"The Natural," an article by Mike Tierney, shows that determination can overpower physical traits. The text features a college boy, Zach Hodskins, who was born without a left hand and forearm. His whole life, people have looked down and underestimated his abilities due to his appearance, but Hodskin's determination has proved them wrong. Basketball has been a life-long passion of his, and it has taken bravery and courage to show people that he is worthy of the sport, and not only able to play, but quite good at it.
The author, from the start of the article, wants the readers to realize and understand the bravery of Hodskins. The article is written like a timeline of Hodskin's life. To emphasize Hodskin's determinations, the author gives various examples of times during his life when people doubted him but he proved them wrong. For example, the article states, "'Dial it back,' his father would tell him. 'You don't have to prove yourself every day.'" (Tierney ¶ 10). Placing second in a competitive track race, Hodskin's replied, "'Allowing anyone to beat me was unacceptable.'" (Tierney ¶ 11). This clearly shows how Hodskin's, despite his physical disabilities, worked hard and believed in himself, a message the author tried to relay throughout the article.
To support the positive feelings the article attempts to give off, the author includes a small information box on the side, full of examples of "disabled athletes who've competed at the highest levels." For example, it provides information on Derrick Coleman, "a deaf running for back for the Seattle Seahawks, he played in the 2014 Super Bowl." Despite the definite feeling of courage and positivity relayed in this article, the authors makes his point without using loaded and bias words and statements. He uses facts, quotes, and real events to support his ideas.
Overall after reading your response, I think you choose a strong, thought-provoking idea to focus on. I enjoyed how you descibed how Zach still challanges himself on things you would expect he would have given up on. This makes Zach's story more relatable to all readers because even though we might not be physically disabled like Zach, we still all know know what it feels like to face challanges that seem impossible. When reading your response, you helped me look at Zach's story through different eyes that show the reader how we're all not that different from him as a person. All together, I think you picked up a very unique response to this article!
ReplyDeletegreat response! you chose a strong topic and focused on your thesis. you gave relevant and clear textual evidence and explained it thoroughly. overall great response!
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