FLEX -- for both Flex blocks, I'd like you to respond to the Remembrance Day prompt below, plus you may choose to work on one of the following:
1. update your portfolio (see below)
2. work on the GeoNarratives project
3. read the book you have on the go & respond to your reading
SEMINAR -- During Thursday's session, you will be showing the group and your teacher your Portfolio, which by now should include these required items:
- 5 images from your Geographic Themes Photo Essay
- Topophilia piece -- your first or most memorable experience in Nature
- Mass Wastage Case Study including creative account of the incident
- Lheidl T’enneh research inquiry
- reading journals -- should have read/responded to two books (one for Sep, one for Oct)
- samples (whole pieces or snapshots) from work you have done in class -- e.g. Geographic Issues research, Should We Colonize Mars?, Famous Geographer biography
- other creative writing you have done, fiction or non-fiction
- literary references to rivers, caves, ice, or glaciers
- interesting links, objects found, observations, quotes, etc. that relate to our work and your interests
- current events, news stories that relate to language, landscape, literature, or environment
- photos from one of our field trips, e.g. Ancient Forest
CONSULTATION -- On Friday, take a 5 minute break from what you are doing for Flex and come see your teacher in the classroom. Be prepared to talk about what you think you'd like to do for your GeoNarratives project and then we'll toss some ideas around about what shape this project might take.
REMEMBRANCE DAY -- two options -- choose one to think about and respond with a solid paragraph. Save this piece of writing to your portfolio and also leave it below as a comment. I will check these comments on the weekend as a way of knowing that you are paying attention to these "Flex" posts -- this is a course requirement and necessary if we want the class/seminar/flex model to go smoothly. Flex only makes sense if you use it to learn and work hard on the parts of our program that we talk about in class but do not work on directly in class. Choose between 1 or 2 (you can do both if you really want to).
REMEMBRANCE DAY -- two options -- choose one to think about and respond with a solid paragraph. Save this piece of writing to your portfolio and also leave it below as a comment. I will check these comments on the weekend as a way of knowing that you are paying attention to these "Flex" posts -- this is a course requirement and necessary if we want the class/seminar/flex model to go smoothly. Flex only makes sense if you use it to learn and work hard on the parts of our program that we talk about in class but do not work on directly in class. Choose between 1 or 2 (you can do both if you really want to).
1. I'm interested in some of the geographic connections you have to Remembrance Day. Think back to someone you know (could be a relative) who has been affected by war. Perhaps this person saw military action, was employed by the military, or was caught up in armed conflict. Describe the context and pay close attention to the "where." You may want to do some internet digging to get to know the place a bit more -- the town, area, region in which this person was involved or affected by war, and some of the background details about the conflict itself in that locale. Here's a news article if you need something to get you thinking: http://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/remembrance-day/
2. What do you think about White Poppies? I've written about this myself in 2010 and 2011 and 2012, but I'd like to hear what you think. Here is a news article you can read to get you thinking about peace poppies: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/julian-fantino-calls-white-poppies-offensive-to-veterans-1.2417592
I think we should stay with the red poppies. There is nothing to say that red poppies can't stand for peace, or for those who suffered during the war. Remembrance day is for remembering everyone who was affected during fighting. Right now the white poppies aren't recognized as a symbol of remembrance, so they seem like they're protesting against veterans. Maybe they will eventually become part of the tradition, but right now it would be wrong to have a political fight- participating in war is bad vs. remember the sacrifice- on a day that should just be simple reflection and appreciation. Red poppies are a Canadian symbol and tradition; we don't have many special traditions; this one should stay.
ReplyDeletePippa R.
Thanks for this thoughtful response, Pippa. Having been through a few school Remembrance ceremonies, do you think that we do enough to go beyond just remembering and examine war itself (the "why remember" piece)? Question violence, talk about peace, etc. If you were designing a school RD ceremony, what would you include?
DeleteRemembrance day is a day to remember what all those amazing brave soldiers did to bring peace to this world. We were the red poppy to remember and support those who lost their lives, and to the families that have lost the ones they love. We also have the white poppy which we wear to represent the peace and to also remember the ones who blessed us with the lives we have. Without all the brave soldiers our lives would be scarce and we would live in a would of war. I think the white and red poppy should be worn to show that we are respecting the peace, but also remembering them. The brave that lay in Flanders Fields, were those red poppies grow. I believe in it all, I love and respect every soul, and I pray for the families that have to deal with the lose, or the fear;
ReplyDeleteAlways Remember
Never Forget,
For we are the lucky souls,
That live the life the others have lost,
So never take advantage,
For we need to represent.
Peace, Forever.
I'm often impressed with the way you think through what we are doing here and life in general... very insightful and mindful. Are there situation you know of where the presence of soldiers and conflict made things worse for us rather than better? How do we know when is the right time to send humans into battle?
DeleteI think it is offensive to use the White poppies. I don't think remembrance day is a glorification of war, and is more a thanks to our veterans for giving their lives and service. Nobody thinks about how great war is on remembrance day. Remembrance day is an important day to give thanks and donations to the vets who still need support. Not to mention it helps us remember how bad war was. I'm 100% positive when people stand by the cenitaf on November 11th, they aren't thinking "wow we should do that again".
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think is the message behind the white poppies? Using the criteria you use for Remembrance, how do our school ceremonies stack up? Is there a time when it is appropriate to celebrate past victories? (e.g. is there still some glory in battle)
DeleteFor this assignment, I am going to use my great great uncle, Byron Ross Downie. I have head that he went by Ross. Unfortunately, I never had the oportunity to speak to him or anyone who knew him about his time in the military. He served on the HMCS Esquimalt. The Esquimalt was the last Canadian ship sunk by German U - Boats during world war 2. On April 16, 1945, the Esquimalt was hit by a torpedo and sunk within minutes, taking with it many men, including Byron Ross. The Esuimalt was sunk just off Chebucto Head, Nova Scotia. Byron was the Leading Telegraphist onboard the ship. He was my great grandmothers twin brother. I recently found his death certificate online, which I think is kind of cool. The Esquimalt's job was to conduct anti - submarine patrols off of Halifax Harbour. The ship sank just three weeks before the end of the war.
ReplyDeleteWow, what an amazing story! The circumstances might have been normal for the time, but it sure seems remarkable now, particularly the timing and location of the u-boat attack. This story could make it's way into your GeoNarratives project if it interests you.
DeletePersonally, I think the White Poppies are offensive because it's not that our traditional red ones are a symbol for the 'glorification of war' but as a symbol of all the hardships that our Canadian soldiers went through to keep our country save. The idea that we need to change the colour to show peace is ridiculous. The red poppies have symbolized the remembrance of all of our fallen soldiers, our heroes. When we have Remembrance Day, it isn't to have parties and celebrate the fact that we have war. It isn't to condone it. it's to remember the fallen and even the ones who are still alive and remember their fallen brothers. The idea itself of a peace poppy is a good one. But we do not need to change the colour, nor trash on our traditional red one to achieve this goal. The poppy symbolizes so much for veterans, children of these veterans and even those today, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews. People who have no clue as to how this affects the people of today are trying to make decisions not meant for them. The White Poppy isn't a bad concept, it's just been presented in the wrong way; placed higher than the red.
ReplyDeleteEmily Sewell
ReplyDeleteWhat is the point of wearing a white poppy? Yes, I know what they are supposed to symbolize, but in my opinion why would anyone remember the fallen soldiers and show that they remember by being “against the glorification of war”? Remembrance Day to me is a day to remember the people affected or fighting in a war. I see no reason to remember the war itself, that’s not what anyone wants to remember. It’s a time to think about the soldiers, civilians and the families at home waiting for their loved ones to return. Another point I’d like to make is that we have been wearing the red poppy for years, why would anyone want to start changing that when it’s practically a tradition.
for this assignment i am going to use my grandfather. he wasn't my actual grandfather but i consedered him it all my life because my nana had been dating him for years and years. i actually didnt know they werent married until he passed away. i also then found out at his funeral that im kind of in a way "related" to a boy i knew since kindergarten because i am the grandaughter of my nana who was dating his grandson. but anyways back on topic!! my grandfather was in world war 2. When he came back him and my grandmother ended up not being able to sleep in the same bed because in his sleep he would try and kill her. war has great effects in many different ways.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the misspells. I forgot to fix them before I hit publish. Also i unfortunately do not know where he was stationed. He passed away a few years ago. He died blind. I'm pretty sure he became blind because of the war, though I'm not positive. I think he had some kind of eye surgery but sadly he ended up becoming blind.
DeleteHonestly I don't see why wearing a different colour of poppy is wrong, to me remembrance day is a day where you remember the sacrifices our soldiers made. I don't think it matters how we remember them, If the white poppies remember also symbolize peace then why are people complaining. Tradition is what is the main problem in this case, just because it started with red poppies doesn't mean we have to end with red poppies. If we don't accept change humanity cant strive forward. White poppies, red poppies it doesn't matter as long as we remember and give thanks to those soldiers.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think the people who started the white poppy idea meant well, but I definitely do not agree with it. The poppy being red, is a symbol of all of the ones who have died for our freedom, it is not promoting more war. It represents, in my eyes, the blood that was shed and the thousands of people,who didnt come home to their worried, waiting families.
ReplyDeleteI feel no matter what the color of the poppy is, it is a symbol of remembrance. Think of people who are completely color blind, they don't see red or white, all they see is one more person remembering those lost and still fighting. I don't think it should matter so much to people what color the poppy is. I feel the way society is today, we are lucky we still have people honoring this day and remembering. Be glad people are wearing one, period. I think its sad but true. Neither color is a celebration of war, just a slight gesture of remembrance for people to see at the beginning of November. I know little kids see poppies as just colors. They maybe don't realize the meanings behind the colors, they're just flowers people wear. Why cant we just all think like that. Who knows, maybe one day all colors of poppies will be accepted. But for now, I don't think it matters too much what the color is, as long as you are remembering what is important to you
ReplyDeletePaige. C.
In France we don't even wear a poppy during the rememberance day. So i think it's aready great to have a poppy no matter the color! People should be able to choose the color of their poppy. Choose the color which have the most powerful meaning for you ! The red color the traditional poppy or the white color shows also the peace.
ReplyDeleteClaire Buthiaux
During the second world war my grandmother had to leave the country. She went to Sweden with some other kids of her age. She stayed there for some monthes until Berlin was save enough to come back.
ReplyDeleteP.S.: I missed to do this task. That is why I can`t write more about this topic. That is all I can remember.
Jan Sondergeld
I feel that red poppies are really symbolic but what they stand for doesn't depend on their colour. They make us remember what our soldiers have done for our country and how we should honor them. A poppy is just a simple thing to remember what they sacrificed for us. Honestly if someone decided that wearing a ridiculous wig was how we remembered them I would wear it. It's not about the poppy or the color of the poppy, it's about remembrance.
ReplyDelete-Kyrsten C.
My oma (great grandma) forced to leave her family in Poland to work on a farm in Germany where she met my opa (great grandpa). once the war was over they had to escape East Germany so my opa and two of the three kids went, later my oma and her youngest (my grandpa) had to cross the boarder. Crossing the boarder wasn't easy though she had to wait for the guards' shift change then she ran across the field with the baby carriage, all she had was whatever could fit in the carriage with the baby without looking suspicious.
ReplyDelete~Kennedy C
1. My great-grandfather served as an engineer in World War 2, but I'm not too sure where he served (I will try to find out with my geonarratives project)
ReplyDelete2. I think that there's nothing wrong with the red poppy, it doesn't make war seem better, it's to remember the people that died and those who survived. Changing that is basically throwing them all away.
-Dominic M
I think that people should be able to wear the white poppy, and the red poppy should also be worn. The red poppy is a symbol of remembrance and is a tradition, that should not be removed from society. People should choose which one to wear, based on their beliefs, and what they want.
ReplyDelete-Rhys G.