Final Reflection for HAS Portfolio

Please answer each question in paragraph form. Be sure to write clear, detailed and specific responses.

1. How have you grown as a critical thinker and communicator this year?
2. Which of our units of study have you found most helpful in defining American identity?
3. Discuss the role you played in class. Assess your participation throughout the year.
4. How have your reading and writing skills developed over the course of the year?
5. Which of the essential questions for this course was most compelling to you? Why?

Course essential questions:
• What does it mean to be an American?
• How can groups with different values and norms exist in the same space?
• How is history remembered by those who experience it?
• What is truth and who gets to tell it?


6. Your final literature question:

This year, we read three novels: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian, The Things They Carried, and The Great Gatsby. Though they are books that discuss very different themes, topics and ideas, there are also some potentially major overarching ideas, as well. Some people might argue that, in the end, these are all books about LOVE. (Yes, you heard that correctly.) Think beyond romantic love--think about things like brotherly love, love of self, love of country, etc.

For this assignment, you'll write a detailed analytical paragraph, using SPA format.
Your question: Do you agree that these are all books about LOVE? If so, please explain and analyze. If you disagree, tell me what you think they're all about instead. (You must pick ONE idea that fits all three books, and analyze it.) Please don't write "I agree" or "I disagree" in your topic statement--just write a clear topic statement that shares the topic of your paragraph.

Wanna see some shirts fly? Or some fly shirts? See both here!

Here it is: from the 1974 movie version of The Great Gatsby, the tea party scene, culminating in a bizarro flurry of fancy European shirts! This movie version stars the dashing Robert Redford as Gatsby, the doe-eyed Mia Farrow as Daisy, and the eventual-Manhattan-D.A.-on-Law-and-Order Sam Waterston as Nick.



Take a look, and, if you want a couple of extra credit points for English, respond below with your critique. What works or doesn't work about the scene, as compared with the text version presented in Chapter 5? Include specific details--maybe even a quotation?

Draft Dodging

Several of you have asked what the punishment was for avoiding the draft during the Vietnam War. In case I forget to provide the answer in class, here it is:

Refusing to submit to the draft is considered a criminal offence in most countries where conscription is in effect. In the United States, refusal is punishable by a maximum penalty of up to 5 years in Federal prison and/or a fine of $250,000.

History Homework for Monday: Impact of the Anti-War Movement

What was the impact of the anti-war movement of the late 1960's and early 1970's?

Respond to this post with your probing questions, observations, and/or analysis of the impact that the anti-war movement had in the United States. Consider both short and long term impact and the different levels of impact the movement had (response to veterans, pressure on government policy, change in culture/respect for authority, etc).

The purpose here is to continue a discussion that was cut short in class. You don't need to write a whole essay, just share a comment, question, or response to a classmates' question that is interesting to you. Remember to read what your classmates have written to avoid repeating earlier ideas and to make this a dialogue rather than a list of responses!

INTERVIEW WITH TIM O'BRIEN

We watched the beginning of this interview in class, and we'll watch the rest next week. In this interview, O'Brien reads the story "Ambush"--which you're supposed to read too! So, if you'd like to have Tim O'Brien read it to you, you can...watch the video below, starting at 13:45




Also, because I always think images are helpful, here's one for you: a picture of Tim O'Brien as a soldier.



ASSIGNMENT: Read (or listen to) "Ambush", and then pick an interesting word from the story. Then, in a comment to this post, explain how the word you've chosen is significant to the story as a whole. Include evidence and analysis in your response.

Next, in a new paragraph, connect the same word you've chosen to a different story in the novel.

Your responses are due by 2p.m. MONDAY MAY 2nd.

Independent Reading Assignment

In an effort to connect back to our conversation today about the role of the media, I'd like you to write a short news article about one of the headlines you wrote related to something that happened in your independent reading book. Choose an exciting event from your book and write about it in the voice of an objective news reporter. Be sure to include the title and the author of the book you are reading. Remember, a reporter's job is to inform, so be sure to include the 5 Ws (who, what, why, where, and when) in your (short) article. Pay attention to language and choose your words carefully. Create your article in a comment to this post. DUE by WEDNESDAY March 23 at 7:30 am.

Update on Libya

If you're interested in an update on what's happening in Libya, click here and here for helpful articles from cnn.com on the UN Security Council vote and use of air attacks to enforce the no-fly zone in Libya.

There's also a great page here that provides a detailed explanation of how and why civil unrest seems to be spreading throughout the Middle East and northern Africa. This article provides updates on what is happening in each country, the status of the government prior to the current conflict, and how and why the current conflict started.

THURSDAY HOMEWORK: FOREIGN POLICY IN LIBYA

Considering today's discussion in class regarding foreign policy approaches, players and tools, what foreign policy strategy do you support using to address the current conflict in Libya? Be specific and think out potential consequences in defending your choice.

Poetry Brackets!

Today we had a fruitful discussion about the qualities found in good poetry. As a class, you developed a rubric with four criteria. A good poem:

1. Uses imagery and meaningful language to evoke a feeling in the reader.
2. Is organized and easy to read.
3. Raises thoughts and opinions and stays with the reader.
4. Maintains clarity of purpose.

Please read "final four" poems listed here. You can also listen to them via the links provided. Then, vote for the two you think best meet the criteria you've laid out in the rubric. You can vote to the right of this post in the two polls listed in the sidebar.

Please Don't Take My Air Jordans by Reg E. Gaines


Please Don’t Take My Air Jordans by Reg E. Gaines


my air jordans cost a hundred with tax
my suede starters jacket says raiders on the back
i'm stylin . . . smilin . . . lookin real mean cuz
it ain't about bein heard just bein seen

my leather adidas baseball cap
matches my fake gucci backpack
there's nobody out there looks good as me
but the gear costs money it sure ain't free

and i gots no job no money at all
but it's easy to steal fresh gear from the mall
parents say i shouldn't but i know i should
gots ta do what i can to make sure i look good

and the reason i have to look real fly
well to tell ya the truth man i don't know why
i guess it makes me feel special inside
when i'm wearin fresh gear i don't have to hide

but i really must get some new gear soon
or my ego will pop like a ten cent balloon
but security's tight at all the shops
everyday there are more and more cops

my crew's laughin at me cuz i'm wearin old gear
school's almost over summer is near
and i'm sportin torn jordans and need somethin new
there's only one thing left to do

cut school friday catch the subway downtown
check out my victims hangin around
maybe i'll get lucky and find easy prey
gots to get some new gear there's no other way

i'm ready and willin i'm packin my gun
this is serious bizness it sure ain't no fun
but i can't have my posse laughin at me
i'll cop somethin dope just wait you'll see

come out a the station west 4th near the park
brothers shootin hoops and someone remarks
HEY HOMES . . . WHERE'D YOU GET THOSE DEF NIKES
as i said to myself. . . i likes em . . . i likes

they were q-tip white bright and blinded my eyes
the red emblem of michael looked as if it could fly
not one spot of dirt the airs were brand new
had my pistol knew just what to do

followed him very closely behind
waited until it was just the right time
made a left turn on houston pulled out my gun and screamed
GIMME THEM JORDANS . . . and he tried ta run

took off fast but didn't get far
i fired (POW) he fell between two parked cars
he was coughin/cryin/blood dripped on the street
and i snatched them air jordans off a his feet

while layin there dyin all he could say was
please . . . don't take my air jordans away . . .
you think he'd be worried about stayin alive
as i took off with the jordans there were tears in his eyes

the very next day i bopped into school
with my brand new air jordans man was i cool
i killed to get them but hey . . . i don't care
cuz now. . . i needs a new jacket to wear


Still I Rise by Maya Angelou
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history's shame I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

Harlem (2) by Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?


Is Truth Liberating? by Haki R. Madhubuti

if it is truth that binds
why are there so many lies
between lovers?
if it is truth that is liberating
why are people told:
they look good when they don't
they are loved when they aren't
everything is fine when it ain't
glad you're back when you're not.
Black people in america
may not be made for the truth
we wrap our lives in disco
and sunday sermons
while selling false dreams
to our children.
lies are refundable,
can be bought
on our revolving charge cards
as we all catch truth
on the next go round
if it doesn't hurt.

Race and Class in America

Visit the website Race: The Power of Illusion, spending 15-20 minutes looking through and analyzing the documents available on the "Me, My Race and I" and "Where Race Lives" links on the right hand side of the page.

After reviewing the website, and considering our class discussion on Friday, respond to this post with your observations and thoughts on the question: Why is race so closely linked to social class in American society?

REMINDER: INDEPENDENT READING RESUMES ON MONDAY!

Just a reminder to bring your independent reading book to class with you on Monday. We will be resuming our independent reading schedule for third term.

Poor People's Campaign of 1968

Hello Group!

First of all, make sure your Wiki is up and running for Monday. We will be checking it during class. Second, please comment on this post with regard to the following:

1. Give a brief summary of your event that encapsulates your understanding. This should be in your own words.

2. Provide FIVE quotations (voices) that you think will be valuable additions to your script. Provide each quote and then explain who the speaker is and why the quote is relevant.

School Integration - Little Rock High School

Hello Group!

First of all, make sure your Wiki is up and running for Monday. We will be checking it during class. Second, please comment on this post with regard to the following:

1. Give a brief summary of your event that encapsulates your understanding. This should be in your own words.

2. Provide FIVE quotations (voices) that you think will be valuable additions to your script. Provide each quote and then explain who the speaker is and why the quote is relevant.

Voting Rights Act/Freedom Summer (1964)

Hello Group!

First of all, make sure your Wiki is up and running for Monday. We will be checking it during class. Second, please comment on this post with regard to the following:

1. Give a brief summary of your event that encapsulates your understanding. This should be in your own words.

2. Provide FIVE quotations (voices) that you think will be valuable additions to your script. Provide each quote and then explain who the speaker is and why the quote is relevant.

March on Washington

Hello Group!

First of all, make sure your Wiki is up and running for Monday. We will be checking it during class. Second, please comment on this post with regard to the following:

1. Give a brief summary of your event that encapsulates your understanding. This should be in your own words.

2. Provide FIVE quotations (voices) that you think will be valuable additions to your script. Provide each quote and then explain who the speaker is and why the quote is relevant.

Brown v. Board of Education

Hello Group!

First of all, make sure your Wiki is up and running for Monday. We will be checking it during class. Second, please comment on this post with regard to the following:

1. Give a brief summary of your event that encapsulates your understanding. This should be in your own words.

2. Provide FIVE quotations (voices) that you think will be valuable additions to your script. Provide each quote and then explain who the speaker is and why the quote is relevant.

Assassination of Medgar Evers

Hello Group!

First of all, make sure your Wiki is up and running for Monday. We will be checking it during class. Second, please comment on this post with regard to the following:

1. Give a brief summary of your event that encapsulates your understanding. This should be in your own words.

2. Provide FIVE quotations (voices) that you think will be valuable additions to your script. Provide each quote and then explain who the speaker is and why the quote is relevant.

ASSIGNMENT: Frederick Douglass

Today we had a conversation on the excerpts we read from the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. You made some great observations and connections to the text in our discussion. I'd like to extend the conversation just a bit further. In a comment to this post, please answer the following questions. Think deeply and use the text to support your response:

How and where is Douglass's narrative still relevant today? What are the threads that still remain in the contemporary texts we've read recently- ie; Crash, Recitatif, Twilight L.A. How does Frederick Douglass continue to inform our understanding of race relations in this country today?

Please post your comment by 9am MONDAY JANUARY 31st.

Museum of Science Addresses Race

Check out the following link. It discusses the new gallery offering at the Museum of Science dedicated to understanding the social construction of race.

Current Event: Treasure Coast activities honor civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

In southern Florida, Treasure Coast counties such as St. Lucie County, Indian River County, and Martin County are honoring Martin Luther King Jr. with parades, and many activities leading up to January 17. The whole meaning behind theses events is to bring about a theme which is self-above-self, which means that people should help others and their community. The activities in the counties are supposed to catch the attention of people of all races, countries and faiths working together.
From January 7-14th, the St. Lucie County is having a "week of kindness", which consists of many events such as MLK gospel songfest, MLK spelling bees, awards breakfast, family fun day, and youth essay and oratorical night.
Although many of the events are free, and accept public donations, some require a small fee between $3-15. Following the parade in that county January 17, there will be other events that follow to furthermore honor Martin Luther King Jr.
In the Indian River County, and Martin County, they are also having similar activities to those in the St. Lucie County, as well as having small fees to enter.

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/jan/10/treasure-coast-activities-honor-civil-rights-jr/


Probing Question: Do you think that other states such as Massachusetts, should hold parades and activities like the ones in the Treasure County?

Current Event: 150 million dollar superblock plan denied

A 150 million dollar plan to make a new shopping center, hotel, apartments and garage building has been denied because African American scholars stepped forward and said that one of the buildings on the block is a historical landmark. Read's drugstore was the site of the a sit in protest done by black college students back during the civil rights movement. This sit in convinced the drugstore chain to open its counters at all 37 stores around Baltimore to all black people. It was one of the first places to not be segregated in Baltimore.

The building is not currently being used for anything. It is abandoned and the contractors decided it wouldn't be worth it to remodel the building. They have also tried suggesting donating 100,00 dollars and creating a plaque.

This project would have been an "economic engine" not only creating new homes and stores in the area for people, but also supplying jobs for people in the area. This block would also right new value of other homes in the area overall helping everyone.

Probing Question: How important are landmarks like this and when do we forget the past and focus on the present day issues?

Current Event- Why Barbour's Civil Rights Remarks May Not Kill a White House Run

My current event was about Haley Barbour and how he was making racist remarks. Haley is the Mississippi Governor and will be running for president in 2012. Haley never had himself recorded or on a video, and if he did when running for president people will watch that and will lose some voters. In the article, it was talking about elements to "help kill political careers." This means that Haley put himself in a situation, but there is not proof that he said any racial remarks. The four elements consist of how there was no video of Haley, a quote online or on paper doesn't mean as much as to hearing it in person or on a video/audio. The second element consists of how untimely this situation is happening. Haley is running for president and is current governor in Mississippi, he will lose some voters and when people go to vote, they will think about those remarks. The third element is journalists or political hacks will find history about Haley and see if they can find anymore incidents similar or worse. The final element consists of how Haley will lose African American voters or any voters who are against racism.

In this interview by Justin Miller, it says, "The Citizens Council wasn't as bad as the Ku Klux Klan, Barbour said, apparently not adding that it was anti-black."

The Citizens Council is a newspaper that ran through October 1955 to September 1961. The main purpose of the Citizens Council is to inform white families to not let their children interact in classrooms with African American children.

The Ku Klux Klan was founded in 1866. It extended to most of the southern states by 1870. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s saw a surge of KKK activity, this includes bombing black schools, churches, violence between black and white.

Probing Question: If you were 18 and could legally vote, would you vote for Haley Barbour for president?

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2010/12/why-barbours-civil-rights-remarks-may-not-kill-a-white-house-run/68367

Current Event- Activism Through Media for Civil Rights

The article “Civil Rights Activists Tap New Media” shows the launch of activism through technology. This includes Twitter, e-mail, Facebook, and blogs. A very successful website creator is James Rucker who has created a lot more awareness of the Civil Rights problems today. He created ColorofChange.org which has an email list of 800,000 people. This organization was able to raise $285,000 from donors to pay for lawyers for six young black men in Louisiana who were charged with attempted murder to a white classmate. With all of these people uniting together for the cause, the charges were reduced to a misdemeanor. It is thought that there was too harsh of a charge given because the men were black.
Color of Change also led a boycott against commentator, Glenn Beck when he called the president a “racist”. There was a large amount of controversy over his words and through this Beck realized he was wrong and made a public apology where he expressed his strong approval of the organization.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is another example of a successful media advocacy. Two years ago there were only a couple thousand followers of the website which was then revamped. Now, there are over 400,000 members of the online advocacy. NAACP created awareness of two black girls who were charged with double life sentences in 1993 for only an $11 armed robbery. Supporters of this cause through NAACP though this sentence was not fit for the crime because of their race.
Historically, this ties in with the “sit-ins”. The “sit-ins” happened during the early 1960’s at the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. On February 1st, 1960, 4 black students from North Carolina sat down at the local lunch counter. The lunch counters were “white only” and blacks were not allowed to sit there. Although they were not served they sat at the lunch counter for the day. The next day twenty-three students showed up at the counter and by 1961, 100 southern cities were participating in lunch ins. This spread to “kneel-ins” at churches, “sleep-ins” in hotel lobbies, “swim-ins” at public pools, along with many other places that were segregated. Within a few months four theaters and six lunch counters were desegregated showing that this was making an impact. Between 1961 and 1963, 20,000 people were arrested for these non-violent acts and within just 1963, 15,000 were imprisoned. People participating in this, mostly young people were beaten up and arrested. They would be spit on by white people and even had shakes poured on them. Although all this mistreatment, they remained non-violent.

Probing Question: Do you think a public display of activism on the streets or an easier access to activism through technology is more effective? Why?

Sources:
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2011/01/02/civil_rights_activists
http://socialistworkerorg/2010/02/01/sit-ins-that-ignited-a-movement

THIS I BELIEVE ASSIGNMENT

So today we learned about our next writing adventure! Who are you? What do you care about? What do you BELIEVE in? You have some thinking to do.

I'd like you to take some time to listen to some examples. (Perhaps you'll have better luck than we did in class.) Go to this website: http://thisibelieve.org



Check out the site, and click on the "listen" tab. There are lots of ways to navigate the site. You can search for an essay written by a certain individual (there are lots of famous contributors) or you can scroll through themes or topics.

Once you've listened to one, add a comment to share a quick summary and your thoughts about the essay. Make sure you name the essay title and author, and include specifics. If you repeat an essay that someone's already written about, you'd better be sure to add additional insight.

Please add your comment by Wednesday January 5th.

Remember, your completed "This I Believe" essay is due at the start of class on Wednesday January 12th.