The Fault In Our Stars By John Green
"Mr. Martinez asked who among us had ever fantasized about living in the clouds, and everyone raised their hand. Then Mr. Martinez told us that up in the clouds the wind blew one hundred and fifty miles and hour and the temperature was thirty below zero and there was no oxygen and we'd all die within seconds... He specialized in the murder of dreams, Hazel Grace let me tell you. You think volcanoes are awesome? Tell that to the ten thousand screaming corpses at Pompeii. You still secretly believe that there is an element of magic to this world? It's all just soulless molecules bouncing against each other randomly. Do you worry about who will take care of you if your parents die? As well you should, because they will be worm food in the fullness of time." "Ignorance is bliss."
The protagonist of this book is Hazel Grace, a 16-year old girl currently living through cancer. Her dearest friend Augustus Waters is an amputee in remission. Way ahead of their years, they are both aware of the truth that is hidden beneath childhood hopes and beliefs. This particular rant given by Augustus Waters stuck out to me mainly because of Hazel's simple response.
In Augustus's little spiel, he recites with disgust his science teacher's explanations and probabilities of situations that all kids have dreamed about. Basically, his reasoning is straight forward, and with no sympathy he easily hits his students with hard facts. So when Hazel Grace says "Ignorance is bliss," she remembers the time of innocence, and being naive. Because she already knows that she will die of her illness, she wishes for a the feeling of not knowing what risks and dangers are. She wants the feeling of living carefree-- without the constant presence of death hanging right around the corner, ready to strike. So, in someways, being oblivious can be a privilege. There is a little less weight on your shoulders. There is hope for something good, in a situation where there is no clear answer.
When I was younger I used to believe in things likes Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and I always wished for the moment when I would become an adult because it seemed oh-so-fun. But one Christmas I woke too early, to find my parents wrapping gifts. When I lost my tooth I woke to my mother's hand underneath my pillow, sneaking a dollar bill. I started to notice the pattern of my dreams being rudely awakened by reality. While I still have a lot to discover, I'm old enough to know that adults have to work many hours a week. They have to pay bills and do their taxes. Adults don't get allowance for doing the dishes or taking out the garbage. When your adult you figure out your life and you know what is ahead of you, where as when you are a kid you can dream and wish. It gives us a motive, to try and succeed. But if we are exposed to the likeliness of maybe becoming a celebrity or a millionaire, then what is there to look forward too? How much confidence or trust would you have if you were told that the beliefs you grew up with were too good to be true?
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Same Love
The song Same Love by Macklemore and Mary Lambert, produced by Ryan Lewis, advertises their support of gay marriage. The message of this song is that no religion or belief justifies the mistreatment of the certain group of gay people. They should have human rights just as any other, because they love like any other.
"The right-wing conservatives think it's a decision, and you can be cured with some treatment and religion" Many religious people believe that one chooses to like another of the same sex, and fails to understand that that is the person they are. Many religions teach that being gay is a wrong doing, and it is a characteristic that can simply be taken away through treatment.
But being gay is not an illness.
"Live on and be your self, when I was at church they taught me something else. When the preach hate at service those words aren't anointed, and the holy water you soak in has been poisoned." Churches are strongly against gays as it, "goes against the bible," but by practicing this intolerance in church it preaches hate. It forces a predijuce on people who practice that faith. But when religions cannot accept all who wish to practice, then their services and holy water that bring one another together becomes of a lesser meaning.
"'Man that's gay' gets dropped on the daily, we've become so numb to what we are sayin'." Over the years the word gay has become a word of hate instead of what it truly is. It's a rude term yet society has turned it into an every day saying and thats why people who use it don't take into consideration its meaning.
When I first listened to this song a while ago, I was touched by the sincerity of his words. But at the same time I was hit with his powerful message. Our nation has achieved a lot of things, yet the one that is most important has not been fully accomplished. Human rights. While we are working on it, creating new laws and bills, I feel their will always be a hidden hate untill true acceptance is found.
This hatred is : "the same hatred that caused wars on religion... the same fight that led people to walk outs and sit ins." So why isn't it as important?
"The right-wing conservatives think it's a decision, and you can be cured with some treatment and religion" Many religious people believe that one chooses to like another of the same sex, and fails to understand that that is the person they are. Many religions teach that being gay is a wrong doing, and it is a characteristic that can simply be taken away through treatment.
But being gay is not an illness.
"Live on and be your self, when I was at church they taught me something else. When the preach hate at service those words aren't anointed, and the holy water you soak in has been poisoned." Churches are strongly against gays as it, "goes against the bible," but by practicing this intolerance in church it preaches hate. It forces a predijuce on people who practice that faith. But when religions cannot accept all who wish to practice, then their services and holy water that bring one another together becomes of a lesser meaning.
"'Man that's gay' gets dropped on the daily, we've become so numb to what we are sayin'." Over the years the word gay has become a word of hate instead of what it truly is. It's a rude term yet society has turned it into an every day saying and thats why people who use it don't take into consideration its meaning.
When I first listened to this song a while ago, I was touched by the sincerity of his words. But at the same time I was hit with his powerful message. Our nation has achieved a lot of things, yet the one that is most important has not been fully accomplished. Human rights. While we are working on it, creating new laws and bills, I feel their will always be a hidden hate untill true acceptance is found.
This hatred is : "the same hatred that caused wars on religion... the same fight that led people to walk outs and sit ins." So why isn't it as important?
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
The Bravest of Them All
~ I have just finished the book, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and I strongly recommend this book to everyone!!! It provoked so many strong emotions, and I felt so much empathy for each character. It was beautifully written. ~
"You coward." spat Hans Junior to his very own father, and stomped out to vanish onto Himmel Street. Hans Huberman? Papa? A coward? For not being apart of the Nazi Party? For being against Hitler? Not in my opinion. No one there on Himmel Street was a coward. Every neighbor's bond created a friendship so strong it could overcome any beast. It is Junior who is the coward.
Hans Huberman is one of the most inspiring characters to me. Because in a world that was then ruled by fear, he still managed to do what was right.
He was a painter. He was a father. He was a friend. So when Hitler came into power, he didn't have the heart to deny a Jew from his services of simply painting an insult off of his store's window. Strike one. He hid a Jew named Max into his family's basement. He cared for and shared what little his poor family had. Strike two. During a march of Jewish prisoners through the town on Munich, he gave an old man bread. He received a public whipping, and was the drafted to battle in Russia.
What am I trying to say? Well, it is those who joined forces with Hitler who are beneath us. The men who became Nazis although convinced themselves it was a good cause, were just hiding from the wrath of Adolf and his followers. It was people like Hans Huberman who against all risks did not fall under the brain washing of the tyrant who were courageous. It was them who were brave. Hiding a Jew during the Holocaust was life-threatening. It was not a small task. Those who did were standing up to a whole army of soldiers; once-innocent men who were blinded with hate.
So no, those German soldiers, back in 1930, they were not brave.
Max was, for staying some what sane during the time period.
Leisel and Rudy were, for befriending Max, and knowing right from wrong.
And Hans Huberman, who most definitely, was not a coward.
"You coward." spat Hans Junior to his very own father, and stomped out to vanish onto Himmel Street. Hans Huberman? Papa? A coward? For not being apart of the Nazi Party? For being against Hitler? Not in my opinion. No one there on Himmel Street was a coward. Every neighbor's bond created a friendship so strong it could overcome any beast. It is Junior who is the coward.
Hans Huberman is one of the most inspiring characters to me. Because in a world that was then ruled by fear, he still managed to do what was right.
He was a painter. He was a father. He was a friend. So when Hitler came into power, he didn't have the heart to deny a Jew from his services of simply painting an insult off of his store's window. Strike one. He hid a Jew named Max into his family's basement. He cared for and shared what little his poor family had. Strike two. During a march of Jewish prisoners through the town on Munich, he gave an old man bread. He received a public whipping, and was the drafted to battle in Russia.
What am I trying to say? Well, it is those who joined forces with Hitler who are beneath us. The men who became Nazis although convinced themselves it was a good cause, were just hiding from the wrath of Adolf and his followers. It was people like Hans Huberman who against all risks did not fall under the brain washing of the tyrant who were courageous. It was them who were brave. Hiding a Jew during the Holocaust was life-threatening. It was not a small task. Those who did were standing up to a whole army of soldiers; once-innocent men who were blinded with hate.
So no, those German soldiers, back in 1930, they were not brave.
Max was, for staying some what sane during the time period.
Leisel and Rudy were, for befriending Max, and knowing right from wrong.
And Hans Huberman, who most definitely, was not a coward.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
A Modern Form of Racism
Illegal immigration has been a leading factor of discussion in politics since the 1700's. Many see unfairness in illegal immigrants taking their jobs, and maybe even being in higher ranking occupations. In order to fix this problem, states like Arizona have passed laws that allow police officers to randomly search anyone of whom they assume could be an illegal immigrant. There is much controversy on this law, however, because many see it as a racist act.
During the industrialization period, immigrants where mainly of Irish or Chinese descent. Later in the 1900's it was the Italians. Now in the twenty-first century, the majority of immigrants are from Mexico. So, while currently there are a lot of immigrants from other places besides Mexico, Hispanics as a whole are being targeted. New laws expect everyone to carry around their citizenship papers in the possibility that he or she might be questioned. Everyone meaning if you happen to "look" like an immigrant.
Based on the author's questioning on whether or not the government's way solving the issue will improve, she is not for the new immigration laws. She states that even from the very beginning of construction of America, most Americans were immigrants. While describing the conflict in Arizona she quotes people who are on either side in the debate."It's a law based on racism. I know a lot of people who are afraid of going out in the street. They just take their children to school and go right home. They feel like their safety is threatened." -- Gamboa, a U.S citizen, son of illegal immigrants. Gaheen is someone who feels very strongly against any illegal immigrant. The author, Patricia Smith, chose two very opposing opinions to show the severity of the issue at its most.
I can understand both point of views, for instance, being angered that someone who is illegally living in the U.S. got the job you wanted--needed. At the same time though, there must be other ways to solve the problem of illegal immigration. I agree completely when Gamboa says it is a law based on racism because it discriminates against Hispanics. I think that instead of deporting people who may or may not be an illegal immigrant, the government should just create a more structured way in preventing more from entering. There is no real ethical way of removing the immigrants who are already in the U.S., seeing that everyone deserves a better life and new beginning. Because there are over 11 million illegal immigrants already in America, I don't see the benefits in making it harder for people like them to succeed. Overall, any law that is passed needs to be fair to all the races and nationalities that make our nation.
Bibliography:
During the industrialization period, immigrants where mainly of Irish or Chinese descent. Later in the 1900's it was the Italians. Now in the twenty-first century, the majority of immigrants are from Mexico. So, while currently there are a lot of immigrants from other places besides Mexico, Hispanics as a whole are being targeted. New laws expect everyone to carry around their citizenship papers in the possibility that he or she might be questioned. Everyone meaning if you happen to "look" like an immigrant.
Based on the author's questioning on whether or not the government's way solving the issue will improve, she is not for the new immigration laws. She states that even from the very beginning of construction of America, most Americans were immigrants. While describing the conflict in Arizona she quotes people who are on either side in the debate."It's a law based on racism. I know a lot of people who are afraid of going out in the street. They just take their children to school and go right home. They feel like their safety is threatened." -- Gamboa, a U.S citizen, son of illegal immigrants. Gaheen is someone who feels very strongly against any illegal immigrant. The author, Patricia Smith, chose two very opposing opinions to show the severity of the issue at its most.
I can understand both point of views, for instance, being angered that someone who is illegally living in the U.S. got the job you wanted--needed. At the same time though, there must be other ways to solve the problem of illegal immigration. I agree completely when Gamboa says it is a law based on racism because it discriminates against Hispanics. I think that instead of deporting people who may or may not be an illegal immigrant, the government should just create a more structured way in preventing more from entering. There is no real ethical way of removing the immigrants who are already in the U.S., seeing that everyone deserves a better life and new beginning. Because there are over 11 million illegal immigrants already in America, I don't see the benefits in making it harder for people like them to succeed. Overall, any law that is passed needs to be fair to all the races and nationalities that make our nation.
Bibliography:
- Smith, Patricia. "The Great Immigration Debate." Upfront New York Times Magazine 6 Sep. 2010. 13 Jan. 2013
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
I Like Blue
Luna by Julie Anne Peters
Blue is my mother's favorite color, in fact. Through research I actually found that most girls prefer blues and greens and purples. Is this supposed to mean something significant? No, it's not. We can like any color really, no matter what any stereotype is. The reality is that humans find color pretty or interesting, and our interests cannot be confined within basic categories based on gender. I am a girl and I like blue. A boy can like pink, or purple, or turquoise, and it shouldn't matter. Whoever made the stereotype that boys like blue and girls like pink, has made our society forever corrupt in that girls and boys will always be judged on whether they hold the characteristics that each gender should have.
In the book Luna by Julie Anne Peters, the father is noticeably sexist-- which is hard to deal with when your son is a transgender. He is really into the idea of the females doing the housework and the males doing the handiwork. When asked why the sky is blue, he said: "because God is a boy. If God was a girl, the sky would be pink. As a' little boy the son wanted a barbie, so to the father there was "something wrong with him."
Maybe the father really isn't selfish, and he was just looking forward to having those father and son moments. Does that make it OK to force Liam (the son) to do sports, or work out in the gym? Not at all. Unfortunately, parents have their flaws. But failing to accept your child for who they are has some of the worst effects.
My little cousin Max likes the color pink. He has a pink hat, and a pink night shirt. His sister likes to play around in the dirt, and do sports, and rock climb. To me and to their parents, it doesn't make a difference. They can like any color and it won't make a difference, because they are both happy children who will succeed whether or not they like pink or blue. I don't see why that isn't the priority, but forcing your child into being the standard boy or girl is.
Blue is my mother's favorite color, in fact. Through research I actually found that most girls prefer blues and greens and purples. Is this supposed to mean something significant? No, it's not. We can like any color really, no matter what any stereotype is. The reality is that humans find color pretty or interesting, and our interests cannot be confined within basic categories based on gender. I am a girl and I like blue. A boy can like pink, or purple, or turquoise, and it shouldn't matter. Whoever made the stereotype that boys like blue and girls like pink, has made our society forever corrupt in that girls and boys will always be judged on whether they hold the characteristics that each gender should have.
In the book Luna by Julie Anne Peters, the father is noticeably sexist-- which is hard to deal with when your son is a transgender. He is really into the idea of the females doing the housework and the males doing the handiwork. When asked why the sky is blue, he said: "because God is a boy. If God was a girl, the sky would be pink. As a' little boy the son wanted a barbie, so to the father there was "something wrong with him."
Maybe the father really isn't selfish, and he was just looking forward to having those father and son moments. Does that make it OK to force Liam (the son) to do sports, or work out in the gym? Not at all. Unfortunately, parents have their flaws. But failing to accept your child for who they are has some of the worst effects.
My little cousin Max likes the color pink. He has a pink hat, and a pink night shirt. His sister likes to play around in the dirt, and do sports, and rock climb. To me and to their parents, it doesn't make a difference. They can like any color and it won't make a difference, because they are both happy children who will succeed whether or not they like pink or blue. I don't see why that isn't the priority, but forcing your child into being the standard boy or girl is.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
What Would You Do For Love?
Tell No One by Harlan Coben
He turns his head slowly. That's when he sees the cop. He can't get arrested, only a few hours till he can see his wife for the first time in 8 years. So he runs. Through the park, the streets, and hides in a dumpster. The federal government on the search for what is truly an innocent man, driven by love to display himself as guilty.
Romeo and Juliet. They take poison for each other. Hunger Games. Katniss volunteers to take her sister's place in the death games. In books and movies, scenes like these are sometimes viewed as dramatic, at the same time inspiring and heartbreaking. Some people might role their eyes. But what they don't see, is that these things are actually realistic. People act out of love all the time, but how far would you go?
Most kids our age won't admit that they'd care about someone so much that they'd risk their life for them. But put in a situation where you might have to, a lot of people would do it in a second.
Humans were given the gift of emotion. We are able to love, we are able to fell pleasure, we are able to feel guilt and dislike. We overlook that. But what would it be like if we could never feel anything. What if you couldn't tell your mother, "I love you" before you went to sleep-- because you didn't. What if your uncle came back from the military safely, and you couldn't feel happy? That is why we do extreme things for people we love. We don't want to lose that feeling.
If I was ever put in a situation where I could risk my own life to save a family member, I would. I guess that sounds like an overstatement, but it isn't. I mean, if you think about it, if you had to swim deep into the ocean to save your brother drowning, would you do it? I know, what are the possibilities of these things happening? Not many. But really, doing things for love isn't as extreme as stories portray them to be. It's an instinct.
He turns his head slowly. That's when he sees the cop. He can't get arrested, only a few hours till he can see his wife for the first time in 8 years. So he runs. Through the park, the streets, and hides in a dumpster. The federal government on the search for what is truly an innocent man, driven by love to display himself as guilty.
Romeo and Juliet. They take poison for each other. Hunger Games. Katniss volunteers to take her sister's place in the death games. In books and movies, scenes like these are sometimes viewed as dramatic, at the same time inspiring and heartbreaking. Some people might role their eyes. But what they don't see, is that these things are actually realistic. People act out of love all the time, but how far would you go?
Most kids our age won't admit that they'd care about someone so much that they'd risk their life for them. But put in a situation where you might have to, a lot of people would do it in a second.
Humans were given the gift of emotion. We are able to love, we are able to fell pleasure, we are able to feel guilt and dislike. We overlook that. But what would it be like if we could never feel anything. What if you couldn't tell your mother, "I love you" before you went to sleep-- because you didn't. What if your uncle came back from the military safely, and you couldn't feel happy? That is why we do extreme things for people we love. We don't want to lose that feeling.
If I was ever put in a situation where I could risk my own life to save a family member, I would. I guess that sounds like an overstatement, but it isn't. I mean, if you think about it, if you had to swim deep into the ocean to save your brother drowning, would you do it? I know, what are the possibilities of these things happening? Not many. But really, doing things for love isn't as extreme as stories portray them to be. It's an instinct.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Live by the Morals You're Taught
Children's books often use rhymes, vibrant colors, silly characters and silly situations to convey a powerful message that is important for kids to learn early on. But children's books also introduce conflict--good vs evil--to a young audience. The reason: the world isn't perfect, and you can learn from your mistakes if you never make one. One thing you shouldn't do when explaining something to a child is fully sugar-coat life, because then the child will grow up unfamiliar with how to solve problems.
For example, most are familiar with the all time favorite author Dr. Seuss. Known for his made up words, rhyming tales, and odd-looking creatures. But as we learned from The Lorax, there is more to the story than just goofy pictures. Its about the Oncler who comes to the hill where the truffela trees grow. The land is beautiful, but despite the Lorax's pleas, he chops down the truffela trees and drives the other creatures away to benefit his factories. When the land is raw and bare, and the business is done, he gives a truffela seed to a child to start anew. The message is that no good comes to greedy people and to never give up. By giving the kid the seed as opposed to an adult, it shows that small actions can make a difference, and that kids have the power to make change happen.
I thought The Lorax was a great story, both packing a powerful theme and still reaching the interests of the youthful audience. All the messages portrayed in this tale will always be relevant. It shows that there are people in the world who will do what they please for money. People who kill creatures, pollute the air, and then leave when the land can no longer help the owner make a profit. It also shows the children that they can be greedy, but there are consequences. You will lose the respect and trust of your friends. It also implies that you can repair even the biggest of mistakes, so never give up.
In reality, there are cruel people who walk around the streets. In reality, everyone makes mistakes. While some are bigger than others, it is important for a child growing up to know that in general, conflicts arise. Children's books are important because you live by the morals you are taught. If children know that there are imperfections with the way our world is, then they won't be effected greatly when one comes their way. To have conflict in a made-up story, means that if their is conflict in a book, there is also issues in the real world. Story books are a good way to teach life lessons, and preparing the reader/listener for what's to come.
For example, most are familiar with the all time favorite author Dr. Seuss. Known for his made up words, rhyming tales, and odd-looking creatures. But as we learned from The Lorax, there is more to the story than just goofy pictures. Its about the Oncler who comes to the hill where the truffela trees grow. The land is beautiful, but despite the Lorax's pleas, he chops down the truffela trees and drives the other creatures away to benefit his factories. When the land is raw and bare, and the business is done, he gives a truffela seed to a child to start anew. The message is that no good comes to greedy people and to never give up. By giving the kid the seed as opposed to an adult, it shows that small actions can make a difference, and that kids have the power to make change happen.
I thought The Lorax was a great story, both packing a powerful theme and still reaching the interests of the youthful audience. All the messages portrayed in this tale will always be relevant. It shows that there are people in the world who will do what they please for money. People who kill creatures, pollute the air, and then leave when the land can no longer help the owner make a profit. It also shows the children that they can be greedy, but there are consequences. You will lose the respect and trust of your friends. It also implies that you can repair even the biggest of mistakes, so never give up.
In reality, there are cruel people who walk around the streets. In reality, everyone makes mistakes. While some are bigger than others, it is important for a child growing up to know that in general, conflicts arise. Children's books are important because you live by the morals you are taught. If children know that there are imperfections with the way our world is, then they won't be effected greatly when one comes their way. To have conflict in a made-up story, means that if their is conflict in a book, there is also issues in the real world. Story books are a good way to teach life lessons, and preparing the reader/listener for what's to come.
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