Post-Colonial Criticism and The Poisonwood Bible

Post-ColonialCriticism, from my understanding, analyzes how natives are affect by colonization. It also analyses power and hegemony (dominance), which are often the reasons between differences in culture.

Although the Poisonwood Bible is not written from a Native’s perspective, the effects of colonialism are still extremely evident. Throughout the text (or what we have read so far), Kingsolver makes references of the conditions and culture of the Congolese people. Nathan Price clearly demonstrates the effects of post-colonialism, even though he is not a narrator himself. For example, when planting the demonstration garden, Nathan disregards the advice of the natives completely. He often assumes power and knowledge over the natives and their differing culture. Nathan tries to teach the natives the “right way”, or what he considers to be correct. Each of Nathan’s daughters also portray these effects on the natives to some extent. Yet, one can argue that it seen more through the eyes of Ruth May. For example, while Rachel is concerned about her looks, Ruth May narrates everything she sees. The girls, Leah, Adah, Ruth May, and Rachel also demonstrate the effects of whites in Africa, but it is most clearly seen through Nathan Price. 

Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now

One of the most obvious changes between Apocalypse Now and Heart of Darkness is the change in setting. Although the setting is different, the central meaning is still the same. Many changes in Apocalypse Now are made in order to make the story more fitting to our time period. Heart of Darkness is set in the 1800s, whereas Apocalypse Now is set during the Vietnam War.

                Feelings toward the Vietnamese natives differ from those of the natives in Heart of Darkness. When reading the book, one becomes more fond of the natives. With previous knowledge of the tortures described in King Leopold’s Ghost and the descriptions in Heart of Darkness, the reader feels pity and sadness toward the Congolese natives. In Apocalypse now, it is more difficult to develop feelings for the Vietnamese natives. Killings of these innocent natives are done through bombings, making it impossible to learn of personal accounts. Despite the fact that the Congolese natives are often described merely as shapes, figures, and colors, the reader feels much more pity for them than the Vietnamese natives in Apocalypse Now. 

            The next obvious change is the ending and Kurtz’s death. The ending in Heart of Darkness was fitting to the book, because Kurtz is not as intense are the Kurtz in Apocalypse Now. The more dramatic ending in Apocalypse Now is also fitting to the movie because it adds to action and the impression that is initially given of Kurtz. 

Heart of Darkness Confusion

The most confusion I have with this book is keeping up with who says what. Yet, I found the passage in pages 108-109 to be the most confusing. Beginning with "The earth seemed unearthly. We are accustomed to look upon the shackled form of a conquered monster, but there—there you could look at a thing monstrous and free" and ending with "Some fifty miles below the Inner Station we came upon a hut of reeds, an inclined and melancholy pole, with the unrecognizable tatters of what had been... (110)."

This passage is very confusing for me. First of all, I find it hard to figure out who is talking, but I assume it is Marlow. I'm also unsure what some of the context means. I am sure that there is much meaning behind the multiple metaphors in this passage.

Heart of Darkness Quotation

 An idea at the back of it; not a sentimental pretence but an idea; and an unselfish belief in the idea--something you can set up, and bow down before, and offer a sacrifice to. . . ."

This quote is an accurate representation of what the book will be about. In this quote, Marlow is discussing imperialism. He claims that imperialism is not backed up by an authentic reason, instead it is backed up by a simple ideal. This idea either being religion or other beliefs. 

Chapter 17: No Man is a Stranger (focused on part 2)

This chapter focuses on the lives of those who had an impact in the Congo. The chapter opens with with the testimony's of of many Natives. These Congolese testimonies were powerful, yet the were never read until the 1980's!

The chapter then goes on to discuss Leopold's steady downfall in the Congo. His older years and his selling of the Congo to Belgium. In 1908, the Congo Free State became the Belgian Congo. The change in ownership however, did not change the conditions the Congolese were facing. 

Sheppard writes of the abuse on the Kuba people. As a result, the company stock fell and William Sheppard  was sued. After the trail, Sheppard was found innocent. Yet, the company was not found guilty, and only needed to pay court fines. This demonstrated the corruption, or fear, of people to take action against the horror. Consequently, Sheppard become a hero in America. 

The chapter then goes on to discuss Leopold's decline in health. At the age of 74, he falls ill with "intestinal blockage", or cancer. Leopold leaves all his riches to Caroline and their two sons, but nothing to his two daughters, Louise and Stephanie. Shortly, Leopold dies. Caroline moves to Paris, where she soon remarries he original lover, Durriex. 

The chapter then shifts toward Casement. It describes his life and his sudden interest in his Irish roots. His character is portrayed through his interest in the Irish and the Congolese. The chapter shifts yet again, this time to Morel. The chapter talks about his efforts to end the atrocities in the Congo. At the end of the chapter, Morel is influenced by many to close the case regarding the Congo.

Morel claims victory in 1913 at the Congo Reform Association held a meeting at the Westminister Palace Hotel in London. The question is, is the case really closed?

Quiz questions:

4. Why was Casement becoming so fond and involved with his native Ireland? What does this reveal about his character?

 5. Did Morel feel that his work was done or was he influenced by others to think so? If so, what is foreshadowed?

Why Don't we Speak Up?

Why don’t people speak up sooner when they realize that mass brutality, manipulation, and subterfuge is going on in various of the less-well-known corners of the world?

The atrocities that are taking place, right now, in other parts of the world are hidden in the shadows. Why don’t we speak up? There are many reasons to why we don’t do something about the brutality that is currently happening, in the Congo for example.

 People, as harsh as this sounds, only care about themselves. People care about their family and other relatives first, before they can begin to think about the well-being of others. So, it is natural for people to be unaware of foreign issues that don’t directly affect them. Yet, the mass brutality in Congo, should be an issue that people have some knowledge of.

The lack of media regarding these issues also makes it difficult for people to realize what is going on. When the media has more articles, videos, and talks about who looked the best at the Grammy awards, than of the atrocities taking place in the world at this very moment, it is understandable that people don’t speak up.  

The United States has always had the reputation of being the “policeman of the world”, intervening in foreign affairs. Yet, why are we not intervening in the Congo and other troubled areas? I’m not saying it is the United States’ responsibility to care for every nation that is facing problems. The lack of intervention in these areas can be attributed to the desire for the minerals that are making their way over here. If the issues are resolved, then the goods stay in their home countries. 

Senior Project Update

My research paper when well, but there are some aspects that I could have done to make the process easier and more efficient. Although I didn't get my paper back, I feel like the overall paper could have been better. It was extremely hard to find sources on the topic of "The Changing Roles of Women's Kitchen". Most of what I would find were jokes or websites that were not credible. I had to resort to mainly books for my research.  Now that my research paper is successfully completed, I will focus on finishing my hours 

Welcome to February

1. My topic is on the ethics of embryo engineering and why some people consider it to be immoral, while others find it to be a beneficial procedure. 

2. The most useful pieces of research that I have found are books. Books provide detailed information on the subject as well as the pros and cons. Books present various arguments for and against embryonic engineering, whereas a webpage will present information on a single issue. 

3. I currently believe, as I did before I began my research, that embryo engineering is only morally correct when it comes to disease. I believe it is unethical to create "Designer Babies": babies with a chosen eye color, hair color, height etc. 

4. I will briefly explain each process that is involved in genetically engineering embryos.   I will explain in simple terms, but I want to make sure that the reader can get a basic understanding of this complicated subject. For example, in vitro fertilization is involved in the overall process of genetically engineering a baby, but it is not the process in controversy. Aspects such as in vitro, that important components of embryo engineering but are not the process itself, I will explain thoroughly but briefly. Example:
In Vitro Fertilization  is a process, besides genetically engineering the baby, that must take place in order to successfully implant the genetically engineered embryo. In Vitro is the complicated process of  "manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. When the IVF procedure is successful, the process is combined with a procedure known as embryo transfer, which involves physically placing the embryo in the uterus". 

5. One thing that surprised me was the amount of research that was dedicated to societal and family divisions that can arise because of embryo engineering. 

Response

"Until the Great Drepression..."
In this passage, Jennifer Senior, claims that before the Great Depression relations between adolescents and adults were better. At what cost were these relationships better though? Before the Great Depression social divisions were mainly due to class. Many did not graduate high school (and attend college) because they would follow their parent's footsteps. It is now a significantly different situation. Students are spending less time with adults, but they are given the same education and opportunities regardless of their family's income.There are obvious social divisions within high schools, but they are not based solely upon class. I would rather deal with a few obnoxious teenagers for four years than getting no education.

Topic of Choice: Brownies

Brownies are one of the most popular pastries in the United States. Since their invention in Boston in the early 20^th century, they have become one of the world’s yummiest treats. But who invented this perfect pastry? What is the history behind the brownie? And what makes them so special? 

This is one of the many recipes that have been developed for baking brownies:

• ·       Soft butter, for greasing the pan
• ·         Flour, for dusting the buttered pan
• ·         4 large eggs
• ·         1 cup sugar, sifted
• ·         1 cup brown sugar, sifted
• ·         8 ounces melted butter
• ·         11/4 cups cocoa, sifted
• ·         2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ·         1/2 cup flour, sifted
• ·         1/2 teaspoons salt

It is amazing how these simple ingredients can mix together to form one of America’s best inventions. Who came up with this amazing idea? 

The first brownie recipe was printed in the early 20^th century. There are various legends regarding the invention of the brownie. Among those is the legend of a chef who mistakenly added melted chocolate to a batch of biscuits, and consequently created the brownie. Another favorite legend tells of a housewife in Bangor, Maine, who was making a chocolate cake but forgot to add baking powder. When her cake didn't rise properly, instead of tossing it out, she cut and served the flat pieces. Despite of the many legends, much evidence points to Fanny Farmer as being the creator of the brownie. In 1905, Farmer adapted her chocolate cookie recipe to a bar cookie baked in a rectangular pan, thus creating the brownie.

Farmer’s accidental creation has turned into one of today’s favorite treats (maybe I speak out of personal experience). Regardless, brownies are perfect with anything. They can be a simple snack you make at home or be a fancy pastry that you can purchase at Bouchon Bakery. They can mix with your favorite ice cream, be made into a brownie pizza, or be combined with your favorite recreational drug (just kidding).  Brownies are the world. 

Source A

Source B

Souce C 

Racial Profiling

I was only five years old when the 9/11 tragedy happened. By being part of one of the most abundant minority groups in the US, I have not faced much racial profiling when it comes to terrorism. Yet, this is not the case for many other racial groups. Many people are subject to interrogation and delays because of their skin color or appearance. Should a person be put through hours of investigation for the sake of others?  Only to be found not guilty, in most cases? This is a controversial question that the essays we read in class had different answers to.

The passages we read in class have differing perspectives on this controversial issue. Each passage had a valid reason for being against or okay with racial profiling. It is easy to say that these new airport security measures are for the best, when your racial group isn't the one being targeted.  Or one can say it’s for the best, but what about that individual’s rights? In the end, airport security measures are not our decision. If a person wants to use these government facilities, they should abide by their rules. Airport security measures, no matter how discriminatory or unfair, have for the most part kept Americans safe since the 9/11 tragedy.