Blog Post #2

"Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy...remember, it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." (pg.90)

In the context of the story this quote means, that one shouldn't harm someone or something that has done nothing wrong. If there is a problem that you could possibly eliminate then it is alright to do so. This is what Atticus is saying, that it is alright to kill someone that causes trouble, and that is a burden to human kind. He might not exactly  be saying that but he is saying that it is a sin to harm what is innocent. He originally said that he would rather they shoot at tin cans, because he is a peaceful person and doesn't want anyone to be harmed. The implication that this quote might have in the story, is for Tom Robinson; a black man who is on trial, is being defended by Atticus and could be innocent. He could be the mockingbird because people are racist and assume that he isn't innocent and he goes through persecution. Other examples of implications in this quote are Jem and Scout, there father seemed to be a respected man but he is defending a black man and he is getting a lot of criticism for it. His children, even though they didn't do anything wrong and are not directly connected to the situation people are harassing him for what their father does.

A time when the ideas in this quote could be related to my life, is when you see someone being treated unfairly when you know that they are innocent for something. People are constantly being accused of things that they might not have necessarily done. It has happened many times in my life with family, friends, and people that I don't even know. Based on race, gender and other characteristics people might accuse them of doing something first before they analyze the situation. Boys might get blamed for something first, or girls might get blamed first. This depends on the situation. You should always take time to listen to what people have to say and not be quick to judge. You should never argue with someone who is innocent. And you wouldn't be able to tell by just looking at the person. You have to take the time to listen. When people do good things for you, you should appreciate them. A specific time when the ideas of the quote applied to my life is when I watched someone get hurt, and it was their fault. Surrounding people might have gotten blamed, because they were not watching careful enough and they are to blame. But these people were kind enough to be around and it was an accident. That is why i think these ideas go back to the quote "it is a sin to kill a mockingbird," Because mockingbirds are innocent and they did nothing wrong. Just like someone watching and event take place. They might not necessarily have control of the situation so you should take the time to listen, and analyze every situation. This should be done before you make a mistake and kill a mockingbird, or someone or something that is innocent. This quote is one of the most important quotes in the story and it should be recognized and thought about while reading "To Kill a Mockingbird".

Blog Post #1

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-wallis/what-racism-still-in-amer_b_290042.html

--September 17,2009

What!? Racism Still in America?--Summary

The Summary of this article is that, America is changing and there is progress being made in our country by electing a African American for President of the United States. People think that because this has happened that means that there in no longer racism in America. There are people who disagree with the policies of President Obama, but this doesn't make them racist. This article is also saying that while not everyone voted for Barack Obama there are some people who voted against Barack Obama because of his race. During the town meetings that took place about healthcare, and the government there were blatant signs of racism. It is believed that the President is being disrespected, and that is a part of where racism plays a role. Racism does still exist while President Obama hasn't "played the race card."

What!? Racism Still in America?--Reflection

My thoughts on this article is that in some ways I agree with what the author is saying. People think things are so much better now that our President is Black, and that there is no racism. I disagree with this thought because clearly there has been examples of racism so far in his Presidency. It is definitely a good thing that America can see past race enough so that this opportunity was available, and this dream was achievable for him. Not everyone will agree with what is being said all the time, and that is the case no matter who you are talking too. But the President is in charge of our country, and he should be respected. When people disrespect him, by not trusting that what he will say will be appropriate or making comments; this shows signs of racism because any other president wouldn't be disrespected like that. The election of President Obama in the White House is a big step for America, but there is still progress that needs to be made. President Obama hasn't played the race card, and doesn't put out the fact that he is being attacked sometimes. But it is clear, and some people will defend him and some people will not. Whether you do or not doesn't make somebody a racist, but if the reason for not being supportive is because of race, then is shows how people have not changed. I thought this article was interesting because it shows the opinions of both sides; how some people think that we have made so much progress and racism doesn't exist. It also shows how others are clearly aware of racism in America in this day in age.