The Condemning Fall

   

"The Fall was a fall from innocence to Knowledge." The Fall is portrayed as two versatile thoughts in this chapter as the Handmaid is explaining her prayer in almost a vain-like manner. It's vain because of the ingenuinality of her prayers to God. How do we know it's not authentic? Her initial statement "tonight I will say my prayers" suggests inconsistency in communication with her Divine authority, and also suggests an old habit or routine thing for her, like a duty she is forced to do or feel obligated to do. The authorities over her in the house require all the handmaids to pray in a rather strict manner. I know that, as a Christian myself, I must come humbly before God when I pray with an open heart unto Him, ready to receive anything he has to say or do unto me. When I pray, I try not to be selfish and give more hanks and praise and honor to God more than I think or request of myself from him a certain thing.

       Yet here in the passage,  this particular Handmaid-as we know of for sure, prays vainly and thoughtlessly as she ask for absurd and unusual things. "What we prayed for was emptiness, so we would be worthy to be filled: with grace, with love, with self-denial, semen, and babies." I could assume that most people who righteously pray don't naturally (spiritually) pray for these things. What she prays for though further emphasizes the ignorance of Gilead and their dehumanized people. The Fall (ultimate) was with the creation in the beginning of time in the Book of Genesis of the Bible, when Adam and Eve first sinned against God. From then, they moved from eternal life to knowledge of good and evil, their innocence being stripped from them.

The Fakes

       "The Fall was a fall from innocence to Knowledge." The Fall is portrayed as two versatile thoughts in this chapter as the Handmaid is explaining her prayer in almost a vain like manner. It's vain because of the ingenuine characteristics of her prayers to God. How do we know its not authentic? Her initial statement "tonight I will say my prayers" suggests an old habit or routine thing for her, like a duty she is forced to do or feel obligated to do. The authorities over her in the house require all the handmaids to pray in a rather strict manner. I know that, as a Christian myself, I must come humbly before God when I pray with an open heart unto Him, ready to receive anything He has to say or do unto me. And when I pray, I try not to be selfish and give more thanks and praise and Honor to God more than I request of things from Him.  Yet here in the passage, this particular Handmaid- as we know of for sure, prays vainly and thoughtlessly as she asks for absurd and unusual things.

        "What we prayer for was emptiness, so we would be worthy to be filled: with grace, with love, with self-denial, semen and babies." I could assume that most people who righteously pray don't naturally (spiritually) pray for these things. What she prays for though further emphasizes the ignorance of Gilead and their dehumanized people. The Fall (ultimate) was with the creation in the beginning of time in the Book of Genesis of the Bible, when Adam and Eve first sinned against God. From then, they moved from eternal life to knowledge of good and evil, their innocence being stripped from them.

The Repetitive Trend

       "We were the people who were not in the papers. We lived in the blank white spaces at the edges of point. It gave us more freedom. We lived in the gaps between the stories." It's almost as if they weren't humans in that society, but property under the Dystopian community. Since they seemed to exist in the blank white spaces at the edges of print, it gave not just more freedom, but it seems as if it would have instilled more fear into the handmaids. The reason why I believe so is because, being that the handmaid's importance in the work papers is not really valuable, therefore will the authorities of the society and the Eyes be able to do more sinister harm unto them and never be caught or punished for it.
       This society deeply reminds me much of how the African Americans were treated back in the 1700s through the early 1900's. The slaves were regarded as property unto their masters or "white men," and trusted as such. There were certain places that they were only allowed to go to. In comparison to the handmaid's tale, the handmaids must have their faces covered, and can only go to places they're instructed to go to. The African Americans were regarded as only two-thirds of a person in contrast to the whites; whereas the handmaids aren't counted much of anything as they were in the newspapers. Just like the incident with the Japanese tourists and their encounter with the "fascinating" handmaids, they are perceived as like the tools of a machine, or just some function of society. Although the handmaids had the natural ability to think for themselves in certain ways, their former lifestyles of self and pleasure was obsolete in their present state of mind in that society.

The Sanctified

       "Their heads are uncovered and their hair too is exposed, in all its darkness and sexuality." I believe this quote is very prudent towards the overall mood and theme of the story. The Red Handmaids are subject to purity and "sanctification," ironically, in this society they currently lived in. Handmaids are fully covered, including all of their skin except for very little around their faces. They have been set aside for a special purpose by the authorities in charge over them. What seemed ironic, though, was the face that these same Handmaids used to be in like position as that of the Japanese tourists in revealing clothing; short shirts and skirts and sexual attractions and appearances. The society was trying to "protect" the women from the sinful nature of the natural world, unlike its anti-Utopian society. Yet, the Handmaids were being raped all the time by the commanders or whoever took power over them. So really, the Handmaids purpose of being covered is vain and defeated since their virginity is loss and purity of taken from them.

       This ordeal has a biblical overtone to it in how the Israelites in the Old Testament times were set apart as God's people away from the Gentiles. He had a special purpose for them in his grand scheme or plan. He designed different laws, customs, and traditions by which they had to follow. Even more so, God was so strict yet so loving of his "chosen people" that he had a special tribe out of all twelve tribes of Israel, the Levites, whom he ordained as priests for the whole nation. Only the Levites could offer up sacrifices to God and enter the tabernacle of God. This was before Jesus Christ came to earth and broke that tradition of sacrifices, closing the gap between Jews and Gentiles as everyone's mediator. Now everyone could come to Christ because of His death on the cross and resurrection.

The Fictional Day of Reckoning

       Thank you Jesus, I wasn't selected to be a handmaid. Well, I'd rather be an Eye anyway. Less chance I'd be annihilated if I was a rebel or a handmaid. Just don't pick the wrong guy, Newman! Pick the darn rebel! I already know whom I going to pick. It's probably Josh. He's always suspicious around times like these. Plus he was already trying to establish his likings for potentially being an eye, even before we knew if we were or not! This guy is something else. But then again, I have my other suspicions. Could it be the sweet innocent little girl Jamesa, or my wonderful friend Chabely?! Or maybe my best Chandler isn't such a best friend after all and is part of the rebels! Naw... couldn't be. He's not the one. I just know it, impossible to be. Wait, what is the point of this game anyway? Oh yes! I must eliminate all the rebels with my other three eyes. Why am I the only boy who is an eye? Darn it. Oh well, they're very smart and I'm sure they'll know what they're doing.

        Ok, it's communion time. I'm not saying anything. Keeping my mouth shut..."oh hey there Chandler! How are you? Do you get the point of this game? Yeah, I find her suspicious too. Oh yes, I thought about Daryl and figured she might potentially be an eye. But then again, Victor was that lion-serpent thing we did in class. Well, good luck to you too!" hehe. He doesn't even suspect me of being the eye. Well, I'll just keep playing it cool and act like I didn't know anything...

       I found this game so intriguing to me. At first I wasn't quite fully understanding the duties of an eye and what would happen if I was picked by a rebel. To my surprise and relief, I was never picked. The joy of the game was the dwindling number of students left in the game. I was astonished too by how many eyes were still alive. All four of us were still alive. I was afraid to accidentally pick a handmaid, but I never did and ended up picking the rebel. This game was so fun in that the suspense kept building to the point where there was really no purpose in communing with our peers during the lights on period.

       I also found the music played for the entrance of the rebels to be copacetic. It was just right for the mood and feelings of a real rebel. It reminded me of some action movies I had watched before on t.v. However, I believe a different song choice could have been chosen for the eyes, like a more sinister, evil sounding song or tune to be played during the night time for the eyes. But overall, I enjoyed the game and enjoyed the thrill of being an EYE!

Journal Entry #1

       "Then I find I"m not ashamed after all... I enjoy the power; power of a dog bone, passive but there." I believe this quote is vastly significant in the fact that the author presents the only real power she has to cunning attract or "reel in" a person of a higher authority or status to her. She feels that she has the looks of an attractive lady unto the guards (Men), because the author had identified the one weakness men do have amongst various others. Women are men's weakness in their flesh or lustful desires.
       The author knows what parts of her body to advertise out to the world in order to gain some attention and potential influence amongst her authorities. This could be viewed as a whorish type of ball play in this mindset. After all, this advertisement of her body is a sexual-appeal and grabs the attention of the men almost immediately. The author has no shame in her game, which is very ironic since women were perceived back then as more prompt to cover themselves or save themes for a sacred union. She is the "dog bone" men want, or at least what is under her clothes, which men lust for the most.

Credit for the photos: Google Images

Ambassador or Hunter???

       Lions and lambs... lions and lambs... two peculiar animals with so much distinction and symbolism in not only our American culture, but the majority of cultures in the world. I believe these four animals, lions, lambs, serpents and angels all have some biblical tie into them and can be intuitively analyzed precisely as good vs. evil, or Angels vs. Demons, or the prey vs. predators. In my case, I like to think of it as Ambassador vs. Hunter. However, what must first be analyzed are the characteristics of each and every one of those creatures or characters.

First of all, Angels are generally thought to be just holy and pure and the Hallelujah singing choir. Although that is generally true, that is also the misconception of what an angel only is. An angel represents numerous tasks and descriptions as to what their roles are in our lives. They represent or are messengers, divine power, awareness, purity, love, faith, courage, compassion, perseverance, interrelations, renewal, protection-primary function I believe, and illumination. There are a whole lot more I left out of the job description of these angels, but these are the most common forms of angels’ goals and perceptions. I compare myself to an angel, knowing that for the most part, I am a person of integrity and perseverance, and many of the like qualities angels share. I despise all violence and wish no harm upon anyone. Now, here’s some interesting information I researched about angels:

• Cherubim:
  These are throne-bearers for the faithful.  Cherubim are also deemed “the ones who pray.”  They keep constant vigil upon souls in need of strength, faith and renewal.  These types of angels represent purity of heart and innocence.  They invoke a simple, childlike faith and will remind us of the beauty in the small and tender.
• Seraphim:
  These angels are considered to be the light-burners, and will be watchful over the true of heart.  These angels are the watchtowers of faith.  They keep their focus attuned to the faithful, vigilant and determined souls who hunger for the truth of enlightenment.  These angels will also stir the pools of energetic faith within the soul.  They are like kindling for the fires of faith.  They provide fuel on our spiritual path.
• Archangels:
  Among the highest ranking angels, these are the most commonly known angels.  Symbolic angel meanings for this angelic clan deal with strength, protection, guardianship.  These angels will represent themselves as indomitable, warrior spirits.  These angels are also the best known oracles.  Archangels will be very persistent and loquacious in communicating their thoughts to humankind, as typically their messages are incredibly profound.

Symbols associated with various angels include:

• Swords : Conveying protection, leadership, unified focus, purity in thought, valor
• Scrolls : Symbolic of messages, oracles, divine communication, sacred knowledge
• Flame/Torch : Conveys the inner light of the soul – always lit, always fueled by faith
• Wings : Symbolic of the higher evolution of the soul, higher realms of existence, ascension, spiritual mobility
• Hearts : Conveys health, healing, love, devotion and compassion
• Horns: Announcement of vital news, trumpeting of victory, triumphant declaration

Secondly, Lions are usually demonstrated throughout most works of young literature as just evil, vicious, prideful, evil, and so on. And yes, that is exactly what they are. Yet, one may also perceive a lion as a savior or king. Referencing back to the famous movie The Chronicles of Narnia, Aslan is the creator of Narnia and that whole imaginary world. He is the King, or the “Lion King” in those movies who rules and reigns over all. Yet, he is moved with compassion and wrath upon all who serve and fight against him. He is only one of his kinds, and there aren’t any like him. So, if I had chosen to be a lion, it could have been perceived as this. Same thing with Angels; there are evil angels out there in biblical accounts and real life in the spiritual realm and the majority of people do not realize this at all.

Serpents and lambs would typically follow under the two categories I’ve previously discussed with you. The lamb biblically represents Jesus Christ, since he was innocent, sinless, without blame, spotless, pure, and holy. The serpent I tend to envision as the Devil. So, in conclusion, my side of the territory would follow under the lamb and angel, being that I am a true, genuine Christian, never obtaining perfection like Jesus did as the perfect lamb, yet I aim to be more like the perfect lamb and an angel everywhere I g

http://www.symbolic-meanings.com/2009/07/28/symbolic-angel-meanings/

Unveiling the Identity of Prospero

      Prospero's actions in the final act reveal the long restless character about him in all his dignity and splendor and ardor about him. He is so used to his power with magic he realizes his need for a final break in his secret duties and comes back to reality to restore back to himself his dukedom-ship about his true character. He will reflect on all his miseries and success full revenge and plots he unfoiled in his former plans and take a lasting vacation that will retain Prospero from any magical reign he may possess. His righteous duty of sacrifice of his loyal servant, Ariel, serves a purpose as to a hint of humbleness, yet much pride in his heart as he knows he has the power to keep Ariel against his will and promise. Yet, after a few faithful tasks are performed, Prospero grants his freedom in diligence and respect. In this intriguing epic scene, this is the unveiling of Prospero's last spoof of game in his magic.   

   After a long drawn-out period of ruling in self-pity, magic, and desolation or confinement within his own entrapped curse upon his head, Prospero finally decides to relinquish all his powers of secret deception and magic, along with his pride and final revenge to finally relax and take a vacation from his “work”. He announces a huge surprise to all the characters in this play of his retirement of his magic. His “elderly” like actions suggests one or retiring from fifty years of service in a military. It also hints to one who is finally making and following his New Year’s resolution to never again eat such unworthy food like pork. Prospero demonstrates an act of self-control and release from his burden’s and furious, crafty power which has formerly destroyed and restored numerous lives and hopes and events. I found it humorous in this scene how Prospero brought in the crew under a trance by Ariel in a revelation unto Alonso, the King. It would seem as if he would have released the spell from those characters and dragged them in as slaves. 

In addition to that humorous thought, I found it satirical that Prospero would go through such trouble as to reveal behind the curtains Miranda and Ferdinand. This demonstrates a “closed behind doors” privacy invasion I my initial impression of this occurrence. It’s as if a demonstration to reveal their “nakedness is portrayed in this scene. Yet, as portrayed innocently, numerous periods throughout the Tempest, Prospero’s love for Miranda is thoroughly emphasized with passion as we see that not only did Prospero greedily, yet graciously and willingly allowed Miranda and Ferdinand to have an attraction to each other, and commit themselves to a future marriage. But now that Prospero is fully relinquishing his magical duties, he has indefinitely suspended his option of domination over Miranda because of her commitment to marriage.

Although it initially appears as if Miranda has long been traveling drunk on cloud 9 where she makes a startling comment following her sighting of the “humans” walking into her perception or view, this appears, or suggests Miranda’s innocence of character, he naïveté, and genialness. Miranda acts as though she has lived like Tarzan for ages and has seen nothing but apes and her love (Ferdinand). Perhaps she is just in awe or amazement, or just delighted to see all those characters. Miranda’s quality of character justifies Prospero’s acts and character, and further serves to emphasize and demonstrate Prospero’s relinquishing of power, and his sense of humility in one perspective. Prospero’s action s of accusations and forgiveness appears to make him initially arrogant as I perceived this to demonstrate a god-like action or heart. Yet, I see that he is trying to restore peace to the crew and Alonso, the King, as he forgives all who have wronged him. He is displaying a Christian-like behavior in this sense.

http://arcadiasystems.org/academia/brownLchess2.jpg

Prospero's Lucky Gain

     Of course this is the weird act where things start to go haywire for many of the characters in the Tempest, yet things begin to turn for the greater good for Prospero. Scene one in Act 3 served as a major turning point in the Tempest particularly for the coward-like character Prospero, who hides behind his minion Ariel to do all the dirty work for him. Scene one took me by surprise initially when I first read the story of the two love-birds who were anxiously awaiting their right moment to become a married couple, yet Prospero is portrayed as the sardonic, envious man behind the corners of hiding places. Prospero's lustful acts as so is suggested could potentially demonstrate his jealousy or foil ultimately for total rebound or control of power and authority. Yet again, it's ironic my first impression was that Prospero admired his own daughter, although he loves her as family in a way. This act ignites somewhat confusion as to what Prospero's honest intentions and plans were in this act.

     In the beginning of Act 3, scene 1, Miranda attempts to offer Ferdinand with his work, although usually women wouldn't do that type of work which man is usually portrayed as doing. Yet, they both seem to unite under one mind, each having a sense of work ethic and life, and the beginnings of love. I found the part where Miranda talks of intimacy towards the end of the scene humorous in a way where it portrays Miranda in an almost seductive fashion as she demonstrates a desire to cling onto Ferdinand, here fairy tale prince.

Journal Entry #2: Act 2

      While Alonso is in his depressed funk, others come in to fill the authority vacuum. Gonzalo offers his idea of a utopian society. Sebastian conspires with Antonio to murder his way to power, and Stephano exploits for power his access to wine. As far as determining the one who possesses the most common sense out of those who are sober of halfway thinking, I believe Gonzalo makes, would make the best out of all three (Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzolo) for a king. Gonzolo offers a legit theory and analogy to what his perspective is on a more realistic idea for living and ruling on an island in an utopian society.

     A utopian society is, by definition, an ideally perfect place, especially in its social, political, and moral aspects. It is also considered a work of fiction describing a utopia. Others believe it to be an impractical, idealistic scheme for social and political reform.

    Although Gonzalo has a bright idea of an utopian society, yet in his wisdom, that theory had flaws, since his explanations do offer a few irrationals and unrealistic behaviors of which to govern the people by and live substantially. Yes, it would be pleasant to live in a society where everything is free and totally liberal as such, "for no kind of traffic would I admit, no magistrate," yet people must be educated, fed, supplied wit daily substances.

    What a weird and obscure thought process Gonzolo emancipates and demonstrates in his attempt to convince his fellow mates of such an incomplete lifestyle. For without anyone to work or provide food or water for themselves and others brings about a suicide mission in ignorance. Yet, besides his inconsistencies of a successful country without work or ways to grow or provide food/things necessary for human life, Gonzolo turns back on the light bulb in his brain of knowledge and wisdom and announces a legit form of living. A country... with no crimes or violence; a society where there's all natural foods produced from the God-given vegetation and resources of the earth; to model the society of the former Golden Age.

     This society reminds me of the first perfect society destroyed or uninhabited by people; the Garden of Eden. The Garden of Eden was a perfect, sinless society, and the governor of the Paradise was God himself. So, Gonzolo would be the best and wisest choice for a king.

'Egyptian Popeye' defends his 31-inch upper arms

If you ever thought that records will eventually wear out in our society as far as people attempting to become famous, ridiculous records are still being set in the Guinness World Records. If you read the title, you can already tell you’re in for a treat of a story because what I thought would be impossible just became possible. A man in Massachusetts, whose heritage and culture is from Egypt, recently set a world record for the largest muscular arms in the world. How did one man earn such gigantic arms, arms the size of my waist? He has been matched up with the famous Looney toon character Popeye, the sailor. Yet, analysis shows that it didn’t take a thousand cans of spinach to become as strong as he did. Massachusetts bodybuilder Moustafa Ismail eats seven pounds of protein, nine pounds of carbohydrates and three gallons of water each day to help maintain upper arms that measure 31 inches around. This massive body builder can lift over 600 pounds bench pressing!!! How incredible! I can only lift half as much and this guy could be an NFL star easily. He has a very healthy lifestyle and eats and drinks more than enough proteins, fruit, and everything substantial for the physically fit Moustafa he is. Although some critics have accused him of possibly using steroids just to get in the Guinness World of Records, most have discredited that theory and Moustafa continues to ignore what others say against him. This enormous body builder does have trouble finding clothes that fit his arms at the same time for his body. Yet, he continues daily to persevere and keep up the positive work ethic he has about him.

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/20201922/egyptian-popeye-defends-his-31-inch-upper-arms?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=8007082

THIS IS A REVISION OF JORNAL #2
http://classicalthoughtswithnewman.blogspot.com/2012/10/journal-entry-2-chapters-1-2.html

 In the beginning of this dramatic tale of rude awakening events of Frankenstein, by Mary Shelly, there is behavior which displays and ironic twist ironic that the family demonstrates from their various behaviors towards their society  of the late 1800's it appears, and themselves. They are self-reluctant to allow their children to ever go without their child's most dire wants and necessities of life, such as food, water, heat (they used wood as a common heat source). I definitely see a lot of examples of Romanticism through Victor's narrative, as the mysterious story teller shared his daunting history concerning his life and mishaps. The man vividly expresses his feelings of previous years, gratitude, and remorse as he shares how eccentric and childish his mind was along with the rare privileges given unto him from his parents unlike most other families of that time period. Previously, his family was poor and unable to prevent certain causes of death in thei family from innocent neglect of normal human cares. As far as gender is concerned, the parents wanted a girl to accompany their well-beloved son. Of course, you want to have a son so that the name is further carried on. Because of the parents' benevolent and rude misfortunes, particularly Caroline, who suffered emotional and dramatic trauma as a child, wished for their children to never go through the same fate as her. Obviously, the were part of a poor class supported by the rich, who seemed rude not lend a hand to the family in need. I feel somewhat melancholy for this family as no one should have to endure such hardships.

Ironically, this reminds one of the time of racial discrimination between the 1940's-1970's. African Americans were granted freedom according to the constitution and the laws of the United States as a whole. Yet the Jim Crow laws, which strictly went against the U.S. government's policies and laws guarenteeing every American citizen is rights to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and more, revoked African Americans these rights primarily in the south. Blacks were frowned upon and didn't like the presence of black obtaining any kind of authority or rights whites had; basically, whites wanted to be totally seperate from the blacks. The Ku Klux Klan was created out of hatred to destroy blacks, jews, and others not in their plans for totally white denomination.

     These attitudes causes my enjoyment and understanding of the novel to spark and understand the gist of the gist of the situation. It creates within me an emotional feeling that's of remorseful or sympathetic observation towards both children. The alchony expressed in this story line reveals an ironic twist when one ponders on the mind of the author and his theories of science and optimistic appeals in information, methods of mathematical, and science education, and literary tools and resources. The fact that the mystery man read books of Cornelius and such authors remains a mystery amongst his family and those who need "reasonable" sources of insight and information. Also, what also grasped my attention was how the parents demonstrated immense love, adoration, and charity in the midst of their own history and present condition of oppression and need. Of course, in this Romantic time period where there were altered classes in gender and race, the theme of chapters one-two suggested classicism through the eyes of the author as I depicted a scene of a homeless man in need, but has no where to turn because there aren't any willing "helping hands" around. Although Romanticism had spirituality ties to it, hypocrisy was suggested as dominant in this region. 

The Fire and Icecream of a Trumpet Player

     When you step onto the stage in front of a crowd of 800 people, at least let's hope they are people, the moment of sudden death arrives at your feet. What must you do? Will you panic and take off like the cowardly dog, or will you fight till the end of your performance and hope for the best? That's a question many musicians run through their mind as they prepare themselves to display talent  no one else but themselves have.

     "Life is like a trumpet - if you don't put anything into it, you don't get anything out of it."- William Christopher Handy. Perseverance is the key to obtaining perfection, along with the usual order of practice with a side of instruction, sweat, and tears. No one can just pick up an instrument like the trumpet and play like William Handy or Miles Davis. They worked and fought hard and long to obtain the exemplary status they hang about themselves nationally and forever in the records of the greatest musicians ever. One day, I shall obtain that record, but only through mistakes, trials, success, education, and more. I definitely can not do it without my primary source of inspiration and wisdom; Jesus Christ. Without him, I wouldn't be the great talented musician I am now.

One of my favorite musicians of all time is the world-renowned trumpet player Wynton Marsalis. He was the first member of his family to become a star and succeed as an African American in his time. Wynton was born in 1961 during a rough period of racial discrimination in the United States. Yet he did not let anyone stop him from obtaining the title he now possesses forever as one of the most phenomenal musicians of all time. He is a well-known music educator, composer, classical and jazz artist. Through persistence and dedication in his musical studies and practice in a variety of instruments- such as the organ and more, Marsalis was able to accomplish more than most musicians could handle in a life time. Miles Davis shares a very closely associated status of Marsalis's fame and accomplishments.

      I know what I must do to be like Wynton Marsalis, Miles Davis, and William Handy: Persistence, more practice, more faith, and much more must be the elements perfection and obtaining a sound and talent similar to these famous people. My mini accomplishments I've obtained since the sixth grade year I first picked up a cornet and placed the mouthpiece till now, are nothing compared to the accomplishments these former musicians I mentioned have obtained. Yet, these rewards and failures I experience now will only lead to greater success and musicianship in my life, and through the primary inspiration of my Heavenly Father, and the secondary inspirations of Wynton Marsalis, Miles Davis, and my music teachers Louis Martinez and more, this task is not impossible.









References:
 http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/wynton-marsalis-has-turned-the-hardships-of-slavery-into-sublime-jazz-1272888.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wynton_Marsalis
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/736492/Marsalis-family#ref810002

Who are those who "Stand Out?"

      In our society, there are people; people of integrity, incredible intelligence, uniqueness, and character. There are also people; people of deceit, ignorance, maliciousness, and point-blank, evil. Those are just two categories out of numerous others that I'm about to address here. The group that, however stands out from those categorized as "people", unlike the "people" that is viewed as detestable amongst many people in our world today, are Christians. Yes, Christians are those who, though both liked and hated, who stand out immensely. How, you say, could you distinct Christians from those of everyday honorable living? How can I distinguish those who are "true" Christians and phony Christians; and how does this relate to anything?
    Christians are described as those who believe in a holy doctrine taught and given to us by the Divine One, our Redeemer, our Savior, and our Lord. His name is Jesus Christ, the one who died on an old-rugged cross, which He was forced to carry while walking towards Calvary, was nailed to the cross by the Romans, not the Jews (though they betrayed their own citizen, their own blood and gave Jesus up unto the Romans to be crucified), and as he said his last words, "It is finished," he gave up the ghost. He was placed in a tomb after his death. In three days, He rose from the dead with full power in his hands and is now sitting at the right hand of God! Now, you're probably wondering why in the world did I bring this testimony up? Well, as a Christian myself, I know that if I am to live as a Christian, that means that I must demonstrate the qualities of Christ. What are the qualities of Christ? 
    They are holiness, humility, tranquility, righteousness, love, and much more. He was not just a "prophet" as many people incorrectly singly identify Him as. Yes, he was a prophet, but he is God, who came in the form of man to earth to show mankind the right way to live. Although he was rejected by his own, yet, many believed in his doctrine and were saved!!! How were they saved? Jesus has one simple solution, one plan, one treatment, one cure for all people in this world, no matter what they've done (for there is no such thing as a worse sin than the other). All He asks each of us to do is this; take up our cross and follow Him. In other words, believe that he died on the cross for your sins, and that He is the Son of God, and thou shalt be saved. Really? That's all? All you have to do is believe in His identity and I will be saved? Wait... what am I being saved from? You are being saved from eternal damnation, for we were all condemned to do because of our sins. For no one is perfect in God's eyes and sin cannot enter the kingdom of God! We have all messed up, no matter what it is. It doesn't matter if you killed an innocent 6 year old, or stole a piece of candy, or lust upon someone. Sin is all equal sin. Without Jesus's perfect solution, His salvation for us, we are all lost, point blank simple.

     Now, there are those among us, even so at our own school, who believe that there is no need for God, that they have done nothing wrong, and/or have everything they need and have a great enough life. Here's the real question they should ask themselves; who created you? Who formed you and made you who you are? Who and/or how did this world even get here? How was the universe made into existence? Why can't scientist find out the reason for everything? Why can't scientists find out the reason for what they believe in "the big bang"? What caused that "big bang" to happen? There had to be a creator in existence to do any of this!

    Lastly, but never the least, in the beginning, I said that Christians were different than those who live everyday lives without Christ, basically. I mentioned that you could distinguish a Christian from anyone else. In all respect to everyone and our school, Booker T. has too many moral issues spreading rampantly among our alumni and students. What do I mean? The immorality, nontraditional likes, hatred, disrespect, and unfruitful living over all. Christians at Booker T. are supposed to be a light unto those in the darkness(the qualities which I formerly mentioned and more that aren't of the qualities of God), and are supposed to walk the walk rather than talk the talk of a true Christian. Christians are supposed to stand out! We're supposed to be the positive influence among everyone and help those continue or learn how to live a life pleasing unto God.