F Block: "Speaking of Courage" and "Notes"

Please choose one of the prompts given in class today to respond to in a post of at least 6-8 sentences. After you have published your post, read and reply to at least two posts written by your classmates.

"Speaking of Courage" and "Notes"

Please choose ONE of the following prompts to write about. Then, reply to two of your classmates posts. 1) How does “Speaking of Courage” show us the complex relationship between one man, his fellow soldiers, and his family and friends in his hometown? Does learning about Norman Bowker’s post-war life change the way we feel about his actions during the attack that took Kiowa’s life? “Speaking of Courage” is the only story other than the title story, “The Things They Carried,” that is written in the third-person point of view. Why might O’Brien have chosen this narrative stance? 2) In “On the Rainy River” O’Brien writes, “Courage, I seemed to think, comes to us in finite quantities, like an inheritance, and by being frugal and stashing it away and letting it earn interest, we steadily increase our moral capital in preparation for that day when the account must be drawn down.” Do you think there are any heroes in the book. If so, how do they display courage? Does the narrator’s opinion of courage change during the course of the book? 3) How does the chapter “Notes” expands the way we read“Speaking of Courage.” How does the last paragraph of “Notes” demonstrate O’Brien’s struggle to find the “truth” about the Vietnam War? 4) To begin with, why is this story called "Speaking of Courage"? Assume the title does NOT hold any irony. In what sense does this story speak of courage? Why does Norman Bowker still feel inadequate with seven metals? And why is Norman's father such a presence in his mental life? Would it really change Norman's life if he had eight metals, the silver star, etc.? What is the more difficult problem for Norman--the lack of the silver star or the death of Kiowa? Which does he consider more and why? Why is Norman unable to relate to anyone at home? More importantly, why doesn't he even try?

Ken Robinson & Rethinking How We Educate

After having listened to some of the views of Dr. Ken Robinson, what do you think of his position that our schools fail to nurture creativity?  Do you agree with his arguments?  Are there any points that you disagree with him strongly?  After watching his ted talks, make three posts.  At least one of your posts should be a response to something one of your classmates said.  You may completely disagree with him, or agree with him strongly.  It's fine to have one post that agrees with him on one point, while you disagree with him on another subject.  I hope we can generate some lively discussion!

The Draft

During the Vietnam War, as you know, the draft was heavily relied upon to enlist soldiers.  The first drawing for the draft in Vietnam was first held on December 1, 1969 and the last was in March of 1975.  As you may know, there was a list of exemptions or deferments that one might use to get out of service if they were drafted, such as: conscientious objector, currently enrolled in school, etc.

While people have not been drafted in recent memory, the draft still exists, just as you know because many of you had to sign up for "selective service" when you turned 18.  As you likely are aware, tensions are quite high right now all over the world (Syria, terrorism, Isis, North Korea).  It's not that inconceivable that the draft could be used again in the future.

For this blog, think about and respond to one of the following questions:

1) If the draft was reenacted, how would you feel?  Do you think this would be a good idea, or not?

2) Imagine that you received a letter for selected service and were expected to be immediately available for military service.  Would you proud to serve your country, frightened, a deserter, etc?