The Importance of Kindness is a video that encourages the audience to be kind because it can change your life and the lives of others.
Section I, Narrative
One way that George Saunders, the author, does this is by providing a narrative so the audience can connect to the message. “In 7th grade this new kid joined our class,” this quote from the video provides the audience with something that they can relate to, many people knew of a new kid in school or they were that new kid. The use of a narrative allows the audience to receive and comprehend the message on a deeper, more meaningful level. The take away is no longer foreign and becomes more normal and at the same time thought provoking.
Section II, Interesting Information
Saunders delivers interesting information when he speaks about what he did and better yet what he didn't do to stop the bullying from taking place. A quote that represents this is "another human being who is right in front of me suffering and I responded, sensibly, reservedly" this quote helps to point out that the author now realizes that they way that he responded in the particular situation was not the correct way to act. This interesting information helps to prove the point of the piece because the author points out and explores his flaws in that particular moment.
Section III, Surprising Information
In The Importance of Kindness the author wants the to make surprising realizations that they wouldn't have normally had when watching the video. He poses the question "who in your life, do you remember most fondly?... Those who were kindest to you I bet. But kindness it turns out is hard" this quote exemplifies the overall meaning of the passage. Even though kindness is difficult it is necessary to keep those who you love close to you. What makes this video interesting is the fact that when talking about kindness, people don't usually say that it id difficult. But the fact that Saunders addresses it makes a point that kindness is something that is difficult at times but that it is also something that is needed in life.
I liked how you acknowledge Saunder's use of a universial story everyone can relate to. I think in addition to the quote you provided, it was interesting to hear how 42 years later, he still regrets not being kind. Your surprising information quote was though-provoking as well. Do you think that Saunder's spoke this piece because of the one specific moment in seventh grade, or do you think there were a lot more moments that triggered his thoughts?
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ReplyDeleteThank you for writing. I also appreciated the unexpected admission that kindness can be difficult, especially if a moment passes us by without our immediate awareness. The topic here allows for the writer to be vulnerable to the audience by admitting his own flaw as he reflects on this event that has stayed lodged in our memory. Which writing prompts among the ones offered in class allow for this type of vulnerability to be shown within the writing? Considering the college essay, why would college admissions officers be interested in an essay that follows a similar structure or line of thought? Thank you for writing!
Do you think that Saunder's spoke this piece because of the one specific moment in seventh grade, or do you think there were a lot more moments that triggered his thoughts?
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