- Recently, Nadya Suleman, gave birth to octuplets even after having six children already. She underwent a in vitro procedure where the doctors implanted six embryos into her uterus which is double the normal amount in this type of procedure. However she justifies her multiples saying "All I wanted was children. I wanted to be a mom. That's all I ever wanted in my life," she said. "I love my children. (Associated Press). Despite the many criticisms she has received, Nadya passes them aside because she defines herself as a mother. All she wants to be and all she is is a mother.
- President Barack Obama- In light of the recent election of President Obama, it seems the whole country is staking on change. Obama defined his campaign with the promise of change. And the country followed suit. The U.S has been labeled as a country of democracy and opportunity but also as a country of laziness and excessive wealth. Obama while, maintaining the democratic system of government and opening more opportunities for citizens is also trying to change the stereotype of Americans as lazy. We, as a country, want to define ourselves as strong, compassionate, intelligent, hardworking people. Our definition begins now and we have a chance to redefine ourselves with the new tide of a new president.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Current Events
Books and Movies
In reflection of my own journey towards self discovery I have found that truly most books and movies are about the same thing.
Crime and Punishment- Raskalnikov questions the existence of God and his purpose in living which leads him to commit a murder simply for the sake of finding out if he is even strong enough to do it. He eventually finds that it is his faith that defines him and gives him a reason for living.
Little Women-Jo spends much of the book trying to discover what sets her apart from other people and tries to understand why she does not fit in like the rest of her sisters. After a long and difficult path she finds that her spirit and her love for her husband and family justify her existence.
A Thousand Splendid Suns- Laila is rocked by the changes in the Afghani government and is taken from her love an din the process finds that her life is only worth living for those that she cares about.
Lars and the Real Girl- A young man creates an extended allusion that his is dating a girl who is actually a maniquan. However this delusion is simply a cover for the deep psychological need to understand himself and to find purpose in his life. He finds that he is loved unconditionally by his family and friends.
The Green Mile- Although, he is a prisoner on death row, a prison guard finds that the most beautiful gift of life is found in even the lowliest of prisoners. The prisoner finds that despite his death sentence he still has reason for life because he has been blessed with the gift of life. He can heal and give new life to those who need it as well.
Crime and Punishment- Raskalnikov questions the existence of God and his purpose in living which leads him to commit a murder simply for the sake of finding out if he is even strong enough to do it. He eventually finds that it is his faith that defines him and gives him a reason for living.
Little Women-Jo spends much of the book trying to discover what sets her apart from other people and tries to understand why she does not fit in like the rest of her sisters. After a long and difficult path she finds that her spirit and her love for her husband and family justify her existence.
A Thousand Splendid Suns- Laila is rocked by the changes in the Afghani government and is taken from her love an din the process finds that her life is only worth living for those that she cares about.
Lars and the Real Girl- A young man creates an extended allusion that his is dating a girl who is actually a maniquan. However this delusion is simply a cover for the deep psychological need to understand himself and to find purpose in his life. He finds that he is loved unconditionally by his family and friends.
The Green Mile- Although, he is a prisoner on death row, a prison guard finds that the most beautiful gift of life is found in even the lowliest of prisoners. The prisoner finds that despite his death sentence he still has reason for life because he has been blessed with the gift of life. He can heal and give new life to those who need it as well.
Affect/Appeal/Instinct
How do we define who we are? What turning points in our lives determine our individual pathways to adulthood/maturity/understanding?
My question begins at the core of humanity. The individual. Unless we are able to define ourselves as individuals we will never fit into society. We will never be content. Our lives will serve no purpose and will have no direction.
Some people define themselves by their success or accomplishments. However, I think that a life worth living is one of love and sacrifice. What else do we look forward to other than giving to others and loving others? There is no satisfaction in success if it is not shared with other people.
My life is nothing extraordinary or unexpected. I am a student who gets good grades and lives life from day to day. Homework, school, family, friends. Nothing unexpected. But my life is validated by the love and compassion that I harbor for other people. I am defined by my character and my acts of service and love. And despite my apparent lack of notable success, I find no dissatisfaction in my life.
I first questioned my own purpose, when my little brother was born. I was five and I had a notion in my head that my purpose in life was to be the youngest and to be the baby of the family. But upon the arrival of a new baby boy I was forced to redefine myself. After staying home with my mother for a few days to take care of him, I found that I loved my new brother unconditionally and that my purpose was not to be the baby but it was to love people, to care for people.
For me, many of my most memorable moments have been when I decided how I would NOT define myself. In junior high, I chose not to smoke or drink or do drugs and throughout high school I have had to remake those decisions and continually redefine myself to others and me. I decided from a very young age that my life would have love and laughter and would be void of the harmful and self destructive material possessions of this world.
I have more to live for.
My question begins at the core of humanity. The individual. Unless we are able to define ourselves as individuals we will never fit into society. We will never be content. Our lives will serve no purpose and will have no direction.
Some people define themselves by their success or accomplishments. However, I think that a life worth living is one of love and sacrifice. What else do we look forward to other than giving to others and loving others? There is no satisfaction in success if it is not shared with other people.
My life is nothing extraordinary or unexpected. I am a student who gets good grades and lives life from day to day. Homework, school, family, friends. Nothing unexpected. But my life is validated by the love and compassion that I harbor for other people. I am defined by my character and my acts of service and love. And despite my apparent lack of notable success, I find no dissatisfaction in my life.
I first questioned my own purpose, when my little brother was born. I was five and I had a notion in my head that my purpose in life was to be the youngest and to be the baby of the family. But upon the arrival of a new baby boy I was forced to redefine myself. After staying home with my mother for a few days to take care of him, I found that I loved my new brother unconditionally and that my purpose was not to be the baby but it was to love people, to care for people.
For me, many of my most memorable moments have been when I decided how I would NOT define myself. In junior high, I chose not to smoke or drink or do drugs and throughout high school I have had to remake those decisions and continually redefine myself to others and me. I decided from a very young age that my life would have love and laughter and would be void of the harmful and self destructive material possessions of this world.
I have more to live for.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)