Fall 2017: Unit II - The Fire This Time

By now, we have viewed and watched quite a bit of material which highlights both peaceful and more aggressive responses to the brutality inflicted on black and brown communities.  Some vocalized how they would've responded one way or the other.  I challenge you to look beyond yourselves.  Ask someone who lived then through the violence of Jim Crow, and get their opinion on how they responded.  Then, I'd like you to contrast their response with how you would respond to the then violence as well as today's violence.  Do any of them reflect either a reading or a viewing from this unit?  Please share your comments.


Due: Fri., 10/6/17 by the beginning of class.  (Please remember the blog rubric)

Fall 2017 - Unit I: Moral Monsters

During this unit, we've identified the "irony" of white saviors as moral monsters.  The concept of "saving them from themselves" is examined in our readings and viewings. From A Red Record to Tim Wise's "Trayvon Martin, White America and the return of Dred Scott," we're discussing the actions of several who consider their purpose "to serve and protect," as well as to protect the traditional "American values" this country was founded on. So, I ask you, how do you negotiate with a "moral monster?" Are these individuals salvageable, or are they a lost cause?  Where would you begin your dialogue?  Finally, do you believe there will be another LA Riots?

Due: Wed., 9/13/17 by the beginning of class.