Final Paper

My upbringing significantly influenced the way I interpret the world. I was raised in a diverse family. Some of my relatives originate from countries such as India, Puerto Rico, and Kenya. The cultural values associated with these countries have shaped my critical approach. Besides being culturally diverse, several of my family members identify with the LGBQT community. Because of this, I have been able to develop an appreciation for a variety of values and social constructs. They have given me a well-rounded perception of the world and made me a better person.

My multi-cultural family is also responsible for developing my love of the arts. When I was young, my grandfather took me to every renowned art museum in New York City. We visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, the Museum of Modern Art, and many others. My appreciation for arts---specifically the art of drawing---grew with each trip. I would watch museum patrons sketch the sculptures of the MET’s Greek wing and long for the day that, I, too, would be able to draw with such brevity. My grandfather responded by encouraging me to bring a notebook with me whenever we visited a museum. Today, not much has changed.

My grandfather still continues to take me to museums and galleries. I was even fortunate enough to visit Paris with both my grandparents in 2009. The Louvre, D’Orsay, and other galleries were a highlight of the trip. My grandparents are very supportive of my decision to pursue a career in the arts. They compiled interesting articles from the arts section of the New York Times for me throughout high school and continue to mail them to me. Because of their liberal principles, they can see the value in a career path that some might consider invaluable. ...

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...itat has developed human-like qualities. The soldiers “hear” the plant-life around them speaking to itself. These delusions drive them to call an airstrike on innocent Vietnamese village. In this case, the setting was responsible for the diminished mental state of the characters. I find that details like these can enhance the relationship between a critical theory and a text.

My inclination to identify the setting, the protagonist, and other aspects of a material is a result of my values. The nature of my overall critical approach is deeply rooted in my beliefs. These values are a product of my being raised in a culturally diverse family. I have been taught to think progressively and not to judge others. I analyze materials and situations with the same liberal mindset. I have concluded that this broadminded way of thinking can behave as both an asset and a burden.