first impressions last the longest

In the start of Linda Hogan's, Power, the reader gets the sense that Ama spends her life riding the fine line between traditional and contemporary. Although as the novel continues, Ama's lifestyle tends to come off as more traditional. Her ways of handling situations seem to revert to that of her elders.

This slight change in Ama's character is evident through Hogan's text, although I often find myself convinced that Ama is still "torn" between the conflicting ways of life. As we discussed this further in class, I wondered why this might be the case. I not only thought about the ways in which I view other characters but also the way in which I view the people around me. When I am first introduced to someone, my brain forms opinions about them. Not judgements, but ideas about the type of person they may be. While reading this novel, I find myself using this same technique. My first opinion of Ama is etched into my mind. Her struggle between a contemporary and traditional lifestyle is one that sticks out to me. I continued to resort to this mental characterization for Ama as I read and found it difficult to shake the initial thoughts I had about her. This just goes to show that first impressions can truly make a statement about an individual.

Persepolis: A Leader in Cartoons

Comparing the novel of Persepolis with the movie that was made about it presents a very unique comparison. In many aspects, the book and the movie were alike, depicting young Marjane's life in two very similar manners. On the contrary, the differences between the two were often very noticeable.

Being not as familiar with the history of the dictatorship that was taking place during the time of the story, I often found it hard to follow the historical context entirely throughout the duration of the book. I felt as though the movie did a much better job at giving the historical background of the time. After watching the movie, I more clearly understood the rise of the dictator and how he first came to power. The areas of confusion cleared up as I visually watched Marjane grow into a young adult.

One of the historical aspects of the movie that stuck out to me was the moment when Marjane's father first explained the dictatorship to young Marjane. As he spoke to her about the background of who he was and his evil doings, cartoon characters of the political figures moved about on screen to tell the a story. Unlike the characters of Persepolis, these cartoon characters were especially cartoonish...almost to a point where it was more humorous than educational to watch them. They gave off a child like performances with their puppet like movements and bobbing heads. The director of the movie may have been comparing the actions of the dictators to those of children, trying to say that what was going on was childish.

Coming of... what age?

The Complete Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi's story of her own experience in 'coming of age'. To an outsider who has not read this book, 'coming of age' may give the impression that this is a wholesome story. It may be presumed that this book is based upon a teenage girl’s life and her various techniques in dealing with its inherent obstacles. As I thought more about this idea and pondered the overall magnitude of such a concept, I realized that coming of age does not always depict the transition into adulthood, but more the discoveries made during one’s lifetime. These discoveries play into a formation of self-identity.

Coming of age. What age? When taken literally, the concept becomes even more mind boggling. I look at my twelve year old cousin, Gabrielle. Conscious of everything she thinks, says, and eats. Never have I ever seen this natural intelligence at such a young age. There is thought… logical thought, behind every action she has ever made. She is poised and articulate. She demonstrates the behavior every mother has at one time aimed to achieve. On the contrary, I read stories about robbers, drug dealers, rapists and child molesters, and ask myself, at what point did these men and women ‘come of age’? These adults, who are understand by society to be ‘of age’, are making decisions that lack logic and rationality . These decisions, and in turn actions, not only turn them away from life’s discoveries but ruin their sense of identity and self-worth.

In comparing such situations, one may wonder if ‘coming of age’ is genetic; something you simply have or you don’t. For those who have ‘come of age’, it is not. Behind every discovery is a story, and behind every story is a reason.  In Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi forms an identity. This identity is one that is unique and distinct to her discoveries that are based upon her own experiences. Because of this, it is impossible to pin point a moment of her ‘coming of age’. Instead, we come to understand her journey over the ages. Her true sense of self and her formation of identity.

The Art of Renaissance

Flipping through the pages of history books and reading word after word on historical events such as the great migration, often does not give justice to the topic at hand. African American human identity is spread widely throughout the celebration of their heritage. Spanning the 1920’s and 1930’s, the Harlem Renaissance was not only a time of industrial growth, but also a time that allowed this vivacious culture to broaden their horizons through various art forms.

A popular series of paintings during the time of the Harlem Renaissance was known as the ‘Aspects of Negroe Life’. In these assorted depictions of people, painted in all different shapes, sizes and colors, movement and dancing becomes an apparent common theme. The African setting and tribal element shows exclusivity, while at the same time giving off a warm and inviting vibe. Through the paintings various tones and dimensions, one is put directly into the position of the curious observer.

Pieces of art such as the 1934 painting titled, ‘Song of the Towers’ portrays warmer colors that are soothing for the observer. On the other hand, the painting also contains silhouettes of humans in deep, dark colors that entrance the painting’s audience. Looking more closely, references to modernization can be made through the incorporation of a type of industrialized wheel. Their will to revolutionize is apparent.