I am a firm believer that writing definately has the power to enact social change. You may not realize it on a day to day basis, but some of the most famous pieces of writings in history have dramatically changed the course of our world. Political writings such as the Declaration of Independence have shaped nations and affected each and every person living in them. Religious writings such as the Bible and the Koran became the foundations of cultures around the world. They have created feelings of peace among people, but have also started many wars.
June Jordan's "The Bombing of Baghdad" is an excellent example of writing for social change. She speaks out against a war that she firmly believes is wrong. The poem is full of emotions and Jordan creates vivid images of the chaos of battle and the people being affected by it. She makes the reader feel the pain and the loss that war causes. She makes the reader see that there was no reason for so many lives to be so violently ended. I think that we need to pay more attention to writings like this. Some people may think that writers like Jordan are just "hippies" or that poems like "The Bombing of Baghdad" are just a waste of time, but people can greatly benefit from reading these things. We need to pay attention to writers because, for better or for worse, their words have the power to cause great changes.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Price of a Child Assignment
Mia DeSimone
January 30, 2009
Mr. Fiorini
English III
Dear Tyree,
I feel that writing this letter to you is nothing short of my obligation to you as a person and a friend. I will never be able to fully express my gratitude toward you and your family. You helped my children and I through some very difficult and frightening times. You always made us feel welcome. You gave my children the family they never had. Most importantly, you saved Bennie's life.
I was well aware that Pryor would never sell Bennie to me. I never even considered the idea. After much searching, I was lucky enough to find a very kind white man who is against slavery to go to Pryor and buy him for me. I was so afraid that the plan wouldn't work, but by some miracle it did. We are now a true family again. I am thankful every single day because I never imagined this could happen. Although so many good things have happened, I still feel heartbroken in a way. All of us felt this when we had to leave your family. Etta and Mattie miss having someone their own age to play with. Africana and Cyrus were like cousins to them. And most of all, I miss you.
We both know very well that because of our situation, you and I couldn't be what we wanted to be. I cared for you very much, and I know you cared for me. Even though we couldn't be together, you brought a new life to me. You restored a hope in me that died when Etta's father was killed. I thought it was gone forever. You will always be the person who made me believe in love again. Thank you.
There are still difficulties in our lives. Life as a free black woman isn’t exactly what I thought it would be. We are now renting a small apartment in New York until we can afford a little place of our own. I found a job at a bakery, but it isn't much.
Sometimes everything becomes very overwhelming. Sometimes I want to break down and run back to you and your home. But I know that's not possible, and I know that I am stronger than that. I now know that I am strong enough to get through anything. You are the one who showed me that and I will never forget it.
Hopefully, we will be able to visit you all again one day. Until then, please send my best wishes and eternal thanks to your family.
Sincerely,
Mercer Gray
January 30, 2009
Mr. Fiorini
English III
Dear Tyree,
I feel that writing this letter to you is nothing short of my obligation to you as a person and a friend. I will never be able to fully express my gratitude toward you and your family. You helped my children and I through some very difficult and frightening times. You always made us feel welcome. You gave my children the family they never had. Most importantly, you saved Bennie's life.
I was well aware that Pryor would never sell Bennie to me. I never even considered the idea. After much searching, I was lucky enough to find a very kind white man who is against slavery to go to Pryor and buy him for me. I was so afraid that the plan wouldn't work, but by some miracle it did. We are now a true family again. I am thankful every single day because I never imagined this could happen. Although so many good things have happened, I still feel heartbroken in a way. All of us felt this when we had to leave your family. Etta and Mattie miss having someone their own age to play with. Africana and Cyrus were like cousins to them. And most of all, I miss you.
We both know very well that because of our situation, you and I couldn't be what we wanted to be. I cared for you very much, and I know you cared for me. Even though we couldn't be together, you brought a new life to me. You restored a hope in me that died when Etta's father was killed. I thought it was gone forever. You will always be the person who made me believe in love again. Thank you.
There are still difficulties in our lives. Life as a free black woman isn’t exactly what I thought it would be. We are now renting a small apartment in New York until we can afford a little place of our own. I found a job at a bakery, but it isn't much.
Sometimes everything becomes very overwhelming. Sometimes I want to break down and run back to you and your home. But I know that's not possible, and I know that I am stronger than that. I now know that I am strong enough to get through anything. You are the one who showed me that and I will never forget it.
Hopefully, we will be able to visit you all again one day. Until then, please send my best wishes and eternal thanks to your family.
Sincerely,
Mercer Gray
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