Greetings,
While I was in high school honors English, I read this wonderful book that
kept me holding the book until I had read it cover to cover. For my
English Assignment, I prepared a skit loosely based on the book and a
paper discussing my skit, the book, and the popular culture view of those
who are seen to be different. A few of my classmates also chose this same
book and did different projects that treated the subject at a superficial
level.
I have multiple learning disabilities, neuromotor deficits, and ADHD and
learned early on what it was like to be seen as different even with hidden
disabilities such as mine. This personalized the story for me and I was
able to retrieve a much deeper meaning and infused that enlightened
understanding in both my skit and paper. When I presented my projects to
my class, they sat there with their jaws wide open and a posture that
indicated great interest in my interpretation.
For my skit, I drew on my creativity and collection of costumes inspired
by me but made by my mother's skillful interpretation of my vision and of
course wonderful sewing abilities. I even sought out a rubber chicken for
my skit which took some time to find one that was good quality and
expressive in design.
I was barraged with questions when I completed my presentation, taking up
the entire class time. They all wondered how I could come to those
conclusions. My answer was that I know what it is like to be different. I
gave a quick summary of my disabilities and then my teacher took over
from there to support my understanding. You see, she has an adult son
who now lives in a group home - he is a severe epileptic. As his mother,
she too understood.
The next class, the teacher explained how important it was to start with
something you know something about and to put something of yourself into
your work. The students who had yet to do their presentations and work
very grade conscious revised their final presentations and papers.
Students who had presented earlier asked if they could redo their
projects.
When this section of the course was over, I was so pleased when
my teacher, in front of all my classmates said that I had established a
higher level of expectation for my class and for all the students she
would have in the future. Students who had made fun of me, not really
knowing why, apologized and were eager to partner up with me on group
projects.
If this subject of the television show interests you, the book "Geek Love"
will hold your interest. For those of you who have a general interest in
the subject, a search for a review of the book will be most informative.
The author Katherine Dunn (1945 -) has lead a very colorful life and this
is evident her her writing.
I would love to watch this show tonight but I am in the middle of final
exams at university. I took the time to write to the group because I
learned a lot about myself and the world from this book. Enjoy your
watching television.
Michael Schwake
__________________________________________
On Wed, 18 Apr 2001, Robert Mauro wrote:
> Tonight, 4/18/01, at 8 p.m. NY time, the History Channel will present a
> history of sideshows and freak shows. I hope you'll watch it and let me know
> what you think. I look forward to hearing your comments.
>
> Bob Mauro - [log in to unmask]
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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