Identity

American Identity



Topic:  The Emerging American Identity

In one paragraph, write your thoughts about the emerging American identity in relation to the American dream. 

Cycles

Picking up chips and stacking wood,

Exactly as the old men did—

Picking up chips and stacking wood:

Is it just a vicious circle?

Wood for winter—

I’ll still be cold.

Some wine, two glasses—

I’ll still be cold…

How does this poem relate to the idea of one’s society impacting that individual?  Your response must include at least one example from A Lesson Before Dying and one example of your own personal experience. 

JUSTICE FOR ALL

Is justice always just?



Respond to the above question.  You MUST use a relevant quote that supports your response.  DO NOT USE "I" IN YOUR RESPONSE.

Who Is In Control?

Do we control the direction of our lives, or do forces outside of our control determine our destiny? 

Based upon personal experience or the experiences of others, answer the above question.  DO NOT use "I" in your response.

All For One or One For All





In a well written paragraph, answer the following questions:

• What is more important the community or the individual?  Why?
• Is order more important than freedom?  If so, when is order more important than freedom?  If not, why is freedom more important than order?

Conformity

Euripides states, "No man on earth is truly free. All are slaves of money or necessity. Public opinion or fear of prosecution forces each one, against his conscience, to conform." Do you agree or disagree with Euripides?  Why or why not?  Give specific reasons or examples.

Choices

CHOICES By Nikki Giovanni

if i can't do
what i want to do
then my job is to not
do what i don't want
to do

it's not the same thing
but it's the best i can
do

if i can't have
what i want . . . then
my job is to want
what i've got
and be satisfied
that at least there
is something more to want

since i can't go
where i need
to go . . . then i must . . . go
where the signs point
through always understanding
parallel movement
isn't lateral
when i can't express
what i really feel
i practice feeling
what i can express
and none of it is equal
i know
but that's why mankind
alone among the animals
learns to cry

Respond to the above poem.  What are your thoughts?  How does the poem speak to you?  (Key Word: CHOICES)Use lines from the poem to support your thoughts.

*Remember your username (KEwing1) and follow blogging expectations*

Deepest Fear

In the movie Coach Carter, a quote by Marianne Williamson was used by one of the players.  "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?'...."  Respond to the above quote.  How does this quote relate to you or how does this quote relate to life and the individual's struggle with who they are.