Open Letter to Mr. Vedder

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Comments

  • Pearl Jam and toast
    Pearl Jam and toast Posts: 4,475
    brain of c wrote:
    i like the death metal version.
    lolz.

    never leave this board man, it wouldn't be the same.
    Come on pilgrim you know he loves you..

    http://www.wishlistfoundation.org

    Oh my, they dropped the leash.



    Morgan Freeman/Clint Eastwood 08' for President!

    "Make our day"
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    failedpersephone wrote:
    wow! that was a great level of interpretation for 8th graders. wonderful stuff!


    failedpersephone,

    Most of that analysis is mine....however, a few really sharp students did echo a few of my thoughts. All seemed to identify Black's painful mood.

    Thanks for your support,

    Matt Bruno
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    Crawldad,

    I'm hoping that I can inspire my students, and yes, many of them are misguided. Fifty percent of my school's children qualify for Free-And-Reduced-Meals. Most have rough family lives. I'm hoping to cut through all that fog. I want them to learn to think, to see scratch below the surface.

    The children have not heard the song yet. They will hear it tomorrow after we have completed Black's final stanza. After that, I will guide them through a half-dozen different really cool activities.

    Thanks for your support,

    Mr. Bruno
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    Pearl Jam and toast wrote:
    Really, really awesome.

    Pearl Jam and toast,

    Thanks for your kind words.

    Mr. Bruno
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    Delivered_Wings,

    Thanks. I'm lucky to have them, too.

    I don't know Given to Fly. Is it a book? A song?

    Mr. Bruno
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • upina2001
    upina2001 Indiana Posts: 764
    MarylandTeacher wrote:
    Delivered_Wings,

    Thanks. I'm lucky to have them, too.

    I don't know Given to Fly. Is it a book? A song?

    Mr. Bruno


    Its a song off Yield....(the best PJ album)

    Toledo, Ohio (September 22, 1996), East Troy, Wisconsin (June 26, 1998), Noblesville, Indiana (August 17, 1998), Noblesville, Indiana (August 18, 2000), Cincinnati, Ohio (August 20, 2000), Columbus, Ohio (August 21, 2000), Nashville, Tennessee (April 18, 2003), Champaign, Illinois (April 23, 2003), Noblesville, Indiana (June 22, 2003), Chicago, Illinois (May 16, 2006), Chicago, Illinois (August 05, 2007), West Palm Beach, Florida (June 11, 2008), Tampa, Florida (June 12, 2008), Columbus, OH (May 06, 2010), Noblesville, Indiana (May 07, 2010), Wrigley Field (July 19, 2013), US Bank Arena (October 01, 2014), Lexington (April 26, 2016), Chicago Night 2 (August 20, 2018), Boston Night 1 (September 02, 2018), Nashville (September 16, 2022), St. Louis (September 18, 2022)

  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    ledbetteroregon wrote:
    wow, that post gave me goose bumps. You are so right when you said that "Black is one of the most powerful pieces of poetry in the textbook that is our world."

    It might even be a good idea for your students to listen to a live recording of Black or to see it played on a DVD to get the full experience of the emotion that is carried through the song.

    ledbetteroregon,

    Goosebumps, eh? I don't think you fully realize the depth of the compliment you gave me.

    I wish I had a live version on DvD...I would love to share that, so long as it had no cursing....can't do that. ; )
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    who_doesnt_like_pj wrote:
    I read the whole letter and omg you dont know how badly i would love to have a teacher to share the love :] for english class Ive written a pj essay and thats as good as it gets.... btw i had to read flowers for algernon this year :]

    who_doesnt_like_pj,

    I have heard of flowers for algernon, but I must admit that I have read it. Perhaps I should check it out.

    Several bloggers have shared that they wish they had had a teacher who loved rock. I'm glad that I can be the fun teacher. I try to bring my zeal for music into the room. The kids seem to like it.

    Mr. Bruno
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    Deadlee74 wrote:
    This is very cool, and I hope the band hears about this. I think they would be impressed.

    Deadlee74,

    I'm very much hoping that PJ will hear about this posting. My students want to hear from Eddie. They want to hear firsthand about what motivated him to create "Black."

    Perhaps if the thread gets large enough, then PJ can contact my school. Keep your fingers crossed.

    Mr. Bruno
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    oceanflower wrote:
    That's the way to get kids exited about learning! I have 2 sons in middle school and a daughter in high school who would be thrilled with that assignment. Keep up the good work!

    oceanflower,

    The kids do seem to be interested in the subject matter. Many can relate to the pain in Black because many of them have suffered some form of loss: parent leaving, death of a loved one, etc.

    They actually whined again today when I took the lyrics back from them (before we had completed the song). I haven't let them read the final stanza. It's part of a reading/predicting/reaction teaching style that I use. They are hungry for more....can you imagine what will happen when I actully allow them to hear a "reading" of the poem "Black?"

    Keep your fingers crossed,

    Mr. Bruno
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    Davanita wrote:
    my god how i would have loved to have a teacher like you.....
    great work.

    btw - dumb question from a non-American; what age are we talking about when speaking of 8th grade..?

    8th grade ranges from 13 to 15 years old. Most are around 14.

    And you're question was not dumb. : )

    Mr. Bruno
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    josevolution wrote:
    whoa if i would of had one teacher like your self i would of been extremly lucky i hope your students realize this if not now then in the future that they were fortunate to have a teacher like your self ,i wish my 2 kids get to be taught by someone as yourself keep up the great work.....

    josevolution,

    Thanks for your kind words. Teaching means the world to me. It's worth the long hours, the prep-time, and the frazzled nerves. This kind of feedback refuels me.

    I only hope that PJ will see this and answer the question that has my classes burning: What inspired Eddie to write "Black?"
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    Mike_Muse_Rage wrote:
    Great stuff. I often use my English Language "skills" to analyse songs like that. Keep up the good work.


    Mike_Muse_Rage,

    It sounds like we are cut from a similar cloth. When I actually started looking at the lyrics of songs, a whole new world opened up to me. I can only hope that my students will do the same with other songs, books, and the world around them.

    I want them to question and learn from everything!

    Mr. Bruno
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • OneLove
    OneLove Posts: 563
    Mr. Bruno, I can only hope that I will be half of the teacher that you are :)
    Inspiring dosn't even begin to describe your post!

    I was in the 8th grade when that song came out (or around that age, anyway), I remember how comforting that song was the first time I heard it. There was something about that album, the age I was, and feeling so uplifted and understood in a way that no one else could offer me at that time. To this day I can still listen to many pearl jam songs, through more experienced eyes (or ears, I suppose), and find new complexities within the lyrics that give me an even deeper appreciation of the song, and why all those years ago it "clicked" the first time I heard it.

    It is amazing to me that you have been able to enlighten and connect with your students in such a meaningful way. The world needs many more people like you out there~ hats off to you.

    As I was reading your post & repsonses, I thought about a CD that I picked up about a year ago rather randomly. It is a string quartet tribute to pearl jam. Release is one of the songs on the album, and although it is not performed by pearl jam, the music has a way of capturing the mood of the song beautifully. I remember when I heard that particular cut the first time, it gave me chills all over again. Perhaps the relationship of the words, the song, and the music without words would be an interesting thing to explore :)
    Just a thought~

    Thank you for your post. You are an inspiration!

    Heather
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    chadwick wrote:
    I am speechless after reading about your 8th grade classes.
    As well as i am speechless to you as a teacher and a human-being.
    You are without a dought one great inspirational teacher, human-being.
    May your students be led down a floral path of beauty with you as their
    gifted immaculate guide.
    As i read your thread i could have cried, i actually probably should have.
    But i was reading aloud so i could share this story with my mom.
    So i held back a few tears.
    How i wish you were in my life when i was an 8th grader.
    For me 8th grade is when i started smoking pot and partying.
    This led my life into many long years of nothingness.


    Chadwick,

    Thank you for your words. Initially, I hesitated to post my analysis. I wasn't sure how it would be received. I'm glad that I did.

    Art is what happens when we allow ourselves to feel. When we summon the courage needed to confront those emotions, and if we have the strength to put them on paper, then we embrace our humanity. Where do you think "Black" came from?

    Don't hold 'em back.

    Mr. Bruno
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    canuck_rocker wrote:
    Wow that was incredible! Good work analyzing all of that and putting it into such good words! I remember for a juxtaposition project in English 12 I decided to use the song Black, it's just absolutely incredible in terms of symbolism and metaphors and all of those literary terms. It was the first review of a poem where I got an A, it just had so much to write about and everything. Too bad I never had a teacher like you for that though, I'm really jealous of your students. Keep up the awesome work, and maybe some of them will be converted into major Pearl Jam fans! :D

    canuck_rocker,

    You're right on the money. "Black" is rich with imagery, metaphors, and symbolsim. It's a great work.

    Quite a few bloggers have mentioned that they wish that they had had a teacher like me. Hearing that is gold to my ears. Thanks.

    And yes, I do hope that a few students will become PJ fans! : ) I have already had a few students download "Black" after we discussed it in class. I can only hope that I have inspired them.

    Mr. Bruno
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    upina2001 wrote:
    Its a song off Yield....(the best PJ album)


    I'll have to check out Yield. : )

    Thanks for the tip,

    Mr. Bruno
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    October22,

    Thanks! : )

    Mr. Bruno
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • MarylandTeacher
    MarylandTeacher Posts: 233
    OneLove wrote:
    Mr. Bruno, I can only hope that I will be half of the teacher that you are :)
    Inspiring dosn't even begin to describe your post!

    I was in the 8th grade when that song came out (or around that age, anyway), I remember how comforting that song was the first time I heard it. There was something about that album, the age I was, and feeling so uplifted and understood in a way that no one else could offer me at that time. To this day I can still listen to many pearl jam songs, through more experienced eyes (or ears, I suppose), and find new complexities within the lyrics that give me an even deeper appreciation of the song, and why all those years ago it "clicked" the first time I heard it.

    It is amazing to me that you have been able to enlighten and connect with your students in such a meaningful way. The world needs many more people like you out there~ hats off to you.

    As I was reading your post & repsonses, I thought about a CD that I picked up about a year ago rather randomly. It is a string quartet tribute to pearl jam. Release is one of the songs on the album, and although it is not performed by pearl jam, the music has a way of capturing the mood of the song beautifully. I remember when I heard that particular cut the first time, it gave me chills all over again. Perhaps the relationship of the words, the song, and the music without words would be an interesting thing to explore :)
    Just a thought~

    Thank you for your post. You are an inspiration!

    Heather

    Heather,

    Follow your heart. I did. I suspect that you will, too. Teaching is a calling. You know it deep in your bones when it is right for you.

    I was older than the 8th grade when Black was released. I think that PJ struck a chord with the American public when they released "Black." I want my students to connect to that as well. I want them to stand back in slack-jawed awe when "Sheets of empty canvass, untouched sheets of clay" pours from the speakers. I want them to take it all in, savoring every note, every heart-wrenching metaphor, and every agonizing symbol. In short, I want to awaken them to the universe that is Art, Music, and Literature (they all connect at some point...and, if we are lucky, we can catch a glimpse of what they offer us).

    Perhaps, if I am lucky, then they will see themselves in the lyrics.

    Keep your fingers crossed,

    Mr. Bruno
    Dalai Lama—To say that humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of spiritual transformation may seem to be at odds with what I have said about the need for confidence. But there is clearly a distinction to be made between valid confidence or self-esteem, and conceit - which we can describe as an inflated sense of importance, grounded in a false image of self.
  • ledbetteroregon
    ledbetteroregon Posts: 107
    i know that you really want an answer to where black came from. I always look for that in the songs i love. A lot of Pearl Jam songs can be referenced back to something, but then there are a lot where they are up for grabs. But sometimes during interviews, during concerts, etc, Eddie will give us an explanation or an insight into a song. example, corduory, dissident, betterman, etc. But as far as i know, i've never seen a quote from any of the band members specifically about Black. It just seems like one of those emotional experiences in life that you don't really want to explain in detail.
    9/16/96, 7/18/98, 11/02/00, 08/4/01, 12/08/02, 4/13/03, 10/22/03, 9/24/04, 3/18/05, 9/01/05, 9/02/05, 7/06/06, 7/07/06, 7/09/06, 7/10/06, 7/20/06
    7/22/06, 7/23/06, 04/07/07, 8/3/07

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