Social Justice Project

Social Justice Project

By: Kyra Birenbaum 802

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Article Citation: Goldstein, Joseph. "Newark Stop-and-Frisk Data Is Analyzed." The New York Times. The New York Times, 24 Feb. 2014. Web. 21 Nov. 2014.

This is an example of injustice because it gives examples of how Stop and Frisk discriminates racially. For example it states, “ ‘We have serious concern regarding the high volume of stops, racial disparity of who is getting stopped and the fact that 75 percent of stops targeted people who engaged in no wrongdoing,’ Mr. Ofer said.” This is an injustice to be who are innocent and are being stopped because of their race. It is all about stereotypes and that is unfair.

This relates to me because, if innocent people keep getting stopped because of how they look, what if a guilty person does not get stopped because of how they look. What is the police stereotype a person who is actually guilty but their stereotype does not portray them as guilty. This could mean I, as well as others are in danger.

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List of Situations Unfair to Human Rights:

• Racism- on the news, protests in NYC and other areas, talking about it on social media, other media.
• Sexism- boys excluding girls from sports, sexist language
• Bullying/Gossip

After I observed my surroundings, I found many cases of racism. It seems like every time I turn on the television, or radio, or go on any website, there is a story about a white police officer physically abusing people of other races. Then a few days after that, I learn they are not brought to justice. With cases of a white officer shooting a black teenager, which have been very common, the officers are always providing the same excuse about how they thought the black teenager was threatening them, or they thought the teen was carrying a gun. After that, judges look at the racial stereotype of black teenagers and believe the officer, when the teenager is clearly innocent.

It is not fair to discriminate against people because of their race. We are all equal, despite religion, race, or gender. We all have our rights and it is not okay for people to abuse that. Yes, you are allowed freedom of speech and your own opinion, but when it escalates to physical abuse and threats, there shouldn’t be any tolerance for it.

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I interviewed Denise Woods:

Q: What do you think is ‘good’ about our world?

A: I think the fact that we have our freedom, we have rights such as, freedom of speech and the right to bear arms is important. I also think how we have the freedom to vote and that women are being heard louder now than even before is very important and amazing as well.

Q: What do you think is unfair about our world?

A: I think that African American women, men, and children are still subjects to police brutality and discrimination is completely unfair and sickening. We [African Americans] are still being stereotyped by others and they think that all people of color are the same. It is unfair to be subjected to this type of discrimination and horrible that we are still victims of police brutality and other physical harm.

I completely agree with Denise. It is very important that women are being heard about all the unfair treatment people give to them. I also think that our rights and freedom are very important.

I also agree with what Denise said about African Americans being victims to police brutality and still being discriminated against. She brought up an important part that some people don’t give much thought to. People just think about African Americans being stereotyped but they might not realize that by being stereotyped, people still think of them as all the same. They don’t look at them as individuals, they look at blacks as all fitting into their stereotype.

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On November 25, 2014 the eleven o’clock news, Channel 4, was showing the protest in New York City, about the shooting in Ferguson. Protesters were flooding the streets, fighting to be heard. When I was watching, I realized how important it was that people were protesting. It seems no one is trying to stop all of this police brutality, so it is continuing. Maybe if people protest enough, the message will finally be heard and people of power will make a greater effort to stopping it.

When I put myself in the protesters shoes, I realize how scared I probably would be. Not only scared for me, but scared for others as well. For example, I know that we have the right of freedom of speech, but considering all that is going on, I don’t think police officers care about about rights anymore. There have been videos of police officers pepper spraying, beating, and worse to peaceful protestors. So being there, wouldn’t make me feel too safe. Kind of ironic how people should feel safer with the presence of police, but instead people are fearing them and trying to teach them about the rights of others. I would probably also feel furious. Considering how some people won’t get the message. However, I would also be proud, for standing up and fighting for what I believe in and for what’s right.

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Zane Birenbaum changes the world every day. He is very loyal to his friends, family, and others that he cares for. He helps people who are struggling with a tough situation and does his best to make them feel better. He really helps people out, which is important because if a person is having a bad day, someone going out of their way to be nice can change their mood.

Q: How do you think you change the world everyday for the  people who are close to you?

A: I try to help people either improve from or get through situations. When my friend is having a bad day, I try hard to make them feel better. Also, at Stuyvesant, a lot of my friends were really stressed, so I would try and help them through it.

Q: What is something you try to do everyday to make the world a ‘better’ place?

A: Well, I always try and be nice to people. I would hate it if I was having a bad day and someone was purposely rude to me, so I make sure not to do that to someone else. It’s little things like holding the door open or picking things up for people if they drop them.

Q: What is one situation you remember going out of your way to help someone else?

A: This one time at my old school, I saw a kid fall down the stairs. I was late to class but his bag kind of exploded it looked like and it was empty. I helped him pick up his things and made sure he was okay before I left. I didn’t think much of it, but he saw me in the hallway later that day and thanked me.

Q: Besides helping people, what other ways to you change the world?

A: I recycle a lot and don’t let things go to waste.

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Song: Secrets

Artist: Mary Lambert Lyrics found at: http://www.lyrics.com/secrets-lyrics-mary-lambert.html

“(Okay game face, here we go)

I've got bipolar disorder

My shits not in order

I'm overweight

I'm always late

I've got too many things to say

I rock mom jeans

Cat earrings

Extrapolate my feelings

My family is dysfunctional

But we have a good time killing each other

They tell us from the time were young

To hide the things that we don't like about ourselves

Inside ourselves

I know I'm not the only one who spent so long

Attempting to be someone else

Well I'm over it

I don't care if the world know what my secrets are, secrets are

I don't care if the world knows what my secrets are, secrets are

So what, so what

So what, so what

I can't think straight

I'm so gay

Sometimes I cry

A whole day

I care a lot

Use an analog clock

And never know when to stop

And I'm passive aggressive

I'm scared of the dark and the dentist

I love my butt, and won't gonna shut up

And I never really grew up

They tell us from the time were young

To hide the things that we don't like about ourselves

Inside ourselves

I know I'm not the only one

Who spent so long attempting to be someone else

Well I'm over it

I don't care if the world know what my secrets are, secrets are

I don't care if the world knows what my secrets are, secrets are

So what, so what

So what, so what

I don't care if the world know what my secrets are, secrets are

I don't care if the world knows what my secrets are, secrets are

So what, so what

So what, so what

So what, so what”

Analysis/ Interpretation:

I think this song is about stigma and hiding who you are because society only looks at the stigma and stereotype behind your feelings. In the chorus, Mary Lambert sings about society teaching us to hide who we really are, which really means we are acting like someone we are not. In the song, Lambert lists different things about herself, and those things have stigmas behind them that others judge you for.

Movie: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Most actors and actresses in Hollywood are portrayed as loving their bodies, even though they are very skinny. ‘Normal’ teens are skinny with perfect hair, perfect teeth, fashionable, and just overall perfect. Hollywood boosts actors up then takes pleasure in tearing them down when they make a mistake (who knew they were actually human). Generally, most of the actors and actresses are white, especially on Disney Channel. I don’t watch Disney Channel anymore, but I remember that most TV shows consisted of mostly white, skinny characters. It isn’t good for younger kids to grow up, watching perfect people and wishing to be like them. Even worse, realizing they are not those characters/actors and hating themselves because of it.

The characters in TV shows/movies are usually ‘realistic’. They may have family issues or they may have a wonderful, close family with no important issues. Those characters are either struggling with money, or are in a perfectly fine financial state. I think that people are trying to make TV shows/movies realistic and relate to everybody, but are trying too hard. What I mean is, they are trying to make the characters relate to everybody in some way, but not everyone are going through ‘normal’ struggles. I also think they portray certain struggles in the wrong way.

Banned Book Reading Response

Speak
By: Laurie Halse Anderson

     The book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is about a teenage girl, who is an outcast because of something she did. Everyone seems to ignore her, or hate her for calling the police on a party; however no one knows the real reason she called them. Speak is a banned book. This book should not be banned.
   
     One reason this book should not be banned, is because it is about a girl who is a pariah and misunderstood. For example, a girl bullies Melinda, the main character, at a school pep rally for getting her brother arrested when she called the cops at a party. Melinda did not respond to the girl but was thinking: "I can't tell them what really happened." This shows that no one knows the real reason behind Melinda making a decision, and they exclude her because of it.
   
     Another reason this book should not be banned, is because it touches on the subject of harming others; more specifically, rape. People out there have arguments about why this book should be banned, and their reasons probably touch on the topic of promoting rape. However, that is not at all what this book is doing. The book Speak is not promoting rape or putting it on some sort of pedestal, it is trying to get the message out that their are rape victims out there whose lives are ruined because of something they did not do or ask for! The author touched on the subject in the question and answer after the book. The question was: "Have any readers ever asked questions that shocked you?" Anderson responded by saying how she received questions from young men who were confused as to why Melinda was upset about being raped. The author stated: "I realized many young men are not being taught the impact of sexual assault has on a woman. They are inundated by sexual imagery in the media and often come to the (incorrect) conclusion that having sex is not a big deal." This shows that the author was expressing that any sexual harassment/assault has a very large impact on victims.
   
     Finally, this book should not be banned because it teaches many valuable lessons. For example, a lesson it teaches it to not judge before you get all of the facts. The other students who hated Melinda for calling the cops, did not know she was calling the police because she got raped. Even her best friend hated her for it and she did not give Melinda the chance to explain herself; no one did. But once word got out what happened to her, people understood and acted warmer to her. On the last day of school, seniors who found out about the situation, went out of their way to speak to Melinda; "Way to go. I hope you're OK." one girl said. Then Melinda's ex-best friend even called her. Teenagers are sometimes cruel and judgmental. This book does an amazing job expressing that and should not be banned for it.
   
     The book Speak should not be banned. It represents that people (teenagers) are quick to judge, it teaches important lessons, and most importantly it does not put rape or any sexual assault on a pedestal.

Runner Reading Response (for YA book)

Teens are starting to figure out who they are or who they want to be. In the book Runner by Carl Deuker, a boy named Chance gets involved with drug dealers and becomes courier for strange packages. Chance’s daily life consists of dealing with an alcoholic father and other ‘normal’ struggles teens face. Chance struggles to figure out his identity and future while battling with his current conflicts.

Chance has to battle with his current conflicts, which are both ‘normal’ and abnormal. For example, Chance threatens to go the police and his local ‘boss’ reacts: “His eyes darkened chillingly. ‘Listen and listen good. This isn’t some high school poker game you’re involved with. If the wrong people head you talk about the police, we both end up in body bags. Understand?’” Chance becomes a courier for strange packages containing unknown items. He is in way over his head, and deals with the constant presence of guilt and fear of being caught (by police) or hurt (by the people). Another example is, Chance’s father gets fired from all the unsteady jobs he tries to hold. So it was not uncommon for money to be really tight before Chance got his courier job. Finally, Chance’s father has a drinking problem, so Chance deals with being on his own a lot while his dad is out drinking. Chance has many conflicts that he has to deal with constantly.

In addition to dealing with conflicts, Chance struggles to figure out who he wants to be. For example, Chance realizes he does not exactly know what he wants to do with his life, or his future. “...though I didn’t know what I’d even study at college if I ever got there.” Although it may appear that Chance is thinking about college, the reality is he is a senior so his school has Career Days and the idea of college is always buzzing around. Another example is, “Melissa, Thomas, Annie, Natasha- all of them were moving on with their live. They were heading to college; the world was getting larger for them. Where was I going? What was I going to do?” This shows that Chance has not really given his future a lot of thought, and is getting smacked with reality; that life goes on after high school and eventually he will be there. Chance is lost when it comes to thinking of his future.

However, Chance is forced to grow up and make an independent decision. For example, after his father died, Chance was left alone, crashing with a family friend. They were nurturing and supportive, pretty much the opposite of what Chance was used to. So when they nudge him to consider moving in full time with them, he snaps and pushes himself to truly decide on what he wants to do. “In a few minutes I’ll have to tell them. After that, I’ll go to the bus stop and take the number 75 out to Northgate and enlist in the army.” Another example is, Chance finally says it: “One thing I’m sure of- I am going somewhere someday.” Chance is forced to grow up because of a tragic event, but he is able to make a decision about his future.

Chance struggles to figure out his identity and future while battling with his current conflicts. I admire how Chance made a decision without the guidance of adults because growing up is a hard thing to do by yourself. Not only was Chance on his own while his father was out drinking, but he lost his father because of his ‘job’. And yet he was still strong enough to decide on something as crucial as enlisting in the army by himself!

Ashes Essay

Depending on others is a part of life, the hard part is deciding who. In the short story Ashes by Susan Beth Pfeffer, a girl named Ashes struggles with the divorce of her parents. Throughout the story, Ashes compares her parents to conclude if she can rely on them.The struggles Ashes faces with her relationships with her parents and the decision of which parent she can depend on emotionally and physically, is used by the author to relate with teens who also face these struggles.

Throughout the story, Ashes compares her parents to see if she can rely on them. For example, Ashes’ father promises Ashes everything from the ground up. Once, when she was little, her father promised her the “stars for a necklace.” However, he doesn’t always keep his word, considering some of his promises are unrealistic. “The world might be a better place, but child support checks don’t always show up on time, and I never did get that necklace made of stars.” Ashes acknowledges that her father puts others before her and makes promises that he does not plan on fulfilling. She no longer feels ignored or unimportant when promises don’t get made because that is just who her father is, a dreamer. On the other hand, Ashes’ mother is very reliable. Reliable in cases of emergencies, such as rainy days, earthquakes, or working batteries for the flashlight in a blackout. Ashes’ mother is practical and does not make promises she can not keep, which is the complete opposite of Ashes’ father. Ashes compares her parents throughout the story because they both have contradicting personalities, and she does not know if she can rely on either one.

A reason Ashes has trouble deciding if she can depend on her parents, is because her opinion influences her. For example, “I knew I wasn’t a one-in-a-million girl, no matter how often Dad told me I was. But no matter how often he told me, I still loved hearing him say it.” This demonstrates how Ashes’ dad loves her and believes she is special. Ashes loves that about him, even though he is unpredictable with keeping his word. On the other hand, “With Mom there are a lot of rainy days and she takes a grim sort of pleasure in being ready for them.” This reveals how Ashes views her mother as pragmatic but not so much as caring or loving. This is where Ashes has trouble because her father is unreliable and irresponsible, but makes her feel special. Whereas her mother is responsible, but does not make her feel exceptional. In the end, Ashes wants the best of both worlds. Ashes has trouble deciding because her judgment is clouded by her wants.

The author makes Ashes go through all of this so readers can relate and empathize with her. For example, Ashes has conflicting feelings about people important to her. Teen readers are both figuring out who they are and who they should surround themselves with, which is what Ashes is going through. Another example is, Ashes’ wants are clouding her judgment. Making a practical decision is not always better than doing what you want. Everyone can relate to that, including Ashes. We are not machines, we have feelings, wants, and needs. The author is trying to connect with readers through Ashes using tough situations people are put in.

In conclusion, the author has Ashes compare her parents and have her judgment clouded with feelings to empathize with readers. Deciding who you can rely on is hard because you never know if you’re making the right choice. Sometimes it’s hard to isolate the facts from the feelings and decide when to be practical and when to follow your instincts.

Reading Response

The Stone Child by: Dan Poblocki

The book The Stone Child  by Dan Poblocki, is about a boy who gets practically becomes a character in one of his favorite mystery author's books. Eddie Fennicks was the kid who rather had his nose stuck in a book, than be out socializing. That is the way is had always been. Until his family moves to a new town and he realizes he was in the place his favorite author wrote about. When no one will answers his questions about the author, Eddie finds himself with another curious cat who wants an answer to this puzzle. Eddie's personality changes throughout the book.

In the beginning of the book, Eddie was a loner who let his imagination run wild. He preferred to live in the world that was written down, in his hands. For example, when his family hit a strange animal in the road, Eddie believed it was a monster. When he suggested the idea of the animal being a monster, his mother replied with, "'A monster?' Mom laughed. 'I wish my imagination were half as wild as yours, Edgar. I'd be a bestselling novelist by now.'" In addition to living in an alternate world, Eddie preferred to be alone. For example, Eddie was nervous about meeting the kids at his new school. Besides the fact he was the new kid in the town nobody actually moved into, he was 'weird'. That's what the others thought of him at his old school. Eddie was a loner who lived anywhere but in reality.

In the middle of the book, Eddie became friends with Harris. However, he was still nervous about screwing everything up.  One reason was, because he never had that many friends, so he wasn't used to socializing. Also, none of the other kids at his new school appeared to like him, which meant he was under pressure of losing the only one that did. For example, "Eddie told Harris about the car accident, leaving out the part when he'd thought the animal was a monster. He didn't want to sound like a freak." This shows how Eddie is hesitant to say what he is really thinking or his opinion because he doesn't want Harris to decide he was a 'freak' and ditch him.  Another example is, "Was Harris suggesting they work together? That they become friends?" Eddie is thrilled to be part of something and might actually have a friend. At this point Eddie is slowly coming out of his comfort zone and being around others. However, he was still quiet around anyone but his family and Harris.

In the end, Eddie became best friends with Harris, Maggie, and one other very important character (spoiler alert so I'm not saying). He  involved  into a new person. Eddie also became brave. He conquered obstacles no one had ever conquered before in real life. He was forced to face his fears. For example, '''If we have the power to stop her, we should do it.'" Eddie put himself in danger because he knew that was the right thing. He forced himself to interact with his worst nightmare.
On a different note, Eddie wasn't socially awkward. I think in the end, Eddie felt like a normal kid, despite all of the stuff we went through (which was the farthest thing from normal). He wasn't socially awkward, but he wasn't a social butterfly, he was just being the new Eddie, and I think he liked it.

This book showed me how some people are shy because they are scared of what others think of them. If it weren't for Harris and Maggie, Eddie wouldn't be outgoing and social. That's because friends bring out the best in you. Eddie found some who really understood him, accepted him, and brought the best out of him.