Facing Challenges 

Text A

The document under study is an extract from a novel entitled “Stay with Me”, written by A. Adabayo, published in 2017. There are two characters, Yejide and her mother-in-law Moomi. 

Yejide is being criticized by her mother-in-law because she has not had children with her son yet. Her mother-in-law seems furious about it. Indeed, Yejide is being blame as if she wereresponsible for this situation. Besides, even her identity is being denied just because she has not given birth yet “nobody should call you a woman”. 

The message the author would like to convey is that, first of all, women are reduced to motherhood and do not have the support from fellow women/counterparts. Indeed,  women are not only meant to be mothers. In fact, women should be allowed to do whatever they wish to do without feeling the need to express their choices. 

(We will continue the study of the two texts next time. Be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Hedy Lamarr

We have learned about Hedy Lamarr who was a famous American woman, an actress in Hollywood, a scientist and an inventor. She was active in the 1940s. Google decided to honor her with a doodle because she had an extraordinary life. Indeed, she was not only a well-known actress, but also a renowned scientist who invented a system to prevent the Germans from spying the USA during WWII. She used Morse signals through radio waves to communicate from afar. Her discovery led to the invention of Wi-Fi. 

Her invention has a great impact on our daily lives. Indeed, if she had not invented this system, we would not be able to use wireless connection today.

Unit 4: Multicultural New Zealand

To what extent have Pakehas and Maoris paved the way for a multicultural future in New Zealand.

Multicultural New Zealand

Multiculturalism in New Zealand is the presence of people with different cultures living together, including Europeans, Americans, Africans, Asians… plus the Native people from New Zealand, the Maori people. It is about be able to live together despite the differences, accepting one another and respecting one another to live in unity.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Unit 4: Women of Power

To what extent have women used the public sphere as a platform for empowerment?

Axe 2: Public and Pricate Spaces

Michelle Obama’s Education

The document under study is a video of an interview of Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the USA. We have learned that, as a little girl, Michelle was having piano lessons from her aunt Robbie at the age of 4. Michelle was learning very fast just by hearing the scale, however, her aunt Robbie had another method to teach and wanted to apply it to Michelle. Nevertheless, Michelle did not like it. Michelle parents encouraged her to speak her mind because what she had to say was relevant and meaningful. Moreover, she was encouraged to share her feelings because they were real and not only to speak when spoken to. Her parents believed that acting this way would help her build her personality. Hence, the education and the advice she received as a young girl were the basis for her to become a future First Lady and have a lot of influence not only in the USA but in the world.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Unit 4: STEM Women Rock!

What did sciences owe to women?

Axe: Living in generations

Tech Girls Rock!

The document under study is a video that introduces an initiative from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) called “Tech Girls Rock”. Young middle school girls are encouraged to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Indeed, usually, people do not see women do science or anything related to the STEM field. However, the goal of BGCA is to create the next generation of innovators and leaders including women. To do so, young girls are invited to listen to their hearts and to not hesitate to raise their hands in class. Eventually, the goal is to go against the clichés/stereotypes and encourage girls to do science if they want to.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Invictus, Movie Trailer

The document under study is a trailer for the movie “Invictus” released in December 2009. It deals with president Nelson Mandela whose wish is to win the World Cup of rugby to unite the nation in 1995. Indeed, Black people and White people were divided because of the previous period of Apartheid. It was visible even in sport: White people would support the South African team, while the black people would support the opposite team.

Upon noticing that, Mandela wished to win the Rugby World Cup to unite the country. He invited the captain of the team to encourage them to win the World Cup in order to unite the population through sport. The rugby players did not totally agree, but they were motivated to win. Eventually, the rugby players, led by their captain, François Pienaar, went to meet young Black South Africans to make them feel more connected to them.

To conclude, the message of the movie is to show how people should unite and come together as a whole despite the differences. Besides, there is also the promotion of forgiveness and to rise and shine for a brighter future. The Word “Invictus” means “Undefeated”.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

The Declaration of Independence

We have learned that the Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson July 4^th 1776. Then, it was signed by the leaders of the thirteen colonies. It was signed in Philadelphia. The American colonies wanted to be independent from Great Britain because there were too many taxes. Besides, there were no representatives of the American colonies in the British Parliament at the time. From this episode, a famous quote was said: “No representation, no taxation!”. Therefore, the Americans thought it was best for them to be independent from Great Britain.

Nowadays, Americans still celebrate this episode as it is considered as being the birthday of the USA (13 colonies). American people celebrate it through family gatherings, sharing barbecue meals, watching fireworks and attending concerts and parades.

Paradoxically, Thomas Jefferson, the one who drafted the Declaration was himself a slave owner. And while he was fighting for freedom, it was only for the White Americans ignoring the black slaves on the territory. Hence, we can say that from the beginning, the USA was built on a paradox: land of the free (white people), home of the oppressed (black people).

Homework: Learn the lesson.