Yes I think ethnic lables are important because if you call people the wrong thing they will get affended, and misunderstand their culture's and where they come from. I agree with the American Indian about his point of veiw of his culture because I wouldnt want anyone to misunderstand my culture, I could understand how he's feeling.

Ethnic labels do matter because you always have to look at it in the other persons point of veiw. We as Americans label people because we dont really know what race someone might be so we just label them. I've personally never really thought about it, im half Cherokee myself, and I guess they have a point. Some people take it to heart a lot more than other people. Either way it doesn't really matter to me but if I had to choose I would probably choose American Indian because I like the point the guy made in the article.

Labels and Americanism

Hello Young Scholars!

We have had some excellent discussions on the idea of what it means to be an American, and your ideas and thouhts are AMAZING. I am so excited to be a part of this year. I found an article online that deals with the labels we, as Americans, put on each other and ourselves. It talks about something called the Roadshow, they are talking about a television show called Antiques Roadshow where people bring in their antiques and professionals tell them how much they are worth. Here is the article link:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/fts/bismarck_200504A16.html

There is only one question this time, so I want you to put serious thought and effort into it. Responses are due by Friday, September 2nd at 3:30pm.

Question:

Do ethnic labels matter? Why or why not? Why do we, as Americans, always seem to be labeling ourselves and each other? What do you think of the reponses of the "American Indians" in this article, how do you feel about the terms "American Indian" and "Native American"?

(Ok, students, I know that's really more than one question, but you still have to answer all of them.)

Good Luck, and I can't wait to read your posts!

Mrs. H

America

Obviously he wrote this after the 9-11 tragedy.Peter Ferrara is a proud American who believes to be an American about where you were born or who you are.You may not even live here.It's about people who want a better future,freedom and vast opportunity to pursue their dreams.Americans love life and want to live it to the fullest.

A Note About Context

Hello Scholars!

    After reading your posts I want to clarify what I mean about the concept of "context." Context means the situation in which the essay was written- like time (in the case of this week's article, right after September 11, 2001), is the writer rich, poor, southern, northern, etc? How about whether it is a man or woman, or other political and social issues of the time. All of that influences what a writer writes, and how a writer writes. These things are called the context of the article.  I am trying to teach you to look beyond just the article, and think about WHO the author is and HOW that changes their writing. Context DOES NOT MEAN MAIN IDEA. :) There, I feel better now.

I agree with the auther's statement that America recognizes the "God given right of each man and women to the pursuit of happiness because America is a free country and we are allowed to what we want basicly.

Welcome!

Welcome to our online English 3 class. This is where you can ask your peers to clarification on assignments, talk about the readings, and post connections. I will also TRY to post copies of your homework assignments and reminders here. There are, of course, a few rules:

                     1) Be professional (no text language, LOL, ROFL, etc,)
                     2) Be respectful (no put downs)
                     3) Remember that your parents have access to this page :)

There will be times when your assignment will be to post to our blog or to respond to a question I post here. These will be graded, but I think you will find these assignments more enjoyable than the traditional paper and book homework.

Here is your first assignment:


Read the Article at the link below:

http://old.nationalreview.com/comment/comment-ferraraprint092501.html

Respond to the article in a paragraph that answers one of the following questions:

             1. Notice the date of the article. How does the date influence the emotion of this article. What is the context of the article?

             2. Do you agree with the author's statements that America recognizes the "God-given right of each man and woman to the pursuit of happiness"? Why or why not?

            3. Are Americans the "embodiment of the human spirit of freedom" as the author states? Does being "free" equal being an American? Why or why not.


Good luck. Please have your posts written by Friday, August 26th, at 3:30.

Mrs. H