Growing Up In Montana 1948

After dinner one night, Wes suggested that David and his mother go for a walk as he wanted to talk to Marie again. But they didn’t go far, they went to their backyard. David decides to ask his mother what was going on, even though he already knew. She reply’s with saying that there may be possible trouble with the Indians. He asks his mother many questions about the Marie situations, but she gives him vague answers.

TOPIC 2: Racism is the perception the colour of one’s skin determines how they can live. Indian are mistreated and misunderstood in the novel Montana 1948? Discuss

The environment people grow up in influences their character. Your decisions and the views you have shape your character. The setting influences the characters decisions and views in Montana 1948 and A River Runs Through It.

Hello my name is Ray, today I will be discussing the novel we have been studying; Larry Watson's 'Montana 1948". Watson's stereotype of a 1940's housewife is depicted through the characters Enid and Gail. The reader is shown throughout the text of female characters re: to take the backseat in relationships and that their place is in the home. Merce County during the 1940's, this idea is shown to the reader constantly by Larry Watson in the novel. Watson presents this stereotype as one that can be tested; only if first the character chooses to do so. Both Enid and Gail have the power to push these limits and be heard only when they free themselves from the stereo type in question. It is very hard not to

The symbolism of ‘looks can be deceiving’, is a connection I found in the two films, The Dark Knight, directed by Christopher Nolan, and Little Tombstone, directed by Fredric Azais et al, as well as finding a connection with the novel, Montana 1948 written by Larry Watson. Through my aspects of colour, sound, symbolism and character, it has become the foundation of my ideas that convey my developed concept, between these three subjects.

In Montana 1948, written by Larry Watson, the events that took place irrevocably changed David Hayden’s life in several ways, both good and bad. The novel Montana 1948, is written from the point of view of David, the son of the Mercer County’s sheriff, Wesley Hayden and features many events which are indelible from his memory. The death of Little Marie Soldier, David’s housekeeper, was the first event, which would ultimately change David’s life. After her death, David experiences great discomfort in his own home, as he believed that there was “death in the house” and that “every door seemed to require a bit more effort to open and close.

There are currently six living generations in the United States, each with different characteristics, beliefs, and values. The things that define each generation’s culture are derived from their history, upbringing, and the lifestyle of their time. Our generation was born between 1980 and 2000. We are called Millennials. More specifically, we grew up in the South, which typically lends itself to being more conservative and religious. These characteristics, along with our instant gratification attitude, define who we are, what we believe, and how we view other generations. For example, we might have differing views with the Silent Generation. Some Millennials may feel the Silent Generation’s social, religious, and economic conservatism is outdated.

Mark Bauerlein-- english professor at Emory University, senior editor, and author of “The Dumbest Generation” states that this generation is dumber than the previous generation. I disagree with Bauerlein because millennials have improved their intellectual aspects and writing abilities over the years. Technology has been a huge advantage for this generation because not only do millennials depend on it but also learn to be self taught as well. This generation is constantly being accused of being “ the dumber generation”.

My mother would often say of my brother and I have it easier than when she was younger. She says that this generation is a lot lazier and more entitled than hers was. With the newest and latest devices and gadgets coming out every year, she says that the youth feels entitled to have them, but don’t want to do the work to get them. Both of my mom and dad had jobs when they were younger as well as most of their friends, making it her generation's American identity. She explained that there was not as many working laws for teenagers back then for after school jobs. With this came more responsibility, she also said that there was a lot more respect for adults as well as others in general. Things like Facebook allow youth to make rude comments on other’s posts without much thought of what they’re actually

Throughout history generations have judged those of a newer generation with the belief that they are worsening, specifically in their intelligence levels and work ethic. But is this necessarily the case? According to professor Mark Bauerlein, a social critic and author of The Dumbest Generation, it is. He believes that the generation of today is in fact what he considers “dumb”. As controversial as this might seem though, it is truly not surprising to hear due to the chain of criticism towards one another that has been around for centuries. So why exactly is this important to take into consideration? The answer itself lies within the generation of today. The actions Millennials take will not only influence them, but future generations as well. The way Millennials have chosen to portray themselves has just been slightly modified to adapt to this present day. Therefore they are not as “dumb” as previous generations have thought them to be. So why should you?

It is said we are the dumbest generation, but that’s something that is apparently said about every generation. And that is exactly what R Smith Simpson is saying. He says there seems to be a lack of knowledge, when people were asked questions they’d reply with the “thinnest recital of facts” some couldn’t even “discuss them at all.” Although Simpson doesn’t provide a direct quote to indicate that each generation is going to be considered dumb by the previous; we take in consideration the year he wrote this and compare it to the rest of the articles we conclude each generation will be seen as the dumbest. (source 5)

Millennials today seem to care more about where to get the information they need rather than retaining it. For example, they know they can access the Google search engine. This shows that, according to Begley (Source 2), “Gen Y’s ignorance of facts reflect not dumbness, but choice.” This lack of knowledge does not prove that millennials are dumb, but that they have access to a lot of information if they choose to use their sources, and since this information is readily available, they do not have to necessarily retain facts.

The difference in perceptions is primarily caused by the changing nature of global politics. Throughout the twentieth century, there were constant conflicts in the world. Older generations actively

Montana represents hardships or struggles; the characters try to get away from Montana to escape their troubles. “She wants to get out of Montana as quickly as possible” (97). In section two, Mrs. Little Soldier quickly leaves Montana after the death of her daughter. This represents a theme of characters seeing Montana as a reminder of their hard times. David’s family leaves Montana after Frank kills himself to escape the Hayden name.

This passage revealed a lot on how the Narrator, in the book Montana 1948 expresses his feelings for his dad as the sheriff in Mercer County. The Narrator (David), gave us a perspective of himself when he was 12 years old. David thinks a sheriff should be a guy around 5 foot 10, cowboy boots maybe with spikes, with a faded big cowboy hat, blue jeans, a big belt buckle, cream colored button down, a handle-bar mustache, and a .45 Western Clot gun. Fighting crime on every street corner, busting the drunks, and cracking down on delinquents. David thought his father should be that kind of sheriff, but instead he just manages a rural town with nothing but a couple of drunks. He thought a sheriff should dress like one and act the part as well.