Mandela

Mandela’s Autobiography made me realize that fact that we humans are equal no one is greater than the other; not even the colour of your skin and my skin is not primary distinct of who is greatest except God of his eternal immortal power that sanction man to live on earth not to discriminate but to learn and understand one another. The autobiography tells the story of Mandela himself being in imprisonement and even in a condition that will test man dignity, pride and truth would have leave everything of morality in nature and took sin as he is desparate and sacrifice does not come easy. But, Mandela did oppose the nature of man in depression. He stood up for equality anywhere he is. His ideology of human equality must have burned his passion of creating a peaceful world where equality is the key of harmonious and strength of a nation. Mandela was able to stood up for the rights of others by sacrificing his own privilage.His story made me reflects on Malaysia first prime minister TunkU Abdul Rahman. He sacrified his life for a nation . He was raised to the position as a leader with nothing and he died with nothing. The great story of Mandela is an experience worth to be a guide for leaders as example. Sacrifice takes a mile of self worth and giving by will. But if one can get to sacrifice it worth a mile of praise and pride. Mandela worth of sacrifice is his acknowledgement, he built his legacy in through out the world. His autobiography should be read by everone to realize the fact that humans are of equal quality.

Autobiography and Diary

Well, I myself do write diary. For me, diary is a way to release my tension, to express my feelings and to share my experience. Diary will be my faithful friend as it definitely will not betray me. Diary is always there for me whenever I feel words can assist me to express myself better than speech. However, as we know, autobiography is also about oneself. An autobiography talks about a person’s life. Perhaps, it is a famous person’s life? His or her experience? Or his or her sacrifices? Or maybe his or her unusual contribution to others? What is the difference actually?

Well, after my lecturer has explained to us, only then I come to the realization that diary is written to be kept by ourselves. Whereas, an autobiography is written to be published. It sounds more formal right? Thus, we can see that some autobiography is also used as teaching material, either as literature as resource or for appreciation. No matter is diary or autobiography, I do think that they are good way for one to jot down their life experience or feelings. So friends, lets us write our own diary. Perhaps, one day it can be an autobiography!

THE FALL

The fall of Icarus!!!!!!!!The heat of the Sun may warmth you but Sky is the limit and watch below as you might fall dead but drown. The heat of the sun melts the wax weakening the wings that flutters. The sky is too high for reach as the heat catches on you and the thrill and eagerness of going against the odd of flying is the mistake to belief that the open sky is meant for Daedalus’ invention. Icarus was too thrilled with the flight and he has left the plight he made to his father to stay on the course midway between earth and heaven and yet he went beyond heaven and fall below earth.Perhaps, we might question if Daedalus’ idea is right or worth that he lost his son to his invention though to bring him venture to new places beyond land. Who should be blame then? Death occurs under circumstances. Icarus’ death can be considered a tragedy for the mistakes of his own thrill and Daedalus’ belief has made God diminutive that human can fly.

MYTH

Daedalus and Icarus.Interesting! This Greek mythology really attracts my interest and curiosity to know more about the history behind it. Basically, the main idea is on how Daedalus alters the law of nature to escape from Crete. However, the story that engages me to further reading is the stories of how he has gone to Crete. Different books or sources tell different stories. Some says, Daedalus is asked by Minos to build a maze to hide a monster. It is the child of the queen and her love affair. Thus, Minos wants to hide his shame. Yet after that, Minos does not give Daedalus any passage to go back to his country. The other says, Daedalus is invited to build a palace for Minos, where he can hide his treasures from his enemies. However, being afraid that Daedalus might reveal his secret, Minos imprisons him. In addition, the monster which is a half man and half bull lives there to look after the treasures. So, which one is the truth? Love affair or treasures? Anyhow, it is just a myth. Don’t worry.Overall, this story exposes me to the intelligence and skills of the Athenians. Also, at that period, people do believe that unusual or extraordinary creatures are Gods. In fact, from this story I learn about impermanence and nothingness. Nothing can last. Nothing is forever. No matter how great or powerful one thing is, it will eventually fade and become empty, or nothing. In short, this myth “Daedalus and Icarus” is inviting, exciting and aspiring. Well done.

TALES FOR LESSON

I would suggest tales to be used as part of the lesson in literature. It will be best suited when you wanted to teach moral values. I would consider tales as authentic and parallel to other literature works as it contains dimensions of a literary work such as characters and plot. For example, you may be teaching poem. You may indirectly present the values through tales selected best matching the values in the poem. Students get the best of both works from two different genres. Teacher may just have to provide little to trigger students critical and creative thinking to actually enable them to relate the similar values contain in both genre. However, the story may be different. Besides, literature classes, even for language proficiency classes it may be effective in presenting something different to students. You may want your students to be creative and critical therefore, you have to present something unique and creative for them to explore that there is not only one way of saying, writing and thinking. Interesting tales will help to create a jovial classroom not a dull and silent language classroom. However, you must be creative in presenting the materials.

For the purpose of writing, perhaps the uniqueness of the tales may be an inspiration for students to actually write something of their own imagination. Students will be able to actually express themselves. They will definitely crack their head but it gets them to think creatively and critically rather than just reading. The point is students will be able to improve their writing skills and styles as their creative thought flows in their writing.

TALES

Tales can be referred to an imaginary writing. Tales are mostly created to present values that underlies within its writing. It was written during its days to teach as there was no formal education in those days, therefore, such message of values most conveniently spread through writings and it proves as most of the tales still being read today in the 21st century. Today, tales may be considered as a child’s reading but the fact that tales that were created suits everyone. Personally, what is interesting about tales; it actually reflect life some actually present ‘universal’ cultures and norms. ‘Universal’ because most tales are created and involve imagination, but the values they present are universal; applied even today.Another value of tales in education purposes will be its own value in writing. Some tales may be out of the world but still make sense and the issues or values are visible. Tales are special for the ideas of creating such writing by combining imagination and at the same time appears to be realistic. The values are realistic but the tales may be about fairies from imagined world or more on the extraterrestrial. It is unique. I would say that tales may seem to be unrealistic but the creativity in the way of presenting ideas or messages should be given credits. For education it would not only be for its values but also its aesthetic writing that would allow students to creatively apply the language not only in writing. In terms of reading proficiency, tales allow students to actually experience something else that could mesmerize their minds rather than reading the text book.

My favaurite fable

The crow was at her luck for the piece of cheese. But, she is rather naïve to fall for praises, the kind words by the wolf. She was known as ‘Queen of Birds’ and she boasted. She opens her mouth and the piece of cheese fell on to the ground. Now, the wolf with his brilliant idea caught him a piece of cheese. I guess the bird cannot even open her mouth because she must be shocked that she was cheated and astonished that the wolf was able to get away with her cheese though he cannot fly either climb the tree.The moral lies will be not to fall or trust strangers easily. We must not fall for temptation which may cause us fail to be alert and rationalize the situations. We must also be careful with words. Words may be beautiful when arranged by the con but you may be swindled by them. Man will try to do all they can to achieve their aims even though the stakes may be high and risk their effort.We must also not easily to trust because trustworthy is not required but acquired as one deserve trust that we have confident in. "Do not trust flatterer". It may sound funny but the fact is truth.