JUST A THOUGHT: The role of Women...

"So there I was: big, beautiful, dark young, and dumb." (166) Williamson allots a great deal of time discussing the "things" women possess which could help them advance in society. If you were to critique this text from a feminist perspective, what is your reaction to her mother's ways, or Mona's interactions with men or Williamson's acquistion of an education and the "angle" it gives her. When you reflect on the role of women in today's society what seems to be more important, "book sense" or "street smarts"? Use evidence from the text to support your answer

Nikki

Relationships are the hallmark of chapter three. Heatlthy or not, we see the relationships individuals partake in have a profound impact on the decisions they make. What seems to be equally important is the ways in which the characters view themseleves because this perspective also reflects the quality of the interactions with others. Identify and evaluate one of the relationships you deem significant in chapter 3. Describe what you found interesting about the relationship and explain how the character is shaped, if at all, by the relationship in which they are engaged. If the relationship has an impact on them, explain how. If not, explain why. Or you can choose to discuss another point that you found important in this chapter. You decide.

As I digress...from MIKE BROWN to ERIC GARNER

At a moment when millions and millions of people in this country—and around the world—are confronting fundamental questions of what's wrong with this system that over and over and over again murders Black men and lets the police go free, many wonder if all this can be fundamentally changed, and if so, how... Share your thoughts here. The same rules apply. Write your post and respond to two peers. Don't simply address the problem. POSE SOLUTIONS!

Nathan

College is considered a "different world" for several reasons. Although Nathan is referring to Woodson's text, Mis-Education of the Negro, when he tells Souljah, "It'll definitely open your eyes to whats going on in the world," this statement encompasses the experiences and exposure Souljah receives during her tenure at an institution of higher learning. Having read chapter 2 of No Disrespect, discuss the underlying theme, as you have interpreted it, with evidence from the text. Remember you must respond to a peer's post to receive full credit. Challenge each other's views. Question each other's perspective. Push each other to think deeply about the issues and concerns being raised.

Mother

Agatha Christie said, “A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity. It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path." In what ways does this quote relate to the relationship Sister Souljah has with her mother? How would you describe their relationship? What do you believe is the most important lesson Souljah learns from her mother? How do you believe Souljah is impacted by this relationship (the negative aspect and/or the positive aspects)? Remeber, your discussion must be supported by specific details from the text. Write one post and comment on two post

A Note from Sister Souljah...

In her text, No Disrespect, Sister Souljah seeks to dispel the generational root of confusion among minorities.  She believes, “it is a mentality that functions with or without permission, on both a conscious and subconscious level,” and since we fail to discuss the problem, it becomes “a problem rooted in a forbidden topic” (Souljah, xi).   Thus, the text is a candid and realistic retelling of Souljah’s life experiences at a time synonymous with our young people.  She offers a collage of mistakes, scars and smiles in hopes young people will gain an understanding of love and life and they will have a chance to save themselves the pain of ignorance.  It is a work of non-fiction that lets “parents see the real lives that their children must prepare for” (Souljah, xv).

After listening to her "Note" at the opening of the text, provide a reaction to some of the ideas she presents.  Be sure to proofread your response and do not forget to respond to a post from one of your peers.