Writing X Culture--France; David Sedaris - Part Deux

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Period 1:

Please continue writing your non-fiction pieces. Leave some time to view a few of these videos below before period 2. I will announce in class when you should move toward checking out the videos. Either way, if you don't get to them today, please watch them for homework, respond to them in some sort of writing, and reflect on the material as it applies to David Sedaris and our class content.

As you watch these videos, consider the following concepts/terms we have covered in class and begin learning these terms. You should be able to find evidence in the texts you read or the videos you watch of these things:
  • Culture
  • Cultural Relativism
  • Stereotype
  • Language & semiotics (symbols)
  • Taboos
  • Hegemonic group
Dealing With Conflicts in a Culture Outside of Our Own:


Period 2: Let's listen to "Me Talk Pretty One Day"
As we listen, consider the following questions:

  1. How does Sedaris REFLECT on his life or experiences in the essay? Can you identify where he switches his narrative to reflect on meaning?
  2. Where does Sedaris exaggerate or use hyperbole as literary tool for his comic writing? Is he successful? 
  3. How does culture provide for an appropriate conflict in the essay? Can you identify the terms above in this essay? How do these concepts function in the essay?
Discuss and answer these questions in your small assigned group.

HOMEWORK: Complete the videos at the links above. Prepare for a quiz on our cultural terms. Please read the essay, "See You Again, Yesterday". 

Comments

gena driscoll said…
1. David Sedaris reflects on his life through self deprecating jokes and anecdotes. For example, he jokes about how his mother doesn’t love him, recounting a conversion at the dinner table in which she professed her love for steak cooked rare, her cat, and tums, absentmindedly leaving her children off the list. He often writes about his own social awkwardness. After describing countless examples of his emotionally abusive teacher, he reflects on the joy he found in making progress in learning a new language. He reflects, “I could understand every word that someone was saying. Understanding doesn’t mean that you can suddenly speak the language.” He responds to his teacher’s insults, “The world opened up, and it was with great joy that I responded “I know the thing that you speak exact now. Talk me more, you, plus, please, plus.”
2. Sedaris uses hyperbole when describing his teacher’s egregious behavior. It seems unlikely that the teacher actually stabbed a student with a pencil, without facing any consequence. He uses hyperbole successfully, it makes his work comical.
3. Culture can be controversial because people have their own way of doing things, and are reluctant to be open minded to other cultures. His teacher fit the stereotype of a “rude French person.” The language barrier really illustrated a large divide between the two cultures.
September 18, 2014 at 9:34 AM
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