Author Archives: ayc53

The Review of Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young

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After not going to the gym since the first week of my Sophmore year, I was afraid to watch the documentary of The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young. This was about the Barkley Marathon, which many people are so captivated by because most people do not finish.  The 130-mile marathon was inspired by James Earl Ray’s 1977 prison break from Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary.

The physical preparation these people were willing to do in order to be in the marathon, was truly inspirational. It made me question my lack of motivation in working out for an hour, no doubt less than the 60-hour hypothesized time it takes to finish. I really liked that the main determination was in themselves but I think unconsciously there is something attractive about being apart of the select group that has finished when so many do not.

After finishing the documentary, I applauded those who did not finish as they stayed and support the rest of the participants because it really showed that they really wished the best among their peers. It also verified that it was a personal goal free of selfish rewards. I plan on going to the gym today.

12 Angry Men

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I was so excited to watch 12 Angry Men in Rose House, as I have heard it was a classic. Throughout the movie, I was so surprised at the turn of events that led to the jury to all go from guilty to nonguilty through heated discussions.

As I discussed the film with the rest of the Rose Scholars we talked about the reason jurors exist, to have a wide array of beliefs and prejudices that could overall lead to an unbiased decision. I was glad that it was not only the decision of the juror who was clearly racist and wanted the boy to go to jail because of his background. This movie reminded me of the TV show series that followed the OJ Simpson case as they focused on the jurors and how they came up with the decision that Simson was not guilty. That show, as well as Angry Men, displayed the complexity of having so many cultures and beliefs in one case decision. I wonder if those jurors in both cases truly believed in the outcome of the case or were going with the popularity decision. I would not blame the jurors as it is easier to go along with what everyone thinks than be firm in a decision that can impact someone’s entire life. It is better to divide the guilt in the decision, that way the fate of the boy is not only on one juror to decide.

The movie was a fantastic show but it really made me think about if the “right” outcome is always chosen.

Before Night Falls

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I think it was really refreshing for the movie picked to be about an openly gay Cuban man. A, I think there is not a lot of portrayal of the LGBTQ community in movies, especially starring a gay Hispanic man.  I am glad us scholars could really see a movie about someone who was harmed in Cuba during the 1940s.

Arenas was an outstanding poet and everyone knew it, especially his teachers. He wanted to be part of the revolution for Castro but found himself in a tyrant community and used his amazing writing skills to criticize the government. He was then hounded by officials because he was gay and a critic but told the public it was because he had molested some girls. Arenas died from AIDs far away from Cuba and I found that really sad. He must have felt so good to leave the place that tortured him for being who he was but also sad that his birthing place did not want him. It pains me that so many places are like that, in where the government is allowed to torture and imprison for sexual preference. I hope this movie has really changed the way people treat others because Arenas did not deserve the treatment he received from his country.

What Happened to Monday?

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The first time I was introduced to a dysfunctional government was in 9th grade when my English teacher assigned up 1984 by George Orwell. That book scarred me for life. I could no longer the government as one that protects but one that is trying to control their citizens.

What Happened to Monday? is a movie that reminded me so much of Orwell’s novel and what is so scary is that I can see it happen. When I read Orwell, I saw some of the things he wrote in the world we presently live in but it was not as extreme as the book. However, one- child only laws are already present in China and the increasing population has made many governmental wary of resources running out.  The year 2073 is so far away that many things could change and the government might become stricter with enforcing the law. I could see it happening and it was scaring me. The last straw was when we, as the audience found out the children were not “frozen” but incarcerated. I had lost all hope in humanity.

However, I think the ending pretty much gave me the optimism I needed. Acts of humanity were everpresent in the movie, the love Monday had for her children, the grandfathers love for all the girls. That love makes sacrifices and although Monday’s was a selfish love her act of love is exactly what humanity is about. It is selfish and that is why tyrannical governments can never win because the love people have for their loved ones is greater than the laws placed by tyrannical governments.

Sleepless in Ithaca

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Today’s table talk was one I was so excited to talk about. Before I became a student at Cornell, I always woke up feeling refreshed and ready to start my day. I currently wake up groggy and irritated for my morning classes. I felt like I never slept but when I tried to talk to my peers about it, they would tell me I had a lot of sleep compared to them. Was I just complaining?

As I talked to other Rose scholars I got a new perspective on it. There is a competitive culture at this University that makes you feel almost guilty about getting a full beds rest. Thinking you could study so much with that extra time. It’s like you win when you don’t sleep when all statistics prove otherwise. We talked about how 12AM deadlines are detrimental to our success. We are comforted about how much time we have to finish a project, but in reality it just makes us stay up all night to do one assignment. What about the architecture building hours? They are 24 hours. Does Cornell want students to stay in there forever, because that is the message they are sending out.

I know that time is money but sometimes it feels like Cornell does not care about our well- being if we are still giving homework’s on time.

Forrest Gump: The Review

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Run Forrest, Run! Is the same advice I give you to if you are thinking about watching this movie. I was so excited to watch this film last Friday, since everyone I asked told me it was the best movie they had ever seen.  I am here to tell you they are all wrong.

The movie is about Forrest, a guy who has found himself in extraordinary circumstances that have made him do wonderful things in his life. He has an amazing ability to run, making him a football star and meeting President JFK. He rescued his army peers in Vietnam earning him medals and recognition. I love how good-hearted Forrest is, he always took care of his friends like Bubba and Lieutenant Dan Taylor.  I feel that his kind decisions have led him to become successful but he was too wrapped up in Jenny, that he did not care for any his blessings. Jenny to me is why this movie is not worth watching. I feel like Forrest was such an admiral person, who never let anyone get in his way but Jenny. Her rejection was the only constant thing in the movie and it once her acceptance came, it was too late.

Winter Olympics and Cheating

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I love watching the Olympics with my family. We all love Figure Skating and we call and text about every single win of the US. It was fantastic to talk to my peers about it as well this house dinner! While we all ate, we discussed the cheating scandals of Russia. It was incredible to see the depths they took to manipulate the urine sample and the mysterious death of someone who was investigating the whole thing!

I had no idea that was why the winners from Russia had to hold the Olympian flag, as they were forbidden to represent Russia. They also were not allowed to wear bright colors instead of dull colors as a form of punishment. As a group, we agreed that it was a fair punishment. I do not think individual athletes who worked all their life to commit should suffer because of what their government and other athletes chose to do.

I hope to see more of the games!