I was talking with a friend last night and we were discussing the class format and structure. After last weeks class debate on the issue of the government's failer to apologize to Black Americans for former treatment as slaves, I relized that we got off on a irelavent tangent!! It has come to my attention a time or two now that we as a class have spend an offel lot of time arguing about subjects we have not realy been lectured on. I do enjoy the disscussions emensely, however, my conservitive, old school, mindset says to me that debating a subject we have not been lectured on yet is feutile and a waste of time. I would like to see a more productive use of time focused on the issues of Applachian culture. I'd like to see what others have to say on this matter.
I think a little bit of debate is healthy. Through friendly debate, people can always gain an understanding of others. Even though one may believe that slavery has nothing to do with Appalachia, I feel that it does. Treatment of others different from us has and will always be a problem in the world. Coal miners were in my mind nothing more than slaves. It was just done in a more subtle way. I think for the most part in class, we do stick to the subject but if we can never venture a little bit, are we not doing the same thing as those who who make fun and bad mouth cultures they know nothing about? Not discussing things I think is what keeps people ignorrant.It's all about education. Personally, I enjoy a good discussion or debate if you will.
I agree with Racine. I think that the debates are a vital tool for people to understand things. Just like racism is a universal problem its not only targeted toward Blacks, but its targeted toward Irish, French, Asians, Appalachians, ect, and I don't think that just talking about Appalachia could actually create an understanding of Appalachia because its a combination of the nations heritage. I think that through listening to other peoples points of views you do get a greater understanding of the subjects that you talk about basically.
All i can say is that i have learnt a lot from this class. I can't remember anything that is irrelevant to what we've been discussing in class.
I know that we sometimes drift away to other topics but it all connects one way or the other.
Can someone please fill me in - if i missed anything irrelevant....?
I believe that debate and dialogue are some of the things that we can take part in to make this world a better place as well as to replace our empty minds with open minds.