The Roots of Education are Bitter, but the Fruit is Sweet

If I were to be a character in Raphael's masterpiece "The School of Athens", I would be Aristotle. In the painting all the lines of perspective point to Aristotle and his teacher Playto, who are deep into discussion. One can argue that Playto and Aristotle are the focus point of this fresco because they represent the two different ways of thinking during the Classical World. Playto is more intrigued with the spiritual world, while Aristotle is more interested in the tangible. Although I am interested in both concepts, majority of my curiosity lies on what surrounds me. Like Aristotle I am interested in physics, poetry, theater, music, biology and zoology. For a deeper understanding in these fields I have annotated many poems and literature. I have studied the basics of biology and zoology in Science, and I participated in Starship; which gave me a deeper understanding of physics. Aristotle, was not only a student of Playto, but the teacher of Alexander the Great. Although I have not taught, and most likely will not teach such a significant figure, I still consider myself to be not only a student, but a teacher. I am an enthusiastic learner, and I also enjoy sharing my knowledge. When I can, I attempt to help my peers outside of school, or in class, when the teacher is busy. When I visit my little cousins, I also try to help them with their homework. Above all the similarities I have with Aristotle, our greatest commonality, is our agreement that, "The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet."- Aristotle

Art, The Reflection of Society

Art reflects society, it captures significant moments in the evolution of mankind. It is a visual portrayal of man’s thoughts and ideas. And therefore, as society evolves, art evolves with it. Before the camera was invented, art was the only visual form of representing a moment, the thoughts and ideas pervasive at that juncture in man’s social evolution.

For example, at the time of the Roman Empire, religion was based on Roman mythology, and majority of the art during this period was of Roman gods and goddesses. In the Medieval era, the Catholic Church was in power and the central focuses of art were stories of the bible and biblical figures. By the time of the Renaissance, an era of rebirth and refinement, secular art was once again introduced after having been lost in the fall of the Roman Empire.

The School of Athens by Raphael Sanzio lies on the walls in the religious building of the Papal Palace. This fresco is a humanist fantasy, a true reflection of the Renaissance because it puts together the greatest minds from different periods in time, under one roof. During the Renaissance an attitude of inquiry was encouraged. However, instead of seeking answers through the Church, people began forming their own answers based on observations and evidence. The characters in this fresco are exemplary examples of this attitude, for all their claims, theories, and teachings were based on observations and evidence. Due to this attitude important discoveries were made and society evolved a significant amount; and as society evolved, art evolved. The interest in art during the Renaissance increased a substantial amount, hence art guilds increased, and the standards for artwork also rose.

During the Medieval times dissections were forbidden by the Church, hence the characters in paintings could not portray the grace and spirit of the human body. However, in the Renaissance the power of the Church was no longer as dominant and dissections were no longer prohibited. Not only did this improve medicine, but it also improved art for it allowed anatomical accuracy. Besides anatomical accuracy, artists also used many different art techniques to increase the realism and depth in their artwork. Until the camera was invented majority of the artwork was realistic. When photography was more common it allowed artists to become more abstract, for art was no longer the only visual form of representing moments, thoughts, and ideas. Through out different time periods society has affected art; for as society evolves, art evolves, and art reflects society.

The Man Who Wanted to Know Everything

http://www.davincithegenius.com/index.php

The Renaissance, meaning 'rebirth', was an era of rediscovery and refinement. People were discovering lost knowledge from the period of the Roman Empire, and improving upon the Medieval times. During this time period people gained an attitude of inquiry. Instead of seeking answers from the church, they were objective and based their answers on observations and evidence. An ideal man who contained such characteristics was the genius Leonardo Da Vinci. Whenever one thinks of the Renaissance, one thinks of Leonardo Da Vinci. For his art, observations and inventions greatly contributed to the Renaissance, and are still an inspiration to us today. Leonardo Da Vinci began as a talented artist, however, his interests had no limitations. He was constantly seeking answers to endless questions. He saw things differently than everyone else, which allowed him to do things differently than everyone else. Being well in demand by leaders all over Europe Leonardo did not have much spare time. Nevertheless, he would wake up early in the morning to make time for his private interests, which would range from drawing the human body and making mirrors and telescopes. An obsession that kept with Leonardo throughout his life time was flying. This obsession is evident through his fantastic sketches of flying machines, which were sadly never built. Examples of Leonardo's contributions to the art of the Renaissance were the Mona Lisa, the Last Supper, and Virgin on the Rocks. Through dissecting dead corpse Leonardo's observations of the human anatomy were the most accurate of his time. His countless inventions of weapons, hydraulic pumps, reversible crank mechanisms and so on allowed immense improvement in the Renaissance. His genius surpasses time, even today his artwork is renowned everywhere, his observations still appreciated, and his theories still used to improve the technology of our time. Leonardo Da Vinci was a musician, painter, sculptor, writer, anatomist, engineer, mathematician, botanist, scientist, architect, and inventor. He was a man who knew 'everything' but his own limitations.

Peace Day Everyday

"In 1999, preoccupied with questions about the fundamental nature of humanity and the most pressing issues of our time, filmmaker Jeremy Gilley launched Peace One Day and set out to find a starting point for peace... September 21 is a 24 hour-long platform for life-saving activities around the world and an opportunity for individuals - particularly young people - to become involved in the peace process. The 21st September is the UN International Day of Peace, a day of global ceasefire and non-violence: Peace Day."

www.peaceoneday.org

"In 1998 I had an idea. To create a day of peace. A day of ceasefire and non-violence. A day when fighting stops allowing humanitarian assistants to help those in need. A day for everyone to unite." -Jeremy Gilley. At first many doubted his idea, they did not think Peace Day was possible. Regardless, Jeremy Gilley did not give up, and after years of discouragement his idea was finally heard by governments and institutions that believed in Peace Day. In 2001 Peace Day became a reality, however it was unsuccessful due to the terrorists attacks that took place in America on September 9, 2001. The doubters became more cynical, nevertheless Jeremy did not lose hope and continued to publicize his idea. His efforts paid off, for now Peace Day is celebrated by millions all over the world. Peace day symbolizes hope. A value that transcends time and culture. For without hope we would all be living under a shadow of doubt. Our Earth would not evolve for no one is capable of succeeding with the mentality of failure. Peace Day serves as a beacon of hope. It is evidence that peace throughout our world is indeed possible. That if we, put aside our differences, instead of our desire for peace, everyday will be Peace Day.

Fear Limits our Abilities

http://images.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/Impossible-Is-Nothing-adidas-37450_1280_1024.jpg

Courage

Courage hides in the depths of your soul

Armed in an iridescent breast plate of pure gold

Reveals itself in the battle roar of the quiet soldier

In the Alchemist, a key quality that the hero and protagonist Santiago contains is courage. His ability to step out of his comfort zone allowed him to follow his destiny, for in order for him to pursue his treasure Santiago “…had to choose between something he had become accustomed to and something he wanted to have”(Coelho 26). When many realize their destiny, they often cower away from the idea for it is unfamiliar to them. Santiago's courage was essential for him to succeed because throughout his journey he had to overcome obstacles that stood between him and his treasure. To conquer these challenges he had to first conquer his fears, for "There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failing" (135) With courage Santiago was able to accomplish amazing feats which were necessary in fulfilling his destiny. Through these accomplishments Coelho transmits the message that with courage anything is possible. This message speaks to all cultures and time periods for courage is a trait essential to development. In order to improve one must step out of their comfort zone and take risks. Our world is constantly evolving, everyday, throughout the planet, scientists are taking risks with new experiments, leaders are taking risks with the choices they make, whatever the profession one must take risks. Courage is essential to improvement, for fear limits our abilities.

Enthusiasm

Kidstuff:Boy and Girl Flying

Life is a lesson, and it is our attitude that allows us to understand what it is attempting to teach us. Through being enthusiastic I am able to learn from the mistakes and successes that I have experienced throughout my life. My enthusiasm is evident in everything I do, for wether it's sports, dance or school my enthusiasm fuels my motivation to improve. This will allow me to acquire the skills essential to achieving my destiny. Ever since I was little my mind was never set on one thing. My dream job would one day be a teacher, then the next day my dream job would be a nurse. Although I am undecided about my destiny I have no doubt that my enthusiasm will be essential for me to achieve it. My eagerness to learn will allow me to acquire the skills necessary for the occupation I choose. My passion for my destiny will allow me to be persistent and never give up when people let me down. My open mind will give me unlimited options to choose from when I need to decide on my occupation. Although I am unsure about my destiny as of now, I am sure that my enthusiasm will allow me to accomplish it.

Santiago's Journey

“The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never forget the drops of oil on the spoon” (Coelho 32). In the Alchemist, by Paul Coelho, the protagonist and hero, Santiago embarks on a journey to find happiness and achieve his destiny. Santiago, a young shepherd boy, begins his journey in his home of Andalusia. However, he courageously abandons this simple life due to a recurrent dream about a hidden treasure. This dream leads him to the Pyramids of Egypt, and along the way he encounters individuals such as: Melchizdek, the Englishman, the Alchemist, and Fatima who teach him the Language of the Universe, the Soul of the World, and love, hence giving him greater purpose. Overall, it is Santiago’s open mind, courage, and persistence, which allow Santiago to become an active participant in his destiny.

Throughout the journey, Santiago’s open mind is evident. Melchizdek, the King of Salem, whom at first is a stranger to the boy confronts Santiago about unusual claims about his past, the Soul of the World, that everything is connected, and he encourages Santiago to pursue his destiny. Although Melchizdek’s claims were unfamiliar to Santiago, he kept an open mind and stayed attentive to what Melchizdek had said- unlike others who would have avoided such a strange old man. Melchizdek declares, “The Soul of the World is nourished by people’s happiness…To realize one’s destiny is a person’s only real obligation. All things are one. And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it” (22). Santiago took what the King had said into consideration. At first he is hesitant and undecided about which path to take, for he“…had to choose between something he had become accustomed to and something he wanted to have”(26). Nevertheless, his capability to consider new ideas allowed him to make the right decision and become an active participant in his destiny, “There was nothing to hold him back except himself” (27). The open mind of Santiago is also evident when he learns and understands the Language of the Universe and touches the Soul of the World, hence making him worthy to be the Alchemist’s apprentice. Santiago’s is one of few who are capable to comprehend and perform works of alchemy. This was key to the boy’s survival for on his way to the Pyramids, Santiago and the Alchemist encounter intimidating Bedouins. These men of the desert will only spare Santiago’s life if he is able to transform himself into the wind within three days. This can only be accomplished through touching the Soul of the World. On the final day the boy realizes he must summon help from forces such as the wind and the sun to help him with such a task. However, they too are unsure how to transform the boy to the wind, hence advise him to call upon Allah. As he does so, his open mind understands that everything is connected. That the ability to transform himself into the wind is within him, “The boy reached through the Soul of the World, and saw that it was part of the Soul of God. And he saw that the Soul of God was his own soul. And that he, a boy, could perform miracles”(145). Santiago’s open mind allowed him to follow his destiny instead of continuing the life he had adapted too. It also allowed him to touch the Soul of the World, which was essential to his survival and achieving his destiny. However, Santiago’s willingness to consider new ideas was not the only quality essential in fulfilling his destiny, he also needed his courage to overcome obstacles that stood between him and his treasure.

Many of Santiago’s actions display the immense courage he possesses. Unlike many, Santiago was able to overcome the fear of failure. This is crucial in accomplishing his destiny because being afraid of failing, Melchizdek declares,“… makes a dream impossible to achieve…”(135) His courage was also shown when he made the decision to risk everything he had adapted to in search of his treasure. His will to step out of his comfort zone allowed him to acquire abilities that were essential to his survival and reaching his goal. Throughout his journey Santiago must understand the Language of the Universe and touch the Soul of the World. To do so the boy must be courageous, for the Alchemist claims, “Courage is the quality most essential to understanding the Language of the World”(106). Therefore the Alchemist tests the boy’s courage by threatening him with the tip of his blade in their first encounter. Santiago shows no signs of fear proving himself worthy to become the Alchemist’s apprentice. The Alchemist then begins his mentoring and evokes the Language of the Universe, and the Soul of the World in Santiago. Another individual who played a substantial role in evoking these abilities to Santiago is a desert woman who he met in the oasis. Fatima is significant because Santiago’s undying love for her was the key that evoked the Language of the Universe, and the Soul of the World in Santiago- he describes this phenomena, “At that moment, it seemed to him that time stood still, and the Soul of the World surged within him… he learned the most important part of the language that all the world spoke- the language that everyone on earth was capable of understanding in their heart. It was love… It was the pure Language of the World. It required no explanation…”(88-89). However, now Santiago must leave her to pursue his destiny. This causes him to become hesitant for he is unsure if he will return to her, he claims, “Fatima was more important than his treasure (and that) love requires you to stay with the person you love” (91-93). In the end the Alchemist and Fatima are able to convince Santiago that “… love never keeps a man from pursuing his destiny” (115). This allows Santiago to collect the strength and courage to continue his pursuit and leave Fatima. To find his treasure however, he must communicate with his heart for he must immerse himself into the desert, “How do I immerse myself in the desert?’ ‘Listen to your heart. It knows all things, because it came from the Soul of the World, and it will one day return there.” (122) The boy must immerse himself in to the desert because in his journey Santiago must cross over a large tract of desert to reach the Pyramids of Egypt; hence understanding the desert would be much to his benefit. he Alchemist also explains to Santiago that he must listen to his heart, “Because, wherever your heart is, that is where you’ll find your treasure” (123). Santiago’s courage was required when communicating with his heart because as the Alchemist emphasizes, “Don’t give into your fears… If you do, you won’t be able to talk to your heart”(135) This proves the boy’s courage because from the first moment Santiago conversed with his heart, till the moment he found his treasure, Santiago was always capable of communicating with his heart; even through life or death situations he encountered along the way. Santiago’s courage was much needed for him to follow his destiny, leave the love of his life in order to continue pursuing it, and his courage was also needed to communicate with his heart- however; his persistence also plays a key roll in accomplishing his destiny.


Along his journey Santiago faces many challenges that he is able to overcome due to his persistence. Examples of Santiago’s perseverance were when he, continued to pursue his destiny even after straying from his path, when he did not give up on transforming himself into the wind, and when he constantly digs for his treasure in the location next to the Pyramids. When Santiago arrives in Tarifa all his belongings are stolen hence he must regain his money through working for a crystal merchant. This causes him to wander off from his path for the crystal merchant causes Santiago to question Melchizdek’s judgment, “But the old king hadn’t said anything about being robbed, or about endless deserts, or about people who know what their dreams are but don’t want to realize them. The old king hadn’t told him that the Pyramids were just a pile of stones, or that anyone could build one in his backyard” (60). Nevertheless, in the end Santiago ignores this discouragement, and continues on his path towards his destiny, “The hills of Andalusia were only two hours away, but there was an entire desert between him and the Pyramids. Yet the boy felt that there was another way to regard his situation: he was actually two hours closer to his treasure… the fact that the two hours stretched to a year didn’t matter” (61). Although Santiago sidetracked from his destiny, he did not give up nor lose hope on finding his treasure. Habitually, when someone is distracted from his or her duty for over a year, one would lose hope or interest on what they were obliged to do. Regardless, when Santiago veered back on the path towards his obligation he once again became committed to finding his treasure. An obstacle Santiago had to overcome in order to survive was to transform himself into the wind within three days. Although he had no knowledge how to do so he remains persistent and determined, “On the second day, the boy climbed to the top of a cliff near camp. He spent the whole afternoon of the second day looking out over the desert, and listening to his heart” (137). His persistence and determination allows him to perform this spectacular feat, and never failed to give him the strength to overcome all the obstacles that stood between him and his treasure. When Santiago has reached the Pyramids of Egypt, he endlessly digs for his treasure, “Throughout the night, the boy dug at the place he had chosen, but found nothing. He felt weighted down by the centuries of time since the Pyramids had been built. But he didn’t stop. He struggled to continue digging as he fought the wind, which often blew sand back into the evacuation. His hands were abraded and exhausted but he listened to his heart. It had told him to dig where his tears fell.” (153) Little does he know however, that this is a false location, it is when he is bruised and bleeding that his treasure’s real designation is revealed. His thief and tormentor states, “You’ll live, and you’ll learn that a man shouldn’t be so stupid. Two years ago, right here on this spot, I had a recurrent dream, too. I dreamed that I should travel to the fields of Spain and looked for a ruined church where shepherds and their sheep slept. In my dream, there was a sycamore growing out of the ruins of a sacristy, and I was told that if I dug at the roots, I would find a hidden treasure” (155). If Santiago had given up on his treasure a moment sooner he would not have encountered his persecutor, who although robbed him, revealed to him the location of his treasure. Throughout his journey Santiago is faced with endless challenges that test his open mind, courage and persistence. He boldly overcomes these obstacles and is rewarded with love, greater meaning, and his treasure.

Subsequent to venturing across Africa to the Pyramids of Egypt, Santiago’s journey takes a full circle back to his home of Andalusia Spain. Buried beneath a sycamore tree he unearths his treasure and fulfills his destiny without losing his values or forgetting his responsibilities. Santiago, a humble shepherd boy goes further than any shepherd has gone before in search of his treasure, love, and happiness. He is able to do so for he is willing to accept new ideas, he faces challenges without fear or doubt, and no matter how impossible the task he is steadfast to his destiny. Having said so, Santiago’s experience transmits a message of faith. Everyone has a treasure that awaits them; however, it is only those who follow their dreams and listen to their heart that are able to break free from their blindness and unearth the treasure right beneath their feet.

I Believe in the Impossible

"The ones who accomplished the impossible, such as Terry Fox, Martin Luther King, Neil Armstrong, and Albert Einstein did not accomplish the impossible alone. Countless people were on the side line, helping them achieve their miraculous accomplishments. Therefore I do not believe ordinary people are capable of doing the extraordinary. I believe through team work and cooperation extra ordinary things can and will be achieved. I believe in miracles. I believe in the impossible."

I choose this picture to represent the message of my, "This I Believe" because it shows the people on the sideline, supporting the soccer player, who is about to make an amazing goal. Although the soccer player gets all the fame and glory, he does not deserve all the credit. There are countless people supporting the soccer player. People you do not see, that are holding him up and without them holding him up, he would fall. That is why I believe through team work and cooperation extra ordinary things can and will be achieved.

Democracy And Lost in the Crowd

       The Langston Hughes poem I have chosen is Democracy. I choose my Langston Hughes poem by first reading the choices given by Mrs. Whiting, I then read the poems a second time and studied the emotions I felt as I read the poem. When I read Democracy for the second time I felt a connection with the poem. I understood the message Langston Hughes was sending. Langston Hughes was alive during a very tough time for the 'colored' people. The colored were being discriminated against due to their skin color. The pictures I choose to represent these pictures are mostly taken during the time of racism, segregation, and discrimination. As you can see through these pictures, life for Langston Hughes, who is partly an African American, must have been very harsh and unfair. That is why I understand why he sounds so hopeless when he writes about democracy. For example-

Democracy will not come
Today, this year
Nor ever
Through compromise and fear.

          If I lived in such a time where I was continuously judged by my color. Where I was forced to sit on the back in the bus, enter different door ways, and drink from different water fountains due to my nationality, I would feel depressed. I would lose hope, and I too would believe there would be no end to people's discrimination. I wanted to capture this in my Imovie, hence used pictures during the time of Langston Hughes, which was around the 1950's.

        The pictures I used to represent my poem "Lost in the Crowd" were more figurative. This is because my poem is filled with metaphors and oxymorons such as: I  am the unspoken love of the anxious father..., I am the mile the crippled run... I also wanted my poem to have that mysterious feeling to it, like strangers do. That is why I recited my poem slowly, and clearly. Reciting my poem slowly allowed me to add a lot of pictures in my Imovie. This also added to the stranger feeling I wanted my poem to have. This is because strangers are mysterious, and they can be many different things, like the pictures and paintings I used to represent my poem.

Connecting to a Global Tribe

http://www.neilboyd.net/images/world_headphones.jpg

The video of Matt Harding dancing in different places around the world is a great example of how we are all connected. If you look around there are no two of the same person. Everyone is different in their own unique way. It is not always color, nationality, and/or language. Everyone reacts to things differently, we all have our own hobbies, likes and dislikes. Although everyone is different, some differences are more recognizable than others. For example some people may come across as 'strange' because they behave in a way that is different from the 'rest of us'. Therefore we see them as a threat and avoid them. However, who are we to say what is strange, and what is normal? There are over 6 billion people sharing our planet and we all see things through different perspectives. We each have our own culture and values that form the way we view things. Despite our differences however we are all connected. In Matt Harding's video he is shown dancing with some of the locals and tourists of the specific country he is in. These people were strangers to him. Some of the people he danced with probably did not speak the same language. However, despite their many differences, through music and dance he was able to connect with them. This is proof that music is in fact the universal language. That is why I have chosen the picture of the Earth wrapped with headphones. This is because music is a way of connecting people, no matter how different. For it does not matter the language, because just by listening through the melody of a song, you can feel the same emotions as you would if you understood the lyrics.

Trying to Find Me.

Maurtis Cornelis Escher, Hand with Reflecting Sphere 1935 Lithograph

I am the wings that keep the bird a-flight. 

My steady rhythm true, 

Allowing it to soar above the blistering rain. 

Bringing it safely home.

Where it will be free from all harm.

 

I am the erratic wind.

The breeze on your face. 

Blowing through your hair.

Free- spirited, gentle, and unpredictable.

Coming and going wherever, and whenever I please.

 

I am the forgiving eyes of a mother.

Her silent thoughts

Filled with love, worry, and joy for her child.

Her prayers selfless 

 Always intended for her daughter's future. 

 

I am the unspoken love of the anxious father,

Oppressive, harsh, yet caring

Locking his curiosity from the world

Burying his concern and sensitivity

In a black suit of pride

 

I am the gushing river of curiosity.

The continuous 

"What if?"

"Why not?"

"How come?"

Exploding out of an innocent child.

 

I am the whisper of hope to the deaf 

I am the morning light to the blind 

I am the mile the crippled run, 

On the harsh path of impossibility

To chase after their dreams. 

 

I am the invisible stranger 

Lost in the crowd of endless people 

Trying to find myself, 

my purpose. 

Trying to find 

Me.

I choose the Hand With Reflecting Sphere drawing by Maurtis Cornelis Escher to represent my poem because the man in this picture is looking at his reflection as if he is looking at a stranger. He is not admiring himself like many do when they gaze upon their reflection. His eyes are looking beyond his reflection, deep into his soul, trying to see his 'true' identity. The identity which is based on the good of a person, and not by their size, age, and attractiveness. Like me the man is trying to figure out his purpose, trying to figure out who he is. For people can be many different things. For example, I can be caring, calm, and I sometimes just want to be by myself. However, other times I can be loud, energetic and gregarious.  I attempted to express this in my poem by using many different images, such as: wings, the wind, and different examples of people. However, I could not summarize who I am in the end of the poem, for I myself am not sure. That is why I refer to myself as ' the invisible stranger', because many people think they know me: my friends, my family, and myself, but everyday I never fail to learn something new about myself. Making me indecisive of who I really am. 

Special Gift That No One Expected

At my first glance of Susan Boyle when watching the clip Britain’s Got Talent, I imagined her being part of the ‘just for laughs category.’ The part of the show where people are shown to be gibed so viewers can have a good laugh, and not because the participant has talent. When Susan Boyle walked on to the stage the reactions of the audience and judges showed that they thought listening to her would be a waste of time, and would be a pain on the ears. They thought they were up for a laugh, because Susan Boyle is not the most attractive girl in the world, and being 47 years old, she is not the youngest either. However, the moment she opened her mouth and sang the words “I dreamed a dream,” everyone, including myself, was blown away. The audience jumped to their feet applauding when the song had only just begun, the mockery on the judges faces turned into shock and amazement. All my criticizing of Susan Boyle was replaced with a magical feeling. At that moment it did not matter that Susan Boyle was old and unattractive, her voice was beautiful, breath taking, and inspirational.

Watching this video clip opened my eyes to see the inner beauty of Susan Boyle. Hearing her sing allowed me to see past her imperfections and flaws. It made me realize that one cannot be judged by appearance, because looks do not show people’s true identity. The identity that is based on actions and deeds, and not the superficial outer appearance. Our true appearance, which shows the special talent inside all of us, that makes us, different, unique, and beautiful. Through seeing the audience and judges reactions I believe they have learned the same thing. In the beginning the audience and judges already predicted Susan Boyle would be a lousy singer because of her appearance. You could see this through the audience laughter, whistling, and disapproving looks. Even the judges, who are meant to give everyone an equal chance seemed to be biased against her, which was shown by the way they looked and talked to her.

However, once everyone had heard her sing, they were praising her with smiles, giving her a standing ovation and endless compliments. All the assumptions they have made in the beginning had been proven wrong. This is because society has taught us to base our judgments on looks. Endless fashion magazines and television shows have taught us to judge people by their appearance. They have made us believe that everyone should be gorgeous and skinny when the truth is, majority of the population do not meet these standards. Which is why the Susan Boyle and Paul Potts video is so popular and successful. People would rather see regular people, real people, do extraordinary things. Susan Boyle and Paul Potts are idols for they are people everyone can relate too. They are not people who have walked out of the pages in a magazine, and are perfect in everything. They are the people you walk by on the streets, with a special gift that no one expected.

Honey, I believe dance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29NgBfM8hKo