The Past is Always Present
The reason I choose Robert, aside from his age requirement, I value his opinion. I know his extensive knowledge and passion for history and I thought he would have a well-rounded viewpoint on this particular topic and could speak to the issues of the past and present. I wanted someone who would be honest and truthful, not try and sugar coat their opinions on this matter and someone who would answer using facts not just feelings.
This interview was done over face time due to the distance; I was unable to do it in person. Although I would prefer to do it in person, the “face to face” interaction was still there. This made me realize the significance in technological advancements and although it is not a perfect substitute for in person it is a fantastic option.
The main theme of this interview was history. I wanted the shooting to be the inspiration, not the focus of discussion. There are so many questions, consequence and repercussions of the actions of that day, however it is part of a bigger picture, one that extends hundreds of years in the past. I directed the interview so that the history of African Americans was brought up in comparison to today’s society and in order to see weather or not we as a country have progressed since the 1600’s. An unexpected theme that came up was that of gun laws and how its not just about killing with a gun, that killing comes from an emotion and a motive and with that a gun is just a medium to carry out that motive. Another theme to arise was other minorities and how racism can extend past African Americans, that this shooting represents all acts of violence against every race.
There were many highlights. When he brought to light the idea that if Martin Luther King Jr. where to still be alive, this wouldn’t have happened and referenced that racism and the violence would be practically obsolete. Along with this when discussing Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War period. This was an important and vital time in black history because it is when there was a new wave of motion and even 200 years later the debate of the Confederate flag is still relevant today. It was difficult when politics came more into play than I would have hoped, but I knew what I was getting into, I choose a man who knows politics and the timeline of them.
I did not have the confidence as I did prior to this class, it has pushed me and allowed for me to express myself and my opinions in a method that is comfortable and effective. I had a better sense of what questions to ask, the important ones are questions that dig deeper, they don’t scratch the surface of the issue at hand but bring about new topics and can pull from multiple points in history to explain the one topic.
This interview was done over face time due to the distance; I was unable to do it in person. Although I would prefer to do it in person, the “face to face” interaction was still there. This made me realize the significance in technological advancements and although it is not a perfect substitute for in person it is a fantastic option.
The main theme of this interview was history. I wanted the shooting to be the inspiration, not the focus of discussion. There are so many questions, consequence and repercussions of the actions of that day, however it is part of a bigger picture, one that extends hundreds of years in the past. I directed the interview so that the history of African Americans was brought up in comparison to today’s society and in order to see weather or not we as a country have progressed since the 1600’s. An unexpected theme that came up was that of gun laws and how its not just about killing with a gun, that killing comes from an emotion and a motive and with that a gun is just a medium to carry out that motive. Another theme to arise was other minorities and how racism can extend past African Americans, that this shooting represents all acts of violence against every race.
There were many highlights. When he brought to light the idea that if Martin Luther King Jr. where to still be alive, this wouldn’t have happened and referenced that racism and the violence would be practically obsolete. Along with this when discussing Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War period. This was an important and vital time in black history because it is when there was a new wave of motion and even 200 years later the debate of the Confederate flag is still relevant today. It was difficult when politics came more into play than I would have hoped, but I knew what I was getting into, I choose a man who knows politics and the timeline of them.
I did not have the confidence as I did prior to this class, it has pushed me and allowed for me to express myself and my opinions in a method that is comfortable and effective. I had a better sense of what questions to ask, the important ones are questions that dig deeper, they don’t scratch the surface of the issue at hand but bring about new topics and can pull from multiple points in history to explain the one topic.
Whatever happened to the values of humanity. Whatever happened to the fairness and equality.
Instead of spreading love we're spreading animosity. Lack of understanding, leading us away from unity - The Black Eyed Peas
I Have a Dream
The words of a great man, speaker and activist. What would he preach today? What would he have to say of what we have become?