What stands out most about the book is Hanna-Attisha’s admirable courage and sense of duty. She fulfilled her moral obligation to her community. This is something the world needs more of, and its something I envy. It takes such courage to stand up in today’s world and choose to be opposed and outcast by some for the greater good. If I were in her shoes, the most I would have done would have been attending city hall meetings, or calling to voice my opinion on the issue. As sad as that sounds, I am not that much of a courageous person; I am sometimes timid. Therefore, I feel it very unrealistic for me to be the superhero. The only questions I have about the book are in regards to Flint’s government. Who elected such a government? How many people have been impacted in other ways by this selfish, greedy government? This book was an excellent read, and there was nothing I did not enjoy. If I absolutely had to sum up this entire book in one sentence, I would say the following: Hanna-Attisha’s admirable courage and bravery led to the exposure of the government and restoration of the water system in Flint, Michigan. I believe the title “What the Eyes Don’t See” was an excellent title for such a book. It is metaphorical and literal. It shows the crypticness of Flint’s government and water suppliers. Additionally, it foreshadows the book, in that it basically tells that the residents are not seeing the corruptness that is taking place behind the scenes; they do not see the lead or corrosion in the water. Personally, this book has prompted me to do some spiritual growth. I feel that I am not impacting my community or world as much as I could be, and I have much more than others have. It has really helped put things into perspective.
Weekly Reflections
Weekly Write
“The Best Reason to Go to College” by Pico Iyer is an Op-Ed about the lack of diversity in the world. However, the author mostly focuses on how he was truly enlightened to the lack of diversity and open mindedness as a college professor. He gives examples of open minded youth, and how the world should aspire to be like these. He also gives various examples to religious leaders, who promote inclusiveness and open mindedness. This article is a great read that restores a bit of hope in humanity.
“The Hands of Labor” by Binya Appelbaum is an Op-Ed about the hands. More specifically, how all hands are working hands, and how they reveal much about a person. The author uses Helen Keller as a main reference. Keller, deaf and blind, provides insight to how a hand can reveal much about a person, often more than the face or facial expressions. The article has twenty-seven photos of different hands, each labeled with different job titles and names, which go to testify that person’s story, so to speak. Though the hands might all provide striking contrasts, they all have their commonalities.
“I Used the Podium to Protest. The Olympic Committee Punished Me.” by Gwen Berry is an Op-Ed about racial injustice in the Olympic stadium. The author tells of an african-american hammer thrower’s dilemma. How, after she raised her fist to support the on going black lives matter protests, she was reprimanded and is now unsponsored. This is mind boggling in the sense that Olympians are portrayed to be the best, and are praised for their “…courage, drive, and tenacity.”. However, Berry will not be silenced, and she goes to tell us why the Olympic committee is on the wrong side of history, and her plan to stop their injustice.
After carefully reviewing these three articles, I have decided to proceed in analyizing “The Best Reason to Go To College” by Pico Iyer. I was surprised at the difference in title and context. I’d thought to be reading about funding and career paths. However, I was pleasantly surprised and moved by the optomistic tone. I feel this is the article I can best analyze because it has various sources and points of view.
Weekly Reflections
Weekly Reflections are longer, more thoughtful posts that you will complete about every week of the semester. Topics for these posts will vary by instructor, but they will usually be completed outside of class and have a specific word-count requirement.