Dr. Paul Farmer, a physician focused on relieving the terrors of Aids and tuberculosis in Haiti, is the central figure in Kidder's book Mountains Beyond Mountains. Kidder says that "[he] understands the world best through stories, but doesn’t search for subjects to write about, [he] looks for characters." It is Dr. Paul Farmer, a character that inspired Kidder to write his story delineating his efforts to establish clinics and hospitals in Haiti, that ultimately allowed Kidder to understand the compassion and wisdom that Farmer shares with the world.
He says his job as a writer is to "make what's true believable" and "bring people to life and scenes to life." Deo's story in Strength in What Remains is one about coming to terms with memory, as he survived the horror of genocide in Burundi, Africa and moved to Columbia University to complete a degree in Medical School. He has now started Village Health Works in Burundi, a medical clinic focused on bringing relief to his home country. His story is one of persistence and second chances, and Kidder uses him to show that we must question everyday people’s life stories, what they have endured and experienced before we make judgments.
I found Tracy Kidder's speech inspiring and it allowed me to think outside of myself as he quoted from his novels. Overall, it was a successful night. In a sense, I judged the seminar just as Kidder says we judge people--without knowing the backstory, and in the end was pleasantly surprised to learn the details behind his books. I think that his speech had a lot to do with compassion, something that I often find lacking as we study the history of Los Angeles in our American Studies class. If the people of the United States weren't so quick to judge, it is likely that we wouldn't have suffered through as many cultural and racial problems as we did.
I find your belief that AMST 100gm does not give us an emotional attachment to the history fascinating, as the knowledge we possess now surpasses most Los Angeles citizens' understanding of their city. You likely are right; we do not explore the depths of each pivotal figures and occurrences thoroughly enough to comprehend the obstacles incurred while constructing the modern-day metropolis. What does that say about the comprehensions of common citizens, then?
ReplyDeleteKidder's attempt at demonstrating the power of judgment in society is absolutely powerful. He also explores the relationship between storytelling and exposing the afflictions that occur around the world. Do you believe that acknowledging and realizing the sufferings that people overcome plays an important role in determining a person's character and society as a whole?
ReplyDeleteSC- Yes, I think it is a huge part of understanding a person's morals and character. Without knowing where someone comes from, it is hard to predict where they will go. A person's past (or how they deal with it) can say a lot about their personality and outlook on life.
ReplyDeleteFrom the Grove- similar to my response to SC's comment, I don't think that common citizens know enough about many of the common controversies today to understand the real implications of their actions. For example, I believe (personal opinion) one cannot argue for or against abortion until they have experienced or helped someone experience the feelings behind making this decision...or someone can't be against a war without understanding both sides of the issue (for example, being a family member of someone who died at 9/11 might make someone have a different outlook on war than someone who just watched it on TV).