This Blog is a resource tool for the students taking the "FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES" elective at Westborough High School, Westborough, Massachusetts.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
PERIOD 3 - "THE BEAR THAT WASN'T"
Today you read The Bear That Wasn't by Frank Tashlin. Please share with the class your thoughts about the story and be sure to post at least one comment on another classmate's reflective post.
Mr. Gallagher
41 comments:
Sam Klefstad
said...
I think that the bear story was a story for kids to portray what happens as you get older. I think it's telling us that the higher powers in society with enough convincing can convince someone what there identity is in society. Although the person who is being convinced might not believe it right away, after a certain amount of time i think they just accept with what they have been tagged as and go on with their lives.
I think that the book is used to symbolizde how people are constantl being told they have to ct or be a certain way in order to fit in and eventually they obtain that identity. But when faced with a sitaution that requires you to use your instinct your true identity is revealed.
I think that the bear story is used as a simple example of what happens in real life. People are constantly told different things and it’s up to them to decide to believe the group or not. The book deals with the idea of people believing a certain thing even if it is true or not. The theme of the story is that people tend to change their beliefs if a certain concept is drilled into their head over and over again.
I feel that the bear story illustrates how one's environment affects the shaping of one's identity. As we grow up, we are used to obeying those above us, whether it's with age or with power. When the bear was consistently convinced that he was actually a silly man, it became more and more real to him, because those above him may have been more knowledgable that himself.
The bear story is not just good for children with it's pictures and simple sentences, it is also great for adults. The bear story portrays an adult theme in the most simplistic way. I enjoyed how it spoke about an issue that everyone faces early in their lives while using such a simple character. One day we all will be faced with the same issue that the bear was faced with, if we have not already, and we all will look back to the day we read this short story. Without a doubt the bear story altered many lives in the class.
I think that the bear story was a basic example of ones identity can be drastically altered through people of higher power in our society today. I believe that this story shows that people of a higher power are not necessarily right 100% of the time. In this case it is shown that the businessmen were not correct when they called the bear a "silly man" but they were able to sway the mind of the bear to believe them. From this it shows that ones identify can be drastically changed by the words from someone of a higher power.
Shady... I think that you are right on the fact that its able to take something about an adult concept and with ease ans simplicity it is able to be made into a childrens book. I think that it does that because it is trying to say that this is such a simple concept and it happens so often, but many people these days do not have any idea that there identity is being manipulated and changed by higher power.
The book "The Bear That Wasn't" by Frank Tashlin was a perfect example of how the world functions today. Not only are there people at every turn of our life, waiting to impose their opinions onto others, but most of the average humans aren't willing to stand up for themselves in the face of adversary. They're even more reluctant to do so when they're alone and more people are on the opposing side. We see this in the story - the bear becomes increasingly unsure of his identity as he's told he isn't a bear by a growing crowd. And the more authority the adversary has, the harder it becomes for the bear to continue thinking it is a bear... so he lets them shape his identity. That's exactly what happens to a lot of people in this world, and it's pretty easy to see why.
I think this book shows that people don't even determine who they really are. It shows that people are told who they are and that they don't believe in themselves. People keep being told that they are something else and after a while they don't even believe in themselves anymore. They believe in what they are told they are.
In response to Shady's post: I agree, but I also want to add something. The simple story leaves a pretty big impression on the typical adult, yes. But I also think that the story has *already* opened up a lot of people's eyes to how others have control over our identities. Many of us didn't realize it before the "Bear Story," and that's the scary thing...
I think this book shows how easy it is to give up on something you know is true if somebody tells you it isn't. It shows that in order to conform to a group or be accepted sometimes you have to change a part of yourself to fit in. The bear's problem is something that most people go through in some way. Their identity is decided for them.
I believe that "The Bear That Wasn't" was a story that can entertain children, while at the same time make the adults reading it stop and think about its underlying message. Adults can relate to the bear with their past experiences and see how ones identity can truly be tested by a powerful group or authority. A person that has a strong personal identity will be more immune to the influences of society and can choose the path less traveled when called upon.
I agree with Connor that this book symbolizes a rel life situation. And these types of situations go on all the time. People don't believe in themselves anymore and that is why people's beliefs change everyday about themselves
I feel like the "Bear That Wasn't" was a story about how an individual can become lost in society, when society is constantly telling them who they are even if the individual already knows exactly who they are.
I thought that the story, “The Bear That Wasn’t”, is an accurate portrayal of the everyday struggle people have in society regarding their identity. I liked the fact that the author made the story kid friendly so that it is easy for younger children to understand what they may not be going through yet. The bear was seen questioning his own identity because of those higher up in society telling him he was not a bear, but just a man who need to shave and wore a fur coat. I think the reason why they were all so set on this was because they were only associating the bear with what they knew such as, seeing bears only in the circus. The group did not listen to the individual therefore making it hard for the bear to be completely comfortable in his own identity.
I agree with what Anna had to say on the idea of how easy it is to have someone push their opinion on you enough times that you begin to question your identity and what makes you, you.
In response to Anna’s post: I agree, especially with what you said about the average person being afraid to stand up against a group so they let them shape their identity out of fear.
I also agree with what Anna had to say about how easy it is to have you opinion swayed. I agree with her when she says that it was easy for the businessmen to change the identity of the bear. This is not right because your identity is very important in your life because it shapes the person you are now and also in the future.
After reading the bear story I began to uncover the truth of ones identity and the challenges people face towards there identity. Like Sam said it was definatley a story for kids but I also believe there is a message in here for adults as well. Ones identity in the world today is the most powerful thing a person can have and I think that the bear story helps to support this point.
I agree with Shady's post in the fact that I do believe that one day everyone in our class will be placed in this situation. Although, for us to not fall into the same conformity that so many others have done, we must first find our true identity and fully buy into it. This story can alter the way we think now but the true test is how you react when societies pressure is place on us in the future.
I think that the bear story portrayed a downfall in our society. It demonstrated that individuals often let society define who they are. As the bear did in the story, many people will conform to what they think society wants them to be. In the end I believe the book had an accurate portrayal of how one should not let society define their identity. An individuals identity should be defined by themselves.
I think that the bear story was a creative yet simple way to get across the idea that your identity can be effected and changed by a group of people. If everyone begins to tell you that you are something, even if you disagree, it is easy to begin to believe them. To you it may seem that they see something in yourself that you are just missing therefore it starts to seem reasonable that they are all right, even if they are not. But at the end of the day, you are who you are and your instincts should lead you to your true identity
Responding to Anna’s comment, I definatly agree with what she had to say. I agreed with her point that when a person is on the opposing side than society is, many are afraid to stand up for themselves. This can alter ones identity as it did to the bears for a period of time.
In response to Ryan Blackneys post, I somewhat disagree. This would hold true if the bear continued on believeing that he was a human. But, eventually he realized the truth again, that he was a bear. So I would more or less say that other people effect a person's identity, but they don't fully determine it.
I think that the bear shows that even if you have identified yourself as a certain thing for your whole entire life, your identity can always be change because of what other people say, if you let them. Even though the bear continuously said he was a bear, he eventualy gave in to what the society was saying, and he changed. I believe that this happens to people in society every day because everyone has a natural desire to fit in, and to do so means for some, changing their identity.
I believe this book was just a simple and easy to understand way to describe something that is incredibly complicated. I think society, or just groups in general, have so much influence on an individual. The bear had been called a silly man who needs a shave so many times, that he began to even question his own identity. Ryan Blackney had a very similar idea to mine. He also realized that the people influenced the bear in such a way that he could not correctly identify himself.
The bear story was a simpistic story for children that delivers two important messages to both children and adults. The first message is that people will try to tell you what you are and shape you how they want, and it is important to not succumb to their will and be yourself. The second message for both adults and kids is to not be one of those people who impose their will on people like the bear. Your identity is your most important thing. To try to alter someone's identity is unfair and before you do that to somebody you must first think of how you would feel if someone was forcing you to be something you're not. One thing that I think everyone has missed is the idea that in times of great hardship, your true identity will come forth. When the bear who wasn't was freezing in the winter it was a time of great hardship for him and he suddenly remembered that he wasn't a man, but in fact he was a bear.
I think that this book depicts a complex situation broken down into terms that even children can understand. Using the bear as the main character makes society appear outrageous for claiming he is a human while in reality this type of conformity happens everyday. It is important to take away the neccesity to believe in your cause and stick to your beliefs. Besides demonstrating the importance of maintaining an identity in society it also shows how influential a hypnotized society can be. Mass persuasion has enormous affects on people.
In response to Ryan Blackney's post and Sam Nichols' response to that post I disagree with Ryan and agree with Sam. I think that every person at one point in time has an identity that they have established for themselves. Over time that identity is covered up by people trying to change it. While that person's identity may begin to appear different, underneath it all their identity is still there and can still be uncovered.
I agree with Alli in that I thought that the story, “The Bear That Wasn’t”, is an accurate portrayal of the everyday struggle people have in society regarding their identity. I would also add however that I dont believe the ranking in society is as valuable as the masses. It is seen in politics today that the masses control the people in power. I believe the individual should ignore the masses rather than the rank of power.
I think that this story has a sense of familiarity with most teenagers and adults because it deals with a mature topic in a while that even children can understand. The bear lost his identity through the hierarchy of the factory owners and presidents because he is constantly being told by others that are more "important" than him who to be. Adults can relate to this because they've been through a similar peer pressure situation, as have most teenagers. The cool part is it's all in one children's story book now.
I agree with Meredith on this in the sense that as a kid we are always listening to people who are older or even more popular than we are. It can get to a point where we are just who everyone else tells us we are and that is where this story tries to show the reader with the last line after the bear really discovers himself the books states that the bear was not silly in the least bit. This is because he finally found himself and it's a great thing.
I feel that this story shows how affected people are by eachother. We are influenced at young ages by what others tell us and people grow with these ideas about who they should be and most conform to the stereotypes. The Bear shows an outsider that is influenced, and since he isnt what he is supposed to be (in the circus or zoo) he has to change and be something hes not, showing how easy it is to be conformed by others.
In response to Allie... i like what you said about groups drowning out what individuals say. Its seen alot in society when people try to do something out of the norm.
In response to Shady... I agree that the story is dynamic in that it's a child, as well as adult read. The values that we live by are taught at a very young age, and it very well engrains an important message in children that may or may not be understood in adults.
In response to Shady... I agree that the story is dynamic in that it's a child, as well as adult read. The values that we live by are taught at a very young age, and it very well engrains an important message in children that may or may not be understood in adults.
The Bear that wasn't was about how the individual loses sight of his internal truths when the external world refuses to acknowledge them. In the book the internal truth is the bears basic sense of identity. I say sense of identity since in the real world people's identity's are not bears or humans, but more abstract, based on race, class, ethnicity and other semi-tangible factors. However the books moral could be applied to things outside the realm of identity as well. Things like basic moral instincts or perspective could also be manipulated by the external world. In fact it is likely they are, pretty much from birth in any society in our world.
I disagree with Ryan Blackney because I feel that the book would have shown this if the bear kept believing he was a human. The whole point of the story is to advocate individuality and to ensure that people believe themselves more than the mass. I do not think that the book's main point was to show that people do not determine their identity on their own.
I think that the bear story is a story that highlights how hard it is to stay an individual when everyone believes one thing to be true. No matter how confident you are in yourself the opinion of others may start to seem true if they keep drilling their point of view on you. It’s a good story to show kids how to keep to their roots and what they know to be true about themselves.
41 comments:
I think that the bear story was a story for kids to portray what happens as you get older. I think it's telling us that the higher powers in society with enough convincing can convince someone what there identity is in society. Although the person who is being convinced might not believe it right away, after a certain amount of time i think they just accept with what they have been tagged as and go on with their lives.
I think that the book is used to symbolizde how people are constantl being told they have to ct or be a certain way in order to fit in and eventually they obtain that identity. But when faced with a sitaution that requires you to use your instinct your true identity is revealed.
I think that the bear story is used as a simple example of what happens in real life. People are constantly told different things and it’s up to them to decide to believe the group or not. The book deals with the idea of people believing a certain thing even if it is true or not. The theme of the story is that people tend to change their beliefs if a certain concept is drilled into their head over and over again.
I feel that the bear story illustrates how one's environment affects the shaping of one's identity. As we grow up, we are used to obeying those above us, whether it's with age or with power. When the bear was consistently convinced that he was actually a silly man, it became more and more real to him, because those above him may have been more knowledgable that himself.
I don't know how to comment on someone else's post...
The bear story is not just good for children with it's pictures and simple sentences, it is also great for adults. The bear story portrays an adult theme in the most simplistic way. I enjoyed how it spoke about an issue that everyone faces early in their lives while using such a simple character. One day we all will be faced with the same issue that the bear was faced with, if we have not already, and we all will look back to the day we read this short story. Without a doubt the bear story altered many lives in the class.
I think that the bear story was a basic example of ones identity can be drastically altered through people of higher power in our society today. I believe that this story shows that people of a higher power are not necessarily right 100% of the time. In this case it is shown that the businessmen were not correct when they called the bear a "silly man" but they were able to sway the mind of the bear to believe them. From this it shows that ones identify can be drastically changed by the words from someone of a higher power.
Shady... I think that you are right on the fact that its able to take something about an adult concept and with ease ans simplicity it is able to be made into a childrens book. I think that it does that because it is trying to say that this is such a simple concept and it happens so often, but many people these days do not have any idea that there identity is being manipulated and changed by higher power.
The book "The Bear That Wasn't" by Frank Tashlin was a perfect example of how the world functions today. Not only are there people at every turn of our life, waiting to impose their opinions onto others, but most of the average humans aren't willing to stand up for themselves in the face of adversary. They're even more reluctant to do so when they're alone and more people are on the opposing side. We see this in the story - the bear becomes increasingly unsure of his identity as he's told he isn't a bear by a growing crowd. And the more authority the adversary has, the harder it becomes for the bear to continue thinking it is a bear... so he lets them shape his identity. That's exactly what happens to a lot of people in this world, and it's pretty easy to see why.
I think this book shows that people don't even determine who they really are. It shows that people are told who they are and that they don't believe in themselves. People keep being told that they are something else and after a while they don't even believe in themselves anymore. They believe in what they are told they are.
In response to Shady's post: I agree, but I also want to add something. The simple story leaves a pretty big impression on the typical adult, yes. But I also think that the story has *already* opened up a lot of people's eyes to how others have control over our identities. Many of us didn't realize it before the "Bear Story," and that's the scary thing...
I think this book shows how easy it is to give up on something you know is true if somebody tells you it isn't. It shows that in order to conform to a group or be accepted sometimes you have to change a part of yourself to fit in. The bear's problem is something that most people go through in some way. Their identity is decided for them.
I believe that "The Bear That Wasn't" was a story that can entertain children, while at the same time make the adults reading it stop and think about its underlying message. Adults can relate to the bear with their past experiences and see how ones identity can truly be tested by a powerful group or authority. A person that has a strong personal identity will be more immune to the influences of society and can choose the path less traveled when called upon.
I agree with Connor that this book symbolizes a rel life situation. And these types of situations go on all the time. People don't believe in themselves anymore and that is why people's beliefs change everyday about themselves
I feel like the "Bear That Wasn't" was a story about how an individual can become lost in society, when society is constantly telling them who they are even if the individual already knows exactly who they are.
I thought that the story, “The Bear That Wasn’t”, is an accurate portrayal of the everyday struggle people have in society regarding their identity. I liked the fact that the author made the story kid friendly so that it is easy for younger children to understand what they may not be going through yet. The bear was seen questioning his own identity because of those higher up in society telling him he was not a bear, but just a man who need to shave and wore a fur coat. I think the reason why they were all so set on this was because they were only associating the bear with what they knew such as, seeing bears only in the circus. The group did not listen to the individual therefore making it hard for the bear to be completely comfortable in his own identity.
I agree with what Anna had to say on the idea of how easy it is to have someone push their opinion on you enough times that you begin to question your identity and what makes you, you.
In response to Anna’s post: I agree, especially with what you said about the average person being afraid to stand up against a group so they let them shape their identity out of fear.
I also agree with what Anna had to say about how easy it is to have you opinion swayed. I agree with her when she says that it was easy for the businessmen to change the identity of the bear. This is not right because your identity is very important in your life because it shapes the person you are now and also in the future.
After reading the bear story I began to uncover the truth of ones identity and the challenges people face towards there identity. Like Sam said it was definatley a story for kids but I also believe there is a message in here for adults as well. Ones identity in the world today is the most powerful thing a person can have and I think that the bear story helps to support this point.
I agree with Shady's post in the fact that I do believe that one day everyone in our class will be placed in this situation. Although, for us to not fall into the same conformity that so many others have done, we must first find our true identity and fully buy into it. This story can alter the way we think now but the true test is how you react when societies pressure is place on us in the future.
I think that the bear story portrayed a downfall in our society. It demonstrated that individuals often let society define who they are. As the bear did in the story, many people will conform to what they think society wants them to be. In the end I believe the book had an accurate portrayal of how one should not let society define their identity. An individuals identity should be defined by themselves.
I think that the bear story was a creative yet simple way to get across the idea that your identity can be effected and changed by a group of people. If everyone begins to tell you that you are something, even if you disagree, it is easy to begin to believe them. To you it may seem that they see something in yourself that you are just missing therefore it starts to seem reasonable that they are all right, even if they are not. But at the end of the day, you are who you are and your instincts should lead you to your true identity
Responding to Anna’s comment, I definatly agree with what she had to say. I agreed with her point that when a person is on the opposing side than society is, many are afraid to stand up for themselves. This can alter ones identity as it did to the bears for a period of time.
In response to Ryan Blackneys post, I somewhat disagree. This would hold true if the bear continued on believeing that he was a human. But, eventually he realized the truth again, that he was a bear. So I would more or less say that other people effect a person's identity, but they don't fully determine it.
I think that the bear shows that even if you have identified yourself as a certain thing for your whole entire life, your identity can always be change because of what other people say, if you let them. Even though the bear continuously said he was a bear, he eventualy gave in to what the society was saying, and he changed. I believe that this happens to people in society every day because everyone has a natural desire to fit in, and to do so means for some, changing their identity.
I believe this book was just a simple and easy to understand way to describe something that is incredibly complicated. I think society, or just groups in general, have so much influence on an individual. The bear had been called a silly man who needs a shave so many times, that he began to even question his own identity. Ryan Blackney had a very similar idea to mine. He also realized that the people influenced the bear in such a way that he could not correctly identify himself.
The bear story was a simpistic story for children that delivers two important messages to both children and adults. The first message is that people will try to tell you what you are and shape you how they want, and it is important to not succumb to their will and be yourself. The second message for both adults and kids is to not be one of those people who impose their will on people like the bear. Your identity is your most important thing. To try to alter someone's identity is unfair and before you do that to somebody you must first think of how you would feel if someone was forcing you to be something you're not. One thing that I think everyone has missed is the idea that in times of great hardship, your true identity will come forth. When the bear who wasn't was freezing in the winter it was a time of great hardship for him and he suddenly remembered that he wasn't a man, but in fact he was a bear.
I agree with tom, and I think that this often happens to people because they want to be a part of a group for one reason or another...
I think that this book depicts a complex situation broken down into terms that even children can understand. Using the bear as the main character makes society appear outrageous for claiming he is a human while in reality this type of conformity happens everyday. It is important to take away the neccesity to believe in your cause and stick to your beliefs. Besides demonstrating the importance of maintaining an identity in society it also shows how influential a hypnotized society can be. Mass persuasion has enormous affects on people.
In response to Ryan Blackney's post and Sam Nichols' response to that post I disagree with Ryan and agree with Sam. I think that every person at one point in time has an identity that they have established for themselves. Over time that identity is covered up by people trying to change it. While that person's identity may begin to appear different, underneath it all their identity is still there and can still be uncovered.
I agree with Alli in that I thought that the story, “The Bear That Wasn’t”, is an accurate portrayal of the everyday struggle people have in society regarding their identity. I would also add however that I dont believe the ranking in society is as valuable as the masses. It is seen in politics today that the masses control the people in power. I believe the individual should ignore the masses rather than the rank of power.
I think that this story has a sense of familiarity with most teenagers and adults because it deals with a mature topic in a while that even children can understand. The bear lost his identity through the hierarchy of the factory owners and presidents because he is constantly being told by others that are more "important" than him who to be. Adults can relate to this because they've been through a similar peer pressure situation, as have most teenagers. The cool part is it's all in one children's story book now.
I agree with Meredith on this in the sense that as a kid we are always listening to people who are older or even more popular than we are. It can get to a point where we are just who everyone else tells us we are and that is where this story tries to show the reader with the last line after the bear really discovers himself the books states that the bear was not silly in the least bit. This is because he finally found himself and it's a great thing.
I feel that this story shows how affected people are by eachother. We are influenced at young ages by what others tell us and people grow with these ideas about who they should be and most conform to the stereotypes. The Bear shows an outsider that is influenced, and since he isnt what he is supposed to be (in the circus or zoo) he has to change and be something hes not, showing how easy it is to be conformed by others.
In response to Allie... i like what you said about groups drowning out what individuals say. Its seen alot in society when people try to do something out of the norm.
In response to Shady... I agree that the story is dynamic in that it's a child, as well as adult read. The values that we live by are taught at a very young age, and it very well engrains an important message in children that may or may not be understood in adults.
In response to Shady... I agree that the story is dynamic in that it's a child, as well as adult read. The values that we live by are taught at a very young age, and it very well engrains an important message in children that may or may not be understood in adults.
The Bear that wasn't was about how the individual loses sight of his internal truths when the external world refuses to acknowledge them. In the book the internal truth is the bears basic sense of identity. I say sense of identity since in the real world people's identity's are not bears or humans, but more abstract, based on race, class, ethnicity and other semi-tangible factors. However the books moral could be applied to things outside the realm of identity as well. Things like basic moral instincts or perspective could also be manipulated by the external world. In fact it is likely they are, pretty much from birth in any society in our world.
I disagree with Ryan Blackney because I feel that the book would have shown this if the bear kept believing he was a human. The whole point of the story is to advocate individuality and to ensure that people believe themselves more than the mass. I do not think that the book's main point was to show that people do not determine their identity on their own.
I think that the bear story is a story that highlights how hard it is to stay an individual when everyone believes one thing to be true. No matter how confident you are in yourself the opinion of others may start to seem true if they keep drilling their point of view on you. It’s a good story to show kids how to keep to their roots and what they know to be true about themselves.
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