Annotated Bibliography On Berlin Wall

1340 Words3 Pages

Annotated Bibliography #1

Topic- The Berlin Wall and freedom

Citation: Reagan, Ronald. "Tear Down This Wall." Germany, Berlin Wall, West Berlin. Speech. June 12, 1987

Throughout his speech, Ronald Reagan (1987) presented a direct notion concerning the Berlin wall. Specifically, that it acts as a hindrance of freedom between East and West Berlin. His beliefs extended to worldwide implications, suggesting that liberty eventually leads to prosperity for all citizens. In other words, citizens acting upon their own autonomy prevent conflicts between countries. Reagan established a connection to the United States by using it as an example of a country that reinforces the ideals of freedom, and that by doing so, peace ensues within the general …show more content…

Additionally, it provided information on traditional rock climbing by incorporating it into Honnold’s journey. Conversely, Radiolab’s podcast focused on Lenny Bruce’s comedy, specifically that he focused on his trials for obscenities. Moreover, the speakers discuss Bruce’s influence on taboo subjects used in comedy and everyday interactions. A connection is made apparent by the barriers that face the two individuals, the most prominent one in both cases being normativity. As ingrained in the majority of people’s minds by society, an ideal lifestyle consists of conforming to live a risk-free lifestyle. However, both Honnold and Bruce dared to overcome society’s expectations of behavior. In Honnold’s case, he risked his safety by choosing to climb without gear; an outrageous idea that is oddly shunned upon and praised by the rock climbing community simultaneously. Society mostly concurs that some human fears are instinctual and cannot be controlled, such as height. However, Honnold completely defies this idea by scaling the walls without a sense of safety given by climbing equipment, leaving him vulnerable. This same vulnerability is present when Bruce revealed his opinion on certain topics as well. According to society, his remarks on somewhat personal themes should be considered offensive. However, saying something politically incorrect does not …show more content…

"Pyramus and Thisbe." Mythology. Boston: Back Bay, 1998. N. pag. Print.

Gould, Thomas J. "Addiction and Cognition." Addiction Science & Clinical Practice. National Institute on Drug Abuse, Dec. 2010.

Pyramus and Thisbe is a story surrounding two young lovers which overcome a physical wall to fulfill their desires of a future together. However, their love itself becomes a mental barrier by preventing them to fully rationalize their decisions. I found this to be similar to individuals with some form of addiction. Doctor Thomas J Gould’s conclusion on the effects of addiction strike me as incredibly similar to that of Pyramus and Thisbe. Indeed, Gould notes that addiction sufferers alter their cognitive abilities by prioritizing their addiction in an attempt to become more responsive to the stimulus. In the case of Pyramus and Thisbe, their attempts to be together gradually require more effort, but each successful step becomes more rewarding, thus encouraging them to continue this behavior. First, the couple has an initial desire to be together, which led to them finding a hole in the wall for them to talk to; a significant reward for the minimal amount of effort. Deciding to continue this behavior, they discuss how to meet and be together permanently, which would ultimately reward all of their efforts. This type of attitude damages cognitive abilities, such as memory, impulsive control, and attention. The misinterpretation of events led Pyramus

Open Document