Michele's Humanities Blog

While I have absolutely loved every part of this class, especially the discussions that we have had along the way I really do wish however, that there was a way to not have quite so many blog posts to write. I know this is not really feasible, but it would be nice. So here’s to next semester, and the glutton for punishment that I am.

Throughout this term, we have circled around, and around and back again about how the Victorian’s viewed gender roles. The Victorian era was a time of great advancements, but it was also a time of stagnation. While they were advancing by leaps and bounds in the worlds of science and medicine, they refused to give in and admit that women deserved so much more than what was available to them. They deserved to be viewed as equal to men, not inferior. In all of the literature that we read whenever men and women interacted with each other, it was always a crazy mating ritual. Where the woman had to submit in order to be appealing. Whenever there was a strong female character, her uniqueness had to be squashed, she could not be allowed to be different. This only ever affected the women though, never the men. They were allowed to be whomever they wanted for the most part.

Stoker would roll over in his grave if he could see what vampires have come to be today. Unfortunately, we as a society have become so desensitized that things that once scared and tantalized us are no longer appealing. Now we have to see how far we can push the envelope on violence and gore instead.

So far up to this point the story has been slowly unfolding.

There really has not been much excitement, the stage is still being set for us. The only things we really know is that Jonathan Harker is working for a mysterious man, that he does not know is Dracula, but of course we do.

You would think that if an old gypsy woman warns you to stay away, a person would listen to that advice. I have read the book previously and seen the movie adaptation with Keanu Reeves, and I have to say my opinions of the book have not changed. I still think that the signs that Dracula was an unnatural being were glaringly obvious, and I still want to smack some sense into people for not paying any attention to their gut.

Vampires have always held a mystique for most people. I have personally loved reading books about vampires as well as watching the numerous movie adaptations. The modern takes on vampires are very entertaining, and you can not help but wonder if it could be possible for vampires to be living right under our noses, and we would have no earthly idea. Could they really exist, without us knowing? I have a real soft spot for the original, Bram Stoker’s Dracula. I read the book when I was in I think the fifth grade, and the movie adaptation with Keanu Reeves as Jonathan Harker was my first movie date ever. I have been fascinated by vampires and the supernatural ever since. I think I was drawn to the thrill of the unnatural. Even though Dracula and his brides are an unnatural force, there is an attraction to the idea of living forever, and never growing old.

The Victorians absolutely loved their technology and anything new and shiny would have been all the rage. I truly have to wonder though would they be willing to camp out in front of a store for a week just to be among the first to get the newest iPhone? If the Victorians had actually grown up alongside today’s technologies they would be fine. As a matter of fact we evolved from the Victorians, so yes they would love what we have today.

However, if a man or woman from the Victorian era were suddenly thrust into today’s world, I am fairly certain that they would probably die of a heart attack upon seeing how truly dependent we have become on technology. Deep down inside they would be giddy with excitement, absolutely drooling over all of the the cool gadgets that exist today.

There are numerous things that people are always trying to hide from or change about themselves. No one ever really wants to grow old, wrinkly and gray-headed, but that is just life.

Most of us try in vain using wrinkle creams and hair color to postpone the inevitable. Some people though take it a step further and will go to the ends of the earth to get rid of those wrinkles that they see in the mirror. They may start with a little botox, but that soon snowballs into a constant cycle of nip and tuck. Until one day they look in the mirror, and instead of seeing a person that they recognize there is only a grotesque barbie doll that no one knows anymore.

In all honesty, I really do not think I would ever want to be invisible. Not that I have to be the center of attention, but I would definitely not wish to go unnoticed. However, if becoming invisible was something that happened to me one day, I would like to think I would embrace my inner Peter Parker and find a way to use my powers for the good of mankind. I have to say though, I would have to play around with my new found power a little, and possibly play a few harmless pranks on my family members. Things like turning the lights off when someone is showering at night, or pressing all of the buttons in the elevator so that the elevator stops on every floor. Of course, this will most likely never happen, but if it ever does I will let you know what I decide to do.

The story of ”The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”, is still fascinating today, because no matter how far we have come, we are still products of our environment, and its’ lessons still remain important today. It’s cautionary tale is probably even more necessary today, at a time when our younger generations really are no longer being taught how to properly behave. In today’s society, unfortunately, many people seem to think that there is really nothing wrong with letting their Hyde out on a regular basis, and they will, just because it feels good. Our society is completely focused on personal gratification, and as long as they do not feel they are harming anyone, they will never see it differently.

I have never really cared for monster movies personally. I do not like to be scared. I would have to say that if I had to choose a monster movie though it would have to be Monster’s University. I know, I know, it is an animated feel good movie that shows us that monsters really are not bad after all. My favorite character from the movie would have to be Mike Wazowski. He really is not a scary monster no matter how hard he tries. But his mind is amazing he knows everything to do in order to elicit the best screams from children. The simple fact that any one being could be so good at scaring that he would be able to instruct someone else in how to do it, and scare a room full of adults enough to open a door that was sealed from the other side is incredible.