TOW #3 - Am I Introverted, or Just Rude?

KJ Dell’Antonia is a writer for the New York Times who considers herself a fierce introvert. In her piece, Am I Introverted, or Just Rude? she analyzes the mindset of the general wallflower. She questions the motives behind any introvert: shyness versus selfishness. She asks, “In a contest between my manners and my preferences, am I allowing my preferences to win?”  and ponders over this through the remainder of the text.

Dell’Antonia wrote her piece after she was sent a link to a T-shirt that read, “Sorry I’m late, I didn’t want to be here.” Dell’Antonia associated with the quote; but she wasn’t too happy about it. She comes to the conclusion that she, along with many other introverts, only behaves in this fashion for personal gain – simply to avoid making an extra trip or spending her energy.

Dell’Antonia challenges her audience – her fellow introverts – to open up a bit and to change the manner in which the go about, assuming that these introverts are introverted for selfish reasons. Due to her subject matter, Dell’Antonia has automatic ethos, being an introvert herself. Her reflective, optimistic tone attempts to guide reader down her desired path of change. She uses personal anecdotes to provide concrete examples of how her introversion is not necessarily a good thing, and that stepping outside her shell has helped her grow as a person. She claims, “the knowledge that you might inadvertently be hurting someone’s feelings by not showing up or by behaving in a way that’s perceived as aloof can make it easier to extend yourself.” By this point in the piece, the reader has already seen the author mature.

In addition, Dell’Antonia uses allusion to reference professionals, such as psychologist Brian Little, to exemplify people who are introverted for the “right” reasons – their shyness. This example, as well as others, provides the reader some classification of introversion; it demonstrates the differences between social fear and selfishness. Dell’Antonia is successful in her supporting her analysis of human personality and trying to convince the reader to step outside their comfort zone to become more extroverted. She highlights the pros and cons of introversion, and the cons seem outweighing.

TOW #2 - Pamplona in July

Ernest Hemingway is considered one of the greatest authors in history. Included in The Best American Essays of the Century is his memoir, Pamplona in July. Hemingway has a gift in his descriptive ability - the adjectives and verbs he uses make his writing absolutely beautiful. His piece is all about his experiences from when he visited Pamplona, Spain, to spectate the "Running of the Bulls," an annual tradition held in the city where voluntary participants run through the streets from several released angry bulls – for fun. He writes about the chaotic scenes before the running began, specific people he encountered (and saw get thrusted into the air by bulls), and some of his own opinions on the event (his pure joy!). Through many connecting anecdotes and near-tedious narration, Ernest Hemingway illustrates a perfect summer vacation.

Hemingway directs the memoir towards people searching for adventure and new experiences in hopes of communicating his fondness and love for the Running of the Bulls. He never would have written a memoir about a trip he didn't enjoy. His first line captures interest by way of mere description: "In Pamplona, a white-walled, sun-baked town high up in the hills of Navarre, is held in the first two weeks of July each year the World's Series of bull fighting" (1). He uses untraditional adjectives as he refers to the city as “white-walled” and “sun-baked.” Throughout his piece, Hemingway also relies heavily on metaphor to further his text. In addition, in order to make the memoirs more personable, Ernest Hemingway uses sentence fragments, creating a more informal yet focused tone. His whole piece is awfully nostalgic as he essentially tries to sell a vacation to the reader and practically screams, "Hey, you should check out Pamplona!" Hemingway is certainly successful in his attempt to do this; whether it is his vivid description or his passion that seems seeping through the pages, Pamplona and the Running of the Bulls are depicted as something magnificent and not to be missed.

TOW #1 - The Story Behind the Haunting 9/11 Photo of a Man Falling From the Twin Towers (Short Documentary)

In honor of September 11, TIME posted a four-minute documentary about the photo of "The Falling Man" which was taken during the 9/11 attacks. The image shows a man turned upside down with his arms by his sides, falling from one of the Twin Towers. The narrator of the documentary is the photographer himself, Richard Drew. I found myself sitting in silence as I watched the video. It seemed I couldn't blink or move or breathe - Yes, this may have been due to the fact that the topic was so emotional, but I'm used to hearing stories like this. The actual presentation of the information was what made the piece so breath-taking.

The first thing the viewer hears is some light piano playing behind a black screen, quickly setting an intense, heavy tone. Drew begins with an anecdote, describing his own memory of 9/11. He takes frequent, thoughtful pauses throughout the video, during which the producer strategically includes real-life sounds effects. For example, the sound of fire trucks, walkie-talkies and smoke are included, most likely to spark as much empathy out of the audience as possible. The piece was created for anyone who was alive during 9/11 or wants to learn about it - however, a disclaimer in the beginning warns viewers of "graphic images that may be disturbing."

And graphic images are indeed included. A remarkable scene in the video shows a whole photo library of different 9/11 victims plummetting from the Twin Towers. But the most mind-blowing of all the images was what was to become known as "The Falling Man." TIME posted the documentary, not just as an annual remembrance, but to further explore the meaning of the picture. However, the video does not show much evidence of this. The film seems to focus less on the photo's symbolism and more so on pure emotional appeal. In terms of the presentation, I would rate the documentary very highly, but as for the meaning and reaching a goal, I wouldn't consider it successful. Regardless, Drew's delivery combined with the producer's video-editing make for a jaw-dropping film.

IRB Intro #1 - The Sunflower (Simon Weisenthal)

For the first marking period and for my first IRB, I am choosing to read The Sunflower, by Simon Weisenthal, a Jewish Austrian Holocaust survivor.

The Sunflower is split into two parts. First, the author takes us through an emotional story of a Nazi soldier who begs for forgiveness from the Jews for his actions. This alone sounds fascinating. However, throughout the rest of the book, different, more current people of unique backgrounds respond to Weisenthal's situation. I'm hoping that all of their perspectives reach me and make me think.

My rationale for selecting this book was relatively simple: I am Jewish and thus, I have an interest (and feel a sort of connection) in tales about the Holocaust. I've never heard of a story such as The Sunflower and am looking forward to reading it!