{This blog is essentially a preamble for my term paper. It will be in relation to my topic for the paper and will read like my stream of consciousness. }

At my current state, the angel I am going to take with this paper will pertain to our connection, or oneness, in regards to trauma. Questions like, does trauma connect us or disconnect us, and how does this affect our collective trauma (in this case, collective memory) and individual trauma (individual memory). I will be applying the above to Jonathan Safan Foer’s Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by analyzing the different mechanisms used by the novels three narrators who coped with trauma.

Some of my premature and rather grandiose ideas, question how the depth of this so-called connection we have with each other. Considering that tragic instances, on national scales such as, 9/11, seem to have disconnected the United States with the Middle East. My view is predicated on the understanding that connection is not simply interaction, but something more along the lines of harmonic interaction. I must admit, though, that 9/11 also formed solidarity between fellow Americans, which appears to strengthen the connection they had with each other. Herein lies the dilemma I have with this idea of connection, as it is most noticeable in times of mourning, during the process of enduring trauma. My quandary with relationship between connection and trauma illustrates what I consider to be the PARADOX OF TRAUMA.

{BTW any of you out there reading this blog, and want to use my transcendent paradox, don’t forget to hit me with that MLA citation (Mokam, 2015)} (:

All things considered, I have now raised the question of this connections existence in the first place. Is it possible that this connection is temporary, ignited during times, which pinpoint national emotions such as, pride and despair?

As Kanye would say, “ I DON’T HAVE THE ANSWERS!” Mokam would say, I don’t have the answers, YET!

By using Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close as my foundation, I intend to find these answers. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close illustrates how individuals, as well as collectives-unions rather- cope with trauma. This illuminates, in my estimation, that trauma is multifaceted. So as it looks, I am on the right track. But how do I take what I have gained from Extremely loud and Incredibly Close and apply it to the aforementioned questions. Is this the opportunity to incorporate Judith Butlers Frames of War: When is life Grievable? It may just be. Butlers works touches on our precariousness, oneness, and connection even (depending on how you look at it). She professes; tragedy (the creator of trauma) in any capacity is negative. As she believes my pain is your pain, a trope seen throughout her work. And therefore, tragedy due to violence should be eliminated.

Writing this paper, in some cases will be arduous and painstaking, but in others will be enlightening. Nevertheless, I embrace the challenge and look forward to finding the answers to my questions.