Descent

Tori Hinz

ENGW 1101

Professor Young

6 February 2017

Descent

The action of descending from someone or something requires moving away from them or thinking differently. Descent occurs a lot in today’s society as many people have different views and beliefs on situations that occur. This may also at times cause conflict between others as their personal opinions vary. As for in Friendswood the idea of chemical dumping causes members of the society to descent based on what they have lived through.

Rush is a character in the book that has an opinion that varies from one of her close friends, Lee. After losing her daughter Lee feels that it her obligation to protect her community from the possible harm of the chemicals that once took her daughter from her. She is constantly doing research on the soil and trying to prevent housing to be built on the land. However, Rush personally feels that she is living in the past. It is her town too, and she is not concerned about the chemicals. She believes that Lee is letting this all consume her and that her actions are not necessary. Rush openly tells Lee how she feels and is not afraid to hold back, this is how she thinks differently.

This can also be related to the current situation that is taking place in East Chicago. Residents received word that there were high levels of lead and arsenic around their homes. They were told by their mayor to relocate and soil samples were requested. However, in Friendswood Mayor Wallen believes that property values trump everything and stated that the land was fine to live on. These are opposing views on very similar situations in which both have the right to state their opinions. The communities may agree or disagree with what their mayors have stated however it is accepted to think differently.

My personal views on when descending is acceptable are that personal beliefs and values should never be contained. If one feels or thinks differently, than it should be known. No two people are the same and one should not conform just to fit in with others. We must look at things with different perspectives and take others into consideration. Although you may not always agree with one another it is still important to respect how they feel. Our society is too diverse for everyone to think the same and being able to express yourself should be accepted.

Descent occurs often as personal beliefs and values differ. Thinking differently however, may occasionally cause for controversy. As for in Friendswood two friends had opposing views on the chemical dumping. This can also be related to Chicago lead contamination and their views on the situation. Thinking differently may be difficult at times as it easier to conform, however it is important to follow through with how one truly feels.