Spicing up

It is weird when a 'discussion with friends' is being monitored. Some transformation from an anarchy to monarchy. To put it in a nutshell, the topic was 'Why do parents force their kids to choose professional courses?' It all started off quite well, with a little discomfort in following the norms of a group discussion. The introduction part by the first speaker was crisp and the manner in which her points were put forth was just appropriate. Then started the attacking ceremony, with people pounding opposing statements and her visible struggle seeking defense. It all went haywire (I must add, as in an informal situation) and the chaos subsided. I had (or created) a few turns to express my musings about B.E - the status symbol of modern times, the undergraduate degree with not much of a value. The rationality of 'parents of this generation' cannot go unnoticed and arts courses losing their sheen is a pure issue of personal choice and lack of research before joining the professional course. The whole thing then veered towards - MBBS, the financial constraint of lower middle class, need for a regular source of income and overall future stability - before coming to an end. Ultimately, constructive criticism is what we earned and I'm sure all the participants would've gained an insight about formal discussion. Emotional control and ability to digest any outrageous comment are the things to be brought into focus. Something to spice up a monotonous day...

WAR and the WARriors

Audio slideshow: Siegfried Sassoon

Sassoon. Shell shock. The Survivors. Functional English-Grade 12. Smothering after effects of war (on you-know-who). Simulated through poetry. Read on. And survive.