Blog Post on Jenkins Essay "Never Trust a Snake"

                  In Jenkins's essay "Never Trust a Snake," he describes the sport of wrestling differently then usual.  He explains that the reason it is so popular is due to the fact that, unlike other sports, it involves an immense amount of drama between competitors.  Although there are a few exceptions, wrestling is a sport performed and viewed mostly by working class men.  The emotions that come out during the event are exhibited by men as well, because in wrestling it is acceptable for men to publicly show their emotions.  The sport of wrestling is greatly adored by working class men, partly because, unlike in the real world where cheating and deception often times prevail, the wrestlers strength and morality win the competition.  They are able to easily identify with the wrestlers because since most of the spectators have blue collar jobs, their strength determines whether or not they will succeed at their job.  Another unique aspect of wrestling that draws many spectators in is the fact that no matter how beaten down or helpless the competitor feels, they will keep fighting until the end.  Giving up is not an option in wrestling, making it the perfect inspiration for working class men who have to give everything they have just to make a living.

Berger's Article "From Ways of Seeing"

        In John Berger's article "From Ways of Seeing," Berger explains the difference between how males and females look at each other.  According to him, a man is more focused on the other person's appearance, whereas a woman is more focused on how the male is viewing her appearance.  Berger explains that women decide how they want to be viewed by others, and therefore carry themselves in that way.  While men are more assertive and visual, women are much more self aware of the way in which she is being perceived by others. Berger also uses the illistration of Adam and Eve, explaining that Eve ate the apple because it was beautiful and claimed to make a person wise, however Adam ate the apple because he saw Eve do the same.  Eve wanted to be perceived as beautiful and wise by others, whereas Adam was simply doing what he saw Eve do, proving what Berger had stated previously to be true.  Later in Berger's article, he explains that you are only what other people perceive you to be.  He talks about the difference between nudity and nakedness, stating that nakedness is natural, and nudity is a term given to someone because of how they are perceived by another person.  I agree with all of Berger's theories, because the way in which another person views a person or thing is truely their identity.  This goes along with the famous saying, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder."  What one person may view as broken and ugly can be quite a remarkable sight to another person.  However, no matter what the item may be, their identity is only dependent upon how they are viewed by others.

Writing Profile

            Unlike many countries, in America the working class woman is normal and in some ways admired.  Because of our freedom, woman are now equal to men, in that it is acceptable for both men and woman to have a career and be successful.  Many notions were taken in our nations history in order to secure equal rights between men and women, and in the end they were successful.  In this particular image, this idea of the greatly admired working class woman is greatly portrayed.  For example, the fact that she is rolling up her sleeves signifies that she is prepared to work hard for her money.  Also, the way in which her scarf is tied in a knot on top of her head was a common trend decades ago, when women were cleaning or doing dirty work.  In addition to these, her clenched fist signifies her strength, both physically and emotionally, allowing others to view her as equal to men.  The combination of these three details in the image gives the viewer a clear understanding of the hard work and determination that women had in our countries history.  This is unique to American culture, because in many places, it was unacceptable for women to have jobs.  Because so many movements and notions went into giving men and women equal rights, the working class woman is still an important icon in America's culture today.