God's Country

                Transcendentalists believed in the individual, nature, life, and death. I like to think that some of these elements reflect my personality and character. I like to be independent and not rely on others because when others fall, I fall with them. Another point is I love nature. I can never get enough of it. Nature is where I want to live. It sounds outlandish compared to this technological based society we live in today, but once you go out to nature and reflect, you really never want to leave.

In the summer of second grade my family bought a trip to Montana at an auction. We went with my aunts, uncles, and cousins as well. We stayed in a log cabin right on the Gallatin River, so at night the deer would come down to the river and drink. It was an awesome experience seeing animals in their habitat undisturbed. The rest of our trip consisted of hiking hours to get to a breathtaking lake right in between the mountains, traveling through Yellowstone National Park, horseback through the rough terrain, and much more.

I always told myself I was going to move back out there right where we stayed. It changed how I viewed life as an individual compared to the rest of the world. It made me wonder how people could be so ignorant to God’s country way out in the middle of nowhere. It’s kind of funny, you go looking for nothing out there, but you come back with something you will cherish forever.

Start the Spark

                “Give me liberty or give me death!” is one of the most infamous phrases of all time. You can go to any country and they will understand the meaning of that sentence. This week in class we studied famous documents and the appeals they used. The most famous of these documents was the Declaration of Independence. Even the title is an assertive statement towards freedom.

            I like to think that that document was and is the backbone to this country. We, as Americans, have a chin-in-the-air-and-chest-stuck-out type of pride for this country. Our mentality as people is we are the best; we will get what we want any way possible; we are Americans. People don’t mess with the United States of America. Ever. It’s only our way or no way. The Declaration is a symbol of patriotism, liberty, and freedom. Back then, we were done getting pushed around by the big bad bully, the king of England. But after a certain point enough was enough. We took action in the form of writing and it led to a war that set the stage for this country. We came out swinging. We won the battle and won the war. It was a victory in our history we will never forget as Americans. We take pride in what we did, even if it happened over 200 hundred years ago.

            As Americans, we are seen as strong, hard-working people. That is a trait that shines throughout the world. The Declaration was a spark that set off a war that gained our freedom and independence. Words wield a strong sword. If words are that powerful, why can’t we make a difference? If they can do it, why can't I?

Great Names Come With A Price

            The Crucible is a well known book around the world. People can connect to it in some way. It shows human beings at their worst and best. It’s a story of black and white and shades of grey. People can agree that John Proctor had phenomenal character development throughout the play. He had a mistress, whom he was not proud of, he showed compassion for his wife when her name was mentioned in the court, and in the end died for her and with her. Before Proctors death his name was blemished throughout Salem with all of his past. He was targeted as a criminal and unjust to God. The community couldn’t see through their mob mentality and see the wrong doing they have committed against innocent people. If your name was mentioned you were bound to hang.

            I made the connection from this book to the movie Gladiator with Russell Crowe. In this movie, Maximus is a well known Roman general; unfortunately, he loses his position after the infamous Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius, is murdered by his own son, who wants to seize power. The emperor’s son, Commodus, wants Maximus dead due to his faithfulness to the true Roman emperor and he witnessed the whole murder. Commodus’ soldiers lead Maximus to the woods to kill him off but Maximus triumphantly beats the few soldiers and rides to go save his wife and son. When he reaches his home he finds his wife and son burnt and crucified. He loses consciousness and wakes up to find himself a slave.

He is sold to a master, who trains them in the art of gladiatorial fighting. None of these other slaves realize he is the general, just another face to be slaughtered in the arena. Maximus and the other slaves are taken to the Coliseum, where they must fight in front of the Roman emperor, Commodus. Once the gladiators win triumphantly against the barbarians, the emperor wishes to see Maximus not realizing who he is. Once he recognizes him, he is merely a grain of dust compared to the valor of Maximus. Commodus tries to come up with ideas of how to kill this unyielding Maximus. Maximus’ friend Juba states, “You have a great name. He must kill it before he kills you,” meaning that if his name rises above the Emperors, he is certain to be a dead man walking. 

I'm Still Here

Stereotyping happens everywhere you go; walking down the street, through the hallways of Troy High, or in your AP classes. Studies have shown that when people look at you, eight seconds later they have already judged and stereotyped you. People shouldn't fall into the ruthlessness of judging people by their attire, age, gender, culture, religion, etc.

This week, we watched some clips from some Indian related stereotypical movies or television shows. They all consisted of the same stereotypes such as stoic, warrior looking, menacing, and illiterate. Compared to the white man, they were savages and were no comparison. It is funny to see white man as the higher figure in situations when we were nothing but a bunch of savages ourselves; fighting all the time with our own people.

During the course of this hectic week, students got a chance to go see a public speaker who talked about stereotyping and the things we can do to prevent such events. He talked about how smiling or saying hello can make someone’s day brighter. Everyone should be accounted for and no one should be left alone. He talked about a poem he memorized and the main theme was I’m still here. It really got through to some people and people looked a little happier after seeing his presentation.

Thus, stereotyping anyone you don’t know is wrong. You don’t know them, you don’t know their story, or what they’re made of. So don’t judge, it’s as simple as that. I hope people will branch out of their comfort zone to make someone happy. It could save a life.

Tricksters and their Tales

This week we read Coyote and the Buffalo and reflected on the defining characteristics of a trickster. Tricksters have been used in cultures and society to tell stories since the beginning of time. The notable characteristic of a trickster is greed. For example, in the short story Coyote and the Buffalo, Buffalo Bull gives Coyote a cow to sever a piece of fat to eat everyday and then after rub ashes on the bit he cut off so it would grow back. The Coyote eventually grew restless of just eating the fat and fantasized about the taste of the warm liver. He finally gave in and killed the cow but didn't get a chance to sink his teeth into the liver like he had wanted. Crows attacked the cow and ate every piece of meat except the bones. Even then Coyote fell to the suave ways of a woman by letting her “cook” the bones for him and was left with nothing but a pile of sticks. The punishment of giving into his own greed was nothing to eat and the distrust of Buffalo Bull and his herd. Another important characteristic of a trickster is their so-called “cleverness”. They think they can outsmart anyone but in reality they are the ones being deceived. A significant example of a “clever” trickster is Wile E. Coyote from the famous show Looney Tunes. He tries and tries again to beat the Road Runner at his own game. He thinks he’s clever by being sneaky and creative in trying to capture the Road Runner but Road Runner always sees it coming and repeatedly makes a fool out of Wile E. Coyote. In the end, tricksters never prosper.