Sunday, November 29, 2009
Comparison - pretty short
Who do I compare myself to now? I'm not as he is, the well-earned scholar; or she, the munificent caregiver. Do I concede to my stature while society from above and below looks upon me with scorn? Do I concede to my anima while my peers forejudge my willingness or my intent? Or do I revise my being to appease the nature of those around me? Or consider my barriers before I endeavor to attain my goals. They'll question my conduct. And chide my constancy. But I'll maintain my bearing and push forward.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
WHAT THE ...?
As firstborns and to a certain period of our growth we present our feelings to others through tears, unknowledgable of the capabilities of our tongues and vocal chords. We know to smile when happy, pout when upset, cry when angry or sad. Until we reach a certain age, a period of influence and an impressionability, we know only to use those words that are "pure" in human nature, expressing feelings with words of a negative connotation as far as "hate," perhaps even "stupid." We are most receptive, it seems, within the first 4 years of our lives. It is then that we learn the basics of life - to walk, talk, etc. We learn right from wrong, or should, by our teenage years. And through all this we are exposed to profanity and sexual innuendos.
Let's start with profanity. If for anything I will allow it as a shock factor. But when profanity becomes a mundane part of our vocabulary to a point where it lurks in every crevice of our sentences or attaches itself to every verb or noun we may speak, especially when we can no longer pick up on our saying it - something is terribly wrong. Have we really become that low? Has our speech really become so lacking that we have to resort to such negative, offensive and stock words to express ourselves. The beauty of words is that they give us the ability to express ourselves in different ways. Let's not get into the whole "freedom of speech" issue. I find the words meaningless in our every sentence or phrase.
Another point of inquiry: Why has sex become comical? It seems now that a joke is no longer funny unless it has a sexual insinuation. Really...? It says a lot about our culture and, perhaps, our growth through generations. Obviously the sanctity of such activities has been lost.
Needless to say as adults or young adults we are to be mature. Mature, fully developed, experienced? And we denote profanity and sexual innuendos as "mature language" or "adult comedy."
Let's start with profanity. If for anything I will allow it as a shock factor. But when profanity becomes a mundane part of our vocabulary to a point where it lurks in every crevice of our sentences or attaches itself to every verb or noun we may speak, especially when we can no longer pick up on our saying it - something is terribly wrong. Have we really become that low? Has our speech really become so lacking that we have to resort to such negative, offensive and stock words to express ourselves. The beauty of words is that they give us the ability to express ourselves in different ways. Let's not get into the whole "freedom of speech" issue. I find the words meaningless in our every sentence or phrase.
Another point of inquiry: Why has sex become comical? It seems now that a joke is no longer funny unless it has a sexual insinuation. Really...? It says a lot about our culture and, perhaps, our growth through generations. Obviously the sanctity of such activities has been lost.
Needless to say as adults or young adults we are to be mature. Mature, fully developed, experienced? And we denote profanity and sexual innuendos as "mature language" or "adult comedy."
Monday, August 31, 2009
Success
What exactly is the criteria of success? I would look askance to your resume shrined with honorable mentions and first place winnings and room adorned with trophies of an elaborate sort if you did but twiddle your thumbs in your room to achieve them. And to older members stable in finance and with a home and family of admirable stature, a look, too, of consolation for you if you did but pay a fee to a higher authority to achieve such unmeritable successes.
To the man who straightened out his back through the toil and struggle in order to find himself at the top, more power to you. But to he who threw in the towel, or wishes to, when faced with the prospect of the notion "I can't do it. I can't be successful," heed this question and it's response.
What is the criteria of success?
The answer?
While cliche as encouragement it is a meritable word of advice when faced with hardship and doubt:
Your success is defined by you.
To the man who straightened out his back through the toil and struggle in order to find himself at the top, more power to you. But to he who threw in the towel, or wishes to, when faced with the prospect of the notion "I can't do it. I can't be successful," heed this question and it's response.
What is the criteria of success?
The answer?
While cliche as encouragement it is a meritable word of advice when faced with hardship and doubt:
Your success is defined by you.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Dover Bitch vs. Dover Beach...yes it's an english essay
It seems too obvious a notion that “The Dover Bitch” by Anthony Hecht served the purpose of mocking the idea inspired in “Dover Beach” written by Matthew Arnold. But that's exactly as it appears. Dover Beach serves to present the idea that in the midst of societal downfalls, religious contradictions, and world hypocrisy, all that we have to hold onto and have faith in is humanity’s love or lover’s love. Hecht, as do I, seems to believe otherwise – that a lover isn’t always faithful especially in the neediest of times. And of course, as we see throughout “The Dover Bitch,” that is exactly the course of events. Hecht illustrates this through a series of comical and mildly satirical lines throughout his poem.
Now, Dover Beach presents the story of a man and his lover, possibly a wife or girlfriend, who reside in location somewhere along Dover Beach between England and France. The two countries appear to be in the midst of war. And while the sight of the Dover waves at first appear comforting, the speaker soon takes on an epiphanic tone. He realizes that while the sight may be beautiful, not everything that glitters is gold. In fact, aforementioned, England and France are two nations engaged in war. The speaker then takes into account feigns of a different sea he also once perceived a beautiful truth – that of religion. The “Sea of Faith,” as he called it, once “lay like the folds of a bright girdle furled,” implying that religion was fitted to propriety and present in abundance in society. But now religion has left her faithful humanity to rot. And now all that man has to believe in is itself. It is this factor that leads the speaker to believe that humanity can have faith only in itself. And this is also the point that Arnold wants to get across.
But Hecht assumes a different perspective – that even man cannot be our idol of faith. In “The Dover Bitch” Hecht says that while Matthew Arnold (as he refers to the speaker of Dover Beach) is lamenting to his lover, she is preoccupied with the audacity of Arnold’s designating her as a “sort of mournful cosmic last resort.” She considers intimacy with Arnold in her thoughts and is jealous the French living in luxury just miles away. The audience can assume that Hecht gave the poem the title “Dover Bitch” as the woman pays little attention to the Arnold’s lament. It seems, to, that Hecht, or the speaker in Hecht’s poem, is “the other man”; perhaps he is engaged in an affair with the woman. He claims to know her and their story at Dover Beach. He says that “[they] have a drink and [he] give[s] her a good time, and perhaps it’s a year before [he will] see her again, but there she is.” He says that he would sometimes present her with perfume of the French variety. The idea plays into the satire of the poem and helps bring the point across.
The speaker of Arnold’s poem is naïve to the fact that his lover is unfaithful, a sort of twisted irony. He entreats that she be true to him in all things. Ironically, she is not. He seems to feel that genuine love must be the only bondage for the two and with this idea he had lost faith in all but humanity. This is where the speaker of Hecht’s poem comes in to testify the contrary. Although brimming with mocking hilarity, “The Dover Bitch” offers a serious truth. In a time of a low morale and pessimistic outlook, we might cling to an idea that is in truth a lie. And with humanity as our last resort for faithfulness, something must be very wrong.
Now, Dover Beach presents the story of a man and his lover, possibly a wife or girlfriend, who reside in location somewhere along Dover Beach between England and France. The two countries appear to be in the midst of war. And while the sight of the Dover waves at first appear comforting, the speaker soon takes on an epiphanic tone. He realizes that while the sight may be beautiful, not everything that glitters is gold. In fact, aforementioned, England and France are two nations engaged in war. The speaker then takes into account feigns of a different sea he also once perceived a beautiful truth – that of religion. The “Sea of Faith,” as he called it, once “lay like the folds of a bright girdle furled,” implying that religion was fitted to propriety and present in abundance in society. But now religion has left her faithful humanity to rot. And now all that man has to believe in is itself. It is this factor that leads the speaker to believe that humanity can have faith only in itself. And this is also the point that Arnold wants to get across.
But Hecht assumes a different perspective – that even man cannot be our idol of faith. In “The Dover Bitch” Hecht says that while Matthew Arnold (as he refers to the speaker of Dover Beach) is lamenting to his lover, she is preoccupied with the audacity of Arnold’s designating her as a “sort of mournful cosmic last resort.” She considers intimacy with Arnold in her thoughts and is jealous the French living in luxury just miles away. The audience can assume that Hecht gave the poem the title “Dover Bitch” as the woman pays little attention to the Arnold’s lament. It seems, to, that Hecht, or the speaker in Hecht’s poem, is “the other man”; perhaps he is engaged in an affair with the woman. He claims to know her and their story at Dover Beach. He says that “[they] have a drink and [he] give[s] her a good time, and perhaps it’s a year before [he will] see her again, but there she is.” He says that he would sometimes present her with perfume of the French variety. The idea plays into the satire of the poem and helps bring the point across.
The speaker of Arnold’s poem is naïve to the fact that his lover is unfaithful, a sort of twisted irony. He entreats that she be true to him in all things. Ironically, she is not. He seems to feel that genuine love must be the only bondage for the two and with this idea he had lost faith in all but humanity. This is where the speaker of Hecht’s poem comes in to testify the contrary. Although brimming with mocking hilarity, “The Dover Bitch” offers a serious truth. In a time of a low morale and pessimistic outlook, we might cling to an idea that is in truth a lie. And with humanity as our last resort for faithfulness, something must be very wrong.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Surviving Life
At some point we learn that one wave contributes to the formation of the next wave and so on and eventually the sequence of waves causes the last to crash on the shore. It crashes and falls back, moving the sand and pebbles and rubbish beneath it. And the water, swept back, leaves the wave to move forward without it. It's relative to society; that society is a wave, one that moves forward, but leaves behind that which gave it it's basis for success beyond the shore. In truth the individual is obviously a component of society. But once he finds his path, continuity and finally succession is his goal.
So I offer a few words of advice, yes, potential platitudes, but advice nonetheless. Void of my explanation, take them as you will.
Give more and expect less. If you have the capability to do well, you will try your hardest to prosper and only then can you do better than he who provoked you. Don't let society dictate your emotion. Have faith - not in humanity, but in God. Easily can we underline our differences on the surface and, although concealed, our similarities are just as prominent, but skin deep.
And the last, unfortunately, reprises the figurative realtionship between society and the wave. (In the long run) You're on your own and no one cares.
P.S.
Needless to say, I must stress the importance of love through all things. Not necessarily love as lovers do. Love is our one chance at emotional sanity.
So I offer a few words of advice, yes, potential platitudes, but advice nonetheless. Void of my explanation, take them as you will.
Give more and expect less. If you have the capability to do well, you will try your hardest to prosper and only then can you do better than he who provoked you. Don't let society dictate your emotion. Have faith - not in humanity, but in God. Easily can we underline our differences on the surface and, although concealed, our similarities are just as prominent, but skin deep.
And the last, unfortunately, reprises the figurative realtionship between society and the wave. (In the long run) You're on your own and no one cares.
P.S.
Needless to say, I must stress the importance of love through all things. Not necessarily love as lovers do. Love is our one chance at emotional sanity.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Critics
I walked past a girl the other day. She was nothing special. She wore her hair over her ears and a sweater covering her arms, and I laughed at the thought that she might be hiding something. She wore a long dress, suitable for prom. and you could see the straps pressing lightly into her shoulders. The skin folded over them. I noticed the freckles on her hands and the wrinkles when she'd tense up and outstretch her fingers. Her eyes, dark brown, glared at me as I looked on. Her hairline frizzed minimally and her baby hairs swathed over her forehead compactly.
Her shoulders were broad enough. Her tight waist gaveway to a stomach that formed a small pouch to meet her hips. She had hips of great breadth. The skin underneath her eyes was drawn. She'd a dimple when she smiled and she smiled quietly. Her eyebrows needed a touchup. Her second chin was coming in nicely. She had blotches on her teeth. She was built on unshapen legs. Her nails were in need of a new coat, though she played it off well.
She combed her hair tightly behind her ears and removed the sweater from her arms. And I looked away. And so did she. And I walked from my bedroom downstairs. My family would be awaiting me anxiously. And my cavalier, nervously. And their eyes lit up as I lightly clutched the rim of the staircase and poised myself so as to prevent a slip.
My family clamored, their thoughts on my appearance made known. I stood by him now. And he turned to me and whispered, "You look beautiful."
The question of the day is: Are we our own worst critic or our own best critic? Well, a critique is a negative or positive analysis.
While we notice every detail about ourselves no one else may notice our infinitesimal properties. Therefore, we are our best critic. We'll pick out the aspects of ourselves that we may or may not like and try to change, cover up or accentuate them. And it's often over done.
We are our best critic in the sense that we critique everything, not in the sense that we are always changing ourselves to please what we perceive society will find appealing.
Her shoulders were broad enough. Her tight waist gaveway to a stomach that formed a small pouch to meet her hips. She had hips of great breadth. The skin underneath her eyes was drawn. She'd a dimple when she smiled and she smiled quietly. Her eyebrows needed a touchup. Her second chin was coming in nicely. She had blotches on her teeth. She was built on unshapen legs. Her nails were in need of a new coat, though she played it off well.
She combed her hair tightly behind her ears and removed the sweater from her arms. And I looked away. And so did she. And I walked from my bedroom downstairs. My family would be awaiting me anxiously. And my cavalier, nervously. And their eyes lit up as I lightly clutched the rim of the staircase and poised myself so as to prevent a slip.
My family clamored, their thoughts on my appearance made known. I stood by him now. And he turned to me and whispered, "You look beautiful."
The question of the day is: Are we our own worst critic or our own best critic? Well, a critique is a negative or positive analysis.
While we notice every detail about ourselves no one else may notice our infinitesimal properties. Therefore, we are our best critic. We'll pick out the aspects of ourselves that we may or may not like and try to change, cover up or accentuate them. And it's often over done.
We are our best critic in the sense that we critique everything, not in the sense that we are always changing ourselves to please what we perceive society will find appealing.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
In Celebration
Today we view the laying to rest of a legend. Not to praise him as anything more than a man. And if at all we are to praise him we are to praise him as just that, a man, for even a King is a man. And we've seen the tragic passing of two great Kings within the past 50 years - Martin Luther King Jr. and now, Michael Jackson.
Both were bearers of many mistakes. The err of the human. And in this society we've built upon another err - the err of ready judgement and eager oppression.
Both were bearers of an oppressive mass of society for a lifetime and with troubled lives unfolded they pushed through criticisms until their time had come. And they left with the same integrity and dignity that had quietlyfollowed them throughout their lives. They were deserving of a better existence. And early on they left us with their messages and memories, to push us to learn on our own, the detriment of our own existence as an eagerly oppressive society and sinful human race. The student must learn on his own for hi
m to follow his teacher's teachings and allow them to make manifest and have impact.
m to follow his teacher's teachings and allow them to make manifest and have impact.We once celebrated Dr. King's life at the time of his death and continue the celebration.
For Michael Jackson:
He recounted his adolescence and his trials of adulthood through his songs and transitioned from a man of humility to a man filled with passion and aggression when faced with the joyous task of performing. To him happiness, love and understanding was luxury to last a lifetime. The material possessions of which he furnished his home as well as the puerile activites he was engaged in were compensations for lost youth and modest living arrangements prior.
With tears and in celebration, we will watch the the burial of the body, which housed the man, a true King, who many have come to love, respect, and model their lives off of. His spirit, soul, message, and legacy will remain in our hearts and our minds.
I never attended a Michael Jackson concert. Never shook his hand. Never spoke to him. Never met him. But he's helped me push through my days. And where the love he preached comes along, just as the Bible preaches love for all, perhaps Michael Jackson was the human voice I needed to heed such a message.
I'm not in the least bit the most affectionate person, but I believe Michael Jackson deserves love. And I find it easy to say I love him.
Though tears and pain may marinate in the folds of our faces, no more can we do than to celebrate the life- not mourn the death - of Michael Jackson.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
A Short Story
About 25 minutes to complete an essay in English class. No specific topic. No extra time. Her mind wasn't blank. But what was she to write about? Her mother had just passed. Her brother had recently taken his life. And her relationship with her boyfriend had ended hours earlier. No need to write of her self-pity, of course. But at this point these were the thoughts that clouded her mind.
Her teacher was of the conventional type: mildly attractive and not exactly willing to provide the extra credit students often requested when they've decided their grade is a bit too low at the end of the semester.
She lifted her pencil to write her name on her paper. The date. The subject. Perhaps a title would be appropriate: "Me" - a bit too rehearsed. "My Life" - not very original. "Their Last Day" - a bit too abstract, especially for the essay she had planned.
Perhaps the essay should be an explanation. Her life didn't need to seem doused with pitiful accounts. How she'd learned from past mistakes. How she'd learned that trust is something amassed with time, not something immediately given or received. Or how she's dealt with the loss of loved ones.
Eraser shavings dropped to the floor as she composed her essay now, with only 15 minutes left to write. And she went home that day considering the grade she'd receive for her essay.
Her teacher passed back their essays the next day. And she was handed hers with a 'C' hovering over the blank page on which she'd composed her story. She'd gotten an 'C,' which was seemingly made more devastating by the red message placed underneath it. Her teacher had written her a note.
"The assignment was to write about an event in your life that has impacted you. You wrote nothing in the 25 minutes that I gave you and for that you've received an 'F.' But sometimes the least amount of words can have the greatest impact and for that you've received an 'A.'"
Her teacher was of the conventional type: mildly attractive and not exactly willing to provide the extra credit students often requested when they've decided their grade is a bit too low at the end of the semester.
She lifted her pencil to write her name on her paper. The date. The subject. Perhaps a title would be appropriate: "Me" - a bit too rehearsed. "My Life" - not very original. "Their Last Day" - a bit too abstract, especially for the essay she had planned.
Perhaps the essay should be an explanation. Her life didn't need to seem doused with pitiful accounts. How she'd learned from past mistakes. How she'd learned that trust is something amassed with time, not something immediately given or received. Or how she's dealt with the loss of loved ones.
Eraser shavings dropped to the floor as she composed her essay now, with only 15 minutes left to write. And she went home that day considering the grade she'd receive for her essay.
Her teacher passed back their essays the next day. And she was handed hers with a 'C' hovering over the blank page on which she'd composed her story. She'd gotten an 'C,' which was seemingly made more devastating by the red message placed underneath it. Her teacher had written her a note.
"The assignment was to write about an event in your life that has impacted you. You wrote nothing in the 25 minutes that I gave you and for that you've received an 'F.' But sometimes the least amount of words can have the greatest impact and for that you've received an 'A.'"
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Michael Jackson
Although this blog comes a bit late following Michael Jackson's death, Michael Jackson's life and legacy should always be be celebrated. I heard the news of Michael Jackson's death as I was returning home from a long camp up at UF in Gainesville. I wasn't around a TV at the time but one of my friends called me. I was literally in disbelief at first. I didn't believe her. Following her call, a friend that I haven't spoken to in awhile called me and dramatically told me the same news. I believed it then. My role model had died. Of course I still had to confirm, however. And after 5 more brief phone calls and texts from friends and family, I understood that the news was true.
I'd always been made fun of for looking up to Michael Jackson, much like he was made fun of. In middle school I even carried around a picture of him in binder with some of his songs printed on the paper. Something about him was captivating. The passion he had for what he did. And the way he entertained: with such precision and genuine love. He spoke quitely and with humility. I would never categorize Michael Jackson as a weird man nor would I designate him the title "freak." Yes, I will stand up for him. He was clearly a confused man and a lonely man, but he was a brilliant man, and undeniably a great man.
I'd always been made fun of for looking up to Michael Jackson, much like he was made fun of. In middle school I even carried around a picture of him in binder with some of his songs printed on the paper. Something about him was captivating. The passion he had for what he did. And the way he entertained: with such precision and genuine love. He spoke quitely and with humility. I would never categorize Michael Jackson as a weird man nor would I designate him the title "freak." Yes, I will stand up for him. He was clearly a confused man and a lonely man, but he was a brilliant man, and undeniably a great man.
And although I will be looked upon askance for admiring a man with such a tarnished reputation and questionable life, I still will always admire him and respect him for the comfort and satisfaction with myself that he has given me. Through Michael Jackson I finally understand that perfection, even as he is the epitome of entertainment perfection, is an insatiable feat. I cannot be perfect just as he cannot be perfect. I saw him as a perfect man once just as I saw Martin Luther King Jr. as a perfect man. But I understand now. We are all human, and thus, we are all imperfect in more ways than one. And my unccessful pursuit for utmost perfection, which left me stranded in a lost cause and often pushed me to tears, is now just that - a pursuit. We can pursue perfection, but we can never attain it.
RIP Michael Jackson: August 29, 1958-June 25, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
What is strength?
We've reached the funeral of the man known for his serial killings and his savage defilements of local women. His crimes are unknown to most of the townspeople. Only a few relatives' of victims were wary of his record.
And a pained gentleman took it upon himself to unearth the man's crimes to the world. Unfortunately he underestimated the benefactors of his plan, however, and was jailed and executed for murder while the vile man's crimes maintained their secrecy among a few.
For this pained man there was no place for such an outpouring of emotion. A man should be wary of his anger and learn to tame it, regardless of his motives.
In the corner, a victim's brother stifles the snicker he longs to invest in such a joyous occasion. His hand is clenched and ready to strike the deceased man in his wake, his tongue is perched on his lip as he fights the urge to cheer the man's murder.
But this is no place for such an outpouring of emotion. A man should neither laugh nor regard crudely the man who killed his brother, and the victim's brother knows this.
A man's strength lies in his ability to override the nature of his humanity. By nature humans are weak. We have in us the tears to cry and we bear the voice to scream and the fists to punch. But these natural tendencies are displays of weakness.
Strength is the ability not to fight back in spite of pain and anger.
Hurt is a sign of weakness.
Strength is the ability not to cry
Tears are a sign of weakness
But this is natural to humanity.
Man's strength, therefore, lies in his ability to override the very nature of humanity.
And a pained gentleman took it upon himself to unearth the man's crimes to the world. Unfortunately he underestimated the benefactors of his plan, however, and was jailed and executed for murder while the vile man's crimes maintained their secrecy among a few.
For this pained man there was no place for such an outpouring of emotion. A man should be wary of his anger and learn to tame it, regardless of his motives.
In the corner, a victim's brother stifles the snicker he longs to invest in such a joyous occasion. His hand is clenched and ready to strike the deceased man in his wake, his tongue is perched on his lip as he fights the urge to cheer the man's murder.
But this is no place for such an outpouring of emotion. A man should neither laugh nor regard crudely the man who killed his brother, and the victim's brother knows this.
A man's strength lies in his ability to override the nature of his humanity. By nature humans are weak. We have in us the tears to cry and we bear the voice to scream and the fists to punch. But these natural tendencies are displays of weakness.
Strength is the ability not to fight back in spite of pain and anger.
Hurt is a sign of weakness.
Strength is the ability not to cry
Tears are a sign of weakness
But this is natural to humanity.
Man's strength, therefore, lies in his ability to override the very nature of humanity.
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Drum Major Instinct
For some reason, this year mobilized in me an appreciation and desire to read published essays and speeches, mostly those expressing opinions or theories. Opinion has often been a form of expression that i find the most meaningful and best presented through media and literature such as essays or speeches - not to mention movies and literature. A few months ago I read a speech by Martin Luther King Jr. entitled "The Drum Major Instinct," and reread it recently to reaffirm King's perception of exactly what the drum major instinct was to him.
But let me rush on to my conclusion, because I want you to see what Jesus was really saying. What was the answer that Jesus gave these men? It's very interesting. One would have thought that Jesus would have condemned them. One would have thought that Jesus would have said, "You are out of your place. You are selfish. Why would you raise such a question?"
But that isn't what Jesus did; he did something altogether different. He said in substance, "Oh, I see, you want to be first. You want to be great. You want to be important. You want to be significant. Well, you ought to be. If you're going to be my disciple, you must be." But he reordered priorities. And he said, "Yes, don't give up this instinct. It's a good instinct if you use it right. (Yes) It's a good instinct if you don't distort it and pervert it. Don't give it up. Keep feeling the need for being important. Keep feeling the need for being first. But I want you to be first in love. (Amen) I want you to be first in moral excellence. I want you to be first in generosity. That is what I want you to do."
Following is what i received from reading King's speech "The Drum Major Instinct"
King begins with a passage from the Gospel wherein James and John, disciples of Jesus, request that he designate a seat to his right and to his left for each of them to sit. To this request Jesus simply replies that the seats are not his to designate for any particular person, that the seats belong to those for whom they were prepared. Jesus goes on to say that those who fulfill the greatest positions are those who have committed to a servile lifestyle, not by title, but by responsibility. Of course, King says, the others are upset by James' and John's selfish request. However, he says, we all have in us the drum major instinct - the want to be first, the innate craving for recognition; therefore we should not be upset by this display of selfishness (as being upset is in itself a form of selfishness). Our entire existence even from inception, King says, is for the purpose of achieving the highest distinction. And regardless of their word, EVERYONE is a sucker for praise and EVERYONE is a sucker for recognition.
This is where the art of advertisement comes into play. The need to be better than the "Joneses," King says, where one person buys a car to impress his neighbor so his neighbor buys a more expensive car and the cycle goes on. And it is this kind of display that employs the ideal of an unharnessed "drum major instinct."
Another group of people give membership to another category of those who have not harnessed the drum major instinct. These are those who join groups which provide, even an unintentional, commitment to an exclusivist association such as a fraternity or sorority. Of course King isn't bashing fraternities and sororities. He's simply making a real life connection. We are so obsessed with appearing better than our neighbors that we neglect to realize that an unharnessed drum major instinct can ultimately be destructive as in the case of race relations. Consider a poor white man and a middle class black family living in the same city in the 1960s. The black man belongs to a higher socioeconomic class while the white man belongs to a supreme race. In the 1960s, the poorer white man would find satisfaction in his success as a member of the supreme race, condemning the black man for his inferiority without realizing his own oppression and trying to achieve justice for himself. Whether his "oppression" was one induced by "Social Darwinism" or "the man" keeping him down isn't the point here. The point is that the poor white man found comfort in the superiority of his race, thus finding a perverted right to put down another race - an unharnessed drum major instinct.
King said the following, and it needed no alteration simply because King said it best:
But that isn't what Jesus did; he did something altogether different. He said in substance, "Oh, I see, you want to be first. You want to be great. You want to be important. You want to be significant. Well, you ought to be. If you're going to be my disciple, you must be." But he reordered priorities. And he said, "Yes, don't give up this instinct. It's a good instinct if you use it right. (Yes) It's a good instinct if you don't distort it and pervert it. Don't give it up. Keep feeling the need for being important. Keep feeling the need for being first. But I want you to be first in love. (Amen) I want you to be first in moral excellence. I want you to be first in generosity. That is what I want you to do."
In other words the point of the drum major instinct is not to subscribe to the pursuit of greatness or recognition, but the understanding that in achieving that greatness, a servitude and thus a responsibility to serve everyone in the highest regard.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
What do women want?
Often is the question asked
"What do women want?"
Often is the question asked
"Why do men ask such stupid questions?"
Without knowledge of a person's personality, each and every human is warranted the same wants, and same needs. However, as I stated in an earlier blog, "we each have our own customized gauge," which allows us to be perceived in the way we wish to be perceived. We all have the same potential to sadden and anger. We each have the same potential to excite and arouse.
But with this customized gauge, equipped with our different wirings, we all are subject to different wants and different likings.
So,
"What do women want?"
Ask her what she wants if you really want to know. Unless you're suffice with beating around the bush.
"What do women want?"
Often is the question asked
"Why do men ask such stupid questions?"
Without knowledge of a person's personality, each and every human is warranted the same wants, and same needs. However, as I stated in an earlier blog, "we each have our own customized gauge," which allows us to be perceived in the way we wish to be perceived. We all have the same potential to sadden and anger. We each have the same potential to excite and arouse.
But with this customized gauge, equipped with our different wirings, we all are subject to different wants and different likings.
So,
"What do women want?"
Ask her what she wants if you really want to know. Unless you're suffice with beating around the bush.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Junior Year
As the tension builds at junior year's close and the economy further delves into a massive grave, considerate of those citizens it's taking along with it, the press for the perfect University is ever worrisome and stressful.
We entered high school, some fearing this year from the start, others uncaring until they realized that they're not getting into college and others mixed betwixt the two scenarios, with a sense that we can be all we can be.
We went to our guidance counselors, appreciating and listening, believing and trusting in their every word. We took advantage of their employment, knowing both they and we would benefit, only to find it seems that their function is not to guide us for the future (i.e. college, career) but to guide us out of high school. How does that work to our benefit?
At some point along our grade school lives we should have been informed of the criteria of a guidance counselor. How long were they there to guide us if at all? To me, guidance counselors know nothing more than the credits we need to get us into college. There's a consensus among we college bound teens. The guidance counselor is there merely to inform us of the amount of credits needed to graduate, the service hours needed to graduate, and tell us whether or not our grades are up to par. We then have the BRACE advisor. We then have the School Psychologist. We then have the Behvioral Specialist. Are these not the jobs of the guidance counselor?
Someone might say, we should have grasped this concept some time ago. Nobody informed us that corruption, too, occurs in a facility whose purpose it is to better our lives, better our country. Someone might say, in the real world, you won't be told, you should infer. Again, under circumstances, I suppose, just as we cannot always have faith in our government, we cannot always have faith in our education system.
Now we are met with an economic crisis. Needless to say funding for education does not seem to be a top priority. Of course on the surface we are trying to accomodate the needs of the school system.
Who do the children that want to succeed turn to? Someone might say, be grateful for the education that you receive because in other countries, in other parts of the United States even, children have no guarantee to an education. This is true. However, given that we are not part of that faction of the nation or of the world, and given that we do have the opportunity to receive a teriffic education, equipped with the skills we need for college, why throw our education to the dogs?
It has been said that we are the future of this nation. We see just what is going on here. I'm not at all blaming the downfall of this generation wholly on the perceived lack of care for our education. Of course, however, that aspect does deserve some blame. All of us in this nation are able to attain a public education. Then we have those, above us, who attend private school systems. Then we have those, high school aged, who are able to attend colleges and advance their learning on a grander scale and receive college credits.
Needless to say, those enrolled in private and advancement schools are fortunate. But why can't we use our resources to acsertain similar status? We have those who work hard to get to the top of their class. Just how high up is the top in comparison?
Our success is defined by our own actions, I am aware. But we are not always in control of our own lives.
We entered high school, some fearing this year from the start, others uncaring until they realized that they're not getting into college and others mixed betwixt the two scenarios, with a sense that we can be all we can be.
We went to our guidance counselors, appreciating and listening, believing and trusting in their every word. We took advantage of their employment, knowing both they and we would benefit, only to find it seems that their function is not to guide us for the future (i.e. college, career) but to guide us out of high school. How does that work to our benefit?
At some point along our grade school lives we should have been informed of the criteria of a guidance counselor. How long were they there to guide us if at all? To me, guidance counselors know nothing more than the credits we need to get us into college. There's a consensus among we college bound teens. The guidance counselor is there merely to inform us of the amount of credits needed to graduate, the service hours needed to graduate, and tell us whether or not our grades are up to par. We then have the BRACE advisor. We then have the School Psychologist. We then have the Behvioral Specialist. Are these not the jobs of the guidance counselor?
Someone might say, we should have grasped this concept some time ago. Nobody informed us that corruption, too, occurs in a facility whose purpose it is to better our lives, better our country. Someone might say, in the real world, you won't be told, you should infer. Again, under circumstances, I suppose, just as we cannot always have faith in our government, we cannot always have faith in our education system.
Now we are met with an economic crisis. Needless to say funding for education does not seem to be a top priority. Of course on the surface we are trying to accomodate the needs of the school system.
Who do the children that want to succeed turn to? Someone might say, be grateful for the education that you receive because in other countries, in other parts of the United States even, children have no guarantee to an education. This is true. However, given that we are not part of that faction of the nation or of the world, and given that we do have the opportunity to receive a teriffic education, equipped with the skills we need for college, why throw our education to the dogs?
It has been said that we are the future of this nation. We see just what is going on here. I'm not at all blaming the downfall of this generation wholly on the perceived lack of care for our education. Of course, however, that aspect does deserve some blame. All of us in this nation are able to attain a public education. Then we have those, above us, who attend private school systems. Then we have those, high school aged, who are able to attend colleges and advance their learning on a grander scale and receive college credits.
Needless to say, those enrolled in private and advancement schools are fortunate. But why can't we use our resources to acsertain similar status? We have those who work hard to get to the top of their class. Just how high up is the top in comparison?
Our success is defined by our own actions, I am aware. But we are not always in control of our own lives.
Friday, March 27, 2009
More Quotes
In early December i wrote a blog showcasing some of my favorite quotes that I'd collected over the years. Well, I've found some more and thought should share them.
"We were given: Two hands to hold. To legs to walk. Two eyes to see. Two ears to listen. But why only one heart? Because the other was given to someone else. For us to find."
- Anonymous
It's one of those soppy love quotes stated in an eloquent fashion in my opinion
"If you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you, its yours forever. If it dosent, then it was never meant to be."
-Anonymous
It took Bob Marley for me to realize that anger and all emotion surrounding it is 20% human nature and 80% self control
"Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out."
-Jack Buck
"Words may very well exceed their weight in gold."
-Greg Evans
Words are powerful
" Sigmund Freud once said, What do women want? The only thing I have learned in fifty-two years is that women want men to stop asking dumb questions like that."
-Bill Cosby
It's true, just do
"But I always had the ability to say no. That's how I called my own shots."
-Sidney Poitier
"If you would lift me up you must be on higher ground."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
On the surface i figured it meant that person A would praise person B for his talents given that person A was of a higher status "on paper" . I then realized that person A could be of a greater mindset than person B and thus praise him just the same.
"If you fail to accept the reality of life, you've succeeded in accepting the fatality of death"
- Me :)
Unless a person can realize that life will have its ups AND downs, unforutnately, he will end up either taking his own life by suicide or by recluse and tears, or by bringing others down by homicide (and the like).
"The only difference between your abilities and others is the ability to put yourself in their shoes and actually try"
- Leonardo Ruiz, Student
Self-explanatory; speaks the truth
"We were given: Two hands to hold. To legs to walk. Two eyes to see. Two ears to listen. But why only one heart? Because the other was given to someone else. For us to find."
- Anonymous
It's one of those soppy love quotes stated in an eloquent fashion in my opinion
"If you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you, its yours forever. If it dosent, then it was never meant to be."
-Anonymous
Speaks the truth
"Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds!"
It took Bob Marley for me to realize that anger and all emotion surrounding it is 20% human nature and 80% self control
"Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out."
-Jack Buck
It goes back to the above quote - not mind over matter. What we need to realize is that we control our emotions. We all hold in us the potential of anger or sorrow to the point of destruction. We are angry and hold grudges only if we allow ourselves to. We are stressed and frustrated only if we keep reminding ourselves that we're in a certain situation.
"Words may very well exceed their weight in gold."
-Greg Evans
Words are powerful
" Sigmund Freud once said, What do women want? The only thing I have learned in fifty-two years is that women want men to stop asking dumb questions like that."
-Bill Cosby
It's true, just do
"But I always had the ability to say no. That's how I called my own shots."
-Sidney Poitier
"If you would lift me up you must be on higher ground."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
On the surface i figured it meant that person A would praise person B for his talents given that person A was of a higher status "on paper" . I then realized that person A could be of a greater mindset than person B and thus praise him just the same.
"If you fail to accept the reality of life, you've succeeded in accepting the fatality of death"
- Me :)
Unless a person can realize that life will have its ups AND downs, unforutnately, he will end up either taking his own life by suicide or by recluse and tears, or by bringing others down by homicide (and the like).
"The only difference between your abilities and others is the ability to put yourself in their shoes and actually try"
- Leonardo Ruiz, Student
Self-explanatory; speaks the truth
Monday, March 16, 2009
Consider the Following...Think
Selfishness...
If we were to hang a mirror eternally in front of ourselves, such a word would maintain an unaltered definition. In terms of the degree or level of presence, we're all born with an invariable level of selfishness in us - and the same applies for all "virtue" and "evil." But we each have our own customized gauge. And whereas he might seem the epitome of all that is unethical, she is perceived as the most righteous.
I find it amazing, the irony, in this "selfishness" and just as, if not more amazing, the cunning wit that nature has bestowed upon us. That we can neither see our own faces, nor control others' perception of us - the two most important images of ourselves (prioritized in whatever order). Yes, we are a selfish race through and through. There's no denying it. in fact, if we were to deny it, denial is selfish within itself is it not? To protect our own image, the way others perceive us.
We often give because we are selfish. Knowing that another might be distraught, we feel guilt. And this guilt tears at our conscience, an uneasiness that in turn can only be quelled by giving.
It might be a bit off topic, but one of my most recent essay question asked something along the lines of "Does being ethical hinder a person's chance of success?"
I immediately thought "yes." I like to think realistically, I'll start off with that one. I used both Martin Luther King Jr. and Adolf Hitler as support - two completely different leaders, I know.
But let's veer off from the explanation for now. Consider these questions first:
What is considered ethical?
What measures a person's success?
Ethics, as is common knowledge, is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. The basic premise of my response to this essay question was: is it right or wrong to put down/devalue a person or group in the pursuit of strenghthening yourself or your cause? Of course it is wrong.
Now, in order to persuade the white community to believe in his cause, Dr. King in some way needed to expose them to the err of their ways. In the same way, in order to show those blacks who sought out violence to earn an end to prejudice, Dr. King needed to expose them to the err of their ways. Although it is minutely unethical, it is unethical. And Dr. King was successful.
I need not explain Hitler's atrocities. But again, Hitler put down and vitiated entire races in order to pursue his cause. And Hitler was successful.
Of course, now we need to consider what exactly denotes a succession. A person's success is defined by his or her own measurement. A person's word might say he is satisfied by his success, but by mindset he covets the "richer" man. A man, whether or not he was born rich, is perceived by society as successful, yet he might yearn to live the life of a simpler man. And a simple man, might have all he needs to live and provide for his family, but wishes he could have had more.
We are an insatiable race. We are a selfish race.
If we were to hang a mirror eternally in front of ourselves, such a word would maintain an unaltered definition. In terms of the degree or level of presence, we're all born with an invariable level of selfishness in us - and the same applies for all "virtue" and "evil." But we each have our own customized gauge. And whereas he might seem the epitome of all that is unethical, she is perceived as the most righteous.
I find it amazing, the irony, in this "selfishness" and just as, if not more amazing, the cunning wit that nature has bestowed upon us. That we can neither see our own faces, nor control others' perception of us - the two most important images of ourselves (prioritized in whatever order). Yes, we are a selfish race through and through. There's no denying it. in fact, if we were to deny it, denial is selfish within itself is it not? To protect our own image, the way others perceive us.
We often give because we are selfish. Knowing that another might be distraught, we feel guilt. And this guilt tears at our conscience, an uneasiness that in turn can only be quelled by giving.
It might be a bit off topic, but one of my most recent essay question asked something along the lines of "Does being ethical hinder a person's chance of success?"
I immediately thought "yes." I like to think realistically, I'll start off with that one. I used both Martin Luther King Jr. and Adolf Hitler as support - two completely different leaders, I know.
But let's veer off from the explanation for now. Consider these questions first:
What is considered ethical?
What measures a person's success?
Ethics, as is common knowledge, is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. The basic premise of my response to this essay question was: is it right or wrong to put down/devalue a person or group in the pursuit of strenghthening yourself or your cause? Of course it is wrong.
Now, in order to persuade the white community to believe in his cause, Dr. King in some way needed to expose them to the err of their ways. In the same way, in order to show those blacks who sought out violence to earn an end to prejudice, Dr. King needed to expose them to the err of their ways. Although it is minutely unethical, it is unethical. And Dr. King was successful.
I need not explain Hitler's atrocities. But again, Hitler put down and vitiated entire races in order to pursue his cause. And Hitler was successful.
Of course, now we need to consider what exactly denotes a succession. A person's success is defined by his or her own measurement. A person's word might say he is satisfied by his success, but by mindset he covets the "richer" man. A man, whether or not he was born rich, is perceived by society as successful, yet he might yearn to live the life of a simpler man. And a simple man, might have all he needs to live and provide for his family, but wishes he could have had more.
We are an insatiable race. We are a selfish race.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Maintenance or Impression
Tender-aged, we are conditioned to act as ourselves, yet in ripening, we are to restrict certain emotions to maintain positive status in the public eye. Smile here, refrain from angering there, and never show remorse or weakness.
In essence, if you're weak from the start, you're going to bump heads with reality at some point. You should probably change who you are, but always be yourself!
In terms of he who "changes himself" to impress others, is he truly not being himself still? Perhaps "changing himself," or altering his personality based on his surroundings, is who he is.
Even so, which mantra are we to follow - "be yourself, maintain pride" or "change yourself, impress society?"
In essence, if you're weak from the start, you're going to bump heads with reality at some point. You should probably change who you are, but always be yourself!
In terms of he who "changes himself" to impress others, is he truly not being himself still? Perhaps "changing himself," or altering his personality based on his surroundings, is who he is.
Even so, which mantra are we to follow - "be yourself, maintain pride" or "change yourself, impress society?"
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Another Paradox to Add to the List
War, poverty, and social difference all originate from emotion, sentiment, and opinion.
If we are all to live in utopia, we would have to eradicate feeling.
War is a combination of opinions resolved through violence.
If not for one man believing that he is right and another opposing him, war would not be a means of resolution.
But because one man must be right, and because it is our birthright to pursue what we believe in, war is inevitable.
One must always be on top.
Two is too much, none is chaos.
But One is destruction.
And this is what we fight for.
Man is only a detriment to himself because of what he feels.
And if this feeling can be let go or controlled, we may supposedly have peace.
But man was made to feel.
So to take away feeling, you have taken away man.
And so man no longer exists, thereby counteracting the purpose of obstructing emotion.
If we are all to live in utopia, we would have to eradicate feeling.
War is a combination of opinions resolved through violence.
If not for one man believing that he is right and another opposing him, war would not be a means of resolution.
But because one man must be right, and because it is our birthright to pursue what we believe in, war is inevitable.
One must always be on top.
Two is too much, none is chaos.
But One is destruction.
And this is what we fight for.
Man is only a detriment to himself because of what he feels.
And if this feeling can be let go or controlled, we may supposedly have peace.
But man was made to feel.
So to take away feeling, you have taken away man.
And so man no longer exists, thereby counteracting the purpose of obstructing emotion.
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Satire Truth of Life On Earth
I was rummaging through some old paperwork I've accumulated over the years and i pulled out a short story that i wrote for a creative writing class in 9th grade. It's simple, to the point, and doesn't leave much to be assumed. I've altered nothing (although there are a few points that could use a good tweak!). I wrote this without bias. And that's why i found it so interesting. I wrote this before I read 1984 and before I'd watched any films portraying dystopia. My only knowledge was of current society and Hitler's reign in Germany. But of course, this is the logic that originates all great artists' dystopia - current society and history. The entire story doesn't follow, but, it's enough to get the point across.
Governor Rogers sat at his desk, overwhelmed with deliberation as Councilman Peters, the elder of the men, waited impatiently for a response.
“Of course,” Rogers began, “there will be protests, unless we disguise the implant as a permanent inoculation for some sort of virus or disease. We have to trick them in some way I’d suppose, unless you have another idea. This isn’t a matter we can bring about openly.”
“We can’t have citizens thinking for themselves, though. That’s how wars begin, how murders occur, how protests take place! When people have the right to free speech our whole country will end up in yet another civil war!” Peter’s challenged in a fuming tone.
“I understand your concern councilman, and I agree with your proposal. But there are faults in your plot. Citizens aren’t going to understand and accept that their minds will be controlled; they’ll debate it, and they obviously like the already established law of free will and free speech. Take note that it is what gives our country its significance.”
“Indeed,” Peters responded smartly, “that and our increasing obesity rates and decreasing IQ rankings. But if everyone were to process information in the same way, think the same way, obesity and intelligence, war and hatred would be a thing of the past, and thus citizens would maintain richer, healthier lives.” He coughed and sat calmly as a thought took place in his mind.
“I have watched this country at its hardest Rogers; my entire family died in the first war, even my baby sister Julie, all because of our difference of opinion! And I am not about to let the same happen to other families!”
Rogers removed his glasses, rubbed his eyes and combed through his hair roughly. He replaced the glasses on his face and spoke, sounding genuinely understanding.
“The idea of implanting this ‘chip’ into every citizens brain seems simply improbable and inhumane –
“ Ahhhh, but it obliterates the need for any form of a justice system which, because of the right to free speech, is also imperfect!” Peters slammed his fist on the desk “that’s how you think of it Rogers! Not as inhumane, but as an innovation of the country, to transform this imperfect blood-thirsty nation into a perfect paradise.”
“Yes, but how do we convince the people to undergo this surgery and have it complete in sufficient time?”
“We create a law, put our armed forces on the streets to execute anyone who dares disobey law!”
“And what happens if these armed forces disagree with the law?”
“They too must be executed.”
“But isn’t that just what you are trying to prevent? Death?”
“I want a lot more than you could possibly imagine Rogers.” He forced a cold smile, stood, tipped his hat to Rogers and left the room.
Rogers swiveled from the door and lay his head in his palm. He removed his glasses, placed them on the desk, rubbed his eyes combed his fingers through his hair, roughly, and reclined in his chair. He grinned pensively, deep in thought.
He shook the last bit of apprehension from his body, prepared himself for the greeting he’d get once he’d return home, and went on his way.
He was a scrawny boy with angular features in the right places. He looked like a prince from a fairytale.
It was late when his mother met him at the front of the cabin with a sheer look of disappointment and scold, a brazen rage obviously running through her veins. Dorian began to speak but his mother stopped him.
“You know very well what will happen if you’re caught, Dorian! You need to honor my words; you know the government is after us! Do you want to end up like your father?” she yelled tiredly.
Dorian’s father had been murdered, or executed, as they would call it, by the army men for not being submissive to the newly appointed law.
Dorian spoke calmly, “I just don’t wanna be cooped up in this house all day; it gets boring.”
“Right now you need to cope with it, your sister seems quite content under the circumstances.”
“She’s three mom!” Dorian’s sister, Lacy, sat on the floor cutely dismantling a lovely building she had built with toy blocks. “She doesn’t even understand what’s going on! I know what I’m doing; I know how to avoid them! Their like machines.”
“That’s besides the point! You have to be careful, you’re putting this family in grave danger.” Dorian rolled his eyes and started to his room.
In a louder, more abrasive voice, his mother yelled, “And if this ever happens again you’ll be locked in your room for the week!”
The Satire Truth of Life on Earth
November 1972-The Country of Faltron
Governor Rogers sat at his desk, overwhelmed with deliberation as Councilman Peters, the elder of the men, waited impatiently for a response.
“Of course,” Rogers began, “there will be protests, unless we disguise the implant as a permanent inoculation for some sort of virus or disease. We have to trick them in some way I’d suppose, unless you have another idea. This isn’t a matter we can bring about openly.”
“We can’t have citizens thinking for themselves, though. That’s how wars begin, how murders occur, how protests take place! When people have the right to free speech our whole country will end up in yet another civil war!” Peter’s challenged in a fuming tone.
“I understand your concern councilman, and I agree with your proposal. But there are faults in your plot. Citizens aren’t going to understand and accept that their minds will be controlled; they’ll debate it, and they obviously like the already established law of free will and free speech. Take note that it is what gives our country its significance.”
“Indeed,” Peters responded smartly, “that and our increasing obesity rates and decreasing IQ rankings. But if everyone were to process information in the same way, think the same way, obesity and intelligence, war and hatred would be a thing of the past, and thus citizens would maintain richer, healthier lives.” He coughed and sat calmly as a thought took place in his mind.
“I have watched this country at its hardest Rogers; my entire family died in the first war, even my baby sister Julie, all because of our difference of opinion! And I am not about to let the same happen to other families!”
Rogers removed his glasses, rubbed his eyes and combed through his hair roughly. He replaced the glasses on his face and spoke, sounding genuinely understanding.
“The idea of implanting this ‘chip’ into every citizens brain seems simply improbable and inhumane –
“ Ahhhh, but it obliterates the need for any form of a justice system which, because of the right to free speech, is also imperfect!” Peters slammed his fist on the desk “that’s how you think of it Rogers! Not as inhumane, but as an innovation of the country, to transform this imperfect blood-thirsty nation into a perfect paradise.”
“Yes, but how do we convince the people to undergo this surgery and have it complete in sufficient time?”
“We create a law, put our armed forces on the streets to execute anyone who dares disobey law!”
“And what happens if these armed forces disagree with the law?”
“They too must be executed.”
“But isn’t that just what you are trying to prevent? Death?”
“I want a lot more than you could possibly imagine Rogers.” He forced a cold smile, stood, tipped his hat to Rogers and left the room.
Rogers swiveled from the door and lay his head in his palm. He removed his glasses, placed them on the desk, rubbed his eyes combed his fingers through his hair, roughly, and reclined in his chair. He grinned pensively, deep in thought.
1
Dorian Alcaraz leapt from the balcony, knowing only too well what would have happened had he been seen. Mother had told him before that they were fugitives in this country and should not be out running wildly like vagabonds. He should ‘only leave the house to buy groceries and clothing’, and even then he had to keep himself discreet.
He shook the last bit of apprehension from his body, prepared himself for the greeting he’d get once he’d return home, and went on his way.
He was a scrawny boy with angular features in the right places. He looked like a prince from a fairytale.
It was late when his mother met him at the front of the cabin with a sheer look of disappointment and scold, a brazen rage obviously running through her veins. Dorian began to speak but his mother stopped him.
“You know very well what will happen if you’re caught, Dorian! You need to honor my words; you know the government is after us! Do you want to end up like your father?” she yelled tiredly.
Dorian’s father had been murdered, or executed, as they would call it, by the army men for not being submissive to the newly appointed law.
Dorian spoke calmly, “I just don’t wanna be cooped up in this house all day; it gets boring.”
“Right now you need to cope with it, your sister seems quite content under the circumstances.”
“She’s three mom!” Dorian’s sister, Lacy, sat on the floor cutely dismantling a lovely building she had built with toy blocks. “She doesn’t even understand what’s going on! I know what I’m doing; I know how to avoid them! Their like machines.”
“That’s besides the point! You have to be careful, you’re putting this family in grave danger.” Dorian rolled his eyes and started to his room.
In a louder, more abrasive voice, his mother yelled, “And if this ever happens again you’ll be locked in your room for the week!”
...and it goes on from here but it's a bit much for one blog
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Cool Down
Considering the condition of the times, it's occurred to me that it might get a bit hot in here. By "here," I mean earth. And by "hot," I mean "hot-tempered." What with the economy in the midst of his grave, and government corruption admitting an almost direct likeness to the precedents set by Grant's presidency, it's not uncanny the means of negative ventilation that people might turn to.
And so this blog is dedicated to the idea that, perhaps we can all just cool down before something regretful happens.
And so this blog is dedicated to the idea that, perhaps we can all just cool down before something regretful happens.
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