How could you change things?

For the last couple of weeks, we focused a lot on racism and racial segregation between African-Americans and white Americans. We learned about how often the African Americans were abused and beat by the white people. We also studied the famous human right activist, Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister, who made his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which served as the climax of the March on Washington, the largest rally of the civil rights movement. Lastly, we learned about Malcolm X, a Black Muslim Minister, who tried to speak out against racism using Black Nationalism as his theme.

Both of these men proved their point which was to show that African-Americans really deserved to be treated fairly in the United States of America. We also talked about many black movement groups such as the “Black Panthers”. It was their job to promote civil rights and self-defense. They were active throughout the United States in the late 1960s into the early 1970s. Even though, this racial segregation was aired on live television, white people still tried to make African-Americans look like fools and feel more uncomfortable just because of their different skin tone. However, since the African-Americans prevailed in their efforts to become equal, the whites turned out to be the fools.

Here's a couple of questions:
1. What would you have done to change the view of white Americans towards African-Americans?

2. How would you have felt if one of your family members that lived during the 1960s-1970s was brutally beaten by white police officers? How would you have reacted?

Ian K. - 5th Hour

Norman Morrison - Fog Of War

Norman Morrison was a Quaker who did not believe in violence and was anti-war. In protest, he went to the Pentagon and set himself on fire. He was holding his young daughter while doing it. Finally people convinced him to throw his daughter out of the fire. She lived, but Norman didn’t. When I heard this story I was shocked. I couldn’t believe that someone would set himself on fire due to his beliefs.

Do you think your life is worth something you believe in? Are you willing to give your life for your beliefs? Do you think what Norman Morrison did was wrong or did he make a statement?

Hannah

Website on Morrison's protest: http://www.angelfire.com/nb/protest/morr.html
An article written about Morrison's wife: http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj9507&article=950752

Questions about Kent State

A few weeks ago we read an article about the Kent State tragedy. Four students were killed and 9 were injured. In the article, "Tragedy at Kent State", it says that the troops were outnumbered and out of tear gas. It also said that they "acted without specific order but did have discretionary authority to return fire." The article said that some believed the troops were responding to sniper fire, but there was no evidence of a sniper ever found.

Why do you think the troops fired into the crowd then? What was their reasoning? Were they scared and just acting on impulse?

Claire M. - 5th Hour

Website devoted to pics and documents from Kent State: http://speccoll.library.kent.edu/4may70/may4cont.html

Kent State's Online Exhibit: http://speccoll.library.kent.edu/4may70/exhibit/index.html

How would things have been different if we hadn't gone to Vietnam?

The Vietnam War caused a lot of trouble to America. We lost many lives not only fighting in Vietnam but also in protests back home for example the protest at Kent University. In this war chemicals were used and such as Agent Orange. As a result to exposure to Agent Orange many people came back with health problems. People became suspicious of the government. The government lied to the public about what was happening in Vietnam. News reporters were daily contradicting what the government told American about the war.

If we wouldn’t have entered this war, would we not have had these problems? Since we didn’t achieve or win the war, was it even worth entering in the first place? Would the outcome be any different (Communism taking over the entire country) if the United States hadn’t been there?

Allison

What would you do know if there was a draft?

When we took notes on the movie, Vietnam: A Television History, "Nixon's Inauguration" and when we discussed it with the class. I found it interesting that men when they were drafted tried to have deferments. There were two kinds of deferements: medical ones and the ones that were for students. If you were a man attending a college or university which usually was the rich or upper class, those that could afford it. Basically the upper class could afford to go to college, and the middle class/lower class would be forced into the draft. Some men forced medical problems on themselves like the example from the move: a man (writer James Fallows) tried to lose 10 lbs in 2 weeks so that he would fail his physical, and therefore not be forced into the draft.


Then according to our notes "Ways that the Iraq War is the same/different as/ than the Vietnam War" worksheet, it says that "no one has been prosecuted for failure to comply with draft registration since 1986....". If there was a draft now in the Iraq war, not just for men but for women also, due to the women's right movements, women would also be able to be drafted.

What do you think you would do: go through with being drafted not knowing what will happen to you? Or would you try to get some kind of deferment?

Alexandra S. - 5th Hr.

What if Hurricane Katrina happened somewhere else?

Do you think the President would have reacted differently towards the Katrina incident if it happened in Texas or California where the race majority is white?

Do you think he reacted so slowly because Katrina was in a mostly black community or just because he didn’t feel like rushing? Bush is supposed to love his country, but why wait to help? If you were the mayor of New Orleans, would you have reacted like him or differently?

Even though the situation has passed, would you do anything to help and if so, what would/could you do?

Eboni B. - 5th Hour

Can you say, "Extra Credit"?

Again, just like we've done before, use www.mydropbox.com . My class is 62629 and the password is wickersham .

Here are the movies that you can choose from:

1. October Sky
2. The Right Stuff
3. The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

4. Apollo 13

5. US vs. John Lennon

6. All the President's Men

*If you have another suggestion for a movie that is NOT rated R, email me first before doing a review on it for approval.

Requirements:

1. A minimum one-page summary of the movie's plot/story including a description of the main characters.

2. Minimum 1/2 page summary of the historical elements in the movie - what historical events, people, or moments in time does this movie portray? Are these characters real, fictional? Describe the clothes, transportation, technology (yes, they do have their own version of technology - it's just Outdoor Plumbing 1.0), historical attitudes and beliefs, etc. Provide at least four specific examples with explanation.

3. Minimum 1/2 page on how this movie has expanded your historical awareness of the topic we have already studied. Make sure you describe in this section how the movie connects with an era that we have studied with specific examples from the movie.

4. Keep It or Ditch It - This is where you rate the movie on a true teenager's interest scale. After watching this movie, would this movie might have been something you would have picked out on your own to watch? Why or why not? For a school-related history movie, on a scale of one to five (one being "Good God, don't ever show that again!" to five being "I'm getting on Amazon to buy the DVD"), give a rating for the movie with an explanation. The assignment is worth 20 points max.

How alike are Iraq and Vietnam? Andy sounds off

In some ways, the Iraq war is like the Vietnam war. Both Presidents Bush and Kennedy went to war and ended up getting negative feedback after they went. Both said that they would stay in the country as long as it took. Both claimed they were fighting terror.

Why is it that the Vietnam war is viewed as a success yet the Iraq war is looked at as a failure?

Andy R.

Could Barack Obama win?

Since we're in the realm of political discrimination, my question is if prejudices today will affect the coming election with Barack Obama. Also, if elected, whether Obama would intensify or dilute those feelings towards African Americans.

Chelsea R. - 5th hour

http://www.barackobama.com/

Editor's Note: In the interests of fairness, here are some of his opponent's websites:

http://johnedwards.com/splash/

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/?splash=1

http://www.joinrudy2008.com/

http://www.mittromney.com/

http://www.johnmccain.com/

Vietnam: Why did we lose?

The Vietnam War was the only war that America has lost. What do you think are some of the reasons why we lost this war? Also with the U.S. being very industrialized and wealthy why didn’t these qualities help us win the war?

Brandi B. - 5th Hour

Domino Theory

As questioned in the movie, what would happen if Vietnam fell to the communists?, a “domino effect” of communism would spread to other countries. This would mean that the two largest countries in Eurasia, China and Russia would turn the other countries around communist as well.

As seen in this image, communism would then turn to Vietnam followed by Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, etc. Now, my question is:
If communism spread to the other countries, how do you think the United States would handle the situation?
If communism spread to the other countries, do you think these countries would still be communist today?

Evie C.

Is there a right way to protest?

I thought the article "Tragedy at Kent State" was very interesting. I don't agree with what the student did by torching the building, but why were they so angry? Was it because people they knew in the army were dying or were they just anti-war? What didn't the students agree with about President Nixon's decision? The student didn't start the protest off to good, but when they tried to end it peacefully was when things got out of hand. Student voiced there opinions (peacefully) during the rally which they had the right to do, so why did things end the way they did? I don't understand why all charges against the troops were dropped, the state giving the families and students money doesn't make up for the lives they lost and injuries they dealt with. I think there should be better ways to end or control situations like this. Without using violence, what is the best way to handle a group of protestors?

Shayna S.

Did the riots in April 1968 betray King's ideals?

While watching the Martin Luther King, Jr. video, I wondered why many African Americans after King's death started to riot in their anger to blame and attack white people. It is not that I don't understand why they were angry, but I think that their reactions to King's death is a betrayal of his ideals and everything he was fighting for.

Can you understand their reactions and think about it the same way I do, or do you have other explanations for the outbreak of the riots in April 1968?

Martin S. - 5th Hour

Photos from the Chicago Sun Times:
http://www.suntimes.com/realchicago/1960s/index.html

More thoughts on Katrina by Megan

We just ended with talking about Hurricane Katrina. Katrina one of the bigger hurricanes America has seen. Many peoples lives were changed in a matter of minutes. Many were lucky to get out of that alive and others were not so lucky. Hundreds or maybe even thousands died. This natural disaster cost billions upon billions of dollars in damages. Most of the damages were from the high winds and the water pouring into the city. Four levees broke covering most of New Orleans in water.

We talked in class about whose fault it was. In my opinion the agencies, who are suppose to come in and assist, and the local and state governments were at fault. Most people in our class blamed President Bush. I kind of agree in away, he is indirectly to blame because he should have made sure everything was moving along to recover that city. There was not much people could do while the storm was going on because it was so dangerous. Katrina was tragic and we will only learn from the mistakes.

If you were the president, what kinds of things would you have done differently if you knew this hurricane was come or after the hurricane came through? In your opinion do you think you could have done a better job then the president, the local and state governments? Take in consideration you have the war in Iraq and Afghanistan going on, and the reconstruction after 9/11.

Megan T.

When are we gonna stop borrowing money?

This week, we read articles that went more in depth with information regarding Hurricane Katrina. One of these articles addressed the problem with the money (paying for the recovery effort) and talked about how the U.S. is getting their money by borrowing it from foreign leaders. We borrow this money in large amounts and in order to pay it back, the president ends up cutting spending on the social programs that help the people in the United States

1. When do you think the United States should draw the line and stop borrowing the money? How much money in debt do we need to be in order for the President/(Congress) to stop borrowing all of this money?
2. Do you think there is another way to help pay for our debt and to help out in case of disasters?

Kevin K.

The National Debt Clock: http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/

The Gross National Debt

Who really killed Malcolm X?

After Malcolm X broke with the Nation of Islam and began to preach Islam in his own way, the leader of the Nation of Islam (Elijah Muhammed) became very upset with Malcolm's choice to teach Islam in a different way than what he taught. When Malcolm's family was constantly dealing with threats and attempts on their lives, Malcolm felt that things were getting out of hand and therefore decided to renounce the racist teachings of Elijah Muhammed and hoped to bring Islam and black nationalism to black Americans.

During Malcolm's last speech he was gunned down by several Muslims. Although a few of Malcolm's assassins were caught, Malcolm's assassination is still a mystery. Who do you believe really killed Malcolm X and why?

Adriel

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/malcolmx/malcolmx.html - link to some evidence about Malcolm's death.

Hurricane Katrina - what can we do better?

In the past week, we have been learning about the effects of Hurricane Katrina not only on the places hit by the hurricane but our country and even the world too. I thought it was very interesting to learn about different peoples' views on whose fault they thought it was. Most people who did not vote for President Bush to become president in the first place were quick to blame him, but from my point of view I feel that it was everyone’s fault all the way down the tree of the government system.

Everyone including President Bush, FEMA, Louisiana governor Kathleen Blanco, and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin were responsible for this catastrophic event that might have been able to be prevented had the people in high ranking positions of government worked together. If they had worked together they could have established a plan of action if something like this were to occur.
Who do you blame for this slow response and recovery efforts? Explain.

What kinds of plans can be established now to improve the emergency response to this and other unforeseen disasters? Explain.

Editor's note: We looked at the whole Hurricane Katrina fiasco in the context of the unfinished Civil Rights Movement. Many of the images that we saw in New Orleans were of the poor, elderly and left behind. A great many of them were African-Americans. I wanted to examine the reasons why so many were left behind and how this connected to the CRM. Even now, we're still in awe at how unbelievably mixed up the relief effort was in the first week and the subsequent finger pointing and blame game. Frontline's The Storm was especially helpful.

Malcolm X

Malcolm X stood for what he believed in because in he knew in his heart it was right. X even traveled to Saudi Arabia where Mohammed gave his last speech. There, if you travel around the Kabaa several times you began your pilgrimage. While traveling around the Kabaa, X discovered the American "Negro" could never be blamed for what they were put through. This means that we could never be blamed for our reactions to slavery or being discriminated against. All we can do is STOP looking back, and START looking forwards.



Why do you think African Americans aren't to blame for reacting to racism with violence, according to Malcolm X?


Imani


Official website of Malcolm X: http://www.cmgww.com/historic/malcolm/index.htm

Is there another Dr. King out there?

In the past week we have been learning about MLK and what he has done. We have been learning what it is to be a leader, and how he was a leader. We have also learned the reasons people respected him and why they did. Martin Luther kind lead nearly thousands of people in protest to prove something to the world, and that is something I think that is extremely honorable, and brave. I do believe without him that the world would be a completely different place then it is today.

1. Do you think that there would have been has many movement for people in poverty or for African Americans if there wasn’t a Martin Luther King. Why?

2. Do you think any body else had the potential to be another Martin Luther King and to lead like he did? If so who?

Erin D. - 6th Hour

CNN's website on James Earl Ray, Dr. King's assassin - http://www.cnn.com/US/9804/23/ray.obit/#1

Questions about the Memphis 1968 strike

This week, after watching the videos, we learned that not only were the adults involved with the Civil Rights movement but so were the younger people too. Everyone was so into the movement that they would do anything. Some worried that MLK's non-voilent protests were out dated by the late 60s and that the younger people wouldn't be able to protest that way. In Memphis in 1968, the march soon got out of hand and many people were injured.


Questions: Why do you think that the non-violent march suddenly turned into a violent riot so quickly? Also, what would you have done if you saw other people starting to turn to violence at a rally?



Kristin M. - 6th Hour

The Children's March

In class we learned about and watched a video (The Children's March) about the how kids started a chain reaction within the Civil Rights Movement. In the video, it showed how kids came from everywhere to march in the streets of Birmingham, Alabama. It also showed how the kids wanted to go to jail so they could help out in the movement of the black race. The march of all the kids were successful but unfortunately, a little later four little girls (under the age of 14) were killed in a bombing of the church were the march was born.

Even though it was a non-violent protest, what do you think would have happened if the police force of Birmingham decided to shoot and kill all (or even some) of the young protestors? How would that affect the city and its populaton? How would MLK's reputation have changed?

Ashley L. - 6th Hour

Why did the Panthers need the guns?

Watching the video about the Black Panthers on Wednesday, why do you think they chose to carry firearms if their ultimate goal was to promote equal constitutional rights for all African Americans? Even though they're an extremist group, they chose to promote violence rather than stop it. As President Kennedy mentioned in the video, "Violence only breeds more violence."

Also, why do you think they thought that they felt that they needed to carry those wepons in spite the fact that it was legal at the time?

Alex L. - 5th Hour

What would you do if you lived back then?

My question is:
If you were an African American living during the Civil Rights Movement, what would you have done? Would you have joined the movement, or would you be too afraid of going to jail? Do you think you might have partcipated in a sit-in or a march?

Kaitlyn - 6th Hour

Editor's note: If it were me, I would go to jail and break the unjust laws like Dr. King talked about in the "Letter from a B'ham City Jail". Unjust laws are against morality.

Has the dream been deferred?

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.'

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.


I have a dream today." – “I Have a Dream” speech by Martin Luther King jr.

Martin Luther King jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream" speech marked a major turning point for all those against racial injustice. Blacks everywhere spoke out against prejudice and racial injustices that were unconstitutional. They were slowly introduced to white society and became an integrated part of our nation. However, today we still encounter numerous instances of racism and injustice. Whether it be on the news or even just walking down the halls at school we find that though blacks are “created equal", they are still considered a minority by some. Even 40 years after MLK’s motivating speech, it seems that society has still not gotten things right.

Would you agree or disagree? Why or why not?
Anna B.