Are you a Transcendentalist?

Alright, here’s the basics--just so everyone’s aware. The definition of a transcendentalist is someone who believes in transcendentalism. The definition of transgenderism is an American form of European romanticism that flourished in the late nineteenth century and rejected neoclassical, enlightenment thinking in favor of four main concepts. These concepts include: the importance of emotion, individuality, the natural world, and of transcendence.

Concept One: The Importance of Emotion:

-          Emotion is more important than reason.

-          Intuition is more important than logic.

Concept Two: The Importance of Individuality

-          Individuality is more important than being part of a group.

-          Experiencing the world for yourself is a better way to learn than listening to other people who are supposed to be experts on a subject.

-          Originality is more important than being correct.

-          Rebellion is more important than conformity.

-          Civil Disobedience is more important than following laws for the sake of following laws.

Concept Three: The Importance of The Natural World:

-          The Natural World is spiritual and sublime.

-          Experiencing the sublime is more important than living a safe life.

-          Spiritual connections to The Natural World are more important than material success.

-          Technology and science get in the way of our understanding of The Natural World.

Concept Four: The Importance of Transcendence:

- The point of life is to transcend everyday experience and the beliefs of others to reach a heightened awareness of one’s place in the universe.  This last concept is the most important one, as all of the other concepts exist in order to develop this one.

There you have it.

I believe that the idea being a transcendentalist involves viewing life and the world from a different perspective than of the public. Perhaps you perceive things differently. Perhaps you interpret reality from a different point of view. Who knows. I think the mystery behind the reasoning is also what makes one a transcendentalist.

It is important to analyze both its strengths and weaknesses though. It incorporates a deeper level of understanding and thinking, which often pulls the individual from the idea of reality. It allows for analysis of the world around you and provides an interesting approach to life. But, on the other hand, it instills an idea of constant rebellion and emotional reasoning that often involve the upspring of flaws later on down the road.

I believe I am a transcendentalist to a point. I definitely possess qualities that align with the definition, but I do not like to be categorized or identified as a “type” of person. I like to rebel and believe that originality and civil disobedience is key to the development of society and our world. But, I also have opinions that do not correspond with the viewpoint of a transcendentalist. It's all perception--simply put.

Bowling for Columbine

What is Moore trying to say about American identity and values? Is this an accurate representation of our culture?

After watching Bowling for Columbine, many thoughts, ideas, and questions entered my mind. Throughout this documentary, film director Michael Moore addresses many intriguing ideas about American Culture as well as the issue of guns in America. After further analyzing the film, I think that Moore is trying to convey that the American Identity and values are lost. Americans have lost a sense of our culture. No one seems to have a grasp on reality at the moment--no one can "feel" anymore, no one cares, etc. We live in a scary world at the moment and the future doesn't look any better. In other words though, perhaps America is just changing. 

In continuation, Moore also conveys and relates this idea of change through the thought that American culture is changing.  He makes this very apparent through relating this topic to gun control and issues involving guns, but it can also be applied to other issues as well. It seems as if he implies that American culture is shaped by environmental factors as well as traditional American ways--but these variables are constantly changing. Not to say that they do not hold as truth, but they are not as accurate to hold judgement against. It is true that America and Americans are changing, especially in this day and age, but we have to do something with the change in order to better prepare us for the future. This will in turn influence these constant changes in America to help reshape our culture to a better standing.

Overall, I think Moore portrays a rather too realistic representation of our culture. It is almost frightening in a way. But it also lets us face reality and accept it, so that in turn we can help make a change in this life we are given. By being presented with this information, we can further reshape and define our lives and America.

Fear

Fear is a funny thing. It makes you feel jumpy, excited, hopeful, scared, stressed, etc. It is one of those emotions that is created by a bunch of other feelings mixed together. I suppose that I why it could be so hard to handle and face. For me, it seems that I do have a lot of fears…which I do not really like admitting. But hey, I am human. After all, aren’t we all? So, here goes.

1) Failure: This doesn't seem so bad at first, and it probably isn’t a at the top of the list for others, but this is a big one for me. I do not know why I can never exactly fail. I just hate the thought of it, and it scares me. It makes me have a low self-esteem, and I feel not as strong. I also am afraid my future will get dampened if I do not do well. It makes me mad because I spend so much time worrying about if I will do a good job in school, while other people go out and meet with their friends and have fun. Ah, this one just makes me stressed thinking about it so I am moving on.

2) Escalators: This fear might sound silly to some people, but these things actually scare the heck out of me. I am always afraid that I will trip trying to get on and I will fall down the stairs and die! Just the thought freaks me out a little! Or sometimes I start to freak out and wonder if my foot will get stuck. Ah! They are so scary! I also hate the germ-covered hand rails because you never want to touch them but then what do you hang on to? You are then stuck in that position once more about thinking of death! My advice, grab onto the person next to you and hang on for dear life! They are so crowded too, and you cannot step too close the the person in front of you or talk too loud or else they will look back at you like, “Who the heck is this freak.” So I always try to stay off them.

3) Ticks: I have never met a person who actually “likes” ticks, but they do not seem to be on people’s fear lists that often. Just the name of the insect scares me! Just think, a little bug digging into your skin for blood…ewww! Not okay! Just go drink some fruit juice buddy!

4) Dieing young: Who wants to though? It scares me to think about it. What if I do not achieve my dreams? What if I do not have enough time to do and be who I want to be. What if I do not get to accomplish all I want to accomplish? Aren’t these big questions?!? Death does not seem that bad, but dying before you are ready seems worse. But then again, who is “ready” to actually die?

And the list goes on…

"Blurred Linezzzzz..."

“Rapists everywhere now have an anthem.” Author Jennifer Lai states that critics have taken this accusation a bit too far in this case, but she has a point. Reflecting on the infamous song “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke, it definitely sparks some thoughts and opinions on a rather uncomfortable topic for most.

"Blurred Lines" definitely portrays a type of disguised sexism in the song--although I would not consider it "rapey." On the other hand, I would not disagree with anyone who would comment that it is degrading women in a way. Author Tricia Romano in her article stated it interestingly, "The song is about how a girl really wants crazy wild sex but doesn't say it--positioning that age-old problem where men think no means yes into a catchy, hummable song." In this day and age, the media does an often too-good-of-a-job declaring how women should look, act, and behave. In this song, Thicke reinforces that message and adds on that men can simply "domesticate" and "liberate" women in life. For they are simply objects--replaceable and disposable. He also hints at the idea that women are the weaker sex in society. Although he claims that these were not his original intentions while making the song, they definitely serve as the base reference for the music.

In Romano's article, she introduces an intriguing canadian model's (Amy Davison) viewpoint, "The women are clearly being used as objects to reinforce the status of the men in the video. The men have all the control and status because they are not vulnerable--they are completely covered. Whereas the women have no status and are totally open to be exploited ogled and used." I couldn't have said it better. Yes, it is a bit "weird" as well as "demeaning" to see almost naked women next to fully clothed men. It doesn't seem  fair in a way. If only the situation could be flipped around....

As in the name itself, the song "Blurred Lines" really pushes and tests the boundaries of society. It "blurs" the lines of what is considered normal and right. As of now, limits are already becoming hazier and hazier. It will only be a matter of time now before thought-to-be "blurred lines" come to "no lines at all."

"Truth and Beauty"

“Truth and Beauty,” by Ann Patchett, is a stunningly written memoir about two lives that seemingly mesh into one. This true tale introduces Ann Patchett and Lucy Grealy—two strong, female writers who met in college. Ever since their first encounter, they had become inseparable from one another.  Although both women had lead very independent, successful lives, this story does not focus solely on just Ann’s life or just Lucy’s life, but the parts of their lives that they shared together.

Throughout the story, love, fame, drugs, and despair all affect and influence the decisions of Ann and Lucy. But no matter how severe the consequences of their decisions turned out to be, they both had each other’s back. Patchett clearly captures the devotion, intensity, and passion in their relationship. For example, in a letter addressed to Ann, Lucy writes, “Dearest Anngora, my cynical pirate of the elusive heart, my self-winding watch, my showpiece, my shoelace, how are you?”  Their story is simply a love story, a deep relationship, an account of dedication and commitment so memorable and inspiring that it is not even comparable to the conventional friendship.

Told first hand, Ann describes the relationship vividly. Her writing is extremely detail oriented and captivating. I cannot tell you how many times I wanted to put this book down and write a little myself! Her character and voice, completely unique and unwavering, shine through each page, reeling you in with light nuances and imaginary poetic form.  Just like the title itself, Ann captures truth and beauty of a friendship through a writing style that is absolutely riveting.

Overall, this is a tender –but brutal—book that focuses on the idea about loving the person we cannot save. It also touches on loyalty and honesty, as well the sheer enjoyment and happiness that arises when surrounded by a person who knew how to live life to the fullest. 

Found Essay: He and I

After reading the following essay, “He and I,” by Natalia Ginzburg, I was absolutely speechless—to say the least. This author seemed to elaborate on the true beauty of people and relationships in a whole new way. She introduces the essay by explaining that it “captures the seesaw of human companionship and love with a patience and sensitivity to interconnectedness that it is hard to imagine a male essayist attempting, much less equaling.” That is some powerful stuff right there. Essentially though, that is exactly, no…wrong word, precisely what she is writing about.

He and I? I and he? Ginzburg goes back and forth between the two throughout the whole story. He likes doing that; I like doing this. He hates doing that; I like doing this. They say opposites attract, right? I started to think that in the beginning too, but as I neared the end, I wasn’t quite sure anymore. Here’s a taste at what I am trying to get at:

“He always feels hot, I always feel cold. In summer when it really is hot he does nothing but complain about how hot he feels. He is irritated if he seems me put a jumper on in the evening. He speaks several languages well; I do not speak any well. He manages—in his own way—to speak the languages that he doesn’t know. He has an excellent sense of direction, I have none at all.”

And it goes on like that for about, mmmm, eight more pages...literally. But, those next eight pages are extremely beautiful, insightful, and intriguing. Honestly, I think this is one of my favorite essays by far; it seems to capture human relationships at their finest.

And so I go on thinking that in the end she’s going to say, oh, but how I love him…or I would be lost in life without him…or even, he is the cheese to my macaroni (you know what I am trying to get at?)…but she doesn’t. Instead she ends the piece reflecting on when they first met, almost like she is contemplating something.

 “I sometimes ask myself if it was us, these two people, almost twenty years ago on the Via Nazionale, two people who conversed so politely, so urbanely, as the sun was setting; who chatted a little about everything perhaps and about nothing two friends talking, two young intellectuals out for a walk; so young, so educated, so uninvolved, so ready to judge one another with kind impartiality so ready to say goodbye to one another forever, as the sun set, at the corner of the street.”

Although ultimately it seems like this essay follows the whole “love acquired, love lost” type of deal, Ginzburg addresses it with such delicacy and simplicity that it seems complete opposite to that first thought. Perhaps this story is true, perhaps it is fiction. Either way, I think in the long run author Natalia Ginzburg leaves the decision to the reader at the end: Is it worth trying anymore, or is it time to give up completely?

Found Essay: Life is a Matter of Perspective

 Overtime, “You begin to see the world, not as it is, but as you are.” Author Peter Bennett addresses such points like this as well as others in his essay titled, “Life is a Matter of Perspective.” If you really think about that first quote, I bet you your mind will flip. It seems so innocent, but honestly, stop for just a second…. Do your life, thoughts, and actions seemed to be shaped and influenced loosely by this transparent idea? Perspective is a funny thing, isn’t it? It falls in line with the notion of perception too—and life is all about perception. Bennett goes on to provide another stunning statement, “It’s hard to see the real picture of life when you live inside the frame.” Isn’t that just crazy to think about?!? We are all on a path in life—always moving forward, although at times it may not seem like it. We have to remember to take ourselves out of the “picture” and see at a different angle. Like the famous quote we all have heard too many times claims, “Image yourself in someone else’s shoes.”

In addition, the author also identifies the idea that you cannot take things at face value. People, as well as other miscellaneous objects, events, etc. in life, are not always as they seem. He quotes, “The sun may appear to move across the sky each day, but it’s actually the earth that’s moving.” If we do not continue to seek new, fresh perspectives in life, we soon will not be able to know what’s real—what’s reality. All you have to do is change perception and see the world anew.

Bennett also hints at the idea that “changing your view or changing your perspective can change your life for the better.” For example, here he sheds a new light (a.k.a new perspective) on old topics and issues. Take a look:

Spiritualism: We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.

Humor: I’m well balanced. I have a chip on both shoulders.

Recruiting Talent: A baseball scout told the team manager, “I found the greatest pitcher of all time. He struck out 27 guys, only one guy had a foul tip.” The manager said, “Sign the guy who hit the foul ball.”

Yourself: Are you in the way or on the way?

Politics: In 1912, Emmaline Panhurst went to prison 12 times in her fight to gain universal suffrage for women. “We are not here because we are lawbreakers; we are here in our efforts to become lawmakers,” she said.”

Art: “Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth.” – Picasso

Prison: “I felt that I could go and have a vacation,” said Martha Stewart describing her attitude on serving five months in prison, an incarceration that forced her to slow down and smell the roses, even if they were behind barbed wire.

Jail: Ralph Waldo Emerson went to visit his fellow transcendentalist, Henry Thoreau in jail. Thoreau was protesting slavery by refusing to pay a poll tax. “Why are you in there?” Emerson asked. “Why are you out there?” Thoreau replied.

Pessimism: A man asked his rabbi why is it that a slice of bread with butter on it always lands with the buttered side down. The rabbi had never heard this before, so they tried it. The rabbi buttered the bread, dropped it and it landed with the buttered side up. The rabbi pointed to it, and said, “Well?” The man protested, “But rabbi, you buttered the wrong side.” Understand that some sour pusses will never change, so there’s never a need to be angry at them. See what perspective can do.

Sales: Instead of saying, “If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.” Try, “I will follow up with you in two weeks, but in the meantime, feel free to call with any questions.” 

Business: Don’t focus on profits; focus on the factors that produce the profits.

By simply flipping those topics and their perspectives around, they took on a whole new meaning. Just think, if you begin to change your perspective and outlook on life, your whole world will take on a new meaning too. It all lies in your possession and control. After all, it’s your own perception that you are living in.

Article: http://www.laverneonline.com/2010/08/10/life-is-a-matter-of-perspective-an-essay-by-peter-bennett/