This is my animoto about Kony 2012. I have recently been informed that the whole project is fake and Jason Russell is kinda of a strange person ,but no one knows for sure, if this project is just a scam to steal people money. I would still like to show you guys my classmate's this video because stuff like this still happens in Africa, we should help them.
http://animoto.com/play/gwIAa83aKWQfc7LT0v1tEQ
Friday, March 30, 2012
Petition and Letter Writing Campaign
We all know that the March for Justice for Trayvon Martin will happen tomorrow at 3pm. In the meantime, check out this petition: Criminal Justice Petition.
After you review the contents, decide if you want to sign it. Then, review the list of people who this petition will go to; find out who these people are. Research their role in the American criminal justice system. Choose one of these people to write a personal letter to. Trust me, people like Attorneys General and Police Chiefs read the letters that people send to them. We will work on multiple drafts, to ensure the effectiveness of your letter. Questions? Let's talk in person.
After you review the contents, decide if you want to sign it. Then, review the list of people who this petition will go to; find out who these people are. Research their role in the American criminal justice system. Choose one of these people to write a personal letter to. Trust me, people like Attorneys General and Police Chiefs read the letters that people send to them. We will work on multiple drafts, to ensure the effectiveness of your letter. Questions? Let's talk in person.
Young People's Ideas: Read and Connect!
When I was on Facebook the other night, I came across a post by the Zinn Education Project that I immediately wanted to share with you, the Media Studies Community.
Here it is: Letters From Arizona Students
Review these letters and choose one of the young people to connect with and respond to; then, you will write them a personalized letter with your own thoughts about the issue of the Ethnic Studies Ban.
Here it is: Letters From Arizona Students
Review these letters and choose one of the young people to connect with and respond to; then, you will write them a personalized letter with your own thoughts about the issue of the Ethnic Studies Ban.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Local Response to the Trayvon Martin Tragedy
Here is a news story about the local New Haven response to the Travyon Martin tragedy: Sunday of Solidarity
In addition, the Black Student Alliance at Yale is organizing a March for Trayvon Martin entitled: Justice for Trayvon Martin
Link to their Facebook Event Page: #hoodiesupnhv
Questions for Review:
In addition, the Black Student Alliance at Yale is organizing a March for Trayvon Martin entitled: Justice for Trayvon Martin
Link to their Facebook Event Page: #hoodiesupnhv
Questions for Review:
- What are the most important takeaways from these different links?
- Do you think the poster for the march on Saturday is effective? Why or why not?
- What does justice really mean?
- How does the concept of In Lak'Ech relate to this issue?
- What should our ultimate goal be? How can we get there?
President Obama, Candidate Gingrich and the News Media on Trayvon Martin
Last week, President Obama made the following remarks about the death of Trayvon Martin: Obama comments on Trayvon
In respsonse, presidential candidate, Newt Gingrich, called President Obama's statement "disgraceful": Gingrich on Obama
Today, the news blogs are still covering the issue: The Maddow Blog
RESPOND: Why do you think President Obama and Mr. Gingrich expressed themselves the way they did about this tragedy? What was each of them thinking? If you worked as a spokesperson for President Obama, how would you respond?
Here is a response by David Plouffe, a senior White House advisor: Election 2012 Blog
Obama and Gingrich aren't the only two who disagree about how to talk about this tragedy. Cablenews journalist, Melissa Harris-Perry, responds to Geraldo Rivera's comments on her MSNBC show: Huffington Post Media
RESPOND: Why do you think people like Geraldo Rivera want to make clothing choices the focus of the conversation? Do you think this is part of the problem facing young people today? Why or why not?
In respsonse, presidential candidate, Newt Gingrich, called President Obama's statement "disgraceful": Gingrich on Obama
Today, the news blogs are still covering the issue: The Maddow Blog
RESPOND: Why do you think President Obama and Mr. Gingrich expressed themselves the way they did about this tragedy? What was each of them thinking? If you worked as a spokesperson for President Obama, how would you respond?
Here is a response by David Plouffe, a senior White House advisor: Election 2012 Blog
Obama and Gingrich aren't the only two who disagree about how to talk about this tragedy. Cablenews journalist, Melissa Harris-Perry, responds to Geraldo Rivera's comments on her MSNBC show: Huffington Post Media
RESPOND: Why do you think people like Geraldo Rivera want to make clothing choices the focus of the conversation? Do you think this is part of the problem facing young people today? Why or why not?
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Ethnic Studies Crisis Video
Hello fellow Media Studies Classmates!
For my project, I chose to do an informational & persuasive video about the Ethnic Studies Ban. I tried to cover everything that this issue is about so people understand. Then I tried to persuade them to take action with us and somehow help the Ethnic Studies effort. Perhaps we can use this as an advertisment when we hold a Precious Knowledge screening at our school.
To view my Animoto Video click HERE.
I hope you like it! I'll always take suggestions!
-Alyssa Mae
For my project, I chose to do an informational & persuasive video about the Ethnic Studies Ban. I tried to cover everything that this issue is about so people understand. Then I tried to persuade them to take action with us and somehow help the Ethnic Studies effort. Perhaps we can use this as an advertisment when we hold a Precious Knowledge screening at our school.
To view my Animoto Video click HERE.
I hope you like it! I'll always take suggestions!
-Alyssa Mae
Tom Horne
Tom Horne wants to end the Ethnics Studies program, on the premise that he grew up with the moral that all students should be taught together, and that class rooms shouldn’t be separated by race. He was invited to the classroom several times, but he wouldn’t go. Tom Horne was State Superintendent and recently was promoted to general attorney
The Trayvon Martin Tragedy
Have you heard about the tragic death of Trayvon Martin in Florida?
While no amount of protesting can bring this young man back, how do you think the public and the media can influence lawmakers in Florida to ensure this doesn't happen again?
Use these links to see how different news outlets are covering this story:
Fox News Insider
The Root
The Atlantic Wire
While no amount of protesting can bring this young man back, how do you think the public and the media can influence lawmakers in Florida to ensure this doesn't happen again?
Use these links to see how different news outlets are covering this story:
Fox News Insider
The Root
The Atlantic Wire
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Updates from Tucson: Planning our Response
Good morning Media Studies:
I have cut and pasted another letter from Curtis Acosta. I think it's addressed directly to me because I signed the No History Is Illegal Pledge. I want to share it with you for a few reasons:
From all of the students and teachers of Mexican American Studies and Save Ethnic Studies in Tucson, Arizona, we are humbled and moved by Teacher Activist Groups, the Education for Liberation Network, and each one of you that participated in No History Is Illegal. It is difficult to fully express how important your words, actions, and hard work have been to us. As I sit in my classroom each day I am faced with an overwhelming feeling of loss. Regardless of the resiliency of our students and my own resolve not to let the dismantling of our curriculum, classes and pedagogy alter my own commitment to serving the youth of my community, it is impossible not to be affected. That is why all your testimonies and actions have been so important. Each time we have a fleeting moment of defeat, we are able to be embraced by your words and stories from the No History Is Illegal campaign. Stories from Rhode Island, Colorado, Minnesota, California, and Oregon amongst many others have brought smiles, pride, and even tears of joy to my students and fellow colleagues.
When I asked my students to contribute to this email, one of our student leaders, Nico Dominguez, wanted to express his appreciation and his words follow:
Nico's words help me stay strong and remind me why we continue to fight for our students' rights to study their own history, literature and culture, and we will never give up!
In that spirit, I would ask you all to send more love our way as our lawsuit moves forward to repeal this hateful law. There are big court dates ahead and you can stay apprised of the latest news through http://saveethnicstudies.org/
Next week the Librotraficante Caravan will depart from Houston for Tucson with "Banned Books" to be distributed in San Antonio, Albuquerque and Tucson. Chican@ writers and supporters will be hosting workshops, performances, and readings. Please checkout their website http://cts.vresp.com/c/?EducationforLiberati/9d5862dd32/22c385b036/9f144cd712 for more details.
In the next few weeks I will have a major announcement about a television appearance about our issue, but I'm still sworn to secrecy. Stay tuned for that one.
Lastly, a 50-minute version of Precious Knowledge will be shown on the national PBS show Independent Lens on May 17th. We are hoping to coordinate a national event for that night so I will write more as those details become clearer.
http://www.pbs.org/
Again, thank you to everyone, and we are hopeful of better news and better days ahead. You all have helped our optimism and belief that justice will prevail.
In Lak Ech,
Curtis Acosta
I have cut and pasted another letter from Curtis Acosta. I think it's addressed directly to me because I signed the No History Is Illegal Pledge. I want to share it with you for a few reasons:
- Mr. Acosta includes a student perspective, Nico Dominguez, a student leader from Tucson High School
- Mr. Acosta includes a few informative links that we can continue to use in our Media Studies class
- He also included a "spoiler" about a TV appearance and an update about a national event that will be happening on May 17th
After you read this email, write a first reaction in the comment section of our blog. You can comment directly on something that learned from the message or you can ask a question about something you want to learn more about. Then, we can use the rest of our class time today to finish our projects from last week and begin to figure out/plan/draft letters and messages to the students, teachers and educational community in Tucson; so they know that NEW HAVEN, CT supports their cause. #preciousknowledge #nohistoryisillegal #newhavensupportstucson
Dear Leslie,
Dear Leslie,
From all of the students and teachers of Mexican American Studies and Save Ethnic Studies in Tucson, Arizona, we are humbled and moved by Teacher Activist Groups, the Education for Liberation Network, and each one of you that participated in No History Is Illegal. It is difficult to fully express how important your words, actions, and hard work have been to us. As I sit in my classroom each day I am faced with an overwhelming feeling of loss. Regardless of the resiliency of our students and my own resolve not to let the dismantling of our curriculum, classes and pedagogy alter my own commitment to serving the youth of my community, it is impossible not to be affected. That is why all your testimonies and actions have been so important. Each time we have a fleeting moment of defeat, we are able to be embraced by your words and stories from the No History Is Illegal campaign. Stories from Rhode Island, Colorado, Minnesota, California, and Oregon amongst many others have brought smiles, pride, and even tears of joy to my students and fellow colleagues.
When I asked my students to contribute to this email, one of our student leaders, Nico Dominguez, wanted to express his appreciation and his words follow:
After all that has happened in regards to the loss of Mexican American Studies, there are many moments in time that are able to lift my spirits back up. I will definitely say that seeing/experiencing out of Tucson support for our movement (classes) is a great way of lifting up my spirit. I remember the first time I experienced out of Tucson support for our classes. Seeing different people speak and perform passionately about our classes was a great experience the day of the teach-in at the Casino Ballroom on January 24th. I had not experienced any of that previous to the teach-in. It was definitely an experience that I will carry with myself from here on.
Since that day, there has been a massive amount of support which is overwhelming. Students from all over the country have done something for M.A.S., including Oakland, Chicago, Northridge, New York, and on. All of these experiences I take to my heart. The feelings that I get when I remember all of these people who have in some way involved us into their lives is overwhelming and just a true sign of the humanity that exists. As these experiences continue, I am reminded of the vastness of the world that I live in and that I must learn to live in harmony with it.
—Nicolas Dominguez
Since that day, there has been a massive amount of support which is overwhelming. Students from all over the country have done something for M.A.S., including Oakland, Chicago, Northridge, New York, and on. All of these experiences I take to my heart. The feelings that I get when I remember all of these people who have in some way involved us into their lives is overwhelming and just a true sign of the humanity that exists. As these experiences continue, I am reminded of the vastness of the world that I live in and that I must learn to live in harmony with it.
—Nicolas Dominguez
Nico's words help me stay strong and remind me why we continue to fight for our students' rights to study their own history, literature and culture, and we will never give up!
In that spirit, I would ask you all to send more love our way as our lawsuit moves forward to repeal this hateful law. There are big court dates ahead and you can stay apprised of the latest news through http://saveethnicstudies.org/
Next week the Librotraficante Caravan will depart from Houston for Tucson with "Banned Books" to be distributed in San Antonio, Albuquerque and Tucson. Chican@ writers and supporters will be hosting workshops, performances, and readings. Please checkout their website http://cts.vresp.com/c/?EducationforLiberati/9d5862dd32/22c385b036/9f144cd712 for more details.
In the next few weeks I will have a major announcement about a television appearance about our issue, but I'm still sworn to secrecy. Stay tuned for that one.
Lastly, a 50-minute version of Precious Knowledge will be shown on the national PBS show Independent Lens on May 17th. We are hoping to coordinate a national event for that night so I will write more as those details become clearer.
http://www.pbs.org/
Again, thank you to everyone, and we are hopeful of better news and better days ahead. You all have helped our optimism and belief that justice will prevail.
In Lak Ech,
Curtis Acosta
Friday, March 16, 2012
Aware, Connected, Involved
Media Studies Makes Me Smile. Why? Because I know my students know more about the Arizona Ethnic Studies Ban than most people. I know my stduents are conscious of inequity and discrimination. And I know they want to do something about it. And whenever I see yet another article about the Ethnic Studies Ban, I think to myself, "This news is so relevant, so current, so important. And #metromediastudies is all over it. Keep up the good work kiddos.
Check out the latest report: The Anneberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University has come out against the ban. Excellent use of statistics, as well as the call for schools to emulate, or model themselves after, La Raza Studies; not eliminate, or get rid of, the program. Emulate, not eliminate!
Next steps: Engaging in community organizing here in New Haven. We can identify and discuss what students need from their high school programs in order to feel prepared and successful. And then we can engage in conversations about whether or not this is happening. Let's use the Tuscon model to promote relevant and purposeful education for students in New Haven.
Pax et Spes,
Ms. Blatteau
Check out the latest report: The Anneberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University has come out against the ban. Excellent use of statistics, as well as the call for schools to emulate, or model themselves after, La Raza Studies; not eliminate, or get rid of, the program. Emulate, not eliminate!
Next steps: Engaging in community organizing here in New Haven. We can identify and discuss what students need from their high school programs in order to feel prepared and successful. And then we can engage in conversations about whether or not this is happening. Let's use the Tuscon model to promote relevant and purposeful education for students in New Haven.
Pax et Spes,
Ms. Blatteau
What I have to say about the Ethnic Studies Ban
When you look at the world around you
do you see happiness and peace
or drama with unnecessary things mixed in
do you see safe places
or do you see "oppression" and the government taking control over things
things like schools ?
Are you being told what you cannot read or learn ?
Well the students in Tucson Arizona are
You see there is a school district called "Tucson Unified School District"
and the government believes that they are breaking a law.
The schools in Tucson have different types of history classes
they are thought from different cultures' point of view.
A while back Arizona passed a law that said any class that teaches segregation or "Speech Hate" against other cultures or other "races" of people are not allowed, they are banned.
The government believes that this class called "Ethnic Studies" is breaking the law.
There's a couple things to say about this.
I'll start with this
First there are other classes bassed on different cultures
but yet the government is only attacking this one class
Now that just doesn't sit with me
because if they are trying to be "fair" they would be shutting down all the classes
not just this one
so my question to that is
What is the government of Arizona afraid of ?
They say they don't want people to be segregated
but what they don't understand is that this class is open to anyone who wants to take it
it's not like they are segregating students
it's not like they are stopping people from joining the class
What I want to know
is why they always teach history from the "white" perspective
but anytime anyone else wants to learn about something else
a different perspective
they aren't allowed
it makes me wonder what the government is trying to hide from us
The first amendment claims that we have freedom of speech
but do we really ?
or is it freedom as long as the government agrees
This Ethnic Studies class helps Latino students graduate
If you're a student,
thing about that
think about having people tell you that you're not going to make it
that you have no future
but then imagine people telling you that
and you graduating
proving them all wrong
how amazing would that feel ?
If you're a parent
think about seeing your child fight for something
but no matter what they do
they still don't succeed
then think about your child rising above expectations
and shocking people
your child has a chance to become something one day
The Ethnic Studies class helps that happen.
People tell students to stand up for what they believe in all the time
but when they do
they get told they are doing something against the law.
To su all that up:
The government in Arizona is banning a class and the books that it used
Teachers and students protesting
And people fighting for their rights and what they believe in
What are your opinions ?
How do you feel about this ?
do you see happiness and peace
or drama with unnecessary things mixed in
do you see safe places
or do you see "oppression" and the government taking control over things
things like schools ?
Are you being told what you cannot read or learn ?
Well the students in Tucson Arizona are
You see there is a school district called "Tucson Unified School District"
and the government believes that they are breaking a law.
The schools in Tucson have different types of history classes
they are thought from different cultures' point of view.
A while back Arizona passed a law that said any class that teaches segregation or "Speech Hate" against other cultures or other "races" of people are not allowed, they are banned.
The government believes that this class called "Ethnic Studies" is breaking the law.
There's a couple things to say about this.
I'll start with this
First there are other classes bassed on different cultures
but yet the government is only attacking this one class
Now that just doesn't sit with me
because if they are trying to be "fair" they would be shutting down all the classes
not just this one
so my question to that is
What is the government of Arizona afraid of ?
They say they don't want people to be segregated
but what they don't understand is that this class is open to anyone who wants to take it
it's not like they are segregating students
it's not like they are stopping people from joining the class
What I want to know
is why they always teach history from the "white" perspective
but anytime anyone else wants to learn about something else
a different perspective
they aren't allowed
it makes me wonder what the government is trying to hide from us
The first amendment claims that we have freedom of speech
but do we really ?
or is it freedom as long as the government agrees
This Ethnic Studies class helps Latino students graduate
If you're a student,
thing about that
think about having people tell you that you're not going to make it
that you have no future
but then imagine people telling you that
and you graduating
proving them all wrong
how amazing would that feel ?
If you're a parent
think about seeing your child fight for something
but no matter what they do
they still don't succeed
then think about your child rising above expectations
and shocking people
your child has a chance to become something one day
The Ethnic Studies class helps that happen.
People tell students to stand up for what they believe in all the time
but when they do
they get told they are doing something against the law.
To su all that up:
The government in Arizona is banning a class and the books that it used
Teachers and students protesting
And people fighting for their rights and what they believe in
What are your opinions ?
How do you feel about this ?
TUSD
Do you think you’re up to date with your current events? Do you know what’s occurring in Tucson? In Tucson the many Mexicans, don’t graduate on average, the school district made a course where the student ( they are a Mexican-American majority)study their own culture the ethnics studies program. Statistics show that this program improves graduation rates for Mexicans.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Pictures Tell a Story
Some of you need these pics in order to make up work from February 8, 2012.
Here are the instructions: We will view several pictures relating to what has been going on in Tucson.
Your task:
1. Describe what you see.
2. Ask one question about what you see.
3. Give the picture a short title/caption.
Here are the instructions: We will view several pictures relating to what has been going on in Tucson.
Your task:
1. Describe what you see.
2. Ask one question about what you see.
3. Give the picture a short title/caption.
#OccupyNewHaven Update
Have you thought about the Occupy Wall Street movement? Why or why not?
Have you seen the Occupy New Haven camp on the New Haven Green? What have you noticed?
Are you aware that the city has given the protestors on the Green a deadline to leave the premises?
Do you know that this deadline is today, Wednesday, March 14 at noon (12:00pm)?
Do you know that the Occupiers are in federal court in Bridgeport right now (10:00am 3/14/12), seeking a court order to bar the eviction?
The clock is ticking. What do you think is going to happen?
Local News Report: http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/occupy_calls_for_help/
Even newspapers in other states, like Wisconisn, are covering this issue: http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/usatoday/article/38795851?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cs
Have you seen the Occupy New Haven camp on the New Haven Green? What have you noticed?
Are you aware that the city has given the protestors on the Green a deadline to leave the premises?
Do you know that this deadline is today, Wednesday, March 14 at noon (12:00pm)?
Do you know that the Occupiers are in federal court in Bridgeport right now (10:00am 3/14/12), seeking a court order to bar the eviction?
The clock is ticking. What do you think is going to happen?
Local News Report: http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/occupy_calls_for_help/
Even newspapers in other states, like Wisconisn, are covering this issue: http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/usatoday/article/38795851?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cs
Tweeting Precious Knowledge
Good morning Media Studies:
Another group of students in our nation's capital are paying close attention to the Ethnic Studies Ban in Arizona. Like us, they are watching Precious Knowledge and responding to it with intelligence, energy and committment to the issue. Before we watch the rest of the film today, check out the link below.
What do you think about using Twitter to express your thoughts (and outrage!) about this issue?
If you have a smartphone, feel free to tweet during the screening. Use the hashtag #preciousknowledge to get extracredit for your particpation. If you don't have a smartphone, you can pull up Twitter on the school computer.
Please keep your tweets focused on the film and the issue. You can socialize later. Let's recognize that right now we are working on something very important to students and teachers throughout this country. Please respect the issue and the students in Tucson by staying focused on #preciousknowledge.
Tweeting Precious Knowledge: http://zinnedproject.org/posts/16940
Another group of students in our nation's capital are paying close attention to the Ethnic Studies Ban in Arizona. Like us, they are watching Precious Knowledge and responding to it with intelligence, energy and committment to the issue. Before we watch the rest of the film today, check out the link below.
What do you think about using Twitter to express your thoughts (and outrage!) about this issue?
If you have a smartphone, feel free to tweet during the screening. Use the hashtag #preciousknowledge to get extracredit for your particpation. If you don't have a smartphone, you can pull up Twitter on the school computer.
Please keep your tweets focused on the film and the issue. You can socialize later. Let's recognize that right now we are working on something very important to students and teachers throughout this country. Please respect the issue and the students in Tucson by staying focused on #preciousknowledge.
Tweeting Precious Knowledge: http://zinnedproject.org/posts/16940
Monday, March 5, 2012
happy birthday leslie marmon silko
what does it mean to be a storyteller?
we will celebrate writing and the work of women.
we will honor and explore the art and culture of storytelling.
read about ms. silko's life and work: http://www.learner.org/amerpass/unit01/authors-7.html
read about the circle of stories. what are the stories that you want to share with our community? http://www.pbs.org/circleofstories/index.html
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Premiere of anticipated film at Metro
Looking forward to watching this with the Media Studies class at Metropolitan on Friday, March 2. Here are two posters for film screenings taking place around the country. When can we have a community screening here at Metro? What should the posters look like? How can we bring the community together?
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