Counter Stories

A counter story is a method to see and observe the stories and experiences of those who didn't have a voice. In most times we are taught in our history classes of what went down through history. We learn of all the significant events, the allies, enemies, and changes that went occurred. However in the history books at school there never is a lesson in what was going on with the other side. Doesn't anyone ask: “Why does that country hate us; or why is the US is not popular in certain countries?’’ Counter stories serve the purpose to educate us; to learn the details and fill in the missing gaps which can show the reason why things happened. In class when I read Winston Churchill’s degrading statements of other races, I was shocked. In history class Churchill was regarded as a war hero in Britain, but here I saw him as just another white man making degrading comments.  Once you look at something from a different view there is a chance to understand the other side. After all there are two sides to a coin. 

Anne's Diary is an example of a counter story as seen through the eyes of a young Jewish girl in hiding from the Nazis. 

Reyna Grande

When I first saw the book, I didn't think I would actually like it. However as soon as I started to read the story there were so many moments which were entertaining. It is such a touching book, it had me from feeling angry, to laughing, to sad, and happy. Pretty much all over the place. One of the things the got to me was when Reyna was left with her grandmother Evila. I hate her grandmother. If there is a devil, well she fit the role perfectly. I asked myself, what could drive someone to hate three innocent children, who have done nothing to her. At certain times when they did do mischievous things like the "caca taco" a punishment is deserved, but to not properly feed them, clean them is outrageous. Family is family. There should be love instead of hate. I don't know if I could ever forgive a family member who was as cruel as Abuela Evila. Come to think of it, the first four letters of her name spell ''evil". Her story can almost seem like the voice of many  others who have shared similar experiences and I think it is fantastic that Reyna Grande has shared it with so many others.

"El Otro Lado" The Other Side

When I first heard those words to you the truth I was a small child already there. I know being born here gives certain advantages throughout the time, but I don't take anything my parents have done for granted. When looking at Reyna Grande's The Distance Between Us it talks about the dreams of trying to get to the other side (USA) for a better lifestyle which is a thing that every parent wants for their child, a better future. Many looked for a better chance and the Other Side appeared as an Emerald City to the people of Mexico. However looks can be deceiving. The journey to cross to the Other Side is dangerous and sadly there are those who don't make it. I've heard the story  through the words of my brother for he was old enough to remember when he was made the journey. Thanks to him I know see the value of everything that I have and am grateful to my parents for everything that they have done.

 This brings me to the idea of the counter story that was discussed in class. People know of the immigration situation that is in our country today, but have people cared to talk to someone who has crossed, or ask them why they did, was it worth, how was it like? People need to be aware of what is actually happening and know the stories of those who have come from "El Otro Lado", the Other Side.

When I first heard about the new readings that were to be, I at first doubted the book's title. Writing to Change the World by Mary Pipher is the first thing I saw and I seriously doubted that writing can have any impact around the world. How wrong was I. Writing is an effective tool that can be used to change the world, as well as try to reveal truths.
Mary Pipher uses it in a psychological analysis of the USA, referred as Mr. USA. This chapter caught my attention immediately. I was a bit perplexed on how an analysis of a whole country would be done within one chapter. By the end of the chapter I was nodding with every word that was written on the pages. I never knew anyone else in the world thought the same way I would. Mary Pipher did the thing that I never done, she described the U.S the way I've seen it. Now I know that writing is a powerful thing to use. With writing one can tell the world about what is really happening, and I've read things that I have never known.
In history books the U.S appears as a hero, and protector of the third world smaller countries.
There are books that tell a story from a different viewpoint. No one ever thinks that there is another story and writing has given the people a chance to be heard. Same with the U.S actual struggles. Pipher has done an analysis of the situation of the U.S and offers a treatment plan to help the nation.

I wouldn't know if any official U.S personnel has read the book but this has been an accurate description of "Mr. U.S.A" and I think others should deserve to get to know him as well.