Black History Month - What do you think?

Established in 1976, Black History Month is recognized in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, among other nations. It is intended to celebrate the contributions blacks in the societies in which they live. In our case, it is the role that African-Americans have played – and continue to play – in American history and life.

There are always the obvious famous African-Americans to focus on during this time: Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and others. I have chosen to focus this year on the contributions of baseball legend Jackie Robinson. I hope you enjoyed the film that we watched in class, and I hope it made you think beyond the “obvious” African-Americans that we usually focus on during celebrations like this.

Use your comments here to express your ideas about the importance of Black History Month. Is it necessary to have a month dedicated to the contributions of black Americans? What about other months like this – Hispanic Heritage Month, Women’s History Month, and other such celebrations? Who are some of the African-Americans that you think best represent the meaning of this month?

I want to hear what you think and feel. If you disagree with what someone writes, you should comment on it but you MUST remain respectful. I will not tolerate any personal attacks, rude, or inappropriate comments. Most importantly – HAVE FUN!!

Here are some links that may help you think through this topic:
History Channel – http://www.history.com/minisites/blackhistory/
The Official Website of Jackie Robinson - http://www.jackierobinson.com/
Or search Google

MLK Today

On Friday, we spent nearly the entire class time discussing the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement of the 1960s. It has been 40 years since the death of Dr. King, and about 45 years since spoke to the nation about his dream. So, in 2008 can we say that Dr. King's dream has become a reality? What evidence do we have today that his dream has come true? Or, do we have further to go to reach that dream? If you don't feel his dream has come true yet, what do you think still needs to be done? Can we do anything to help the relationship between blacks and whites improve?

Remember, I want to know what you think and feel. I'm not looking for memorized answers or for you to tell me what you learned from the video. I am providing links to both of the speeches that we discussed and to the video that we watched. I encourage you to watch and listen. In fact, encourage your parents and siblings to watch and listen with you. It's important to always reflect on holidays that celebrate those that have sacrificed their lives to make our world a better place.

"I Have a Dream" speech: http://americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm

"I've Been to the Mountaintop" speech: http://americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkivebeentothemountaintop.htm

The entire video from class: http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/search/assetDetail.cfm?guidAssetID=9296ED9A-CF46-42F1-BBC3-EFABFB353D0C Remember, you'll need a password for this.

 

Write well – no slang or IM style writing.

Eminent Domain: What do you think?

I hope you all enjoyed the lesson on eminent domain. I think you all learned quite a bit, and hopefully you've already gone home and shared with your families what you've learned about this important issue. I hope that understand that anyone can be affected by this government "tool." Now I want you to sound off – I want to know what you think. Here's a little something to get you started:

"This is America. This is a country with free enterprise. You have all the rights to own your property, your own home, your own business. You have the right to build your American dream."

"The use of eminent domain is a delicate tool, but it is a tool and it helps keep a community clean; it helps keep a community vibrant. It's a good tool and, definitely, I don't think it should be taken away."

These are quotes by two of the people interviewed in the film Unintended Consequences: Eminent Domain. Use them to get your thoughts rolling. Does eminent domain have a role to play in our communities? What should government do to protect private property rights? What can we do as citizens to ensure that these rights are protected? I don't expect you to answer the questions directly (but you may as part of your thought process). These questions are intended to help you think about the issue.

This will be an open forum, which means your comments should post immediately. Do not copy the thoughts of those that post before you, but you can certainly work off of them. That means that you can comment on a comment – you can disagree, agree, or just comment on someone else's thoughts – but give me your ideas.

Your comments must be posted by Friday, November 30.

Globalization: What is it and why is it important?

Update – Wednesday Afternoon
I’m sorry that missed you all again today, but I found out on my way to school this morning that my baby daughter would be released from the hospital today to come home. I will see you tomorrow. As you learned in class today, I am extending the blog deadline until Friday morning at 9:30 am. Make sure you read the next paragraph before beginning your assignment.

Most that have commented have done a pretty good job. However, some have missed the point that I made about writing a short essay response. In other words – 2 or 3 sentences just does not get it. Exercise your brains and give me some great comments. This is not a completion exercise. I am looking for evidence of real thought. Every one of you has the ability to do quality work, but ability is worth nothing unless it’s put to use.


Beginning of Post


On Monday, you were assigned pages 101-106 to read as classwork - Time Reports: Our Shrinking World.

Combine what you learned from the Time Reports section with topics we have discussed in class concerning globalization - things such as cultural diffusion, emigration, and the movement of jobs and industries to other countries (Chapter 3 will be helpful here). After analyzing all of this information, write a thoughtful comment that addresses the following questions. Please do not feel that you are limited to just these questions. You can also include any well thought out ideas of your own.

1. What is globalization?
2. What are some of the benefits of globalization, for both Americans and non-Americans?
3. Is globalization good for everyone? If not, who suffers in a globalized world?
4. What are some of the things that young people today will have to do to prepare for life in a globalized world?

Very Important:
Your comment should consist of a well-written mini-essay. IM slang or abbreviations will not be accepted. Be careful to use proper grammar, correct spelling, and academic language.

Your comments must be posted by 9:30 am, on Thursday, November 8. Late comments will earn no more than half credit.

Do not hesitate to research the topic further. There is much information available online dealing with globalization. Try a Google or Yahoo search.

Welcome to the 7th Grade Geography Blog

This is where you will find posts dealing with issues relating to 7th grade geography. Read the post, and then add your comment. You can comment more than once.

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1. Click on the word comment at the bottom of this post.
2. Type your comment in the box provided.
3. Below the box choose the identity "other".
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5. Click the button - "Publish Your Comment".

Before posting, read the ground rules along the right-hand column. Please follow theses rules!!

See you in class.