Topiary American Dream?
How did the film, A Man Named Pearl, impact you? What did it challenge you to think, feel, and believe about the American Dream? Please share your passionate response. (Due by 3:30p.m. Wed., April 29th.)
posted by Greg T at Monday, April 27, 2009
31 Comments:
This film made me realize how the American dream doesn't always have to be about making money. Sometimes it can just be about pursuing your passion. In this case Pearl Fryar realized that he loved to garden. I also was able to realize that anyone has the ability to do whatever they want, it just depends if they are willing to put the time and effort into doing it.
It impacted me in that it made me think of how I want to live my life. Pearl Fryar is the definition of the American Dream because he came from nothing into this inspirational man that affects people's lifes. The reason the film affected me is because he is doing what he is passionated about. I want to do what I am passionate about when I grow up because I think that is what truly makes a person happy. I hope that I can do what I am passionate about when I am older and be truly happy with my life.
The film, A Man Named Pearl, impacted me immensely. It was inspiring to see a man, 60 years into his life, full-filling his dream. He was able to make a piece of garbage (in some people's point of view) into a masterpiece. Everyone thought he was crazy finding joy in something so simple. But, it ended up bringing joy to others who saw his work in the process. When you think about the American Dream in general, everyone thinks that you have to make millions and be in the media. For Pearl, that is not the case. It does not matter to him because he is doing what he loves and it impacts himself and others positively. It definately makes the point across that we should pursue what we love to do; no matter what age (it's never to late) and the fact that nobody should keep us from acheiving our dreams (no matter how big or small).
This film made me realize that hard work will pay off. I admire Pearls work ethic. I cant imagine working 12 hour days and then coming home to work on my yard into the wee hours of the night. I enjoyed the film but thought the praise that the community gives Pearl is over the top. The citizens talked about Pearl like he had become a multimillionare when in turn he just created a garden. The whole film made me think people in small towns were uneducated. Although on the other hand I think they just have different views based on their lifestyle and their surroundings. I think the American Dream is seen differently for different people. My view may be different than Pearls, but if he feels like he has found the American Dream than good for him.
The documentary, A Man Named Pearl, is something that every human being can benefit from watching. It shows that you never out grow your dreams or aspirations. No matter how old you are, the dream can be attained with hard work and commitment. I question, is age used as an excuse for some of us? Regardless, the American dream is different for everyone. We all have varying expectations for ourselves and different passions as well. This is what makes our world unique, and what makes the perception of the American dream so diverse.
This movie really is something special; it proves that self-determinism, no matter what the age, ethnicity, or lack of opportunity(in this case, deprivation of education), success can be created out of nothing. Success can be created. It doesn't take luck or miracles, the "miracle" is that Pearl took charge of his own life. However, this is the opinion of the certain individuals in the town that Pearl lives in. The beauty of it is that this wasn't a miracle, and anybody, given the motivation, could do what Pearl did. You can do anything, thats what I took from this movie.
The Man Named Pearl is very interesting. It makes you think on a different way of the American Dream. Many see the American Dream as becoming famous, or rich, but it was different with Pearl. All he did was built a garden from scratch, to honor his father. From that he got success. All the success he got was because he was passionate about what he does, he loves it. Gardening makes him happy. Pearl had everything I think everybody wants...Happiness, their families well being and security.
This documentay impacted me in that it exemplifies the point that we have been dicussing the whole semester, that the American Dream is different for everyone. And the ultimate goal of the American Dream does not have to be money. Pearl Fryar did not stay up working late into the night to get paid. He did it because he loved it. To him, it wasn't work. It made me realize that you can be happy without a lot of money and expensive things. If you are doing what you love, you will have accomplished the American Dream.
Pearl Friar inspired me because the way that he just picked up a hobby and then used it to attract visitors to a small, unknoen town is miraculous. To me, Pearl accomplished the american dream, he used his God given talents to impact people all over the world and let people realize that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
This documentary made me think that no matter how old you are the American Dream is NEVER out of reach for anybody. Even though most people go on living their lives wondering when and where they are going to find the American Dream. In most cases they have already persuded it they just don't recognize it because people try to tell them what they should look for in the American Drean. Pearl Fryar shows us that no one can teach you what the American Dream is, you have to show your self.
After viewing "A Man Named Pearl", I had a much better grasp of what the American Dream truly is. Prior to this film it was very hard for me to come up with a concrete definition for this somewhat cliche term that is thrown around all the time. Pearl Fryar showed that you don't need money or material objects to consider yourself a succesful American citizen. He seemed as though he would be just as happy with his life even if he had received the publicity and fame. Just from the short glimpse that I had into Pearl's life, I learned that the American Dream is doing whatever you love to the best of your abilities, regardless of what others may say/think about you.
This movie was a source of inspiration for me because I saw how Pearl just went for it and put all his time and effort into creating his garden; something he is passionate about. I love doing art but I feel like my art is just a waste of time and it will have no impact on anyone. However, when I saw how Pearl was able to inspire so many others with his work, I thought that if I could get really good at art, I might be able to have some kind of impact on people. The movie led me to believe that we can inspire people through fulfilling our dreams, no matter how insignificant or out of the ordinary our dreams are. I realized that everyone’s dream, whether simple or complex, ridiculous or reasonable, can have some kind of impact on others.
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When i watched this movie, at first i thought wow this guy is soo cool and how awesome he was for just taking plants that people thought were not going to be used and turned them into something amazing! and as the movie went on i realized that justmaybe that could be people! people that never really had a chance in life come cross someone who thinks that they have a chance like a teacher and they soon turn into this wonderful person and makes a differce like perals garden made a difference. one thing that real stuck out about his man was that he was ordinary looking but he had a lot of insprational things to say. for me i am always looking for quotes that give me inspraltion to put in a book i have and he gave me so many quotes to put in it. he made me think about all the things i could improve on things and things that i think are useless adn try to make them not useless in my life. he got me thinking about how something that may seem bad or useless can have so much potential! like myself and trying to see the potential in me!
It made realize that I need to do what I'm passionate about in order to be happy and truly successful. It made me think that the American dream isn't closed off to one idea or one type of person. It can include anything that makes an individual happy or successful in their lives. I had previously thought the American dream was just to have money and security.
This documentary made me realize that success can be achieved from nothing. from the movie we learned that pearl didnt recieve the best education nor did he have the best job. Yet he still had the dedication to come home from a 12 hour work day and spend time doing something he loved. not age, race, or knowledge stopped Pearl from doing what he laved to do and that is what i think every american dream should consist of. Doing something you love that impacts you and others in a positive way.
This film made me realize what the true American dream is. It isn't all about the money or how successfull you are. It is about how satisfied you are with your life. The reason people aren;t satisfied with their own lives is usually based on their attitude towrds life. If you are always wanting more then you will never be satisfied with what you have, and if you are never satified then you will never be happy. People usually set their goals on a material thing(s) like money or power. Instead I think that people should set their life goals on the way that they are going to take life on. Then you will be happy because you know you tried your best. If more Americans strived for the best attitude instead of the most money then a lot more people would be happier.
It impacted me in that it made me realize how in different ways the american dream can be acomplished. Also that grades and accomplishments dont matter and if your doing what makes you happy than you can live a happy life. ALso to always treat people good and repsect them in any invironment.
In the film A Man Named Pearl, Pearl lives a very happy life by doing the things he likes to do, even though he doesnt get paid much. This film inspires me to focus on the things that I like to do more. Pearl even interacts with the people that go to see him because he wants to let more people know that doing what you love to do will make you more happy than a high paying job that is miserable.
The documentry, a man named pearl added a different concept of my view of the liturary American dream, because befor i just had the thought of doing what is m,most important to you but through the film i realized alot of American dreams are working very hard for a while and then digg into the rewards of your labor.
The film A Man Named Pearl i thought was an increadible story of a true American dream. Pearl didn't go for the money and fame as so many americans dream of but he did what he loved. The thing about Pearl that inspires me so much is that he doesn't have a material motivation to work hard. to many people now a days are doing thins just for the money, fame, and glory when thats not what life is about. I mean we constantly hear that money does not equal happiness but for some reason society says differently. Pearl is a man who does what he wants and utalizes his god given tallents. This is a black man living in the deep south, so obviously he has to overcome certain racial issues. But he doesnt let those little issues or obstacles stand in his way. He just keeps on pressing through and working on his garden. His work not only is beautiful and something that he loves to do but it is something that brings him peace and that is something that has been lost in our fast pace, money driven, society.
This film really made me realize, how if you work hard your American Dream can come true. If you feel so passionatly about it, as to not give up even after having to work 12 hours before getting to working on your dream, then you really desirve it. I also think that if you grow up with less, like Pearl did, you might have more modivation to make life better for yourself once you grow up. Pearl really made me see that you can work really hard, and not only help your self by achieving your dream, but the lives of those close to you.
A Man Named Pearl really made me think hard about my view of the American dream, because in the past i had looked at the American dream mostly as a selfish dream and one about gaining money, or possessions, or fame for oneself. Pearl Fryar showed that he was living the American dream without any of those things, and instead by doing the one thing that he really truly loves to do. He devoted so much time and effort to just doing the thing that he loved and it eventually brought recognition, but that wasn't why he was doing it, he didn't want that he just wanted to be able to do what he loved. Also he is a testament to the fact that you don't need any fancy formal training or money to buy specialized equipment to be an artist if it is what you love and if it is your dream, all you need is the passion to work on your art. This documentary challenged my view of the American dream and showed me that it doesn't have to be a self-centered idea.
I felt as if this movie enforced my view of the american dream, and that is opprotunity. In many other countries he would not have had the opprutunity to accomplish many of the amazing things he has achieved throughout his life. But Pearl had to surpass the one obstacle and reaon many people don't believe in the idea of the american dream. This is Hard work. Becoming a retired gardner did not just fall into his lap. he had to work 12 hour shifts at a can factory to keep his family afloat and still find time to sculpt his garden. He also had to have talent and patience. Many people think that they will just be able to do what they wasnt in the future and be happy, and sadly this is not the case. This will often lead people to regaurd the american dream as a falacy. But if you understand the true meaning of the American Dream, opprotunity, then you will find the amazingness of this country and why many people around the world flock here year after year and have b een doing it for centuries. Pearl should provide many with a great example of how to achieve this "dream"
It made me realize that something that may seem crazy to me maybe the hobby or passion of another man's life. I think it is important to follow your dream and everything like the video said, but I think it is also very important that we respect peoples interests even if they are not interests that are very common. To sum it up. TO EACH THEIR OWN.
Doonster is Joe Smith
The movie A Man Named Pearl made me think about my american dream. Pearl pursued his passion even though every one was telling him that he wouldn't be able to do it his way. With almost no experience he created the most artistic and amazing gardens i have ever seen and this old man is incredibly happy. My american dream is to end up happy doing something i am passionate about and this movie made me realize that at my young age of 17 years, I have a long time to achieve my goals.
This completely changed my view on the American Dream. Even though 'A Man Named Pearl' is a very inspirational documentary, it had a somewhat negative impact on me. I used to believe that the American Dream was about obtaining what you want most, but I now believe that is only a small part of the dream. My interpretation of the American dream is not only obtaining what you want, but showing off what you have to the rest of the world. Even though my view is somewhat negative, I believe that the lessons learned by obtaining the dream are the most valuable part.
The film most impacted me by showing what someone with a natural talent and vision, can do with hard work. Pearl's work ethic is truly amazing and admirable. I only wish I could work as hard as he does. It further reinforces my personal belief in the American dream as being a work and effort based challenge, in which the hard working succeed and achieve their visions.
I really liked the documenary on Pearl Fryer because it showed that you don't need money to accomplish your dream. Pearl was born in a rural town and had very little education but he still did what he loved every day. I think that is very admirable in a person. Bob Dylan once said "A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night, and in the mean time does what he loves". I think Pearl Fryer is a perfect fit for that because no one could argue that Pearl is not a tremendous success.
When i think American dream i think of wealth, freedom and one's happiness. After seeing the movie A Man Named Pearl I can add another to that list. I think another part of the American dream can be the happiness you bring to other people. Pearl's love for his garden not only brought him joy, but also everybody who sees it. I think he maintains the beauty of his garden not only for himself but for the happiness of others.
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