Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Put yourself in Huck Finns' shoes after his father came back after he heard that Huck Finn had money. What would you do?

"Gimme your money. Now"
"No. You haven't been here for fifteen years of my life."
"How old are you now?"
"Sixteen."
"Oh. "
"Yea."
Okay, now imagine if this was your situation. You're a sixteen year old, you just got a car, and you have a good amount of money. Okay, now imagine your "father," who's never been in your life, but now wants to be in it because you have money, comes back. Now if this was me and my situation, I'd do two major things. First off, I'd tell him, he's not my father. Second, I would probably just call the cops to get him arrested for harassment, or stalking, because you sure not coming into my house after fifteen years, looking for some cash. 

"Gimme your money. Now."
"No." 
Okay this is how my conversation would go with him. 
(Clears throat, with attitude)
"You haven't been in my life for fifteen years, now..."
"I'm sorry, I wanna..."
"No, shut up. I'm talking. You haven't been there for fifteen years. You never were there. You never cared. Now because I have all this stuff, you try to come back, into my life? It's 2008, not 1993. I don't want you in my life, (Daughter starts to cry) you never wanted me before all this happened. Stop being a gold digger. I didn't like you before, and now I hate you more. (Pointing at the door, look frustrated and mad) Leave. 
"Now why do I need to leave?"

"If you don't get out of my house, right now, I'll call the cops."
(The father grabs the daughter, manhandling) 
"Get off of me, and leave."
"I'm not leaving 'til I get my money."
"You never paid child support. Leave."
Now if this was my situation, and my "father" refused to relocate, I'd call the police, scream over the phone, and tell them my location. I'd call the cops to place a harassment report, and report him. I would make sure he left me alone. Like Malcolm X said, "By any means necessary."

Bottom line is, if you someone is abusing you, mentally or physically, get out of the situation. If someone is always drunk, is trying to kill you, and   is a little delusional, do something about it. Take some action. Huck Finns' father better be lucky I wasn't there, I would have told him off first, then called the police. It's up to you to choose your actions. Just don't do something you'll regret later in life.

Monday, November 3, 2008

6 Questions between the line

1Q. In "The 7 Sisters," what sister are you the most like? Why?
1A. I think I'm more like the 7 sister, because I like to make sure that everyone is okay before me, I like to talk a lot, and I like to chill out and watch everyone else. Also, when the 7 sister grows up, she can o all the other sister' jobs. And that's just like me. I can adapt very well to my surroundings. 

2Q. Could this have happened in a different community instead of a gated one?
2A. That's kind of hard to infer. But most likely, it would be different because normal people know how it's like to earn their money. So normal people probably wouldn't kill themselves. 

3Q. How would the story be different if Roger from, "Thank You M'am" did not run into Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones?
3A. If Roger had run into anyone else, he would have not learned anything. 

4Q. How would the story be different if the dad in "The 7 Sisters" had not left?
4A. The mother would have never committed suicide. And the sisters would have never had to take on the role of mom and dad. 

5Q. How would the story be different if the girl in "The Use Of Force," Mathilda had just opened her mouth?
5A. The doctor, Olsen, would have been in and out instead of forcing the spoon down her throat. 

6Q. What do you think Roger did with the $10 Mrs. Luela Bates Washington Jones gave him?
6A. I think Roger realized that he needed food more than some sneakers, so he saved the money to get food. 

Thursday, October 30, 2008

10 on the line questioms

1Q. What happened after Richard Wright came home the first time?
1A. Richard's mother sent him out again with another note and money.

2Q. Who was it that gave Richard, the "confidence" to stand up for himself?
2A. It was his mother. 

3Q. make a three column note chart. Be sure to include characters, setting, conflict, climax, conclusion, and resolution. 
3A. Characters: 
Richard Wright, His mother, The Gang - "I'm going to teach you this night to...." the mother
Setting:
mom's house, city street - that night I won the rights to the streets of Memphis. 
Conflict:
Richard vs. Gang, Richard vs. mother, Gang vs. each other, The Streets vs. Richard, Richard vs. Nature. (Nature is The Concrete Jungle) - "...the mom slapped him across the face."
 Climax:
 When the mom gave him a stick and told him to go and fight. - "Take this money, this note, and this stick. Don't come back without the groceries." (The Mom)
Conclusion:
He earned his respect of the gang. - "That night I won the rights to the streets of Memphis." (Richard)
Resolution:
Stand up for yourself. Also don't let society distinguish you, or who you are. 

4Q. What is Richard's last name?
4A. Wright. Richard's last name is Wright. 

5Q.On what try did Richard finally get the groceries?
5A. It was the third try, when Richard finally got the groceries.

6Q. What was the main setting of "Black Boy?"
6A. The main setting of "Black Boy" was the streets of Memphis. 

7Q. Where did the gang members run to after the beating?
7A. The gang members ran to their houses after the beating that Richard delivered.

8Q. What did Richard do after he beat the gang members?
8A. Richard got the groceries from the store after beating up the gang members. 

9Q. What does the mother say the third time before sending Richard out again?
9A. The mother said, "Take this note, this money, and this stick. Don't come back until you have the groceries."

10Q. Who was the main character in this story?
10A. Richard was the key/main character in this story. 

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

What makes a broken America?

"No it doesn't." "Yes, It does." "Since we obviously can't agree, let's ask the reader." "What do you think makes a broken America?" In my opinion if one wants a broken America, have a lot of violence, place a great amount of bad neighborhoods, and finally throw in some messed up families. 

Violence is a huge problem in America. The homocide rate has made an increase for the worse. Gangs have made a great impact on the youth of our generations. For instance, The Crips, and The Bloods. In the story Richard said, "I'll kill you."

In addition to the violence, throw in some shitty neighborhoods. There has to be some ignorance in education. Throw in some decrepit buildings and some crack houses. Also, what the hey, how about a dumb, useless leader.?

Lastly, one can't have a messed up America, without some messed up families. Okay, one must add in at most one parent. Richard only had his mother, his father left. Due to the fact that it was only him and his mother, he kept thinking "...Now I have to be the man of the house."

Now that you have read my opinion of what makes a broken America, and my reasons, think about this: Do you in any way, shape, or form contribute to or relate to these ideas? If so cool, if not, cool. But hey, if you don't like my paper, write your own.

The Setting Of "Thank You M'am"

Please grade me on vocabulary, and transitions.  

Did you ever live in Harlem, in the city, or in a crowded apartment? In Thank You M'am by Langston Huges, that's where this unpredictable story takes place. 

First off, this story takes place in a crazy city named, Harlem. This story took place around the 1930's-1950's. that's the time jazz was becoming very popular. it was also a very hard time to make a dollar. 

Next, living in the city can be very crazy. I know that because for me, the city in the story reminded me of where I live, in Philadelphia. a lot of things can happen in the city. You could either run into the right person, or the wrong person. So always watch your back. 

Or maybe the city's not your thing, you'd prefer a smaller place to reside. In the story Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, lives in a very overcrowded apartment. There are five plus families on the same floor. You can hear everyone, and everything that's going on in the next room.

No matter where you are living, there are always two types of people, leaders and followers. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones was a leader by taking in the boy Roger and making a difference in his life. So be the leader, or as Ghandi said, "Be the difference you wish to see in the world."

Thursday, October 23, 2008

The First Annotation

The Integration Of Baseball
Simon, Scott. Jackie Robinson: The Integration Of Baseball. New Jersey: John Waley & Son, Inc. 2002


In this book it explains that legacy and what he left behind for all America to remember. He integrated America's pastime. He had enough courage to stand up for his rights in baseball. He risked his life so that those who came after him like, Manny Ramirez, David "Big Papi" Ortiz, ans many more. 

Friday, October 17, 2008

NHD 2009

I choose Jackie Robinson for my NHD Project because I am interested in sports and his legacy. 
This person is important to history because without his efforts, we would not have players in the major leagues such as, Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Manny Ramirez, David "Big Papi" Ortiz, Jared Williams, Emmanuel "Manny" Burris, and Barry Bonds. Just to name a few. 

For this week's research, I found information at the following:
google.com/images
for images of African-American players in MLB now
The Official Site Of Jackie Robinson

Friday, September 19, 2008

I Will Graduate In 2011 (please grade my voice and Intro/conclusion)

Hey, what's your name, and have you ever graduate? Well if you didn't, see ya. I will be graduating in 2011, because my family is behind me all the way, my school career is going to be great, and my friends won't let me down. 

First of all, my family is my impetus. They make me want to work harder. They keep reminding me of my dream, and how my school work will play a big part in my success. My mom always says, "Brittany, you have to be determined, your school work is important."

Speaking of the importance of school, my education is next. My grades are going to be more than acceptable. I'm going to do my homework every night. I'll make sure that I get at least a "B" in every class. My class work will also be finished by the due deadline. 

Okay, my friends will never let me down. My friends are all goofy and crazy, but they want to see me graduate. They tell me that if I don't do my work, I won't pass. They also make me want to do the best work I can. 

As you can see, I will be graduating. Throughout my life I have been let down. I don't want anyone to experience that feeling. So if you're not graduating or never did, then peace out. Maybe I'll see you later in life....Or not.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Service Learning

 Service Learning so far is okay i guess. Service learning is really annoying and so are some people in the group.... But life goes on. 

Monday, May 19, 2008

Service Learning So Far

 Service Learning so far I guess is alright. I mean I have a really good understanding of what's going on. 50% of Darfur's population is whiped out, and their government is for the genocide. And they're not stopping anytime soon unfortunately. We have an idea to do a flip flop party....But I have an idea that I can sew pillows for the people in Darfur. Or I can sew some other articles of clothing...I guess only time will tell what happens next. Bye. 

Reflection on Service Learning 5/15/08

Thursday's meeting was a little successful. We came up with ideas such as: a flip flop party, flip flops for flip flops, and some more stuff. But,  right now I think our group needs to work on raising the awareness of the severity of the situation about the genocide in Darfur. Then only as soon as we know everything about it ourselves, then we can spread the word to  get others involved. 

Friday, April 25, 2008

Service Learning 4/25/08

Today I talked to Mr. Brasof about what we are going to do today. 
Goal:

    -learn more about Darfur
    -look into established programs
Activities:

    -look at the minutes from the last meeting
    -look at what everyone researched
    -Watch a slideshow/pictures on Darfur
    -Use the laptops (possibly)

Friday, April 18, 2008

Service Learning Research

For my research, i have many pictures from Darfur, 
I have information, and I have a slide-show. I have my research on my desktop...


Reflection On Service Learning 4/17/08

Yesterday was very productive...sort of. We are working on Darfur. Aquila and I are working on the project with Mr. Brasof. We are having lunch with him on Monday. We are going to possibly have first graders help us on our project...we have to find something suitable for first graders to do. We are still thinking about some ideas. Aquila and I are talking outside of school about the project.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Reflect on Service-Learning Groups

On friday, Mr. Brasof did a completely different project than what Aquila and I had planned. We were planning to do something with Darfur, Sudan, and South Africa. So I will talk to Mr. Brasof about the topic confusion, because Aquila and I have something completely different planned, that we want to take care of. 

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

My Review Of Native Son

I really liked the book, Native Son. I like Richard Wright's writing. First off , this novel caught my attention as soon as I started reading it. Secondly, this was a well written book. Lastly, Native Son kept my attention throughout the entire novel.

The book Native Son, starts out with a "demon" rat running around Bigger Thomas' house. He chases it around the house. He finally takes a skillet and kills the rat. He continues to pound it when it is evidently dead. When I looked at the chapter names, I wanted to know why they were called that. The first book is called "Fear," the second book is called "Flight," and the third book is called "Fate."

This was a well written book, because it will make the reader want to know what happens next. The book shows what life was like for African-Americans in the 1930's, living in Chicago. There's a guy named Mr. Dalton, a rich land owner, who donates 5 million dollars to the NAACP for African-American college fund. Bigger Thomas starts working for Mr. Dalton, but he won't give Bigger's family enough money for them to keep their house in order. Basically, Mr. Dalton is a hypocrite.

This piece of writing kept my attention throughout the book. I would be at the dinner table, my mom would say "Dinner time. Put the book down." I would have the book under the table, and be reading it. I kept wanting to know what would happen next. There were a lot of mystery to the book. In one part of the book, it seems like Richard Wright wants you to come up with the next part of the book.

I would say that this novel is one book that you could read over and over again, and not get bored of reading it. Also, if you go back and read it again, you'll be like "Oh I forgot about that part." It's a very good book that actually shows you what life was like in the 1930's for African-Americans.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Ideas

My ideas are that i could work @ my church. 

NHD review

next year i'm going to to pick a topic that interests me. and i'm going to get all of my stuff in on time.

NHD review

Next year for NHD, I'm going to first of all, not come in the middle of the year. Next I'm going to pick a topic that interest me. And finally, get everything in on time.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Every Rose Has It's Thorns

TEETH: Every Rose Has It's Thorns
By: Brittany Steelman-Peterson

Did you know that in America at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime? In the United States, 1.3 women are raped every minute. That results in 78 rapes each hour, 1,872 rapes each day, 56,160 each month, and 683,280 rapes each year.
The United States has the world’s highest rape rate of the countries that publish such statistics. It’s four times higher than Germany, 13 times higher than England, 20 times higher than Japan.
One in seven women will be raped by her husband. Eighty-three percent of rape cases are ages 24 or under. One in four college women has either been raped or suffered attempted rape. One in twelve male students surveyed had committed such acts that met the legal definition of rape.
Furthermore, 84% of the men who committed such acts said what they had done was definitely not rape. Seventy-five percent of male students and 55% of female students involved in acquaintance rape had been drinking or using drugs. Only 16% of rapes are ever reported to the police.
This violence against women has in the past inspired filmmakers to produce reactionary movies such as Enough with Jennifer Lopez, or Diary Of A Mad Black Woman with Tyler Perry. These films flip the script on the would-be-attacker. A new film showing what it would be like if women had the power has been causing much talk. Teeth.
If you are not familiar with the movie, it’s about a girl who has teeth in her vagina. So every time she has unwilling sex with a guy, she ends up killing them. The reason this movie came about is, because there is so much violence towards women.
For instance, did you know that women used to be and are still used as sex objects? They’re used as disposable pleasure. Therefore, Teeth shows what would happen if men were the targets instead of women.
This movie is rated R, and the runtime is roughly 88 minutes. One critic, on Rottentomatoe.com, named Ed Gonzales said, “Though good for a few laughs, the one-note Teeth is just another trite rape-revenge fantasy.” However, Peter Hartlaub, top critic from the same site, wrote: “This movie was extremely funny, very clear and still packs some cover-your-face bloody thrills that top any Saw or Hostel movie.”
So because of my age, I am only 14, I can’t see this movie. But when it comes out on DVD, I am might go out to get it. If you want to see this movie, go to your nearest movie theatre.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Q & A

1Q: Is it true or false that Bigger killed Mary Dalton?

1A: It is true that Bigger Thomas killed Mary Dalton. He killed her, most likely because she had treated him like he was equal to the white people in that time. And he did not know how to handle it all.

2Q:
 Can you write in your own words what Bigger did when he killed Mary?

2A:
 Bigger Thomas killed Mary Dalton by suffocating her. He did this to keep her quiet. Because he thought that she would rat him out.  

3Q:
 Could this have happened in someone's real life?

3A:
 This could happen to anybody, any day. Anyone could have beef with someone else.
And then that one person would set them up, or confuse them to a certain degree.

4Q:
 How was this similar to "To Kill A Mockingbird?"

4A:
 "Native Son" is very similar to "To Kill A Mockingbird." First off, Bigger Thomas is like Tom Robinson, in many ways. Bigger is being accused of rape, and Tom Robinson was being accused of rape. 

5Q:
 What would happen if Mary Dalton had killed Bigger?

5A:
 If Mary Dalton was to kill Bigger Thomas, these are the two things that would happen.

I don't think people would pay that much attention to it. Only because of the fact that he was black. 

Back in the 1930's if a white person were to die they would probably see who was around at the time of the death. If a black person was there they would most likely blame them. 

In conclusion, If Mary had killed Bigger, people just would brush it off, and be like whatever.

6Q:
 Is there a better solution to the killing of Mary Dalton?

6A:
 I really don't think he had to suffocate her. 
Bigger Thomas could have done a couple of things.

First of all, he could have run as soon as Mary's mother entered the room. Because she is blind she is not able to see who is in the room. So he could have softly crept out of the room.  

In conclusion, I think that Bigger Thomas just acted in the moment. 

7Q:
 How would you feel if someone suffocated you?

7A:
 I wouldn't feel anything. I'd be dead....

Honestly, when you're dead you most likely do not feel anything. I mean I wouldn't know, because I've never been dead. 

In conclusion..................

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

NHD Review

Next year i'm going to pick a topic that interests me. and i will hand in everything on time. 

For English Class

Chapter 1: Rat Attack
This chapter is about Bigger Thomas and his family when they wake up face-to-face with a huge one foot rat in their room. Bigger Thomas is not scared to kill the rat, but in the process of doing so, he scares his sister and his sister faints. Then he gets yelled at by his mother, because of the fact that he scared her.

Analysis:

 I think that Richard Wright wrote this to show the struggles that African-Americans had to go through in those day.

Chapter 2: WTH

 In this chapter Bigger and Gus were masterbating in the movie theatre. They were there with G.H. and Jack. 

Analysis:
 I think that Richard Wright wrote this part of the book to show that in order for some to feel like a man, they have to do dereogitory things.

Chapter 3: The Killing Of "The Girl"

In this chapter Mary went out with Jan, a "red", and had a little to much to drink. When they get back to Mr. Dalton's house, Bigger Thomas had to take Mary up to her room, because she was not stable in any way, shape, or form. So in the process of taking her to her room, the mother comes in the room...but she's blind. So when she enters the room, it takes her a while to realize that Mary is drunk. But she walks to the bedside of Mary's bed, and she says "You're dead drunk." The fact of the matter is, however, the mom doesn't realize that Mary is dead. Because in the time it took the mom to walk over to her bedside, Bigger was trying to keep her quiet by holding the pillow over her mouth and kept it there a little to long, and she died. 

Analysis:

 I think that Richard Wright wrote this part, to show some of the other struggles that African-Americans had to face. Meaning that a white woman can and sometimes did get close to an African-American, then try to betray them. 

"THE END....FOR NOW"



For English Class

For English Class

Friday, February 1, 2008

Hi.....I guess

I'm new to this, but anyhow hi....I will be back w/ something on my blogger that is useful. see ya l8er.