Kimbell 1Jenny KimbellEnglish 1102/07
Dr. Nancy Reichert
April 18,2002
"Oh the Luxuries"
Why is it that we associate certain things with the outdoors? Is it because we use these things in the outdoors or is it just a cultural hiccup that has happened and we have simply grown accustom to it and have made it a ritual? Outdoor items such as lawn mowers, fishing equipment, and swimming pools.
Originally, lawnmowers were simply sharp blades that were attached in the form of a cylinder, then you would push this contraption around the yard and it would cut the grass. However, the lawn movers of today are much more complex and do not require as much energy to use them. For instance, the push mowers of today are self-propelled, therefore there is no need to strain yourself trying to push the lawn mower all over the yard. A second example of today's lawn mowers, is sitting in my shed at home. This lawn mower is the Mac Daddy of all lawn mowers. This gas powered riding lawn mower comes equipped with headlights, cruise control, a cushioned seat and a cup holder to name a few options.
Now tell me the truth, do you really think it necessary to have all these luxuries on an item that does yard work, to cut the grass? I don't think that it is, some people's cars do not even have these luxuries. However, I do believe that it does make it much more convenient. I know first hand that I would rather be sitting on a riding lawn mower with the cruise control set, in my pink bikini top and my daisy dukes working on my tan rather than pushing a blasted heap of metal around the yard with sweat poring off of me. Both methods get the job done, but I prefer my method. It is less time consuming and does not require as much energy.
Kimbell 2Looking from a different point of view, I believe that some individuals do not think of yard work as work at all. I think that there are many people who actually take enjoyment out of keeping a well-maintained yard. I think that they do it simply for self-satisfaction. I think that these are the people, who love the smell of freshly cut grass in the springtime along with the sweet melody of the lawn mowers purring in the background. On the other hand, I contemplate that there are those who maintain their yard for merely pride. Pride? Some might exclaim. "Yes," I reply "pride." Pride because his or her yard is better than that of others on the block.Take a walk with me for a moment. We step inside a suburban neighborhood and instantly the sweet aroma of freshly cut grass lures you to the left side of the street, you stand in awe of an immaculate house with luscious green grass and you take notice to the precision of the hedges, which are in shapes of exotic animals. As you wander to the other side of the street you notice shrubs so high that you are afraid of the well being of the roof. You question whether the roof may decay and collapse in on the inhabitants of the house. To make the situation worse, there is a distinct stench of wild onions, you are then made aware of them scattered sporadically around the yard surrounded by other wild plants that the owner pretends is grass.
So tell me, which of these would you prefer to have as your dwelling? Do you immediately think of the financial status of one compared to the other? You may not prejudge people simply on appearances, in this case the appearance of the house. However, there are individuals who do prejudge others on appearances, of that of their clothes, their car, and once again their yard. I think that it is typical for Americans to be competitive and that everyone, in one way or another, is trying to out do the next person. In order to out do the next person it is necessary to get the best and the fastest of whatever is new on the market. Thus this helps them to achieve their goals.
Kimbell 3Next, think of the evolution of fishing. Initially, fishing was used as a means for survival. For example, the Native Americans and the early Settlers used fishing to help provide for their families, to help fill the void in their stomachs. Now days we use fishing as a way to fill the void in our day planners. Very seldom do we depend on fishing for survival; for the most part it is for recreational purposes.To assist in proving my point, think at how the early people fished, some used no more than their hands others may have used a stick with a string attached to it. Now in today's world in order to go fishing you need high dollar equipment and a fishing licensee. Some equipment that you might need includes: fishing pole, tackle box that is filled with weights, additional line, floats and much more. Then you would need to go and buy some bait, such as worms, cricket or tadpoles. In addition to all of this, you may consider wadding pants, the spray stuff to lure the fish or a boat.
So how is it that fishing has changed from a means of life support to that of a sport? I think that fishing could be considered a science now days because of all the specifics about it. For example, certain bait for certain fish and so on. Why is it that people enjoy fishing so much? I myself enjoy fishing because it is, in a way, an escape from the world. I go fishing to spend time with either myself to think on issues in my life or I go to spend time with my friends and family to bond with them.
Kimbell 4Finally, there is swimming. I would say that swimming has been almost entirely for recreation, except for the occasional swimming to save your life from either drowning or maybe a predator. The question being raised concerns why we put so much money into swimming pools? Is it simply for convenience or is there more? I believe that some persons may have a swimming pool to try and impress others. Which can be done easily by having a large pool, add a fountain and marble surrounding it and "bam" you are in the upper class. It may not be to the extreme that I have described, but I do believe that it is not necessary to have all the decorations that many have, and I do think that it gives the impression of stardom.I think that a swimming pool can provide a lot of enjoyment and help to create fond memories. Think back to times around a pool, did you have friends and family near? Can you still smell the chlorine left on your skin and still feel the hot sun on your back? Did you cook out and have a barbeque or did you simply order pizza? Regardless, you were most likely with people that you loved and you probably cherish the memories that you have. It may not have been the pool that created the memories, but it did help create the atmosphere in which the memories ring clear.
How is it that we have transformed so much from the old push non-motorized lawnmower to the marble patio surrounding a crystal clear pool with a stone lion pouring water from it's mouth? Could we really be so shallow to think that everything that we do is an
Kimbell 5attempt to help boost ourselves up some imaginary ladder of "success"? What is this success that everyone is trying to sell? Is it the money? Is that success having money? Perhaps, success is being content with yourself and your surrounding and having everything else that goes along with that. And maybe it just so happens that cutting the grass is a weekly chore that must be done and by having a riding lawn mower simply makes it quicker so that you can spend time doing the more important things in life. While fishing is merely a recreation to help keep yourself sane when things get a little hectic and the swimming pool is no more that a luxury that you are thankful that you can provide for your friends and family. Updated January 7, 2003