Chapter 13 & 14

Discussion Questions

Introspection and Reflection Questions
  1. On page 258, Asante Moran gives his definition of a “real education.” What do you think of this definition? Write down your responses to Asante Moran’s definition in your journal. Then do a free writing that focuses on your own definition of a “real education.” As part of this free writing, include experiences, observations or reflections (including anything from your reading) that cause you to create this definition.

  2. Obama describes the days after Mayor Harold Washington’s death. Obama writes: “It rained that weekend, cold and steady. In the neighborhood, the streets were silent (p. 287). ” Why does Obama choose to include these details? Is he merely describing the weather, or does his description serve a larger purpose?

  3. In your journal, write a narrative about a powerful experience in your own life or in the life of someone you know. Begin by describing the weather. As you write, think carefully about the ways in which the weather and other symbols from nature can represent thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to describe with direct details.

Suggestions for Essays, Presentations, or Research Projects

  1. Collaborate on a group project with classmates to consider various proposals for school reform to create your own solution as a multimedia presentation for a public venue. Begin your research on page 261, where Obama briefly describes the proposal that he, Dr. Collier and Asante Moran crafted together. What do you think of this proposal? Do you think it will improve conditions for children on the South Side? Why or why not?

    Next, your group can start generating ideas for your presentation. Consider focusing your presentation on improving conditions for children growing up in poverty. Narrow the location of your work to your own community— or to another setting that you know is in need of good solutions. Research the needs of whatever place you select; also research current school reform efforts. What solution do you believe would make positive changes in conditions for poor children in this area? How would you enact your solution? What similarities or differences do you find between Obama’s ideas and your own? Present your research at a local education conference or at another venue that is concerned with school reform.

  2. Write an essay that traces Obama’s religious and spiritual development throughout the Chicago section, ending with your interpretation of Obama’s response to Reverend Wright’s sermon (291-295). Start by researching key tenets of Black Liberation Theology and also read about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s experiences in Chicago and 1966 and listen to at least two of Dr. King’s major sermons. Before you continue make sure to take notes on what you learn. Then, compare your research on Black Liberation Theology and Dr. King with Obama’s thoughts on religion and spirituality.

    Write an outline that traces Obama’s experiences with religion and spirituality throughout Chapter 14. Find examples throughout the “Chicago” chapters that connect or contradict Obama’s experiences. Considering what you now know about Black Liberation Theology, Dr. King and Obama, write an essay in which you analyze Obama’s response to Reverend Wright’s sermon. Is his response understandable? Or, do you find it surprising? Please explain. Synthesize your reading and research to analyze Obama’s response and to support your views on this subject.

Useful Links for Further Research

School Reform
http://www.rethinkingschools.org/archive/23_03/23_03.shtml

http://www.ed.gov/about/overview/mission/welcome.html

Martin Luther King’s Visit to Chicago (1966)
http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/1438.html

Black Liberation Theology
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89236116