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Monday, April 19, 2010

Turning Points

Rodriguez's chapter 4 has some of the most critical elements of the book. In this blog, I'd like you to choose one of the following questions to respond to here--but be prepared to discuss all questions in class Thursday:

1. What is the significance of eggs in chapter 4?
2. What do you think about Rodriguez's portrayals of women?
3. In chapter one we identified scent as a central metaphor...how is "sniffing" used in chapter 4?

As always--when responding to a question please quote at least one passage and respond to another classmate's post (unless you are the first to respond).

Friday, February 5, 2010

Not as they seem

The first part of chapter 5 (pages 145-158) is a study of contrasts. In the chapter we get to know Ms. Bailey and Clarisse even more and we really see how complex life and poverty in the Robert Taylor Homes is--especially for women. I'd like you to address at least one of the following contrasts in the first part of chapter 5. As always, please use evidence from the text and respond to at least one other class member (if not the first post).

Booze vs. coats
Charity to some vs. charity to none
Clarisse's vision of herself vs. the reality
Clarisse's home vs. her life
parenthood vs. drug use
Arab charity vs. discrimination

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Juvenile Justice

On Thursday guests from Chicago's WBEZ radio came to interview our B period Urban Studies class about a series they were running on juvenile justice.

Each of our classes will be checking out the stories and then replying to one of the "Share Your Thoughts" links on the WBEZ website. The link is HERE.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Its time to sign up and vote!

In the first half of chapter 3 Venkatesh describes the fascinating and bizarre relationships between gangs and politics. What do you think about this relationship? Do you believe it still exists today? When responding be sure to use at least one quote/reference from the reading and respond to at least one other post.

Friday, January 8, 2010

"I'm not black"

Hey all:

Welcome to the first post of the New Year. AFTER reading the Preface and Chapter One in Gang Leader for a Day I'd like you to respond to at least one of the following questions. Your responses must use at least one piece of evidence from the text, and must respond directly to at least one other blogger (with the exception of the first person to post).

Here are the questions:
1. "And then you got a whole lot of black folk who realize it ain't no use. Like us. We just spend our time trying to get by..." (p7). Consider our discussion on to what extent people are responsible for their own economic conditions. Why do Old Time & Charlie feel this way? Why do they send Venkatesh to seek out the young men for answers?

2. Why does J.T. claim he's not black, nor African-American--but a "nigger?"

3. Why would J.T. want Venkatesh to follow his gang around--after all, they are dealing in illegal activities?