Along with the quirky characters and rhymes, Dr. Seuss books
have some profound messages. One message
is found in Green Eggs and Ham. Was it just a coincidence that this book was
published the same year that President Eisenhower signed the Civil Rights Act
(1960)? Some people think it was Dr.
Seuss’s way of saying, “Don’t judge a book, or an egg—OR A MAN—by its color.”
I think that seeing Green
Eggs and Ham as a diatribe on race relations goes too far. To me, this delightful children’s book is
about navigating life with an open mind and not judging something without first
experiencing it. It is also about
persevering even in the face of stubborn resistance.
Last night I received a delightful story prepared by Daniel,
Andrea, Olivia, Madison, Atticus, Jared, and Amanda. Brother Lurch is trying to get his friend to
try the Mormon Church, and despite the constant protests, the tenacious Brother
Lurch keeps trying. Finally after
“trying” the Mormon Church, the friend asks to be baptized. What a fun parody!
Have you ever had a Green
Eggs and Ham experience? When I was
in about 9th grade, I kept hearing about a girl who went to Olympus
Jr. High (I went to Evergreen) who was just like me. People who knew us both kept telling me how
similar we were. Lauri and I both had
long blonde hair; we both competed in gymnastics; we both played the violin. Who knows who even started it, but both of us
persisted in affirming our hate for the other throughout the year even though
we had never met. As you might guess, we
did meet the first day of sophomore year and became instant friends. She remained one of my best friends
throughout our years at Olympus High.
Lauri is the only high-school friend with whom I have exchanged
Christmas cards every year for the past four decades.
I would love to hear about your Green Eggs and Ham experiences.
Maybe Platte’s could be something about his mother-in-law’s pasta salad.
I remember a long time ago I hated Oatmeal. HATED it. Hated it so much that I got my sisters to join with me in revolt against it. Years passed. I knew that I did not like oatmeal. Everyone kept telling me how healthy it was. I thought, "I don't care how healthy it is, I hate oatmeal." So, I kept to myself and didn't eat oatmeal. I can't remember the specific day, but I remember trying it again for the first time. Someone finally convinced me to do it. And guess what? I didn't hate it. No, I didn't just automatically love it - but I could tolerate it. Then, I went to Corner Bakery with Kristina once after a run and that oatmeal changed my thoughts on oatmeal for the rest of my life. It was delicious.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to remember that not all Green Eggs & Ham experiences are like a flip of the switch. Sometimes you can grow to like something -- even if you don't like it the first time you try it, you may eventually. Just because I hate vegetables in general doesn't mean that I don't keep trying to eat them--maybe someday I will like them. Just because I don't like home teaching doesn't mean that I should stop doing it - maybe someday I will like it.
I do not like green eggs and ham....or oatmeal. Unless it has lots of sugar and fruit...
ReplyDeleteGood example: I remember one time that I decided to try something new: The Rocket at Lagoon. I was scared of the Rocket and had never wanted to ride it. One day, I decided to ride it. I got on, with butterflies in my stomach. The ride began and ended, and it was an absolutely terrible experience. I still hate the ride to this day.
ReplyDeleteBetter example: One time, when we were in Hawaii, I got stung by a jellyfish. It felt like this *ouch* on my legs and I got out of the water. Later, Dad told me (in his best Brother Lurch impression) that I needed to get back in the water so I wouldn't be afraid. I did so, and I got stung again.
Just kidding. I'll do a real one. :)
Best example: Going on a mission. I didn't know what to expect, and I knew it would be hard but wasn't sure how. It was a really hard thing, but I felt awesome after I did it. Partially because it was hard and different, I had grown spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. I was real glad that I tried those green eggs and ham!