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.