Making Connections in ‘Laramie Project’

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080410/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_palestinians;_ylt=Ah_AbefD43tFJcXZbsYz1aJvaA8F

The link directs to the most recent update of the death toll that has been plaguing hotly debated holy land in Israel. Between the Israelis and Palestinians who both claim the land to be rightfully theres, the suicide bombings, cruise missile strikes, and steamrolling of villages on the part of military tanks has become almost an expected daily headline. The hate and resentment between the two sides relates to the ignorance of the accused in the Matthew Sheppard case. Unable to cope with their prejudice against an idea that is different from their own, the killers brutally torture and murder their victim much in the same way the Israelis and Palestinians kill each other – without hesitation or remorse. The reason the two sides can’t cope with their religious differences is that they have both been raised in an environment taught to hate the enemy, in this case being the people of an opposite faith.

Themes in ‘Laramie Project’

The three predominant themes I’ve deciphered from reading ‘Laramie Project’ are innocence, indifference and individualism. The theme of individualism is expressed through the varying mentalities of the characters towards homosexuality. While it is obvious that many of the residents of Laramie don’t condone the ruthless beating given to Matthew Sheppard, there doesn’t appear to be an overwhelming sense of disdain for the accused. The reaction of the Laramie residents, much more conservative than that of the more diverse university population, seems to come across as “well, that’s a shame, but he (Matthew) should have known better.” The quote “Laramie is live and let live,” which is repeated several times throughout the play, seems to contradict itself. This sort of mentality offers homosexual individuals the autonomy to practice their own sexual orientation, but to be prepared to reap the consequences if that freedom exceeds its limitations, which are ultimately determined by the straight population. To me, there is nothing “let live” about that sort of philosophy.

Figurative Language Assignment Ideas

I believe my argument for my figurative language assignment will revolve around the constricting limitations of technological materialism in America. In my mind, while the technology currently in place has helped bring us closer together, I believe it has simultaneously made us prisoners to it’s own moral limitations. I am interested in the topic, because I view myself as somewhat of a nonconformist to many social norms that are commonplace in our society. I plan on using a variety of different images to inspect just what it is that defines our culture as a materialistic society. Potential images include internet search engines such as Google and social networking outlets like Facebook. Other non-computer technological innovations will also be used to help support my thesis. I am tinkering with the idea of exploring the domineering role of technology in society and our relationship to it as agents of it’s potential.

Symbols of Hope and Hate in America

This picture represents the ever-growing tension between the United States and the Islamic world stemming from events such as 9/11, the Iraq War, and our position in on-going conflicts throughout the Middle East. While the picture can be viewed as a symbol of hate, spawned from the increasing radical Islamic, anti-American sentiment that has resulted from the aforementioned circumstances, it can also be viewed as a symbol of hope. Though this may sound outlandish, if we are to truly overcome the anger that ravishes our inability to see things from one another’s perspective, we must understand that there are those on both sides with whom we need to begin this quest.

This is Ellis Island. The picture represents hope and opportunity in the United States, because it symbolizes the humble beginnings of many of our ancestors. For many American citizens, Ellis Island marked the initiation of their ancestors’ quest for a better life in a brave new world. In modern times, we can revisit the symbol not only as a reminder of our roots, but as an object of determination when one’s future appears bleak.

The above picture represents hope for America’s youth. The silhouette has become synonymous with Michael Jordan, considered by many, myself included, to be the greatest basketball player of all-time. The jumping figure, soaring in for a dunk, can be viewed as a leap of faith towards acheiveing one’s dreams.

I don’t truly hate anyone for who they are personally, only the unnecessary attention they garner/demand from the media. The media continues to waste countless hours of news coverage on celebrity banter that should be saved for grocery store checkout-line tabloids. Instead of hearing about things that matter in our world today, we are force-fed 24/7 updates on every major news channel concerning Britney’s new baby’s daddy. I take that back, I hate Britney Spears.

‘Wolf Whistle’ Discussion Questions Ch. 7-9

1.) “He was about to say to him that, in a way, he won’t quite sure how, Bobo reminded Solon a little bit of Jesus” (169).

What message do you think Nordan is trying to convey here?

2.) Why do we never hear from Bobo after he is abducted from his grandparents’ house?

Mississippi Delta Blues

I’m a Mississippi delta man,

living in a 12-bar refrain.

I’m a Mississippi delta man,

living in a 12-bar refrain.

I’m a Mississippi delta man,

soul’s been a washed out by the rain.

Gone an’ left my woman,
you know it don’t phase me none.

Gone an’ left my woman,

you know that don’t phase me none.

Gone an’ left my woman,

with this here tommy gun.

You know I shot my woman down,

ain’t got no blood on my hands,

You know I shot my woman down,

ain’t got no blood on my hands,

Cause I shot my woman down,

I’m a Mississippi Delta man.

‘Wolf Whistle’ Chapter 2 Response

    Nordan depicts the character of Runt as lonely and pathetic. The town drunk, Runt has been abandoned by his wife, and mingles with fellow drunks in Red’s general store. At the same time, Runt appears to be an innocent character with good intentions. After Bobo whistles at Lady Montberclair, Runt decides to venture into the “Belgian Congo” to find him. Although the reader’s initial thought is that Runt is doing this for revenge, there is also a sense of empathy on his part. In a way, Runt identifies with Bobo, and might possibly be searching for him to warn him of the imminent retaliation on the part of Solon.

    It is somewhat ironic that Runt is a shameless gravedigger by trade, and this symbolism might also serve to represent him as a sort of undertaker for Bobo. While Runt is proud of his occupation, he feels a sense of sadness in that fact that he doesn’t merely bury unknown strangers, but people whom he knows personally. Runt also feels a sense of regret, living with the uncertainty that his mom may have died due to his failure to make a respectable living for himself and his family.

    Runt is included in the chapter to symbolize the duality of the characters in the story. While there is both a taboo racial and economic status quo in the town, many of the characters portray a sense of ignorant innocence, much like that of Bobo in his outlandish actions. Though they all believe what Bobo did was inappropriate, many of the characters tried to avert any sort of initial confrontation. Runt epitomizes this mindset, being caught between abiding by the racial guidelines that dictated society in 1950′s Mississippi, and the realization that Bobo is merely a kid from out of town who doesn’t fully comprehend the status quo.

“You’re a rambling man, am I right, Runt? You’re like the Robert Johnson tune. You’re a rambling man” (pg. 43).

A Day in the Life of Alice Conroy

I awoke late this morning, not keen on leaving the velveteen confines of my bed. The gargle of the coffee maker startles me, and I sleepily look over to see that I have overslept by four hours. I get out of bed and head downstairs to the market, where I purchase some snacks to get a start to the day, albeit a late one. Staying in character with my unflappable purity, I buy a wholesome bottle of Naked Juice, and three packages of Reese’s Cups. I head back up to my room, and pull out my Spanish homework. Instead of going to class, I’ve come to the realization that all will be okay, and that it’ll work out in the end if I just teach myself instead. Munching away leisurely, I dream of going to the rec, lifting weights, running miles, and swimming laps in the pool. Out of boredom, I turn to television for inspiration, and the re-runs of ‘Human Weapon’ on the Discovery Channel inspire me all the more. “That could be me,” I think to myself. I could travel to the lost islands Indoenesia to practice Brazilian Ju-Jitsu and undergo strenuous training to prove myself worthy against the world’s most vicious warriors. I turn the TV off and continue to feast in the oral utopia that is cholocate and peanut butter. I will spend the next two hours finishing Spanish compositions, reading English novels and even reviewing my Geology homework. I long for the day to come to an end, as the thoughts of my study under the desirable Tracy Savoie cannot escape my mind. How unfortunate it is that her boyfriend was indeed the Ju-Jitsu master.

Personal Reading Inventory

For me, reading a book front to back is a cumbersome endeavor. I’ve never been a very creative thinker, so visually depicting written words is usually a struggle. The biggest hurdle I have to face when trying to read for an extended period of time, is clearing my mind of distractions. Anyone who knows me on anything deeper than a surface level, knows that I am easily distracted. Instead of caring about the incestuous behavior of Anne Hester or the joy of simplicity in Thoreau’s ‘Walden’, I’m usually more focused on what I’m going to eat for lunch. Since college started, however, I’ve tried a few new techniques to retain my attention on reading. Finding a quiet, isolated place is imperative. Also, climate and setting are important. To have any hope of not drifting into slumber, I need to be read while sitting upright in a room with a comfortable temperature. Listening to some Miles Davis on the iPod never hurts either.

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