In
the poems “Directions for Resisting the SAT” by Richard Hague and “First
Practice,” by Gary Gildner and in the short story “Thank You Ma’am” by Langston
Huges, there is an emphasis on the importance of bringing out the best within
others. In the poem “Directions for Resisting the SAT,” Hague encourages the
reader to do what makes them truly happy rather than following societal norms. In
“First Practice,” Gildner motivates the reader to fight for what is important,
and to always give 100%. Lastly, Huges exemplifies helping those who are “lost”
find the good from within. Encouragement and shared confidence from others accentuates
the best qualities from within a person.
Hague
gives a series of instructions to the readers in the poem “Directions for Resisting
the SAT,” in order to inspire them to focus on things truly import in their
life. He explains that SAT scores and the law of gravity are irrelevant, but
what matters is if one can make an impact on society. Failure has always been
taught as an unacceptable and negative occurrence. Although, Hague contradicts,
“Go down with the ship—any ship” (Myers 270). He is telling the reader it is not only okay to fail, but
rather beneficial that you do. Through failure experience is gained an lessons
can be learned. As long as one is trying to accomplish a goal out of personal
desire, then failure is natural. Society pressure children at a young age to
build their resume, score well on the SAT, and become successful. Success is
not properly defined by society. It cannot be measured by the amount of clubs
one is involved in or an SAT score. Success is doing what makes one happy, and
ultimately making “ a mark” in the world.
The
poem, “First Practice” by Gary Gildner is intense and filled with emotion. The
format is very personal. The short, abrupt sentences feel as if the coach is
directly yelling at the reader. The coach gives the players an alternative to
rigorously fight for the title with everything they have or simply to leave.
The final line of the poem is “he said. He said, Now” (Myers 275). The repetition of both the he said, and now
(from the previous stanza in the poem) emphasizes the importance of making a
difference in the presence. In order to achieve a goal, or make a difference,
action needs to be taken immediately. The coach inspires the players, and
ultimately the readers to find their inner strength, and passion and implement
it. No obstacle is too big. All it
takes to accomplish one’s goal is determination, and the will to succeed.
The
short story “Thank you Ma’am,” depicts an older woman who befriends a young boy
who tried to steal her purse. The older woman, Mrs. Jones welcomes the boy into
her home, cleans him, feeds him, and even gives him money to buy new shoes.
Mrs. Jones can empathize with the tough childhood the young boy faces. Instead
of calling the police on him, she
nurtures him and tries to encourage him to be a better person through her kind
actions. She expresses, “I have
done some things, too, which I would not tell to you son—neither tell god, if
didn’t already know” (Huges 2). This confession allows the young boy to
relate to her and look at her as an inspiration of someone he can strive to become.
Stealing is not what should define him. The boy leaves Mrs. Jones with a new
perspective on life and is thankful for the gift of not only the shoes but also
for the understanding she has given him.
On
Tuesday, October 29th, I attended a lecture on social
responsibility. Social responsibility has been a topic I was yet to become familiar
with until this year. I had always understood its importance, but until I began
researching and applying for internships with accounting firms I never realized
how seriously companies and employees are about giving back to the community.
They do this not only by reducing waste and conserving energy but also by
volunteering their time to local organizations. This lecture was inspiring to
see the room filled with about 100 people, all gather to listen and learn about
way to implement social responsibility. The society in which we live can only
be as good as we make it. It is a communal effort that should be taken very
seriously. This event allowed me to connect with my peers through our common
interests and goals.
It
is easier to bring out the best within others by sharing personal experiences
that ultimately serve as an inspiration. In all three works of literature as
well as in the social responsibility event, a person with confidence in the
subject at hand shared advice with their “audience”. Personal connections are
formed on the trust of the speaker’s experience. This allows the “audience” to portray
to act upon their internal desires for the better. Regardless of the size of a
community, team, or even if it is two strangers, people can have an impact on
one another that helps shape their actions.
Myer, Michael. Poetry. 7th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2013. Print.
Huges, Langston. http://eres.lndproxy.org/edoc/EN101Hughes-10.pdf
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