Terkel: "Work" The Last Three

As soon as my Korean friends even other International friends found out I'm an English major, specifically studying writing, they'd continuously ask me to proofread their papers.  I didn't mind and have pictured myself making this as a possible career.  For this reason, I chose  Tom McCoy's profile on proofreading.  Unfortunately, there's not much to say because he centered the entire profile on his boss and how his boss is intimidated by him and the young workers.  Not that this information is irrelevant, but I was hoping to get more detail in this job.

The second profile I chose was Herbert Bach, a memorial counselor.  Another possible career I hope to achieve is that in counseling.  What in counseling you may ask?  That's my problem: I'd love to do any type of counseling.  Marriage, family, addiction, school, anything!  But this is the first time I've heard of a memorial counseling.  I wouldn't go into this type of career since I have a history of attending funerals at a young age and have avoided them since.  However, Bach makes a great point when he says, "I am not a grief psychologist.  I think death is a personal thing.  We feel we have to do something to help people overcome their grief" (506).  This is interesting in that one could easily view a memorial counselor as a grief counselor.  In reality, death is a personal thing and must be dealt with personally.  There is only so much a counselor can be exposed to by their client.

Lastly, going along with this funeral theme, I chose the profile on the gravedigger known as Elmer Ruiz.  I was curious to know what he thought of his job and surprisingly, "I enjoy is very much, especially in the summer" (509).  Again, here is another example of a person who enjoys their jobs.  (I've seem to come across a lot of them recently.)  I couldn't picture myself having this kind of job, but after reading Ruiz' experience, the way he views death is not in a negative way.  And death should not always be sad.  Yes, it's not easy to accept the death of a child, but we all die at some point.  And this career is not to dwell on the emotions of losing a loved one.  Instead, it's showing respect and saying goodbye.

Ford: "Sauerkraut Soup"

My hometown of Freeman is known for the famous German festival named Schmeckfest which has anything from German foods to a musical play.  Sauerkraut is a main dish in the festival's huge dinner.  The first time I tried it, I'll be honest: it was disgusting.  Now, after eating it a couple more times, I learned to like.  Funny reason, but that's why I chose to read Stuart Dybek's story "Sauerkraut Soup."

The story reminded me of so many other stories I read with common themes such as drinking, working, and so on.  But I kind of liked this story mainly because it made me laugh.  While the other stories I read in Ford's book touched on reality and just a 'here's-my-life-deal-with-it kind of attitude, this story in particular was humorous and different.

Harry is my favorite character and so happened to be a psychology major in the story.  I didn't pay close attention to this until sort of the end when he appeared with Frank in Frank's apartment.  Reading this section, I got the impression that Harry was 'mad.'  Especially when he talked of hydrocephalics and his recognition of the smell of death.  I'm not sure if Dybek was poking fun at psychology majors.  I've often encountered people who have majored in psychology and are slightly strange.  But this by no means offended me.  Instead, I found it incredibly entertaining.

Not only was there a character who's major is psychology, but the main character Frank loves to read.  He mentioned, "My tiny apartment was crammed with books I'd been wanting to read and wouldn't have a chance to read once school started.  I'd been reading Russians all summer and wanted now to concentrate on Dostoevsky" (183).  This is definitely what my room looks like.  When I first read "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas"  I went overboard buying any book that was related to WWII and the Holocaust.  That time period was fascinating to me although sadly tragic.  However, the idea of this type of character enjoying to read was something unique and not often encountered.

Terkel: "Working" The Sporting Life

I grew up watching and playing several sports.  One of them specifically is soccer.  During the World Cup, my family goes all out trying to watch as many games as possible, stuffing our faces with junk food, and keeping track of almost every player in every team.  Thanks to my iphone, I can download an app that not only tells me the information of every player but also the history of the World Cup.  I learn a lot about the countries which includes their style of play, their flag, and their ranking.  Unfortunately, there were no soccer player profiles so I chose instead Steve Hamilton (Terkel, 366), a baseball player.

Honestly, I'm not very familiar with the game but I have played it when I was young.  However, I did find similarities between professional soccer players and baseball players.  One of them being the duration of their career.  It's obvious but sad that as a player ages, so does their physical ability.  And then the team doesn't really need them anymore.  Hamilton touches on this but more so on how he feels, "To be perfectly honest with you, I'm ready to quit...I'm tired of the hours and I'm losing the zest.  When this happens it's time to leave" (368).

Hamilton also touches on social issues such as racism and instantly my mind goes back to soccer.  Many players are recruited from their international teams into leagues.  This means they leave their country to go to another country to play soccer, and yes, some fans are either super excited or not happy at all.  I can't think of one specific incident but I've heard stories of players such as Ronaldinho dealt with racist comments during games.  Even recently, fans threw bananas at one specific player--who's name escapes me--implying that he's an ape.  And he responds by taking the banana and eating it.

The second profile I chose was Blackie Mason, a sports press agent (Terkel, 373) because I am not quite familiar with what their job all encompasses.  So it was interesting to what Mason had to say.  One thing in particular was when he mentions, "You felt like you've been used and totally discarded for what you have just done.  I'm sensitive.  It stays with me, and then I find myself becoming vindictive" (375).  It's hard to believe that a sports agent would feel like this, and yet athletes are used as well.

Lastly, Mason enjoys his work (375) and that's always good to hear.  Sometimes, I get the impression that American often times hate their career.  But for the most part, that's not always the case.  It shows when one enjoys their job.  In my case, no matter what I am going through or how emotional I can get, I always stay consistent in how I treat my customers: friendly and kind.  It makes a big difference in their lives.

What's it like to be a salesman?

I've worked in retail before.  It's not easy.  It's not easy displaying items to catch people's attention.  It's not easy coaxing people to buy $100 jeans.  It's not easy 'deceiving' people.  Although to Johnny Bosworth (Terkel, 224), "I don't enjoy taking advantage of people" (226).  Instead, he puts himself in his customer's shoes (225).

Deceiving is a harsh word.  It's almost like lying.  Well, truthfully, it is considered lying.  But when the customer is willing to spend money, then why not give them the best?
I've been to several car dealerships at one time.  My dad was considering getting me a new car, but all I wanted was one that worked.  Well, being a psychology major, I was very alert and attentive to the behavior and words of the dealer.  I was fascinated by their friendliness and yet they asked us questions that really they didn't need to know.  For example, they would ask us what kind of cars we've used and are using.  With this information, I found that they would make comparisons to their type of car and made themselves look good.  Not surprising.  But it is easy to get fooled.

Deceiving others is a harsh act.  According to the narrator in the short story "Edison, New Jersey" (Ford, 151), he mentions, "I've been caught roaming around plenty of times but you'd be surprised how quickly someone believes you're looking for the bathroom if you don't jump when you're discovered, if you just say, Hi" (153).  In order words, he and his counterpart, Wayne, looted houses that didn't tip them.  Is that how business runs nowadays?  If so, how we can trust anyone who sells us things?

I appreciated reading this story because the character is Latino.  I recognized the Spanish words even though they were swear words.  This is the first time I've read a short story done by a Latino author that incorporated a Latino character and/or language and how they have blended into society whether good or bad.

Terkel: "Working" The Demon Lover

The life of a cabdriver...what is it like?  Booker Page was the first example I read, and honestly, I was a bit disappointed.  The information he gave was credible yes: I can see that sitting for hours does cause a lot of physical pain especially at his older age, as he mentions, "Oh, every muscle aches in my body" (Terkel, 197).  He talked more about the sea than anything else.  When describing his one year endeavor as a cabdriver, he kept on referring to being in a ship and traveling.  Being a cabdriver is only to save money so he can buy himself a schooner.

If one looks at Page's profession as one who is out in the sea, than his perspective is quite interesting.  I'm sure it's hard staring at the waters every single day and waking up to the motion of the boat.  Even Page declared it wasn't easy, but to him, "No matter how much you love your wife, the sea is drawing you...I have so much love for the sea" (197).  He knows exactly what his passion is.

I wonder if Page's example portrays a similar picture to most cabdrivers.  And that is...they have a dream.  While Page's dream is to go back to the sea, it would be awesome to know why cabdrivers are cabdrivers.  Are they saving up money like Page?  Or do they simply enjoy their job?

Lucky Miller (Terkel, 198) is a complete opposite of Page.  He has been working as a cabdriver a lot longer than Page and is also younger.  His reasoning for entering the cabdriving business: "I've always known the city quite well.  I figured it was a way of meeting a lot of interesting, live, colorful people" (198).  If I ever became a cabdriver, it would be for this very reason.

I remember taking the taxi often in Korea.  Although it was cheap compared to the US, it was expensive in Korea.  However, I encountered all kinds of crab divers.  There were some who were incredibly kind, always helping me with any luggage I had.  There were others who were excited in having a foreigner in their car.  There were others that just wanted to drop people off as quickly as possible and get their money (these were the possessed, crazy drivers).  There were a couple of instances when I wondered if any of these drivers cared who was inside their taxi. 

When pushing aside all overuse of the same muscles, and the aches and pains that come with it, being a cabdriver is actually honored.  I admire those who constantly drive people here and there.  They've got to know every inch of a city and it is their choice if they want to get to know their customers.

What we learn from our "customers"

"Interpreter of Maladies" (Ford, 303)
When our job seems to get the best of us, when we continue to do the same things over and over again, and when we become depressed, wanting something more from our careers...one little word can change our entire outlook on what we do.  So it happened for Mr. Kapasi who was told his job as a translator for a doctor was "romantic" from one of his tourists (310).  Once Mrs. Das said that, Mr. Kapasi began looking at his job differently, and even at himself.

What stood out to me from this short story, was that one word can open our eyes.  I think often times we complain to much about work and not enough on what we can offer to people.  I have been working since I was fourteen, and being a teenager, that's all I complained about.  But, I did notice that on the days I met customers who really made my day, I had to admit that I enjoyed my job.

For Rose Hoffman, a public school teacher (Terkel, 483), it's her students that make a difference in her career.  She keeps an open mind although it's tough dealing with third graders, especially as time goes by.  I can't imagine dealing with younglings all day every day.  It must be exhausting but to Hoffman, "As for retirement, yes and no.  I'm not sixty-five yet.  I'm not tired.  It's no effort for me" (488).

Another interesting point that Hoffman made, "I don't want to hear it.  It is not my nature to pry.  Even a child deserves  certain type of privacy in their personal life" (484).  It would be tempting to know what goes on in the lives of the children but at the same time, teachers are only teachers, not social workers.  In addition, there are some things that they cannot know as well as students not needing to know so much about their teachers.

Both of these examples just add to the list of examples of those who truly find something enjoyable in their job.  It's good to see that, especially when all around me I hear constant bickering and dislike for coworkers and customers.  To be honest, we are going to encounter people and situations that get on our nerves.  But how we handle that makes all the difference.

Terkel: "Working" Watching Section

Fritz Ritter (Terkel, 126) is a doorman and has been doing that for most of his life.  I find this job similar to that of an operator except for the fact he's face to face with people.  At first, I had no idea that job existed until I had watched a couple of movies years ago that contained doorman characters.  One doesn't think much of that person, but that doorman thinks a lot about the people that go by.

I enjoyed reading Ritter's perspective on his job.  He says, "...I have a nice job and I don't kill myself.  I wouldn't like to take off now and sit on the bench here, with the older men here.  I wouldn't like it every day, like friends of mine.  I'm active, I like to do something" (129).  Although every occupation has its cons, being a doorman can also be enjoyable.  I wonder if, for Ritter, watching people is sometimes overwhelming.  I wonder if there are at times when he really wishes to talk them even though he can't.

The complete opposite is a policeman called Vincent Maher (Terkel, 129).  I like how Maher describes his job because not only is he honest, but he is also a good man.  Although his job often time requires him to be cool and calm, tough and bold, he has a good heart (137).

When I was in first or second grade, I wanted to be a policewoman.  Honestly, I can't remember why, but now that I look back, it would be an honor.  If only I had the self control to hold my emotions in place while dealing with criminals.  If only I knew how to act in the right situation.  If only I could withhold fear.  I mean, this man has seen it all.  He knows how to act in the situation.

One type of role he has to play in his job is that of a father (136).  There is no doubt that a large percentage of criminals are young.  Who do they need most in their life?  A parent.  Even if the kid doesn't know them self.  Another role he mentions is a counselor (134).  A cop has encountered all kinds of criminals and delinquents.  There not a chance that they know nothing about people.  They apply psychology to their job (131).  On occasion, even though it may be prohibited, sometimes a criminal needs to hear advice from the one person that sees hope in them.  Maher has seen enough individuals to know that there is more to life than committing crimes.

Work from two perspectives

Here we've got two men: one in his early twenties, the other now retired.  The first comes from the fictional story "A Writer's Trade" by Nicholas Delbanco which I believe depicts a spot on example of a young man enjoying his easy going career.  He is a talented writer and is praised.  Not to mention he's also young.  On the other hand, Bill Norworth was a railroad engineer for most of his life, hardly ever at home, needing to travel for long periods of time.  Two complete opposite careers.

A major difference between these two occupations is that the character in Delbanco's story had control over his hours, he was able to move around where he wanted to.  A writer basically chooses what they want in order to produce good works.  Norworth, unfortunately, did not.  In fact, it was hard just to get a vacation.  He had not much say a lot of the time.

Looking at a bigger picture, these two occupations are so different that it brings an outlook how either one of these looks at the other.  How would a railroad engineer look at a writer and how would a writer look at a railroad engineer?  Hard to tell.  But, what I can imagine is that Norworth would look at Delbanco's character, Mark Fusco, as young and talented but maybe cocky and selfish?

To be young is nice and pleasant.  I mean Mark finished a draft in six months! (Ford, 130)  How is that possible?  He has it all at such a young age, but as I read the story, I almost felt depressed.  There's something missing and I couldn't quite figure it out.  Maybe because he is young it's ok, but eventually, his successes might dissipate.  To be older is an honor.  One has wisdom and experience under their belt and it is a blessing.  They've seen a lot in their time.  I mean, it's no joke that Norworth is a hard working man.  And yet, I would prefer to shadow him for a week just to see what it's like.

Terkel: "Working" Cleaning Up Section

Roy Schmidt (103) & Eric Hoellen (118)
This is Schmidt's job, who's been a garbage man for seven years, "You get it in the shoulders and the arms.  You have an ache here and an ache there" (104).  How often does one encounter those who are put off from any hard laboring jobs?  With that in mind, the reason I chose Schmidt's and Heollen's perspectives was because I've seen with my eyes what kind of job and lifestyle that is.

My dad had been a maintenance worker in a hospital/independent living facility for a long time.  I remember when, before school started, I would accompany him to work.  As a six year old, I'd follow my dad everywhere, watching him paint walls, fix light bulbs, unclog drains, etc.  He was the man to call when something needed fixing.  Everyone knew who I was in the facility because my mom also worked there as a nurse.  And because I was the oldest and the only who went to school at the time, I got to see everyone twice a day, morning and afternoon--before and after school.

Often times, I hated it.  I hated waking up so early when my school day didn't begin for the next two to three hours.  I hated following my dad in almost every corner of that facility or not having him around at all when people needed him.  When my dad was not answering calls, he was in his office fixing 'other' things.  I often wondered how my dad could handle all this.  In Hoellen's experience as a janitor for over twenty years, "You just don't let it get the best of you" (123).

Other times, I liked pretending I could fix things too.  I liked the idea of being called for help because I was good at what I did.  Because both of my parents hardly complained about their jobs--yet I could see it exhausted them--I liked the idea of helping people.  Sometimes we think that having a job like a janitor and garbage man is the end of the world, but I wonder how many of us would prefer a job like that than being stuck in a cubicle all day.  Don't get me wrong, working at a business office is a dream for some individuals, and that's awesome.  But I've noticed how often we are too quick judge our neighbor's profession.

But for those who look at their jobs in other ways, they find what they like...why they do what they do.  In Schmidt's opinion, "I don't look down on my job in any way.  I couldn't say I despise myself for doing it.  I feel better at it than I did at the office.  I'm more free.  And, yeah--it's meaningful to society" (105).  And for Hoellen, "I enjoy my work.  You meet people, you're out with the public.  I have no boss standing over me.  People call me Mr. Hoellen.  Very respectable.  If I'm a good friend, they say Eric.  I'm proud of my job.  I've made it what it is today.  Up in the morning, get the work done, back home.  Open the fires and close 'em" (125).

Women in the Workplace

A lot goes on under our very noses.  The media often times exaggerates situations or underestimates others.  However, what goes on in the workplace has been put on the spotlight for a while now.  In my personal experience, I've been working since I was fourteen but mostly with woman.  I rarely saw what I heard on TV which is women being mistreated under their male counterparts, or the competition that goes on when young employees take over the jobs that used to belong to older employees.

Although Barbara Herrick's experience about being a writer/producer occurred maybe around 30-40 years ago, a may not have changed.  According to Herrick, "a face-man is a person who looks good, speaks well, and presents the work," (67).  And often times, who tends to be these type of people?  Those who are young, good looking, and most often females.

Treatment of employees in the workplace can be a very taboo topic.  Of course one should stand up for the injustice, but I wonder just how much of it goes unnoticed.  However, in Herrick's case, "I made a stand..."  Working within a male dominant workplace was not easy for Herrick.  Sure her male counterparts were aware of her skill and her abilities, but did they respect her?

Herrick also mentions, "...if I would ask a direction question, they would answer and look at my boss or another man in the room" (67).  This also happened to a Canadian woman who taught English in Korea.  She and her husband were meeting an entertainment company for work reasons.  When she would ask a question, the men would answer to her husband.  Now, a cultural reason for that situation could be that because she is a married woman, the men did not want to disrespect her by holding eye contact.  If that were in America, it almost seems like he doesn't know how to have eye contact.  No.  It reveals how American culture in the workplace can often times determine how one treats their coworkers.

Terkel: "Working" Communications Section

1) Sharon Atkins (29)
Sharon Atkins is a receptionist.  I chose to read what she had to say about her job, and I'm glad I did.  I've always been curious of the people behind the phone.  Did they really enjoy their job?  Did they really enjoy answering phones all day long?  Did they have some callers that made the job hard to do?

Not many people seem to care in this kind of career.  Like Atkins mentions, "Then they asked me what I did.  When I told them, they turned around to find other people with name tags.  I wasn't worth bothering with" (29).  It makes to read that.  But interestingly enough, I wonder if it's hard just to call as it is for recpetionsists to answer those calls.

We are a people of communication.  Simply, it's crucial.  Without it, we lose relationships.  Without communicating efficiently and deeply, we lose the ability to speak with people in the first place.  Atkins' experience is a good example of how face to face communication is such a major form of communication.  then telephones came about.  And now we can communicate with people without ever really seeing their face.

2) Heather Lamb (36)
"I'm a communications person but I can't communicate" (36).  This is what Heather Lamb has to think about in her job as a telephone operator.  Also having a similar job experience as Atkins, the only difference is that Lamb doesn't seem to have negative thoughts as much as Atkins.  On the other hand, Lamb has opportunities--not always invited--to chat with her callers.

As I read these two perspectives, Lamb's quote summarized what I had been thinking, "You can't help but want to talk to them if they're in trouble or if they're just feeling bad or something" (36).  It must be hard to know one can't have a personal conversation because it's not part of their job.  Especially, since Lamb is only eighteen, she may have a higher sensitivity to people than Atkins who may just have hated talking to people in general.

Lastly, Both Atkins and Lamb mention that they feel like an instrument.  Unlike Atkins, Lamb doesn't seem to dwell on that as much.  How?  Lamb is willing to make "jokes" during her conversations.  I noticed that the younger one with a job is, the less agitated and temperamental they are.  Atkins is also young, but she's already completed her education and is also married.  For Lamb, I'm sure she know that she doesn't have to do this job for the rest of her life, therefore, she makes the most of what she can.

Unsatisfied Americans

I like the diversity in work this country offers.  We have businessmen, we have government officials, and we farmers.  From my time, I've seen the growth of cities and the decrease of population in small towns.  I've lived in one of the top ten biggest cities in the US, and I've lived in a small town.  I've seen the "exploiters" and the "nurturers."  And so have most of us who've had our share of city life and town life.

Berry mentions, "The only escape from this destiny of victimization has been to 'succeed'--that is, to 'make it' into the class of exploiters, and then to remain so specialized and so 'mobile' as to be unconscious of the effects of one's life or livelihood" (5).  Sometimes I wonder how satisfied we can remain before we get antsy or bored with our current life.  The first example I could think of are the students from my high school.  Although small, several of them graduated and moved to big cities.  Within a few years, they came back.  Others never dared to venture outside of their state and are perfectly content at where they are now.

There is nothing wrong with moving to another location or changing careers.  I mean, look at Leeland Lee from "Job History."  For the most part, he had to change jobs just so that he and his family could survive.  On the other hand, what are one's intentions?  Their attitude?  Is it because they feel like they can't succeed in the current location they are living in? Is it because of pride?  Is it because of money?  Or is because they just want to be far from family as much as possible?

When I began thinking of that, it makes sense.  In America, our strive for success is great, and it's also blinding.  How?  If we are never satisfied with anything, we will never be satisfied with everything.  Here are two attitudes that Berry talks about, "The exploiter wishes to earn as much as possible by as little work as possible; the nurturer expects, certainly, to have a decent living from his work, but his characteristic wish is to work as well as possible" (8).  There is a main difference I've noticed among those who live in the city and those who farm in a small town.  City people complain about money often; farmers complain about weather.  According to Pierce Walker, "Weather will make ya or break ya" (4).

Because our attitude often determines our way of living, on the outside, people can tell.  For example, I have a coworker who is a farmer's wife.  She dresses very simple, wears no makeup, and has no extravagant electronic or car.  I have another friend, who is from the city.  She always has to have the best technology and appearance for her job.  While she continues to buy more and more and think of better and brighter ideas, my coworker is more concerned about complaints from her customers who did not enjoy her food.

Witherington: "Work" Part 4

1) “We are not who we are because of what we do, but because of whose we are” (133).

“…then it is clear that what we need in our lives is not merely a more biblical sense and understanding of work, but a biblical understanding of self as well” (156).

Although Worthington highly emphasized our purpose on earth and the work we must do, how to do the work and how we accomplish the work highly depends on us…who we are.  I am often reminded of the questions who am I? and what am I doing here?  These often times come from adolescents who, during their age, are discovering who they are, what they are good, what they don’t like, etc.  On the other hand, may put too much stress on an individual in becoming successful and well-off.  In addition, society has a pattern for an individual—like all cultures do—graduate high school, go to college, obtain some experience somehow, go to grad school, etc.  During this process, an individual learns about themselves.  But…I can’t help but wonder, for a Christian individual, what determined who they are?  Their work?  Or scripture?  A personal experience: the more I read Scripture, not only do I learn about what I must do, but also who I am.

2) “God could provide us with manna from heaven directly in response to the prayer for daily bread, but instead most of the time he chooses to use his human servants” (139).

And that is why every single person on earth has a reason why they are here.  We all are called to do the work of God but in different ways.  Although we cannot see it at times, a person speaks to us not in place of God, but for God.  Sure we ask God for help, to give us a sign or for something.  But maybe God does answer our prayers in form of a person.  What is so amazing about God is that He sometimes sends a child to speak to us.  In other words, sure God can come and send us exactly what we want, but then what’s the use of everyone around us.  God does not put aside a single individual even though the individual may reject God.

3) “Futhermore, we must remember that we leave a footprint, a legacy, for our children to follow” (162).

People are influenced easily, most often times by other people.  With this in mind, why does one think the world is going corrupt?  That our generation and below are involved in acts our parents or grandparents never committed?  As time goes on, if young people are not rightfully influenced, it sparks a fire that cannot be stopped.  For example, my two younger brothers are attending a high school where the pregnancy rate just goes higher and higher.  I’m aware that teenage girls are getting pregnant all over the country, however, how did it get to that point?  Were their parents the right influences on them?  My point is that people notice other people.  People learn from other people.  If being sexually driven in high school is seen as “okay”, then others will join.  Therefore, I hypothesize that the more people represent Christ and act like Him—not be Him—the more people will be influenced.  Why did so many people follow Jesus?  He’s so cool!  The way He walked among the unaccepted making everyone feel accepted.  The way He responded back to the Pharisees.  Why do so many people like Michael Jackson?  According to his fans, he was a great singer, entertainer, and dancer and a lot of people followed his singing style and dancing style and style in general.  However, we cannot forget how his past also influenced us negatively.

Witherington: "Work" Part 3

Chapters 5 and 6, specifically 6, really dove into the context of culture and work...something I've been waiting to read.  However, within the culture everyone is called to do ministry in different ways.  With that in mind, here's three topics I chose discuss...

1) "What is interesting is that if we focus on the doing of the ministry, sanctification happens as a byproduct of that focus, but if we focus on ourselves and our sanctification, ministry may never happen" (82).

This quote struck me in that I felt shameful of our human nature.  We are...selfish.  Plain and simple.  No wonder a lot is not done.  We are too focused on ourselves to care about others.  We are too focused on things don't go our way, or on things that put us in a bad mood.  Just recently, I was in a class with a friend.  As soon as that friend came to class, I knew they were in a bad mood.  What was their reason: they just didn't want to get up to go to class.  At first, I thought nothing of it.  I mean, haven't most college students, if not all, have felt that sometime in their college career?  I know I have.  But dwelling more on it, it really made me think how my friend was focusing on their needs and maybe never thought the mood they brought in to the whole classroom.  Maybe my friend never considered how their attitude might put me in a bad attitude and then create a domino effect.  We are influenced by each other.

Likewise, being selfish human beings, wouldn't we all want to be saved?  Let me put it in other words: I don't know about my neighbor over there who does drugs but I know I'll be saved for sure.  No wonder ministry dwindles when we have that selfish attitude!  God called us to save others; He never told us to ignore our neighbor but rather love our neighbor.

2) "One of the real problems with Christians is that we can be too insular, living in our own little bubble... (105)."

Wow.  This sure was a slap in the face, and yet, so true.  How often are we--not everyone is like this--found not praying in public because we don't feel comfortable, or going to a Bible study because we are not comfortable, or avoiding any relations with alcoholics and drug addicts because we are not comfortable around them.  Many of us, not all, avoid any of these actions that make us uncomfortable, but we were not put on this earth to be comfortable.  There will be occasions and even long periods of time where we will never be comfortable.  Being in a bubble does not allow us to see the beauty of God or the beauty of people.  And if we are afraid to fall into sin, well, God provided us with weapons.  Therefore, we need to use them.  We can't avoid the world; we might as well live in a rock.  But as Christians we know that although we cannot become like the world, we are still in the world and must know how to live in it as children of God.

3) "Jesus was the most capable of shaping culture through his own talents and power--and yet the most culture-shaping event of his life is the result of his choice to abandon his talents and power" (117).

It's interesting to think that Jesus was willing to leave what he learned a child in order to follow His true purpose on earth.  I cannot think of a better example than Jesus Christ.  I smiled as I read this quote because all though we strive to make ourselves known through our talents and skills, Jesus made Himself known to the whole world through His death.  In addition to His divine talents such as healing the sick and bringing people back from the dead--nothing major--He was an incredibly talented and respectful human.  Jesus learned from His earthly father, Joseph, the art of carpentry.  I think that's incredibly cool!  Jesus was a great speaker and had such a way with words.  Jesus was an encourager and accepted the unaccepted.  This man was loaded with gifts, and yet, He threw that all way just to save us.  Sure, Jesus could have used His divine power to save Himself from the cross--what a sight to see.  But that would have defeated His purpose of being on earth in first place.  God knew what He was doing, and so did Jesus.  Sometimes, when we think we know where God is leading us, He can turn it upside down, but still reveals Himself in bigger ways.

Witherington: "Work" Part 2

"Work" just keeps getting better and better and not that it has everything I want to hear, but the way he says it makes all the difference.  So with that in mind, in order to not write a whole book, here is a list of the three topics I wanted to highlight...

1) Chapter three as a whole was a challenging read.  Not that is was hard to understand because Witherington clearly expressed and wrote what he wanted to say.  Instead, it was the topic.  We all can relate to either being a "sloth" or being a workaholic.  These are two extremes that are hard to avoid.  One can either not do anything or does too much.  It's extremely difficult to find a balance.

In my own experience, I am no doubt a workaholic.  I shamefully admit this.  Keeping busy prevents me from doing common mistakes that kids my age typically do.  Being busy, although often times extremely overwhelming and stressful, keeps me focused and in control.  On the other hand, as Christians we are not meant to have control over every single things on this earth.  Part of it is God's job and the other is ours.  In addition, being too busy is a common mistake in our society.  Without thinking, it's so easy to fall into working too much.  Maybe that's why God gives workaholics a time of rest and yet we workaholics have no idea what to do on rest days but work.  Even for the sloths and slackers there is a difference between rest and being lazy.  Witherington says on page 62, "Even if we view rest as nothing more than an opportunity to recharge and revitalize ourselves so we can go back to working more efficiently and with more excellence, the fact is we need rest each and every day."

2) "We do not need to feel the weight of the world on our own shoulders when Jesus, the ultimate Atlas, has already borne that burden and overcome it on the cross and through the resurrection" (64).

When I read this sentence, I almost filled with tears; I so much needed to hear that at that very moment.  I mentioned above I'm a workaholic and part of that is because when I am not busy, I feel like I have no control over my life.  And that is when working becomes a sin.  I am needing work to fulfill my time, when all I need is God to be in my life.  So many times I've watched people become suddenly burdened and overwhelmed with their lives (this includes me).  Maybe it's because we are carrying our problems and the world's problems on our shoulders and we are not meant to do that.  We forget that that is already taken care of.

3) I am currently reading Exodus so when Witherington mentioned Moses, I was glad.  Moses is a great example of someone who, because of his fear of public speaking, could not follow through with what God wanted him to do.  As Witherington mentions, "Moses says to God, in effect, 'Here I am, Lord--take somebody else, please!'" (68).  But the great thing is, God has no Plan B.  He had to free the Israelites somehow, and Aaron was gifted with the ability to "speak well" so says in Exodus 4:14 (NIV).  Now what Moses did was not trust God in that He would help Moses speak.  And yet, the plan continued.  Eventually Moses became the leader and the messenger between God and the Israelites.  What an honor!  God knows our abilities and He knows what we can do even if we can't see it.  But in time, or right away, God will reveal to us what our work is here on earth when we cannot see.

Witherington: "Work" Part 1

If I could write about all the quotes I highlighted in this book, I'd basically be writing the whole book.  There is so much information that, to me, is not necessarily new but has opened my eyes to Biblical perspective on "work."  So, to simplify the first two chapters, here is a list of the top three quotes, which was incredibly hard to choose:

1) "As it turns out, our American theology of retirement has no real biblical basis, and it leads to despair and longing and a sense of abandonment on the part of those who have been set off in a corner of society and told to hush and just 'retire'" (11).
I've imagined myself getting older like all those whose minds tend to wander off, and honestly, I wasn't happy with what I pictured.  I dread thinking of myself going into a nursing home and looking forward to bingo every Wednesday.  I know what happens in a nursing home--my father was a maintenance worker and my mother was a nurse in an independent living facility--so I know what kind of life they can live.  Although it may not look as bad, I hate the fact that they accept being put aside like that.  Don't get me wrong, some nursing homes are nice but they are also expensive.  Many enjoy retirement, but the majority struggle.  Here is my point...
In Mexican culture, the grandparents tend to live with their families.  Mexicans highly value family so their is no reason to send one's grandparents to a nursing home.  It's a joy for the retired to watch their families grow and be among them often to see it.  For Koreans, it's similar, but because the lack of room in apartment style houses, the grandparents tend to live alone.  But as for American culture, I find it sad when I see the elderly speak of their children and yet their children don't bother to visit them.  And surprisingly, aging as a Native American is an honor because for them, with age comes wisdom and they are respected in their tribes.  Again, not everyone's retirement is like this, but Witherington makes a point.

2) "Western culture since the Reformation has put an ever-increasing emphasis on the individual..." (23).
Ah this is quite interesting.  Could this type of culture hinder us from growing in a community?  Well, Witherington continues to state, "Furthermore, in the process of individualization we lost contact with the biblical notion of collective personality--that is, how we get our true identity through the group we belong to, in this case, the body of Christ" (24).  When we focus too much on ourselves, we forget the people around us.  We forget why we were placed on this earth to begin with and it's not for comparing to see how many people we bring to Christ.  Maybe this is why we are often caught being selfish.

3) "But whatever we do, we are to strive for excellence" (15).
I know as humans we are not perfect and will never be perfect as long as we are on this earth.  However, as Christians, God did not put us on the earth to drink our lives away or work for hours on end.  In addition, God gave us gifts, spiritual and earthly and it is our choice whether we want to strengthen them or not.  Therefore, when God gave each and every one of us skills and talents, He didn't just throw a musical gift to some random person.  No, God specifically gave Bach the gift to compose and Solomon the spiritual gift of wisdom.  So then what are we doing?  Although we may not be good at everything, in everything we must try our best.  Whether I am horrible at science, I have to do my best.  Why?  Because life is short.  That whole YOLO thing in some ways has potential but only in the meaningful things in life, not purposely driving a car into a pool of water. 

Calvinism

I took a church history class in high school.  Although this was only a few years ago, my memory of what I learned was blank.  However, I do remember going over Calvinism and it was because of the idea of predestination.

Basically, predestination is the idea of God setting aside a select few of people who would be saved and the others would not.  Obviously, there is a major error in this belief.  Out of how many number of people are here on earth, only some would be saved.  I can't imagine living and having that in my mind constantly.  Am I chosen to be saved?  If this is true, then it's a waste to have the other people if they are not meant to be saved.  In addition, Jesus' death would be meaningless because He died for everyone.

Weber's response to this should definitely be taken into account.  I absolutely agree that Christian would live an isolated life.  And that is, by no means, the life that God wants us to live.  He put us here to be in a community.  There may be only a few who can function decently by being alone.  But the majority of us need people around us.  We were not meant to face the world alone.

Striving to do good is meaningless because not one human except Jesus is good.  We all are capable of doing evil.  But that is why we have Jesus.  He saved us and although we are not perfect, when we sin, we have the opportunity to experience mercy and forgiveness.

I find this to be a possible reason as to why people who are not Christian are "turned off" by Christians.  If nonbelievers discovered that only certain people would be saved, what's the point of them becoming believers?  And if a believer strives for a life of perfection, they will be rejected in the real world.  A human is not perfect and if they appear so, they are despised.  What a nonbeliever needs to see is a human who strives to do good in the eyes of God but is aware that they are not perfect.  And although they make mistakes, they come to God first and only.

Part 1: The Problem Continued

"The calling" according to Weber is, "the valuation of the fulfillment of duty in worldly affairs as the highest form which the moral activity of the individual could assume" (40).  In other words, Weber goes on to say, "The only way of living acceptably to God was not to surpass worldly morality in monastic asceticism, but solely through the fulfillment of the obligations imposed upon the individual by his position in the world.  That was his calling" (40).

I'm a bit skeptical about this.  Taking this in a Biblical perspective, God did call as to live among the worldly.  We are to go into the world and make disciples so says Matthew 28:19, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." (NIV).  We are to live in the world but never to fall with the world.  While people around us do not choose God, we must remain loyal and faithful to God.  Sometimes fulfilling the "obligations imposed upon the individual by his position in the world" often times means surpassing "worldly morality in monastic asceticism."

Now one must look closely at the extent of this monastic asceticism.  We don't necessarily have to become and monk or a nun in order to avoid worldly temptations.  Monks and nuns have chosen that way of life.  We, on the other hand, should look to them as examples.  Maybe for some of us, we need to become like a monk or a nun in order to avoid doing wrong in the eyes of the Lord.  And maybe for others, we have the self control to live among the world and avoid those temptations.

As for asceticism, how much is too much?  We can't just hide in a closet avoiding everything.  That is not the reason God put us here on earth.  In addition, He did not put us on the earth to fight temptations alone.  He gave us weapons, one of them being His Word.  However, it also depends on the situation.  For example, pornography seems to be a very "popular" but wrong addiction.  In order to rid of the problem, one cannot just simply put the magazines away or shut off the computer.  In some ways Weber is right: we cannot abstain from it.  Sometimes we need to change our way of thinking; we need to look at the root of the problem?  Why is that one individual addicted to pornography?  Are they trying to fulfill something in their life that is missing?  Did they go through some kind of childhood experience that led them to that kind of addiction?

Because God did not send us into this world alone, and because He sent us in this world with weapons, we have the power to live among the world and not become entrapped by it.  Weber is correct in that we have a position in this world, but what obligations are we talking about exactly?  If this obligation gets in the way of God's plan for us, maybe we do need to fall in some sort of "monastic asceticism"...to a degree.  What I mean is that we can't always fulfill our obligations on earth because not all obligations come from God.  Often times they come from anything that can lead us away from God.  That is the time when we need to abstain.

Part 1: The Problem

"Man is dominated by the making of money, by acquisition as the ultimate purpose of life" (18).   Weber mentions that Franklin believes money is good when it is gained for a business legally.  But Weber points out something higher.  Man is too controlled, too blind to not have money.  It's interesting that he mentions this because Marx also touches on the topic.  We have social classes, business is business, and the main reason is because of money.  "In fact, the summum bonum of this ethic, the earning or more and more money, combined with the strict avoidance of all spontaneous enjoyment of life, is above all completely devoid of any eudaemonistic, not to say hedonistic, admixture" (18).  We can never have enough.

We have social classes.  Why is it that in America, there is a high class, middle class, and low class?  How did this come about? Before, I touched a little on human nature.  And to compare Weber and Marx, capital is highly emphasized.  Therefore, putting money and human nature together creates chaos.  It seems that the strive for money blinds people to the people around them.  Some will rise and others will fall.  And yet, some work so hard and others don't work at all.  Our social classes may just be a result of our strive of and passion for money.  With possession of money, not everyone will have enough, and not everyone will have anything.

Business is business.  I am not familiar with all that occurs in the business world, however, what I am aware of is the deception of a business leader to a worker.  There is never a trust, it appears.  I've noticed how people work to much for very little and others work very little for a lot.  How can this be?  Again, human nature blinds a person to the point where they are willing to deceive their own employee.  It's the drive for money, for keeping a business going so that it can be as successful as can be that blinds them.

It's interesting how important capital, wealth is to us.  It's interesting how we continuously seek it only to be blinded by its power.  It's interesting that it's part of the cause of many occurrences that both Weber and Marx mention.

Communist Manifesto

     I don't understand why a revolution must take place in order to get rid of all classes.  If one looks at human nature, social classes are inevitable.  And why is that?  Because humans are competitive, greedy and are in dire need for power for example capital.  These are the higher class.  Others do not care as much. These are the lower class.  It's almost like Darwin's "survival of the fittest" applies here.  No, to be more specific, it dominates.  The upper class dominates because of their blindness towards capital.  Marx seemed very much aware of this conflict.

     In addition, I found it interesting that Marx points out, "Differences of age and sex have no longer any distinctive social validity for the working class.  All are instruments of labour, more or less expensive to use, according to their age and sex."  What is this world coming to?  All this is still happening to this day.  How can children be considered "instruments of labour?"  If this is what Communism is leading to, not a single purpose under that kind of authority will ever know what the word freedom means.

     Lastly, communism although meant to be a collectivist motive actually prohibits the individual to be an individual. Communism eliminates any hope for a human to be an individual in a culture and therefore eliminating culture all together.  It's what makes an individual that makes a culture and if an individual is just like everyone else, then what is culture?  As Marx mentions, "'But Communism abolishes eternal truths, it abolishes all religion, and all morality, instead of constituting them on a new basis; it therefore acts in contradiction to all past historical experience.'"  Notice the word 'morality.'  Communism spits at anything moral which is probably why all countries' people under Communism suffer.

     Overall, I truly believe that due to our human nature, there will always be social classes.  Even without knowing it, that is how societies organize themselves.  Also part of our human nature is that we are unaware of the results of the choices we make.  What happened to a world of Communism?  In addition, it's hard for many of us to understand and know first-hand what it's like to live under Communistic control.  We've seen it on TV, we've read it online.  But the consequences are beyond our control.

Writing Life Plan

It would be easy to say that as a writer, I already write every day.  Truthfully, writers know that's false because even we have those moments when nothing comes out onto a document or paper.  Therefore, I devised a plan to try to write at least daily for an hour to keep my mind going.
When writing:

1) Do not drink more than two cups of coffee per day (unless I need it to stay up a little longer).
          Too often I drink too much coffee resulting in loss of focus and hyperactive episodes.

2) If I cannot work on a writing assignment for school, I must journal.
          When it comes to assignments, my attitude is not always in the right place.  Not having an open mind and complaining about all these assignments and homework that has to be done will not get me anywhere.  Therefore, journaling, preferably in the morning, clears the mind and opens doors for the writing world.

3) Read read READ!
          I cannot think of a better way to improve one's vocabulary, writing style, professionalism, and the list goes on.  If I'm not reading a book for school, I read another book for fun.  A drawback to this method is that readers tend to read what they like and what they know.  Writers, on the other hand, must read a diverse load of books.  If a writer only writes what they know, eventually, they will lost credibility and lose part of their audience.

4) Change location to change boredom.
          Writing in the same place, for example my room, it becomes a cage or a trap and nothing is produced.  In addition, I am the type of writer who grabs little things from a variety of sources: classes, books, people, locations, nature, experiences, and so on.  These observations cannot all come from my room.  Dillard, for example, at one time was in a cabin.  That's just what writers need.  Many people often cannot study in their room because they can't concentrate or they end up succumbing to sleep.  It'd be common sense to study somewhere else.  And just like writing, I must move, to move my fingers, to produce masterpieces--if possible.

5) Do not write when in a mood.
          Just like in the workplace, one should not, no matter what the situation, let their moods/emotions get the best of them, especially in front of customers.  Therefore, writings should not portray a writer's lack of control and wisdom.  We are meant to share yes but so much depends on the content.  I wouldn't read a rant that had no point.  Wording is especially important and can easily be misinterpreted if not chosen wisely.  There are times when one can't write for fear of pouring out their emotions resulting in a ruined piece.  And that's ok because...

6) Take a break.
          Yes I will try to journal every day but when I can't, I can't.  When I really don't want to, I won't.  A writer needs to clear their mind and often times it means not to write.  Forceful writing, in my opinion, is the worst kind of writing.  There may be, out there somewhere far away, those who can do well when forced to write.  But.  For most of us, it merely looks like a waster paper.

7) Sleep well.
          I've noticed that when I am not as tired, I write clearly and can think clearly.  Now this is obvious, yes, but when one needs a pic-me-up, that's when coffee is a writer's best friend.  And not anyone can sleep eight hours a night, depending on one's schedule.  Yet, all around us there are articles and books and anything about health and they all say the same thing: get enough sleep.

8) Observe.  (Adding to number 4.)
          Wherever one is at, whatever time, with anyone, observe.  The observers are the multitaskers, the ones who "pretend" to read but are really listening to others' conversations.  Observers are not creepers in any way.  They merely watch and listen for inspiration although in the eyes of society, creeper is another label.  Observing can, but not always, is like gaining experience without actually experiencing what you are observing.  And at the same time, to observe is humbling.

9) Remind yourself why you write in the first place.
          The answer is different for everyone, but it's good to just remind ourselves.

10) Set due dates/goal list.
          Not only me, but many seem to get to work faster and better when they are under pressure and need a date in order to finish in time.  Sometimes we need a little kick or a slap in the face or something to get us going.

This list can go on and on...

Epiphany of Rhetoric

     Writing is not just writing.  Words are not just words.  Content is not just content.  As mentioned in the last two blogs, writers put a lot of work in what they write.  Just as speakers organize their speeches in such a way as to grab the attention of their audience, so does a writer.

     Covino & Jolliffe point out something quite crucial about rhetoric: "Certainly, the rhetoric of a text is the selection and organization of language it uses to move potential readers and listeners to consider its ideas and conclusions.  But the rhetoric of a text is also the intellectual, cognitive, affective, and social considerations that guide the writer or speaker to use the language as he or she does, and the rhetoric of a text is the effect it actually has on people who listen to it or read it" (8).  How important it is to known how to persuade one's audience and dive deep into their innermost being.  Often times, if not most, a writer--a true writer--must move its audience in such a way...

     If I were to grab my audience's attention, it would probably be through pathos.  Not that I would deceive them by not providing any credibility or logic; I just find pathos to be quite powerful.  Most humans are often moved when they've been touched emotionally.  On the other hand, if I were speaking to a group of scholars, I would probably focus more on ethos and maybe a little of logos as well.

     When trying to grasp the attention of the audience, a writer's purpose is not to please them for all writers have a certain style in which makes them unique.  That uniqueness should be what grab's their readers' attention.  For me, I tend to write in the simplest of forms mainly because I lack a broad and intellectual vocabulary but also my audience tends to target those who may not speak English fluently.  I don't want my pieces of writing to be hard to comprehend; I want all to understand.  Therefore, if I were targeting a group such as scholars, I would be more pressured in writing intellectually as possible.  However, if I can barely explain my thoughts and ideas intellectually, then it's best to simplify it in simple English.

Dillard: "The Writing Life" Part 2

     There are fears that writers' dread the most.  And in Chapter 4,  I could feel the shock as Dillard watched her typewriter burst into flames.  It recalled a very tremendous and painful moment in my life.

     I myself have the top 3 things I fear most when it comes to writing.  1) Although I often don't feel confident to publish or share my writings to the public, I don't want to lose them either.  They are stored carefully in a hard drive where I can only access them.  When writing, I become so connected, so attached to my stories and characters.  At one point, I was writing quite a lot and had gotten far in quite a few of my short stories.  It was a very prideful time for me for I am also notorious for not finishing any of my writings.  Unfortunately, that happy time did not last long.  Not sure what happened, but one day, when I plugged in my USB, I found nothing in the folders.  Nothing.  I was devastated; everything I wrote electronically since I was fifteen years of age was lost.  Because of this, it was hard for me to get back into writing again, but thankfully, I had backed up a couple of those stories in another hard drive.  Not all had been lost.

     2) Dillard really emphasizes those times when one sits down and can't write a single word down.  Either there is nothing in the brain or there is a potential idea that can also potentially ruin it all.  This is my second fear, and the ironic thing is, this happens all the time.  One of my favorite quotes in Dillard's book, "[The writer] is careful of what he reads, for that is what he will write" (68).  Writing is not something that comes easy, although we all have our moments.  We are very careful, making sure every paragraph, every sentence, every word, flows nicely and creates a masterpiece.

     Lastly, 3) a writer writes to share, but it cannot guarantee an audience.  Maybe only  a few care about a story on chemistry while millions care about a story on vampires.  I have to put aside the thought on 'pleasing' my audience, and yet, I don't write to 'please' them.  I write to share and to teach and to learn.  The fear of not being heard is always at the back of my mind, but true writers know that those who do  hear are meant to hear.

Dillard: "The Writing Life" Part 1

     "I cannot imagine a sorrier pursuit than struggling for years to write a book that attempts to appeal to people who do not read in the first place" (19).  It's sad to say, but I agree with this quote 100%.  Annie Dillard beautifully described the struggle of the life of a writer.  It's not easy to write about one's idea to an audience who may never understand or enjoy what the writer sees.  Then what's the point of writing in the first place?

     Currently--well for the last year and a half--I've been working on a novel of my own.  (Not that I would ever get it published, although if I end up finishing it, it would be nice to go through the whole publishing process.)  As I read Dillard's road block experiences, especially on Chapter 3, I recalled the times when I too really struggled with the novel I have been working on.  Just like Dillard, I went through more than one cup of coffee in order to focus but there were so many distractions around me.  A writer has many, too many variables to consider when writing.  This includes characters, organization, sentences, audience--audience is a biggy--, and the list goes on.

     As a writer myself, I got the impression that Dillard thinks a lot.  For example, I tend to think a lot...almost too much.  Actually, I basically think nonstop.  And maybe this is why I get nothing done.  Maybe this is why I struggle a lot with papers and other times I write a paper in less than a couple of hours.  I just can't seem to control my thoughts and organize them when I want to, and then there are those few occasions when it just all spills onto paper nicely.  Others times, I feel like a writer's mind doesn't seem to produce anything.  But, it's always a relief to know that these roadblocks are common among us as Dillard points out, "This morning, as on so many mornings, I lacked sufficient fuel for liftoff" (50).  In my experience, if I don't take a break in a novel or piece that I'm working on, eventually I'm going to ruin it and perhaps never come back to it.  That is often times why I fear writing.  Yet in other moments, I can't think of anything to put down.  An idea might pop out but as I add it to my piece, I know it won't work.  So I go back to where I had stopped and wait and wait until a scene or sentence gets me back on course.

     If only non-readers and maybe some readers knew just what kind of life it is to write with such agony and an overwhelming mind.  We as writers have these ideas that are so meaningful to us, and yet is under appreciated from others.  As Dillard mentions, "Why do you never find anything written about that idiosyncratic thought you advert to, about your fascination with something no one else understands? (67).  Not long after she states, "There is something you find  interesting, for a reason hard to explain" (67).  Writers want to bring out an idea or an image or anything on our minds that we find passionate relevance in our lives.  And we want to share that.