Smells goes away, but does prejudice?
The cleaver style Barry created her message in a comic strip to capture people’s opinion after reading a colorful text about difference and acceptance helped open up a dialog, to get people attention to respond to a sensitive topic which includes all ages. Using creative writing and adding the illustration with humor was her attempt to break barriers. The colorful illustration is very humorous, which seems to bring the readers into a moment where they too pictured themselves noticing things different about others but never concluded that others might consider them different as well. Berry’s first part of her title Today’s Demon is a living demon in the United States. This demon has created such stigma on people that are different, unfamiliar, and unprivileged especially since September 11, 2001, The World Trade Center terrorist attacks. That attack has created worldwide discrimination against people that are different and mainly people from the Middle East. But too there are other demons that have existed for hundrends of years and it might not go away, if we don’t locate “Dream City” as Smith describes. It’s today’s demon: Prejudice! The second part of Berry’s title Common Scents brings me to The Body Works store where they sale perfume body spray and they have a large selection of smelling, all beautiful scents. Just reading the title zooms attention to my nose sense. Berry’s creative form of writing is to gather all five of your senses and to analyze each panel using them. Smith style of writing creates a sense of taste once reading her title, Speaking in Tongues”. There must be a taste of style to communicate. Having the flexibility to select the form of language that is needed to communicate is considered as a great skill to have which can create opportunities.
Face to face communication is the form Berry used to address the smell issues with the two friends. This form of communication is very common, because it brings the message to both persons directly where they understand each other. Take notice of panel #1 on page 55 where the one of the children are discussing an issue her mother have with the other. This panel examines how parent teaches their children their beliefs without having any facts. This is called a learned behavior; therefore, the child will judge as the parent has taught which is one reason this DEMON still exists, today’s demon. Berry has a perfect example as one girl says, “That’s why I’m not sposta come over, cause the smell gets on my clothes, makes my mom sick”. (55) Wow that can become very hurtful information for a child that a friend parent has issues with them. There must be someone available that can provide some sort of empathy and understanding because that information can develop into a demon which creates an ongoing cycle. Smith speaks of something similar in her essay called “Speaking in Tongues”, where unmasking is being scrutinized to demonstrate how people can maintain a concept of themselves before the mask slides off and their true self is seen, or better yet, they’re busy pointing fingers at others and hoping people will not discover their real issues. “To a certain kind of mind, it must have looked like the mask had slipped for a moment’. (4) Trueness will surface and all will be informed of the facts, often what they are hiding is often exposed then their reality has changed. This parent with the issue of the smell her daughter’s friend sprays her home with disinfecting, air freshener spray frequently to cover up something, which creates an unpleasant smell as described as the bus bathroom smell.
Berry’s illustration was very creative on page 57 panel #1 mainly because a Grandmother are usually known for sitting on a couch properly as she explain and discuss issues with the grandchildren. This panel shows Grandma sitting almost Indian style and looking as comfortable and relaxed in her environment to stress the message hoping it is received well. As the Grandma chats with Grandchild there is a cigarette hanging from her bottom lip showing there is some focus and some type of talent as she used her multi voice providing significant information about people. The Grandmother starts the conversation off by informing her Grandchild that God the creator of all have made people and have made them similar. Grandma says, “You know, my darling, God has made every people! And every people makes ta-ee! And every ta-ee smells bad! Ask this lady does perfume come out of her pueet? N’ako, I don’t think so, darling! It is not God’s way. You tell her”. (57) Berry’s creative way of bring a tone to Grandma’s voice was effective as well as the message. The Grandma provide factual information for the child and felt it is alright to discuss it with whom every. This too stress that it is ok who you are and where your from because God has created people and no person is better than the other. That gives the child the confidence needed once the child had receive hurtful information from a parent. Maybe this conversation with Grandma established a pride in her culture and proud that her Grandma makes different foods that creates different smell. In “Speaking in Tongues” by Smith she too provide a unity among like people. “And the concept of a unified black voice is a potent one”. (6) Unity creates strength and many cultures develop this concept that plurality is the key to maintain their beliefs and culture. Remain together and support one another, regardless who try to create mishaps.
Berry’s comic strip helps make Smith essay relatable. Similar perception that is communicated differently to examine into today’s demon can become an ongoing discussion. This can break stereotypes and create a acceptable conversation among acquaintance. Instead of separating and pointing the finger a look in the mirror is needed to make a change.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Key Terms.....Assignment 2.1
Plurality
“Speaking in Tongues”, by Zadie Smith is an interesting story where she elaborates on her experiences with choosing one voice which creates a singular voice but she prefer the plurality; having numerous voices. Smith is an artist and was able to appreciate others who (she pin point) also has the ability and understand the innovativeness in being true to self and others. She used great examples to address her issues. Shakespeare whom too is an artist, had the ability to simultaneously speak of the truth to many using his multi-voice that helped established his great followings. Using Shakespeare’s example helped vividly see Smith message in color.
Duplicity
Creating several different lifestyles can bring confusion not only to self but for others as well. “We feel that our voices are who we are, and that to have more than one, or to use different versions of a voice for different occasions, represents, at best, a Janus-faced duplicity, and worst, the loss of our very soul” (1). Imagine going to a party with school friends and bring along your best friend. There will be two different persons at that party self and school self will be present. Speaking correct English might be an indicator to your best friend that an adjustment had been made and might cause a conflict with friend because the familiarity among you two are gone. People that create such a difficult task for them are usually scrutinized by all. Speaking in several tongues and adapting to your environment is a creative way of understanding and communicating with a variety of people.
Flexibility
Being able to adapt to new situation is having the flexibility to meet the need. “But flexibility is something that requires work if it is to be maintained” (1). “Flexibility is a choice, always open to all of us” (9). Smith’s focus is that flexibility is up to you, yourself. Allowing a new outlook on something new and conquering it for a new experience can create a new side of you. There must be willpower to try it and it is ongoing throughout life. This varies from having the will to try new types of food, to traveling to different countries, to learning a new language. These are experiences people take that is considered as being flexible to the newness.
Multi (many) voices
The place for many voices is Dream City, where all understands each other. “It is a place of many voices, where the unified singular self is an illusion”. (4) Crossing barriers brings a new introduction to something new. Allowing you to hear and experience it creates a new self. Different languages and cultures are samples of multi voices/many voices.
Dream City
Yes, I’ve been there and have visited frequently. What about you? Or do you know how to get there, do you need directions? Once you arrive you’ll always visit. Dream City is where you go into yourself and develop a concept of where and how you going to achieve that task that will bring you to great success, while bring others along for this great adventure. “He had the audacity to suggest that, even if you can’t see it stamped on their faces, most people come from Dream City, too”.(4) Smith shows how many have wished and hoped to make a difference with the acceptance of difference. Dream City is a mental location where all is equal with the same goal.
“Speaking in Tongues”, by Zadie Smith is an interesting story where she elaborates on her experiences with choosing one voice which creates a singular voice but she prefer the plurality; having numerous voices. Smith is an artist and was able to appreciate others who (she pin point) also has the ability and understand the innovativeness in being true to self and others. She used great examples to address her issues. Shakespeare whom too is an artist, had the ability to simultaneously speak of the truth to many using his multi-voice that helped established his great followings. Using Shakespeare’s example helped vividly see Smith message in color.
Duplicity
Creating several different lifestyles can bring confusion not only to self but for others as well. “We feel that our voices are who we are, and that to have more than one, or to use different versions of a voice for different occasions, represents, at best, a Janus-faced duplicity, and worst, the loss of our very soul” (1). Imagine going to a party with school friends and bring along your best friend. There will be two different persons at that party self and school self will be present. Speaking correct English might be an indicator to your best friend that an adjustment had been made and might cause a conflict with friend because the familiarity among you two are gone. People that create such a difficult task for them are usually scrutinized by all. Speaking in several tongues and adapting to your environment is a creative way of understanding and communicating with a variety of people.
Flexibility
Being able to adapt to new situation is having the flexibility to meet the need. “But flexibility is something that requires work if it is to be maintained” (1). “Flexibility is a choice, always open to all of us” (9). Smith’s focus is that flexibility is up to you, yourself. Allowing a new outlook on something new and conquering it for a new experience can create a new side of you. There must be willpower to try it and it is ongoing throughout life. This varies from having the will to try new types of food, to traveling to different countries, to learning a new language. These are experiences people take that is considered as being flexible to the newness.
Multi (many) voices
The place for many voices is Dream City, where all understands each other. “It is a place of many voices, where the unified singular self is an illusion”. (4) Crossing barriers brings a new introduction to something new. Allowing you to hear and experience it creates a new self. Different languages and cultures are samples of multi voices/many voices.
Dream City
Yes, I’ve been there and have visited frequently. What about you? Or do you know how to get there, do you need directions? Once you arrive you’ll always visit. Dream City is where you go into yourself and develop a concept of where and how you going to achieve that task that will bring you to great success, while bring others along for this great adventure. “He had the audacity to suggest that, even if you can’t see it stamped on their faces, most people come from Dream City, too”.(4) Smith shows how many have wished and hoped to make a difference with the acceptance of difference. Dream City is a mental location where all is equal with the same goal.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Pick...
"Speaking in Tounges" by Zadie Smith is a familiar story to many. Finding yourself and accepting who you are instead of selecting what others want. Take a look at some of her quotes.
".....this is not the voice of my childhood."
The writer has changed, be away for awhile and adapted to her new environment. Seems as if her accent had changed and she must have experiment with dealing with both accents, her native and her adopted accent.
"I felt a sort of wonder at the flexibility of the thing. Like being alive twice". Developing two lifestyles was her creative method of dealing with her new self.
"How persistent this horror of the middling spot is, this dread of the interim place! It extends through the specter of the tragic mulatto, to the plight of the transsexual, to our present anxiety—disguised as genteel concern—for the contemporary immigrant, tragically split, we are sure, between worlds, ideas, cultures, voices—whatever will become of them? Something's got to give—one voice must be sacrificed for the other. What is double must be made singular".
Their normalcy has been confronted and they discover that it is uneasy for others to accept, it is uneasy for them to express, to explain their position due to others normalcy...that their is only one, singular way in this world. No such thing of two mixtures...that is unaccepted. Different is different and their is no acceptance into the realm.
".....this is not the voice of my childhood."
The writer has changed, be away for awhile and adapted to her new environment. Seems as if her accent had changed and she must have experiment with dealing with both accents, her native and her adopted accent.
"I felt a sort of wonder at the flexibility of the thing. Like being alive twice". Developing two lifestyles was her creative method of dealing with her new self.
"How persistent this horror of the middling spot is, this dread of the interim place! It extends through the specter of the tragic mulatto, to the plight of the transsexual, to our present anxiety—disguised as genteel concern—for the contemporary immigrant, tragically split, we are sure, between worlds, ideas, cultures, voices—whatever will become of them? Something's got to give—one voice must be sacrificed for the other. What is double must be made singular".
Their normalcy has been confronted and they discover that it is uneasy for others to accept, it is uneasy for them to express, to explain their position due to others normalcy...that their is only one, singular way in this world. No such thing of two mixtures...that is unaccepted. Different is different and their is no acceptance into the realm.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
What I Think!...will edit later....
Dillard’s total eclipse was that she had been set in her ways and felt that a need for her to change was not necessary. Dillard lost a loved one and her future wasn’t important until she had awakened into a world of newness. Yes, she was standing in a film being fast-forward and she could not recognize anything. As I continue to ready Dillard’s story, “Total Eclipse” I begin to think that her message was an announcement informing all that a movement has taken place and it was time for all to join the bandwagon.
“He was a walking alarm clock” (168). Being confronted that it was time for a change almost all understand that it can become very difficult to digest such shocking realization. Questioning yourself if it is time or are you being forced, pressured to wake up? Think of a moment of realization that hit you smack in the face, what were you able to do? Daily life experiences can become that alarm clock. Thinking back during a time where I felt it was a need for me to either remain with a company where growth was promoted or thinking it was time for me to start seeking new employment where the opportunity to grow within a company was encouraged.
Began to exam into some of her interesting quotes. “Usually it is a bit of a trick to keep your knowledge from blinding you” (164). Seems if Dillard is trying to express that sometimes when you have the full knowledge of a particular items it becomes difficult to step out of your familiar space to attain any additional information because you know it all. Therefore; you are preventing the progress to grow, preventing the progress to listen to others opinion to see if there is any additional information that will influence you to open your eyes, open your mind for room to gain a new perspective. I completely understand that quote mainly because we have all been there were we feel that we are a master of a certain subject and not anyone can provide additional information to persuade you for all the knowledge you gathered about that subject
“He was a walking alarm clock” (168). Being confronted that it was time for a change almost all understand that it can become very difficult to digest such shocking realization. Questioning yourself if it is time or are you being forced, pressured to wake up? Think of a moment of realization that hit you smack in the face, what were you able to do? Daily life experiences can become that alarm clock. Thinking back during a time where I felt it was a need for me to either remain with a company where growth was promoted or thinking it was time for me to start seeking new employment where the opportunity to grow within a company was encouraged.
Began to exam into some of her interesting quotes. “Usually it is a bit of a trick to keep your knowledge from blinding you” (164). Seems if Dillard is trying to express that sometimes when you have the full knowledge of a particular items it becomes difficult to step out of your familiar space to attain any additional information because you know it all. Therefore; you are preventing the progress to grow, preventing the progress to listen to others opinion to see if there is any additional information that will influence you to open your eyes, open your mind for room to gain a new perspective. I completely understand that quote mainly because we have all been there were we feel that we are a master of a certain subject and not anyone can provide additional information to persuade you for all the knowledge you gathered about that subject
Assign 1.4 Could it Be?
Wake up, listen and learn! Was Dillard taking the beginning steps towards her acceptance that life continues on after a life changing experience? Take note that Dillard had been grieving for her beloved Gary and decided to remain in that moment as if he was still currently present. Having no interest in advancement, Dillard was content with her place in life. Do understand the passing of a love one is very difficult to accept then admitting that there is a need to continue to move on without them can be unbearable. The story “Total Eclipse” was her way of acknowledging that this new 80’s era was not a fade it was here to stay. Tune into the awaking moment as she takes notice with such surprise claiming (the student), “He was a walking alarm clock” (168), at that instant she was willing and ready to walk out of her comfort zone and welcome the newness. It took one person to bring Dillard back to life as if she received a breath of fresh air blown across her face to give her a jump start, as if a line of hope was at her reach, with a new purpose to enjoy life every moment. Dillard had been introduced into a new world of the living. She stressed that, “It was good to be back among clever people” (168). These cleaver people might have been advanced in technology, they gathered together with the same interest and much interest in telescopes, cameras, and computers. Her moment in time was to make an announcement to the people who have been set into their ways of life; as Dillard had been. They too were also reluctant to adapt to the newness of life, but their time for change had arrived as well. These are people who consider themselves as frequent readers who have no interest in technology; as well as, educators who are known for reading and writing articles in magazines and newspapers. Had Dillard gathered the support of her followers to join her in this new discovery in life, advance technology?
Five Quotes Assignment 1.4/Part II
Dillard’s concern was to show that you’re never too old to learn new things. There must be some type of interests that would lead you to a plate of food for nutrition. “The mind’s sidekick, however, will settle for two eggs over easy” (169). Dillard expressed that your conscience will lead you in the right direction by following your first mind and do not second guess yourself. Maintain gaining knowledge often and having the will to improve is considered as feeding your mind. Knowledge is key.
As Dillard’s memories flashed crossed her face she realized that she must gather herself and acceptance was required of the change. She stated that, “I was watching a faded color print of a movie filmed in the Middle Ages; I was standing in it, by some mistake” (165). Have Dillard been lost and in a state of confusion that once she got a glimpse of herself in the flashback she noticed it was bizarre and that she must progress.
Dillard had a reality moment that caused her to become discombobulated. “Gary was lightyears away, gesturing inside a circle of darkness, down the wrong end of a telescope” (165). This sentence reflects that Gary has completely walked away from Dillard and slowly moving away from her as she watches him fade into the darkness but at the same time encouraging her to live life and enjoy the new era. This was a sign from Gary giving Dillard the approval to accept the change, to feed her mind with eggs over easy.
Dillard enjoyed her memories and they came with a smile. But it was time. Time to release her strong hold to elevate and understand the separation was for the moment. “At first it was pleasant; now there was no stopping it. Gary was chuting away across space, moving and talking and catching my eye, chuting down the long corridor of separation” (165). This is one of Dillard quotes that were self explanatory. It was time for Dillard to face reality and as she was faced with such a shock that she must accept it that there wasn’t anything that she can do. The moment of separation was a break from her old self and a new leaf must be turned.
Anticipating for this change, knowing it is going to come is an awaking moment. “Seeing it, and knowing it was coming straight for you, was like feeling a slug of anesthetic shoot up your arm” (170). The result was that there isn’t anything you can do to stop it. As it approaches accept it and adapt to it.
Five Quotes Assignment 1.4/Part II
Dillard’s concern was to show that you’re never too old to learn new things. There must be some type of interests that would lead you to a plate of food for nutrition. “The mind’s sidekick, however, will settle for two eggs over easy” (169). Dillard expressed that your conscience will lead you in the right direction by following your first mind and do not second guess yourself. Maintain gaining knowledge often and having the will to improve is considered as feeding your mind. Knowledge is key.
As Dillard’s memories flashed crossed her face she realized that she must gather herself and acceptance was required of the change. She stated that, “I was watching a faded color print of a movie filmed in the Middle Ages; I was standing in it, by some mistake” (165). Have Dillard been lost and in a state of confusion that once she got a glimpse of herself in the flashback she noticed it was bizarre and that she must progress.
Dillard had a reality moment that caused her to become discombobulated. “Gary was lightyears away, gesturing inside a circle of darkness, down the wrong end of a telescope” (165). This sentence reflects that Gary has completely walked away from Dillard and slowly moving away from her as she watches him fade into the darkness but at the same time encouraging her to live life and enjoy the new era. This was a sign from Gary giving Dillard the approval to accept the change, to feed her mind with eggs over easy.
Dillard enjoyed her memories and they came with a smile. But it was time. Time to release her strong hold to elevate and understand the separation was for the moment. “At first it was pleasant; now there was no stopping it. Gary was chuting away across space, moving and talking and catching my eye, chuting down the long corridor of separation” (165). This is one of Dillard quotes that were self explanatory. It was time for Dillard to face reality and as she was faced with such a shock that she must accept it that there wasn’t anything that she can do. The moment of separation was a break from her old self and a new leaf must be turned.
Anticipating for this change, knowing it is going to come is an awaking moment. “Seeing it, and knowing it was coming straight for you, was like feeling a slug of anesthetic shoot up your arm” (170). The result was that there isn’t anything you can do to stop it. As it approaches accept it and adapt to it.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Assignment1.3: Audience, Purpose, Context
Wake up, listen and learn! Announcing to the people that have been set into their ways of life and are reluctant to adapt to the newness of life the time for change has arrived. These unenthusiastic people has felt that due to their stage in life and their life experiences that it isn’t necessary to gain a new appreciation of any kind and the same is expressed towards new technology. The new era has caused hesitation among these educators who are frequent readers, the highly educated that have interests in reading and writing articles in magazines as well as newspapers, and of course the creative writers who create clever ways of showing and expressing their emotions. This audience seems if they have expressed that this newness will soon fade out.
Have Dillard taken an interest into technology as she mention of telescopes and cameras? Was that the moment that she realizes that it was great to be around clever people that took interest into the beginning era of new technologies like computers? As she describes herself as being dead and gone and grieving,”(pg168) was that a moment of great importance of being unwilling to accept the change at first, then moving forward in life and accepting it finally? The mind is a trouble thing to waste; therefore, on a daily bases people have the opportunity to learn new things, take classes to gain knowledge. Feed the mind and it’s satisfied. The blueprint has been set and technology is going to become better and more advance.
During the 80’s the world has changed. The page had turned and there were new fresh blank pages were new history can be written. Lifestyles were different and many were proud of who they are and were very vocal about this newness. The music included messages form sex to drugs to world peace. Communication was different to many, but the young students enjoyed this creative way of expression.
Have Dillard taken an interest into technology as she mention of telescopes and cameras? Was that the moment that she realizes that it was great to be around clever people that took interest into the beginning era of new technologies like computers? As she describes herself as being dead and gone and grieving,”(pg168) was that a moment of great importance of being unwilling to accept the change at first, then moving forward in life and accepting it finally? The mind is a trouble thing to waste; therefore, on a daily bases people have the opportunity to learn new things, take classes to gain knowledge. Feed the mind and it’s satisfied. The blueprint has been set and technology is going to become better and more advance.
During the 80’s the world has changed. The page had turned and there were new fresh blank pages were new history can be written. Lifestyles were different and many were proud of who they are and were very vocal about this newness. The music included messages form sex to drugs to world peace. Communication was different to many, but the young students enjoyed this creative way of expression.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Assignment 1.2: The Essay
Bring light to darkness could be that moment that is needed to elevate personal life experiences that allows a new perspective to shine a new bight light to a difficult situation. Those moments in life are considered as an a-ha moment or considered as a light bulb moment; where there is a more comprehensive and understanding to the situation that can be examined at a positive angle. Discovering that those experiences can create such a profound impact when triggered provides an outlet to randomly scan wonderful memories that allows those moments to be analyzed in a new reflective light. This passage, “Total Eclipse”, written by Annie Dillard was written with such descriptiveness to the non-important items to an explosive expressive state of affairs once a lifesaver was thrown to her. This creative writing force the readers to either read the passage twice or read the first paragraph then read the page when the writer has that moment of acceptance and understanding; the lifesaver paragraph. This might bring an understanding but a challenge that is worth the read.
This creative style of writing is to tell and express two stories in one. One story is the personal experience of being involved in a rare moment of watching an eclipse and noticing the greatness in the experience. The writer takes the readers on a flashback of her memory by writing, “….remembering an article I had read downstairs in the lobby….” (pg 161). That statement allows the reader to understand that this experience has happened and she will elaborate. Dillard went into great detail to show how the eclipse caused time to stop as they gathered on the hilltop. She described her moment of silence as, “The eyes dried, the arteries drained, the lungs hushed. There was no world” (pg 165). I understand that passage as not a tear of joy stream down eyes, with such a shock that the moment of the eclipse was actually happening all stood still, not a heart beat was not felt among the group nor a single breath was exhaled. As if the world had stop for that moment. Her expressive point is to have the audience visualize her experience and to capture the sensation she felt.
The second part of the story is life experience and understanding it. Dillard seems lost and searching for a way of acceptance. The lost of her beloved husband, Gary causes her to take a great moment in their past together and parallel it to her pain. She talks about the dead and how her experience would be, which was very interesting. Dillard writes, “We had, it seems, loved the plant and loved our lives, but could no longer remember the way of them” (pg 166). This sentence shows that the writer was lost and seeking what she missed. It was there she thought, the love of self, the love of life, the love of earth, and the joy of memories but there wasn’t a place for that past any longer. Dillard lost her joy of life and it seems as if there wasn’t a need to go on. Another sentence that was disturbing was, “The dead were parted one from the other and could no longer remember the faces and lands they had loved in the light” (pg.167). This awkward passage was written to point to the history of the glaciers, or was she predicting how death is a place of being, being in that moment without a history, without a memory. Once gone, you’re gone?
“Total Eclipse” allow the reader to think of the importance of enjoying life and how to continue to enjoy life during difficult times. Though it is difficult to cope with grieving, but it is necessary to talk to others because that lifesaving moment can bring a profound meaning to a difficult situation. Hearing one keyword can spark a light bulb experience and allow the moment of discovery to bring blessings to maintain the joy of life. Annie Dillard’s keyword moment was in the restaurant, and with her words she writes, “It was good to be back among cleaver people” (pg 168). The purpose of this writing was to get the readers to think outside their paradigm. To look at each creative sentence as if it means something else which in turns makes a great discussion for days.
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