Shakespeare in the Bush

Page 29.  The general point made by Laura Bohannan in her work Shakespeare in the Bush is that stories are interpreted the same throughout different parts of the world, although she changes her view point at the end by realizing stories are interpreted quite differently in other cultures.  More specifically, Bohannan suggests that everyone looks at stories the same way all over the world.  She writes, “human nature is pretty much the same the whole world over” (p. 29).  In this passage, Bohannan is suggesting that each culture will look at a story the same way generally, although some details might have to be explained according to the culture’s customs, but generally, the story will be seen the same way.  In conclusion, it is Bohannan’s belief that stories are generally viewed the same, no matter what culture.

            

In my view, Bohannan is wrong because in different cultures, different things are deemed acceptable or unacceptable depending on where you are at or what culture you are talking about.  For example, the fairy tale Cinderella might be viewed differently in China than here in the United States.  Although Bohannan might object that cultures view stories differently, I maintain that different parts of the world do view stories and folktales differently according to their traditions and customs.  Therefore, I conclude that although the story might not be changed at all when telling it to other cultures, each culture will see it differently, whether it be completely different or only slightly.

Life of the Closed Mind

Page 67.  The general argument made by Anna Quindlen in her work Life of the Closed Mind is that 9/11 has caused a shadow over the American Dream of being accepted of others and being accepting to those around us.  More specifically, Quindlen argues that no one is open to other people or other’s ideas anymore.  She writes, “America has become a country that set its young people the terrible example of closed minds” (p. 67).  In this passage, Quindlen is suggesting that since 9/11 happened, the “terrorists have won” because America as a nation has become more like them in the sense that we only believe there is either right or wrong, black or white, good or bad.  In conclusion, it is Quindlen’s belief that America needs to be more open minded when it comes to others, other’s opinions as well as their beliefs.

            In my view, Quindlen is right because America really has become so fanatical about everything.  For example, people used to be able to say their own beliefs to others without getting harassed or judged.  Now however, if your view is not the same as the person you are talking to, they tell you how many different ways you are wrong and why their idea is so much better than yours, rather than just having a civil conversation about it.  Although Quindlen might object that 9/11 is not the only thing that caused this to happen, I maintain that there are multiple reasons other than just 9/11, such as the bad economy, our state of war, and many other societal problems.  Therefore, I conclude that America needs to be aware of how close-minded we are being and we need to readjust this so people will be able to speak their minds freely again and be open to others and their ideas.

Why Engage in Political Thinking

Page 15.  The general point made by Glenn Tinder in his work Why Engage in Political Thinking is that humans think because there is simply no other way an answer can be reached other than by thinking.  More specifically, Tinder suggests that  we can only decide whether or not we are going to accept certain ideas by thinking.  He writes, “only through thought do we affirm our rationality, our freedom, and our loyalty to being” (p. 20).  In this passage, Tinder is suggesting that thinking is the only way people are alive and living the way that they are.  In conclusion, it is Tinder’s belief that we can achieve great things through thinking because “we possess awesome powers of action… [and] highly developed skills” (p. 20).

            In my view, Tinder is right because whenever we gain new experiences or learn new information, the only way to learn something from those experiences or retain the information is by thinking.  For example, you can easily drift off and daydream while you are learning a new concept in a math class, but unless you are really thinking about it and how it works, you won’t retain any of that information.  Although Tinder might object that every human being can be a great thinker to produce a plan of action based on their research, I maintain that anyone can do that if they put their minds to it and are motivated enough.  Therefore, I conclude that Tinder is correct in his thinking that everyone has their own opinion when it comes to thinking because “the great thinkers do not agree” (p.17).

A Method for Reading, Writing, and Thinking Critically

Page 21.  The general argument made by Kathleen McCormick in her work A Method for Reading, Writing, and Thinking Critically is that connections can be found very easily when using critical thinking skills.  More specifically, McCormick suggests that critical skills are not always about a definite right side or a definite wrong side, but rather there are more than two sides to every idea.  She writes, “the image of ‘two sides’ debilitates our thinking, not because it makes us look tolerant but because it so oversimplifies” (p. 22).  In this passage, McCormick is suggesting that we might find far more than just two different points-of-view when looking at a specific subject if we use our critical skills.  In conclusion, it is McCormick’s belief that if you continually work on your critical skills daily, they will become easier to use in your everyday life.

            In my view, McCormick is right because the more you use something, the easier it becomes to access it and use it successfully.  For example, learning how to write when you were little was quite hard, but the more you used that skill and became used to that task, it gradually became easier and easier.  Although McCormick might object that you have to think about your critical skills before actually using them, I maintain that everyone using their critical skills everyday whether it be in reading, writing, or just thinking without even knowing or realizing it at the time.  Therefore, I conclude that everyone can become a master at using their own critical skills in different ways by exercising them daily and focusing on specific aspects of them.

All About Me

So this is my first post on my first blog ever.  I don't really know exactly what I'm doing but I'm going to try the best I can to figure things out as I go along.  My name is Brittany Larsen.  I am 18 years old and a senior in high school.  I really enjoy school for the most part when it's a subject I am interested in and I like it because I get to meet new people in all of my classes, as well as talk to my friends that I already have.  After I graduate, I am planning on going into nursing to become an Registered Nurse.  I really want to work in the Labor & Delivery unit at Intermountain Medical Center after I get my Bachelor's Degree nursing.  Although school is very important to me, I enjoy spending my spare time reading, hanging out with my friends, spending time with my family, singing, playing tennis & softball, watching movies, traveling, and just plain having fun!  To describe myself in just a few words, I am: fun, happy, motivated, compassionate, smiley, excited about just about everything, energetic, spiritual, and outgoing!  Some of my favorite things are the color turquoise, elephants, rainy days, summer time, daisies, the beach, good books, Disneyland, and cruises.  I also love to learn new things and try new things.  Learning about different cultures, places, art, music, and religion is something I really enjoy as well.  I love life and am always excited about it because I learn something new every single day!