Aside from the fact that I am slightly annoyed by the diction in this novel, I am surprisingly developing an interest and understanding of the work. It took me about two days of reading and re-reading to understand what the “feed” was and why these people were visiting the moon. My brain was literally exhausted after the first two chapters.
I came to the conclusion that Anderson uses the "feed" and the setting between moon and earth to portray a futuristic possibility of the consumers market to gain full control and priority of the human mind. The characters rely on this device because not only does it control how they communicate and interact with one another, it also controls their bodily functions, mental development, and mental capacities.
This makes perfect sense. Anderson is suggesting the the consumers market's current influence on us will become a dictation rather than a choice. What I meam by that is that by the "feed" being implanted in the character they no longer have a choice to manage or control how much the comsumers market influences them. In turn they are governed by and limited to the authority of the feed.
I love Violet. Violet was not implanted with the feed until she was seven years old. This implies the that resistance to being lured in is possible, but ultimately inevitable.
Violet also comes from a lower class family. I interpreted this as the lower class' inability to be lured by material things in which they often desire but put little value in. Because majority of the population is implanted with the feed I assume that it is representative of their desires for higher socio-economic status obtained through their surrender to the consumerist lifestyle.
Ultimately, the feed is portrayed as the consumers market's disregard to humanity and endeavors to exploit them for capital gain.
Somehow, I've developed this love-hate relationship with this book. It has this push/pull effect where I'm simutaneously annoyed by the characters and captivated by the concepts.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Monday, October 27, 2014
Gender Rolesin Harriet the Spy
Notions of gender roles are blatantly challenged in Harriet the Spy. The characters seem to oppose stereotypes of what readers are conditioned to expect of them. Harriet is indeed an interesting character. We are first introduced to her on the playground where she is teaching Sport to pay her game. Although Sport would much rather play ball it is pretty much Harriet's way or no way. The female character takes control, Sport is compliant.
As the children are creating their characters for the city, better yet Harriet's city, the ideals of their characters seem to be switched. Sport, the boy, imagines a peaceful and coherent atmosphere where the characters live happily amongst one another. He also envisions a son who cooks and plays football. On the other hand Harriet is repulsed by Sport's lack of creativity and placid dreams. Harriet's vision is inclusive of violence, deformity, and everything less the than princess fairytale that I was expecting.
In the scene where Ole Golly finds Harriet and Sport in the mud, I immediately noticed that Ole Golly was only concerned with Harriet being in the mud. In a way this correlates to the article that criticizes the didacticism of children's literature. The adults establish the decorum in which the children should follow. It is okay for Sport to play in the mud, presumably because he is a boy, but not Harriet.
In the scene where Ole Golly finds Harriet and Sport in the mud, I immediately noticed that Ole Golly was only concerned with Harriet being in the mud. In a way this correlates to the article that criticizes the didacticism of children's literature. The adults establish the decorum in which the children should follow. It is okay for Sport to play in the mud, presumably because he is a boy, but not Harriet.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Kim
The more I read this book the more puzzled I am. Generally speaking, the story line parallels to the movie, but there are many small insights in the book that further complicates the story.
As an orphan, Kim's role in the book would easily be presumed as helpless or powerless. The role of an orphan child subjects the character to rely on some other means for guidance and discipline usually resulting in heteronomy.
What's interesting about Kim's is that he is the exception to the typical orphan child. Kim uses the loss of his parents, while it may be tragic for him deep down inside, as an opportunity for autonomy. He is empowered by free will. He incurs authoritarian relationships with characters like Muhab Ali, the Lama, and Lungar, amongst many others. These relationships, although close to parental, are not taken seriously by Kim.
The Lama is dependent upon Kim as a child would be dependent upon his parent. The Lama relies on Kim for companionship, food, shelter, and overall survival. Muhab Ali relies on Kim for prophets and to spy and carry messages. In return he rewards him with food, shelter, and money but there is never a parental relationship that suggest that Kim's welfare is of his greatest concern.
I understand that Kim is supposed to portray the resilient and defiant orphaned child but we are constantly reminded that he is indeed a child. The loss of his parents leave him with a lack of sense of identity in search of a purpose and in need of guidance.
At this point, Lurgan seems to be the most profound relationship that Kim has encountered. Lurgan has the greatest influence over Kim in a manner that, unbeknownst to Kim himself, he is preparing him to be self sufficient while conscious and trusting of his instincts and own knowledge.
My point is that the relationships that Kim has encountered thus far are rewarding, although some not as much as others, to his development and education. I would predict that Kim's future endeavors will result in his triumph if he can find, and learn to absorb knowledge and wisdom instead of always being responsible to provide it.
I hope that made sense.
As an orphan, Kim's role in the book would easily be presumed as helpless or powerless. The role of an orphan child subjects the character to rely on some other means for guidance and discipline usually resulting in heteronomy.
What's interesting about Kim's is that he is the exception to the typical orphan child. Kim uses the loss of his parents, while it may be tragic for him deep down inside, as an opportunity for autonomy. He is empowered by free will. He incurs authoritarian relationships with characters like Muhab Ali, the Lama, and Lungar, amongst many others. These relationships, although close to parental, are not taken seriously by Kim.
The Lama is dependent upon Kim as a child would be dependent upon his parent. The Lama relies on Kim for companionship, food, shelter, and overall survival. Muhab Ali relies on Kim for prophets and to spy and carry messages. In return he rewards him with food, shelter, and money but there is never a parental relationship that suggest that Kim's welfare is of his greatest concern.
I understand that Kim is supposed to portray the resilient and defiant orphaned child but we are constantly reminded that he is indeed a child. The loss of his parents leave him with a lack of sense of identity in search of a purpose and in need of guidance.
At this point, Lurgan seems to be the most profound relationship that Kim has encountered. Lurgan has the greatest influence over Kim in a manner that, unbeknownst to Kim himself, he is preparing him to be self sufficient while conscious and trusting of his instincts and own knowledge.
My point is that the relationships that Kim has encountered thus far are rewarding, although some not as much as others, to his development and education. I would predict that Kim's future endeavors will result in his triumph if he can find, and learn to absorb knowledge and wisdom instead of always being responsible to provide it.
I hope that made sense.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Kim
Very seldom do I turn on my television to watch anything other than the daily news. Just before I sat down to began the assigned reading, I was scrolling through the television guide and, coincidentally, Kim was playing. Lucky me! Let me first note that I had not opened the book prior to seeing the movie. I tuned in after about 15 minutes into the movie because I was experiencing overwhelming emotions of excitement and anxiety, while trying to be sure that I was watching the right movie.
I must first say that, had I not watched the movie first, there is no way I would have made it past the first page of this book. The reading is not the most difficult text I have read but, an unfamiliarity with the language and culture makes it an intimidating read.
Much to my surprise, Kim was very much engaging to say the least. From the very beginning I was most intrigued by how Kim identifies himself. Obviously, this boy is far beyond his years. The absence of his parents leaves him with no choice but to grow up quick. Despite the absence of his biological parents, he encounters many parental-like relationships that contribute to his Bildungsroman.
When Kim and Lama set out for their journey to find the river, the lama is startled by the train. Kim looks at him, a man of many years his senior, and says something like, "Don't be afraid, because when I was a child I was afraid too". He puts himself in the position of an adult. Later, the lama sends Kim off to school, which he is very much displeased. He spends a great deal of time trying to finesse his way out out going. Kim tells the lama that he is already wise and does not need an education. When he arrives to the school, Xavier, he reacts as if the teachings and ways are an insult to his intelligence. For a great portion of his life he's become accustomed to a lifestyle of freedom that is hindered by schooling. I don't want to give too many examples since the film exposed me beyond our readings.
It took me a long while to understand what appeal this novel might have to children, or how this story would classify as children's literature. Through a very small scope, Kim lives a very fascinating life. There are too many dense details and events that distract us from realizing that Kim is a real-life spy!
I must first say that, had I not watched the movie first, there is no way I would have made it past the first page of this book. The reading is not the most difficult text I have read but, an unfamiliarity with the language and culture makes it an intimidating read.
Much to my surprise, Kim was very much engaging to say the least. From the very beginning I was most intrigued by how Kim identifies himself. Obviously, this boy is far beyond his years. The absence of his parents leaves him with no choice but to grow up quick. Despite the absence of his biological parents, he encounters many parental-like relationships that contribute to his Bildungsroman.
When Kim and Lama set out for their journey to find the river, the lama is startled by the train. Kim looks at him, a man of many years his senior, and says something like, "Don't be afraid, because when I was a child I was afraid too". He puts himself in the position of an adult. Later, the lama sends Kim off to school, which he is very much displeased. He spends a great deal of time trying to finesse his way out out going. Kim tells the lama that he is already wise and does not need an education. When he arrives to the school, Xavier, he reacts as if the teachings and ways are an insult to his intelligence. For a great portion of his life he's become accustomed to a lifestyle of freedom that is hindered by schooling. I don't want to give too many examples since the film exposed me beyond our readings.
It took me a long while to understand what appeal this novel might have to children, or how this story would classify as children's literature. Through a very small scope, Kim lives a very fascinating life. There are too many dense details and events that distract us from realizing that Kim is a real-life spy!
Monday, September 15, 2014
Never Judge a Book by it's Cover: Black Beauty
I am, unapologetically, the person who judges a book by its cover. As a child, I was never fond of the horses and ponies, butterflies, or mermaids so you can guess that I have never picked up a copy of Black Beauty. My initial stance on the book was that it would be another fairytale story with some lesson of challenging the "ideals" of beauty or something along those lines. I was reluctant to open the novel, fearing that my dislike for those adolescent fairy tales and love stories would be upon me. I was wrong.
Before opening the book I read a short synopsis online. Much to my surprise, this is exactly the type of book I would have read as a child. Although I am only less than halfway through the novel, I can see how this novel, in addition to depicting animal welfare, parallels to slavery.
The book is written in first person in the form of a memoir of a horse named Black Beauty. As a young colt, similar to a young slave, Beauty recalls his blithe and pleasant days with his mother and master. The turning point occurs just as he is old enough to fend for himself and no longer depends solely on his mother's nourishment and nurturing. He is then drawn into a the labor force, which would parallel slave children becoming of age to work.
I am, not one bit, surprised that this book was not intended for children. It's actually one of those books my mother so desperately tried to shield me from as child. Although the
novel explores a plethora of morals, lessons, and themes like kindness ,loyalty, fair treatment, and quest for freedom, it also explores a series of abuse and misfortune. It can easily provoke a series emotions like empathy, happiness, and even anger. Looking at the story from either perspective of animal cruelty or slavery, the vivid and harsh treatment of these horses, like "bearing rein" and abuse becomes almost unbearable to read.
I constantly find myself in a constant change of emotions. I've connected to the characters, Beauty and Ginger especially, so much that I can't break myself away from their emotional triumphs and traumas. Ginger, for instance, is the horse who experiences much adversity and mishap. Throughout the story I find myself constantly defending her by justifying any unpleasant or rebellious behavior as a direct result of repressed trauma.
Basically, I'm an emotional wreck because I care too much for these horses I thought I would care nothing for.
I am very much looking foward to finishing to this book. I actually regret not reading it as a child.
Before opening the book I read a short synopsis online. Much to my surprise, this is exactly the type of book I would have read as a child. Although I am only less than halfway through the novel, I can see how this novel, in addition to depicting animal welfare, parallels to slavery.
The book is written in first person in the form of a memoir of a horse named Black Beauty. As a young colt, similar to a young slave, Beauty recalls his blithe and pleasant days with his mother and master. The turning point occurs just as he is old enough to fend for himself and no longer depends solely on his mother's nourishment and nurturing. He is then drawn into a the labor force, which would parallel slave children becoming of age to work.
I am, not one bit, surprised that this book was not intended for children. It's actually one of those books my mother so desperately tried to shield me from as child. Although the
novel explores a plethora of morals, lessons, and themes like kindness ,loyalty, fair treatment, and quest for freedom, it also explores a series of abuse and misfortune. It can easily provoke a series emotions like empathy, happiness, and even anger. Looking at the story from either perspective of animal cruelty or slavery, the vivid and harsh treatment of these horses, like "bearing rein" and abuse becomes almost unbearable to read.
I constantly find myself in a constant change of emotions. I've connected to the characters, Beauty and Ginger especially, so much that I can't break myself away from their emotional triumphs and traumas. Ginger, for instance, is the horse who experiences much adversity and mishap. Throughout the story I find myself constantly defending her by justifying any unpleasant or rebellious behavior as a direct result of repressed trauma.
Basically, I'm an emotional wreck because I care too much for these horses I thought I would care nothing for.
I am very much looking foward to finishing to this book. I actually regret not reading it as a child.
Monday, September 8, 2014
The Outside World (post #1)
When I was a young child my grandmother would spend countless hours telling stories to my sister and me about the "olden days". Though our young minds were not experienced or developed enough to completely comprehend the significance or relevance of her stories, we would sit there, quietly, as she reminisced through her own childhood memories.
My grandmother was born in 1940, just shortly after the peak of the Great Depression. She would tell us stories mostly about her mother, and very few of her nine siblings. At a young age she was forced to drop out of school and help take care of her siblings, being the eldest, while her mother and father searched for work. At the time, some of the stories seemed a bit exaggerated and even insuperable. Every time we would complain about not wanting to finish our food, the clothes that my mother had chosen for us, or even about having too much homework after school, my grandmother would scold us for being ungrateful for the material things and opportunities that she and her siblings had not had the same privileges of.
Of all the many things my sister and I complained about, being bored was the one thing my grandmother would never tolerate. She would tell us how children in her days had to work or help out around the house and could only wish for days off or time to spare for the extra-curricular activities that we would so often took for granted. She often reminded us how privileged we were to be sheltered from the misfortune and adversity that existed in the "outside world".
Sometime around 7th or 8th grade my teacher had assigned Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Thomas, as a class reading assignment. Although I have not read the book since, I can remember being amazed at how parts of the story validated those of my grandmother. There's an 8 or 10 year-old boy forced by circumstances to take on, what were then to me, "adult responsibilities". Poverty stricken, this young boy has courageously ran away from foster care in search of economic stability and his alleged father where he must fend for himself to survive.
This book changed my life, my way of thinking, and ultimately sparked my keen interest in African American non-fiction. This novel exposes children not only to historical backgrounds and events, but also brings forth important concepts and realities like poverty, racism, independence, misfortune, abandonment, deceit, socioeconomic structure, and most importantly perseverance, all through a child's perspective. These are just few concepts I can remember, although I am sure that this list is not complete. (Please be mindful that I have not read the book in years!)
As I grow older, it becomes easier for me to understand the relevance of that novel as well as my grandmother's stories. What I think I couldn't see when I was younger is that these issues are realistic. This piece of literature is crucial to African American children especially, but by no means limited too, in the essence that it addresses real life circumstances. It also provide that sense "light at the end of the tunnel" for troubled children and a humbling experience for others. The little boy experiences the loss of his mother, rejection from his father, orphanage, loneliness, support and inspiration from complete strangers, and triumph all in one lifetime.
There are so many crucial themes in this story that contribute to the development of children. What makes this novel most important for me is that it explores all of these themes from the voice of a child enhancing the child's relation to the text.
My grandmother was born in 1940, just shortly after the peak of the Great Depression. She would tell us stories mostly about her mother, and very few of her nine siblings. At a young age she was forced to drop out of school and help take care of her siblings, being the eldest, while her mother and father searched for work. At the time, some of the stories seemed a bit exaggerated and even insuperable. Every time we would complain about not wanting to finish our food, the clothes that my mother had chosen for us, or even about having too much homework after school, my grandmother would scold us for being ungrateful for the material things and opportunities that she and her siblings had not had the same privileges of.
Of all the many things my sister and I complained about, being bored was the one thing my grandmother would never tolerate. She would tell us how children in her days had to work or help out around the house and could only wish for days off or time to spare for the extra-curricular activities that we would so often took for granted. She often reminded us how privileged we were to be sheltered from the misfortune and adversity that existed in the "outside world".
Sometime around 7th or 8th grade my teacher had assigned Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Thomas, as a class reading assignment. Although I have not read the book since, I can remember being amazed at how parts of the story validated those of my grandmother. There's an 8 or 10 year-old boy forced by circumstances to take on, what were then to me, "adult responsibilities". Poverty stricken, this young boy has courageously ran away from foster care in search of economic stability and his alleged father where he must fend for himself to survive.
This book changed my life, my way of thinking, and ultimately sparked my keen interest in African American non-fiction. This novel exposes children not only to historical backgrounds and events, but also brings forth important concepts and realities like poverty, racism, independence, misfortune, abandonment, deceit, socioeconomic structure, and most importantly perseverance, all through a child's perspective. These are just few concepts I can remember, although I am sure that this list is not complete. (Please be mindful that I have not read the book in years!)
As I grow older, it becomes easier for me to understand the relevance of that novel as well as my grandmother's stories. What I think I couldn't see when I was younger is that these issues are realistic. This piece of literature is crucial to African American children especially, but by no means limited too, in the essence that it addresses real life circumstances. It also provide that sense "light at the end of the tunnel" for troubled children and a humbling experience for others. The little boy experiences the loss of his mother, rejection from his father, orphanage, loneliness, support and inspiration from complete strangers, and triumph all in one lifetime.
There are so many crucial themes in this story that contribute to the development of children. What makes this novel most important for me is that it explores all of these themes from the voice of a child enhancing the child's relation to the text.
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