In the Ted Talk, “What Reading Slowly Taught Me About Writing,” the speaker lists numerous reasons why people read. One reason in particular that the speaker gives which really speaks to me is how she says people read to drain out the noise of the outside world. She says that for her, the slower she read the less she would be able to hear everyone outside. I found this to be interesting because to me, reading is a way for me to take a break from whatever I’m doing and focus on the book. When I’m reading it feels like I am inside the book, and like I don’t have to worry about anything going on around me. Reading is a very peaceful and relaxing thing for me, and I felt that the speaker is expressing that by saying she doesn’t notice the kids playing in the streets when she is reading since she is inside her book.
After going back and revisiting all of the readings/videos/podcasts we’ve had to do over the semester, one that I enjoyed the most was the podcast “Hotel Corona.” I really enjoyed listening about how people who have nothing to do with each other, and even when it came to different peoples who sometimes have conflicts with one another, all came together in Hotel Corona. I feel as though often the media is putting out negative things all over the world because conflict often gets the public’s attention. Hotel Corona was an instance where it was pure positivity. Despite people being sick, and how under normal circumstances they wouldn’t interact with most of the other people in the hotel if they weren’t stuck with them, they all come together and enjoy their stay. I felt it was a great message for people not to judge others, and it shows that everyone should be viewed the same, no matter what your religion, race, or ethnicity is.
As someone who’s not an avid reader, the idea that reading can help drown out noises of the outside world is actually very surprising to me. When I read, it is mostly for a class and that makes the experience less relaxing as I am thinking about the work that I would have to complete in response to the reading. However, both your and Woodson’s explanation on how reading can be peaceful has shown me a different perspective. Perhaps I need to try reading more often, and dedicating time to the worlds that are created by authors, as Woodson puts it.
It is interesting how you explain the importance of reading slowly to drain out the noise of the outside world and how that relates to your personal experience. I have had the opposite experience of sometimes, as when I read too slow, it is hard for me to focus on the content and instead get distracted easily. I also agree with your point that “Hotel Corona” is one of the instances where the media has put out positivity, especially in a time where it often feels easier to focus on the negative events occurring. I think listen to the story of “Hotel Corona” brought a lot of happiness to many people knowing that somewhere in the world, people aren’t stuck in hospitals alone and isolated from other people, but can make connections and friendships with other people in their same situation. Nice Job!
I agree with your statement about the importance of reading; I feel it is important to be able to escape and relax by reading. It is nice to forget about the problems in the world by being so engrossed in a book. I also agreed with your favorite lesson, “Hotel Corona.” It was a very inspiring podcast and there is so much to learn from it. I think it shows that naturally, humans will get along and in this case they were forced together but proved that we are able to see past our differences.