Thursday, October 20, 2016

Thursday, October 20

Announcements:
  • EcoFlight?  See Libby’s email for instructions!
  • Steve’s 3rd period:  Come to my classroom on Monday for guest speaker
  • Did you turn in your seminar reflection and your seminar prep?
The Questions:
  • What are some alternative methodologies for bringing about change in our democracy when the usual channels are insufficient or too slow?
  • Are “civil disobedience” and "non-violent direct action" sound methods for promoting social change?
  • Can individual citizens change the government?


Starter 10.20:  According to Dr. King, what is the difference between a just law and an unjust law?  How are we as citizens supposed to know the difference between the two?


Group Discussion:
  • What are MLK’s suggested steps for a direct action campaign?
  • What are the ultimate goals of non-violent direct action?
  • What might be the benefits and drawbacks?
  • Can you think of examples from history and the present where MLK’s ideas have played out?
  • Can we relate Dr. King's words to the current Civil Rights activism? Choose a quote and relate it to Black Lives Matter.





Journal 10.20: In your view, are “civil disobedience” and "non-violent direct action" sound methods for promoting social change? In what ways are these methodologies effective?  What are the flaws?  Is there a better way?
  

If we have time left, do some preliminary research on what is going on with the DAPL protests and/or research some of the other examples of civil disobedience and non-violent resistance.


NO HOMEWORK (unless you are Honors)
Have fun at chem lab tomorrow!

Honors Reading:  “As Long as Grass Grows or Water Runs”
Questions:

  1. Explain the overall impact of “Indian Removal” policies.
  2. What did the Cherokee do to avoid extermination?  How can we see this on a longer timeline of cultural imperialism and/or cultural genocide?
  3. Explain the significance of the phrase: "As long as grass grows or water runs."
  4. Can you relate the content of this chapter to things going on in the modern day?  How might this history be relevant to the struggle with the Dakota Pipeline?