Categorizing People

Implicit Bias

I thought this test, implemented by Harvard University, was very interesting and insightful. At first I was a little shocked at the content but then realized that racial difference plays a significant role in our society. As the tests progressed they became much harder. Upon completing the test, it said that I have a small negative racial bias towards African Americans. I'm not sure how accurate this is because I have many "black" friends. 

Face to Face

This is a great site. It's dedication to people who have stories to tell is inspiring. I listened to many of the testimonies from those who were affected by 9/11. Anjum Mir says she felt like it was a "double whammy". She felt scared for those who were in the buildings that were hit but at the same time she was worried for her own safety. It was a eye-opening experience for all Americans no matter what ethnicity or race you were.

A Class Divided

This short documentary shows just how suggestive children can be. This particular experiment, conducted by Jane Elliot, involves kids processing and relating eye color with dominance. Based on this experiment we can conclude that parents or parent figures have a lot of influence over their children.         

Reading Response #4: Ashfall

(The farmhouse Alex sees is in bad shape because of the ash.) 

As Alex sets off in the direction of his parents he soon realizes his journey won't be an  easy one.  He is running out of water and the sulfurs ash has made all the rivers and streams toxic and poisonous. The ash just keeps falling and falling.  It's getting on and in everything Alex has brought along for this endeavor.  On top of that, the ash is making it harder and harder to breath and every step has become a long and painful one.  It's looking pretty bad for Alex when he spots a farm house he may be able to seek shelter in.  He drags himself over to it's front door but the process is just to much and he collapses just a few feet from it.  As he lies on his back he musters up enough strength be able to pull his hood over his face to keep the ash at bay.  Complete and utter darkness consumes him.  He closes his eyes and falls asleep.  He is shaken awake in what seemed like only seconds later, Alex is startled to see a girl his age starring back at him.  He could only look at her for a few moments before going under once again.

When Alex trudged through the thick ash he muttered to himself, "I know I'm not a man, or rather boy of faith but God, why have you done this."  I find this quot to be very relevant not only to the story but to life as well.  In trying times people tend to ask God what his plan is or why his plan isn't what they would like it to look like. I can see how Alex is struggling to come to grips with what has happened to the world around him.  He just want's some kind of answer.  I know I would.  However, I do think God will answer his prayer in some form or fashion.

Reading Response #3: Ashfall

(The ash on the ground has accumulated to two feet.)

       When Alex regains his composure after being attacked by a gang of thugs at his neighbors house he is forced to find food and shelter.  He staggered back across the street to his house.  He is now alone and scared. Inside, Alex stripes off his ash covered clothing and replaces them with his dads, which are naturally baggy on him.  After eating and rationing all the food in his house he decides that he can't just sit in one place.  Alex decides that he will make his way to Warren in order to get to his family. The fact that its been a week since the ash first started falling from the sky and there are no signs of it letting up means his journey to Warren will be an exciting one.      

       In this section of the book Alex thinks to himself, "I need to do something. I need a goal."  Alex says this when he is broken down and wonders how he will survive.  When someone is in a survival situation being proactive is key.  You have to be and act smart. Making a goal creates motivation and will power.  As soon as Alex decided to make the long trek to Warren, he instantly had a reason to live.  I can tell Alex has what it takes to survive.  The question is how?  I can't wait to find out!