Journal 8 by Kendell Miller

I think a value that all dreamers and eccentrics have in common is that they aren’t afraid to ‘think outside the box’. They aren’t afraid to do things that don’t go along with the norm that society has created. I think that as a whole we discourage eccentricity and uniqueness. Everyone says that they are okay with people being unique but it’s a different story when they are actually faced with someone who is unique. They say that they’re okay with it but they judge someone who is different than them.  I think a lot of people think that everyone should fit a certain mold and if you don’t fit that mold that society has created than you’re basically viewed as an outsider.

            I’m really enjoying reading Holding On so far. I’m not usually a fan of books that jump from one subject to another but I think all the different stories in this book is its greatest strength. You get to learn about all different kinds of people in one reading. Personally I wish that the stories would go more in depth. A main question that I’ve had while reading this book is, how did the writers chose who to write about? How did they know which stories to tell?
            The story that struck me the most in this book is Roberta Blackgoat’s story. The main thing I learned from her story was that even if you may not see the results of your efforts during your lifetime doesn’t mean you shouldn’t fight. You should fight for the people that come after you whether it be for your children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. This is seen when Roberta says, “I’m looking forward for my children and grandchildren and more to come … Where are they going to be raised and learn how to use the land it there’s no land for them to live on?” This really stood out to me because she knows that the fight might not be won during her lifetime but she keeps fighting because she wants the younger generations to be able to use and live off the land that is rightfully theirs. I believe that the key theme in Roberta’s story is fighting for what you believe in.