The American Dream; Class status or Happiness?

Polyestra's upbringing seems to be contained by the walls of the box thinking of her parents. The idea of obtaining genuine happiness as the American dream is thrown out of the picture. In it's place is a supperficial way in which to be at the top. "Jumping class" to reach some sort of affirmation that their lives are worth something is the idea that is pushed onto Polyestra by her parrents.

Through money, clothes, education, ediquet, and primarily appearance and presentation Polyestra's parents believed that a better life would be the result of such a struggle. Despite being raised to not accept things as they truely are, Polyestra has developed a grander awareness. She is a painter, poet, rock singer, and filmmaker. All of these atribute to a hightened sense of understanding of people. Instead of being stuck in the mindset of her parents, she broke free and used her upbringing to draw from and related to many classes with her art. In a way she has "jumped", but more less jumped out of classes and into reality; where the American dream is seen in many lights.

At the end of polyestra's story she humbly settles into her class to which she belongs, keeping bread on the table "not for fear of choking, ...or money, but to eat". This shows that she has come to terms with her circumstances and is okay with passing down bits of her culture to the next generation. So each American will have things passed down to them from their class, but the status of their happiness does not have to be measured on such a scale as the class scale.

Ford, Marjorie. Polyestra. "The Just-Add-Water Kennedys and the Barbecue Bread Violence". The Changing World of Work. Perarson Education, Inc., 2006. 164.

Reaching for More

The first example of the college student who was called to help his family clothing business was the one I found the most persuasive and capturing. Peter Kim could have went off on his own path separate from the "ethnic niche business" where his Asian family owned a clothing company, but he was drawn back into the foundation accompanied with a new direction.

Bringing to the table a new set of rules, Kim transformed the plummeting sales into a multi-million dollar clothing line. Taking his own angle with influences from "Asian men's street wear", Kim used his education to take the line to the next level. He realized as generations before him were unable to see in this new age that "either you're a brand or you're dirt cheap" say Kim. Backed with this savoy knowledge of changing times, and the work ethics instilled by his parents, Kim is an inspiration to me. He is an example of how to use what you have to develop for the new.

His presentation of the clothing line is what made the difference. Targeting consumers outside of his immigrate communities, the Drunknmunky clothing lines transcended. This I think is crucial in entrepreneurship of any subject material in our age. The lines of communication are going beyond our roots, and Kim was knowledgeable enough to see this.

However, having a stable family history of hard work and logic certainly contributes to success. Drawing back to the start of a business shows it takes "guts to get glory"; to take risks for that's what the founders did in a world where nothing is for certain, a reality that still pertains today.

Ford, Marjorie. Cullen, Lisa Takeuchi. "Legacy of Dreams". The Changing World of Work. Perarson Education, Inc., 2006. 76.

The "Breadwinner", the "Breadslicer"

Naturally I would desire a family where my spouse would contribute equally to our dynamic. This equality may not be dispersed in the traditional way. Being raised by a single mother, I expect of myself a strong hold on any situation. In a relationship this is not necessarily the best compromise. I already envision myself as the "breadwinner" of the household. However, being the main source of income does not mean that the other person is not pulling their weight.

I've always adored a male figure who can be open minded and provide in other ways; attention, affection, and effort. The quality of their work is what matters most to me. If they feel passionate about their work whether it is in a career position, or a part time outlet, I think I would be happy for them. In the same manner I would strive for this happiness myself.

Say the circumstance would come to me being the "breadwinner" I would feel most comfortable putting forth this type of effort. What would be difficult for me is to allow the male to take charge in other affairs of the home. I would want to have a handle on the children, the diet, the cleanliness, and any other plans. But this would just be too much for one person to handle. Letting go of the "motherly" instinct to govern children and trusting the man to contribute in this way would be mentally trying.

Once seeing past this challenge, and allowing things to be, I think both partners would be able to enjoy the benefits of a balanced, positive family.

Ford, Marjorie. Tyre, Peg. "She Works, He Doesn't". The Changing World of Work. Perarson Education, Inc., 2006. 50.

A Life Lesson

Katy came into teaching as a lost student. Children are pliable in mind and spirit. Katy found that by teaching second graders she felt connected. The spontaneous attitudes of the children matched her personality and provided the ground for a creative learning environment for both her and the children. Katy was able to be herself and contribute to society, a sought after goal.

At one point, Katy was pushing herself towards something that went against her desires; med-school. She would say in an open environment, around her friends "I have no desire to do that. I want to dance or act or write poetry, or whatever." This shows where her true love lies; in the creative outlets. What drew her further into the love of teaching was what the students represented; a blank canvas.

Although the years passed with new students coming in each year, the "brand of love" that second grade children gave was the same, and exactly the brand Katy found most admirable. By learning this type of spontaneous affection in a nonsexual way Katy was able to form relationships outside of the classroom with a light hearted approach.

Overall, Katy gained a life lesson by being a teacher and is able to pass that on to those around her. Her lesson being to by helping others you help yourself; by teaching you learn. The unselfish act of teaching in returned redeemed Katy.

Ford, Marjorie. Bracken, Katy. "Second-Grade Teacher". The Changing World of Work. Perarson Education, Inc., 2006. 42.

testing testing

1, 2, 3 is this thing working!!! ha