Discrimination is just as alive and thriving today as it was in the 19th Century when Jane Eyre was written. A few weeks ago our cheer squad was informed that there would no traveling during basketball season due to a multitude of reasons. The first reason in which traveling cheerleaders in no longer allowed is because of budget cuts. This is understandable because our state has been on a declining deficit for sometime. The second is because our school board does not think that our cheer squad is being equitable to all sports. Determined to prove them wrong, our squad wrote a letter to the school board explaining what our squad does to give back to our school, our sports teams and our community. Not only do we go to all football games and basketball games, we make it a priority to attend as many sporting events as possible, we make cards and goodie bags for the team members. We understand that being treated equally is important, but where is the equality for us?
Much like Jane, our cheer squad is overlooked. Our feelings are not taken in for consideration; it was not until we stood up for our selves fighting for the same equality that our superintendent was viciously preaching at us to practice did we see a change. Unlike Jane, we were not abandoned; our cheer coach stood by us fighting along side us. What Jane Eyre has taught me is that people may try to steal your voice, say that you aren’t significant, and say that you can’t make a difference, but you can.
“Justice cannot be for one side alone, but must be for both.” (Eleanor Roosevelt) We as humans are quick to judge and say someone is at fault. I blamed our state government for the budget cuts, but then I realized I was participating in the same ludicrous acts that my school board had done with our cheer squad. Reading Jane Eyre I learned that sometimes unjust, unfair, inequitable things happen in our lives, and when they do they need to be handled in a way that is respectful towards everyone, otherwise I become an enemy to others place unfair judgment upon others.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletevery well-written about how the aspects mentioned in jane eyre are still being practiced today. fighting for what is right was not allowed during the victorian era, thus your example of fighting for what is right is bold and tells how you are willing to fight for what is right even if someone who has a high position in office refuses to see how you contribute to your community.
ReplyDelete-nikki l
Nicely said and I liked how you connected things going on in your life, to Jane's life. It is important to speak out and fight for what we believe is right, but at the same time have understanding and knowledgeable of the situation.
ReplyDelete~ Kaylee H.
I completely agree with you when you state that discrimination is still present in the society we live in today. Homosexuals and other groups are still greatly judged today although we are constantly reminded of the horrible affects it can have on others.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I was a bit discriminatory towards cheerleading as I also didn't have full respect towards it being a sport. But now that I hear all of the things that you guys are involved with, I now understand. To tell you the truth, I would be completely ineffable and devastated at the thought of the volleyball program being removed from our school, so I completely understand where you're coming from. So I greatly respect you guys for standing up for your selves and writing a letter to the superintendent.
-Erin P.
I really admire the depth, and how you have connected it with your life.
ReplyDelete-Jake K
Wow very nice in the way that you connected literature into your own life, because that is what literature is really supposed to be, a reflection of real human emotion and experience and your integration of it into your life shows great depth and maturity.
ReplyDeleteDerek B.
You did a very nice job in connecting the themes and circumstances presented in Jane and applying them to your own life. The connection you established is clearly described and your frustration and determination are visible. It is definitely important to stand up for what you believe in. Do not let anybody take that away from you. Stay strong and keep fighting!
ReplyDelete-Dane Johnson