Description Discussion

For this post, you will have a choice of two different topics of which to respond. 

Option #1:  Many families have unique traditions like Lahiri's family tradition of carrying loads of food back from India.  Think of a tradition that is unique to your family or to another group to belong to--for instance, a holiday celebration, a vacation activity, a way of resolving or avoiding disagreement.  Describe that tradition, focusing on the objects used, the activities involved, and the feelings associated with it.  (This is a chance for the class to get know "who" you are). 

                                                                         OR

Option #2:  First, Do you find the Las Vegas wedding industry and its clients, as described by Didion, to be ridiculous, depressing, amusing, harmless, or something else?  Explain your impression.  Next, Describe another ritual or social custom (for example, a graduation, military induction, presidential inauguration, religious service).  What does the conduct of this custom tell us about our attitudes toward it? 

Narration Discussion

Reminders: As you respond to your class’s post, review the expectations for thoughtful, valuable, and timely communication outlined in the “Discussion Forum Rubric.”  Additionally, even though you are only responsible for responding to your assigned topic, we will use all four posted topics in our class discussion; prepare accordingly.

Angelou’s “Champion of the World” and Tan’s “Fish Cheeks” both tell stories of children who felt like outsiders in predominately white America.  As you respond, first,  compare and contrast the two writers’ perceptions of what sets them apart from the dominant culture.  How does the event each author reports affect the sense of difference?  Next, consider and share:  How can you identify with feeling like an outsider who was not a part of a group or could not participate or offer an opinion that was not a part of the majority—not just about an outsider of the culture of race, but consider our other cultural orientations: the culture of our beliefs (religious, ethical, moral, political, socio-economic, experiential, etc.).