Moth vs Butterfly - WITH KENDRICK INFLUENCE ;)

The one thing we all have in common is the single representation of life… and the single representation of death. There are two kinds of people that make up the world. The butterfly and the moth. One with triumphant wings that catch they eye of any being, and one with the inelegant wings that result in disgust.

The moth is always identified as an insect or creature  due to its features. There are no characteristics which make it stand out. It is rather ugly and unappealing, just like any other standard insect. As Virginia Woolf stated, “they do not excite that pleasant sense of dark autumn nights and ivy-blossom which the commonest yellow-underwing asleep in the shadow of the curtain never fails to rouse in us”. The statement made shows how a moth is just mediocre or more so pathetic. The humans that stay below the eye of the public, that do not strive for excellence, that sit back and wither away are the moth. They are the unimportant creatures of our specimen. They have the wings to fly, however; they do not use their capabilities to their potential. They go day to day with simple tendencies that do not past any chance of change.

The butterfly is the exact opposite. The highest in its class and considered beautiful, although it is know as an insect. To people a butterfly is a creature worthy to the human eye and is even a representation of life. As Kendrick Lamar uses the image and wording “To Pimp A Butterfly”, he exploits the creature to its full potential by “pimping” it. This is taking, the already beautiful, butterfly and adding more to it, giving it more life. In the sense of life for a human, the butterfly would be known as the person who leads. The one who uses their abilities to better themselves and the people around them. They use the wings given to not only fly, but do so with grace.

The COMPLEXION of a butterfly is the symbol of its characteristics. To be “a sight to see” for an insect, the butterfly is what we humans should strive to be. The greatest of the human race. To be seen based on our work instead of color, race, or religion. Just as Muhammad Ali, Ghandi, and Albert  Einstein who are all known based on their actions. We are INSTITUTIONALIZED; however, we need to break THESE WALLS and be more than a MORTAL MAN.

We all have “loyalty and royalty inside our DNA” making it possible to be the butterfly we need to be. We can use PRIDE but be HUMBLE at the same time. We can FEAR but still master each ELEMENT. We can all “pimp” a butterfly, but cant change a moth.

To Glow

To enter into the discussion, the problem is racism towards all. We all have bigotry and intolerance for a specific set of people, no matter what the situation may be. To make sense of every situation we should understand every previous moment before; step into one's shoes, rethink how one may feel, and view both sides of the story. We need to glow.

The phrase “blinded society” is extremely ironic. We would be better blind since much of the hatred comes from what we see and the outlooks of one’s personality. Instead of our society being blind to everything, we have a specific lens we see through that slowly worsens our view on the world. This relates to our perspectives, and how we our close minded. The blindness is a severe diagnosis which humbles one’s heart and mind. The correlation connects but the point is off. It is not our eyes that are blinded, but more so the mind.

To have a good heart is scarce in the world. The constant cycle of breeding humans to hate is placed on every soul as we slip further into an abyss of darkness. We learn the difference between right and wrong, until the inside of one's heart and mind is manipulated. Then the care to do something right fades as the acceptance of doing something wrong becomes withstandable. One thing that we take advantage of (which is still a sin) is the disrespecting of others. The circle of the cold world is shown not only through hatred towards a kind of person but towards the people we are jealous of. The people we hate for no apparent reason. The people we do not even hate due to racism, but toward the fact that they are different. This relates to the lens that slowly takes over our minds. It devours our spirit like a boa snake constricting our ability to love. Thus creating an adaptation to the claustrophobic environment of our ill mind.

The never ending cycle of hatred can change. Change is not easy but neither is living in this gruesome world. Create a loving atmosphere for the generations to come. Just as Frederick Douglass had said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men”.

BOOM

The passage, The Clan of One-Breasted Woman, emphasizes the disastrous outcomes of the nuclear weapons testing. Just as people had suffered in Japan due to the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombs, people in the United States have suffered due to radiation. Unfortunately, like many outcomes of America, the government is yet to blame. Using land that is supposedly “uninhabited” as a safe ground for the testing, this caused in outburst for the people in these areas.

Not only did the bombings affect have health related issues, but it goes to show how the United States government is hypocritical. Claiming to love and protect “its people” as they let the radiation alter human life. Causing death due to cancer and other health issues. Critically standing for itself as they get a slap on the wrist for their actions. The millions of problems created from the United States government seem to piece together as if they work together on a link chart.

All the facts are embodied throughout time. We just need to stand for ourselves against the government that works for us.

To Be Or Not To Be

Everyone loves to look dapper and beautiful; however, people also need their days to wear sweatpants and hoodies. As men “supposedly” have their days to look sloppy and not be judged, Deborah Tannen claims that “there is no unmarked woman”.

For many years women have been described based on their beauty. What they wear out the house, what makeup they place on their face, and what they do to their hair. It is almost mandatory for women to have to dress themselves up. When they take a day off women are judged for not looking “normal”. Nonetheless, times have changed and views of people are not as sexist as before. Women argue that they cannot go out in sweatpants and hoodies without being judged. Yes, women are criticized when they do not wear makeup or dress up, but it is up to them for wearing makeup everyday and dressing themselves up. It is only right for one to question the difference. The argument they women are the only ones marked is not true to this day.

As I present myself with fashionable clothing and different trends, I am considered marked. I am questioned when I do not dress up. Since it is common for me to do this everyday it is expected for people to ask questions about my different appearance. A young girl in my class wears the same blue hoodie, along with jeans and no makeup. No one questions her appearance and why she does not wear makeup because she has been presenting herself this way everyday. If a woman wanted to dress up everyday with no makeup no one will question her actions, leaving her being unmarked. If I wanted to wear sweatpants everyday, I would also be unmarked.

It is not just for women to be marked or unmarked. It is about the decisions one makes that gives them the specific title.

Difference

After much controversy, many ask about why spaces in the world are gender classified, however, thought about this topic recently shifted into my point of view. After (President) Donald Trump issued for gendered students to use their normal bathroom despite their gender preference. This means that a male uses the male's restroom and a female uses the female restroom, just as it had been set in standard for many years. As this instance does not affect me personally in any matter, it does soever affect millions of people scared to be who they truly are. Just recently it has been proclaimed that a young male, known as Mack Beggs, has finished his wrestling season 52-0 since Texas Law would not allow him to wrestle boys. As he was born a female buy changed his preference to a male, the boy would not be qualified to participate in a sport that does not correspond with his birth certificate. Though he proved himself worthy against Texas law to beat females in wrestling, what if the roles were reversed?

Many times boys are stereotyped to be athletes and always better than females at physical activity based on our genetics. We have separate stores that we enjoy (sporting goods stores)  and places that correspond to our masculinity like the gym. When one thinks of a gym they think of macho men who suit up in sleeveless shirts, injecting drugs into their veins, and the act of pumping iron. No one considers women to play a role in the type of work done at a gym. How come?

It is from the basis of what we have been crafted to follow certain stereotypes and not break from them. Ironically it is not the fact that women are not physically capable, it is the fact that they outshine men in aspects based on stereotypes. Women fight harder, and many times are more determined than men. And though this is said, many times being true, we still think of the stereotypes after all the change in the world. A male is placed to do this. A female is placed to do that. Times have changed, technology has become efficient, we have evolved, but our minds have have barriers that keep us from reaching our full potential as humans.

What Happens In Vegas Stays In Vegas

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas is a saying well known to many people all throughout the United States of America, however it is very ironic. With all the things that happen in Vegas one may not understand the fact that the events that take place are supposed to be left there and never placed into further discussion. The drive thru marriage companies think otherwise as shown in the passage, Marrying Absurd by Joan Didion.



Marriage in Vegas seems to be considered as a joke as many marriages take little time and effort to complete. The business of the drive thru marriage has been created just as a way to influence Americanization and the importance of money. In many cultures a marriage is an important time in one's life, but in Vegas it tends to be considered as a joke. People ages 18 and over can recite their vows in a matter of minutes and be considered “married”.



The problem is what does this cheap marriage describe about the situation? Does a person not love another if they get married through a drive thru? Will the marriage last? Was it even love or rather so lust? Was this the only affordable outcome a person may have had? No one can speak for another person's life and their actions but it does bring suspicion into the minds of couples all around the U.S. The lifeless ‘Drive Thru Company’ makes marriage seem to be a joke. Instead of the marriage being something real it may be seen as something quite fake slowly eating away at hearts of Americans day in and day out. Marriage is made more so as a label to add to your resume of life. Many people seem to just want more than they ever have before, allowing them to be vulnerable and mislead to the cultures of society. Fitting in with labels and Americanism people give into silly customs that play a part of American life. It just goes to show that the marriage in Vegas may just stay in Vegas.

The Truth of the Nacirema

The ways of humans have forever been shifting as we pick up on different aspects from the “Nacirema” tribe according to Horace Miner. Our view points, our ways of life, and our judgment has all been altered as we adapt to new ways of living. It is certain that we Americans have culture, but where do we originate from?

Just as the humans have had tribes of all types, we discover our true self from the Nacirema. The Nacirema is a tribe that has originated from all different types of tribes, emulating the ways of others into its own society. With the transition to mold its own way of life The Nacirema tribe created a country based on freedom of all. Although there was freedom and equality the tribe had made, a specific way of living with expectations on appearance, thinking, and respect became part of the cycle.

As people started to adapt to the ways of the Nacirema, they stopped questioning the decisions of the tribe. The religion to follow became Christianity and anything else was out of the ordinary. The jobs began to be classified for certain people, as whites took prominent role in all the industries. Education became a part of society and placed through the eyes of the tribe, as they had control of what knowledge people received. Certain tendencies were a way of adaptation for all life and became known as assimilation. Respect came for only a certain class of people. Listening to people with more authority became the main way of society. The way one appearance should be had shifted based on the culture of the higher class. Sectioning off people based on color and ethnicity, known as race, had become a way of thinking that was never questioned.

The ways of the Nacirema tribe were dysfunctional. The leaders had constructed everything while the people of the tribe became blinded. Corruption was placed in the heart of the Nacirema tribe and push through until it had become a way of living in America now. The real ways of the Nacirema tribe were never followed but only promised. Only the ones with the real eyes will be able to unveil the difference between the Nacirema tribe and what is America culture today. 

S U C C E S S

The truth about success is that it is not handed to you but instead you need to fight for it. History has been defined over countless changes they have all been achieved throughout hard work and dedication. Success has been shown through the stories of J.K. Rowling, Michael Jordan, Barak Obama, Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, and now Tom Brady. Yes, the 5-time Super Bowl champion has done it again proving himself to be the best to ever play the game of football; however, he became the best only after countless failures.

Tom Brady was a backup quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines in his first two years, and worked his way up to earn his starting role as QB during his Junior year at the university. His senior year he led the team to win the Orange Bowl, and although he had dedication that was not enough. Brady was quite unlucky having been drafted in sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft. Working his way up to be an outstanding quarterback for the New England Patriots and winning the Super Bowl as a rookie in the league. With the hard work and dedication Brady proved himself to be the best to ever play the game. After countless failures and setbacks Brady picked himself back up and never gave up. The practice paid off and it showed throughout the third and fourth quarter of this Super Bowl game. The comeback was possible because of the hope and trust in his ability, because of the time and effort he placed into perfecting his throw, because of the determination he had to win. Brady is just another example of success by practice.

Brady and his success from his practice relates to the same practice a person needs to include in his or her life to strive. As the entire class read an excerpt dealing with different ways to perfect a score for testing, the most important focus was to practice. It was the closing argument and considered the most effective way to succeed. This goes to show that success is something one must work for. It will never be granted in life. It will forever be up to you to succeed.

 

The People VS Trump

Throughout my life, never once have I felt so lost and united at once. Our country’s leader has damaged the definition of America and what it means to be an American citizen; however, we as individuals around the nation have come together in support for the qualities America had been built upon.

After “President” Trump had passed his ban on immigrants from seven Muslim majority countries, people everywhere became outraged knowing the man with all the talk had decided to back it up with some action. Citizens, not knowing whether Trumps run for Presidency was a hoax, are now fighting back towards the destruction of his decisions. Banning of immigrants is unconstitutional, and citizens spoke out with protest all around national airports in Boston, New York, and Detroit.

The protests were to support equality and freedom for all despite gender, origin, race, and religion. People of every color stood together in fight for what is right. Would the “President” vouch for this? The sad but undeniable truth for the question still poses to be no. A man who makes racial comments, slanders women, and explicitly mocks the disabled is not one who should have the power of the nation in his hands.

The United States has always preached morals of justice but the citizens are misrepresented every day.  It has become a habit to categorize humans into groups which makes equality more difficult to obtain. As shown through the eyes of, the once disabled, Nancy Mairs she states, “Socialized human beings love to conform, to study others and then mold themselves to the contours of those whose images, for good reasons or bad, they come to love”. Being placed in a class based on qualities is easily approved, but has shown repeatedly that it creates a restriction from freedom, equality, and justice. So long as these walls are built around our nation we will be divided, but we the people are closer than ever. We can push past the dreadful past if we work together. I am not speaking as a person who is disturbed by the government and the hatred it has formed. I am not speaking as a revolutionist who has a strong opinion towards change. I am speaking as an American citizen that is fighting for OUR rights to be pursued. No matter what happens in the future, we as individuals have proven that our fight if everlasting. THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING TOWARDS CHANGE.  

The Dried Out Opinions of People

"Cruse falsely charged that Hansberry and her family owned some 13 slum properties in the South Side, and deemed "obsequious" and "embarrassing" her "mimicry of the critical standards of white Communists" and her play's "assumptions that she knew all about the N**ro working class, of which she was not even remotely a member"

Reading through a 14 page packet for AP English about the famous Lorraine Hansberry, I encountered a paragraph of criticism on a play that she had created. It interested me since I read background information on her lifestyle and how she lived in a prominent white neighborhood. The ironic part about this is how Hansberry had been a member of the working class of African Americans. It made me think about how an opinion of one person can change how others think towards something. The influence of ones thoughts may be beneficial or harmful. It just depends on the person who is speaking. Since it was a white man criticizing a black woman it made many follow his views.



I though about the recent election. I have been at the point in life where my fathers interests have influenced me substantially since I always wanted to be like him. Along with this, his hostility towards Trump was almost bestowed upon me. That is until recently, I needed a type of verification for myself on why Trump was a bad president. I knew all of what he had said since I have witnessed clips from social media but it seemed to pass by because I had my fathers opinion to guide me. For my benefit I needed my own opinion because I am my own person.



It relates to the decisions I make in my life. I do what I want for myself and no one else. In the end it is my life and I am not living it to satisfy anyone but me I make decisions everyday and I leaned that everyone has their own opinions. They have their own views on something and their own reasons behind their views. What I came to recognize is how many people fall to voice THEIR opinion and instead agree on what others have to say without a legit conformation.

Just one way to prove my point is how children follow whatever is popular in culture today. Jermaine Cole (J. Cole) recently released an exquisite piece of art though the work of music connecting to his soul. Many children saw the trend on Twitter and recently began to agree with the views of others. Not giving themselves an experience to analyze the project, the children are still following the trends of society blindly. Without any outlooks they stay voiceless to their own opinions. Never reaching a maturity to create themselves. Having a brain that can soak up information, these children are drying up in the sun as they follow others. Never being able to be young men or women but children following others footsteps.



I am not saying that children are the only inhabitants of this problem but adults are as well. They follow the news aimlessly, hearing the nonsense that is false accusations. Because the opinion is from a woman in a dress reading complex words off of a poster, people seem to think that she may know what she is supposedly clarifying. They do not see the fake propositions behind the words but instead what is being stated. I know that society has been blinded and I see it day to day. I am glad to be able to think for myself and be mature enough to guide myself. I wish that others would too. Then again, this is all just an opinion from a 11th grader writing for a blog. So I want to ask, does my opinion give you enough clarification to follow my footsteps, or are you going to give yourself an explanation?

The "GREAT" Gatsby

As many different themes arise from the outstanding novel, The Great Gatsby, they all work collectively to pick apart James Gatz. Themes of class, love, wealth, and memories all play a prominent role in doing so. They show how Gatsby is not as great as we may think.

In an excerpt of the text it says, “Did you see any trouble on the road?” he asked after a minute. “Yes.” He hesitated. “Was he killed?” “Yes.” “I thought so; I told Daisy I thought so. It’s better that the shocks should all come at once. She stood it pretty well.” He spoke as if Daisy’s reaction was the only thing that mattered. “Who was the woman?” he inquired. “Her name was Wilson. Her husband owns the garage. How the devil did it happen?” “Well, I tried to swing the wheel --” He broke off, and suddenly I guess at the truth. “Was Daisy driving?” “Yes,” he said after a moment, “but of course I’ll say I was” (Fitzgerald 143).

This passage was striking to me as it opened my eyes to the character of Gatsby. Gatsby takes the blame for the love of his life. Because he cannot see anything past Daisy he does not care about the consequences that may affect him. When Gatsby takes the blame for the death, he is not penalized because of his class. He still lives luxuriously due to his wealth; he is still doing everything out of love for Daisy, while trying to repeat the past. This page made me think differently about Gatsby since it is narrated through Nick. I respect how he would do anything for the girl he loves. He stayed loving Daisy and only her for a boundless period of time. He stayed loyal to the girl he did not have, which was the only problem. He needed to understand that in this situation he could not be with her since the time had shifted. He came to his senses when Gatsby saw Daisy’s child. He then knew that he could not be with her and he was Jay momentarily. Him going out of his way to pursue a woman who is married through many different ways just shows that he is deranged. But love is a power that can overcome the toughest of men, the strongest of hate, and the coldest of hearts. Throwing extravagant parties to show off the wealth he acquired did not seem to change Daisy and her willingness to go back. She was at the point of no return.



Daisy herself was in a relationship that was not perfect. Much adultery was involved for a temporary sensation. Everything was a temporary sensation during that time. The use of speed for pleasure. The use of money for pleasure. The use of sex for pleasure. In the end the pleasure is gone. It is a moment in time that can not be reversed. It is a memory that may be held in your mind but never grasped in your hand. The only difference is Gatsby is so delusional about replaying time, he does not understand he can never go back. Daisy drove off and never came back. If the love was real Daisy would come back or at least care. Pick the petals off of the flower and you will realize what the real beauty of a Daisy is. It is worthless. After taking away the beauty what is left? Daisy is the character that seems like the villain in my point of view. She took the most important part of a person and never gave it back: the heart. Gatsby is lost and without his heart he is worthless. I do not know if I should respect, hate, or feel sorrow for Gatsby. He is not great and he is not James. He is gone to the point of no return. In the end Gatsby is just a memory stuck in time.

THANKFUL

Thanksgiving is a national holiday that is very ironic. The pilgrims came to America thankful for the food that the Native Americans gave them. Then after the union the pilgrims took over their land and killed them. Is that not ironic? That the people who “created” this country did not create it but stole it. Anyways the point of Thanksgiving is to be THANKFUL. I feel as if I take everything for granted. I only think about myself. This weekend gave me a chance to start thinking about others. It gave me a reason for spending my time on other people. For realizing all the things in my life that I have which are a blessing. It made me think of what I AM thankful for.

I am thankful for parents who care for my well being, and who are also always supportive of everything I pursue. I am thankful for friends who are always there for me no matter what I do. I am thankful for the roof that is over my head. I am thankful for the education I have received. I am thankful for the opportunities that have been . I am thankful for god and everything he has given me. I am thankful for the most comfortable bed put in my life. I am thankful for the clothes in my closet and grateful for being able to afford them. I am thankful for music. I am thankful for the internet because without it Ms. Val could not stalk my twitter. I am thankful for Krispy Kreme, Chick-fil-a, and Five Guys. I am thankful for sports. I am thankful for Detroit. I am thankful for role models who give me inspirations. I am thankful for people who hate on everything I do because it pushes me to do more. I am thankful for a mind of my own which I can use to be the best that I can be. And lastly, I am thankful for you. All I can say is...

Waiting On The World To Change

The 1920’s. A time for change, innovation, and modernization. One of the most influential times for the United States economy. A time when many Americans faced their fears to get a new start. Wealth increased and the mindset of Americans around the country changed for the better, all displayed in the book, The Great Gatsby.

Not only was the 1920’s a prominent time for USA's economy but it changed the mentality of the people of the United States. We were striving for more, changing our thoughts, and becoming independent. We were the definition of an American. The people who never backed down from a fight, the ones who looked for the unfamiliar, the ones who strove for the best, the ones who had courage. People moving into the cities were going into a different path, irregular from the rest of the world. As the 1920’s changed our views and inner thoughts, it did so for many people creating a new generation. People who took stand. People like Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. led blacks and used his speech to push through the normalities of humans, just as Americans had pushed through the unknown during the 1920’s. As Martin Luther King Jr. led the fight against the Jim Crow laws many obstacles appeared in his path. At the lowest points in his lifetime, King advanced with the goal of change in his eyes. Many others sparked for change including Muhammad Ali, Albert Einstein, Walt Disney, Henry Ford, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Malcolm X. All of these people were key to my claim for change. They all had a different message they wanted to be made, they were all icons whom people respected, and they all had a different vision they were pursuing.

Who do we have now? Many will say President Barack Obama, Steve Jobs, and others. I just want to see Americans who push for change. Americans, who for a fact, are striving for MORE. We have made changes with our technology but what other advances have occurred since Steve jobs had passed away? A new phone with a larger screen? A better camera? No AUX Cord? I would like to envision a leader who may not only be a person changing technology. A leader who may not only be our president. A leader who speaks a voice for the people of the United States. I want to see another person striving for change and placing fears aside like AMERICANS had done so during the 1920’s … even if that person has to be me.

The Trouble With Trump

Trump is the new President of the United States, but how united are we as a nation today? Racism is at every corner, and hatred is piercing through they eyes of people. This new spark of America has made it very difficult to love all mankind in this country.

Throughout the past few days the values Trump embraces have erupted across the nation, leaving many people to wonder if they are safe, living in the country that ironically preaches justice and equality for all. After looking for progression in the United States we have reverted back to our old ways. The impacts of Trumps Presidency has made an appearance all around America. You see children beaten for being colored, people forced to take off their headpiece because they are Muslim, and people of color being told to go back to their “country”.

I have witnessed racism, first handedly, the Wednesday after Trump's election at Panera while studying with friends. Another peer, whom I thought would never think this way, came and sat with my friends and I. As our group began to talk, we dove into the conversation of politics. I was shocked to find out that this student was a hardcore Trump supporter. Openly explaining how he agreed with all of Trumps policies,  I asked, “Why would you want Trump to build a wall?”, and he stated, “To stop illegal immigrants”, which was the usual answer. Shortly after we began to conversate about the problems around the country with racism. He did not believe that police brutality was real. Instead he said, “Obviously those people had to do something against the law in order for police to take action.” I felt as if he overlooked all the videos on social media when police would take action when police would harass random citizen. I proceeded to take the conversations about fightings at Trump rallies and he stated, “They (African Americans) were a nuisance and deserved to be be kicked out of the rallies.” He even claimed they were “negroids” instead of saying black or African American. It came down to the end of the conversation about politics when he said something that shocked me. He said, “If you think about it black people are a joke.” “During the medieval times the jester was the person to entertain the king, that’s what black people are in this country.” “They are only here for our entertainment, whether it is in sports, television, or comedy.” “They have no other purpose.” “Think about it you do not see black people anywhere else except for entertainment.” When he said this my interpretation of this student changed completely.

I could not believe that a person could treat a group of people so horribly. Especially knowing his role in the school. I know for certain that if people heard him speak this way they would not want someone this racist as a person to look up to. How is he supposed to be a role model if he treats a group of people this way.  

Many people are discriminated day to day and a very small portion of it is displayed through the novel the bluest eye. A white male does not even want to touch her based off of her skin color. It states, “She holds the money towards him. He hesitates, not wanting to touch her hand” (Morrison 49). Just a glimpse of how a group of people are treated because of their color.

This interaction changed my way of presenting myself and accepting people. We are not the same in our beliefs but we are as people. God never created one person better than another and that is what we have to realize. Everyone has a group of people we discriminate against and we need to overcome the prejudice we face. There are beautiful people in this world no matter their color. We need to treat all of humanity well but get the same respect in return. As Malcolm X states, “I believe in the brotherhood of man, all men, but I don't believe in brotherhood with anybody who doesn't want brotherhood with me. I believe in treating people right, but I'm not going to waste my time trying to treat somebody right who doesn't know how to return the treatment.

Since the spark of Trumps Presidency we as a nation have to stand up for the unheard. Do not let these actions go unnoticed and we need to fight in order to get the United States UNITED again.

Do People Really Breed Love?

Children, women, and men are oppressed one way or another. The occurrence of verbal, physical, or sexual abuse has changed the way people live. People do not realize how destructive and scary the world is until something negative comes in the way. How are you supposed to appreciate the good in life when you have never seen the bad? It is not the best of both worlds but rather to live in both worlds. The saying you will not realize what you have until it is gone ties hand and hand with the aphorism until you experience a moment only then will you know the feeling.

The word feel has a positive and negative connotation, it just depends on how you feel about it. You feel what you can relate to. What may be close to you or far from you. People feel differently each day. It is even harder for the people who do not relate but feel by imagination (placing themselves in another persons place). It is until you plant your roots into the ground and connect yourself to the rest of world, will you be able to grasp and endure the problems society faces. Understanding these problems gives you a different insight into the world, another dimension many do not intend to reach. No one really thinks about how others feel.

A quote from The Bluest Eye states, “A little examination and much less melancholy would have proved to us that our seeds were not the only ones that did not sprout; nobody’s did” (Morrison 5). Everyone has their own seeds that do not sprout. Their dreams that were not achieved. Their prayers that were not answered. It is our hope for a better life that is broken when we attempt to plant the seeds, the seeds that do not grow.

We wish for things that may never happen. Like blue eyes, to make ourselves feel better about our appearance. It may be appealing looking at another person but the same features may not suit you. People always want to change who they are. They want to follow someone else, look like someone else, and be like someone else. They want to change themselves but what they do not understand is that they are admirable the way they are made.

There is no need for blue eyes when the brown eyes suit you well. There is no need for a smaller nose because someone else has it. There is no need for different features because someone else may have them. Once people realize they are amazing the way they were created they will blossom like the seed that never did. They will feel better about themselves changing the negativity to positivity. What they may wish for will change. They will want a better version of themselves instead of being like someone else. Instead of hatred and negative aspects of life, people will start to breed love. When people see that physical aspects of a person are not as important as they may seem the world will be a better place. When we all feel for others and the problems that people face is when we can breed love.

Pink Elephants

Throughout the life of a person there has always been a pink elephant in the room of their mind that has never been addressed. This is one’s insecurities. Everyone faces them and they hold people back in society. The expression of one's self is shackled to the ground when they let their insecurities rule them, but why? Where did this concept originate from? Who said the problems you have determine what others think of you? The rhetoric questions are not created just to make you think. It is to make you realize that this problem may be created from societies depictions of perfection.

The illustration of the perfect human makes you ponder about your own self; similarly, a real life barbie is not the perfect woman. Emily Prager states, “There are millions of women who are subliminally sure that a thirty-nine-inch bust and a twenty-three-inch waist are the epitome of lovability” (Our Barbies, Ourselves). Not only does this applies to all people as well. In the minds of men and women, societies representation of the perfect person has to be one way. This is not true. There is more to that of a person than their physical features. Physical features and appearance is what makes people stress from day to day. The way a person feels about him/her self impacts their lives. The negative aspects of this create insecurities. In today’s society, people who are successful usually hold themselves at larger heights, breaking down their insecurities. Many comedians poke fun at their own insecurities: Kevin Hart telling jokes about his height, Fluffy Iglesias joking about his weight, and Larry David joking about being Jewish. By making your insecurities a laughing matter they are kicked aside, thus having you feel better about yourself. Although it is not as easy as it may sound, insecurities are breakable. They are just a fly trying to get through your screen door.

Once upon a time there was a man named Lebron James. Lebron was a star athlete and everything in his world was going great… until his hairline started retreating. The dreadful, embarrassing, hide in your closet memes started to appear all around social media. Lebron could not hide from the shame as his insecurities piled on his chest like a landfill. Fast forward a few years of intense miracles, and a few championships. Here he stands, refurbished. The old Lebron was back on his feet. Jesus was astonished and so was social media. Now Lebron could go back to being the GOAT. The end.

Unlike Lebron, many people in the world do not have the money to make these miracles come true. Their height can not be changed, their genetics can not be modified, and there is only so much plastic surgery that can be done. The battle of insecurities for people is a common problem that can be pushed aside. It is not about what others think of you but what you think of yourself. In the end of the day, you control the outcome of how you feel and how you respond to life's challenges. So... send that pink elephant back to the zoo and overcome other problems that affect you.