I thought that he made a very interesting metaphor in comparing them, saying that “They were a pair of burning furnaces; I was a block of ice. If I got too close to them, I would dissolve into a cloud of steam.” This was very vivid imagery and helped me understand that though Mo Yan was inspired by these authors, he didn’t want his writings to be stifled under their influence.
Through the many stories he tells about his childhood growing up in China, we get a great sense of the ethos of Mo Yan. He gives us great background into how I grew to love telling stories and eventually writing them down on paper and now receiving a Nobel Prize for it. Though his clear purpose may have been to thank the academy for his prize and write about his childhood and journey to arrive at this point, there is much more hidden purpose than what is seen at face value. Mo Yan is very against having to stick to the status quo and general expectations of him. He is writing to fight for his own right to have an opinion that differs from everyone else. One example we found of that was artists and writers, such as Ai Wei Wei being thrown into jail for opposing the Chinese government. In fact, Mo Yan was under a lot of controversy for not fighting for the release of Liu Xiaobo who was recently arrested. Mo Yan admittedly has difficulty with “writing novels that deal with social realities” because he thinks that too much politics will stifle the development of literature and not allow it to take its full effect, which he truly believes in. He tells one story of 8 men who were stuck in a rundown temple during a terrible storm. After believing that he was the reason for the storm one of the men was forced to leave to “accept his punishment”. Promptly after he left, the temple collapsed around the remaining men. I think that this is a metaphor for Mo Yan’s right to disagree with the majority. He is saying that if someone stands out in a group, be it for a legitimate reason or otherwise and are forced to leave because they are different, then those who removed him will suffer for being selfish. It is clear that Mo Yan’s set of morals changed after the grief filled death of his mother. Previously, he was very much under her influence and saw her opinion as almost law. Now that she is gone, Mo Yan seems to be struggling with finding his place in society, wanting to be able to have differing opinions, or at least the right to and also dealing with the social conflicts he faces and how to effectively convey that through his work. This speech, in my opinion, is only the beginning of his journey, taking us on a ride of his development of ethos through his stories and vast metaphors.
Friday, December 14, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Malcolm X and Thoreau: The same, but different
Both Malcolm X and Thoreau make very convincing for their arguments, concerning the matter of taking action against something you see as unjust. While Thoreau was talking to the general people who live under the rule of someone else, Malcolm X was addressing a very specific group of people, primarily African Americans, living in the United States during the year 1964. Both ultimately urge their audience to take a noteworthy stance for what they want done because voting will get you nowhere in society, and it is crucial to stand up for what you believe is right regardless of whether or not it coincides with the law.
Malcolm X believes that African Americans are being shunned in the US, though they should be having equal rights and living the American dream instead of the American nightmare they are currently experiencing. He encourages his followers to not allow the white men to keep control and instead must turn to either the ballot or the bullet in order to get what they seek. Though Thoreau has a similar philosophy, he strongly disagrees with the use of violence. One of the ways he chose to oppose his government was by refusing to pay a tax and instead spending the night in jail. He chose non-aggressive methods to get his point across, which is quite different from Malcolm X who passionately rallied his people together to make their stance against the oppression they were receiving from the government which was supposed to be awarding equal opportunities and rights, instead of redrawing district lines to prevent them from gaining too much power with their ability to vote for example.
Though they may believe in carrying out their points differently, Thoreau and Malcolm X both want their audience to fight for what they believe is right, even if it means going against a corrupt government with a lot of power. Both also choose to reference examples in history of countries/groups that have exemplified what they are encouraging in their speeches. In "The Ballot or the Bullet", Malcolm X talked about the French and the Algerians, whereas Thoreau uses the Mexican American War and slavery as his examples in "Civil Disobedience". In the end, both want the public to realize that an injustice is being thrust upon them and instead of sitting there and "turning their cheek", they must rebel against what the government demands and instead push for their individual rights.
Malcolm X believes that African Americans are being shunned in the US, though they should be having equal rights and living the American dream instead of the American nightmare they are currently experiencing. He encourages his followers to not allow the white men to keep control and instead must turn to either the ballot or the bullet in order to get what they seek. Though Thoreau has a similar philosophy, he strongly disagrees with the use of violence. One of the ways he chose to oppose his government was by refusing to pay a tax and instead spending the night in jail. He chose non-aggressive methods to get his point across, which is quite different from Malcolm X who passionately rallied his people together to make their stance against the oppression they were receiving from the government which was supposed to be awarding equal opportunities and rights, instead of redrawing district lines to prevent them from gaining too much power with their ability to vote for example.
Though they may believe in carrying out their points differently, Thoreau and Malcolm X both want their audience to fight for what they believe is right, even if it means going against a corrupt government with a lot of power. Both also choose to reference examples in history of countries/groups that have exemplified what they are encouraging in their speeches. In "The Ballot or the Bullet", Malcolm X talked about the French and the Algerians, whereas Thoreau uses the Mexican American War and slavery as his examples in "Civil Disobedience". In the end, both want the public to realize that an injustice is being thrust upon them and instead of sitting there and "turning their cheek", they must rebel against what the government demands and instead push for their individual rights.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Pablo Neruda 2.0
Pablo Neruda was a famous poet and influential politician in Chile. He is considered to be one of the best poets of his time and played a role in the turning point of Changez in the Reluctant Fundamentalist. Pablo Neruda, and his place of residence in particular put Changez’s situation in perspective, eventually leading him to come to a conclusion that would challenge the life he had made in America for himself, as well as recognizing that he would continue no longer as a member of both societies due to the fact he wasn’t able to keep his internal core and the balance needed to stay sane. Juan-Barista had reached out to Changez and suggested that he visit the house of Pablo Neruda while in Chile. It was at that house that Changez was finally able to come to terms with himself and recognize that he “lacked a stable core, I was not certain where I belonged- in New York, in Lahore, in both, in neither.” (148) I think that this ties in with Pablo Neruda as well, due to the fact that Neruda too traveled all over the world, from Chile to Spain to Paris, and as he had significant posts wherever he went may have faced similar conflict as Changez. Despite this, I think it was less to do with Pablo Neruda’s accomplishments and standing in society that effected Changez than it was his home and the journey it took to get there. Once he reached the house, Changez was able to reflect on what was going on in his life and face the imminent decision he would eventually have to make.
The poem I have selected out of Pablo Neruda’s extensive works was Bird. I found it to be synonymous with Changez’s journey throughout the novel. In the poem, Neruda describes a bird who went on a journey and after the journey he would remain suspended “between sun and geography” observing and learning about what was going on around him. I think that throughout Changez’s journey between America and Pakistan, he learned lessons and made observations that would change his opinions on the world. He became “the small bird on fire” and was ignited with a desire to embrace his culture and eventually pushed to a point where he would scorn what he learned to be negative qualities of America, which he left in order to return to his life in Pakistan. When Neruda writes of the bird “which dances out of the pollen”, I see a metaphor of Changez who had to emerge from his life in America, filled with confusion, experience; “pollen” in order to come to peace with himself, a peace he achieved hidden away from the rest of the world, left only with his thoughts perched high at Pablo Neruda’s house.
The poem I have selected out of Pablo Neruda’s extensive works was Bird. I found it to be synonymous with Changez’s journey throughout the novel. In the poem, Neruda describes a bird who went on a journey and after the journey he would remain suspended “between sun and geography” observing and learning about what was going on around him. I think that throughout Changez’s journey between America and Pakistan, he learned lessons and made observations that would change his opinions on the world. He became “the small bird on fire” and was ignited with a desire to embrace his culture and eventually pushed to a point where he would scorn what he learned to be negative qualities of America, which he left in order to return to his life in Pakistan. When Neruda writes of the bird “which dances out of the pollen”, I see a metaphor of Changez who had to emerge from his life in America, filled with confusion, experience; “pollen” in order to come to peace with himself, a peace he achieved hidden away from the rest of the world, left only with his thoughts perched high at Pablo Neruda’s house.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Pablo Neruda
Pablo Neruda was a famous poet and influential politician in Chile. He is considered to be one of the best poets of his time and played a role in the turning point of Changez in the Reluctant Fundamentalist. Juan-Barista had reached out to Changez and suggested that he visit the house of Pablo Neruda while in Chile. It was at that house that Changez was finally able to come to terms with himself and recognize that he “lacked a stable core, I was not certain where I belonged- in New York, in Lahore, in both, in neither.” (148) I think that this ties in with Pablo Neruda as well, due to the fact that Neruda too traveled all over the world, from Chile to Spain to Paris, and as he had significant posts wherever he went may have faced similar conflict as Changez. Despite this, I think it was less to do with Pablo Neruda’s accomplishments and standing in society that effected Changez than it was his home and the journey it took to get there. Once he reached the house, Changez was able to reflect on what was going on in his life and
The poem I have selected out of Pablo Neruda’s extensive works was Bird. I found it to be synonymous with Changez’s journey throughout the novel. In the poem, Neruda describes a bird who went on a journey and after the journey he would remain suspended “between sun and geography” observing and learning about what was going on around him. I think that throughout Changez’s journey between America and Pakistan, he learned lessons and made observations that would change his opinions on the world. He became “the small bird on fire” and was ignited with a desire to embrace his culture and eventually pushed to a point where he would scorn what he learned to be negative qualities of America, which he left in order to return to his life in Pakistan. When Neruda writes of the bird “which dances out of the pollen”, I see a metaphor of Changez who had to emerge from his life in America, filled with confusion, experience; “pollen” in order to come to peace with himself, a peace he achieved hidden away from the rest of the world, left only with his thoughts perched high at Pablo Neruda’s house.
Bird
It passed from one bird to another,
the whole gift of the day.
The day went from flute to flute,
went dressed in vegetation,
in flights which opened a tunnel
through the wind would pass
to where birds were breaking open
the dense blue air -
and there, night came in.
When I returned from so many journeys,
I stayed suspended and green
between sun and geography -
I saw how wings worked,
how perfumes are transmitted
by feathery telegraph,
and from above I saw the path,
the springs and the roof tiles,
the fishermen at their trades,
the trousers of the foam;
I saw it all from my green sky.
I had no more alphabet
than the swallows in their courses,
the tiny, shining water
of the small bird on fire
which dances out of the pollen.
The poem I have selected out of Pablo Neruda’s extensive works was Bird. I found it to be synonymous with Changez’s journey throughout the novel. In the poem, Neruda describes a bird who went on a journey and after the journey he would remain suspended “between sun and geography” observing and learning about what was going on around him. I think that throughout Changez’s journey between America and Pakistan, he learned lessons and made observations that would change his opinions on the world. He became “the small bird on fire” and was ignited with a desire to embrace his culture and eventually pushed to a point where he would scorn what he learned to be negative qualities of America, which he left in order to return to his life in Pakistan. When Neruda writes of the bird “which dances out of the pollen”, I see a metaphor of Changez who had to emerge from his life in America, filled with confusion, experience; “pollen” in order to come to peace with himself, a peace he achieved hidden away from the rest of the world, left only with his thoughts perched high at Pablo Neruda’s house.
Bird
It passed from one bird to another,
the whole gift of the day.
The day went from flute to flute,
went dressed in vegetation,
in flights which opened a tunnel
through the wind would pass
to where birds were breaking open
the dense blue air -
and there, night came in.
When I returned from so many journeys,
I stayed suspended and green
between sun and geography -
I saw how wings worked,
how perfumes are transmitted
by feathery telegraph,
and from above I saw the path,
the springs and the roof tiles,
the fishermen at their trades,
the trousers of the foam;
I saw it all from my green sky.
I had no more alphabet
than the swallows in their courses,
the tiny, shining water
of the small bird on fire
which dances out of the pollen.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Toulmin Analysis
Claim: "A lifestyle change is something people across the world, but especially in America, which has one of the highest rates of obesity, need to consider."
Reasons:
- because Americans are already overweight
- because the current lifestyles aren't working well
- "changes in lifestyles will diminish obesity"
Evidence:
- "because Americans are already overweight"- America has one of the highest rates of obesity and though not everyone is classified as obese, a large number are.
- "because the current lifestyles aren't working well"- The attitude many have towards health, nutrition, and exercise is hindering the way they live and leading to potentially serious health issues.
- "changes in lifestyles will diminish obesity"- Obesity is a negative aspect of our society and something that is greatly frowned upon, and by changing one's lifestyle, obesity will be less likely.
Warrants:
- "because Americans are already overweight"
a. obesity is bad
b. negative effects are already occuring
- "because the current lifestyles aren't working well"
a. lifestyle choices are causing people to be overweight
- "changes in lifestyles will diminish obesity"
a. obesity is removed through change
Backing:
- "obesity is bad"- Obesity is changing our society for the worse. People's health and morale is going down and the rates of overweight citizens are causing nothing but unproductive impacts upon America.
- "negative effects are already occuring"- As a result of the way people are living, there is much more obesity than there has in previous generations and this is being continued in the upcoming generations who are living by the examples now set.
- "lifestyle choices are causing people to be overweight"- People are choosing fast food as their meals and doing very little exercise to make up for that. They don't monitor their nutrition and don't make the right choices about their bodies.
- "obesity is removed through change"- However, the rates of obesity could go down greatly if people start to live in a more positive way and make better decisions about what they eat and how they keep themselves healthy.
Revision Plan:
If I were to revise my post I would keep the claim I have already made, but I would have more concrete, factual support instead of relying on common beliefs and knowledge. For example, the warrant "obesity is bad" is one that I believe most people will agree on, I think that if I included more numbers and statistics, it would be a stronger arguement. I think my reasons about the lifestyles of Americans are realistic and something that is very clear throughout my blog. If I included a little more logos in this particular post, people would be even more convinced.
Reasons:
- because Americans are already overweight
- because the current lifestyles aren't working well
- "changes in lifestyles will diminish obesity"
Evidence:
- "because Americans are already overweight"- America has one of the highest rates of obesity and though not everyone is classified as obese, a large number are.
- "because the current lifestyles aren't working well"- The attitude many have towards health, nutrition, and exercise is hindering the way they live and leading to potentially serious health issues.
- "changes in lifestyles will diminish obesity"- Obesity is a negative aspect of our society and something that is greatly frowned upon, and by changing one's lifestyle, obesity will be less likely.
Warrants:
- "because Americans are already overweight"
a. obesity is bad
b. negative effects are already occuring
- "because the current lifestyles aren't working well"
a. lifestyle choices are causing people to be overweight
- "changes in lifestyles will diminish obesity"
a. obesity is removed through change
Backing:
- "obesity is bad"- Obesity is changing our society for the worse. People's health and morale is going down and the rates of overweight citizens are causing nothing but unproductive impacts upon America.
- "negative effects are already occuring"- As a result of the way people are living, there is much more obesity than there has in previous generations and this is being continued in the upcoming generations who are living by the examples now set.
- "lifestyle choices are causing people to be overweight"- People are choosing fast food as their meals and doing very little exercise to make up for that. They don't monitor their nutrition and don't make the right choices about their bodies.
- "obesity is removed through change"- However, the rates of obesity could go down greatly if people start to live in a more positive way and make better decisions about what they eat and how they keep themselves healthy.
Revision Plan:
If I were to revise my post I would keep the claim I have already made, but I would have more concrete, factual support instead of relying on common beliefs and knowledge. For example, the warrant "obesity is bad" is one that I believe most people will agree on, I think that if I included more numbers and statistics, it would be a stronger arguement. I think my reasons about the lifestyles of Americans are realistic and something that is very clear throughout my blog. If I included a little more logos in this particular post, people would be even more convinced.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
I Get It, But It Still Needs To Be Fixed!
C'mon. That's gross. You know, I know, we all know eating McDonald's three times a day is just not good for you. Haven't you seen Supersize Me? No thanks. Eating a cookie, a bag of chips, and some chocolate milk for lunch before going home and laying on the couch watching TV isn't good either. A lifestyle change is something people across the world, but especially in America, which has one of the highest rates of obesity, need to consider.
Everyone knows that they need to eat healthy and exercise, so why don't more people do so? I mean, I get it. I love ice cream and could easily eat a container myself. Fast food is something I do enjoy...but only on occassion. I'd indulge in as much junk food as the next person but a line has to be drawn somewhere. Yes! Eat that pizza when you go out with your friends, grab McDonald's after a late away game, there's nothing wrong with that but Americans need to realize that everything must be done or consumed in moderation.
I think that while there is great comfort and relief in eating most foods and taking the day off of exercising every once in a while is a great thing that everyone should get to do but shouldn't live on a daily basis. Someone who chooses to eat a fatty cheeseburger and a bottle of Coke every night for dinner should probably learn to hit the gym the next day to avoid the unappealing, impeeding tummy that would soon grow due to the unhealthy choices.
Being healthy is such a beneficial quality and its worth the extra work and less junk food. Doesn't everyone want to feel more energized and look healthier? Maybe try a new sport or be able to be a little more competitive in physical activities? Yeah, nobody wants to eat rabbit food and live on a treadmill but everybody wants to achieve a higher self esteem and feel more confident about themselves. No one will make fun of someone that is trying to make a positive change in their life and by making a lifestyle change, others may follow suit.
Everyone knows that they need to eat healthy and exercise, so why don't more people do so? I mean, I get it. I love ice cream and could easily eat a container myself. Fast food is something I do enjoy...but only on occassion. I'd indulge in as much junk food as the next person but a line has to be drawn somewhere. Yes! Eat that pizza when you go out with your friends, grab McDonald's after a late away game, there's nothing wrong with that but Americans need to realize that everything must be done or consumed in moderation.
I think that while there is great comfort and relief in eating most foods and taking the day off of exercising every once in a while is a great thing that everyone should get to do but shouldn't live on a daily basis. Someone who chooses to eat a fatty cheeseburger and a bottle of Coke every night for dinner should probably learn to hit the gym the next day to avoid the unappealing, impeeding tummy that would soon grow due to the unhealthy choices.
Being healthy is such a beneficial quality and its worth the extra work and less junk food. Doesn't everyone want to feel more energized and look healthier? Maybe try a new sport or be able to be a little more competitive in physical activities? Yeah, nobody wants to eat rabbit food and live on a treadmill but everybody wants to achieve a higher self esteem and feel more confident about themselves. No one will make fun of someone that is trying to make a positive change in their life and by making a lifestyle change, others may follow suit.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
You Can Do It Too!
Who wants to exercise? Who wants to give up fast food for fruit? Anyone feel like spending hours at the gym or at a sports practice? That doesn't sound too appealing but let's think about it in another light. Who wants to be healthy and feel good about themselves? Who wants to eat satisfying food instead of empty carbs? Anyone feel like making a ton of new friends by joining a sports team? Before high school I didn't exercise much, except for soccer once, maybe twice a week. I ate as much junk food and pizza as anyone. Then, in 7th or 8th grade, mostly thanks to the work of Michelle Obama, I started to learn about the epidemic of obesity across America. I didn't categorize myself as a fat American and I thought that obesity would only reach those people who ate in McDonald's for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and worked the remote control instead of something productive. Well, I was wrong. Anyone can reach the state of obesity and 1/3 of Americans are. An outrageous 2/3 are overweight. These numbers are incredibly high and something has to change. To avoid slipping into a rut that is so hard to get out of I joined a soccer team, became a vegetarian, and tried to go out with my friends or do something productive instead of sitting in front of the TV. I don't miss watching 3 TV shows a night and I met some of my closest friends through soccer. Simple changes can make the difference and you'll even be happier. Maybe you aren't the most athletic person in the world. Instead, go for a run or even a walk a few times a week and take the stairs instead of the elevator. Get some of your friends to make a lifestyle change with you! Instead of getting a large slushy and popcorn drowned in butter at the movie theater, get a water and skip the salt and butter on the popcorn. Being a healthy person is like being a good student. You can settle for being an average student and blending with a majority, but you'll be more satisfied if you put in the extra effort and get that A instead of the B-. Wouldn't the reward of having better stamina, more energy, and a healthier glow be just as great, once you give up the extra dessert and skip the 4th hour in front of the computer to go for a jog with your friends? Don't you want to prove to the rest of the world that America isn't just loud, fat people?
Monday, September 24, 2012
I was just wondering
Eating Healthy and Exercising..
1. In favor - Do you think that the country see positive changes from having a healthier population, both physically and in terms of what they consume?
2. Neutral - Do you think a lifestyle change would help Americans or not benefit them?
3. Against - Should Americans be allowed to make their own choices about what they eat and if they exercise, without others telling them what to do?
1. In favor - Do you think that the country see positive changes from having a healthier population, both physically and in terms of what they consume?
2. Neutral - Do you think a lifestyle change would help Americans or not benefit them?
3. Against - Should Americans be allowed to make their own choices about what they eat and if they exercise, without others telling them what to do?
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Go Healthy or Go Home
What comes to mind when people think of America? Freedom. Opportunity. Loud people. Sometimes close minded or even rude. Democracy. Bustling cities. Occasionally obnoxious. But I think the most striking adjective is fat. Or even obese. As of 2008, 2/3 of Americans are overweight and 1/3 of them are obese. 15% of children aged 6-19 are also overweight. The growing rates of obesity have been considered an epidemic and campaigns have been started to end this trend, including that laid out by First Lady Michelle Obama. It's so frustrating that people live a lifestyle that mirrors these statistics because a few changes made by Americans can cause great changes and a healthier population. Something as simple as cutting out fast food could have a huge impact. Running every once in a while or going to the gym could only help. The increased development in technology is also having an effect on the weight and health of Americans. In 1960, only 13% of American adults were obese and this was in a time when people generally didn't have computers or cable TV in their homes. As health has decreased and weight increased, so has serving sizes and food packaging, allowing more people to access more unhealthy food cheaply. America is currently facing a crisis concerning the health of the citizens. People need to get outside and get moving, as well as make better decisions about what they eat.
I think that without living a healthier lifestyle, we are essentially doomed. An unhealthy population doesn't get much done and it is difficult to operate fully when one is running on fatty and fried foods and sugary drinks. I'm not saying to cut out dessert or never go eat french fries, but everything needs to be moderate. If someone wants to eat a fatty burger every other night, they need to also go for a run to balance it out. Ideally Americans will be able to find a balance of exercise and food in moderation but it is growing exceedingly difficult, as unhealthy items and a lazy mindset are becoming easier to access than organic foods or a gym membership. America can get its healthier population back, but the public needs to be determined to make an effort to change their lifestyle for the better, otherwise it will never work and the epidemic of obesity will continue.
I think that without living a healthier lifestyle, we are essentially doomed. An unhealthy population doesn't get much done and it is difficult to operate fully when one is running on fatty and fried foods and sugary drinks. I'm not saying to cut out dessert or never go eat french fries, but everything needs to be moderate. If someone wants to eat a fatty burger every other night, they need to also go for a run to balance it out. Ideally Americans will be able to find a balance of exercise and food in moderation but it is growing exceedingly difficult, as unhealthy items and a lazy mindset are becoming easier to access than organic foods or a gym membership. America can get its healthier population back, but the public needs to be determined to make an effort to change their lifestyle for the better, otherwise it will never work and the epidemic of obesity will continue.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Back to Fruits and Veggies Please
The Change is Your Decision
excerpt from "A Small Place" pg 4-5
"You disembark from your plane. You go through customs. Since you are a tourist- a North American or European- to be frank, white- and not an Antiguan black returning to Antigua from Europe or North America with cardboard boxes of much needed cheao clothes and food for relatives, you move through customs swiftly, you move through customs with ease. Your bags are not searched. You emerge from customs in the hot, clean air: immediately you feel blessed (which is to say special); you feel free. You see a ma, a taxi driver; you ask him to take you to your destination; he quotes you a price. You immediately think that the price is in the local currency, for you are a tourist and you are familiar with these things (rates of exchange) and you feel even more free, for things seem so cheap, but then your driver ends by saying "In US currency."
"It's been a long day. You are really hungry. Since it's so late- conveince and ease are preferable- really, its needed- you rush to the nearest fast food restaurant to grab a quick bite to eat without thinking about the health aspect or nutritional value, you can't worry about it, you need food right away. This is a nightly occurence. It is rare that you have a healthy, homecooked meal: there are easier options (and nobody makes the effort to cook); fast food it is. You think about it, eating much better, joining a gym to get fit; but the motivation is too low. It's easier to get things on the run and quickly, than to plan out nutritional meals and exercise on your own (too hard to go alone) and all the packaged products are yummy, they taste even better than good food, but then you have to remember in the end "they are bad for you."
excerpt from "A Small Place" pg 4-5
"You disembark from your plane. You go through customs. Since you are a tourist- a North American or European- to be frank, white- and not an Antiguan black returning to Antigua from Europe or North America with cardboard boxes of much needed cheao clothes and food for relatives, you move through customs swiftly, you move through customs with ease. Your bags are not searched. You emerge from customs in the hot, clean air: immediately you feel blessed (which is to say special); you feel free. You see a ma, a taxi driver; you ask him to take you to your destination; he quotes you a price. You immediately think that the price is in the local currency, for you are a tourist and you are familiar with these things (rates of exchange) and you feel even more free, for things seem so cheap, but then your driver ends by saying "In US currency."
"It's been a long day. You are really hungry. Since it's so late- conveince and ease are preferable- really, its needed- you rush to the nearest fast food restaurant to grab a quick bite to eat without thinking about the health aspect or nutritional value, you can't worry about it, you need food right away. This is a nightly occurence. It is rare that you have a healthy, homecooked meal: there are easier options (and nobody makes the effort to cook); fast food it is. You think about it, eating much better, joining a gym to get fit; but the motivation is too low. It's easier to get things on the run and quickly, than to plan out nutritional meals and exercise on your own (too hard to go alone) and all the packaged products are yummy, they taste even better than good food, but then you have to remember in the end "they are bad for you."
Monday, September 10, 2012
How Irksome
Things that Bug Me:
School:
- Pressure about college
- Standardized testing
- The 10/10 rule
- Only 4 minutes for passing time
- Weekend practices
- Clubs clashing with sports; why can't athletes participate in both?
Media:
- Airbrushing on models
- Autotune. if you can't sing you can't sing, end of story
- "Reality" shows...they're not real
- Propoganda
- Biased news
- Pre-recorded applause on tv shows
- Loud commercials
General:
- Matching tracksuits
- Stains on white clothes
- Wrinkles
- Pennies; they're pointless
- Forcing of values on others
- People always on electronics and never outside
- Overdramatic people
- Typing hard on the keyboard
- Waste
- People who misuse your vs. you're
- Mumbling
- Hypocrites
- Double dippers
School:
- Pressure about college
- Standardized testing
- The 10/10 rule
- Only 4 minutes for passing time
- Weekend practices
- Clubs clashing with sports; why can't athletes participate in both?
Media:
- Airbrushing on models
- Autotune. if you can't sing you can't sing, end of story
- "Reality" shows...they're not real
- Propoganda
- Biased news
- Pre-recorded applause on tv shows
- Loud commercials
General:
- Matching tracksuits
- Stains on white clothes
- Wrinkles
- Pennies; they're pointless
- Forcing of values on others
- People always on electronics and never outside
- Overdramatic people
- Typing hard on the keyboard
- Waste
- People who misuse your vs. you're
- Mumbling
- Hypocrites
- Double dippers
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Introducing Me..
My name is pretty boring. I wish I was named after some famous soccer player or had one of the pretty Irish names all my cousins, and even my sister have. I don't even have a nickname, except that a few of my family members, especially my parents, call me Laursie, but thats not quite what I was hoping for. My name is Laura Elizabeth (Margaret) Linehan. Nothing special, not very unique, but as I've grown up with my not so exciting name, I've found some depth to it. It doesn't show my love for soccer and good music, fetish with learning languages or my appreciation of debates, discussions, and politics. Nor does one see that I take a liberal stand on many issues and form stubborn opinions about almost anything and everything just from my name. Laura is the feminine version of the Latin name meaning laurel...a tree leaf...cool. But it's also the name of my mom's best friend and bridesmaid in her wedding and apparently my mom finds it to be a "soft" name, lovely. I've taken French, Spanish and Arabic and my name has been pronounced differently in each language. Pretty confusing, but then in Morocco, my name was pronounced Lauga, which, funnily enough, sounded just like the Arabic word for language. Languages are something I'm really interested in and for my name to be pronounced like the word for language was something I secretly loved, even though I never told anyone the connection I made.
Elizabeth is my middle name, also known as the middle name of every other girl I know. However it is also my grandma's name and the source of jokes between my aunt and I. She was always called Margaret Mary growing up and hated the double name. When I was little, after hearing this, I would always call her by her double name and she would teasingly call me Laura Liz in return. I was not impressed at the time, but it still to this day remains a joke.
For my Confirmation I got to pick another name as long as it was a saint. At first I wanted some symbolic name like Frances, the patron saint of animals, because I've always loved them or a vivaciously different name like Caterina, just because. I ended up choosing Margaret. Continuing my not so wild name, I chose that name because it was the first name of my other grandma and my very close aunt that also happens to be my godmother.
My last name, Linehan. The source of frustration every first day of school and whenever a substitute attempts to do attendance. It's pronounced len-eh-hen, but after 11 years in school I learn to deal with whatever butchering of my name I face. I did Irish dancing for 7 years and the owners of the school had the same last name as me, but it was spelled Lenihan. That version is a bit easier to sound out. I like my last name though. It shows my Irish roots. There is a Gaelic football field in Ireland, near where my dad grew up and it is named after my granddad, Tim Linehan. Whenever my family visits the field its always special to see my last name up on the plaque and I feel connected to my granddad, even though I never got to meet him.
Whenever I talk about my name I complain and moan about how it doesn't show much about me, doesn't leave much room for nicknames, and isn't all that unique. I could be named after an admirable athlete or famous author. But my parents just liked the names they chose, though my dad wrote down my name in the hospital when I was born, ultimately choosing Laura over Sarah, without my mom realizing. I think that if I ever have a kid, they will have some worldly and unique name that I wish I could have had and I'm sure they will dislike their name as much as I dislike mine. Don't know what you have 'till it's gone right? But sometimes I like my name and sometimes I don't. In the end, I have discovered that it shows some connections and memories I don't usually think of and that it really isn't too bad...until the first day of school.
Elizabeth is my middle name, also known as the middle name of every other girl I know. However it is also my grandma's name and the source of jokes between my aunt and I. She was always called Margaret Mary growing up and hated the double name. When I was little, after hearing this, I would always call her by her double name and she would teasingly call me Laura Liz in return. I was not impressed at the time, but it still to this day remains a joke.
For my Confirmation I got to pick another name as long as it was a saint. At first I wanted some symbolic name like Frances, the patron saint of animals, because I've always loved them or a vivaciously different name like Caterina, just because. I ended up choosing Margaret. Continuing my not so wild name, I chose that name because it was the first name of my other grandma and my very close aunt that also happens to be my godmother.
My last name, Linehan. The source of frustration every first day of school and whenever a substitute attempts to do attendance. It's pronounced len-eh-hen, but after 11 years in school I learn to deal with whatever butchering of my name I face. I did Irish dancing for 7 years and the owners of the school had the same last name as me, but it was spelled Lenihan. That version is a bit easier to sound out. I like my last name though. It shows my Irish roots. There is a Gaelic football field in Ireland, near where my dad grew up and it is named after my granddad, Tim Linehan. Whenever my family visits the field its always special to see my last name up on the plaque and I feel connected to my granddad, even though I never got to meet him.
Whenever I talk about my name I complain and moan about how it doesn't show much about me, doesn't leave much room for nicknames, and isn't all that unique. I could be named after an admirable athlete or famous author. But my parents just liked the names they chose, though my dad wrote down my name in the hospital when I was born, ultimately choosing Laura over Sarah, without my mom realizing. I think that if I ever have a kid, they will have some worldly and unique name that I wish I could have had and I'm sure they will dislike their name as much as I dislike mine. Don't know what you have 'till it's gone right? But sometimes I like my name and sometimes I don't. In the end, I have discovered that it shows some connections and memories I don't usually think of and that it really isn't too bad...until the first day of school.
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