Jonathan Kozol A Reflection

I originally made a movie about my experience with seeing Jonathan Kozol and listening to his words. After viewing the movie, over and over again, I felt like it really didn't represent what I saw and what I learned from him. I found him to be sweet and nice. I am not sure he would like to be referenced that way, but I thought he was truly sympathetic to teachers and what they are going through. He also had such a compassion and love for children that it was infectious. His energy level was none like I had seen before. I was truly touched by his sensitivity to the poor and his passion for change. His conclusion was quite shocking. I really felt as though he had passed the torch to me and that it was my job to right the wrongs. His loss of Mr. Rogers and Sweetie Pie were very close to him and the fact that he shard that with us was very special. When we spoke about this the next day it was remarked over and over again how lucky we were to had seen him in this light. He had spoke earlier this year but did not include the ending that was reserved for us. The professors said that was special. I wonder if his health is failing and he knows. There was talk about it at breakfast and there was speculation, but I really hope and pray he is fine and healthy.

MASS MoCA A Reflection

MASS MoCA A Reflection

I was originally intimidated as Patrick talked about the art and what to expect. I really thought that I would have a difficult time understanding what I was seeing and how to interpret it. I immediately found myself breezing through, stopping, looking but not quite getting it. I stopped dead in my tracks when I walked into a room with a pair of boots in the sand. Scott and I started to talk about it. I realized that there was some deep meaning about the boots. Kevin had walked by and mentioned that the item in the back was a baby rattle, possibly representing his daughter. I was glad to have had that opportunity to be able to communicate with two folks that were able to help me see and understand what the artist was trying to say. From that point, I slowed down a little and read the cards in each room. Those cards were very useful. Two other items that I particularly loved were the jars from the artist’s life. Someone actually pointed out that it could have been two artists because of the way some of the tags were written. I also really like the three white paintings (which were actually done with a laser printer) with the lockets dangling. http://www.withoutsanctuary.org/ While looking around the internet for some more information I was able to find this site, which offers a pictorial essay about lynching in America. It is very sad.

One final note about today, Susan received a phone call shortly before group two had reconvened with her on the picnic tables. She spoke for a few seconds on the phone and then hung up. Her face looked different. She looked happy. She looked as though a weight had just been lifted from her shoulders. She immediately said, “I just got good news about my house.” She was actually beaming. I found that for the first 4 days, Susan had looked tired, worn down. Her entire demeanor had changed after the phone conversation. I was thankful to have my camera and be able to capture the moment on film.

Crisis

So I thought tonight I was just going to the movies. Well was I suprised. The movie was interesting and it deffinately opened my eyes to something I had never really known before. I felt very badly for Vivian http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivian_Malone and James http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Hood that were in some ways pawns to have to stand up for an entire race's fight. I couldn't imagine being that brave. It must have been frightening and a little nerve racking at some points for them. But that wasn't the surprising part, it was the conversation that followed. Now thats when things got interesting. I was really suprised at the words and accusations that were filling the room. I think a lot people walked away a little upset and felt as though they were put in a group that rightfully they should not have been put in. I have an anxious feeling for what the next few days will bring. I hope that things don't get out of hand and I hope that folks can peacefully talk about things and not accuse anyone. These wrongs happened long before I was born, the only thing I can do is teach to all and give all a fair chance.

Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina A Reflection
Hopes that schools and people will one day soon return the area.