Hello everyone,
This is an email for all of you at home! Here is the work to do this week.
Students, there is a lot going on in the world right now. We are talking about racism in school. This is an appropriate time given that we finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird and given the current state of the world. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you feel uncomfortable talking about this topic. I hope that we can learn together to make this world a better place.
1) Reflect on your identity. What is your skin color? Your gender? Your religion? Your mother-tongue (langue maternelle)? Your political views (if you have them)? Is there a part of your country that you identify with? For example, basque, etc. How do you identify yourself? For example sister, brother, son, daughter, leader, artist, athlete, friend, clown, etc…. Keep all that in mind.
2) Watch this video to get us talking about race: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXow7olFyIM
3) Please go here and watch the video then look at the questions: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/daily-videos/the-death-of-george-floyd-sets-off-massive-protests/
WORK TO DO IF YOU ARE AT HOME: please respond to these questions on a google doc and send to me. If you are at school please pick one and respond and be ready to discuss on Wednesday. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/daily-videos/the-death-of-george-floyd-sets-off-massive-protests/
– Essential question: What sparked the protests after the killing of George Floyd and why have they spread to other cities?
– Floyd’s death was captured on video. The widely shared video shows images of a Minneapolis police officer kneeling on Floyd’s neck. How do you think the reaction to Floyd’s death would be different if the incident hadn’t been captured on video?
– Councilwoman Andrea Jenkins describes the killing of Floyd as symbolic of deeper societal problems. She makes a connection between his death and disproportionate health outcomes due to loosening of environmental regulations as well as the disproportionate effects of COVID-19 on communities of color. What is your response?
– Stories of violence and police brutality can be upsetting. If you are upset by this story, who is a trusted adult you can speak with? If you are not sure, ask your teacher.
– Media literacy: The footage of Floyd with a knee on his neck may be difficult for viewers to watch and has been excluded from this video clip. Why do you think that decision was made? Do you think it’s important to show viewers violent footage like this? Why or why not?
4) Please read this article discussing what Pope Francis has encouraged us to do: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pope-francis-condemns-george-floyd-death-racism/
Lastly, please take the time to talk about this topic with your family. Please let me know if you have any questions. I am here for you!!!