Lesson 4: 167-233
One. How might one argue against the sympathetic humanization of Mark Stroman in the book? How might one support this apparent humanizing of Stroman?
As Stroman gains introspection and begins to post on a blog, his pain and “death” from waiting in the Row becomes dramatized. His fatigue, sorrow, and tears are chronicled. Some would say this alone time in prison is bringing out his humanity and speaks to the cruelties of the Row.
Others would say this a “bleeding heart” piece, that Stroman is getting what he deserves, that killers always get soft in prison, getting in touch with their sensitive side and painting themselves as misunderstood misfits who deserve a second chance. Many, like Stroman, claim to have found religion.
Clearly, no matter what the readers believe, Rais is sympathetic and wants Stroman to be spared the death penalty.
My problem with Stroman and murderers like him is that they become part of some grand redemption narrative, with book deals, film makers showing up, and authors showing these amazing character transformations. In other words, these murderers become relevant, they become characters in our imaginations, and I wonder if this relevance they find as they become grand characters in the world’s collective consciousness feeds their vanity and encourages people in a perverse way to become part of this attention-seeking narrative as we try to find meaning in the chaos of violent crime.
Perhaps the biggest, real change in Stroman is that he views his family as the source of his problems, the reason for “being the way he is” (175). He finds a new group of people, such the filmmaker, who represent positive change and support.
Ilan Ziv tells Stroman that Stroman should be in prison for life without parole upon which Stroman says he killed because he believed that what he was doing was right (185). People should be accountable for being that dangerously ignorant.
Two. What does the book say about revenge?
Revenge is a never-ending cycle. Texas kills murderers to get revenge for their crime of murder. The 9/11 hijackers were looking for revenge. Stroman was looking for revenge. The cycle never ends (186). The theme of revenge as a never-ending destructive cycle is masterfully rendered in the 2005 film Munich.
The death penalty shouldn’t focus on revenge; it should focus on the murderer not being able to repeat his crime, either in or out of prison.
Anti-death penalty activist Rick Halperin argues that Stroman is a symbol for American violence in a post-9/11 world. America needed revenge and had “gone off the rails” by forgetting its essential nature of justice, fairness, and human rights as America wanted to lash out blindly and kill in the name of revenge (204). As Stroman turned to violence, so did America. Both Stroman and America “ignored the truth” we invaded Iraq, set up illegal prisons in Guantanamo and committed war crimes.
Three. What is the irony of Stroman’s psychological rehabilitation?
All of his helpers were from outside America. Here’s a man who lived by the “Born in the USA” adage, but ended up wanting his ashes discarded outside the USA.
Another outside influence, ironically enough, is a European Jew, Viktor Frankl, author of Man’s Search for Meaning.
Perhaps the book’s most cogent theme is that we should not be provincial tribalists, but embrace universal moral values that transcend nationality.
This book is about seeing people, not groups (190).
Seeing groups, not people, is at the root of a lot of violence. Think of all the mass killings since time and they are about killing groups without seeing the individual people.
Rais sees people and is a pious, peaceful Muslim who wants to help the poor. He is so good natured, he misinterprets the Koran to say that the Koran would save someone like Stroman from the death penalty, but the author points out that this isn’t true (228, 229).
In contrast, Stroman is a fanatical patriot who blindly wants to avenge the 9/11 attacks and ironically becomes the very terrorist he claims to despise.
McMahon Grammar Exercise: Parallelism
Correct the faulty parallelism by rewriting the sentences below.
One. Parenting toddlers is difficult for many reasons, not the least of which is that toddlers contradict everything you ask them to do; they have giant mood swings, and all-night tantrums.
Two. You should avoid all-you-can-eat buffets: They encourage gluttony; they feature fatty, over-salted foods and high sugar content.
Three. I prefer kettlebell training at home than the gym because of the increased privacy, the absence of loud “gym” music, and I’m able to concentrate more.
Four. To write a successful research paper you must adhere to the exact MLA format, employ a variety of paragraph transitions, and writing an intellectually rigorous thesis.
Five. The difficulty of adhering to the MLA format is that the rules are frequently being updated, the sheer abundance of rules you have to follow, and to integrate your research into your essay.
Six. You should avoid watching “reality shows” on TV because they encourage a depraved form of voyeurism; they distract you from your own problems, and their brain-dumbing effects.
Seven. I’m still fat even though I’ve tried the low-carb diet, the Paleo diet, the Rock-in-the-Mouth diet, and fasting every other day.
Eight. To write a successful thesis, you must have a compelling topic, a sophisticated take on that topic, and developing a thesis that elevates the reader’s consciousness to a higher level.
Nine. Getting enough sleep, exercising daily, and the importance of a positive attitude are essential for academic success.
Ten. My children never react to my calm commands or when I beg them to do things.
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