"To Sir, with Love" Reflection

The movie To Sir, with Love was released in 1967 and features Sidney Poitier in the lead role of Mark Thackery. The film explores the intricacies of education, societal norms, and the profound influence that a committed teacher can have on their students. Mark starts working as a teacher at a school in London that is known for having unruly and rebellious students.

The strength of the film lies in its portrayal of the challenges faced by the teacher and students. At first, Thackery is faced with an uninterested and difficult-to-manage class, in which the kids are all rejects of other schools. However, he chooses to use unconventional teaching methods to connect with his students instead of sticking to traditional teaching methods.

In the movie, Thackery's emphasis on life skills and practical education over traditional textbooks stands out. He teaches his students real-world lessons that are relevant and important, which earns him their respect. As a result, he transforms their attitudes and behaviors.

The film effectively addresses various social issues that were common in the 1960s, including racial prejudice, societal expectations, and class divisions. The protagonist, Thackery, is a black teacher in a predominantly white school who faces prejudice and skepticism. However, he remains resilient and dignified

The emotional heart of the film is the relationships between Thackery and his students. Through helping them overcome personal and societal obstacles, they develop a bond of mutual respect and understanding. The audience is deeply moved by emotional moments like heartfelt conversations and the students expressing gratitude for Thackery's impact. Moreover, the film's soundtrack, notably the title song performed by Lulu, complements the narrative beautifully, capturing the essence of the story's emotional journey.

Upon reflection of To Sir, with Love, I am filled with a deep sense of admiration for the unwavering resilience and dedication of teachers who go above and beyond to inspire and uplift their students. This story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound influence that educators can have in shaping the lives of their pupils beyond just academic knowledge.

In conclusion, To Sir, with Love is a timeless masterpiece that continues to connect with audiences across generations. The film's relevance endures, highlighting the importance of empathy, understanding, and inclusive and adaptive education. It surpasses the limitations of time by emphasizing the transformative potential of education, the importance of empathy, and the lasting impact of a committed teacher on the lives of students.

EOTO #4 reaction post

To begin, the negative side talked about all of the brokenness and hurt within the 1960s and 70s.

Grace Ann gave us the story of the assassination of MLK who was a prominent leader in the Civil Rights Era and was a voice of peace. On Thursday, April 4, 1968, at a motel in Memphis Tennessee was shot dead while standing outside on his balcony. People started causing protests and acts of violence all around the nation. MLK was a true advocate of equal civil rights, he touched so many lives even of those who never met him. Ray (MLK's killer) died in prison during his 99-year sentence. 

Josh spoke about the assassination of RFK. He was a Democratic Presidential candidate in 1986 and hours before he was going to win he was shot and killed. RFK went through many times of trials, including announcing the death of MLK in 1968. RFK was really America's only hope and saving grace, so after his death, America was more divided than it ever was. This was truly a setback for the African-American community and the whole United States. 

Next, Max touched on another death, the assassination of Malcolm X.  He joined Islam which focused on violence. He went to prison where he adopted the name Malcolm X. February 21, 1969, was his assassination. It was a significant and tragic event in the Civil Rights movement.

Kayla spoke on behalf of the anti-miscegenation laws saying that mixed-race marriages were illegal. The Lovings committed this crime so they had the option to be arrested or leave the arrest in Virginia and move to Washington DC.  On June 12, 1967, the law was overturned, and announced that the act was unconstitutional and violated the 14th Amendment. 

In addition to these, Brad explained the concept of "Redlining". Federal housing agencies made it very difficult for black people to buy a house and receive a loan. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 overturned this policy. 

Lastly, Gabbie explains the Boston Bus Riots where black students were told to take buses that were outside of their neighborhood. The Supreme Court created the desegregation of schools and the transportation busing system. There was a lot of violence and many African American students did not show up to school after the first day because they felt, targeted, abused, and unsafe.

On the other hand, there were many positive acts and progressions during this movement.

First, Jonathan touches on The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination in public accommodations. It was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson. After marches and disputes, leaders acted on these rights. I Have a Dream speech by MLK persuaded him to make this because he talked about treating whites and blacks equally in his speech. 

Kacie spoke on the Voting Rights Act of 1965, also signed by Lyndon Johnson. This stopped poll taxes and discrimination for black voting. This allowed everyone to vote equally.

Lindsey told us about the Fair Housing Act of 1968, signed into law again by Lyndon Johnson 7 days after the passing of MLK. This act fixed discrimination so that people could find a home and a safe place to live regardless of their background, race, ethnicity, and origin. This reminds us of our responsibility to make sure everyone thrives regardless of their background. Ultimately, every American should choose where they want to live regardless of their background.

Next, we heard Elliott speak about Thurgood Marshall who was the first ever African American to be in the Supreme Court. Marshall participated in many cases regarding civil rights including Brown v Board. His arguments in favor of civil rights did not go unnoticed. 

Lucy then talked about the term affirmative action, which caused more equity in the workplace. Ensuring that employment after college would only increase. This has caused many benefits to America.

To conclude, Abby talked about The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which worked to prevent discrimination. The Civil Rights Act caused this organization to enhance Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act. 

Overall, this was a difficult period with deaths and many trials arose, however, many important and significant enhancements were made.

Non-Legal Arguments Against Affirmative Action

I believe in fairness and equality, but affirmative action has issues that outweigh its benefits. While the intentions behind it are good, putting it into practice causes significant problems.

Affirmative action policies, which were introduced with the aim of promoting diversity and inclusivity, can have unintended negative consequences. One such consequence is the creation of a different form of bias that sometimes results in reverse discrimination. This means that individuals who are more qualified for a particular position are passed over due to their race, gender, or ethnicity in favor of less qualified candidates who belong to underrepresented groups. This contradicts the principle of meritocracy, which is based on the idea that individuals should be judged solely on their abilities and achievements, rather than factors beyond their control.

Affirmative action can cause "stereotype threat," where people from underrepresented groups feel pressure to conform to stereotypes about their race or ethnicity. This can harm their performance. For example, if someone is admitted to a prestigious institution through affirmative action, they may feel the need to prove themselves, leading to stress and hindering success.

When organizations implement affirmative action policies, there is a risk of tokenism. Tokenism happens when underrepresented individuals are hired or admitted solely to meet diversity quotas. This approach can make these individuals feel isolated or undervalued, and it may not lead to genuine inclusivity or change in the organization or workplace.

Furthermore, affirmative action may give the impression of diversity, but it doesn't necessarily solve the underlying issues. It doesn't address problems such as unequal access to quality education, economic disparities, or systemic biases ingrained in institutions. These issues need to be addressed to achieve true diversity and equality.

Affirmative action may lead to negative consequences for minority students, according to the mismatch theory. This theory suggests that affirmative action can place students in educational settings where they are not adequately prepared. As a result, these students may experience lower academic performance and a higher likelihood of dropping out. The theory questions whether affirmative action can achieve its intended goals.

In conclusion, while affirmative action has positive goals, it's often not carried out in a way that works and can lead to unintended problems. Instead of using these policies, we should focus on fixing the root causes of discrimination and giving everyone equal opportunities, no matter where they come from. 

Driving Miss Daisy

The movie "Driving Miss Daisy" is a heartwarming story that explores the growing friendship between Miss Daisy Werthan and her African-American driver, Hoke Colburn. It takes place in the American South during the mid-20th century and touches on themes of racism, aging, and societal change. The film portrays the social and cultural dynamics of the time in a touching way. It is written in simple language that is easy to understand.

Watching "Driving Miss Daisy" was a deeply emotional experience, as it depicts the complex and gradual evolution of a relationship from one of mere necessity to a deep and meaningful friendship built on mutual trust and respect. The initial reluctance of Miss Daisy to have a chauffeur and Hoke's persistent efforts to fulfill his role as her driver, despite her resistance, serve as a powerful metaphor for the stark racial and social divisions that existed in the American South during the 1950s and 1960s. The film's portrayal of the deeply ingrained prejudices and injustices of the time is both meaningful and thought-provoking, offering a powerful reminder of the need to challenge and overcome systemic discrimination in all its forms.

Morgan Freeman's portrayal of Hoke and Jessica Tandy's portrayal of Miss Daisy is pure magic. Their performances are nothing short of a masterclass in acting, effortlessly breathing life into their characters and making the audience feel every emotional distinction of their journey. The film's quiet moments and subtle gestures are mesmerizing, speaking volumes about the ever-changing dynamics between the two characters. From the heartwarming scene where Hoke patiently teaches Miss Daisy how to read to the very special moments they share in the car, the film brilliantly captures the essence of their friendship as it blossoms and deepens, leaving a lasting impression on your heart.

The film portrays the passage of time through various historical events, creating a sense of nostalgia. It not only depicts the personal growth of the characters but also reflects the societal changes that occurred during the period. The movie serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made in terms of racial equality and the continuing need for such progress.

"Driving Miss Daisy" is a touching movie that reminds us of the challenges of aging and the fragility of life. Miss Daisy's stubbornness and reluctance to change are relatable to anyone who has experienced the difficulties of growing old. The film emphasizes the significance of companionship and understanding as we get older, encouraging us to appreciate the relationships we have with those around us. Overall, "Driving Miss Daisy" is a heartwarming story that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.

The movie "Driving Miss Daisy" shows how friendship and resilience can break down barriers and bring people together, no matter how different they may seem. The movie shares a message of hope, redemption, and the enduring nature of human connections that resonates with viewers, making it a timeless and heartwarming film to watch.

Brown vs Board of Education reax

Brown:

Kayla: this challenged the idea of the separate but equal. Following the Cold War, there came new technology like the radio. Referenced Thurgood Marshall and Brown won the case. 

Gabby: Moral argument that sued the Topeka Board of Education. It was morally wrong to raise kids like this so that they feel lesser. It is immoral to have a system where people could be looked down upon. 

Josh: Stop segregating schools, stop the insults to religion and let's unify schools!

Grace Ann: This system of segregation is obscured. Separate but equal affects the US economy. Tax money, think about how education, transportation, and public accommodations were joined all together, there would be more leftover tax money. It is more beneficial to be integrated. These children are our legacy and the future of our nation so they need to be treated right!

Brad: legal argument, separate but equal cannot exist, it is broken by concept. It violates the 14th Amendment. Black schools are of lower quality than white schools. However, they have more people, and resources are handed over from the white schools. Whites are 4x more likely to complete their education than blacks.

Board of Education:

Lindsey R: social, political, and cultural issues in the nation. It all began with Lydia brown challenging segregation because she felt it. 

Jonathan: The dangers of integration. If we place black and white children together, it could harm them. What is segregation? why desegregated? If schools were to be mixed it could harm the white students and cause the white students to be slowed down. Blacks could feel left out. They would hire mostly white teachers and therefore black teachers would be let go. African-American students might feel inferior and integration equals lost jobs for the teachers. 

Abby E: In favor of segregated schools. Children were not even required to attend school. Segregation was not harmful to African Americans.

Lucy: In 1965 understand how the children have been raised. Do not mix the children because the neighborhoods need to be kept separated. They needed to have distinct housing because the blacks were in poor places. Mixing would cause disputes, violence and sickness. 

Elliot: Pretends to be Perry Mason. Says that it is constitutional. 14th amendment and the 2nd amendment. No state shall enforce any law that abridges the privileges of citizens. They still have the same rights but need to be segregated. You have a right to hold and fire a weapon. However, a felon cannot purchase a firearm. So no the government is not violating the rights. The government has a violation to protect its citizens. Segregation is necessary and constitutional to protect black and white students. The Opposite is if we desegregated schools, felons could buy guns. 

EOTO #3 Integration of the Armed Forces

The integration of the armed forces, also known as racial integration, refers to ending racial segregation in the United States military, which lasted until the mid-20th century. This significant change was mainly driven by the civil rights movement and a series of executive orders and legislative actions.

President Truman's Executive Order 9981, issued on July 26, 1948, put an end to discrimination in the US Armed Forces based on factors such as race, color, religion, or national origin. This marked a turning point during the Korean War from 1950-1953, leading to the full restoration of the military services.

Executive Order 9981 was a pivotal accomplishment of President Truman's administration and a significant milestone in the civil rights movement. It was largely influenced by the brutal attack on Isaac Woodard Jr., an African-American World War II veteran. In the aftermath of his honorable discharge from the United States Army on February 12, 1946, Woodard suffered a devastating assault by South Carolina police while still in uniform and boarding a bus to return home. This unjust attack resulted in Woodard's complete and permanent blindness, prompting President Harry S. Truman to initiate a federal investigation. 

Truman established a national commission to promote cooperation between people of different races. In 1947, he gave a speech to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the entire nation, emphasizing the moral importance of civil rights. The speech was groundbreaking and had a significant impact. In February 1948, a civil rights bill was presented to Congress. On June 26, 1948, Executive Orders 9980 and 9981 were issued, which desegregated the armed forces and federal government. These orders played a significant role in advancing civil rights.

During World War II, there were significant changes in the way wars were fought and how civilians supported the war effort. The transformation brought about the integration of the armed forces. Leaders in political, economic, industrial, diplomatic, and military sectors came together to reorganize the nation's defense before the war's end.

After Japan surrendered in August 1945, the military quickly downsized, despite its occupation duties in Germany, Austria, Japan, and Korea. The decision to reduce the army's size was driven by public pressure. In August 1945, the army had over 8 million troops, but by March 1948, it had only 554,000 soldiers. Most veterans were discharged, and inexperienced recruits replaced them, except for a few career soldiers. Consequently, this resulted in a decline in the army's combat effectiveness.

During the Korean War in 1950, the number of troops in the army significantly increased, reaching 1.5 million by 1951. Following the end of the war in 1953, the army maintained high levels of strength even during peacetime, with 860,000 soldiers by the end of 1960.

To counter potential Soviet invasion during the Cold War, the US kept a large standing army in Western Europe. However, after the Korean War, the army downsized while the defense budget was primarily allocated to long-range nuclear capabilities in the Navy and Air Force. Strategic planners were concerned about combat effectiveness due to inadequate funds for equipment modernization. Despite having 14 divisions, only 11 were combat-ready at that time.

In conclusion, the integration of the US armed forces was a transformative event in American history. Desegregation, which started after World War II and continued into subsequent conflicts, was a significant step towards achieving equality and civil rights for all citizens. This process helped to break down the barriers that kept people of different races apart. It was an important move towards creating a fair and just society. Executive Order 9981, played a crucial role in breaking down racial barriers within the military, ultimately leading to the full integration of African-American and minority soldiers.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Executive-Order-9981

https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-United-States-Army/World-War-II-the-Korean-War-and-the-Cold-War

State vs Mann Mock Trial Reaction

In the courtroom, we listened to arguments for and against John Mann. The State vs. Mann case was centered around a dispute between North Carolina and Mann, who was a slave owner. Mann had shot and killed Lydia, one of his enslaved individuals, as she attempted to flee. Mann shot her from behind in an attempt to escape.

Subsequently, North Carolina prosecuted John Mann and found him guilty, he was charged a $10 fine. Mann contested this decision, wanting a refund of the fine.

The state's attorneys argued that Mann was indeed guilty, and they offered several justifications. They questioned the brutal treatment of slaves, raising concerns about the physical abuse they endured and the fact that they were not regarded as human beings. The state argued that despite the economic benefit of slavery, the mistreatment of enslaved individuals was unjust.

Furthermore, Lydia did not legally ever belong to John Mann, but he was rather renting her services from another woman.

The state dealt with the fact that Mann's actions constituted assault and battery, emphasizing that since Mann did not possess legal ownership of Lydia, he could not subject her to such awful mistreatment.

John Mann's legal team argued that he deserved a refund, invoking biblical justification for his actions. They claimed that Mann's actions were morally justifiable, and they had the audacity to place the blame on Lydia, arguing that if she had tolerated the mistreatment without trying to escape, she ultimately would not have been shot.

Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of John Mann, refunding him the $10 fine.

After examining the arguments from both sides, I believe in the standpoint of the state. It is clear that John Mann's treatment of Lydia was unjust, and it shows the need for a fairer treatment of slaves, given their substantial role in the Southern economy.