Larke's a Terrorist and other updates

Dear Danny,

Sorry for the lag in posting, but between the 5 classes and 2 jobs I've had a hard time finding free time.

Here's a snippet from a class discussion that was held in my Warfare in Africa class the other day. We were having a discussion as to what a terrorist is, what is terrorism, etc.

Pretentious Film Kid : I don't think that everyone has the ability to become a terrorist. There are groups of people and cultures where that just wouldn't happen. Just like everyone in this class, we go to NYU, no one in this class would become a terrorist.
Rightly Offended Girl : I don't think that's very fair to say...
PFK : No, I just mean that like, we're a pocket of a society, and like, our portion of society isn't really one that supports war or anything...
ROG : That doesn't mean...
PFK : But like, we're a certain part of our culture and there are other parts that are more prone to like, joining the army and becoming terrorists.

First of all, it took me a lot of restraint from not proving him wrong just by throwing him out the window. These kinds of people are all around, especially at NYU where, as liberal as we are here, it's incredibly sheltered. I don't come from a particularly sheltered background, so it's hard for me to realize this a lot of times, but there are still lots and lots of people who have never come in real life contact with real life violence and hate, and the fact that these people can make these broad generalizations scares me. The idea that "educated" people are still so ignorant. Now, I'm not saying I've been the subject of the kinds of violence people face all over the world, far from it. I understand and appreciate the luxuries in life I have every day, but I know that there are places where the things I live in don't exist. I understand that there are places in the world where hate exists and probably won't go away for a while. But because I don't live there, I don't make broad generalizations. I'm a huge fan of believing that you shouldn't judge people until you're in their positions. Larke made the comment in class that all people have breaking points and all people have points to which they will resort to violence. Professor Hull asked her if she could then theoretically see herself being a terrorist, and she said yes. I will now lock my door at night.

Hull brought up the Patty Hearst scandal, and it's the perfect example. Rich white girl becomes an African guerilla warrior? Who saw that coming? Who believes it? Was she brainwashed? Did she actually believe in what she was preeching? Was she just used? If you don't know about Patty Hearst, I highly recommend reading about her, she's one of the most untalked about stories of our generation.

In class, Rachel brought up the good point that our discussion was pretty much moot. We were going in circles trying to find a definiton of terrorism, when there is no real modern definition. It's really how you look at it. Trying to put a label on it only goes in circles because it all boils down to your morals and your upbringing, something that everyone has differently. The long and short of it is that there are a lot of ignorant people in this world, and in our class, but Larke is right in the end. We can't really say something for certain until we're put to the test and asked questions we're not prepared to even think about.

Just some food for thought.

Anyway.

Rachel and I saw the Farnsworth Invention last week. I don't get to the theater that much, so when I do I want to make it count. Please, go see this play. Right now, just go. Written by Aaron Sorkin, who I have a huge affection for, and starring Hank Azaria and Jimmi Simpson, it's possibly the best play I've seen since the Pillowman. Structurally the most intricate piece of writing I've ever seen, and to say it was inspiring would be like saying New York has pretty good pizza.

After the show I got to talk with Jimmi Simpson about his acting in things such as 24, My Name is Earl and most importantly Stay Alive. I think I'm the only person who's ever seen that movie, and he appreciated that, I think. Either way, if I could be friends with him in the future, I would be a happy man.

Anyway.

I'm starting to put together a list of potential life options for post graduation. I think I'll call the list my PFO/PG. If you have any suggestions for me, please let me know so I can put them into consideration.

That's all for now.

I'm beginning to pick up more bartending shifts at Benny's if you're ever in the Lower East Side and looking for a good Mohito or Margarita.

- Asher