I've lost two followers recently. I've always found it strange that on blogger, we have "followers." It's like we're cult leaders and don't even know it. I'm sure this is not a novel thought, yet might I suggest it be changed to "readers" instead? That way I won't feel somehow less powerful if I lose any.In other news, I made Varsity girls tennis! I can't wait to play matches, have fun and get in shape, all at the same time. Seriously, it isn't translating well, but I'm deliriously excited. I'm so euphoric I don't even care if that was redundant!
In other, other news, I'm slowly getting my voice back. Thank you for all the well wishes. I still sound like a pubescent boy. And have to blow my noise quite frequently. I am getting better, though.
In English class we're going to start reading The Great Gatsby, the quintessential American novel. Today, as a introduction to it, we discussed the American Dream. We were asked to define it and to determine whether or not it has changed over the years. Now I want to pose the same question to you all. What is the American Dream and has it changed over the years? If so, how? I'm also interested to hear non-Americans' take on this. That means you, Ruth, dear!
The Great Gatsby is such a great novel, you'll love it! It is weird to have followers but it does make sense I guess.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Congrats on making the tennis team!
It's true. We're all little mini-cults, bent on BRAINWASHING THE WORLD with our chants and our rituals. Well, I am, at least...
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on making Varsity! Haha, you could be calmly excited. Not so redundant. Yay!
I think the "American Dream" is overrated, because it's the same dream as everywhere. Make your way in life. At least on an individual level. I suppose 'freedom' could be thrown in there somewhere. Haha, I could actually spend time and thought writing a deep and intuitive answer here, but it's 6:28 in the morning and I have comics to read before the bus gets here. Woo.
Yeah, I think I prefer the term readers over followers too. I have like 145 but I think it's just cause I've had this blog for so long... it's weird to go back and see how so many of those people's blogs just kind of died, you know?
ReplyDeleteAnyways, congrats on varsity tennis! :D And I'm glad to hear your voice is getting better too!
Ah, my English class is totally focused on the whole 'American dream' theme this year too. We have to make an American dream/video project on it. But yeah, I guess it's the whole idea that you can come to this "land of opportunity" where everything's peaches and cream and make a name for yourself. The only problem is it's not peaches and cream. And with billions of other people all trying to accomplish the same exact thing, the success rate isn't very high...
CONGRATS ON VARSITY!
ReplyDeletealso, i totally know what you mean about feeling like a cult leader with all these followers. it's so weird. that's why i got rid of my "followers" button on my blog and just put a link up. it's weird seeing all those faces staring back at me haha.
you've gained one here, dear.
ReplyDeleteThe Great Gatsby is a life-changing book. I strongly encourage you really read into it, lose yourself in the story.
The ideal of the American Dream puzzles me a little. I mean, it doesn't just belong to America (or technically, the USA.) I think freedom of speech and expression, and comfortable living conditions, is a fitting goal for all countries, not just the US.
When I was typing that post, I was thinking exactly the same thing! I started off on AOL as an 8th grader, emigrated here along with you, and now I'm a senior who'll soon graduate and start a new life in a new state (hopefully) and with new people. It's mind boggling, and you're only one year away from experiencing what I am now. It'll be great to read about your Senior Year journey (unless you go MIA like I did for a few months :P)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on making it on the team!! I wish I were athletically gifted.
Hmm the American Dream. I think it's the whole "we're all in the gutters, but some of us are looking at the stars" kind of thing. Many want to make a name for themselves and get out the "slums."
Yeah, the term followers irks me, but we can't do much about it.
ReplyDeleteHooray for making varsity! Do you get a letterman? In Texas if you're on any varsity team you get a letterman.
As for the American Dream... Let's just say that I dream of visiting countries with paid maternity leave and free healthcare... er, yeah. The American Dream is great if you're determined enough.
Haha, I have a strict schedule in the morning of going on the computer. By 'strict schedule' I mean I so all my computer stuff while eating breakfast and hope that when I'm done I haven't missed the bus. Yeah.
ReplyDeleteTangent.
BEWARLE of tangents!
I think a lot of young people are.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I love that you refer to him as "tennis lover." It's AWESOME that you talked, though! Definitely a thing to be happy about.
TGG is one of my favorite books. We had to do that exact assignment when I read it in APJunior English. I think I managed to fit in John Green. It's whatever.
ReplyDeleteGOOD JOB ON TENNIS, ATHLETE.