The Princess and the Frog

I brought my nephews and neice to see the Princess and the Frog yesterday. I couldn't help but notice what a change was made in Disney animation. For my research project I have been looking at how Disney films have changed there representations of minorities since they first started appearing. I have to say that The Princess and the Frog probably knocks all of there other animated films out of the water. The film does a good job at presenting diverse characters in all different roles, regardless of what race they are. I don't want to say to much because some of you may be considering going, but it was a great film.

Changes

So as I was sitting here trying to figure out what to write about I remembered a strory from my hometown. In my town of Falmouth, there is a really historical mansion and theatre (that used to be a stable). Some of you may have heard of it, it is called Highfield Hall. The original owners owned the buildings as well as numerous acres of land back in the early 1900's. They were a very wealthy family who summered down on the Cape from Boston. One day there daughter fell in love with the stable boy. When her father found out he killed her boyfriend, all because he was from a different economic class. When the daughter caught wind of this she took her own life. Today it is said that she still haunts the property, wandering around screaming her lovers name.

Some of you may be wondering what this has to do with class, but I thought it would be interesting to note how economics and relationships have changed. Less than a hundred years ago it was frowned upon to date outside of your class. Today that usually isn't a main thought of people when they look at a couple.

The picture you see posted is an image that they caught of the Ghost inside the hall.

Underserved Minorities in Schools

So the other day I went to a meeting for future teachers and we had a guest speaker. The speaker was discussing how one of the ways America has failed its students is through inclusion. All grades from early childhood through college are struggling to create an environment that is optimal for the learning of all students. We constantly gear education towards a certain group and fail to accomadate those who may come from a different background or home than most of the class. Anyways it was an interesting speech and I learned a lot for my future classroom. But I wanted to know what you all thought about this? Do you feel that schools and teachers do a good job to accomadate the various needs in there classroom such as various minorities or students that do not come from teh status quo? What do you think should be done?

Shooting in Texas

It is terrible to think about what happened in Texas. I am still wondering what could drive a man to shoot his comrads. But some of you may be wondering how does this tradedy fit into our class. Im not really sure it does, but a comment I heard on the news made me think about it in the context of our class. The reporter said "if only his last name had been smith". The shooters last name tied him to the Middle East, a group that has become commonly discriminated against in our culture since September 11. While I can not truly understand what the reporter meant by this, or the circumstances surrounding the tragedy it still made me think. Maybe the reporter has a point, what if his last name had been Smith?

House of Pain

So I am probably one of the last people on Earth who just started watching Tyler Perry's House of Pain. But has I was watching the show my boyfriend told me something intersting about Perry. He went from being homeless to living in a $5 million dollar mansion since the creation of his show. However, I found the messages his show portrayed to be a bit controversial. While I personally enjoy his work, it is full of black stereotypes. It is also interesting that there are no prominent figures in the show as far as I can tell. Considering his background one would think that he would want to go against the stereotypes and in someway portray something positive in the show. But then again it could just be me, because like I said I just started watching it.

Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize

Now Im sure by now most of you have heard about Obama's latest acheivement, The Nobel Peace Prize. But I think it is still worthwhile talking about because it is pertinent to the issues of the class. When I heard the news it made me curious about who else has one the prize. It was interesting to find out that only 3 United States Presidents other than Obama have won the Peace Prize and two of the were in the early 1900's. I think it says a lot about our country. Obama is carrying out his promise of changing foreigeners perceptions on America.
Has I looked up the previous winners I found it interesting the variety of people who have received the world. It has always appeared that white men get more attention that other races. But when it comes to the Nobel Peace Prize, they truly have awarded it to a variety of races and ethnicities. However, there was one group that seemed to be vastly underepresented in the awardings.. Women. While many women have received the prize, there are still about 5 or 6 men for every female. Just thought I would point that out.

Michelle Obama's Family History

Wow. Did anyone catch the New York Times this moring or the news? Apparently they have traced back Michelle Obama's history to slavery. Both her mother and father's side of the family had previously been slaves. A researcher discovered Michelle Obama's ancestors on a property list, they even discovered will wich left one of her (grandmothers?) to another owner. The women was forced to up and leave where she was previously living to go with her new owner.
Hearing about Michelle's history really makes you think about how far our world has come, even though there is still much progress to be made. To think if thinks have not changed she would have never been a first lady, nor would she have accomplished all she has in her personal life. If we had not seeked change she could have still been in slavery. The progress she has personally made serves as a reminder and pusher for change.