To own something means being willing to focus on the fundamentals
of an object or skill; being able to control and possess what you've worked
hard to obtain; being able to embrace your inner self. It can be a
characteristic that makes you unique and different in such a diverse society. By
embracing what you own, you get this
sense of confidence. Nelson Mandela once said that people can achieve success
despite their circumstances if they are "dedicated" and strong
willed. I mean, how can you create an identity for yourself if you shelter your
abilities?
Sometimes insecurities can get in the way of owning the skillsets that make up your self-identity. Saleem found himself dealing with these impacting issues. As he was growing up he developed a traditional, strong sense of smell; later on telepathic powers. It made him unique. Sadly, like many of us may do at times, Saleem dismissed his ability because he didn’t understand it's potential. His parents, siblings, and some friends thought he was losing it; he lost track of his gift. Like Mandela mentioned, it takes a lot of time and dedication before you’re able to own anything. With practice, Saleem had the ability of being able to take part in historic time periods in India. He used his powers for his advantage despite those around him not being positive. He listened to his instinct to follow his own path.
Goebbels like many power seeking individuals takes a different approach. He's clear in his persuasive speech. Goebbels uses his knowledge to create a hypocrisy to go against the Jewry and get his intended audience to agree with his views. Like Saleem and Mandela, regardless if your intentions are good or bad, you have to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. It's important to have this confidence to show that you deserve this ability, position, or item. In this case Goebbels makes sure to own his position as a German politician. He's so in control that he get's most to believe his speeches. Insecurities such as doubting is not an option; focus on the fundamentals or key components to use your ability. At such a war prone time period, Goebbels took a risk to speak out amongst his intended audience. He was ready to take on any risks. Owning and identifying one’s self coincide. Like the politician shows, you need to embrace what you own because it defines the characteristics of who you are.
In relation to "prominent thinkers that have pondered the relationship between ownership and the development of self (identity)," there needs to be an acceptance for whatever abilities someone has. It defines who we are as unique individuals. No matter what obstacles are faced in life, it's possible to bypass it.
Sometimes insecurities can get in the way of owning the skillsets that make up your self-identity. Saleem found himself dealing with these impacting issues. As he was growing up he developed a traditional, strong sense of smell; later on telepathic powers. It made him unique. Sadly, like many of us may do at times, Saleem dismissed his ability because he didn’t understand it's potential. His parents, siblings, and some friends thought he was losing it; he lost track of his gift. Like Mandela mentioned, it takes a lot of time and dedication before you’re able to own anything. With practice, Saleem had the ability of being able to take part in historic time periods in India. He used his powers for his advantage despite those around him not being positive. He listened to his instinct to follow his own path.
Goebbels like many power seeking individuals takes a different approach. He's clear in his persuasive speech. Goebbels uses his knowledge to create a hypocrisy to go against the Jewry and get his intended audience to agree with his views. Like Saleem and Mandela, regardless if your intentions are good or bad, you have to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. It's important to have this confidence to show that you deserve this ability, position, or item. In this case Goebbels makes sure to own his position as a German politician. He's so in control that he get's most to believe his speeches. Insecurities such as doubting is not an option; focus on the fundamentals or key components to use your ability. At such a war prone time period, Goebbels took a risk to speak out amongst his intended audience. He was ready to take on any risks. Owning and identifying one’s self coincide. Like the politician shows, you need to embrace what you own because it defines the characteristics of who you are.
In relation to "prominent thinkers that have pondered the relationship between ownership and the development of self (identity)," there needs to be an acceptance for whatever abilities someone has. It defines who we are as unique individuals. No matter what obstacles are faced in life, it's possible to bypass it.
I like how you related owning things back to other resources and quotes but I wish you would've related more to what you think and your opinion because it's what you think bit I really like your blog a lot and liked your tone
ReplyDeleteChyna, I agree with Nakijah that your sources/evidence is intriguing. I also agree that we could get more of Chyna in here...you're still "text-hopping" to some degree, and while I see that you use the texts to talk about the idea, I finish reading and still wonder what your ideas about this are--is it just self-acceptance?
ReplyDeleteOne more thing: I appreciate your analysis of Goebbels, but be careful. In condoning his rhetorical practices (which we have all admitted were quite effective), are you also suggesting that we become like Goebbels? Because think of what cost there was to his self-actualization...he did not shelter his abilities and, as a result, was complicit in genocide. So make sure to qualify exactly what you're arguing, especially with a controversial figure like G.
Last point: when you introduce a new character, slip in some context so we know who you're talking about...so instead of just saying "Saleem," you might say, "Rushdie's Prince of the Midnight Children, Saleem Sinai" or something.
Your tone is great--it's confident and scholarly. And overall this represents a great improvement over the timed version--so keep it up. Just keep pushing your voice and your argument throughout the essay.
Thanks for the replies! Yeah, I tried to incorporate my voice in this, and the midterm essay we took. I'll edit this at some point. I just feel like I have to have a lot of evidence to get my point across...for some reason. Though, for Goebbels I was trying to say he was this powerful individual that believed in himself. It's important to have his confidence but not to be like him or follow any of his actions. I can see how he could be difficult to work with! But thanks for the tips Ms. Parham.
DeleteA couple of points that I like to make is that I wished you put your thesis in the beginning so I knew what the topic was going to be about. Since you didn't put it in the introduction I was very confused on what your main point was. I was also very confused as to who you were talking about and what show you was discussing. It would've been helpful if you talked about one show, or separated the shows by paragraph.
ReplyDelete