“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change
something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”
—Buckminster Fuller
Bucky Fuller on Change
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Author Archives: fish
Black Friday Shopping Alternatives in Seattle, WA 2020
Children Come Full!
Haydée Dohrn Melendez-Morgan paraphrased in Kendel Nash (2019).
POLICE VIOLENCE ALERT: Person With No Reported History of Seizures Said to Be on Ventilator, Following Alleged Seizure Upon Arrest (South Seattle Emerald)
by Carolyn Bick A young man is on a ventilator at Harborview Medical Center, following his arrest for alleged property damage outside the East Precinct, during a protest in support of voting rights…
Anti-racist Action for White Educators
Too often, educators of color are burdened with leading and supporting anti-racist work in schools and districts—perhaps even more so during COVID-19 and this year’s widespread calls for such work. These resources can help white educators and administrators take action now, carry their fair share of this work and ensure they’re in it for the long haul.
Source: Anti-racist Action for White Educators
Teaching Tolerance has been knocking it out of the park with high-quality anti-racist resources that are pretty much classroom-ready for teachers.
Build the Vote – A voting experience by Rock the Vote
Build the Vote is a voting experience in Minecraft for the 2020 U.S. election. Visit the server to learn about the electoral process, vote on issues being debated across the country, and let your voice be heard.
Source: Build the Vote – A voting experience by Rock the Vote
My comment: Hopefully in the next election cycle we can put some of the energy that has collectively gone into “getting out the vote” this year into structural reforms that will actually bring our country’s voting process into the 21st century technologically and ethically.
From FreeWill Astrology by Rob Brezsny
Rob Brezsny’s Astrology Newsletter for this week includes great horoscope for my fellow Aquarian teachers out there, as we hone our own craft, refine our methods, chop wood, carry water, and become better teachers and better historians, even whilst living in COVID conditions. We are in solidarity with early feminists like Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910). Huzzah!
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): No American woman was allowed to earn a
medical degree and practice as a physician until Aquarian-born Elizabeth
Blackwell did it in 1849. It was an almost impossible feat, since the all-
male college she attended undermined her mercilessly. Once she began her
career a doctor, she constantly had to outwit men who made it difficult for
her. Nevertheless, she persisted. Eventually, she helped create a medical
school for women in England and made it possible for 476 women to
practice medicine there. I propose that we make her your patron saint for
now. May she inspire you to redouble your diligent pursuit of your big
dream. Here’s your motto: “Nevertheless, I’m persisting.”
Your “Returned” Purchase from that Online Retailer probably ended up in a landfill!
Check out this report from Canada’s public broadcasting company. Like so much corporate behavior these days, this revelation about Amazon is shocking but completely unsurprising.
Source: Hidden Cameras and Secret Trackers Reveal Where Amazon Returns End Up
My Grades Will Not Be Instruments of War — Howard Zinn
Zinn’s decision to not report his male students’ grades to the Selective Service System is one eloquent moment in the history of educators who defied the grading policies of those allegedly in charge (Thanks to Rethinking Schools for republishing this gem, which scholar Robert Cohen found in the archives at NYU, where Zinn’s papers are kept!)
Source: My Grades Will Not Be Instruments of War — Howard Zinn
From Teaching Tolerance: A New Short Doc on Indigenous Slavery | Classroom Videos
Source: Teaching Hard History: American Slavery | Classroom Videos
I was a little dismayed to note that among the “best” things that happened to me today was learning about the extent of indigenous slavery, which was more prevalent in the New England colonies than African slavery until 1720! But it’s the truth! This beautifully produced, 12-minute documentary is a suitable conversation starter for ANY classroom where the history of slavery, or themes of inequality are talked about.