InjusticeIn this lesson, you will learn about one of the major themes in African American literature: INJUSTICE.
After this lesson, you have some understanding of where the anger of 'black' Americans comes from and can find some of these moments in the novel. We start this lesson with one of the major influencers on Angie's writing, Tupac Shakur. Are you ready to speak up again? GOALS:At the end of this lesson you:
- are able to link Tupac Shakur's words to the novel and theme of injustice. - can pinpoint moments in the novel where African Americans were treated differently. - spoke up and shared your thoughts about one of the unjust moments in the novel. |
"Daddy once told me there’s a rage passed down to every black man from his ancestors, born the moment they couldn’t stop the slave masters from hurting their families. Daddy also said there’s nothing more dangerous than when that rage is activated."
Introduction: The rose that grew from concrete
In an interview Angie Tomas told us she has based T.H.U.G. on Tupac's spoken word song "The Rose That Grew From Concrete".
As introduction to this lesson we are going to listen to this spoken word song. Your task is simple, interpret the meaning of the song and post your ideas on the padlet down below.
As introduction to this lesson we are going to listen to this spoken word song. Your task is simple, interpret the meaning of the song and post your ideas on the padlet down below.
Processing: unjust moments |
Khalil’s shooting and the ongoing investigation of Officer Cruise put the theme of injustice at the forefront of the novel.
The fact that Khalil was unarmed and did not threaten the officer makes his murder unjust. The police are unjust at other points too. Race is tied into this theme of injustice as well because only the African-Americans are impeded from obtaining justice. For this process activity, it is your job to find at least 3 moments in the book where African-Americans are treated differently than their fellow 'white' Americans are treated. On the google slide list the following things: 1. Explain the scene. 2. Explain why it is unjust how the people are treated in that scene. 3. How could the situation be made just again? Be ready to join a discussion on your own, but also, other people's findings. |
Output: Stay silent or speak up?It's time to Speak Up!
Choose one of the moments from the processing exercise above and tell us in a short (2-5 min) video clip if you think the unfairly treated characters should've spoken up. Take the following into consideration while answering: - The effect their words might have on the people who receive them. - The possible dangerous consequences of speaking up. - How prejudiced/stereotypical thinking might silence them. - What you would do if you were in their shoes. |