The Last Meeting

I saw Jessie today in passing in the Bluu and I must admit it was rather bittersweet. She has taught me so much this semester about what it means to really be different. I've always had the notion that I was different. Not in a unique, special kind-of-way but in a negative one. She taught me what it's like to be truly different, foreign and how to deal. She handled everything with such optimism and poise. I know that she will do fabulously on her exams and I hope she knows just how much she means to me. This project was huge for me. I had to be selfless, I had to stick to a plan, I had to be a friend with my actions first then my words second. This has been an extremely valuable lesson in all aspects. Thank you Dr. Williams for teaching me what can't be said in books: compassion.

Hold Up, No She Didn't

This week Jessie and I didn't get to meet because of our crazy busy schedules. As fate would have it, we still got to see each other, even though it wasn't the best of situations.

I saw Jessie while I was on a quick run. I had dropped my ID card and luckily no one had picked it up. I say this because if I hadn't dropped my card, I wouldn't have been on that part of the path. I then see Jessie, in the middle of the road by the physical plant, crying, and then she almost got hit by a car.

"JESSIE GET OUT OF THE ROAD!' I yelled. She came over and this is apparently what had happened:

While in her international class one of the other girls (name and nationality removed for privacy reasons, but the girl wasn't chinese) pulled Jessie's hair. In China that's a huge insult. The equivalent of calling someone a poisonous b****.

Let me just say that Jessie is one of the sweetest women I've ever met and would never do anything to offend anyone on purpose.

Jessie then talked about how hard it was to be in a foreign culture for so long. It's surprising to hear considering how optimistic and fun loving Jessie has been all year. I talked her down, explaining how I was sorry and just tried to calm the poor girl down. I've had my more than fair share of mean girls to deal with.

Makes me wonder, did the other girl know how upsetting that small action was or was she innocent? Are we giving those who aren't from our culture too much credit?

Just for laughs...

BaileyDailey

So, these are just images I've found on StumbleUpon.com. What is StumbleUpon.com? It's a totally addicting website that basically drains all of your time. Go join. Enjoy!

Hills like Elephants

First, the analogy for the hills of northeastern Spain in the valley of river Ebro as white elephants is beautiful. The connection between the purity and uniqueness of a white elephant and the infant growing inside of the American woman, Jig, astounds me. Yes, I had help from my BFF SparkNotes but still I love it.

The need for drinking in order to bring about a difficult topic is so typical of Hemingway. To be honest, I'm a little sick of the need to assert his masculinity through such trivial means such as guns, alcohol, and sex. There are more to a man than these things yet, he overuses these symbols despite his literary genius.

Next, the setting of the railroad is fabulous with the comparison to the couple traveling but in two different directions. The suitcases and their multiple stickers are representative of the lifestyle the couple shares and how that could all come to an end if she doesn't go through with the abortion.

Finally, the slow descent into role reversal is humorous to watch. I can honestly say I didn't see that one coming and it was nice to be pleasantly surprised for once. 

The following is a sarcastic letter to Hemingway. Please disregard if you have no wishes for my personal opinions. I did this so that I would not push my own political views tomorrow in class. 

Dear Ernest Hemingway,

Please release my heart with the last piece we read for class. Stop traveling and allow my heart to come back to me because you've completely stolen it.


Thank you so much for portraying her in a completely passive role and depicting her as somewhat insane and mad from her love affair to her boyfriend. I just love how she is completely infatuated with this selfish and degrading man. Even though he attempts at redeem himself by retracting his wishes for her to go through with the abortion when he realizes she's mentally unstable, I just find him completely deplorable.

So typical of the time period Ernest, don't you think? Her groveling to appease a man because of the attention he gives her? Her need for validation from the love of a man? So fabulous.

Also, her determination to make things work while he continues to live whatever life he wants to live is just so perfect. I couldn't imagine a more desirable relationship. Especially because of her selflessness to get back to a "normal" relationship with this man.

No, she is not completely selfless you say? No, she is not. She still wants the relationship because of how it makes her feel in the end, yes, but she is the one who will sacrifice her body and future mental health for the whims and immaturity of a man.

Tata for now my love,

Bailey

I thought I was the one doing the interviews?

We ate with one of Jessie's friends who has already passed the English test today. She needed to interview an american about plastic surgery in younger generations. She was speaking about their use in terms of purely physical and non-medical. The woman was so well put together with her questions and did a great job at asking open-ended questions and letting me steer my answers. She wanted to know if I'd had friends who had these types of surgeries and what I thought of them. It was strange to be on the opposite side of the table so to speak and be the one answering questions rather than giving them. However, the woman did a great job, Chantelle I believe is her american name.

After that we talked about me and Jessie and how our relationship worked. Both Jackie and Chantelle found us slightly amusing as we communicate because it's definitely a dance of spelling, hand gestures, and mispronunciations. I don't mind at all, it's just interesting to watch someone else's reaction to our relationship. I'm still encouraging Jessie to practice hard for her upcoming test. I really want her to get out of the IFL program because I think she's ready for a "normal" classroom experience. She says she's nervous for the grammar portion and that the professor doesn't test them as hard as their actual test is. It also doesn't help that Jessie lost her flashdrive with the practice lectures on it and she can't get a new one. She's still borrowing a friends though and trying hard.

For the summer, Jessie will travel to L.A. before making a stop in South Korea and then back home to China. She won't work or anything, but rather enjoy herself with her family and friends. Something I truly hope to be able to do too.

More later.

B

ComMunicatE

Today's meeting was super quick. We were both in a hurry and didn't really have the time to meet. On top of that Jessie didn't have her phone. I kept texting her to try to meet slightly earlier but couldn't get ahold of her. Then I received a text back, from her boyfriend on her phone. Crazy. Turns out he had appendicitis and his phone ran out of battery. Jessie had given him hers so that he could still get in contact with everyone. Jessie and I ended up meeting up and you could just tell she was so worn out from the weeks events. Jackie had gone into the hospital Monday. He is coming home today and Jessie talked about taking care of him. She made it sound like she was looking forward to it, like it was an honor to take care of her sick boyfriend. Interesting cultural note. I told her that if she ever needed me she could email or text me and I would do my best. It's so hard to live in a foreign country, with foreign healthcare, and only public transportation or the rare friend with a car. I'm sorry it has to be so hard for her. I know that I would be just as exhausted and frustrated. On a happy note though, Jessie got a 108 on her last math exam. I know she's going to ace her English test, it has just gotten so much easier to speak with her. Today she was eating with a friend, Simon. Simon and Jessie continued to speak in Chinese until I put my foot down and told them only English. Funny to be the outsider in my country. It's not all about me, that's really what I learned today.

Welcome to the class, Billy Collins

So today's post is a bit of a review of my six poems I've chosen. In choosing these poems, I simply flipped through the book and let chance allow me to arrive upon a poem that struck my fancy. Not going to lie, I liked how short most of them appeared to be. I believe you should be able to get your point across in as few words as possible in order to be effective... which I'm not doing right now, so here we go:

History, page 6.

I like all of the underlying allusions and personification to events and of history. I also appreciate the bully of sir history at the idea that (gasp) someone might actually forget a major battle or English queen. Yes, history does weigh on us but we also tend to forget it and its impact on our lives.

The Dead, page 33.

The idea that the dead are looking down on us is somewhat comforting and scary, as portrayed here with their glass bottom boats they watch us through as they row through eternity. The analogy that life is like just one day and that in "a warm afternoon" we might close our eyes and join them is powerful. Or perhaps it means that we should not ponder them, but rather let them watch over us and only revere them when their memories pass through out minds?

Vade Mecum, page 36.

Vade mecum means handbook in Latin, or "go with me." I like that someone would know they are simply about to be just another page in someones book of life and that they would like to have the respect of a level table and sharp scissors for such an event. These four lines are just a perfect representation of how it feels when someone is leaving your life. You want it to be clean and easy, yet the pain is understood because of the event.

Budapest, page 69.

I picked this one simply because of the title and the fact that I will travel to Budapest this next summer. The humor of his arm being a strange animal with a mundane and monotonous mind of its own was comical and relatable, especially in the mind of a college student. It's pleasant and resolved that it will continue to participate in the same tasks, yet the imagination is what keeps you sane, or rather insane because is sanity truly so desirable?

Sonnet, page 146

Don't you just love irony? It's all encompassing, especially in a cheeky piece such as this. The references to other styles of poetry, history, and the epic love of Laura and Petrarch create yet another humorous poem that can be interpreted for face value or underscored as a finger pointing back to "norms."

Reading an Anthology of Chinese Poems of the Sung Dynasty, I Pause to Admire the Length and Clarity of Their Titles, page 136.

Wow, talk about knowing your audience. I really liked how he was able to point out that the titles of Chinese poetry may be long, but they act as a direct connection their poetry instead of a "confusingly inscribed welcome mat to puzzle over." Why must titles of poetry be so vague? I'm just as guilty of this when I write, but I appreciate the dual simplicity through longer language Collins references. It truly does create "a beaded curtain" to enter through and "sit down in a corner; cross my legs like his, and listen."

Can't wait to hear about all of ya'lls!

Hey, another Lecture!

Extra Credit: Is Rasta a Religion

            At first glance, Rastafarianism isn’t anywhere near a religion. While traditional Christian conservatives call for moderate dress, the absence of substances, and an end time prophesy, Rastafarianism is a radical opposite with dreadlocks, wisdom ganja, and an earthly heaven or hell. However, Rastafarianism is a religion by Ninian Smart’s seven dimensions and deserves more than a global head nod.

             As a previously ignorant removed bystander of Rastafarianism, I must preface this with saying that the easiest way for me to wrap my head around the ideas and theologies of the religion require me to compare the religion to Christianity. This is not to say that Rastafarianism is not as equally important, but more rather that they have parallel and incongruent themes.

            First, Rastafarianism places significance on Ethiopia for a multitude of reasons that include the independence of the nation from colonial power to divine appointment as stated in the Bible. For example, Exodus 3:1 states that an angel of the Lord appears to Moses on Mount Sinai and tells him to take his people out of Egypt. Upon doing so, references throughout the rest of the book have a greater African connotation than our traditional views of Mount Sinai being located in the Middle East. Exodus 4:18 references to going to see brothers in Egypt and in Exodus 18: 1-12 the Israelites rejoice from deliverance from the Egyptians. Could these references mean that the Israelites were meant to travel to Ethiopia rather than the Middle East? Ethiopia is referenced in the scholastically deemed Wisdom Literature in Isaiah 43:3 when it states, “I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you.” There is an obvious importance of Ethiopia and Rastafarians connect this to their Jah, or Haile Selassie as the living God.

            Next, Rastafarians see God as black man and justifiably so with Song of Solomon 1: 5-6:

“ I am black and beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. Do not gaze at me because I am dark, because the sun has gazed on me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept!”

The text is interpreted on many levels as a love-song between God and his people; therefore, God would be black and have suffered slavery. Jah is said to be the cosmic supremacy although in modern times Ghanaian Rastafarians and Diaspora Rastafarians dispute it. The solution to this dispute may be they mysterious nature of Jah or it may be the result of “sins” even though that term does not seem to exist in the religion.

            Finally, Reggae represents Rastafarianism as an intense and popularly invasive form of worship. Non-believers are exposed through the melodies of Bob Marley or the poet Benjamin Zephania. The Dub Poetry and genre serve the same purpose as Chris Tomlin lyrics or the preaching’s of Billy Graham. They are a connection and symbol of the faith and tolerant nature of pop culture of the religion. The use of ganja may appear to be questionable, but to the followers it serves as a way to the wisdom of Jah and a experiential dimension of the practice.

            There are many aspects of Rastafarianism not covered here, but the main idea that this religion deserves its place in the world has definitely been established. The 700,000 to 1 million followers internationally are not the hippies, irresponsible hooligans they are stereotyped to be. Their religion teaches love, peace, and discipline. They strive for the recognition of the black family and equal rights among all people, hardly the whimsical and careless image. While I still do not understand all of the teachings of, I have definitely began to understand the teachings much better than I ever thought I could. I admire their ability to saturate the world with their music, even if somewhat unconsciously through Reggae.  If we do not recognize these people, we are doing a disservice to their beliefs and rich history that affects us all. 

Uprising in the Middle East Forum

The Uprising in the Middle East lecture with Dr. Dorraj, Carter, and Dodson focused on more than the current events. Rather, it took an all encompassing approach to the topic with a look at the context of the events, the U.S. foreign policy, and the challenges to democracy in the region.

            First, the context of the events can be broken into three categories: historical, enabling factors, and the human element. Historically, these events are the first time the population of the area has had the opportunity to revolt with their own voice. The previous colonial powers of the dominant European forces and the resulting hand-picking of inadequate leaders. Following such detrimental events was the coup d’état with the Egypt, Algeria, Iraq, and Libya. These revolts were democratic but ended in a suppressive autocratic state of normalcy and have continued since then. The enabling factors of the events include the significant youth bulge and social media. For example, Egypt has a young population that doesn’t have a memory of the previous revolts and their results. They also have access to social media that illustrates the civil rights of democratic nations. These two combined create a powerful yet leaderless force. The high unemployment rate and tech savvy youth were empowered by the absence of fear. Because these countries require the Internet to provide basic services and keep their economies running, they can’t hinder the free-flow of ideas and rising up. For once, these nations have no fear and that leads to a sort of dignity revolution. They were ready for the opportunity to change the disparity in wealth and oppression. They broke down the psychological walls. Will they be able to power forward toward democracy?

            The U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East has been arguably self-serving. It focused on issues such as:

·      Peace and stability

·      Access to oil

·      Support or tolerance of Israel

·      Containing Iranian influences after 1979

·      Support on the War on Terror after 9/11

The shift from the self-serving to seemingly globally concerned came with George W. Bush’s invasion of Iraq and the declaration that America was no longer pleased with the so-called “moderates.” The issue becomes that if we don’t support these new nations we are hypocritical and are doomed to return to a selfish policy. If we do support these uprisings, we are throwing out national interest out the window, a rock and a hard place analogy. Who’s in charge and can we get involved yet? Is this a revolution or the birthplace of civil war? These are questions that will be answered in the next years.

With the unrest we must ask what democracy means to these countries. If we simply put “freedom” then that means we these countries rid themselves of authoritarian powers, self-serving leaders, unfair elections, and corruption. This could be the fourth wave of democracy, yet the failure or semi-failure of the third wave that started in Portugal? Democracy is possible but it will require accountability, participation, and a little bit of luck.

Overall, I found the forum extremely informative and interesting. I feel as though I better understand how social media is not only a tool but a weapon and must be handled with care. In the future, hopefully we can see a freedom for the people like never before. 

Transport(ation)

After missing last week because of pre-Spring Break craziness, Jessie and I met up for another Monday lunch.

Jessie went with her classmates and teacher to Houston for SB11. They stayed at a hotel in downtown within five minutes of the Galleria. I know the exchange rate is different over here, but it still surprises me how much she likes to shop.

She explained that they booked their hotel off of priceline.com. While I know my parents have done this before, Jessie's initiative on life still astounds me. She found her hotel super cheap and had a great time getting to site see and shop. Her teacher left them after two days, taking some students back with her. Jessie and Jackie, her boyfriend, stayed behind and found their way back with the Greyhound Bus system.

I must admit, Greyhound is not my preferred mode of transportation, it rather scares me. One too many CSI and murder mystery's for me to really trust the system. I've ridden trains, planes, and buses in Europe, but their friendly and clean ways aren't nearly as intimidating. Funny how one's own shadow can be the scariest.

Jessie was surprised to find the vast amount of "wasteland" between here and Houston. She explained how she lives in east China, meaning she's in the definition of urban. I got to detail how our history has valued the spreadout nature of city planning and how we just have a completely different mindset. Jessie had no problem leaving Houston at 6pm on a Greyhound. Most people would find that annoying, thus we all have our own individual car and complain when we have traffic.

While some of us may carpool, it's not like we are the most proactive when it comes to public transportation, as they are in China. It was neat to hear Jessie compliment our enviroment but also disheartening to realize just how wasteful we really are. Jessie and Jackie want to get their drivers license and want to own cars so they aren't so dependent on a bus system. I hope they pass their tests, but I know that now I feel the need to take a turn on our own public transportation.

This is What Dreams are Made Of

I am pleased to say I found an edition published just four days before my birthday. While searching through the June 15, 1935 edition of the The New Yorker, I couldn't help but feel the optimism and irony literally jumping off the page.

While the articles themselves were intriguing, it was the ads that made such a profound impact on me. They all played up the stereotypes about the prodcut they were involving. Maybe I've taken one too many media analysis classes but the themes were ridiculous.

First, the brunt nature of the wording of the ads ranged from offensive to flowery.
     "Sea-smocks--the new marvel of the sea. They excel in feminine grace, yet they glory in freedom of moevment..."-Peck and Peck, Fifth Avenue
     "It's lazy time. Lots of outdoors. Lots of smoking, when you're hot enought without it..." - Spud Cigarrettes
     "For those who are not slim."- Abercrombie and Fitch (real surprise there)

It's no wonder in my mind now why modernist writers did what they did: write like they meant every word or hide their meanings in layers and layers of text. They time period was littered with parenting from every angle. I believe we've mastered the art of subtly now, but the amount of finger pointing going on here would make a your grandmother blush.

Another intersting fact was the number of alcohol ads. Yes, prohibition had just ended two years previously but my goodness. You would have thought these people could drink a fish dry!

The cliche and whit of the inserts made me smile. There is a parallel to the writings of the 30s and my own style. The lead of each post pulled the reader in, as it should, but not for its factual information but more for its intriguing nature. It would be more than fun to meet these writers and get inside of their head. They spoke with both eloquence and brashness. In today's standards, they broke the rules and made them up.

The comic pictures that are famous in the New Yorker haven't changed much since the 30s. Some are still applicable even today. One such comic depicts an university graduate as he crosses the stage to recieve his long awaited diploma. Upon reaching the headmaster he is told:

     "This might be an appropriate day, Peterson, to speak to your father about the mortgage on the Chemistry Building."

Funny how the "good ole boy system" still thrives and flourishes.

When reading over the social section of the what to see and where to be seen ads I came across an ad for the Rainbow Room in the Rockafellar Building. I've walked past that building so many times while staying in New York and I've never been up to see the view from the highly publicized Rainbow Room. It felt like a call from the past to see the ad. Next time I'm in New York, I must go. It's like I'm destined to be there.

The title of this post is a reference to the optimism surrounding every aspect of the magazine. No, it was not all politically correct by our standards but there definately was a yearning to be something more than what they were.

Well I'm Never going Up in(to) Michigan

This story took me by surprise, plain and simple. I realize one must have a professional academic mindset when attending college but this was just a little too difficult to swallow.

It was less descriptive than our last rape selection, but it was human, tangible. It was almost as if you could reach through the pages and fight back for Liz. Yet, in the end, her own enemy was herself.

First, it was rape. There is no question in my 21st century mind that she did not want it (sex in this case) nor did she understand what was going on. She was innocent. Even if she was flirty, never, never, never, is it acceptable to violate another's person under any circumstances.

Next, she was a head case, but aren't we all? She lived in the confines of her mental processes and when those thoughts manifested into action she was unprepared to handle the situation. I feel like this is a problem in our society even today. This story reads just like the plot line of "He's Just NOT That Into You. " If a guy doesn't talk to you unless he's drunk, he doesn't like you. Plain and simple. But that's a tangent.

She lived in her head. Unfortunately, I do that. I sympathize with her. She had this grand ideas of love, happiness, and bliss and they were torn apart quicker than you can say whiskey. This reads like my biography. No, I have not experienced rape, but I have experienced the confidence of the opposite sex that only alcohol can bring. It's disgusting.

I believe a change needs to be made in our gender roles. She immediately felt the need to comfort him in her shellshocked state. It's parallel to the idea that women belong in the house and in a nurturing position. That's just plain morbid.

Finally, I still think that Jim would avoid her. He would find it awkward because he doesn't know her and there relationship even in a platonic state hasn't been established. He won't want to deal with her attachment, even if it's solely based on disgust. Yes, he'll try again when he's drunk, but only because he still wants to use her. Drunk talk is sober thoughts right? So he did think about her, even if it was for his own selfish reasons.

Modern

While last week was crazy it was awesome to take some time out and just enjoy, contemplate, and be down right puzzled by the Modern.

When you walk in, immediately to the left in its own conclave is Book with Wings by Anselm Kiefer.
 It's an open lead book with two wings. One wing is slightly higher than the other. According to the description, Kiefer was intrigued by books and the wisdom they had to offer the world. The irony being that they can speak such great words, yet they are silent and terrible vulnerable to destruction. The irony behind the wings was that they symbolized the "flying" one could do with the knowledge of the book, yet the wings were lead and would never be able to fly. The different level of wings are both the hope the wisdom represents and the drudging reality of it's condition. I am a huge fan of sculptures. The ability to mold pieces into something else has a deeper meaning to me. Basically they speak to my soul and the play on irony with the lead and book captivated me for a solid five minutes before I remembered there was an entire museum left to see.

In the next room I found Aschenblume by Kiefer also attention worthy. On the surface, it appears to be a collage of cracked mud, grass, and twigs. When one steps back though, it becomes the inside of the the rebuilding of the Third Reich. I can sympathize with Kiefer's idea behind this one: Germany wanted so badly to rebuild their history yet it was a dirty and messy process that was going to take some time. The vastness of the piece alone was astounding.

I didn't realize our museum would have as many amazing artists as it does. For some reason I have it in my head that Fort Worth is similar to my hometown of 10,000. I'm still pleasantly surprised when I find the hidden gems. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise. When I found the Jackson Pollack "Number 5" I was ecstatic. Jackson Pollack was an artist we studied last year in Art History and ever since he's been a favorite of mine. I like the idea of a planned chaos. Of letting go with boundaries set.

Humor seems to be an underlying theme in modern works. Take Ellsworht Kelly's "Curved Red on Blue" I laughed out loud. While it appears to be a section of a red question mark on a blue field, on a second though one realizes it's just what it says: A curved red on blue. Sometimes we over think ourselves and art. Sometimes, things are just what they are, nothing more, nothing less.

Politics

Today was quite the experience for Jessie and her boyfriend Jackie. While we were eating lunch I got to introduce them to, wait for it, the American political system! But first, the background story…

Jessie went with her class to Dallas this past weekend to the Dallas Aquarium. Apparently she was not impressed. She described the Chinese aquarium she’d been to as a sort of tunnel. This tunnel allowed the visitors to through with the fish and other sea life all around you. A sort of inclusive experience, it’s understandable why she didn’t enjoy our installed tank exhibit as much.

They stopped by the Book Depository Museum in downtown Dallas, the legendary museum that walks the visitors through the assassination of JFK. While the group didn’t get to go into the museum, Jessie and Jackie were still very concerned as to why someone would shoot a president.

I explained as best I could, citing the drastic changes going on in the world at that time and how some people just don’t quite know how to reason their way through situations the best. I mentioned the fact that he was different than any other president. He was young, Catholic, and when he was shot he was a democrat in a largely republican area.

While his political affiliation was not such a major change in America at the time, Jessie was still curious to what exactly that meant: to be one party rather than another. After I explained that here we have a multitude of parties, but it’s more like we have two that engulf the surrounding parties.

Jessie explained to me that in China, they only have one party, The People’s Party. Everyone belonged to it, and while people voted, it was more like they voted to represent their “family” so to speak. There are about 56 of these “families” in China, with a 90 percent majority belonging to one. It was understandable then how our political freedom would be such a shock to someone.

Peanut butter

Today Jackie sat with Jessie and I for lunch. At first I was a bit nervous. He’s tall and quiet, an intimidating combination when you don’t know someone very well. After a while though, he seemed to warm up to the idea that I was a friend.

Jessie and Jackie are quite adventurous. They want to try new things, go places, and really experience America while they have the chance. They explained to me that it was very rare for a student to get a visa to go to school in America. They met when they were in the visa office, and were surprised to find they were going to the same school. Since they’ve been in America, they’ve had the opportunity to go to Disneyland and New York City. I think they will probably have seen more of America than I have by the time they go back.

On that thought, they wanted a suggestion as to where they should go on their next date. Since they don’t have a car, it was difficult to think of viable walking options. The new bus that goes to 7^th Street should be a great help though. I was able to give them a few places. I could tell I was the only one they’d asked because they had no clue what any of the places I was talking about were like. I really think the program they’re in should have some sort of taxi system so they can get out and see the city on their own terms. Maybe a volunteer basis with us conversation partners?

Jessie seems to really be picking up on English. She’s very thoughtful of her words. I think she’ll be able to pass any test with flying colors come May. I’m so proud at her ability to pick up on pronunciations and sayings. She really wants this, and I hope she gets it.

I introduced Jessie and Jackie to peanut butter today. I had them try it plain and on apples. It was humorous to watch their reactions to the paste-y texture and semi-sweet taste. Neither of them liked it plain, but they did enjoy it on apples. I like introducing them to American foods. It’s a sort of way to say, “Hey, you’ll have to tell your family about this one!”

A (dead) Rose for Emily

Can you say crazy?!?!

I chose this piece today because it made me think about how sometimes we don't want to let go of things. We allow them to mull over in our mind. We may find ourselves bringing them up in conversations just so we can relive them with someone else again. What if someone took this to the extreme?

Honestly, Miss Emily Grierson is not that crazy of a person to think of. Imagine an older person who believes they are entitled. Someone who doesn't accept the reality has moved past their time. They won't adapt and refuse to do so even if it proves detrimental to their person. It's not just older people who do this either. In communication we describe these people as the laggards, those who won't accept what's new or are the very last to do so.

Overall, Miss Emily is deceptive. She's smart but more in a manipulative sort of way. She understands her place in the world and will use it to get whatever she wants. It's interesting that this piece never mentions her mother. If she had a more loving figure rather than her Civil War supporting father, would she have been able to understand rejection and cope in other manners? Instead, she works a bit in a military-esque fashion: firm, unshakeable, and ambitious to a fault.

In sympathy, it would be difficult to be an orphan at age 30 with no love interest and no job. Think about it, in psychology we learn that the more "dimensions" one has to their person, the less likely they are to become depressed because they have an "insulation" against depression. No, this doesn't justify her behavior on any level but it still is just an interesting component.

What about the servant? How in the world did he not speak up? I mean, we know he didn't speak at all due to the harsh and rough nature of his voice at the end of the selection but what was she doing that kept him in such fear to stay quiet and continue to serve? Yes,  it was a completely different time and age, but how could you know that you were serving in the same house as a woman who was known for her inability to deal with death?! It is an utter shame that someone would be unable to speak up. Think about it: no one in town would've listened to him and he probably would have been jailed or killed for speaking out against Miss Emily.

Speaking of her inability to deal with death, maybe Emily was still suffering from the death of her mother? Maybe he father never taught her how to deal with death so when she came across it her compensation was to not deal with it. I mean, RED FLAG. She wouldn't give up her father's body, and mysteriously Homer Barron disappears? C'mon people, enough with the niceties, it's a crime to not pay your taxes and murder someone. Just saying, enough is enough.

Love is in the air

Jessie and I met again today. We didn't get to meet Monday because she had a hot date, and by that I mean her boyfriend was taking her out.

Apparently he took her to a sushi place downtown and I am pleased to say that apparently our sushi was up to par. Whoop whoop. One point for the Texans. Jessie had something awesome to say about Valentine's day though:
     "When you have a lover, or a boyfriend, everyday is valentine's day. So, while it was nice to be taken out and to get off campus, it wasn't that different because we just wanted to spend time together."

Is that not the sweetest thing you've ever heard? I knew that Valentine's Day was an american holiday but it just really hit me how sweet her outlook on love and her boyfriend are. Too often people get caught up with the actions they forget that it's about love itself, not the stuff that comes along with it.

As we talked about Valentine's Day Jessie asked why I didn't have a boyfriend. After awkwardly side stepping the question because of my obvious lack of a boyfriend Jessie, once again the wise love guru, said, "Don't worry about it, the right man will come along and it will be perfect." I seriously think she's the sweetest person.

We talked about how in China, it's forbidden to have a boyfriend when you're at high school. Teachers will call your parents if you have one, I thought that was pretty crazy. Apparently some will overlook it, but it's mainly because students are just supposed to study. I thought this was a bit over the top, but it makes sense. We also talked about how China is ok with people being openly gay. She even brought up a picture of the most famous gay Chinese couple.

Apparently Jessie's mom has met her boyfriends dad because she forgot things and had to have them brought over when her boyfriend's dad came to America. It was interesting to hear how people get creative when it's over $70 to ship anything, and then compounded after that due to weight.

Overall, today was eye-opening about just how different our views are, but not in a bad way.

The Man Who was Almost a Man. BOOM.

Ok, wow, the Mark Twain impersonation of writing here (Huckleberry Finn, anyone?)  was a wee bit hard to ready, anyone else agree?

After the initial challenge of reading through the deep southern context and attempting to understand this young man's thought patterns, I must say I really enjoyed this piece. It was interesting to see how he identified manhood with violence or power. It was this correlation that ultimately leads to his demise, an interesting analogy for the truth behind the statement itself.

With the gun, he not only see's himself as a man, but as a viable member of his family. This balance between violence, power, and prominence is intriguing in terms of a male stereotype. The first proof of this happens with his mother. She is easily swayed to give him the money thinking this would please her husband to have a gun at his disposal. It's interesting to see the break in the writing with the allusion that she gave in and gave him the money rather than just narrating that part. It's also key to note that he doesn't mention his father or brother until he has already decided to buy the gun. Is this some sort of underlying theme which motivates him?

With the actually murder of Jenny the mule we see a shift in his character, yet not necessarily in the view one would think it would be. He was still selfishly caught up in his desires for manhood that he worries more about the consequences coming to him rather than the death of the animal itself. Maybe this was meant to show how violence is a state of mind, not just an action.

The finale of this tale comes somewhat abruptly. He uncovers the gun and decides to set out on the world. It's interesting to say that he was almost a man this whole time, yet all of his actions, motivations, and thoughts were purely manly if we define a man by his ability to seek and obtain power, carry out violence, and be deceptive enough to get away with it. While it may be purely coincidental that this was the story we are to read before the 15th of February, I still find it interesting to see this heartless tale on Valentine's day. Thank you Professor Williams. Mules may not be my favorite animal yet the death of Jenny was still upsetting on this day of "love."

I feel as if we all go through this want to be an adult. To spread our wings and not just fly, but prey, soar, and truly become those which we see as older, wiser, and more powerful. No, we do not all have to go out and convince our mothers for money for guns anymore but we still attempt to break the conventional rules set before us so that we can feel like a respected member of society. I found this piece to be profound and perfect for the day, reminding us that to be a "man" one needs more than just objects, they need the maturity to be responsible and handle the consequences of their actions. Not just pack up and go on the first train out of town.

Araby

I know that I did the LRA over this piece but it really did mean a lot to me. 

When I first read the story, I could relate only too well. I really feel as if this little boy was me, only in a male and a love-affair form. I can't relate the number of times I've been let down and these epiphany moments. They come fast, and often.

I can relate to the high ideals followed by the swift defeat because of the optimism I feel live has. It's more than just the dilly dallying and whimsical thoughts of the young; it's a hope for people in general. I feel as if this boy got a shocking wake up call from reality of what his life could easily look like. 

The idea that he can’t recognize what path is life is headed down is all too common, especially being in college. When we take a step back and realize that we are taking the steps to our own unhappiness. The irony is that he was trying to run from the same relationship he is headed right into. He doesn’t want to be like his aunt and uncle and yet that is exactly what he will end up with.

I feel like this story transcends the obvious meaning of getting one’s heart broken because it’s all about the loss of innocence; The ruining of a dream. That fall from the selfish and underdeveloped desires to the humble and accepting reality. 

Chinese New Year

Over lunch today, Jessie and I discussed the Chinese New Year. She explained to me how she did get to skype with her family, because that is the most important part of the festivities, eating with one's family. She told me how the Chinese students in Waits all cooked a traditional dinner together. Apparently along the way they set off the fire alarms twice. I guess Chinese cooking isn't the same on American ovens. Nevertheless, she said they had a great time. It was just so interesting to see how dedicate they were to their traditions. I guess it would be similar to Independence Day or Thanksgiving for us.

I got to learn more about the Chinese years of the animal and just how important they are for them. Jessie also explained how they believe in the elements and how one can lack them. In return, they may wear a piece of jewelry to "balance them out." The amount of superstition or tradition they have is just astounding to me. I know we have superstitions but they are typically limited to sports or old wives tales.

Jessie and I also talked about what she and I both did over the break. Apparently it gets a lot colder in China, but that didn't stop the students from proving it by going out in the cold in nothing but short sleeves. It was interesting to hear how similar we were on what we did over the snow break and how different we were too. I did a lot of studying and work over break, while she relaxed more. However, we both went out and played in the snow. It's great to see the sterotypes break down and really get to know people. Some say the Chinese are always so studious, but we forget how much alike we really are. I'm looking forward to next week when Jessie walks me through the stir fry line and teaches me what's "good!"

Introductions

On Monday, Jessie and I met again. Something I'm beginning to realize is that, to her, being on time means at least five minutes early. This occurred to me because as I was walking over for our 1:00 p.m. lunch date at 12:58, I got a text from her asking where I was. I'll make sure that I am earlier next time.

While we both got food a friend of mine joined our table. When Jessie came back she was so excited to get to meet one of my friends. I didn't realize how much of a sign of comfort this was for her. She was honored to meet one of my friends. It showed that I was comfortable with her and that I wanted her to be a more apart of my life.

After my friend left we continued our conversation. Wednesday is the Chinese New Year and we had a long conversation about what that all entails. Because the most important part of the celebration is eating with one's family, she will be skyping her family back in China. This was really cool because we do the same thing with my sister and brother-in-law in Africa. It turns out that some of her friends got to go home for Christmas and brought back some of the Chinese decorations for the Chinese New Year. They will be making traditional Chinese food and celebrating as a group.

I then got to meet Jessie's boyfriend. He was very respectful and was quite shy. When I asked Jessie why she hadn't told me about her boyfriend before she said it was because she is shy. I forget how open we are to all areas of our life and sharing them at the drop of a hat. I must work at that.

Jessie, "Blass You", and Building a Bridge

Today I met for the first time with my conversation partner, Jessie. We had agreed to meet at Market Square for lunch at 1 p.m. We both ended up getting confused as to where we were meeting because of the impossibility to describe which entrance one is going to enter in the BLUU.

When I first met Jessie, she had just texted me using an array of abbreviations and emoticons. I was a little taken aback. What did I expect, for her to be completely formal in a text message? It was nice to know that she was up to learning our culture so quickly. As we started to talk over our fake chinese and salad I began to realize just how much I was going to take away from this.

She was very open and engaging. Her English is easy to understand and she's not afraid to ask you how to say something. While we talked I noticed how hard she worked at making sure she made sense. I'm not going to lie, I was worried I might do something to offend her at first. The cross-over of cultures makes it seem like it's bound to happen. The longer we talked the more I realized she was more interested in learning English and her education than being polite.

When I asked about her background she mentioned how she didn't have any siblings. While I knew that China had policies against multiple children, one doesn't necessarily realize that this actually happens. The rules took on a whole new meaning when you meet someone who has to live with them.

We talked about my family for a while. About how my sister is a nurse in Africa and how she works as a nurse there. Jessie found this amazing, calling her an angel, and then saying "Blass you." Blass you? While I tried to figure out what she meant, she spelled it out for me. I found that she meant to say "bless" rather than "blass." It was then she told me that she had originally learned British English. She talked about how frustrating it was to know some English only to find that it was close to useless because it wasn't the right dialect. I'm determined that she will be able to speak American English beyond expectation by the end of semester because of her positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Pronunciation wasn't the only surprising factor. Since my name isn't gender specific, Jessie explained to me how she thought I was going to be a boy. She was happy to find that I was a girl and we laughed about how confusing it must have been to realize I wasn't a boy.

Overall, I found this experience was one of the best I've had at TCU. I feel like this is something I'm going to look forward to for the rest of the semester. The bridge has been built, now let's see how far it'll stretch!

First Blog

Hello Professor Williams!