Ways of Life Essay #6

Daniel Glynn- Essay #6

Ways of Life

The short three letter word art is not such a small matter when you think of all the things that deal with art. Art can range from a three year old lying on the living room floor scribbling on a piece of paper to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting “The Mona Lisa.” Art is not only on a canvas or piece of paper, but art can also be a rock turned into a magnificent sculpture, notes on a piece of paper turned into a peaceful rhythm floating through the air, or a script acted out by dedicated actor.

Recently I visited an art exhibit and was able to see several different kinds of art. At this art show art seemed to be defined as several different things. One definition of art was just a lot of little piece of newspaper all bundled into a big ball. Art was also defined as its classic definition by just putting paint onto a canvas and turning it into a thing of beauty. This art show was a very good show that displayed a kind of art for everyone.

While most of the pieces had there own meanings, two of the pieces really captured my attention. One of them was an untitled piece, which really enables you to open your mind and uncover the meaning of the work, by Kevin Wilson. The first time I walked by this piece an eerie feeling came over me. As I made my way back around the second time I stopped and took a closer look at the piece.

In the upper left hand corner of this piece there is a human figure that stands out in the jet black background, and this figure has short white line coming from its head. The short white lines form a halo around the head, and this portrays this figure as God. There is also a stream coming out of a cloud and into a large silhouette of a man, which is the center of the piece. The stream goes straight into the part of the head where the brain is located. This stream is showing how God has his influences on our decisions.

In the upper left hand corner there are eight human figures. These eight figures have been brought up from the center of the piece, and their bright sky blue face show that the figures have reached their eternal home.

In the dull blue middle portion of this piece there are several human figures scattered throughout. All of the people in this portion seem to be going through some kind of torture. There is also a puddle of a bright blue with six figures standing in it waiting for their time to go to heaven. There is also a door that has a person coming out of it and being sent up to heaven. This portion represents purgatory because it has people in it being tormented and waiting for their time to get into heaven.

At the bottom of the picture there are two figures and one of them has an “x” on their chest. There is also a little door with a gray beam coming out of it and shining on a figure with horns. This part of the picture is showing hell and that the devil will also try to have influences on you.

Another piece that caught my eye was a sculpture by Katie McClung called Birmingham versus Broccoli. This piece starts at the forearm and extends all the way to the tips of the fingers. The entire sculpture is made of steel, and there are pairs of notches going down the arm about every two inches on all sides. The fingers on the hand are all bent they look like they are grasping for something that is now gone. On the hand there is a piece of broccoli between every one of the fingers. When first looking at this sculpture it does not seem as deep and complicated as the first piece, but after taking a longer look ideas about the sculpture began to come to me.

This piece has the title Birmingham versus Broccoli and I believe that the name says a lot about why the hand is grasping. Birmingham has been known as a steel city since 1899 when steel was first manufactured in the city, and neither the city or the area were known for their agriculture. The steel hand looking for something to grab on to is symbolic of the steel industry falling off and the rise of agriculture and the rise of agriculture is shown by the broccoli on the handing. Therefore this sculpture is symbolic of more then just this idea. It can be symbolic of the entire economy and the rise and fall of all the different markets.

After taking a close look at both of these pieces I noticed that some of the same ideas are trying to be expressed through the art. In the first picture the artist is showing both sides of the after life along with purgatory. He is also showing how a person is exposed to both the good and evil and it is your choice of how you choose to live. In the second piece the artist is giving a message about the fall of something that has dominated over pervious centuries.

Both of the pieces gave worthy messages, and the way the artist presented their messages were in unique ways. Kevin Wilson was able to reveal his message by showing that a person has options, and that the options that you choose will lead you to how you will spend eternity. Katie McClung displayed her message in a different way. She communicated her message by showing an example of steel falling to agriculture by showing a steel hand being taking over by broccoli, and the rise and fall of different markets.

As I said earlier, both of theses pieces of art display there messages in unique and effective way. If I was to hear about another art show by this group I would defiantly attend. Not only would I attend the show I would also tell other people about it. I would tell them that no matter what kind of art they like, most likely there will be a piece in the show that they will have some kind of interest in. This show did a fantastic job of displaying all of there different styles and having something there for everyone.

Danny Glynn
Adam Weinstein
English 101
17 November 2007

“How to Survive Working on Black Friday”

Everyone knows what the busiest shopping day of the year is, “Black Friday”, the day after Thanksgiving. On this day all of the stores have their best sales and open very early in the morning. There are people that get to the stores as early as two or three in the morning so they can be the first one in to get that most coveted item.

When all of the crazy shoppers are standing outside waiting in line, no one is ever thinking about the people that have to work in the stores. The people working have the almost impossible task of trying to make everyone happy and keeping everyone calm. To accomplish this task there are several steps that have to be taken.

To begin with there are several things that need to be done in the days leading up to “Black Friday.” One of these things is to make sure that everything that is out on the floor is organized to perfection. This involves going from table to table and shelf to shelf to make sure that everything is where it belongs. As you are going through the store you should also be checking to make sure that all of the merchandise has the correct price tag on it, and if it is on sale make sure that you post the markdown price. After going through everything out on the floor you can then go to the back and begin to work there. When you begin to work in the back the most important thing that has to be done is getting all of the remaining stock organized and ready to go out as soon as items on the floor begin to run low.

Once you have everything organized and price marked you are ready for the shoppers to swarm into the store the next morning. Although your work in getting the store prepared is over, you still have to get yourself ready to deal with all of the people. Getting yourself ready for the early morning is probably the easiest thing that you will have to do. In order for you to be on top of your game in the morning the best thing to do is after you get done stuffing yourself at Thanksgiving dinner just get comfortable and let the turkey do the work. The only thing you need to remember to do is to set your alarm extra early.

On the morning of “Black Friday” you want to be sure not to sleep until the last minute and be in a rush. You want to set your alarm early enough so that you will be able to wake up, maybe have a cup of coffee or whatever it is you like to do in the morning, and then get ready for work. This allows you to relax for a little while before you get to work, and this will be the only relaxing time you will have until you get off work.

After you are ready to for work and you arrive there, it is likely that a line will already be formed outside the store. Theses are the shoppers that have spent all night sitting in line so they could be the first ones in. While you are making your way through the line of the crazies be sure to let them know that you work there and you are not just cutting line. Last year I made the mistake of just walking to the front of the line, and by time I had got there I had several mad moms screaming at me to go to the back of the line so be sure to let everyone know what you are doing.

Once you finally make it to the store your manager will most likely already be there and have a few last minute things ready for you to do. Some of these last minute chores may include getting all the money in the cash register and making sure that there is plenty of change, making sure that everything is still in its right spot and just cleaning things up a little bit. Now that everything is ready and you can see the frustration growing on the faces of the anxious shoppers, it is finally time to open the doors.

Now is when the madness really begins. As soon as the doors open there is a mad dash, every shopper has one item on their mind that they have to get. While the mad dash is beginning things will be a little hectic, but for the most part the shoppers will remain calm and you will be able to just help people find things and check them out. When things start to change is when the first item runs out and a person feels like they have to have it, and when this happens they will come up to you and ask you if you have anymore. When this happens tell them that you will go and double check in the back. This shows them that you are going to try and find it for them, instead of just saying no we are out. When you come out from the back go up to the customer with an apologetic face and explain to her that the store is currently out of that item. Most customers will understand this and just continue their shopping, but there are always the customers that think you are lying to them or that you just do not want to sell them the item.

These customers will be the worst ones you deal with all day. To take care of a customer like this you have to stay polite with them and just keep explaining to them that you are out of that item, and if they continue to argue ask them for their phone number and that you will call them right away when you get some more of that item in. This will usually work because the customer will feel like they are going to be able to get want they want, but if this does not work there is only one thing left to do. You have to forget about being polite and just tell the person straight up that you do not have anymore left and if they want to keep arguing then they will have to leave.

In conclusion, “Black Friday” is the most popular day in the world to shop, and if you have to work in retail on this day then make sure you have everything prepared and ready to go the day before. Also if you work on this day you have to be ready to work with the polite people and the jerks, and if you are working with a jerk try and be polite but if that does not work, do not be scared to be a jerk back.

Invasion-McCarthyism and Groupthink (Paper 6)

Barrett Ford – Formal Revision (Paper 6)

Released in 1956 and directed by Don Siegel, Invasion of the Body Snatchers has been received in a variety of ways. Many people simply see it as a science fiction or horror movie. As a film, Invasion of the Body Snatchers was well ahead of its time. It is much more entertaining and suspenseful than many of the terrible horror movies that are currently being produced. However, many people have seen this horror classic not only as a movie but also as a political interpretation or allegory. The two most popular interpretations were and still are that of viewing the film as a representation of the political aggression of Communists (mainly in Russia), or of the Red Scare investigations performed by Senator McCarthy in response to the threat of Communism. In Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), the film aims to parallel the invasion of the pod people and the means by which they attempt to take over the human race with the effects of groupthink and mass hysteria, while focusing in on the effects of McCarthyism during the Red Scare.

McCarthyism provides a great example of groupthink and hysteria for Invasion of the Body Snatchers to focus in on because of how it affected people during the 1950s and the fact that the film was produced during the Red Scare. McCarthy, a senator from Wisconsin, and his men comprised the House Committee on Un-American Activities (Whitehead). This committee, which utilized many self-appointed powers, engaged in forceful and deceptive means to do what they deemed was best for America during the 1950s. All of these investigations extended from the Cold War which was not a war at all but a “political fabrication” (Whitehead). The Cold War was a result of the power that both the Soviet Union and the United States had gained in the post-World War I era as well as the nuclear technology that both countries had attained. McCarthy blacklisted notable members of Hollywood and many others and called them before the Committee to be questioned about being affiliated with the Communist party (Whitehead). These interrogations were more like accusations led by McCarthy who specialized in wild attacks and humiliations of people (Whitehead). Many of the accused lost their jobs; some even committed suicide (Whitehead).

In John Whitehead’s essay he discusses the impact of the McCarthy investigations and how Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a political allegory that represents them. He discusses how people were forced to become “pod-like” in cooperating with McCarthy and his committee, and that there was a “pod-like uniformity” that took over Hollywood as a result of all the threats and blacklistings that took place. Clearly, this is an accurate interpretation of the parallel between people during the Red Scare and the characters in the movie. The characters in the movie were forced to give up the right to say what they felt or to express themselves much in the same way that Americans had to say what the government wanted to hear during the Red Scare of the 1950’s. The people in the movie also had their lives ruined if they did not cooperate, much like the members of Hollywood and others who were targeted by McCarthy. In Tim Dirks’ general overview of the movie he also lists the “the sweeping mass hysteria” that was brought on by the McCarthy Red Scare investigations as a possible interpretation of the film.

In addition to the McCarthyism view, Dirks also lists several other interpretations that need to be taken into account. One of these possibilities is the loss of our individuality and ability to have emotion or think for ourselves as a result of “conformity and group-think.” This is definitely a plausible interpretation as the pod people in the movie could be seen as not McCarthy or the Communists but simply the idea of conforming to the majority. Communism is, however, what he lists as the major theme or idea behind the film. This “dehumanization,” as Dirks calls it, can definitely be seen as an influence on the film because Communism dehumanized people in much the same way McCarthyism did.

It could even be said that the Communist themes are mixed in with the McCarthyism themes discussed earlier. When the people of Santa Mira are taken over by the pod people, their bodies are replicated and replace their old ones. It is unclear where the old ones disappear to, although this process is supposed to make everyone equal. At the same time that everyone becomes equal, however, they completely lose the personalities and emotions they once had. This process could also mirror the effect that Communism has on society, but it parallels just as well with the way people were forced to act like a different person or lie about their past during the Red Scare. Another obvious similarity between the film and either McCarthyism or Communism is that the transformed individuals are aware of the changes they have gone through and work to convert others. For example, when Becky wakes up from her very brief sleep, she makes Miles aware of her change and tries to persuade him to give in. The people of Santa Mira act as if they have been extremely brainwashed once they are taken over by the “pod version” of themselves. The “converted” people in the town even become avid supporters of the pod people’s ways. This more parallels the way that Americans during the 1950’s were convinced to support the hunt for Communists than to the situation of citizens in Communist countries. However, a large number of the citizens of Russia were brainwashed into supporting exactly what they should have been fighting against once they realized that the Socialist form of government was failing them. This ability to recognize one’s own change and the ability to be falsely convinced can be representative of the effects of McCarthyism, Communism, and group-think.

However, McCarthyism is the best explanation for the themes in Invasion of the Body Snatchers because the behavior of the “pod people” and the way they hunt down the others is more easily related to how McCarthy and his men hunted down people who supposedly supported the Communist party. McCarthy did not care who it was as long as that person could be made an example to the American people of how Communist supporters would be dealt with. This also parallels the blindness with which the pod people hunted down their victims. At the end of the movie the citizens of Santa Mira chased after Miles and Becky simply because they were the only normal ones left. There is also the fact that the makers of the movie were understandably more influenced by Hollywood blacklistings than Communism in Russia. Even after analyzing these points, it could be argued that Communism or the simple idea of mass hysteria is the intended meanings. Despite the fact that McCarthyism is the best specific allegorical parallel for the film, the broader idea of mass hysteria and groupthink probably do a better job of covering the large scope of parallels between the movie and society during the fifties. This point reveals that there is a larger theme at work within the movie: the effects that mass hysteria and groupthink can have on society. McCarthyism is simply the example of mass hysteria or groupthink that is most focused on in the film.

Whitehead, in addition to discussing the theme of McCarthyism in the movie, also discusses its relevance to our society today. He believes that the movie could also be representative of the political atmosphere following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This is definitely a supportable argument. Many of the actions that took place after the attacks in 2001 were similar to the ones that took place during the Red Scare. People were abused, ostracized, taken into custody, or questioned simply for being Arab, much in the same way that people were falsely accused or blacklisted during the Cold War Era. It was also extremely hard for Arabs to keep jobs or lead successful lives, and some were even beaten or killed. Congressional committees were erected to conduct investigations, although for better reasons than during the McCarthy hearings, and people were looked down upon if they were not patriotic or loyal enough to their country. This can still be seen today in the Iraq War Era; although, it is more acceptable to protest the Iraq War than it is to be unpatriotic following a terrorist attack. However, the effects of mass hysteria and groupthink are still evident, and patriotism is a major reason for this. It could even be said these two eras (the Red Scare and the 2000’s), although 50 years apart, are surprisingly similar in their political climates and their relevance to the themes of this movie. McCarthyism, as a representative of the broader ideas of mass hysteria and groupthink, is simply the best, most relevant explanation for the political themes in Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and the film’s themes still hold true today for the more recent political climate in the United States.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers not only holds true today or in this decade, but it also applies to an audience of college-aged students at a university such as Alabama. Groupthink and hysteria does not just apply to times of war or crisis. It can also apply to social situations or other scenarios encountered while at college. Peer pressure or “fads” are just two of the examples of how the behavior of the masses can negatively or positively influence others. McCarthyism (or Communism) can simply be considered an example of groupthink or hysteria that is overblown and has a lot more at stake. Invasion of the Body Snatchers does an excellent job of cinematically interpreting what effects groupthink and hysteria can have on society or people in general. It can also be considered a reliable source on this topic because it was made during a time in which groupthink and mass hysteria were frightening, serious issues. In addition to depicting these themes well, it is also a quality, entertaining film. Unlike many of the films shown during most English or History classes, this film kept me alert and intrigued until the credits started rolling.

Works Cited

Dirks, Tim. “General Review for Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” 1996. 27 September 2007. http://www.filmsite.org/inva.html.

Siegel, Don. Invasion of the Body Snatchers. 1956.

Whitehead, John W. “Invasion of the Body Snatchers: A Tale for Our Times.” Gadfly Online. 1998. 27 September 2007. http://www.gadflyonline.com/11-26-01/film-snatchers.html

Laurel Caldwell

Adam Weinstein

English 101

December 9, 2007

Invasion of the Body Snatchers

The classic movie Invasion of the Body Snatchers is very controversial. It can be depicted, of course, as a Horror/Sci-Fi film, but also as a political allegory that talks about McCarthyism. McCarthyism is a period of time from the late 1940’s to the late 1950’s where there was very strong anti-Communist suspicion in the United States. When this movie was first made, Communism was very prevalent around the world and McCarthyism was occurring throughout the United States. Because of that, it is reasonable to believe that this movie’s underlying theme is about McCarthyism. However, I think that this movie is just one of those old scary movies.

 

John Whitehead states in his review “A Tale for our Time” that Invasion of the Body Snatchers is the “greatest of all the horror and science fiction classics of the 1950’s.” A talented, although previously unknown, cast; the “crafty manner in which director Siegel avoided the use of special effects;   and the strong story provided by Jack Finney and Daniel Mainwaring’s screenplay” (Whitehead) combine to make this movie a great movie. This movie has had three re-makes since it first came out in 1956. Each time it was re-made, there was an issue going on throughout the world that people could connect that specific issue to Invasion of the Body Snatchers. For example, at the time of the original movie in 1956, it was Communism; and the last re-make in 2007, the issue was terrorism. Invasion of the Body Snatchers has been re-made so many times, it causes one to question how it is that people from many different generations can easily relate to the movie. There must be some fear common to most humans which this film evokes.

 

A review by Tim Dirks, provides insight into the universal appeal of this movie. He informs his readers that in the original version of the movie, there was no prologue or epilogue. Without the prologue and epilogue, people found this movie very horrifying. Originally, the movie started with Dr. Miles Bennell meeting his nurse, Sally, after getting off the train. She tells him that there had been something weird going on around town while he was gone. The movie ended with Dr. Bennell wandering around the highway screaming, “Look, you fools. You’re in danger. Can’t you see? They’re after you. They’re after all of us. Our wives, our children, everyone. They’re here already. YOU”RE NEXT!” Because the movie ended like this, it scared people a lot. Having lifeless forms take over your body is a scary thing to people because you would not be able to be independent and be yourself or express emotions. It would just be a dull boring life and we would all be the same. Without the prologue or epilogue, the invasion is predetermined fact and people are helpless to do anything to prevent it.  The prologue and epilogue balance the fear with hope.

 

“Invasion of the Body Snatchers” is a classic science fiction horror movie.  The basic theme is about individuals totally losing their freedom and human identity to alien beings who see humans as something to be used. This is the ultimate in loss of control. Losing control of one’s life to someone more powerful than you is a basic fear common to human beings. This is what accounts for the movie’s continued appeal through the years. Yes, the pod people do resemble the communists in a way that they take over your body, but really, they are just something made to scare the moviegoer. When people come to watch movies, they come for entertainment. They just want to relax and watch a good movie. I don’t understand why people look so deeply into movies. Of course there are some movies where you do want to look more in depth into them, and really think about the message the director is trying to portray, like The Passion of the Christ for example. But why would a director of a scary movie put issues into the movie that try to make you think as to which theme they want you to follow through the movie? Most people do not want to be sitting there thinking, “Hmm, this movie looks like there are political allegories in it.” When the directors made this movie, they were interested in how they could make this movie the best they could, how they were going to pull in the most money at the ticket box, and how they were going to pull in a big audience. They did this by making a plain ol’ scary movie.  One which played on common human fears and which would continue to fascinate audiences throughout the years.

 

Works Cited:

Dirks, Tim. “Invasion of The Body Snatchers (1956).” 1996. 9 Oct. 2007. http://www.filmsite.org/inva.html.

Whitehead, John. “Invasion of the Body Snatchers: A Tale for our Times”. Gadfly Online. 1998. 9 Oct. 2007. http://www.gadflyonline.com/11-26-01/film-snatchers.html.

essay 6- Analyzing "What's Going On"

Molly Cole 6

In 1971 Marvin Gaye, one of R&B’s most talented artists wrote and performed his chart topping song, “What’s Going On”. The song was a deeply personal protest of the period’s biggest controversy, the Vietnam War. His song was meant to tell the world his views against it and his belief there had to be a better way than sending soldiers into battle to solve the problems. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye gave have him the opportunity to tell the world his thoughts on the war and how it should be solved by the lyrics he chose, the pathos rhetoric he used and the catchy beats and harmony of the song.

His anti-war anthem was released to make a statement, a statement to raise social consciousness and make the deaths of so many felt by his immense audience. For example, line 5, “There's far too many of you dying” (Marvin Gaye) almost begs us to understand how many lives were being taken for a cause most had ceased to believe.Marvin Gaye knew his views, along with many of his peers weren’t taken seriously due to their lifestyles, the way the dressed and their voices against the war. They were often dismissed as evidenced in line 25, “but who are they to judge us, simply because our hair is long” (Marvin Gaye). Gaye was known to be somewhat of a “hippie” and was speaking for himself and many of his fans, also categorized as “hippies”. In the chorus, Gaye writes about giving protesters a chance to be heard, not punished. The line “picket lines and picket signs” (Marvin Gaye) signifies the peaceful protest against the war and “don’t punish me with brutality” (Marvin Gaye) further pleads to let them have their opinions without worry of being quieted or even attacked. This song was written to tell the government the war in Vietnam was wrong and there had to be more peaceful ways to solve a problem.
“What’s Going On” is an extremely powerful song. Even now, 36 years later it still evokes intense emotions when heard. Each verse displays a reason why fighting is not the answer to the conflict, such as “for only love can conquer hate” (Marvin Gaye). While the chorus shows Marvin’s view of the war being pure chaos, repeating, “What’s going on...what’s going on” (Marvin Gaye). Marvin Gay is able to make the listener understand the sense of fear and disarray the soldiers must have been feeling. These simple words were meant to trigger our humanity and make us question if the war really should have been happening. By repeating this chorus, we cannot avoid the question and acknowledge there must be a better answer. Marvin Gaye wanted us to feel the destruction of war personally. He used, “mother, mother” to imply that any mother’s child could be sent to war and be at risk of dying. More than likely mother’s were not Marvin Gaye’s fan base, but many were now realizing that this war killed sons, and for what cause?

Gaye’s use of pathos in this hit song is an incredible strategy. Pathos lets the audience connect more to the issue. Using instances like “mother, mother” make it more real, as if someone’s son, or brother could be taken away instantly. If Gaye were to have used logos, or ethos, I doubt the song would have been such an inspirational song for most. The pathos used in the song, hits many people close to home, and makes them realize that everyone is hurt by the controversy and the war is everyone’s business, not just our governments.

Marvin Gaye’s goal for writing “What’s Going On” was to let the United States hear what he considered most of the country’s views in a peaceful manner and attempt to make the government know that war was not the answer. War never solves anything. Marvin Gaye used such a strong, but subtle way of expressing his views without shutting out those of others. His message was very peaceful, showing no aggression. He found a way to ask for change without writing any lyrics that could have incited violence or rioting.

By keeping the rhythm simple and upbeat, it became “catchy”. Marvin Gaye’s fan base kept the song on the charts further spreading the message for a peaceful resolution to the war. Its simplicity may have given him an even bigger audience.
It was four more brutal years after Marvin Gaye’s song was released before the war was over. His musical plea was effective, heard around the world due to his popularity as a musician and performer. It was intended to open the country to possibilities other than war. Through his music and lyrics Marvin Gaye made a very powerful, yet peaceful political stand.

Paper # 6-Chelsea Banks

The Good, The Bad, and Peanut Butter

When I reflect on peanut butter, the memorable days of kindergarten are fixed in my brain. With shouts and cries and sounds of the playground swing sets squeaking as they swing back and forth, the children around me run and laugh because we are enjoying the hot, radiant sunshine on the top of our sweaty heads. We stand in line for the whirly slide because it is a definite favorite among the crowd—being the thrill of a lifetime, or so we thought. The smell of freshly cut grass and must surround me; yet my mind is not focusing on recess.
What did my mother pack in my lunch today?The teacher blows that loud, annoying whistle that is our prompt to jump off the swings, slide one last time, or strike at that yellow tetherball again. My teacher holds her hand high in the air so we can all see which line we are getting in; it is not good to end up leaving with the wrong teacher or wrong class. “Let’s go class! You’re going to be late for lunch!” she yells. She assumes we all prefer the excitements of the playground to the wonders of the cafeteria.
Once we arrive in the largest room associated with elementary school, diversity is evident. Some kids bring their lunches; some kids do not.My mother explains her reasoning for packing my lunch, “I want to know what you are consuming!”I think she simply wants to save money. Either way, I enjoy the personalized lunches she packs everyday in my Polly Pocket lunch box. My favorite sandwich, the famous peanut butter and jelly, is the norm. I loathe the day my mother will pack me a bologna sandwich, or one with solely cheese and ketchup, like the freckled boy, Elijah, eats everyday. While some kids frown despondently at the surprise in their own box, or maybe at the mysterious object the cafeteria lady put on their lunch tray, I smile with anticipation. As I unwrap my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, my friend turns to face me. “Wanna trade?” she so boldly asks. I give her a look of disagreement. “I’d rather not…I’m allergic to bologna.” Then I hurriedly turn back to my main focus.
It is possible for an object of your main focus to be your first thought when you awake in the morning. One day I woke to the beams of sunlight singing as beautiful a tune as the sparrow on the fencepost. I arose not only to remember I had spent the night at my grandparents’ house, but also to smell the marvelous kitchen downstairs. It does not take long for me to run down the stairs to see what creates that incredible aroma. Neither does it take long for my grandmother to scold my impatient manner. “Don’t choo run down them stairs!” “I’m sorry.” I lie. “I’ve told you about that. One of these days you’re gonna fall.” We sit at her oval table to view the plethora of pancakes stacked like a spectacular, tiered, wedding cake. Although the margarine and maple syrup are placed on the table, I question the whereabouts of the peanut butter. My grandfather looks at me with raised brows and a confusing look on his face. “What d’you need that for?” I find it ironic that my family, the people who are expected to know me the best, often question my undying love for this granular paste. One of my favorite meals is hot, fresh pancakes, topped with peanut butter and syrup. This unique and interesting combination powered my revolution to try it with waffles.
At Waffle House one Saturday morning, a waitress works her way around our group taking individual orders. She turns to face me with an exasperated expression across her face. “What can I do for you, honey?” I can tell she has been working for a long period of time and if truth be told, she does not care about me. Even so, I order two waffles with a side of bacon that ends up being drenched in enough oil to last a whole body massage. My meal is not complete without the addition of some smooth, creamy, peanut butter. As the worn-out waitress starts to walk away, I slip in the question. “Do you have any peanut butter?” She gives me a concerned eye, and then laughs softly. Many people find peanut butter as a condiment so out of the ordinary.
Do you consider yourself obsessed? Some of my friends ask me this with comic stares. If obsession qualifies as going to Red Lobster and ordering a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, instead of the Fish of the Day, then…yes, I have an obsession. Whether it is smooth and creamy or nutty and crunchy, peanut butter is my character. Sensibly, I am not a jar of peanut butter; however it is engulfed in the depth of my consciousness. The smooth type of peanut butter is an easygoing roll of the ocean—peaceful waters. On the other hand, the crunchy peanut butter is a hurricane—full of debris and swirled into a rough entity. These differing types of peanut butter are like my different thoughts on life. There are good times and bad times; all that matters…is how to approach them.
I remember the days of high school; the memories overflow. I am in my high school auditorium for the annual beauty pageant. I look at my reflection in the mirror—smudged from the multitude of make-up covered hands tapping it before. Is this who I am? Me. The girl in the reflection? I anxiously wait backstage until my chance to speak with the judges. The personal interview portion of the pageant counts a large percentage, and I want to be completely relaxed—like loose curls. Nerves are high; smiles are fake. The pageant coordinator calls my number. It is my turn to speak with the judges. “Just be yourself.” I repeatedly think in my head. Over the course of the interview I try to be casual, yet sophisticated. The best thing to do is let the judges notice your personality. So I finish my introduction and wait for my interview question. At this point, I cannot help but notice the violent chattering of my teeth. “If you could ask Santa Clause for one present this year, what would you ask for and why?” A sensation of relief came over my whole nervous body. At that moment, I knew what to say: what I felt. “If I could ask Santa Clause for one present this year, I would ask for a year supply of peanut butter. Why, you ask? I adore the delicious treat; I even believe it should have its own food group. I could never live without my peanut butter!” After I answered the question, I waited for their response. Thoughts are racing through my head. Allowing each moment to happen as it will is how I live my life. With hopes for the future, I continue to believe in the inevitable; but every moment is approachable in a different manner. The judges are smiling. They are actually smiling. And I feel so comfortable, just like the next time I place that jar of JIF securely in my shopping cart.
What is it about this paste that sets me apart from the character, or even personality of others? Why do I have such a craving for it?
Simply, this phenomenon is by chance. I cannot find the reason or the evidence to prove why this paste composed merely of peanuts and salt is my desire. Such an uncomplicated substance can be presented as complicated if enough thought is asserted; yet peanut butter is just peanut butter! Likewise, I am who I am: a truly uncomplicated individual who may sometimes appear as a complex. However, my life stories make me who I am. And peanut butter…is the adhesive paste that holds my stories together.

essay #6

Henry Shields
English 101
November 1, 2007
Adam Weinstein
“Convictions”
Toby Keith is hailed as one of the best country song artists of his generation and his new song, “Love me if you can”, is currently number one on the country billboard charts. Unlike the stereotype of the “new fashioned” country, Toby Keith is adored by his fans for speaking his mind and being a very opinionated artist. His songs are easy to relate to and are mostly “hot” topics that are delivered through emotion and personal experience. “Love me if you can”, in particular, covers political point of views; a topic that everyone can relate to. According to the Rhetorical Triangle, Toby Keith uses ethos and pathos to get his message across: his message being the idea that everyone believes the ideas of a certain political party, but he is a man of his “convictions”. A great message indeed, but is he really a man of his “Convictions”?
In this song, I believe Toby Keith is speaking to a huge audience. Whether you are running for president or just an “average Joe” on the street, you have political opinions that contradict with others’. Keith uses this truth in an ingenious way, enabling him to relate to everyone. He states that he “prays for peace on earth” but also thinks “war is necessary”. He is presenting himself as an average man with average beliefs. Keith delivers his message with a “don’t give a damn” persona. By doing so, he shows he truly believes in what he is saying. Toby Keith is so well renowned for his music because people believe he is the persona in the song, he doesn’t just make one up. This makes his point more believable than if he were cautious about what people thought. Overall, Keith’s message is delivered to a wide range of people in a manner that is trustworthy and full of pride. Everyone can relate to his message and he is proud to hold strong to his firm beliefs and share his opinion.
I feel that Toby Keith is delivering a great message, but determining whether it portrays a positive or negative theme is completely up to the listener. In my opinion, Keith incorporates a choice for the listener. The main chorus is, “I’m a man of my conviction”. So what do you think; is Keith really a man of his convictions? As a man of my conviction, I say NO! I feel that the lyrics and delivery of the content is an extremely positive message. Keith tells us to believe what means most to you, don’t be a follower. I feel that the lyrics are delivered well and the overall message is great, but I question the motives for delivering this moral message. Toby Keith uses a “bad ass” persona along with lines and words that appeal to many people. And in his main chorus, Keith states, “I’m a man of my convictions, call me wrong, call me right”. Well, great for him you might say. Doesn’t every country singer try to act like a “bad ass”? Don’t they all fake that country twang and root for America and everything else they believe in no matter what anyone else thinks? I couldn’t agree with you more. The fact of the matter is that Toby Keith sells himself just as much as he does his music. In reality, there is no such thing as a great, “from the heart” song. A true man with morals does not deliver his message of “conviction” through a multi platinum recording company so he can make millions of dollars. I do not mean to contradict myself on the fact that Toby Keith is a good singer that is not in it for the fame and fortune, but that doesn’t keep me from questioning the truth behind his “convictions”. Yes, he has written many songs that were based on real life events, but I feel he has caught on to the fact that these kinds of songs are “the ones that sell” and now he is just selling himself. Not to sound like my grandfather, but the sad reality is that songs these days are written to sell, not written from someone’s true “convictions”.
Lastly; goals. WHAT GOALS? Toby Keith does not express for any goal to be met, he just blabbers on in his monotone voice about how he is a man of his “conviction”; the “conviction” that was placed so deep in his heart by corporate executives looking to make an extra dollar. This song is a complete mockery of country music and after analyzing it for its “political conflict”; I have come to the conclusion that this whole song is just “politics”. In lemans terms politics is people selling themselves with bullshit words so they can make money.