finalportfoliostevens

[finalportfoliostevens]

Reflective Essay

         The theme of my portfolio is social (in)justice and the struggles of people of African descent in the communities that they inhabit. The overall theme includes experiences with the local police, the government at all levels, and discrimination they face in their everyday life. I feel people of African descent have suffered the most throughout history. Being a person of African descent, I felt I could only accurately write this from my experiences with social injustice.

           I really struggled with coming up with a theme for my portfolio because the essays that I chose to bring in for peer-reviewing at first did not relate to each other at all to me. I also had concerns about the length requirements and restrictions for them as I have papers of varying lengths. As a psychology major, we are not required to write many essays and the few we do write, are more of a technical language that is filled with jargon. The pieces of writing I chose had to be morphed and altered to fit into the theme I chose. It was actually my involvement in this year’s Alternative Spring Break program that opened my eyes to the topic of social justice and how broad that term is. My site for this year’s program is St. Louis, MO and while there our initiative is social justice. Our main goal that we have discussed so far as a collective group is teaching the youth that we come into contact with how to advocate for themselves. The main discussion that Coates held with students while on campus was about his son and the issues that were going on in our society such as the death of Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown, etc. The piece titled “Nothing but Second Chances” required the most work as it needed an additional section to be able to connect to the social (in)justice theme of the portfolio. It also ended up taking on a different focus as I included more personal details as to how I felt once it came for the revisions fro the final portfolio. Race, Social Class, and Sex was the foundational and central piece of the portfolio’s theme as it was easiest to make the others relate to this piece versus the other way around.

           I believe this is a satisfactory starting place for my portfolio and I plan to build from this place in the future for the final portfolio. For the final version, I would like to include more examples on a smaller scale that demonstrate social injustice. Most people are familiar with the Black Panther Party and their role in the Civil Rights Movement but I would like to also include examples that are equally progressive for social justice but not as famous.

           Now having finished the portfolio, I am pleased with the outcome. Having pushed myself to edit the essays and getting over my own laziness really turned out well. I can look back and say that I am proud of the progress I made in this course with the pieces that I selected. I am most excited about how far along the second essay, “Nothing but Second Chances” has come. It required the most revisions and detail as I had to think of which direction I wanted to bring it in.

[finalportfoliostevens]

Document Statement #8: Essay #3

        This essay was the most developed piece of writing and required the least amount of work when it came to making it fit into the portfolio’s theme of social justice. However, with this essay I faced a unique issue which was actually having to trim sections from the original piece in order to keep the subject matter relevant to the theme. I also tried my best to condense and add more descriptions to the pieces so that readers who are not familiar with the series can easily follow along. The piece already contained the necessary social justice aspects so it naturally fit and was the foundation of the theme. It was this piece that I centered my theme around and crafted the other pieces of writing to complement this one.

[finalportfoliostevens]

Document Statement #7: Essay #2

           This writing assignment was the most challenging to work on but allowed me to be creative. We were required to write a memoir where in it we included a lesson that we learned and could even teach to a younger version of ourselves. Since it was not required to be completely factual, I included events and scenarios from my own life and other friends and combined it for this piece. This piece was the most difficult to get to be able to fit within the theme because it initially didn't include a social justice component. I added in a scene where my friend and I had an altercation with the NOPD that again is a combination of experiences I’ve had with them over the years. Looking back and comparing the two essays, I am happy with how far this essay has come. It was hard to include it because it is such a personal piece and slightly embarrassing to reveal so much from my high school days.

[finalportfoliostevens]

Document Statement #6: Essay #1

         This piece was especially difficult to fit in with the other pieces. When given the assignment to write it, it was simply to summarize and that was it. I struggled with how to further complicate it and what direction to take the piece in. After some brainstorming, I decided to add in my own opinion about his visit and the things he discussed while on campus. The conversations between Coates and his son are what makes it fits with the theme of my portfolio which is social justice. The struggle he faces when explaining to his son to be active but also being safe and knowing that every battle is not yours to fight is something that I think many black parents face.

[finalportfoliostevens]

Document Statement #5: Resource Guide

        My resource guide is truly something I wish was given to me as a freshman because it could have helped me navigate this confusing, unfamiliar college system. It is a good introduction to the major and gives you an insight into what to expect to cover in your courses. Creating it now in my second semester of my sophomore year, it is a refreshing reminder of the knowledge that I have gathered over my two short years here at Howard. Sadly, now though, it has hardly any use to me now. I believe that we should keep these resource guides and use them for incoming freshmen who have decided on their major or for others who major are still exploring their interests.

[finalportfoliostevens]

Document Statement #4: Making Connections

         The second “Making Connections” was included because it contributes a different perspective of social (in)justice. It looks at the effects and consequences of American’s political actions. It is a reflection on the piece that Osama Bin Laden wrote over 10 years and truly I wonder did we even learn from it. He goes into detail about why he feels they are justified in attacking us because of all the harm that we have caused them. I included this piece because I felt it was time for Americans to take a look in the mirror. It is time for us to face ourselves and look at the ugly truths. While we are solely focused on issues that are taking place on American soil, we should also look at the chaos that is happening in other countries that is our fault.

[finalportfoliostevens]

Document Statement #3: Making Connections

          The first “Making Connections” was included in this portfolio because it perfectly fits with the theme of social (in)justice. The first few years of Obama’s presidency were purposely free of mentioning and concentrating on race. The moment Obama made a statement regarding the death of Trayvon Martin, the tone towards the issue changed completely. His comment sympathizing with the mother basically split the country in two. Coates is quoted stating Obama is a “conservative revolutionary” as to how he runs the country. I also thought about from a psychological perspective if the response the country had would have been different if the victim was white or the president had been white.

[finalportfoliostevens]

Document Statement #2: Journal

        I chose to incorporate my final journal for the course because it is a true  reflection of the struggles I faced during this semester. I was successfully able to get over my fear of steering away from the five-paragraph writing format but came into contact with a brand new dilemma. This new dilemma was the tedious, boring process of editing and revising. I transitioned from feeling fear to stray from what was comfortable to overcoming laziness to reach improvement. Looking back on two of the essays especially that I included in my portfolio, I am proud of myself and the edits I made to it.

[finalportfoliostevens]

Document Statement #1: Journal

         I chose to incorporate this specific journal because it demonstrates my overall fears about being forced out of the five-paragraph writing structure. It explains that the work I do in this class and that are incorporated in this portfolio are just the beginning of me breaking out of that familiar mold. With the revised essays included, I am testing the waters and simultaneously learning and making mistakes throughout the complex process of writing. It also touches on an important topic which is the thesis paper I have to write my senior year for the COAS Honors Program. By further exploring my ideas, it has helped solidify my interests and potential topics for the paper.

[finalportfoliostevens]

Race, Social Class, and Sex in Harry’s World and Ours

Prompt: Compare the struggles that black people face with race, social class, and gender to the struggles of Harry Potter characters.

Original

Race, Social Class, and Gender in Harry’s World and Ours

         Issues within Harry Potter, a childhood favorite of many, translate to many of the same issues that Black people face in the world historically, and in present time today. The Harry Potter series establishes its own unique world with a set order and way of life, that in many ways, is similar to the structure that is in place in our world today. Harry Potter and our world has a similar structure in terms of issues surrounding race, gender, and social class. Race is defined as the classification of people according to their genetic background, physical traits expressed, and ancestry. Gender describes the state of being male or female. Social class refers to a broad group in society having common economic, cultural, or political status. Race, gender, and social class, all prominent themes in Harry Potter and the real world, cause issues and play a noticeable part in unraveling the history of Black people worldwide.

         Harry Potter, a fantasy novel series written by author J.K. Rowling, is known worldwide and treasured by many young adults. The main characters of the series include young wizards Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and witch Hermione Granger. The storyline of the Harry Potter series consists of Harry’s life story and his journey consisting of interactions with those of the wizarding world. He often is puzzled in the earlier series about how it is that everywhere he goes he is already well known, even without an introduction. Upon meeting Harry, Ron knew exactly who he was once he told him his name. Professor Snape and others seemed to even be awaiting his arrival to Hogwarts, already having formed opinions about Harry based off of the stories.Draco Malfoy, a member of the elite Malfoy family, extends an offer for friendship that was quickly denied by Harry instead to become friends with muggle-born Hermione Granger.

         Throughout his time at Hogwarts, he is learning how to navigate life as a wizard and discovering more about his past that everyone seems to know so much more about than he even does. He learns that during the first wizarding war, Lord Voldemort’s first rise to power, his parents were killed yet he was able to survive the curse. He was actually the one who temporarily stopped Lord Voldemort even though no one knew why at the time. Dumbledore becomes his mentor, along with others, and over time they give him insights on how to finally defeat Lord Voldemort for good. With the twists and turns that J.K. Rowling throws at the reader while guiding you through Harry’s life story, it is clear to see how so many people worldwide fell in love with the series.

          This novel series received such a high level of success that the seven book long series was produced into 8 full length movies. Such as with many creations, numerous details were added, omitted, or simply changed when comparing the books and the movies that they were made into. The first of the book series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was published in 1997 by the UK-based company Bloomsbury. The book was later published in the United States in 1998 by Scholastic Corporation. The American publishing companied doubted whether or not it would be picked up by boys because of the female sounding name Joanne, so J.K. Rowling was used. American companies also felt a name change for the title was necessary, due to the high level of complexity of the word “philosopher”, when considering the target age level was 9-11 year olds. The name was changed and released as “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in the United States. Having released a 7 book-long series, in general, the next book picks up in the late summer/early school year for Harry.

          Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third installment of the series, continues on with the story of Harry Potter’s time while attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This year, more than in the past, is when chaos truly sets in for Harry and a real threat is placed on his life. At the Leaky Cauldron is when he learns from Arthur Weasley that Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban, one of the worst prisons for wizards and witches. It is there that a large number of Death-Eaters, followers of Lord Voldemort, are imprisoned. Mr. Weasley also informed Harry that Black may be on the hunt for him so that Lord Voldemort can return to power and to promise him that he wont go looking for Black. Stated by Mr. Weasley in Heyman (2004), “Harry, I need you to promise you won’t go looking for Black”. Harry somberly responded to Mr. Weasley according to Heyman (2004) “But sir, he betrayed my parents”.Here, Harry’s inquisitive and brave nature is shown and exemplified. Even though Sirius Black is a dark wizard, more powerful than he was at the time, he still can not help but to be slightly curious as to what would happen if he faced Black and could possibly avenge his parents’ death. Many themes that are present in the Harry Potter storyline, also can be found throughout history as well.

          A hierarchal social class system has been present in the world and society for many years. There are numerous social classes that occur in the real world. The simplest models consist of three tiers, while more complex and detailed examples are composed of six tiers. Simple models usually list lower, middle, and upper class as the social class system. The more complex ones will include the distinctions and nuances that will separate them. A more detailed class structure will list underclass, working poor, working class, lower middle class, upper middle class, and finally upper class being the smallest proportion. Most models can agree that the upper class is usually represented by being the smallest proportion, as there are few people in the world with the extreme wealth that it requires to be apart of the upper class. Throughout history, the struggles between social classes have caused many problems in society. Governments have been overthrown and rebelled against by individuals frustrated with their actions, usually the individuals in the lower classes. The Haitian Revolution lasted thirteen years, starting in 1791 and ending in 1804. The country’s historic revolution was spear-headed by Toussaint L’Ouverture against France who colonized them. News of this spectacular rebellion spread all across the lands and seas, even giving inspiration to slaves in the United States and South America. Unfortunately, this revolution drove their economic state into the ground because France mandated that they pay back money due to “loss of property”. Haiti has been in debt to France ever since. They originally demanded from Haiti an amount of 150 million francs. Stated by Gomez (2005), “Hispaniola was not the only New World site of rebellion in the early sixteenth century. Revolts broke out everywhere…” (p. 2022). With the success that the Haitians achieved, it sparked a new, brave rebellious attitude within many of them. The Haitian revolution can be described as a domino effect, they were certainly not the first slave rebellion, but they did cause such a stir up that others were motivated as well. Revolutions and rebellions against corrupt governments took place not only in Haiti, but all over the world as well.

         The Civil Rights Movement that took place in America for the rights of African Americans took place between 1954 and 1968. The fight for civil rights lasted 15 years and also occurred during the height of the Black Power movement. The most revolutionary and well-known leaders of the Civil Rights and Black Power movement included Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK), Malcolm X, and Fred Hampton of the Black Panther Party. COINTELPRO, which stood for counter intelligence program, was ran by the United States’ own FBI and was the responsible for the death of MLK, Malcolm X, and Fred Hampton. According to Alegria (2011), the United States government was solely responsible for dismantling the Black Panther Party for Self Defense. In some instances, they killed certain leaders of the party while causing others to flee or be exiled from the country. They jailed party members and performed illegal raids and searches, all causing disruption to the party.

           The Rwandan Genocide happened in the African nation of Rwanda from April to July 1994. The outbreak started from the killings of Juvenal Habyarimana and Cyprien Ntaryamira, the leader of Rwanda and president of Burundi, respectively. This war occurred between the Hutu majority and the Tutsi minority. Over the course of those four months, approximately 800,000 people were murdered. The Hutu majority were brutal in the mass murders of the Tutsi people. According to Caplan (2007), “Rwanda’s colonial period, during which the ruling Belgians favored the minority Tutsis over the Hutus, exacerbated the tendency of the few to oppress the many, creating a legacy of tension that exploded into violence even before Rwanda gained its independence” (p. 23).  Not only were the Hutus upset about the killing of the country’s leader, they had along standing problem with the country’s minority group as they were heavily favored by their colonizers. This favoritism when it came to behavior and treatment only made matters worse when the genocide occurred. This treatment of the Tutsi people is demonstrative of the complete control the upper class can have over lower class or minority groups. Unfortunately, little to no help came from other controls and outside help to resolve the countries issues in this period.

          White people and their dedication to maintaining white supremacy was responsible for the ruining of many established Black societies. The “Black” Wall Street existed in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, but suddenly came to an end in 1921. According to Greenwood (2015), “Prompted by the alleged attack by a black man upon a white woman, it was hell for twelve thousand people and the charred thirty-five city blocks many once called home”. This is the poor, corrupted excuse they used for destroying this successful neighborhood. It was obvious they have other motives as well. This neighborhood was filled with successful Black entrepreneurs who were starting to generate real wealth for themselves and they could not allow that. As long as Black people fuel White businesses and depend on them for income, they can keep Black people under control. If Black people were able to use their own knowledge, resources, and businesses then White people would no longer be able to control nor profit off of them. Similar things happened all over the country but were being disguised. Promising communities were torn apart with highways and interstate systems being built right through them such as the Claiborne bridge running through the Treme area of New Orleans, LA. Any large group of people in one community is bound to have a social class system, whether fictional or real.

           Social classes and the hierarchy that is created by them is a central theme presented in not only Prisoner of Azkaban, but all of the installments of the Harry Potter series. During the series, it reveals an interesting side to the characters and the dynamics that take place in the magical world. The first glimpse of the corruption that takes place within the upper class is demonstrated by the Malfoy family. They use their material possession to flaunt their wealth in the faces of others, especially the lower class. Their favorite family to taunt in the Weasley family, as they have extreme differences on what makes a pureblood wizarding family respectable. The Weasleys are a pure blood family line that fully associates with all people, including half-bloods and muggles. The Malfoys operate under the notion that the mating of pureblood with anything else other than other purebloods is an abomination. Lucius Malfoy especially likes to flaunt his wealth with his son Draco Malfoy. He buys his son’s way onto the quidditch team for Slytherin, as opposed to, Harry who earns his spot based on his talent. Hermione Granger shrieks at Draco in Heyman (2004), “At least he didn’t have to buy his way on the team, Harry got in based off of pure talent”. Draco was extremely embarrassed after being exposed for his method of entry to the team but this only fuels the hatred between Hermione and him more. Draco always has the newest robes, best presents, and most expensive items of anyone.  Lucius Malfoy also has a habit of paying for favors, especially ones so authority figures can overlook the wrongful acts he commits on a regular basis. The Malfoy family, during the previous time Lord Voldemort was at large, was on his side and were well-known Death Eaters. Lucius Malfoy, the head of the family, claimed he was under the Cruciatus curse. The Cruciatus curse involves using torture to get information, possessions, etc. from someone. After Lord Voldemort was defeated, the Malfoy came out and claimed they were tortured and had no choice and they were on the side of magic again. This statement was false though, they were still very much faithful to the Dark Lord and working for him. The family acted as an informant for Lord Voldemort on many occasions.

           Similarly, how the government dismantled all revolutionary organizations fighting for minority groups, Lord Voldemort was able to do the same. Lord Voldemort’s rein was very strategic in the way he gained power. His period, both times, started times started with mass disappearance of known figures. Some went into hiding while others he captured held them hostage for their knowledge, talents, or possessions. People were either killed off if they refused to obey and join his forces. With others, he used intimidation to get them under his control. He would kidnap the child of parents until he got them under his control. For some, he threatened to end their businesses they spent their whole life building if they did not support him. His last method to disassembling forces against him was killing off leaders and central people to powerful magical organizations. He made many unsuccessful attempts at killing Harry Potter. In both times of him coming to power, he killed large numbers of the Order of the Phoenix. The Order of the Phoenix was an organization formed by Dumbledore to fight against Lord Voldemort. Lord Voldemort was responsible for the death of Nevil Longbottom’s parents, Sirius Black, Harry Potter’s parents, and many more. Losing all these powerful leaders, many became fearful they had no chance but to fight alongside Lord Voldemort because his opposition was no longer strong in numbers. Sirius Black is quoted saying in Heyman (2004) “Well… what’s left of us at least”.  In the movie, he sadly looks to the portraits hanging on the wall and reflects on how that’s all that’s left of them. The Order of the Phoenix has been reduced to just pictures on the wall as their numbers were severely reduced by Lord Voldemort in the first wizarding war. Social class and further more differences in genetic makeup can play a big part in history.

           The idea of race, and the differences between them, has dictated the way societies across the world are organized. The original idea of race came from Johann Friedrich Blumenbach and his dissertation. In his research, he examined the shapes and sizes of the cranial bones and from this he attributed certain patterns to there being different races. Stated by Franklin (1991), “His research in the measurement of craniums led him to divide mankind into five great families—Caucasian, Mongolian, Malayan, Ethiopian, and American”. It was this very classification of cranium sizes/shapes that would shape and support the racism we know today. Scientific racism came about from his published works and misconstrued his intentions behind his research. “Scientists” used his findings to support their racist ways and justify slavery and the treatment of people they believed to be inferior. Before his findings, race was not a main concern and used to classify individuals. In Reversing Sail, Gomez states “It is not surprising that the Qur’an is devoid of racial bias…” (p.936).  In the early Muslim world in Africa, they wee more involved in using culture as a means for classification of people. This original idea of race has led to justifications for racism and still affects our community to this day. It was used to justify slavery and the colonization of African civilizations. Colonization did more harm than good in a majority of the places it touched. Slavery approximately lasted 300 years and set African Americans back as far as the progress they have made in the United States. It has had a lasting effect on the African American population by causing psychological and physical scars as well as financial problems. Due to the discrimination that Black people have faced worldwide, there is a severe shortage of Black people in positions of power. There is a lack of Black people in politics, in high positions within businesses, and as educators in schools across the country. According to Greenwood (2015), old white men are still in control of this country and because of that Blacks still face extreme discrimination. We are denied entry financial help, into academic programs, and jobs just based of racism and the incorrect theory that Black people are inferior and inhuman. (p. 350).  Unfortunately, discrimination based upon factors one can not control at all makes its way over to the fictional world as well.

           Differences in genetic makeup, an idea comparable to race, makes its way into the Harry Potter series early on. The concept of race is conceptualized in the series and the classifications include: purebloods, half-bloods, muggles, and squibs. Purebloods are individuals whose family has never mated with anyone else but a pureblood. They are seen as superior within the magical society and often are the most corrupt. However, there are a few exceptions to this trend. The Weasleys and the Longbottoms are an example of just pureblood families. Half-bloods are individuals who have one pureblood parent and one non-magical, or muggle parent. Throughout the series these tend to be the most famous and powerful wizards. Severus Snape and Harry Potter himself are both half-blood wizards. Muggles are those who do not possess any magical talent and are seen as the lowest within the magical society. Even though Hermione Granger is extremely bright, she is still seen as inferior by amongst her classmates at Hogwarts due to her being muggle-born. She applies herself and studies harder than most of her peers yet still has to prove herself every time family history is brought into the picture. Draco Malfoy even goes as far as using a derogatory term to refer to her, calling her a “mudblood”. This is a highly offensive term within the magical word describing someone who was born to non-magical parents. Stated in Heyman (2004), “What’s a mudblood?” Harry asks Hagrid. Hermione chimes in stating “A mudblood is a filthy name used to describe someone born to non-magical parents. A person like me. It’s not often used in civilized conversations”. In the Harry Potter world, no matter your talent, it is seen as disgusting and low to be of a non-magical family. Squibs are not viewed as low as muggles but are still frowned upon in the society. A squib is someone coming from a magical background but possesses no magical talents or abilities. Argus Filch, the caretaker of Hogwarts, is a squib and was extremely embarrassed when he believed students found out. House elves are the last clear distinction that is made in the series and are the lowest of the magical society. They are essentially personal slaves for the rich, pureblood families and serve a lifetime or until their freedom is granted which is rare. To signify their status within society, they are given torn and battered sheets of material to wear. According to Warner (2013), “Dobby the House Elf provides Harry with the answer: the Room of Re-quirement. According to Dobby, “it is a room that a person can only enter . . . when they have a real need of it. Sometimes it is there, and sometimes it is not, but when it appears, it is always equipped for the seeker’s needs” (p. 157).  Even though they are looked down upon severely within their magical society, they do provide extremely useful. It if was not for the house elves, Harry would not have been able to survive many of the missions he embarked upon within the series. As a viewer of the film, it is also hard to not notice the clear lack of Black characters in the movies. Most of the novels do not specify race when describing the characters, yet there are only three Black actors in the entire 8 movie-long series. The three black characters in the series are a female and male student and lastly a Black auror. This can only lead the viewer to question why were not more Black actors cast in the movies. Sometimes, more than race is used as a means of discrimination.

          Gender has also been a basis for how one is treated throughout history. Women have struggled for many years to gain their rights in society. At one point, women could not leave the house without their husband to escort them, could not own property, and could not get jobs in certain fields. One of the biggest rights they did not have was the right to vote. According to Cherland (2008), the Women’s Suffrage movement lasted many decades and ended in 1920 with the passing of the 19th amendment, giving women the right to vote. (p. 273-277). But this new “right to vote” was not granted to every American woman. Black women still did not truly get the right to vote until 1965 with the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It was under this that such provisions to the laws were removed that mandated literacy tests and included the grandfather clause requirement. In History.com Staff (2009), it details the situations Blacks faced when trying to vote and describes them as “Blacks attempting to vote often were told by election officials that they had gotten the date, time or polling place wrong, that they possessed insufficient literacy skills or that they had filled out an application incorrectly”. This shows just how far Whites were willing to go to keep Black people from voting and having their opinions incorporated in politics. Summarized by Glanzer (2004), even with the right to vote, women still are mistreated and discriminated against in many ways. A woman in the United States can have the same educational credentials and work experience as a man and still be paid a fraction of his salary all due to her being a woman. (p. 58-63). Even with the progress made since 1920 and 1965, women are still underrepresented in positions of power. Black women unfortunately suffer the most because they are a double minority, being first Black but a woman too. Unfortunately, these same biases we face in the real world carry over to the fictional world as well.

          Biases against women are evident even in Harry Potter all throughout the series and on many of the different levels of characters. There is a lack of strong, powerful witches in the series and an over saturation of dominant, male characters. Most of the female characters are submissive to the male characters. Hermione Granger is submissive to both Harry and Ron and when faced with issues, she performs more logically and is a more studious wizard. Even with other witches who are apart of the storyline, the gender roles and stereotypes become obvious. According to Cherland (2013), “Fleur does not do well in the events of the Tri-wizard Tournament, but she does frequently demonstrate her power over Ron Weasley and other boys, who lose their ability to speak in her presence” (p. 276).  The typical gender stereotypes that exist in our own world are carried over to the movies when a witch can not use her brain but her sexual nature to get around the rules. She is constantly seen as the weakest competitor in the tournament. Hermione consistently works harder than any of her peers and is successful on her examinations all to constantly have to prove her worth and talent. She has to endlessly defend her place at Hogwarts due to her not only being muggle-born but first a girl. In many of the tasks the trio Harry, Ron, and Hermione face, she is the one, in fact, that uses her wit and cleverness to get them out of trouble or solve the problem. She solved many of the puzzles they had to piece together for them to get sorcerer’s stone. She figured out that Professor Lupin was a werewolf. She also crafted the potion necessary for them to transform into Draco and his friends to get the information they needed. She is not given the credit that she’s due due to her gender. Hermione is a perfect example of having to over not one, not even two, but three different biases that one can face.

           Social class, race, and gender play a crucial part in the course of history of Black people in the world and throughout the storyline of the Harry Potter series. The discrimination individuals face based upon these three standards play an interesting part in the development of numerous characters and the overall storyline. Black people have struggled long throughout history due to discrimination based off of these three criteria but with each new wave of resistance and bright, new leaders, progress is made towards equality.

 Revised

Race, Social Class, and Sex in Harry’s World and Ours

          Issues within Harry Potter, a childhood favorite of many, translate to many of the same issues that Black people face in the world historically, and in present time today. The Harry Potter series establishes its own unique world with a set order and way of life, that in many ways, is similar to the structure that is in place in our world today. Harry Potter and our world have a similar structure in terms of issues surrounding race, sex, and social class. Race is defined as the classification of people according to their genetic background, physical traits expressed, and ancestry. Sex describes the state of being male or female. Social class refers to a broad group in society having common economic, cultural, or political status. Black people worldwide can relate to the struggles faced by the characters in the Harry Potter series. Race, sex, and social class, all prominent themes in Harry Potter and the real world, cause issues and play a noticeable part in unraveling the history of Black people worldwide.  

          A hierarchal social class system has been present in the world and society for many years. There are numerous social classes that occur in the real world. The simplest models consist of three tiers, while more complex and detailed examples are composed of six tiers. Simple models usually list lower, middle, and upper class as the social class system. The more complex ones will include the distinctions and nuances that will separate them. A more detailed class structure will list underclass, working poor, working class, lower middle class, upper middle class, and finally upper class being the smallest proportion. Most models can agree that the upper class is usually represented by being the smallest proportion, as there are few people in the world with the extreme wealth that it requires to be apart of the upper class.

         Throughout history, the struggles between social classes have caused many problems in society. Governments have been overthrown and rebelled against by individuals frustrated with their actions, usually the individuals in the lower classes. The Haitian Revolution is a perfect example of a successful attempt to overthrow the corrupt government. It lasted thirteen years, starting in 1791 and ending in 1804. The country’s historic revolution was spear-headed by Toussaint L’Ouverture against France who colonized them. News of this spectacular rebellion spread all across the lands and seas, even giving inspiration to slaves in the United States and South America. Unfortunately, this revolution drove their economic state into the ground because France mandated that they pay back money due to “loss of property”. Haiti has been in debt to France ever since. They originally demanded from Haiti an amount of 150 million francs. This huge amount of debt has effectively put them back into their lower social class that they desperately wanted to escape as still today Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere. Stated by Gomez (2005), “Hispaniola was not the only New World site of rebellion in the early sixteenth century. Revolts broke out everywhere…” (p. 2022). With the success that the Haitians achieved, it sparked a new, brave rebellious attitude within many of them. The Haitian revolution can be described as a domino effect;  they were certainly not the first slave rebellion, but they did cause such a stir up that others were motivated as well. Those lower on the totem pole were not happy with their social status and class and were willing to do anything to change it. Revolutions and rebellions against corrupt governments took place not only in Haiti, but all over the world as well.

          The Civil Rights Movement that took place in America for the rights of African Americans took place between 1954 and 1968. The fight for civil rights lasted 15 years and also occurred during the height of the Black Power movement. The most revolutionary and well-known leaders of the Civil Rights and Black Power movement included Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK), Malcolm X, and Fred Hampton of the Black Panther Party. COINTELPRO, which stood for counter intelligence program, was ran by the United States’ own FBI and was the responsible for the death of MLK, Malcolm X, and Fred Hampton. According to Alegria (2011), the United States government was solely responsible for dismantling the Black Panther Party for Self Defense. In some instances, they killed certain leaders of the party while causing others to flee or be exiled from the country. They jailed party members and performed illegal raids and searches, all causing disruption to the party.

           The Rwandan Genocide happened in the African nation of Rwanda from April to July 1994. The outbreak started from the killings of Juvenal Habyarimana and Cyprien Ntaryamira, the leader of Rwanda and president of Burundi, respectively. This war occurred between the Hutu majority and the Tutsi minority. Over the course of those four months, approximately 800,000 people were murdered. The Hutu majority were brutal in the mass murders of the Tutsi people. According to Caplan (2007), “Rwanda’s colonial period, during which the ruling Belgians favored the minority Tutsis over the Hutus, exacerbated the tendency of the few to oppress the many, creating a legacy of tension that exploded into violence even before Rwanda gained its independence” (p. 23).  Not only were the Hutus upset about the killing of the country’s leader, they had along standing problem with the country’s minority group as they were heavily favored by their colonizers. This favoritism when it came to behavior and treatment only made matters worse when the genocide occurred. This treatment of the Tutsi people is demonstrative of the complete control the upper class can have over lower class or minority groups. Unfortunately, little to no help came from other controls and outside help to resolve the countries issues in this period.

         White people and their dedication to maintaining white supremacy was responsible for the ruining of many established Black societies. The “Black” Wall Street existed in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, but suddenly came to an end in 1921. According to Greenwood (2015), “Prompted by the alleged attack by a black man upon a white woman, it was hell for twelve thousand people and the charred thirty-five city blocks many once called home”. This is the poor, corrupted excuse they used for destroying this successful neighborhood. It was obvious they have other motives as well. This neighborhood was filled with successful Black entrepreneurs who were starting to generate real wealth for themselves and they could not allow that. As long as Black people fuel white businesses and depend on them for income, they can keep Black people under control. If Black people were able to use their own knowledge, resources, and businesses then white people would no longer be able to control nor profit off of them. Similar things happened all over the country but were being disguised. Promising communities were torn apart with highways and interstate systems being built right through them such as the Claiborne bridge running through the Treme area of New Orleans, LA. Any large group of people in one community is bound to have a social class system, whether fictional or real.

         Social classes and the hierarchy that is created by them is a central theme presented in not only Prisoner of Azkaban, but all of the installments of the Harry Potter series. During the series, it reveals an interesting side to the characters and the dynamics that take place in the magical world. The first glimpse of the corruption that takes place within the upper class is demonstrated by the Malfoy family. They use their material possession to flaunt their wealth in the faces of others, especially the lower class. This is similar to how the rich 1% of the world flaunts their wealth. Their favorite family to taunt in the Weasley family, as they have extreme differences on what makes a pureblood wizarding family respectable. The Weasleys are a pure blood family line that fully associates with all people, including half-bloods and muggles. The Malfoys operate under the notion that the mating of pureblood with anything else other than other purebloods is an abomination. Lucius Malfoy especially likes to flaunt his wealth with his son Draco Malfoy. He buys his son’s way onto the quidditch team for Slytherin, as opposed to, Harry who earns his spot based on his talent. This moment strikes hard with many Black readers. Black people are often told from a young age that we have to be twice as good to get just half of what white people will get. Hermione Granger shrieks at Draco in Heyman (2004), “At least he didn’t have to buy his way on the team, Harry got in based off of pure talent”. Draco was extremely embarrassed after being exposed for his method of entry to the team but this only fuels the hatred between Hermione and him more. Draco always has the newest robes, best presents, and most expensive items of anyone. Lucius Malfoy also has a habit of paying for favors, especially ones so authority figures can overlook the wrongful acts he commits on a regular basis. This is another moment that Black readers can relate to. Often white people are able to con their way out of facing real legal charges for the crimes they commit based of the connections and/or money they have. The Malfoy family, during the previous time Lord Voldemort was at large, was on his side and were well-known Death Eaters. Lucius Malfoy, the head of the family, claimed he was under the Cruciatus curse. The Cruciatus curse involves using torture to get information, possessions, etc. from someone. After Lord Voldemort was defeated, the Malfoy came out and claimed they were tortured and had no choice and they were on the side of magic again. This statement was false though, they were still very much faithful to the Dark Lord and working for him. The family acted as an informant for Lord Voldemort on many occasions.

           Similarly, how the government dismantled all revolutionary organizations fighting for minority groups, Lord Voldemort was able to do the same. Lord Voldemort’s rein was very strategic in the way he gained power. His period, both times, started times started with mass disappearance of known figures. Some went into hiding while others he captured held them hostage for their knowledge, talents, or possessions. People were either killed off if they refused to obey and join his forces. The US government did something similar with the Black Panther Party as many were killed for their rebellious attitudes while others were forced to hide out in places such as Cuba. With others, he used intimidation to get them under his control. He would kidnap the child of parents until he got them under his control. For some, he threatened to end their businesses they spent their whole life building if they did not support him. His last method to disassembling forces against him was killing off leaders and central people to powerful magical organizations. He made many unsuccessful attempts at killing Harry Potter. In both times of him coming to power, he killed large numbers of the Order of the Phoenix. The Order of the Phoenix was an organization formed by Dumbledore to fight against Lord Voldemort. Lord Voldemort was responsible for the death of Nevil Longbottom’s parents, Sirius Black, Harry Potter’s parents, and many more. Losing all these powerful leaders, many became fearful they had no chance but to fight alongside Lord Voldemort because his opposition was no longer strong in numbers. Sirius Black is quoted saying in Heyman (2004) “Well… what’s left of us at least”.  In the movie, he sadly looks to the portraits hanging on the wall and reflects on how that’s all that’s left of them. The Order of the Phoenix has been reduced to just pictures on the wall as their numbers were severely reduced by Lord Voldemort in the first wizarding war. The dismantling of organizations fighting for social justice is evident in the series and is definitely in the history of people of African descent. Social class and further more differences in genetic makeup can play a big part in history.

          Social class, race, and sex play a crucial part in the course of history of Black people in the world and throughout the storyline of the Harry Potter series. The discrimination individuals face based upon these three standards play an interesting part in the development of numerous characters and the overall storyline. The experiences that they went through are comparable to the struggles faced in Harry Potter and gives them something to relate to. Black people have struggled long throughout history due to discrimination based off of these three criteria but with each new wave of resistance and bright, new leaders, progress is made towards equality.

[finalportfoliostevens]

Nothing but Second Chances

Prompt: Imagine you are writing a memoir and be sure to include in it an experience that taught you a lesson.

Original

Nothing but Second Chances

           Headphones in, blasting music as usual. I struggle to listen as my shoes crush each piece of gravel under my feet. I’ve been walking, walking for what seems like hours but has actually only been about twenty-five minutes. I continue walking on the levee, watching the Mississippi river that’s muddy like a rapper’s cup with lean in it. In the distance, I begin to spot a familiar figure. Longer legs, with a short torso trudging along as his freeform locs jump with every step.

           Its been about two weeks since I’ve seen my best friend… well sort of my best friend. Lately we’ve been more so falling under the “It’s complicated” category. We perform our signature hand shake and end it with a big hug. I laugh as he thinks I don’t notice his hand dropping from the small of my back to cupping my ass. We make our way to the loading dock, just sitting down talking about irrelevant stuff until he poses his signature question, “You wan smoke?” I nod my head in agreement, hell I was always down to smoke with him. We get up and walk to this abandoned building nearby. It was sometimes frequented by homeless people for shelter but for the most part, we were always alone there.

           I watch him break down and roll the weed and I'm mesmerized. When he’s rolling a blunt you can tell he’s passionate. He’s focused, making sure no pieces fall out and that it pulls just right. The only other time I see him showing this level of concentration is when he's playing baseball, the boy can hit anything that comes his way. He licks the gar and seals it with his lips black like the cast-iron skillet moms had back home. I get lost watching the flame flicker as he ignites the blunt. The smoke climbs up in the air and I feel relaxed already.

           I look over to him and his head is cocked to the side as he gives me that signature smirk of his that I could never resist. He slithers closer to me and his fingers began trailing down my back. I hear some rustling in the distance but I don’t pay it too much attention. His hand is on my ass tighter than mama’s ponytails she used to do in my hair back in the day. Things always seem to flow together whenever we’re high. I sit on his lap and he starts biting and kissing my neck. In this, I lose all track of time. Whichever direction he moves, I follow. My trance-like state is broken when I hear people talking and their voices getting louder.

           I see two white men approaching us and immediately I’m on defense, warning him that we should go. As usual, he doesn’t listen saying that we should just chill here because they’re probably just passing through. I push him off of me and start gathering my things, preparing to leave. I didn’t like the situation we were in, technically trespassing, high, and being cornered. As they got closer and I could make out what they were doing, they seemed off, really off, almost behaving like drug addicts. Every couple of feet, they would bend down and search for something in the grass.

           We slowly begin trying to walk away from the building when they corner us in and ask us the last question I was expecting. “Do y'all know anywhere we can get some weed?” I immediately spit out no as he goes on to talk to them like the businessman he naturally is and explains to them he can get them what they need. He tells me he’ll be right back and to wait here. I follow along, damn near screaming at him that he has me fucked up if he thinks I’ll be waiting with those creeps. He explains that I can’t come to the drug deal because I’m what you would call an “unfamiliar”. We end up arguing for twenty minutes until I walk off, saying fuck it to whatever happens to him because of his stubborn ways.

           The ferry is taking forever to cross back and then I notice the time. It was after 7pm, where it only crosses once per hour and I had just missed it. About 45 minutes later, I’m left rushing down Canal Street because it’s getting late. Halfway there, these drunk white guys are trailing me hollering out obscene comments. I tried to ignore but they only got louder as my lack of attention towards them just pissed them off more. They screamed “Do you know what white cock feels like? Are you interested in finding out?” I couldn’t believe they could be so vulgar especially when there was no question I was underage and they were well over thirty. I cling to a black mother and her kids to escape their remarks.

           I finally make it to the bus stop and notice my phone is low on battery so I try to save battery by not checking the live bus route updates. Hours pass and I lose count of how many guys try to get my number or bums ask me for spare change. As the night sets in, I become more frightened as downtown New Orleans is no place for a fifteen-year-old girl at night. I decide to go in Walgreens for safety, and to try and clear my head. It was then that my night took a turn for the worse. An officer from the New Orleans Police Department was in the Walgreens doing a security detail. When I passed him on my way in I immediately thought it was odd they’d place a white officer in a predominantly black area. I felt his gaze beating into my back just like the slave master used to beat my ancestors with whips and chains. He presumed to follow me from aisle to aisle while in the store waiting for the bus. After a while of paranoia that every black person can relate to in the presence of law enforcement, I decided to turn to him and look him dead in the eyes and ask “Why are you following me?!” He immediately looked shocked and then angered that I even had the nerve to question his authority. He ordered me to empty out my pockets and as I refused he reached for his weapon. By this point, we had drawn a crowd of onlookers. Embarrassed and frightened I emptied my pockets to reveal a small wallet and an iPhone, but surprisingly to him it seemed no stolen items. The crowd began calling out cries of him being racist and trigger-happy. My heart was racing at the thought of a man not thinking twice about raising his gun to a fifteen-year-old girl who’s barely five foot two inches tall. As the crowd began verbally attacking him, I slipped out now even more eager to just get home.

           I ask an older woman when would my next bus be coming and she tells me not until after midnight. Its 10pm now. I start panicking as I flip flop between calling my parents and risk them smelling the weed attached to my clothes like a newborn to their mother’s breast or waiting it out for the next bus. I impulsively hop on the next bus, knowing it will place me about a mile away from my house. I nervously anticipate the route I’ll take once I get off. I pull the line for the next stop and a group of five black hooded males get off at my stop too. As I was about to step off the bus, the bus driver catches my hand and pulls me back. “Please be careful out there, it’s dangerous around these parts this late!”

           I hit the pavement taking off in a sprint. I was able to make it about seven blocks before the burning from my asthmatic lungs was too much to bear. I still had about five blocks to go when the group of five guys appear but I can make out a girl with them as the sixth figure. I hoped they would just leave me alone but I was wrong. They began screaming out ribald comments like “I’d like to hit that!” and “Come slob on this black dick with those nice lips of yours!” I break out in a jog, but two of them had the audacity to run along with me. I gave the girl more credit than she deserved when I assumed she would tell them to stop but she just laughed with the rest of them.

            I finally make it to my house and I’m trembling as I stick my key in the lock. I tried to head straight for the shower to rid my body, clothes, and hair of the weed smell but my mother stopped me. “Are you just getting in?” I answer her yes and she then asks me why was I so late. I shrug as I walk off saying that I missed the normal bus I would’ve taken so I had to take the other. She asks me why didn’t I call her or my brother to pick me up. I confidently reply “Well I knew you had work tonight, so I didn't want to wake you up early”. I lay in bed that night marveling at how I escaped this situation successfully this time but thinking of all the negative turns the night could've taken. Before I go to sleep, I promise myself that I won’t allow myself to be in such a dangerous situation like that again.

Revised

Nothing but Second Chances

           Headphones in, blasting music as  usual, I struggle to listen as my shoes crush each piece of gravel under my feet. I’ve been walking, walking for what seems like hours but has actually only been about twenty-five minutes. I continue walking on the levee, watching the Mississippi river that’s muddy like a rapper’s cup with lean in it. In the distance, I begin to spot a familiar figure. Longer legs, with a short torso trudging along as his freeform locs jump with every step.

           Its been about two weeks since I’ve seen my best friend… well sort of my best friend. Lately we’ve been more so falling under the “It’s complicated” category. As sophomores in high school, we’ve known each other since we were twelve years old. We perform our signature hand shake and end it with a big hug. I laugh as he thinks I don’t notice his hand dropping from the small of my back to cupping my ass. We make our way to the loading dock, just sitting down talking about irrelevant stuff until he poses his favorite question, “You wan smoke?” I nod my head in agreement, hell I was always down to smoke with him. We get up and walk to this abandoned building nearby. It was sometimes frequented by homeless people for shelter but for the most part, we were always alone there.

           I watch him break down and roll the weed and I'm mesmerized. When he’s rolling a blunt you can tell he’s passionate. He’s focused, making sure no pieces fall out and that it pulls just right. The only other time I see him showing this level of concentration is when he's playing baseball, the boy can hit anything that comes his way. He licks the gar and seals it with his lips black like the cast-iron skillet moms had back home. I get lost watching the flame flicker as he ignites the blunt. The smoke climbs up in the air and I feel relaxed already.

           I look over to him and his head is cocked to the side as he gives me that seductive smirk of his that I could never resist. Whenever he did this, his dimples showed and I fell deeper and deeper in love with him every time. He slithers closer to me and his fingers began trailing down my back. I hear some rustling in the distance but I don’t pay it too much attention. His hand is on my ass tighter than mama’s ponytails in my hair back in the day. Things always seem to flow together whenever we’re high. I sit on his lap and he starts biting and kissing my neck. In this, I lose all track of time. Whichever direction he moves, I follow. My trance-like state is broken when I hear people talking and their voices getting louder.

           I see two white men approaching us and immediately I’m on defense, warning him that we should go. As usual, he doesn’t listen saying that we should just chill here because they’re probably just passing through. He never seems to listen to me even though time and time again, I pretty much always turn out to be right. I push him off of me and start gathering my things, preparing to leave. I didn’t like the situation we were in, technically trespassing, high, and being cornered. As they got closer and I could make out what they were doing, they seemed off, really off, almost behaving like drug addicts. Every couple of feet, they would bend down and search for something in the grass.

           We slowly begin trying to walk away from the building when they corner us in and ask us the last question I was expecting. “Do y'all know anywhere we can get some weed?” I immediately spit out “No!” as he goes on to talk to them like the businessman he naturally is and explains to them he can get them what they need. He tells me he’ll be right back and to wait here. I follow along, damn near screaming at him that he’s out of his mind if he possibly thinks I would wait with those creeps as he went to make a sale. He pleads with me that I can’t come to the drug deal because I'm what you would call an “unfamiliar”. He couldn't grasp the concept that I simply did not feel safe with two complete strangers asking for drugs, white men at that. We end up arguing for twenty minutes until I storm off, saying fuck it to whatever happens to him because of his stubborn ways.

          As I begin the long walk back to the river, reflecting on how a great afternoon took a turn for the worst, it just confirms that him and I just aren’t on the same page. A single tear rolls down my cheek as I realize sadly we probably will never be. I begin to think how could my own boyfriend put me in danger like that to make a couple of dollars? Then the harsh reality sets in, that no matter how much I liked him, no loved him, he simply didn’t feel the same about me. It seemed that smoking and the occasional hook up was enough for him. But was it enough for me? I knew I secretly did want things to be more serious between us and actually have a commitment but I just couldn’t fathom how to bring it up to him. I snap back to reality as I recognize that there was barely any daylight left as I was walking.

           The ferry is taking forever to cross back and then I notice the time. It was after 7pm, where it only crosses once per hour and I had just missed it. About 45 minutes later, I’m left rushing down Canal Street because it’s getting late. Halfway to my bus stop, three drunk white guys are trailing me hollering out obscene comments. I tried to ignore but they only got louder as my lack of attention towards them just pissed them off more. They screamed “Do you know what white cock feels like? Are you interested in finding out?” I couldn’t believe they could be so vulgar especially when there was no question I was underage and they were well over thirty. On the verge of tears because I had never been spoken to like that, I was feeling desperate. I scanned the sidewalk and I clung to a black mother and her kids to hopefully escape their remarks. I assumed that if they did not at least have the decency to not make sexual comments towards a minor then they might respect the presence of an older woman. The moment I begin trailing the black woman’s side, she gives me a look that signifies that she understands and is here for me. She begins conversing with me as if I were her child and pulls me closer to her so I can walk in front of her. I let her know that my bus stop was just at the next corner to the left and she hugs me, whispering in my ear to be safe before she lets go.

           I finally make it to the bus stop and notice my phone battery is low so I try to preserve it by not checking the live bus route updates. Hours pass and I lose count of how many guys try to get my number or bums ask me for spare change. As the darkness sets in, I become more frightened as downtown New Orleans is no place for a fifteen-year-old girl at night. I decide to go in Walgreens for safety, and to try and clear my head. I ask an older woman when would my next bus be coming and she tells me not until after midnight. It’s 10pm now. I start panicking as I flip flop between calling my parents and risk them smelling the weed on my clothes or waiting it out for the next bus. I impulsively hop on the next bus, knowing it will place me about a mile away from my house. I nervously anticipate the route I’ll take once I get off. After a twenty-minute ride, I pull the line for the next stop and a group of five black, hooded males get off at my stop too. I was feeling a little uneasy about this decision and wished I had just called my parents and risked getting in trouble. I also began to wonder why had my so called “best friend” not called or even text to see that I made it home safe. I call him twice and he doesn’t answer and the second time he even had the nerve to send me to voicemail. I tell myself that once I do in fact make it inside, I would send him a text letting him know exactly how I feel. His lack of concern for me and the fact that his romantic feelings weren’t reciprocal were really starting to become a problem for me.

           As I was about to step off the bus, the bus driver catches my hand and pulls me back. “Please be careful out there, this area can be dangerous this time of night!” I hit the pavement taking off in a sprint. I was able to make it about seven blocks before the burning from my asthmatic lungs was too much to bear. I still had about five blocks to go when the group of five guys appear but I can make out a girl with them as the sixth figure. I hoped they would just leave me alone but I was wrong. They began screaming out ribald comments like “I’d like to hit that!” and “Come slob on this black dick with those nice lips of yours!” I break out in a jog, but two of them had the audacity to run along with me. I gave the girl more credit than she deserved when I assumed she would tell them to stop but she just laughed with the rest of them.

            I finally make it to my house and I’m trembling as I stick my key in the lock. I tried to head straight for the shower to rid my body, clothes, and hair of the weed smell but my mother stopped me. “Are you just getting in?” I answer her “Yes” and she then asks me why was I so late. I shrug as I walk off saying that I missed the normal bus I would’ve taken so I had to take the other. She asks me why didn’t I call her or my brother to pick me up. I confidently reply “Well I knew you had work tonight, so I didn't want to wake you up early”. She paused with her questioning and I wasn’t going to miss this get-a-way opportunity to escape.

            I trip as I nearly ran away to the safety of the bathroom. She poked her head back out of her bedroom and asked what had gotten into me and was there anything wrong because I seemed off. I reassure her its just because the food I ate wasn’t sitting well with my stomach. I jump in the shower and stand under the water stream as the weed smell, his unforgettable earthy aroma, and the smell of sweat rinses off of my body. I hated lying to my mom but if she knew of all the careless, dangerous decisions I made today, I knew she would lose trust in my judgment skills. I lay in bed marveling at how I escaped this situation successfully this time but thinking of all the negative turns the night could've taken. I mean I could’ve easily been robbed by the two men looking to buy drugs or I could’ve been stranded across the river or even worse, raped by those drunk white men. Even the thought of those possibilities leaves me trembling slightly. Before I go to sleep, I promise myself that I won't allow myself to be in such a dangerous situation like that again. 

[finalportfoliostevens]

Ta-Nehesi Coates Returns to the Mecca

Prompt: Attend three extracurricular activities in a semester and summarize the event.

Original

Ta-Nehesi Coates on October 8, 2015

           On Wednesday October 7, 2015, Ta-Nehesi Coates paid a visit back to his Mecca, Howard University. He has kicked off his book tour for his latest creation “Between The World and Me”. This book is Coates own personal letter to his teenaged son about the struggles, trials, and tribulations of being black in these current times in America. He recounts his personal experiences of growing up black coming from West Baltimore and coming to Howard University.

           During the book, he starts off by making clear the distinction between Howard University and The Mecca. He mentions that Howard University is an educational institution that is interested in higher learning. He makes clear that “The Mecca” is a machine that is concerned with crafting and molding black individuals. He encounters “The Mecca” when he is on the yard or in the library. It was there that he was molded and made into who he is today. Although he did not graduate from Howard University, he believes that he has received a diploma from “The Mecca”.

           As Coates continues talking, he opens the floor for questions from the students, turning it into a question and answer session. He expressed overall his satisfaction with the questions he received and how they were really intelligent, challenging questions. One particular question that was posed to him that I thought was interesting mentioned his viewpoint on how he wants his son especially to be apart of the movement and to struggle but also doesn't want his son in danger. The student wanted to know how are we as a people supposed to move forward if all parents have this mindset. He answers explaining that he does indeed want his son to be apart of the movement and even him wishing his son wouldn't be in danger wont in fact keep him out of danger. He explains that danger is all around his son and he can not protect him from every form of danger that he will face.

           Overall, I liked the session with Ta-Nehesi Coates. He responded well and thoughtfully to the questions posed to him. Even for questions he was not yet able to explain thoroughly, he apologized for it. I am looking forward to his sessions at other locations on his tour.

Revised

Ta-Nehesi Coates Returns to the “Mecca”

           How do you fit into the “revolution”? You might ask yourself, what is the “revolution” referring to? It is a term that has been used frequently in history that usually describes a tense time in social relations between people opposed against each other, fighting for what they believe is right. Young people seem to be at the heart of te current movement for social justice and visits are being made to college campuses every semester. Ta-Nehesi Coates, award-winning book author, paid a visit to his former academic institute to discuss his newly released book. The revolution that author Ta-Nehesi Coates is referring to the police brutality that disproportionately affects people of color. This particular topic has crossed the minds of many people for years. The social climate when it came to race and police brutality was starting to mirror how it appeared when Rodney King was brutalized. With the death of Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown, and Alton Sterling the racial tensions in the country were extremely tense once again.

          On Wednesday October 7, 2015, Ta-Nehesi Coates paid a visit back to his Mecca, Howard University. He had kicked off his book tour for his latest creation “Between The World and Me”. This book is Coates’ own personal letter to his teenaged son about the struggles, trials, and tribulations of being black in the current tense times in America. He recounted his personal experiences of growing up black in West Baltimore and attending Howard University.

           During the book, he started off by making clear the distinction between Howard University and The Mecca. He mentioned that Howard University is an educational institution that is interested in higher learning. He explained that “The Mecca” is a machine that is concerned with crafting and molding black individuals. He encountered “The Mecca” when he is on the yard or in the library. It was there that he was molded and made into who he is today. Many current Howard students could relate the difference he was pointing out. Howard University is the institution we all came to receive a college degree from but the “Mecca” is where we decided to come to for the infamous college experience. The topic was brought up by commentators on if Coates expects an honorary degree from Howard University. Although he did not officially graduate from Howard University, he believes that he has received a diploma from “The Mecca”.    

           As Coates continued talking, he opened the floor for questions from the students, essentially turning it into a question and answer session. He expressed his overall satisfaction with the questions he received and how there were really intelligent, challenging issues brought up. One particular question that was posed to him that I thought was interesting mentioned his viewpoint on how he wants his son to be a part of the movement and to struggle but also does not want his son in danger. The students wanted to know how are we as a people supposed to move forward if all parents have this mindset. He answered explaining that he does indeed want his son to be a part of the movement and even him simply wishing his son wouldn't be in danger won’t in fact keep him out of danger. He expressed that danger is all around his son and he can’t protect him from every form that he will face. I have personally related to this as I have had similar conversations with my own mother. She understood that the current times called for my generation to take a stand and I would certainly be a part of that.

          I though it was extremely interesting how even Coates wasn't sure at how to maintain a balance of remaining safe but also being proactive in the “revolution” that is happening around us whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. I have always felt conflicted when it came to this topic. On one hand, I don’t want to sit and watch my peers doing all the work but on the other hand my safety is my top priority at all times. I think finding a balance between social activism and safety is a main concern for many wishing to protest the injustices in our society.

           Overall, I liked the session with Ta-Nehesi Coates. He responded well and thoughtfully to the questions posed to him. Even for questions he was not yet able to explain thoroughly, he apologized for it. I am looking forward to his sessions at other locations on his tour when he is possibly able to give out more details and not restricted by contracts. 

[finalportfoliostevens]

Resource Guide

Introduction: Psychology is the study of the human mind and behavior. It has many subfields within it such as developmental, cognitive, behavioral, clinical, psychoanalytic, and social.  The American Psychological Association is an organization at the professional level that leads in new scientific information concerning psychology. This organization consists of researchers, clinicians, professors, and even students as well. While in this field, one should be prepared to ask questions and look at information or situations from numerous viewpoints and angles. Peer To conduct research, one has to be very meticulous and objective.

 Key Terms: behavior —> the way in which a person acts or manner in which they conduct themselves, especially towards others   cognition —> the process of knowing, attending, remembering and reasoning; also includes the memories and concepts learned that come along with it conditioning —> the process of events, behaviors, and visual/sound stimuli becoming associated with each other measure of central tendency —> a statical value (i.e. mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, variance, etc.) that provides information about the observations made from the data meta-analysis —> analyzing studies and their hypotheses to see if they actually measured what they planned to population —> the entire group of people that a researcher hopes their results will be able to be generalized to scientific method —> a set of procedures and methods used in the scientific world to be able to objectively conduct studies; these common, ordered steps minimize error and allows for repeatable studies

Undergraduate Organizations: Psi Chi —> Psi Chi is an international honor society for both undergraduate and graduate level students studying psychology. The honor society was founded in 1929 by Frederick H. Lewis and Edwin B. Newman. These two were both psychology students attending the University of Kansas. The organization’s overall mission is to advance the science that is psychology. Psi Beta —> Psi Beta is a psychology honor society serving junior and community college students since they technically would not be allowed to be a member of Psi Chi. Their mission is the promote psychological literacy in community college students. This organization was founded by Ruth Hubbard Cousins in 1982. 

Career Paths: Counselor —> If one wants to work on a team as part of an organization, you can do so by having an undergraduate degree in Psychology. You can’t open a private practice without a graduate degree but can work in an open setting such as a school, work place, etc. With brief additional training, one could specialize in risk management or substance abuse prevention. Psychologist —> Psychologists study the human mind and work to encourage strong mental health for their patients. After completing an undergrad degree, one could go to graduate school for four more years and earn a Ph. D or a Psy. D in psychology and become a licensed psychologist. Once at the Ph. D level one has a few options. With a Ph. D, you can conduct research, become a professor and educate, or practice in a clinical setting offering therapy sessions to clients. Psychiatric Technician —>  A psychiatric technician acts as an aide to a Psychiatrist and the nursing staff. They usually conduct the intake process for a patient, they sometimes can administer medications, and tend to patient’s needs. Psychiatric Technicians are crucial because they assist the rest of the mental health team and often notice and point out certain behaviors that often foreshadow a mental crisis occurring. They usually work in public or private hospitals, as well as long term inpatient settings. 

Journals: Behavioral Development Bulletin —> The Behavioral Developmental Bulletin informs the public on the field of developmental psychology. This journal takes a behavioral analytic approach studying human development, providing descriptions of education, speech-language pathology, and even sociology. This journal’s goals include being able to understand human development in terms that are familiar to the field, inspire developmental psychologists to improve current approaches and create new ones, and to publish new information to keep the field informed. Decision —> Decision is a psychological academic journal that educates readers on human judgment and decision-making behavior. This journal dives deep into the process of judgement and speaks on topics such as evaluation, the decision between two or more choices, and statistical inferences. This article produces three different types of articles: longer, argumentative essays where theories are presented and defended, shorter articles which analyze the ethics behind the experiments and theories, and brief, narrow focus articles that address new topics and theories that are being presented. Behavior Analysis: Research and Practice —> This journal’s main focus is the integration of the fields psychology and behavior analysis. This journal includes information about behavioral analysis, behavior therapy, and consultation. It is broken up into two different sections, the first being “Behavioral Analysis Today” and the second being “Behavior Consultation Therapy”. The first section heavily focuses on the research itself, especially experimental and translational. The second section discusses the important of consultation and therapy as a means of healing.

[finalportfoliostevens]

Making Connections #2

Reasons for Opposition This piece “Letter to America” was written by some would say one of the most well-known terrorists of the 21st century. Osama Bin Laden wrote and addressed this piece to America at a time of tense international relations. The United States was still trying to recover rom what the world considered a horrible tragedy and blatant act of terrorism. Bin Laden eventually took responsibility for the 9/11 attack that took place in New York City and the DMV area, even though there is conspiracy surrounding that issue. In 2002, Bin Laden wrote a “Letter to America” in the form of a warning and an explanation to American citizens. He begins with the reasons that he feels they are justified in fighting against the United States and attacking us. He stated that if the United States did not stop the wrong that they are committing to them, then they can expect more attacks as they are not afraid. In his letter, he gives the examples of the US attacks in Somalia and Palestine, of how the taxes Americans pay fund the attacks, and how we exploit their resources for our own selfish gain. He clearly states that since we attack them, they have the right to attack us back and even clarifies that their religion supports it. 

Call to Action and Demands Overall, Bin Laden asks for the end of the corrupted state of the United States. He calls the US to be truthful and honest about the horrible conditions it has reached. He points out how corrupted the government is because of the biases and the sway rich, white politicians have in the elections. It was also mentioned how hypocritical and ironic it is that the US claims to stand for freedom and other horrendous events that the country have caused such as the dropping of nuclear bombs on Japan even though they had already surrendered. 

International Relationships and Psychology I believe the United States of America has to first recognize and second acknowledge the trauma that we have put other nations through. We pride ourselves on being the best country in the world when we are subpar at best when it comes to education, healthcare, and governmental policies. The series of war attacks and numerous bombs we have dropped on other communities have severely damaged those communities not only physically but mentally as well. The devastation that we have caused has rightful created radical and militant groups that wish to retaliate against us. I believe there should be some sort of counseling in place for these victims of war as they have to witness the demise of their communities and the slaughter of their loved ones. Witnessing and experiencing this type of trauma repeatedly over years surely has caused deep psychological issues that need healing.

[finalportfoliostevens]

Making Connections #1

President Obama’s Conservative Nature Ta-Nehisi Coates begins his piece titled “Fear of a Black President” by starting off making a weighted, immense claim that Obama is a “conservative revolutionary”. His argument challenges and is a rebuttal against what most people may think of Obama. It’s understandable how many can mistake Obama for being a liberal president especially since his presidential slogan was “Yes we can!”. When one thinks about those powerful words in his slogan, where he called for change in many areas and progress for us as American people, it’s almost automatic that one would think of his as a very liberal leader. During his two terms, Obama quoted many other conservative individuals such as former president Ronald Reagan and other members of the Republican Party. Contradictory to his revolutionary slogan that screams liberalism, he was much more calm and calculated in the moves he made. Even though he was conservative, all throughout his 8 years in office he still was extremely disliked by republican members of the government. These members of Congress did everything they could to make sure his ideas were not passed. He was also conservative about a particular topic that came as a shock to some.  During his presidency, it is very surprising but understandable that did not address the issue of race frequently. 

Turn of Events after Trayvon Martin’s Death The next major topic Coates discusses is the case of Trayvon Martin and the responses from Obama and citizens. He recalls how at first how the American people seemed to be on the same page when it came to their feelings about Trayvon’s death at the hands of his murderer George Zimmerman. Citizens tended to be horrified at his murder and extremely sympathetic towards the issues at hand. It wasn't until President Obama spoke on the case and said “If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon… and that we’re going to get to the bottom of exactly what happened.” This very quote sent the country into outrage. Reporters and bloggers were sharing their opinions and ripping him apart on various news outlets multiple times a day. From this backlash, the country became divided on this issue and many started looking at Zimmerman as the real victim. Zimmerman even set up a donation page to help fund the costs of his defense attorneys where he was able to raise well over $250,000. It was clear that with just one message from Obama, the tone and attitude toward Zimmerman had changed overnight. 

Obama’s Presidency and Psychology The field of Psychology studies human behavior, the mind, and its functions. Naturally being a psychology major when reading this piece I began to analyze it from a psychological perspective. It was interesting to see how President Obama’s thoughts on the Trayvon Martin case changed the overall perspective of the American people. It made me think of would there have been a difference in response had the president been white and said a similar statement. Additionally my thoughts led to what would have been the response had the races of the victim and killer were reversed. I also took on a psychological perspective when analyzing Obama’s actions overall during his presidency.

[finalportfoliostevens]

Journal #2

     Throughout this semester, I have truly dreaded doing revisions to the previous essays I have written. Revisions are my least favorite part of the writing process because usually by the time you have gotten around to revising, you're tired of looking at the screen or holding the pencil. Revising is overall, to me, a boring and tedious process. To avoid doing sloppy work, I usually will wait at least 24 hours between finishing the first draft and beginning revisions so that my mind is fresh and I am not being lazy. Usually to help me, I’ll transfer the file to a different program because each program works differently and catches different mistakes. For example, primarily I use Pages on a Macbook Air to do my writing assignments but this program mostly picks up on spelling mistakes. After my initial write up, I will transfer the file to Microsoft Word because this program helps me identify run on sentences, misused words, etc. This program overall helps identify errors in my writing that aren't as obvious as spelling mistakes.

     This class has made me want to explore creative writing again. I used to write a lot as a child but the stress and controlling environment of school got me away from that. Revisiting some of my old works, especially “Nothing but Second Chances” has led me to feel that spark again for writing. I will take this summer as time to explore creative writing and reading about topics that I am interested in.

[finalportfoliostevens]

Journal #1

     There are many elements of writing in this course that intimidate me. The 5 paragraph structure is what I have been taught for so many years. It has become safe, almost like a comfort zone. Of course I have wrote longer essays than 5 paragraphs, but they still had the same format of an introduction, body paragraphs to support my argument, and a conclusion summarizing the argument. I have been taught this structure all of my academic career so to have to move on to another so suddenly is a bit unnerving. However, I am looking forward somewhat to breaking away from this structure because I know it will not be sufficient for the writing that I will have to do in graduate school for psychology or even medical school. I am not looking forward to having to face the frustration of not having creative ideas and the process of committing to not doing the average structure.     I plan to use this writing portfolio to help me further and improve my writing for my psychology major and also the thesis paper I will have to write in my senior year to graduate from the COAS Honor’s Program. I already have a number of essays that I have written with hopes that somehow they all be able to be included in my senior thesis by having similar topics and themes. Currently, my interests for my senior thesis and the research I will have to do is concerned with the correlation between the racism that Black people face and their performance in school.