Inventory List: 10/25/10

Inventory List:

-Bed
-Bedding
-Pillows
-Dresser
-Clothes
-Closet
-Jackets
-Coats
-Desk
-School Supplies
-Pencils
-Pens
-Scissors
-Post-It Notes
-Rubber Bands
-Paper Clips
-Push Pins
-School Books
-Books
-Movies
-Pictures
-Computer Cables/Wires
-Bags
-Laundry Supplies
-Fridge
-T.V.
-Food

Pocahontas: A False Image : 10/11/10

     While we continue to reflect on the impacts that have shaped our country, I thought I would talk about the role Pocahontas plays in shaping the America today.  In our class, we have discussed what kinds of influences Pocahontas had on John Smith and John Ralph.  In both cases, Smith and Ralph talk about the Indian princess with good intent.  However, Pocahontas' view is never truly known because it was never documented.  Thus, I am skeptical on the way Pocahontas is portrayed in our society today.  Many would say she is a romanticized character in our history from the accounts of John Smith and John Ralph.  However, because we don't have a first account of Pocahontas' actual feelings, I fear the portrayal she has in our society is false.  I find it unfortunate that we have been guided with tainted information, and I find it upsetting her impact on our society has the potential to be false.  Although we will never know the entire side of her story, Pocahontas will remain an important character in our nation's history.

Perceptions of Early America : 10/8/10

     While reading the commentary by John Smith, I noticed how our language has changed throughout time.  For instance, the many words are very close to the ones we use today.  The spellings are just different.  Here are some examples:

"wee" = we
"bee" = be
"speede" = speed
"daies" = days
"downes" = downs
"cittie" = city

"counsell" = council 

Those words are some of the many that stood out to me while reading.  Here is a link to the page if you would like to experience reading John Smith yourself!  I would definitely suggest reading it--the history involved in the piece is great.  Have a nice weekend and TGIF!!! 

WR

Freedom Expressed : 10/6/10

     The saying, "We want what we don't have," rings true after reading the introduction to Deloria's Playing Indian.   For instance, while describing early American, her book states, "Americans had an awkward tendency to define themselves by what they were not" (5). Additionally, while describing the Native Americans, Deloria writes, "Indians represented instinct and freedom. . . Whites desperately desired that spirit" (5).  Finally, the paradox of "wanting what we don't have" is truly apparent when Deloria writes about the Boston Tea Party and states: "Mohawk disguises allowed Bostonians not only to articulate ideologically useful Indian identities but also to perform and experience them" (6).  The "euro-americans" seized the opportunity to dump the tea in Boston's harbor by dressing up like Native Americans.  By doing so, the Bostonians received a brief experience of what it is like to be a Native American, or at least what they thought life was like as a Native American.  By disguising themselves, the people of Boston were able to let go of their inhibitions and express their feelings toward the tea tax and government.  Who knew this "short moment"would become such a major part of our nation's history?

Our Location : 10/1/10

     Location is an important aspect of life.  As we reflected in class this week, I thought about the location we are in right now.  This college, St. Olaf, will always be an aspect of our lives.  We are lucky to be in such a great environment.  The community of our school is so welcoming and friendly.  Our academics push us but also prepare us for the future.  I am so grateful to experience my college life here--thank you for being a part of it.  We all belong in this great community, and this location, St. Olaf, is the perfect place for us to grow.

Have a Great Homecoming weekend--Go Oles!

Will

One of those Days : 10/1/10

     Well, this is one of those times where I really have nothing to expand upon as far as the readings go.  It's been a long week.  I did find the article about Jack-O'-Lantern quite interesting though.  I'll try not to be so flat next time.  Have a nice weekend!

WR