Pencils and Erasers

Before entering winter break, we were all shocked with a cold read and seminar on the essay “I want a wife”. The message seemed to be fairly obvious. Stereotypes are unrealistic. Men desire the world from their wives and give nothing in return. But there was something our class failed to account for. Some stereotypes and role expectations have the potential to do good when they are able to provide accountability, structure, and a shared, common standard.                 Judy Brady’s essay demonstrates how stereotypes were used to exploit wives, but the exaggerated tone that she uses encourages readers to reject all role-based expectations instead of differentiating between actual exploitation and simple accountability. It’s incredibly important to realize that some stereotypes are not inherently bad. For example, expecting a wife to contribute to the home or expecting a husband to provide protection to a family...

  In the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically the book of Samuel, there is a very popular story that takes place. For those that are unfamiliar, the record of David and Goliath is typically remembered as a battle of strength, where a small shepherd takes down a massive warrior, overcoming massive odds and proving just about every Israelite wrong. But besides all of the armor, stones, and fighting, the story tells us a lot about perception, as the Israelites assumed they would see David’s defeat before the fight even began. The people misunderstood each character’s size and strength for their own kismet. In a more recent context, people make the same habits, not during battles or competitions, but in everyday life. Now just imagine if everyone viewed David as the villain. The person with no armor, no physique, nothing a sling and 5 smooth stones from a stream. It feels like it wouldn’t be possible. I mean how could the people be so dumb as to view Goliath, a six foot nine, o...