"two or three things i know for sure.."

What I found interesting in the book “two or three things I know for sure” was the fact that the author Dorothy Allison used this phrase as a connector throughout the story. For every segment of the book she incorporated the ‘two or three things I know for sure..” I thought this was extremely clever, and to me it turned the book into a lot more than just an autobiography of her life, and family, and more into poetry, or fairytale. In a way it turned her true life story, into something fictional. I believe the reason why she did this was because in a way, she wanted this to be fiction; she wanted another life, or path. Not that she regretted anything, but that her life in a way, and her childhood was something that you’d read about in fictional books, or movies. Everything that happened to her, and the way her childhood was, is something a lot of people don’t want to talk about. Even in the beginning of the book she starts off by saying “Let me tell you a story” and goes on to talk about how she loves telling stories, and would tell her little sisters stories all of the time.

Everything that happened in Dorothy Allison’s life, and the problems within her dysfunctional family, made her exactly who she is today. I believe although she tried to steer far away from falling into the same fate as most of the women in her family, she still did in a way. It’s like a family curse, which is another aspect of a fictional tale. This also ties into her autobiography sounding as if it’s a fictional story.

Living in the past

In the book “The shawl” we discussed in class whether or not, we thought it was healthy that Rosa was writing letters to her dead daughter Magda. The class had mixed views on this topic; some thought it was a good thing for her to do, while others believed it was sick. In my opinion the fact that she’s writing letters to her daughter is neither good nor bad; it just ties into the stupor that she allowed herself to be in. She started living in isolation, poverty, and filth reverting back to the way things was in the holocaust. I believe the reason why she went back into the past, is because that where here heart, and soul truly remained. Although she moved on in the physical sense, her mind was still in the 1940s. I believe this is because the experience was extremely traumatic, and her daughter was brutally murdered. The fact that she’s writing to her dead daughter to me, is more like she’s speaking to her, since she’s in the concentration camp in her mind, she’s imagining her daughter there, because that was the last place they were together. The fact that she’s telling her daughter that she’s a doctor, and married, to me, symbolizes her dreams, and goals that she did in fact have for her child. Rosa is suffering from guilt and even more psychological problems because she’s unable to move on, and push forward with her life. Because of this traumatic event, she’s stuck in the past, which proved that the word survival cannot always be something happy, and automatic. Although someone survives, they can still be suffering with the after effect of the situation, which is exactly what happened to Rosa and the rest of her life.

In the story “When the Emperor was divine” one of the themes we discussed in class, was the fact that the whole book revolved around lies. All of the characters lied to not only others, but to themselves as well. I believe this all derived from many different reasons. The reason why the family in the story, and many others, were lured to the internment camps, were all based on lies.

They were told that this was supposed to be a good thing, and in order for them to be safe, they had to be moved to these camps. Although everyone figured that this was a lie, they went along with it, because of fear. I believe the reason why so many lies were told in this story, is so the characters to have some sense of control. They had no control over their own lives, or the situation they were in, so I believe they lied in order to gain some control, and be able to live in the make-believe world they created.

In this story i found that in order for the characters to remain a level of sanity, lying became natural and needed in order to help them 'cope' in a way.

Completly Alive?

The story “When the emperor was divine” was very different than most of the stories we read this semester. The difference being in the ending, unlike the other stories we’ve read this story doesn’t have a particular ‘happy ending’. In my opinion this fact made the story seem a lot more realistic. One factor that made the story even more real to the readers was the fact that it’s based off of a true event, and also it depicts life so well, with the fact that there is never really a defined happy ending. “When the emperor was divine” talks about a tragic and secretive time in American history.

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Japanese, and people of Japanese decent living in the United States were sent to live in internment camps. Just like those in the holocaust except they were work camps, or death camps, they were just places sectioned off specifically for the Japanese. The story focuses on a family consisting of a mother, father, daughter, and son. Although the family and many others were not tortured or beaten, they suffered something of equal damage.

Their freedom was ripped away, and they were deemed different no matter how ‘Americanized’ they had become. I don’t think anyone came out of the internment camps completely alive. I believe a piece of them left once they entered. They all lost a sense of themselves and its evident throughout the text. They were ostracized because of the way they looked and their ancestry. When leaving the camps in my opinion, the lingering question for every Japanese person in the camps was “who am I now?”

Push

One thing that bothers me so much in the book ‘push’ is the fact that throughout Precious’s seventeen years of living no one detected that she was being abused at home. The signs were clearly there if someone just took the chance to look into them. She was a bully, upset, distant, and a major sign was the fact that she was pregnant twice, her first time being when she was just twelve years old. It seems as if no one really cared enough which led Precious to believe even more that she was a nobody and there was no ‘good’ in people. The only thing she knew in life was hurt, which led to her driving emotion of anger. Precious was angry about her situation, angry at herself, and angry at others. This book sheds light on a lot of topics, since education is the field I plan on making my career, the topic that hits home for me, is the fact the Precious was pushed through the system. At seventeen she was illiterate, and didn’t even know her ABC’s. The teachers and school officials were obviously not thinking about her wellbeing or else, all of her issues would have been confronted and dealt with. This is a major problem that a lot of classrooms are dealing with even today! Precious went to school in an urban area; there were probably a lot of children in her classroom going through the same problems, if not more. Without the proper guidance and education these children are bound to fall into different statistics, and not grow to their full potential. Although the book ‘push’ takes place in the 80s, it unfortunate to say that the achievement gap between inner-city schools, and upper class schools are still the same, with urban schools straggling behind. This has to change, and we all need to take a stand and interest in the students a lot more. I truly believe that is Precious became a person of interest to a school official earlier in her life, the situation she was in would’ve gotten 10x better.

Communication in he 'Fun Home'

In the story ‘Fun home’ the family had absolutely no type of communication. It was awkward and at times uncomfortable to even live there. Situations or problems would occur and no one would say anything about it. This proves to be a major problem in the household. In order to advance, and fix any type of situation communication is needed, and this is exactly what was missing from the Bechel family. Every emotion, question etc in the fun home was silenced by fear, anger, and confusion. The problems within the family itself ran deep, so this question arises “if there was some form of communication, would thing be a little different?” I say yes. I believe things probably wouldn’t have gotten automatically better, but the transition, or more so living with the secrets would be a lot easier, in turn making life for the family a lot easier. Everyone in the family felt trapped, and silenced, in my opinion if they at least talked about some of the problems, most of the feelings on entrapment would be relieved. The lack of communication within the household, led to future problems for the characters. For example Allison and her father were never extremely close, Even though they saw each other every day, they were still so distant. She even stated “I can’t say he was a bad father...he was there” this shows throughout her entire childhood, she only remembers her father as being in her life in just the physical sense, his body and presence. When it came to an emotional or mental connection however, that didn’t happen because they never communicated. Allison didn’t even know how to kiss her father goodnight! A task that seemed so simple turned into something extreme because of the lack of affection in the household. This followed her into her young adult life as well. It was difficult for her to essentially become physical with her partner.

Death equaling Freedom

At first I didn’t like the story “Fun house” at all. After discussing the story in class, and doing some more reading I realized there’s a lot more to the story than I initially thought. One of the topics we discussed in class is one that I found extremely interesting. “Death equaling freedom”. I agreed with this statement, I think that the father committed suicide because he looked at death as the only way to achieve freedom. With situations in the story, and his facial expressions throughout the book, I believe this this is true. The father in the story started off carefree and happy, if not happy than content. He was not only in the army, but over sees, and traveling the world. He was also falling in love, with his lifestyle, and also the woman that soon became his wife. That freedom and independence was ripped away due to unfortunate family circumstances. Already we see that the father was beginning to be trapped in a lifestyle that wasn’t of his choice completely. The misery continued because throughout the story we see that he was also trapped within his sexuality. The father was forced by society, and fear, into not being able to express himself freely. He was trapped not only because he had a family, but because the time period the story takes place in, was not a time period when homosexuality was looked at as acceptable. The father finally comes out of the closet to his daughter, in the 80s, when being gay was starting to become in a way more known, and acceptable. I think all through the fathers life he was unable to relate to anyone, and one his daughter ‘came out’ it gave him the courage to do so also. This wasn’t enough however, because it was too late for him to start his life. Again the feeling of being trapped comes into play, the father is trapped in his own life, a prisoner of decisions he made in the past, and regret, and misery plagued his life, taking from his freedom. In my opinion the only way for him to feel alive again was for him to end his own life. Death became a way to become free again, the father believed he had to die, in order to be reborn, and this is why I believe he committed suicide.

A not so Fun House

I can tell already I’m not going to be into our new book "Fun House". It’s different than all of the books we've read this semester. The book is in the form of a comic, and honestly that makes it harder for me to get into, but the pictures help tell the story. In the book, a major theme is irony. Even the title screams ironic. The title is fun house but nothing about the story so far, is fun, or even a bit happy. The characters all look dark, depressed and upset. Even on the very first page, the father and son are engaging in an activity that’s supposed to be fun, but instead they're looking upset. Throughout the story so far, you can sense the extreme tension. This book, in my opinion is highly suspenseful; and although i don’t like the way it was written, I’m anxious to see what’s in store for the characters. So far i have no idea what's going to happen, but by the looks of things i predict the book won’t end well, or finish with a "fun house". 

Mate Timeline

October 15 1935 - Born

1943 - At age 8 wanted to become a lawyer like her older sister Minerva

1945-1946 - Age 10 began to keep a journal. She called her journal her "Little Book". This was also when she had her first communion.

Feb. 25 1946 - She starts to transform into a butterfly, and says "It is strange now, I know something...everything looks just a little different.." In a way she starts to wake up.

1946-  In a way she began to 'find herself' by questioning things around her, and understanding things that were once kept secret. Starts standing up for herself.

1947- Went away to boarding school. Introtuced to the opposite sex, and the fact of hidden agendas.

In the time of butterflies

"In the time of butterflies" is a book that’s filled with mystery, humor, and many more emotions. The fact that it takes the reader on an emotional journey makes the novel a page turner, and very enjoyable to read. All four of the sisters in this novel have different personalities, and characteristics, but in a way they are all so similar. For this blog entry I’m going to take a look at Minerva, the second oldest sister, and my favorite character. Minerva was truly an inspiration to most, and incredibly bold.  I see exactly why Mate looked up to her, and idolized her so much. In Minerva's narratives, every word is strong, and most readers may say that she’s extremely self-involved, and self-centered. I disagree because it’s evident throughout the book that Minerva cares a lot for her family, and is empathetic for the cause she’s fighting for. She knew she was risking her life to stand up for this cause, and ensure a better future for others. I consider this heroic, and not self-centered. Minerva is extremely strong willed, and determined; two qualities that I believe everyone should have in order to make things happen.

Females are emotional creatures : they need to talk!

People think that the way to educate children or young adults on the topic of sex, and sexual identity is by throwing out facts, and statistics. This has proven to be unsuccessful because the airway of communication is disintegrated. In addition to sex education classes, and pregnancy awareness in schools, teenage girls also need someone to talk to. A person in their life that won’t pass judgment, and a place where they can feel secure, bringing their issues and problems up without feeling as if it’s wrong for them to feel this way. We talked about this in class, and in the book, there’s  a section of facts, that state most girls say there isn’t one adult they could trust, or turn to if they needed help. This is a serious problem within the young community, because instead of turning to adults with knowledge, they confide in their peers which are most times just as clueless as they are. This can lead to numerous problems; one of the major problems would be all of the myths, and wrong ideas about sexual protection becoming a reality. Another thing that I think not only teenage girls, but teenagers in general need is, after school activity. I think we all need to come together, and find a way to better educate the next generation on sex, make all of the statistics, and fact, a reality.

Oh na-na, Domestic Violence is the name!

The story, ‘I am an emotional creature’ is a good one because it reaches out to a younger audience. Just like in TVM, Eve Ensler wanted to get not only the audience member or readers aware but more importantly females as well. Ensler wanted females of all ages to be in tune with their bodies, and understand sexuality, and acceptance. Both books took a stand against violence of any sort. I found it interesting that in the book, Ensler has a section dedicated to the singer Rihanna, and the domestic violence case between her and ex-boyfriend, singer Chris Brown. This sparked my interest because not only am I an incredible Chris Brown and Rihanna fan, but I found it interesting how Ensler added something so contemporary. In my opinion Ensler did this because the book is geared towards more so younger individuals, and younger girls have an extreme interest in celebrities. She also added in this story, because it dealt with an issue that most woman face, domestic violence. Having the story be about the celebrities show how this issue can happen to most anybody. The story of Rihanna and Chris Brown added to the main purpose of both emotional creature, and TVM , that violence against women and children need to stop!

Reflection

By reading the Vagina Monoluges, and having th oppurtunity to perform in the production open my eyes to a lot of things! One of Eve Enslers main purposes for writting The Vagina Monoluges was, in my opinion, to open p the mids of not only men, but a lot of women regarding female exuality. By reading all of the monoluges, and going through the emotional rollercoaster you experience throughout the book, I felt a sense of smpowernment, and a more undertanding of my body, mind, and soul. As a womam your expected to do all sorts of things, no questions asked , and when reading the stories in the book, you start to ask questions, and think outside the box. I believe thats exactly what Eve Ensler wanted to do to the audience. She wanted us to question, and re-think what we coinsidered to be 'norm'. While reading the Vagina Monoluges i even went as far as to writing down some changes that need to occur in the 'female universe'. Overall i felt as if reading the Vagina Monoluges is extremely educational, and it allows you, as the reader to explore new depths, and arrise with many interesting questions pertaining to sexuality, and gender social awareness.

My VAGINA is ANGRY

This semester, I had the oppurtuity to actually perform in Southern Connecticut State University's production of "TheVagina Monoluges" When I firs read about the auditions i had no idea what I was getting ino. Prior to that moment, I ha never een hard of the vagina monoluges and honestly wasnt even comfortable with freely screaming the word vagina. While readibg te monoluges the first thing that came to my mind was "d i really want my mother watching me perform this?" , there were many different types of monoluges, sad, happy, humorous, and all of them included an element of shock. The word vagina is so taboo and not something people like to say freely. I was given the part of "My Angry Vagina" and enjoyed playing the role. My monolouge dealt wth the annoying simple things women go through like tampons, and gyn visits. Performing in the vagina monoluges was indeed an excellent experience, and is something i think all women should do once in thier life.

My Vagina would wear ...

There are many different names for a vagina. “Coochie-snorcher, punani, pussy, cookie, and cunt” are examples. In The Vagina Monologues Ensler demonstrates this extremely well. What we call our body parts tell a lot about the person, for example, where we come from, and the type of person we are. If you’re more shy, and quiet, you would never use slang words such as ‘pussy’ you’d stick to the traditional ‘vagina’, if you’re loud and outspoken, it would be no problem for you to scream out ‘cunt’ like the woman in the monologue ‘Reclaiming Cunt.’ In the book, she also asks a lot of women what would their vagina wear, I believe she did this to show the different personalities, and age rankings of the women. Older women would say things like “Harry Winston Diamonds, Top hats, and elegant dresses” while younger women, like the monologue with the six year old girl said this like ‘mets caps worn backwards etc.” I believe Ensler was trying to add to the painting of the women’s personalities, by asking those questions.

The Vagina Monologues

In my opinion the reason why Ensler wanted the “Vagina monologues” performed was because vagina is such a taboo word. Not many women or people in general publically discuss their vaginas or the problems we face as women. I felt as if her reasoning to talk about vaginas is so that women can embrace themselves, break out of their shell, and let the world know that they are proud to be women. In a way show people the problems, triumphs, and obstacles women have to endure silently every day. Ensler wanted vaginas to have a physical sense through her writing, meaning the words she used, and the way she described them, the audience was able to imagine, and really get a better understanding of the vagina, without actually seeing it on stage.  When you watch, or perform in the vagina monologue, it gives you a sense of empowerment. By the last monologue you get a better understanding of what women go through all of their lives, the good, the bad, embarrassing, and the ugly. All of the monologues have different tones surrounding the same topic, and they all touch different topics. For example “The Flood” although humorous, it touches a serious topic, cancer, and embarrassment.  Woman are survivors, we survive no matter the situation, and that exactly what you get a sense of through the vagina monologues.

1937

Krik? Krak! Is a collection of short stories written by a Haitian American author Edwidge Danticat. The title of the book in itself is unique. In Haiti when a story is requested the story teller would say krik? , and the audience members, ready to receive the story, would respond with krak! In the book Danticat is telling a story of her culture, heartache, love, sadness, hope, and death; painting a picture of her soul and the souls of her people. Krik? Krak! Is a book composed of Haiti’s tortured history, and the political reason which led to many fleeing the country. Let’s take a look at the story “Nineteen-thirty seven” This story was filled with sadness, and then ultimately the idea of hope. I believe the author established the transition to hope, because although you’re suffering you have to have an air of hope, and optimism or else you’re going to succumb to depression. The story was about a young girl by the name of Josephine, and her mother being incarcerated unjustly, and being labeled as a witch. The title of the story acts as a reminder, in 1937 there was a massacre against the Haitians by the people of the Dominican Republic, Josephine’s mother, and many other women, called themselves the daughters of the water because they were the ones that survived. In a way I think this fact led them to believe they were somewhat invincible, because in the text when Josephine asked her mother if the allegations of her flying were true her mother responded with “Perhaps you don’t remember. All of the women who came with us to the river, they could go to the moon and back if that is what they wanted” In the story Josephine never wanted to cry, let alone talk to her mother. I believe this was because she wanted to appear strong, and show her mother that everything was going to be alright. At the same time, the Madonna statue that they had would cry, showing that suffering wasn’t gone, and although on the outside you may look strong, on the inside you can be tearing apart.

14 Varieties of Gazelle : "My Father and the Figtree"

One of the major topics in “14 Varieties of Gazelle” is family. The author Naomi Shihab Nye valued family quite highly, and it’s evident throughout her text. For example in the poem “My father and the fig tree” the reader is allowed an insight into the father as an individual and their family background and culture. Nye tells a story in this poem, painting a picture of not only her father’s personality and character, but his longing for going back to what once was, his ‘home’. Nye showed this by using the fig tree as a symbol; the tree was something significant to her father’s childhood and was an example of what he knew to be home. Since they lived in America, it was difficult for her father to label the foreign land as home. However, he was hopeful and confident in knowing that one day he’ll find a fig tree and finally feel at home, thus connecting two cultures.   

Promoting Peace Through Literature : Naomi Shihab Nye

Naomi Shihab Nye is the first author that we’re looking at this semester. Her book of poetry “14 Varieties of Gazelle” is not only inspirational, but it allows the reader to take a deeper look into the value and need to appreciate family. In her writing Nye creates a sense of understanding, and making it aware that change starts within the individual. The poems in “14 Varieties of Gazelle” allow readers to think deeper, and go beyond the text; it pushes us, as readers, to understand not only the people around us, but the situations that life hurls us in. While reading, you get a sense of Nye’s character, and can see that she has a non-violent outlook on life, and suggests that we promote that demeanor as well. Throughout a lot of her poems there is sense of calmness, and a tone promoting generosity versus hatred. When reading In her writings Nye encourages us to connect to other people and nations, with peace and harmony leading the way.

Why I chose this poem

I chose this poem for many reasons. One of the reasons was because this semester we will be focusing on contemporary woman writers. The poem is entitled "Phenomenal Woman" and many of the writers we will be looking at this semester are in fact phenomenal women, based on not only their background but the simple fact that they excelled and succeeded against the odds, and are famous in what’s considered a "man’s world". The author, Maya Angelo, is a contemporary female writer, and is an example of woman empowerment. The poem is also very personal to me. It’s about embracing your beauty, and being different than most women, but still equally amazing.

Phenomenal Woman, thats me

PHENOMENAL WOMANby Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing of my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can't see.
I say
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
The palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.