GIVER THOUGHTS - Ch. 3-7

The ceremony of twelve’s is here. A ritual where roles are assigned and life within the community is celebrated. A commencement of new beginnings is held. Sort of like a high school graduation or a giant family communion. Elders of the community have observed and determined the roles that each of the soon-to-be-twelve’s will fulfill. This is similar to the article "Which One of These Sneakers Is Me," in that an outer force analyzes a population as a whole and decides what suits them best without, however, looking into each individual's best interest. Similarly, Jonas talks about some of his scattered interest's over the years in the community. He is worried that the lack of emphasis he has shown towards a specific profession will cause the Elders to blatantly determine his fate without a developed interpretation of him.

This is also the first time the twelve’s are publicly characterized amongst the community. Behavior like this is usually prohibited; however it has been deemed tradition to do so. Our society can’t get enough of themselves. Conversations about others spread like poison - gossip about her hair, his shoe's, their face's. Perhaps if this were a rule in our society, others would be more hesitant towards directing everything towards themselves. Jonas is on the brink of becoming a twelve and assuming his place within the community. He hasn’t a clue as to which role he will be assigned. But whatever it may be, he knows there is no going back. 

Moment of truths - or lies?

GIVER THOUGHTS - Ch. 1-2

      The community is tightly knitted. Everyone adheres to a predetermined role. Everyone lives in unison – no questions asked.  If there are less rule breakers in the community as oppose to say our world, then it becomes easier to maintain order. Maybe this is why they are so quick to release wrongdoers.

Recollecting; Tattoos Are Only Skin Deep

In the article, “Tattoo Me Again and Again,” Stephanie Dolgoff talks about how tattoos can be most sentimental when the person wearing them is proud of what they represent regardless of what people think. Dolgoff explains that her tattoos symbolize major emotional milestones, which allow her to recollect on her life experiences. Although tattoos can project negative images in the eyes of the public, Dolgoff feels that if people could see everyone for whom they are on the inside, any physical aspects, like a tattoo, would be seen right through. After getting my first tattoo at the age of 18, I had but only one thing on my mind. Remembrance. Remembrance of a short, but important chapter in my life that had come to a close. I agree with Dolgoff in that people who are quick to judge are blinded from the "creative genius" that lies within us all.

  Judgmental hands

General Electric ad

I chose an advertisement from the 50's for a 'self-charging portable radio player.' This particular ad stood out to me from all the rest because of the celebrity who is featured on the cover. General Electric featured singer/song writer Frank Sinatra, who at the time was the epitome of class - a tender "tough guy." Ads today still use this technique to sway buyers into endorsing their products. Who doesn't want to smell like their favorite pop idol? Frank was different. He was against the mainstream values of his time. He represented people who didn't necessarily fit into a group or a class. Frank Sinatra, unlike most, was ahead of his time. Celebrities like this who are in it for the goodness, rather than the money are scarce these days. I like to support ideas and products that are different - that stand for value and quality rather than quantity and demand. The mainstream loses it's value when buyers choose to support companies who hold good values - it's more than just a product.

General Electric -1946