Material Things

I have a hard time getting rid of things. I am a keeper. I keep photos, letters, dried flowers, memories, books, etc... These things have emotional attachments to them. I remember my first journal. When I graduated from high school my best friend's mother gave me a journal. I was never much of a journal writer, but the book was perfect. When I went to basic training, I took it with me and wrote every day. It holds so much of what I was and how I evolved not only in age, and maturity, but as a writer too. Since then, I have filled 13 other journals with my musings, rants, poetry, letters, observations of my children, and whatever else I feel compelled to write. These journals are important to me. I am also a scrapbooker. I have made many scrapbooks for my family and spent hours designing and remembering. Even though these may not seem like much, they are things that I will take with me wherever I go.

In our book, Night, as his family was forced to leave their home many took prized possessions with them. So much was stripped from them, but they took what they could. I want you to think about what you would take with you. Why would you take those items? What value do they posses?

In addition to posting this week, your points will be determined on you posting to one other person's post. It does not have to be long, but it does need to be on topic and thoughtful.

Indifference

Elie Wiesel argues in his speech, The Perils of Indifference, that, "Indifference elicits no response. Indifference is not a response. Indifference is not a beginning; it is an end. And therefore, indifference is always a friend to the enemy, for it benefits the aggressor--never his victim whose pain is magnified when he or she feels forgotten."

Webster defines indifference as a "lack of interest or concern." In looking at these two definitions of indifference, it is necessary to look at our own indifference. I think we are all guilty of indifference at one time or another. As Wiesel questions if we do it for our sanity? To remain normal? He also cautions that indifference is dangerous. More dangerous than anger and hate.

I ask you to think about indifference. When have you watched indifference occur? Your witnessing of indifference may not ever be as dramatic as that of Elie Wiesel or soldiers in war. But I am sure it exists in our world. Perhaps you witness it here at school, at home, in Brunswick.

I watched one day, as a teenager, as my dog was hit by a car and no one stopped to help or check to see what could be done. My dog pulled herself out of the road and to the side where I picked her up to carry her in the house. Those who drove by were indifferent to her crying, to her struggle to move, to her dying. I do not know why? As the person who watched indifference be born, I was sickened by those who did nothing. I should also say, that I have also watched as individuals stepped up in other instances and did not allow indifference to be born. They helped when needed and reminded me of what it means to be part of the human race.

I want you to think about why people are indifferent?

Be mindful, that in this blog we are not to give names. We must respect others.