This is American right?
Anywho, we decided on a factual question and we decided to just post all of the discussion questions.
The factual question:
T/F - All of the names associated with Americana (Edison, Harrison, Johnson, Goldman, Sanger, and Twain) were firm defenders of Christianity and belief.
False
Discussion questions (in the order of Tim, Shannon, and Lacey):
How were African Americans in Harlem encouraged to become more creative and how has this changed Black culture within American culture?
Which Americana writer do you think had the most lasting impact? Which had the most controversial statements or arguments? (And why).
Hubert Harrison said, "Entre nous, I doubt whether I will ever be anything but an honest Agnostic because I prefer, as I once told you, to go to the grave with my eyes open." What is your stance on agnosticism? Do you think that agnostics tend to be more open or was Harrison's statement more of a contradiction?
I think that I have this American thing now. Mexican Food! That's American right?
I extend my apologies for not being in the class last Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteI think I would like much to answer this question: Which Americana writer do you think had the most lasting impact? Which had the most controversial statements or arguments? (And why).
Out of the Americana philosophers, I believe that Mark Twain had the most lasting impact. He rejected the idea of a just god although he still held the belief of a god and he stated that we are the creator of the universe. His ideas have been fairly popular among many and his books remain just as so. As for the most controversial, I would think that Hubert Harrison would be the most controversial. He was known a the "black Socrates" of his time. What made him so controversial is that he showed criticism of the bible and pointed out its errors.
Now, Camus Question Time!
Factual: True or False, Camus used the analogy of pushing the boulder up the mountain, over and over, with no progress to represent the image of humanity in a world with God. False
Discussion: Do you agree with the words of Camus when he says, "The workman of today works every day in his life at the same tasks, and his fate is no less absurd. But it is tragic only at the rare moments when it becomes conscious." Why or why not?
The Eiffel Tower and Mexican food... I'd say that's about as American as you can get.
ReplyDeleteI'll answer Tim's question: I think the people living in Harlem during the 20s were inspired to become more creative because, for one, enough like-minded people had established roots in that area by that time to allow for a burst of inspiration to emerge from the interconnected community, and two, because it was now possible to publish works of writing or play songs of music without being completely constrained by white publishers or audiences who only wished to hear a stereotypical account of what life was like after slavery. There were now journals and magazines published by the African-American community that could cater to its own wants, and I think that stirred up a lot of creativity in the Harlem area. I think this may have changed black culture in that this time they were not trying to appeal to sympathetic white readers, but empathizing with other oppressed peoples who still had limitations on their freedoms. This independent mentality of saying what they wanted to each other unconditionally changed how the black community presented their creative endeavors to the public from thereon out.
Camus Questions
Factual: T/F: Camus thought consciousness was the key to happiness in life.
Answer: True
Discussion: Do you think, as Camus claims, that "acknowledging the absurdity of the human condition is what saves us"? That by recognizing and confronting the setbacks we encounter, we can discover our own individual paths to contentment in life? Or are there too many external and uncontrollable factors acting against us that make true happiness unachievable?
I know America! Felafel and Green Tea! More American things!
ReplyDeleteSo, I will answer Shannon's question.
I agree with Lacey's answer of Mark Twain. He does seem to be the most recognized figure from the names as far as writing goes and he did have an enormous impact because of this. His views were controversial, especially for then, but it is interesting how American society today obscures the fact that he was indeed a free thinker.
Camus Questions:
Factual:
T/F
Camus is often associated with the existentialists?
True
Discussion:
How is it that consciousness is what makes humanity victorious and how is the idea of human consciousness constructed within our society?
I will answer Tim's question.
ReplyDeleteBecause of this burst of creativity that Shannon referred to, blacks were able to pursue their own beliefs without fear, or ignoring fear of persecution. Since the abolishing of slavery, African Americans had been fighting for equal rights, but I think this fight became more public with the Harlem Renaissance because free-thinking was employed and used by others, and finally enough was enough. They had various beliefs too and it was time to show and practice them publicly because the overall goal of equality surpassed any adversity they might have faced voicing their beliefs through creativity.
Camus Factual:
Who wrote "Myth of Sisyphus?"
A Mark Twain
B Albert Camus
C Thomas Paine
D Emma Goldman
B Albert Camus
Camus Discussion:
Do you agree with Camus's point when he says Sisyphus finds happiness in knowing that "his rock is his thing?" Is knowing that our life or burdens are our own create a sense of happiness or is it too overwhelming?