Perseverance In Business

THESIS STATEMENT
The common theme underlying all three of these works is the idea of perseverance and endurance against all odds. This idea is especially applicable to business, whether it be starting a business or being accepted as woman in the realm of business that has been historically dominated by men.

AN OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS OF “A TALK TO TEACHERS”
• The essay by James Baldwin “A Talk to Teachers” was originally a speech given by Baldwin
• The essay discusses the state in which young African Americans who grow up in a society that does not foster education
• The idea that those who question their society are often looked down upon and thought of making trouble
• Instilling the ideas of questioning society will allow the children to persevere and have a better life for themselves and prompt change in their society • Baldwin draws upon personal experience of growing up in Harlem and being able to disregard stereotypes. Using his experience creates a more convincing argument for the reader
• He was able to overcome all of this and become a leader in the civil rights movement

AN OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS OF “A TALK TO TEACHERS”
ELEMENTS OF LITERATURE
• Imagery- Baldwin paints a picture of what it was like growing up in a ghetto
• Setting- There are multiple times that Baldwin references the ghetto, where these teachers are most needed
• Allusion-Baldwin references a myth that the ancestors of African Americans consumed watermelon and loved Mr. Charlie and Miss Ann. This two people are pejorative terms for the slave owners who were often arrogant and domineering
• Metaphor-Baldwin compares Americans in Europe behaving rude to everyone because they are ignorant as the same way white people treat blacks because they don’t know any better

AN OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS OF DAVID VICTORIOUS
OVER GOLIATH
• Oil on canvas 110.4 cm x 91.3 cm
• David is bending over the body of Goliath after his amazing defeat, which is shown on Goliath’s forehead, with just a stone and a sling shot. Goliath’s head has been severed and David is bending over him sewing up the head to keep as a trophy.
• Caravaggio relies heavily upon chiaroscuro, use of light and shading, creating a theatrical scene, similar to a tableau vivant

AN OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS OF DAVID VICTORIOUS
OVER GOLIATH
ELEMENTS OF VISUAL ARTS
• Form- Caravaggio creates two figures in the painting, highlighting the body of David as higher and victorious literally and figuratively over the body of Goliath • Color-The use of color creates depth the darkest browns receding into the background

• Texture- Is used to created contrast between the two figures. The skin of David’s legs and face are smooth compared to the rough, wrinkled skin of Goliath • Space- Caravaggio uses lighting to create a three dimensional space to the user. The most light is hitting David’s shoulder which appears to be coming out of the painting toward the viewer. While the background recedes into darkness

AN OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS OF RUDY
• A film from 1993
• It was directed by David Anspaugh
• Rudy is based on a true story
• Rudy has always been told that he was too small to play college football. But he is determined to overcome the odds and fulfill his dream of playing for Notre Dame

AN OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS OF RUDY
ELEMENTS OF FILM
• Cinematography- The use of close-up shots of Rudy’s face to convey emotion to the audience
• Point of view- For the majority of the movie, the viewer is a witness to the events that unfold but during action scenes the camera is shaky and moves quickly creating the sense that the viewer is a participant
• Music- There is a great deal of music to build up the emotion in pivotal scenes
• Editing- Jump cuts are used throughout the entire movie for the
change of scenes

A SUBJECTIVE ANALYSIS OF “A TALK TO TEACHERS”
• I felt the mood of the essay is one of despair with the dangerous time we are living in and disdain for past events and people that led society to this point. Using typically pejoratives for white people and comparing teaching African American children to be subdued and not question anything to that of how children were taught in Germany during the Third Reich.

• The theme that teachers are the first line of defense in fostering the skill of questioning why our society is at this point and what can be done to change it. Addressing this speech to teachers during the civil rights movement, a time of great change in America, demonstrates the theme.

• The meaning is that there are many young African Americans that are living in America and are under the impression that the stereotypes about their ancestors are correct and that there is not much that can be done for their situation but Baldwin would like for each one of these children to begin asking questions as to why society is the way it is and only then will they be able to persevere the current society.

A SUBJECTIVE ANALYSIS FOR DAVID VICTORIOUS
OVER GOLIATH
• The painting is displaying a serene setting. When I think of a victory, I think of celebration and this displays a quiet, solemn celebration with David collecting the head of Goliath after the defeat.

• The theme and subject matter of this painting is story from the Bible in which the Israelites were in a war with the Philistines. The leader of the Philistines selected Goliath and challenged the Israelites to bring forth one champion to determine the victor of the battle. David heard the leader of the Israelites would reward the person who defeated Goliath, so he volunteered and rejected his ruler’s request of wearing armor. David took just his sling shot and 5 stones and was able to hit Goliath in the forehead.

• The Philistines were pagan and the Israelites were Jewish. The underlying meaning is that with David, a young Jew, was able to defeat a Pagan giant, gives way for a larger meaning of the God of Judaism defeating Paganism. The Philistines were a people that ruled a vast area and to be able to defeat such a ruler was a feat.

A SUBJECTIVE ANALYSIS FOR RUDY
• Over the course of watching Rudy, the primary mood is uplifting and of perseverance. Rudy has the most determination that makes you want him to succeed.
• Rudy was always smaller than his friends and brothers and was told he would never succeed at attending Notre Dame and playing football there. The death of a close friend pushed him to make sure he accomplished his lifelong dream and began studying at Notre Dame and became a walk on player for the football team. Leading to the last game of his senior year he is able to play in an actual game for two plays and sacks the quarterback.

• I think the determination and hard work Rudy displays and they he overcomes and perseveres all obstacles is easily relatable to the viewer. After viewing Rudy, I have a feeling that I can accomplish anything if I set my mind to it.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ALL THREE PIECES
SIMILARITIES
• There is are no similarities of mood amongst the three works
• They all have someone that is attempting the undertaking of a monumental feat and hopefully come out victorious
• The meanings, while appear to vary greatly all three have the ultimate goal of accomplishing something, be it a better society, ending a war, or Rudy’s dream of playing football for Notre Dame
• Baldwin’s essay and Rudy both credit hard work and determination for accomplishing the goals

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ALL THREE PIECES
DIFFERENCES
• The differences in mood amongst the three works varies from disdain, serenity and uplifting nature
• The oppressor of each one of these works is a large group of people that is threatening their livelihood; even though Goliath is one man he ultimately represents the entire Philistine army
• In the painting David is relying on his aim and a higher power to defeat Goliath, opposed to the hard work and determination demonstrated in Baldwin’s essay and Rudy

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ALL THREE PIECES
EXPANDED UNDERSTANDING
• Through analyzing these works it is evident that to persevere and overcome, you must exert hard work and determination to accomplish a set goal
• With this hard work you become a better person and society will benefit as well
• In Baldwin’s essay the goal of young black kids to question societal constraints is not accomplished by the end of the essay but is something to work towards

IN REFLECTION
HUMAN EXPERIENCE
• It is evident from the analysis that perseverance is not something that is simply given to everyone
• One has to put in the hard work and time to truly persevere over any obstacle in life
• And obstacles ultimately make us better human beings as long as we are able to persevere and overcome them

IN REFLECTION
APPLICATIONS TO BUSINESS
• Being a woman and working towards a career in the field of business, I will have to work hard to persevere and be accepted in this field as an equal
• Also, the majority of businesses fail and if I choose to start a business of my own I will have to work harder to make sure my business succeeds

IN REFLECTION
HUMANITIES
• I think a general knowledge of the humanities is very valuable for all regardless of their chosen profession
• Examination of art, history and literature, which fosters dialogue and empathy from other peoples’ experiences
• I think the ability to relate to others not only makes you a better human being but if everyone were able to be empathetic, our society would be much better

CONCLUSION
Perseverance has been a common theme through all works examined and is an integral part of succeeding at any task. Typically this hard work and determination to persevere will make you a better person and ultimately improve the current society. I think everyone could benefit from subjecting themselves to an obstacle to overcome instead of accepting any task as not reachable.

REFERENCES
• Baldwin, James. Delivered (October 16, 1963). The Negro Child – His Self-Image. Published (December 21,1963). The Saturday Review. Reprinted, (1985). • Caravaggio, M. (Painter). (1600). David Victorious over Goliath [Painting]. • Woods, C. (Producer), Anspaugh, D. (Director). (1993). Rudy, [Motion picture]. Culver city: TriStar Pictures.