An elective course I am studying in college involves culture and diversity. One of the assignments this week was about how I defined my race and ethnicity. Oddly enough, my background would be considered multiracial. However, when friends have asked me to describe my racial background I would tell them I was a mutt. How do I describe that I have Irish, Scottish, English, German, a small percentage of Spanish, and possibly about 2% French?
Does it really matter where my racial origin is from? I believe everyone should be proud of who they are and where they come from. However, when someone’s racial origin becomes a matter of downgrading others, this is where I draw the line. Everyone should be treated equally and respected for who they are and where they came from.
I find so many different cultures fascinating because someone can have some traits or even natural talent like art just because one of their ancestors happened to be talented at something. The odd thing was how I rented about three movies this week without realizing that they were all related to Ireland. I have always wanted to visit this country before any other country. Although, there are some areas in the North San Francisco Bay area that constantly remind me of Ireland. These places near San Francisco have allowed me to imagine how amazing it would be to visit Ireland one day.
Film: Veronica Guerin
This movie caught my attention because my last course at college was about the history of media in relation to newspapers, magazines, television and the internet. Watching this movie and seeing how courageous this woman was just liberating in some way. Of course, dealing with crime in the way she did, I think she could have laid low for some time after the injuries she would have. Make it look like she wasn’t investigating while she really was. Anything to keep from being a target. Cate Blanchett was a very good Veronica Guerin. This was a a tragic yet inspiring movie all in one package.
Film: P.S. I love you
This movie made me cry, sob, wale, cry, laugh. cry, giggle, cry and laugh. I have never been so angry while watching a so called comedy film. I avoided watching it for months because it looked like it would be romantic. Without reading the storyline I rented it. I have not cried watching a movie this bad since… well, I never cried from grade to high school when watching movies. For the past 6 years I have noticed that I care so much about how people feel while going through circumstances. Movies like these are just plain mean to people who care. Just as I went to return it a friend wanted to watch it. I watched it TWICE! I was so mad that I watched it the first time because it made me angry even if the ending was kind of cute. However, the second time I didn’t experience any of the emotions. Maybe it was because I didn’t want to look like a big baby. 😛 Watching it the second time, I was able to see the movie from a different light. I appreciated the shots they showed in Ireland. I also started noticing how handsome two of the actors are. Gerard Butler and Jeffrey Dean Morgan portrayed very dreamy Irish men in this movie. Worth watching if you’re willing to risk being emotional for the chance to see some eyecandy.
Film: Once
One of the guys I used to work with recommended this movie last year. I avoided it for some time because it really didn’t look like it would be that interesting. However, I wish I saw it months ago when Alex recommended it. The film has some amazing music. Youtube has clips of my favorite songs: “when your mind’s made up,” “Falling slowly” and “If you want me.” Falling for the songs before I hear the chorus doesn’t happen that often for me. These songs grasp your heart and make you think about life as we all know it. 🙂
Yes, I have dreamed about going to Ireland even before my mother did the family tree investigation. I think it was partly about leprechauns and the magic I would see on television or films but who knows. Maybe there was another reason why I longed to go there as a child.