The Color Purple

Lhadze Bosiljevac        

Period 1

Sutherland

2/24/11

                                  The Color Purple

                                         Essay

            In the novel The Color Purple by Alice Walker, distance & many other things from each other separate the two sisters Celie and Nettie. Celie, who was forcefully married at 14 with 2 kids to Mr. (Note: the two kids were from here stepfather). And Nettie, an ambitious young girl who originally lived with Mr. and Celie. Later thrown out and moved to Africa with the missionaries. Comparing the two sisters shows a great deal of Sexism, Religion, and Education in both their lives. But it seems that Nettie has it much easier than Celie. Held hostage, she exhorts her pain and confusion in the form of letters. And Alice Walker really tries to send a message that men are men, and women are women.

    

        Religion is probably the most controversial topic in the story. Why does Celie write to God? Exactly why does Celie put family before herself? Celie was in fact raped by her step dad. Therefore on page 1 of the book he says, “ You better tell nobody but god, it’ll kill you mammy”. This is probably why Celie begins to address God asking for help, guidance. For it seems he is the only person she can tell. Yet she’s only writing to God because there’s really no one who she feels comfortable or will listen to her problems. Sometimes it seems as if she doesn’t want the sympathy. Celie feels the only way to stay alive in a mans world, with god barely on her side, is to suffer in silence.  In her last letter Celie writes “Dear God. Dear stars, dear trees, dear sky, dear peoples. Dear Everything. Dear God.” It seems to be that that in the end, God is in every living creature. And that everything else listens to the joy and pain of life.

            Unlike Celie, Nettie has much more of an easy go life for the most part. She believes strongly in God. And not only that she joins a missionary and travels to Africa. At one point in the book, when the church is being destroyed by road builders, on page 169” And Celie, our church, our school, my hut, all went down in a matter of hours”. Here you see the pure agony she faces because their own prayer house is being destroyed. It’s like someone stepping all over your religions mascot. Nettie is emotionally disrupted by the grief.  Although she does watch the village get destroyed and take care of village children, Nettie does not have children of here own, therefore she is freer spiritually and emotionally. She is not bound by anything really and gallops through life. And her love for God makes her this open religious person who’s fairly optimistic. This is probably purposely pulled out of the context to show Alice Walkers feminism.

        Sexism seems to keep the ball rolling on both women’s lives, especially Celies.

Her husband acts like a tyrant over the family controlling her and beating her because she’s a woman.  She was beaten regularly because she wasn’t like Shug. (Page 75) Her Mr. shunned Celie even at the dinner table as he said, “you black, and you pore, you ugly, you a woman. Goddamn, he say, you nothing at all.” (206)

      But later after all this Celie fights back to Mr. at the table. Her words come out strong and clear, even yelling at the children “ You was all rotten children...And your daddy here ain’t nothing but dead horses shit” (200). And no wiser words have been spoken. Amen.

         

           Now as for Nettie, whom seems to enjoy the most out her life, is married and happy with Samuel. He even loves her for who she is, not who he wants her to be as stated “But Samuel tells me he loves me plump and graying”(226). Nettie is given jobs both for boys and girls. Of course even in Africa, there are some male dominances, but in Nettie’s life its pretty well balanced.

  

     

           During the time period of Ceile’s life, you see change in every aspect, even her writing skills. At first her grammar is off and hard to understand. But she spent so much time tending the children, barely having enough time to educate herself.  Showing as Walker said, the children held her back.

         As for Nettie, no kids of her own, no burden to hold! Although she watches the village children, Nettie never puts herself last. Or first, because that position seems like it’s for God. And her job is to help those in need and herself and please her husband, or lover. Though Nettie not only has her own education, but now she can share her knowledge with the kids!

     In Brief, you see the differences between Nettie and Celie also how the one change in their childhood decided their lives.  Alice Walker seemed to write the book as if one part of her was Nettie, smart, confident, and happy without the burden of kids.  And Celie who receives peoples sympathy is the side if women had kids and were married.  It seems to be that the more misery and pain Celie goes through, is exactly what the writer wants you to believe in this story full of Sexism, Religion, and Education .

   

      

Re: Constance on The Color Purple

 So I just read Constance's blog about why she thinks Celie write to god. And I totally agree with her here :

"  In the novel The Color Purple, the protagonist Celie's letters to God make it clear that she is a religious person, but it also shows something about the way she sees God. It would seem that she thinks of God as someone to whom she can tell all her problems without too much judgment, perhaps someone to confide in."


I can relate because you don't  want to tell someone about your family issues, and explain what your holding back. Because back then, as you can see in the book, women were mistreated and told to keep their mouthes shut. So it seems as if Celie can depend on god to listen to her problems and not judge her. Because what she's stating is that if she can talk to god, no one can see and hurt her for speaking up. It also gives her the chance to work at her writing skills. If you can't speak to anyone, and you cannot trust someone, you don't even know yourself that well, then you can see why she'd go to God for help. Because not only will she have got to let out her stress, but she will have also got to rethink her situation, be the judge of her own life. Not someone else. I think Celie's more afraid of how people will treat her after she admits how she feels rather than what the benefit of asking for help, guidance really is. And since she's terrified of men, she lingers to women, in which she becomes closer and more comfortable to. People she can feel more relaxed with. But either way her faith really is in God. She must of been very devoted to the fact he always listens, but never really shouts back at her. Even if misfortunes happen to her. Alltogether Celie's reason of why she writes to God mainly is the sense of security in the letters and expressing herself to someone who will not judge her for it.

Should parents manipulate there kids DNA??

Oh wow. Aha big topic. These days anything can be possible. Want a smaller nose? Nose job for you. Want to have chests the size of Mariah Carey? Boob job. Need bigger fuller lips, Botox and lip injections. And everything else you need, tummy tuck, all that stuff is possible these days with the worlds astonishing technology. But is it good for you on the long run? Are the side effects worth it? But now from these tests were moving to changing our child's DNA. I'll explain one thing, messing with a new born DNA for the first critical months cause cause huge harm to the child. Why wouldn't you want your child to look like you instead of your best friend because she has blue eyes? As I get to read more more about genes and cloning, and using genetic engineering to manipulate you child's DNA the more and more you can risk further health issues. As some people state that this type of mutation as "Playing God". All the more reasons to discourage DNA manipulation is that the word " Manipulation" doesn't sound very positive. If you manipulate someone, your changing them in to believing you, not for there cause.  And if you doing this for your children's DNA and  the mutations cause the 36 chromosome's in to 64, not only have you mutated you child but it's humanly impossible to have that many chromosome's. I think by changing genes you also must not be proud of yourself. Not only are you insulting your looks and genetic building blocks but your partners as well. Natural  selection is the best way off, be glad for what nature intended.

 As this one person states on Gazizza : 

"Two artificial DNA “letters” that are accurately and efficiently replicated by a natural enzyme have been created by US researchers. Adding the two artificial building blocks to the four that naturally comprise DNA could allow wildly different kinds of genetic engineering, they say.

Eventually, the researchers say, they may be able to add them into the genetic code of living organisms."

 What in the hell??? Ok first of all our genetic DNA consists of 4 letter. As you know its T,A,C,G.  Therefore T bonds with A and C bonds with G. But the two new letters must bond with themselves. But changing this code can lead to future issues. Engineering a new set of DNA, the results can probably worse off then the effects. And another person on the same site explains 

"But not everyone wants what seemed to be the three genetic engineering options: refrain and let nature take her course, attempt to repair genetic diseases but otherwise let well enough alone, or select positive qualities in children. There are parents who are deliberately ensuring that their children are born with disabilities, from deafness to dwarfism. A fourth option—inflicting permanent disabling conditions on children—is now being used"

 Why would someone try to changing what they have made. We humans have been born with diseases all our lives, due to our genetic code, and the pass of traits.  In this case altering you normal child's DNA into being born disabled. Why on earth would a parent want a child to suffer? Genetic defects are the least of the newest trends that people want yet scientists are creating more defected children than healthy kids? Parents these days don't know what they want for themselves so testing your baby like a high school science lab is not the way to do it. I think after a bit of common knowledge and research, I think genetic engineering for the perfect material child is oblivious. Therefore undoubtably stupid.

Wow this touched my heart

  Jasiu, I heard you had epilepsy.  But I didn't know it lead to such restrictions on daily routines and I'm so glad your still here! :D
As you stated:
"I know how it feels like to be “handicapped” since I have epilepsy. Though I am more fortunate than those who unfortunately have several seizures daily and those lost their ability to walk, my life is limited. I am advised to avoid activities that require loads of energy such as cross country running and a few games at PE when my team really needs everyone. I am also forbidden to eat carbohydrates (which include sodas, treats, pastries etc) and that I frequently violate. These rules can become so controlling I frequently ignore them, increasing the chance for me in having a seizre. Many of my dream jobs I had became erased from my future. No longer can I become an astronaut, a pilot, or an athlete since these I dream jobs just listed put my life at risk I have a seizure.  Though I luckily have auras (a feeling before a seizure), they only give me about a 10 second warning before they occur."


 I get you and how you can't eat carbohydrates. Neither can I, well I do but I'm not supposed to. I have auto immune disease.  And I'm allergic and intollerant with a lot of food. I have chronic panic attacks that strike at any given point in time, and I pass out or my heart beat drops.  This saddens me, but at the same time you still persue what you can do instead of dwelling on what you can't. And I'm relived that you  get warnings before you actually have a seizure! I wish there was a cure for epilepsy! I would trade lives with you.  You deserve it, and so do people with any physical or mental disability.  Remember your disability is an ability, and your abilities can be a disability. If you see this response can you please explain to me why carbohydrates have to avoided?  Like I said, I'm really happy your ok and I hope as time progress's you feel and get better :)

Response to Gina

Gina I read your comment. After a few years of deciding if I wanted to be scene, I had the same feeling you did. O.M.G what the hell is wrong with these people! But I loved the style, the attitude. And I guess after about 7th grade I decided I would take the leap to be scene.
  "Being scene seems a little bit like a cult. As I was doing some research on what it means to be "scene" I came across a video that made me sick to my stomach (and I refuse to post a link because I would never want to spread such blatant ignorance). In the video a "scene" girl talks about a few girls at her school who also consider themselves "scene," she goes on to bash them and call them posers. She explains that one of her schoolmates should stop trying to "look scene" because she's Black and she should go listen to rap music and leave true scene kids alone, although that isn't bad enough she then explains that there is a group of girls who cannot possible be scene because they are overweight and ugly.  I was ready to smack the "scene" off of this girl's face. As I clicked on more videos I realized that many "scene kids" think the same way and have no problem voicing their opinion."


Scene kids all have a very big point of view, and I guess you found that out. But Gina I'd like you to understand we all look the same in ways, but personality wise we can all differ (to an extent)
 I'll explain you the intense bullying I had to go through to be scene. By late 8th grade I knew I wanted to be scene. I got my hair cut, and I started to take pictures and call myself scene. By then some scenes had heard about me. Not only was I continously bullied, but also I lost all self esteem.  But did that stop me? No. I pushed harder and went to crazy extents that didn't end so well.  But now I have been noticed, people think I'm crazy scene. I need you to understand that I am not that girl in that video. I know what it's like to be the person living that scene lifestyle. But it's the posers who make us mad because we had to go through that intense labor to get where we are. Thats why we do that. But we all end up as friends most of the time in the end. And some scene girls( who by the way are the meaniest of the mean) have the worst personalities but thats basically if you tick them off. Or if they think there on top.
Also I thank full bow to your feet about this post:


"Let me start off by saying that this is not a post bashing people that choose to be "scene" or dress in that way, I respect them for dressing in a way that they like and I love that they wear a lot of Hello Kitty, but I feel that it is a little strange that there are rules to being scene."

Thank you for being mature in this post. Haha. Breathe of fresh air.  Yes scene kids are the obsession of Hello Kitty and anything child like. And google doesn't always have the greatest reference,  yet you found some pretty cool info. Yes in the love the style there are rules to being scene. Miss one and your out of the game. It's the lost guidelines. Haha. They make them, people change them and then you get the different types of scene. And for all information scene kids love to stick that in your face( as you noted)
 I think what sets off people with being scene is their attitude. But you have to look deeper than that. Like my cousin said before I turned scene, " scene kids are controlled by the media"
 Now I understand him. But I totally get your point on scene. And I see why you think it's a cult. But I think most scene kids don't take it that far. I guess our heads are full of crap, and we think wrong of everything, but we have a very nice side to us. But in the end I have no hatetred toward any new scene kid. But thank you for you opinion Gina, I understand you 100%

response to rohksor

I really don't see how your cousin got involved, either way, this blog was about comparing the two, emo and scene. Not pointing out your cousin. And by the sound  of it she seems very pretty. And I'd love to see a picture. Back to you comment, I think we discussed this about you being in a bad mood. I love who I am and it makes no  difference what so ever if everyones judgement on me is negative. I will the person I choose to be, and will remain the same. Also as you state


"What pissed me off is how my cousin was brought up!" 


Again, you cousin has nothing to do with this post. It seems to be you seem more aggravatied about scene than I am. Remember it's just a stereotype to others, but to me its a lifestyle.  And a response to this

What are we supposed to do? Do you want all beginners to come kiss your feet? 


Ahaha that was a nice one, but no thank you thats not needed in this case.  Any beginner who would kiss my feet is desperate. I am not a scene queen, and I have alot to work to get there. But what bothers me is some people google the definition of scene. Don't trust everything you see on the internet. Learn from the best, look the best. If your a google definition follower it's dead obvious. Plus I don't think any of you arguments are on the topic of what's the difference with scene and emo. But who I am and your cousin. All I'm saying is that this blog post has gotten all the negative comments. All I'm saying is if you have an argument on the subject and the main point, then please comment otherwise please don't. Cause I don't want to read 10000 responses that don't relate to the title and subject. But otherwise thats all. Rohksor I'm not calling you a liar, but I've never seen a picture. So thats why I had my doubts. But all the best for anyone trying to be scene. It's hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world. But you can do it. My post isn't to discourage you, it's just scene kids are very defensive when compared or told how scene really is. So be the best you are

Response to Karisa ;D

Awww that's so sweet. I totally get you peoples points. And if your bothered I'm sorry but at this point I'm kinda of aggravated some people act like they know what scene is and try to diss me.Thank you to all you haters because your thinking about meh :) Anyways As she states:

"I can understand if someone is constantly copying everything you do, that would annoy me too, but I don't think it's right to just automatically say that everyone who says "I'm Scene", is a poser. I mean in that case someone else can just come along and say you're a poser."

 You have a very goood point Karisa and I respect that alot. And I don't call everyone one poser. I just think when you are just not fitting the so called " scene kid" status, I think by now my reaction is to call you poser. But I've put that down alot because I mean scene is like a long road and it's hard to reach. And I have had people call me poser, but thats when the best part about scene comes in because I don't care. So what I'm saying is that be who you want to be. Just cause your fighting to be top scene kid, or hipster, prep don't let it stop from being yourself. I mean this is what I've wanted to be from childhood. So I am myself. And Karisa I really thank you for helping me see this in a nicer perspective, and not yelling in my face about it. It really helps. I think personally everyones pretty, and just cause I think you're a poser does not mean I don't think your pretty. EVERYBODY'S GOREGEOUS! Hahaha. Honest to god look at yourself in the mirror(not even kidding) and say " I am beautiful, and I could careless what others have to say". I've been used to people calling me ugly since the age of 6 so at this point I feel prettier. And happy some people think I am. But in  the end, our looks go to waste, not our knowledge, so everyone whos hating, yelling at me about being scene, in 30 years I probablly wion't even remember you. So I find you views helpful like Karisa's, or just plain stupid from others.
Thank You Karisa.