International Week

The event that I attended was an informational gathering where different causes had tables discussing the issues facing other countries and regions. I didn't know that Amnesty international covered so many different issues. Before reading the information I didn't know a lot about what they actually did. I knew that they were concerned with the rights of people who are living in other nations and are having their human rights violated. I knew that they also worked to improve other aspect of their lives.

I was not aware of the vast number of different countries that they helped or the different types of issues that were taking place. I knew that poverty would be a big issue but I didn't consider that they also were the ones who handled the things like trying to make sure children had access to education. I wasn't aware that they were the ones responsible for that I thought that was done by another organization.

 They also are taking part in trying to abolish the death penalty. I wasn't aware that they also worked on issues or problems in the US. I thought they focused heavily on other countries.

Before this EL I really didn't think about or have a full knowledge base of what Amnesty International actually stood for or what their purpose was. Realizing how much I don't know about world and global issues makes me want to do more research and expand my knowledge base.

Rutgers Weekend

The trip to Rutgers University was an experience that I will never forget. I not only got to travel to Newark New Jersey but I got to see another University that was completely different from any college I would have gone to visit on my own. The only areas I have ever been to have been suburban or rural which is a complete contrast to Rutgers. It was eye opening to me because when it comes to "urban" areas you never hear anything that is truly positive. The dangerous areas are the ones that get all the attention and the violent people are also the main focus. So it was nice to see that is not the case that the people who live there take pride in where they live. They possible may care about their city and neighborhoods more than people who live in "nicer" areas. The students were really welcoming and they were actually the biggest teachers as far as conversations and group discussions.

 The major thing that I will take away from the whole weekend is that you can learn so much by just listening. That every region has its own culture and not everyone has the same views and understandings about a particular social topic. Also the knowledge that is accumulated from where you live shapes you more than what you realize. I realize that is supposed to be common sense that where you live has a huge impact on who you are but I have never really taken the time to examine, reflect, discuss and learn from those differences. The trip gave me the opportunity to stop, look, listen and discuss the things that I didn't understand it also made me question the things that I thought I knew.

 The major example is the difference between African American views in the deeper south and those that are held by those that live in the north. Elvin and I had a conversation with a few of the Rutgers students about the use of the N-word. It was shocking to me that they didn't have a point of reference for the southern aspect of it or why it could be really offensive to both of us have lived in the south and riding behind a truck covered with a confederate flag paint job and an offensive bumper sticker to top it off. It was explained to us that it is thrown around in a more causal and nonchalant way where it is just used all the time in the open with no discretion. I realize that there were a few people most black males who would say it occasional and it is used in almost every rap song at least once but the view or mindset is different. At least where the average person in concerned. In high school it was only said really amongst people you knew like the guys wouldn't go up to or say it around another black person they just meet. It wouldn't be a greeting from the beginning. That was what started the conversation one of the guys walked in and said hi my nigga to Elvin which wasn't ok with him and I was offending as well in my option having an a at the end of the N-word doesn't make a difference. And you’re not taking the power or sting from the word by using it and making it your own. But I was introduced to a different way of thinking about it or coming to accept that depending on where you come from it makes the word take on a new meaning. It makes sense that the further north you go the less offensive or negative the connotation would be. It’s hard to say how I would view it if I would have grown up not seeing racist bumper stickers, confederate flags and not feeling like I was being judged or hearing unsettling comments. I assume I would have a different outlook on its use and the idea of making it into a positive and that being possible.

Through that conversation I also noted a difference in communication style between the two groups. I know we are equally intelligent that was clear from our discussion but it wasn't as easy to present two different viewpoints when everyone is talking about the same thing at the same time. Normally in an outside the class discussion it is still you talk I talk. There it was organized that way naturally it had to be facilitated in a way. But it was interesting to see other points of view and how they differ.

The one thing that I am committing myself to as a result of the trip is that I am going to become more politically active within my voting area. I want to gain the knowledge to be an informed voter as well as know what is going on within my community. I learned that from the exercise that we did on the first day that you have to know what is going on around you before you can identify the issues and make a plan to solve them.  

BusBoys and Poets

Spoken word is a very empowering form of art it allows the performer to communicate with a mass audience. The performer that I enjoyed the most was Ebony. You could tell that her poetry came from a very real place and the it was a means for her to get her voice across. Her poetry concentrated heavily on women and the issues that they face. Her performance was interesting because it was very descriptive. She also made it funny. The clit poem was my absolute favorite because it was insightful,creative, daring and funny. The way that she preformed also made a difference her presences and the way that she spoke was sure to keep your attention. She used different voice inflections to stress certain points and hand gestures to convey certain feelings. Her facial expressions also helped to convey her message it told the story just as much as her mouth. Busboys and poets is a great restaurant and i plan to visit again.

Your Urim and Thummim: Personal Legend Reminders.

Purpose

The lesson that I am trying to convey with these reflective questions is to make people think about what keeps them focused in their life what grounds them and makes them get back on the path to realizing their own personal legends. Also they are meant to be a way to connect with the story, every time the boy was about to go completely off track he found the two stones. A lot of people don’t think about what they could have that would symbolize their mission and keep them on track.

Activity Questions

1.      Do you have a personal version of Urim and Thummim? Something that you hold onto that guides you or that you keep with you to remember your values or dreams.

2.      Who gave it to you or why did it become important to you?

3.      If so what is it? Or if you had one what would it be?

4.      Has there ever been a moment similar to the ones the character had? A time where you got off course and out of nowhere there it was reminding you of your purpose.

My Perspective

The thing that is kind of like my Urim and Thumimim is actually a person it is my little sister. If I ever think that I am not focusing or doing the right thing I ask myself if Chelsey saw me do this or found out would I want her to do the same or see it? Or how would it affect her? Thinking about her and being her role model is a part of my Personal Legend.

The instance where this came into play was when I decided to move to another state where I didn’t know anyone. I was concerned because I would be living her in TN but if I stayed I wouldn’t go back to college until she graduated high school. I also would be taking a huge risk as far as my family was concerned everyone wanted me to move somewhere closer or stay in TN but go to a different school. Chelsey knew that’s not what I really wanted. I knew that if I gave in and didn’t follow my heart and do what I knew I wanted to do she would be afraid and would never think to try it either. So I moved and she is happy that she can say that her sister lives in VA. And she gets to spend her summers hanging out in DC.

The place in the book that made me think of this activity was when he was about to go back to Spain and buy sheep. As he left he got ready to toss his jacket and the two stones feel out and reminded him of his purpose and at the same time they lifted him up and made him happy. The things in life that keep you on track should also be things that do make you smile or have something that makes you happy so it will uplift you spirit at the same time.  

Oprah and I share a similar faith and life outlook..Who knew?

I agree with Oprah's belief system. Well the way that she looks at the world. She and I share the same view when it comes to life and being grateful to God for everything. Even the bad because without that you wouldn't be who you are. Every experience is to be learned from and it helps you grow.
 She says their is no Luck and I agree. Everything happens for a reason, you might not have a plan but God does. Her secrete is one I agree with. Let your soul that is influenced and made by a higher being be your guide in life,
 I never knew that I would have any similarities with the 9billion dollar woman. Our up bringing is similar she grew up in the south with a black Grandma attending church every Sunday. I was close to my Grandmother so that ressinated with me.
   "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
 I have heard that many times and I carry that with me. That and I can do anything that I put my mind to. 
  Oprah gets bad mouthed a lot and she doesn't deserve it. She is guided by her convictions and her inner spirit. I really liked her presentation I picked hers to listen to because I missed the episode where she told her life story. I always wanted to know how she got to be Oprah. Again I wouldn't have thought I have anything at all in conman with Oprah. I don't know why. I never thought about it before though.     

Wow! Far out Dude!

That was....I am not sure if I am having a closed minded night or what but both of those videos left me with one question? Didn't they have something else to do and if not why did they have to publish that? Its cute I get the point its a think happy thoughts and good things will come to you. Awww! But it takes more than happy thoughts to accomplish anything. Eyes on the prize not on the crystallized pretty water.
  Also I wonder what came first the other videos or the "Secret".  Lonnie trapped me in the car and made me listen to those. He was trying to find the secrete to finding himself , at the age of 52. Yeah I am somewhat against spending my time & money watching those think happy thoughts. I could see how they could motivate or help some people or touch them.To each its own.
But as for me I am a optimist 95% of the time I admit I have my moments. However those videos are just dreadful. And I had to watch something else that was similar to the "Secrete".
   The man spoke about thinking about what you think, and then thinking about why you think those thoughts. He also said that you should listen to the voice(s) in your head and listen to those thoughts and be mindful of your mind. The worst part about that was it was a friend that made me watch it. That might be my biggest issue is that people kidnap you to "share" the message with you. Honestly I would rather be awaken at 5:45am on Saturday by a Johava's witness, than to watch anymore of those long long long videos.
  Sorry Dr. Jenkins but I have been traumatized when it comes to metaphysics or whatever they are called.     
 Oh! and you should check out the comments on the Hidden Message in the Water Video from people. Its a hot mess someone who says to be open minded (they liked the video about positivity)  but then they cuss some other commenter out via their comment box about not agreeing with them.

EL: Anita Hill

It has been 20yrs since she won her case against sexual harassment. More complaints filed on sexual harassment, men are beginning to take it seriously. People know the laws now so they can speak out. She says that there is a disconnect between what happened then and now. We are not where we think we should be. People’s beliefs inspired change and laws against sexism there was an enthusiasm. Which has been lost so which has caused it to stall.

She received the award for the anniversary of Brown vs. Wade board of education because she fought for equality of schools in low income areas. Her concentration is on equality in the work place and for all. She says that:

       "Equality is never straight linear mountain things go up and down. More leadership is needed more leaders need to stop sexual harassment it would increase productivity and it would be better to fix the whole thought processes. Not just helping the victims. Zero tolerance means what it says. Getting rid of the people who would cause these types of issues. It doesn't need to stop at filing a complaint."

  Now she is working on the concept of integrating other disciplines into the fight against inequality.  Like the current forecloses that the effects are long term they aren't  going to be isolated. Credit damaged, kids suffer no school.

  The rest of her lecture she talks about the meaning that having a home has meant throughout the years with a focus on African American families. I broke it down into the way her speech was structured.

Home is a symbol of culture law policy equality and family. Ideal of home was that they could be accepted into the whites thought of equality. 1880ish they wanted to be accepted.

Then people moved to city 1930. Then to the suburbs which were created in the 1930s. 1950s women were at home while husband worked.

  Home: equality. Home is where it starts. T.S. Eliot.  Farm ownership had gave the ability to get a home but not keep it. Also wife’s name isn't on deed.

   City life wasn't inadequate so they wanted to move to the suburb. A Raisin in the Sun was  about blacks wanting to live in the suburbs but meet with hostility. Segregated suburbs 1958 had right to buy property whites had the right to leave.

In the home women were always there cooking and stayed there. Thought if they could work it would mean equality. 1980s the Jefferson wife in home with black maid the idea was that everything changed because they moved to the eastside. New home changed their life everything changed when they moved up. Role of the Home: suburbia divided by government Policy. Black verses White. More income is needed to sustain the large house of today's suburbs. The out pricing of equality the American dream isn't reachable because the stakes have gotten higher. We are becoming more extravagance.

Obama’s wife, Michelle has taken up the cause of changing the childhood obesity epidemic. She is concentrating on children’s health needs. She ask the question: Are we ready to accept a black first family and she points out that Michelle has taken up a traditional role in her choice of political agenda. She ask why can’t she have taking up a cause such as banking or foreign policy.

She closes with the issues that economic strain of the American dream is causing a huge impact. Once you lose your home it’s hard to regain it. Displaced family’s now need to be brought back into their homes. Things need to not only improve but become better. Sustainability of equality needs to be possible. She closes with the statement that things need to be affordable to all.