1 Silent Dancing Essay Paper

Individual Kevin Valdivia DeVry University Professor: Barbara Monaghan

Individual I sometimes wonder if it was actually possible to change the world through the power of mental determination, education, wisdom, or world domination. I jest on world domination, but its not entirely a joke since there were people in history who have actually attempted to do so. In that respect, I cant be the only one to think this. Whether it was for the right reasons or wrong, something, someone, or some form of entity projects that thought into our minds. I want to change the world The reasons for doing so are our own. To a certain degree, people have changed the world, but I see it differently. Somehow I dont think the world needs to change per se, as it needs to advance, move forward. If I, as a person am capable of logically, and morally, be capable of making all the right decisions in life, and to the benefit of society, then I cannot be the only one. As people, we come first before the world, since we, the people are the ones who shape and influence the world, and the spaces we occupy, influence and shape for ourselves. If other individuals are capable of thinking the same logic as I am, then the world doesnt necessarily needs to change, so much as its the people who dont think so that needs to change. If the world is not to our liking, for whatever negative or even positive reason, then I like to believe that it is because certain individuals living on this world are the ones influencing and shaping the spaces around us in a way that is also shaping and influencing our minds, and trains of thought.

During my childhood, I didnt take into account a persons background. To me, the stranger, or friend I met was another individual to me. I was simply living in my apartment wanting to change the world because people on T.V. are always talking about people fighting people. I thought, if I and my brother mother and father can get along like friends as much as we are family, then why cant the rest of the world? It never makes me melancholic rather I can understand some of the reasons for all the negativity in the world, but I do wish I was capable of changing things, one way or another. Turns out its not the world that people should be so hellbent on changing. We should learn to respect the opinions and will of other people and believe in our own ideals and beliefs. Before I am a Hispanic-American, before I am a student at a University, before I am GMan from high school, I am an individual. I am simply another soul who lives with his loving parents and caring younger brother who believes he can change the world by helping people realize that our actions, ideals, and will are what shapes the world. To let people be aware, in general, which can hopefully shape the world into one we can all be proud of. The world we live in is divided in a way that makes us currently perceive it as different races, countries and cultures, but at the same time, we are still people. In Silent Dancing, Judith describes her life with her family. We as a people can simply look at it as it is. A family living in an apartment building in Paterson, New Jersey. However, with the way the world is currently shaped, society views categories instead of the simple phrase. Terms such as race, social standing, social class, and background all come into play when describing a person. Before such terms, we are individuals. The negative thoughts behind categorization of an individual can lead to harsh criticism and violent communication, but in the end, I cant help but feel as though the positives immensely outweigh the negatives.

One such positive and negative would be the way we view others through their social standing with the surrounding society. In Danticats essay, she wasnt necessarily being too aware of the people living nearby her and her siblings and thus, kept her at a distance from the nearby society. Other people may view her as ignorant, while others wouldnt notice it themselves. It can be a repeating loop of ignorance where no one gets noticed, but as readers, the categorization can still be there. The positive side is how we view Danticat spending her time with family, which is always respectable, but through her inexperience, she encounters the experience of realization of the possibility of saving another individuals life. There can be a sense of pride through such categorization, although it can be a harsh word. Through communication skills, we can find the means to project the right words to avoid such criticism. Yet, such categories are needed, mainly because they contain the image of a people, and so much more. Not everyone is the same, and thus we have these different terms to call people, but we all still share similarities. If an individual is making a difference in the world by becoming a strong and powerful humanitarian, he or she is making her ancestors proud, as is the current generation of people. The right image will be shown. Respect is also something that can be earned through many means. One form is the categorization of the spaces around us. If a group of people decided to name a portion of land based on an ideal, others can easily respect that. Not everyone will agree, but respect can be shown. Judiths family named their apartment building as El Building. It is a simple name to be used by the family that occupies one of its apartments. Even a simple thought such as that can be respected, because it matters greatly to the family, since it is their unique way to describe their home. Some people might think its silly, but even they can learn to respect that.

A name such as El Building also shows so much meaning behind the phrase that people often forget that its the insignificant, small, and misinterpreted things in life that hold some of the greatest meanings behind them. Regarding culture, we all have our own unique way of perceiving ideals, topics, and situations, and that can be shown in the way we communicate our description of said ideals, topics, and situations. In Joyces essay, she described a dysfunctional familys environment. The family was unfortunately showing off their negativity in all things through the physical trauma done to the buildings, showing violence, arrogance, and hostility. And the fire only showed a sense of cleansing at the end. A simple reference of our ideals and experiences could also be shown in our past experiences. If a person were to describe the flavor of a new beverage, he or she would reference a mix of flavors from his or her own land of ancestry. Its no different from El Building. The family blended their heritages language with their new language to form a mixed phrase to describe their new dwelling that they hold dear. The way we speak, the way we represent ourselves, and simply by the way we project our ideals unto another individual or group of people carries with them, our experiences in life, as well as the influences of the spaces we grew up in, and around with. If an individual grew up in one country for half of his life, then started, and maintained that family in a brand new country for the remainder of his days, his means of communication will be influenced by his experiences from both countries. He would be speaking both languages, talking about past moments in his life, and recommending the positives from both countries to new people he would meet. From famous food dishes, to tourist attractions, he will show his cultural heritage in his personality, as well in his communication with pride. Thus an individual will reflect his or her experiences in life, and the pride of his or heritage, through the use of his or her own personal surroundings for other individuals to identify and respect.