Sunday, August 27, 2017

Hand-Tooled Tyranny













   In my opinion, lately the differences in people have become very pronounced.  Reading this sentence out loud sounds like something a simpleton would say.  However, I must shamefully admit I’m one of those naive individuals who automatically assumes that most others share my opinions.  I guess this type of thought process comes from truly believing my ethics are right.  Now, during this time of political upheaval, I’m faced with the reality that there are many others who have just as much faith in ideologies that I can’t even begin to understand. 
   Upon first constructing this blog post I had a much lighter topic in mind.  However, last night I finished a novel that inspired so many emotions in me I felt compelled to write about it.  If you are an individual who is concerned with the growing division of people in our country I encourage you to read the book, “The Boy In The Striped Pajamas,” by John Boyne.  It is a historical fiction story that takes place during WWII and revolves around the unexpected friendship formed between the children of a Jewish watchmaker and a Nazi Commandant.  Despite the heavy content, this novel provides a rather sensitive approach to storytelling as it is revealed through the perspective of a nine year old boy.  Ultimately I believe the author’s choice of such an innocent narrator was key in the effectiveness of this tale.  The plot line concludes painfully with the revelation that absolutely no one, despite their political or religious standing, was safe from the brutality of the Holocaust. 
   Due to the short length of this novel I was confused as to whether it was intended for children to read.  After further research I concluded that it was written for teenage individuals and older.  This puzzled me due to the fact that my near forty year old self had issues digesting the conclusion of this story.  I wondered, “Should children really be reading something so sad?”  I brought these concerns to my mother, (because let’s face it, despite the fact that I’m clearly an adult I still think my parents know everything…almost), and she promptly assured me that, “Yes, children should be informed of these things.  As a result they become adults who are informed of these things.  How do you think you turned out the way you are?”  “Huh”…I thought and that beloved simpleton expression of mine returned.
   I guess my overall point here is that I believe this book had such a profound affect on me not only due to it's overwhelming content, but also because of the heightened time of political anxiety we all are living in.  The lesson that prejudice, bigotry, and hatred always ends poorly for all parties involved seems obvious to me.  However, I guess one would have to be open to reading children’s books to learn that.
   In conclusion, I realize this is supposed to be a personal style blog.  Originally I was going to center this post around the type of purse I’m carrying in the above photographs.  Recently a beautiful hand-tooled bag was donated to the place I work.  Nobody could think of a use for it and none of the other ladies there were interested in taking it.  I was appalled!  Didn’t these people realize what a treasure this piece was?  For God sake, were they not aware of how much people pay for hand-tooled anything on Etsy?!  I was befuddled…I was aghast…I was suddenly the new owner of one shunned, but beautiful hand-tooled bag.  
   This was my original rant towards the discussion of the difference in people.  Of course, it simply didn’t seem that important after finishing my book last night.  After last night this Liberal was more concerned about the state of her country…and yes, Liberals can be patriotic.  I even have a bald eagle on my t-shirt to prove it.
-r 

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