A Little Less Deserving of Death

In a world of people conforming to the pathetic norm, it is refreshing to see a person who is unafraid to swim against the current. It takes true courage to rise above the rest of this filthy race and be one’s own master. Few people have the audacity, or even the ability, to do such a thing, but there are always an extraordinary few who can and do defy society. Davis Muma is such a person.

Davis’ parents met while working as engineers at IBM. His father now manages other engineers. Given his parents’ talents in this field, one might assume that Davis too would wish to pursue a career in some field related to science or technology. Surprisingly, though, instead of being of a scientific bent, Davis is primarily interested in the humanities and the arts. A student at a renowned liberal arts university, majoring in English and tentatively considering a second major in psychology, he has shown himself to be dedicated to pursuing his interests.

Moreover, in a world that places such a ridiculously high value on material things, Davis dares to set goals for himself that well may not lead to economic prosperity. Not only is he an English major, a class of students that is stereotypically the butt of jokes about such things as homelessness and jobs at fast food restaurants--he also wants to be a writer. Unfortunately, it can be fiendishly difficult to succeed as a writer. Why, the last editor to whom I sent poetry told me something along the lines of “I can find this sort of rubbish on any emo teenager’s Livejournal; I’m not about to pay you for it.” Clearly this is a symptom of the degradation of society. No one recognizes true art anymore. Since Davis seems less depraved than many humans, it is possible that he will also be discriminated against in such a manner, which will make success in his field hard to achieve. Nevertheless, regardless of the potential financial consequences, Davis is still determined to follow his own desires and not conform to those of our sick society.

Incredibly, Davis defies societal norms in yet another way as well: In an increasingly secular world, he is a religious person. My research suggests, in fact, that he is Muslim, which is an even braver stand to take in America’s “Bible Belt.” I may not agree with his views--after all, they assume that there is good in the world and something worth saving in humanity--but I can still respect his courage in holding and admitting them. There is much to be admired in a man who holds firmly to his beliefs and ideals when so many instead are cowardly, unprincipled, and hypocritical.

And now, in conclusion, a word to Davis. I hope that what they say about English majors is not true and that you do not end up working at a place like McDonald’s or Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop, for a man of your caliber deserves more than burger-flipping or dough-rolling. Instead, I hope you achieve your goals and avoid being corrupted by the world--any more than you are already, of course, for no one escapes unscathed, but that is beside the point. Davis Muma, I commend you and wish you well.