#15 -- In response to Kalekia Adams and a few of my own thoughts.

I too found myself at times agreeing with Ms. Silko’s words, and then at times I found myself disagreeing with her essay. I agree with the idea that by reading Silko’s article and other writings like hers, a person will be “gaining some insight from a native Indian perspective”. By reading about other people’s experiences we can gain some insight and information about different cultures. Not only will we gain information, but also when we read and listen to other people we can begin to understand life outside of our own world. By reading about your experience with the police in Dallas I also learned and gained insight as well. I learned that it does not matter what year we are living in racial and ethnic prejudices still exist. Even though we have come along way America still has along way to go. I think it‘s also important to read about other people’s experiences. I also am in agreement with you regarding Silko’s opinion and words about the men riding the train traveling into Arizona. “In the twilight I saw the most amazing sight: dozens of human beings, mostly young men, were riding the train; everywhere on flatcars, inside open boxcars…”I do not agree with this statement as well, but for different reasons. I do not agree with this statement because it makes it seem like it is okay to come into the United States in this manner. By Silko’s use of the word amazing it gives the impression that this was a good way to come into the country, and it also makes it seem that all immigrants who come into this country have “sneaked” in. It further causes problems for all of the Native American and Hispanic people living in the United States that are born here and who have achieved their citizenship legally.

A few of my own thoughts…
I think the state of immigration and illegal aliens is a sad situation. Not sad as in depressing, but I feel like Americans are losing some of their humanity. With every criminal who has sneaked in illegally, there are people who are trying to come to America legitimately and have little or no success. I believe there are rules and laws that should be followed, but I also feel that the American government needs to come up with better solutions for protecting our borders while at the same time being a country where people can come and have a chance at a better life and a brighter future.

Bonus Blog 3

I believe that all three stories share both similarities and differences. All three stories tell of how being different brings challenges and newfound awareness about themselves and others. In Onoto Watanna’s story the main character struggles with the fact that she was raised in Japanese culture and is seen as Japanese but she is also aware that she is half American. “I different from everybody else”(Watanna). She struggles in the story because she knows that to survive she must play the part of a geisha girl even though she despises what being a geisha girl means. She knows whom she is inside, but she knows that she must conform to others perceptions to survive. Mary Antin’s story and Sui Sin Far both tell stories of immigrants dealing with trials and obstacles that come with being strangers in a new country. Mary Antin’s story has an exciting hopeful tone, while Sui Sin Far’s story has a gloomy sad tone. Both stories talk about hardships and disappointments, but Mary Antin’s story has an element of hope and optimism while Sui sin Far’s story has feelings of disappointment and delusions. The characters in Sui Sin Far show how they are aware of how Americans view Chinese people when Hom Hing tries to plead with customs. Hom Hing is aware that he is a husband and father but more importantly is aware that he is a Chinese man in America. “ I had no fear of trouble. I was a Chinese merchant and my son was my son… The officers conferred for a few moments; then one drew Hom Hing aside and spoke in his ear. Resignedly Hom Hing bowed his head, then approached his wife”(Sui Sin Far 2: 300). However in Mary Antin story also shows how her characters are also aware of themselves and how other perceive them, but in this story it coupled with optimism and hope. Young Mary knows that their new home is located in the slums of the city but sees much more than the poor neighborhood. “But I saw a very different picture on my introduction to Union Place. I saw two imposing rows of brick buildings, loftier than any dwelling I had ever lived in. Brick was even on the ground for me to tread on, instead of common earth or boards”(Antin 2: 489). She does not focus on how she is perceived by Americans but instead decides to focus on what living in America means to her family. In the end all of the characters in the stories were aware of how others perceived them, but each remained true to themselves.

#14 Post -- The Essentials

First, I would definitely carry my bible because that would be my tangible spiritual compass. This is the first item on my list because in times of war soldiers are asked to behave and act in ways that would be only necessary in times of war. If I have my Bible, when I look at it, I would be reminded to stay true to who I am even in the most brutal of times. Next on my list would be pictures of my family. My family’s picture would be a reminder of what I am fighting for. Seeing my family will give me the strength to carry on and will also be a source of hope that I will be reunited with them again. I would definitely carry two extra pairs of glasses. I cannot function without them. If I do not have my glasses I cannot see more than a foot in front of me, much less the enemy. I would definitely carry extra socks, shoes, underwear, antibacterial soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, and definitely some types of washcloths. I know there will be times when showers may be limited so these items would help me get through until the next time a shower is available. I would also carry an assortment of medicines and bandages. I am notorious for being clumsy in my daily life so I would definitely make sure I have painkillers for my falls, bumps, and bruises. I also have a knack for being allergic to different types of bug bites and plants, so I would also make sure I have items like Neosporin and antihistamine medication like Benadryl. Also, I would carry headache medicine to battle tension headaches because being with the same people day-in and day-out would be frustrating and stressful, on top of the stresses of war. As for weapons, I would carry small handguns because I am so short. If I tried to carry and handle a bigger weapon I might end up maiming one of my fellow soldiers or myself. I would also carry more ammunition because not only would I want to have enough for myself but I would want too have enough in case one of my unit members needed some from me. I would also carry some type of utility knife. I think I would also carry binoculars and a compass so I can find my unit if I get separated from them. Besides my bible I think the most important and valuable item I can carry with me is love. The love I have for my husband, and my family, and more importantly the love that God has for me and the love God has filled me with. I believe if love is the only thing I can carry that I can never lose or ever run out of, I have everything I need to get through the day or night because “love never fails”.

#13 Journal -- In The Pursuit of Happiness

I am torn. I believe that Zitkala did achieve the American Dream and yet at the same time I do not think she did achieve the American dream. When I read Zitkala- Sa’s writing I was disappointed at how she was treated throughout her childhood. I could not imagine how confusing it was to be growing up. Childhood and adolescent years are a confusing time period even in the best of circumstances. Zitakala- Sa and many other Native Americans were forced to change their identity when they were still learning who they were and what type of person they wanted to be. They were caught somewhere in between. Zitkala has a young girl was taught that in her culture short hair was see in a negative light. “Among our people short hair was worn by mourners, and shingled hair by cowards”. During her early school days she was forced to assimilate into the traditional American culture at that time. She not only had to trade in her moccasins and clothing but she also lost her spirit when her long her was cut. I believe that choice was taken away from Zitkala in some areas, and in that way I do not think she achieved the American dream, because like many Native American choice was taken away from them. However I do not think that Zitkala would have worked so hard and achieved so much if see had not faced or experienced hardships growing up. She not only completed the required education but she chose to further her education and attend college. She even experienced success in her education. “ Later the decision of the judges awarded me the first place”. I believe that Zitkala did achieve the American dream because she did acquire not only an education, but a college education as well. I believe that education is a big part of the American Dream. Zitkala was able to pursue an education and receive all the benefits that having an education brought. Even though the writing reflected that she was often times not happy in her adult years she chose to pursue her happiness.

#12 Journal

And just here let me say that I have felt much perplexity over the attitude of the American press, that great vehicle of information for the people, in respect of Hawaiian affairs.
This sentence stood out to me when I was reading Queen Lili’uokalani’s story. In this quote Queen Lili'uokalani's use of the word perplexity shows how confused, surprised, and blindsided she was by the attitude of the American press in regards to not only Hawaii, but to the Hawaiian people. She expresses how the press was the mouthpiece of information and how it was the source that most American people were receiving information about Hawaii’s affairs. The quote also conveys how the queen knew that the press could help Hawaii by reporting the whole story and could be instrumental in reporting how Hawaii was in danger of losing its sovereignty. I chose this quote because it reminds me of how the written word is such a powerful tool.

#11 In response to Morgan Willis

How did African Americans maintain their faith when dealing with harsh treatment? How were many African Americans able to resist retaliating and maintain their Christianity? In reading: “As the Lord Lives, He is One of Our Mother’s Children” I often found myself asking that same question.

While Reverend Stevens could have made $1,500, he found it in his heart to cover Stone's back and keep him safe in hiding, until all of the commotion blew over and he could safely escape. This display of kindness and care is expected of a reverend.
I agree that Rev. Stevens’ Christian behavior was to be expected. I also think that it was rather easy for him to act with integrity. In my opinion, most reverends do not go into ministry for the money so I do not think it was that difficult for him to ignore receiving a reward for turning in Jim. However, I do think that it was hard to show bravery and courage to harbor a fugitive when he was responsible for the safety of his son. I think it if he waivered at turning in Jim it would have been to protect his son not out of greed or malicious intent to cause Jim harm. Although I think that Rev. Stevens also thought of the example he would be not only setting for his son, but for the example, he was setting for his flock. How could he send an innocent man to face an unjust punishment and still be able to minister to his congregation?

After all Stevens did for Stone out of the love in his heart, Stone knew he had to save him and his son. Therefore, he works and works to get the tree off the track, with the love and support through prayers from God. In his final moments alive, Stone is one on one with God, praying for help and salvation. Stone then gets struck by the train, taking his life to save the lives of Stevens and Flip. Both men found it in their hearts to sacrifice their safety through God's faith and love to save the other.
I agree the Stone/ Jim wanted to help Rev. Stevens and his son because of the kindness he showed him. In addition, I also think that Jim helped them because that is what he wanted someone to do for him. Jim wanted and needed someone to help him when an angry mob burned his wife and son out of pure hate. Jim showed God’s love by sacrificing himself for someone else. By doing this final act in his life I believe that Jim was forgiving everyone that had wronged him and his family. This final act released any bitterness and unforgivness that he still harbored. He made peace and was able to move on to the next life.

I wonder how people of their time still managed to have faith in God despite all of the turmoil and hard times they faced.
In response to your initial question, I believe many people held onto their faith because they grasped an important Christian concept and belief. They had an eternal mindset. Their focus was not on the natural world of earth, but their focus was on heaven and the next life they would spend with Their Lord and Savior. Like Uncle Tom, in Uncle Tom’s Cabin, they also knew that in order to achieve and keep their salvation they needed to continue to act accordingly to reach heaven. I believe they knew one day they would be reunited with their loved ones in heaven. I also believe that this was a big incentive.

#10 " Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying"

“Get busy living or get busy dying.” That is my favorite movie quote from the movie Shawshank Redemption. I think about this quote often in my everyday life. After reading Chestnutt’s, The Wife of My Youth and Harper’s, Learning to Read, I found myself thinking about this quote once again. I always try to remember how time and opportunity are gifts that God gives people. I found myself thinking about how Chloe and Liza Jane’s quests were different in nature, but were very much alike. During the Civil War many people put their lives on hold. Even though there lives in a sense stood still time kept moving forward. After the war people tried to carry on with there lives, but they had lost precious time. Not only did they lose time in years in age but they lost years of missed opportunities. Many people spent years searching for family members after the war, like Liza Jane. Liza Jane was determined to find her husband Sam. She was so determined that she spent over twenty years looking for him. She never gave up hope that she would be reunited with him one day. Other people like Chloe did not waste any time learning to read once she was granted the opportunity to learn. She had the determination and perseverance to reach her goal despite the discouragement from others. She kept going until she reached her goal. Both ladies were determined and showed strength and perseverance in attaining their dreams. Even though they achieved their goal later in life they achieved their dreams just the same. Chloe’s age did not hinder her desire and passion to learn to read the written word. She was not going to let her age become a roadblock in her learning to read. Liza Jane was not going to let years of disappointment keep her from finding her husband that she loved. Both women kept living and took advantage of the opportunities regardless of circumstances around them. They both held on to hope, because “hope does not disappoint us”.