AfroPunk

Here are some ideas from and questions about the film "AfroPunk." Please post a response on the blog today:

At the beginning of the film someone observes, "being Black and being a punk rocker are pretty similar." What do you think is meant by this? Does this idea get explored any further in the documentary?

In what ways does this film counter (or go against) the dominant ideas in society about Black youth? In what ways do the people in the film perpetuate or contradict stereotypes about gender, race, class, youth?

The film's participants suggest that the dominant idea in society about Punk (music and lifestyle) is that it's a "waste of time and self-destructive, but it's actually really about self-learning." One interviewee notes, "the kids in the Punk movement are asking deep questions about their future, about their place in the world and when kids ask those types of questions, people should listen." Throughout the film the people being interviewed contend that Punk is not just a state of mind, but a way of life. It's thought of as a lifestyle -- which is about struggles that are personal, social, and political. They talk about being "caught in a system you don't identify with and can't support." What do you think they mean by this?

Blogs this weekend

Hey Everyone,

For those of you whose turn it is to start the blog posts this weekend. Could you post something by Sat. afternoon? Even if you haven't finished reading the longer piece on censorship -- that's ok. Just post a response to however much you've read. And how about everyone else posts by Sunday afternoon sometime. I forgot to specify in class.

It's probably best to read the piece on "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" first, then the article on Sarah Jones, then the Nat Hentoff piece. But it doesn't make a whole lot of difference if you've alreday done it another way.

Have a great weekend, y'all.

for Tomorrow -OCT 26

Hey Everyone,

PLEASE make your best effort to get to class on time tomorrow. We're going to be listening to some music in class and if you miss any part of it, it will be hard to catch you up on what is happening. Also, you don't want to disrupt everyone else's listening by coming in late.

AND

Debarshi,
Email me or post here if you didn't get the email I sent to everyone this afternoon. Actually, if you could let me know either way, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

Essay #2

Essay Assignment #2

Choose one of the following options:

Option 1
In “How to Tame a Wild Tongue, Gloria Anzaldua suggests that our language, our way of speaking, forms our sense of identity. Write an essay connecting Anzaldua’s argument about language with Dumas’s experiences as an immigrant, learning “American ways.” In order to do this, you will first have to briefly summarize Anzaldua’s argument and and briefly summarize Dumas’s position as well. In your essay consider the following questions: In what way does Anzaldua’s statement “I am my language” apply (or not apply) to Dumas’s? Did changing her name affect Dumas’s sense of identity? Did it affect the way that people treated her? Do you think that Dumas would agree or disagree with Anzaldua’s suggestion that language is connected to our identity? Use examples from the text as evidence to support your stance. Be sure to use parenthetical citations when you are paraphrasing or quoting from the text.

Option 2
Considering the idea that “language is power,” write an essay in which you compare your own experiences with language to one of the authors we have read so far. Choose only one: either Tan, Anzaldua, Dumas, Davis, Nelson, or Kennedy. You should begin your piece by introducing and paraphrasing the basic argument that the author makes. Then discuss the ways your own experiences with language compare to the ideas expressed in the article you are discussing. In other words, your experiences and ideas should be interwoven with ideas from the author’s text. Be sure to use parenthetical citations when you are paraphrasing or quoting from the text.

Your paper will be GRADED on the above mentioned criteria, as well as the following:

- does it adhere to the assignment?
- does your paper have an original title?
- does it follow the examples from the “How to Write About Texts” hand-out, including
how to cite texts properly?
- are the paragraphs cohesive and organized?
- are spelling and grammatical mistakes interfering with the reader’s understanding?
- is it handed in on time?

Late papers drop a letter grade each day they are late.

helpful info for essay assignment #2

As you write your papers, if you are confused about how to handle "in-text" citations, click here for some help on the MLA Guidelines. This pdf file shows you how to cite properly within the text and on a works cited list (which you do not need for this paper unless you are using more than one source).

For Weds. 10/11

For Weds. Oct. 11.

Spend some time (at least two hours) watching television and/or movies. Make some observations about how different racial and ethnic groups are represented in the media -- if you can, pay particular attention to the ways that "language" is used in these representations. Take notes, write some observations, and post them on your blog. Be specific – make sure you tell exactly which show, movie, commercial, etc. you are viewing.

Also, read the two short essays by Randal Kennedy, Rob Nelson. AND read the essay by Haig Bosmajian --pay special attention to pages 10, 11, 12. UNDERLINE important passages where you see Bosmajian clearly making his point. AND circle or star the names, words, references you don't know --and consider looking up some of those references to enhance your reading.

Blogging from Outer Space.

Check out this Space Blog. Anousheh Ansari is the first female private space explorer & first space ambassador. In orbit from Sept. 18-30, 2006, she is also the first person to BLOG from outer space. That is so cool!