While these readings were pretty different from anything we've had in the past I think there were important lessons to be taken from each story, true or not. The story about the gas masks seemed sort of unimportant to me at first until someone makes the comment about fear. It brought to mind that a lot of things groups of people do to those they hold power over are simply to incite fear into the masses so they won't know whats coming next and they will be afraid to rise up against.
The story about the dog and her passport definitely seemed ridiculous but brought around the point of just how hard it is for people to get passports. Through a false story it shows how much of a hassle the boarder checks and stops all along the ways are for people just trying to do something as simple as take their dog to a decent vet. The feminism aspect of this story also fit in with the last one about Jerusalem in general being a female. I wasn't really sure what to make of this one and the main point I took out that was trying to be made was that Jerusalem is not owned by anyone. She should welcome all and all visiting or living within her gates should respect all of her traditions. They should respect those who have come and lived and ruled before them because they are a part of her past as well.
I agree the story about the dog and the passports was really crazy. It really showed me how desperate people are to get passports, and how hard daily life must be. I cannot imagine how difficult every day life must be.
ReplyDelete