Motorcycle Talk

This essay resonated with me a lot more than "The Car" did. I can relate to the author and his relationship with his father. I too have very limited conversation with my dad. Not because we dislike each other, but because my father and I have nothing in common. The only thing we have in common is our hard headedness and our ambition. When it comes to hobbies, and experiences. . . we've got nothing. The only thing I can talk to him about is something that he is passionate about. If I ask him how his maple syruping is going or how the garden is coming along, I won't be able to shut him up. If I try to talk to him about my experiences at school, the conversation dies fast. I've learned that in order to converse with him, I need to pretend to be interested in what he wants to talk about. Listening to him go on and on about how many gallons of sap he boiled or how many rows of beans he picked, is the only way for us to keep in touch with each other. This piece was similar to my own experience in the respect that the author could only talk to his father about one thing. Differently from me, the author actually enjoyed talking about that one thing. The piece was well written and I enjoyed reading it. I especially enjoyed the story about the Depression Go-Kart. I found it inspirational that the Simmons' father made the Go-Kart at such an economically depressing time.

The Car

This piece was well written, but unfortunately didn't resonate with me. I didn't know half of the terms used and couldn't sympathize with the reader for I have never been in  love with a car. I have however, seen first hand how a car can affect a man. When I was twelve I was dragged along to a car show with my uncle and male cousin. They told me how great it was going to be and how much fun I was going to have. Then we walked. For three hours. Around a field, looking at parked cars. Best. Day. Ever. Can you sense the sarcasm? They must have hated me that day, because an hour in I wanted to go. I would rather sit in one of the park cars and nap then walk around and look at them. Oh, but I had to look under the hood, then I would understand. Then I would appreciate the machine for all that it was. Nope. I liked the shiny bright coats of paint on the cars, but shiny objects can only hold my attention for so long. I found this essay to be slightly ridiculous, because I couldn't relate to the author, but I did enjoy reading it. I especially enjoyed how he talked about fooling around in the car with a girl and leaving the things she broke as little reminders of their time together. 

My Parents Bust up and Mine

      I found this short essay to be very depressing. I don't understand how Kirn could let his parents divorce affect his adult life to the extent in which it did. He ended up finalizing his divorce before his parents finalized theirs! The piece was very well written and was extremely personal. I could really feel how sad and pathetic Kirn's life was after his parents divorce. He really exposed his true self and didn't hide anything from the reader.  I think the author used an appropriate tone throughout the piece. It is as if Kirn is skeptical of marriage, but hopeful for the possibility of it being eternal. I hope his second marriage lasts!

Black Men and Public Space

I found this essay to be extremely sad. As a white female, I have never encountered the stares and aversions that Staples had to face everyday. This is a result of my white privilege, which until recently, I hadn't been aware of. I commend Staples for remaining calm in those situations. I would have been extremely frustrated and angry if faced with similar prejudice. However, I do regret to admit, that if I passed him on a dark street late at night, I too would advert my eyes and quicken my pace. Not because of his race, but because of his gender and build. As a woman I have been trained to be skeptical of strange men. I have been scared by the countless stories of rape and kidnapping that my Grandmother insists on telling me. Unfortunately, stereotyping is a very real, very aggravating issue. I like staples attitude towards his lot in life. He takes the high road and understands why others may avoid him just because of his looks. I found his comparison of his whistling melodies from Beethoven and Vivaldi to the cowbell hikers wear in bear country extremely well put. It really showed me how he must feel, trying to put people at ease as they walk by. It is his way of saying, "Hey, I will not rape you. Nor will I kidnap you. Have a wonderful evening."