Learn

So What?

Now that we have explored the details in the images and the ideas they may suggest (What?), the next step is to connect personally to that main idea (So What?).

• Explore relevance of the text to you.
• How do you relate personally to the ideas in this text, or how has this text affected you?
• How do you feel about the issue(s) it raises?
• What memories or experiences did this text prompt?
• What connection can you make between this text and other people you know (or know of)?
• What connection can you make with other texts?
  

Personal Response

I personally connect to this photograph because it reminds me of my beloved Grandma Jensen who is getting older and struggles to take care of her home.  I notice the peeling paint when I walk up to her front door, and I see the empty fridge in her kitchen.  Grandpa Jensen passed away two years ago, and while I know Grandma struggles with loneliness, everyone is so busy.  It’s hard for me to visit as often as she would like, and when I actually do visit, I admit it sometimes gets boring listening to the same old stories so much, but I love her and want to spend time with her.

Text-to-Text Connection

This image also makes me think of grandparents depicted on television.  Shows like Modern Family or The Simpsons romanticize the aging process by featuring sassy, active grandparents who live full and happy lives.  But I also think about the film Up, whose main character reminds me of the grandfather in the image “Seattle:  Grandpa’s Place”.  Up is the story of a grumpy old man who is struggling to come to terms with getting older and maybe giving up some of his independence. . . and his dreams. The film is hopeful, however.  Its theme is that people should sacrifice and work hard to accomplish their dreams, even if that takes a long time, because a successful result is true happiness.