Grades Done!*

I have yet to add Extra Credit, but you can see now where you stand before a potential increase by up to 7%.  

Chaplin's Final Words (Romo’s Blog Entry)

We finished The Great Dictator today.  One of my favorite speeches ever ends the film (embedded below - synced with interesting music).  The transcript is also available for your viewing.

You have either read or watched the movie based on 1984.  My favorite book, from one of my favorite authors & essayists, depicting the story of Winston Smith is about Man itself.  

Our spirit to not only endure, but to thrive.

It is not enough to simply exist - we must create, inspire, and improve!

Sadly, we also fight.

Too much is wasted on war.

War is death.

Killing and/or being killed in some quest or stance of righteousness.

It is used to impose and liberate at the same time.

War is failure.

Failure in ourselves and each other.

It is a failure in trust.

It is a failure in decency.

It is a failure in Man.

War is Stupid.

We are capable and meant for so much GOOD, yet we are susceptible to so much UNGOOD.

Imagine taking the time, money, and energy we use to develop and implement the tools of war and applying it toward the betterment of Man.  Decent housing, health care, transportation, education, etc. will certainly lead to more discoveries and a general advancement of our species.  Yet, it is usually because of war and the need for bigger, better weapons, that we develop new technologies which will eventually have peacetime applications.

There are TV programs and news stories built around showing how people do GOOD things when confronted with obstacles and choices.  Why is that entertaining?  It should be common!  Good behavior shouldn't be the exception...it should be the expected norm.

Too many GOOD people stood by in the past, stand by now, and will stand by in the future as some demagogue or reflector of hate once again emerges to channel that ignorant hate into despicable acts on one another.  Don't be the GOOD person who stands by.  Be the GOOD person who does something to make sure GOOD is erased because it simply IS the way things are done.

Doublethink your way out of that one.

http://washburn.mpls.k12.mn.us/great_dictator_the_1939_final_speech.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcvjoWOwnn4

Student Response (Extra Credit)

You have seen/read Chaplin’s final speech (also printed on the back of this paper), and read my opinion regarding the significance of its message.  What comes to your mind when reviewing these statements (Chaplin’s and mine)?  Do you agree or disagree with ALL of it or certain parts?   Don’t worry – I know that I am not infallible (I make mistakes and have some crazy ideas).  Please HANDWRITE YOUR RESPONSE  in 3-5 paragraphs, between 250-500 words.   Due when you return from Spring Break…at the beginning of class, but I’ll certainly take it earlier.