Martin Luther King, Jr. & Malcolm X

In these two quotes, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X put forward two different philosophies for responding to racial oppression. What are your thoughts on these two viewpoints? Which quote do you agree with more? Support your answer.


Violence as a way of achieving racial justice is both impractical and immoral. It is impractical because it is a descending spiral ending in destruction for all. The old law of an eye for an eye leaves everybody blind. It is immoral because it seeks to humiliate the opponent rather than win his understanding; it seeks to annihilate rather than to convert. Violence is immoral because it thrives on hatred rather than love. It destroys a community and makes brotherhood impossible. It leaves society in monologue rather than dialogue. Violence ends by defeating itself. It creates bitterness in the survivors and brutality in the destroyers.

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I think there are plenty of good people in America, but there are also plenty of bad people in America and the bad ones are the ones who seem to have all the power and be in these positions to block things that you and I need. Because this is the situation, you and I have to preserve the right to do what is necessary to bring an end to that situation, and it doesn't mean that I advocate violence, but at the same time I am not against using violence in self-defense. I don't even call it violence when it's self-defense, I call it intelligence.

- Malcolm X

Righteous Hate?

In "Notes of a Native Son," Baldwin explores how hate is detrimental to the soul: "Hatred which could destroy so much, never failed to destroy the man who hated and this was an immutable law." (53).

Do you think that hate is ever justifiable, even righteous? Why or why not? Explain your answer.

Money vs. Passion

Does anybody have any last thoughts on what we talked about in class today? Why are you attending college? To prepare for a career? To study something you love? Both?
How important is passion for a career? How important is money?

Superman & Alexie

What does the image of Superman represent in American culture. Why do you think Sherman Alexie would compare himself to this Western icon?

Malcolm X and Frederick Douglass

Compare Malcolm X's "Learning to Read" with Frederick Douglass's "Learning to Read and Write." What are the main similarities and differences between the two essays?

Against School

In "Against School," Gatto challenges the institution of education. Write a few paragraphs where you argue against something that is held in high regard by the majority of society.

For Tuesday

For Tuesday, please read Alexie's "Reading, Writing, Superman and Me" and Douglass's "Learning to Read and Write"

It is very important that you do the reading for Tuesday because we will be working with these two essays in depth in class on Tuesday and over the next few weeks. These essays will serve as the first two essays that we will compare as we practice for the exit exam at the end of the semester.

As you read, take detailed notes in the margins.

How does each author learn how to read and write?
What hindrances does each author face?
How are the essays similar? How are they different?
What is the tone of each essay?
Who is the audience for each essay?
What is the purpose of each essay?

Also, please check out the biographies of these two authors because they are important for understanding the essays.

Frederick Douglass, (19th century African American humanitarian and abolitionist: author of Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave)
Frederick Douglass

Sherman Alexie (20th century Native American author of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction)
Sherman Alexie

And on a final note: Don't forget to bring your thesis for your neighborhood essay to class on Tuesday.

Obama and McCain on Education

Summarize Obama and McCain's platforms on education. Which candidate's policies align with your own views on education? Support your assertions.

Click on the following links to see what the candidates said about education during the debate last night:
Obama and McCain on Education Part 1
Obama and McCain on Education Part 2

College Panel Calls For Less Focus On SATs

Summarize this article. What do you think admissions committees should consider when looking at prospective students? Do you think that standardized tests are accurate predictors of student success in college? Why or why not? Support your assertions.

Baylor Rewards Freshman Who Retake SAT

Summarize the main points of this article. Do you think that Baylor University's practices are ethical or unethical? Support your assertions.

Baylor Rewards Freshman

Reflecting on your Education

What is the purpose of education? What do you think are the three most important goals of education? Did your primary and/or secondary education meet these three goals? Provide specific examples from your own education.

For Thursday

For Thursday, please read or reread "The Brain in Love." Don't worry about reading the essays by Sherman Alexie and Frederick Douglass. We will read those essays for next Tuesday.

I am also pushing back the deadlines for Essay 3. The draft for Essay 3 is not due on Thursday. I will be handing out a revised syllabus on Thursday that will show all of the updated deadlines for your readings and assignments.

The members of group 1(Gender Roles) should be ready to give their presentation to the class on Thursday.

Class Canceled on Tuesday

I will be canceling class on Tuesday due to a death in the family.

We will return to class on Thursday, October 16th.

Neighborhood

Describe what it looks and feels like to walk around your neighborhood. Use vivid imagery that appeals to all of the senses.

Hint: This could also serve as your introductory paragraph for Essay 3.

Writing for an Audience

Pick a topic that you are passionate about, and write a short persuasive essay (two paragraphs) for a specific magazine, newspaper, or website (ex: New York Times, Time, Rolling Stone, Salon etc.) Don't forget to post the name of the source.

Counterargument

Pick one of the essays that we have read for this unit, and write a counterargument where you refute one or two of the main points from that essay.

Suggestions:

"Being A Man"
"Why Boys Don't Play with Dolls"
"Men, Women, Sex and Darwin"

VP Debate

Did you watch the VP debate? If so, what was your response? Who do you think came out on top? Support your assertions.