Sunday, November 30, 2008
Comments!
I commented on Greek Girl's post "Untraditional Thanksgiving" from November 28th. I also commented on Northern Girl in the South's blog post regarding Gossip Girl named "Addicting Shows, Addicting Ideas."
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
William Least Heat-Moon -- How great is our heritage's influence on our lives?
After being published in 1982, William Least Heat-Moon's literary account of his journey along the back roads of the United States has become something of a classic. In his book, Blue Highways: A Journey Into America, Heat-Moon drives across the country after being left by his wife and fired from his job. Throughout the story, he meets several unique characters whose lives are greatly influenced and shaped by the land they have lived on all while wresting with his own conflicted views on his Native American roots. How does Heat-Moon feel about his heritage and how does is compare to the attitudes of Fritz and Miz Alice?
Heat-Moon seems to have a more unsure and sarcastic attidute towards his Native American background. He is skeptical about their way of doing things and thinking. He rejects the ideas regarding the importance of bloodlines and says he will "choose for heart, for spirit, but never for blood" (5). While he respects his family and his elders, he seems to be unsure of their culture's relevance in modern times.
Fritz and Heat-Moon first meet in the cafeteria of Southern Utah State College. Fritz is also a Native American whose heritage is clearly plays a large role in his life. His strong tie to his land is apparent and he exclaims "our land really is our Sacred Circle - it's our strength" (182). Fritz is much more emphatic about the importance of his roots in his life and unlike Heat-Moon, hopes to continue the lifestyle by becoming a Hopi doctor. Also, Miz Alice represents a character who is greatly influenced by her home, Smith Island. She has lived on the small, Northeastern island her whole life in complete isolation from the rest of society. Therefore, she has become entirely self-sufficient and strong. She respects the island for what it is and what it has given to her and acknowledges its importance.
Everyone wrestles with their past and heritage. Just how much should we let our upbringing influence our lives? By examining Heat-Moon, Fritz, and Miz Alice, we see three unique and interesting alternatives.
Heat-Moon seems to have a more unsure and sarcastic attidute towards his Native American background. He is skeptical about their way of doing things and thinking. He rejects the ideas regarding the importance of bloodlines and says he will "choose for heart, for spirit, but never for blood" (5). While he respects his family and his elders, he seems to be unsure of their culture's relevance in modern times.
Fritz and Heat-Moon first meet in the cafeteria of Southern Utah State College. Fritz is also a Native American whose heritage is clearly plays a large role in his life. His strong tie to his land is apparent and he exclaims "our land really is our Sacred Circle - it's our strength" (182). Fritz is much more emphatic about the importance of his roots in his life and unlike Heat-Moon, hopes to continue the lifestyle by becoming a Hopi doctor. Also, Miz Alice represents a character who is greatly influenced by her home, Smith Island. She has lived on the small, Northeastern island her whole life in complete isolation from the rest of society. Therefore, she has become entirely self-sufficient and strong. She respects the island for what it is and what it has given to her and acknowledges its importance.
Everyone wrestles with their past and heritage. Just how much should we let our upbringing influence our lives? By examining Heat-Moon, Fritz, and Miz Alice, we see three unique and interesting alternatives.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Sarah Palin - Queen of Controversy Re-Visitedf
A lot has been said about John McCain's recent vice presidential pick, Sarah Palin. Before her jump into the spotlight, this unknown Alaskan governor probably never dreamed of the media frenzy she spark. It seems as if everyone has an opinion on this woman, and a very strong one in fact. Love her or hate her, has the "Palin Mania" gone too far?
Some of the leading Palin critics come from Hollywood and have enjoyed plugging their disapproval McCain's choice in any possible situation. Tina Fey's biting impersonation on Saturday Night Live portrayed her as a redneck with a highly distinctive accent and brought in record viewing numbers for the popular satirical show. Film star Matt Damon has a joined the celebrity chorus and calls the pick a "disaster." There are countless online spoofs of Sarah Palin and her family. Just try googling her name and see what comes up.
She has a total of a little under 2 years in state government. In comparison, Sen. Obama has 7 years of experience in state government and 3 years in federal government. If she assumes the presidency within McCain's first term, she would assume office with less experience beyond the local level in the government than any other president of the United States
I know that our right to freedom of speech is at the very heart of our democracy, but there is a very possible chance that this lady could be the Vice President of the United States. If we can't even stand together to at least bear with Sarah Palin, how can we expect the rest of the world to take us seriously? I say we keep our mouths shut for the moment and speak at the polls this November
Some of the leading Palin critics come from Hollywood and have enjoyed plugging their disapproval McCain's choice in any possible situation. Tina Fey's biting impersonation on Saturday Night Live portrayed her as a redneck with a highly distinctive accent and brought in record viewing numbers for the popular satirical show. Film star Matt Damon has a joined the celebrity chorus and calls the pick a "disaster." There are countless online spoofs of Sarah Palin and her family. Just try googling her name and see what comes up.
She has a total of a little under 2 years in state government. In comparison, Sen. Obama has 7 years of experience in state government and 3 years in federal government. If she assumes the presidency within McCain's first term, she would assume office with less experience beyond the local level in the government than any other president of the United States
I know that our right to freedom of speech is at the very heart of our democracy, but there is a very possible chance that this lady could be the Vice President of the United States. If we can't even stand together to at least bear with Sarah Palin, how can we expect the rest of the world to take us seriously? I say we keep our mouths shut for the moment and speak at the polls this November
Comments!
I commented on Different Idea's post, "Modern Day Hitler." It was a very interesting blog regarding a recent experience at a Southern Baptist Church. I reccommend reading it!
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