Lucy

While reading Lucy, I noticed that the main character has quite a few flashbacks.  The stories she tells of her past are significant to her individuality.  The character uses storytelling techniques as a way to show others her past, but also to claim her own history.  According to a website I found from the University of North Texas, storytelling is a common motif in identify formation across the diverse cultures of the Caribbean.  I think that the author of Lucy presents the flashbacks in a fluid way.  The author wrote in a way in which the reader can get a sense of what Lucy is going through and what triggers certain memories.  I think that storytelling helps form Lucy's identity.  It also helps her come to terms with her past by expressing her emotions out loud.

This Blessed House Part 2

Towards the end of class we began to discuss performances and whether or not we are always performing for others.  According to Wikipedia, a performance generally comprises an event in which one group of people (the performer or performers) behave in a particular way for another group of people (the audience).  I feel that I can state with confidence that every individual, at one time or another, has put on a show in order to cater to another's needs.  Some performances are carried out because of the person's free will, such as acting in a play.  Other performances are forced unwillingly upon people; students must write formal papers in order to make the grade in certain classes.  The more difficult question is whether or not people are always performing.  Although I have an opinion, I cannot give a factual correct answer to this question.  I believe that whether or not a person constantly performs depends on their personality.  

In "This Blessed House", Sanjeev is concerned with outer appearance.  People like Sanjeev, uptight and prim and proper, are more likely to think about what other people think of them.  People categorized under this "box-like" personality are probably performers, showing other people what they want to see.  Twinkle, however, with her carefree personality, would probably be less likely to put on a show for others because she is happy just the way she is.  Other "squiggle-like" personality types would also be less likely to be in a constant state of performing. 

This Blessed House

Sanjeev and Twinkle's love for one another seems to be up for debate throughout the story.  Sanjeev was single, making a hefty income, and was pressured by his parents to pursue a marriage.  When he met Twinkle he was financially prepared and he had finally reached a time in his life where he could settle down and share his life with someone.  Sanjeev found a convenient home for the two of them to live in "...together, forever" (145).  The excitement of finding a wife and a home distracted Sanjeev from the reality of the flaws and downfalls to his future. 

The home and Twinkle share similar characteristics.  Sanjeev is attracted to both the home and his wife, but once the outer beauty has worn off and the interior is revealed, neither seem desirable to Sanjeev.  Twinkle's initial luster fades when Sanjeev discovers her carefree demeanor.  Twinkle is not the "ideal" housewife; she cooks what she wants and cleans when she has the urge to do so.  This lackadaisical attitude sharply contrasts Sanjeev's rigid manor and attention to cleanliness.  The knickknacks left behind by the previous owners of the house anger Sanjeev and his view of a perfect home is crushed.  He is Hindu and does not want symbols of any other religion displayed in his home.

It seems that Sanjeev liked the idea of having a wife and a home so much that he failed to anticipate the negative aspects that followed his marriage.  It is clear that Sanjeev and Twinkle have contrasting attitudes, and certain things Twinkle does gets under Sanjeev's skin.  Whether she is wearing heels or placing knickknacks on the mantle, Twinkle's carefree actions bother Sanjeev to no end.  In addition to his annoyance with his wife, the house that Sanjeev perceived to be a perfect place to live turned out to be quite the opposite.  The objects left behind in the house excite Twinkle, which angers Sanjeev all the more.

Interested about the author of Interpreter of Maladies?  Check out this website containing a reporter's perspective on one of Jhumpa Lahiri's lectures.

READ ME!

DSLC Conference

We were reminded of the upcoming tornado season at the opening of the DSLC conference.  President Mooney was introduced to speak just as the tornado sirens began to scream outside.  In typical Mooney fashion, she handled the situation gracefully and took the opportunity to educate the audience about the importance of taking safe weather precautions during the spring season.  President Mooney discussed the importance of globalization here at Saint Mary's College.  She explained why the chief focus of the DSLC is to focus on globalization.  The DSLC spreads awareness about diversity and the impact it has in our lives.  Both President Mooney and the DSLC believe that globalization is beneficial because diversity within the classroom allows for more perspectives and therefore richer discussions, which leads to better preparation for the future.  Most women that attend Saint Mary's will go on to work or study outside of the US.  The DSLC prepares SMC Chicks for the future by focusing on the value of bringing together peoples of the world.

On a larger scale, Obama is doing his part to contribute to globalization.  The president comes from a Kenyan father and an American mother, which I assume heightens his interest in international affairs.  Not only has Obama traveled to Kenya and Jekarta and lived in Indonesia, but he also graduated from Columbia with a degree in international affairs.  The president stresses the importance of welcoming free trade and globalization because they will benefit our economy.

I have multiple views on the issue of globalization.  I feel that expanding trade should only be supported if the countries are abiding by proper labor laws.  It would be unfortunate for the US to take advantage of another country's cheap goods if the producers of the goods were not treated fairly.  I also feel that globalization has done wonders for the rising power of women.  Countries, such as Saudi Arabia, that prohibit women from participating are lagging behind.  Modernized countries have finally come around to valuing women.  Societies have allowed women to take part in education and join the work force.  Women's contributions to these modernized societies have led to a dramatic progression both socially and economically.  I am pleased with DSLC for recognizing the issue of globalization and the benefits that come from having a diverse society.

Attached is a short clip of Obama's views on globalization.  Take a look!!