A major catastrophe has almost completely devastated
the infrastructure of your country. The emergency government has decided that
the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other
countries willing to take refugees. You and your immediate family are among the
survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have absolutely no input
into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. You are told
that your host country’s culture is completely different from your own, and
that you might have to stay there permanently. You are further told that, in
addition to one change of clothes, you can only take 3 small items with you.
You decide to take three items that you hold dear and that represent your
family culture.
The three items I would choose in this scenario are:
A photo album full of photos of my family and
friends
My bodhran, which is an Irish drum that represents
both my culture and my love of music. I would take this with me because I
believe that music makes the world come together regardless of cultural
difference.
I would lastly bring my Seattle Seahawks Pillow Pet.
American football is a huge part of my culture and the pillow is extremely
comfortable. I may end up in a country where there are no beds or pillows so
this would come in handy.
I would
discuss in detail why all of these items are dear to me. I would be able to discuss
many aspects of my culture and teach others about it. I would be upset and
angry if I had to give up two items upon my arrival since I already had to
leave everything behind and only choose three items. I would probably be pretty
stubborn and argue my way out of giving anything up. However, my photo album is
something that is irreplaceable so giving up my drum and pillow would be a
little easier. I can make those things, I can’t remake memories.
This exercise was interesting because I think it
would be extremely difficult to only choose three things. I do think that the
items I chose are practical, heart-felt and slightly superficial.
I loved your post. The pillow pet was a very clever idea. You are right it is a huge part of our culture but you may end up swomewhere and need a place to set your head....and the irish drum I truly think would be able to make peace anywhere you would end up, beacuse music is a part of all cultures.... Great post!!!
ReplyDeleteTiffany
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI agree that your items are heart-felt and practical. I am not sure that they are superficial as they have meaning to you and that is all that matters.
Hello Amanda,
ReplyDeleteAs I read your post, I had this crazy thought--gee, I hope Amanda and I are evacuated to the same place--you bring your bodhran and I'll bring my fiddle!
Great post!