Sunday, October 5, 2008

Weird Essay Boot Camp JC

Tales of ghosts, demons and of the supernatural would hardly be things associated with the word “weird”. Generally the accepted definition for the word “weird” is a situation of which doesn’t conform to regular society. However, it’s history tells us otherwise. The word “weird has a full and rich history, how “weird” has evolved from past to future, and how the word is essentially used today and has been used in the past. The word “weird“ used in history is quiet different from the meaning that it leads us to believe today. “Weird” begins its roots from the northern texts in Scotland and was used in Scottish or old English literature, such as Shakespeare. The essential meaning of the word weird comes from fate and destiny. This definition ties in with the one today however the way it was used in the 1300’s is highly different than modern day today.
“Weird“ has several definitions. The evolution of this word dates back to the 12th century where its use was to describe the paranormal. Interviews were conducted to establish the proper definition for “weird”. Carla Castillo a young student attending Malden High School the word “weird“ has transcended into a collision between unrealistic and strange. However, for another student attending the same high school and in the same graduating class “weird“ has become a mere term to describe one of the many stereotypical social labels.
The parallels between 12th century “weird“ and 20th century “weird” share familiar roots. For instance, in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth the three women were considered weird amongst society because of their desire to rise against female oppression. By wanting to overcome male dominance they sought equality by behaving like men this alienated and ostracized the three women from social realms. Their longing for equality and their approach to it was simultaneously unrealistic and social suicide.
“Weird” is commonly used to describe people and situations that don’t fit into what we as a society have deemed normal. Whether it’s being utilized as the coming of fate and destiny or the revelation of the supernatural world. “Weird” has intertwined together to form one great meaning used in several negative ways to explain how “weird” represents the social labels, unrealism, and strange connotations.

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