Option #1: “Our Barbies, Ourselves”
· Consider a cultural artifact that affected you as a child, such as a television show, book, movie, toy, sport, or kind of music (it may have influenced your views of sex roles, but also could have influenced you in other ways—for instance, by contributing to your values, your interests, your ideas about friendship or adult life.) Analyze your subject, identifying the elements that made it influential.
Option #2: “Girl”
· Judy Brady, in “I Want a Wife,” and Kincaid both analyze women’s traditional roles, although they have different perspectives on those roles. How are the roles they describe similar? What do the speakers’ tones convey about their attitudes toward their roles? Explain how Brady and Kincaid use word choice, sentence structures, repetition, and other elements of tone to clarify their speakers values and feelings.
Both stories illustrate all of the traditional tasks and roles women play in the home as well as in society. Everyday jobs such as laundry, cooking, and cleaning are present in both “I Want a Wife” and “Girl.” The women in these stories are portrayed as loyal, hard working, and self-motivated. There is, although, a difference in perspective. In “I Want a Wife,” the narrator has a appreciative tone. She clearly recognizes the importance of a wife by saying that she wants one herself. The narrator does in fact show how crucial the wife is to her family. The narrator in “Girl” also shows the significance of a women, but her attitude comes across as more stern. The narrator sounds very firm and somewhat demanding as she instructs this girl on how to be that “kind of a woman.” To me, I feel like both narrators sound fed up. The first, sounds as if she has been really taken advantage of, probably by her husband and she can’t take it anymore. The narrator proves that she has experienced some kind of downfall with all the situations she presents such as when she states, “I want a wife who will not bother me with rambling complaints about a wife’s duties. But I want a wife who will listen to me when I feel the need to explain…..” Similarly, the second narrator sounds like she has been trying to lead this “girl,” probably her daughter, to become a great working woman. But she is having problems with the girl, as illustrated when she says, “this way they won’t recognize immediately the slut I have warned you against becoming.” The women from each story show their frustration and their appreciation for the large amount of roles that women accomplish daily.
ReplyDelete“I Want a Wife” and “Girl” are both very similar in the roles they describe; however, the tone and structure of each, show the different attitudes the women have. The roles described are similar in that they both are required to be traditional women. They are inferior compared to other people and must obey what they are told to do. They both cook, clean, and care for others. In “I Want a Wife” Brady’s tone is supportive towards the role of a wife. She appreciates all of the work that is required. However, I believe the speaker feels that men do not appreciate this work. By repeating I want a wife in almost every sentence, the author clarifies the many things a man expects and how ridiculous and overwhelming the amount wanted is. In the final sentence, Brady states “My God, who wouldn’t want a wife?” which has a tone of disbelief to further the idea that so much is expected of a wife. In “Girl” Kincaid’s tone is instructive and harsh. I believe that this tone also portrays how much is expected in a woman. The girl is expected to do so much and is treated unkindly as shown through repetition of “this is how.” Word choice such as “slut” shows the cruelty of the treatment of the girl. The fact that the story is in one sentence shows how much she is expected to do and gives a demanding feel to the story because it is one thing after another. It makes the reader feel like there is no break and that there is much to do, just like the what the girl must endure. In both stories I feel like the women are expected to do so much and are both worn out with the treatment they face.
ReplyDeleteJudy Brady and Jamaica Kincaid both elaborate on what a woman is supposed to and expected to do; the authors illustrate the traditional role and image of what a woman is. Both authors describe keeping house, chores, cooking, cleaning, and acting proper as the appropriate roles a woman must play. Brady and Kincaid depict that a woman must be docile to her husband and to others and do things to benefit not themselves but to everyone else also. In “I Want a Wife,” Brady narrates the story in her point of view, describing everything a wife should do for her husband. Brady seems to be sarcastic in tone, almost satiric. Even though she herself is a wife, she says she wants a wife to do all of these chores for her; these chores are things that she herself should be doing yet Brady wants someone else to do them for her. Brady repeats “I want a wife who will…” to identify what a proper wife is supposed to do. The last line “My God, who wouldn’t want a wife?” seems to be purely mocking wives and the ever long list of duties a wife should fulfill. Brady only focuses on the wife and not the other person in the relationship. Kincaid’s “Girl” illustrates how a suitable young lady should act and do. The author’s tone seems like she is lecturing or admonishing someone on the proper ways to be a lady. The one long sentence represents the never-ending flow of comments that Kincaid’s mother has given to Kincaid. Kincaid simulates all of the scolding she has received from her mother all throughout her life in this one sentence.
ReplyDeleteOption 1. Perhaps one of the most influential figures during my childhood was Superman. While most people considered Superman a childish figure that only “nerds” looked up to, he represented everything I wanted to be when I grew up. Not only did he possess extraordinary gifts, but he used them in a moral and righteous manner. His strong sense of morality never wavered, and he always used his gifts to the benefit of others, which I greatly respected. His enduring axioms were passed on to me, and taught me to use my strengths towards the benefit of others instead of myself. Yet, despite his amazing powers, he was still vulnerable; despite all of his strength, he was still fallible. However, he did not simply give up because of his weaknesses. Instead, he continued to fight on through the pain and suffering. I respected his determination, and chose to mirror his conviction in my own life, choosing to adhere to my morals while the world around me challenged them at every turn.
ReplyDeleteOption 1 - I think I am going to have to take it a step farther back, and go back in time when I was little kid, and the show “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood,” aired on the television. This show affected my views on life because in such ironic ways, it taught me how to respect life and others that surround me in my environment. This long time running show, helped develop my childhood through many different aspects. The show started off the same way every episode having Mr. Rogers come home taking his coat and work shoes off and changing into a cardigan sweater and sneakers. The episodes were based on weeks, so therefore the week would be based on a specific title or such forth. What influenced me the most from this successful series? It was the teaching of respect, courage, caring, and loving? It assisted in my learning of how to respect each and every person around me, even if I had held a grudge on them, how to be courageous and don’t give up on your dream, how to be caring for your loved ones each and every day you have with them, and how to love the life that God gave you. I learned ironically in many different ways that I can’t take advantage of what I have today. I have to be thankful for all that I have, and I need to forget about what I “want.” Even though I may have a lot of those “wants,” in which everybody else has those same “desires,” I can’t let the things/items/beliefs/loved ones/etc., cross my mind that I am blessed to have the ability to enjoy each and every day I open my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI want to marry a man whom I fell madly in love with in high school. We may be separated for a time, as he is older than me, but eventually the attraction of the same college will reunite us. We will get married once he graduates from Auburn, barely getting by. I want to have a baby very shortly after marriage, maybe a year or two. Of course, there will be more children after this. My wonderful husband will start his own company, and we will soon have some money to spare. By our 25th anniversary we will remain “head-over-heels” in love with children that are growing up and keeping our life interesting. This story may sound unrealistic and “silly,” but I am directly describing the relationship of my parents. This cultural phenomenon prompts me to desire to be exactly like them when I am older. My parents simply have the perfect, ideal life, much less marriage. My father diligently works at his job, while my mother takes care of me, and used to take care of my sister and brother before they were grown. Daddy really enjoys cooking, and his food is amazing, but Mommy can cook too, so they switch out nights. Mommy enjoys sleeping, but no matter what time he goes to bed, Daddy absolutely cannot wake up late, so he wakes up every morning to cook breakfast for me and make my lunch, except for when he is out of town. After eating supper, my parents watch TV together in the den or in their room, laughing and cuddling with each other. If someone were to come to our house on a normal night, they would definitely notice how in love my parents are with each other. My mother loves shopping (she’s a shopaholic), so she shops for my father and gets whatever he needs, from clothes to toothpaste. Daddy goes golfing every Saturday, while Mommy shops or works around the house. Their likes and dislikes perfectly fit together. The only thing that they ever dispute about is her spending too much money. All of these elements contribute to the way I highly value marriage and love. They got married for love, not money, and in the end they were left with both. These days there is so many people marrying for money, or cheating on each other and constantly fighting. I am so lucky to have the parents that I do, and hope to have the wonderful relationship that they do.
ReplyDeleteJudy Brady and Jamaica Kincaid both demonstrate the traditional roles of woman and what is expected from women, however, through their sentence structure and perspective, they show their beliefs on the roles women. Both authors depict the women traditionally, by the fact that they must be able to clean, cook, well mannered, and care for others. In both stories, women are shown as inferior to their peers and they must put everyone else's need before their own. In " I Want a Wife," Brady has a grateful tone but throughout the novel that tone turns into a sarcastic, mocking tone. She understands a wife's role and in the beginning appreciates them but then she depicts the "wife" as a slave. By doing this i feel like she is showing how men do not appreciate the full value of their wives and how much wives do for them and the household. Through repetition of "I want a wife," she emphasizes the importance of women's roles but, then closer to the end her sarcastic tone increases, especially, when she said that if I find a better wife then I should be free to move on.
ReplyDeleteIn "Girl," the tone is much harsher and the sentence is written as a hand book or a set of rules on how to become a suitable woman. The fact that it is one sentence emphasizes on how much is expected in a girl and the importance of woman. The repetition of "this is how," gives the story a detached and demanding feel to its message. The story portrays the difficult roles of woman and how they can be easily criticized which is evident when she mentions what can happen if you don't follow the rules correctly, or want to become a "slut."
In my early childhood, I was exposed to many books and movies that featured an armor clad knight who was courageous and invincible. I was fascinated by the concept of a person who perseveres and struggles through overwhelming adversity, and who would, without a moment’s hesitation, sacrifice his life for loyalty, love, or for a greater cause. The knight’s code of chivalry also appealed to me; living with honor and protecting the innocent. These characteristics of a knight, being stoic, having determination, and behaving morally, influenced my personality and behaviors. Also, the image of a knight has shaped my view of males in society. While the level of determination and courage exhibited by a knight should certainly be commended, it has also become a sort of standard that men are expected to live by. In our culture, males are expected to be stoic and strong; it is taught that showing deep emotions, such as crying, and being vulnerable, are signs of weakness. I’m not encouraging people to give up just because times are tough, nor am I supporting people who choose to wallow in self-pity, but rather, I mean to draw attention to the fact that the view of a male’s role in society is emotionally unhealthy for men.
ReplyDeleteAs a child I didn't really have any influential cultural artifacts that shaped my views. I was taught my mother's values and to disregard anything and everything that seemed unethical or unmoral to her. Her views molded everything I had ever seen or questioned. She was influential because she was the one who primarily raised my sisters and I while my father worked crazy hours in the ER as a physician.
ReplyDeleteShe taught me to always use manners when addressing anyone, regardless if you liked them or not. To be respectful to any and all adults. To never start a fight, but finish one. When everyone in your life leaves you, I will always have my sisters by my side. To always remember from who and where I came from, and never be ashamed of who I am. To always be a leader and not a follower. To realize that people will hurt you in a heartbeat if it is beneficial to themselves...dont let that hurt you. To not let anyone hurt you or get the best of you, because that means they have power over you. To never let any boy take advantage of you or touch me inappropriately.
She is the reason why I am the way I am today in her life and death. She was and always will be my rock and my inspiration to keep on living and to succeed in anything and everything I do.
If you want you can call her my cultural artifact, but I'm going to call her my mother.
Throughout my childhood I had one "toy" that I took around with me everywhere, my fake First Aid kit. The First Aid kit had plastic band-aids, a stethoscope, a thermometer, and a tiny clipboard. I carried around the First Aid kit because my dad had gotten it for me, and as a kid I wanted to be just like him. To this day, my yearn to become a doctor has not decreased one bit. As a kid I thought of the First Aid kit as a shield, with it I would never get hurt. Even now I think of doctors as indestructible people, even though they are humans just like us. When I see a man or woman with a stethoscope, or a white coat, or with scrubs I automatically respect them more than I respect any other person. To me, it is a symbol of dignity and achievement. While it may only seem like a plastic box, it was my favorite toy as a child.
ReplyDeleteDuring my elementary school years, I loved the American Girl dolls. They were overpriced dolls with hair and outfits to match their point in history. Although each doll was set in a certain time period, they each had a similar story. They were each a hero. I had a doll from the Victorian Time period. Felicity, the doll set in the late 1800’s, influenced my ideas about friendship. Her story was about how she kept true to a friend even though she risked punishment for doing an action she did not commit. Though, the story seems cheesy, it transitioned the way I viewed how a “proper” girl is supposed to treat her friends. Even though each of the American Girl dolls is portrayed with character flaws, the doll was nevertheless perfect. The face and hair of each doll was perfectly set. One could even send the doll away to the factory to replace parts if the doll had been damaged. She made me think, as a child, that problems can disappear and later be fixed without doing anything myself. I had to learn the hard way that the doll cannot show me how real life is. Overall, the story behind Felicity has meaning and purpose to make the doll seem imperfect and human. But, the actual pristine appearance of the doll counteracts the meaning behind their story. I think dolls have a very strong influence on young girls because they idolize the concept of perfection and the idea of a normal life.
ReplyDeleteBlue and Cream. Blotches of red once resembling dolls. Restitching. Tears. Threadbare. All of the above could've been used to describe my Blankie. Blankie was my childhood version of a teddy bear. My mom's cousin had bought him, yes Blankie is male, at a yard sale before I was born, and since the day I was born I have always slept with him. As a tiny tot he was in my crib with me, then we graduated to a bed low to the ground with a guard rail, and finally a "big girl" bed together. Every night I got in bed, located Blankie (as i've never made my bed), and folded him in his rightful manner(which never changed). The top part of the now rectangular blanket was then placed under my head with the triangular fringe facing away from my face and then length held tightly in my arms. I still to this day cannot sleep without something to hold in my arms!
ReplyDeleteBlankie may've been disgusting to some. He was stained, threadbare, had string hanging off in some places, and all other sorts of issues. But he had been resewn in places by mother, grandmother, and oma. I would no longer allow anyone to wash him as I was afraid he'd fall into complete rags. And what some people called an odor was, to me, a familiar scent that I breathed in every night while dozing off.
Many may find my description of such a sentimental attachment to a blanket absurd. But to me Blankie was so much more than a blanket. He represented family, as so many people had contributed to me having him. He represented stability, as every night, no matter where I was or with whom Blankie was right in my arms. He represented a tradition, as my mother has a stuffed black bear named Blackie who she's had since birth and even went to the hospital with her when I was born. Blankie represented culture, as my Oma quilted all the quilts in her house and made all of her kids clothes growing up and had now repaired my Blankie for me using her talents. And finally he represented security, as the familiarity I found in Blankie's presence was reassuring to me.
I suppose I should mention that on the downtrodden inside layer of Blankie there was originally printed Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, but this was never of any significance to me. My ability to hold Blankie night after night was the true significance. Today Blankie is in an air tight waterproof bag in my closet where I check on him at least once a month to ensure his safety. However the habit of holding something while falling asleep that he instilled in me is still present, only today that object has become Evan's sweatshirt. It'll never be Blankie, but in my eyes it is also very special and holds a grand amount of emotional significance.
While I was growing up, I would always read the Junie B. Jones books. They always made me laugh and want to keep reading. However, I'm sure my mom had torn feelings for these books because not only was I reading a lot, but I started emulating Junie's personality. If you haven't read the books, Junie B. Jones is a sassy first grader, always getting into trouble. When I was younger, I was very shy, a complete opposite of Junie. Acting like Junie B. Jones made me feel powerful and sassy, as though I was a rebel (since all innocent little kids strive to be trouble-makers.) I only acted like this at home, though, because I was so shy. I'm sure my mom did not appreciate the sudden attitude change. I realized this when I started to get sent to time out more often. Even though the book series does not directly affect me like that now, it did help to define who I am today. The books showed me that to stay out of trouble (and on your parent’s good side) it is best that you don’t talk-back and try to get attention by doing what you’re not supposed to. I just had to go through some trouble to find out, much like Junie B. Jones.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up with two older brothers influenced several interests of mine during my childhood. When I first became interested in Barbie, my brothers teased me and called me a little girl, which I took as an insult. Wanting to connect with my brothers, I got rid of all my Barbies and started racing toy cars and playing with action figures instead. Trying to be more like them, I grew up as a boy rather than a girl. Because of my desire to be able to relate to my brothers as they can to each other, I became more interested in Pokemon cards, Spiderman, Batman, GI Joe, and Dinosaurs, instead of Bratz, Barbies, and dolls. The only object that I held most dear would be one of my brother's blue blanket that he gave me when I would go into his room, terrified from a nightmare. Because of growing up in a tight family, I've grown to respect my brothers and follow their advice on how to become a better person. Through my brother's blue blanket, I have learned to be tough and speak for myself. It has been there for me when my brothers could not. Without that blue blanket by my side or my brothers guiding me, my views on life, relationships, and interests would be extremely different from how it is today.
ReplyDeleteIn "I Want a Wife" and "Girl" women roles are described similarily by having the same chores. In both pieces, the women have to do laundry and minding their manners. The women in each essay are strong women who do their duties without complaining. "I Want a Wife" is a more sarcastic piece because she asks,"Who wouldn't want a wife?" becuase of all the things wives do on a day to day basis without complaining. On the other hand, "Girl" is a woman who knows what has to be done and will get it done no matter what. She tries to teach a girl to be that kind of woman because that is what is expected of her. Brady includes details about how she is a wife as her opening statement and then throughout the essay, she describes how she wants her wife to be. By doing this, the reader can gather how frustrated she has become with her daily routines and how much she puts up with doing. Kincaid is moreso teaching than complaining. She is teaching a younger girl how to assume the roles of a woman and better yet a wife. She teaches her things like "this is how you set the table for breakfast". Kincaid sort of cherishes what the woman role is in a family and wants to make sure that girls who grow up, grow up to be women of excellence.
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ReplyDeleteSince I’m a guy and grew up in the mid 90’s, it’s quite obvious that “The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” played a big part in shaping my childhood. Being a young kid, bored on Saturday mornings, I was its prime demographic; I was a sucker for its action-packed, fist-flying crappy humor and hairdos. I remember being so excited when I got the Green Ranger action-figure; he was the coolest, hands down. I would take him to daycare and he could kick the pants off any other kid’s action figure that stood in the way. We were a team. And then I saw the movie. My life was changed. It was/is amazing. Sparks and explosions (instead of blood, keep in mind it’s a kid’s show) would fly from the enemy’s gut whenever the Power Rangers would strike them down with their swift judo chops; Ivan Ooze, Goldar, and Lord Zedd didn’t even stand a chance against me and the other Rangers. Or that’s how I saw it. I’d run around kicking and karate chopping, hoping the baddies would blow up. But alas, it was never meant to be. I would never fight crime side-by-side with Trini, the Asian Yellow Ranger, and Zack, the African-American Black Ranger, (I still think they did that on purpose). I would never jump into the cockpit of a Dinozord and wreak havoc upon the evil scum that threatened the pitifully obvious cardboard city of Angel Grove, California.
But what I believe I’m trying to say is that for a young boy, something fun and action-packed like the Power Rangers is crucial to a strong development. At a young age, boys are naturally rowdy. Whenever a young boy picks up a stick, what’s the first thing he does? He starts swinging it around like a sword. I believe that rambunctious mindset is a natural thing and denounce any of the controversy that Power Rangers was too violent. It was awesome. Each episode would show the good guys fighting the bad guys, showing that you have to stand up for what you believe in. If I remember correctly, every episode had somewhat of a cheesy “moral of the story” deal at the end. Without quality TV shows and action figures like the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” I know I wouldn’t be the same kid I am today.
These responses provide another window into the AP Lang Community. Looking forward to discussion with you over the next few days...even more, your division/analysis modes pieces should be a rich.
ReplyDeleteLWeaver
For those who have lived in Augusta for the majority of their lives, it comes as no surprise that this town has blossomed into a city. The once empty plots of land are now filled, and the old buildings replaced with new, sophisticated ones. Located near the old Target a restaurant by the name of Panera can be found sitting perched atop a hill among other businesses, but what was on this land before all of that existed? A two-story building, complete with basketball court, free popcorn, and shoes invading every crevice filled the plot of land. The name of this store was Foot Locker. This shoe store was probably my favorite place to go to as a child, for my sister and I both found ways to entertain ourselves while we waited for our dad to pick out a pair of sneakers. Shortly after we had discovered this cove of wonder, I started to play soccer at the YMCA (Yes, all great players have to start somewhere). My father thought it would be best to look for shoes at Foot Locker first, and then move on to the Sports Authority if a pair could not be found. My dad, sister, and I left the house in a red Jeep Cherokee and drove down to the Foot Locker. We unbuckled and got out of the car, and were soon looking at the myriad of shoes that were waiting inside. My father browsed the children’s area for soccer cleats, but was disappointed with the selection. He then looked over the women’s section, but was again displeased. As he moved over to the men’s section the look for cleats (My feet were big enough to wear the smallest men’s size), a feeling of anxiety filled my body. I don’t know what had come over me, but the fact that my dad was about to buy me boys’ shoes was absolutely appalling. I absolutely threw a temper fit in the middle of Foot Locker that day. My dad wouldn’t leave until I picked out a pair of cleats, and they had to be men’s shoes. I picked out a decent pair, but refused to look at them until I got home. I didn’t even take them out of the package. The faux-leather bound cleats disgusted me. I wanted to play soccer, but not in shoes that were made for men! My father later told me that it did not matter who the shoes were made for, as long as they were comfortable and they worked; I’ve been wearing men’s cleats ever since.
ReplyDeleteCaroline: I like that you used the Junie B. Jones books as your cultural artifact because I absolutely loved those books. I used to really enjoy reading when I was younger, and those books were my favorite. You did a good job of shaping those books into your life, and i can relate. I used to try to act like her too, and my mom did not like it one bit.
ReplyDeleteMarie: I had a blankie too, but I had two, a pink one and a white one. I had to sleep with them every night and rub the edges to help me go to sleep. I also demanded on carrying them with me everywhere I go. When I was 3, we went to Disney World, and I left my pink blankie, which was my favorite, on a ride. It was so tragic to me, but I got a new one, which made the situation better.
Tatum - I exceptionally like yours because you incorporate a relationship in your own family into the situation of the assignment. And that relationship, to everyone, is a PERFECT relationship. Everybody wants true love like that, I only hope the best for the both of them in years to come. Be thankful that your parents have that kind of a relationship. It's hard to find.
ReplyDeleteMarie - I liked yours because you used the mode "description" in your words, and your structure. It was great. I've been skimming through all classes, but this one I had to take my time to read. Great use of words.
Jacob - I liked yours because of the humor you incorporated into it. I had a few giggles. I also liked how you said that have something action-packed in a boy's childhood is crucial to a strong development. Great statement right there.
Great posts 4th Period.
Taylor: I really like how you used your mother as your cultural artifact. I agree that my mom is also the person that shaped my views and helped me become the person I am today. She also taught me several of the lessons that yours taught you and I really respect the amount of appreciation you have for her.
ReplyDeleteKajal: You stated that Brady "depicts the "wife" as a slave. By doing this i feel like she is showing how men do not appreciate the full value of their wives and how much wives do for them and the household." I agree with this statement and I like your discovery of women portrayed as slaves.
Sharon: Like you, I also changed some of my likes and the activities that I did because of my siblings. However, instead of brothers, I have two sisters, but they influenced me because I always wanted to be just like them and to do exactly what they did. They shaped me and taught me to strive because they were always so much ahead of me. They helped make me the person I am today because they taught me everything I needed to know, just like your brothers.
Sharon- I totally understand how having brothers can influence your interests in every way. Even though I did not have any brothers, but two sisters, we also strayed away from Bratz and Dolls and makeup for The Lord of The Rings and Star Wars and many other movies that were considered boy movies. Being with the guys was more fun than playing dress up with other girls. I guess it was because my father always wanted boys and my mother didnt want us to be victimized, so they let us indulge in more masculine things like martial arts so we knew how to fight and defend ourselves against members of both sexes.
ReplyDeleteAustin- I also grew up idolizing super hero's and those who defended the general public from seemingly impending doom. I believe that is where my interest in the military arose. Superman is what's up!
Jacob, I enjoyed the humor of your response. I also think that the innocent and energetic tone perfectly captures the perspective of a young kid. I also like how you transition into a more mature tone when you reflect on the flaws of the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”.
ReplyDeleteTaylor, I like how your mother was the person that influenced you. I also find the life lessons that she taught you to be very meaningful. However, I personally disagree with the warning that people will hurt you in a heartbeat if it is beneficial to them; I believe that people aren’t inherently evil, and that most people would not hurt others for selfish gain.
Avery, I like how you present the doll as both perfect and imperfect at the same time. I also like how the doll taught you both a negative and a positive lesson. Your essay is full of contradictions! It’s awesome!
Taylor- I like how you used your mother as your cultural artifact. I love how much you appreciate your mother, and while reading yours it made me remember how much i appreciate my mother and in general how much she does for me. I like how you incorporated life lessons in yours even if i didn't agree to all of them, such as people will leave in a heartbeat.
ReplyDeleteSharon- I like how you were influenced by your big brothers and even changed your likes and dislikes. It makes me think back to my family,but we are the opposite. We have a baby brother and two sisters, which i am the oldest. Your story connects to me because it reminds me of how my brother sometimes felt left out as he is the youngest and tries to join into mine and my sisters conversations. Just like you, we adapted to our brother, we adapted to my brother so he wouldn't feel left out. We didn't change our likes and dislikes, but rather tried to incorporate him more, such as playing basketball with him instead of going to the mall.
Michael-Like you, I also grew up surrounded by stories of heroic knights, a side effect of having a college history professor as a father. Therefore, I agree with the things you said about looking up to the majestic armor-clad medieval knights. Their codes of chivalry and honor appeal to me because the knights are willing to lay down their lives for what they love and believe in, which I greatly respect. Your post was very similar to mine, both of our influences were determined, morally upright individuals that used their abilities for the benefit of others.
ReplyDeleteTaylor- I found your post very interesting as my mother also influenced me as I developed both intellectually and morally. Like you, my mother also taught me basic manners like saying “please” and “thank you,” as well as calling my elders “ma’am” and “sir.” I was punished whenever I forgot to use these manners, and so they became rigidly enforced in our home. This reinforcement made me learn to respect my elders, even if I believe they are wrong.
Natasha- It is really funny that you carried around a miniature first aid kit, but more importantly, I like the impact it gave you. You show exactly how a single object can influence your choices now and for the future. You gained a sense of respect and understanding for doctors from a simple play toy.
ReplyDeleteSharon- I really like how you used the description mode to portray the emotion behind your brother's blue blanket. It is interesting to know that you relate courage and strength to an object that helped you through childhood, and how it influenced your interests and ideas on life.
Dana- I like how you incorporated the word "expected" in your answer. Both women are expected to do certain duties and be a certain person. The way you describe each narrator's point of view and tone contrasts the husband taking a wife for granted and a mother harshly instilling her views in her child in order for her to be perfect.
Marie: I loved your story about your blanket. Not only was the content emotional and, well, adorable since it was a kid story, but the way you wrote it was captivating. The way you analyzed what blankie meant to you was very meaningful and heartwarming. I also like how the replacement of your blanket shows you maturing since your blanket will always have an effect on you, but as you grow up what is important changes, which explains your attachment to Evan's sweatshirt.
ReplyDeleteAna: Since I haven't lived in Augusta my whole life, I really liked your story about the old Foot Locker. I loved how that one trip and store has had a lasting effect on you and still defines who you are today.
Tatum: I loved the way you approached your response. Describing your perfect future made me want to keep reading and see what else your dream life would contain. I think your parents relationship is perfect and I think it's inspiring their relationship has affected you so much.Their romance is the dream relationship for most people, and even just reading about it made me happy for them.
Dana- I like how you said that in “Girl” Kincaid shows what is expected from a woman. Kincaid is not simply stating all the jobs and roles a woman plays. Rather, she is showing what expectations are placed on women by society. Women are expected to do so much. They are not asked, or even told, people just assume that the women will carry out all of these household duties.
ReplyDeleteTatum- I loved reading your post. It sounds like a wonderful, good old family and a sweet love story as well. It is really sweet to read about a happy home with parents and children who love each other. I really liked when you said, “They got married for love, not money, and in the end they were left with both.” The story of your parents, as well as your entire family, is touching and charming.
Marie- Yes! What a touching post! I too have a Blankie of my own. Although I have never distinguished whether it is a boy or girl, mine has gone through the same wear and tear like yours has experienced. I think it is sweet, first of all, that your Blankie is in a tight waterproof bag in your closet. Second of all, it is sweet that you now cuddle with Evan’s sweatshirt at night. It’s neat to see how things change over time going from that “baby” blanket to the sweatshirt of your boyfriend and how sentimental each one is to your life.
Austin--I have to agree that majority of the people that look up to Superman are nerds, but sadly enough I guess I am one of them. I agree with you on that regardless of his powers he had a weakness. It makes me think, if a superhero can have a weakness, why can't I? You just can't let the weakness take over and inhibit you from living your life.
ReplyDeleteCaroline-- While growing up I read the Junie B. Jones books as well. I understand how she's shaped you because as a child I was also very shy, I somewhat admired Junie B. Jones for doing all the things she did. I dreamed of having the courage to do those things, but by the end of the book we learned that there were consequences for her actions. So while I wasn't one to do some crazy things, I learned that every action I took would have either a positive or negative result.
Sharon – I totally understand how growing up with brothers feels like, except my brother is younger than I am. However, I also tried to do some same things as my brother, because I wanted the feeling of something in common with him. Through various activities and interests we shared, he has influenced me to be more open to new things.
ReplyDeleteTaylor – I really like how you chose to talk about your mother, because obviously it is our parents that primarily influence us. Our parents are always the people we can fall back on, who will accept us for who we are, and look over every mistake we do no matter how bad they are. The morals, values, and lessons we think of are the ones that our parents have instilled in us, and they are what we will always think back on.
Austin, I am completely amazed by how much you learned from a super hero. I really liked how you displayed all of his strengths and weaknesses. Even though you knew his weaknesses, you still had a lot of respect for him. You looked up to Superman like how I looked up to my brothers.You saw him as a role model more than some cartoon and took his actions more seriously than some mere tv show.
ReplyDeleteNatasha, I really liked your story about doctors and how they influenced you into becoming a doctor yourself. Because of a tiny first aid kit, you tend to see doctors as indestructible people and automatically respect them. Just like you, when I see a doctor I admire them because I view them as the people who saves lives. I absolutely loved reading your post.
Natasha, even as a young child, you knew exactly what your goal in life was, which is to become a doctor. I find it inspiring that a "plastic box" gave you dreams to go further than just pretending. I also agree that any elder who wears a white coat has earned the right to do so, and one day others will look up to you!
ReplyDeleteJacob, okay, you know I loved your post. You used "The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" to symbolize all of the rambunctious behaviors of boys, but what about the girls The Pink Power Ranger would have totally kicked your Green Ranger's butt. Nonetheless, I liked how you used the television show to represent what it was like to watch cheesy episodes as a kid, but also how they affected you later in life.
Ana- I loved the post about the foot locker! i had forgotten that was ever there. I bought my favorite pair of shoes ever in that store. Purple and super comfy... And if I remember correctly we played on our first YMCA soccer team together!
ReplyDeleteTatum, Taylor, Sharon, and everyone else who wrote about a relationship- I liked all of your posts a lot! Some may argue that objectifying such a defining force in who you become as a "cultural artifact" is demeaning, but i liked how you took the meaning of a cultural artifact as anything that has influenced your life, even if it wasn't necessarily tangible. I also agree that relationships are probably one of the most influential things in everyone's life.
Natasha- I think that your whole story is quite admirable. Most little kids change what they want to do when they grow up every year. YOu are an exception, and working toward such a prestigious goal is admirable!
Sharon- I love the fact that you look up to your brothers. It is funny that you would get rid of your barbies and got race cars. I am also the youngest in my family and I know how it is to look up to an older sibling and want to be just like them. I always bugged my older sister by always wanting the same things as her. Wanting to be like an older sibling is normal to a younger sibling because as children, we look up to them as if they are the world.
ReplyDeleteNatasha- Your first aid kit is the cutest thing I have ever heard in my life. It is crazy that you used to carry it around and now you aspire to be a doctor. It is amazing how a simple toy can mean so much to a child. I love the fact that you loved the toy so much because your father gave it to you. It shows how much you admired him and to this day how you still admire him becuase this memory is so vivid to you.
Avery- I like your post because I feel like I kind actually relate to it somewhat. My sister was really into American Girl dolls there for a while so I know what you’re talking about. But I like the fact that you used those dolls as your example because they are as far away as a Barbie as you can get, in terms of them wearing modest attire and looking eerily realistic.
ReplyDeleteDylan- I like yours because I was also a fan of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. I admire that you pulled so much from that show and can apply it now, however many years later.
Ana- False: Green > Pink .
Both stories analyze women’s traditional roles and express frustration in the stereotype that they are expected to meet. Although Brady’s perspective is of a wife and Kincaid’s of a daughter, they are both overwhelmed with the expectations to be classy, conservative, sophisticated, and to properly assume their feminine roles in both home and society. By writing her story as one long sentence, Kincaid achieves a sense of chaos and stress over her everyday chores and her constant requirement to think about what would be acceptable by her mother’s standards for her to do. One element of “I Want a Wife” that stood out was the incorporation of the image of the wife ironing when she thinks about the issue, which allows one to both visualize and understand the frustration that the wife is feeling and expressing as she does what is anticipated of her. By placing only one sentence and one comment in italics, Kincaid conveys her personal objections to her mother’s advice; Since there are only two sentences that represent her own thoughts in the story, one can conclude that she does not seem to get any say in how she actually lives her life. The repetition of the directions about how to “sweep,” “smile,” and “set a table” in Kincaid’s story suggest that, not only is she expected to act in certain ways, she is expected to do these things in the appropriate manner for the designated circumstance. Both Kincaid and Brady’s characters are portrayed to be a sort of robot or “Superwoman,” representing an object or an adjective more so than a person. The title of Brady’s story being “I Want a Wife” reminds me of someone saying, “I want a car,” “I want a house,” or “I want shoes.” The reason that people want things is because they are thinking about how that object can benefit them and the fact that Brady’s story addresses the thought of simply “a wife” supports that a wife is wanted for a stereotypical reason and is considered an object -- this want is not out of love for some one in particular, it is a desire for some thing: the waiting on your hand and foot and tending to your every desire and need. Kincaid, however, is collectively expected to be the kind of woman who the baker will let near the bread -- classy, clean, and not a slut. Both Kincaid and Brady also achieve a sense of mockery -- Kincaid in the fast-paced and clumped together thoughts and Brady by imitating and repeating the phrase “I want a wife.”
ReplyDeleteSharon- Your post really spoke to me because that is something that I can relate to. I have two older brothers and no sisters and I know that I personally looked up to my brothers as my role models. The reason that I like certain masculine things today are because of them.
ReplyDeleteCaroline- I like your post about reading Junie B. Jones books because I too read them. I had an experience similar to yours, only my influence was the TV show Lizzie McGuire. I thought that Kate's catty attitude was the way to become popular.