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.