Who says YA Lit doesn't have lasting power?
I know for a fact that high school students today still connect with S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders -- even forty years after its original release. Hmmm, I wonder which titles written in the last 10 years will be talked about in 2047. Any ideas?
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Think Piece
Sometimes you just have to sit back and think about it. Then you have to get off your ass and take action.
This op-ed piece from the New York Times made me do just that with a few tears added in. It reminded me of the power of the pen -- a power more lasting than the sword. So here's the challenge..... We must constantly hone the inky weapon and exercise its power often, beit a letter, a blog, a peer-reviewed article, a book, a zine, etc. Just write it!
The op-ed also reminded me of how essential it is to stand up for what one believes -- even if the consequences are dire. Even if it blasts us far from our comfort zone. When the way of the world runs against our personal ethical view, we must not sit back quietly. We must step up. We must shout out. We must take action. Otherwise, we are part of the problem. Sitting around complaining about it doesn't help anything.
We have not come very far from those days in 1957. We, as a nation, have not learned well from our mistakes. Yes, we have progressed a little, but not enough to hold our heads high in this world. So, I'm going to go write about it -- then do something else about it. That's my goal. I hope it is yours too. Be positive change!
This op-ed piece from the New York Times made me do just that with a few tears added in. It reminded me of the power of the pen -- a power more lasting than the sword. So here's the challenge..... We must constantly hone the inky weapon and exercise its power often, beit a letter, a blog, a peer-reviewed article, a book, a zine, etc. Just write it!
The op-ed also reminded me of how essential it is to stand up for what one believes -- even if the consequences are dire. Even if it blasts us far from our comfort zone. When the way of the world runs against our personal ethical view, we must not sit back quietly. We must step up. We must shout out. We must take action. Otherwise, we are part of the problem. Sitting around complaining about it doesn't help anything.
We have not come very far from those days in 1957. We, as a nation, have not learned well from our mistakes. Yes, we have progressed a little, but not enough to hold our heads high in this world. So, I'm going to go write about it -- then do something else about it. That's my goal. I hope it is yours too. Be positive change!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Celebration of Freedom
Happy
Celebrate the rights and freedoms outlined in this foundational element of your nation. While doing so, remember that you have the responsibility to stand by those elements. You must DEMAND that your government upholds them, as well. If your legislators are not doing what you want or what is ethical, speak out – NOW! Write letters, send emails, make phone calls, knock on doors.
(For more resources on First Amendment rights, check out FirstAmendmentLove.)
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