Rachel
It seems as though after Rachel hears the Underdowns explaining to her parents that the Congo is going to hold an election then declare their independence from Belgium, she feels that this new Congolese independence is her ticket back to Georgia. Towards the end of one of her sections, it is quite obvious that Rachel’s hopes for leaving the Congo are high. Rachel even goes as far as to pray to God for their leave when she states, “Oh, please God make a tree fall on him and smash his skull! Let us leave right now!” (169). The “him” Rachel is referring to is her Father, who insists to the Underdowns that the Price family will remain in the Congo until another missionary family arrives to replace them. Rachel’s one motivation at the present time in the story seems to be thinking of a way to get out of the Congo. From the very beginning of the book Rachel has been the child to resent both the Congo as her home, and her Father for moving the family there. Rachel expresses her resentment through her dramatic fits and her constant cynical comments about the Congo. She differs from her three sisters because she resents living in the Congo the most; all Rachel wants to do is be a normal sixteen-year-old girl in Georgia in training to become a housewife.
Adah
Adah is probably the most complex and clear minded sister of the four. From the very beginning of the book and the Price’s move to the Congo, Adah has pretty much taken her situations and surroundings for what they are. She tells it like it is in detail that the other characters don’t use—shapes, colors (beyond black and white), palindromes, scripture versus, etc. Adah seems to be motivated simply by her surroundings. She doesn’t really believe that she is going to live to see adulthood, and therefore she sees the beauty in the small details of life. She differs from her siblings because, obviously, she doesn’t talk. But, she also differs from them because she is completely un-bias when she tells a story. Adah can admit—even laugh at—her own flaws and deformities. Even after finding out that her family may have to move from the Congo, Adah’s attitude doesn’t really change much. She still tells the reader about her surroundings as they are. She is neither happy nor sad about the turn of events. Adah basically takes everything in her life for what its worth.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
The beauty of life
Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before, how infinitetly rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever. ---Isak Dinesen
Just something to think about given the recent events both faculty and students have experienced lately.
Just something to think about given the recent events both faculty and students have experienced lately.
From Rachel's eyes...
Kilanga, 1959:
"Color coordination is not a strong point. Grown men and women seem to think a red plaid and a pink floral print are complementary colors. The women wear a sarong made of one fabric, with another big square of a different fabric wrapped over the top of it. Never jeans or trousers--not on your life. Bosoms may wave in the breeze, mind you, but legs must be strictly hidden, top secret" (43).
Punahou, 2007:
For a change,I am no longer the only extreme blond in this place. Every few girls that walk by are just like me, well, in the sense of their hair. Chatting away with their tight-jean clad friends, black leather gold-studded bags slung over their shoulders, they hardly even notice me sitting here on the steps to a tall cement and rock building. Every few groups of people will give me a sideways glance through their too-large-for-their-faces sunglasses, then move on to continue talking to their friends. I don't really mind though, I get those kind of looks all the time. These experiences are no new thing to me, I've been admired like so ever since I was a mere child, and even into the Congo. With the exception of their extremely large sunglasses, I can at least say that these girls have some coordination when it comes to clothing. Many sport jeans tight enough to be another layer of skin, with large gold or silver weaved belts slung low around their hips. For a top they wear solid colored shirts, which expose the teeniest sliver of skin between their shirts and low-slung belts when they move about. And every other girl seems to be wearing obnoxiously large hoop earrings! If Our Father saw these outfits--which more or less looks like the staple attire at this school--he would nearly have a heart attack and say these girls were all leading a life of sin on a single path to prostitution. I, though, find these outfits quite amusing. These girls seem to be trying way too hard to pull together simple schooling attire; I feel sorry for them in fact. But I suppose they don't know too better, I've come across some magazines while in the library that make these girls here in the "quad" look like they are suited in full Army attire and ready for war. It ought to be an interesting semester...
"Color coordination is not a strong point. Grown men and women seem to think a red plaid and a pink floral print are complementary colors. The women wear a sarong made of one fabric, with another big square of a different fabric wrapped over the top of it. Never jeans or trousers--not on your life. Bosoms may wave in the breeze, mind you, but legs must be strictly hidden, top secret" (43).
Punahou, 2007:
For a change,I am no longer the only extreme blond in this place. Every few girls that walk by are just like me, well, in the sense of their hair. Chatting away with their tight-jean clad friends, black leather gold-studded bags slung over their shoulders, they hardly even notice me sitting here on the steps to a tall cement and rock building. Every few groups of people will give me a sideways glance through their too-large-for-their-faces sunglasses, then move on to continue talking to their friends. I don't really mind though, I get those kind of looks all the time. These experiences are no new thing to me, I've been admired like so ever since I was a mere child, and even into the Congo. With the exception of their extremely large sunglasses, I can at least say that these girls have some coordination when it comes to clothing. Many sport jeans tight enough to be another layer of skin, with large gold or silver weaved belts slung low around their hips. For a top they wear solid colored shirts, which expose the teeniest sliver of skin between their shirts and low-slung belts when they move about. And every other girl seems to be wearing obnoxiously large hoop earrings! If Our Father saw these outfits--which more or less looks like the staple attire at this school--he would nearly have a heart attack and say these girls were all leading a life of sin on a single path to prostitution. I, though, find these outfits quite amusing. These girls seem to be trying way too hard to pull together simple schooling attire; I feel sorry for them in fact. But I suppose they don't know too better, I've come across some magazines while in the library that make these girls here in the "quad" look like they are suited in full Army attire and ready for war. It ought to be an interesting semester...
Monday, February 19, 2007
"If Everyone Cared"
Ironically enough, I happend to turn on my TV right before I began to write my Blog posts and this video was on VH1's top 20 countdown. It hit home the first time I watched it, probably because I have been in so many discussions lately where the main topic has been how we (teenagers, students) can help others and really make a difference in the world. Usually we think that ONE person or small group doesnt really have the power to change to world, but this video was new inspiration to me (and hopefully all those that watch it) to help those that are in need, and change the world for the better.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
The Poisonwood Bible Entry #2
Find at least two significant quotes from each chapter on pages 35-68 and respond to those quotes.
Chapter 5: Leah
"The tendon of his jaw was working, so I knew he was preparing a revelation.
The education of his family's souls is never far from my father's
thoughts. He often says he views himself as the captain of a sinking
mess of female minds" (36).
I think this quote is important because it shows, in some ways, how the Father views the women of his family. He does not seem to have a very high opinion of them, and in
some ways belittles anything they may say or want to accomplish. This book takes place in 1959 and maybe that is why the Father takes such a sexist position when it comes to his family of women, but I would think that being a strong evangelical Baptist, Nathan Price would show more respect for the women in his family.
"This is what I most admire about Father: no matter how bad things might get, he eventually will find the grace to compose himself. Some people find him overly
pecially--is a bit racist not having been exposed to "the African race". I think this racist point of view may cause some conflict later on in this story. Of course, I don't know if you can necessarily take everything Rachel says literally due to her critical view of the world around her, but we are able to get somewhat of a sense of how accustomed the Price family is to African people.
"I was sore at Father all right, for having to be there in the first place. But it
was plain to see he was put out, too, something fierce. When he gets
his mind set on something you'd just as well prepare to see it through"
(49).
This quote gives the reader insight on two subjects. The first, the fact that Rachel is very upset at her Father for dragging her to the dirty, African Congo. She may hold this against her Father,secretly, in the future. Secondly, this quote gives the reader insight on how her Father acts if a plan he has made is not executed in the way he expects it to. It is obvious that the Father is quite stubborn, and would like to deliver the "Word" to the Congo people in his way, and his way only.
Chapter 7: Ruth May
"Mama Tataba told Mama about it in the kitchen house and I was listening. They won't talk about the bad things in front of my sisters, but me I can listen all the livelong day while I'm getting me a banana in the kitchen house and peeling it" (51).
This quote shows the some of the Price family dynamic. It gives the reader insight on how Ruth May will know more information or "bad things" about the Congo then her sisters will, on account that her Mother and Mama Tataba will discuss different subjects in front of her. This quote also shows that the Mother of the Price family feels that her three oldest daughters may overreact if they hear some of the subjects her and Mama Tataba discuss privately.
"But Mama has this certain voice sometimes. Not exactly sassing back, but just about nearly....She calls him sir the way she calls us Sugar and Hon, trying to be nice. But still. If it was me talking back that way,he'd say, "That is a fine line you are walking on there, young lady."And he appeared to be fixing to say just such a thing to Mama. He was debating about it" (53).
This quote shows the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Price. It seems that when Mrs. Price gets really upset about something she has a sassy tone to her voice, which in return makes Mr. Price angry. In some ways, I think Mr. Price treats his wife the same way he treats his young daughters, or he would like to treat her that way. To me, they do not seem to have mutual respect for, or really love one another. Mr.Price belittles his wife, and Mrs. Price seems restless with the situation she is in.
Chapter 8: Adah
"'Sending a girl to college is like pouring water in your shoes,' he still loves to say, as often as possible. "It's hard to say which is worse, seeing it run out and waste the water, or seeing it hold in and wreck the shoes." And so I shall never have the opportunity to have my leather wrecked by college, but I do owe a great debt to MissLeep for saving me from the elementary discard heap" (56).
The "he" Adah refers to in this quote is her father, Mr. Price. This quote is significant because it confirms any suspicion the reader may have that Mr. Price is sexist and has not respect for the women in his family. Even though Adah and Leah are both very smart children, he will never give them the opportunity to pursue any type of career by attending college because he believe it is a waste to educate women. It
is clear in this passage that Adah wants to go to college, and maybe, in some ways resents her Father for speaking such words as this.
"This is our permanent order: Leah, Ruth May, Rachel, Adah. Neither chronological nor alphabetical but it rarely varies, unless Ruth May gets distracted and falls out of line" (62).
This quote is significant because it shows the dominance order between the four sisters. The order begins with Leah, the most outspoken, "Daddy's girl" daughter. Next, Ruth May, the baby follows probably because she does not want to get left behind. Rachel,the oldest, follows because she doesn't want her sisters to "find something good without her" (62). Adah is the last in this order of the sisters. She is the disabled twin and as she explains, drags her right side of her body behind her left. I think this "permanent order" is really a reflection of the dominance order in teh house among the girls.
Chapter 9: Leah
"We had already understood what was now dawning on my father: Methuselah could betray our secrets. I didn't say so, of course. I haven't contradicted on any subject, ever" (66).
In this quote, Leah is explaining how Methuselah, the African Parrot that lives with the Price family, can betray Price family secrets by repeating whatever she hears the family saying. This fact just begins to dawn on Mr.Price when he hears Methuselah say the word "Damn", which she must have learned from somebody in the household because she did not know that word when the Price family first arrived in Africa, Mr. Price is sure.This quote is said in the midst of Mr. Price's interrogation of his daughters as to who said the curse word, but all the girls stayed completely quiet. This quote also shows that Leah has so much faith, and in some ways fear, of her father that she would never contradict his decision or something he said.
"We all knew very well who'd been the one to yell that word Damn! She'd said it over
and over when she wept over the wreck of useless cake mixes. But none of us could let him in on that awful secret. Not even me--and I know I'm the one to turn my back on her the most" (68).
This quote is significant because it lets the reader into the "secret" of who spoke
the word Damn--Mrs.Price. This quote also explains how in some ways the four daughters try to protect their Mother from their Father's anger, and how even though they are a strong Baptist family many secrets are hidden between the daughters and Mother, and Mr. Price. I believe this quote is also important because Leah admits to the reader that she is the daughter who turns her back on her mother the most because she loves to spend time with her Father. I think this conflict between Leah
and her mother will cause some conflict in the future.
Chapter 5: Leah
"The tendon of his jaw was working, so I knew he was preparing a revelation.
The education of his family's souls is never far from my father's
thoughts. He often says he views himself as the captain of a sinking
mess of female minds" (36).
I think this quote is important because it shows, in some ways, how the Father views the women of his family. He does not seem to have a very high opinion of them, and in
some ways belittles anything they may say or want to accomplish. This book takes place in 1959 and maybe that is why the Father takes such a sexist position when it comes to his family of women, but I would think that being a strong evangelical Baptist, Nathan Price would show more respect for the women in his family.
"This is what I most admire about Father: no matter how bad things might get, he eventually will find the grace to compose himself. Some people find him overly
pecially--is a bit racist not having been exposed to "the African race". I think this racist point of view may cause some conflict later on in this story. Of course, I don't know if you can necessarily take everything Rachel says literally due to her critical view of the world around her, but we are able to get somewhat of a sense of how accustomed the Price family is to African people.
"I was sore at Father all right, for having to be there in the first place. But it
was plain to see he was put out, too, something fierce. When he gets
his mind set on something you'd just as well prepare to see it through"
(49).
This quote gives the reader insight on two subjects. The first, the fact that Rachel is very upset at her Father for dragging her to the dirty, African Congo. She may hold this against her Father,secretly, in the future. Secondly, this quote gives the reader insight on how her Father acts if a plan he has made is not executed in the way he expects it to. It is obvious that the Father is quite stubborn, and would like to deliver the "Word" to the Congo people in his way, and his way only.
Chapter 7: Ruth May
"Mama Tataba told Mama about it in the kitchen house and I was listening. They won't talk about the bad things in front of my sisters, but me I can listen all the livelong day while I'm getting me a banana in the kitchen house and peeling it" (51).
This quote shows the some of the Price family dynamic. It gives the reader insight on how Ruth May will know more information or "bad things" about the Congo then her sisters will, on account that her Mother and Mama Tataba will discuss different subjects in front of her. This quote also shows that the Mother of the Price family feels that her three oldest daughters may overreact if they hear some of the subjects her and Mama Tataba discuss privately.
"But Mama has this certain voice sometimes. Not exactly sassing back, but just about nearly....She calls him sir the way she calls us Sugar and Hon, trying to be nice. But still. If it was me talking back that way,he'd say, "That is a fine line you are walking on there, young lady."And he appeared to be fixing to say just such a thing to Mama. He was debating about it" (53).
This quote shows the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Price. It seems that when Mrs. Price gets really upset about something she has a sassy tone to her voice, which in return makes Mr. Price angry. In some ways, I think Mr. Price treats his wife the same way he treats his young daughters, or he would like to treat her that way. To me, they do not seem to have mutual respect for, or really love one another. Mr.Price belittles his wife, and Mrs. Price seems restless with the situation she is in.
Chapter 8: Adah
"'Sending a girl to college is like pouring water in your shoes,' he still loves to say, as often as possible. "It's hard to say which is worse, seeing it run out and waste the water, or seeing it hold in and wreck the shoes." And so I shall never have the opportunity to have my leather wrecked by college, but I do owe a great debt to MissLeep for saving me from the elementary discard heap" (56).
The "he" Adah refers to in this quote is her father, Mr. Price. This quote is significant because it confirms any suspicion the reader may have that Mr. Price is sexist and has not respect for the women in his family. Even though Adah and Leah are both very smart children, he will never give them the opportunity to pursue any type of career by attending college because he believe it is a waste to educate women. It
is clear in this passage that Adah wants to go to college, and maybe, in some ways resents her Father for speaking such words as this.
"This is our permanent order: Leah, Ruth May, Rachel, Adah. Neither chronological nor alphabetical but it rarely varies, unless Ruth May gets distracted and falls out of line" (62).
This quote is significant because it shows the dominance order between the four sisters. The order begins with Leah, the most outspoken, "Daddy's girl" daughter. Next, Ruth May, the baby follows probably because she does not want to get left behind. Rachel,the oldest, follows because she doesn't want her sisters to "find something good without her" (62). Adah is the last in this order of the sisters. She is the disabled twin and as she explains, drags her right side of her body behind her left. I think this "permanent order" is really a reflection of the dominance order in teh house among the girls.
Chapter 9: Leah
"We had already understood what was now dawning on my father: Methuselah could betray our secrets. I didn't say so, of course. I haven't contradicted on any subject, ever" (66).
In this quote, Leah is explaining how Methuselah, the African Parrot that lives with the Price family, can betray Price family secrets by repeating whatever she hears the family saying. This fact just begins to dawn on Mr.Price when he hears Methuselah say the word "Damn", which she must have learned from somebody in the household because she did not know that word when the Price family first arrived in Africa, Mr. Price is sure.This quote is said in the midst of Mr. Price's interrogation of his daughters as to who said the curse word, but all the girls stayed completely quiet. This quote also shows that Leah has so much faith, and in some ways fear, of her father that she would never contradict his decision or something he said.
"We all knew very well who'd been the one to yell that word Damn! She'd said it over
and over when she wept over the wreck of useless cake mixes. But none of us could let him in on that awful secret. Not even me--and I know I'm the one to turn my back on her the most" (68).
This quote is significant because it lets the reader into the "secret" of who spoke
the word Damn--Mrs.Price. This quote also explains how in some ways the four daughters try to protect their Mother from their Father's anger, and how even though they are a strong Baptist family many secrets are hidden between the daughters and Mother, and Mr. Price. I believe this quote is also important because Leah admits to the reader that she is the daughter who turns her back on her mother the most because she loves to spend time with her Father. I think this conflict between Leah
and her mother will cause some conflict in the future.
The Poisonwood Bible Entry #1
What role do you think each child will play in the story The Poisonwood Bible?
Rachel Price: Rachel Price is the oldest of the four Price sisters. She is nearly sixteen years old and is considered by her sisters to be quite vain. From her first section in the book we can tell that Rachel is much more concerned with keeping her clothes clean then she is about bringing the “Word” to the people of the Congo. Her materialistic side is clearly shown when Rachel explains to the reader, “Day one in the Congo, and here my brand-new tulip-tailored linen suit in Poison Green with square mother-of-pearl buttons was fixing to give up the goat” (23). Although Rachel is without a doubt the most materialistic of the four sisters, she brings a very interesting point of view to the story with her critically observant comments about her surroundings. “The spoons they gave us were big old metal soup ladles, which I knew would never fit into my mouth….I looked around for someone to trade spoons with, but lo and behold, nobody but our family even had any kind of a spoon at all! What the others aimed to do with their food, I wouldn’t hazard to guess. Most of them were still waiting to be served, like birds in the wilderness” (25). This is a great example of Rachel’s critically observant commentary of her surroundings; I think this particular view of the Congo will help the reader in the long run get a sense of the Price’s new home from a critical point of view. Rachel will be the conceited, selfish child who will never forgive her Father for taking her away from her comfortable life in Georgia and dragging her to the Congo of Africa.
Leah Price: Leah Price is the healthy one of the set of twins in the Price family. She is very observant of her surroundings, especially when it comes to gardening and nature. She is a bit sarcastic and critical of her sisters, especially her older sister Rachel, as shown in this next quote, “Rachel is fifteen—or, as she would put it, going on sixteen—and she cares for naught but appearances. Her full Christian name is Rachel Rebeccah, so she feels free to take after Rebekah, the virgin at the well, who is said in Genesis to be “a damsel very fair” and was offered marriage presents of golden earbobs right of the bat, when Abraham’s servant spied her fetching up the water….Sitting next to me on the plane, she kept batting her white-rabbit eyelashes and adjusting her bright pink hairband, trying to get me to notice she had secretly painted her fingernails bubble-gum pink to match” (15). Leah is probably one of the most positive of the four sisters when it comes to her outlook on their new life in the Congo. This is probably because she is the “Daddy’s girl” out of the four and believes everything that her Father says and does is correct. I think Leah will play the role of her Father’s advocate throughout the book, supporting him on every decision he makes and firmly believing in the mission they were sent to Africa to do.
Adah Price: Adah Price is the disabled one of the twins. Although she is disabled, and does not speak, her view of the Congo is the most clear and perceptive. Adah really tells it like it is, without any negative bias opinion. Adah seems to completely accept not only her disabilities but also how others view her. Nothing seems to phase her too much. Adah is the sister who has the clearest view on life, and takes each of her family members for who they are, good and bad. “ ‘It’s a place right out of a storybook,’ my twin sister, Leah, loves to declare in response…Next comes this observation from my sister Ruth May: “Nobody here’s got very many teeth.” And finally, from Rachel: “Jeez oh man, wake me up when it’s over.” And so the Price family passes its judgments. All but Adah. Adah unpasses her judgments. I am the only one who does not speak. Our Father speaks for all of us, as far as I can see. And he is at the moment not saying much” (32). Although she does not speak, Adah seems to have the most to say with the most interesting point of view. Adah will be the sister with the clearest view of the world, and the most meaning behind what she says throughout the book.
Ruth May Price: Ruth May is the baby of the Price family. She believes everything she hears, as shown in this example, “My name is Ruth May and I hate the Devil. For the longest time I used to think my name was Sugar. Mama always says that. Sugar, come here a minute. Sugar, now don’t do that” (21). This quote shows just how gullible and naïve Ruth May is about things she hears in her surroundings. For this reason, Ruth May is in some ways a reflection of her parents. She believes everything they say to her, and everything she hears from them. Ruth May has a very naïve tone and I believe she will be the voice of innocence throughout this book.
Rachel Price: Rachel Price is the oldest of the four Price sisters. She is nearly sixteen years old and is considered by her sisters to be quite vain. From her first section in the book we can tell that Rachel is much more concerned with keeping her clothes clean then she is about bringing the “Word” to the people of the Congo. Her materialistic side is clearly shown when Rachel explains to the reader, “Day one in the Congo, and here my brand-new tulip-tailored linen suit in Poison Green with square mother-of-pearl buttons was fixing to give up the goat” (23). Although Rachel is without a doubt the most materialistic of the four sisters, she brings a very interesting point of view to the story with her critically observant comments about her surroundings. “The spoons they gave us were big old metal soup ladles, which I knew would never fit into my mouth….I looked around for someone to trade spoons with, but lo and behold, nobody but our family even had any kind of a spoon at all! What the others aimed to do with their food, I wouldn’t hazard to guess. Most of them were still waiting to be served, like birds in the wilderness” (25). This is a great example of Rachel’s critically observant commentary of her surroundings; I think this particular view of the Congo will help the reader in the long run get a sense of the Price’s new home from a critical point of view. Rachel will be the conceited, selfish child who will never forgive her Father for taking her away from her comfortable life in Georgia and dragging her to the Congo of Africa.
Leah Price: Leah Price is the healthy one of the set of twins in the Price family. She is very observant of her surroundings, especially when it comes to gardening and nature. She is a bit sarcastic and critical of her sisters, especially her older sister Rachel, as shown in this next quote, “Rachel is fifteen—or, as she would put it, going on sixteen—and she cares for naught but appearances. Her full Christian name is Rachel Rebeccah, so she feels free to take after Rebekah, the virgin at the well, who is said in Genesis to be “a damsel very fair” and was offered marriage presents of golden earbobs right of the bat, when Abraham’s servant spied her fetching up the water….Sitting next to me on the plane, she kept batting her white-rabbit eyelashes and adjusting her bright pink hairband, trying to get me to notice she had secretly painted her fingernails bubble-gum pink to match” (15). Leah is probably one of the most positive of the four sisters when it comes to her outlook on their new life in the Congo. This is probably because she is the “Daddy’s girl” out of the four and believes everything that her Father says and does is correct. I think Leah will play the role of her Father’s advocate throughout the book, supporting him on every decision he makes and firmly believing in the mission they were sent to Africa to do.
Adah Price: Adah Price is the disabled one of the twins. Although she is disabled, and does not speak, her view of the Congo is the most clear and perceptive. Adah really tells it like it is, without any negative bias opinion. Adah seems to completely accept not only her disabilities but also how others view her. Nothing seems to phase her too much. Adah is the sister who has the clearest view on life, and takes each of her family members for who they are, good and bad. “ ‘It’s a place right out of a storybook,’ my twin sister, Leah, loves to declare in response…Next comes this observation from my sister Ruth May: “Nobody here’s got very many teeth.” And finally, from Rachel: “Jeez oh man, wake me up when it’s over.” And so the Price family passes its judgments. All but Adah. Adah unpasses her judgments. I am the only one who does not speak. Our Father speaks for all of us, as far as I can see. And he is at the moment not saying much” (32). Although she does not speak, Adah seems to have the most to say with the most interesting point of view. Adah will be the sister with the clearest view of the world, and the most meaning behind what she says throughout the book.
Ruth May Price: Ruth May is the baby of the Price family. She believes everything she hears, as shown in this example, “My name is Ruth May and I hate the Devil. For the longest time I used to think my name was Sugar. Mama always says that. Sugar, come here a minute. Sugar, now don’t do that” (21). This quote shows just how gullible and naïve Ruth May is about things she hears in her surroundings. For this reason, Ruth May is in some ways a reflection of her parents. She believes everything they say to her, and everything she hears from them. Ruth May has a very naïve tone and I believe she will be the voice of innocence throughout this book.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Reflection to Genesis scripture 1:28
And God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Genesis 1:28
This scripture from the book of Genesis is saying that God has the ultimate rule, or "dominion" over all. This scripture shows God giving some of his divine power and rule to mankind when the scripture reads, "And God said unto them,"--"them" being the human race. An expectation comes with this new found power that humans have now been given, and it is to take responsibility for the environment and the other creatures that live beside us, along with reproducing/"multiply" to continue this cycle of teasured power.
This scripture implies that people should behave respectfully not only to one another, but also our environment and the earth---which we all definitely take for granted. We all have been given the power to by God to maintain and improve the world we are living in, it is our individual choices whether we choose to fulfill this expectation God has set for us.
This may frame the setting for chapter one because in some ways the scripture is giving you an outline of the expectation God has set for us. Chapter one seems like it would be in some way either completely following this expectation and fulfilling all the requests God mentioned in the scripture. Or, the chapter could go the complete opposite way in the sense that the characters could go against every implication that was made.
I think that the book one chapters will be describing the setting and introducing the characters to the reader. In some ways, this quote helped the reader to visualize what the "ideal" world would look like if everyone were to do their part. Maybe the author added this short scripture in to make the reader begin to ponder what the world described in the scripture would be like, and then introduce us to the world the characters of the book live in.
This scripture from the book of Genesis is saying that God has the ultimate rule, or "dominion" over all. This scripture shows God giving some of his divine power and rule to mankind when the scripture reads, "And God said unto them,"--"them" being the human race. An expectation comes with this new found power that humans have now been given, and it is to take responsibility for the environment and the other creatures that live beside us, along with reproducing/"multiply" to continue this cycle of teasured power.
This scripture implies that people should behave respectfully not only to one another, but also our environment and the earth---which we all definitely take for granted. We all have been given the power to by God to maintain and improve the world we are living in, it is our individual choices whether we choose to fulfill this expectation God has set for us.
This may frame the setting for chapter one because in some ways the scripture is giving you an outline of the expectation God has set for us. Chapter one seems like it would be in some way either completely following this expectation and fulfilling all the requests God mentioned in the scripture. Or, the chapter could go the complete opposite way in the sense that the characters could go against every implication that was made.
I think that the book one chapters will be describing the setting and introducing the characters to the reader. In some ways, this quote helped the reader to visualize what the "ideal" world would look like if everyone were to do their part. Maybe the author added this short scripture in to make the reader begin to ponder what the world described in the scripture would be like, and then introduce us to the world the characters of the book live in.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Quintessential Item: The Ipod
My Ipod is not only a birthday present from my parents, nor a material item bought just to "fit in" with the new technology craze, my Ipod is my escape from the world. My Ipod is the one thing that stays consistent in my life—boyfriends will come and go, new fashion trends will change from season to season but my Ipod is one thing I know I can turn to that will always be the same. It is the one object that is mine, and every song on it is an expression of a different side of my personality. One day I may constantly listen to a upbeat Hip-Hop song, and the next I may listen to a slow love ballad. My Ipod changes with me and my many moods. It is the one piece of technology that I can use to release my frustration towards someone without a scream being yelled, it can take me away from an argument with my sisters, it can express all the feelings I don’t have the courage to say for myself. My Ipod can do it all. Ever since the Ipod came out a few years ago, it has been an essential item in my purse. I cannot imagine my life without the soundtrack from my Ipod that accompanies it.
Cycle Paper 1: Expectations of the Given...
Much is expected of those to whom much is given. What have you been given and what, if any, expectations do you think people should have of you? What expectations do you have for yourself?
I am a firm believer in the saying above. I have grown up having always been taught that if you are blessed with good fortune, it is only right to give back to those in need. I feel that because I am a fortunate person, and was raised in a family who volunteers quite often, it is only necessary for me to do the same in any way possible. Whether that means donating money to a needy organization, spending time to help others, or even offering some kind of education for kids who don’t receive a good one, I feel it is my duty and responsibility to help.
During my life I have been given more than anyone could ask for at my given age. My parents have blessed me with not only material items that I have "wanted" over the years, but have also paid for me to receive an excellent education. Ever since I was in preschool my parents have sent me to some of the best schools Hawaii has to offer. I have been given education thus far and am secure in knowing that I will be able to go to college without too much worry. There was never a doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t go to college, or even graduate high school for that matter, and I guess that is something I take for granted considering there are many teenagers who are never able to go to school nevertheless graduate from high school. Having been blessed with a great education, which will lead to many opportunities in the future, I feel it is my duty to give back to those who cannot afford some of the "things" I have been given. And by "giving back" I dont necessarily mean donating money by sending a check to overseas aid organization advertised on television, after all, Peter Singer raised a very good point in his piece The Singer Solution to World Poverty when he states, "Is it the practical uncertainties about whether aid will really reach the people who need it? Nobody who knows the world of overseas aid can doubt that such uncertainties exist." For this good point, I am a firm believer in donating time rather than money. When you donate you time, you know it is well spent, rather than hoping your check will reach the people who need it most. In some ways, yes, my need to give to others less fortunate is partly because of the expectation that is set on me to give back to the community, but I think that without that expectation of the fortunate many people would end up being consumed by their own lives and overlooking the needs of others.In fact, I think without this expectation some give into there would be hardly any overseas organizations to donate to. Singer proves this fact in his article when he states, "Yet the question of how much we ought to give is a matter to be decided in the real world--and that, sadly, is a world in which we know most people do not, and in the immediate future will not, give substantial amounts to overseas aid agencies. We know, too, that at least in the next year, the United States Government is not going to meet even the very modest United Nations-reccomended target of 0.7 percent of gross national product; at the moment it lags far below that, at 0.09 percent, not even half of Japan's 0.22 percent or a tenth of Denmark's 0.97 percent."
I feel there is an expectation placed on me is to do well in school, "well" meaning all A's and nothing less. This expectation is set not only by parents but also by peers. I understand that because our parents are paying for such an expensive education that we ought to make the most out of it by getting the best grades possible. But it is much harder than it sounds, which is what I feel parents don’t understand at times. I believe that if you are able to find a balance between the two—making your parents happy and not killing yourself over grades, you really are able to satisfy the expectation placed on you.
Much is expected of those to whom much is given. This is a statement that I feel should always be respected and followed. Without these "expectations" that we have in life, who know what kind of world we would be living in?
I am a firm believer in the saying above. I have grown up having always been taught that if you are blessed with good fortune, it is only right to give back to those in need. I feel that because I am a fortunate person, and was raised in a family who volunteers quite often, it is only necessary for me to do the same in any way possible. Whether that means donating money to a needy organization, spending time to help others, or even offering some kind of education for kids who don’t receive a good one, I feel it is my duty and responsibility to help.
During my life I have been given more than anyone could ask for at my given age. My parents have blessed me with not only material items that I have "wanted" over the years, but have also paid for me to receive an excellent education. Ever since I was in preschool my parents have sent me to some of the best schools Hawaii has to offer. I have been given education thus far and am secure in knowing that I will be able to go to college without too much worry. There was never a doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t go to college, or even graduate high school for that matter, and I guess that is something I take for granted considering there are many teenagers who are never able to go to school nevertheless graduate from high school. Having been blessed with a great education, which will lead to many opportunities in the future, I feel it is my duty to give back to those who cannot afford some of the "things" I have been given. And by "giving back" I dont necessarily mean donating money by sending a check to overseas aid organization advertised on television, after all, Peter Singer raised a very good point in his piece The Singer Solution to World Poverty when he states, "Is it the practical uncertainties about whether aid will really reach the people who need it? Nobody who knows the world of overseas aid can doubt that such uncertainties exist." For this good point, I am a firm believer in donating time rather than money. When you donate you time, you know it is well spent, rather than hoping your check will reach the people who need it most. In some ways, yes, my need to give to others less fortunate is partly because of the expectation that is set on me to give back to the community, but I think that without that expectation of the fortunate many people would end up being consumed by their own lives and overlooking the needs of others.In fact, I think without this expectation some give into there would be hardly any overseas organizations to donate to. Singer proves this fact in his article when he states, "Yet the question of how much we ought to give is a matter to be decided in the real world--and that, sadly, is a world in which we know most people do not, and in the immediate future will not, give substantial amounts to overseas aid agencies. We know, too, that at least in the next year, the United States Government is not going to meet even the very modest United Nations-reccomended target of 0.7 percent of gross national product; at the moment it lags far below that, at 0.09 percent, not even half of Japan's 0.22 percent or a tenth of Denmark's 0.97 percent."
I feel there is an expectation placed on me is to do well in school, "well" meaning all A's and nothing less. This expectation is set not only by parents but also by peers. I understand that because our parents are paying for such an expensive education that we ought to make the most out of it by getting the best grades possible. But it is much harder than it sounds, which is what I feel parents don’t understand at times. I believe that if you are able to find a balance between the two—making your parents happy and not killing yourself over grades, you really are able to satisfy the expectation placed on you.
Much is expected of those to whom much is given. This is a statement that I feel should always be respected and followed. Without these "expectations" that we have in life, who know what kind of world we would be living in?
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