Relfection of Action

I have tried to speak. I cannot hear myself or anyone else for that matter. I have been called upon to wait on a man names Pozzo. He has gone blind in his old age, some say from staring at a small watch for too long. Although I am Pozzo's slave, it is my duty to guide him to where he wants to go. Today we meet two men sitting under a tree in my master's fields. They say they are waiting for a man named Godot. They argue too much to be friends, but they are companions nevertheless. Pozzo motions for my to take him away from the jabbering of the two men and says that Godot will never come for them. Pozzo is an impatient man and doesn't like to be questioned about his lack of sight, or my inability to speak. I am content being Pozzo's servant. I am allowed to think freely because I have no way to share how I feel. Pozzo is a fair master, and I am lucky to know that I will never have to question myself.

Reflection of Action

While carrying out my normal chores, Pozzo commands me to think. He has told the men that I can sing and dance, but I do not know how to think. My thoughts stammer in my head. With my mouth open, I wait for words to come out. Nothing. Vladimir takes off his hat and places it on my head. With a sudden rush of fragmented thoughts, I speak whatever words I can think of, it spilling out like sand out of my hands. I have so much to say- Pozzo let me speak- I have thoughts of my own. Vladimir takes the hat off of my head, and I have run out of things to say. I stand again, silent, waiting for Pozzo's next command.

Relfection of Action

Pozzo commands that I  dance. I do not like to dance, and I know that it is only funny for my master and his friends. Ashamed, I shuffle and wriggle around with the leash tight around my neck. "Dance!" One of the strangers shouts. I cannot think of what to do next, so I stand silent and still. Pozzo glares at me under the brim of this hat. I dance again, fearing what will happen to me if I stop again. After a few minutes, the men laugh and applaud. My master seems pleased, so I am content.

Reflection of Action

One of the men Pozzo has acquainted himself with asks for the chicken bones that my master has picked clean. I am puzzled by this request, and look to Pozzo for his command. He nods, and I give the man names Estragon the chicken bones. Pozzo snickers and tells the men that "Lucky would be better off killed than abandoned". This causes a stir in my emotions. How could Pozzo say that after sixty years? Tears well up in my eyes, and as one spills down the side of my face, Estragon approaches me to come and try to wipe it away. I am afraid and I lash out, kicking his legs. Pozzo does not give me room to escape. I must stay and receive my punishment.

Reflection of Action

Pozzo has stopped to talk to two strange men sitting by a tree in his field. I feel the weight of the luggage make my bones twinge with pain. The men introduce themselves as Vladimir and Estragon, and they are waiting for a man named Godot. I have never heard of this name before. Why would they be waiting for Godot here? I feel like these men are confused. In fact, they are the only ones I have ever seen roaming on my master's land. Pozzo argue with them, but then turns to me and demands his lunch. Chicken, as always. Exhaustion overcomes me and my eyes drift closed. I am at peace for a moment but am jerked away by the crack of Pozzo's whip. My only wish is to sleep. Sleep, I beg for in my mind. My mouth does not open, and I remain silent. The picnic basket has been empty and Pozzo eats with brows furrowed. I have failed to meet his expectations once again.

Current Events

Pozzo tells me that money is hard to come these days, and many men and women do not have a purpose in life. He tells me that I am lucky to be his Lucky. While I am not free to think or speak of my own accord, I have never gone without food or without a purpose. I suppose I should be grateful that I am employed to my master, because he reminds me constantly that he would kill me before he would abandon me. It would be a kind death. What would I do if I was not tied to Pozzo?  Employment is scarce, and I have no viable skills. Nor do I have any money or connections, which Pozzo claims is essential to survival.

The economy of the surrounding area is drowning in debt. I would rather die than have debt. One thing about being a slave is that I have no debt to pay, just a job to do. Pozzo needs me, and I need him. I will settle for being content with my place in life, for the time being.

Review

Pozzo took me to a new restaurant last night, the Snuggly Duckling. After we left the men at the tree who were waiting for a man names "Godot", Pozzo needed to eat. Those men were very strange. Pozzo seemed to think the same. I carry his purse and luggage because it was an overnight journey. He sat at a lavish table and I stood beside him. Slaves do not sit unless they are told. Pozzo orders the house special, and has to wait a very long time before he can eat. Once the food arrived, it was cold because the waiter forgot about it. Pozzo was not very happy. The chicken he ordered was also disgusting. I nodded and retrieved the waiter in question. Pozzo proceeded to chide the young man. I realized he was a slave as well. Suddenly, Pozzo explodes from his seat and leads me out. He vowed to never return to the Snuggly Duckling again, and would condemn the name for forever.

Playlist

Here are a few of my favorite songs:

With Or Without You- U2
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/u/u2/with+or+without+you_20141437.html
This song describes the relationship between myself and my master, Pozzo. I have spent 60 years with him, serving him, living to obey his commands. Many times he has told me that I could not live without him, but I know that he would not live without me. "He's got me with nothing to win and nothing left to lose" is my favorite line. I have no life outside of Pozzo. There is nothing I could gain from continuing my frail existence as a servant, but Pozzo needs me. I wait for the day when I am free from the leash that tethers my life to Pozzo's.

Time- Billy Porter
http://www.sweetslyrics.com/522064.Billy%20Porter%20-%20Time%20.html
Time is how we measure the days, the years of our lives. But time is not just the seconds that tick away our lives- it is the air we breathe and the beat of our hearts. Pozzo, my master, holds tightly to his perception of time. His watch is his greatest crutch, and that kind of time will die someday. I have no care to know what "time" it is. As long as there is air in my lungs, I have time for change, time to care. I have time to change and grow, the hope for an eternity. I do not view death as an end of time, just a moment where our souls are free from the prison of our bodies.

Straightjacket Feeling- All American Rejects
http://www.metrolyrics.com/straightjacket-feeling-lyrics-all-american-rejects.html
I ask myself often if I chose to be caught in my own net of slavery.  Pozzo has been in control of my life for... well, all of my life.  My mouth is permanently shut because I am not allowed to speak. I wonder if I can speak.  "You're the problem and you can't feel" speaks to me because Pozzo does not understand what a burden he is to me.

Drive- Incubus
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/incubus/drive.html
Throughout my life, I have found myself tied to my master. I have nothing, and know nothing except that he is my master. Thoughts cross my mind occasionally about taking my own life into my own hands. This song reminds me that I should be the one behind the wheel and that I can welcome the unknown with open arms. However, I do not think I would have the courage to ever step away from Pozzo.

Name- Goo Goo Dolls
http://www.lyrics007.com/Goo%20Goo%20Dolls%20Lyrics/Name%20Lyrics.html
I have seen Pozzo through his best and worst times. While he was a younger man, he was ambitious and never let a moment pass him by. He comments that he wanted to be much more than he is now. His reputation is very important to him, and he boasts about his few great accomplishments. I think of how the past is never far, but sometimes we lose ourselves in our memories and forget to live in the moment. I was forced to grow up too fast, all alone inside my head. I would not betray Pozzo by ruining the image he has of himself.

White Shadows- Coldplay
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/coldplay/whiteshadows.html
Sometimes I am angry with my plight. I try to listen, and I do the best to act as directed, but I used to think I was just as human as Pozzo. Learning that I was permanently shackled to Pozzo was surprisingly easy. It is my calling in life to be a slave, to serve my master and please him. This realization destroyed my determination to leave. Perhaps, if I am loyal, I will be rewarded someday.

Narrative Gap

Today I am walking with my master, Pozzo. He does not know how to pack lightly. I feel as though my arms are going to fall of due to the immense weight of his bags. My neck is raw from Pozzo tugging on my leash. I must put these bags down. I collapse. Pozzo stops and turns only to sneer at me. "Get up, Lucky. I will not ask you again." The hair on my neck stands on end and immediately I am bitten by the ice in Pozzo's voice. With clenched teeth, I pick myself up, and carefully position Pozzo's bags on my body so that my arms will not get so tired. Pozzo humphs impatiently. I nod, and we walk again.

Pozzo walks very quickly. I ache to know when we are going to stop, so that I may rest. Pozzo does not speak, only walks forward through the field. We have been walking for almost six hours, and my aged bones groan under the weight of his luggage. The dried wheat around us cracks under my weight, crunching with each step. Pozzo never seems to tire.

The watch in Pozzo's hand ticks mechanically. His grip on the tiny time-teller is so tight his knuckles lose their color.
"Lucky, I am feeling tired. I am going to stop at that tree in the next field over. Come now."
At last, we are going to rest. Or rather, he is going to rest and I will get to catch my breath. I am content as I walk, walking exactly in my master's footsteps. I recall of the the places I have followed Pozzo, and I am dumbfounded. The memories to not come to my mind. I must be old.

A great tree enters into my view, but Pozzo does not seem to notice. Does he see the tree? Did he mean to stop at this tree or the next? I must speak. We must stop. Overwhelmed, I freeze. Pozzo yanks on the leash. "Come, we are almost there." I begin to smile, but stop myself. Pozzo prefers that I do not smile.

The wheat ends and the tree is in full view. Two men sit at the base, one unlacing his boots and the other saying puzzling things. They do not seem to be friends, but why else would they be together?

Pozzo drags me to them, and he demands to know why they are on his land. The conversation does not last long, and ends abruptly.

Background

Hello, my name is Lucky. I am a slave to my master Pozzo, who does not like for me to speak. Even though I love to think and would very much like to share my ideas, Pozzo prefers that I dance. I write this blog in secret from him so that I can tell you about my life, why I am a slave, what my master does, and the other strange people that I have met.

My life has been very fulfilling, and I have become accustomed to being Pozzo's slave. I do not remember a time before my days of servitude, but I know that I was not always a slave. Have I chosen to be shackled to Pozzo for the rest of my life? How was I convinced to allow myself to wear shackles? I often wonder what would happen if I disobeyed. The leash around my neck is not hard to take off, and I have thought about taking it off many times. Maybe someday Pozzo will give me my freedom.

Final Post

I have a love-hate relationship with blogging. Being able to share my personal views in such a public way without having to be personally involved with the reader is very appealing. Although sometimes it is hard to think of the right way to organize my thoughts, it is really interesting to think about the people that blog professionally.  Their job is to have their finger on trends and to know what people want to read about. They are entertainers, writers, and celebrities all at once. My experience writing this blog in particular has opened my eyes how the internet can be used as a public journal, and that other people had the same thoughts I did pertaining to certain topics. On the downside, I didn't feel knowledgable enough to blog on a regular basis. With all of the research that I'm sure goes in to each blog, having a popular blog takes a lot of effort. I enjoyed being a "blogger" for a month, and I will certainly start following blogs that interest me.

The bloggers I chose to follow were all concerned with civil rights and equality. In casual, everyday life, our society believes that certain types of inequality are acceptable. "The Inequality Map" by David Brooks is the list of what types of social inequality are acceptable and which ones are not. His humorous approach to the subject conveys an unattachment to the subject, although the use of sarcasm makes the reader not feel guilty if they practice a certain type of social inequality. This is similar to my last post asking "Is social inequality addictive?" This post by Daniel Dorling talks about the ironic want for utopia while we, as Americans, live in a constant state of inequality. We are desensitized to the inequality around us. Paul Krugman, author of "We are the 99.9%", also writes about not taking steps toward equality. The rich 0.1% seem to be exempt from the current recession because the government seems to think that their jobs are too important to have their salaries cut. All of these posts relate to each other. The authors all felt the need to announce to the public that inequality of any kind is not acceptable, but the issue is ignored. The truth we face is that total social equality is not possible, but there are many steps that we are able to take in that direction. Think twice before you judge, because we're all just people trying to make it through the day. Everyone deserves that much respect.

Fourth Post

Inequality is all around us; in our schools and workplaces, on television and covers of magazines. If we are not careful, we may wake up to find that inequality is in our homes as well. But is true equality even possible? Communism and Socialism have proven to be unsuccessful, the United State's capitalist government has made a point to make sure that no one is on the same level. The human race is slowly falling into a black hole of unhappiness. So much time and energy is wasted on climbing the social ladder, that there is not any left to spend on the things that really matter. Divorce and suicide rates have sky rocketed in the last ten years. How can we expect to fix the economy if our home lives are broken beyond repair? There is balance in everything, and if we can remember to take the time to spend with our loved ones, work will fall into place because your priorities are in their proper order. Distractions from the media will only hinder us more, and cause more unhappiness than we can bear. Let us not squander the precious time that we have be given and spend time with our families.

Is social inequality addictive? ... by Daniel Dorling

http://policypress.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/is-social-inequality-addictive/

Daniel Dorling asserts that we, as humans, crave inequality- that it is, in fact, addictive. Explaining that the most unequal countries may be among the most rich, but that other countries are set up much differently. Those other countries are home to people who live longer, consume and pollute less, experience less crime, trust each other more, stay with families more often, invent more things, eat less meat, take less drugs, drink less and so on.  His portrayal of these "rich, equitable" countries make the United States sounds like a sort of villain compared to these utopias. An anecdote is placed at the introduction of the blog in order to give the reader something to connect the author's point to. How is inequality as addictive as smoking? Dorling's use of humor such as "Even the trains run on time more often!" is an example of those utopias again. The concluding paragraph asks several rhetorical questions mostly having to do with America's intelligence level. Each rhetorical device persuades the reader to think about how desensitized to inequality they are personally.

The author's tone throughout is somewhat degrading on one's own country. The tone gets lighter as the author describes places that are not the United States or the United Kingdom (the countries with the most inequality). His purpose in writing this blog is to make his readers aware that social inequality is not normal, we are just so used to it that we don't bat an eyelash when we see these inequalities not being stood up for. The audience is meant to be for a young reader, teen-aged to mid-20's. The author's syntax and word choice is slightly more conversational, which reads well to younger non-professionals. Dorley wants to help his readers stop overlooking inequality.

Third Post

Unfortunately, because I am not in the working class as of yet, I do no have to worry about paying taxes other than fishing out a few extra dimes when I'm paying for Starbucks. Although this doesn't affect me directly, my everyday life as an average teenager is shaped by the decisions of people around me who have a tighter grip on society. These are the elites, the most influential politically, socially, and economically. On the social ladder, these people are at the top. Because of their success and wealth, they are more important to the government than someone of my middle-class upbringing. What do they do that makes their contributions to society more meaningful than mine? Why do they get more tax breaks? The liberal people of America want to bridge the gap between social classes, but that kind of equality can't exist in this society. Americans thrive on the competition to be a step higher than the other, and we glamorize celebrities for doing what, going to parties and getting million dollar pay checks? So much time is wasted on what isn't really important. If we as a people spent less time blaming others for our problems instead of solving them ourselves, our lives might be a little bit brighter because we are investing energy into something worthwhile.

We Are the 99.9%

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/25/opinion/we-are-the-99-9.html?scp=17&sq=inequality&st=cse

Paul Krugman writes about how the differences between the poor and middle class are the first to be pointed out, but the real issue lies between the middle and elite upper class. Why are tax cuts helping the already-rich 0.1% when the middle class faces bankruptcy and the recession without the help of tax breaks? Executive pay has skyrocketed, and even poorly performing C.E.O.'s are still paid lavishly. Many of those in the middle class argue what that 0.1% is really contributing to the economy. Apparently the elite "create jobs" for the lower classes. In actuality, the elite upper class don't do much to contribute to the economy other than invest in stocks. Krugman argues that the 0.1 percent shouldn't be hated, but they should ignore the business about being "job creators" and take a stand against tax breaks.

Krugman's use of rhetorical devices makes his argument that the elite upper class is given too much credit for the economy more powerful. His purpose is to inform the American public -mostly middle class- that they shouldn't hate the top 0.1%, they just shouldn't be given so much credit for the state of the economy. Krugman separates the opposing groups and uses logos by using statistics in order to hold the reader's attention. Those who are within the middle class looking up at the elite see that they have more tax breaks, but question whether they deserve them. Krugman serves his opinion that "bad economics" is the enemy. He separates his readers by mentioning Republicans and Democrats, and how each part would react to the issue at hand. The ideal market should give back to people however much they put into the market. However the elites are given special treatment because their contributions to the economy is greater than the average 9-to-5 worker.

Second Post

A Reader's Response to "The Inequality Map"

Brooks begins his blog about how foreigners think that American customs are strange and confusing, which got me thinking: who comes up with these "customs"? On what terms is inequality defined? I believe it has everything to do with the media. People spend so much time following what celebrities, who are just people, and their lives instead of improving the life they already have. Destructive forces are working against human interaction. Virtual reality, a pathetic substitute for real life, is one of the most successful industries in the United States. What the public doesn't realize that they are not contributing to society, but changing humanity. Evolution of society is essential to life, that much is true, but part of the human experience is to build relationships with one another. When we let other factors get in the way, like our facebook page, or pride, we give away the right to real, lasting friendships.

The Inequality Map

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/11/opinion/the-inequality-map.html?_r=1&ref=davidbrooks

David Brooks takes the time to explain to foreign tourists what kinds of inequality are socially acceptable. His main points are that academics, fitness and sports, income, technology inequalities are all acceptable. It is alright to think that one person is better than another if they have a higher degree of education, or that someone is smarter simply because they are tech-savvy. Even at the airports, frequent fliers have separate check-in lines and boarding procedures. Unacceptable inequalities include ancestral, morality, religious, cultural, and status inequality amongst high school teachers. College professors, however, thrive on competing with other departments in nearby schools. Brooks also jokes that Americans judge what kind of beer a person drinks, or whether they buy gourmet cupcakes. Overall, David Brooks cleverly leads his readers to believe that any kind of equality is acceptable.

The Inequality Map organizes thoughts about what types of things are susceptible to competition. The purpose is to make fun of what Americans have decided is "socially acceptable". Brooks organizes what is acceptable and not by alternating the topics. This keeps the reader's mind busy and provides a pattern for the piece. Also, the order that the topic are listed go from less controversial, to very controversial in the middle, back to normal categories. Brooks adds that ethnic inequality being determined as unacceptable is "one of culture's highest achievements", bringing a sense of seriousness to an otherwise satirical article. His jabbing remarks at "obese frequent buyers who consume a lot of Twinkies" is derogatory and references fitness inequality as previously stated as socially acceptable. The Inequality Map is directed towards the average middle-class average American citizen. The casual, informative language creates a feeling of informality and is probably not meant for foreign tourists.

First post

If you haven't noticed, this year has gone by in a blur. We live in a place where we have the rest of the world at our fingertips at all times. Advancements in technology have indeed come a long way, but this step forward has made our face-to-face interacting with our fellow human beings fall behind in this race of life. The social aspect of life has changed from handshakes and going out for lunch to friend requests and chat rooms. How many times do we catch ourselves saying something online that we would never say in real life? As humans we look for the fastest, most painless way to get from point A to B, which is detrimental to our mental health. We need human interaction, but instead we replace it with too much time staring at a screen. It's like eating vanilla ice cream every day. You can put on any kind of topping you want, and get the newest and most expensive sprinkles, but you're still not getting what you really need from that ice cream. If we can remember to take time to remember the real people in our lives and not spend so much time in a permanent sense of haste, then we can become a healthier, happier person.

"Our Science Fictions"

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-stein27-2009feb27,0,6816863.column
Joel Stein makes the point that no one actually likes science, but it seems that only conservatives are "blamed for hating science". In fact, liberals feel the same way. They actually happen to have a greater interest in science according to Stein. Most of the conservatives' beliefs are based on staying true to Bible teachings, for example, evolution, global warming, and stem cell research. Opposing views have divided Americans since the creation of the liberal, conservative, and independent parties. It turns our that they have more in common than they may think. Stein references fads such as "vitamin-water" and the want for "eternal bliss". He makes the point that neither side wants to face their personal philosophies in case they are wrong and the other side is right and that both sides agree to disagree.

Stein works in many effective rhetoric devices to relay his message to the reader. He begins with a bold generalization and eases the reader into the topic by conversing with them about the pains of high school, relating to them on a personal level. Humor is incorporated in staccato spurts which give the blog an upbeat feel. Universally likable, Stein addresses both liberal and conservative appetites while keeping his personal view in the background, which is that everyone is making to big a deal out of simple differences in opinion. Mentions of aliens near the end prove that Stein wants to keep the blog light hearted and casual. His sarcasm is appropriate for his readers, who are probably the average-joe who reads his favorite bloggers while drinking coffee on a Sunday morning. His use of diction aids his intentions to approach his own conclusion without being harsh. The tone is conversational, as a friendly blogger should be. Stein connects to his reader and makes them comfortable simply reading what would otherwise be a controversial topic.