Ruminate: "H.O.A.H.B. Truck" And "The American Dream?"
With regard to the H.O.A.H.B. Truck documentary, react to the commentary that it makes about the "American Dream", mentality, and lifestyle. Furthermore, how does it connect or relate to our studied literature so far this semester? Please respond thoughtfully. In your response, include at least one quotation from a studied text. Please wonder, relate, question, think, etc... (Response Due Wed. 1-25-12 at 2:30p.m.).
posted by Greg T at Monday, January 23, 2012
23 Comments:
The documentary Hands on a Hard Body Truck gives us viewers a much different portrayal of the ‘American Dream’. Most people view the American dream as being successful in life, which may include making money, buying a house and having a family. When really the American dream can be something much smaller such as winning a truck. The documentary gets at the heart of what the American dream really is to me, working hard for something that you really want in life. The people in H.O.A.H.B.T all would want more than to win that Nissan truck, the truck is their American dream. From viewing the documentary I realized that the pursuit of the American dream is something that can bring humans together. The contestants trying to win the truck started out as complete strangers then as the competition went on they came to know each other. This relates to the Hurston reading where she writes “At certain times I have no race, I am me.” Hurston writes this because in her pursuit for the American dream she is able to forget about race and be part of mankind. Another place that the bringing together of people through the median of the American dream can be seen is in Pair of Silk Stockings by Kate Chopin. The woman in the story Mrs. Sommers experiences her American dream by finding fifteen dollars. She uses some of the money to go to a play, where she connects with a woman of a completely different social status. “And they talked a little over it.” The quote refers to Mrs. Sommers talking to a rich woman about the play. Going back to the H.O.A.H.B.T documentary, the contestants are all competing for the truck, therefore they could be considered enemies, yet because of their pursuit of the American dream they become friends. A very famous quote is “It’s the journey, not the destination” which I think accurately represents the American dream from my perspective. Because as it has been seen, the journey of the American dream is able to help people make new friends, break down racial barriers and connect with people nothing like you.
This documentary relates to the "American Dream" because the people in the contest are willing to do whatever it takes to win this truck. They believe that if one works hard enough, they will achieve their goals. This also relates to "A pair of Silk Stockings" because the some of the contestants are unprepared to stay awake for 70 hours. Mrs. Sommers thought she would buy new shoes and socks for her children but when she went out into the city she found herself falling in love with the items that were elegant but unnecessary. In the film many contestants ate foods full of carbs and their body used a lot of energy digesting those foods. In the story Mrs. Sommers spent her money unwisely and quickly ran out. "In truth, he saw nothing-unless he were wizard enough to detect a poignant wish, a powerful longing that the cable car would never stop anywhere, but go on and on forever." (Chopin) This quote relates because just like the contestants, Mrs. Sommers isn't ready to give up this wonderful but short life style. She had been on top for a day and now she had to go back to her small living, the contestants also got to experience a little bit of the wealth life has to offer but most of them gave up and had to return home.
After watching the video Hands On a Hard Body Truck, I realized that everyone in the world has a different depiction of the words, ‘American Dream’. During the Great Depression in the 1920’s, many pursued the American Dream by getting any job they could and keeping shelter over their head. In this case, the American Dream for these people in Hands On a Hard Body Truck, is to win the Nissan truck, and to share the immutable seventy eight hours with their family and friends supporting them. This video relates to Zora Hurston’s, ‘How It Feels To Be Colored Me’ where she writes, “At certain times I have no race, I am me.” This quotes relates to H.O.A.H.B.T because all the contestants come from different backgrounds and have different motives to win the truck, just like Hurston had to deal with most of her life.
After watching Hands on a Hard Body Truck, I see how much dedication and will it took to win the competition. This relates to the "american dream" because it is impossible to obtain the "american dream" without hard work, dedication, and will. Hands on a Hard Body Truck inspired me to set a goal and stick to that goal as long as it takes until it is obtained. The movie really showed me true dedication for something they really wanted. It shows the audience whoever works the hardest and has the real dedication, they will stay strong as the weak fade away. This is true about the "american dream" as well because if someone is not passionate about reaching it, they fall as the "weak", but one with strong will power will be able to obtain the dream. Hands on a Hard Body Truck reminded me of 'How it feels to be colored' because Hurston shows some of the same dedication and passion to obtain a goal. "No, I do not weep at the world- I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife." (Hurston) This quote is dead on to what I was explaing because it is not to wait for the weak to catch up, Hurston describes the "sharpening of an oyster knife" or strengthening everything to raise up later and surpass the weak. Dedication is apparent in all aspects of the "american dream". When obtaining the "american dream" do not let the weak slow you down, show passion and persuit and get the the "american dream".
The H.O.A.H.B. Truck documentary puts the “American Dream” into a simpler, more powerful context. Before watching the documentary, the American Dream was cloudy and difficult to define. The American Dream seemed very complex and in many ways unachievable. Throughout the episode, I noticed that with uphill struggle, life lessons can be learned and practiced that make the great effort worthwhile. Friendships form, tasks are accomplished that were deemed impossible before, and, for one lucky person, a truck is won. I learned that the American Dream is not simply winning some object that is deeply desired, but more of a collaboration of experiences that will help trudge through life. Throughout this American Literature course, many other readings pertain to the American Dream. One reading in particular that relates to the H.O.A.H.B. Truck documentary is the poem A Bird Came Down the Walk by Emily Dickinson. The last stanza makes me think of every contestant that participated in the truck contest and how they left the contest a new person with an experience that will help guide them through life. “Leap, plashless as they swim.”
The H.O.A.H.A.B Truck documentary can be watched and taken into perspective by many different people with different opinions. for instance, some people might say that the truck could represent their typr of Ammerican Dream, because they know they could never aford a vehicle as nice as the one in the documentary and to be able to have the chance to win it by just keeping your hands on it is a miracle. Another point of view that could be taken is that is so stupid why would you want to keep your hands on a truck for that long when you could either just save up for one or buy one, why is it so amazing to be able to be the one to keep your hands on the truck the longest. However it could also relate to the American Dream because usually we Americans consider the american dream a goal or something to work hard for that will benefit you. This could be a challenge where as they make a goal to achieve winning the American Dream AKA the truck. The truck symbolizes the American Dream to these people and they are going to fight and push through any struggle they have to win that dream. From the short story "How it Feels To Be Colored Me" by Zora Neale she says "The front porch might seem a daring place for the rest of the town, but it was a gallery seat for me." this relates to the documentary because as for some people seeing this truck and trying to win is a dumb idea and not worth their time, but to others it is an amazing chance of a life time. I don't understand how people could stand for as long as they did just to win a truck. I personally don't think I will ever understand, no matter how many people try to explain it to me.
The Hands on a Hard Body Truck documentary illustrates the American dream in a more simplistic way. The contests' dreams to win the truck aren't extreme huge like earning enough money to travel the world, however it is still their dream and something they will work for. All of the contests had different dreams that would start by winning the truck, but only one person would win. Every contestant started out with the determination to win the truck and keep their dreams alive. Whoever had the most determination was more likely to win. Some will plan far ahead to make sure that their dreams come true. Just like any other dream they also had their friends and family supporting them. Some won't give up until they physically or mentally can't handle it anymore. With every dream there is also the fear of losing it which some experience. Also through their dream they will discover something better than what they are currently working for. If they realize that what they want and what they need are two different things the pain of your dream being postponed won't last as long. When Zora Neale Hurston wrote "No, I do not weep at the world--I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife" I believe this relates to the American Dream. In order to achieve your dream you have to put in the effort to reach it. Zora isn't focusing on the pain of the world instead she is working on a way to improve her life by reaching her goal.
This documentary relates to the American Dream because the American Dream is the idea that people can be successful through hard work, and that people can have the capability to live cheerful, profitable lives. The people in this documentary were willing to put everything aside and prepare for this truck competition. Some of the contestants said that winning this truck would allow them to make a better profit or help improve their lifestyle. These people put a lot of effort into winning this competition because it will improve their lives, which I believe the American Dream is all about. This documentary relates to Hurston where she writes "I am off to a flying start and I must not halt in the stretch to look behind". This quote relates to the documentary because it means that it doesn't matter who you are to achieve a goal. Once you get off and running to achieving your dream it doesn't matter what your background is. The people in the documentary have come from different backgrounds and they all come together to achieve their "American Dream".
The H.O.A.H.B Truck documentary relates to the "American Dream" because the willingness of the contestants is endless. The American Dream means to have endless opportunities of happiness and reaching your full potential in life. The contestants will injure their bodies and emotionally drain themselves for this truck, which means not having to worry about affording a truck or mechanical issues. In their situations, this will make life so much easier and will will lead them to internal happiness. "The end is nothing, the road is all,"said Willa Cather. Cather is saying that there are endless opportunities to fulfill their lives.This relates to the documentary because the contestants will not let anyone or anything stop them. In life this is relatable because we will not let anything stop us from internal happiness and success.
The American Dream is all about opportunity. Each citizen of the United States has a separate, individual dream. The beauty of the American Dream is that it is not a set plan, it is an idea. The idea of opportunity and success form the foundation of the American Dream. In the H.O.A.H.B. Truck documentary, it was immediate to the viewer that the contestants were all from a similar background, but had different motives for entering the competition. The contestants could be loosely labeled into two groups: those that wanted to win the truck versus those that needed the truck. When interviewed, the contestants that wanted the truck could not explain a legitimate reason for winning the truck other than the fact that it was free. Those that needed the truck had all kinds of reasons describing how that truck would change their lives. They continuously said that cars don't make money, but a truck does. In a way, the truck seemed to symbolize a launchpad for opportunity to the contestants in need of a vehicle. If they won, the truck would start to bring in money, which would completely change their lifestyle. I think those that were in need of a vehicle had a more determined mentality. Like the silk stockings in the literature we read, the truck is a luxury and a gateway to a better lifestyle. It is an opportunity for those individuals to be successful. This documentary and the literature we read in class made me realize that the American Dream cannot be summed up in one word or one sentence. It includes such a diverse range of individuals and is very hard to describe. Overall, I think it is a feeling of opportunity to succeed. Like it's title, it is a dream. As shown in the documentary, it is unique to each individual and is a source of hope for a better future.
After watching Hands On a Hard Body Truck, I noticed how much the competition had to do with mental toughness. This video relates to the "American Dream" because without mental toughness it's very difficult to achieve what you want. The video was a great example of mental toughness because even though the competitors legs, hands, feet, etc. got sore their mind was the real part of the competition that decided the winners from the losers. The film showed me how far mental toughness can take you even if you aren't the "fittest." The story 'How It Feels To Be Colored Me' can also be related to mental toughness because even though Hurston was different from others, her mind got her through tough times that not a lot of other people could go through. "The front porch might seem a daring place for the rest of the town, but it was a gallery seat for me." This quote shows how brave she actually was during the times she went through. Both stories showed me that even though you might be tired or disrespected, your mind can get you through anything with confidence.
The H.O.A.H.B. Truck documentary demonstrated how everyone has their own, unique "American Dream". For example, in the documentary, some people wanted to win the truck in order to show it off, while others wanted to use it on their farm. Some people wanted to give it to someone else, while others wanted to sell it and use the money for their other dreams. Also, the film shows how sometimes, people have to give up their dream and find a new one. Many of the participants in the contest had to drop out because they were exhausted, weak, or sick. They were disappointed, but they moved on with their lives. One woman even revisited her dream the next year and won the truck. This relates to Willa Cather's "A Wagner Matinee", in which a woman gives up her dream to play music in order to marry her husband. Later, however, she gets to revisit her dream by watching an orchestra play. The woman's nephew notices that she never really gave up her dream: "It never really died, then- the soul that can suffer so excruciatingly and so interminably: it withers to the outward eye only." I think that it is important to know and work towards your dreams and goals, but it is also important to recognize that not every goal can be attained, and it is okay to make new goals.
The Hands on the Hard Body Truck competition demonstrates the "American Dream" very well to me because the American Dream is always seen as being wealthy with a family, car, and hosue but for me its about the hope of being successful and chance at a fresh start. And although the competition does take a lot of mental toughness to stand next to the truck for 72 hours theres a lot of hope in each competitor that they will leave with the truck. They all also had general idea of what the truck would be useful for since they believed, "trucks make money, cars just don't" which seems like a good way to say a fresh start to many of the contestants. But this doucumentry also can connect with Hurston's short story "How it Feels to be Colored Me" as she too wants the American Dream in a fresh start and success demonstrated throught the line, "At certain times I have no race, I am me." She wants to live above the color of her skin and just live a good life like all of the American's who made and live the dream people try to come, find, and live in America.
The Hands on the Hard Body Truck competition demonstrates the "American Dream" very well to me because the American Dream is always seen as being wealthy with a family, car, and hosue but for me its about the hope of being successful and chance at a fresh start. And although the competition does take a lot of mental toughness to stand next to the truck for 72 hours theres a lot of hope in each competitor that they will leave with the truck. They all also had general idea of what the truck would be useful for since they believed, "trucks make money, cars just don't" which seems like a good way to say a fresh start to many of the contestants. But this doucumentry also can connect with Hurston's short story "How it Feels to be Colored Me" as she too wants the American Dream in a fresh start and success demonstrated throught the line, "At certain times I have no race, I am me." She wants to live above the color of her skin and just live a good life like all of the American's who made and live the dream people try to come, find, and live in America.
The documentary Hands on a Hard Body Truck is a good example of chasing after the American Dream. People in this contest spent multiple days staying up all night and day in hopes that they are the last one standing and they win the truck. They will do what ever means neccesary to stay up the longest. This goes the same for regular version of the "American Dream," that you have to have the will power to make stuff happen. This relates to the Hurston reading when she says, "Slavery is the price I paid for civilization, and the choice was not with me." She is saying that her anscestors fought hard to abolish slavery and to obtain the dream of being free.
in this documentary h.o.h.b.t. it shows the amrican dream becaues the people in the contest think and say they are willing to do what ever it takes to win but then they give up and have to go home and return to there normal lifes just like what happend in a pair of silk stockings when mrs. sommers has this high life for a day but then has to return to the regular life. in the documentary all of these people are fighting to win the truck but in the pursuit of the American dream become good friend and bond throgh the hard times.
HOHBT really showed the American dream come to life. It showed how much the "American Dream" can vary vastly throughout different parts of the country. Most people if asked would veiw the American dream as a big house and a white picket fence and a happy family and nice things, but for others that might not be the case. In this documentary, the film makers really showed how different everyones dreams can vary. Everyone in this film had a different dream of how their life could be changed by something as simple as a truck. Some wanted the truck to sell it and have money move or buy a house, and others wanted it for simple transportation to get them to work so they could have a job and make money. They soon came together and helped each other as competitors, and became friends. They all had the drive to win the car, some more than others, driven by their dreams to win. The documentary really showed me how far people will go to see there dreams fullfilled. Some went to the point of physical exhaustion, and beyond that. This relates to Hurstons quote, “At certain times I have no race, I am me.” Hurston is talking about how she is her own person,and that is how she is going to stay, and that she has her own motivations and dreams. This relates to the documentary as the people in the contest were all their own people, and had their own hopes and dreams. From all this i have taken that no one person shares the same dreams and aspirations, and our differences are what make the world interesting and unique.
The documentary Hands on a Hard Body Truck shows that the American Dream can be perceived in different ways. Each person in the competition had a different motivation to get the truck. They all wanted to win the truck but had a different mindset of why they were there and they each came from a different background. In Hurston’s writing, ‘How It Feels To Be Colored Me’ she talks about her American Dream and being a woman, “The cosmic Zora emerges. I belong to no race nor time. I am the eternal feminine with its string of beads.” She has a different background and still strives for her American Dream just like the people of the H.O.A.H.B. Truck competition.
The truck documentary really relates to the American Dream because it is the people's way of life. Standing for x amount of hours keeping your hand on a truck, is not just about winning the truck, but it is about the pride you gain with that achievement. Pride is the American Dream; whether that means with family, job, home, or money. The truck contest gets to the core of the American Dream by showing why each person in the contest was there, and what all of it meant to them. One man in the contest just was in it again to prove to himself he could win it again, and others it was their last resort to a job. In some of the other readings we did on the American Dream they were the same. People had to sacrifice what they loved for what they had to do. In the Wagner Matinee, Aunt Georgiana gave up music for her farm, and in return she lost sight of what she loved. The American Dream varies from person to person because it is their view on how their own life should be lived. People can go out on a limb to do what they love, and I think all the readings and the Hands on a Hard Body Truck have taught up that.
The documentary Hands on a Hard Body Truck shows a new and different view on the "American Dream." It shows a group of contestants that are willing to go without sleep for hours on end just to win a truck. It shows all the dertermination and hard work that the contestants go through. This is part of the american dream because every single person stoped what they were doing and put their hands on a truck for hours and hours. And every single contestant had a different backround and reason for wanting the truck. This documentary relates to Hurstons 'How it Feels to Be Colored Me'. One line from Hurstons story that i think ties into the video well is, "At certain times i have no race, I am me." This is shown in the video when the go arouond and interview the contestansts. East one had a different reason for winning the truck. They are all unique in their own way even though they are all humans.
This documentary relates to the American Dream because there is one ultimate goal and there is an obstacle to get through. The documentary is all about how far people are willing to go to reach thier dream. There are different strategies and outlooks on how much the truck is worth. Some people keep a positive outlook through the whole contest, but others blame others for loosing. This relates to the other article we read "How it feels to be colored", because it talks about how even when the world puts her down she doesn’t use that as an excuse. In the Hands on a Hard Body Truck documentary shows there are many people who give up or blame others for their misstep. The contest is all about how much are you willing to give up reaching your goal. In the end only one person was willing to wait out the whole time for the truck even through the pain and sleeplessness.
I think that this video can relate to the American dream because as we move to century to century there are more and more new things coming out. It is common sense that someone wants all of these new technologies but how many people actually get them. And I think that is the thrill of the American dream, wanting something you dont have. Everyone has their own dream and that is what shapes America. If everyone had the same dream then it wouldnt be unique which is the point of it. Whats your dream?
The documentary Hands on a Hard Body Truck allows the viewers to come to a realization about the American Dream. The American Dream to most people is having success constantly and having what ever is wanted. To the contestants in the documentary, there American Dream seemed to be just winning a Nissan truck. The competition was a mental and physical challenge to the contestants. It seemed that the people who dropped out and quit first were the ones who were not patient enough and hard a hard time keeping there mind focused. The winner, seemed to be very mentally alert and determined to achieve his American Dream. This documentary relates to the studied material this semester because in the material the class has read, people have to fight for what they want and love to achieve there goal being their American Dream.
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