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I Am Not My Hair...or Am I?

9/15/2019

 
Picture
Look at the image above. Before you react, respond or revolt, let it sizzle in your spirit as comedian, Kountry Wayne, reminds us often. Analyze it. Ponder it. Sit with it.

R&B and soul singer, india.arie, sang the hit, "I Am Not My Hair," to remind us that we're more than what we are on the outside. I love the song but I've always wondered if her words were entirely true. In my experiences, when you comb someone's hair, their confidence is boosted, their smile seems brighter, their walk appears straighter. After all, image is everything. Right?

Then, there are biblical references and cultural pacts that speak to the symbolic power in a person's hair. It's their crown. Their glory. Their strength, like Samson's in the book of Judges.  Samson was tricked into thinking that Delilah cared for him, so he let down his guard and was deceived, much like the players of a wrestling team who have been inveigled into thinking they will have better lives if they cut off their locs. If you look closely, though, you'll see that there's more to it than meets the eye. Isn't there?

Read the blog post above in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity. Post your honest thoughts about the image. 

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.


3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.


CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, your family or your upbringing with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.
Due Friday, September 20, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST​​​

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

September 10th, 2019

9/10/2019

 
Picture
“A question that sometimes drives me hazy: am I or are the others crazy?”~Albert Einstein
Sometimes, I can't decide if I'm crazy or the rest of the world is. I spin my wheels trying to get teens to understand the importance of reading, and my own children, the importance of and integrity in being humble and bringing peace. I write my ass off trying to show the world that eating better is just...better, and owning who you are is the key to real success whether you make millions from it or a dollar. I work hard to leave a legacy or maybe I work hard to uphold the generational legacy I inherited. 

Then I wonder, what's my battle? Why am I battling? As I sit in a classroom full of students who just read words and do not try to understand what they're reading; as I talk myself hoarse, yearning on the inside for my children to understand their position in this world, and as I struggle to eat right, think right, look right and be right, I had to stop. Just stop. Then ask myself, Why am I struggling to get others to understand things that I sometimes don't understand myself? Like why try to educate a generation who does not want to be educated? Why not let them figure it out when it's too late? Why worry about the life path of my children when they are grown. Let them go their own way; get their own bumps and bruises. They'll either make it or they won't. Why work hard to leave or uphold a legacy when, usually, after your repast, you're forgotten?

I don't have the answers. I don't think any human being does. But I know until we reach our final destinations, whatever choices and decisions we make, the only way to have some peace of mind, is to know that you're living and making those choices and decisions with intention. There is not one purpose in life. The only purpose is to live life on purpose with passion, intention and with a goal of fulfillment. Otherwise, if you don't you'll drive yourself crazy trying to figure it all out. 
Read the blog post above in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity. Post your honest thoughts. What legacy are you leaving behind and who are you leaving it behind for? 

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.


3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.
Be sure to--
  • Be clear about your position
  • Provide specific support for your argument
  • Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
  • Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, your family or your upbringing with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. It's all or nothing.


Due Friday, September 13, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST​​​

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

    Mixed Ink

    Mixed Ink is our class blog, the window into our souls. It was designed to improve students' writing, critical thinking and communication skills by giving them a platform to provide meaningful content based on their interpretation of what they see.

    Although the students receive a grade based on a rubric for completing this assignment, they are not graded on complexity of thought. This is a place where students of all levels can freely, confidently and creatively express themselves and their opinions in a nonjudgmental platform. They are required to respond to and critique each other, but degradation, slander, lewdness, etc., will not be tolerated. 

    Bridge Builders

    All subjects are vital to learning, but  English is the bridge of communication. So let's build the arch, one word at a time...


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    Learning Objectives
    • Communicate effectively
    • Be aware of current events
    • Write concisely
    • Boost critical thinking skills
    • Be accountable
    • Follow directions
    • Have a voice about what goes on in the world around you

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