Monday, August 27th

For today, you have read the introduction and chapter 1 of The Other Wes Moore. 

“Identity” can be defined as the ways in which an individual describes him/herself or the ways in which a person is described by society. A person can have several “identities” such as: gender, race, age, socioeconomic status, linguistic background, culture, religion, sexual orientation, geographic residence, nationality, creed, familial connections, and other signifers.

Small group work. Discuss and take notes on the following question....

1. What does the word “identity” mean? What are some of the ways in which people identify themselves? Read through the definition above. What do you think that this explanation mean? Needs added to it?

2. Some identities can be seen by others and other identities are only known to others if the individual chooses to share it. What are some of the identities that you can usually “see”? What are some identities that you might not be able to see?

3. If we see a man in a tailored suit driving a brand new sports car, we might identify him as someone belonging to a higher socioeconomic group. Is that an accurate assumption? What are the benefits of knowing certain identities of others and what can be misleading or harmful about making assumptions about the identities of others?

4. The cover of the book contains the following statement, "The chilling truth is that his story could have been mine. The tragedy is that my life could have been his.” Given what you already know about both Wes Moores, what do you think this statement means? Use examples from the book to support your thinking.

5. How is identity an important aspect of how we structure our days, social structures, our lives?

Last 15 minutes of class:
In Schoology, individually respond to the following in the Discussion Board:

In the early chapters of The Other Wes Moore, in what ways do you see both Wes Moores struggle with identity? Provide 2 minimum examples of where you witness this for both men.  How do you think this identity struggle played a role in difficulties that both men experienced?

NEXT: Review memoir and point of view. (See Wednesday, August 22nd post)

FOR Tuesday, August 28th...  In your notes..

1. Find 3 quotes in the first chapter that are written in 1st person point of view.
2. Find 3 quotes in the first chapter that are written in 3rd person point of view.
3. Read through chapter 3.