More from Curie Youth Radio
I Live In Martin Luther King Plaza; What About You?
(00:02:42)
From: Curie Youth Radio
A tour of Chicago's west side and one teenager's memories.
Chicago Muggles Get the Quaffle Flying
(00:02:33)
From: Curie Youth Radio
Five teenaged Harry Potter fans "muggle-ize" a Quidditch game in a Chicago park.
Chicagoans Consider Their Road Not Taken
(00:01:53)
From: Curie Youth Radio
Robert Frost's famous poem helps us reflect on our own paths.
Teacher Crush Vox
(00:02:16)
From: Curie Youth Radio
A vox full of memories of innocent teacher crushes.
My Plate Full, Yours Empty
(00:02:05)
From: Curie Youth Radio
What one family makes for dinner when the cabinets are empty.
Every Color is Somebody's Gang Color
(00:02:25)
From: Curie Youth Radio
Tan pants? Black shirt? You must be in a gang.
The Perfect Gift for the Five-Foot Basketball Player
(00:01:33)
From: Curie Youth Radio
What one young man wants more than anything: height
Why We Wear Baggy Pants
(00:01:51)
From: Curie Youth Radio
A vox pop of teen points of view about baggy pants.
Piece Description
Omar joined the Marines this year. His piece tries to end a battle with his mother about signing up in the first place. This letter to a mother shows us the love that remains between a mother and son who cannot find a common ground. It gives us a glimpse of the fear and anxiety of a parent of a new recruit as well as the bittersweet certainty of an eighteen-year-old who naturally believes in his own immortality. This piece was broadcast on Chicago Public Radio, WBEZ 91.5, on March 18, 2005.
4 Comments
|
Review of Dear Mom: I Joined the MarinesTo me, the best thing about this is it's an honest message from son to mother, and that's a good thing. It's a way for parents like me to understand what our teenagers are thinking and feeling. The piece didn't evoke a lot of emotion in me, but I appreciate the intent. |
|
Review of Dear Mom: I Joined the MarinesIt sounds like a letter written to his mom- justifying his actions, but also seeking her love and approval. He apologizes and honors her efforts to keep him from joining the military, but is resolute that he is doing the right thing for himself. It made me tear up a bit, but didn't answer the biggest question I had- why? Why join the Marines, why now? Why, despite the fact that your mom tried so hard to keep you from doing it? Oh yeah- and Martika's "Toy Soldier" plays through the entire piece. Not quite sure if it is appropriate, but it was an interesting choice. |
Broadcast History
This piece was broadcast on Chicago Public Radio, WBEZ 91.5, on March 18, 2005.
Musical Works
"Toy Soldiers," by Martika, from album called "Toy Soldiers - The Best of Martika"
Additional Files
- (description) (omar.jpg)








Michael Eddy
Posted on October 26, 2005 at 06:32 AM | Permalink
Review of Dear Mom: I Joined the Marines
This short story was more of a letter from a son to a mom and was very inspiring. In his note he expresses that though his mother disagrees but the life that he has chosen is the life he wants, this is the only life for him and that is to serve his country. I have nothing bad that I can say about his story. And the last words I have to say are Semper Fi, and oorah.
Gods grace and speed to you and your marine brethren.