Avik's ENGL296 Blog

  In 2019, Susan Dupor painted Surrender  upon a canvas with oil. Observing this painting initially confused me; interpreting it in the most literal sense, it's a human with a fish's head, having been caught by a fishing line and being pointed at and gestured towards by several hands towards the frame of the image. However, upon closer viewing, we find some more metaphorical observations. For example, from the title of the painting - " Surrender " - and the types of gestures towards the subject (pointing, beckoning) we can assume that it is being asked to surrender. Surrender is only asked of those seen as adversarial or hostile, and as such we may assume that the outside perspective - the hands pointing and gesturing at the subject - believes this human-fish to be a threatening or hostile force that must surrender to them. Similarly, we observe that having bitten the reel, the fish-head is crying, as there is a tear rolling down from its eye. It is clearly sad or dis...

 In The Shape of Water , several characters are depicted in a way that supports Rosemarie Garland-Thomson's description of the intersectionality of feminism and disability. For example, we are introduced to the villain of the film - Strickland - fairly early on, and we quickly realize that he is the true metaphorical "monster" of the story. His treatment of women, other races, and other nationalities can only be described as brutal; it's evident that he has an extraordinary superiority complex over those he feels deviate from his own characteristics, which he perceives to be the ideal. During one scene, Strickland speaks to ("to", as opposed to "with", as "speaking with" would be a generous description of the conversation) Elisa and Zelda:  Strickland : You may think that thing looks human- Stands on two legs, but we’re created in the Lord’s image. And you don’t think that’s what the Lord looks like, do you? Zelda : I wouldn't know, S...

     Instead of focusing on a single poster child, I'd like to observe and discuss several poster children that all represent the same cause: asthma awareness and research. Asthma is a disease that causes swelling and constriction of the lungs, making it very difficult to breathe. My own younger brother has asthma, so I've seen secondhand how difficult it can be to manage in day-to-day life. He takes an inhaler everywhere with him, even if he doesn't plan on participating in strenuous physical activity that could trigger an asthma attack.      What I immediately notice about charities and foundations dedicated to asthma awareness and research is their significant emphasis on children. As Longmore writes in Heaven's Special Child , "through much of Western history, disabled and sick children were central to the practice of charity..." and "disability charities drew on the cult of sentimentalism's traditional tropes as they focused public attention on t...

 I play competitive video games. While I do enjoy sitting down and playing a single player adventure game from time to time to relax, I find the real engaging fun to be in competitive games, where I can outplay or outsmart other people. Maybe this stems from my hypercompetitive nature; I've always strived to be the best at anything I do, and games are no exception. Maybe it stems from the rush of being in a situation that requires fast-paced thinking and acting. In any case, I find that competing in video games is one of the best ways to access easy entertainment and happiness.  I've played video games for as long as I can remember, beginning with my first Nintendo DS to when I built a computer from parts solely to play games two years. Beginning in seventh grade, however, I found what I consider to be my favorite game of all time - Rocket League. You may have heard of it, but if not, it's pretty simple to understand: soccer with cars. That's it! Three cars (that can al...

I would say that I deviate from the American norm of desiring a car or other personal motor vehicle. Ever since its invention, the car has symbolized very American values of freedom and independence. Owning a car has become a point of pride and a marker of wealth - especially those more expensive. In fact, much of American infrastructural development is centered around the idea that every household should own a car! The term "urban sprawl" was coined specifically to criticize the rise of sparse development, with a high dependence on automobiles to get from place to place. Where I live, a car is necessary just to get groceries; it's a 7 minute drive but a 40 minute walk to the nearest grocery store!    I deviate from this norm in that I have no desire to ever own a car. After living in the suburbs for all 20 years of my life and having experienced life in a large and walkable city this summer, I can safely say I strongly prefer the environment with a robust public transpo...