Post the paragraph on the theme of "juvenile." The question is: Is self-reflection necessary for redemption? We are using Yummy, the Time article, and the two films: The Interrupters and Juvies. We practiced Topical Invention again, the topic was "redemption." Students who were absent picked up the handout from last week.
Students chose an argument: thesis (pro-argument), antithesis (con-argument), synthesis (middle ground). If students completed the activity in class, put all the names in the heading. If students didn't complete the group activity, post individually. If anyone wants to change the perspective of the argument, as an individual, this is fine.
Respond to 1 student post. Ask a question that extends or expands the reasoning, then pose a counterargument.
We will use Writing Assignment 7 as our first step in the essay which takes its theme from Yummy. Bring the essay to class Tuesday, Feb. 28. We will look at "The Approach" (98) on Thursday, Feb. 23.
Bring Alexander's The New Jim Crow, to class on Thursday. We will use our Literature Circle format to discuss the book. For each chapter, I would like students to pull out significant arguments discussed and put them in standard form.
Writing Assignment 8 (102) is due March 6. The essay plan is due March 1.
We will complete exercises: 4C (92), 4D (93), 4E (94). Next week, March 1, we will start Chapter 5 (104).
We will plan to complete Alexander during the month of March.
We will complete exercises: 4C (92), 4D (93), 4E (94). Next week, March 1, we will start Chapter 5 (104).
We will plan to complete Alexander during the month of March.
Liliulachelle Finley
ReplyDeleteAaron Villanueva
Amber Robbins
Shayne Keator
Monsoon Pandey
Ronald Parker
Professor Sabir
English 5
21 February 2012
Self-Reflection in Redemption
Self-reflection is a key avenue through which people, especially minors, can gain redemption. In the same sense, a young person may be apt to commit a crime because they have not developed a grasp on the concept of consequences. At this juvenile stage, the mind is more impressionable and so more open to reflection and rehabilitation. For example, Billy, from the film, "The Interrupters", commited a heinous crime, endangering lives in the hold-up of a barbershop without realizing the impact that this had on his victims. Billy atones for his crime and gaines redemption after confronting a woman he had threatened. He then empathizes with her and acknowledges how she really feels. Billy reflected on what he had done, understood that he had been "young and stupid," and faced the seat of judgement within himself where he obtains the redemption that he wasn't even sure he could receive. It is through the same process that Billy went through where one is able to feel regret and forgive themselves in order to move on and help the lives of others on the same path.
Ryan perdiguerra, not ronald parker
DeleteDaniela Debergue
DeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
23 February 2012
Self-Reflection/Redemption Assignment
Self-reflection is a crucial step to redemption. Redemption is the act of gaining back or making up for something that one has lost. In terms of Yummy, Juvies, and The Interruptors, the question of the possibility of redemption is asked of criminals. I believe that criminals cannot redeem themselves of their crimes until they fully understand why the crimes they committed were wrong. This involves the perpetrator of a crime to step outside of whatever personal reasons he/she had to commit the crime in the first place, and understand the negative toll the crime took on society and/or another individual. There is also an active aspect to this redemption. Once a criminal is let out of prison, he/she must continue to self-reflect before doing things. This will help him/her avoid committing crimes, thus ensuring both the redemption of morals and the title of "citizen" rather than "criminal."
Kelsey Johnson
DeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
February 24, 2012
I really appreciate your opinion on criminals, despite the fact that it seems to differ greatly from that of the overriding view of the class. One part of your response that really resonated with me was when you said that criminals must “step outside of whatever personal reasons he/she had to commit the crime in the first place, and understand the negative toll the crime took on society and/or another individual.” Too often in our class discussions I think we feel sorry for criminals instead of holding them accountable for their actions. This is not to say that we should not have some empathy for them as human beings, but we should do this while keeping in mind the horrors of their actions. I was impressed by the way in which you articulated this. Finally, I liked that fact that you held the criminal accountable for pursuing self-reflection in order to achieve redemption. In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed and respected your response.
Good work, Team Finley! What does the last sentence mean? Are you saying that regret is one of the elements in the forgiveness and redemption process?
ReplyDeleteAre you saying that if there is no regret, no matter how much one reflects, there is no hope for changed thinking and by extension changed behavior?
Is regret what happens when one reflects on one's negative actions or behavior?
Is regret the precursor to action? Is redemption an active verb, rather than a state of being? If nothing visibly or measurably changes, if there true redemption?
Lots of questions come to mind (smile).
Nice
DeleteEdwin Peabody, Ronald Parker, Adalie Villalobos
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
21 February 2012
There are many components to redemption, but self-reflection is the first step to achieving this goal. Redemption is to make up for mistakes that have been committed in the past. Before one can reach redemption, he or she must self reflect, which is acknowledging the mistakes that he or her has acted upon. Usually, regret, disappointment, or dissatisfaction are the feelings expressed by the person seeking redemption. As a result of redemption, one who is seeking redemption hopes to gain forgiveness.
Tiffanya Richardson
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
February 21, 2012
English 5
Is self- reflection necessary for redemption?
Self-reflection in necessary for redemption
Self-reflection is a component of redemption because one must admit their guilt as well as come to terms with the issue at hand. Yummy, who is an actual juvenile delinquent depicted in G. Neri’s novel, was not initially plagued with guilt after murdering his childhood friend Shavon. Yummy actually tired to escape guilt by making comments explaining how the shooting was not his fault. It wasn’t until he grasped the fact that the police were looking for him, and his gang abandoned him, that he was able to self reflect and come to terms with his actions. His self-reflection even led him to ask for prayer and show his vulnerability. In both films; Juvies and The Interrupters, we see that the main characters had to first turn from their criminal past only after self reflection, which then led to their life’s work of seeking redemption through saving the lives of other juvenile delinquents lead astray.
Daniela Debergue
DeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
23 February 2012
Self-Reflection/Redemption Assignment Response
I totally agree with you when you say that one cannot achieve redemption without first understanding that a wrong was committed. However, I also believe that there is more to it than just understanding what one has done wrong. Another huge part of redemption is taking action to right the wrong as much as possible. In terms of criminals, that means that once they are let out of prison, doing everything they can to lead a more honorable life and stay away from crime. This in itself is a form of self-reflection because one must constantly question if what he/she is doing is for the good of the individual and society, and not seeing life and ambitions from a selfish point of view.
Tiffanya Richardson
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
February 21, 2012
English 5
Response to Self Reflection argument
Team Peabody very good argument. One question that came across my mind is what if one can't make of for a mistake made in the past, for example a murder? Is redemption then an ever chasing unreachable goal? I will make the argument that its not self reflection but rather fear of facing the consequences that actually leads to the yearning of redemption.
Lola Levi, Jamie McNair, Sam Zinn
ReplyDeleteProfessor Wanda Sabir
English 5
21 February 2012
Group Paragraph (pro-thesis)
Initially Yummy did not feel as if his actions regarding Shavon's murder were wrong. This is because he wasn't taught proper moral values to be able to decipher right from wrong. Later on, Yummy's conscience led him to seek redemption because he understood that he was at fault. He took the time to think about his actions and he felt bad about accidentally killing his friend. Self-reflection is a component of redemption because one must admit their guilt and come to terms with the issue at hand.
Brianna DeGrano
DeleteProfessor Wanda Sabir
English 5
22 February 2012
(Response)
I agree with this group's argument that Yummy did not realize that what he did was wrong at first because he was not taught the difference in morals. However, I would propose the idea that Yummy may have come to the realization that he did wrong as a result of some self reflection, but also because of the reaction from those around him.
Tori Coleman
DeleteProfessor Wanda Sabir
English 5
22 February 2012
(Response)
Great Job! This group made a strong point. I agree that Yummy's path to seek redemption was through his guilty conscience. Through time he was able to self reflect and claim ownership of what he had done.
However, while Yummy did self reflect towards the end, is it also possible that his surrounding played a part in him feeling guilty? Was his grandmother's presence what made him feel bad and not just his own thoughts?
Is it possible that Yummy was just pretending to feel guilty to get off the hook for accidentally murdering his friend?
Monsoon Pandey
DeleteProfessor Wanda Sabir
English 5
23 February 2012
(Response)
I agree with your group's argument. I do believe that self reflection is the path to redemption because once you start looking at yourself and ponder about what you did wrong, that is when you realize that your are held responsible for your actions and nobody else. In Yummy's case, he does believe that the girls death was not his fault because he did not mean to shoot her, but one could tell that he was starting to feel guilty about the whole situation later on.
Abigail Boggs-Moura
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
21 February 2012
Self Reflection within Redemption
Self reflection is a component of redemption, but a moral compass is responsible for any attempt for true atonement. The general society shares a common set of values and beliefs, which tend to be based on proper moral conduct. However, when an individual is an environment that contradicts those morals and they do self reflect, it will not affect their conscience. Without feeling of remorse, it is nearly impossible to obtain real redemption. therefore, a person must not only self reflect, but also must have the proper virtues that help to distinguish between right and wrong in order to feel regretful of how their actions impacted everyone. This is clear with Yummy, whose immediate environment of the Black Disciples beliefs and actions contradicted the general societies. Thus, although Yummy perhaps did self reflect, his moral compass was guided by the gang that had taken place of a family which he did not have and it could be argued did not feel truly regretful.
Ana Cristina Muro
ReplyDeleteWilliam Evesett
( 2 other people please add your name)
Professor Sabir
English 5
21 February 2012
Con side
Self-reflection is not a component of redemption because just getting out of jail is a sigh of redemption. The process of thinking does not take place because it is not necessary, just getting out of jail and letting time pass is enough. Self-reflection is not necessary when other people forgive you, when you don’t ask for forgiveness. Saying things with no emotion can redeem yourself even if you are not self-reflecting on what occurred, you are just saying it to get out of the situation.
Amber Robbins
DeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
22 February 2012
I do not agree with this statement. I think that "just getting out of jail" just means that someone got out of jail. They did not obtain any kind of redemption. This person could just be in the same exact state that they were in when they went into prison--just older. Self-reflection and thought are absolutely necessary because it is for themselves that a person would want redemption, not for anyone else. Getting out of a situation is not the same thing as gaining redemption.
Liliulachelle Finley
DeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
23 February 2012
RESPONSE
I do not agree with the argument in this antithesis. First off, getting out of jail is not a sign of redemption. In order to redeem yourself you have to REFLECT on what you did, leading you to try and not do it again. For example, there are many-time criminals who return to jail and get out and commit the same crimes all over again. Sometimes, they commit something even worse. Saying things without emotion doesn't mean a thing. It's just regular talk that no one would care about. One must reflect on their life and decisions because it will help them to forgive themselves and others. Getting out of a situation is NOT redeeming yourself. With your argument, redemption would never be achieved.
Vincent Corral and Thannhuong Nguyen participated in this activity...
DeleteJesse Pinkney
ReplyDeleteMelvin Herring
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 5
22 February 2012
Self-Reflection and Redemption
Self-reflection is a serious thought about one’s character, actions, and motives. Self-reflecting is like looking in the mirror after getting dressed. Most of the times you agree with what you see other times you don’t. Sometimes you don’t care about what you see because of ego and perception of one’s reality. Redemption is the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt. An individual can gain introspect and analyze his/ her thoughts from self-reflecting but it is a one party thought process not an active dialogue that requires two-way communication or any physical labor. Redemption is only met when physical or emotional needs have been approved by all parties involved. Yummy the little boy from Chicago is a prime example of a juvenile that had self-reflected on the shooting incident that killed the little girl but he couldn’t receive redemption from the community or the victim’s family because he hadn’t did anything to emotionally or physically change their perception of him.
Saba Ghanem
DeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
22 February 2012
I like your point on the process of redemption being complete once all parties involved approve of the person. However in this case if one needs other's approval then self-reflection can turn into an open-ended cycle of agony and pain in search for an unattainable redemption. In this case self-reflection should lead ones focus on ways to prevent the past from occuring again.
Shayne Keator
DeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
23 February 2012
I agree with your comment that basically says redemption cannot be attempted or made without looking within oneself through introspection, and by looking beyond one's own ego.
Jesse Pinkney
DeleteProfessor Wanda Sabir
English 5
23 February 2012
Response to Saba Ghanem Comment-
If self-reflecting, living a good life, and giving back to your community and those you have hurt becomes an open-ended cycle of agony and pain the individual has retained a mindset that is unjust for redemption. If an individual has successfully self-reflected, his/her focus and actions will be a positive act regardless of if one has been approved by others or not. While redemption and approval of others is motivation, the true reward is the individual that now has new meaning of life, goals, and values that will continue to grow until death.
Jerald Appling
ReplyDeleteJacob Mendoza
Ricardo Arrizu
Professor Wanda Sabir
English 5
22 February 2012
Is self-reflection a component of juvenile redemption? (Pro-Thesis)
The self-reflection sets into the mind of the juvenile once they stop thinking about themselves and begin thinking about the people around them. In a period of incarceration, the self-reflection is sparked due to the lack of distraction and the removal of freedom. The self-reflection eventually leads to a juvenile’s desire to contribute to a society where they once acted selfishly. Self-reflection would also cause a juvenile to consider their hypothetical response if the crime they committed were committed against their family. Self-reflection, at times, becomes a moot point when the sentence is too long to contribute to society.
Ana Cristina Muro
DeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
22 February 2012
(Response)
Great job very thoughtful! One question I have is what about the people that do not care about their family and therefore do not do a self-reflection? I think that there are times where people do not think of their family and believe that they are better than everyone else. They might feel they have attained redemption because they are better than others and that is what they deserve.
You make a good point! Arrogance can be a powerful weapon against ourselves and a roadblock on our path to redemption. I can't say that I have an answer for you. We can only hope that everyone's arrogance eventually crumbles to humility before it's too late to make an attempt at redemption.
DeleteSaba Ghanem
ReplyDeleteProfessor Wanda Sabir
English 5
22 February 2012
Is self-reflection necessary for redemption?
Self-reflection is in a way a form of judgement; to put oneself on trial until a satisfying verdict is reached within ones conscious self. Self-reflection is away to recognize one’s mistakes, realize the consequences from an act committed, gain regret or remorse, and can be used to avoid a relapse back into the same situation. Yummy for example began to self-reflect when he found himself on the run and there is no one he can turn to. After reflecting and speaking to God at the end of the story he tells Derek, he wants to turn himself in, rather than turn to the Black disciples for help. I think that point proves that Yummy was on his way to redemption via self-reflection. Another example of self-reflection and redemption is that of Eddie, from Interrupters; his annual visitations of his victim’s family are his way of self-reflecting. Bringing his thoughts and emotions back to the scene, and meeting the victim’s family give him a chance to self-reflect and regain his motivation and zeal to continue to work harder so that his mistakes are not repeated by others who could be saved. Amina from Interrupters also showed many moments of self-reflection and redemption especially when trying to help the 17 year old girl. I think she was trying to get the girl to self-reflect and gain confidence in herself so that she does not return to fighting and going to jail again.
Jesse Pinkney
DeleteProfessor Wanda Sabir
English 5
23 February 2012
Question for Saba Ghanem-
Does self-reflection always lead to positive reinforcement or redemption? I ask this question because many criminals that have been in and out of the jail system seem to continue living the life they know regardless if they have self-reflected in the past or not. Most people reflect naturally after doing something wrong but it doesn't always lead to positive reinforcement. Self-reflection is necessary for redemption but the two don't amount to each other.
Vincent Corral Jr
DeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
26 February 2012
Response for Saba Ghanem-
I too also agree with Jesse's question/response. I do not doubt at all that self-reflection occurs once a a consequence has been served, but that does not initially mean that they will be reinforced positively permanently in the long run. There is still that probability that things may not turn out the way a victim may wants things to be due to the life style they are used to.
Aaron Villanueva
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
Response to Ana Cristina Muro & William Evesett:
Your statement is partially correct, but I do believe that it is very important to self-reflect when one wants to redeem themselves.
Maya Dobjensky
ReplyDeleteKevin Ruma
Briana Degrano
Tori Coleman
Kelsey Johnson
Professor Sabir
English 5
February 24, 2012
Synthesis:
The act of redemption is a process that involves self-reflection as well as other components. A critical part of growth needed for redemption is the ability to turn inward and admit what one has done wrong. However, self-reflection is not required should the second party involved grant forgiveness. For instance, if one is to apologize purely for the satisfaction of forgiveness without truly understanding his/her faults, redemption may be granted by the second party without true self-reflection. Therefore, self-reflection is useful in pursuing redemption, but not necessary.
Thanhhuong Nguyen
ReplyDeleteprofessor Sabir
English 5
February 24, 2012
Response to students: Lola Levi, Jamie McNair, Sam Zinn.
You guys said, " Yummy did not feel as if his actions regarding Shavon's murder were wrong." I believe that does know what he did was wrong(Shavon's death), but on the other half he doesnt because his brain is too young. He must know what he did wrong, because a lot of people faced him and told him that what ever he did was wrong. He should feel that his actions were wrong because why is he running away and hiding? This means that he do know.
Edwin Peabody
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
25 February 2012
Response to the Con argument
I completely disagree with the Con argument that self-reflection is not apart of redemption. I believe that in order to achieve redemption, one must self reflect first to understand what they are seeking redemption for. Self-refection is a huge part of redemption. People need to held responsible for their actions and be accountable.
Fatima Oliver
ReplyDeleteAbigail Boggs-Moura
Professor Sabir
English 5
21 February 2012
Self Reflection within Redemption
Self reflection is a component of redemption, but a moral compass is responsible for any attempt for true atonement. The general society shares a common set of values and beliefs, which tend to be based on proper moral conduct. However, when an individual is an environment that contradicts those morals and they do self reflect, it will not affect their conscience. Without feeling of remorse, it is nearly impossible to obtain real redemption. Therefore, a person must not only self reflect, but also must have the proper virtues that help to distinguish between right and wrong in order to feel regretful of how their actions impacted everyone. This is clear with Yummy, whose immediate environment of the Black Disciples beliefs and actions contradicted the general societies. Thus, although Yummy perhaps did self reflect, his moral compass was guided by the gang that had taken place of a family which he did not have and it could be argued did not feel truly regretful.
Ronald Parker
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
25 February 2012
I disagree with the Con argument. Personally I feel you must self reflect in order to redeem. You must understand what you did and realize the change you need yto make so you wont make the same mistake. people who cant accept what they have done wont realize the mistake and it will be an ongoing thing.
Joseph Paez
ReplyDeleteProfessor Sabir
English 5
23 February 2012
Self-Reflection allows the person to think through his actions, whether it is from hurting someone, stealing something, or cheating himself. Through self-reflection one learns how to properly deal with their past actions and redeem themselves by not commiting the same error twice. I find this very useful because I have done this before and got great results. I do not dwell on the past but absorb the mistake and let it go and move on to something more important.