Man's relationship with the divine is one that transcends generations; we learn our faith and morals from those who raised us. The connection between religion and our own origin stories of ourselves is prominently spread in today's culture. Sherman Alexie's response to being a Native American forced to conform to white society is a mantra of "Yes I am. I am Indian. Indian, I am". He refuses to give up his past, his customs, and his own personal identity just because it is expected of him. He takes a stand for who he is and what he believes in. Personally, I find such feats hard to accomplish. Simba in The Lion King would find my philosophy to be true: it is much easier to just rebuke our origin stories and shape ourselves to society than stand up for who we are. He loses his father to the wildebeest herd early in his life and is forced to grow up without a paternal figure to shape his identity. He is essentially self-exiled to pseudo-paradise with Timon and Pumba; however, back with the pride, evil and chaos are allowed to ensue. The return of Simba, emboldened with his destiny to be King, is the only hope for survival. Rafiki with the aid of Mufasa, Simba's father, reminds him to remember who he is. His sense of personal identity kicks in and he returns to restore the circle of life and ensure the well-being of the pride. It is the sense of ownership and dedication displayed by Simba to the Kings who have gone before him that causes him to stand up for what he believes in. Our own origin stories cannot be forgotten. While they are often less debated than those spoken of in folklore or religion, they serve just as important of a purpose. They give us a sense of identity and entitlement that allows us to be the people we are today.
The Lion King movie clip brought back some childhood joy for me. I totally agree that one of the hardest things in the world is to stand up for your values and not conform to the "social norm." Do you think that sometimes people conform to the "social norms" without realizing it, or do you think that humans consciously conform to these standards?
I feel like it is a conscious decision created by the norms of our social constructs. Sure we are shaped by those around us, but it takes a conscious effort to leave our origin and place ourselves at society's mercy.
I have to say the Disney idea is awesome! I agree with the importance of your own identity and how you should uphold it. Do you think it is always bad to conform to societal standards? If so, what does it say about society Also, do you think modern society is more accepting of people and their identity today opposed to older America?
Really enjoy the connection to Disney! I agree with the idea that withholding out our identity can be difficult especially when we are influenced by our peers and criticism. It is important that we need to remember where we come from and what our morals are. How does one determine what is the "norm"?
In the Lion King, during the middle of the movie, Simba rejects his heritage as a way to cope with his own guilt. Do you think this has an effect on Simba's resolve and realization about the importance of his heritage once Nala showed up? Had Simba, somehow, remained in the pride, do you think he would have been less proud of his origin and would have become king more out of guilt and obligation?
I completely agree with your stance that it is difficult for individuals to exemplify who they truly are in fear of being condemned by society and societal ways. I believe that societal ways can be harmful to individuals as they do not allow people to be or show who they truly are. In addition, when people do show their true identity they are often questioned or shunned for their actions. I love the reference to the Lion King, perfect example. Do you think societal ways have altered how we present ourselves vs. who we truly are?
The Lion King movie clip brought back some childhood joy for me. I totally agree that one of the hardest things in the world is to stand up for your values and not conform to the "social norm." Do you think that sometimes people conform to the "social norms" without realizing it, or do you think that humans consciously conform to these standards?
ReplyDeleteI feel like it is a conscious decision created by the norms of our social constructs. Sure we are shaped by those around us, but it takes a conscious effort to leave our origin and place ourselves at society's mercy.
DeleteI have to say the Disney idea is awesome! I agree with the importance of your own identity and how you should uphold it. Do you think it is always bad to conform to societal standards? If so, what does it say about society Also, do you think modern society is more accepting of people and their identity today opposed to older America?
DeleteReally enjoy the connection to Disney! I agree with the idea that withholding out our identity can be difficult especially when we are influenced by our peers and criticism. It is important that we need to remember where we come from and what our morals are. How does one determine what is the "norm"?
ReplyDeleteIn the Lion King, during the middle of the movie, Simba rejects his heritage as a way to cope with his own guilt. Do you think this has an effect on Simba's resolve and realization about the importance of his heritage once Nala showed up? Had Simba, somehow, remained in the pride, do you think he would have been less proud of his origin and would have become king more out of guilt and obligation?
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ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your stance that it is difficult for individuals to exemplify who they truly are in fear of being condemned by society and societal ways. I believe that societal ways can be harmful to individuals as they do not allow people to be or show who they truly are. In addition, when people do show their true identity they are often questioned or shunned for their actions. I love the reference to the Lion King, perfect example. Do you think societal ways have altered how we present ourselves vs. who we truly are?
ReplyDeleteV nice 10/10
ReplyDelete