Wounded Knee illustrates one of the final events in a long series of violent conflicts motivated by racism, disrespect and lack of understanding
A. Trip to monument [youtube]
B. Documentary [youtube]
C. Wounded Knee paragraph [class blog]
These sources showed us that the respect for the native Americans was very low and that the white people wanted them to leave because they had a different culture. These sources also show that even now there is still disrespect toward native Americans as there was back then.
The events at wounded knee were because of disrespect and racism, and today we still see these actions against the native Americans.
The monument of Wounded Knee is not very clean, and is left unkempt. There is trash all over the place and the place is not very noted (i.e. not on maps, and no road signs) unlike some of the other monuments. [Trip to monument, youtube]
One other point is that they slaughtered everyone, including women and children. This was another act of racism and hatred. [Documentary, youtube]
Lastly, because the white men completely disarmed (including sewing needles and cooking tools) the native Americans it showed that they did not trust them. This explained that the white people misunderstood the native Americans in their want to live not to die. [class blog]
Altogether the white people acted on vengeance, hatred, and misunderstanding and ended up massacring the last of the Sioux.
Wounded Knee illustrates one of the final events in a long series of violent conflicts motivated by racism, disrespect and lack of understanding. The first lesson learned is that everyone should be respected even if we dont believe in their culture. The second lesson learned was that almost every massacre can be considered a hate crime because it is usually against a certian race. The last lesson learned is that trust plays a big role in life. The significance of the thesis is that because of Wounded Knee, the last of the Sioux indians were massacred out of revenge and misunderstanding.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Book Portfolio--Of Mice and Men
What makes a true friend? A true friend is someone who would do anything for you. In the historical fiction book Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, I found the theme to be that true friends will always help you. This is important because if you don’t have friends then the world seems lonely and gloomy. In the beginning two men, George and Lennie, go to a ranch to get jobs. The rising action would be when Lennie gets into a fight with Curley, the ranch owners son, and breaks his hand. The high point of the book is when Lennie unintentionally killed Curley’s wife. The falling action of this story is when Lennie runs from the ranch and hides near the river. In the end, George shots Lennie so he doesn’t have to suffer.
The characters in Of Mice and Men are quite interesting. The first main character is George Milton. George is small and thin and has a long bony nose. He also has a short temper and is always watching out for Lennie. The way he acts reflects the theme because he has to help Lennie out of a lot of situations, especially when Lennie breaks Curley’s hand. Lennie Small is the second main character we see in the book. Lennie is big and strong, and mentally retarded. Throughout the book Steinbeck gives us hints that he is mentally retarded, but never says anything directly. This explains why Lennie gets into trouble all the time. This also ties into the theme because Lennie would do anything for George, if he told him to. The antagonist of this book is Curley. Curley is a boxer who is well known throughout the county. He is short, but fast. He is always causing trouble, and constantly looking for his wife. His actions get him into a fight with Lennie, which he loses. From then on, he has a grudge against Lennie.
I completely agree with the theme, true friends will always help you. The reason I agree with this theme is because friends are people you can hang out with and have a good time, but true friends are the ones you can talk to and go to when you need help. In my personal experience I have found this to be true. Just this past week I met a girl who I liked, I needed an opinion from one of my close friends so I went to Josh. He gave me some advice and helped me figure out if I should go out with her or not. An example that everyone can relate to is when you need help with something, or if you are sick your true friends will be right there beside you. A joke that I know relates to this theme directly. “A good friend will bail you out of jail, but a true friend will be sitting right next to you saying ‘dang, we messed up’” All of these examples show that true friends will always be there to help, as George was with Lennie in the book.
I think John Steinbeck’s purpose was to entertain, but I also found that this book could also fall under informative. The reason for this is because it tells the reader what it was like to live back then, and it also tells us the hardships of being mentally retarded. I thought the characters were very believable. I thought this because they all acted like real people and did ordinary things. I thought the theme was believable because everyday true friends do anything for their friends. An example from the book was when George told Lennie about the rabbits at least 10 times, all so Lennie would be happy. In the book Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, the theme of true friends will always help you is clearly stated and is commonly related to everyday life.
The characters in Of Mice and Men are quite interesting. The first main character is George Milton. George is small and thin and has a long bony nose. He also has a short temper and is always watching out for Lennie. The way he acts reflects the theme because he has to help Lennie out of a lot of situations, especially when Lennie breaks Curley’s hand. Lennie Small is the second main character we see in the book. Lennie is big and strong, and mentally retarded. Throughout the book Steinbeck gives us hints that he is mentally retarded, but never says anything directly. This explains why Lennie gets into trouble all the time. This also ties into the theme because Lennie would do anything for George, if he told him to. The antagonist of this book is Curley. Curley is a boxer who is well known throughout the county. He is short, but fast. He is always causing trouble, and constantly looking for his wife. His actions get him into a fight with Lennie, which he loses. From then on, he has a grudge against Lennie.
I completely agree with the theme, true friends will always help you. The reason I agree with this theme is because friends are people you can hang out with and have a good time, but true friends are the ones you can talk to and go to when you need help. In my personal experience I have found this to be true. Just this past week I met a girl who I liked, I needed an opinion from one of my close friends so I went to Josh. He gave me some advice and helped me figure out if I should go out with her or not. An example that everyone can relate to is when you need help with something, or if you are sick your true friends will be right there beside you. A joke that I know relates to this theme directly. “A good friend will bail you out of jail, but a true friend will be sitting right next to you saying ‘dang, we messed up’” All of these examples show that true friends will always be there to help, as George was with Lennie in the book.
I think John Steinbeck’s purpose was to entertain, but I also found that this book could also fall under informative. The reason for this is because it tells the reader what it was like to live back then, and it also tells us the hardships of being mentally retarded. I thought the characters were very believable. I thought this because they all acted like real people and did ordinary things. I thought the theme was believable because everyday true friends do anything for their friends. An example from the book was when George told Lennie about the rabbits at least 10 times, all so Lennie would be happy. In the book Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, the theme of true friends will always help you is clearly stated and is commonly related to everyday life.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Final Essay
How did Hitler come to power in a democratic country? To start, the country was weakened by the Weimar government system. Second, Hitler found that the country was looking for a new leader (as a result of the weakened government). Finally, since the country needed help, nobody stopped Hitler from becoming the dictator.
Hitler and the Nazis exploited these things by giving motivating speeches and posting propaganda. His fame was well known, and everyone wanted someone like him in power. He also showed them his troops (sometimes known as the stormtroopers) to show that if anything went wrong he could fight and protect their country.
There reason nobody stood up to Hitler is because they were afraid that they would be killed. Even though it was wrong, everyone was fearful that Hitler and the Nazis would kill them if they spoke up.
Hitler and the Nazis exploited these things by giving motivating speeches and posting propaganda. His fame was well known, and everyone wanted someone like him in power. He also showed them his troops (sometimes known as the stormtroopers) to show that if anything went wrong he could fight and protect their country.
There reason nobody stood up to Hitler is because they were afraid that they would be killed. Even though it was wrong, everyone was fearful that Hitler and the Nazis would kill them if they spoke up.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Exam #5 essay
Mao came to power in a very similar way as Stalin. Both came into power when their country needed them the most. Also, both were previous soldiers that won their fame while serving. Mao and Stalin both lead their countries into Communism, while making the people feel safe and secure.
Mao came to power just as Hitler had done. Mao found and exploited weaknesses within the government, as did Hitler. Mao, a veteran like Hitler, earned reputation through his military career. Finally, both Mao and Hitler gave famous motivating speeches that rallied the people into believing their cause. Both, Hitler and Mao used the same tactics when gaining government control.
When a country is going into communism, there are certain "hints" to look out for. First, the country is in debt or poverty. Second, the government is going or already is corrupt. Also, there is usually one person (normally a soldier) who seems to take control of more and more things. All of these are signs that point to a country that is falling to a dictator.
Mao came to power just as Hitler had done. Mao found and exploited weaknesses within the government, as did Hitler. Mao, a veteran like Hitler, earned reputation through his military career. Finally, both Mao and Hitler gave famous motivating speeches that rallied the people into believing their cause. Both, Hitler and Mao used the same tactics when gaining government control.
When a country is going into communism, there are certain "hints" to look out for. First, the country is in debt or poverty. Second, the government is going or already is corrupt. Also, there is usually one person (normally a soldier) who seems to take control of more and more things. All of these are signs that point to a country that is falling to a dictator.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Local History
Have you ever wondered about Dixmont’s history? Probably not, so I’m here to tell you a little bit about the Dixmont Volunteer Fire Department. This report will cover the following topics: the founding and incorporation, the new and old fire trucks, the complications of OSHA, and recent events with the fire dept. This paper will focus on the history of the Dixmont Volunteer Fire Department.
To start, the beginning of the fire dept. The Dixmont Vol. Fire Dept. was founded before it was incorporated. You’re probably thinking well yes, most companies are founded before they are incorporated, but the D.V.F.D. was founded about 10 years before it was incorporated. The fire dept. was founded, in 1940 something, by members of the early community to save houses from fire whenever the need arose. Almost 10 years later, in 1950, the papers went in for incorporation. The incorporation was a great help to the community. With new equipment being paid for, the firefighters of Dixmont were better prepared to fight fires and save lives. That is the story of the beginning of the Dixmont Vol. Fire Dept.
Now, Dixmont doesn’t have the biggest trucks or the most trucks, but for what there are, they certainly get the job done. Over the years, Dixmont has had 8 trucks. Some of the very first trucks were a red pumper and a 1974 Dodge. The Dodge was made specifically for our town. The company that was making the truck abandoned the project, and in 1975 was picked up again by a different company. The new truck made it to Dixmont in time for the centennial in 1976. The next few trucks were a tanker and a pumper. Both of these trucks were painted with not the famous red, but a lime green. This color still sticks with the trucks today. The next trucks to come into the station were another pumper, a tanker, and a jeep (which was used as a brush truck). All 3, again, were specially painted to a lime green color. The newest truck is a brush truck that came from Varna, New York. And as you guessed, painted to the signature lime green. Now, only the new pumper, the tanker, and the new brush truck remain in service. In January of 19__ fire chief, Jim Dunivan’s barn was spotted ablaze. He rushed to the farm and with the help of friends and neighbors, started to release the animals. Later that day, an OSHA official stopped by as cleanup was underway. The official told Jim (the chief) that even though they put the fire out, they put it out wrong. Six months later the state fined Dixmont $1000 for not making the firefighters wear safety gear and airpacks (SCBA). The state also fined Dixmont for not being able to prove that all firefighters were properly trained. Failure to correct these problems would result in fines of $1000, a day. News spread like wildfire across the nation. Soon, dozens of letters and donations came flying in from all around the country. A town in New Jersey sent the D.V.F.D. more airpacks, and money to send people to fire fighter courses. Finally, it was settled in court that Dixmont only had to pay $100, but had to send the firefighters to training.
Some of the most recent events have been the new meeting room in the main station, the towns Bicentennial, and the renovation of the North Dixmont Fire Station. The new meeting room was a much needed renovation to the main station. With new walls, a new ceiling, and new panels on the floor, the station took on a completely new look. The Dixmont Fire Dept. also participated in the towns Bicentennial. By directing traffic and providing public safety in general it showed the community that there are caring people on the fire department. The most recent event has been the renovation of the North Dixmont fire station. This project was undertaken by me. This renovation included new siding, a new door, and a new sign. All these events helped improve the Dixmont fire dept.
In conclusion, the Dixmont Volunteer Fire Dept. has a pretty big history. From the founding to the newest things, the D.V.F.D. has been an awesome attribute to the community. The history of the Dixmont fire dept. was certainly more interesting then I thought.
To start, the beginning of the fire dept. The Dixmont Vol. Fire Dept. was founded before it was incorporated. You’re probably thinking well yes, most companies are founded before they are incorporated, but the D.V.F.D. was founded about 10 years before it was incorporated. The fire dept. was founded, in 1940 something, by members of the early community to save houses from fire whenever the need arose. Almost 10 years later, in 1950, the papers went in for incorporation. The incorporation was a great help to the community. With new equipment being paid for, the firefighters of Dixmont were better prepared to fight fires and save lives. That is the story of the beginning of the Dixmont Vol. Fire Dept.
Now, Dixmont doesn’t have the biggest trucks or the most trucks, but for what there are, they certainly get the job done. Over the years, Dixmont has had 8 trucks. Some of the very first trucks were a red pumper and a 1974 Dodge. The Dodge was made specifically for our town. The company that was making the truck abandoned the project, and in 1975 was picked up again by a different company. The new truck made it to Dixmont in time for the centennial in 1976. The next few trucks were a tanker and a pumper. Both of these trucks were painted with not the famous red, but a lime green. This color still sticks with the trucks today. The next trucks to come into the station were another pumper, a tanker, and a jeep (which was used as a brush truck). All 3, again, were specially painted to a lime green color. The newest truck is a brush truck that came from Varna, New York. And as you guessed, painted to the signature lime green. Now, only the new pumper, the tanker, and the new brush truck remain in service. In January of 19__ fire chief, Jim Dunivan’s barn was spotted ablaze. He rushed to the farm and with the help of friends and neighbors, started to release the animals. Later that day, an OSHA official stopped by as cleanup was underway. The official told Jim (the chief) that even though they put the fire out, they put it out wrong. Six months later the state fined Dixmont $1000 for not making the firefighters wear safety gear and airpacks (SCBA). The state also fined Dixmont for not being able to prove that all firefighters were properly trained. Failure to correct these problems would result in fines of $1000, a day. News spread like wildfire across the nation. Soon, dozens of letters and donations came flying in from all around the country. A town in New Jersey sent the D.V.F.D. more airpacks, and money to send people to fire fighter courses. Finally, it was settled in court that Dixmont only had to pay $100, but had to send the firefighters to training.
Some of the most recent events have been the new meeting room in the main station, the towns Bicentennial, and the renovation of the North Dixmont Fire Station. The new meeting room was a much needed renovation to the main station. With new walls, a new ceiling, and new panels on the floor, the station took on a completely new look. The Dixmont Fire Dept. also participated in the towns Bicentennial. By directing traffic and providing public safety in general it showed the community that there are caring people on the fire department. The most recent event has been the renovation of the North Dixmont fire station. This project was undertaken by me. This renovation included new siding, a new door, and a new sign. All these events helped improve the Dixmont fire dept.
In conclusion, the Dixmont Volunteer Fire Dept. has a pretty big history. From the founding to the newest things, the D.V.F.D. has been an awesome attribute to the community. The history of the Dixmont fire dept. was certainly more interesting then I thought.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Exam #4, part 2
How did Hitler come to power in a democratic country? To start, the country was weakened by the Weimar government system. Since the country needed help, nobody stopped Hitler from becoming the dictator.
Hitler, and the Nazis exploited these things by giving motivating speeches and posting propaganda. His fame was well known, and everyone wanted someone like him in power. He also showed them his troops (sometimes known as the stormtroopers) to show that if anything went wrong he could fight and protect their country.
There reason nobody stood up to Hitler is because they were afraid that they would be killed. Even though it was wrong, everyone was fearful that Hitler and the Nazis would kill them if they spoke up.
Hitler, and the Nazis exploited these things by giving motivating speeches and posting propaganda. His fame was well known, and everyone wanted someone like him in power. He also showed them his troops (sometimes known as the stormtroopers) to show that if anything went wrong he could fight and protect their country.
There reason nobody stood up to Hitler is because they were afraid that they would be killed. Even though it was wrong, everyone was fearful that Hitler and the Nazis would kill them if they spoke up.
Exam #4, part 1
Is Pablo Picasso's Guernica a work of art, or is it propaganda? Because propaganda is made to influence peoples opinions and actions, I think Guernica is art. I think Guernica is art because it is not saying anything bad or good about something, it is just depicting what happened.
From my point of view, I see alot of different things. The thing that sticks out the most, to me, is all the faces. There are also faces and very few bodies. This shows that there is alot of chaos during this time. All the picture is in a jumble which I see as explosions, fires, and other things. There is alot of grief and pain within the picture too.
The bombing of Guernica was to show military power. It allowed the Fascists to bring about a state of fearfulness to the people.
From my point of view, I see alot of different things. The thing that sticks out the most, to me, is all the faces. There are also faces and very few bodies. This shows that there is alot of chaos during this time. All the picture is in a jumble which I see as explosions, fires, and other things. There is alot of grief and pain within the picture too.
The bombing of Guernica was to show military power. It allowed the Fascists to bring about a state of fearfulness to the people.
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