Unit 7 - Diversity & Unity Notes

Minority Groups

African Americans, women, subversives, individuals with disabilities

Regionalism

Writing based on the geographical setting of the story that realistically portrayed groups of people through dialect, customs, and character types

Huck and Tom's Gang

Tom Sawyer's Gang oath and plans for robbery and murder

Huck's Decision

Tearing the letter to betray society for Jim

Reconstruction

provided legal protections for Black Americans, including voting rights. However, rights were often ignored or suppressed. The military provided more opportunities, but the formation of the Ku Klux Klan led to white supremacist violence. Post-1877, Black freedom was abandoned due to the Compromise of 1877, laying the foundation for future Black oppression and racism

Convict Leasing (Slavery by another name)

a practice in southern states during the reconstruction era in which men were easily convicted of crimes so they could be leased to complete work; worse than slavery

Harlem Renaissance

saw the resurgence of black artists and cultural contributions in New York City, overcoming housing discrimination and the Jim Crow era, with the Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act, and Fair Housing Act enacted.

Dust Tracks on a Road - Zora Hurston

story of a little black girl who can read and is recognized by white people. autobiography emphasizes hope, racial hypocrisy, and her belief in humanity's equality, despite not adhering to an organized religion.

Postmodernism

The text explores the impact of globalization and technologization on life, utilizing fragmentation, multiple voices, and cultural elements, but cautions against unreliable narration

Everyday Use - Alice Walker

The story revolves around a mother, Dee, who is a confident and successful daughter who admires her family's quilts. Dee's mother, Maggie, is timid and envious of her sister, and her husband, Hakim-a-barber, is a man with burns. The story explores the differences between cultural heritage and family heritage, which are used to respect and acknowledge a family's history. Dee's mother, Mama, is a hardworking and tough woman who admires Dee's accomplishments and the quilts she finds. The story highlights the importance of understanding and respecting one's heritage in postmodern times

Affirmative Action

an active effort to improve employment or educational opportunities for members of minority groups and women

The Story of an Hour - Kate Chopin

A woman hides after her husband's death, initially upset, but celebrates freedom and happiness. When her husband walks out, she dies, and doctors claim she died of happiness

In the Future, All Women Will Be Amazon

In 2000, an article predicts significant growth in women, with broader shoulders, larger feet, taller heights, and equal participation in male sports

The Yellow Wallpaper - Charlotte Gilman

The story follows a woman with a secret journal about a yellow nursery wallpaper, which becomes increasingly disturbing. She becomes obsessed with the wallpaper, believing she can smell it. Suspecting John and Jennie, she destroys the paper and becomes hopelessly insane, symbolizing societal norms and public change

Bernice Bobs Her Hair - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Bernice, socially awkward, is convinced by her cousin Marjorie to fix herself to attract more men. She starts discussing hairstyles, which works, but is pressured into it by Marjorie's man. This leads to her being rejected by men, and in revenge, she cuts Marjorie's hair. The story highlights the importance of beauty and money in relationships

Winter Dreams - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Dexter Green, a grocery store owner, becomes obsessed with Judy Jones and buys a laundry business. He becomes wealthy but loses his love after she leaves. After World War I, he loses his business to a cheating friend. Judy's personality traits depreciate over time

Judy Jones

A character in the story who is described as having the sole personality trait of following men, and is the object of Dexter Green's affection.

Red Scare (Communism in the 1950s)

After WWII, Americans became fearful of communism, leading to suspicion and accusations of government involvement. This fear impacted diversity, as people with different beliefs were accused of being communists

Hollywood 10 & HUAC (Communism in the 1950s)

The Hollywood Ten, a group of 10 film industry members, refused to testify to an anti-communist committee hearing during the Second Red Scare era. The HUAC was created in 1938 to investigate alleged disloyalty and rebel activities. The group argued that people should have freedom of speech and constitutional rights, and that individuals like Lawson, Trumbo, and Disney should be remembered for their bravery

Trade-off of Freedom of Speech for Basic Necessities

The concept that individuals might give up their freedom of speech for basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.

Remembering Lawson, Trumbo, Disney, and Moffitt

Reflecting on individuals like Lawson and Trumbo who stood up for their rights, and individuals like Disney and Moffitt who should be remembered for their actions.

Possibility of a Modern-Day "Witch Hunt"

Considering the potential for a similar situation to the 1940s and 1950s "witch hunt" to occur today, possibly through terrorism.

No Pity - Joesph Shapiro

People with Disabilities Forging a New Civil Rights Movement: A chapter discussing the experiences of Americans with disabilities, breaking down misconceptions, and providing a voice for disabled individuals.

Roots - Alex Haley

a captivating novel that traces the author's ancestry from Africa to America. Through the journey of Kunta Kinte and his descendants, it illuminates the brutal realities of slavery and the enduring strength of the human spirit.