“There is never an instants truce between virtue and vice. Goodness is the only investment that never fails. By turns our purity inspires and our impurity casts us down.” (Thoreau) Living a full life means being true to the intrinsic virtue God has placed within me. It has been a battle my whole life. Evil works beget evil habits and negatively form personal character. Purity is from God and does inspire, myself and others, to good works and the emergence of charitable character. I did not live because I was barely alive. I was hiding from myself. I was running from God and all I knew to be true. I was an empty shell of the creature God intended me to become. I let drugs, booze and relationships deter me from my rightful place on the right hand of God. I chose guilt and shame and isolation over peace and pride and fellowship. I sought after the opinion of the world and tried everything to forget my disloyalty to my maker.
“To be awake is to be alive. I came to die only to discover that I had not lived. I wanted to live deep; to suck all the marrow out of life.” (Thoreau) I thought I would find my way slowly to the grave through oceans of booze, mountains of cocaine and relationships that lacked depth and fidelity. That was not living! I was barely existing. Every day is a gift from God. With each sunrise comes the opportunity to grow, to love and to make the world better. Each hour is to be treasured and used carefully because we can never get it back.
“Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify.” (Thoreau) I still get caught up in the details of life. I become fixated on the mundane inconsequential fine print. I forget to live, to enjoy, and to BE in the moment. I constantly remind myself to let the day happen and cherish the moments that make it up. My son makes me feel alive. He teaches me of the beauty and wonder of the world. I see, through his eyes, the magic of simple everyday things. He is my greatest tutor. He is untainted from the worlds’ opinion.
“Let us settle ourselves, and work and wedge our feet downward through the mud and slush of opinion, and prejudice, and tradition, and delusion and appearance, … through poverty and philosophy and religion, till we come to a hard bottom and rocks in place, which we call reality.” (Thoreau) I now live courageously. I have found my rock. Living a full life means centering my life on Jesus Christ. My religion is my foundation. Living a full life means living and loving without reservation. A full life is being surrounded by family and friends that love you. A life fully lived is one without guilt or shame and pride in the person you are.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
reflection: Week 4
Emerson and I didn’t get along at first. Reading his essay was like reading Chinese. This second week of Emerson was easier than the first. I have become more comfortable with his style and I understood better this week than last. I do not pretend to understand all or most of what he writes about but I definitely see an improvement in my comprehension.
This week a disturbing truth was revealed to me, “In the right state, he is, Man Thinking. In the degenerate state, when the victim of society, he tends to become a mere thinker, or, still worse, the parrot of other men's thinking” (Emerson). I have been a parrot of other men’s thinking. I never thought of myself as a scholar; I considered myself a student. Now, I don’t know if I could even be called that. I have been parroting back information to try and earn high grades but I haven’t really been learning anything. I definitely haven’t been using the things I learn to spark unique and individual thought. I am ashamed of myself. I know I am capable of more than I have been doing. I was proud of my accomplishments so far but now the bar has been set higher. I want more out of my education and Emerson has opened that door to my personal greatness.
This week a disturbing truth was revealed to me, “In the right state, he is, Man Thinking. In the degenerate state, when the victim of society, he tends to become a mere thinker, or, still worse, the parrot of other men's thinking” (Emerson). I have been a parrot of other men’s thinking. I never thought of myself as a scholar; I considered myself a student. Now, I don’t know if I could even be called that. I have been parroting back information to try and earn high grades but I haven’t really been learning anything. I definitely haven’t been using the things I learn to spark unique and individual thought. I am ashamed of myself. I know I am capable of more than I have been doing. I was proud of my accomplishments so far but now the bar has been set higher. I want more out of my education and Emerson has opened that door to my personal greatness.
Committe review and discussion Week: 4
I, the unofficial and self appointed, Pennsylvania Committee crier ring my bell and stand up on my soap box. Greetings to one and all.
Committee member Connie, I enjoyed how your essay pointed out continued learning throughout life. “Therefore, to live is to be learning.” It is true that just simply being a live should mean you are a student. Unfortunately, many people walk around blind to life’s learning opportunities. I was looking for you to mention Emerson’s three main points of being a true scholar which were love of nature, reading books to expand your mind and putting action to belief. Only then can we really live. I agree Emerson is difficult to read and I get frustrated. Reading his essays forces me outside my comfort zone and I have to really think about the material I am reading.
Committee member Connie, I enjoyed how your essay pointed out continued learning throughout life. “Therefore, to live is to be learning.” It is true that just simply being a live should mean you are a student. Unfortunately, many people walk around blind to life’s learning opportunities. I was looking for you to mention Emerson’s three main points of being a true scholar which were love of nature, reading books to expand your mind and putting action to belief. Only then can we really live. I agree Emerson is difficult to read and I get frustrated. Reading his essays forces me outside my comfort zone and I have to really think about the material I am reading.
Monday, September 21, 2009
“Is not the true scholar the only true master?” -Emerson
To be an American Scholar
Emerson’s American scholar places value on nature. “The first in time and the first in importance of the influences upon the mind is that of nature. The scholar is he of all men whom this spectacle most engages. He must settle its value in his mind” (Emerson). I was raised in the Pacific Northwest. I have a deep appreciation for the beauty of the outdoors and enjoy engaging in its’ spectacle. I enjoy drawing with charcoal and chalk. My portfolio is full of drawings that capture the majesty of mountains, the nobility of trees and the passion of sunsets. If that is the first step to being a great scholar, I am well on my way. He mentions bookworms and bibliomaniacs and I must admit I can be placed into that category. I love to read. However, when I am immersed in my school work I feel like the recluse. “There goes in the world a notion, that the scholar should be a recluse, a valetudinarian, — as unfit for any handiwork or public labor, as a penknife for an axe. The so-called `practical men' sneer at speculative men, as if, because they speculate or see, they could do nothing” (Emerson). Is there no place in this world for the intellect side by side with the ‘practical men’? My family will be going to the park, to see a movie or out to eat and not give a second thought to me behind a closed door tapping away at my key board. It seems to me they are of the notion that my desire to participate in those activities does not exist. They assume I happily accept my reclusive state and have nothing to offer by joining in. “The office of the scholar is to cheer, to raise, and to guide men by showing them facts amidst appearances. He plies the slow, unhonored, and unpaid task of observation. Worse yet, he must accept, — how often! poverty and solitude” (Emerson). Oh! This is my lot in life. The role I must usurp now as I labor to expand my mind and earn my degree. Poverty and solitude, I know them well. We have become well acquainted and endure we together.
Emerson’s scholar is Man Thinking. Unfortunately, I am often merely a thinker and I ashamedly I admit that sometimes I am the parrot. “In this distribution of functions, the scholar is the delegated intellect. In the right state, he is, Man Thinking. In the degenerate state, when the victim of society, he tends to become a mere thinker, or, still worse, the parrot of other men's thinking” (Emerson). While his scholar uses books for inspiration, I read mine for amusement. “Books are the best of things, well used; abused, among the worst. What is the right use? They are for nothing but to inspire” (Emerson). Instead of reading to escape and entertain I can change my mind set, “When the mind is braced by labor and invention, the page of whatever book we read becomes luminous with manifold allusion. Every sentence is doubly significant, and the sense of our author is as broad as the world” (Emerson). This fundamental difference between me and Emerson’s scholar is profound. When I can truly become Man Thinking my universe will expand and my mind will embrace its’ capacity for marvelous achievements.
Emerson’s ideas are not just abstract and unattainable concepts. They have real life application. To understand, “Its (natures’) beauty is the beauty of his own mind” (Emerson) means to use my mind for great, unique and original purpose. Every life experience can be transformed into something ethereal and pertinent. “So is there no fact, no event, in our private history, which shall not, sooner or later, lose its adhesive, inert form, and astonish us by soaring from our body into the empyrean” (Emerson). We must not only think; we must put action to our contemplations. “Character is higher than intellect. Thinking is the function. Living is the functionary. A great soul will be strong to live, as well as strong to think” (Emerson). I can apply all this to every level of my education. Theatre is my passion and when I am engaged in learning and studying it I feel, “This is my music; this is myself” (Emerson). “Is not the true scholar the only true master?” -Emerson
Emerson’s American scholar places value on nature. “The first in time and the first in importance of the influences upon the mind is that of nature. The scholar is he of all men whom this spectacle most engages. He must settle its value in his mind” (Emerson). I was raised in the Pacific Northwest. I have a deep appreciation for the beauty of the outdoors and enjoy engaging in its’ spectacle. I enjoy drawing with charcoal and chalk. My portfolio is full of drawings that capture the majesty of mountains, the nobility of trees and the passion of sunsets. If that is the first step to being a great scholar, I am well on my way. He mentions bookworms and bibliomaniacs and I must admit I can be placed into that category. I love to read. However, when I am immersed in my school work I feel like the recluse. “There goes in the world a notion, that the scholar should be a recluse, a valetudinarian, — as unfit for any handiwork or public labor, as a penknife for an axe. The so-called `practical men' sneer at speculative men, as if, because they speculate or see, they could do nothing” (Emerson). Is there no place in this world for the intellect side by side with the ‘practical men’? My family will be going to the park, to see a movie or out to eat and not give a second thought to me behind a closed door tapping away at my key board. It seems to me they are of the notion that my desire to participate in those activities does not exist. They assume I happily accept my reclusive state and have nothing to offer by joining in. “The office of the scholar is to cheer, to raise, and to guide men by showing them facts amidst appearances. He plies the slow, unhonored, and unpaid task of observation. Worse yet, he must accept, — how often! poverty and solitude” (Emerson). Oh! This is my lot in life. The role I must usurp now as I labor to expand my mind and earn my degree. Poverty and solitude, I know them well. We have become well acquainted and endure we together.
Emerson’s scholar is Man Thinking. Unfortunately, I am often merely a thinker and I ashamedly I admit that sometimes I am the parrot. “In this distribution of functions, the scholar is the delegated intellect. In the right state, he is, Man Thinking. In the degenerate state, when the victim of society, he tends to become a mere thinker, or, still worse, the parrot of other men's thinking” (Emerson). While his scholar uses books for inspiration, I read mine for amusement. “Books are the best of things, well used; abused, among the worst. What is the right use? They are for nothing but to inspire” (Emerson). Instead of reading to escape and entertain I can change my mind set, “When the mind is braced by labor and invention, the page of whatever book we read becomes luminous with manifold allusion. Every sentence is doubly significant, and the sense of our author is as broad as the world” (Emerson). This fundamental difference between me and Emerson’s scholar is profound. When I can truly become Man Thinking my universe will expand and my mind will embrace its’ capacity for marvelous achievements.
Emerson’s ideas are not just abstract and unattainable concepts. They have real life application. To understand, “Its (natures’) beauty is the beauty of his own mind” (Emerson) means to use my mind for great, unique and original purpose. Every life experience can be transformed into something ethereal and pertinent. “So is there no fact, no event, in our private history, which shall not, sooner or later, lose its adhesive, inert form, and astonish us by soaring from our body into the empyrean” (Emerson). We must not only think; we must put action to our contemplations. “Character is higher than intellect. Thinking is the function. Living is the functionary. A great soul will be strong to live, as well as strong to think” (Emerson). I can apply all this to every level of my education. Theatre is my passion and when I am engaged in learning and studying it I feel, “This is my music; this is myself” (Emerson). “Is not the true scholar the only true master?” -Emerson
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Reflection: Week 3
Who is the best me and what is my ideal self? That is a difficult question to answer. Even if we have an answer, do we really know? My knowledge of my ideal self comes from my spiritual upbringing. I know that I am a child of God, I have infinite worth and limitless potential. Temporally, however, I didn’t know who I was for most of my life. I had lost faith in my ability to blossom and flourish within my limitless potential. I am a recovering alcoholic and I was blinded by my addiction. I couldn’t see through the whiskey and I couldn’t swim through the rum. I was drowning and I knew I had to get out. Sobriety is precious and I have been able to start to know and become my ideal self.
Emerson lent great assistance in helping to form my essay. I learned we will not know until we try. “The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried” (Emerson). I learned a genuine life that is lived is better than one that is a spectacle. “My life is for itself and not for a spectacle. I much prefer that it should be of a lower strain, so it be genuine and equal, than that it should be glittering and unsteady” (Emerson). I learned it is important to live after my own opinion and stay true to myself when I am out in the world. “It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude” (Emerson). I learned that virtue comes from within. It is not shown in empty actions. “We pass for what we are. Character teaches above our wills. Men imagine that they communicate their virtue or vice only by overt actions, and do not see that virtue or vice emit a breath every moment” (Emerson). I learned that I should compare myself to no one and accept me for who I am. “These roses under my window make no reference to former roses or to better ones; they are for what they are; they exist with God to-day. There is no time to them. There is simply the rose; it is perfect in every moment of its existence” (Emerson).
I learned from reading the essays of my classmates that our life experiences make us who we are. It is up to each individual to use those experiences to become better and stronger. When we are younger and haven’t truly lived it is hard to know who we are even if we know who we want to become. The most important thing I learned is how to read, understand and retain information better while doing my weekly readings. I read the writing prompt first. Then while I’m reading I look for information and quotes to use for my essay. So while I am reading I am concentrating more on the content to find what I like and want to use instead of reading and skimming blindly. It helps me stay focused on the material.
Emerson lent great assistance in helping to form my essay. I learned we will not know until we try. “The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried” (Emerson). I learned a genuine life that is lived is better than one that is a spectacle. “My life is for itself and not for a spectacle. I much prefer that it should be of a lower strain, so it be genuine and equal, than that it should be glittering and unsteady” (Emerson). I learned it is important to live after my own opinion and stay true to myself when I am out in the world. “It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude” (Emerson). I learned that virtue comes from within. It is not shown in empty actions. “We pass for what we are. Character teaches above our wills. Men imagine that they communicate their virtue or vice only by overt actions, and do not see that virtue or vice emit a breath every moment” (Emerson). I learned that I should compare myself to no one and accept me for who I am. “These roses under my window make no reference to former roses or to better ones; they are for what they are; they exist with God to-day. There is no time to them. There is simply the rose; it is perfect in every moment of its existence” (Emerson).
I learned from reading the essays of my classmates that our life experiences make us who we are. It is up to each individual to use those experiences to become better and stronger. When we are younger and haven’t truly lived it is hard to know who we are even if we know who we want to become. The most important thing I learned is how to read, understand and retain information better while doing my weekly readings. I read the writing prompt first. Then while I’m reading I look for information and quotes to use for my essay. So while I am reading I am concentrating more on the content to find what I like and want to use instead of reading and skimming blindly. It helps me stay focused on the material.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Committee review and discussion: week 3
I, the unofficial and self appointed, Pennsylvania Committee crier ring my bell and stand up on my soap box. Greetings to one and all.
To be the best us we have to know where we have been and who we are to know where we are going and who we want to be. If you want to drive to California you can’t point your car towards Alaska because you will never get there.
Committee member Jennie, it takes great insight for you to realize and admit that, at 19, you really haven’t had the kind of life experiences that make us who we are but I am proud of you that you have a very clear picture of the best you, you want to be! I hope you do become a trustworthy, fun person who is not afraid to try new things and doesn’t stress over the little things. You will make an excellent mother and wife when you have big heart and you be yourself. I loved this part of your essay, “There are so many positive sides on the road of life; I don’t want to stress out about the tiny pot holes that interrupt it.” It was very poetic. Good job!
Committee member Connie, I also grew up in a house where there wasn’t a lot of money but there was a lot of love and a lot of hard work. I loved that you used Emerson’s quote, “man’s failure to see light is caused by standing in his own shadow.” We often are the person standing in our own way and stopping ourselves from succeeding. My sister, brother and best friend are all R.N.’s Nursing does foster compassion and growth. Not all people can say they are proud of who they are. I know I couldn’t for a long time but I am able to say it now. That is one of the key elements of being the best you. You have to love yourself and be proud of who you are. Good job!
To be the best us we have to know where we have been and who we are to know where we are going and who we want to be. If you want to drive to California you can’t point your car towards Alaska because you will never get there.
Committee member Jennie, it takes great insight for you to realize and admit that, at 19, you really haven’t had the kind of life experiences that make us who we are but I am proud of you that you have a very clear picture of the best you, you want to be! I hope you do become a trustworthy, fun person who is not afraid to try new things and doesn’t stress over the little things. You will make an excellent mother and wife when you have big heart and you be yourself. I loved this part of your essay, “There are so many positive sides on the road of life; I don’t want to stress out about the tiny pot holes that interrupt it.” It was very poetic. Good job!
Committee member Connie, I also grew up in a house where there wasn’t a lot of money but there was a lot of love and a lot of hard work. I loved that you used Emerson’s quote, “man’s failure to see light is caused by standing in his own shadow.” We often are the person standing in our own way and stopping ourselves from succeeding. My sister, brother and best friend are all R.N.’s Nursing does foster compassion and growth. Not all people can say they are proud of who they are. I know I couldn’t for a long time but I am able to say it now. That is one of the key elements of being the best you. You have to love yourself and be proud of who you are. Good job!
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Best Me
“The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried” (Emerson). For a long time I was afraid to try. I was afraid to even attempt for fear of failure. I doomed myself to failure because I would not try. I lacked the confidence I needed to succeed because I was not true to myself. I was not true to my beliefs, ideals and the very foundation of my being. Now as I align my conduct with my belief I know anything is possible. I know that if I set my mind to it, I can accomplish anything I desire.
“My life is for itself and not for a spectacle. I much prefer that it should be of a lower strain, so it be genuine and equal, than that it should be glittering and unsteady” (Emerson). I do not envy the “rich and famous”. Their lives are a spectacle. I would not wish the sadness and misery that accompany life in a fish bowl on myself or anyone I love. Real happiness comes from being true to oneself. I attempt to be tough and untouchable because in the eyes of the world to be soft is to be weak. To be loving and gentle, to feel deeply, to weep for the sad and mourn for the weary is feeble. I have been blessed with the capacity to empathize with others and now I will no longer ignore that but instead embrace it.
“It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude” (Emerson). Why in public do I conform to the opinion of the world? Why do I become some treasonous imitation of myself? When I step out into the world I will live after my own opinion and with the same independence of solitude. I will embrace the divinity God has planted in my soul and nurture it until it takes root and grows.
“We pass for what we are. Character teaches above our wills. Men imagine that they communicate their virtue or vice only by overt actions, and do not see that virtue or vice emit a breath every moment” (Emerson). True beauty (and virtue) is reflected from within. If there is no internal virtue, it does not matter what our actions are. They are an empty shell of God’s intentions for us. I will continue refine my intrinsic virtue and to ensure it shines from deep within.
“I will stand here for humanity, and though I would make it kind, I would make it true” (Emerson). The right path is seldom the easy path. While being honest one does not have to be cruel. For me there is a delicate balance in being tactfully honest. I will inspire change and give a voice to those who have none. I will make it true.
“These roses under my window make no reference to former roses or to better ones; they are for what they are; they exist with God to-day. There is no time to them. There is simply the rose; it is perfect in every moment of its existence” (Emerson). I will compare myself to no one. I will be what I am, what I was created to be and I will exist with God.
Whatever I accomplish, it will be great.
When I am the best me, I will be fearless when I try.
When I am my ideal self I will be genuine and equal.
When I am truly me, I will maintain the independence of solitude.I will emit virtue at every breath.
In my heart of hearts, I will know I am perfect in every moment of my existence.
“My life is for itself and not for a spectacle. I much prefer that it should be of a lower strain, so it be genuine and equal, than that it should be glittering and unsteady” (Emerson). I do not envy the “rich and famous”. Their lives are a spectacle. I would not wish the sadness and misery that accompany life in a fish bowl on myself or anyone I love. Real happiness comes from being true to oneself. I attempt to be tough and untouchable because in the eyes of the world to be soft is to be weak. To be loving and gentle, to feel deeply, to weep for the sad and mourn for the weary is feeble. I have been blessed with the capacity to empathize with others and now I will no longer ignore that but instead embrace it.
“It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude” (Emerson). Why in public do I conform to the opinion of the world? Why do I become some treasonous imitation of myself? When I step out into the world I will live after my own opinion and with the same independence of solitude. I will embrace the divinity God has planted in my soul and nurture it until it takes root and grows.
“We pass for what we are. Character teaches above our wills. Men imagine that they communicate their virtue or vice only by overt actions, and do not see that virtue or vice emit a breath every moment” (Emerson). True beauty (and virtue) is reflected from within. If there is no internal virtue, it does not matter what our actions are. They are an empty shell of God’s intentions for us. I will continue refine my intrinsic virtue and to ensure it shines from deep within.
“I will stand here for humanity, and though I would make it kind, I would make it true” (Emerson). The right path is seldom the easy path. While being honest one does not have to be cruel. For me there is a delicate balance in being tactfully honest. I will inspire change and give a voice to those who have none. I will make it true.
“These roses under my window make no reference to former roses or to better ones; they are for what they are; they exist with God to-day. There is no time to them. There is simply the rose; it is perfect in every moment of its existence” (Emerson). I will compare myself to no one. I will be what I am, what I was created to be and I will exist with God.
Whatever I accomplish, it will be great.
When I am the best me, I will be fearless when I try.
When I am my ideal self I will be genuine and equal.
When I am truly me, I will maintain the independence of solitude.I will emit virtue at every breath.
In my heart of hearts, I will know I am perfect in every moment of my existence.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Week 2: Reflection
Prior to this weeks’ readings and writings, I had a very stereotypical attitude about “What is an American?” Apple pie, baseball, democracy and automobiles are all that represents us today. My attitude was quite pessimistic. We have become lazy, self righteous and greedy. Our forefathers would look at us and be ashamed of who we have become. They would see our government as a mockery of the original vision they had for this great nation. But have we strayed so far off course? Are we really as lost as I originally thought?
Dr. Brandon said the pioneers probably worked just as hard as we do but they just worked at different things. True, we don’t have to clear forests by hand or build our homes with primitive tools. We don’t have to grow everything we eat or sew the few clothes we have to wear. We do have to work one and sometimes two jobs to make ends meet. Some have to work and go to school at the same time because, today, education is essential for success. The world we live in is fast paced and changes so rapidly it is a struggle to keep up. de Crevecoeur said here we feel a share of national pride (48) here there are no aristocratical families… no kings… and the rich and poor not so far removed from each other (49). Twice, in discussion, it was mentioned that with a little luck and a lot of hard work almost anything is possible here. de Crevecoeur also said like all other plants they have taken root and flourished (53). America is a place where people have the room and opportunity to become something great. We exhibit a “strong religious medley” (65) and there is room for everybody in America (75). My favorite quote was, Men are like plants; the goodness and flavour of the fruit proceeds from the peculiar soil and exposition in which they grow. We are nothing but what we derive from the air we breathe, the climate we inhabit, the government we obey, the system of religion we profess, and the nature of our employment (56). What I have learned is that although we have changed drastically, which is destined to happen with time, our roots are planted deep in the soil of ideals from our forefathers. We are not so far removed from where we came from. We are a new race of men, we are Americans (55).
Dr. Brandon said the pioneers probably worked just as hard as we do but they just worked at different things. True, we don’t have to clear forests by hand or build our homes with primitive tools. We don’t have to grow everything we eat or sew the few clothes we have to wear. We do have to work one and sometimes two jobs to make ends meet. Some have to work and go to school at the same time because, today, education is essential for success. The world we live in is fast paced and changes so rapidly it is a struggle to keep up. de Crevecoeur said here we feel a share of national pride (48) here there are no aristocratical families… no kings… and the rich and poor not so far removed from each other (49). Twice, in discussion, it was mentioned that with a little luck and a lot of hard work almost anything is possible here. de Crevecoeur also said like all other plants they have taken root and flourished (53). America is a place where people have the room and opportunity to become something great. We exhibit a “strong religious medley” (65) and there is room for everybody in America (75). My favorite quote was, Men are like plants; the goodness and flavour of the fruit proceeds from the peculiar soil and exposition in which they grow. We are nothing but what we derive from the air we breathe, the climate we inhabit, the government we obey, the system of religion we profess, and the nature of our employment (56). What I have learned is that although we have changed drastically, which is destined to happen with time, our roots are planted deep in the soil of ideals from our forefathers. We are not so far removed from where we came from. We are a new race of men, we are Americans (55).
Friday, September 4, 2009
Committee review and discussion: week 2
Pennsylvania Committee Week 2
I, the unofficial and self appointed, Pennsylvania Committee crier ring my bell and stand up on my soap box. Greetings to one and all. I am proud of our committee. Our debut into the world of literature and blogging has been a success. "Dr. Brandon asked us to ask questions and get each other thinking. After reading your blogs, I had these questions and comments. I'm not out to offend anyone, but I would like to get a good conversation going..."
Committee member Jenny, it is true we are free to choose how we want to live and have the choice to create the life we want. You say that an American can be anyone they want to be and have any intelligence level. Part of the freedom to create your life could include living in a cardboard box and no one could take that away from you. I fear we might be giving our friends, who are not yet our country men, the wrong impression. I think most people who have limited education and intelligence or live in cardboard boxes do not make those choices but are victims of circumstance, don’t you? You are correct that it is difficult to pin down specifics of what it is to be an American. It is a very broad scope but if we focus on the foundation and beliefs of our country then we can show mastery and a clear picture of what it really means. I loved your final paragraph! It made me excited and it enticed me.
Committee member Jon, are we really free to live on our own terms? In this country we are ruled by laws just like any other country. We all have someone or many people we have to answer to. It could be your boss, landlord, a policeman or a judge. You say the people have a great affect on the government and politicians are representative of the people. Our views of the democracy we live in are very different. The way I see it, most are out to accomplish individual agendas and further their own causes. In your letter you talked about many branches on the “cultural tree” of our country. Technology, the media, sports and transportation are all vital to us Americans. It is true, our country is more appealing to immigrants because of our diverse cultural mixing.
Committee member Ronnie, yes we do have religious freedom but we are not free from persecution. There is still anger, oppression and intolerance here. Think back to September 12, 2001. That was the day after our world changed forever. People who visibly show their faith are judged and discriminated against because of the actions of others. Part of the American dream is to own a house but when you speak of our houses having six bedrooms, three bathrooms and a personal theater and gym, that isn’t representative of the general population. Also, it makes us sound shallow and materialistic. I feel like many Americans are but was that your intent? I don’t agree “if you can make it here you can make it anywhere”. Even though we are cut throat, we have more opportunities to succeed here than anywhere else in the world. On the other side, I loved the example you used of the Sham- wow! It is proof that, “ find a need, fill a need” can make anyone’s dreams come true. I loved when you talked about listening to your heart, picking a path and starting your journey. It not only applies to education but to any aspect in making your American dream come true.
Committee member Tiffany, I have nothing to offer in the way of debate. Your choice of words painted a colorful pictures and created vivid imagery in my mind. Yes, I agree that to be an American means to have an open heart and love of opportunity. I love how the beginning of your letter and the end mirrored each other!
Committee member Connie, as you say “you are older than the average age college student” and perhaps that is why I enjoyed your perspective so much. This country was built with a vision and a promise from inherited ideals. Looking to the past does reflect where we have been. Your letter was full of debate and contradictions. The examples you used such as marriage and divorce, family and dysfunction, healthcare and mortality rates, American cars and foreign fuel all show the dichotomy of our country. With a little luck and a lot of hard work we can climb the social and economic ladder and become a success!
Once again, I think you all did a great job and any questions that I posed are meant to help us start thinking deeper and start discussion. Please let me know if anything I said was misconstrued or if I can improve in any way. I want your feedback too!
I, the unofficial and self appointed, Pennsylvania Committee crier ring my bell and stand up on my soap box. Greetings to one and all. I am proud of our committee. Our debut into the world of literature and blogging has been a success. "Dr. Brandon asked us to ask questions and get each other thinking. After reading your blogs, I had these questions and comments. I'm not out to offend anyone, but I would like to get a good conversation going..."
Committee member Jenny, it is true we are free to choose how we want to live and have the choice to create the life we want. You say that an American can be anyone they want to be and have any intelligence level. Part of the freedom to create your life could include living in a cardboard box and no one could take that away from you. I fear we might be giving our friends, who are not yet our country men, the wrong impression. I think most people who have limited education and intelligence or live in cardboard boxes do not make those choices but are victims of circumstance, don’t you? You are correct that it is difficult to pin down specifics of what it is to be an American. It is a very broad scope but if we focus on the foundation and beliefs of our country then we can show mastery and a clear picture of what it really means. I loved your final paragraph! It made me excited and it enticed me.
Committee member Jon, are we really free to live on our own terms? In this country we are ruled by laws just like any other country. We all have someone or many people we have to answer to. It could be your boss, landlord, a policeman or a judge. You say the people have a great affect on the government and politicians are representative of the people. Our views of the democracy we live in are very different. The way I see it, most are out to accomplish individual agendas and further their own causes. In your letter you talked about many branches on the “cultural tree” of our country. Technology, the media, sports and transportation are all vital to us Americans. It is true, our country is more appealing to immigrants because of our diverse cultural mixing.
Committee member Ronnie, yes we do have religious freedom but we are not free from persecution. There is still anger, oppression and intolerance here. Think back to September 12, 2001. That was the day after our world changed forever. People who visibly show their faith are judged and discriminated against because of the actions of others. Part of the American dream is to own a house but when you speak of our houses having six bedrooms, three bathrooms and a personal theater and gym, that isn’t representative of the general population. Also, it makes us sound shallow and materialistic. I feel like many Americans are but was that your intent? I don’t agree “if you can make it here you can make it anywhere”. Even though we are cut throat, we have more opportunities to succeed here than anywhere else in the world. On the other side, I loved the example you used of the Sham- wow! It is proof that, “ find a need, fill a need” can make anyone’s dreams come true. I loved when you talked about listening to your heart, picking a path and starting your journey. It not only applies to education but to any aspect in making your American dream come true.
Committee member Tiffany, I have nothing to offer in the way of debate. Your choice of words painted a colorful pictures and created vivid imagery in my mind. Yes, I agree that to be an American means to have an open heart and love of opportunity. I love how the beginning of your letter and the end mirrored each other!
Committee member Connie, as you say “you are older than the average age college student” and perhaps that is why I enjoyed your perspective so much. This country was built with a vision and a promise from inherited ideals. Looking to the past does reflect where we have been. Your letter was full of debate and contradictions. The examples you used such as marriage and divorce, family and dysfunction, healthcare and mortality rates, American cars and foreign fuel all show the dichotomy of our country. With a little luck and a lot of hard work we can climb the social and economic ladder and become a success!
Once again, I think you all did a great job and any questions that I posed are meant to help us start thinking deeper and start discussion. Please let me know if anything I said was misconstrued or if I can improve in any way. I want your feedback too!
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