David Sedaris is a homosexual man who grew up in rural North Carolina. As a child he was put into speech therapy for a lisp and frequently felt embarrassed by both his teacher and his therapist. This embarrassment eventually led to his resentment for the teaching profession.
As an adult we begin just before his first day as a part time teacher. David takes this job (which he is knowingly unqualified for) simply because he wants an excuse to wear a tie and be known as "Mr. Sardis".
These childish desires lead this insecure man into some very awkward moments. Though he disdains the teaching profession, he is eager to buy a briefcase and come to class with maple leaf name tags. To me, David Sedaris clearly does not know what to do with his life. He obviously does not have a passion for what he does. We can clearly see this by his lack of meaningful lesson plans.
David realizes that he does not belong in teaching. To his students he tries to portray the image of a highly educated teacher. To other teachers, he simply want to avoid being considered a fraud. Despite having the one-time fantasy of becoming a "distinguished academic", it seems as though David thinks realistically of himself.
Davids students are the only characters who opinions of David we know. At first he seems to fool them into thinking that he is a legitimate teacher. This does not last long though as "Mr. Sardis" has no lesson plans, assigns meaningless essays and demonstrates his authority by opening and closing his classroom door. However after the repeated use of soap operas as lessons, his students begin to turn on him. Knowing his childhood experiences, as well as his motives for teaching, it was not a surprise that he was unprepared for his job.
To me Mr. Sedaris sees teaching as another phase in his life, or, in other words, as a stepping stone to something better. Yes, that's right David, both you and I know that this is not the career for you!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Rationale of "L - O - V - E"
As I read into the life and work of Zora Neale Hurston, I discovered a woman who experienced love on a far greater level than her own personal pleasure. Her father was a baptist preacher, and her mother was a schoolteacher. As a girl, Zora went through considerable hardships with her family. Her mother died before she became a teenager and her father passed her around the family after he remarried.
Zora joined a traveling theater troupe and made money as a maid to pay for her college education. She originally attended Howard University in Washington DC. After she ran out of money she was offered a scholarship to Barnard College, where she became the college's first black student. At Barnard she studied under the internationally recognized German anthropologist Franz Boas. Upon graduation she studied southern black folklore as well as the folklore and culture of several secret societies in the Caribbean.
Unfortunately, despite her critical contributions to the Harlem Renaissance, many in the black community turned their backs on her. This was mainly because she portrayed black people stereotypically in her novels. In recent years, however, several scholars who have rediscovered her work have praised her for documenting the vernacular of her time.
Zora Neale Huston did not have any romantic lovers. She never married and never had any children. From what I read, I understand that Zora's true passion, was with the cultural studies of her people. She opposed the integration of black and white schools because she wanted black teachers to teach black students. She believed that segregation was the best way to preserve black culture.
To me, it was apparent that Zora was fairly religious, and as far as love was concerned, viewed it as a feeling that should be felt between man and God as well as among mankind. After extensive reading from sources such as Wikipedia and MSN Encarta, I formulated the opinion that to Zora, love had no sexual implications. With this being said, it is likely that she was either a very cold and bitter person, or a very warm and loving woman. The photographs that I have seen of her depict a woman who is happy with who she is. To me, it is clear that Zora's feelings of love are directed outward toward humanity as a whole, and that in her own way, the was a very loving woman.
Zora joined a traveling theater troupe and made money as a maid to pay for her college education. She originally attended Howard University in Washington DC. After she ran out of money she was offered a scholarship to Barnard College, where she became the college's first black student. At Barnard she studied under the internationally recognized German anthropologist Franz Boas. Upon graduation she studied southern black folklore as well as the folklore and culture of several secret societies in the Caribbean.
Unfortunately, despite her critical contributions to the Harlem Renaissance, many in the black community turned their backs on her. This was mainly because she portrayed black people stereotypically in her novels. In recent years, however, several scholars who have rediscovered her work have praised her for documenting the vernacular of her time.
Zora Neale Huston did not have any romantic lovers. She never married and never had any children. From what I read, I understand that Zora's true passion, was with the cultural studies of her people. She opposed the integration of black and white schools because she wanted black teachers to teach black students. She believed that segregation was the best way to preserve black culture.
To me, it was apparent that Zora was fairly religious, and as far as love was concerned, viewed it as a feeling that should be felt between man and God as well as among mankind. After extensive reading from sources such as Wikipedia and MSN Encarta, I formulated the opinion that to Zora, love had no sexual implications. With this being said, it is likely that she was either a very cold and bitter person, or a very warm and loving woman. The photographs that I have seen of her depict a woman who is happy with who she is. To me, it is clear that Zora's feelings of love are directed outward toward humanity as a whole, and that in her own way, the was a very loving woman.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
L - O - V - E
Good morning Washington D.C.!!! I hope that rush hour commute is going smoothly for everyone out there! For today’s show, we have been honored to have a special guest join us today; acclaimed author, and folklorist Zora Neale Hurston.
Hello Zora, how are you? Today we’re going to be discussing your viewpoint on love. Ready?
• Why, certainly Christian, certainly.
Great, so how would you like to describe how love has influenced your life?
• I wouldn’t mind doin’ so. Well, to me, love is a bonding feeling that someone experiences when they begin to develop strong feelings for an important person in their lives. I realized how strong that bond can become between two people when my mother died…
So, it hasn’t always been associated with the most pleasant of occurrences in your life then has it?
• It’s not that. I have always had a strong love for my fellow African Americans, and as a matter of fact Christian, I have dedicated my whole career to my people.
So, then would it be fair to say that to you, love is an emotion which is directed to a broader range of people? In this case you fellow African American Southerners?
• I think that says it very well. To me the history and culture of my people is so very important. I think that the children of my people need to know who they are, and who their children will be. You know, over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to truly serve my people, the ones that I love so much. From my studies with renowned anthropologists, to the great imaginings of the Harlem Renaissance, I have had the opportunity to truly help my people grow beyond the unjust chains of oppression which have been placed upon them.
It’s definitely refreshing to see someone who truly does broaden their feelings of love. But, I have to ask, what do believe are some of the negative aspects of a person being in love?
• I think that all people, especially young people, need to realize that love is not simply a boy liking a girl. It can be hard to tell if you are falling or have fallen in love. Even then, times will be tryin’ if that loved one of yours is suddenly no longer a part of your life.
So tell me Zora, how do you know if you have fallen in love?
• You know, Christian, love is a warm feeling that you feel deep inside your soul. There is no formula out there for determining your feelings for someone else… Falling in love is a beautiful thing, and when you do fall in love, you’ll know it!
Well, that was quite uplifting Zora! To you then, would it be fair to say that love is an emotion that transcends this world?
• Yes that puts it pretty well. When you love a person, you make a commitment to that person, the same way that the Lord Jesus loves us, and has died for our salvation.
Then what do you think is the greatest part of love?
• The feeling that you have become one with something that is much greater than your self. As long as you are true to what you love, that love is something that you will have for an eternity.
Well then how would you feel that today’s society, especially young people should view love?
• You know, there are so many young people that rush into silly little relationships assuming that they are in love. To me, what is sad, is that even grown adults, who should know better, are breaking their sacred commitments to love. Grown men and women are divorcing at a horrendous rate, more of our teenage children are having sex before marriage… Society to day has lust and love intertwined together. It is so sad to see how so many people don’t even know what real love is…
Do you think that things will improve?
• When we as adults begin to improve the values we teach our children, then yes I know that things will improve.
Thank you, Zora, we’re out of time for today, but I would like to thank you very much for stopping by with us this morning.
• Thank you Christian.
Hello Zora, how are you? Today we’re going to be discussing your viewpoint on love. Ready?
• Why, certainly Christian, certainly.
Great, so how would you like to describe how love has influenced your life?
• I wouldn’t mind doin’ so. Well, to me, love is a bonding feeling that someone experiences when they begin to develop strong feelings for an important person in their lives. I realized how strong that bond can become between two people when my mother died…
So, it hasn’t always been associated with the most pleasant of occurrences in your life then has it?
• It’s not that. I have always had a strong love for my fellow African Americans, and as a matter of fact Christian, I have dedicated my whole career to my people.
So, then would it be fair to say that to you, love is an emotion which is directed to a broader range of people? In this case you fellow African American Southerners?
• I think that says it very well. To me the history and culture of my people is so very important. I think that the children of my people need to know who they are, and who their children will be. You know, over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to truly serve my people, the ones that I love so much. From my studies with renowned anthropologists, to the great imaginings of the Harlem Renaissance, I have had the opportunity to truly help my people grow beyond the unjust chains of oppression which have been placed upon them.
It’s definitely refreshing to see someone who truly does broaden their feelings of love. But, I have to ask, what do believe are some of the negative aspects of a person being in love?
• I think that all people, especially young people, need to realize that love is not simply a boy liking a girl. It can be hard to tell if you are falling or have fallen in love. Even then, times will be tryin’ if that loved one of yours is suddenly no longer a part of your life.
So tell me Zora, how do you know if you have fallen in love?
• You know, Christian, love is a warm feeling that you feel deep inside your soul. There is no formula out there for determining your feelings for someone else… Falling in love is a beautiful thing, and when you do fall in love, you’ll know it!
Well, that was quite uplifting Zora! To you then, would it be fair to say that love is an emotion that transcends this world?
• Yes that puts it pretty well. When you love a person, you make a commitment to that person, the same way that the Lord Jesus loves us, and has died for our salvation.
Then what do you think is the greatest part of love?
• The feeling that you have become one with something that is much greater than your self. As long as you are true to what you love, that love is something that you will have for an eternity.
Well then how would you feel that today’s society, especially young people should view love?
• You know, there are so many young people that rush into silly little relationships assuming that they are in love. To me, what is sad, is that even grown adults, who should know better, are breaking their sacred commitments to love. Grown men and women are divorcing at a horrendous rate, more of our teenage children are having sex before marriage… Society to day has lust and love intertwined together. It is so sad to see how so many people don’t even know what real love is…
Do you think that things will improve?
• When we as adults begin to improve the values we teach our children, then yes I know that things will improve.
Thank you, Zora, we’re out of time for today, but I would like to thank you very much for stopping by with us this morning.
• Thank you Christian.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Reading Blog 2
For today's commentary we will be discussing picture poems. Yet again, I had several options, and I hope that I chose one that most of my classmates have not commented on. For tonight's assignment, I have chosen Mourning Picture by Adrienne Rich.
It's fair to say that this is a dry poem. With that being said, I believe that it is necessary to realize the tender and sensitive nature of the narator. To help me make my point, I have included a copy of Ms. Rich's poem below.
"They have carried the mahogany chair and the cane rocker
out under the lilac bush,
and my father and mother darkly sit there, in black clothes.
Our clapboard house stands fast on its hill,
my doll lies in her wicker pram
gazing at western Massachusetts.
This was our world.
I could remake each shaft of grass
felling its rasp on my fingers,
draw out the map of every lilac leaf
or the net of veins in my father's
grief-tranced hand.
Out of my head, half-bursting,
still filling, the dream condenses-
shadows, crystals, ceilings, meadows, globes of dew.
Under the dull green of the lilacs, out in the light
carving each spoke of the pram, the truned porch-pillars,
under high early-summer clouds,
I am Effie, visible and invisible,
remembering and remembered.
They will move from the house,
give the toys and pets away.
Mute and rigid my mother
will ride the train to Baptist Corner,
the silk-spool will run bare.
I tell you, the thread that bound us lies
faint as a web in the dew.
Should I make you, world, again,
could I give back the leaf its skeleton, the air,
its early summer cloud, the house
its noonday presence, shadowless,
and leave this out? I am Effie, you were my dream."
This poem does not tell the story of a romantic couple, the excitement of a fire engine, or the fascinating nature of an old man. This poem is a message of anguish. For my previous assignment I was talking about the blues, and how someone in a blues song can at least fight their situation.
But in this poem, our narrator is a young child who has been unfairly deprived of her life. After her death her parents remove all of her belongings from the house and linger in depression. This poem is the child's last stand, against the events occurring in the world which she left behind. This can seen in the accompanying portrait. You will notice the doll she mentions is in the front lawn (along with her pets). The girl is facing away from her parents and the house, but her head is turned back signifying that she does not want to leave. It is so very sad, when we realize that she is trying to comfort her parents. It is so sad to watch as she tries to bring color and happiness back to a world that is devoid of such things in her death.
It's fair to say that this is a dry poem. With that being said, I believe that it is necessary to realize the tender and sensitive nature of the narator. To help me make my point, I have included a copy of Ms. Rich's poem below.
"They have carried the mahogany chair and the cane rocker
out under the lilac bush,
and my father and mother darkly sit there, in black clothes.
Our clapboard house stands fast on its hill,
my doll lies in her wicker pram
gazing at western Massachusetts.
This was our world.
I could remake each shaft of grass
felling its rasp on my fingers,
draw out the map of every lilac leaf
or the net of veins in my father's
grief-tranced hand.
Out of my head, half-bursting,
still filling, the dream condenses-
shadows, crystals, ceilings, meadows, globes of dew.
Under the dull green of the lilacs, out in the light
carving each spoke of the pram, the truned porch-pillars,
under high early-summer clouds,
I am Effie, visible and invisible,
remembering and remembered.
They will move from the house,
give the toys and pets away.
Mute and rigid my mother
will ride the train to Baptist Corner,
the silk-spool will run bare.
I tell you, the thread that bound us lies
faint as a web in the dew.
Should I make you, world, again,
could I give back the leaf its skeleton, the air,
its early summer cloud, the house
its noonday presence, shadowless,
and leave this out? I am Effie, you were my dream."
This poem does not tell the story of a romantic couple, the excitement of a fire engine, or the fascinating nature of an old man. This poem is a message of anguish. For my previous assignment I was talking about the blues, and how someone in a blues song can at least fight their situation.
But in this poem, our narrator is a young child who has been unfairly deprived of her life. After her death her parents remove all of her belongings from the house and linger in depression. This poem is the child's last stand, against the events occurring in the world which she left behind. This can seen in the accompanying portrait. You will notice the doll she mentions is in the front lawn (along with her pets). The girl is facing away from her parents and the house, but her head is turned back signifying that she does not want to leave. It is so very sad, when we realize that she is trying to comfort her parents. It is so sad to watch as she tries to bring color and happiness back to a world that is devoid of such things in her death.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Specialty Blog 1
As the second half of this week's assignment, I am to select a brief quote on the blues, and comment on its meaning and value. I believe that there are so many ways in which someone can view the meaning of the blues; for this assignment's quote I have selected illustrates my viewpoint:
"The blues is not the creation of a crushed-spirited people. It's the product of a forward-looking upward-striving people." ~Albert Murray
At first glance, the blues is the music of someone who is stuck in despair. But, on closer observation, we notice small shreds of hope shinning through the darkness. We begin to realize that the blues is not the music of misery, but the music of struggle. The Blues is about a human being comming to terms with what has happened in real life. When a tragic event such as the death of a loved one, or the end of a deep relationship occurs, the first step towards healing is realizing that we have just experienced a personal catastrophe. After our realization, we set out on the long trek to recover from our losses. Often this is a daunting task, which requires a spiritual strength and personal courage. The destination of this journey often leads us to a life that we have yet to live. In a sense, once could argue that the blues is the music of someone who's life is about to change, or someone who wishes to change their life.
Not everyone can or will remedy their plight thought. Many people suffer losses that they will never get over. Again, there are many ways in which once can interpret the blues. In fact the genre itself has several subgenres. But in this instance I have chosen to talk about struggle. Throughout history, mankind has glorified the the weaker "underdog" who has chosen to battle something greater than themselves. Weather it is a fictional character like Rocky Balboa, or modern day idols like the New York Giants (challenging the undefeated New England Patriots), we desire to see people who can win battles that are stacked against them. It is for this reason, that I agree with Mr. Murray by saying: "The blues is not the creation of a crushed-spirited people. It's the product of a forward-looking upward-striving people."
"The blues is not the creation of a crushed-spirited people. It's the product of a forward-looking upward-striving people." ~Albert Murray
At first glance, the blues is the music of someone who is stuck in despair. But, on closer observation, we notice small shreds of hope shinning through the darkness. We begin to realize that the blues is not the music of misery, but the music of struggle. The Blues is about a human being comming to terms with what has happened in real life. When a tragic event such as the death of a loved one, or the end of a deep relationship occurs, the first step towards healing is realizing that we have just experienced a personal catastrophe. After our realization, we set out on the long trek to recover from our losses. Often this is a daunting task, which requires a spiritual strength and personal courage. The destination of this journey often leads us to a life that we have yet to live. In a sense, once could argue that the blues is the music of someone who's life is about to change, or someone who wishes to change their life.
Not everyone can or will remedy their plight thought. Many people suffer losses that they will never get over. Again, there are many ways in which once can interpret the blues. In fact the genre itself has several subgenres. But in this instance I have chosen to talk about struggle. Throughout history, mankind has glorified the the weaker "underdog" who has chosen to battle something greater than themselves. Weather it is a fictional character like Rocky Balboa, or modern day idols like the New York Giants (challenging the undefeated New England Patriots), we desire to see people who can win battles that are stacked against them. It is for this reason, that I agree with Mr. Murray by saying: "The blues is not the creation of a crushed-spirited people. It's the product of a forward-looking upward-striving people."
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The Blues
So, for this weekend's reading, I was given a brief passage on the musical genre known as the blues. I'm supposed to comment on the music in general as well as a short quote. The blues is basically the music of misery and suffering. The blues is the story of why we are unhappy, and how we either linger or persevere through our misery. The blues relates to every person, both rich and poor. It is the story of the most devastating blows and toughest challenges a person could face in life.
When I think back on what I read, it becomes clear that this genre is not solely about suffering. My favorite quote on this genre (which I will discuss in my next entry) would be:
the blues is not the creation of a crushed-spirited people. It's the product of a forward-looking, upwrd-striving people
This quote symbolizes the struggle of someone who is trying to defeat their misfortunes. It proves that even in our darkest moments, we can still look to the future and strive for a better life.
When I think back on what I read, it becomes clear that this genre is not solely about suffering. My favorite quote on this genre (which I will discuss in my next entry) would be:
the blues is not the creation of a crushed-spirited people. It's the product of a forward-looking, upwrd-striving people
This quote symbolizes the struggle of someone who is trying to defeat their misfortunes. It proves that even in our darkest moments, we can still look to the future and strive for a better life.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Intro to Me
Hi, my name's Christian and I'm an English 112 student at Northern Virginia Community College. I'm planning on transferring to George Mason University in the fall, where I will major in Global Affairs. After I earn my B.A. in Global Affairs, I want to become an Army or Naval officer, and go into (fingers crossed) Aviation or Intelligence.
This course is designed to expand my capabilities as a writer, and one of the ways in which it will do so is through this blog. As a military officer, I will be required to write repeatedly and extensively for my supperiors. Communicating professionally and properly, is critical for the advancement of my career. In english, that means I need to know how to write well. This blog will be my way of practicing writing little "reports" on class assignments and readings.
I hope that my personal opinion will intrest and sometimes even amuse you. I like to say things as they are, whether they are good or bad. I never like to make things personal, I just like to be candid.
This course is designed to expand my capabilities as a writer, and one of the ways in which it will do so is through this blog. As a military officer, I will be required to write repeatedly and extensively for my supperiors. Communicating professionally and properly, is critical for the advancement of my career. In english, that means I need to know how to write well. This blog will be my way of practicing writing little "reports" on class assignments and readings.
I hope that my personal opinion will intrest and sometimes even amuse you. I like to say things as they are, whether they are good or bad. I never like to make things personal, I just like to be candid.
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