A tale of two Americas

I watched the TED Talk, "A tale of two Americas. And the mini-mart where they collided," delivered by Anand Giridharadas. In his talk, Giridharadas explains the concept of having two different "Americas" within the same United States. The first "America" is that of native-born citizens who have lived in the country for many generations. Despite being exposed to the opportunities and dreams that are fundamental to the American experience for so many years, this "America" tends to not capitalize on the chances that they have been given. In contrast, the other "America,"  of immigrants and "first-generationers" to this country, have a mindset that is determined to take advantage of every opportunity they are given: true to form of the American dream. 

At a Dallas mini-mart, Giridharadas explains how these two "Americas" came together one day, shortly after 9/11. A lower class white male, cultivated by a society of white supremacy and whose chaotic family had lived in the United States for many years, walked in to a mini-mart carrying a shot gun. The store clerk, a Bangladeshi immigrant to the United States, thought he was being robbed, but was met by an alternate reality. The white male asked the store clerk, "where are you from?" Before the store clerk could make sense of the situation, the white male fired his gun at him. Long story short, the store clerk survived. Despite losing his fiance and job, as well as accumulating an abundance of medical debt, the store clerk beat the odds, got an education, and went on to make a six-figure salary in telemarketing. 

The beauty of this story lies within the store clerk's capacity for resilience. As the white male awaited his end on death row, the store clerk fought to defend his attacker's life. The store clerk registered, through faith and his own experiences, that the "America" his attacker came from had ultimately failed him. While the store clerk had been brought up with a clear sense of values and ambition for his life, the white male was brought up in a society plagued by addiction, violence, and racism. In essence, the store clerk realized that his "America" was starkly different from his attacker's, and the trend would continue if he did not do something about it. 

Giridharadas takes special use of ethos, logos, and pathos in delivering his story to his audience. The elaborate story of the store clerk and the white male contribute to Giridharadas' credibility by providing the audience with a real-life story with which they can relate to and better understand the reality that Giridharadas is attempting to shed light on. Giridharadas' argument is further supplemented by his use of organization and a logical approach to his story. Giridharadas does a great job of telling the story in chronological order and explaining the motives behind the store clerk's change of heart to forgive and fight for his attacker. 

Nonetheless, Giridharadas shares a similar immigrant background to the store clerk and thus his perspective his biased in favor of the immigrant "America" over the native-born one. 

Lastly, Giridharadas often turns to pathos to build on and gain support for his argument, through both words and images. Giridharadas' powerful anecdote exemplifies the fundamental nature of humanism and the remarkable ability of people to forgive one another. These concepts bring his audience together, despite their personal backgrounds and perspectives, as one collective human spirit. The images of both the store clerk and the white male bring his story to life and allow the audience to relate on a more personal level. 

For me personally, I chose this TED Talk because it is very relatable to my life in a number of ways. To start, I share the perspective of the second "America" that Giridharadas describes. I am the son of an immigrant to the United States and have been influenced by my father's belief in the American dream, that anything is possible in this country with hardwork and determination. My background, however, becomes even more interesting in that my mother belongs to the first "America," of native-born people who have lived here for many generations. I have personally witnessed how the American dream is not as visible to the first "America," that is my mother's side.  

Because most of my mother's family has been content with the circumstances of their life, they have had no motivation to change their lives for the better. Comparatively, my father's family has thrived and excelled past my mother's family in just forty years of being in this country. The irony of this is truly demonstrated by history. My father was born in a dirt-floor home in southern India. When him and his family came to Canada in 1972, they had virtually nothing. My dad himself was a store clerk at a convenience store at the early age of 12, and has worked a job ever since. Though they lived in government housing and below the poverty line, my father and his siblings were driven by the ambition to prosper and survive in this new country, despite the adversity that they faced.  

Meanwhile, my mother grew up in Charlotte and Hickory, North Carolina. Her family was rather well-off and my mother didn't work a job until high school, when she wanted to make some extra cash. Though her immediate family was accepting of diversity, her extended family, nurtured by an uneducated society, has roots of racism and unfair bias against others. Just like Giridharadas describes two "Americas" coming together in a Dallas mini-mart (my hometown), the marriage of my mother and father is, to some extent, another example of these two "Americas" coming together. 

Moreover, the experience of the store clerk being questioned about his roots by his attacker is yet another relatable aspect of the story to me. In October 2001, just a few weeks after the store clerk in Giridharadas' TED Talk was shot, my father faced a similar, yet less violent, encounter. While waiting in the checkout line of a Home Depot, a cashier shouted at my father the same exact question that Giridharadas' store clerk was asked: "where are you from?" The questioner, fueled by fear and ignorance, seemed to be under the impression that my father was Muslim and of Arab descent. Though her implications were completely erroneous, the experience has had a lasting impact on both my father, and now me. 

Jekyllin' Me, Hyde

Mr. Edward Hyde excerpt:

“He is not easy to describe. There is something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something downright detestable. I never saw a man I so disliked, and yet I scarce know why. He must be deformed somewhere; he gives a strong feeling of deformity, although I couldn’t specify the point. He’s an extraordinary-looking man, and yet I really can name nothing out of the way. 

Dr. Henry Jekyll excerpt:

To this rule, Dr. Jekyll was no exception; and as he now sat on the opposite side of the fire — a large, well-made, smooth-faced man of fifty, with something of a slyish cast perhaps, but every mark of capacity and kindness — you could see by his looks that he cherished for Mr. Utterson a sincere and warm affection.

“I have been wanting to speak to you, Jekyll,” began the latter. “You know that will of yours?”

A close observer might have gathered that the topic was distasteful; but the doctor carried it off gaily. “My poor Utterson,” said he, “you are unfortunate in such a client. I never saw a man so distressed as you were by my will; unless it were that hide-bound pedant, Lanyon, at what he called my scientific heresies. Oh, I know he’s a good fellow — you needn’t frown — an excellent fellow, and I always mean to see more of him; but a hide-bound pedant for all that; an ignorant, blatant pedant. I was never more disappointed in any man than Lanyon.”

“You know I never approved of it,” pursued Utterson, ruthlessly disregarding the fresh topic.

“My will? Yes, certainly, I know that,” said the doctor, a trifle sharply. “You have told me so.”

“Well, I tell you so again,” continued the lawyer. “I have been learning something of young Hyde.”

The large handsome face of Dr. Jekyll grew pale to the very lips, and there came a blackness about his eyes. “I do not care to hear more,” said he. “This is a matter I thought we had agreed to drop.”

Analysis:

The first excerpt, given from the perspective of Mr. Enfield, establishes an evil, and mysterious, voice for Mr. Hyde. While Enfield insists that there is "something wrong" with Hyde's appearance, he is unable to say exactly what. Enfield's incapability to provide an explanation for why Hyde's appearance is "downright detestable" builds on the novella's theme of suspense and puzzlement, as well as Hyde's satanic voice. Enfield's description suggests that Hyde's peculiarity and wickedness is so extreme that Enfield himself lacks the words necessary to effectively characterize it. This pattern continues throughout the novella, as many characters, including Mr. Utterson, agree that while something is off about Hyde, they cannot accurately describe it. 

Stevenson's characterization of Dr. Jekyll in the second excerpt gives a much different voice to him than the one he assigns to Hyde. In contrast to the many questions that are raised by Hyde's image, Jekyll's description leaves the audience with a straightforward understanding of his character's appearance and good intentions. By Jekyll's looks, anyone could see "that he cherished for Mr. Utterson a sincere and warm affection." Stevenson bridges Jekyll's morally-straight voice to Hyde's evil one in order to emphasize the striking dissimilarity between the two characters. When Utterson mentions Hyde to Jekyll, "there came a blackness about his eyes" and Jekyll suddenly responds that he would not like to discuss the matter. Using the word "blackness" implies a dark, unpleasant view of Hyde by Jekyll. Moreover, Jekyll's strange reaction to the subject of Hyde adds to the skepticism surrounding Hyde and further builds on the distinction between Jekyll and Hyde's respective voices.

Step 2: This poem is intended to demonstrate the differences and similarities between Jekyll and Hyde’s characters. The intended effect of this poem is to reveal society’s views of the characters as well as their internal motivations. Jekyll’s part is written by Kayla Robinson and Hyde’s by Zack Thomas. All creative genius and physical labor that went into this poem is the work of Zack Thomas, exclusively.

Jekyll and Hyde: Two-Voice Poem

J: I am Henry Jekyll.

H: I'm Edward Hyde.

J: I am quite a renowned scientist.

H: I'm a notorious murderer.

J: Without my potion, Hyde is nothing.

H: Without me, Jekyll is deeply troubled.

J: Smooth-faced and kind,

H: Despicable and detestable,

J: People respect me and my wishes.

H: The London police want me in custody.

J & H: We are polar opposites.

J: Mr. Utterson is my loyal friend.

H: Mr. Utterson is trying to expose me.

J & H: Yet we are one in the same.

This a selfie featuring the authors of the above poem:

The Porter’s Netflix Recommendation List:

1. The Office

This sitcom attempts to embody the dynamics of office relationships in the 21^st century in a humorous manner. The main character, Michael Scott, is arrogant in that he beholds himself to a higher value than society typically would. Just like Michael, the Porter does not acknowledge the social order of the society in which he lives. Although he is very limited in authority, he speaks to those above him as though they were equals. Such a persona is demonstrated in Michael Scott during his interactions with the corporate executives who control the regional branch of the paper company that employs him. For these reasons, the Porter might see a funny, lighthearted representation of himself in The Office.

2. Master of None

Master of None follows the life of a young man, Dev Shah, who struggles to make decisions.  Dev lives his life in the present and never plans too far ahead. In many ways, Dev is an opportunist: he takes advantage of the opportunities that life throws at him and hopes for the best. Dev’s behavior in Master of None may represent the Porter’s disposition and view on life. Rather than concerning himself with material gain and the assumption of power, the Porter lives his life pretty laid back. He is not at all concerned with what is expected of him nor about what the future may hold. In the eyes of both Dev and the Porter, every day is a new day.

3. Flight­

This film is different from others on this list in that it tackles a significantly more dramatic topic: alcoholism. Although the Porter (from the brief appearances he makes in Macbeth) is generally nonchalant, he is symbolic of the life of an alcoholic. While it is never expanded on, there is likely a reason for which he drinks and why he has become so unconcerned. Flight details the life of an alcoholic pilot who is in hot water regarding a flight in which a plane malfunction resulted in a crash, killing several passengers on board. The movie does a good job of showing the struggles of overcoming alcoholism and the effect that it can have on the victim and his or her loves ones. As is the case with many alcoholics, the Porter may not wish to discuss his problem externally; but there is no doubt he would relate to this film’s premise internally.

4. Trailer Park Boys

This TV sitcom completes the list on a brighter note. Trailer Park Boys follows the life of three Canadian men living in a poverty-stricken trailer park. The “boys”, as they are referred to in the show, enjoy leisure activities like smoking and drinking, as well as coming up with elaborate schemes to make money. As demonstrated in Macbeth by his drunk state of mind at the feast for Duncan, the Porter is to some extent a party guy: he likes to kick back and have fun like the “boys” do. Trailer Park Boys was created with an attempt to relate to people with similar interests, such as the Porter. The drug references, potty humor, and crude behavior of the “boys” would likely resonate well with the Porter. 

Shakespeare, Power, and Corruption

"Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." - Lord Action 

In Macbeth, Shakespeare demonstrates the effect of power on man. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is a noble warrior who fights with honor and creed. Shakespeare describes Macbeth's virtuous character early on through a conversation between King Duncan and one of his captains. The captain describes how "brave Macbeth" defeated the rebel Macdonwald to which King Duncan, delighted, responds "O valiant cousin! Worthy gentleman!" 

Despite this initial characterization, Macbeth's value of loyalty is suddenly changed by the prophecy of the witches promising him power. In murdering King Duncan, Macbeth shows complete disregard for the allegiance to his country that he was once so willing to die for. The struggle for power, then, fundamentally corrupted Macbeth; he completely lost sight of his moral compass. For this reason, Shakespeare would agree, to a great extent, that absolute power (like being King) absolutely corrupts what one stands for (such as the irony of a soldier killing the King that he once fought for). 

In my own experience, I have also demonstrated the ability of power to change one's personal values. For all my life, I have been very dedicated to spending money wisely. Over the summer, my parents gave me a credit card to use for emergencies and, occasionally, for food. In contrast to spending my own money, the credit card gave me full access to my parent's bank account. Because of this, I did not feel the usual guilt associated with spending money when I used the card. As the summer went on, I began to use the card more and more frequently. The consequences of overusing the card were, at the time, indifferent to me. 

At the end of the summer, however, after my parents read through their bank statement, I was stripped of my credit card privilege and forced to pay my parents the $300 bill out of my own pocket. In retrospect, I consider the credit card to have been a form of absolute power to me. With the card I could buy virtually anything without having to worry about losing my own money. Ultimately, I turned into a person with no regard for spending nor rational purchases. Just like the power of being King led Macbeth to betray his values, the power of the credit card led me to do the same. 

Freebie!!!!!!

On November 13, 2016, I am using my one "freebie" for the first semester.

Canterbury Tales & Jane Eyre: Question #3

"One afternoon (I had then been three weeks at Lowood), as I was sitting with a slate in my hand, puzzling over a sum in long division, my eyes, raised in abstraction to the window, caught sight of a figure just passing: I recognised almost instinctively that gaunt outline; and when, two minutes after, all the school, teachers included, rose en masse, it was not necessary for me to look up in order to ascertain whose entrance they thus greeted. A long stride measured the schoolroom, and presently beside Miss Temple, who herself had risen, stood the same black column which had frowned on me so ominously from the hearthrug of Gateshead. I now glanced sideways at this piece of architecture. Yes, I was right: it was Mr. Brocklehurst, buttoned up in a surtout, and looking longer, narrower, and more rigid than ever." -Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre 

In the selected chapter from Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte, Bronte employs a stylistic use of imagery to introduce the character of Mr. Brocklehurst. This imagery takes on a rather architectural lens: describing physical characteristics that neglect to acknowledge the the character's status as a human being. Taking away Mr. Brocklebury's  mortality  underscores his nonconformity with human nature early on. In the passage above, Jane first predicts the arrival of Mr. Brocklehurst after seeing a "gaunt outline" pass the window of her classroom. Diction in this case, such as "gaunt", establishes a grim foundation for Mr. Brocklehurst from the get-go; his presence is essentially bleak in nature. As a result, the development of his character is retarded to a low level of empathy for others, unlike what is expected of humanity. 

Once Jane's prediction is proved accurate, she then compares Mr. Brocklehurst's appearance to that of a "black column". A dark color, black suggests that Mr. Brocklebury is both a powerful and serious individual. Furthermore, a column is straight by definition and can therefore appeal to logic; Mr. Brocklebury is motivated by reason rather than emotional dilemmas.  In her final remarks regarding Mr. Brocklehurst's appearance, Jane states that he looked "longer, narrower, and more rigid than ever." "Than ever" implies that Mr. Brocklehurst's character on this particular occasion will be extreme in its respective nature and thus more cold. Such character is unlikely to change on account of his "rigid" disposition. In brief, Bronte's embrace of the architectural imagery approach serves to dehumanize Mr. Brocklehurst and therefore explain his inhumane temperament. 

Lust, A Horrible Temptation

This advertisement was created by the United States government and released to the public in 1942. On the surface, we can see a line of blonde-haired, white women dressed in the same attire. Below the women are the face’s of three men, each of them wearing a hat. The text on the image reads “98% of all procurable women have venereal disease,” followed by “Why bet against these odds?” Looking at the connotative implications, new conclusions be made. Considering the tight-fit clothing and high skirts of the women, it can be inferred that the US government intended to present these women in a sexual manner. The three male heads below the line of women substantiate this inference by means of facial expressions: the men’s faces appear to be entranced. Furthermore, the text suggests that due to the high percentage of women with sexually transmitted diseases, arbitrary fornication may not be sensible. 

The US government intended for this image to appeal to adolescent and young adult men. Although the advertisement is applicable to men from all social and economic backgrounds, it was most likely directed toward the poorer classes; during the 1940s, abstinence was easier to achieve in richer communities, in which an emphasis on education steered people away from sexual activity until adulthood. In creating this image, the US government assumes the stereotype that young men are attracted to white, blonde hair, voluptuous women. The US government, as well as contraception lobby groups who would have economically benefitted from this image, demonstrates that while women may be aesthetically pleasing, they are still not worth the risk of contracting a venereal disease.  

AAAAAA