Post by Mr. Wells on Nov 9, 2007 12:03:20 GMT -5
For this task, please read chapters 2 through 10 in The Grapes of Wrath and chapters 3 and 8 in Fast Food Nation
This past week, you learned and discussed the events that led up to the Oklahoma Dust Bowl, the response of the federal government as well as that of the California government, and -- most importantly -- the plight of the farmers who were forced to abandon homes, their land, and in some cases their families.
As a nation and as individuals of this nation, we like to think that we've made strides. We like to think that each subsequent generation is more advanced and generally better off than the previous generation. More enlightened, even. We point to our country's postponement of help while hundreds of thousands were being killed during the holocaust and say "never again." Darfur, anyone? www.darfurgenocide.org/learn.php We claim we will never make the mistakes our fathers, their fathers, their fathers made. Is this the case?
In The Grapes of Wrath, the Joads are but one displaced family out of thousands who were forced to move to try to find a better existence. Though a fictional family, the events on which the novel is based are all too true.
In chapters 3 and 8 of Fast Food Nation, Schlosser explores the plight of a different band of workers, many of whom are migrants as the Joads were.
Each book makes compelling arguments, though the manners in which those arguments are made share similarities and differences.
Assignment
Using specific details in the context of your discussion, evaluate the arguments each author makes regarding America's treatment -- either directly or indirectly -- of its poorest wage earners. Which writer's argument is more effective? (You might want to consider the appeals each author uses.) Finally, what conclusions can you draw from the juxtaposition of the Joads' plight with that of the workers portrayed in Fast Food Nation?
This assignment is equal parts judgment call and emotional response. At its core, the assignment asks you to respond to how each book makes you feel, to which book moves you more.
Post your response by Wednesday, November 21st. Post your reply to a classmate’s response by Thursday, November 22nd.
I look forward to your insightful responses ;D.
This past week, you learned and discussed the events that led up to the Oklahoma Dust Bowl, the response of the federal government as well as that of the California government, and -- most importantly -- the plight of the farmers who were forced to abandon homes, their land, and in some cases their families.
As a nation and as individuals of this nation, we like to think that we've made strides. We like to think that each subsequent generation is more advanced and generally better off than the previous generation. More enlightened, even. We point to our country's postponement of help while hundreds of thousands were being killed during the holocaust and say "never again." Darfur, anyone? www.darfurgenocide.org/learn.php We claim we will never make the mistakes our fathers, their fathers, their fathers made. Is this the case?
In The Grapes of Wrath, the Joads are but one displaced family out of thousands who were forced to move to try to find a better existence. Though a fictional family, the events on which the novel is based are all too true.
In chapters 3 and 8 of Fast Food Nation, Schlosser explores the plight of a different band of workers, many of whom are migrants as the Joads were.
Each book makes compelling arguments, though the manners in which those arguments are made share similarities and differences.
Assignment
Using specific details in the context of your discussion, evaluate the arguments each author makes regarding America's treatment -- either directly or indirectly -- of its poorest wage earners. Which writer's argument is more effective? (You might want to consider the appeals each author uses.) Finally, what conclusions can you draw from the juxtaposition of the Joads' plight with that of the workers portrayed in Fast Food Nation?
This assignment is equal parts judgment call and emotional response. At its core, the assignment asks you to respond to how each book makes you feel, to which book moves you more.
Post your response by Wednesday, November 21st. Post your reply to a classmate’s response by Thursday, November 22nd.
I look forward to your insightful responses ;D.