BASIC COURSE INFORMATION
As an online course, the writing that we do in English 305 is substantially
different from a face to face course. As such, it is imperative that you
understand the course style from the start. Nearly all of your work in this
course will be posted on the course blog. EACH WEEK YOU WILL HAVE THREE BLOG
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. A BLOG ENTRY,
2. A READING, AND
3. A WRITING ABOUT
THE READING.
Your reading and writing on the blog must be completed by
the Friday (by midnight) of the week in which the reading falls. You have all week each week to complete the reading and writing for that week, but there are no late assignments accepted, so be sure to be disciplined about the
work from the start.
Let me re-state that point; if you do the assigned
work before or during the week it is due, you will receive full credit. If you do the work after the Friday of the week it is assigned, you will get zero credit for that week.
This is an extremely sad and very anger invoking article. I do not know much of the history of Jackie Robinson, although I know, what in general, he did for civil rights in becoming one of the first African American baseball players. This article shows, just a small part, of what one person has to go through and put up with, in order to invoke some kind of change. The part in the article which discusses what Martin Luther King thought of Jackie's actions was extremely accurate. He was pilgrim, a pilgrim for change in our country and unfortunately, while he may have had peoples support, he had to walk alone through that horrible journey and put up with absolutely horrible things just to prove people wrong and change horrible circumstances. It was a very eye opening article and it just makes me very happy we no longer live like this in America.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised at some of this information given in this article as well. It is amazing that the simple act of playing baseball resulted in not-so-simple outcomes.
DeleteBefore reading this article I did know who Jackie Robinson was but it was all vague till now. This article gave me a broader understanding of who he Jackie Robinson was. Robinson was a man that changed baseball history by being one of the first African American baseball players. This article states that not only did he change baseball but society as well. It is sad to know that Robinson had to go through racism but he went though it so his fellow men didn’t have to. Martin Luther King stated about Robinson that, "He underwent the trauma and humiliation and the loneliness which comes with being a pilgrim walking the lonesome byways toward the high road of freedom." I think in a way what he meant about Robinson was that he did all this to reach freedom and stood through the trauma so there could be change someday. I am glad to know that our country is different from what it was back then, and that we have overcome segregation.
ReplyDeleteI too agree with you, Robinson didn't just change baseball but society. I had not read too much on Robinson, but this has added a new perspective on how I see the great legend.
DeleteI am also glad our country has changed for the best.
Unfortunately, I had never heard about Jackie Robinson before reading this article and I know nothing either about baseball history, but I know that African Americans people had suffered a lot from racial segregation in the United States, especially in the south. what amazed me reading this article the wisdom of Robinson in tolerating the unfair treatment he had to face in his trip for if he didn’t do that he would ended up losing his life and his beloved wife’s as well. His wife also deserves to be mentioned for her taking the risk of joining him in this dangerous trip. However, racial segregation still exists in some places but of course it is hidden in different forms such as denying a person from promotion because of his color or race. Moreover, it seems like discrimination and persecution are normal things in our world for they exist, at some degree, everywhere you may go. It’s impossible for people, as human beings, to treat each other in an absolute fairness. What I also liked in this article was Robinson’s brave and courage when he refused to withdraw to the back of a city bus when he was in the military. Robinson is a good example of differentiate between when it’s appropriate to choked back the anger and when to, peacefully, challenge the unfair treatment. It is important to know his story, and Martin Luther’s as well, and to tell it to our kids so we all learn how to fight for our freedom and defend our rights. He reminds me of pope Shenouda (III) pope of Alexandria who had the talent and the wisdom to decide when to remain silent and when to defend his rights and beliefs.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in that discrimination still exist in some places. It is saddening that such views and beliefs are still around when they can cause so much harm. No one deserves to be treated unfairly or as inferior. For individuals that have been victims of discrimination, without a doubt, it is important to have a support system.
DeleteOff the top of my head I can’t think of anybody who seems similar with Robinson; I am sure that during his time there were many who could have been someone of importance, but unlike Robinson they weren’t as lucky. Sad to say but there were probably many men or women who could had a chance to be famous because of their accomplishments and talents; sadly many didn’t have the chance to show their accomplishments or talents. Robinson’s story is one of many who kept pushing and never gave up. Robinson makes in impact on many of us to strive for what we want and ignore negative people. Just like we talked about in our blog, heroes; Robinson can possibly be someone’s hero because of his great accomplishments. After all, a hero is someone who one can look up to because of accomplishments. I have learned never to give up without trying, and forget all those who want only negative outcomes for us.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I also think that there could have been plenty of other stories of people doing remarkable things, but unlike Robinson they were not given the opportunity to show their strength. I also agree that Robinson is a great example of why you should ignore the negative things people say and do, because if you let it get to you then it could keep you from doing something important.
DeleteThere is great importance in Jackie Robinson's story because it shows that a single person can really make a difference toward a cause. The obstacles Jackie Robinson faced were not unique to him, the entire nation was suffering. But through his strength, he was able to inspire that same suffering nation to do something different. Yes, it started with the simple game of baseball, but it may have inspired people like President Obama to dream of the impossible. So, the only person that I could think of who is similar to Robinson, in today's world, would be President Obama. Like Robison, President Obama has ventured into an area that has traditionally been for white males only. He too has faced incredible criticism and obstacles, with all of America watching.
ReplyDeleteThis article about Jackie Robinson is just another example of how African Americans were unfairly discriminated against. Every time I read anything associated with the injustices that African Americans suffered, I cannot help but feel irritated. It is unbelievable to me that many people had to undergo undesirable circumstances before equality and desegregation was accomplished. Also, in the article Jackie Robinson serves as an example that perseverance and commitment can help overcome any struggle. It is admirable how Jackie Robinson could withstand such conflicts in order to move on with his goal and serve as a role model to his community. It is individuals like Jackie Robinson that motivate others to accomplish their dreams.
ReplyDeleteThe only person I can think of like Jackie is President Obama. He is the first African-American president, and has to put up with all the slander others say about him. He has to be an example for other African-Americans, and set the path for those like him, to make it an easier ride. Just like Robinson, he is the start of acceptance. Robinson the first African-American baseball player showed that everyone has an opportunity and it is worth fighting for. President Obama, has to endure ridicule, but he now can prove that African –Americans are just as capable of running this country as anyone else. The importance of this story, is to show how people have to sacrifice and the hell they have to go through to be successful and to make a difference. Robinson may have had to keep his mouth shut in this new league, and had to go through a bad trip to get to Daytona to try out, but in the end he became a legend and opened the door for African-Americans to have the right to play baseball in the Major Leagues. He bridged the gap of segregation with baseball. Now, people think nothing about African – Americans playing baseball and they have equal treatment, just as it should be. This hopefully will be the same for future presidents, where America thinks nothing of skin color, or gender and realizes anyone is capable of running this country.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother grew up in the South. She was just a little girl, and grew up thinking that is just how things are. It is hard to imagine people being treated like he was. What is harder to imagine is how he reacted. He was treated like a nobody, even less at times, yet he was able to keep his cool through it all. That is what kept his actions legitimate. He was able to lead the way through the role he was opening up for others, as well as providing a great example of how to react to adversity. This is a lesson that can be learned by all. Without rolemodels such as Robinson, we would go around thinking that things can stay just the way they are. He helped pave the way, and he did it with poise.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement, unfortunately, it took some individuals to go through certain life experiences to bring awareness to the community. Even though things have changed dramatically through the years, there are communities who continue to hold the same mindset from those years. I believe that we all should take history in consideration, put ourselves in the other persons place, and think before we judge because we all tend to do it consciously or not. We are humans, but we also have control of our own behaviors. Changing the man in the mirror will always be the first step! I love Michael Jackson’s song! : )
DeleteI agree with you. Sometimes we forget that we can make a difference. If you feel something is wrong with society or anything, things don't have to stay that way. I'm glad there were role models that were willing to endure situations to hopefully make a difference for others.
DeleteJackie Robinson is a name I have heard before; I didn’t know much about him other than him being the first African American to play in an all white baseball league. I knew that he went through plenty of hardships due to the white community not being very happy about him joining the league. I knew someone once who told me that Robinson was their hero and I agreed that he was someone that should be considered a hero, because any normal person wouldn’t have gone through what he went through. Most people would have thought it was too dangerous to try and change the world, especially if they had just gotten married because not only would they putting themselves in danger they’d also be putting their loved ones in danger as well. To have the strength to overcome all those obstacles is truly amazing, but to do it without ever once fighting back is even more remarkable. Jackie Robinson is truly a remarkable person who will always be remembered for the great things he did and the doors he opened to help other people like him. I can’t think of anyone today that is changing the world as much as he did.
ReplyDeleteSomeone who seems similar to Robinson today is the rap artist, Eminem. He is a white man who became not only one of the best rap artists but he became a rap artist when most of the rappers are black. Before reading this article, I did not know who Jackie Robinson was. He strikes me, though, as being an incredibly brave person to be able to go against the grain of things in a time when he might have been killed for doing so. Probably the only reason that he wasn't hurt or worse was because, at that time, he was in the lime light and there would have been no getting away with it. Also truly a brave person was Robinson's wife of only three weeks who accompanied him to Florida. She must have truly loved that man to be able to risk her own life like that to support him in his dreams and to make things better for other people of color.
ReplyDeleteThe article was definitely an interesting read. I too, had not heard the name of Jackie Robinson before reading the article. After reading the article, I realized that he was one of many historical individuals. As I read about his experience in the bus during his military career, I thought, ok, so he was a “lieutenant” in the Army, which in my understanding is a position of leadership. Therefore, how is it that a person with a position like a lieutenant, is discharged from the Army because he refuses to sit in the back of a “city” bus. I understand that racism was heartless at that time. The story reminded me of Rosa Parks who also refused to sit in the back of the bus. I do believe that individuals like Robinson and Parks provided society with eye-opening situations that not only created history but also pushed for a change for equality. I am sad to say that racism continues to exist. Thinking back when President Obama was first running his campaign, everyone raised concerns about his skin color. Failing to evaluate President Obama for the individual he was at that time and what he had to offer for our country. He is an individual who I believe was determined and had to be well prepared for what his experience could have conveyed for him. Like the article, President Obama was not “solo” on his experience he also had to protect his wife and his children from the unkind societal remarks and wrongdoing.
ReplyDeleteFrom the 1960's onward, American society has become progressively tolerant, and even promoting, of not only racial diversity, but cultural and ethnic diversity as well. We celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. and Cesar Chavez with their own respective holidays, and every calendar that indicates Christmas or Independence Day most likely also indicates “Cinco de Mayo,” Hanukah, and Kwanza. While slavery during the 1800’s, and immigration and segregation during the first half of the 20th century constituted the nation’s precarious history with social rights and equality issues, the pressing topics in America today tend to highlight tensions between social classes, or the rulers and the ruled, rather than between ethnic or racial groups. For example, the Occupy Wall Street movement revealed the public’s frustrations with wealth distribution, and was a response to the greed and irresponsibility of the banks and big-money market players whose self-serving decisions led to the latest economic recession. Ever since the housing bubble of 2007 erupted, leading to the domino effect of bank bailouts, trading with money that doesn’t exist, and an economic catastrophe that put millions of Americans out of work, the public has started to realize the importance of of paying attention to what their leaders are doing behind closed doors. The irresponsibility of administrators in the Federal Reserve, white house and congress that have led to the economic frustrations Americans deal with today has taught them that they cannot trust those vested with the power to make such significant decisions to make the right ones when left unmonitored. The demand for truthful information about what goes on behind closed doors has become so significant in the last several years, there is a war over transparency and freedom of speech brewing in modern day America, with images and slogans that harken back to the frustrations of people that led to the American Revolution in the 1970’s. Other events that reflect this modern paradigm are the emergence of the T.E.A. Party, the Stop Cyber Spying campaign, and the emergence of other internet activists such as Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. Therefore, I will argue that Assange is comparable to Jackie Robinson, because he is a pioneer in the movements that defend such virtues as freedom of speech, transparency, and freedom of the press. Though the acts of encouraging sources to steal information from the government’s top secret files have led to his punishment, he is an icon for those who still believe in the virtues he is trying to defend. I believe his punishment is only the beginning of an exciting battle between the people and the government that will lead to more transparency and others following in his footsteps to ensure that the public does not remain in the dark about what their leaders are really up to.
ReplyDeleteThe importance of Robinson’s story is that it shows how cruel humans can be to each other with no reasoning at all. Racism ran so rampant during that time because it was a tradition. There were was no reasoning behind it, but it had been passed down through generations of white families that black people were “bad.” A similar person does exist: President Barack Obama. He defeated many odds to become the first black president in our history. Although I don’t necessarily agree with all of his policies, he did set a precedent saying that people other than white men can run this country. Once he was elected, the backlash astounded me a bit. Friends I knew that never seemed to be racist had all kinds of problems with him simply because he was black. Many of the issues from back in the 40’s seemed to arise—issues that I thought had been put to rest with desegregation. I’m sure Obama knew when he ran for president he would be up against strong opposition simply because of his skin color, but that didn’t stop him. That is similar to Robinson’s story in that Obama does not acknowledge the ignorant, racist people that dislike him, but he simply does his job with integrity.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know too much about Jackie Robinson's story before reading this article. I just knew that he had been an influential figure in baseball, especially in breaking racial barriers. After reading this article, though, it reminded me of President Obama's story, especially after the election. I live in a very small community and I know a number of individuals who made racial epithets in the days following his win. Although I know the position of President to be open to abuse, it bothered me that he hadn't had a day in office yet and people were already judging him and his decisions, even though he hadn't made any yet!
ReplyDeleteThe election of President Obama is an important and very big step for individuals in the African American community, just as Jackie Robinson's being signed to a baseball team was. It's sad that it's taken the United States this long to take these steps, but hopefully it will lead to a more integrated and accepting "melting pot."
Jackie Robinson’s story is important because it highlights the difference between slavery as an institution and racism as an ideology. Although slavery as a formal institution was ended, the feelings that people held toward newly freed slaves and towards African-Americans in general were not going to erase themselves overnight. Jackie Robinson was put into a very precarious position where he had to be mindful of his every action so as not to prove right those who doubted that integration could work. In a way he helped show that Black Americans and White Americans could co-exist and that Black Americans where capable of accomplishing great things when given the opportunity. The story also helps illustrate the complexity of dealing with racism as an ideology. Not only were Jackie and his wife trying to find their place within the situation, but white America was trying to find a way of processing the idea that Black Americans are equal to White Americans. The behavior of White Americans shows the dissonance between their belief in equality and justice for all, and how that applied to the Black community. The disconnect between these, to White Americans, competing ideals caused them to lash out violently and “other” the Black community in an attempt to keep them from appearing fully human and therefore eligible to all the rights and protections under the law.
ReplyDeleteWhile I find comparing stories of different movements to be potentially problematic because it can lessen the experience of the person or group to whom the event belongs, I can see how the Arizona laws could be viewed in the same light. Although I have no specific examples and I think illegal immigrants are afforded more legal protection because of the civil rights movement, I do believe that some of the laws the State of Arizona has enacted regarding the illegal immigrant population could and probably has led to racial profiling and the harassment of the Hispanic population. I believe what Arizona has done is shameful and has caused civil rights to regress. Although I do not believe the two are necessarily the same, I can see some similarities. Perhaps we would all be better served to remember stories like Jackie Robinson’s so that history does not repeat itself.
Wow, this article was sad and eye opening. Many times we forget of what other people must go through so that things could change in the future, for the better. Jackie Robinson’s story is important because he is a person who made a difference. He opened the door for other black men, as they called it in the article he was “an experiment” to see if baseball could be integrated. He went though much abuse and discrimination and it would have been easy for him to quit but he would have, baseball would not have been integrated. He sacrificed his security and the security of his wife so that his race could see better days. I’m not much of a sports person but I do remember hearing about a Chinese basketball player named Yao Ming from the Huston Rockets. I don’t think he went through as much discrimination as Jackie Robinson because even though there is discrimination I don’t think it’s as bad as it used to be. Like Robinson, most of the Chinese race had their hopes on Yao Ming; everyone was watching him criticizing his every move. People like Jackie Robinson and Yao Ming inspire people not to give up and even though they get mistreated and judged they have to, like the article says, “have guts enough not to fight back”. This is important because if they fight back they will lose the chance of doing something historical and if they don’t fight back they actually get the chance to prove that they deserve to be there.
ReplyDeleteI do not know much about baseball or its history but this story seems like a significant one. I am aware that there has been a lot of racism and discrimination in the past. It's crazy how far we've come. It's also crazy how some things are meant to happen. If it wasn't for the chain of events that occurred, he would not have become the person they chose to integrate baseball. I'm sure this was a big event that helped integrate other sports. I don't know if I would have been able to handle the pressure of representing my race. I'm sure it was difficult to handle all the comments and discrimination.
ReplyDeleteI have always admired the story of Jackie Robinson. He was a very brave and determined man. This story is very important because it taught people to get after their dreams no matter what. There will always be obstacles in your way, but we have to keep our eye on the prize. Because of Jackie Robinson there are now many baseball players from different countries. We have Latin American baseball players and African American baseball players. I think that Barrack Obama is similar to Jackie Robinson, because he was able to break the color barrier and become president. He had a goal in mind and he achieved it. Jackie Robinson definitely had an impact on Barrack Obama. Jackie Robinson's story has also affected many others in a positive way. Whether it's a Tim Tebow from the NFL or Jeremy Lin from the NBA. These athletes are doing something that is shocking sports fans. I believe that Jackie Robinson has taught many people to just get after their dream and ignore all the negative feedback. You don't have to be an athlete to be affected by Mr. Robinson. You can be a student who is trying to get an education. You can learn to ignore all the barriers and follow your dream.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Obama has had the similar impact as Jackie Robinson. Obama, Robinson and many other African Americans have broken the color barrier in several different fields and given others of color hope and inspiration that they too can be influential leaders. Despite all the negative criticism they were able to achieve their dreams and pave the way for many others.
DeleteAfter reading this article, I would have to say Jackie Robinson is very similar to Barack Obama. I think they both represent bravery and are both very unique. These stories are very important, for they define history. Years from now we will be teaching our children and grandchildren about how Barack Obama and Jackie Robison broke barriers. Jackie Robinson was the first African American male to play major league baseball, while recieving so much critism and hate. Robinson embodies bravery, courage, and strength as does Barack Obama. Barack Obama was critized because believed that he was muslim. Although he is not,I could never understand why that mattered, I thought we had moved past that, but I guess United States still hows some growing to do.
ReplyDeleteIn every major sport in the United States, there exists iconic figures which we easily recognize and connect to the sport they represent; Babe Ruth for baseball, Michael Jordan for basketball, Wayne Gretzy for hockey, etc. They also have nicknames attached to them as well; The Bambino, His Airness and The Great One. They are all important in one way or another, however, there is one athlete who is just as important, if not more, for he transcended the sport and touched society that even today he is recognized as one of the most influential in American History. His name is Jackie Robinson while many just call him “Jackie”. His participation in baseball as the first African American was a signature move for both baseball and sports in general. He paved the way for blacks, and all minorities for that matter, to participate in Major League Baseball.
ReplyDeleteIn my little world and perhaps in a much smaller scale, my mother, Rosalina Chavez-Rivera, is our community’s “Jackie”. In the state of California, there are more than 1,100 school districts, each one having a superintendant. They are the leader of each school community impacting the lives of over 6 million students. What makes my mom special is that she is one of only a dozen Hispanic females to hold such a position.
My mother came from Mexico as a non-English speaker at the age of 7 and has worked her way up to become what many in our community call her “El Orgullo Hispano” – The Pride of the Hispanics. She is proof to many Hispanics that they can overcome any obstacles to succeed just as mom has. Her life mirrors theirs’ in so many ways. Almost always, when I’m with my mom at a community event, students and adults approach her and tell her that is an inspiration to them. As mentioned earlier, their exits iconic figures in sports, well, in Delano, my mom is that figure for Hispanics.
Jackie Robinson opened the door and paved the way for blacks in baseball, my mom has encouraged the Hispanics, especially Hispanic females in our community, to further their education and make a positive impact on those around us. I’m very proud of her.