Friday, January 25, 2013

TRC in South Africa

At times before, during, and after South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), there were many who felt that the TRC’s goal and means of achieving that goal was a mistake. On the other hand, many have praised the TRC’s process for helping to move forward from the damage done by apartheid. What do you think? Discuss whether or not you think that the TRC is something that has brought progress to post-apartheid South Africa. In order to assist you in making this decision you might want to consider that South Africa hosted the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Look at some of the criteria required to host this important sporting event. Did the country have these requirements in place during apartheid? In other words, did having the T.R.C. assist in South Africa making sufficient progress to be granted the rights to host such a prestigious event? You should address what the TRC defined as progess and whether or not its stated goal was an appropriate use of the word. In your response, you are also encouraged to use a specific individual or incident and its treatment by the TRC as evidence in support of your broader conclusion about the commission. You are encouraged to do reseach to help you with this response. Students need to use the following in the research process to assist them in the writing of their papers: a journal article and a book (can include an ebook) Your paper must be a minimum of 1200 words. All papers are to be turned in on Feb 8th. No electronic submissions will be accepted.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Cry Freedom - Part II -

For this assignment you are to focus on two different characters in Cry Freedom. Describe which segment of South African society each fits into, as well as their political stance on apartheid. (i.e. Steve Biko, a black South African who is a staunch opponent of apartheid and a political activist) Next describe the relationship that these two characters had to one another in the film. Next, you, very importantly need to describe how this relationship describes the overall system of apartheid, and the political climate in South Africa during apartheid.

"Cry Freedom" Assignment - Part I -

Use the quote below from the movie to help you answer the following questions: [To obtain or move close to black consciousness] "We demand confrontation, we must teach our people to confront hardships, not just give in to their hardships. We must find a way to develop for ourselves and hope for this country. This is black consciousness". 1. Steven Biko describes the idea of "black consciousness" in Cry Freedom. In your own words explain what you think he meant by this phrase. 2. How do Steven Biko and Donald Woods promote "black consciousness"?

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Kaffir Boy

Please post your three responses to the Mathabane exerpt below using full sentences: All posts must be made by our next class meeting.