Different Problem, Common Struggle and Solution

          The readings, “Living with Fire” and “On Being a Cripple” share many common aspects but also have some differences. Probably the most obvious similarity between the two stories is that both authors have a serious problem in their lives. In “Living with Fire” the author chooses to live in the southwestern part of the United States only to experience life threatening fires. The author states that there is no such thing as a safe haven for humans. In “On Being a Cripple”, the author has to deal with the incurable disease known as MS. This disease prevents her from doing many physical duties and activities. She states that she lost the use of one of her legs and arms. Another common aspect that both authors share is that even though their problem could be potentially life threatening, they have learned to embrace it. The author of “Living with Fire” says that living in the dangerous environment is all worth it because when there aren’t fires, everything is beautiful and is worth dealing with. The Author of “On Being a Cripple” states that she is embracing her own setback for the better. The author knows that doctors are nowhere near close to a cure so she has no choice but to stick it out and embrace her flaws. Not only do the authors have common aspects to their writings, but they also have differences. The author’s problem in “Living with Fire” is containable and can be dealt with. Although it is a very dangerous job, firefighters have been stopping the fires. On the other hand, the author of “On Being a Cripple” has to deal with her problems with no cure available. She is affecting by MS every day and she is limited in her movements. Also, the author of “On Being a Cripple” didn’t have a choice on having her disease. She randomly experience symptoms and doctors revealed that she developed MS. On the other reading, although the author chooses to live in his fire prone environment, if it became a huge problem, he could always move away. Although these stories have differences, both authors share inspiring stories and persevere through their hardships no matter what.

Even our own language seperates males and females?

          After this reading, I feel like I got a completely different perspective in terms of the English language. Unless you actually thought about it, this reading creates a whole different image for both males and females alike. The reading was mainly about how there are differences amongst males and females through the English language. I’ve actually never realized that they are some pretty big differences between the two genders in the English language. What surprised me the most was how differently the words manly and womanly were defined. On the manly definition, many synonyms, adjectives, and “manly” nouns were used but on the other hand, womanly was defined in a completely different way. I feel like people never actually realize that the male and female gender are separated even more through their own language. When nonphysical differences are brought up between males and females, the first thought is often the different salaries that each make. But little to people realize that even the language that they speak separate males and females from being equal. Another point brought up in the reading was the difference between becoming an actor or an actress. The point was brought up in which that an actress is an actor, but an actor isn’t an actress. In my opinion, words such as actor and actress shouldn’t coexist when actor can be used to describe either a male or female. Terms used such as actress don’t technically discriminate, but it still separates the two genders. I assume that these terms exist because of the world’s history in which men were the dominant gender for years. But even up to this day, many people will still consider men to be the dominant gender not just because of the difference in earnings but just because its been set in stone for the longest time. In ancient history, men have always been the rulers and leaders while women were often considered as wives with not much importance besides housework and mating. I disagree with how the world thinks today as now in the 21^st century, men and women should be considered equal not just economically, but also through our own language.

Inspiring Read!

          To be honest, I was actually pretty bummed out that I had to read some excerpt that I probably won’t remember in a couple of days and then have to write about it, but when I actually read it, I was shocked that it was pretty interesting. I know for a fact that I am not a good writer and this article was pretty much the epitome of how I write. A big part of the beginning of the excerpt described that many students including myself tend to float towards the “common” answer and that teachers and professors find this to be very lackluster. I totally agree with the teachers in saying that their students have to seek other answers besides what everyone else is thinking. Not only does it make for an interesting read such as this excerpt, but also allows students to convey a different message than that of what teachers are used to reading. I feel like the author of the excerpt got his message passed along to readers with flying colors. Back in high school, I feel like students were taught to go with the “common” answer every time. I almost feel bad for all the English teachers that I’ve had for the past 6 years after reading this excerpt. Maybe there is still some hope in improving my miniscule writing skills. Reading something like this really motivates me to improve my writing ability and I can’t think of any other possible reads that can be based on this topic and be better than this one. As the class that I’m in is meant to improve our writing skills, this excerpt portrays what I can expect from the class and how writing should be done. I am glad that this is how we’re going to start this class.