April | 2019 | Kennedy's Blog

In poems such as Gord Downie’s, “The Stranger,” past injustices against indigenous peoples are magnified, as well as the horrors they faced throughout the Canadian residential school era. These individuals were forced to abandon their culture and traditions in hopes that they would assimilate to the modern European lifestyle enforced by the Canadian government. The abuse and maltreatment of aboriginal people and their ways of life lead to an overall painful period in Canada’s history, which is often overlooked and forgotten. Pieces like, “The Stranger,” shine a light on these neglected issues by giving society the chance to view these events from the perspective of a survivor that lived through the brutal circumstances. It allows the world to know that horrible acts of cruelty and discrimination must not be brushed aside and left untouched; in order to continue making positive progress in the world, humanity must address its faults and move forward. By speaking up about parts of a country’s dark history and past events that may be rather shameful, it gives survivors the chance to regain their voice and influence in the world, as well as the opportunity to share their stories to help others and spread awareness about these issues. Having insight as to what took place inside these schools and their long-term issues that continue to affect people today gives the world the opportunity to eliminate such forms of present day abuse. Ultimately, the more attention that is brought to difficult subjects to discuss will allow humanity to embrace its mistakes and work towards a future of worldwide acceptance.

UBC apologizes for role in residential school system

The Neighbourhood

Situated in the suburbs of Brooklyn, Arthur Miller’s drama, “The Death of a Salesman,” features Willy Loman and his family, as they navigate through a plethora of daily challenges in their very own neighbourhood. Their secluded and beloved community begins to evolve into a highly populated residential area, due to the development of multiple apartments and condominiums surrounding the Loman home. Willy takes great pride in the unique qualities the area holds and the beauty of the location. However, the neighbourhood itself continues to lose it’s character, as the new buildings share the same style and physical appearance, and therefore, lacks character, which comes as a great shock for Willy since he adores the individuality of his own home. Although it is difficult to come to terms with such changes, Willy interprets the situation as if he is trapped or boxed inside his own community. As the Brooklyn he loves and adores continues to grow up, the inevitable is unfortunately that citizens must recognize the benefits of the growth of a city and the importance of maturity in a very well-known state like New York.

10 quotes

“As more light appears, we see a solid vault of apartment houses around the small, fragile-seeming home. An air of the dream clings to the place, a dream rising out of reality” (Miller 11).
“We are aware of towering, angular shapes behind it, surrounding it on all sides” (Miller 11).
“The street is lined with cars… The grass don’t grow anymore, you can’t raise a carrot in the back yard. They should’ve had a law against apartment houses. Remember those two beautiful elm trees out there? When I and Biff hung the swing between them?” (Miller 17).
“There’s more people… Population is getting out of control. The competition is maddening! Smell the stink from that apartment house!” (Miller 17).
“The way they boxed us in here. Bricks and windows, windows and bricks” (Miller 17).
“To get on that subway on the hot mornings in summer” (Miller 22).
“They should’ve arrested the builder for cutting those down… This time of year it was lilac and wisteria. And then the peonies would come out, and the daffodils” (Miller 17).
“The trees are so thick, and the sun is warm. I opened the windshield and just let the warm air bathe over me” (Miller 14).
“The apartment houses are fading out, and the entire house and surroundings become covered with leaves” (Miller 27).
“I saw a beautiful hammock. I think I’ll buy it next trip, and we’ll hang it right those two elms… Just swingin’ under those branches” (Miller 28).

Brooklyn (Appearance Facts)

The Brooklyn Bridge was designed in 1869 and it was the world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge, which was a new design used in architecture around the world.
Brooklyn is one of five boroughs in New York City and is the second-largest geographical land mass out of the five boroughs
Some of the common architectural styles include Victorian and Colonial Tudor Revival built homes.
The 1950s kick-started the beginning of hise-rise and highly populated residential complexes that replaced classic homes in order to work towards
Brooklyn is bigger than Manhattan
Brooklyn is located in long island but isn’t considered a part of Long Island.

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