I never imagined that i would miss doing blog posts but I am and that’s really surprising but when i really think about it…its not. The amount of time that i would spend reading posts (to the point i would completely forget to do mine) is slightly insane.
The most valuable thing i gained is to see things from a completely different perspective, well… i advanced my ability to see things in different perspectives. The blogs were a significant factor that showed me to look at topics through a different set of eyes. Even though its not something really English-y, its a quality that i think we should all have, to use everyday.
Non conformity is achieving originality and this forms the backbone of individualism. As a teenager, we try to identify who we are and we try to resist conforming to societies ideals and standards. The idea of non conformity exists in all forms; from music to movies and books.
A song from the musical ‘Hairspray’- You can’t stop the beat embraces this idea. A common belief in transcendentalism is rebelling against anyone who tries to hold you back. The chorus:” And if you try to hold me down I’m gonna spit in your eye and sayThat you cant stop the beat!”
The rebellious nature of this song amplifies non conformity and individualism.
You remember scheduling the appointment to have your wisdom teeth removed. You remember the mask being lowered over your nose and mouth. You remember the world slowly turning black.
You’ve just regained consciousness. You’re on a train. There’s a briefcase handcuffed to your wrist. Searching your pockets, you find a note.
The note was blank, no ink or pencil had marked the paper. Suddenly, the door of the train car opened and sunlight shine through like a beacon of hope. You scramble to get on your feet but nothing happened, and felt the weight of the briefcase but you ignored it. The silence was loud, blood was pounding in your ears and you stood there waiting. After a few minutes you walk towards the door, and look out. There were atleast a dozen train cars and all of them were open. You look out to your surroundings and see plains in every direction. Then suddenly with a bang, the door on the first train car shut. You started panicking, and with a few seconds left, you jump out. Soon after the train started to move and within a few second it left, Vanishing into the foggy morning.
You start running blindly, and suddenly your feet aren’t touching the ground and you’re falling, the sea was below you crashing against a cliff you didn’t see. and your leg jerks and you wake up, breathing heavily. You struggle to sit up but failed and passed out, but this time you wake up in deep in a forest, with a note in your pocket and a backpack tied to your hand.
In 1996, Ralph Ellison was interview on a variety of topics where he shared his opinion and provided some insight. One of the main topics was his famous novel “The Invisible Man”. Ellison talked about the process or the inspiration in making the novel, and i found it really interesting that he was a music major in college which might explain his use of music in the invisible man. From the start of the novel he highlights music as a key component in describing the lives of African Americans.
Another aspect of his interview that i absolutely agreed with was the lack of diversity, especially in the south. Today, America is known as the melting pot of cultures, but there are some places that still remain predominately American or African American. Even in literature, it should include a variety of cultures, if possible and while we are somewhat good at including the dominant cultures in American i feel like there is still some room for improvement.
As an Indian i found it really interesting when he talked about the Buddha and how it comforted him. Hindu and Buddhism are somewhat related in the aspect of being very peaceful so i related to Ellison when he said that the Buddha gave him comfort. Ellison goes on to explain how faith inspires or affects most artistic pieces and how it can open people up to new opinions and perspectives.
I honestly enjoyed listening to Ellison’s thoughts and opinions on many of the topics he discussed.
I love dogs, I like cats but I only like them when I’m not in a close proximity with them. I’m not exactly afraid of them, I just can’t tolerate their over-enthusiastic personality sometimes. But I do admit that I get scared when dogs bark at me, especially big dogs. Cats on the other hand seem tame and lazy but I’ve seen too many funny prank videos of cats freaking out and hurting their owners, to even imagine having a cat as a pet. I know that there are so many other animals one could have as a pet but honestly I don’t want a pet. Maybe in the future I’ll get a dog but I honestly don’t think I’ll get a pet in the near future nor do I want to have a pet.
When i saw this video for the first time, i was shocked and you can call me naive but i honestly did not expect those vile words coming from a college. When i look at racism, i associate it mainly with older generations, the biggest reason being that we’ve studied the civil rights movement so many times in so many of my classes that i expected better from the younger generation. Sadly, i was wrong.
The fraternity members who were caught deserve to be expelled, and i think the aftermath of the scandal was handled appropriately and i completely support the university’s decisions. The students in this specific fraternity that proudly chanted those words opened up an important discussion. I hope that this time, this “discussion” will result in some form of change.
Wake me up, wake me up you small cup of joy, the one thing that can bring a smile to my face; glorious cup of coffee makes the mornings bearable and success an plausible idea, we thrive when using this “drug” to make us function, we are addicted to this rich cup of goodness and I can’t imagine a life without you; I’d gladly punch a tea bag In the face to ensure your safety and I would run out to the store on this dreary day to make sure you’re in my life; three sips of you and your power is mighty, so you glorious cup of broze nectar wake me up, wake me up and make this morning a good one.
Three years ago, my parents FINALLY let me buy music and these are the two albums i bought…..
‘The Best Of The Monkees’ – The Monkees
After my speech teacher (shoutout to Ms.Erskine) showed us some episodes of ‘The Monkees’ I fell in love with the TV show, and I started to listen to their music. I was absolutely obsessed with the song ‘Believer’ and opening song of their show. So naturally, when I got the opportunity to buy some music I bought ‘The Best of the Monkees’ album from Amazon.
“I’m a Believer” -The Monkees
‘Mylo Xyloto’ – Coldplay
Basically, i heard paradise on the radio over and over again and loved that song and i LOVED the album ‘Viva la Vida or death and all his friends’ so i decided that this album would be as good so i decided to buy the latest one from Coldplay.
“Charlie Brown” -Coldplay
Now, as I’ve grown up my music taste has also evolved and i listen to a lot of British artists. [ Patiently waiting for Adele to release her next album]. I’ve always loved bands so I’ve started listening to a lot of Indie/rock band music. I’ve also “discovered” acoustic music and I LOVE IT SO MUCH (you don’t even know…..) and instrumental music like “River Flows in You” – Yiruma is another favorite. I’ve rediscovered French music, and i’m basically obsessed. French music is really beautiful and its perfect for rainy days or early Sunday mornings. Coeur de Pirate, MC Solaar, and Stromae are my favorite French artists. And lastly, i can’t ever forget to mention my favorite artists {ever]….One Direction, and if you’re going to judge me..then okay. Now i am going to say that their first album is BAD. It brings back a lot of good memories but the album its self and the lyrics are just terrible [there are some exceptions like “Moments”]. However, they’re latest albums “Midnight Memories” and “Four” are MUCH better and you should give listen to them before bashing them.
caliwifi 