There are certain things we think we know until we are called upon to explain them. The idea of self falls into this category, for nothing seems more obvious than our very self, but when we attempt to define its nature we tend to become confused.-- Burton Porter. Philosophy
Why is it so tough to define ourselves, either personally or as Americans? Have you ever walked past a mirror and not recognized yourself? Are you the same person you see in the mirror each day? Do you recognize yourself in a childhood photograph?
Sudden changes often call for a re-evaluation of what it means "to be" and who we are in terms of our community. Describing part of a long journeys can do so as well. William Least Heat Moon reveals something about himself when he articulates what he has observed during his drive through West Texas. A sense of place, then, is one way to reveal identity and beliefs. Gail Godwin shares an important insight into a challenge many of us face: writer's block. Sharing our doubts and fears, then, is one important reason for telling stories that matter.
Our literacy is influenced by family, culture, and education. Sometimes these experiences can work together and build on one another. This, however, is not always the case. Sometimes family, culture, and education have different visions and definitions of literacy; these visions and definitions may collide and create conflict, tension, or turmoil. Sometimes our experiences with literacy involve both harmony and conflict. Sometimes, like David Sedaris' "literacy narrative," the best medicine in such cases is to seek the humor in the situation.