Thesis Statement

Despite the situations taking place in the midst of Africa, both "My Parents' Bedroom" and "Fattening For Gabon" there had been a faint sign of hope that brought light to these characters eyes. For example, Monique's family sheltering the the Tutsis', how Kotchikpa viewed the Nanfang, and why Fofo Kpee didn't sell his family into slavery. 

In Class Writing 10/23

No, I think the U.S isn't corrupt. Opposed to other governments, The U.S government is less corrupted. Reasons being because the U.S tend to have civilized people to understand reason behind closed doors. The U.S strongly disagree with any type of war within the country such as a civil war, racisim or a genocide. As well as abolishing slavery back in  1863. An ideal government is one who are true to their people, continue with promises, and make the country a carefree enviornment to live in .

Quiz 10/16

1.    1.    Why did Yewa and Kotchikpa go to live with Fofo Kpee? (hint: what happened to their parents?)

·         The reason why Yewa and Kotchikpa went to live with Fofo Kpee is because their parents got very sick with HIV.

2.      2.  According the preacher poverty is a: (choose one) [fact of life, punishment for sin, gift from god).

·         According to the Preacher, poverty is a punishment for sin.

3.     3.   Fofo Kpee wants to get rich so he can fix something about himself. What?

·         When Fofo Kpee gets rich, he wants to have surgery and fix the scar on his face.

4.     4.   Describe two (2) of the many lies Fofo Kpee tells throughout the story.

·         The two lies Fofo Kpee tells throughout the story are he’ll bring the other three kids, and he’s going to go with Yewa and Kotchikpa to Gabon.

5.    5.    Kotchikpa’s name is changed. Why and to what?

·         The reason Kotchikpa’s name changed to Pascal is because the Godparents found it easier to pronounce.

6.    6.    Who are the characters Mama and Papa – what is their relationship to the children?

·         Mama and Papa are a part of an organization called NGO and their relationship to the children are they’re Godparents.

7.   7.     BONUS: What food and drink items does Yewa want when she says she wants “Gabon food”?

·         Bacon and Gwova Juice.

In Class Writing 10/16

To Kotchikpa, the Nanfang symbolized everything he fantasized about. The Nanfang was like the bestfriend he never had and wanted to do everything with it. Not only caring but, he loved every minute he had with it. Kotchikpa wanted to be buried on top the Nanfang because that was his ride to heaven's gate. The Nanfang was his everything.

Response #2

1. What should we expect from the media; how can we hold them accountable?

·         Holding the media accountable, we should expect them to show or record exactly what is being done. With the situation escalating, so are the homicides. Day by day, hundreds of Tutsis’ lose their lives, and the media should be there to capture all of it. There is a possibility that the government has the authority to release what is necessary for the world to see. Evidently, we can hold them accountable for every footage they capture.  

2. What is the level of public responsibility when issues are brought to light
by the media?

·         When brought to light, public responsibility was extremely low. While being broadcast, other countries weren't closely paying attention to what was happening outside their country. As time went on, they showed less interest the genocide. They began to hide after the brutality was shown. Thus far, the public never responded to the situation at all.

     In the short story "My parent's Bedroom" Monique's father kills the mother in order to save the children. This is an example of a time when "killing is wrong" should be bent. Reason being that the odds were stacked against him, either her or all. It's an unbareable decision having to kill someone you've dedicated your life to for years because of what she is. Also, the couple had Tutsi's hiding in the ceiling, where the father made a promise to Maman that he wasn't going to tell; or else they would all die. As his brother tells Papa that he had to do the same thing, it made him feel as though he has no other choice but too.

      Monique's father's action couldn't even be considered as a choice because the only choice was kill or be killed. It's a sense of knowing what is the right thing to do at that time. If the father had thought of another solution, Maman could've still been alive, in return of Papa's death. He could've attacked the mod to save Maman and the kids at the same time. In result, Monique and Jean wouldn't have to travel, alone.

In Class writing for 9/18

     The doctor from the 9/11Story and the father from the short story "My Parent's Bedroom" shared the same exact feelings when they made those crucial decisons. The doctor had the option whether to leave the body there, or cut it in half so the lady's family could see her, while the father had to kill his wife in order to save his childern. In my opinion, i believe the father had a more difficult decision. It was either her, or everyone in the family.

Homework #2

While I was reading "My Parents Bedroom" I felt as though I saw and felt everything Monique was seeing and feeling. Her words are very visual and descriptive. As she describes what was happening when that big-bellied man in the yellow trousers was raping her, I felt like I was watching him do it, and feeling helpless that i can't do anything to help. Life in Rwanda was disgusting!

The Huffington Post - Paul Rieckhoff : My 9/11 Story

In the article My 9/11 Story written by Paul Rieckhoff, a doctor was left with a decision unbareable to make, that was made. Life is about risk takings and making decisions, not knowing if it was the right or wrong one. I believe that the doctor made the correct desicion. The reason being is because as Mr. Rieckhoff said that he wanted to get at least part of her body out so that the family can see her. It was either go look for other or get her out one time before a fire started. Their only option was to get part of her out, so they cut her in half from parts of her spine. Last year on Novemeber 8th, I went to go visit a close friend of mine Jamal, to get some more lessons on Dj'ing. Later on in the evening, we went across the street to hang out. Being cognizant of the fact that I had to be home before 10, I was in a position where I had the choice of getting "high" or not. I decided not to smoke because I didn't want to go home smelling like weed, so I left around the time 9:30 pm. An hour later, Shontelle, Jamals older sister called me. "Jamal just got shot in the face." My heart was racing time itself. Didn't know how to react, but the first thing I did was run and put back on my clothes and made some calls. Honestly speaking, if I were to have smoked back then, I would've not be here today. Seeing Jamal as my older brother, I would've taking that bullet for him. In conclusion, the doctor made the right decision to cut her body so the woman's family had the chance to see her.

To Homework #1

Agreeing with Ben's comment, the widespread of violence like war and genocide happens only because the gain of power. There was and always will be a cycle of war because there is always that one person or group that feel a certain way about the government. Overthrowing them is the only way to make their statement clear. But in this article the Hutu had the power but got greedy with it, and as a result lost all to the Tutsi.

Test #1

This is just a test.