Unheard Stories
In this project, my class studied social justice. We each interviewed someone who might have a story involving social justice, and made a whole class mural based on it. To learn about story structure (for our mural's story), we also wrote creative stories, and read The Odyssey and Persepolis. Finally, we took a field trip to Writerz Blok and Chicano Park, as well as one to a Muslim school/mosque (The Islamic Center of San Diego).
ICSD Reflection:
In this field trip, we went to the Islamic Center of San Diego. We went on this field trip to learn more about Islam, and possibly interview Muslim students for our project. For the project we had to find a person with a story, whose story may not have ever been heard before. The Islamic Center of San Diego was a perfect field trip for this, because Islam has a lot of stereotypes associated with it. During the field trip, we watched a presentation on Islam, got a tour of the school, and watched the noon prayer in the Mosque. Something that surprised me about the school was that, while they said that boys and girls were equal, it didn’t seem entirely true. The two genders were separated for prayer, and the students couldn’t talk to the other gender unless it was for academic reasons. That was especially weird to me because quite a few of my friends are guys. My perspective on the Islam religion and Muslims in general have changed significantly since this field trip. I never knew how similar this religion was to ones like Christianity. They have very similar themes throughout their holy texts, and have relatively similar prayers and things like that. I’m still wondering what it must be like growing up with the Islam specific classes, and in what grade they start teaching them. |
Writerz Blok Reflection:
For this field trip, we went to Writerz Blok; where people can paint graffiti or murals without getting fined. They had a bunch of temporary walls that you could spray paint on. Since we reserved two walls to paint on, that’s what we did, along with doing a workshop on using a screen printer. I learned how to use a spray can, and a screen printer, along with seeing many murals. I think that learning (or seeing) those things was important to the project because they all (except maybe the screen printing) were examples of real graffiti and how it’s made. I am still wondering about techniques with the spray cans to make it easier to do certain things. This trip did not change my mural very much. I was, however, reinforced that adding more symbols is necessary. Chicano Park Reflection: For this field trip, we went to Chicano Park, underneath the Coronado Bridge in Barrio Logan. All of the supports to all of the bridges, the tables, even a small overhang thing, were painted. It really struck me that there were almost no blank spaces anywhere. Just about every tangible thing was painted. While there, we ate lunch, and looked at the murals. I was blown away by some of them. My favorite mural was one that I think was about the food industry. At the very bottom, there were food crops being picked. A little farther up, was a depiction of people starving, and begging for food. I think that the story in this mural is that people (maybe even the people growing the food) are starving. I still wonder what some of the other mural’s stories were. |
Photos from the Field Trips
The Odyssey Literary Analysis
Savannah Tweed
Can you imagine the pure exhaustion you would have after fighting Gods and monsters for 20 gruelling years, only to come home to fight for the life you once knew? This is The Odyssey, in this book by Homer, the main character, Odysseus, conquers a ten year journey where he tries to get back to his home, Ithaca, after being away for an additional ten years battling in the Trojan War. His wife and son also suffer during Odysseus’ absence, as the suitors invade his home and family. Odysseus’ suffering finally ends when he wins back the throne of Ithaca, and is reunited with his family. According to Homer, the ancient Greeks valued loyalty in their society and is shown in the book through admiration and practices, Eumaeus and the people, and caring for one another.
The ancient Greeks valued, admired and practiced loyalty in their society. “Once Odysseus clearly seen how firm their minds were, he spoke to them again…” (book 21, page 419). The Goddess Athena helped Odysseus throughout his journey. Once he returned to his homeland, she was afraid that the suitors would harm him, so she disguised him as a beggar. Pretending to be a beggar, Odysseus asks Eumaeus and Philoetius about Odysseus’ return. Odysseus admired the loyalty that his friends displayed and commended them by revealing his true identity. “So come on now, you people should disburse, each one go off to his own land.” -Leocritus (book 2, page 35). Odysseus’ son, Telemachus called a meeting hoping for the mentors to help find his father and to kill the suitors from his home. Leocritus proved his loyalty to Odysseus and Telemachus, by asking everyone to return home so that Telemachus could get things under control, even though he was not happy about the meeting.
Loyalty was a valued trait among the ancient Greeks, as shown when Eumaeus councils the people about protecting themselves.“You take charge of all the problems here. First and foremost, protect yourself. Your heart must stay alert, so you don’t suffer harm. Many Achaeans are hatching evil plans…” -Eumaeus (book 17, page 354). Eumaeus, the swineherd was leaving to do his job, when he decided to warn Telemachus about the suitors as they were planning something evil. By stepping forward to warn Telemachus, it showed not only his loyalty but how much he valued him. “...If anyone hears groans inside this room or any noise from men within these walls, she’s not to run outside but stay where she is carrying out her work in silence.” -Eumaeus (book 21, page 426). Odysseus, Eumaeus, and Philoetius planned for the suitors’ demise. Their plan was to lock the suitors where they could not escape. Odysseus would reveal his true identity to the suitors and would exact his revenge. The plan required everyone to cooperate which meant that the women would also need to be locked away so that there were no interruptions during the killing. Odysseus, Penelope, and the other women benefited from Eumaeus’ loyalty as he protected them from danger.
As mortals express their loyalty to their peers, Gods also express their loyalty to mortals by declaring it through their actions. “...that’s how Odysseus let tears of pity fall from his eyes then. But he concealed those tears from all of them except Alcinous, who, as he sat there beside him, was the only one who noticed and could hear his heavy sighs.” (book 8, page 161). Before Odysseus leaves the assembly, Alcinous has a banquet that Odysseus attends. At the banquet Demodocus sings a ballad about the story of Odysseus and Achilles. Odysseus weeps when he hears the song as it reminds him of the hard times he endured. Alcinous shows his loyalty by offering his shoulder. “The suitors kept throwing spears with frantic haste, but though there were many, Athena made them miss.” (book 22, page 439). When the suitors realize Odysseus’ true identity, they fight against him, Telemachus, Eumaeus and Philoetius by throwing spears. The Goddess Athena shows her loyalty to all of the mortals, by protecting them from the onslaught of spears.
Throughout the book, The Odyssey, Homer presents admiration and loyalty as valued traits to the ancient Greeks. This is apparent as he shows these traits in the relationships between Eumaeus and the people, and caring for one another. Among the many traits, loyalty was valued, admired and practiced by the ancient Greeks. Loyalty was a valued trait among the ancient Greeks, as shown when Eumaeus councils the people about protecting themselves. As mortals express their loyalty to their peers, Gods also express their loyalty to mortals by proclaiming it through their actions. Throughout his adventure, Odysseus faces many challenges. With not only his bravery and loyalty, but also those of his friends and family, he is able to overcome the biggest of these threats.
Savannah Tweed
Can you imagine the pure exhaustion you would have after fighting Gods and monsters for 20 gruelling years, only to come home to fight for the life you once knew? This is The Odyssey, in this book by Homer, the main character, Odysseus, conquers a ten year journey where he tries to get back to his home, Ithaca, after being away for an additional ten years battling in the Trojan War. His wife and son also suffer during Odysseus’ absence, as the suitors invade his home and family. Odysseus’ suffering finally ends when he wins back the throne of Ithaca, and is reunited with his family. According to Homer, the ancient Greeks valued loyalty in their society and is shown in the book through admiration and practices, Eumaeus and the people, and caring for one another.
The ancient Greeks valued, admired and practiced loyalty in their society. “Once Odysseus clearly seen how firm their minds were, he spoke to them again…” (book 21, page 419). The Goddess Athena helped Odysseus throughout his journey. Once he returned to his homeland, she was afraid that the suitors would harm him, so she disguised him as a beggar. Pretending to be a beggar, Odysseus asks Eumaeus and Philoetius about Odysseus’ return. Odysseus admired the loyalty that his friends displayed and commended them by revealing his true identity. “So come on now, you people should disburse, each one go off to his own land.” -Leocritus (book 2, page 35). Odysseus’ son, Telemachus called a meeting hoping for the mentors to help find his father and to kill the suitors from his home. Leocritus proved his loyalty to Odysseus and Telemachus, by asking everyone to return home so that Telemachus could get things under control, even though he was not happy about the meeting.
Loyalty was a valued trait among the ancient Greeks, as shown when Eumaeus councils the people about protecting themselves.“You take charge of all the problems here. First and foremost, protect yourself. Your heart must stay alert, so you don’t suffer harm. Many Achaeans are hatching evil plans…” -Eumaeus (book 17, page 354). Eumaeus, the swineherd was leaving to do his job, when he decided to warn Telemachus about the suitors as they were planning something evil. By stepping forward to warn Telemachus, it showed not only his loyalty but how much he valued him. “...If anyone hears groans inside this room or any noise from men within these walls, she’s not to run outside but stay where she is carrying out her work in silence.” -Eumaeus (book 21, page 426). Odysseus, Eumaeus, and Philoetius planned for the suitors’ demise. Their plan was to lock the suitors where they could not escape. Odysseus would reveal his true identity to the suitors and would exact his revenge. The plan required everyone to cooperate which meant that the women would also need to be locked away so that there were no interruptions during the killing. Odysseus, Penelope, and the other women benefited from Eumaeus’ loyalty as he protected them from danger.
As mortals express their loyalty to their peers, Gods also express their loyalty to mortals by declaring it through their actions. “...that’s how Odysseus let tears of pity fall from his eyes then. But he concealed those tears from all of them except Alcinous, who, as he sat there beside him, was the only one who noticed and could hear his heavy sighs.” (book 8, page 161). Before Odysseus leaves the assembly, Alcinous has a banquet that Odysseus attends. At the banquet Demodocus sings a ballad about the story of Odysseus and Achilles. Odysseus weeps when he hears the song as it reminds him of the hard times he endured. Alcinous shows his loyalty by offering his shoulder. “The suitors kept throwing spears with frantic haste, but though there were many, Athena made them miss.” (book 22, page 439). When the suitors realize Odysseus’ true identity, they fight against him, Telemachus, Eumaeus and Philoetius by throwing spears. The Goddess Athena shows her loyalty to all of the mortals, by protecting them from the onslaught of spears.
Throughout the book, The Odyssey, Homer presents admiration and loyalty as valued traits to the ancient Greeks. This is apparent as he shows these traits in the relationships between Eumaeus and the people, and caring for one another. Among the many traits, loyalty was valued, admired and practiced by the ancient Greeks. Loyalty was a valued trait among the ancient Greeks, as shown when Eumaeus councils the people about protecting themselves. As mortals express their loyalty to their peers, Gods also express their loyalty to mortals by proclaiming it through their actions. Throughout his adventure, Odysseus faces many challenges. With not only his bravery and loyalty, but also those of his friends and family, he is able to overcome the biggest of these threats.
Persepolis Literary Analysis
Savannah Tweed
Can you imagine being a young child in the middle of a brutal war, where you are forced to change your ideals? Persepolis is a vivid account of a young girl’s journey, where she is forced to navigate her way through the ever-changing authoritarianism of the revolution. The novel Persepolis, is an autobiography by Marjane Satrapi, that takes place in Iran in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Through her young eyes, Marjane ‘Marji’ Satrapi watches events unfold that drastically affect her life. Her idealistic family finally witnessed the fall of the hated Shah during the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Yet, as Marji grows up, she observes first hand how Iran changed, now ruled by Islamic Fundamentalists, becomes a repressive tyranny on its own. With Marji dangerously refusing to remain silent at this injustice, her parents sent her abroad to Vienna to study and live a better life. A significant symbol in Persepolis, was the veil. The veil strongly represented rebellion, power/control, and change.
When the Islamic Fundamentalists initiated the rule for women to wear the veil, Marji’s mom rebelled at this infringement on her rights. As Marji matured, she joined her mom in rebelling against wearing the veil. “I put my posters up in my room. I put my 1983 Nikes on… and my denim jacket with the Michael Jackson button, and of course, my headscarf.” (page 131). As Marji describes her outfit she ends by saying that she “of course” wore her headscarf. The fact that Satrapi writes “of course” indicates the way in which the veil has become a part of her life. However, she did not conform to the rules, and instead wore ‘punk’ clothes. “Everywhere in the streets there were demonstrations for and against the veil.” (page 5). Marji’s mom was part of the group that protested against the Islamic Fundamentalists for the freedom and rights of the women. The prominent cause of the women’s protests, was being made to wear the veil. Marji’s mom felt strongly enough about this cause, so she let Marji join the rebellion. Both Marji and her mom rebel against the veil in their own ways. Marji, by wearing ‘punk’ attire; her mom, by demonstrating in the streets.
The veil represents power/control because when the Islamic Revolution took place, women were forced to wear the veil. “In 1979 a revolution took place. It was later called ‘The Islamic Revolution.’ Then came 1980: the year it became obligatory to wear the veil at school.” (page 3). Marji is explaining how the Islamic Fundamentalists made it compulsory that the girls wear veils. This is the first of many mandates that the Islamic Fundamentalists’ leadership implemented to gain control over the people “Women’s hair emanates rays that excite men. That’s why women should cover their hair! If in fact it is really more civilized to go without the veil, then animals are more civilized than we are.” (page 74). In my opinion I think that the Islamic Fundamentalists should have enough self-control that they can view a woman’s hair without getting excited. Obviously this was not the case, or else they wouldn’t have made such a rule. By making the claim that ‘animals are more civilized than we are is ridiculous in its very essence. There was a perceived understanding that there would be potential consequences for not wearing a veil, therefore most women did. Additionally, to add insult to injury the Islamic Fundamentalists call women animals if they don’t wear the veil.
The change that the veil represents is how women had choices before the revolution, then the Islamic Fundamentalists instilled all these rules. Many of these rules, related to how a woman should dress. “Look at her! Last year she was wearing a miniskirt, showing off her beefy thighs to the whole neighborhood. And now madam is wearing a chador. It suits her better, I guess.” (page 75). Marji’s mom was very irritated when she pointed out that one of her neighbors, had clearly changed her perspective on clothes and presumably her religion. The neighbor had ‘given in’ to the injustices forced on women by the Islamic Fundamentalists. “We didn’t really like to wear the veil, especially since we didn’t understand why we had to. And also because the year before, in 1979, we were in a French non-religious school.” (page 3-4). Marji is explaining that the year before the revolution started, they attended a non-religious school. As part of the revolution, all schools had been converted into an Islamic religious school. The veil represents change over a year, where the people were subjected to unreasonable rules, due to the revolution.
Throughout Persepolis, the author uses the veil to symbolize rebellion, power/control, and change. Marji and her mom rebel against wearing the veil, because they don’t believe that the Islamic Fundamentalists should force women to wear them. Wearing the veil, represented power/control over the women by denying their right to an education if they didn’t concede and wear the veil. Finally, the veil represented the changes that occurred in just one year due to the revolution. Now that you have glimpsed into Marji’s life, can you imagine it?
Savannah Tweed
Can you imagine being a young child in the middle of a brutal war, where you are forced to change your ideals? Persepolis is a vivid account of a young girl’s journey, where she is forced to navigate her way through the ever-changing authoritarianism of the revolution. The novel Persepolis, is an autobiography by Marjane Satrapi, that takes place in Iran in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Through her young eyes, Marjane ‘Marji’ Satrapi watches events unfold that drastically affect her life. Her idealistic family finally witnessed the fall of the hated Shah during the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Yet, as Marji grows up, she observes first hand how Iran changed, now ruled by Islamic Fundamentalists, becomes a repressive tyranny on its own. With Marji dangerously refusing to remain silent at this injustice, her parents sent her abroad to Vienna to study and live a better life. A significant symbol in Persepolis, was the veil. The veil strongly represented rebellion, power/control, and change.
When the Islamic Fundamentalists initiated the rule for women to wear the veil, Marji’s mom rebelled at this infringement on her rights. As Marji matured, she joined her mom in rebelling against wearing the veil. “I put my posters up in my room. I put my 1983 Nikes on… and my denim jacket with the Michael Jackson button, and of course, my headscarf.” (page 131). As Marji describes her outfit she ends by saying that she “of course” wore her headscarf. The fact that Satrapi writes “of course” indicates the way in which the veil has become a part of her life. However, she did not conform to the rules, and instead wore ‘punk’ clothes. “Everywhere in the streets there were demonstrations for and against the veil.” (page 5). Marji’s mom was part of the group that protested against the Islamic Fundamentalists for the freedom and rights of the women. The prominent cause of the women’s protests, was being made to wear the veil. Marji’s mom felt strongly enough about this cause, so she let Marji join the rebellion. Both Marji and her mom rebel against the veil in their own ways. Marji, by wearing ‘punk’ attire; her mom, by demonstrating in the streets.
The veil represents power/control because when the Islamic Revolution took place, women were forced to wear the veil. “In 1979 a revolution took place. It was later called ‘The Islamic Revolution.’ Then came 1980: the year it became obligatory to wear the veil at school.” (page 3). Marji is explaining how the Islamic Fundamentalists made it compulsory that the girls wear veils. This is the first of many mandates that the Islamic Fundamentalists’ leadership implemented to gain control over the people “Women’s hair emanates rays that excite men. That’s why women should cover their hair! If in fact it is really more civilized to go without the veil, then animals are more civilized than we are.” (page 74). In my opinion I think that the Islamic Fundamentalists should have enough self-control that they can view a woman’s hair without getting excited. Obviously this was not the case, or else they wouldn’t have made such a rule. By making the claim that ‘animals are more civilized than we are is ridiculous in its very essence. There was a perceived understanding that there would be potential consequences for not wearing a veil, therefore most women did. Additionally, to add insult to injury the Islamic Fundamentalists call women animals if they don’t wear the veil.
The change that the veil represents is how women had choices before the revolution, then the Islamic Fundamentalists instilled all these rules. Many of these rules, related to how a woman should dress. “Look at her! Last year she was wearing a miniskirt, showing off her beefy thighs to the whole neighborhood. And now madam is wearing a chador. It suits her better, I guess.” (page 75). Marji’s mom was very irritated when she pointed out that one of her neighbors, had clearly changed her perspective on clothes and presumably her religion. The neighbor had ‘given in’ to the injustices forced on women by the Islamic Fundamentalists. “We didn’t really like to wear the veil, especially since we didn’t understand why we had to. And also because the year before, in 1979, we were in a French non-religious school.” (page 3-4). Marji is explaining that the year before the revolution started, they attended a non-religious school. As part of the revolution, all schools had been converted into an Islamic religious school. The veil represents change over a year, where the people were subjected to unreasonable rules, due to the revolution.
Throughout Persepolis, the author uses the veil to symbolize rebellion, power/control, and change. Marji and her mom rebel against wearing the veil, because they don’t believe that the Islamic Fundamentalists should force women to wear them. Wearing the veil, represented power/control over the women by denying their right to an education if they didn’t concede and wear the veil. Finally, the veil represented the changes that occurred in just one year due to the revolution. Now that you have glimpsed into Marji’s life, can you imagine it?