"The others understood too when Tariq straightened up, standing on one leg. When he began hopping toward Khadim, then charging him, his unstrapped leg raised high over his shoulder like a sword. The boys stepped aside in a hurry. They gave him a clear path to Khadim. Then it was all dust and fists and kicks and yelps. Khadim never bothered Laila again." (pg. 120)
To me, this passage represents strength and resilience. Tariq still takes it upon himself to defend Laila, regardless of the physical differences between him and Khadim. Tariq's automatic instinct of defence kicks in when he realizes that his friend, Laila, has been made fun of and attacked for her smart innocence. Once defence mode is activated, nothing else matters to Tariq, and he gives it all he's got to challenge Khadim. Tariq doesn't let his physical barriers get in his way, temporarily pushing them aside during the confrontation.
The fight, which was completely self-inflicted by Tariq, is prime evidence that just because a person is disabled, that doesn't mean that they're useless. In fact, they can sometimes use their situation to their advantage. When Tariq first hobbled across the street and toward Khadim and the other boys, it looked as if Tariq would get trampled by them if he attempted to fight. That is until he secretly powers up. He suddenly charges towards the boys, immediately intimidating them and forcing them to quickly step out of his way, as "his unstrapped leg [slowly] raised high over his shoulder like a sword". Sometimes disabled people don't necessarily look incredibly strong (mentally or physically), but if they're put into certain situations, they can emerge to be quite strong , maybe even stronger than "normal" people.
I've made a strong personal connection to this quote, particularly because, unknown to most of you, I have a disability myself. I have mild Cerebral Palsy. It's usually not evident within a person's first impression of me because I can walk, talk, and I'm very smart. The disability is still there though. I have seen how most people bypass and don't pay attention to the disabled population in our world, but I've seen it first hand with the special needs kids in our school. Most people do associate with them, but there is a number that don't. This could be because they're scared, they think the disabled are dumb, or they may have other prejudice reasons. By not associating with these kids, people don't realize how amazing they are and that they do have strengths. They are usually just looked upon for their flaws and weaknesses, whether they are mental or physical. That's hurtful to me, because I feel that everyone has something to offer this world, and everyone has good traits about them, even if they do look or act different. This all relates back to the quote because even though Tariq has a physical disability, he is still able to come out on top in the fight with the "normal" boy, Khadim.
On a final note, this quote makes me realize that every character in this book (or any other book) is different, and even if their physical or mental ability, race, or belief system is different from that of another character, they all have something to offer to the storyline, and each of them make their particular novel the best it can be.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Blog Choice - Rant About.....Math
Math enrages me. Yes, people need numbers at some point in reality, but why mix them up into impossibly solvable questions? All that ever happens is students are tortured and pressured into grasping complicated concepts. On another note, I don't agree with whoever decided to interbreed the alphabet and numbers! The alphabet is a different set of characters completely unrelated to numbers for a reason! The rate of confusion in a letter-number (variable) math question escalates rapidly, especially if a person doesn't get the concept when only numbers are used. In terms of actually learning the concepts, it's really difficult to make it through math if the teacher only teaches the concept once, and then immediately expects everyone to understand it. I guess there is a point to having really complex math questions because there are certain professions, such as carpentry, where people use numbers every day. I think that the only people who should be subjected to these mind-boggling concepts should be those who want to persue a career in a number-related field of work. Math constantly boggles the brain, and I see no point in putting yourself through mental pain doing difficult math when the person who invented math could have just used "normal" numbers.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
The Perils of Indifference
1. "The Dangers that Arise From Apathy"
2. The events in "The Lottery" can easily be compared to the events of the Rwandan Genocide. The stoning of Tessie in the story is a similar type of event to the genocide, but the genocide was carried out on a much larger scale. Innocent people were killed in mass amounts by militia in Rwanda. The sick crime of mass murder of a particular ethnicity seemed to have little to no affect on the militia during and following the crime comittance. Similarily, in "The Lottery", the task of stoning Tessie seemed to raise no objections, as the villagers just wanted to "be through [with the Lottery] in time to...get home for noon dinner". As the Rwandan Genocide proceeded, it became "normal" and "routine" for the Hutu militia. They would just keep ethnically cleansing to abolish the Tutsis, with no thought as to what it was doing to the overall state of the country. Likewise, the tradition of attending and participating in the Lottery was an annual event for the villagers, and they got so accustomed to the occurance of the event that they kept going year after year. No matter what the outcome was of each Lottery, the people just kept returning, mostlikely because they thought the stoning would never be in their future. One character in the story that was at the particularily chronicled Lottery was at the event for the "[s]eventy-seventh year". From the evidence shown, the events and views of the villagers in the story "The Lottery" can thoughtfully be compared to the events of the Rwandan Genocide. Eventhough it was a much bigger event in history, the Genocide carried many of the same motives as the event referred to as "The Lottery".
3. Elie Wiesel's speech relates directly to "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson. Reading the speech allows the reader to see that events similar to those of "The Lottery" do happen and have happened in reality. Although the stoning and eventual death of Tessie is only in the story, there have also been true encounters the world has had with this type of crime; as Elie mentions: the Holocaust at Auschwitz, the Rwandan Genocide, and the many assassinations that have occured (Martin Luther King, Gandhi, etc). In the story, Tessie's death is a public assassination, as all of the city people openly pelt her with stones until death is upon her. Just before the Lottery begins, Tessie seems to be apathetic towards the particular time that the Lottery is to start. She pleads that she didn't want to have to "leave [her] dishes in the sink". Ironically, she is the one person that was stoned in the end. Who would have thought someone would unknowingly risk their life for their dishes? It is apparent that in return for her apathy, Tessie is presented with "inescapable consequences" (as mentioned in Elie's speech). The villagers show immense indifference towards Tessie before and as they stone her, which relates directly back to what Elie states in his speech: the fact that "for [the villagers] who are indifferent, [Tessie is] of no consequence. And, therefore, [her life is] meaningless".
"Indifference is not a beginning, it is an end."
"Indifference...is not only a sin, it is a punishment."
2. The events in "The Lottery" can easily be compared to the events of the Rwandan Genocide. The stoning of Tessie in the story is a similar type of event to the genocide, but the genocide was carried out on a much larger scale. Innocent people were killed in mass amounts by militia in Rwanda. The sick crime of mass murder of a particular ethnicity seemed to have little to no affect on the militia during and following the crime comittance. Similarily, in "The Lottery", the task of stoning Tessie seemed to raise no objections, as the villagers just wanted to "be through [with the Lottery] in time to...get home for noon dinner". As the Rwandan Genocide proceeded, it became "normal" and "routine" for the Hutu militia. They would just keep ethnically cleansing to abolish the Tutsis, with no thought as to what it was doing to the overall state of the country. Likewise, the tradition of attending and participating in the Lottery was an annual event for the villagers, and they got so accustomed to the occurance of the event that they kept going year after year. No matter what the outcome was of each Lottery, the people just kept returning, mostlikely because they thought the stoning would never be in their future. One character in the story that was at the particularily chronicled Lottery was at the event for the "[s]eventy-seventh year". From the evidence shown, the events and views of the villagers in the story "The Lottery" can thoughtfully be compared to the events of the Rwandan Genocide. Eventhough it was a much bigger event in history, the Genocide carried many of the same motives as the event referred to as "The Lottery".
3. Elie Wiesel's speech relates directly to "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson. Reading the speech allows the reader to see that events similar to those of "The Lottery" do happen and have happened in reality. Although the stoning and eventual death of Tessie is only in the story, there have also been true encounters the world has had with this type of crime; as Elie mentions: the Holocaust at Auschwitz, the Rwandan Genocide, and the many assassinations that have occured (Martin Luther King, Gandhi, etc). In the story, Tessie's death is a public assassination, as all of the city people openly pelt her with stones until death is upon her. Just before the Lottery begins, Tessie seems to be apathetic towards the particular time that the Lottery is to start. She pleads that she didn't want to have to "leave [her] dishes in the sink". Ironically, she is the one person that was stoned in the end. Who would have thought someone would unknowingly risk their life for their dishes? It is apparent that in return for her apathy, Tessie is presented with "inescapable consequences" (as mentioned in Elie's speech). The villagers show immense indifference towards Tessie before and as they stone her, which relates directly back to what Elie states in his speech: the fact that "for [the villagers] who are indifferent, [Tessie is] of no consequence. And, therefore, [her life is] meaningless".
"Indifference is not a beginning, it is an end."
"Indifference...is not only a sin, it is a punishment."
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Top 3...Ice Cream Flavours
Ice cream is something that people everywhere commonly indulge in. There is a plethora of different flavors, and therefore the composition of a "Top 3" list is almost impossible, but I might as well make a realistic attempt at it. Here goes...Oh wait, you're going to have to guess!! (Answers at the end.) I'm basing my choices and their ranking on appearance, flavour, and metaphorical thoughts that arise while each particular flavor is being consumed.
The top of the list is occupied by a sweet, fruity ice cream. When scooped, it sits daintily in a crystal goblet, waiting patiently for an innocent bystander to unlock the mystery it most secretly possesses. It is the ice cream of love and sweetness. Picture yourself on a calm summer's day in an orchard sitting blissfully at a picnic table. You are enveloped by the shade of a cheerful apple tree filled with birds chattering contently with one another. Your taste buds sing in harmony as they experience the creamy, fruitilicious sensation of the silky, delicate frozen substance.
Second on the docket, is a very multi-faceted, culturally diverse ice cream. Its flavors unite as the whole world should. This ice cream is unperturbed, as it proudly displays its unique colors for all to see. Dark, rich flavors pelt your tongue with the undeniable force of a rampaging lightning storm in the dead of night. At the same time, luscious bursts of rosy, sugary cheer skip down your throat, eagerly searching for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Still, the flavor of freshly concocted honey slowly oozes over your tongue, and leisurely makes it's way to the back of your mouth and through your esophagus, playing soft, soothing harp notes in the process. Immaculately woven together, this quilt of distinct flavors always finds a way to warm the hearts of all.
The list shall be concluded with an intense, riveting flavor. Shards of rigid, uneven glass are embedded into a concrete formation. At this sight, you are suddenly intrigued to find out what is beheld within this mystical concoction of presumably awkward flavors. You courageously inhale a mouthful, and....it's as if a volcano suddenly erupts in your mouth, leaving a succulent, wondersome aftertaste. As random as it is, this final flavor combines two easily obtainable ingredients and evolves into a substance fit for royalty.
Answers:
1. Strawberry
2. Neapolitan
3. Mint Chocolate Chip
The top of the list is occupied by a sweet, fruity ice cream. When scooped, it sits daintily in a crystal goblet, waiting patiently for an innocent bystander to unlock the mystery it most secretly possesses. It is the ice cream of love and sweetness. Picture yourself on a calm summer's day in an orchard sitting blissfully at a picnic table. You are enveloped by the shade of a cheerful apple tree filled with birds chattering contently with one another. Your taste buds sing in harmony as they experience the creamy, fruitilicious sensation of the silky, delicate frozen substance.
Second on the docket, is a very multi-faceted, culturally diverse ice cream. Its flavors unite as the whole world should. This ice cream is unperturbed, as it proudly displays its unique colors for all to see. Dark, rich flavors pelt your tongue with the undeniable force of a rampaging lightning storm in the dead of night. At the same time, luscious bursts of rosy, sugary cheer skip down your throat, eagerly searching for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Still, the flavor of freshly concocted honey slowly oozes over your tongue, and leisurely makes it's way to the back of your mouth and through your esophagus, playing soft, soothing harp notes in the process. Immaculately woven together, this quilt of distinct flavors always finds a way to warm the hearts of all.
The list shall be concluded with an intense, riveting flavor. Shards of rigid, uneven glass are embedded into a concrete formation. At this sight, you are suddenly intrigued to find out what is beheld within this mystical concoction of presumably awkward flavors. You courageously inhale a mouthful, and....it's as if a volcano suddenly erupts in your mouth, leaving a succulent, wondersome aftertaste. As random as it is, this final flavor combines two easily obtainable ingredients and evolves into a substance fit for royalty.
Answers:
1. Strawberry
2. Neapolitan
3. Mint Chocolate Chip
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The Use of the Blog
I think that we should blog about current events in the newspaper, internet, or TV. It would be very beneficial to us as people and we would get to see the opinions of our peers on worldly, and local, issues. We should especially blog about current news stories that pertain to English class, as they may give us different perspectives on what we learn throughout the course.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The Power of all Powers
Choosing a super power is a difficult task. There are so many that we know about, and even more that we have no clue about their existence.
In order to complete this post, choosing a super power is vital, so I need to think about it for a while... ... ...
Eureka!! My ideal super power would be to have the most technologically advanced cranium in all of mankind. Whatever situation arose, I would instantly formulate the most logical way to solve it. I would know everything about anything, and I would be the person that everyone would go to....the teacher.
I would choose to have this most noble ability over any other super power because a person's brain is a vital part of who they are. Actually, I believe that a person's brain is who they are. Everything a person experiences (hears, sees, does, etc.) goes to their brain. Some things may stay there for a life time, and other things may be there for one second, and gone the next. The customs of the human think box are also extremely important in life. They can be used to help one person, or a plethora of people. Negative vibes towards certain people can also come about if the brain is used in the wrong way. With that in mind, I would make sure, to the best of my ability, to use my gift in only positive ways.
In order to complete this post, choosing a super power is vital, so I need to think about it for a while... ... ...
Eureka!! My ideal super power would be to have the most technologically advanced cranium in all of mankind. Whatever situation arose, I would instantly formulate the most logical way to solve it. I would know everything about anything, and I would be the person that everyone would go to....the teacher.
I would choose to have this most noble ability over any other super power because a person's brain is a vital part of who they are. Actually, I believe that a person's brain is who they are. Everything a person experiences (hears, sees, does, etc.) goes to their brain. Some things may stay there for a life time, and other things may be there for one second, and gone the next. The customs of the human think box are also extremely important in life. They can be used to help one person, or a plethora of people. Negative vibes towards certain people can also come about if the brain is used in the wrong way. With that in mind, I would make sure, to the best of my ability, to use my gift in only positive ways.
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