Reading Response 6

This article was a little hard for me to follow. I understood what Torres was trying to say about how people should not be looking for the source of queerness to prove that it is "okay" in a homophobic society, but people should be simply stating that they are who they are and are happy and proud to be that way... It must be ineffably difficult to be both gay and a suppressed minority, and when Torres says that most gay people would never choose to be gay, I can understand where he is coming from. Our society in so many ways close minded and it is our insecurities that lead people to being homophobic.

It is truly difficult for me to wrap my mind around the idea that a person of any sexuality be treated differently than heterosexual people. I don't understand why their even needs to be the slightest doubt that people who are not heterosexual have some sort of defect. The subject of homosexuality really interests me and I like to read about but it also frustrates me that people are put through so much trauma for something that is such a huge part of their self identity.

Reading Response 5

This speech was both startlingly captivating and thought provoking. I truly enjoyed reading it and seeing how Morrison made her connection to the bird in the young person's hand to language. I really enjoyed her example of the Tower of Babel and specifically the sentence, "Perhaps the achievement of Paradise was premature, a little hasty if no one could take the time to understand other languages, other views, other narratives period. Had they, the heaven they imagined might have been found at their feet. Complicated, demanding, yes, but a view of heaven as life; not heaven as post-life." These are just a few of the sentences I found to be the most thoughtful and profound. I truly loved the end of the speech where Morrison speaks from the youth's perspective of being interested and curious as to what the old woman would be willing to do to offer them wisdom. The question to the old woman as to why she did not just reach her hand out at touch the bird was interesting. Had she done that in the first place would she have shown the children that there is more to life than searching for wisdom, because even the most wise people do not always know the answer. There will always be someone willing to question us and push us to our capacities.

This definitely gave me a lot to think about. I have had many discussions with teachers and peers before about how limiting and undescriptive language can be. It chains us and it is often our only means of expression in many ways.

Another sentence I really liked, "It is common among the infantile heads of state and power merchants whose evacuated language leaves them with no access to what is left of their human instincts for they speak only to those who obey, or in order to force obedience.

Blog 6

I don't know why but I have been so exhausted lately. I have been going to bed around 1 and waking up around 7 or 8. My body is so petty when it comes to sleeping it seems like I need 8 hours or more just to function. I could never be one of those students that pulls all-nighters before an exam. I really like the feeling of sleeping. Especially when my bed is set up just the way I like it. Three pillows (at least) to surround my head, that way no matter where I turn I can fall onto one of my pillows. The pillows are then complimented by my huge down comforter and a nice soft, squishy mattress. The bigger and fluffier the comforter is the better. When they fluff over you and don't squish you down yet still trap your body heat, you know you've got a perfect comforter.

Thats really all I can say about beds, but I am pretty excited that it's Friday. I will definitely be going to the REC pool for a little bit today. :) I can't wait for that 3-day weekend coming up!
Does any one have any exciting plans for summer?

Blog 5

For my research paper I wanted to write about the human-animal relationship and I know that I need to find a focus before I start going to in-depth with my research. Right now I am thinking that I could talk about the role pets play in the American household. Why do we feel compelled to own pets and what makes pets so appealing? Most kids in the United States grew up with one species of pet or another (some kids, like me, grew up with over 50 pets in and out of the house). Is pet ownership something we desire on a more intuitive and primitive level or is it strongly influenced by social pressures and encouragement? I think on some level humans are happy to own pets because of their need for power and control over another being, however it could also be an attempt to meet an intuitive need for emotional satisfaction and care; which animals tend to provide. My personal feelings towards animals are that they teach responsibility, compassion and patience as well as providing a friend to children and an overwhelming sense of joy and love (you can probably already see my bias). I don't know if anyone has any input as to how to make my paper a more dynamic and interesting essay. If anyone can think of anything cool or interesting let me know!