some thoughts on the presentations

I didn't plan on blogging about the presentations b/c I figured people would post their own info, but I have seen several things over the last two class periods that have caught my fancy or inspired me. It may be that the former speech and debate coach in me feels the need to critique performances, but I truly am fired up by all of the wonderful lessons I have learned in the past few days.

The fascination with, and presentations on, Revelations and women in the Bible/The Slave by so many of my classmates was intriguing. I enjoyed Amy's take on the visions of "Crazy John" and Rosa's performance art piece that (beautifully) reminded us that we are the gift. Rosanna's definition of penis envy was startling, but I love being exposed to new ideas that make my previously held notions fall on their collective butts.

Dane and Ryan (in their own distinct styles) both presented the Bible as a document used to control the masses, and Brian reminded us that Frye said we can't argue with the literal meaning of the Bible. Brian's comment about how too many things try to be tied to the Bible (i.e. archeologists find a bench in Jerusalem and state "Jesus MAY have sat here") was amusing and succintly echoed something we have talked about over and over again in class: let the myth lie - don't try to tie it to history.

Marlow and Emily both compared Invisible Man to the book of Revelation; although, they disagreed on whether or not they'd recommend Ralph Ellison's book. I would recommend it to anyone who wants insight as to what it's really like to be black in America - granted this is the opinion of a white woman in Montana. I read Invisible Man one summer before I went to Alabama to visit my grandparents - I think it was in 1995. I'd been in Alabama dozens of times before (and several since) and even lived there for a couple of brief periods as a child, but being there right after reading that book gave me a hypersensitivity and awareness that I had never experienced before. Many white people still treat black people as if they are invisible.

Now that I've completely digressed . . .

Taylor's discussion of Guinevere was so intriguing it made me want to read the William Morris book. Erica's David reminded me why he is so many's fave character. And, Dana and Brendan both voiced something that I have learned in this class that means more to me than any other lesson (and there have been plenty!): the Bible isn't a literal document - I've struggled with this for years and it's heady stuff for an ex-Southern Baptist to digest, and I appreciated their input and Dana's artwork.

I know I've mentioned certain names, but, rest assured, ALL of you have opened my eyes, ears and mind.