A Numbness to Iraq

September 11th was the first time I ever felt scared to walk outside. Every night, I was secured in a safeness when I went to sleep. That night, I could hardly sleep at all. When I turned on the television, channels were plastered with coverage and talking heads. The word "terrorism" kept popping up. It was a word I was never used to. Comedians were crying on national television. They finally revealed a more human side to themselves, instead of a rehearsed script. It was frightening and refreshing at the same time. I wanted it to be like that forever.

But soon, that all changed. We stopped hugging random people in the streets. We all returned to work and to our social constructs of looking down when were walking in hopes of not greeting anyone. Something in everyone died. It was that sense of vulnerability. We were back to being comfortable, over-fed, and powerful. Weakness fuels humanity?

It's all still going on. There is a war happening, and we just might take a hit. But even if we don't, shouldn't it shock people to know that there were 77 corpses found in the Iraqi capital this week? Shouldn't it sadden people that the killings are at it's highest rate this week during the holy month of Ramadan? Peace can't even be granted for a religious observance because there are people that are that numb.

I'm numb too. I cannot relate to being caught in the middle of warfare. "Sunnis" and "Shiits" are just words in the newspaper. They're possible answers to a current events quiz. They're not people. For that, I am truly sorry for myself. If I can't help the situation in Iraq, I can at least show respect by knowing what's going on. Instead of involving myself in an argument about the situation, I can inform myself and discuss it with people in a rational manner. Then, we can see what we can do. There are plenty of organizations out there.




One other time I felt scared to go outside was when there was a swarm of dragonflies outside my door.

Hugh Laurie is a Funny Man

Hugh Laurie is so funny, he had his own show in Britain before his House fame.

I'm actually happy that I've been introduced to Hugh this way. It's refreshing to not hear his frog-like deep voice spraying insults on random people. Instead, he's a rather charming comedian with genius material.

The show is called "A Bit of Fry and Laurie." Laurie stars along with Stephen Fry in this sketch comedy show that takes humor to a higher level. Sketches like "Don't Be Dirty" take the cheapness of raunchy comedy and turn it into something painfully witty. Their sketches have often been described as almost reaching the point of vulgarity, but ending just before reaching that point. Even in their lighter comedy segments, you aren't left with the thought, "that was cute, but not very funny." It's funny in the fact that the situation is so absurd, but believable, and it doesn't require a single swear or poop joke to leave you in tears...of humor, not agony.

I can honestly say that I'm being too simple here. The show includes plenty of high-brow humor to make you think a bit, and some esoteric jokes that a silly ol' American like me can't understand. I'm sure I'll get them in time; may take a little research. But even with a misunderstanding, there's something to laugh at. There's a line in this sketch that I cannot decode to save my life, but I was still thoroughly entertained.

From what I've seen from the show, I can say, it's miles better than House. They're two different genres, but House is slowly and inevitably starting to annoy me. Omar Epps has that same wide-eyed expression on his face for EVERY scene, and Laurie's character is starting to remind me of Becker...nuff' said.

Bottom line, Laurie is a very funny man. He's clever, he's a great writer, and he plays piano and guitar! Funny? More like insanely talented!




Ugh, that just turned into one of those letters people leave on fanatic sites.

Hotel Rwanda

My English Rhet Comp teacher (she's not a professor yet) is showing us Hotel Rwanda for the second unit. Today, we got to the part where Cheadle's character, Paul Rusesabagina, is trying to cut a deal with Hutu soldiers to save his family and friends, most of whom are Tutsi.

If you don't know about the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, I suggest reading this article.

So far, so gut-wrenching. I can hardly watch it without tearing up. It's bad enough that these people are split because of some faulty division created by the Belgians, but innocent people were being killed as a result. It's more about the exchange of power. I don't know if there is any information on why the Belgians decided to transfer power to the Hutus once they left the country, but needless to say, it wasn't a great idea.

It may seem politically incorrect to make an assumption in this kind of situation that senseless rebellion would result. It would appear that the person making that assumption has low standards for those people. But that's exactly what happened. However, you had some Hutus that ignored the rebellion, including Rusesabagina. It almost mirrors the situation in Iraq. You have innocent people that are going to be caught in the politics and violence going on, no matter what.

The difference is the world isn't turning a blind eye to Iraq. We have our soldiers there, but when the genocide happened, nothing was done.

I'm not an expert on this, but I'm observant enough to give my viewpoint.
We haven't finished the movie yet, so I guess I'll get back on this issue later.




I couldn't imagine this happening to me.

Learning Spanish

My video production teacher is fluent in Spanish and has criticized me for not being able to speak it even after eleven years of instruction.

I blame it on the method. My teachers stressed the grade component of the class instead of the versatility of being bilingual. I would love to be able to speak Spanish now, but I sure didn't love it then.

There was always a panic when a test was coming up. Late nights were spent cramming in as many conjugations as possible. The passing grade was a relief, but the loose grasp I had of the language was a disappointment. It made all of that hard work a waste.

Since meeting my VP teacher, for the first time, I'm actually strongly interested in learning Spanish. I'm not doing it to possibly earn more money in the workforce or to impress my friends, I'm doing it because I feel it will improve me as a person. It sounds sappy, but being able to speak Spanish will allow me to communicate well beyond my boundaries.

Plus, I'll have a head-start on Portuguese since they're two very similar languages.

I respect skillful people, and I skill respectful people.

...

Goodnight.