Amanda McCann
Ms. OBrocto
English 11
February 26,2010
Tuesdays With Ms. OBrocto:
“The Culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn’t work, don’t buy it”
We get so caught up in modern, “normal” society, we barely recognize our values anymore. Just today I was thinking about this and sure enough, culture changes people. The things I felt society pushes on us are: self-image, money, capitalism, religion,music,food, the list goes on. I have a very few strong words on culture that I want to express on. Love the way you are made, capitalism seems to be killing us, my view on religion, dreams and the dreamers.
First, we are demanded to look a certain way. I looked at myself in the mirror and thought about how people viewed me. I thought to myself, “I’m sorry I’m not a size whatever, I’m sorry that you have to judge MY body. This is MY body, not theirs, these are my eyes , these are my curves, these are my legs, so on. Its also sad when I get a letter telling me my weight and I just want to say I do not care, I’m sorry I am not a size two, that I don’t walk around with a man clinged to my arm, Judging my appearance, that I can’t be proud of saying I have curves, there fore I am a real woman. I feel that curves are beautiful, I recently read a magazine and sure enough a woman with curves was modeling. I felt proud of that. That I am not the only one who doesn’t feel beautiful because, she is supposed to look like a needle. That She can be happy that she is herself, she cries real tears, she can love like everyone else, and she doesn’t have to give in to someone elses ideals. This makes me proud for who I am, a woman.
Second, Capitalism. That’s where we live right now, the phrase that simply means if you don’t have it then forget you. I do believe we are in that culture shock now, where you have to be in a great house,have a great car, etc. No you don’t. You can live in an affordable home, buy bags of cereal instead of a small box of Lucky Charms and still make it. I’m proof of that. I may not be super rich, but I’m not in poverty either. I am happy with being comfortable. We complain so much that we don’t have this , not enough of that. So what? We have starving kids,dying of aids, human trafficking, rape, etc. Is money going to solve that? Is a happy house going to fix the fact someone may die in two seconds, that’s how short life really is, just a second and it could be gone. But, we as American’s never see that, we don’t see how good we have it and that if we just shut up and realize that, maybe we can help others too.
Third, Religion. I am a Christian and I am happy for that. I don’t want someone to shove a bunch of other beliefs down my throat, and neither do I. I think there is a god and I’m not going to change what I feel. That is my right to believe this not someone elses. I do go to church, I feel better there, I’m not super over the edge religious, but I do have thoughts and feelings. I do believe, I do pray, I sometimes sing songs, that doesn’t make me weak. That makes me feel like someone Is going to care, when the world won’t. When I cry I know he’s watching after me, and I cry a lot , not ashamed to either. I’m crying as I write this because, a lot has happened in my life. When I feel like no one will understand, I always have god and he always has me.
Lastly, The dreams I have and continue to have. I am a dreamer, wether people want to believe that I am logical or not. This helps me in art, and gives me hope for a better tomorrow. It helps me to imagine what can be, what will be, how long do I have to wait? I have so many dreams, to be an artist, get married and be in love, to go to japan, the list will go on. I am blessed to have this ability because, I can feel that people are happy with me telling them about my life. I realize this at tech, I have that family that appreciates and accepts me. No part of this school has done that, except for close friends. Don’t be afraid to dream, don’t be afraid to not say what needs to be said, or to not be close with others. You have one life, spend it well, don’t let anyone tell you different, live your dreams and become a dreamer yourself.
These views have changed my life. I wish someone could understand that and see insight on what it could be like, it could be worse. I am happy with what I am saying and this is straight from my heart. I am happy that I have curves, happy with my beliefs and being a dreamer, saying whatever to capitalism, and knowing I have a voice that speaks an opinion. I wish the same to you, be happy with who you are and what you stand for.
