Food & Freedom

While this does not relate to our readings, I feel the need to record an important experience I had while volunteering that the Foodshelf program at the Northfield Community Action Center. 

I recently began volunteering for the Foodshelf program, and will continue the Tuesday following Thanksgiving Break.  While there, I was occupied with helping patrons collect the amount of food they were entitled to.  This was determined by "household size", or the size of a family.  I was specifically instructed to say no to requests that exceeded a person's allotment.  While there was ample food, and I'm positive that no patrons are going hungry as a result, I reflected on the opposite situation we have here on the hill.

In the Caf, every meal is all-you-can eat.  If it's there, you can take as much as you wish, and no one is going to say no.  Also, I'm sure the Caf produces a fair amount of waste.  I myself am guilty of throwing away food. 

One of the freedoms we've discussed in class was FDR's "freedom from want".  While at this hill, this need is satiated, more than necessary.  While at the Northfield foodshelf, there are more wants than can possibly be met.

I'd like to explore this difference in greater detail.

Architecture and education

"The design of buildings and landscape is thought to have little or nothing to do with the process of learning or the quality of scholarship that occurs in a particular place. But in fact, buildings and landscape reflect a hidden curriculum that powerfully influ­ences the learning process." from Architecture and Education by David Orr

When choosing a college, I was bombarded with brochures depicting the "typical college setting".  It seemed impossible to me that a collegiate education could have an ugly setting.  While I support Off in his claim that the collegiate experience draws from the architecture of the college, not all of my learning for American Conversations has taken place inside of Boe Chapel/Basement.  

I've learned far more from my fellow students thatn I have gazing at any building on campus.  However, I will admit that the reference room of the library with all the imporatant pictures of college affiliates is a good motivation for study. 

To draw any conclusion, I must refer to a principle form my statistics class.  Correlation does not imply causation.  Just because the architecture of buildings may play a part in a students education does not mean the the architecture was the main cause of education. 

My opinion on architecture

Prior to American Conversations, I'll admit that I never gave much thought to architecture.  I thought that the sense of place a physical location had just happened.  After our readings, I realize that this was a mistake.  St. Olaf has only existed since 1874.  Before then, Manitou Heights was a forested hill near a small town that had never thought to build outside the confines of their established town.  If I were to have seen St. Olaf in 1874, I probably wouldn't recognize it.  Not only has St. Olaf changed, but it has changed purposefully, more specific, it has changed to attract an evolving student body. 

For me, this is most obvious when comparing the two science buildings, as we discussed in class.  Holland Hall was the original science building, and it was constructed in the Norman Gothic style.  Regents Hall ,the new building was constructed to be a "green" building, is LEED certified, and constructed with modern architecture. 

This comparison only begins to scratch the surface on the changing nature of science.  When Holland Hall was constructed, it was feared that science would overtake religion, so the science building was within the confines of traditionally religious architecture.  Now, Regents Hall represents a new era and not only relfects the changing attitude of St. Olaf, but society as a whole

Artistry of the Declaration of Independence

"Some Americans were clearly omitted from this circle of united interest drawn by the Declaration of Independence: Indians, black slaves, women." - Howard Zinn, A People's History of the United States (Page 72)

 I recall that we talked a lot about the exclusion of certain groups from the Declaration of Independence.  We praise Thomas Jefferson so much for his work, it's easy to forget the reality behind the elegant words. The reasons could possibly be that the exlcusion was not on purpose.  Or, that Jefferson felt obligated to keep the institution of slavery in place.  However, Zinn argues that not only was Jefferson award of the exlcusion, but because he referred heavily to John Locke's Second Treatise of government he must have know that this was wrong. 

Having thoroughly studied John Locke's Second treatise of government, I think that the parallels between the two are too strong to disregard the influence.  I thought about our class discussion and opinions of my classmates for awhile, and I've decided that the gilded words hide an ugly truth.  The United States of America was founded on exclusion.  It is only through an evolution of ourselves that this has changed. 

Community and Rebellion

Because the early American cities had a stronger sense of community, it was much easier for them to unite against the British.  For example, most people lived near the waters edge and were heavily affected by the tax on tea.  This sentiment was echoed throughout the community, from the elite to middle class dock workers.  This simply did not happen in societies back in Britain and the Tea Party rebellion was a direct result of the unique community structure of the early American colonies. 

Impartial Observer of the Tea Party

"I cannot but express my admiration of the conduct of this People. Uninfluenced by party or any other attachment, I presume I shall not be suspected of misrepresentation. The East India Company must console themselves with this reflection, that if they have suffered, the prejudice they sustaine does not arise from enmity to them."

- Boston Tea Party Historical Society, "Account by an Impartial Observer"

I found it interesting how even an "impartial observer" took an immediate admiration to those protesting the tea tax by throwing tea off of a ship in Boston Harbor.  Of course, the story has always been conveyed to me that it is something to be admired but if I were an observer of the event I'm not sure that I would have the same attitude.  I'd more likely be confused than anything else, or wonder why political tensions had come to that point.

Tea Obsession

I thorougly enjoyed learning aroubt eurpoes, and particulary Britain's obsession with tea.  To me, it was curious as to why the same setniments did not translate exactly to America.  For example, the British made elaborate places to take tea outside, while Americans would only take tea in the privacy of their own homes. 


Also, what was interesting to me was tea's transformation from a luxury item to something that every one had.  As stated in our group discussion, it was hospitality that anyone could offer and it meant the same thing, regardless of class or social standing. 

The Tea Party & Dense Facts

My favorite dense fact from what we discussed with our guest speaker, was the changing image of tea.  Back during the revolutionary period of American history, tea was a luxury item handled with expensive wares.  Now, tea does not carry the same connotation at all.  No one makes time to take tea in the middle of the day anymore. 

While the current political Tea Party alludes back to the "original principles" of the tea party, to the protest of dumping tea in Boston harbor they specialize in paranoia rather than freedom.  The Tea Party does not like the progessive message that Barack Obama and the Democrats in charge have.  For me, they appear to have a destructive agenda rather than a constructive plan to reform the political scene. 

Analysis of my Tea Party Collection Post

Back in September, I made a tea party collection post.  For memories sake and for braninstorming purposes, I'm going to revist the ideas presented in the newspaper article, "Frustration and Fear Greet Obama in Town Hall Chat".

The article illustrated how willing Americans were to flock to the Tea Party, when not many even know the party platform or the ideals they represent.  This was reflected even more so in this past Midterm election, when the political figures people were turning to were actually placed into office.  Looking at the Tea Party, they want two conflicting things, to cut spending and not think about the repercussions on governments programs such as medicare and social security.  It is difficult to get to the true meaning of the Tea Part and get through all the excitement, rhetoric, and scare tactics.  I will explore this point further in my Tea Party editorial. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/us/politics/21obama.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

Benjamin Franklin and His Virtues

My favorite part about the first half of Benjamin Franklin's autobioraphy was the part where he decides to try to make himself into a perfect human being be ascribing virtues and a tracker for himself.  He listed 13 virtues, "temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industy, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity and humility".  While this sounds like a great idea, in practice he finds this policy hard to adhere to.

While Benjamin Franklin is a historical idol and a founding father of America, his autobiography reveals the inconsistencies and shortcomings of a human being.  While Benjamin Franklin's autobiography was a tough read because of all of the tangents he goes off on, it provided great insight into his character.

Consumerism amoung American Settlers

"In eighteenth-century  Britain, France and the Netherlands especially, material goods appeared with increasing frequency at cheaper prices among far more consumer than ever before" -Broner, page 154

Reflecting a bit on the previous excersie whre I listed my entire dorm room inventory, it is without question that I own more than probably the most elite of the early American colonists.  However, as stated in the quote, people back in Europe were experiencing a new wave of consumerism, and the early Americans wanting to be like the Europeans, imported many goods.

It seems ridiculous to me that colonists would import impractical luxury goods from England while they were living on the frontier.  I guess it comes as no surprise that modern day people are also consumed with the same status seeking mindset, regardless of practicality.

My Dorm Inventory

Alright, so this list is going to be pretty extensive.  I'm trying to kill two birds with one stone here and get some cleaning done as well as this blog post.  Here it goes!


 Here is a list of everything currently in my closet.  It is a lot, but keep in mind that I currently have no clothes back home, all of them are here at school!

Clothing:
(sorted by drawer)

about 27 pairs of underwear
12 pairs of socks
2 bathing suits (a bikini and a one piece)
11 other undergarments
6 pairs of tights
3 pairs of long underwear
2 pairs of leggings
misc. toiletries

6 pairs of athletic shorts
2 pairs of yoga pants
2 athletic jackets
4 sports bras
6 athletic fabric tops
1 hinter hat
2 pairs of gloves

9 tank tops
4 camis
29 short sleeve shirt
7 three quarter sleeve shirts

4 pairs of sweatpants
4 pairs of lounge pants
3 pj tank tops
12 t-shirts
11 long sleeve shirts

Hanging
3 belts
4 bath towels
1 pool towel
4 hand towels
2 wash cloths
8 scarves
7 zip up hoodies
2 pullover hoodies
11 sweaters/cardigans
3 skirts
10 dresses
2 pairs of dress pants
1 north face jacket
1 raincoat
1 peacoat
1 winter parka
7 pairs of jeans
1 pair of black work pants

Shoes
2 pairs of shower shoes (an accident!)
2 pairs of flip flops
2 boots
3 pairs of flats
2 pair of converse
1 pair of running shoes

Bags
1 crossbody bag
1 purse
2 wristlets
2 draw sting bags
3 tote bags

Cleaning Supplies
1 foxtail and dustpan set
2 rolls of paper towels
1 bottle of dishwash soap
1 dishscrubber
2 packs of laundry detergent
1 pack of tide color catchers
1 lintroller
4 misc cleaning products

Toltries/Misc
3 boxes of tissues
2 body wash
2 face soap
1 sewing kit
1 loofah
2 tootbrushes
2 tubes of tooth paste
1 pack of razor blades
1 pack of q-tips
2 conatiners of lotion

Dishes & Food
2 large bowls
5 small bowls
package of silverware
package of tupperware
1 pizza cutter
chip bag clips
2 coffee mugs
2 reusable water bottles

Food:
1 package of pop tarts
1 package of easy mac
1 package of granola bars
1 case of hot cocoa powder

1 pack of zip lock bags


Misc Things on my top shelf
2 suitcases
1 gym bag
2 sets of sheets (flannel and cotton)


Things in, on, and around my desk
1 laptop and case
pencils
pens
misc papers and letters
1 TI 89 calculator
1 digital camers
1 cell phone
All of my text books
stationary
1 hairdryer
2 hairbrushes
2 combs
misc makeup
misc hair products
1 shower caddy
misc books

Jewelery
11 necklces
3 bracelets
16 pairs of earrings
2 rings


Other things in the room..
1 box full of summer clothes that I'm sending back home.
My backpack.
2 couches
1 window seat
1 refrigerator (full of food & drink)
1 area rug
wall applices/decorations
decorative lights
my loft kit and bed

and last but not least.. all of my roomates things.

That's it!! 

"I Hate Pocahontas"

"Is it worth it to fight and bicker

about a culture that seems

sick and sicker?"

-Betty Russell, "I Hate Pocahontas"

I'd like to think that the Disney version of Pocahontas isn't offensive, that it is a harmless portrayal of the story.  However, looking at the image of Pocahontas from the view of Native American Tribes that probably view it as offensive and how grossly popular and historically inaccurate it is, it really is a shame that the "x-rated doll" image of Pocahontas is more well known than the actual historical figure.

This poem resonated with me the most because it explored a lot of the sentiments I felt after watching the Disney movie Pocahontas after reflecting on the historical readings of Pocahontas. 

 

The Image of Pocahontas

 

To be clear, no clear images of Pocahontas exist.  The only portrait of her ever drawn from live has her clad in English garb (the 1616 Simon van de Passe engraving on the left).  Also, the other images portray Pocahontas a mythic figure.  The statue of Pocahontas at Gravesend literally has her up on a pedestal as an Indian maiden with flowing long hair, a portrayal of femininity.  

Also, the issue arises where one can look too deep into images of Pocahontas and see things that aren't there.  for example, Pocahontas appears weathered and tired in Simon van de Passe engraving, but that could just be a result of the medium, or on the fault of the artist.  I'm excited to explore this more in the Pocahontas image essay.

Perplexing Pocahontas

I never questioned the story of Pocahontas and her rescue of John Smith until the readings we did for class.  Perhaps I've just been too indoctrinated by Disney. 

When looking at the story critically, it makes no sense for Pocahontas to rescue John Smith out of love.  Given their age difference, and the striking similarity the story has to the Scottish ballad,  "Young Beichan".  Also, remembering that John Smith was a social climber in English society, the story was most likely embellished to help John Smith, rather than be historically accurate.

While it's sad to compare the images form the Disney movie to the harsh reality of the Pocahontas story, I'm glad we can get an idea of what was glossed over in the Disney version.

Confusion With Early Virginia

So, I've just finished reading through the documents and I must admit, I'm incredibly confused.  So, instead of posting a quote, I thought I'd share my questions.


"THE TRUE PICTURES AND FASHIONS OF THE PEOPLE IN THAT PARTE OF AMERICA NOW CALLED VIRGINIA, DISCOVURED BY ENGLISHMEN "
 
Why are Native Americans being portayed with Old English Style Portraits and their daily life told in Old English language?  More importantly, what does this mean?  Were the colonists afraid to tell people back at England the real conditions of the New World?

"True Relations of John Smith"




I am confused by the complex history of early Jamestown presented here.  The disclaimer of the title "true relations" makes me think that the history is biased, and not an accurate account of events.  If so, how are we supposed to interpret these documents?

"First Hand Accounts of Virginia"

I feel as if I'm seeing these letters out of context.  What is the significance of who they are addressed to?





I'm not sure if this falls under the umbrella of acceptable topics for a commonplace blog, but I'm sure right now that many of my classmates have the same questions.  I plan on editing this post after class tomorrow with answers to my questions.

The American view of the Indian Image

"Throughout a long history of Indian play, native people have been present at the margins, insinuating their way into Euro-American discourse, often attempting to nudge notions of Indianness in directions they found useful."  - (Deloria 8)

 Above is an example of chief Illiniwek of the University of Illinois.  The mascot has since been retired due to complaints from the Native American community.  I included this example to illustrate a modern example of an image of freedom symbolized by an "Indian Image". 

While Americans may have desired the freedom adopting an Indian image provides, there is much debate over what it really means.  Also, mascots of "Indians" have often been deemed as disgraceful. 

Dirt

"Within the pueblo, outdoor and indoor spaces flowed freely and were hardly distinguishable.  One moved in bar feet fro interior dirt floors enclosed by mud walls to the well-packed dirt smoothness of the pueblo plaza." - (Swentzell, 57)

I really wish that we had the same embrace of nature and dirt that the pueblos had.  Then, I wouldn't have to keep sweeping the dirt that keeps accumulating in my dorm room.

Humor aside, the pueblo concept of space and community really is a stark contrast with that of early American settlers.  After this reading, I realize how great a sense of community the pueblos had, and what a shame it is that my ancestors were the ones to destroy it.  

**I apologize for the backlog of blog posts.  I let parents weekend overwhelm me. 

Changing Place

"The love of change and all forms of mobility an innate restlessness is one of the prime determinants of the structure of American national character." - (The Ephemeral Character of Place, 219)

In the past few weeks, I've undergone a lot of change myself.  Surprisingly, I've already made a home for myself here at Saint Olaf.  Perhaps this adaptation is an innate American trait that I have?

Regardless, I really enjoyed the exploration or English landscape design as compared to the American incorporation of it.  While it's safe to say that English ideas helped shaped the American sense of place and space, I enjoy the distinctly American concept of landscape as incorporated here at Saint Olaf. 

The Landscape of My Hometown, My "Point of View"

"The visual character of the places where we spend out lives gives us the patterns by which we see." - "Landscape is a Point of View" by Gregory Conniff

I am a Chicago suburbanite.  I am accustomed to the sight of concrete, strip malls, cookie-cutter subdivisions, and manicured lawns.  I lived in Vernon Hills, Illinois for over twelve years.  Even though I was only a short distance from the city, it is the suburbs that have shaped my perspective.  

From a young age, the American Dream has been explained to me as being able to return to the nice, quiet suburbs to raise a family of my own.  Also, I have been shown that success can be measured in material wealth.  SUV's, clothing, and the size of your house all indicate that you really are living out the "American Dream". 

I came to Saint Olaf to escape that narrow mindset, because I know that there is more to the "American Dream" than success in the subrubs.

(Below are pictures of my hometown and Chicago.  I got a bit nostalgic, so there are quiet a few.)

Gender as a Confounding Variable

"I am not suggesting that the antinomian controversy was only a matter of gender difference; of course, politics, social mores, and theology were also at the center of the conflict.  But since gender issues often define the nature and substance of political and theological debates in the first place, it is difficult (if not impossible) to separate out the significance of gender in any particular conflict"

-  "A Radically Different Voice: Gender and Language in the Trials of Anne Hutchinson" (254-5)

 As I was going over my Anne Hutchinson reading, this quote jumped out at me.  In Statistics 110, we've been talking about different variables.  In this case, the variable is Anne Hutchinson's gender, the confouding variable.  A confounding variable is inseperable from the explanatory variable (the cause of an outcome) and therefore cannot be discounted.  So, whatever the root of the controversey surrounding Anne Hutchinson, gender cannot be discounted, just as the above quote illustrates.

Although issues of feminism can seem repetitive, they have to be discussed.  Would Anne Hutchinson have gone on trial if she was a man?  And, would she/he still be be a symbol of American freedom?

Tea-Party Post: "Frustration and Fear Greet Obama in Town Hall Chat"

This is from last week, but it feels like no one reads the forums, so I'm putting it here.

 

I was reading the New York Times today, and I thought I'd share this article with you. What really struck me was the disillusionment of Obama's supporters, and the possibility of people turning to the "new hope", the Tea Party, even though most don't even know what the party is about.

Another part that stuck in my mind was a recent college grad overburdened with student loans asking the President Obama, "is the American Dream for me?".

The crux of the article criticized the Tea Party, quoting Obama's opinion that
it is "not enough for Tea Party Candidates to campaign on a theme of smaller government" and prospective Democrat strategies for competing with the Tea Party in future elections.

Read the entire article in the New York Times: 

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/us/politics/21obama.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

Genesis & Anne Hutchinson

"Surely historians can do better than John Winthrop, who argued that as a midwife Hutchinson had insinuated herself into the hearts of women, leading all those potential Eves to seduce their husbands into heresy."

- "Anne Hutchinson, Sectarian Mysticism, and the Puritan Order" (487)

 Obviously, Anne Hutchinson's image has been misconstrued by many historians.  However, most notably is how Anne Hutchinson's beliefs directly contradicted the male dominated church, which thought that women should be silent and that they were cursed because that women were a source of original sin (as illustrated by the above quote).

After reading this, I couldn't help but think back to my Religion 121 class, where we discussed feminist interpretations of "The Fall" such as how Eve gave mankind the gift to discern good and evil. Before that point, God told Adam and Eve what was good and evil. By partaking of the fruit, they became “free”.

Anyways, I thought this illustrated Anne Hutchinson's displacement, and how she clearly was ahead of her time with her feminist views.

The Pilgrim Sense of Freedom

I'll admit it.  Purtians and pilgrams are a confusing subject for me.  How any group or person could be so sure of their own beliefs to sail to the ends of the earth to start a new way of life astounds me.  Perhaps that is why their contradictions, freedom to practice intolerance and their unchristian treatment of the Native Americans are so commonly overlooked.

However, because I know, I see the the early settlers in a critical light.

For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. So that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a by-word through the world. We shall open the mouths of enemies to speak evil of the ways of God, and all professors for God's sake. We shall shame the faces of many of God's worthy servants, and cause their prayers to be turned into curses upon us till we be consumed out of the good land whither we are going.

-A Model of Christian Clarity.

 I cannot help but to draw an allusion to the covenant the pilgrims believed they had with God, and the original covenants in Genesis that we discussed in Religion 121 this afternoon.  For all the love that the pilgrims claim they share with other Christians, they enstil the same sense of "those you are with you are blessed, and those against you are not" mindset found in the Old Testament.

To bring this post to a clearer focus, I answer the following question:
To whom are the freedoms extended and on what basis?

The purpose of the speech is to convince settlers to band together, with other Christians.  Outside groups, such as the Native Americans or other religions, are not mentioned.  "A Model of Christian Clarity" alludes many times to Moses and "other servants of the Lord".  Understanding this self-righteous mindset depicts how and why disagreements between the Native Americans and the settlers began.

Columbus and the Puritans

"And in such a world of conflict, a world of victims and executioners, it is the job of the thinking people, as Albert Camus suggested, not to be on the side of the executioners."

- A People's History of the United States, Howard Zinn (10)

 American history is glorifed.  Our founding fathers are portrayed almost to the stauts of hte parthenon of Greek Gods.  Their faults, mistakes, and shortcomings faded from memory.

A People's History of the United States began with a shocking account of the murder of the Arawaks, and how the first American settlers treated the Native Americans.  As mean, or closeminded as the Puritans may have been, they cannot compare to the absolute genocide that was orchestrated by Columbus.

I'm unsure of my feelings on the reading thus far.  The only conclusion I can draw at this point is that "The American Dream" can be a destructive force as well.

Poetry makes me jealous

it was an awful thought:

if you went to America

you became

a different person

-Paul-Helge Haugen, "Home From America"

These lines resonated with me the most from all of the poems.  As an American descended from pilrgims and long standing american family, I've always been curious about what it would have been like to be a first generation American.  Becoming an American, portrayed here by the "becoming a different person" is strange to think about.  Would I really be that different had I been raised somewhere else?  More importantly, how would it feel to fear myself ebbing away?

The tone of the entire poem is mournful, as the reader seems to be afraid of losing themself as they have witnessed such a drastic change within their relatives.  Haugen refers to old potographs, and their change in dress and demeanor, and attributes it all to their new residence in America. 

While I can't relate, I found the poem to be beautiful, yet sad piece of work. 

 

American Culture in Spanish 231

I know it's a bit late, but for my first commonplace post, I want to include something cool that happened in my Spanish 231 class yesterday.  Our professor had us brainstorm in Spanish "cosas que representan la cultura americana" or, what we thought best represented American culture from the outside looking in (what spanish speaking nations think of us). 

Unfortunately, the language barrier kept our class from coming up with anything close to the points we came up with in AmCon.  The most popular answers for American culture were McDonalds, Justin Bieber, Betty White (?) and Barack Obama.  Since I had time to reflect on this, it disappointed me to think that trivial things like fast food and celebrities were what the U.S. was most memorable for.  We spent the rest of the class trying to think deeper about American culture (and of course how to take our Spanish speaking abilities to the next level. Scary!). 

I thought it was really cool how another class related to American Conversations so quickly.  I look forward to more of these fun connections, and I'll be sure to share them as they come up.