Courage is not simply about how well you deal with fear, how many noble deeds you accomplish, or how you overcome life threatening situations. Courage is the practice of determination and perseverance. Kate Bornstein transforms everyday life with tremendous courage. With skillful criticism of rigid socially defined boundaries, an intense sense of language and revealing personal experiences, Bornstein challenges cultural attitudes about gender.
So, why label Bornstein’s writings as courageous; after all, she hasn’t done anything special but write about things we already recognize? Individuals desire interruptions from conventional ways of rationalizing ideas about life. Bornstein does a remarkable job introducing thought-provoking
…show more content…
Of course society in not perfect; we clearly have a problem with inequality. We all hold capability of discovering and criticizing a problem; however, it takes a courageous person to offer solutions. “Instead of imagining gender as opposite poles of a two- dimensional line, it would be interesting to twirl that line in space, and then spin it through several dimensions…Let’s let it mean transgressively gendered. Then, we have a group of people who break the rules, codes, and shackles of gender. Then we have a healthy- sized contingent!” Examples of how Bornstein proposes to change the stigma of transgendered people, these statements prove that not only is she motivated enough to find a problem, but brave enough to reveal solutions. Society has manufactured citizens who are fearful to explore possible solutions to problems we have today. Not because they are afraid of incapability of discovering a solution, but they are reluctant to see their solution fail. Bornstein is not positive that her suggestions will encourage constructive change, but she is bold enough to place them before the public’s attention.
Transgendered people are accommodated by society. We allow them to change their biological parts, which increases acceptance of their identity. What normal human being is restricted from referring to their past to understand what they should explore for the future? As Bornstein so clearly points out, “The choice between two of something is not a
We all have opportunities to display courage in our life, but if we actually do is our decision. Courage is being able to do what is right even if it can be hard. In the book Speak by Laurie Halle Anderson I found three different examples of courage. In this book Melinda Sordino, David Petrakis and Melinda, again all show courage.
Courage is a lacking aspect of modern society. Many people are self centered and greedy. This novel is different and special for it being a book about courage shown by people in a somewhat hard situation. Reflecting at myself, I’m sure I have shown less courage than any character in the book. I am sure that everybody would feel the same.
Courage is important because if you are in a situation where you need to stick up for yourself it can sometimes save you and your self confidence. Even if you don't feel courageous it is always important to act like you are because then it will show someone that you are strong and independent because courage takes a lot of strength. In speak Melinda comes face to face with her fear, Andy Evans. She has always been fearful around him while try to avoid and stay very far away from him. Courage is very important because it helped and saved Melinda from another possible incident. “The light flicks on and the door closes. I am trapped with Andy Evans” (Anderson 193). “I reach in and wrap my fingers around a triangle of glass. I hold it to Andy Evans neck. He freezes. I push just hard enough to raise one drop of blood. He raises his arms over his head”. “Me: “i said no.” (Anderson 195). Courage saved Melinda in this situation, if she didn’t prove and show Andy that she is strong she could’ve been hurt again. A strong and independent personality that is powered by courage is very hard to have but it is important to show because it will make you feel and be powerful. If you are courageous it will not only change people’s perspectives about you but it will change your perspective about yourself which is very important because it will bring you happiness and strength against the many
Courage is an important quality to have, because everyone can’t always be afraid of everything and let their fears hold them back. Sometimes people have to do things that they don’t want to do, or they have to face their fears.
Courage in simple words means an act of bravery. Everyone has their own definition, for some the meaning is much more complicated for others it's very simple. When I think of someone who is courageous I think of my Dad and military individuals people who have fought for their country. People like doctors and scientists people who don't think about themselves when faced with a choice to give up. My definition of courage is a person that has the strength needed to do the unthinkable. Certainly, that is not just it. Courage takes a bigger picture of an act of bravery. When one is courageous enough to do what is right, he earned the utmost respect of human spirit. While some may see being courageous has to be doing a big thing, it boils down to a thing as small as saying “Sorry, I was
What is courage? I define courage by being tough in a tough situation. Mississippi Trial a book where an African-American boy is murdered because of his race. In this book, there are many people who I think have courage, but no more than Naomi Rydell. Naomi is a beautiful young woman who lives a horrible life from being abused by her father, she acts as two people, and even though it all she stays truthful to her father.
Throughout history, there have been countless times whenre individuals have courageously fought for change and societal justice. For instance, Gandhi helped India gain their independence, even though the circumstances were extremely risky for him, and could have led to his arrest or even death. However, he continued to persevere through it all, and was able to accomplish great things for his country. Another example is Malala Yousafzai, who promoted the education of girls in her country. Despite the clear threat of the Taliban, she continued to fight hard for her cause. Courage can be defined in many different ways, such as the ability to persevere and accomplish something in a frightening or risky situation. Examples of courage can be seen all around the world. Without courageous people, society would not have been able to improve. Being courageous is difficult, and requires an abundance of dedication and perseverance. It also includes remaining strong, despite the challenges that may occur along the way.
The definition of courage is “the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery” (“courage”). Is courage valued today? If courage did not exist, then the world would not be effective. Courage fetches the preeminent decisions and the impulsive decisions out of people. Dismally, people are frightened to expose their true colors. Consequently, this negative reason hurts people. Despite the fear, some rise up to the challenge of courage. Some people practice courage in a negative way as in reckless decisions. How can one simple word have so many outcomes? The answer is human nature. Human nature is what changes things for people. Courage, true courage, is not as common. Courage should be common. Edmund Rostand, who wrote the play Cyrano de Bergerac, shows how courage is used in different ways. Through his characters named Cyrano de Bergerac, Christian de Neuvillette, Comte de Guiche and Roxane, Rostand demonstrates the different types of courage.
In her book “Gender Outlaw: On Men, Woman, and the Rest of us,” Kate Bornstein goes over a lot of the major issues regarding gender awareness and identity politics. She talks about the ideas of labeling ones self, understanding gender differences, how people view laws, behaviors, and the medical and scientific privilege that make transitioning challenging for a lot of people. Bornstein touches on many of the issues today that affect trans people. She includes poetry, pictures, quotes, essays, and a play to raise questions and discuss the idea of gender. This is a great book to introduce and discuss the issues that affect the lives of trans people as they navigate and explore the lines that define gender.
Courage is when someone does something for non-selfish reasons, no matter how frightening it may be. It’s not just physical bravery that can be considered courage, just speaking out can be just as powerful. A person is courageous when they make decisions that help positively affect another person's life. It means you stick up for what's right no matter the consequences that follow. People can express courage through following their hearts, standing up for what’s right, and expanding their horizons.
Courage is the ability for standing up for someone with strength and helping people when no one will. Mildred D. Taylor's Roll of thunder, Cassie faces discrimination she shows courage for standing up for blacks rights. Her family and all African Americans are treated unfairly because of the color of their skin. She stands up for her convictions and doesn’t change her convictions. She showed courage when she stood up to Mrs. Crocker, Lillian Jean, and Mr. Barnett at the mercantile. She had a lot of things that she didn’t understand at the time.
Courage is one quality every heroine is born with, whether they use it actively or
Courage is speaking up and standing up for others while going out of comfort zones to do it. The book I read for book club is called Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Speak is about a girl Malinda who called the cops at a high school and after that nobody speaks to her without knowing the real reason why she called the cops. Her life is crazy until she finally speaks up and the truth comes out. Being courageous is important because it helps people go outside of their comfort zone and stand up for others.
Courage or the act of being courageous is something that can depict if a person is being weak. This act ties into the classic tale when identifying the strength it took Sundiata to walk. Sundiata was at an age where other young boys were gathering objects for their mothers and he simply could not, due to the fact that he was unable to walk. However, “In a great effort he straightened up and was on his feet at one go, but the great bar of iron was twisted and had taken the form of a bow.” (Page 21) A boy who once couldn't walk was now walking. He who once had to depend on his mother can now be the one his mother depends on. Thus, “ When Sogolon saw her son standing she stood dumb for a moment, then suddenly she sang these words of thanks to god who had given her son the use of his legs”. (Page 21) Sogolon was so discouraged to the point where the sight of her son’s slow development became an embarrassment. She soon became joyful of the courage
Courage is a necessity to overcome fears and achieve a desired goal. Fear is something that exists in all of us. There is no hero or any particular courageous figure that is without fear. Being fearless is not required to be courageous, one simply has to look past or overcome their fears to possess this great quality. When overcoming fears and going against the norm, there are always risks involved. There are different types of risks that come about. Someone could risk life or limb, while others risk their reputation. Either risk is serious enough that a person must have courage to endure that particular risk. Courage can occur anytime, anywhere, and often in our everyday lives. Everyone will experience courage no matter how young,