The Book of Negroes

The Book of Negroes contains many possible themes, yet the strength of the human spirit is always present throughout the entire novel. The main character, Aminata, clearly demonstrates determination, endurance and persistence even through life's obstacles. From her tale we can develop into a new and inspired person.

Society has always been wrapped up in obtaining worldly possessions and is becoming even more desirous for these commodities in later years. People in today's world are endlessly obsessed and worried over their status. Beauty and wealth are the two most focused and prized qualities. But should beauty and other cherished qualities determine a person's class? Because "[b]eauty comes and goes, strength stays forever". Perhpas society is wrong in its method of categorizing individuals. Innner strenght is truly something virtuous to idolize. Aminata thoroughly displays strength, both physically and internally. If we all possessed the same vigorous ambitin to endure an conquerlife as Aminata did, I believe this world would become an entirely different place. A place filled with people of hope, peace and love.

All throughout Aminata's life she is constantly losing the possessions she loves most. "[Her] children were like phantom limbs, lost but still attached to [her], gone but still painful. All [she] knew was that the people [she] had loved more than anything else in life had all been torn from [her]. The pain of [her] losses never really went away. The limbs had been svered, and they would forever after be missing. But [she] kept going. Somehow, [she] just kept going." Aminata demonstrates tremendous valour and strength of the human spirit in these moments of despair and tragedy. It seems there is nothing worth living for, yet Aminata endures; believing in tomorrow's hope. Through her eagerness to learn she escapes realities horrors and gains peace and strenght within herself. She uses the knowledge and wisdom acquired throughout her journey to help in her survival, not only physically but emotionally and spiritually.

Even though we might not be imprisoned into slavery, torn away from the innocenece of childhood or have our family and friends sluaghtered and stolen away from our lives, we too face adversity and tribulations. While our ordeals may be small in comparsion they are still a present part of our existence. Despite the anguish and challenges of life we must look towards the joys and pleasures that still remain. Like Aminata, valour and inner strenght is required to survive and succeed in life.

Thanks For Freedom

Freedom... so easily overlooked and taken for granted. Yet throughout history and through the accounts of valiant survivors from injustice events, we learn of its priceless and valuable gift. Recently reading “The Book of Negroes” I have renewed my appreciation for liberty. We are given equal rights for all races and genders. Countless opportunities such as being able to obtain an education, participate in votes and determine our own future come only because of being free. Through time, these opportunities and gifts have been slowly losing meaning and value in our society. Do we not appreciate the sacrifices of our ancestors and courageous men who have stood up to antagonists to attain such things? We need to look back upon yesterdays where those not as fortunate as ourselves have been under imprisoning bondage. Today, we live luxuriously, continue to prosper and build promising and bright futures. Without freedom all our remarkable and extraordinary opportunities would vanish. I am with no doubt grateful for freedom.

The Dangers of Unresponsiveness.

“The Lottery”, by Shirley Jackson, contains an appalling end. In this concluding scene a young girl is violently stoned by people that appeared so ordinary and normal. Similar occurrences have happened throughout history. The Holocaust, Rwanda and the Civil Rights Movement took place in a civilized world. Millions of lives were persecuted by educated and cultured individuals. Those lives should have been saved from enraged and traumatized people. But they were not. The outside world was not even angered or shaken. They stood immobilized to the fact that horrifying acts were taking place. This was the case demonstrated in “The Lottery”.

Elie Wiesel’s speech, “The Perils of Indifference”, also conveys circumstances were normal people were insensitive and did not react to the horrific plight of others. Elie warns of the dangers of apathy. There are countless times in history where cases of cruel and extreme hatred to innocent people have caused sadistic suffering to them. All of these cases should have been prevented by the intervention of shaken and infuriated humans. But like the townspeople in “The Lottery” man has been insensitive to these events. Elie continues his warning that because of the world’s lack of concern, thousands of people have suffered. We must learn from the lessons of yesterdays and reach out to anguished and afflicted people.

Lyla Moondancer's Burning Love

Once upon a time in a land not far away lived a fair damsel named Lyla Moondancer. Of course like any fairy tale the lady was in distress. You see, an infuriated mob of giant purple ogres with fluorescent green polka dots and blood thirsty red eyes was pursuing her. At any moment they were ready to crush Lyla’s precious skull and devour her delicate flesh. She dodged massive pine trees and hurdled over decaying fallen logs.

Now we cannot let her die such a gruesome death, for that would not be very suitable for a fairy tale. Luckily, a Prince was nearby fishing for magical porpoises. Just as he cast in his hook and line he heard the shrilling screams of a damsel in distress! The ground shook as pounding footsteps of the ghastly ogres followed their frightful prey. The Prince shot up in response, drew out his sword and bounded after the alarming sounds eager for an adventure!

As the chase continued fateful Miss Moondancer unfortunately passed a cave. It wouldn’t be so bad if this cave wasn’t inhabited by an ill tempered and fearsome dragon known by Ascot the Atrocious. Ascot had just settled down on top of his prized treasure. Enraged he rose from his slumber shook off the diamonds and gold coins from his scales. Beating his mighty wings he flew out of the mouth of the cave to put an end to such a disturbing and thunderous racket. Ascot the Atrocious instantly spotted the fleeing lady, fluorescent coloured ogres and the pathetically determined Prince. The dragon shook his head in dismay.

Without warning Ascot’s fiery and fatal breath put the forest in flames! No longer shrilling screams did the fair damsel squeal. Only the muffled cries of desperation and anxiety did she exclaim. Suddenly the dragon was filled with remorse and unfamiliar compassion. Following his heart Ascot swooped down and rescued Lyla. Their eyes interlocked and their hearts intertwined. Unexplainable love cultivated between them. And so they flew away living happily ever after and leaving the ill fated forest ablaze.

Top 3 Things That Come To My Mind

Top 3 things that come to my mind...

The rules are simple, whatever pops into my head. So, starting now!

1. 9:56. That's the time. With piles of math, english and biology homework left to do. And the fact that I'm desperately sleep deprived. I've got about 8 and a half hours of homework left to do and all due by tomorrow. Oh, and two tests I haven't even started studying. Ugh. Field hockey everyday, not that I don't love it. And my parents telling me to get off the computer and go to bed. I just need more time. Or a wonderful miracle to happen. I wouldn't mind that...

2. Kindergarten... I want to go back. Right now. I never thought that I would ever get to where I am. At least so fast. My future is so bright and exciting. But I'll admit, I'm scared. My dreams and goals seem so far above my capability. And I miss the freedom of childhood. I'm not ready for all the responsibilities. How am I suppose to be the hero that's inside of me? It's not easy. I wish I could just go back in time. I want to go back to kindergarten.

And lastly...

3. Fresh homemade waffles with just picked peaches and raspberries on top. And of course completed with the simple scoop of whipping cream! Mmmmmmm. And I'm not even hungry. But that would be quite pleasant. Just the taste of the hot, slightly crispy waffle moistened by the bountiful fruit topping and the deliciously creamy taste of whipping cream. Besides, what else would be on my mind?

If only I had super powers...

I have super-super powers! I can soar through the galaxy and speak ANY language . And of course, I have the ability of extra strength beyond any human capability. With these super-super powers, I can be the hero, improving and saving thousands of lives. And I've got a plan...

First, I would take an evening flight (by my flying powers) among the stars. Then I would land in Africa (my dream)! Uganda would be my first stop but I would go EVERYWHERE. Starting in the remote country sides, I would help the communities come together and enrich the lives of the African people. I'll have to find out what they need, which is where my language power comes in hand! And with my mighty strength I would help build them schools, wells, health centres, and whatever their need may be. I would travel throughout all the areas and give education, health, hope and a brilliant future to people without. And in case, of any dangerous incidences, I've got my super strong muscles!

And now that my dream is achieved I would fulfill another. Instead of trips to the stars, I would fly to other countries all over the world and continue to enhance the lives of those in need!