Steiner’s article, “Sleeping with Alcohol,” immediately caught my attention initially through her usage of short phrases. Throughout the article she was extremely descriptive and somewhat painted a picture of her story, which kept me interested while reading the entire article. I liked how much detail she used in her writing, because it really made this woman’s story come to life for me. While reading the article, I think that I subconsciously stereotyped the person’s lifestyle more than personally stereotyping her. I kind of imagined her as living some type of broken lifestyle and lacking order and a sense of personal drive or dedication. I also pictured her as lost and confused with life in general, and she seemed to lack motivation, as well as personal goals for her life. I guess these would all be considered common stereotypes of alcoholics, but I felt like the author was actually trying to give this impression to the reader. I didn’t necessarily think this reading was as much about stereotypes, mainly because the interview revealed some of these qualities that the woman did actually possess through her own words and reactions to the author’s questions. My perception of them as people did not necessarily change throughout the reading, I just developed a better sense of each of their own personal characters as the story continued. I guess I did question why the friendship of these two people, because I was curious as to why the author never felt the need to take any type of action in response to her friend’s drinking problem. The author was aware that her friend’s behavior was problematic, in the sense that she is indeed addicted to alcohol, but she did not seem concerned enough to actually do anything to help her friend’s condition. The author mentions once, “I wonder if we’re past the point or not yet at the point when I can look into her eyes and say, ‘Stop; this is killing you.’” This gave me the perception that their friendship was not strong or real enough to confront this problem. Overall, I think that I stereotyped the writer and the woman she interviewed, but solely on the basis of the woman’s responses to the questions in the interview.
3 comments:
Austin, I completely agree with you. This reading definitely grasped my attention with the use of all the details and images that the writer uses. I am able to create a visual in my head about the people’s lifestyles and how the act. The details really brought the story to life for me too. I also agree with you when you say that you didn’t think that this reading was much about stereotypes. I just thought it was more about telling an entertaining story that was really well written. I did myself stereotype the woman as being a drunk because of listening to her answers to the questions.
Austin, i really agree with you too. All the little details and imagery that Steiner uses really portray her friend as a true alcoholic. Including the interview, with direct quotes from her adds alot to the essay and really tweaked my view on the whole situation. Without the interview and deep thoughts coming from the lady herself, the essay would be really weak but it adds alot more character to the piece overall. As far as stereotyping goes, the interview changed my point of view tremendously.
Well, I'm glad that this article kept your somewhat interested. Honestly, I really did not enjoy the passage at all. No offense, I wouldn't say that her details brought the character to life. But, yet again it's really nice that you enjoyed it...I absolutely loved the picture that you inserted into your blog. It really is one of my favorite examples of stereotypes - it really fits really well. I do agree with you in stating how your perception didn't alter at all throughout the article. I was the same way. Also, I will agree in saying their relationship definately needed some work in order to fix their personal problems. However, that really is the case with everyone. But, you wrote this blog convincingly. Great job!
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