For the Students, by the Students

This week’s topics were supplied by two students; you can respond to one or both. Enjoy!

By Marvin Clarke: “Hangout Session”

If you could hang out with any famous person, who would it be, what would you do, and why would you choose to do that certain thing with that person?

By James Singleton: “Teens and Sex”

Teens nowadays are jumping head first into having sex, which is not good. Teens between the ages of 13 and 17 are having multiple sex partners and sometimes unprotected sex. Do you think it’s all right for teens to have sex at an early age?

Obama 2012

Recently, President Obama has gotten a popularity boost due to the capture and killing of Osama bin Laden, which some say secured his reelection in 2012. Do you think President Obama should be reelected? What do you think his chances are? Use facts and logical arguments to support your view. If you disagree with someone else's view, remember to disagree without being disagreeable.

A fun website I found for evidence: http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/ (It doesn't have older achievements, such as the huge health care bill.)

Sacrifice

Amir is about to return to Kabul, Afghanistan to save Sohrab and risk everything, including his own life. This week's blog is about sacrifice. Respond to one of the options below:

a) Is Amir right or wrong to risk his life for Sohrab? Does it really change anything if he finds him and brings him to Pakistan?

b) Is there anyone you would risk everything for? What experiences with this person make you feel that way?

c) What is the greatest sacrifice you have ever made? Why was it a major sacrifice, and what made you decide to do what you did?

LIFE AS A TEEN

You are blindfolded and put on an airplane. You have no clue the whereabouts of your final destination; however, you know that it is out of the country. Suddenly, you wake up and find out you are in the Middle East and you have a private tour guide who is a teenager that lives there. What are 5 questions that you would ask him/her about this region of the world and write down what you think you will encounter on your two week stay. DUE WEDNESDAY, April 13th at midnight.

Hot Topics!

Since we didn't get to meet to choose topics, you can select one of the EIGHT hot topics generated by 2nd and 5th period. Look over the posts at fdatalks.blogspot.com and fdawater.blogspot.com and choose one to respond to on THIS blog. As always, keep in mind that I will not approve posts that are carelessly written or are too short.

Friends--How Many of Us Have Them?

By Pauline Kornegay
What is the true definition of a friend? Do you have true friends, or are the people you associate with just associates? 

Remember also that this is an online discussion; you can respond to others' comments, refer to appropriate websites, etc. I WILL NOT post responses that are too short or very carelessly written. Get it together!

Corporal Punishment

By Adrielle Knowles:

Is it okay for parents to use corporal punishment (physical punishment)? Why or why not?

From Mr. Jordan:

What do you think of the arguments in this article? Which reasons do you think are good ones, and which ones aren't so persuasive?

This week, I invite you to see the different blog topics on the other sites. You can also post your thoughts. Go to fdatalks.blogspot.com to see 2nd period's topic and fdawater.blogspot.com to see 5th period's.

Imagine This

As an experiment, the Ku Klux Klan decided to find an intelligent black person to speak at a huge rally, and they chose you! What will you say? Compose a mini-speech of 350 to 550 words. You could speak out against racism, try to convince them of their error of their ways, etc. Remember that your response must be written as a mini-speech.

***As with any school assignment, speak your mind intelligently and responsibly. I know, it's the KKK, but cursing or hateful language is not acceptable.

Is the Anti-Immigration Movement Racist?

Watch the video "Frontiers of Racism" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H0W97tLFHY&feature=pyv&ad=7602614251&kw=blacks. After watching the clip, explain how the new movement in our country against immigration is tied to historical racism. What myths have been spread, and what facts have been hidden? What is the true reason nativists oppose immigration?

Feel free to disagree with the perspective shown in the video, as long as your response relates to it.

For extra credit, watch another video from NativismWatchTV.

Remember also that the minimum is 350 words. Short or very poorly written responses will not be accepted.

Is age really just a number?

As the late R&B singer, Aaliyah, once said, "age ain't nothing but a number."  Do you agree or disagree with this quote in relation to Patria marrying Pedrito at the young age of seventeen in IBF?  Patria is the same age of a junior in high school (YOU).  If you found true love, would you marry someone at the age of seventeen?  Why or why not?  What are 3-4 important factors that you would heavily consider before making this choice?  If you even talked about getting married now,what would be the reaction of your family, friends, etc and why?

Dreams & Goals Make Futures

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -Eleanor Roosevelt

What are some of your dreams and aspirations (hopes) in life? What do you want for yourself? What do you want for others? What would help make those dreams a reality? Step outside the box on this one; don't just write the usual stuff about wanting millions of dollars, being a celebrity, or things like that. What are some of the accomplishments you could strive for that would make a major mark, or even inspire future generations of young people?

For bonus credit, find a powerful quotation about dreams or goals and add it to your discussion.