Time Well Spent

Wow!!!! I can't believe I am completing my FINAL BLOG ASSIGNMENT for my ECE program. Sitting here writing gives me flashbacks of when I first started out creating these blog post. I had no idea what I was doing but I was determined to make it work. This ECE program has taught me many things that I have processed, shared, and learned from. In this course I learned how step outside of the box. Each blog assignment showed me that there are so many resources and organizations that are helping to make a difference in the lives of children. I learned that there are so many ways in which early childhood professionals can contribute to the early childhood field. Reading everyone capstone challenge really was an eye opener that there are many things that still need to be done and addressed. Lastly, I learned how to be persistent and fight for achieving greatness. When I first began this ECE program I was determined to graduate with a 4.0. Many of these courses were challenging but this capstone class made me sweat, cry, scream, throw in the towel, and get angry. These last eight weeks taught me how to manage my time, spend more time than required on assignments, and reach for greatness. First couple of assignments papers I was devastated. However, after pinpointing the errors I gradually starting to improve. This lesson taught me that even when things happen in the early childhood field never give up.... Any goals worth setting is worth fighting for!!!

My Long Goal is to develop an early learning center that teaches high-quality education. I want a 4 Star Accredited program that requires staff to have certain credentials, training, and field experience. Now-a-days anyone with enough money can open up a child care facility. What will set my center a part from centers who are just trying to make a quick dollar is my center will always have passion, creativity, and mutual respect for parents, children, and each other. I'm looking forward to writing my business plan, creating my brand, and selecting a name for my center. 

To all my colleagues thank you so much for your inspiration, feedback, criticism, genuineness, and your outlook on early childhood field that we are embracing. ShaRina, Tiffany, Chawanda, and Selena I have truly enjoyed you all this semester. Reading your post week after week was awesome and I hope that the communication does not stop here. I will leave my information below so that we can stay connected through email, organizations, and blogs. Much success in the future and never stop learning. Professor Dartt oh I know I was a tough cookie to handle but I sincerely thank you for not getting frustrated with me. Every email I sent you provided great feedback and ways in which I could better and I truly appreciate that. My desire is that I hope you continue to build great educators.

Info:

Lynette Brown

passionateaboutchildren@blogspot.com

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children (0-8) who are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities. DEC started in 1973 by a group of volunteers who cared deeply about the development of young children with special needs. DEC holds professional development international conferences, they have e-newsletter, and they have subdivisions across states. This organization help build early childhood professionals. It drew my interest because they focus on children who have disabilities. So often there are not a lot of services available for children with disabilities. There are no jobs available. However, this organization has a career center where Early Childhood educator seeking for employment can post their resume for employers. They have job postings from the U.S across to Japan. 

Education International is the voice of teachers and other education employees across the globe. Education International is an organization that promotes quality education, equity in society, and the interest of teachers and other education employees. This organization is the world's largest federation of unions, which represents thirty million employees in 170 countries across the globe. This organization has many sectors. They have an Early Childhood sector which advocates for children rights globally. They created a task force that researches early childhood issues and they join forces with other international organizations to create a change in the policies. This organization created links on their site that appeals many countries. The newsletters, blog sites, and individual sectors are not just in one language but in the language of that particular country. Currently, I didn't see any job postings. However, there are many ways to stay connected with issues regarding children such as: quality teaching, migrant rights, professional ethics, early stage teachers, education for all, early childhood education, and health and safety in schools.

International Association for Steiner/Waldorf Early Childhood Education is an organization that works to train early childhood teachers in areas of educating, nurturing, and creativity for children. They collaborate with parents, educators, and wider society members to focus on the essential needs of children. They foster training, development opportunities for caregivers,  kindergarten teachers, and educators, and resources for enhancing child development. Through conferences, seminars, and courses this organization provides support for any early childhood education program. Centers just have to apply for support and request which method best suits their employees. In order to actually become one of Steiner/Waldorf educators you must undergo an intense training and education that they set up themselves. The training program is available in 37 countries including the United States. It requires 400-500 training hours which includes mentoring teaching practice, internship, and practicum. 

Division for Early Childhood

Education International

International Association for Stein/Waldorf Early Childhood Education

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

 

ZERO TO THREE is a national nonprofit organization that provides parents, professionals, and policy makers the knowledge and know-how to nurture early development. Their mission is to ensure all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life (Zero to Three, 2014). This organization has been known for many years of supporting military families projects, providing staff training to early childhood coordinators, and hosting professional development conferences. ZERO TO THREE became appealing and of interest due to the nature that they are passionate about children cognitive, emotional, social, language and physical development. They don't just uplift professionals but they uplift families. Currently, a Community Coordinator, Safe Babies Court Teams Project position is available. This position consist of collaborating and coordinating with stakeholders of New Haven and Milford Teams to put together safe practices for infants and toddlers in foster care. Requirements to fulfill this position are: knowledge of issues related to child abuse and neglect, knowledge of infant/toddler social-emotional development Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, and related experience in social work. 

Association for Early Learning Leaders is nonprofit organization committed to excellence by promoting leadership development and enhancing program quality through the National Accreditation Commission's standards. There purpose and goal is to strengthen the knowledge, skills and abilities of early care directors , owners, emerging leaders and other early learning professionals to ensure quality child care programs for young children (Early Learning Leaders, 2014). This organization provides training, resources, and networking opportunities for early childhood centers to become accredited. This organization is appealing because it helps early childhood centers, parents, and children. It allows center the opportunities to grow and have high-quality education for all children. Currently, Early Care and Education Coordinator position is available. This position is to provide safe residential housing for women and children who are awaiting their due process before immigration courts. The role of the coordinator is maintain safety in residents, provide healthy meals for mothers and children, assist with recreational activities for children and to provide care for children. Requirements are High School Diploma, commitment of  pre-service training, one year experience working with children, flexibility, and driver's license. 

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood National Center is a center that develops, implements, and sustains programs and strategies that result in a well educated, fairly compensated and stable early childhood workforce to ensure the long term success of our nation's children in school and in life. This center operates projects in 23 states in which they help states avoid costly mistakes, help identify and advocate for new funding opportunities, and keep states informed about training and compensation innovations and changes in other T.E.A.C.H. projects around the country (T.E.A.C.H., 2014). This center is appealing because it helps early childhood center manage and budget finances so that their center won't fail. It prepares center for financial situations that may occur without notice. Currently, there are no positions available. However, their are many ways to volunteer and get early learning centers involved. 

Listed below are the links to the organizations if you choose to do more reading.....

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood National Center 

Association for Early Learning Leaders

ZERO TO THREE

Exploring Role in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels (Week 2)

Community of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly (Wenger-Trayner, 2006). This blog entry will discuss three local or state organizations that are of interest, job opportunities (current or not available) that are of interest, and skills and experiences need to fulfill each of the roles. 

Teach for America is an organization that not only service Pennsylvania but also many other states in the east, west, and Midwest area. Teach for America is an organization who mission is to continue growing leaders who will work to ensure that kids growing up in poverty get an excellent education. I like this organization because they want to change the statistic that just 8% of kids growing up in low-income communities graduate from college by the age 24. This organization create change in all the communities that they teach in. This organization was of interest to me because I want to create change in the low-income community that i reside in. I want children here to be well educated and be prepared for college. There are several teaching positions that are available but all of them are outside of Pennsylvania. Many of the western stats have a greater need for teachers. In order to become a teacher for this organization you must hold a Bachelor degree, high school diploma, GPA of 2.5 or higher, and US Citizenship or National/ Permanent Resident Status. 
http://www.teachforamerica.org/

PA Keys is a organization that manages state wide professional development programs. PA Keys works with Office of Child Development and Early Learning to provide statewide leadership in the development of an integrated and coordinated system of program quality improvements and professional development supports for early childhood education. This organization was of interest to me because it hold early childhood centers accountable to certain standards and early learning practices. This organization helps and promotes high-quality education through early learning standards in the curriculum that is taught to the students. Currently, a PreK Counts Director position is available. The requirements for this position is a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field allowed by the organizations guidelines. Masters Degree in Education is preferred.  
http://www.pakeys.org/

United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey is an organization whose mission is to harness, leverage strategically invest the collective power donors, advocates, and volunteers, to drive measurable results that improve the lives of people in our region. This organization believes that education is the community responsibility which includes parents, teachers, and caring adults. United Way provide funds that help early learning children age 0-5, early grade literacy, middle grade success, graduation for all, and post secondary success programs. This organization was of interest to me because its a organization that gives back to the community. Education programs need funds to survive and government assistance is not enough. This organization does not currently have any job openings available. However they do have volunteer opportunities available. 

https://unitedforimpact.org/ 

Special Note of Thanks

I feel like this course was just beginning and I was introducing myself to everyone. It amazing how time fly and I feel that I have learned so much from each individual including the professor. This class has taught me that you can learn a lot from people thru COMMUNICATION. In eight weeks I have learned just from my colleagues (who communicate online) that its a proper way to say things to people, you need mutual trust and understanding, and when dealing with parents you need a great deal of patience. The "Platinum Rule" will be one discussion that I will forget and I enjoyed reading everyone responses. I truly believe that "Team Work makes the Dream Work"! All of my colleagues have pushed me one step closer to finishing my degree. I believe that in eight weeks my way of communicating have changed and its from the course material, professor feedback, and all of you. Thank you for your inspiration, motivation, and many stories that has helped me understand that I'm not alone. I hope that from my responses and blog entries that you as well learned from me. I try my best to speak from personal experiences in hope that people will wont follow in my foot steps or can prevent my mistakes or encounters. 

 

 

As this semester come to a close I hope that many if not all of you will keep in touch. From across the states I believe that many doors will continue to open for each us through our communication. Here is my info. passionateaboutchildren@gmail.com.passionateaboutchildren@blogspot.com

 

Adjourn (Week 6)

As I think about adjourning I couldn't help but remember my dance ministry group. I became apart of this group in 2005 at my former church Unity Temple Worship Center. In 2011, is when this group parted it ways. The church was closing and every member had to find another place to worship. This was very difficult time in my life because I'm not good at people leaving out of my life. This group wasn't just members of the dance ministry but we were sisters. I enjoyed dancing with them and we learned a lot from one another. I knew that by the church closing it was going to difficult to see these ladies as much as I would like and dancing without them would be hard.

Upon the church closing there was a celebration. We had a bowling party which allowed every member to bring family and friends. It was a great time to get in our last goodbyes and just fellowship with one another. We took so many pictures as we wanted to always have remembrance of our times together. Just sitting now and reflecting on the good times brings tears to my eyes.

Recently, I had to switch my program within Early Childhood Education Program which has caused the colleagues I started out with to change. Last semester I said my goodbyes and hope that they would keep my blog information so they can still communicate. Although the communication has been through discussion questions and blog entries I feel such a great connection with my colleagues. I have learned so much and their advice has helped in my career. I would only wish that at graduation I will be able to meet them in person.

As I reflect on my dance ministry and even my colleagues I have realized that adjourning is necessary because it helps you grow and meet new people. I didn't want to dance with no one else but my dance ministry but I have come to realize that all the many gifts each member possess couldn't just stay within the group. We had to eventually depart so that we could help others and build stronger dance ministries. I didn't want to lose any colleagues but I have gain some great ones. These last 6 weeks I had the ability to find people that understand more things about myself that I thought I was experiencing by myself. SO thank you to everyone for helping on this journey to success

Conflict and Communication (Week 5)

Every Friday at my job it is important that all teachers and personal make sure that all classrooms are sanitized before leaving. Cleaning the different centers in a classroom is not an easy job. I cleaned my kitchen center on Thursday. My co-worker decides on Friday to let the children play in that center. Instead of approaching the situation with a positive attitude, I went straight to my co-worker with a hostile voice. Now I know better than to argue with my co-worker on the floor with the children so I waited until she went to the bathroom. My tone and body language was off. This conversation caused me to get in trouble with my supervisor and conflict with my co-worker. It was so bad that we wouldn't say good morning or good afternoon to one another. 

After the conversation I think if i would have approached my coworker differently things would not have been bad.  After sitting down listening to her reasoning for opening the center I felt bad for being hostile. Lack of communication from my supervisor was the reason she opened the center. I did apologize and I placed myself in her shoes. I think what made the conflict resolve was allowing each person to speak without the other person interrupting. I was able to get a clear understanding of how she felt and it really was helpful to understand her thoughts on the situation. Furthermore, I showed respect and that was very beneficial as well. My co-worker and I are good and I'm happy that we were able to resolve our conflict. The 3R's would have helped in this conflict as well as the platinum rule. 

Who Am I As A Communicator (Week 4)

This assignment really was an eye opener for me in regards to my strength on communicating. As a young child and now in my adult hood life I have always been deemed as an outspoken communicator. However, I learned from speaking with my fiance and my Pastor that my communication skills depends on who I am speaking with. Recently, I attended a Educators conference and one of the sessions was based on effective communication. There were four categories that described who a person was as a communicator. Passive, Aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive. I just knew I was assertive. I felt that I had a good line of communication with people. However, I found myself in the passive-aggressive area. Passive-aggressive communicator displays behavior that is indirect expression of hostility, such as through procrastination, sarcasm, hostile jokes, stubbornness, resentment, sullenness, or deliberate or repeated failure to accomplish requested task for which one is responsible. This type of behavior effects a person communication skills when they try to work with others and be a team player.

When taking the assessments I realized that I value other people opinions and care about their feelings. I'm a good listener but because I trust people a lot it can cloud my judgement. I passive-aggressive comes out when I allow things people to say build up because I don't want to hurt their feelings. Once the build up happens that is when sarcasm, hostile jokes, and stubbornness takes place. In addition, I learned that I use a lot body language when talking and while this can be a good thing it can also be a negative thing.

As a Pre-K Assistant teacher I need to be mindful of my body language. Children can interpret my body language in the wrong way which can cause problems when trying to teach. In the early childhood field there is no "I" in team. passive-aggressive behavior will not be effective when trying to work together others in bettering the lives of children. This communication component this week has really helped in how to not allow what other say effect who I am. Trusting people is good but I need to careful as to not put my trust in everyone. Not everyone has my best interest at heart. Being outspoken doesn't mean I'm a good communicator. I have learned that this outspoken side of me doesn't happen with those that really need to hear my voice. While I thought I was a communicator I see I have things I need to work on.

Communications Strategies and Communicating with Diverse People (Week 3)

Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures? 
Yes, I do find myself communicating different;y with people from different groups.

If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?
In my classroom setting I'm more formal and proper. Most of my children in the classroom are Hispanic so they don't speak a lot of English. When communicating with them I use a lot of non-verbal communication like facial expressions, gestures, tone of my voice. I use direct eye contact when speaking with them so I can try and watch how they are pronouncing the words. I find myself pointing a lot when talking to other people who don't speak a lot of English. This can be anywhere like gas station, super market, or doctors office. In my discussion question I spoke on how I use to have issues with immigrants who were working customer service. I felt like they shouldn't because they couldn't speak clear English. After completing this week assignments I realized they (immigrants) might be saying the same thing about me. I talk fast so that can be annoying for people who don't normally listen to me speak.

Based on what you have learned this week, share at least three strategies you could use to help you communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified.

Three Strategies that would help in communication more effectively are:
1. Direct Eye Contact. I feel that this would be beneficial because I can pay close attention to how the person is speaking. In some cultures I know direct eye contact is forbidden. If I have a family that direct eye contact is forbidden i would try and communicate through gestures and maybe paper or pen.

2. Remaining Calm and Show Patience. These two strategies work hand in hand. So often when trying to communicate with people of a different culture its very easily to become frustrated and annoyed. Not knowing another person language can be difficult. However, I learned from the Platinum Rule that you should treat others they way you want to be treated. The same patience you want people have with you, you need to display that with others.

3. Tone of Voice. This is very important strategy because people attitudes change from the tone in a person voice. Speaking to a person loud and screaming is no way to effectively communicate. Talking to a person in a moderate tone voice can result in better communication. I like for people to speak to me on a low key tone and I expect for them to return the same courtesy.

 

Communication Skills: Verbal and Nonverbal (Week 2)

So I watch a lot of television and was really trying to see what show I don't watch. I decided to just click on Netflix and pick the first show that I haven't seen. Leverage was a little tough to watch because the show started with each person being identified and stealing files from a company. I assumed that they knew each other because of the way they were communicating. I assumed that they were all thieves. In the beginning of the show they were communicating but thru devices. They were not always in front of each other. Due to how well they worked together I thought they were all on the same team. I noticed that in the middle of the show they all met up exchanged envelopes and went their own way. Some moments in the show the main character Nate seemed annoyed, frustrated, and he rubbed his hand on the bottom of chin a lot. All the characters used a lot of hand moments, facial expressions, and body language. There are three guys and two ladies in this show. One of the ladies used an enormous amount of head motions almost as if she had a major attitude with the others. The second lady appeared to be classy and flirty. I assumed that she had relations with the main character by how close she stood, the glare in her eyes, and how she smiles. All these assumptions were made with the television on mute.

WOW! So I watched the television with the volume on and boy were my assumptions off. Nate the main character displayed a certain set of skills that were useful to the other four people of the show. The other four characters in the show were all highly classified thieves. None of the characters in the show knew each other until they were all asked to do a job together. Due to how much money was involved they all agreed to work together once. The lady who I thought had a relationship with Nate never did. She just admired him and like the work that he did. At the end of the show they all realized how well they worked together and decided to stay together and form a real team. The first lady who I thought had an attitude problem was actually friendly. She used a lot of expressions just being sarcastic because it was first time working with the other people. Nate expressions during the show I was close. When he rubbed his hand under his chin he wasn't annoyed or frustrated that was a gestured he used when trying to make a decision.

I think if I chose a show I normally watched my assumptions would have been more on point. I based my assumptions off how they were interacting and what was going on in the show. I watch Suits, Law & Order, and Blue Blood and this show is only different because this group of people are thieves. I pay attention to people when they are talking, I watch gestures, and look at facial expressions. I think it is important to views all these things to have a good understanding of what the person is saying.

Competent Communication

SUZE ORMAN

Suze Orman is an financial advisor, motivation speaker, and television host. I had the opportunity of watching one of her broadcast on "The Money Class". During this show Suze Orman was giving financial advice to people on how to invest your money and have financial freedom. I'm going to be honest this was the first time watching a show like this and I was actually watching it while getting my nails done. However, Suze Orman caught my attention by the inspiring words she gave during her question and answer portion, her posture as she was on stage, and her tone when speaking passionately about not living in debt. With all the nose surrounding me I was glued to the television. Her advice was powerful that I have already ordered her book.

I believe that she grasp her audience from her love and dedication of being debt free. As she spoke on how and where to invest money she gave the audience real life situations and she was able to answer everyone questions. Just from the hour that I watch I'm going to ask my facility do they offer pension plans or IRA's. When the camera was going around the room everyone was awake, taking notes, and trying to figure out how they can get the mic to ask questions.

I would love to model her communication styles. I feel that direct eye contact is important and when Suze audience members asked questions she looked directly at them. Her tone really capture me. She was able to fluctuate her tone during her message and I thought that was amazing. I could tell when she got to a point that was serious and when she was having a playful moment. I encourage people to watch her at least one time. I'm sure you wont be disappointed. 

Professional Hopes and Goals (Week 8)

One hope that I have when working with children and families who come diverse backgrounds is to show them love and support. As an early childhood professional I absolutely love working with children and its love that motivates myself to help families and children. I truly hope that I can continue to display love and support so the children I encounter can feel safe and happy. Children learn best when they are happy, parents are more at ease when they know children are safe, and supporting each other makes teaching children more effective.

One goal that I would like to set for the early childhood field relating to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is that we all embrace, respect, and understand that are amongst a nation that is diversified. "Diversity is the one thing we all have in common, celebrate it everyday" ~unknown author. No one should be treated differently about their race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, disability, or social economic status. I feel that ignorance and discrimination steps in when people lack understanding of one another. If we all strive to learn more about each other diversity wouldn't be such a bad thing. However, it takes "US" to create change. One thing I learned in this course is that "RACISM is TAUGHT"!!!! People are not born with ignorance they are taught ignorance. So I believe that if people can taught ignorance they also can be taught love, manners, and an understanding of different cultures

I want to take this time to thank all my colleagues for reading my discussion post and blog assignments, for providing ways that I can better myself, and for being real. I want to especially thank Michelle because each week I was eager to read her blog or discussion post. I learned through her that its OK to different even if it means your difference leave you standing alone. As we were doing this assignments her comments and answers were always different and not really having similar experiences like the rest of the class and I absolutely love it. Thank Michelle for being YOU!!! Jessica thank you for your open mind and I truly hope that I can meet you one day and give you great big hug for being successful and overcoming obstacles in your life. You are truly an inspiration. Thank you Professor Davenna Williams for not just teaching the class but providing new ideas of how we can be better educators. Wish everyone much success in their next class. I changed my ECE program and I looked at my next class and didn't see any of your names so farewell until GRADUATION!!!!!

Welcoming Families from Around the World (Week 7)

The country of my choice is Kenya. In preparing myself to be culturally responsive I would first research and learn background of the country. Learning about the language, culture, how they interact, what foods they and what type of clothing they wear will prepare myself to be receptive of who they are.

The second thing I would do is take a language course online that will help me learn the basic terms of their language like Hi, yes, no, please, thank you, welcome, food. drink, family, children, etc. In Kenya their native language is Swahili. However, they speak English also. In some parts of Kenya their is a new language called "Sheng" which is a language that is a mixture of Swahili and English. So although some may speak English I want to understand Swahili to let the family know I acknowledge their language and make them feel welcome.

The third thing I would do is prepare my classroom so that they can see things from their country. In my current classroom everything is labeled in English and Spanish. I would add their language to the labels so that the children can have a better understanding of identifying things in the classroom. Also, I will post paintings from their country.

The fourth thing I would do is prepare arts and crafts, music and movement, and language activities pertaining to Kenya in my curriculum so that not only am I learning about Kenya but the other children are learning as well. While it is important for myself to relate to the children, the other children in the classroom need to be able to communicate as well. The activities will help everyone get to know another and become more familiar with the language.

The fifth thing I would do is have a welcome to the classroom meeting with all the families. In the meeting I will have all parents welcome the Kenya family and share things about the community that help the Kenya family like shopping centers, local clinics, hospital, library, etc. In addition, I will create a pamphlet with information about child care services such as W.I.C, public assistant food stamps, health insurance, and housing.

I feel that these preparations will help the family feel welcome and little more at ease about coming to a different country. Physically seeing their country paintings, language, and clothing will hopefully give them a sense that we "members of the community" care. Having activities that include the culture will help the students feel comfortable about learning in a different environment. In addition, I feel that letting the family know about what services are available to them will help them get what they need to survive in this country. Many times immigrants come here and no one really help them adapt to our way of living. So hopefully the pamphlet will be a great asset to them.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

I remember watching this movie "A Time to Kill" which was about a 10 year old black girl who was violently raped and beat by two white men. Samuel L. Jackson played Carl Lee Hailey who was the father of the young black girl took justice into his own hands when he learned that the two men responsible would get off. Matthew McConaughey played Jake Brigrance who was Carl Lee lawyer and he informed Carl Lee that the men would get acquitted of the chargers due to deep-seated racism in Mississippi Delta. Carl Lee walked into the court room and shot both men that had raped his daughter. In addition, a police deputy was caught in the cross fire and as a result both his legs were amputated. Carl Lee was put on trial and this is when the story gets worse. Sandra Bullock played Ellen Roark who wants to help Jake on case as result she was beaten, tied to a stake in the wilderness in her own underwear, and left to die by KKK. The KKK also burned a cross on Jake lawn, burned down house and nearly killed his dog. These are all incidents that happen during the trial because Jake and Ellen (who are white) are helping Carl Lee (who is black) and the KKK hates blacks. In the end Jake was able to prove that Carl Lee motive to kill the rapist would have been justified in the public eye if he had been white.

The prejudice that happen in this movie that diminished equity is that KKK believed that their shouldn't have been a fair trial and that just because Carl Lee was black he should automatically be put to death. In the South KKK believed that blacks had no rights and whites ruled everything. In a similar case four white teens raped a black girl and walked away so the KKK believed that in this case the two men should have walked too just because they were white.

Watching this film made me sad. First and foremost the girl was 10 years old. The two men raped her so bad that she can't never have children. The men laughed and smiled as if what they did wasn't  wrong and that the young girl deserved it. I felt like people should never be so mean and evil. What real pleasure are you gaining from raping anybody especially a 10 year old girl. She was still a baby. I'm grateful and thankful that I didn't live in that time where blacks had no rights and many of them lived in feared of whites. The movie just really made appreciate all I have today because blacks didn't always this freedom.

If I had the ability to change anything in this film I would change the laws that allowed four teenagers to walk away from raping a girl. It wouldn't have anything to do with the color of their skin. If you do the crime you do the time. I would change the laws so that it would protect everyone and not just one color group of people. Racism is taught. I can't change the minds of members of the KKK but I would create laws that would protect the people from them. I feel like if the teenagers wasn't acquitted in the similar case than in this case it wouldn't have been any issues. By the teenagers getting acquitted it gave others the impression that "Oh if they can get away with it so can we". That just goes back to the saying of "Monkey See, Monkey Do". However, if the teenagers had went to jail maybe the other two rapist would have thought twice about raping a 10 year old girl.