As previously mentioned, I spent about two weeks in Thomassique, Haiti, teaching English to school children. I learned a lot of things in those two weeks. I honestly believe that the Haitian people I came in contact with taught me more than I could ever teach them. Here are the 52 Things I Learned in Haiti. Some of them should have been obvious. A bunch of them are kind of humorous. All of them have a story attached to them. If you want to know the story behind some of the snippets of my trip, let me know.
1. Any lane is a passing lane.
2. Bras are optional.
3. Ketchup shows up where you least expect it.
4. Driving is terrifying.
5. Music crosses language barriers.
6. So does teasing.
7. Laughter is infectious.
8. Songs are great teaching tools.
9. The first step is the hardest.
10. Soup can be eaten from a plate.
11. How to pluck a chicken.
12. Rap music makes even less sense in Haiti.
13. Always accept sugar in a drink if it's offered. It's offered for a reason.
14. English idioms get lost in the translation.
15. I can't draw a parallelogram.
16. Spelling the word "eighth" is hard.
17. Kids make connections most adults have forgotten how to.
18. Big dreams are universal.
19. Dance is its own language.
20. Games can be played together regardless of age, sex, language, class and race.
21. There is fun to be had if you look for it.
22. Water is life.
23. "God wants what the women want." - Haitian proverb
24. Birthdays are causes for celebration.
25. "Take that away from her before she hurts herself" is unmistakable, even if you don't speak a word of Creole.
26. How to juggle a sleeping baby and serve food at the same time.
27. Mosquito netting is a blessing.
28. Sometimes they just won't smile.
29. How to put a child to sleep in 30 seconds flat.
30. How to write a biblical acrostic.
31. Crying while cutting onions is unacceptable in Haiti.
32. How to be okay with staying in the kitchen while the men work.
33. "Every Haitian loves Madonna." -David
34. How to play Haitian Big Booty.
35. Saturday is cleaning day.
36. Carrying rocks is way better in a group.
37. Those roots make you itch.
38. You can go through a whole day without ever knowing what time it is.
39. There is a wrong way to eat a cooked banana (ie: with peanut butter).
40. Peanut butter makes nasty things more bearable.
41. Green bananas are not sweet. At all.
42. Haitian pop culture doesn't think too highly of women.
43. Car horns are purely locational devices, not mechanisms for exhibiting road rage.
44. Your head is like Blue Tooth for carrying- Hands free! (This also looks ridiculous out of context.)
45. Cell phones are just as popular in Haiti as in the US. Possibly more popular than water. Maslow would have been seriously confused.
46. There actually is a use for 5 gallon buckets.
47. If you build it, they will come.
48. Donald Duck is a Christian.
49. Grandmas and their houses are the same in every culture.
50. 60 year-old women like VBS songs just as much as 6 year-olds.
51. Matt's head is pretty high, but not high enough for Haitian soccer.
52. How to ride a motorcycle.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Haiti
I haven't written in a while because I got caught up in the end-of-year hubbub of finals and projects and stressing out and moving out and heading to Chicago. But that's all over now. Woo! Sophomore year down.
Unfortunately, it will be two more weeks until you are graced with my web-presence again. I promise it's for a good reason. I'm going down to Haiti to work with some pretty sweet awesome people and help out a school. It should be pretty swell. I'm excited about it.
I am sure that when I return I will have a lot to say.
Unfortunately, it will be two more weeks until you are graced with my web-presence again. I promise it's for a good reason. I'm going down to Haiti to work with some pretty sweet awesome people and help out a school. It should be pretty swell. I'm excited about it.
I am sure that when I return I will have a lot to say.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Postmodernism and Apathy
Because of various things going on in classes and on campus, I have been thinking about philosophy a lot over the last several days. Now, I don't pretend to be a philosopher. I have a basic understanding picked up in debate rounds and a few scattered classes. It's been enough to pique my interest but, being an over-ambitious college student, I haven't had time to read all the books I want to.
Here's my understanding of post-modernism: There is no such thing as truth. Everything is relative. Everything is explicable. Just because you have a set of morals doesn't mean everyone else is beholden to the same moral code. You are your own unique individual.
My understanding of apathy: You just don't care.
In my estimation, postmodernism leads to the raging apathy I see as an epidemic both on my campus and in the world. If we're all free, happy little snowflakes, existing in our own tiny microcosmic view of the world, thoroughly convinced that we are right and no one can tell us otherwise, the only thing that can relate to is isolationism.
A common belief system is what draws people together. It unites people and has the power to catalyze revolutions. Think of the Reformation. Think of the American Civil War. Think of the Civil Rights movement of the 60s. These things brought people together and resulted in revolutions of massive proportions because people were sold out for the thing they were fighting for.
Now, when we're all wrapped up in our own individualistic idea, it isolates us from other people. As postmodernism continues to exert itself as the primary mode of intellectual and social thinking, we grow further and further apart from our fellow human beings. We've allowed ourselves to write the rules to our lives but as a result, no one is willing to play with us. By granting ourselves intellectual freedom, we're making for ourselves a mental monastic hermitage, a religion of one that serves only ourselves.
Furthermore, because of this, it becomes increasingly difficult to ignite anyone toward a purpose. When there is no truth, there can be no consensus. When there is no agreement, there can be no movement, no decision that action must be taken. We have literally dismantled the catalyst that drives human revolution, which is the synergy humans have when they agree on something. By seeking to powerful in our individuality, we have destroyed the true power humans have: what we can do when we work together.
Here's my understanding of post-modernism: There is no such thing as truth. Everything is relative. Everything is explicable. Just because you have a set of morals doesn't mean everyone else is beholden to the same moral code. You are your own unique individual.
My understanding of apathy: You just don't care.
In my estimation, postmodernism leads to the raging apathy I see as an epidemic both on my campus and in the world. If we're all free, happy little snowflakes, existing in our own tiny microcosmic view of the world, thoroughly convinced that we are right and no one can tell us otherwise, the only thing that can relate to is isolationism.
A common belief system is what draws people together. It unites people and has the power to catalyze revolutions. Think of the Reformation. Think of the American Civil War. Think of the Civil Rights movement of the 60s. These things brought people together and resulted in revolutions of massive proportions because people were sold out for the thing they were fighting for.
Now, when we're all wrapped up in our own individualistic idea, it isolates us from other people. As postmodernism continues to exert itself as the primary mode of intellectual and social thinking, we grow further and further apart from our fellow human beings. We've allowed ourselves to write the rules to our lives but as a result, no one is willing to play with us. By granting ourselves intellectual freedom, we're making for ourselves a mental monastic hermitage, a religion of one that serves only ourselves.
Furthermore, because of this, it becomes increasingly difficult to ignite anyone toward a purpose. When there is no truth, there can be no consensus. When there is no agreement, there can be no movement, no decision that action must be taken. We have literally dismantled the catalyst that drives human revolution, which is the synergy humans have when they agree on something. By seeking to powerful in our individuality, we have destroyed the true power humans have: what we can do when we work together.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Shorty Got High Like a G-6
Because my parents are discerning music-listeners, I was raised on a steady diet of Tom Petty, The Eagles, The Beastie Boys and Warren Zevon. When confronted with a country and western version of Pink Floyd's The Wall done by Luther Wright and the Wrongs (yes, I'm serious), one doesn't feel the need to venture out into popular music much, or if you do, it's quality controlled by the same musically discerning parents.
As a result, the depth of my understanding of popular music is limited, at best, to the genres I have developed a particular taste for. I am, however, an equal opportunity music connoisseur and will give anything at least a cursory listen.
As I have been testing the heretofore uncharted waters of popular rap and hip-hop, I have come up with two questions that I feel must be answered in order for my listening to continue.
What is a G6? And who the heck is Shorty?
Like the able-bodied internet user I am, I did a quick Wikipedia search and here's what I came up with:
-The six largest members of the European Union.
-An airplane.
-A Ford or a Pontiac.
-A howitzer.
-A Chess move (pawn to G-6).
Using context clues (and consequently getting exposed to words like "sizzurp". Don't get me started.), I would assume that they're referring to the airplane. Some further Wikipedia-ing provided me with a picture of said airplane. It's a 12 passenger puddle jumper.
Yep. That's my idea of being fly.
I will say this, however. Having heard this phrase in at least two different songs, I assumed that another band/artist was just copying the first. I was relieved to find out that it was simply two songs by the same band. Kudos to Far East Movement for practicing continuity.
Speaking of continuity, very few characters have been serialized quite as effectively as the elusive "Shorty" (variation: Shawty). After a quick Google search and some analytical lyric comparison, I determined that there are no less than six songs named after this ambiguous female of small stature, not to mention however many times she is simply mentioned in the song.
All I have to say is: "Dang, girl!"
As a result, the depth of my understanding of popular music is limited, at best, to the genres I have developed a particular taste for. I am, however, an equal opportunity music connoisseur and will give anything at least a cursory listen.
As I have been testing the heretofore uncharted waters of popular rap and hip-hop, I have come up with two questions that I feel must be answered in order for my listening to continue.
What is a G6? And who the heck is Shorty?
Like the able-bodied internet user I am, I did a quick Wikipedia search and here's what I came up with:
-The six largest members of the European Union.
-An airplane.
-A Ford or a Pontiac.
-A howitzer.
-A Chess move (pawn to G-6).
Using context clues (and consequently getting exposed to words like "sizzurp". Don't get me started.), I would assume that they're referring to the airplane. Some further Wikipedia-ing provided me with a picture of said airplane. It's a 12 passenger puddle jumper.
Yep. That's my idea of being fly.
I will say this, however. Having heard this phrase in at least two different songs, I assumed that another band/artist was just copying the first. I was relieved to find out that it was simply two songs by the same band. Kudos to Far East Movement for practicing continuity.
Speaking of continuity, very few characters have been serialized quite as effectively as the elusive "Shorty" (variation: Shawty). After a quick Google search and some analytical lyric comparison, I determined that there are no less than six songs named after this ambiguous female of small stature, not to mention however many times she is simply mentioned in the song.
All I have to say is: "Dang, girl!"
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Smile at Me, Please.
I recently traveled through O'Hare International Airport in Chicago while on the way to my brother's wedding. I had a trek of epic proportions from Concourse C to Concourse F, which ended up being a hike of about 20 minutes. On the way, I passed various and sundry people from different backgrounds heading to different places.
Being the geeky people watcher that I am, I decided to conduct a social experiment.
I pasted a 1000-watt smile on my face and sought to make eye contact with as many people as I could. I passed 300 people easily on my journey through the better part of one of the largest airports in the United States.
Only two smiled back at me.
Count 'em.
Two.
That's lame.
Being the geeky people watcher that I am, I decided to conduct a social experiment.
I pasted a 1000-watt smile on my face and sought to make eye contact with as many people as I could. I passed 300 people easily on my journey through the better part of one of the largest airports in the United States.
Only two smiled back at me.
Count 'em.
Two.
That's lame.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Our British Fixation
I write this while listening to Mumford and Sons, wanting to marry Matt Smith and/or David Tennant and sitting under a Monty Python poster, all whilst sipping a cup of Earl Grey.
Most people who are considered "discerning" have come to grips with this simple fact:
Stuff in Britain is just better.
From comedy to music to beverage choice, British popular culture is seeping into America. And I couldn't be happier. In my opinion, American entertainment has become too polished. The color is more vibrant, the actors more beautiful, the puns wittier, and the situations more dramatic, all to combat a growing level of desensitization. It's all about the next best thing. Who can be bigger. Flashier. Cooler. Push the envelope more. Put the most poop jokes in a 90-minute movie.
And I'm tired of it.
Which is why I like British stuff! Very few British television actors are drop-dead gorgeous. Special effects are comparatively substandard. Mumford and Sons isn't auto-tuned to all hell. The humor is low-key plays on words and situational irony. It all serves to make British entertainment both more approachable and enjoyable.
So many of the things that have become indispensable to my entertainment had their genesis in Great Britain. Hats off to the Brits and God save the queen.
TV: Dr. Who, The Office, Whose Line is it Anyway, Antiques Roadshow, Hell's Kitchen, The Daily Show, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Undercover Boss, What Not to Wear, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, and more.
Music: The Beatles, Mumford and Sons, Coldplay, Muse, The Smiths, Radiohead, Keane, Franz Ferdinand, David Grey, Dido, James Blunt, Natasha Bedingfield, The Gorillaz, to name a few.
Books: William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Emily Bronte, George Orwell, JK Rowling, William Golding, Agatha Christie, JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Phillip Pullman, Neil Gaiman, Oscar Wilde, Ian McEwan, etc.
And we thought The British Invasion ended in 1966.
Most people who are considered "discerning" have come to grips with this simple fact:
Stuff in Britain is just better.
From comedy to music to beverage choice, British popular culture is seeping into America. And I couldn't be happier. In my opinion, American entertainment has become too polished. The color is more vibrant, the actors more beautiful, the puns wittier, and the situations more dramatic, all to combat a growing level of desensitization. It's all about the next best thing. Who can be bigger. Flashier. Cooler. Push the envelope more. Put the most poop jokes in a 90-minute movie.
And I'm tired of it.
Which is why I like British stuff! Very few British television actors are drop-dead gorgeous. Special effects are comparatively substandard. Mumford and Sons isn't auto-tuned to all hell. The humor is low-key plays on words and situational irony. It all serves to make British entertainment both more approachable and enjoyable.
So many of the things that have become indispensable to my entertainment had their genesis in Great Britain. Hats off to the Brits and God save the queen.
TV: Dr. Who, The Office, Whose Line is it Anyway, Antiques Roadshow, Hell's Kitchen, The Daily Show, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Undercover Boss, What Not to Wear, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, and more.
Music: The Beatles, Mumford and Sons, Coldplay, Muse, The Smiths, Radiohead, Keane, Franz Ferdinand, David Grey, Dido, James Blunt, Natasha Bedingfield, The Gorillaz, to name a few.
Books: William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Emily Bronte, George Orwell, JK Rowling, William Golding, Agatha Christie, JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Phillip Pullman, Neil Gaiman, Oscar Wilde, Ian McEwan, etc.
And we thought The British Invasion ended in 1966.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Something's Wrong Here...
I debate for my college, which means I pride myself on my ability to follow what's going on in the world.
Has anyone else noticed the huge discrepancy in coverage between Libya and Japan?
For my readers who live under a rock, let me give you a quick rundown on what's been going down.
Japan: A couple of weeks ago, the biggest earthquake in the last hundred years rocked the country and caused massive devastation. 9,000 people are dead. 13,000 people are missing. Nuclear power plants collapsed, spewing radiation everywhere, including into the ocean and agricultural areas.
Libya: Moammar Gadhafi has been a despot since 1969. There have been a series of protests running through the Middle East and northern Africa (the most notable being Egypt and Tunisia). Libyan rebels decided to follow suit. Things have gotten a bit hairy. And by a bit, I mean that there was military action against the rebels, the French actively came out in support of the rebels, Gadhafi vowed a blood bath, the UN supported the rebels, Obama spoke out against Gadhafi and the US bombed Tripoli (Libya's capital), 48 people died, the US is backing off a little bit, and Gadhafi is still defiant.
Don't get me wrong. They're both a big deal. But if you take a look at the implications and potential damage of both of them, one vastly outweighs.
(Japan, if you didn't figure it out.)
Which one is getting the most media coverage and attention?
Libya.
Huh.
Has anyone else noticed the huge discrepancy in coverage between Libya and Japan?
For my readers who live under a rock, let me give you a quick rundown on what's been going down.
Japan: A couple of weeks ago, the biggest earthquake in the last hundred years rocked the country and caused massive devastation. 9,000 people are dead. 13,000 people are missing. Nuclear power plants collapsed, spewing radiation everywhere, including into the ocean and agricultural areas.
Libya: Moammar Gadhafi has been a despot since 1969. There have been a series of protests running through the Middle East and northern Africa (the most notable being Egypt and Tunisia). Libyan rebels decided to follow suit. Things have gotten a bit hairy. And by a bit, I mean that there was military action against the rebels, the French actively came out in support of the rebels, Gadhafi vowed a blood bath, the UN supported the rebels, Obama spoke out against Gadhafi and the US bombed Tripoli (Libya's capital), 48 people died, the US is backing off a little bit, and Gadhafi is still defiant.
Don't get me wrong. They're both a big deal. But if you take a look at the implications and potential damage of both of them, one vastly outweighs.
(Japan, if you didn't figure it out.)
Which one is getting the most media coverage and attention?
Libya.
Huh.
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