Response to Maya Angelou

Writer Maya Angelou is the author of twelve books and one of the great voices of contemporary literature. Here are some quotes from a recent interview with Oprah. Said Ms. Angelou:
(1) "I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow." (2) I've learned that you can tell a lot about aperson by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights." (3) I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."

Comment on one of these quotes. Do you agree or disagree? Do you have your own variation? What stories about people--in your own life or in the lives of others-- do these quotes suggest?

#2: Screen Time in Your Life

Marie Winn in her essay "TV: The Plug-In Drug" talks about the negative effects of TV, especially on children. Consider these questions: What is your response to Winn's analysis? What part does "screen time" (TV, computers, video games, etc.) play in your life? Does it shape how you interact with people? Would you rather email or IM someone than talk with them face-to-face? Are the effects mostly positive or mostly negative, do you think? [You don't have to answer all these--Just pick the ones you find most relevant.]

In "Just Walk on By", the most effective example in my opinion was when he was mistaken for a burglar. Just because a black man is running down the street, doesn't mean he did anything wrong, and people shouldn't just jump to conclusions. If someone saw a white person running down the street would they automatically think they were a burglar? Probably not.

#1: "Just Walk on By" or "The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society"

After reading both selections, respond in a paragraph to either the "Journal Entry" prompt on p. 244 of Patterns or to these questions "What examples are most effective in the Kozol essay? Why?" You may respond to other students' comments in your posts as well.

First Day

What are your first impressions of OWC?