Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Everyone:

Below are two Wordles for each class. 

The white background is how you described yourselves on the student information survey you took at the beginning of the semester. Remember that, when I asked you to give me three words to describe you? Well, now you know how long I've been planning this. 

The black background is how your classmates described you. I asked you to make a list and describe each person in class in one word... this is why.

So, what's the point, yo?

There's a lot we can learn from this as a class, and as individuals, but before I give it all away, why don't you take a minute to study the Wordles for your class (they are also posted on the chalkboard in class (under the grades for your class).

Block one- How we see ourselves.

Block one- How others see us.

Block two- How we see ourselves.

Block two- How others see us.

Block three- How we see ourselves.

Block three How others see us.

Modern World History: Think back to the big ideas represented in our "Articles of the Week" for this week and last week (race vs. ethnicity and what you do when you encounter facts that are contrary to what you believe to be true). You could make the argument that the white background represents your culture. Things people can't SEE when they look at you. It takes some getting to know you, on a personal level, before those things are exposed to everyone. Because, after all, who knows you better than you? The black background, on the other-hand, is how people see you. We could relate this to your race in a sense that this is how others, who may not know you on a personal level, see you. It's the assumptions they've made about you given the limited information they have about you. In some cases they might be right, but there are some glaring discrepancies as well. 

What do we do when we see people differently from how they see themselves? What are the dangers in that? Well, I think that, often times, this leads to a sort of identity crisis, where individuals and groups in society are stuck trying to figure out which box they fit in. It also makes one feel like they must "give up" who they are, in order to be something someone else wants to be. The learning is really two-fold. WE need to look at how we examine others, and be willing to change our opinion and see them for who they really are. At the same time, though, YOU need to look at the perception others have of you. What about you is giving off that impression? Is that impression acceptable to you? Is that how you want people to see you? If not, then what are you willing to change about yourself to change the impression others have about you? Think about how those perceptions are going to affect you later in life, when you apply for a job, try to date someone, or go to buy a house or a car or, really, anything else.

So, the point is, examine yourself and see if what you are seeing in others is really what they are. Be willing to change and see another point of view, another angle on WHO they are, not just WHAT they appear to be. Also, though, examine yourself and see if you are giving off a vibe that's different from how you really want to be seen. It's a process, and it will take time, and we all have to be willing to do this together.

AP World History: The point for you, in addition to what's been said above, is the gap between perception and reality. Which is truly more important? Think about all the times you encounter new people. Now, expand that over time and think about the role perception has played in encounters over the course of history. Your perception of people shapes how you interact with them (you probably aren't aren't bringing a ratchet home to meet mom and dad, but you might bring her $10.00). Now, what if she doesn't see herself as a ratchet, then what? Do you take her to the corner of your street and pay her $5.00? Sadly, it's not as simple as splitting the difference. It takes careful consideration. And, just as you may change in order to please someone you want to impress, people over the course of history change and adapt as it suits them, whether to please a ruler or those they are ruling, or to increase trade contacts, or to avoid slavery or punishment. 

It things like this that make history (and life) so interesting. However, they also make life difficult. If it was simple then everyone would be good at it. Look around. A lot of people suck at life... or maybe that's just how I see it.

Modern World History

Quick-write #10:

Objectives:

• Identify John Locke's opinion of:
• Government
• Man's Natural Rights
• Freedom

AP World History

Quick-write #11:

Objectives:

• Compare the effects of the environment on the culture and political structure of TWO of the Early River Valley Civilizations.
• Write an acceptable thesis statement.
• Write at least three, relevant direct comparisons.