SOCI 3422 Blog

U of M saved the best for last. As you all know, I've thoroughly enjoyed this class. What haven't we learned? Math, science, history, and english (wink if you know what I mean). Well my fellow classmates, i am graduating this Saturday and it's been a LONG time coming. I wish you well Mrs. Stella - you truly an excellent teacher and you poured a lot into us - for that, I THANK YOU! The class was well worth the money. As for my comrads - keep on keeping on with excellence. Your day is coming.

This class brought so many different aspects of the way people live, perceive things, and societies outlook on the world into clear terms for me. Throughout all the lectures, presentations, and two videos it has been extremely interesting and informative being in this class. I really enjoyed hearing Mrs. Warrens thoughts and harsh realities on certain topics I'd never translated into her way of thinking. I hope everyone does great on the final, and will certainly miss the discussions in class everyone found themselves in during the semester. Back to studying and hoping for a good final exam!

I have really enjoyed this class. I have learned alot and the knowledge that I have gained is priceless. I have studied and will continue to study up until the test on tomorrow. Good luck to all and it has been a pleasuring meeting you all.

I can't say anything but, "WOW" I really love this class and can't wait until the final. I think Mrs. Warren is a great teacher. She provided the class with information UNCUT!!! She stepped on alot of toes in the beginning but I think most of the students came around later. GOOD LUCK ON THE FINAL!!!!%

I have now completed the book and it was very informative some parts shocking to me. I hope to do well on this test since I did read the book and most of the info comes from that good luck everyone and have a good summer

HEY EVERYBODY, I WAS NOT IN THE LAST CLASS. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE INFORM ME OF EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID THAT IS NOT ON THE STUDY GUIDE???

This class was one of the most informative classes that I have ever taken. I am truly glad that I got to have Mrs. Warren as a teacher and be part of one of her last classes to teach. The things that I have learned in this class I have actually used outside of class to inform others, which makes me feel really good. I love that I can take things away from this class and that I didn't just think of it as tests and grades. I am a little worried about the final because I studied hard for the last test and didn't get as good of a grade as I had wished for. Hopefully this one will not be too bad. Good luck to everyone!

I have to say that this class has really been an intresting class. I have really enjoyed learning a lot of new things as far as the different culures/races. The most important thing that I really like hearing about is the civil rights movement. The book Eyes on the Prize is so informative and kind of puts you right at that time when describing some of the things that went on. I really have had some diffculty in this class as for as the test so hopefully I can really do well on this last test. I wish eceryone luck and sad to see you go Ms. Warren.

Last night was bittersweet! I've been looking forward to the end of the semester -- almost since it began. Not just for this class, just because I felt the pressure from taking three classes and working full-time. However, last night was different. It was really sad thinking that it was Ms. Warren's last night to teach a class. We were through with our review and you could tell she didn't feel good, but it was like she just didn't want to let us go. I guess it would be really hard to teach for that many years and then to know that it was all over....I'm sure she could do something in Atlanta if she chose to do so, but last night was the end of a good, long career in something that she loved.

KUDOS to you, Ms. Warren! And best of luck to you in the future!

Terri

Hi everyone, it was great to meet everyone. I am kinda sad that this our last night together. I met some really cool people during our group asignment. All Ican say is study,study,study, this is the last chance to get it right and pass. I hope everyone does well on the test!

Today is our last night of class.. I'm quite excited to see what she has in store for us! Hopefully she will be providing us with a decent study guide to follow for our final exam, unlike most other teachers who think they are helping us study, when in reality we are taking more time to look up information rather than studying whats actually presented on our exams.. I look forward to our last class tonight! see you all there!

I learned about about the impact Dr. MLK had on Memphis. Memphis was in need of help and it was nice of Dr. MLK to come help. The speech was moving he gave the night before he was kill. This should inspire other to carry on the dream of Dr. MLK.

Wow today is the last day of class. I must say that I really enjoyed it and learned so much. The films were so moving and emotional. A lot of those things I never knew like why Dr. Martin Luther King was here in Memphis or the huge strike for the sanitation workers. A lot of history lies right here in our city it's amazing. I am going to really miss this class though. Hope you all do very well with the rest of your year and many more to come.

Hi all, and I realize I haven't posted to this as of yet, which is probably the best reason I'm not in an online class.. because it's too easy to surf the web when you find yourself on here and unable to do what it is you intended to do when you got here. That's how it generally goes for me anyways. But finally ... even if perhaps too late, I am able and blogging now.
There are soo many things intertwined with this class that it would be hard to stop talking about any one thing without talking about many others. This class is one I took both for a credit and because of my curiosity about the course. I had already taken Anthropology and Sociology, and I was curious as to what depths this class went.
Since I was a child I have had a feeling that things were not right with the way people behaved and treated each other. Partially because of those people we imagine that do those horrible crimes we hear about.. and partially because of what's in our very own homes. My case would be the part of both. My father was a racist, sexist, abuser whom would often use racial slurs or degrade women in front of me and my siblings with no remorse whatsoever. The racial slurs he used included, but were not limited to that of my very own heritage, and the heritage of my mother and siblings. It's strange to me how a person can operate on that thought process, and then not be able to realize later in life why said wife and children want little to nothing to do with him. .. There are many realizations he has to make and amends to me before I will ever allow him back into my life.
My apologies for getting personal, but that is where I come from in that. History class itself caused me much anger and sadness, which is why I tried to avoid most of those classes in college level so far. I do realize that I cannot turn away for ever just because I do not want to feel it anymore. I am able to maintain for the most part a level of balance, which requires me to put it all far from my mind basically.. because to think about it and without some great movement.. the powerlessness of one's self.. seems too much to bear. The things in this class force me to view those things, and I have chosen not to look away and to stick with this class regardless... and surpising to me that I could hold my composure thus far in class as those videos rolled by because even as I type thinking about them tears of both sadness and anger stream down my face. I want to know what can happen.. if anything .. what can be done to stop all of this .. I did not realize Martin Luther King's full image and what was halted at the time of his assasination .. but it fills me with both rage and sadness .. and I want to perpetuate his peaceful protest ... but for fear .. both of fear of those not standing behind me .. and fear of assasinatmnon od nsodt stani8dngf sssp .... ddet loet me gsiin aag gain myh m y ,myh coimposure... composure... my hands are still shaking.. and I am seriously afraid of reprocussion for even this post today.. because we have reason to fear our governement.. I'm sorry for all the crazy typing.. I was actually even trying to backspace during it .. but at the same time I didn't' want to stop while i was feeling it .. especially while I'm feeling it soo strong.
The subject in this was maintaining my composure, was originally in reference to just trying to hold back tears while watching those videos.. But now it seems to have double and perhaps triple meaning. As I try to find and maintain that level of "what's safe to show people about myself" what's ok ... and .. should that level exist and why.
I want to finish, but first something about myself :I try not to be overwhelmed by my emotions, as I can become easily without staying self-aware and rationalizing everything. I was clinically diagnosed to be bipolar, but I believe that everyone is to some extent.. and there's nothing wrong with feeling very strongly, as long as you can maintain. My question to you all is this. What can we do.. what are you yourself willing to do, and what can we do as a whole to make a change and see Dr Martin Luther's Dream come to pass in it's entirety?

P.S. Love you all, hope we can all love one another (everyone)

This is a class that in my opinion that everybody should take. This class has been such a reminder of things that I already knew but somehow in the midst of everyday life I lost sight of. At this point I have a completely different perspective about life and the way I go about living it. I hope this class has had as much influence on the rest of you guys as it has had on me.

Since the semester started, I discovered totally a new world with Mrs. Warren. She thought us the things which I never knew. For example she thought us that they traced us from Lucy which was found in Africa. There are many other examples which can be given. I am saying this because I learned a lot in this class than my other class.
Can anyone tell which movies did Mrs. Warren showed us in two last classes, the names of the movies?

I decided to start the book when it's closer to exam time and I must say it is very interesting and very similar to the films she has been showing in class I started the book last night and will probably be done with it by Sunday because it is so interesting I hope to use the information I've retained so far and put it to great use on the test because I definitely need a decent score on this exam

I was aware of nearly all of the information but the names had escaped me, since it has been a while since I actually learned this information. I am from Mississippi and learned a lot of this information in grade school and I also attended an HBCU ( Historically Black College/University) that offered this information.

It really is surprising that this information isn't offered in the Tn grade school curriculum since it is Tn History and should be offered as standard class instruction. Normally every state school learns about its own history. I see that I am going to have to write some letters and make some office visits.

I am looking forward to recieving an A in this class but I still have some climbing to do so I will talk to you guys later. My wknds are my best opportunities for study time so break is over.

See you in class.

I was very surprised to hear how many people in our class were unaware of the events that led to Dr. King's assassination. I urge those who have not been to visit the National Civil Rights Museum. It's a very informative and thought provoking; people come from all over the world to visit.

Like the film, some of the exhibits are very difficult to stomach but it's a part of American history, an important part. Get out and explore your city!! Memphis is full of rich and meaningful history.

There are several tours (some free and many offer student discounts) that would be good resources to learn more about Memphis' place in history. Here's a few links for those that are interested:

admission is $11 for students and free for TN residents on Monday after 3pm. http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/?page_id=59

http://www.jimmyogle.com/tours.htm - Walking tours (most are free) bring water!!

http://www.backbeattours.com/tours/ - music/history tour

Although most of this I we saw on last night video I was aware of it is just sad to say that I did not learn most of until I came to college. So that got me to thinking about how must of this is my kids award of. With the Memphis City School system the way it is I am sure not much. So now this is causing me to be a little more proactive and get just a little more involved in their education. I must say sometime they are a little ungrateful because they are use to everything being given to them and they no anything about struggle. Now I must go buy this series so we can sit and watch it as a family.

Its sad how much history we are around in Memphis and don't even know it. I was born and raised in Memphis for 22 years and I didn't even know half the stuff I saw in both videos. I feel ashamed for me but not just for me but for the world also. We are lazy and wouldnt have been able to do half the the things those young women and men did for our lives. I feel like we do take life for granted. We have it so good we just dont know it. After watching those videos I feel priveledged to even just wake up to freedom. I do understand the fact when Ms.Warren stated that the underdogs should've been recognized as well. Those women and men were the ones that made things happen and I feel like they should be recognized as well. I am really happy I took this course because the things I have learned help me to appreciate life more!

I was speechless after class last night. I have lived in Memphis my whole life and never once heard about most of the people in that film. You would think that this city is embarrassed or feels guilty by not having more background information on what happened during the sanitation strike. Children in this city's school system should learn not only about the tragic death of Dr. King, but also about what led to his coming here and fighting for the unjustice treatment of those workers.

I don't know who said the statement about this generation being lazy, but it is sadly true. I myself say that something needs to change, but always look for someone else to do it. People might not like the choice of words or how they represent theirselves, but Reverend Jackson and Sharpton jump at the chance to fight for what they believe in.

"Look at yourselves. Some of you teenagers, students. How do you think I feel and I belong to a generation ahead of you - how do you think I feel to have to tell you, 'We, my generation, sat around like a knot on a wall while the whole world was fighting for its human rights - and you've got to be born into a society where you still have that same fight.' What did we do, who preceded you ? I'll tell you what we did. Nothing. And don't you make the same mistake we made...." Malcom X

Last class was very interesting, we have discussed so many things which was very good to learn. This is the first class in this semester that is very interesting, and I enjoy every lecture of this class. By the way what was the Extra Credit.

I can not wait to see what she will reveal to us tonight. I am enjoying this class because it allows me learn new ideas about the world. I just hope that this last test is easy. I have studied in the past but didnt do to hot. So im praying this next test will not have me super sad. See everyone there tonight and don't forget the extra credit is due tonight.

Last class meeting was a great class. We are talking about civil rights movement. This was the greatest movement of all time. We talked during class and a lot of our classmates expressed the important of this movement. We watch a movie(Eyes on the Prize). The move showed how things were during that time in America and how we as a nation overcome.

http://vimeo.com/5765597

This is an interesting short interview with a University Distinguished Professor of Education at Michigan State University on the dangers of the future of our country in trying to standardized education and comparing this idea to what other countries are doing.

Could someone please tell me what the assignment was for the langston hughes poem for tomorrow please get back to me someone, anyone .

Thanks

I have actually seen that film before but I must admit that I have a really hard time watching anything from that time period. It is easy to say that that was just the way things were, but it was just ridiculous. I often wonder how I would've faired during the time of slavery or during the height of the 'Civil Rights Movement'. I am really laid back but am very defensive about being disrespected in any way. I take care not to cross paths with anyone, intentionally, and if I make the mistake of doing so am the first to take the necessary steps to straighten things out.

So, I have thought about if I would still be alive until the age I am now or will I have moved out of the country or just became a different person with my own feelings allowing me to be able to cope with the different situations. After very careful thought, I am so glad that I don't have to find this out. I'll stick to learning from afar and helping others to cope any way I can.

I must've missed the assignment for the Langston Hughes poem that is due tomorrow. I found the poem but I can't seem to find the actual assignment anywhere on the site. Could someone please direct me to it? Thanks!!

I don't know I just been thinking about this lately and decided to blog about it.

I have been watching more news lately when a story came up that caught my attention. It was about a Memphis man by the name of,Timothy McKinney, who has been on death row since 1999 for the killing of off duty police officer Don Williams. My first thought was is this going to be another Troy Davis type of case.

I was intrigued by the sudden form of fame and media frenzy that surrounded around the Davis case. It did not take long for people to get emotional over the trial. To think the man had been on death row since 1991 and in less than what 2 months everyone almost knew about him. Lawrence Brewer was exceuted on the same day but the only recognition of him was after he was put to death. Brewer with two of his friends were convicted of killing James Byrd Jr. by slitting his throat and dragging him by his ankles with their truck along an asphalt road. Their case was named by some as one of the worst hate crimes post civil war era. "Well, I did it," Brewer wrote in a letter introduced during court proceedings, according to published reports. "And no longer am I a virgin. It was a rush, and I'm still licking my lips for more." When he found out he was going to die by lethal injection he stated "Lethal injection would be a little old sleeping medicine."

Who can ever forget about the West Memphis Three, Michael Jackson trials, Scott Peterson, Casey Anthony, Mary Winkler, and the controversial "If the glove don't fit you must acquit" O.J. Simpson.

So mainly does race play a role in the news choosing of which trial should be shown? Or is it their way of pulling the viewer in just to get more people to watch their network?

Last class was informative and interesting and Mrs.Warren kept my eyes opened the entire 3 hours especially with the viewing of the video. Even though I was somewhat familiar with things they took place in the video every time I watch something that happened during those times it always makes me wonder what if I had been living? Would I have been one of the individual's who fought for my rights or one of the people who just sat back and watched.


Also with the Langston Hughes response is it due Tuesday or the last day of class? I remember Mrs.Warren saying the last day of class.

Watching documentaries of the Civil Rights movement are always moving to me, especially being a Black-American woman. It is quite impossible for me to not have pride and a sense of specialness, learning of my ancestors' struggles and triumphs within this nation. I do find it sad and unfortunate that there is some what of a great lack of respect for one another withthin in "the Black community", however. There is not necessarily a great solidarity that there seemed to have been within the Civil Rights movement. Don't believe me? Watch enough tv, you'll see. It's quite embarrassing actually.

Although some of the leaders of the Civil Rights movement did indeed have varying point of views as to how Blacks within this country should go about attaining complete respect in America, such as King vs. X, which is reminiscent of DuBois vs. Washington, there was indeed an apparent common cause of gaining the ability to exercise their human rights. These men and women were not trying to be "White", they were attempting to gain the freedom to manifest their potentials within the society they were born in. This ridiculous notion that trying to gain a better life for one self by getting educated and attaining wealth is trying to be white is completely ludicrous. When did white equal greatness? This idea is a product of White academia. Well intentioned or not, it's laughable at best. I though I chemically tream my hair so that it may be straight, I have never dreamed of being a white woman. Black slaves straightened their hair with utensils to make it easier to groom. This was before Madame CJ Walker. Don't believe me? Do your own research. If wanting to be educated, wealthy, and have a decent life is trying to be White, then being on welfare must be trying to be White to, considering the majority of the ones that use it are...gasp!! White. I highly doubt Mr. King or Malcolm X would have agreed on that they were marching and protesting for Blacks to be White.

Black people have always used creativity and courage to not only overcome obstacles, but it is simply the way of our everyday lives. Period. African- Americans are the pioneers of fashion, music, intellectual endeavors through the avenues of innovation, etc. Even so, there seems to be a certain complacency that exists within the black community that I cannot quite put my finger on. I know this because everytime I watch documentaries, such as Eyes on the Prize, I always ask myself, why are "we" not farther than we are, we meanig Black Americans. The tenacity and gifting of Black people is immense, and yet we still got crap like the Trayvon Martin case going on. There are so many Trayvon Martins in this country, so to speak, it's maddening. Don't believe me? Do a Google search on how many Black boys are just slaughtered in Ameican streets. Although "we" have Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, these are two men. They are going to be dead within few more decades, tops. What then? I could go on, but I won't.

I've always enjoyed reading Langston Hughes poetry because he gives you something to think about. I hope I can keep my comments to 1/2 page. The Eyes on the Prize film was something I experienced during the 1960's. I remembered actually coming face to face with the military and their guns because someone told city officials during the Sanitation Strike there was going to be trouble at this apartment complex I was visiting. My mother and father did not know I was visiting the apartments and I had to sneak away from the apartments through a back alley to get safely home. What happened to Emmitt Till was used as a scare tactic by parents to make young black kids behave.

Hi I was not at the last class meeting and I see ya'll watched a video. If anyone know the name of the video could you please let me know so I could try to find it and watch it. And if there is anything else I need to know please post it. Thanks a Million.

Okay I am still confused about this blogging grade. Is it for extra credit or a participation grade? I have blogged before but never received a grade until after the second exam; so what do we have to blog about to get a grade for it?

Tuesday's class was very interesting just like I thought it would be. I almost cried watching the film when they revealed Emmett Till's body. It's sad that, even though African Americans have made great progress, 40 years later another case of an African American boy have made an impact on our nation...Trayvon Martin. We take for granted what our forefathers with through. We do not know how to come together in a positive way as a group and make a change. Our children are killing one another so ruthlessly like dogs in the street. I do hope one day we can truly make Dr. King smile from heaven and say our people have conquer all even the fight within ourselves.

I throughly enjoyed last nights class! I feel we accomplished alot and covered the study guide very well and hopefully we will all do well on the next exam!

I must say class tonight was an eye opener.The film was truely something to watch. I can say as i sit and listen I do learn different ways to view the world we live in at this day and time. This class is very interesting. I really enjoy it.

Last class meeting we took a exam. I hope that I pass because I studied for it. I hope for a great outcome. This was a good subject to study and learn from. Learning about different ethnic group gave me a idea for what happen during that time in that particular group.

I'm confused as to what we were supposed to blog when. I don't recall it being mentioned. When are we to blog, and are we to blog here or somewhere else? I hate having missed out on points.. especially since this most recent grade is less than I expected of myself, but want to take every opportunity I can especially if I am supposed to.

I'm kind of disappointed in my grade. The exam seemed much easier and Mrs. Stella broke the material down better than the 1st exam. I guess I need to switch up my study habits and start taking better notes.

Mrs. Warren mention that we could receive extra credit from attending a speaker that was coming up in the future, I think, did anyone get any more information on that?

I agree with Kimberly. I think the final we all should be doing better because I looked at the study guide and it's going to be really interesting and something that I think we all are going to enjoy reading and studying. So, I'm looking forward for the following classes. And not only that but this semester is almost over with, so it's time to go out with a bang!

Blog about something other than the test for this last section....

Does anyone know if Prof. Warren has had a chance to put in the extra credit points for blogging in yet because I dont have a grade and i should gave one. Please let me know something. Thanks

I was a little more prepared this go-round and it helped! The group presentations also provided some useful study information. A big shout out to the groups for the presentations. I'm still trying to get a feel for Dr. Warren's teaching style. It seems a little disjointed. But I guess if I were retiring, I'd be the same way.

Well I cant say that I am terribly upset about although I did think that I did better than I actually did. All o can say at this point is that I cant wait until we get to do sone more extra credit.

Well, I found out what happened! Ms. Warren was not able to get all grades posted, so it automatically put a ZERO in for the grade. It has now been updated. I knew that there were some questions that I was unsure of -- I was hoping for a little better grade, but I'll take what I got. :)

Well, I am sincerely hoping that Ms. Warren put the wrong score in for me or something. I had no points for blogging and I got a ZERO on my test! I've emailed her, but am literally sitting here about to cry right now. I know it is probably some mistake, but it sure hits you like a TON of bricks when you open up and see that score. I know there were several questions that I was "iffy" about on Tuesday night and "waffled" on a few answers, but I felt really good about the last half of the test, so I don't see how that grade could be possible.....

In misery,
Terri

Well I have gotten my grade from the last test and I must say that I am at a lost for words. I am not doing to well in this class. The way my grades look I might not pass this class with the grade i wanted to and that has never happen to me before. I don't know what the problem is but things are not looking to good for me. Very Very Sad Right Now

Honestly, I felt exam II was harder than the first exam. Some of the information on the exam I don't think it was covered in class. But I did missed the last review. I'm not surprised at my grade, I was actually expecting worst. Well, maybe the final exam will be better.

I felt great after taking my exam yesterday because I knew I went in prepared and ready to pass the exam with an A and now my grade is posted and I am totally disappointed in what I received. The test wasn't hard and I knew I knew the information and to see my grade I am
At a lost next exam I will make sure I Recieve what I deserve because I do not want to take this class again!

Okay, this is the way you should feel after taking a test:) I feel like Mrs. Warren poured so much knowledge into me for this test to ensure that I do well that I will go to sleep with a smile on my face because I KNOW this information!! This is what school/knowledge is all about, being able to share what you have learned with someone else. I was discussing this class with my co-worker who informed me that the Church of the Latter Day Saints has a geneology library that is open to the public. I would love to know where my family originated from, the only place that I am aware of is Mississippi:(

I am praying that everybody does great on this test. I also will like to inform my group that covered Mexicans Americans, ya'll great job!

Hey! Can someone help me out this time? I left my two extra scantrons on the dining room table and don't want to have to run over to the bookstore in the rain. Does someone have one that I can buy or borrow (and replace with one from home) for tonight????? PLEASE?????????

Thanks,
Terri

This weather is crazy!!! Where did that come from?!

What a good day to have the test when the weather is extremely bad hope that everyone has a safe trip to campus because I'm pulled over on the side of the road as a type

I'm getting geared up for this test. I hope I hope pass along with my classmates succeeding also. Everyone seemed to be getting prepared and ready. I hope for a great outcome.

Hi I hope everyone is ready for the test todat. I have really been studing and reading for this test. I need to do a much better job on this test than the other. I have enjoyed class thus far, sometimes we go to far off the subject, but I have learned a lot in this class. I really like Mrs. Stella she has made this class interesting. Well that's all for now. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE !!!!!!

Hi, everyone today is test and I am still preparing for the test up until class time and hope this I information can stick with me until then I have all my flash cards laid out and ready to go. Last test was not my best and I really need to step it up this time. I hope everyone in the class comes out on top good luck

I am freaking out over this test tonight. I have been studying and I hope that I do well tonight. Learning about other cultures and the way that they live have been very interesting. I think that every cultures have made a great impact with the way that the world has advance because of the great things that cultures have invented. Good luck to everyone tonight on the exam!!!!!

Did anyone receive the attachement for the extra credit? Could you tell me the information because I didn't receive the attachement.