Introspection and Reflection Questions
- On page 226, Obama uses the word “trifling” to respond to an action in the community. What was this action? Why does Obama use this word? What is Will’s reaction? Do you think you would reply in the same way? Why or why not? Try creating your reply to Obama as a poem, as lyrics for a song, or as a multimedia collage. Be sure to include the word “trifling” as part of your reply.
- Consider Obama’s reflection on Mayor Harold Washington. Obama wondered if away from the spotlight… “[the Mayor] felt as trapped as those he served, an inheritor of a sad history, part of a closed system with few moving parts, a system that was losing heat every day, dropping into low-level stasis. I wondered whether he, too, felt a prisoner of his fate” (p. 231).
What is your interpretation of this reflection? Highlight key words and identify verbs that show direct action. What patterns do you notice in the language? How can these patterns help you to interpret Obama’s reflection? Once you arrive at an interpretation, write down your ideas in your journal.
Suggestions for Essays, Presentations, or Research Projects
- Write a proposal for a community service internship or service-learning project at a local public school that you are interested in and that you have researched carefully. Begin by taking a look at Obama’s description of his experiences volunteering at Carver Elementary. Reread this section closely, making notes on Obama’s perceptions of the children and the school, and Principal Martha Collier’s attitudes toward the students in her care. Next examine current issues in school reform.
For your proposal identify the kind of internship or project that would best serve the needs of the local school. Present the outcomes that you would like to see as a result of your project and analyze the challenges that you might face in achieving those outcomes. Then synthesize what you have learned from your research to show the steps you would take to put your proposal into action.
- On pages 235-248, Obama discusses asbestos problems at Altgeld Gardens. Research the history of asbestos use and removal and consider the options that the Chicago Housing Authority presented to the Altgeld Gardens residents:
The Department of Housing and Urban Development has appropriated a limited amount of funding that can be used to either:
A.) remove the asbestos
B.) replace the plumbing and the roofing at Altgeld Gardens
The Chicago Housing Authority wants to make repairs that will benefit the greatest number of people. Both projects are needed, but there is only enough money for one.
Which of the options above (A or B) do you believe would be most beneficial to the greater number of residents at Altgeld Gardens? Write a letter to the Chicago Housing Authority recommending which project should be chosen, either removing the asbestos or replace the plumbing and roofing. Include evidence from your research to support your choice.
Useful Links for Further Research
Service Learning
http://www.servicelearning.org/what-service-learningSchool Reform
http://www.rethinkingschools.org/archive/23_03/23_03.shtmlhttp://www.ed.gov/about/overview/mission/welcome.html
Asbestos
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/asbestos
http://newswww.bbc.net.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/3015649.stm