Sarah Beth,
I am now finding out that Community is so much more than I thought. I really don't think that community is African- Americans or Asians. I felt like if there was a bond between a group of people no matter what color, they would form there own community. When I read "How it Feels to be Colored Me." I knew that someone out there saw it the way I did. You only feel different when you are told or put into a position where you are outlawed, uncomfortable, or showed that you different. I sat in a class of some 30 being the only white person and felt right at home. When the teacher spoke of the African culture she used words like "we" and "us" not everyone except Amanda. When we took a feild trip to the African museum in Detroit I felt like I was learning about my history for the first time, not the history of another culture. Yes in school we are told that there are different cultures but i can help but find myself doing the same things that a lot of other cultures do. This was the first time I really learned about Africans, and I enjoyed it so much, I got an A in the class.
The only negative aspect about being in the class what that not all were as accepting as a lot were. Some thought it was humurious and wrong I was in the class. they reminded me that the steriotype of our generation was tall, thin and blonde with blue eyes. I could feel them describing me, what hurt the most is that they dragged on how wrong the steriotype was and how I reminded them on anerxia and a meir image of a Barbi. Is that what I was, a doll which is meaningless and something to be juged and talked about because I only trued out this was. They even mentioned once that and if I am correct they said " I think that white people dress black and listen to rap because there trying to make up for how they treated us long ago. I think the reason why white people tan is so that they can look more black, like us." Those words dug into me like a knife. If I am not mistaken but the singer Beyonce has blonde hair and delibirtily wears gold toned make-up to appear lighter. Are we not all trying to change in someway weither it is good or bad. I try not to let things like that bother me. I know I am just like everyone else. I breath air, I sleep, eat and shit. I survive because that is my nature, that is our nature.
My community is College,I am a waitress within a group of waitresses. I am a aviator within a group of flyers. I am an EMU student. I am a group of people who love hardcore. I am one of a family of 4 that is my community. I am a lover of cats and dogs. I am devine of yougurt. I am a group of people with hazel eyes. I am one of your students in English 121. I am in a community called Earth. To list everything could take days. I can not wait to share with you my ideas on life. From what you have picked out for use to read and write about I already know you have an amazing mind. You see things in ways that I see them.
Sincerely,
Amanda Elizabeth
1 comment:
I like the way you put this: that one only feels different when one is told or showed that they are. You are right that we should consider how "we" share culture, various different cultures, that are not exclusively reserved for members that share skin color. Very thoughtful and inspired words about this very important aspect of community! Great insights about many of the complicated issues of race that still pervade our society.
Whatever direction you take in LE1, I am sure it will be interesting and thoughtful, for I can tell that this is just the kind of person you are. Just be sure to get detailed about the reading (or another reading) in connection to your ideas and experiences in communities.
I am very excited for you to share more of your ideas about life, Amanda Elizabeth. It is fabulous to know you've been connecting to the readings, as well as to know that we see the world in similar ways. This is quite clear to me as well - I can relate to such to much of what you write!
Very much looking forward to your LE1!
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