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Stick It Up Your Butt
Well, AG. Would it be entirely inappropriate to remark at this juncture--"Guess she asked for it?" ;)— December 4, 2009 3:25 p.m.
Precious, Not Few
(cont.) But this novel also literally PUSHES the reader away, just as Precious does, in her illiteracy (you have to learn to read her) and the events of her life, so alien to, and so far outside the lives of most readers. The things that happen to her are so horrifying, and so bleak in outlook that one of its most common readers, the white academic liberal in orientation, or humanities-loving reader, is going to feel pushed away. On the other hand, the story is pushed right up in your face. This is reality—take it or leave it—if you have a choice. And the novel is somehow aware that you have a choice—part of its brilliance. Many of Precious's experiences seem to be inextricable from the human experience in general, but there is too much to do reading them within the complexity hinted at of the history of her own family, and importantly, how her family's history is unreadable outside of the larger narratives of a uniquely African-American history of slavery, genocide, and indentured servitude. We are witnessing the fallout of these social ills, and the symptoms Precious exhibits, emotional social, and physical, are all consequences traceable from those larger narratives. AG is absolutely correct to say that Ms Rain's sexuality is integral to the story. AG writes: "It makes it clear that she's a woman who doesn't define her worth in terms of her relationship to a man, as Precious's mother does." Yes, I think that the way Ms Rain embodies this real possibility of not necessarily defining one's existence or worth in relation to a man is contrasted to Precious's definitions at the beginning of the story--always so far back developmentally--she defines herself through an incestuous, abusive, and otherwise neglectful father, which she tries to escape through alternate fantasies of being a music video vixen. She is lost in these dead ends until she meets Ms Rain and the other students at "Each One Teach One," exploring the bits and pieces revealed of their lives as a microcosm of “minority” experiences.— December 4, 2009 7:57 a.m.
Precious, Not Few
"I'd be interested to know if Nurse John plays a bigger part in the book." Sorry I'm coming back late to this thread, peeps. I do not recall a "Nurse John" at all, and don't think this is a character Sapphire wrote, or wrote with any significant part. Mr. Wicher only appears in mention, through Precious's sparse commentary on his teaching and character--a good guy, she thinks, but it is clear that she can't relate to this white math teacher, and to him, she must be a freak. I intuited that the film would be sweetened and lightened up, and with all these positive characters around, it sounds like this is what mostly happened—except AG’s mention of Precious’s flat affect, which sounds dead on. This is symptomatic of depression, but also of someone shut out of all of the signs around her, as she learns to read them and to be read, her affect loosens and softens. "Push" the novel refers to the pushing Clarice does between two possible existences, pushing forward, and being pushed back by society. It refers also to the physical labor of pushing out her baby, a baby whose future is for a time uncertain (no spoilers here ;). The novel has a lovely part where a “Spanish” EMT comes in and helps her, encourages her in childbirth, and “after that I look for someone with his face and eyes in Spanish peoples. H coffee-cream color, good hair. I remember that. God. I think he was god. No man was ever nice like that to me before.”— December 4, 2009 7:56 a.m.
Stick It Up Your Butt
This ad from Pike's thread seems to fit right into this here discussion. http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/normal-heig… I'll also add that I agree that people should do whatever they like, as long as they are not hurting others, unless the others like to be hurt. Viva la difference! :) "New just worn look from storage. (Read as confession: Haven't been going out much lately, but clean up well) Never used. (Read: I've been used, and am wary of you and your ilk) Still in original packaging with instructions. (Read: Coy flirting.) Easy Mounting (Restaurant downgrade possible) Mounting without moving or lifting ..... (Wow! Sounds cool! A swing?) All connections in front ....., not behind (Attention gringo and AG--this is your guy/gal) ..... Keeps more ..........surface for superior traction and stability Provides smoother, quieter ride than normal .........." (Fill in the ellipses at your pleasure!) I defy anyone to say they do not read such dry, dull classifieds in this juvenile, half unconscious fashion as though they were personal ads, an activity allowing seepage of opposite or alternative readings from/aided by the unconscious mind.— December 4, 2009 5:03 a.m.
HTML Test
"It jes don't get no better then that, do it?" It do, it do--if Pike dedicates it to you! ;) *smooch*— December 4, 2009 2:42 a.m.
But Now, The Truth Is Out!
"I was once slapped in the face with a raw steak following this exact phrase." Think I read about this particular practice in Anthony Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential." It has got to be accompanied by some reference to man's meat, yes. Otherwise, it would just be a slap with a steak, and that's no fun. ;) Now, staying somewhat on topic, about this "slammer hammer:" What I want to know is how it has only received "slight cosmetic damage." If it were truly the 'Hammer,' would it not have incurred more battle scars? And wouldn't the poster want to describe it in more manly terms? Instead of "slight cosmetic damage," which could be referring to Joan Rivers' or Carol Channings' or Priscilla Presley's face jobs, let's hear about the really cool giant gashes through the neck or totally awesome splinters you'll get on the fret--YAH DUDE! Brah! Etc. And amazingly still on topic, thanks to gringo and "Eon," we can now put a name to what actually happened to Priscilla Presley's face! "ABS is an acronym for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, which is a thermoplastic polymer used mainly in drainage tubes..." ...and to fill in musculature of Ms Presley's cheeks, forehead, and jaw. Thus, alas, went the polymerization of Helen."— December 4, 2009 2:31 a.m.
But Now, The Truth Is Out!
re: #1: I am going to use this formula for everything!— December 4, 2009 2:20 a.m.
But Now, The Truth Is Out!
"Eon's3 passed" All this emphasis, but we still don't get what exactly belongs to these "Eons" passed, Ian.* * See Bob the Angry Flower for more on apostrophe placement ;)— December 4, 2009 2:19 a.m.
Stick It Up Your Butt
Pete contra contra contra-dicted: "I'm a proud mysogynist." Make up your mind! Is you or isn't you one?— December 3, 2009 11:01 p.m.
A San Diego Charger football game is one thing, fandom is something else
re: #1: "Just like religion, it costs a lot of money, gives a sense of security and belonging, brings extreme emotions, and sometimes provokes violence." Well expressed, Fred. And don't forget, football also apparently interferes with shooting-our-state-bird season.— December 3, 2009 10:32 p.m.