Huck Finn-Beyond The Line #1

Question:
How would you feel if you had to survive being by yourself in the woods and water?

I couldn't imagine being in the woods or traveling the open sea in a canoe by myself, especially at night. I would be afraid and I would feel lonely because I'm from the city so I wouldn't be use to traveling in those conditions. I think I would mostly be scared of the darkness of the night sky. The stars might help somewhat but I would still need to see where I'm going. There would be a lack of food for me when I'm traveling. I would have to be a savage looking for a source of protein. Where would I sleep and lay when I feel lazy? I might have to sleep on a hard rock. Then the vicious animals in the woods would try to harm me. I might have a heart attack being around those evil animals for too long.

I don't know about you, but I need food to survive. I couldn't picture not having food or having just little food to eat. I wouldn't know what natural foods were safe to eat and what ones are harmful. I would probably make the dumb mistake and eat a black beetle, thinking it was a blackberry. If I happened to find some food, I wouldn't know how long I was expected to live off of it. Huck Finn is good with his hands and have nature skills so there would be no problem finding food. This is because he lives in the woods and is trained to be an expert in supplying himself with needs. In the city, I would just go to the local supermarket and get foods that I know are healthy.

When I feel tired, I go in my bedroom, turn off the lights, and lay in my fluffy bed. In the woods or water, there isn't any bed or other type of comforting shelter I could lay on. I would most likely have to gather vines and branches to get a little sense of comfort, how gross. Huck Finn slept in a narrow canoe and in a spot in the woods, but I wouldn't dare sleep knowing I'm in the middle of nowhere. My clothes would get all wet and muddy. And my hair, oh my gosh, it would look like a frizzy hairball. Then I would have no place to shower, so I would be expected to wash in the river. I would feel like a big bum.

Some animals are cute and loveable, others such as bears and snakes are nerve-wrecking. If I were traveling through the woods and saw an animal that I don't like, I would scream and try to run. I don't know how to react in the proper way to many animals so I would probably become bait. Huck Finn on the other hand lived around animals and hunted for them. He would know what to do in an animal situation. What if a bear came up to me and sniffed me? Would I run or just stand there until it was done? Maybe a poisonous snake would wrap itself around my legs so tight that I couldn't move. I would have to try my hardest to get away or I would be dead. Animals would be a huge fear while I'm trying to survive outdoors.

City life and nature life don't mix. If you live in the city, you become aware and pleased with shopping for food, having proper shelter, and not having to deal with wild creatures. I think I would lose it if I were forced to live in the nature life, but I would have to find a way. Huck Finn proved he is physically and emotionally able to survive in the wildlife. I would definitely take lessons from him because he has tremendous experience. I would also train him to live in the city and actually survive. For now, I'm okay with living in the city and wouldn't change it for anything. You may be able to take the girl out the city, but you can't take the city out of the girl.

Obama "Changed" the View of African-Americans?

It's been 219 years since slavery has been abolished in America. However, African-Americans are still looked at as low value in life, with no future, to many Americans of different races. This stereotype is mostly because of the percentage of drop-outs in schools that are African-American. Why is there such a high percentage of African-Americans dropping out of school? I think its because no one hardly gives or gave them a chance to prove that they are just as hard-working and motivated as any other race. They are sent to trashy schools where the teachers could care less if they learn or not, as long as they collect their paychecks. Most African-Americans don't hope to go to college or if so, they have to work harder than anyone else to do so. Why? Because they feel they will not be accepted or they just been through so much that they can't achieve their alternative goal to a good education. Now that Barack Obama is the first African-American to be elected as a president, people's views of African-Americans changed. They believe that Obama is a role model to African-Amercians and will make them work hard in school and also in life in general. But haven't we always been trying to work hard to get somewhere? I think so and I feel bad that others haven't seen our determination. Even though Obama has played a huge role for African-Americans, I don't think he is the only reason why we are working hard in life. I thank him for being such an inspirational person, but really African-Americans have always tried their best to accomplish things in their lives.

Reflection Of Election '08

“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer." Barack Obama said these words on the night of November 4th, 2008, the night he made history by becoming the first African-American to be elected president of the United States and he is now also the 44th president. Obama received 349 Electoral Votes, when he only needed 270, wining major states such as Pennsylvania and California. This made me feel proud because millions of people took the time out of their day to vote, and in particular for Obama. Barack Obama's acceptance speech for presidency was the most remarkable moment of the night. He discussed change and promises to the American people and repeated the phrase "yes we can." Obama's words will always be remembered and are now history to our country. Change will began when Barack Obama is inaugurated on January 20th, 2009. Thank you America for voting for our 44th president, and remember yes we can.

NHD-Rough Draft

Pauline "Pauli" Murray changed history. She held many titles in her lifetime. Pauli Murray wrote books and articles dealing with unfair treatment of race and gender. As a civil rights lawyer and activist, Pauli Murray had many obstacles dealing with people of other races even though she was mixed with black and white herself. Because of her effort to achieve justice for those treated unfairly, Pauli Murray won legendary awards and big trial cases. She never gave up hope and never stopped working to make all Americans equal. Pauli believed in equality for everyone.

Anna Pauline "Pauli" Murray was born November 20th, 1910, in Baltimore. After her mom dying in 1914 and her dad being sick, Pauli was orphaned at an early age along with her five brothers and her sister. She was raised in Durham, North Carolina by her maternal grandparents and an aunt. Pauli Murray learned to read in the first grade and started writing at an early age. After finishing high school, Pauli Murray eventually moved to New York, where she worked various jobs to finance her studies in. However, after the Wall Street Crash, unable to find work, Murray was forced to abandon her studies. In the 1930s, she worked as a teacher and wrote articles and poems published in various magazines. One of her novels, Angel of the Desert was serialized in the Carolina Times.

Even after graduating at the top of her class in both high school and college, Pauline Murray was still denied access to the University of North Carolina because of her race, and to Harvard University because of her gender. This inspired Pauli Murray to become involved in the civil rights movement, which also included people such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and Rosa Parks. In 1938, she began a campaign to enter the all-white University of North Carolina. Having support of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People(NAACP), her case received national publicity. It wasn't until 1951 that Floyd McKissick became the first African American to be accepted by the University of North Carolina. During this experience, Pauli Murray developed a life-long friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt.

After dying July 1st, 1985, Pauli Murray was an inspirational women, writer, poet, civil rights activist, lawyer, priest, feminist, teacher, and leader. She was also the first black woman in the U.S. to become an Episcopalian priest. With her actions, a numerous of missions were accomplished for mistreated people in America. Pauli Murray has changed the way African American women and women in general were perceived. She has pathe the way for women to be known for something bigger than life. Pauli Murray has also proved that no one or anything can stop you from achieving your rights and dreams. With her efforts, equality is not a fight but a right.

NHD-4th Annotation

To find out more information on Pauli Murray, I visited the website
http://reportingcivilrights.loa.org

This site gave me more information about Pauli Murray's writing. It also gave me a link to a site called the Schlesinger Library at the Radcliffe Institute, which holds the papers of Pauli Murray. I will use this information found on both of these sites to help me with my paper.

How Would The Story "Streets Of Memphis" Change If Placed In 2008?

Years pass and things change over time. Imagine growing up in the year 1930 compared to the year 2008. In what ways do you think they differ? Explained in the story "Streets of Memphis", young Richard Wright was forced to make the decision of becoming a man. Today in the year 2008, young men have to become a man early in order to survive. Violence is one major reason why young men today have to grow up faster. It is not uncommon to see an act of violence being committed in any neighborhood. Profanity in today's world is used a lot, so young men feel as though they have to curse after every word. Also since the economy in 2008 is high, young men think they need to have the latest fashions and technology.

Violence in the year 2008 is more explicit than in Richard's case. Richard's mother gave him a stick to defend himself from the gang of boys. Instead of a stick, Richard's mom might have gave him a gun or another lethal weapon in 2008. Maybe the gang of boys wouldn't have tried to jump Richard but tried to have hurt him in in other ways. As you can see, the violence in the story would have changed a great deal if placed in 2008.

The profanity used in the story wasn't very harsh. If it were placed in 2008, it would've been. The gang of boys might have said something like "There go that nigga, get his punk ass." It might sound shocking to hear this language, but this is how a majority of kids talk in 2008. There is hardly no respect for elders anymore, so Richard might have cursed out the parents of the gang or vice versa. The profanity used in 2008 by kids, in particular boys, would have a huge impact on the story.

In addition to both violence and profanity in 2008, the economy could change the story. The gang of boys that jumped and robbed Richard would have got a lot more from him in 2008. If Richard was wearing the latest clothes and had the new technology of 2008, the gang would have came more aggresive. There is so much competition dealing with money and materialistic things in 2008 and that's how the story would change because of the economy.

Growing up in today's world seems to be the most difficult task for young men. They have numerous issues to deal with and still have to prove their manhood while doing so. Young men have to take the steps of life faster than what they are suppose to. In the year 1930, young men had the chance to be kids. The explicit violence, the harsh profanity, and the high economy in the year 2008 is what makes growing up in in the year 2008 more difficult for young men as oppose to 1930. Is there a solution to this problem?

NHD-Thesis Statement and Introduction

Pauline "Pauli" Murray changed history. She held the titles of a writer, civil rights activist, lawyer, priest, teacher, and leader. Pauli Murray wrote books and articles dealing with unfair treatment of race and gender. As a civil rights lawyer and activist, Pauli Murray had many obstacles dealing with people of other races even though she was mixed with black and white herself. Because of her effort to achieve justice for those treated unfairly, Pauli Murray won legendary awards and big trial cases. She never gave up hope and never stopped working to make all Americans equal.

NHD-3rd Annotation

Simkin, John "Pauline Murray" Spartacus Educational.
September 1997,
To find out more information about Pauli Murray, I visited the website
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAmurrayA.htm

This article gives background information about Pauli Murray's childhood and accomplishments. It explains her role in history and how she had an impart on others. Also, there are external links on books, organizations, and people that Pauli Murray were involved with.

This author of this site, John Simkin, has written several history books including Ghandi(1987), Race Relations in the United States(1988), and Slavery: An Illustrated History of Black Resistance(1988). He is a primary source because of his writing and research. This article helped me with my research because of if gave me more external links on things dealing with Pauli Murray.

4 Between the line questions for "Streets of Memphis"

1. What things may change if the story took place in 2008?

If the story "Streets of Memphis" took place in the year 2008, there might have been a higher level of violence. Instead of Richard's mom given him a stick to fight the gang of boys, she could have given him another type of weapon such as a gun or knife. This action would create a bigger conflict because the damage done to the gang of boys by a gun or a knife would more severe than a stick. So if the story took place in 2008, there would be a major change in violence.

2. What problem(s) from the story can you relate to?

The problem I can relate most to that was in the story is gang violence. Even though I'm not a member of a gang, nor do I live in a community where there are gangs, I see a number of videos and movies that have gang violence. One show on television called "The Wire" is about a area in Baltimore, Maryland were there is all types of violence including gangs. In one episode, two different gangs of girls fought in school and faced the consequences. As a student in a public school, I see many situations where two gangs of kids that don't get along fight or abuse each other. This is why I can relate to the gang violence in the story.

3. Based on the story, how old would you place Roger?

Since Roger was just learning how to defend himself, I predict he is about 8 years old. Roger didn't know how to react to the gang of boys until his mother gave him a stick and told him to fight. Roger's mother was trying to teach him to be a man because she expected him to be the man of the house anyway. She wanted Roger to become aware of life and reality without much of her help. Even though Roger was still consindered young, he became a man once he fought the gang of boys back.

4. If you were in Roger's position, what would you have done differently to deal with the gang?

If I were placed in Roger's position, I would have tried to avoid the gang and violence. If there was another way to the store, I would have took it. The gang would not see me and maybe my trip would be successful. Also, I would have asked a friend or adult to walk me to the store. Maybe the gang would become startled by me walking with someone. Violence is an easy resolution but the after facts could be dangerous. Avoiding violence is safer and that is what I would do in Roger's situation.

10 On the line questions for "Streets of Memphis"

1. What is the name of the main character?

Richard Wright.

2. Who sent Richard to the store?
his mother

3. True or False, the story took place at night?

True.

4. Who was trying to harm the boy?

a gang of boys.

5. Why was Richard scared?

because a gang of boys were trying to jump him over and over.

6. Describe what happened after the boy fought the gang back?

the parents of the boys reacted by yelling at Richard but he felt proud and confident.

7. How many times did Richard get sent to the store?

three times.

8. True or False, Richard was friends with one of the gang members?

False.

9. Where is the story taking place?

on the streets of Memphis.

10. How does Richard feel at the end of the story?

relieved, confident, and proud.

NHD-1st & 2nd Annotation

1. To find out more about Pauline "Pauli" Murray, I visited the site http://www.co.orange.nc.us/hrr/pmurray.as

This website gave me primary information, including news articles and text from the years of Pauline Murray. Pauline Murray has won numerous awards and inspired women of color, including myself, to work hard for what you believe in. I appreciate her efforts and this is why I'm doing my NHD project on her behave.

2. To find out more about Pauline "Pauli" Murray, I visited the site
http:
//www.pinn.net/~sunshine/whm2001/p_murray.html

The site "Sunshine for Women" deals with important women in history including Pauline Murray.This website provided me with more information about Pauline Murray's life as an civil rights activist. It also gave me references to other sites. I will use the information gathered from this site to help with my future research.

Service Learning

Topic: Animal Volunteering!

Who: PAWS ( Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society. )

What: Volunteering to help the animals in need.

When: During Service Learning period.

Where: 100 N. 2nd Street, on the corner of 2nd & Arch Streets in Old City.

How: In group work & independent work.

Why: To help those who are trying to help animals.

My favorite part of "Thank You Ma'am"

What do you think is the most important part of a story? In the story "Thank You Ma'am", the setting is the most important part to me. Knowing how, when and where the story takes place makes you feel as if you were there.

First of all, "Thank You Ma'am" begins on a dark and quiet, 1930-50's Harlem street. Luella Bates walked down the street and Roger ran up behind her without her knowing. He was attempting to steal the purse she was carrying but Luella Bates wasn't having that. After putting up a fight and talking to Roger, Luella Bates invited him to her apartment.

Secondly, the apartment of Luella Bates was small and loud. As Roger sat there, he could hear other roomers laughing and talking. The size of the apartment helped Luella Bates and Roger relate more.

Lastly, the neighborhood in which the story takes place is important. When you hear "low-income" you may believe that the people who live there don't have much to offer or gain. Instead of going to the police or neglecting Roger, Luella Bates did the opposite and treated him like her own. Even with the little she had, Luella Bates gave Roger food, cleaned him up and talked to him about both his life and hers.

As you can see, each setting of "Thank You Ma'am" really allowed me to realize what the story was about and visualize it. It felt as if I were seeing the story with my own eyes. When you're reading a story do you have the same reaction?

Political Issues- 2nd Post

The issue I feel as though is important is education. The two presidential canidates have different views on education.

Barack Obama wants more funding to help schools meet testing standards. He supports charter schools, but not vouchers. Obama also wants to allow race-based affirmative action for college's.

John McCain wants to allow parents to move students out of failing schools. He support both charter schools and vouchers. McCain also opposses race-based affirmative action for college's.

Many students are dropping out of school at an early age and I think its because of the cost and competition. I believe Barack Obama's views on education will be more affective and helpful for students. This is why I would vote for him!

NHD Topic

I chose Pauline "Pauli" Murray for my NHD project because I'm interested in civil rights and resolving issues with non-violence.

Pauline Murray is important to history because she was a civil rights lawyer that fought for race and gender discrimination. Without Pauline Murray efforts, people of different races and genders would not have freedom or equality.

For this week's research, I found an article at http://nobelprize.org! I will read and summarize it for next week.

I will be graduating in 2012

Mr.Romero, this is my essay on why I will be graduating in 2012. I would like to be graded on my voice and conclusion.

Have you ever impatiently waited for something? I’ve waited years to finally get into high school, now that I’m here, I will be graduating in 2012. Having a proficient education, a future career ahead of me, and my supportive family is what will help me succeed.

Education is very important. In every grade and class, I will learn as much as I possibly can. Hard work will impact the outcome of my grades. Knowing that college’s look at my progress, I will stay focused on my education.

In addition to education, my future career also motivates me to graduate. Most well paid jobs require an impressive resume, which includes a high school diploma and a college degree. I want to achieve a lot in my lifetime so whatever I decide to will take a lot of determination starting now.

The final thing that is going to help me graduate is the support of my family. They make sure I stay in school to better myself. If I need advice I can always go to a member in my family and talk about anything. Being that college is expensive, I don’t want to put my family in a position to pay the cost. I’m going to receive a scholarship so my family won’t have to worry about money.

Graduating high school is a major step in life and after you’ve passed that, you have your future ahead of you. I will do everything in my power to have the life I dream of and make the people around me proud. There is no limit to what I can do but finishing high school is where I begin!

In ten years, I will be...

In ten years, I will be 24 years old. At this point in my life, I will most likely be out of college and have a career of my choice. Hopefully, I will have found a mate to be in a relationship with but not married to because I will still be considered young so I will not be ready to settle down. I will stay in contact with my family as much as possible and make them proud of me for whatever I do. I will help younger kids and try to help them succeed and maybe even be bigger then me!