Does writing have the power to enact social change?

After reading Jordan’s piece I feel a little depressed. The poem is like a huge run on sentence. She goes on and on about all the pain, suffering, and dying she witnessed. It makes you realize how gruesome the situation is regardless of how heroic they make it seem. If others read this poem and took some time to let it really sink in I think it could change many peoples opinions about the war.

Writing definitely has the power to enact social change. One thing you write down can completely change how people think of you, others, and themselves. For example, The Bible, This piece of writing has changed the world forever. This book has been the focal point of hundreds of religions, beliefs, and debates. This important piece of literature has affected the everyday lives of every human being.

Writing that is not as popular as the bible can also enact social change. If I post something about someone in a bulletin on Myspace™, all of my friends would know and talk about it the following day. Writing has the power to change people’s lives, I could affect someone’s reputation with one sentence. There is a huge difference between what you say and what you write. What you write is documented and you can’t undo it.

Overall, writing can affect one person, a small group, or the world. There’s never a case when no one is affected, it’s too powerful.

Price of a Child

Nicole VanDerzee
English III, 11²
Mr. Fiorini
1/24/09

The book The Price of a Child by Lorene Cary really touched me as a female. Having to cope with losing a child is no easy task especially when the decision is losing a child or gaining freedom. Although this may sound cruel, the main character Ginnie/Mercer had two other children to take under consideration.
It all begins when Ginnie is sent with two of her three children to Philadelphia with her Master, Jackson Pryor. Pryor is taking a boat to Nicaragua and Ginnie and her children are along for the ride. Pryor goes out for dinner and leaves Ginnie and the children in the room of the hotel they are staying at. While he’s away Ginnie tries to get the attention of a maid. A man named Nig nag overhears and goes to a friend that will help her escape. Although it was extremely difficult Ginnie realizes that this is her chance and she needs to be willing to take it.
After this part in the book you begin to realize how strong she really is. While reading this I started to think to myself "what would I do if I were in that situation" or"what if my mother had to pick?" The saddest day in a mother’s life is losing her child and under these circumstances it’s no better. I felt for her in a way you would be sympathetic to a real person. The idea that affected me the most is that people did go through these types of situations. Real women had to choose their freedom over their babies.
Having read this novel it’s made me more appreciative to the freedom and family I’ve been blessed with. Sometimes when you fight for so hard the right to choose, you don’t want it so much anymore. It often makes things more difficult. Ginnie figures out the price of a child in the end; freedom.