An Untitled Compare and Contrast

The end result of an essay is often seen as the most important part. If an essay ends without coming to a conclusion, it would be hard to call it an essay at all. It is important to have a sound result but it is also imperative for essays to have a well thought-out approach before delivering the well thought-out conclusion. Writing a compare and contrast essay, for example would require knowing the words, compare and contrast, and their uses well enough to apply them in any given situation; this would strengthen the approach of the essay. Comparing and contrasting may seem like one in the same ideal; however there must be a key difference between the two words, despite their similarities. Otherwise, comparisons would not be so frequently accompanied by contrasts and contrasts would not so often dare to compare. Both a comparison and a contrast are different approaches in their own right but when combined as a compare and contrast, the approach is broadened in hopes of a reaching a result that is clearly sound.

The enormously credible Dictionary.com defines the two words as follows:

com⋅pare –verb (used with object)
to examine in order to note similarities and differences; to consider or describe as similar: to compare two pieces of cloth; to compare the governments of two nations.

con-trast – verb (used with object)
to compare in order to show unlikeness or differences; note the opposite natures, purposes, etc., of: Contrast the political rights of Romans and Greeks.

Despite the similarities when comparing the two definitions there is a stark contrast between them. The definition of contrast reveals the unlikeness of objects. Contrastingly, the definition of compare is designed to focus on the similarities between objects. Therefore, comparing things like apples and oranges is often seen as hypothetically unsuitable because they are different. Although, a brief comparison, by definition will show that there are many similarities between apples and oranges: they are both fruits that grow on trees, with brightly coloured outer skins, and can be found, relatively in the same section of the grocery store. This example shows that comparing two seemingly different objects can reveal their similarities.

In comparison, contrasting the same two apples and oranges should reveal the dissimilarities: they are two different colours and textures, they both taste very differently, an apple has an edible skin, while the orange has a skin that is normally peeled then discarded, and they are normally sold separately at a grocery store. This example of contrast focuses on why apples and oranges are different. When compared to the comparison before it, there is a contrast because the comparison shows why they are the same.

By the definitions given in this essay: a comparison is an examination of objects that makes note of their similarities and differences; and a contrast is a comparison of objects that focuses only on their differences. This means that a comparison will inevitably include some type of contrast and a contrast will fundamentally be based on a comparison. The contrasts between these two words are unavoidably linked by their similarities, yet when compared they both showcase their opposition. In other words, when seeking out their sameness, it is their differences that are revealed and when searching for their opposition, they are brought together by their likenesses.

Based on the evidence so far, a comparison can and normally does contain a contrast and a contrast will have to include a comparison. However, there must be some objects that when compared are found to be identical, thus revealing no contrasts. Identical twins are often viewed just as the name suggests, but personality traits are never exactly the same; even the physical traits would reveal some subtle differences in a comparison. The public was told that Dolly the sheep – forever known as the first cloned sheep – was truly identical to its other sheep self. This means that a true comparison between the two scientifically identical sheep would show no contrast, but contrastingly when shown in pictures, one of the sheep is sitting on the left side of the photo while the other is clearly sitting on the right side of the photo. Logically speaking, two different objects can never occupy the same space at the same time; therefore if two objects are in two different places, they are two different objects and the contrast prevails. It could also be assumed that when compared, two genetically identical sheep would not have each strand of wool on their bodies grow in exactly the same way. This comparison does then show a contrast between the two sheep, even though they are supposedly identical. When comparing this comparison of the cloned sheep to a contrast, it would naturally seem that the same observations would be found. Therefore, a comparison and contrast of two identical sheep will reveal the same similarities and dissimilarities; the only difference is the approach.

A contrast seeks the differences, a comparison seeks the similarities. Interestingly enough, both may end up at the same conclusion. This does not mean it is safe, when doing a compare and contrast to eliminate a contrast from the comparison, or a comparison from the contrast. The path to reaching any conclusion must include as many possibilities as possible. That is, the means to a result is just as important as the result itself – if not more so. It could even be argued that the comparing and contrasting of comparing and contrasting can be compared to the result that has recently been reached. In contrast, if the result has never been less clear than it is now, read the essay again, compare the results of both your readings and the contrast that arises should help to clarify.

The Tyranny of Storms: One Child's Quest to Emerge from Oppression

“I love you God, I love you. I love you God, I love you. I love you God, I love you . . .” Cheyenne repeated those words without a break in between. The young boy was breathing heavy; it was the fear. He glared out the large openings of the massive building. The multiple levels of concrete were not enough to keep out the terrifying sights and sounds. Thunder and lightning so loud and so bright the world around him shook with anxiety. His only chance was to huddle close to his mother and hope that it would be over soon. This storm, like the others before it, caused a flood of emotions for the boy; it was a rough ride. Fifteen minutes of eternity later, this storm’s time was up as it rode off into the sunset. The clouds were gone, but for how long? Moments like this were far too frequent for a boy growing up on the prairies. He couldn’t help it. Every summer brought new storms, bigger storms. The feeling Cheyenne would get when the ominous power of the nearly black storm clouds tumbled closer was something that always struck him with terror. As a child he was forced to cower beneath the land of living skies. Oppressed by the power and uncertainty of this land, Cheyenne lived with the hope of seeing a time when his fear of storms would be conquered.

Years later, Cheyenne stood paralyzed, watching the formation of a tornado, no more than 100 yards away. This moment caused his fear to climb to the peak of mount faintheartedness. Where would he go from here? As he peered out the window of a basement-less cabin, Cheyenne began to realize that he was in the midst of surviving his only true fear. It was not the thunder he feared, it was not the rain. It was the potential for something bigger; it was this – a tornado. Perhaps, if he could weather the storm just one last time, if he could persevere and outlive the violent beast, he may escape the mighty clutches of phobia.

As a young child an unfairly strong fear of storms had always bothered Cheyenne. He had developed resentment for the season that brought them; he hated summer. The terrifying memories of storms were recollected and reorganized every year. After time, this collection began to serve as a retrospect of all the storms he encountered, all the storms he survived. Analyzing these memories over and over helped Cheyenne become familiar with the extraordinary energy that powerfully, potent storms can exert. The not-so curious case of growing older allowed him to dissect and scrutinize the very aspects of storms that were most intimidating. He began to realize that when understood, fear is an emotion best controlled. He would learn to harness his fear of storms and use the fear in the same way it used him. He would use the fear to make himself stronger in the face of storms, just as the fear had used him to grow stronger so many times before.

Unpredictable weather in Saskatchewan is very common, perhaps even predictable – which is what scared Cheyenne the most. The instability of the hot and humid prairie atmosphere is far more reliable than the forecasters who predict it. It seems every night during the summer months storm watches and warnings are being given merely as a precautionary method. Some thunderstorms may generate frequent lightning, strong winds, large hail and possibly even tornados, these forecasters tell us. This all sounds very intimidating. To an eight-year-old boy, it was downright unsettling.

When Cheyenne heard these weather warnings transmitted over the TV or radio, his chest would tighten up and he would be overwhelmed with nervousness immediately. However, night after night and year after year these warnings would begin to feel redundant. The storm warning began to develop the same merit as hearing mom or dad say things like, “Be careful on that bike”, or “Don’t go play by the creek”. As a result, the feelings of extreme anxiety would turn into a calming angst towards the very idea of having a weather warning every summer night. Cheyenne’s revolution against fear was just beginning.

Power outages are unique. Maybe there is something romantic or adventurous about having the darkness of the black sky consume the surrounding air in a simple second. Lighting candles that flicker with the warm and unsettling breeze that creeps in through an open window might be enjoyable for some. Waiting in the dark, looking out the window, picking up the phone to see if it still works is a stark reminder of Mother Nature’s power. Cheyenne would not forget the power of nature but instead of fearing it, he moved to respect it. Soon power outages too, grew to be something he feared not.

As quick as a room gets dark, it lights up again, brighter than ever before. For a fraction of a second a wide-eyed reflection is visible in the mirror; then darkness again. Tremendous anticipation begins to build knowing a crack of thunder that Zeus himself has thrown is rumbling closer and closer. Some people look forward to moments like this. They take pictures of the storm or write stories about them, maybe even blogs. It can be inspiring. Cheyenne coerced himself into this group of people; a part of his aim to control the fear that once made him feeble.

The erratic, yet fantastic display of lightning from the view of two very human eyes creates a sense of awe and admiration. Staring at the staggered path the electricity carves out of the sky has turned into a hobby for some, a profession for others. Pink, orange, white, blue – all these colours emerge during lightning’s fiercest moments. They generate a spectacle of electrical proportions, too random to predict and too phenomenal to ignore. Instead of hiding under the arm of his mother, Cheyenne began to stand strong in the awesomeness of storms. He found he was very fond of the sights lightning brings. He would be bullied no more.

The unrestrained power of the storms began to lose their impressive standing in Cheyenne’s world. The tornado he watched grow through the eyes of a timid young boy glaring out the window of a basement-less cabin was not a tornado at all; it was merely a water spout. As a result of his newly maturing confidence, Cheyenne began to look towards storm season with excitement of being witness to a magical spell only nature could produce. His fear had finally left him. The ominous, oppressive thundercloud no longer held the ferocious power it utilized in the past. A life of liberation and freedom was to follow, a life free from the tyranny of fear-mongering and torment that he had grown up with. He had stared into the mouth of the beast and claimed victory. He now walks tall and proud in the land of living skies. There is no fear.

Essayists: The Chicken or the Egg?

Writing an essay about writing an essay is something most essayists may say they’ve never done. The very idea of it seems to be a little bit vain. Theoretically, every essayist writes an essay the same as every other essayist. This is not a cheap shot at essays or essayists; in fact it is the exact opposite. An essayist writes as though he/she is the guide on a midnight journey. The reader on this journey does not know where they will end up, or how to get wherever they are going. Only able to see that which is directly in front of them, blind to everything else. The guide leads them on a path that is unique to his/her own self and in most cases, a path that he/she believes is best. Some readers may disagree with the path taken or even the final destination. However, by looking close enough at the path travelled, the true identity of the guide may be revealed. Presumably, the essay can say a lot more about the essayist, than the essayist can say about the essay.

The deadline is quickly approaching and little, if any work has been done. There were going to be a lot of great ideas included but getting rid of some of them, maybe most of them will save a lot of time. Procrastination is a bug that bites all, from the best to the worst. Sometimes great works will be achieved in the dying days of a deadline; sometimes not.

Absolutely every angle has been covered. All the loose ends have been tied, undoubtedly. The information is probable, persuasive and smooth. Thorough is not just the word that best describes this style but it is actually the middle name of the essayist who practices it.

Hard-hitting opinions disguised as intelligence, insisting a thesis instead of proving it, perhaps restricting any conflicting or contradicting evidence. The bullish writer has many admirers in the house of mirrors. This headstrong pencil pusher is his/her own biggest fan. The definition of fan naturally being: blower of air.

The preceding examples are merely minor in comparison to the majority of possibilities. Though, they illustrate that a style of essay can reveal much about he/she who writes it. Any style may be entertaining in its own way, providing it has one key ingredient: creativity. Writing is a creative process. In fact, it seems hard to imagine a single piece of writing that did not have at least some creativity. Writing needs creativity, no matter the style, no matter the category. Categorizing writing can be tough and possibly a mistake for the essayist. It is similar to categorizing music. If a musician tries to write a song but is too concerned about staying within a contrived category, confinement will consume creativity.

Creativity produces anticipation and excitement. The guide who chooses the path with unforgettable scenery leaves an impression on those he/she guides, at the same time the essayist whose creativity walks the edge of ingenuity awards the reader with an eagerness to know more.

Every essayist has strengths and weaknesses. Strangely enough, refusing to acknowledge weaknesses may be an essayist’s biggest strength. Do not fear the pen; do not fear the keyboard. Writing with no other purpose in mind but to find a purpose is a good way to exhilarate strengths. This could be compared to jamming on a guitar or even walking through Wal-Mart. Entering that big, blue and white store, not really knowing where to go or what to buy can be intimidating but a casual step by step process that includes ignoring unnecessary distractions may result in leaving with a really nice, low-priced sweater. That is a true strength; finding the really nice sweater that is hiding somewhere beneath a plethora of thoughts, words, interruptions and opinions.

Every essay is a creation. Every essayist is a creator. No creation can be created incorrectly, only created as a snapshot of the creator’s state of mind. The essay parallels the essayist . . . Or is it the other way around? Now if you’ll please excuse me. I have some reading to do. I, myself look forward to finding out what type of person this essayist truly is.

The Obama Effect: Fill in the Blank

This morning on my way to my first class I made sure to randomly greet strangers with the phrase: Happy Barack Obama Day! I noticed different reactions every time I said it. Some laughed, others gave me the same greeting back, another seemed to ignore me all together. The part that urked me to say the least is the very last greeting I gave.

I was walking through a narrow hallway as middle aged woman was walking towards my direction. As we crossed paths I said: Happy Barack Obama Day! Her response was unlike any I had heard that day.

She said: Pfft . . . How long will he last?

I said: Eight years of course.

Her next response: Yah Right.

This urked me to say the least and I went to class a little disturbed. If Obama has taught us anything it should be that the race of somebody is not important, so I will not mention the race of this woman. However, both her responses left a sour taste in my mouth.

I do not know if Obama will bring true change to a free world that seems to be on the edge of peril but I hope he does. The woman in the hallway did not believe in Obama. She may have hoped that Obama will make a difference in some portion of her soul but she did not believe it enough to get excited about it.

That right there is the problem. People are lazy and scared. They don't want to believe in change because they are afraid of what this chnage may bring. Change is always happening, even as I add words to the screen and even as you read them. However, when I asked many people during the election: What will Obama change? I was never really given a straight answer. What do we need to change?

I will tell you . . .

We, as a continent (North America) need to change our lives. We need to change our priorities. We need to change what's cool and what's not cool. Barack Obama has made politics very cool for a lot of people who never would have paid attention before. This trend must continue, not just in politics but in all aspects of life.

Don't be that pessimistic woman in the hallway. Claim the world in the name of change and begin as soon as possible. The best way to change is to learn new things.

I encourage all people to learn. Read. Write. Claim victory on knowledge.

Learning to love learning is a love I learned to love.