Thursday, January 31, 2008
Class Comment from Curious Researcher
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Two User Friendly Points from The Curious Researcher
- Because procrastination is the enemy, this book was designed to help you budget your time and move through the research and writing process in five weeks. It may take you a little longer, or you may be able to finish your paper a little more quickly. But at least initially, use the book sequentially, unless your instructor gives you other advice.
- You'll discover your choice of possible topics suddenly expands. If you're not limited to arguing a position on a topic, then you can explore any topic that you find puzzling in interesting ways and you can risk asking questions that might complicate your point of view.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Chapter 7- BTC
This chapter did provide more historical background of what was going on with the slaves after the American Revolution. Unfortunately, this is pretty much all I walked away with after reading it. I feel like this chapter was a little disconnected from the previous chapter and Hochschild has not been clear enough as to what he is writing this book about.
Chapter 6- BTC
In Chapter 6 of Bury the Chains, Hochschild mentions how so many people living in
I really liked Hochschild’s point about how “disapproving of slavery was something very different from the belief that anything could ever be done about it.” This seemed to be the standpoint of many people at the time. Although people disapproved of slavery, they still realized that they were still so reliant on it. Because of their reliance, it would be unlikely to think that it would end. The comparison to a present day problem, in this case, global warming was an excellent analogy. Most people realize that global warming is a problem, but they also think at the same time, “it’s not like we can really do anything to change it because we are so dependent on driving.” There is recognition of the problem, but actions are not as likely to be taken.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Question from Ch.2&4 that is interesting
I found this question to be extremely interesting. I would be curious to see how stories or images of slavery would change depending on who was telling the story. In order to get a better sense of what slavery actually "looked" and "felt" like, I think it would be important to read the story presented by a slave. Although I liked how Stephen was able to recognize the cruelty of slavery when he witnessed the execution of a few slaves when they were burned at the stake, I still think I would have been able to see the full picture clearer had more detail been given. I think the detail could have been provided through a slave because events like these affected their lives more than whites. Even though an execution could be an everyday occurence, whites were highly unlikely to respond to them in such a way that a slave would. Since slaves were actually experiencing the unsafe and horrible conditions, they would be able to help the reader really picture what they were saying.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Comments on Chapter 2 and 4-BTC
My attention was particularly drawn to the following quote, “Stephen’s horror was all the greater because he knew that he himself had benefited from slavery.” It’s slightly comforting to know that Stephen was disturbed by the conditions he saw slaves encountering. It was also shocking to see him acknowledging that he was one of the many whites benefiting from the work done by slaves and feeling sorry for them. Unfortunately, this slight recognition was still not enough to motivate him to make a change or take a stance against slavery right away. This quote reminded me of
Chapter 4 Summary-BTC
In Chapter 4, Hochschild introduces us to a traditional sugar plantation with slaves working in the fields while whites enjoyed their great luxurious houses overlooking their estates. We are then introduced to James Stephen, who falls in love with his friend’s sister, Nancy. Even though Stephen promised himself to
Chapter 2 Summary-BTC
In Chapter 2 of Hochschild’s Bury the Chains, Olaudah Equiano writes about his experiences with slavery as both a slave and “free” man. Equiano was raised in present day
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Chapter 1 Summary-BTC
In Chapter 1 of Hochschild’s Bury the Chains, John Newton was an Englishman whose involvement in the slave trade started at a young age and was not always easy, but he eventually was able to make a profit. After falling in love with Mary Catlett before departing on a trip,
Monday, January 21, 2008
Summary of Introduction-BTC
In the Introduction of Hochschild’s Bury the Chains, the collaboration of a few citizens helped launch the anti-slavery movement that began in