Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Blog 5


Stephen Sharpe
Dr. Ellis

Blog Post 5

Transformation

            Interior transformation happens in everyone at some point in life. In fact, you could say that interior transformation is happening everyday. Personally, I keep track of how I am progressing in life by the amount of interior change I have made over the years. However, sudden events can force an interior change on a person as well. In the poems, “Directions for taking the SAT,” and “Frist Practice” as well as the essays “Serving up Hope,” and “A Father” prove interior transformation can happen instantly with enormous consequences. I also attended an event and listened to David Simon, the writer of the novel-now-television-series “The Wire” give a talk. He emphasized Baltimore’s problems and the need for transformation on the individual level.
            David Simon used to be a cop, and he is very familiar with the streets of Baltimore. At the event, Simon stressed that there is an enormous disparity between the rich and the poor in Baltimore, and that Baltimore has major crime problems. Nearly 85%-90% of all crime related problems are related to illegal drugs. He was also very annoyed that Baltimore hosts a Grand Prix every year. He wished that all that money could be spent on something else. He believes that there needs to first be an interior conversion of everyone’s hearts before any change can be done. David’s observation of the power of individual transformation reflects a theme in the essay of “A Father.” An Indian parent named Mr. Bhowmick adjusts to American life, but finds that his daughter impregnated herself in response to her family’s cultural alienation in America. It is clear that the interior transformation that occurred in his daughter has had negative effects in the family and even in herself.
The other essay “Serving up Hope” also speaks of interior transformation. It relates the story of a man named Patrick Allison works at a restaurant, but struggles with drug addiction. Eventually he finds the strength to abandon his drug addiction for good and continue with his future. This essay proves as well that interior transformation has enormous power in a person’s life, and that other people such as the Sampsons can assist with that interior transformation.
The poem “Directions for taking the SAT” also calls for interior transformation. The poem encourages the reader to disregard the norms of society, and to play life by your own rules.  Usually title with the word “Directions,” you would expect a poem that would perhaps have a step-by-step meaning. But the speaker of the poem abhors structure and encourages the reader to find his/her own way in life.
The poem “First Practice” also calls for both physical and mental transformation as well. Its overtones of war and violence narrate to the reader that the players on the team are about to endure something intense. Ending on the command of “Now!” calls the players for immediate internal transformation that could help them win the game.
In conclusion, internal transformation for allows enormous consequences to take place, and every reading attested to this fact. When a personal allows himself/herself to change, the world changes along with the person. This is the point David Simon was trying to make. The only way the world can change, is if each person decides to be that change. 

No comments:

Post a Comment