Having My Say: Asian Stigmas

I find some of the things people assume about those of Asian descent almost comical, but most of the time it is just annoying. Just because I'm Asian does not mean I want to do your math or that I'm even good at math (even though I am). Just because I'm Asian does not mean I like sushi (I hate it) or eat with chopsticks (I prefer a fork). Just because I'm Asian doesn't mean I know Karate (I'd rather use a fist than a Karate Chop to hit you for asking this question). The list goes on and on, and I try not to take things too seriously. However, the worst thing is that some people don't even realize they are generalizing the biggest continent on Earth. Asia does not equal China or Japan, in fact there are over 48 countries that comprise it. I don't see many people confusing Mexican and American culture and they actually border each other. Some people need to take a little time to learn a little about the world they live in so they don't sound retarded the next time they ask me a question about Asia or something pertaining to my heritage.

Expression in Art

I chose this picture because it shows a black women as a house servant in Georgia. She is helping the home owners child eat, and I think it is a powerful picture because it sums the role of the help. The Delany sisters' parents worked hard to keep their children from doing this job. This is because the occupation of servant is the opposite of the progress they fought hard to make for their children. It would be a slap in the face for the sisters to be servants when their parents provided such a good education. It is unfortunate that some black women of the period had no other choice than to be the help, but it was different for Sadie and Bessie so they strove to do the best at their professions.

There Was a Child That Went Forth

While reading this, several of the lines made me think of my own experiences. The flowery and foresty references reminded me of the park by my house and all the different times I've been through it admiring the scenery. The lines about the sea make me think of the times I've been in Florida, and the distinct sights and smells of being at the beach. I also connected with the "changes in country and cities" line because even though I'm only 16 I feel as though a lot has changed. I think Whitman was saying through this poem is that the experience you have in childhood become a part of you and shape your direction.

Dickinson Poem

Link to poem http://www.bartleby.com/113/2007.html

From Cacoon to a Butterfly is a rather long poem for Dickinson's style. I imagine since she used a journal style of writing poetry it must have been something she pondered for quite a while. The poem starts off comparing a women coming outside to a butterfly coming out of its cacoon. Being a recluse, Dickinson may have been refering to herself. However, I think the real meaning of the poem is about the use of things that are beautiful with out any aparent function like butterflies. I think Dickinson came to the conclusion that they brighten up tedious tasks and are a refreshing sight to laboring men and the bee. They break up the monotony of life and are therefore an essential part of the universe.