A Country Hindered By Reality

 A Country Hindered By Reality, is the title I have produced for the story “ Pandemic: My Country Is On It’s Knees “ by Stephen Lewis. This author is a Canadian born politician, broadcaster and diplomat that is searching for ways to make the world healthier. Lewis also created a foundation that helps people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Digging into the first paragraph, I noticed how the author was clear about his passion for Africa and its people. The further I travel into the story; I realize how many memories Lewis had collected from his African experiences. At first he shared how thrilled he was at a young age to be able to teach in Africa, a chance for adventure. Memory after memory it soon becomes apparent that Lewis is getting a raw look at the truth of the rumbling problem in Africa’s belly. I quickly identified the thesis of the story to be, HIV/Aids in Africa, as well as, how this disease has affected everything in Africa including, society, business and future plans.

The author’s purpose of this thread is to open the eyes of the world, to HIV/Aids and its strangle hold on the country of Africa. The intended audience is societies that have the ability to help rectify the situation through, education, medical aid and financial support. Lewis also discusses Africa before HIV and Aids as a vital country full of positive energy, hope and population growth.

The following is a powerful quote that clearly depicts Lewis’s frustration as a compassionate humanitarian as there is no easy fix for the problems in Africa.            “ Treatment is much more difficult, sometimes impossible, if the patient has nothing to eat; the body can’t handle the drugs without food. And the further bitter truth is that full blown Aids can sometimes be forestalled for a considerable period of time if the body is receiving nutritious foods”. In addition, the quote also states, taking care of one problem can help relieve the pressure of another. I was also intrigued by the following quote, “ Garca was so bowled over by the girls that she vowed to come back for their graduation. Oprah was bowled over, period; she clearly cherished the encounter.” Due to the fact that in North America if Oprah Winfrey is getting involved it must be a serious issue. Oprah has a way of using her star power to bring serious issues to the forefront and implement a plan to make a difference. On the other hand, a quote that I found least effective “ all of us who live in western societies experience death from time to time but in much of southern Africa that’s all people know”. Even though we don’t see death of this magnitude, there are places in western society that have high fatality ratios and a tough lifestyle.

“Pandemic: My Country On Its Knees”, is a very interesting approach to feeding reality to the world about Africa’s battle with HIV/Aids. Lewis’s story proves to be uncut and descriptive. However, I believe the people of Africa who have experienced this lifestyle first hand would say it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Americans are well known for using celebrities to market products or services. If you were creating a T.V ad for Canadians, to provide resources for Africa’s relief efforts which Canadian celebrity would you choose to be the face of the ad and why?

Old friend .......Oh how you've changed

         

Old friend, oh how you’ve changed, is the name I produced for the story “ A letter to America” by Margaret Atwood.  Atwood is a Canadian born author, poet, critic, essayist, feminist and a social campaigner. Among other amazing thing, Margaret Atwood also made many contributions to the theorizing of Canadian identity.

    As I read into the first paragraph, I noticed how the author brought up happy memories and positive things that she had collected from America. The further I wandered into the story; Atwood’s main idea for her letter became crystal clear.  The thesis of her text is how America has changed over the years and the negative repercussions that have occurred in Canada and the world. More importantly, how individuals have changed their view of  the “Red, White and Blue “.   

  The author’s purpose of the essay is to express disappointment and confusion over the current state of America. The intended audience as the title suggests is for the American  people .  Atwood’s letter is loaded with clever quotes when exploring the worldwide frustration that is felt while watching the decline of a powerful ally.  “When the jolly green giant goes on a rampage, many lesser plants and animals get trampled underfoot”. Another quote that I found ironic for our current economic state was “ We know perfectly well that if you go down the plughole, were going with you”. I found this passage particularly interesting because Canada experienced hard economic times due to the American recession.  However the quote  “ Romans peering over a wall at the real Roman’s, was interesting as Canadians tend to follow the American way although we don’t always agree with there actions and often question their choices.

Margaret Atwood’s “A Letter to America” is a good description that many cultures, especially Canadians have towards Americans and their cluttered style of decision-making.

   What would an American citizens reaction be towards Atwood’s letter?

Brazilian Ju Jitsu as an olympic sport?

  What is your opinion..... should Brazilian ju jitsu be an olympic sport???? Judo is, Boxing is, Tae kwon do is and Wrestling is so why not BJJ what do u think?????