September 11th

Today is September 11th, a day that impacts Americans in a myriad of ways. On 9/11, I was teaching in a high school in Middlesex, the New Jersey county with supposedly the MOST NYC commuters. Many students in my school lost someone: a neighbor, a friend, a family member. How has this event changed what it means to be American? Do you think that because of this event, your life has somehow been affected either specifically or tangentially? Explain.

Cuckoo's Nest: The "Combine" and other Themes

Like Ken Kesey, artists and writers use their work to comment on issues which concern them in society. Kesey seemed to be concerned with issues like the abuse of POWER, the mistreatment and shaming of people who are WEAK or DIFFERENT, the loss of INDIVIDUALITY, the problems created by what some consider PROGRESS. Which of these issues concerns you the most? Who is responsible? What are some possible solutions?

The Psychedelic 60's

Author Ken Kesey is well-known for his role--both personal and literary-- in the cultural revolution in America that was "the 60's." Mrs. O was born to hippie artists in 1966. Yeah, I'm that old. :-) Check out this 60's link and all the interesting info on it. Look on the site and comment in any way you would like based on what you learn about Ken Kesey or any other interesting info about the time period. http://www.lib.virginia.edu/small/exhibits/sixties/

Cuckoo's Nest: Is McMurphy an American Hero?

McMurphy's character from Cuckoo's Nest seems to express what many of you are saying America is all about in your blogs. For example, you have used words and phrases such as: never giving up, fighting for rights, revolution without fear, encouraging what is different, being strong-minded and proud, not letting others dictate what happiness should mean. . .Is McMurphy an American Hero then? Why or why not?