Change Is Possible

“I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Martin Luther King Jr. In the book, Kindred by Octavia Butler, it describes how blacks were treated in in the year 1815, experienced by the main character Dana. Dana is an African American woman married to a white man named Kevin, who gets transported to the past to save her ancestor, Rufus, from death. Her adventure is very dangerous and she has no clue of what could happen to her life. My thesis is “People in this world are judged by their race, but it only takes one person to transform this oppression.” This means that one person that stands up for what they believe in can actually make a difference in the world.

    “I was the worst possible guardian for him - a black to watch over him in a society that considered blacks subhuman, a woman to watch over him in a society that considered women perennial children.” pg. 68. According to this quote, Dana believes that she was not a good choice as a guardian for a boy in that time period. This is considered social condition because their role in society is different depending on their skin color and gender. In this time period, blacks were said to be less than human and women said to be ceaseless, meaning unable to abolish. his made it a challenge for Dana to watch over Rufus if many whites, including Margaret, Rufus’ mother, could not trust blacks or women in general. Although, this barrier of social condition stood in Dana’s way, it did not bring her down, she persevered through this oppression of slavery, an influence ideas into the mind of Rufus.

    “He don’t want no niggers’ round here talking better than him, putting freedom ideas in our heads.” pg.74. From this quote we can see that Marse Tom, the plantation owner, doesn’t want anyone having a better education than he has, especially a black person. This demonstrates hegemony in the way that the master believes he is superior to his slaves just because he is a white man with power. White people are said to be superior to blacks and have the power to limit the rights of blacks. This oppression harms the people not in the “superior” group because of their skin color, which is not fair because it is said that all people should be created equal.

    A guy that has inspired me to fight for what i believe in and never gave up is Cesar Chavez. Cesar Chavez was a Mexican-American labor leader that used non-violent ways to fight for immigrant farm workers rights. He created a group to help increase wages and improve working conditions and for the safety of farm workers. He even organized strikes and until they made laws to improve farm workers lives. The reason I brought him up is because he is my race (Mexican), but also because he and the workers were being judged by their race and it took his courage and perseverance to transform the oppression of immigrant workers.

    In conclusion, I believe that no person should deserve to be judged by their race or any other category because everyone is born equal. I learned that it may be difficult to transform the oppression of racism due to social condition and hegemony. People put you in a certain category and that’s where you should stay. Others believe they are superior to a certain group and think they are in control. And sometimes it just takes one person to get the courage to stand up for what they believe in. Speak out with your voice and you will be heard. Make the best of your ability. “Be the change you want to see.” Mahatma Gandhi.

A Real Experience (:

She knew he liked her, but he didn't bust a move.

He made her feel special with comments on her beauty.

She felt more confident and became convinced. 

He got the courage and asked her out.

She said yes and felt so happy.

He called her every day to see how she was doing.

She had long conversations with him.

There came a time when he just stopped.

They rarely saw each other or spoke in person.

He was never there for her, but she was there for him.

She became tired of all the silence and then...

He broke up with her.

She would see him in the hallway and say "Hey."

He would respond the same way.

Time passed and she got another boyfriend. 

Then, he called and said he made a mistake. 

She felt sorry, but it was too late for him.

Then, the love for him came back to her.

She once again started falling for him.

She ended her relationship with her new boyfriend.

He once again asked her out.

She said yes happily.

They would hug whenever they saw each other.

But still rarely talked.

He went to her soccer games in support.

She stayed after school to see him in soccer practice.

Then, one day they finally kissed.

A few days after that he called her a bitch.

And broke up with her.

She was disappointed with his decision.

She has decided to never give him another chance.

All he was doing was playing with her heart.

She still has feelings for him, but has moved on.

A guy like that isn't worth it. 

She now has a new boyfriend that she can trust.

He makes her laugh and cares about her. 

She is once again happy.

And does not want to turn back. (:

My America Poem

My freedom to be who ever I wish to be.

You and everyone else in this country of ours.

Americans who take pride in the flag of our country.

Memories from the past that have changed the world.

Everyone setting aside differences to be united.

Rich with people of all personalities.

Increasing population every time a baby is born.

Culture, background, ethnicity, race it doesn't matter.

Americans we are and Americans we shall be.       

EXPO Liberation Essay

`        My area of focus is segregation. Segregation is defined as the practice or policy of creating separate facilities within the same society for the use of minority group. In other ways segregation is the separation of people based on race, religion, ethnic group, sex, or social class. I chose to do my expo topic on segregation because it has come to my attention to inform people of this oppression.

       Rosa Parks is an example of segregation. She was being oppressed by segregation because they were trying to force her to get up from her seat on the bus to allow a white person to sit there. What she did to free herself from oppression was refuse to let the white man sit down. She was tired and didn't agree with getting up for some white man she didn't even know. She got arrested for refusing and this soon became public. I think that this is truly liberating and freeing yourself from oppression because it is not violence it is you standing up for your rights as a human being. She protested against the unfair treatment, which involved Martin Luther King Jr., a very recognized activist. It made a big move in that time and has been remembered ever since.  

          The groups of people that are being oppressed by this oppression is immigrants that are Mexican. They are being oppressed by getting deported from the U.S. back to their country. They don't have the right to live in America after all the work they do to help out with their labor. These groups are freeing themselves fro  this type pf oppression by protesting as a community to earn their rights as true hardworking citizens of the U.S. even if they weren't even born here. This is truly liberating and freeing for the group because they are protesting to get their equal rights. It causes no harm to use your voice and speak for yourself.

         A personal experience that I have is how my uncle is an immigrant and doesn't have papers.  He is being oppressed by the ICE police by not being able to do most of the things we are able to do from the fear of getting deported. The way he is trying to liberate himself from this oppression is by waiting til his son is 21 to get him legal papers for himself and could live his life in peace. This is truly liberating because he now can be free to do what he wants and can be a citizen from all of his hard work.


          Ten things that make me smile, bring me joy, or just make me happy when I experience that are being explained below. The #1 thing is my friends because they always make me laugh and cheer me up when I'm down. They are the light of my day. #2 is my parents because they brought life to me and take me out to eat and buy me things. #3 is chocolate because it is just so delicious to eat especially a cake that is chocolate with chocolate. #4 is my teachers because they are so down to earth so fun to be with. #5 is  my little nephew because he is soo adorable and cute. #6 is my coach, Matthew because he is cool and makes me laugh and smile. #7 is the weather because I'm happy when the weather is sunny and there is fresh air. #8 is the movies because i get to spend time with my friends ant watch something entertaining. #9 is the school because I have a great time with everybody at the school. #10 is my room because I have peace and quiet and can focus with no distractions.

College Trip Reflection

         In college for all, I had many memorable experiences. One thing I loved about the trip was getting to sleep in hotel rooms with my friends. We had the freedom to do anything we liked as long as we stayed inside the rooms. We were able to stay awake until we decided it was time to sleep. I also liked the Santa Cruz boardwalk because we got a time to spend with the boys and had the best time playing laser tag. The experience was something I would never forget. In the colleges I liked the beach on the campus in Santa Barbara. In Cal Poly I liked the variety of choices in sports. In Santa Cruz I enjoyed the food given to us.

      Although the trip was good, it also had a few flaws. Something I didn't like about the trip was the actual trip going to the colleges. I did not enjoy the amount of time it took to get to a certain place. In the bus a few of us were bored and had nothing to do, which made the bus ride uncomfortable. I also disliked the shower in the first hotel because the water would hit our head really hard and fast. Overall the trip was a success and to my liking. 

        Something that I would like in a college is a variety of sports to play, so I would never run out of options to play. Another thing that i would like to see in a college is food that taste good and is overall healthy and affordable. I would also like places around the whole college where you can just chill and hang out with your friends. Something important that I would need in a college is a library or place that is quiet to study for test.

EXPO Unit Reflection

What I liked most about the process was that it would talk about oppression and liberation like the oppression being the cause or the motive to wanting liberation which was like the effect.

I had challenges with the sharing experience part of the process because many of the people didn't have any personal experiences to share with the group which made a bit difficult to have a long flowy conversation.

The main area I want to improve for next time is having a little card with examples of questions we could ask to the group written beforehand to keep it moving.

What I am most proud of is how our discussion took the whole time and how the parents looked up to us in admiration to our wonderful work.

I appreciate my group mates for making that day go smoothly.

Where I'm From

I am from Oakland

Where I was born

And grew up in.

I am from Mexico

The place my ancestors 

Originate from.

I am from Cuyutlan, Jalisco

The little town we go to in Mexico.

I am from the blood of my parents,

Julia and Rosalio Martinez.

I am from the school

Wanting to learn new things

And excell at my work.

I am the friend of many people

Because I am able to relate to anyone

And am reliable, caring, and trustworthy.

I am from the party

Where we celebrate the day of birth

Especially a Quinceanera.

I am from the kitchen

Eating homemade carne asada

Made by my momma and daddy.

I am from the Virgen de Guadalupe

Who we Mexicans believe in.

EXPO Opression Journal

          My area of focus is segregation. Segregation is defined as the practice or policy of creating separate facilities within the same society for the use of a minority group. I chose to do my expo topic on segregation because it has come to my attention to inform people of this oppression. People are segregated based on religion, race, social class,nationality, etc.

           Segregation is oppressive because it restricts people from having the same rights as others. It is a barrier that keeps people left out because of segregation. In the book, The Outsiders, the Socs are oppressors when they get on the Greasers land when the Greasers are segregated from going on their territory. Prescriptions that are commonly heard are "white trash with mustangs" or "white trash with long greasy hair". They have internalized that they are white with different appearances. The system of the police is oppressive because they don't treat people with the same rights. It is more likely for a cop to shoot a hoodlum looking person than a well-dressed wealthy looking person. The prescriptions these people have internalized are that hoodlums are all bad. The police restricts people's lives bynot giving equal rights.

            Other people responsible for continuing this type of oppression were the colonists who came to America. They were the people who brought African Americans to have them as slaves. They were segregated from voting, owning property, and being free. These colonists contributed to the harm because they brought segregation to America that has evolved into our time period. This type of oppression can be seen in racism, which leads to horizontal violence. such as death or fighting. Racism creates a barrier by having people internalize a certain race isn't worthy of having equal rights and segregated from that.


            People who experience segregation can feel left out and pressured to do the wrong things. They feel as if they don't belong in this world and are not thinking straight. This oppression can lead to suicide or fighting. People who suffer from segregation may react by silence, which does not help them or the peiple around them. People may attempt to protect themselves by hiding and keeping it to themselves. It is usually a friend that helps them go on in life and report this oppresson since they are to afraid to inform anyone about it. The beliefs they might internalize are that they are a piece of garbage laying around ready to be stepped on all over. They start believing that they are not worthy of respect and justice.


            A connection I have to segregation is when people from a foreign coun try come to America by crossing the border illegally. These  innocent people that come to America are here to make a beeter use of their life, support their family, or just experience. The ICE police is oppressing these people by deporting them back to their country leaving their children behind, and keeping them segregated from enteringbthe border of the United States.

College For All Essay

Hello, my name is Clarissa and I come from Oakland in a school called Urban Promise Academy. My school, Urban Promise Academy, is a place I go to where I learn and have opportunities to experience different things. It is a small school, where I feel safe and feel like a family here. This school has shaped my dreams and aspirations by letting me show off my skills and talents, which has made me more confident. Here at the school they encourage me to do my best and get on Honor Roll. The teachers are very supportive and help me in my time of need. My parents have been very supportive in my life by pushing me to persevere when things get hard. They tell me to put all my time and effort into everything I set my mind to do. My parents have made me into a responsible and mature daughter and student that takes pride in her work. Since I’m from Oakland, I have heard about gang violence that occurs often in the streets of Oakland. It has made me more aware of my surroundings and a bit frightened of walking alone at night. Although Oakland maybe dangerous it has made me the person I am today. All the opportunities I have had here in Oakland wouldn’t be the same in another community. I am proud of who I am and where I come from.

One word that best describes my family, community, and school is united. My family is united because we come together in the time of need and joy. We are supportive of each other when the going gets tough or when it is all right. We are a very religious and believe in God. The way my community is united is by coming together to protest something important in life. We are persistent when we set our mind to make a change we want to see. My school, Urban Promise Academy is united because we are like a family. Everyone knows each other and somewhat get along. When there are conflicts the counselor helps them resolve it in a positive way to keep  everyone safe. Teachers are supportive when we need help They are glad to help and would take their personal time to help you.

Opportunities that have been available to me in my school is being able to experience a few days of being away from home and not using materials that I usually use. I have also been available to colleges like UC Berkeley. I have seen the classes, dorms, and libraries. An opportunity I have had in my community is going to Disneyland. If my moms boss never gave us free tickets to Disneyland I would have never been able to experience that much fun. It was an opportunity of a lifetime. Another opportunity that I have had at school is being able to teach sixth graders about different things in life. I got the opportunity to teach which has boost my confidence. Teaching has turned me into a more confident and courageous person because it helps me understand students from a different perspective. I have had the opportunity to compete at a math competition at school and have won a trophy. I also had the opportunity to compete in a spelling bee. I was one of two people chosen to represent my school, Urban Promise Academy, at the spelling bee. All of these experiences have made me who I am today.

A major issue confronting my community and school is violence. Gang violence has been a big issue in Oakland. There have been many deaths due to gang violence and many people who are not in a gang can end up dead when hanging with the wrong crowd. Weapons that are available to minors have been a major issue. More deaths have been by weapons like guns or knives because of the availability. Deaths are more common when a person is carrying a weapon. It is more likely for someone to die of a shot than just fist fighting. My role in addressing this issue is teaching it to younger kids. I am a peer educator and I teach minors about the dangers of gang violence. As a result of addressing this major issue I have changed by becoming more confident and more aware of my surroundings. It has created me into a leader because I am not afraid to step up and say what I believe in. The impact that this change has had on my dreams and aspirations is that it made reach for challenging things in life because I now know that I can persevere to overcome or succeed that challenge. It has transformed me into a courageous, confident, and outgoing person that will be able to socialize with other people. I will no longer be shy in my time of need and my time to shine. I chose to teach younger kids about this issue because it is something children need to learn in order to survive outside the doors of school. I feel like it helps them think about their decisions and I want them to have a part of me in their decisions.

Freedom

Freedom from torture and freedom from abuse

Freedom from control and freedom from misuse

Freedom to power and freedom to vote

Freedom to speak and freedom to quote

Freedom to choose and freedom to decide

Freedom to think and freedom of pride

Freedom from disrespect and freedom from inequality

Freedom to education and to equality

~Freedom to live life in peace~