Race timeline Resources

Here is the text of the Fredrickson article.

this seems like a good starting point for a timeline

Welcome to a New Year, New Blog

Hi All,

Welcome to our blog. Here's what I'd like us to do for our first post.

First read the article "Who We Are Now" by John Meacham, columnist and editor for Newsweek magazine. He wrote the article in the wake of Obama's inauguration in 2009. After reading, I'd like for you to address at least one of the following questions:

1. Will race matter in the U.S. in 2050 and beyond?
2. Will whites be punished in some form when they become the minority in the U.S. future?
3. Are there any dangers for a post-white majority in America?

To earn full credit you will need to address at least one question and provide at least one reference to the reading (include page numbers). Additionally, posts must be thoughtful and spell-checked (one-two sentence responses will not be scored). Please reply with your first name and last initial along with your period #. Feel free to add to the discussion by posing new questions or engaging in thoughtful debate with your classmates.

I look forward to your responses.

Mr. Pond

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).

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

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.

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.

"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?