So I was taking a nap this afternoon, and I had a crazy dream. It was so weird that I woke up trying to go back to sleep so that it would continue to play itself out. I'm going to try to relate it here, so here goes....
I was up at Texas A&M six months before I was attending school there, so January 2013. My mom said she had worked a deal out with the dorm advisors that I could move some things into this dorm before I actually lived in it, since it was unoccupied. So, she and I were moving things in, and I was getting super excited about attending. Next door, some girl started playing SUPER loud music, and I remember thinking "Great. Am I going to have to deal with this all the time?" So then some girl shows up with her mom and comes into my dorm. My mom and her mom are talking, and she and I are talking, and somehow her brother and dad show up. The weird thing was that her brother and my mom starting talking, and I think the boy was completely enamored by me. He and I got to talking, and then the dream flashed forward.
I was sitting with the girl and some friends, and my cell phone kept going off like crazy in front of the whole cafeteria and I COULD NOT turn it off! So the whole table was laughing, laughing, laughing. But from this picture, I got the impression that this girl (the boy's sister) and I were best friends. She may have even been rooming with me at this point, but I don't remember.
So I was at this beachside restaurant with the boy and my friend (his sister). Apparently, the boy and I were dating. So he was messing around and being dangerous and I was like "baby, stop. Baby, stop, you're gonna hurt yourself" and every time he would semi-hurt himself I was like "baby, are you ok?!" So somehow he hurt himself pretty badly and got up and was furious at me. I don't know exactly why, but I was like "Baby, no! Just come here, baby please don't go. Come here." But he just walked away, furious. I'm pretty sure he said "We're through." So I just walked away, too.
The dream flashed forward AGAIN, and I was walking to a class or something. I was really sad and I could tell from the dream that I'd been really sad for a long while. Maybe a few months or a year, I don't know. So I was walking to class and I asked this guy I knew for directions or something. I'm pretty sure he brought up my ex while talking or whatever, but we stopped talking and I thanked him and said goodbye. And he goes "I love you too!" and then biked away. Since I knew this guy was someone I had known throughout college and my former relationship, it made me think that I was somehow a girl that everyone wanted to be with. Don't ask me how, I just remember watching this "scene" going, "Wow. I was viewed as pretty desirable or something." I remember laughing, and walking across this bridge to get to my classes. From the looks of it I was in some art class, and passed some art class on my way to my class.
I walk into my classroom, see several candles, and immediately drop my books and turn to see my ex, my best friend, and another friend hiding in some wardrobe thing at the end of the hall, smiling at me. I start crying and run to my ex, who's strangely quiet but has this odd expression on his face like he's about to burst into tears. I asked my friend what was going on and she was like "he can't live without you. He stabbed himself because he missed you so much." implying that the boy had tried to take his own life because he was so upset over losing me. I took his face in my hands and, with tears streaming down my face, cried, "baby, where'd you stab yourself? Why would you do that to yourself?" And he started crying and I just held his face and cried with him. He pulled out some box and said something like "I've been waiting for forever to do this to you." and opened the box and slipped a ring on my left ring finger. So, he basically proposed to me. And I remember thinking "I cannot break his heart, but how am I going to be married to someone who gets so angry so easily and so emotional?" But I remember crying because I felt so sorry for him and I loved him and I was confused... all these emotions just balled up into my heart and I had no idea how to seperate or communicate them or anything.
And that's where the dream ended. Sorry for such a rushed, inadequate version. I hope to quickly turn this into a story. I just found it ironic. I haven't been in the slightest relationship for years, nor have I wanted one or thought about one for a while. So it was odd that I had this dream now, at a point in my life where relationships are not relevant.
Thoughts?
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Illuminating Lights
She dreams she’ll be the girl in the corner no one knows but everyone wants to meet
With quiet and mysterious air she haunts everyone’s memory…
Like a shot of straight whiskey or a breath of cold air
She’ll make you intoxicated with the flip of her hair
You’ll be begging for more when she glances your way
But once she was covered in pain
She was hated and disgraced in a world far away
Unaccepted and left out, she felt like a tree in a drought
Slowly dying and fading while the cactuses would sprout
But once she escaped from the climate of shame
She grew until she became beauty and fame
A weeping willow, the epitome of broken grace
As the girl in the corner, and no one knows her name
Yea, no one knows her beautiful name
A captivating mess, with eyes like the sun
She’ll make you wish you had a chance at her love
But she draws herself away with the pain of mistakes
Of a boy in a land long ago still in her brain
A broken heart once, never again will she make
As unsteady a step towards something so vague
Sometimes when you listen you can still hear the cry
Of the lonely beauty all alone in the night
In a beachside confined to the cabin of the night
Till the sun glances on the waves of time
Maybe one day someone will win her heart
Guarded by iron wall nearly 100 feet high
A symbol of sorrow unaffected by the winds of time
Only to be scaled by a lover committed to find
The treasure that lies beneath the walls greased in turpentine
If you ask her kindly she’ll start to resist
Then in silence she’ll muster her breath
To sing of lost love and the tears that she shed
Of beautiful love songs cast on her smile
Of a boy long ago with the sincerest guile
And the lies that he shared tasted so bittersweet
Reality sank with its harsh memory
And though he said he loved her more than everything
He abandoned her at the first sight of controversy
She sings with a mix of laughter and sighs
With eyes sparkling at the memories
Heartbroken tears in her eyes
“She loved him,” they say, “She was always true.”
“But to that point of adversity she was forever blue.”
And to think, once, long ago
This all started with just a little show
Of emotions and love, it was just a slight glow
Shattered by lies and devastated hopes
“Why could he not love me?” she wonders every night
Amidst anguish and a tired heart from the fight
Was she not worth it? Was she not good enough?
Would the problems with her make him seek other love?
And if you would watch her, you’d see those golden eyes
Sparkle with sadness as a tear slips from her eye
True love shows no bounds, if it does it’s not true
She’d repeat this to herself even in the saddest of moods.
But in the dark, late at night, a tear would slip from her eye
And travel down to a heart broken fronm time
Who would be so harsh to break such a heart?
Will she ever love again, and have healing to such a scar?
Only time will tell if she forgets about the part
She played in a romance that hit her right in the heart.
mon cœur est brisé
With quiet and mysterious air she haunts everyone’s memory…
Like a shot of straight whiskey or a breath of cold air
She’ll make you intoxicated with the flip of her hair
You’ll be begging for more when she glances your way
But once she was covered in pain
She was hated and disgraced in a world far away
Unaccepted and left out, she felt like a tree in a drought
Slowly dying and fading while the cactuses would sprout
But once she escaped from the climate of shame
She grew until she became beauty and fame
A weeping willow, the epitome of broken grace
As the girl in the corner, and no one knows her name
Yea, no one knows her beautiful name
A captivating mess, with eyes like the sun
She’ll make you wish you had a chance at her love
But she draws herself away with the pain of mistakes
Of a boy in a land long ago still in her brain
A broken heart once, never again will she make
As unsteady a step towards something so vague
Sometimes when you listen you can still hear the cry
Of the lonely beauty all alone in the night
In a beachside confined to the cabin of the night
Till the sun glances on the waves of time
Maybe one day someone will win her heart
Guarded by iron wall nearly 100 feet high
A symbol of sorrow unaffected by the winds of time
Only to be scaled by a lover committed to find
The treasure that lies beneath the walls greased in turpentine
If you ask her kindly she’ll start to resist
Then in silence she’ll muster her breath
To sing of lost love and the tears that she shed
Of beautiful love songs cast on her smile
Of a boy long ago with the sincerest guile
And the lies that he shared tasted so bittersweet
Reality sank with its harsh memory
And though he said he loved her more than everything
He abandoned her at the first sight of controversy
She sings with a mix of laughter and sighs
With eyes sparkling at the memories
Heartbroken tears in her eyes
“She loved him,” they say, “She was always true.”
“But to that point of adversity she was forever blue.”
And to think, once, long ago
This all started with just a little show
Of emotions and love, it was just a slight glow
Shattered by lies and devastated hopes
“Why could he not love me?” she wonders every night
Amidst anguish and a tired heart from the fight
Was she not worth it? Was she not good enough?
Would the problems with her make him seek other love?
And if you would watch her, you’d see those golden eyes
Sparkle with sadness as a tear slips from her eye
True love shows no bounds, if it does it’s not true
She’d repeat this to herself even in the saddest of moods.
But in the dark, late at night, a tear would slip from her eye
And travel down to a heart broken fronm time
Who would be so harsh to break such a heart?
Will she ever love again, and have healing to such a scar?
Only time will tell if she forgets about the part
She played in a romance that hit her right in the heart.
mon cœur est brisé
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Literacy Analysis: "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker
Christina Boothe
Ms. Nguyen
English 1301
November 10th, 2011
Literacy Analysis: “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker
Alice Walker was born on February 9th, 1944 in Eatonton, Georgia. She was the youngest of eight children in a family of poor black sharecroppers. Upon reaching adulthood, she worked to become a social worker, teacher, and lecturer. However, she is best known for her literature. Although most famous for her best-selling novel, “The Color Purple,” she is more involved in poems and essays than actual novel-writing. As a young person, she took part in several 1960’s civil rights movements, which suggests that she is a very passionate, justice-oriented woman. Being a black southerner herself, the majority of her stories are centered on black individuals or families in the south. This is the theme that “Everyday Use” takes. Through her signature setting, Walker uses personality differences to show that animosity brews in most, if not all, families, especially when one family member is selfish and gives no room for others to have any attention.
An obvious way to search for explanations of animosity between siblings is to look at each person’s childhood. In “Everyday Use,” Walker introduces two sisters: Dee and Maggie. Dee was blessed with an education, the only person clearly literate in her immediate family. She often read to her mother and sister and is portrayed to have had a domineering sense of literary pride over them. She was also a very attractive young woman, described to have a “full figure, light skin, and nice hair” and to be “very light” (375). Among these gifts, she was also popular with her friends. They all looked up to her, the text tells us, and worshipped her because she was so… perfect. Maggie, unfortunately, was not blessed with such skills. An unintelligent girl with poor eyesight, Maggie struggled to read and only attended school briefly, if ever. As a young girl, she was caught in a house fire with her mother and as a result has burn scars up and down her arms and legs; causing her to be shameful about her appearance and to walk around in the manner of a “lame animal… perhaps a dog run over by some careless person… (375).” She was a very quiet person, with few friends, and stayed close to home; always satisfied with what was given to her and willing to help. But, Dee’s dominate personality often caused her to be in the shadows. This causes Maggie to be afraid, in awe of, and in the least bit bitter, with her sister. Such drastic differences in upbringing and appearance often brew bitterness between the less fortunate and the fortunate. While it may not show at first, the former may grow up with a sense of injustice and anger, feeling as if they were cheating by Providence, their parents, and even by their sibling.
Walker goes on to portray the two sister’s differences in an even more elaborate way. She describes Dee’s personality as very demeaning, confrontational, selfish, and yet somehow endearing to some. She mentions in her introduction that Maggie views Dee as the kind of person “…that ‘no’ was a word the world never learned to say to her.” Dee was an elaborate show girl, in a way; always dressing to have attention put upon her and always acting in a way that would criticize and yet draw people to her. In a word, Dee’s personality could be described as “extroverted,” because of her social, talkative, domineering personality. Maggie, on the other hand, was very introverted. She desired to stay at home with her mother and help out around the house. In the story, she was engaged to a nice young man named John Thomas who was nothing special; but was someone who would love her and take care of her. She could be described as one who “settled,” always thankful to be given anything and eager to expel conflict in her family. While Maggie never showed frustration with her sister, one cannot help to think that she was thankful when Dee left her home after what probably seemed like an excruciatingly long visit. Peace seemed to be established when the troublemaker left the residence. Surely, this was how Maggie felt about Dee’s visit when it was over. These personality differences provide a source of sympathy towards Maggie, an emotion that Walker clearly attempts to stir up in readers. But that’s not the only emotion that Walker attempts to tug at; she also manipulates the reader’s anger by presenting Dee’s personality as such a drastic opposition, almost bully-like to an introverted personality such as Maggie’s.
As a final comparison, Walker discusses the differences between Dee’s and Maggie’s demands and attitudes about their heritage. Nearly from the moment Dee arrives at her mother’s home, she begins to demand that certain things be given to her. “I knew there was something I wanted to ask you if I could have” (377). She declares before her mother can reply. She goes on to ask for several household items, convinced that her heritage would remain true if only she could have the items that reminded her of it. While she was too busy collecting “museum pieces” that represented her heritage, Maggie was in the midst of actually living out her heritage. Maggie didn’t need symbolism to remind her of her history; she lived her heritage from day to day and was constantly reminded through her lifestyle of who she was. When Dee demands the quilts that were made from her grandmother’s dresses, which were promised to Maggie; Maggie attempted to give them to her to disperse the conflict that was developing. I imagine we’re all thankful when the story ends with their mother’s refusal to take the quilts away from Maggie and give them to Dee. However, it is saddening to see that Dee is so caught up in the symbolic heritage of certain items that she can’t incorporate them into her life, for everyday use. This is the most focused upon difference between her and Maggie. Walker attempts to portray that the differences between Dee and Maggie do not only result in character flaws, but also in the irreplaceable lack of the true meaning of a person’s heritage. Because of Dee’s self-absorbed lifestyle and personality, she took no time to invest in her heritage. As a result, she is obsessed with the material value of her heritage rather than the emotions and memories associated with it. This is largely the result of her refusal to invest time in her family. Walker proves through this example of Dee’s estrangement that in order to understand your heritage and where you come from, you must put aside your own life for a while and take the time to invest in your family and history.
The story “Everyday Use” discusses many differences between sisters Maggie and Dee, including their looks, personality, intelligence, and social popularity. Through the differences between the sisters, Walker conveys the inner fact that families often struggle with an unbalanced family, where one member has significantly more gifts and talents than the others. Unfortunately, this often results in a domineering personality by that individual, which in turn results in the acrimony between that person and their fellow family members. It can also result in the more gifted member missing out on the important things in life because of their obsession with themselves, their obsession with their perspective of life. They don’t take enough time to really consider the important things, and are thus trained only by their own knowledge. This malevolence between siblings and lack of understanding by the gifted child are important points that Walker emphasizes throughout her text through differences between Dee and Maggie. Walker’s creative use of title significance along with her valid points about sibling animosity and misunderstanding induced by self-consumption makes this article a very thought-provoking, interesting article; one well worth reading.
Works Cited
- Alice Walker. “Everyday Use.” In Love and Trouble. Mariner Books. 19 May 2003.
- “Alice Walker.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation Inc. 10 November 2011. Web. 10 November 2011.
- No authors listed. “Alice Walker biography.” Biography.com. A&E Television Networks. 2011. Web. 10 November 2011. < http://www.biography.com/people/alice-walker-9521939>
Ms. Nguyen
English 1301
November 10th, 2011
Literacy Analysis: “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker
Alice Walker was born on February 9th, 1944 in Eatonton, Georgia. She was the youngest of eight children in a family of poor black sharecroppers. Upon reaching adulthood, she worked to become a social worker, teacher, and lecturer. However, she is best known for her literature. Although most famous for her best-selling novel, “The Color Purple,” she is more involved in poems and essays than actual novel-writing. As a young person, she took part in several 1960’s civil rights movements, which suggests that she is a very passionate, justice-oriented woman. Being a black southerner herself, the majority of her stories are centered on black individuals or families in the south. This is the theme that “Everyday Use” takes. Through her signature setting, Walker uses personality differences to show that animosity brews in most, if not all, families, especially when one family member is selfish and gives no room for others to have any attention.
An obvious way to search for explanations of animosity between siblings is to look at each person’s childhood. In “Everyday Use,” Walker introduces two sisters: Dee and Maggie. Dee was blessed with an education, the only person clearly literate in her immediate family. She often read to her mother and sister and is portrayed to have had a domineering sense of literary pride over them. She was also a very attractive young woman, described to have a “full figure, light skin, and nice hair” and to be “very light” (375). Among these gifts, she was also popular with her friends. They all looked up to her, the text tells us, and worshipped her because she was so… perfect. Maggie, unfortunately, was not blessed with such skills. An unintelligent girl with poor eyesight, Maggie struggled to read and only attended school briefly, if ever. As a young girl, she was caught in a house fire with her mother and as a result has burn scars up and down her arms and legs; causing her to be shameful about her appearance and to walk around in the manner of a “lame animal… perhaps a dog run over by some careless person… (375).” She was a very quiet person, with few friends, and stayed close to home; always satisfied with what was given to her and willing to help. But, Dee’s dominate personality often caused her to be in the shadows. This causes Maggie to be afraid, in awe of, and in the least bit bitter, with her sister. Such drastic differences in upbringing and appearance often brew bitterness between the less fortunate and the fortunate. While it may not show at first, the former may grow up with a sense of injustice and anger, feeling as if they were cheating by Providence, their parents, and even by their sibling.
Walker goes on to portray the two sister’s differences in an even more elaborate way. She describes Dee’s personality as very demeaning, confrontational, selfish, and yet somehow endearing to some. She mentions in her introduction that Maggie views Dee as the kind of person “…that ‘no’ was a word the world never learned to say to her.” Dee was an elaborate show girl, in a way; always dressing to have attention put upon her and always acting in a way that would criticize and yet draw people to her. In a word, Dee’s personality could be described as “extroverted,” because of her social, talkative, domineering personality. Maggie, on the other hand, was very introverted. She desired to stay at home with her mother and help out around the house. In the story, she was engaged to a nice young man named John Thomas who was nothing special; but was someone who would love her and take care of her. She could be described as one who “settled,” always thankful to be given anything and eager to expel conflict in her family. While Maggie never showed frustration with her sister, one cannot help to think that she was thankful when Dee left her home after what probably seemed like an excruciatingly long visit. Peace seemed to be established when the troublemaker left the residence. Surely, this was how Maggie felt about Dee’s visit when it was over. These personality differences provide a source of sympathy towards Maggie, an emotion that Walker clearly attempts to stir up in readers. But that’s not the only emotion that Walker attempts to tug at; she also manipulates the reader’s anger by presenting Dee’s personality as such a drastic opposition, almost bully-like to an introverted personality such as Maggie’s.
As a final comparison, Walker discusses the differences between Dee’s and Maggie’s demands and attitudes about their heritage. Nearly from the moment Dee arrives at her mother’s home, she begins to demand that certain things be given to her. “I knew there was something I wanted to ask you if I could have” (377). She declares before her mother can reply. She goes on to ask for several household items, convinced that her heritage would remain true if only she could have the items that reminded her of it. While she was too busy collecting “museum pieces” that represented her heritage, Maggie was in the midst of actually living out her heritage. Maggie didn’t need symbolism to remind her of her history; she lived her heritage from day to day and was constantly reminded through her lifestyle of who she was. When Dee demands the quilts that were made from her grandmother’s dresses, which were promised to Maggie; Maggie attempted to give them to her to disperse the conflict that was developing. I imagine we’re all thankful when the story ends with their mother’s refusal to take the quilts away from Maggie and give them to Dee. However, it is saddening to see that Dee is so caught up in the symbolic heritage of certain items that she can’t incorporate them into her life, for everyday use. This is the most focused upon difference between her and Maggie. Walker attempts to portray that the differences between Dee and Maggie do not only result in character flaws, but also in the irreplaceable lack of the true meaning of a person’s heritage. Because of Dee’s self-absorbed lifestyle and personality, she took no time to invest in her heritage. As a result, she is obsessed with the material value of her heritage rather than the emotions and memories associated with it. This is largely the result of her refusal to invest time in her family. Walker proves through this example of Dee’s estrangement that in order to understand your heritage and where you come from, you must put aside your own life for a while and take the time to invest in your family and history.
The story “Everyday Use” discusses many differences between sisters Maggie and Dee, including their looks, personality, intelligence, and social popularity. Through the differences between the sisters, Walker conveys the inner fact that families often struggle with an unbalanced family, where one member has significantly more gifts and talents than the others. Unfortunately, this often results in a domineering personality by that individual, which in turn results in the acrimony between that person and their fellow family members. It can also result in the more gifted member missing out on the important things in life because of their obsession with themselves, their obsession with their perspective of life. They don’t take enough time to really consider the important things, and are thus trained only by their own knowledge. This malevolence between siblings and lack of understanding by the gifted child are important points that Walker emphasizes throughout her text through differences between Dee and Maggie. Walker’s creative use of title significance along with her valid points about sibling animosity and misunderstanding induced by self-consumption makes this article a very thought-provoking, interesting article; one well worth reading.
Works Cited
- Alice Walker. “Everyday Use.” In Love and Trouble. Mariner Books. 19 May 2003.
- “Alice Walker.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation Inc. 10 November 2011. Web. 10 November 2011.
- No authors listed. “Alice Walker biography.” Biography.com. A&E Television Networks. 2011. Web. 10 November 2011. < http://www.biography.com/people/alice-walker-9521939>
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Confrontation...
...Is the hardest thing. And, as much as I seem like the kind of person that can easily handle confrontation, I'm not. It takes all the courage I can possibly muster up to confront someone. It's so hard! Especially when you don't know what to say, there's so much to say. But the situation needs confrontation.
I just confronted someone recently. It was one of the hardest, most nerve-wracking things I've ever done, but I had to do it. I had to be set free from this situation. Does anyone else ever feel like that? Where the only way out is, like, guarded by vicious dogs and razor sharp blades slicing with immaculate accuracy and alarming speed? *sigh*. Why can't anything be easy?
Reminds me of that country song by Reba: "what do you say in a moment like this? When you can't find the words to tell it like it is. Just bite your tongue and let your heart lead the way..."
But the truth is, that the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9) So, I think I'd prefer to listen to my Jesus. I think I'd prefer to let my Jesus lead the way. In a world of Godlessness, I am going to be beloved. I want to be beloved of God, like David was. What a wonderful treasure! And I want to be God's beloved at all costs. Even if it means not listening to my desperatley wicked but wrecklessly persuasive heart and listening to my Jesus instead.
Will you take the challenge with me? You may have some confrontation to take care of. Whether it's with your job, your parents, friend, boyfriend or even ex; if you feel like the Lord's telling you to confront, take courage. You're not alone. And listen to your Jesus for guidance. If He died for you, I'm pretty sure He could give you some great advice. He must know you better than anyone else, including yourself. After all, He did DIE for you. That's not to be taken lightly, you know!
Let's let God take control of our confrontation issues. Let's let God take control of our fear. Because we need to have courage! The Bible uses courage as a word of praise. Both Esther and Joseph of Arimathea are praised for courage for standing up to authority at great risk to themselves when they could have sat in physical comfort, but mental anguish, by remaining silent (Yahoo Groups contributor direct quote). So let's be courageous! Let's confront! Stand up to those who you need to confront.
May God bless you and your battle towards courageousness.
Lord, bless those who have courage, the few who truly fight for the right thing. You.
I just confronted someone recently. It was one of the hardest, most nerve-wracking things I've ever done, but I had to do it. I had to be set free from this situation. Does anyone else ever feel like that? Where the only way out is, like, guarded by vicious dogs and razor sharp blades slicing with immaculate accuracy and alarming speed? *sigh*. Why can't anything be easy?
Reminds me of that country song by Reba: "what do you say in a moment like this? When you can't find the words to tell it like it is. Just bite your tongue and let your heart lead the way..."
But the truth is, that the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9) So, I think I'd prefer to listen to my Jesus. I think I'd prefer to let my Jesus lead the way. In a world of Godlessness, I am going to be beloved. I want to be beloved of God, like David was. What a wonderful treasure! And I want to be God's beloved at all costs. Even if it means not listening to my desperatley wicked but wrecklessly persuasive heart and listening to my Jesus instead.
Will you take the challenge with me? You may have some confrontation to take care of. Whether it's with your job, your parents, friend, boyfriend or even ex; if you feel like the Lord's telling you to confront, take courage. You're not alone. And listen to your Jesus for guidance. If He died for you, I'm pretty sure He could give you some great advice. He must know you better than anyone else, including yourself. After all, He did DIE for you. That's not to be taken lightly, you know!
Let's let God take control of our confrontation issues. Let's let God take control of our fear. Because we need to have courage! The Bible uses courage as a word of praise. Both Esther and Joseph of Arimathea are praised for courage for standing up to authority at great risk to themselves when they could have sat in physical comfort, but mental anguish, by remaining silent (Yahoo Groups contributor direct quote). So let's be courageous! Let's confront! Stand up to those who you need to confront.
May God bless you and your battle towards courageousness.
Lord, bless those who have courage, the few who truly fight for the right thing. You.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Summary and Strong Response
Here's my second English paper, a Summary and Strong Response. I got a 95 on it! :) Tell me what you think!
"In Suburb, Battle goes Public on Bullying of Gay Students” Summary and Strong Response
In the article “In Suburb, Battle Goes Public on Bullying of Gay Students”, written by Erik Eckholm and published in the New York Times on October 1st, 2011, Eckholm discusses the lawsuit against the bullying of gay students in Anoka, Minnesota. Eckholm points out that there have been years of harsh conflict between advocates for gay students and Christian conservatives. He also points out that the lawsuit, filed in July on behalf of six current and former students in the Anoka Minnesota school district by the Southern Poverty Center and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, is attempting to end the demands of the school district that all staff should remain neutral on matters regarding sexual orientation and that teaching about sexual orientation is not a part of the district-adopted curriculum. They claim these demands are a “district gag order” that have undercut anti –bullying and –suicide efforts. Eckholm suggests the irony of the fact that most of these schools are in Michele Bachmann’s, a Republican presidential candidate for the 2012 races, Congressional district. He also mentions that Bachmann is a member of the Minnesota Family Council, a Christian conservative group who lobbies that the school district should not change. Tom Prichard, president of the Minnesota Family Council, believes that “Accepting two moms as a family is advocacy. . . No tolerance for bullying, but these groups are using the issue to press their agenda.” However, Eckholm includes, others beg to differ. “This policy clearly sends a message to LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) kids that there is something shameful about who they are and that they are not valid people in history,” states Jefferson Fietek, a drama teacher at Anoka Middle School for the Arts. As an advisor for the Gay-Straight Alliance, he reveals that he knew several gay or lesbian students who attempted or seriously considered suicide. Eckholm concludes his article by quoting the Minnesota Family Council’s website, which says that depression among gay teenagers is often the fault of gay rights advocates who create helplessness – “when a child is deliberately misinformed about causes of homosexuality and told homosexual acts are normal and natural, all hope for recovery is taken away.”
Although I don’t endorse homosexuality at all, I do agree that bullying, regardless of the case, is wrong. However, demanding that Christians accept homosexuality takes away our freedom of religion. I believe that Eckholm insinuates that Christians are the main reason for homosexual suicide, and he does not elaborate fairly on the reasoning of Christian conservatives as to why they refuse to endorse homosexuality.
Bullying is wrong; there is no excuse for anyone to partake in it, let alone Christians. The Bible commands us as Christians to love our neighbor: “…'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' (Mark 12:31a).” When Christians bully, they are not obeying this commandment. Sadly, suicide can be the result of bullying. This is not to be tolerated, regardless of the sexual orientation of the victim. However, we as Christians should not be expected to accept the homosexual lifestyle. The Bible – which is the Christian’s standard of reference - states that homosexuality is an abomination to the Lord – “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22).” Forcing us to accept homosexuality is forcing us to give up our freedom of religion. Forcing us to not speak against homosexuality is taking away our freedom of speech. Forcing us to not write about our view of homosexuality is taking away our freedom of press. We have just as much a right to freedom of religion, speech, and press as do homosexuals. Eckholm also fails to mention the Christian’s view of homosexuality, which is that homosexuality is neither normal nor natural. The Bible teaches that God created the anatomies of males and females differently for the purpose of marriage between the two. Sexual relations were created by God to be between a man and his wife. We must think about the effect of AIDS, a deadly disease that often results from homosexual intercourse. We must also consider the fact that heterosexual relations enable reproduction, while homosexual relations do not. What does this insinuate? I believe these facts confirm that homosexual relations are not natural and not according to God’s design. Schools should not risk the innocence and safety of other students by allowing homosexuality to be flaunted in their systems for many reasons; which Eckholm does not elaborate on. For one, many children are sheltered and unaware of this unnatural affection. Parents purposefully shelter these children to preserve their innocence. Allowing them to be subjected to homosexual affection is dangerous to their innocence and mindset. Homosexual affection, if allowed to be openly shown in the halls, will cause extreme discomfort for many children, either to witness or to be pressured to participate. Because of this, the policy enforced by the Anoka, Minnesota school district is wise in regards to protection of their heterosexual students. However, I do think that Eckholm did an acceptable job presenting the need for bullying policies. Those who are exposed to bullying should be adequately protected. It is unfair to be picked on because of one’s sexual orientation, regardless of the views of the other person. The Anoka, Minnesota school district could and should do a better job protecting their students from bullying by having more adults available in halls throughout the day and during extra-curricular activities; adults with strong views against bullying and strong personalities that demand respect, such as coaches. Those who are caught bullying should be subjected to detention for the first offense, detention with extra-curricular suspension for the second, and the risk of being expelled for the third.
Eckholm falsely portrays Christians by only representing that they are fighting against the homosexual agenda. It seems he attempts to portray the illusion that Christians do not love “outcasts” or those who are different. He couldn’t be further from the truth! Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfector of the Christian Faith, showed love to everyone, not just Christians. He was friends with hookers and tax collectors. He did not bully these people for their lifestyles, rather they changed because they wanted so badly to follow Jesus and be just like Him. He is the example that Christians are compelled by the Bible to follow. If we, as Christians, truly love our neighbors as ourselves, we would not bully them, but with our quiet, Christ-like attitude, we would minister to them and show them Christ’s love. It is not up to us to change their lifestyle – we are only expected to exhibit the love of Christ to them. The truth is that many Christians I know of completely accept the homosexuals in their lives without endorsing their behavior. My great aunt and uncle have a son, my second cousin, who is a homosexual and has three children with his partner. Although my great aunt and uncle do not encourage the behavior of their son at all and are grieved at his choice in sexual orientation, they accept him, his partner, and their children and love them very much. They do not harass him for his sexual orientation; they do not make fun of his decisions. They simply love and accept him as he is. That being said, I do believe that the phrase “love the sinner, hate the sin” applies here. Just because we love our homosexual friends and admire homosexual artists does not mean that we accept their sinful lifestyle. I admire Elton John and Lady Gaga immensely as musicians; however, I am not supportive of their lifestyle or views and boycott their songs that endorse their lifestyles and views that I believe are contrary to the Bible.
In conclusion, I believe that Eckholm did a very poor job demonstrating the true beliefs of Christians towards homosexuality, and a very biased job of distributing the blame of homosexual suicide mostly to them. While we believe that homosexuality is sinful, we should follow the example of Jesus Christ by loving our neighbors, even if they are homosexuals. This does not mean that we should be expected to endorse their lifestyle. We have the right to speak against their lifestyle and protect our children from being subjected to homosexuality.
Works Cited
The Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1984, 1990, 2008.
Erik Eckholm. “In Suburb, Battle Goes Public on Bullying of Gay Students.” The New York Times 14 September 2011.
"In Suburb, Battle goes Public on Bullying of Gay Students” Summary and Strong Response
In the article “In Suburb, Battle Goes Public on Bullying of Gay Students”, written by Erik Eckholm and published in the New York Times on October 1st, 2011, Eckholm discusses the lawsuit against the bullying of gay students in Anoka, Minnesota. Eckholm points out that there have been years of harsh conflict between advocates for gay students and Christian conservatives. He also points out that the lawsuit, filed in July on behalf of six current and former students in the Anoka Minnesota school district by the Southern Poverty Center and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, is attempting to end the demands of the school district that all staff should remain neutral on matters regarding sexual orientation and that teaching about sexual orientation is not a part of the district-adopted curriculum. They claim these demands are a “district gag order” that have undercut anti –bullying and –suicide efforts. Eckholm suggests the irony of the fact that most of these schools are in Michele Bachmann’s, a Republican presidential candidate for the 2012 races, Congressional district. He also mentions that Bachmann is a member of the Minnesota Family Council, a Christian conservative group who lobbies that the school district should not change. Tom Prichard, president of the Minnesota Family Council, believes that “Accepting two moms as a family is advocacy. . . No tolerance for bullying, but these groups are using the issue to press their agenda.” However, Eckholm includes, others beg to differ. “This policy clearly sends a message to LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) kids that there is something shameful about who they are and that they are not valid people in history,” states Jefferson Fietek, a drama teacher at Anoka Middle School for the Arts. As an advisor for the Gay-Straight Alliance, he reveals that he knew several gay or lesbian students who attempted or seriously considered suicide. Eckholm concludes his article by quoting the Minnesota Family Council’s website, which says that depression among gay teenagers is often the fault of gay rights advocates who create helplessness – “when a child is deliberately misinformed about causes of homosexuality and told homosexual acts are normal and natural, all hope for recovery is taken away.”
Although I don’t endorse homosexuality at all, I do agree that bullying, regardless of the case, is wrong. However, demanding that Christians accept homosexuality takes away our freedom of religion. I believe that Eckholm insinuates that Christians are the main reason for homosexual suicide, and he does not elaborate fairly on the reasoning of Christian conservatives as to why they refuse to endorse homosexuality.
Bullying is wrong; there is no excuse for anyone to partake in it, let alone Christians. The Bible commands us as Christians to love our neighbor: “…'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' (Mark 12:31a).” When Christians bully, they are not obeying this commandment. Sadly, suicide can be the result of bullying. This is not to be tolerated, regardless of the sexual orientation of the victim. However, we as Christians should not be expected to accept the homosexual lifestyle. The Bible – which is the Christian’s standard of reference - states that homosexuality is an abomination to the Lord – “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22).” Forcing us to accept homosexuality is forcing us to give up our freedom of religion. Forcing us to not speak against homosexuality is taking away our freedom of speech. Forcing us to not write about our view of homosexuality is taking away our freedom of press. We have just as much a right to freedom of religion, speech, and press as do homosexuals. Eckholm also fails to mention the Christian’s view of homosexuality, which is that homosexuality is neither normal nor natural. The Bible teaches that God created the anatomies of males and females differently for the purpose of marriage between the two. Sexual relations were created by God to be between a man and his wife. We must think about the effect of AIDS, a deadly disease that often results from homosexual intercourse. We must also consider the fact that heterosexual relations enable reproduction, while homosexual relations do not. What does this insinuate? I believe these facts confirm that homosexual relations are not natural and not according to God’s design. Schools should not risk the innocence and safety of other students by allowing homosexuality to be flaunted in their systems for many reasons; which Eckholm does not elaborate on. For one, many children are sheltered and unaware of this unnatural affection. Parents purposefully shelter these children to preserve their innocence. Allowing them to be subjected to homosexual affection is dangerous to their innocence and mindset. Homosexual affection, if allowed to be openly shown in the halls, will cause extreme discomfort for many children, either to witness or to be pressured to participate. Because of this, the policy enforced by the Anoka, Minnesota school district is wise in regards to protection of their heterosexual students. However, I do think that Eckholm did an acceptable job presenting the need for bullying policies. Those who are exposed to bullying should be adequately protected. It is unfair to be picked on because of one’s sexual orientation, regardless of the views of the other person. The Anoka, Minnesota school district could and should do a better job protecting their students from bullying by having more adults available in halls throughout the day and during extra-curricular activities; adults with strong views against bullying and strong personalities that demand respect, such as coaches. Those who are caught bullying should be subjected to detention for the first offense, detention with extra-curricular suspension for the second, and the risk of being expelled for the third.
Eckholm falsely portrays Christians by only representing that they are fighting against the homosexual agenda. It seems he attempts to portray the illusion that Christians do not love “outcasts” or those who are different. He couldn’t be further from the truth! Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfector of the Christian Faith, showed love to everyone, not just Christians. He was friends with hookers and tax collectors. He did not bully these people for their lifestyles, rather they changed because they wanted so badly to follow Jesus and be just like Him. He is the example that Christians are compelled by the Bible to follow. If we, as Christians, truly love our neighbors as ourselves, we would not bully them, but with our quiet, Christ-like attitude, we would minister to them and show them Christ’s love. It is not up to us to change their lifestyle – we are only expected to exhibit the love of Christ to them. The truth is that many Christians I know of completely accept the homosexuals in their lives without endorsing their behavior. My great aunt and uncle have a son, my second cousin, who is a homosexual and has three children with his partner. Although my great aunt and uncle do not encourage the behavior of their son at all and are grieved at his choice in sexual orientation, they accept him, his partner, and their children and love them very much. They do not harass him for his sexual orientation; they do not make fun of his decisions. They simply love and accept him as he is. That being said, I do believe that the phrase “love the sinner, hate the sin” applies here. Just because we love our homosexual friends and admire homosexual artists does not mean that we accept their sinful lifestyle. I admire Elton John and Lady Gaga immensely as musicians; however, I am not supportive of their lifestyle or views and boycott their songs that endorse their lifestyles and views that I believe are contrary to the Bible.
In conclusion, I believe that Eckholm did a very poor job demonstrating the true beliefs of Christians towards homosexuality, and a very biased job of distributing the blame of homosexual suicide mostly to them. While we believe that homosexuality is sinful, we should follow the example of Jesus Christ by loving our neighbors, even if they are homosexuals. This does not mean that we should be expected to endorse their lifestyle. We have the right to speak against their lifestyle and protect our children from being subjected to homosexuality.
Works Cited
The Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1984, 1990, 2008.
Erik Eckholm. “In Suburb, Battle Goes Public on Bullying of Gay Students.” The New York Times 14 September 2011.
-sigh-
It's November 2nd.
Well, technically, November 3rd at 12:19AM, but still.
And on October 31st, instead of partying, my family is typically packing up our big conversion van to make the 10 hour drive due east to Destin, Florida -- home of my heart. Typically, on November 1st, my family is awakening at 4AM to get a bright and early start on that wonderful drive. And typically, on November 2nd, my sister celebrates her birthday by picking out a cake at Wal-Mart and eating it with the family on the condo balcony, listening to the waves and watching the sun slowly sink below the horizon.
So I guess you could say that this November is anything but typical.
Because on October 31st, my family atypically attended a Reformation Day party.
My family atypically celebrated my sister's birthday surrounding our kitchen table.
My family atypically left our conversion van in the garage...empty. We atypically slept in on November 1st. I atypically went to youth group on November 2nd.
I'm usually at peace this time of year. Peace, meaning relaxed. Nothing does it like the taste of salt water, the smell of that salty breeze, the feel of the sand between my toes, and the feeling you get when you're wondering if what you just did was create a successful tan or excruciating sunburn.
But instead of peace, I'm sitting in my room, in my home miles away from any form of wave-making water. And, I'm depressed about it. I just love the beach. It's my true home, it's where I feel most relaxed and accepted. My only worry is if that tide is going to get me wet. And it's not even a worry, it's just a lightweighted thought. Oh, haha, ooops... It got me wet. :)
But who cares? Go up and get changed, then come back down here and get sand in all cracks and crevaces, and get buried alive, and get God's pedicure while you're at it. After all, it is the beach, right?
I'm convinced God smiled on some places more than others. Because the beach is vibrant, absolutely glowing, with joy. Just like me when I'm on it.
I just want an ice cold virgin margarita, a reclining beach chair, and a beach. Maybe some music, but not loud enough to distract me from the sound of the crashing...crashing...crash...crash...crashhh...
find your inner beach, and chill for a while.
Peace out.
Well, technically, November 3rd at 12:19AM, but still.
And on October 31st, instead of partying, my family is typically packing up our big conversion van to make the 10 hour drive due east to Destin, Florida -- home of my heart. Typically, on November 1st, my family is awakening at 4AM to get a bright and early start on that wonderful drive. And typically, on November 2nd, my sister celebrates her birthday by picking out a cake at Wal-Mart and eating it with the family on the condo balcony, listening to the waves and watching the sun slowly sink below the horizon.
So I guess you could say that this November is anything but typical.
Because on October 31st, my family atypically attended a Reformation Day party.
My family atypically celebrated my sister's birthday surrounding our kitchen table.
My family atypically left our conversion van in the garage...empty. We atypically slept in on November 1st. I atypically went to youth group on November 2nd.
I'm usually at peace this time of year. Peace, meaning relaxed. Nothing does it like the taste of salt water, the smell of that salty breeze, the feel of the sand between my toes, and the feeling you get when you're wondering if what you just did was create a successful tan or excruciating sunburn.
But instead of peace, I'm sitting in my room, in my home miles away from any form of wave-making water. And, I'm depressed about it. I just love the beach. It's my true home, it's where I feel most relaxed and accepted. My only worry is if that tide is going to get me wet. And it's not even a worry, it's just a lightweighted thought. Oh, haha, ooops... It got me wet. :)
But who cares? Go up and get changed, then come back down here and get sand in all cracks and crevaces, and get buried alive, and get God's pedicure while you're at it. After all, it is the beach, right?
I'm convinced God smiled on some places more than others. Because the beach is vibrant, absolutely glowing, with joy. Just like me when I'm on it.
I just want an ice cold virgin margarita, a reclining beach chair, and a beach. Maybe some music, but not loud enough to distract me from the sound of the crashing...crashing...crash...crash...crashhh...
find your inner beach, and chill for a while.
Peace out.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Writer's Block! :(
I have hit a writer's block. I cannot think of anything to write, and I don't want to start a long story because clearly (As Forbidden Love has proven) I can't finish them. So, comment and tell me what you think I should write on. And I will! :)
Muchas amor! ~ Chrissy
Muchas amor! ~ Chrissy
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