Into the wild

    This book is similar to many of the books we have previously read in many ways. It connects to "Bread Givers" because I can see similar characteristics in both of the main characters. They both are very strong minded people who chose to follow their dreams. Often times when someone wants to follow their dreams other people will try and get in the way of that. These are struggles that both Sarah from Bread Givers and Chris from into the wild both have to deal with. Parents can be a huge influence on their child's life. It takes someone with a strong mind to rebel against their parents and do what they feel is the correct thing to do. Sarah and Chris both obey and listen to their parents all the way up until their breaking point. Sarah's breaking point is when she is 17 working in her fathers store. Chris's breaking point is after he has already graduated college. They both decide that if they are going to follow their dreams they must leave the influence of their parents. Even though Chris ends up dying while fulfilling his dream at least he died doing what he truly wanted to do with out letting others influence him. In the society we live in it is easy to fall victim of peer pressure and do what is expected of us or what others may want us to do. Very few people have the courage to make decisions on their own without influence from family, friends, or media. This is one of the reasons I considered Sarah a hero and makes me view Chris as somewhat of a hero himself. Even though the end result was not necessarily positive he still made a big enough impression to have a book written about his journey.
     Privilege is something that can make a person feel like they have a right to judge others. Many people feel as if the way they think the world should work is right and anything else is wrong. Privilege can make people feel as if their ideas are status quo or normal. I believe many people who make negative judgments on Chris's journey are talking how one who comes from privilege would. The people who criticized Chris and think he is dumb for doing what he did sound similar to those who were criticizing James Byrd and Matthew Shepard. Chris was a very different man which makes it easy for people to judge and critique. Just because he is different does not mean that he is in the wrong or any less of a man. I actually feel he has much more courage then your average man because he lives his life the way he wants and is not afraid to be himself despite what others may think of him. Often times people do not have enough strength to follow what they are passionate about. The media, family, and friends can make one feel as if their passion is not good enough or will not help them succeed. Chris is very aware of his passion and listens to his calling.