Being a "Bee" in a No Can Do World
How many times has someone told you, “You can’t do this.” or “That just isn’t for you.”? This is what was told to the class of 1940 in Maya Angelou’s “Graduation”. Their speaker, a white man, was telling them that they would probably be no more than “maids and farmers, handymen and washerwomen, and anything higher that [they] aspired to was farcical and presumptuous (46).” For someone to say something like this to me on the day of my graduation would be than upsetting. How can you tell someone what they are capable of being when you do not their mind or their capabilities? A person’s mind is like a workshop. There are so many tools in it and so many creations are waiting to be made. The greatest part of her essay was when Henry Reed, the class valedictorian, got up and read his “To be or Not to be” speech. His speech gave others hope and made them believe that they were capable of being doctors and nurses like the white kids. His spirit and strength to say these things right after the man spoke was also encouraging to me. When someone tells you that you can’t or shouldn’t be doing something, go out and do it to prove them wrong. We all are different people with different potential. If we don’t go out and do, who will?
23 comments:
I agree with you Jessica because I know for a fact that when someone told me that I was not good at something I tried twice as hard to make sure I proved them wrong.
I also beleive that when a younger child sees you doing something positive they will want to do the same thing and also prove someone wrong.
People don't realize these days how much one small comment can affect a persons self-esteem, just as the person in the essay's speech was found to be very discouraging to those who even thought they could fulfill a prosperous life. Latash, do agree with you. Children are very easily influenced and imitate what they see others do. So make your influence a positive one!
I too Agree with you Jessica because I had a lot of people in my life time tell me that I couldn’t do things but I turned around and proved them all wrong. Not only did I do the things they told me I couldn’t do, I also went out and did it better than most people. So I understand how the graduating class felt after being told that they couldn’t be any thing in life.
I definately agree with Jessica. I always had people tell me that I would not be able to graduate and that even if I did I would not be able to get into college. I had people tell me college is for rich kids, smart kids and that I would never make it there. I proved everyone wrong. I am here now.And I have made my family proud. I think that if anyone ever told you you cant do this dont give up on what you want to do. Just believe in yourself.
I like most people if someone were to tell me I could not do something I would just try that much harder to do it. Once you have the determination to do something nothing will stop you from accomplishing your goal.
I agree with the fact that people can sometimes motivate you to do better. However, it's all up to the individual to live up to what they need to do and conquer there responsiblities.
I think you did a good job with this blog. There are few mechanical issues, but as far as the content of the essay, I completely agree. Black or white, indian or asian, everyone has a purpose and potential to do anything and everything that they want. I believe that when people put you down, you sould prove them wrong, just like you said.
I absolutely agree that "a person's mind is like a workshop." Like myself I have so many ideas but its going to take the right tools to put them all together to make a masterpiece.
I agree with you Jessica, this essay is an exact example why I am in college. I was told growning up all my like was you will be nothing when you grow up. Now I have made it too college and I have proved everyone wrong, and i continue too everyday
I agree with you Jessica but on the other hand some obstacles are just too large for some people. I do not believe just anyone can be a doctor. I do think people have able to do more then they are credit for at times.
I agree with you Jessica as well. I've had people in my life tell me that I was unable to do some of the things, i wanted to.
Telling me "I can't" is just like telling me, "Let me see you do it." I push myslelf harder, not only to prove someone wrong but to remind them that all things are possible through Jesus Christ, which is who I look to for my help and he always help me accomplish my goals.
Like almost everybody here, I too have been told college isn't something for me. I was told that college isn't necessary for today's world and it won't help you in the long run. I'm here to get my degree (Whatever it might be) and show them that it does help to get a higher education.
I agree with Quanita that someone's negativity can be turn to motivation. I believe that if we listen to the people that say we can not do something then we will not get no where in life. We are who we choose to be, if we do not like what is going on it is up to us to make a change.
I also know how it feels when someone tries to stomp dreams. I just can't understand what the speaker was thinking, how could he say things like that? It amazes me how some people can be so racist.
I believe firmly in the saying, "don't judge a book by its cover." If you tell someone the can't do something they are going to try twice as hard to prove that person wrong. I have been questioned by my parents over and over agian about whether or not my current major is what I wanted, they think I can't handle the rigorous classes. That alone makes me want to succeed in my goal.
Just because someone came from a different school or has a different color doesn't mean that they can't achieve the same things as anybody else.
I think everyone can relate to this blog in one way or an other. Whether it was a parent saying they couldnt do it, or someone else who thought they couldnt achieve it. Like everyone else said when someone says you cant do it, it makes you that much more willing to do it. Just set goals for yourself and go for it. Never settle for anything less than what YOU want.
I agree with Jessica too, because i know many friends that have been told that werent good at something and worked their butt off to prove to make sure that they wouldnt be put down again. It shouldn't matter who you are, nobody should ever put someone down.
I agree that would be very depressing to hear on graduation day. Especially if you were deciding to go to a college. That would make me have doubts about the future or my capability.
Jessica provides a good discussion. People love to prove others wrong, and in this particular case, it has been done many, many times. Although people are discouraged when their dreams are shot down, deep inside themselves they realize that more fuel has just been added to their dreams and they are more determined than ever.
People love to hear these types of stories. If this were not a real issue in our society, then we wouldn't be able to enjoy the "Rocky" movies(all 6 of them) that we do today.
Matt nice name drop with rocky. Things like this is what drives people to strive for the best. If people didnt make statements like this everyone would just be normal
I also agree with Jessica. I was able to relate to this essay so much, because of personal experiences. I was always told that I would never be a role model, I could never live up my older sisters acomplishment. When I entered high school I became captain of my cheerleading squad for three years, MVP of my Volleyball team, captain of girls track team, and student body president.I always lived by the quote," Never say I can't always say I try." So I can relate to the graduating essay because I graduated from listening to negative critics.
I have to agree with Nathalie. I deal with many people trying to bring me down, but they only help me to do better.
I personally don't pay attention to all the negative comments that people can say to you. I can't see how people think they know other peoples mind set. In life what i do is prove them wrong because all the negativity is nothing but motivation to me.
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