Secrets

A special blog I didn't know had even existed until a couple weeks ago was PostSecret. When we watched the video about it in class, the whole concept behind this blog really spoke to me. I found it incredible how so many people had the courage and wanted to reveal their secrets to an audience of more than a million. Many of the secrets broke my heart to read, but as Thanksgiving came it made me very thankful that I didn't have to hide the secrets many others do and it made me blessed for the life I have. Reading this blog has made me appreciate everything I have more. By just looking at somebody they may seem as happy and joyful as can be, but you may never know the secrets that are slowly deteriorating them.



 As we wrapped up and finished the Scarlet Letter we saw the effect that a secret can have on one. Dimmesdale passed away and grew sick because of the burden he felt by trying to hide that he committed adultery with Hester. His secret was too much for him to hold onto any longer. Also in the poem "The History Teacher," the teacher tries to hide the truth about past events and how they actually happened. By making historical events seem innocent, his secret only impacts himself. The kids on the playground are just as harmful anyway not knowing the truth about world events. This shows that maybe some secrets can make you feel better about yourself, just like the history teacher feeling proud and innocent lying to the children.Secrets can make you feel joyful, trapped, angry, depressed, or even happy, but it is up to you to be the judge of that. 

Slavery

You know a piece of literature is good when you can't take your eyes away from it. This past we week we read the incredible piece "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl," by Harriet Jacobs. The journey the narrator Linda had to make was unbelievable. This narrative was even more powerful because it was told in a first person point of view. When it came to the lines, "I was about to risk everything on the throw of a die; and if I failed, O what would become of me and my poor children? They would be made to suffer for my fault." The suspense leads up, but it also shows how kind and considerate Linda is of others. She did not choose to run away for her own personal benefit, but for her loved ones. It is crazy to think that slavery did happen in America. When you look around the classroom today, you see so many different races. It is hard to imagine that there were once separated drinking fountains, buses, or restaurants and the abuse humans went to get their equal rights. The piece Jacobs wrote helps connect anyone to what many African Americans had to suffer through. Most people here take their freedom for granted, but imagine how different the world would be if we didn't make a change and slavery still existed. It would be an abusive, disastrous, and a terrifying place. 

Society

 
Society kills, litterly. The guilt Dimmesdale let climb upon his body and weaken his mind, finally destroyed him in the end. It wasn't just his own guilt though, it was the way society viewed him. The townspeople loved and worshiped Dimmesdale. Their praise for him only led him to feel worse about himself. Society also hurt and punished Hester. The townspeople and even the children judged and looked down upon her because of the scarlet letter she was forced to wear. Even when she did helpful things for the poor she was rewarded with harsh and bitter insults. 

Why is society so judgmental? Has it changed much to this day? If you commit adultery now, you will not be as severely punished, but will still be looked down upon. Society has the tendency to believe that everyone should be a certain way and act like perfect little angels. That is not true, each individual should be able to be themselves and not have to worry about being judged. Just like how "Self-Reliance" expresses the need to misunderstood. Emerson states," Is it so bad to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus...and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood."  If you want to be great you must break out of the barriers society has set on you. Don't let society ruin you. Hester's punishment made her stronger even when she was faced with the toughest battles. 

Kindness

Many people in today's society do not have the courage to stand up and take the blame for the sins they may have committed. Even though Hester can be seen as a bad person through many eyes, she is actually a very powerful and kind character. She receives her punishment and wears the scarlet letter without complaining. She is also very caring towards the sick and the poor. I know for a fact that if I tried helping a person and they just threw insults back at me instead of being thankful, I would just stop trying. They would be on their own. Hester has the incredible ability though, to keep helping and giving her time to the less fortunate even when they are not appreciative. 

Hester's courage and kindness relates to everyone striving to do good for our country. Many will get criticized for the hard charitable work they do, but that will not stop them.We have such a large amount of volunteers right now trying to help with Hurricane Sandy and deep down everyone knows they are appreciative of the extra help. Criticism should never stop you from achieving your full potential. We need to learn how to be more like Hester and to put other's needs before our own. Imagine how much better the world would be if we all just helped each other out. 

True Beauty is Found In Nature

One of the best feelings to me, is walking along the beach with my feet sinking into the squishy white sand, hearing the gentle waves crash against the shore, and watching the bright orange, soft yellow, and light pinks begin to mingle into a beautiful sunset. The effect nature can have on you is incredible. Nature has the capability to teach everyone different lessons about life. 

One of the lessons taught by the poem "Thanatopsis," is how you shouldn't fear death, you will become a part of nature, and will never be alone. If you are ever sad you can turn to nature to make you feel better. Also in the poem  "The Tide Rises, the Tide Falls," Longfellow describes how nature is always permanent. I agree with these writers and believe that nature is such an important part of life. It has the ability to open up your eyes        to new experiences.

Just like the movies: Up, 127 Hours, and Journey to the Center of the Earth, nature guides each one on their own unique and unbelievable adventures. I believe that everybody should go out and appreciate the beauty God has given us. Whether it's fiery orange canyons in Utah, gushing crystal clear waterfalls in Maui, or just playing in the white soft snow in your own backyard, each is amazing! Nature will truly take your breath away. 

Women Are Equal

 The famous statement, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal...." can be described as one of the most powerful sayings in "The Declaration of Independence." But note the word choice of "all men." Throughout the entire piece there is no mention of women, at all. The Declaration shaped America and is still one of the most meaningful elements in American history, but it failed to include women. Neglecting the female helps to show that during that time period, women were not seen as equal and inferior to men. Women were eventually granted greater rights like suffrage, but as time continued on I feel that to this day women are not treated equally to men. 

This is relevant to my sister's experience in college. She was telling me about her school, Case Western Reserve University has a club called WISER (women in science and engineering roundtable). It is a club to encourage women in STEM (science technology engineering and math) to always be able to compete at the same level as men. It has been proven that in STEM fields women generally have lower self confidence and self efficacy than men. WISER was formed to provide networking opportunities and a solid support system for women in male dominated fields.

Also, even though women are equally athletically talented to men, hardly anyone watches women's sports. Unless it is a big event like the Olympics, many would rather watch men's professional NFL, NBA, or MLB sports. It shows how gender-based discrimination still exists. However, in today's society there are more people fighting for equality than ever before. 

No Regrets

Many people will pity the tragic stories they read in the newspaper or hear about on the local news station about innocent helpless people getting hurt, robbed, or even killed. While doing so one question may ponder in their mind: what would I have done? A few would be thankful they were not put in that situation, but a numerous amount would say; I could have been the superhero and saved their life. In reality though,many people say that, but don't have enough courage to stand up for what they believe is right. 

As shown in The Crucible, if any of the girls were brave enough to stand up for themselves and tell the truth, they could have saved and protected innocent lives. Sadly though, it was like Abigail was truly a witch and cast a spell on the girls forcing them to say and behave the only way she commands them to. If one girl would have spoken out against Abigail, there is a chance many would have followed. 

This also relates to the article we read, "The Dying Girl That No One Helped." People saw that Kitty was struggling severely and bleeding, but did anyone help her? No. When put into the situation of sacrificing your own life to help another, many back down. The fear of what may happen to your own life sweeps across the entire body. Just like the girls in The Crucible, fear of what Abigail might do to them caused them not to speak out. Standing up for what you believe is easier said than done, but in the end it will be worth it. We need to learn to put others before ourselves because just one helpful deed could save a life. Also, realize that courage will come when you pursue the right action, just don't back down or you may regret it forever.