Positive vs. Negative Responses

Christopher McCandless, at first, was presented to me as a crazy, half-witted lunatic. Who in their right mind would freaking drop all that they have in the world, especially a college education from Emory University, and vanish into the unknown lifestyle that Mother Earth has to offer us. I’m sure this thought has passed through most if not all of the students in our class. After watching several YouTube videos concerning McCandless and looking at all of the different outlooks of many people, my harsh criticism of him was softened but not fully changed. 

Stumbling around YouTube, it is clear to all that his unique story impacted many people who didn’t have a personal interaction or connection to McCandless. From slideshow montages to documentaries, McCandless personal journey to find his true self through nature touched conscious people even from a generation later. In the eyes of many admirers, Chris McCandless was a man who wasn’t afraid to do whatever it takes to conquer his dreams. He didn’t push his dreams and aspirations aside because he was frightened of the consequences. He embraced the challenge of separating himself from the rest of society and its laws and becoming one with nature. The American society was imprisoned by materialistic things such as money and possessions. Chris sensed that materialistic goods are what controlled the both the hearts and minds of the American people and would not let his desires succumb to the Green Devil (money). Maybe this is what readers felt about Chris’s decision to forego all of his past lifestyle. Maybe not. But it is obvious that his journey created a positive impact on the lives of many. 

On the other side of the spectrum, I have encountered many negative videos pertaining to Chris’ life. On more than two videos, hate comments were posted. “Who the f*** would leave everything behind and basically kill themselves smh” and “F***Chris why does anyone care about a lunatic who fell off the face of the earth” were some of many terrible comments.

Vine Project Reflection

My vines were a reflection of my attempts at breaking the norms and finding ways to enjoy myself while at the same time maintaining a greener footprint on this Earth. Although very basic, I thought my vines presented a clear message. In my first vine, I am at a park spending time swinging on a swing. In fact, I was with a friend of mine just hanging out. Just chilling and spending time with a close friend of mine was sufficient enough for me. The point is that both he and I did not contribute to carbon emissions during that that afternoon. Teenagers my age often find themselves aimlessly driving around, trying to kill time or think of something fun to do. First and foremost, I find myself thinking that that is a waste of gas and lets off harmful carbon dioxide fumes to the atmosphere. The fact that my friend and I enjoyed ourselves without harming the environment should be an indicator for people to at least alter their lifestyles to a more green way. My second vine shows me turning my body from a park into the woods adjacent to it. I say “Time to get out of the city and go on an Eco-hike”. Like my first vine, a very simple phrase holds a lot of meaning. The area of woods around the park is like a retreat from the everyday city life. Although small and enclosed by the bustling noise of the surrounding city, the woods offer a sense of protectiveness and a place to reflect individually. This is similar to how McCandless felt  when he sought the wild as a place of refuge.

These vines are an attempt by me to at least be conscious of the environment and connect with my inner aspects of nature. Even though I am no where as extreme as Chris McCandless, I can still feel content knowing that I am at least trying to be aware of our environment. 

https://vine.co/v/MJnA0M2I3jA

https://vine.co/v/MJnmlqEBd0p

https://t.co/u837ugocqw
https://t.co/UsyvgElxMY