A little light-heartedness...
After almost two full years of college, I've determined that there are four types of English majors in this world:
1) Hippies: Usually boys, these are the dirty kids in the class who wear flannel and flipflops come hell or high water. They have a no holds-barred attitude when it comes to discussing things in class, but all they ever say is "Fight the man! Conventionality is lame!" They're probably the most appreciative of linguistic nuances, but only insofar as those elements support their own warped hippie theories on life and society.
2) Neurotics: Present in any class, those of the English variety seemed to be particularly concerned with figuring out EXACTLY what they need to put in their papers to get an A. They'd rather write according to the professor's precise wishes rather than go out on a limb and do something creative and fresh. They scramble to grasp literal messages and are so consumed with success that they don't really push past the text in any way.
3) Talkers: No explanation necessary. I'm afraid if I explain them further, I might lose meaning in the midst of a words whirlwind. What was I trying to say anyway? *hopes someone catches my sarcasm*
4) The Shadows: I tend to put myself into this category. We don't speak up too much, but we're known for incredible flashes of brilliance when we feel compelled to talk (but I'm not biased...!). We tend to surprise professors with good, insightful papers because we hide behind our notebooks and pens in class...but no one really takes us seriously. We blend in until the right moment when we burst out of our shells like lightning and deliver the analytical blow that stuns our peers.
So I'm a little cocky... ;)
But in all reality, I'm working on bringing myself to a level thats somewhere between type 3 and 4. I feel more comfortable speaking up, but a lot of times it's just easier not to say anything at all.
Seems to be the same way out in the real world too, eh?
1) Hippies: Usually boys, these are the dirty kids in the class who wear flannel and flipflops come hell or high water. They have a no holds-barred attitude when it comes to discussing things in class, but all they ever say is "Fight the man! Conventionality is lame!" They're probably the most appreciative of linguistic nuances, but only insofar as those elements support their own warped hippie theories on life and society.
2) Neurotics: Present in any class, those of the English variety seemed to be particularly concerned with figuring out EXACTLY what they need to put in their papers to get an A. They'd rather write according to the professor's precise wishes rather than go out on a limb and do something creative and fresh. They scramble to grasp literal messages and are so consumed with success that they don't really push past the text in any way.
3) Talkers: No explanation necessary. I'm afraid if I explain them further, I might lose meaning in the midst of a words whirlwind. What was I trying to say anyway? *hopes someone catches my sarcasm*
4) The Shadows: I tend to put myself into this category. We don't speak up too much, but we're known for incredible flashes of brilliance when we feel compelled to talk (but I'm not biased...!). We tend to surprise professors with good, insightful papers because we hide behind our notebooks and pens in class...but no one really takes us seriously. We blend in until the right moment when we burst out of our shells like lightning and deliver the analytical blow that stuns our peers.
So I'm a little cocky... ;)
But in all reality, I'm working on bringing myself to a level thats somewhere between type 3 and 4. I feel more comfortable speaking up, but a lot of times it's just easier not to say anything at all.
Seems to be the same way out in the real world too, eh?
posted by haze at 8:30 PM
1 Comments:
hehe Laura, I've noticed those types too. There's actually this one guy in my english class. His name is Ethan...every time he says something, it's like a spark of brilliance every time. He takes his time to say something, but every time it's as if he's contemplating some amazing act...taking his time to say something unconventional but still relevant. I would say he's a bit of all 4 that you listed.
Sorry I haven't been commenting lately, sometimes things can get so busy. I hope everything is going well with you. =)
Post a Comment
<< Home