One of the questions in the week 3 ethical dilemma is, "If you knew you were going to die before the end of the semester, what one thing would you like to do before you die?" Not one student ever said, "I'd like to vote." Yet, Frank Tanabe, a 93-year-old World War II Veteran, diagnosed with inoperable cancer, made a decision to stay alive until he could vote just one last time. A few days later he died. Mr. Tanabe saw voting as a right, a duty and a responsibility as an American citizen.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/10/22/picture-wwii-vet-3-casting-ballot-in-hawaii-captures-hearts/
A Short History Lesson: After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941, which essentially brought America into WWII, over 100,000 Japanese-Americans were forced into "internment camps" during the war. The US Government was fearful that these Americans were loyal to Japan. Frank Tanabe and his family were among these thousands of Japanese-Americans forced from their homes and their lives. Frank was forced to withdrawal from the University of Washington and locked up. Yet, while at the internment camp, he decided to enlist in the US Army and played a key role in interrogating Japanese prisoners during the war. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal last year for his service to his country.
Author's Perspective: Many of you are still too young to vote, but please take a moment to understand the importance of your right to vote in this country. This right should not be taken for granted. Women were not allowed to vote until 1920. Study the Civil Rights movement in the South to understand the history of African-American voting in this country. Voting is a civil liberty and many have fought and died to protect this and other liberties.
American Voter Turnout: In 2008 we saw the largest turnout of American voters ever - 64%. That's right, 36% of Americans with the right to vote (18 or older, not in prison, not previously convicted of a felony and sane) decided not to vote. Was it a burden? An inconvenience? Apathy? My opinion is that if you give up your right to vote, you also give up your right to complain!
Please learn the issues. Read up on the candidates and the proposals. Watch CNBC and then watch Fox News to get both sides. Don't believe a 30 second advertisement designed to sway uninformed voters. Do your own research. The only thing worse than a a non-voter is an uninformed voter.
Your Turn:
1) If you could vote in this year's election, would you? why or why not? Would you be an informed voter or an uninformed voter? Would you still vote if it was a cold and rainy day?
2) Do you find Frank Tanabe's story to be inspiring? Despite all the discimination he faced, why do you think he felt so strongly about voting?
3) Mr. Tanabe saw voting as a right, a duty and a responsibility as an American citizen. Do you agree? Do you think it's your right not to vote?
Mr. Tanabe died shortly after filling out his absentee ballot.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Bullying...Just Plain Mean
When Whitney found out she was nominated for homecoming queen, she was surprised... giddy... elated. When she logged on to Facebook later that day, she discovered that her nomination was a joke and she felt humiliated... devastated... suicidal.
It's difficult to believe that this story could occur, particularly in a small town within my home state of Michigan. It stands to reason that many students thought it would be funny to vote for Whitney just so they could make fun of her. Many students had to think this was a good idea. They must have seen this as no big deal. Not one of these students put a stop to it, told the administration what was going on or cared that this was just plain mean. Shame on them!
To her credit, Whitney decided to show up... to show up those bullies who thought her nomination was a joke... to show up on homecoming night and represent her sophomore class with pride. Instead of letting the situation define her, Whitney defined the situation. Good for her!
To the town's credit, the community decided to take a stand... to stand up for Whitney... to stand against bullying... to stand against being mean. A dress shop donated her dress, a florist donated flowers and a salon did her hair and nails for the big event. Good for them!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzlqBh9Jyh0&feature=related (local story - 2 minutes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8PAf472QnM&feature=related (CNN - 2 minutes)
Your Turn
1) Why do you think someone would initially think this is a good idea?
2) Why did so many students go along with this idea? Why wouldn't someone just tell a teacher or the principal what was going on?
3) If you were the administration, what would you do in this situation?
4) How do you think Whitney, the school and town will be changed by this incident?
5) This became a national story covered by most of the cable news networks? Why? What do you think the moral of the story is?
It's difficult to believe that this story could occur, particularly in a small town within my home state of Michigan. It stands to reason that many students thought it would be funny to vote for Whitney just so they could make fun of her. Many students had to think this was a good idea. They must have seen this as no big deal. Not one of these students put a stop to it, told the administration what was going on or cared that this was just plain mean. Shame on them!
To her credit, Whitney decided to show up... to show up those bullies who thought her nomination was a joke... to show up on homecoming night and represent her sophomore class with pride. Instead of letting the situation define her, Whitney defined the situation. Good for her!
To the town's credit, the community decided to take a stand... to stand up for Whitney... to stand against bullying... to stand against being mean. A dress shop donated her dress, a florist donated flowers and a salon did her hair and nails for the big event. Good for them!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzlqBh9Jyh0&feature=related (local story - 2 minutes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8PAf472QnM&feature=related (CNN - 2 minutes)
Your Turn
1) Why do you think someone would initially think this is a good idea?
2) Why did so many students go along with this idea? Why wouldn't someone just tell a teacher or the principal what was going on?
3) If you were the administration, what would you do in this situation?
4) How do you think Whitney, the school and town will be changed by this incident?
5) This became a national story covered by most of the cable news networks? Why? What do you think the moral of the story is?
A Heart-Warming Story
At a major league baseball game this summer, two young fans tried to catch a baseball that was thrown into the stands by a player. Of course, one caught it and one didn't. The boy who caught the ball, Ian, celebrated and ran back to his seat. However, when he turned around, he saw the other boy crying. Without any prompting, he decided to give the ball to this boy.
The announcers saw all of this unfold and commented on this random act of kindness. They were so impressed by Ian's generosity that they decided to reward his selflessness. Ian received an autographed bat, was introduced to members of the team and threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the next night's game. They were highly praised for doing the right thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfF1m3-Dl_Q
Author's Perspective (Positive): When interviewed about the incident, Ian said, "My mom and dad taught me that way...so it just came natural." One announcer said, "That's good home training," while the other one commented, "That's a very well-bred young man." It reminded me of the enormous impact that parents and teachers have on the morality and the actions of young people. I hope all parents spend time teaching such values and virtues to their children.
Author's Perspective (Negative): The announcers commented, "I can't believe I just witnessed that... You, young man, are a star!" I might just be in a cynical mood, but is our world that void of character that we need to make such a fuss? Don't get me wrong, I thought it was a noble gesture and I also like to point out when people do the right thing. The announcers seem to be implying that they have never seen a fan do something so kind and/or they would not expect others in the same situation to do the same thing. ABC News thought it was such a shift from the norm that they decided to make Ian their national person of the week. My reaction to that is, "Really?" Has our society dipped that low? Are "we" really that mean? Uncaring? Selfish? Is Ian one in a thousand kids, one a a hundred or is he pretty typical of what "you" would have done? I prefer to think the latter.
Your Turn:
1) Is Ian unique or is he pretty typical? Why or why not?
2) It's very easy to say what you would have done and to give yourself credit, but think of something that you really care about (like an autograph from your favorite celebrity) and ask yourself if you would have done the same thing? Take a poll in your class.
3) How much an impact do you think a parent has on a child's morality and behavior? What about teachers? Other adults? Friends? Who has influenced you the most?
The announcers saw all of this unfold and commented on this random act of kindness. They were so impressed by Ian's generosity that they decided to reward his selflessness. Ian received an autographed bat, was introduced to members of the team and threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the next night's game. They were highly praised for doing the right thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfF1m3-Dl_Q
Author's Perspective (Positive): When interviewed about the incident, Ian said, "My mom and dad taught me that way...so it just came natural." One announcer said, "That's good home training," while the other one commented, "That's a very well-bred young man." It reminded me of the enormous impact that parents and teachers have on the morality and the actions of young people. I hope all parents spend time teaching such values and virtues to their children.
Author's Perspective (Negative): The announcers commented, "I can't believe I just witnessed that... You, young man, are a star!" I might just be in a cynical mood, but is our world that void of character that we need to make such a fuss? Don't get me wrong, I thought it was a noble gesture and I also like to point out when people do the right thing. The announcers seem to be implying that they have never seen a fan do something so kind and/or they would not expect others in the same situation to do the same thing. ABC News thought it was such a shift from the norm that they decided to make Ian their national person of the week. My reaction to that is, "Really?" Has our society dipped that low? Are "we" really that mean? Uncaring? Selfish? Is Ian one in a thousand kids, one a a hundred or is he pretty typical of what "you" would have done? I prefer to think the latter.
Your Turn:
1) Is Ian unique or is he pretty typical? Why or why not?
2) It's very easy to say what you would have done and to give yourself credit, but think of something that you really care about (like an autograph from your favorite celebrity) and ask yourself if you would have done the same thing? Take a poll in your class.
3) How much an impact do you think a parent has on a child's morality and behavior? What about teachers? Other adults? Friends? Who has influenced you the most?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)