Response #1: An Open Letter to David Cameron by Stephen Fry
In Stephen Fry’s An Open Letter to David Cameron, he vehemently attacks the recent anti-LGBT legislation which was past in early June of this year. Perhaps the most unsettling point to his argument was when Fry compared the anti-Semitic laws pasted in Nazi Germany to Putin’s Russia. Of course, it can be argued that this is a hyperbolic comparison used for the express purpose of making the reader uncomfortable; however, if one dives deeper into the analogy the similarities are truly startling. The comparative band on a minority’s literature, art, and other propaganda; in addition, to the blatant indifference of the police, lend themselves to the conclusion that Stephen Fry has stumbled upon a very real risk.
While the phrase “history repeats itself” has lost it’s luster due to over use, it is no less true. The idea that the tragedy of the Holocaust could be repeated in this “modern” world is a horror many would dare not think about. However, is it not the express responsibility the educated world to learn from mankind’s past mistakes. Stephen Fry might have used Hitler’s insanity as a attention grabber, but that in no way nullifies the fact that there are red flags being waved in Russia and if action is not taken again this gross injustice the future for the LGBT community, and moreover the global community, seems bleak. For in the words of Macklemore, “No freedom ‘til we’re equal, damn right I support it”(Same Love, Macklemore).
Open Letter to David Cameron
While the phrase “history repeats itself” has lost it’s luster due to over use, it is no less true. The idea that the tragedy of the Holocaust could be repeated in this “modern” world is a horror many would dare not think about. However, is it not the express responsibility the educated world to learn from mankind’s past mistakes. Stephen Fry might have used Hitler’s insanity as a attention grabber, but that in no way nullifies the fact that there are red flags being waved in Russia and if action is not taken again this gross injustice the future for the LGBT community, and moreover the global community, seems bleak. For in the words of Macklemore, “No freedom ‘til we’re equal, damn right I support it”(Same Love, Macklemore).
Open Letter to David Cameron
Response #2: Once upon a Time by Nadine Gordimer
The story Once upon a Time is an extremely provocative piece that forces the reader down a winding path journeying from fairytale to tragedy. The author, Nadine Gordimer, demonstrates a brilliant control of literary devices, such as irony and parody, making for a thoroughly enjoyable read. I found myself implementing many of the reading strategies; whether I was making a connection between the story and America in the 1940s, visualizing the imposing fortress-like wall, or questioning the author’s satirical writing style. The use of these strategies added to my overall appreciation and understanding of the story. In fact, this story proved rather easy to deconstruct and analyze; I found it fairly simple to infer the author’s intention and discern the tone of the piece. Most interestingly of all, was the way the piece commented on contemporary society, it’s limits, and it’s shortcomings in a way that lead the reader to a conclusion rather than telling the reader what to think. All in all, I greatly enjoyed not only reading this piece but also critically examining it.
Response #3: Why "security" keeps winning out over privacy
In the article Why "security" keeps winning out over privacy by Daniel J. Solove, the topic of security verses privacy is debated as the author disproves the various misconceptions surrounding modern security measures taken by our governments. Aside from the interesting points Solove makes regarding societies fractioned perception of whether it is acceptable for our privacy to be compromised for increased security, or whether or not it is in fact "security" that governments have in mind when they are combing through our phone calls, analyzing hours of video, and accessing our mail or if they are simply attempting to control their populous. Personally, I do find it alarming that Google maps can drive by my house and take photos without me knowing, and I am concerned that in recent years the public has relinquished many of their rights to privacy in fear of terrorism. This article made me very nervous, not only because of the points it raised but, because it painted a picture of modern society that mirrors many works of pop-culture such as, 1984, All the Troubles of the World, and Harrison Bergeron, all stories which force us to contemplate just where our society is headed. What was so alarming about these connections to Solove's article is that it forced me to wonder if we are headed in that direction or if we are already there.