Melanie Choe, 12/17/2020, PD8, Day C

Melanie Choe
12/17/20
Period 8
Modern Mythology 2021

Write about your thoughts regarding the most current reading.

Our most recent assignment was to watch two videos on the Ancient Egyptians’ perception of the dead and the traditions they practice. Going into the videos, all I knew was that the Ancient Egyptians viewed their Pharaohs as divine beings and the closest connection to the gods. However watching the videos taught me how a main focus in their lives was the quest for immortality and “life” in the afterlife. It was really interesting to learn about how “life” in the afterlife affected the living through the demonstration of the Pharaoh’s journey which connected to the sun’s path in the sky. It was also interesting to learn about the emphasis on purity because of how it significantly impacted their lifestyles and decisions. The pressure of having their heart being weighed against the feather of Maat in the afterlife allowed me to understand why they seemed to  live their lives solely for the possibility of a peaceful afterlife. 

Reflect on any new information you have learned in English class by considering how that learning influences your critical perception.

My critical perception of the world has been influenced by these opportunities to learn about other cultures and the depth of people’s beliefs. Learning about certain cultures allow me to grasp a larger understanding behind people’s actions and decisions. Personally, my religious beliefs really just rely on the possibility that all of these people and places could be real not by the belief that they definitely are real. So it is interesting to see how the devotion behind a certain belief and tradition could influence one’s lifestyle and motive. This learning has allowed me to reflect on my own perceptions of life. For example, this comparison of my life that is not dictated by religion to an entire society whose afterlife was dependent on how they chose to live is something that I have never thought before. 

How is what you’re learning applied to any other classes/the world around you?

The general knowledge that different cultures and belief systems can influence an individual’s lifestyle connects to the emotion of sonder that I often find myself feeling. Sonder is this realization that everyone you see has their own complex life and is living a life just as vivid and complex as your own. All these lives can vary in their connection to religion and culture whether it is the one they associate with. And what I am learning in this class allows me to further understand the different aspects of humanity and the various perspectives we get to hear from.