Roger Ebert

This last week I enjoyed learning about Roger Ebert. I believe this unit was probably one of our better ones, not just because it was positive compared to our unit of racism. But it kind of opened my eyes of something awesome someone did after going through something that should have crippled them. But Ebert never truly lost his voice after getting cancer in his lower jaw. Sure, he couldn't talk, but his voice was louder than ever. I also didn't realize that things like Alex, his computer that talked for him existed. My original reaction was to feel sorry for him, or pity him. But as we went on in the unit and went over what Pity is, I realized there really is no reason to pity him. Sure, he has lost a few things on the journey of life, but the only thing to pity is unhappiness which far from what Roger was like.

The big question in this unit is why some people sink or swim when faced with personal tragedy. I do think it has to do with how much preparation you have had for the personal tragedy. As in, your more likely to sink if a relative close to you dies in a freak accident out of nowhere. But even within the group of people who had that precious time to prepare, people sink. Why? It could have to do with your own character at that point in your life. If your depressed, a loss or personal tragedy will probably be the nail in the coffin. But if your self-confident and walk with a stride in your step, that's almost like an extra preparation. Other than those two theories, I can't think of any other reason. Se people might need help from others but ultimately it depends on how you feel like at some point in your life. But ultimately, the best you can do is be positive. Roger Ebert should and was applauded for what he did. He proved you can never truly lose your voice.