Bullying

1. Growing up, we are told never to bully because it is not right; we will be given consequences. After looking closely at bullying, I am most appalled by the story of Jamie Nabozny. It concerns me that most of the administrators did not do their job in protecting the welfare of Jamie. Up until the court case, the reactions of the majority of the administrators went against everything that we have learned. There was no consequences for the students as they said "boys will be boys." When Jamie's case was brought to court, he won the case; he won a lot of money. However, was justice really served? Although his bruises have healed from the bullies, I cannot even imagine the mental damage that he is still going through. While he may feel some emotional pain, his perseverance sticks out to me them most. Despite his mistreatment, he never gave up on his life. He continues to talk to students about his story in an effort to prevent bullying in schools. This demonstrates his character; he is someone who cares about the future of students who may face bullying.
2. Case: United States v. Lori Drew.
   In class, we read an article about United States v. Lori Drew. Drew created a fake online profile and used it to constantly harass Megan Meier; as a result of the bullying, Meier committed suicide. Initially Drew was charged of conspiracy, fraudulent use of the Internet, and providing face facts to MySpace. However, she was released and charged were dropped. I learned that after this incident, the state of Missouri quickly changed its harassment law to also include bullying through the Internet; it was approved on May 16, 2008. I feel that the change of the law is significant because it makes harassment cover not only text or phone calls, but also computers, text messages, and other electronic devices.  Missouri has even helped alter Califronia’s code which now encourages schools to develop potential solutions, activities, and problems that will decrease bullying.  This is important as it helps to alleviate bullying everywhere. In addition, the federal Megan Meier Cyberbullying Prevention Act was introduced to Congress on April 2, 2009.  It has not been passed yet, but it is designed to set a federal standard for the definition of cyberbullying. While this may be general, it can help to minimize more harmful language and behavior through the use of the web. Although bullying cases still occur all around the world, the laws help spread the message that bullying in unacceptable. By not creating any laws to help decrease bullying, we are condoning bullying; we are not doing anything to help it.
3. I feel that bullying is not a problem at DHS because when I walk through the halls of the school, I rarely see bullying. On the other hand, it is not like I am looking for it either.  When I learned that 160,000 United States students skip school to avoid being bullied, I feel that the chances are high that it is occurring at our school. I feel that many people do not recognize certain behaviors as bullying and therefore, continue the same behaviors through high school. 
4. From a legal standpoint, many of the laws created do help prevent bullying to a certain degree. However, I feel that the laws are only half of it. Spreading awareness and showing that we are all connected through a bond helps to unite students. I feel that from "Challenge Day," the activities planned to do this. I feel that it is successful because it shows students first hand the causes of their actions, while also offering a solution to bring us all together. I have seen the "Challenge Day" on Oprah several years ago and I feel that it is successful. While some may argue that students will only behave in a certain way when there are cameras around, I feel that the emotions, apologies, and unity is all authentic.  These types of workshops help to get all the students involved in a different way than the laws and other presentations do.  The "Challenge Day" is something that all schools should consider because there are several benefits. In fact, after Oprah showed the "Challenge Day" years ago, they did another show in which they talked to the students. They were genuine and the program really did impact the students positively.  In peer helping a few years ago, we did one of the same activities as "Challenge Day"; we did the one where if the statement was applicable to us, to cross the line. It helped to show how many similarities we have among one another and it brought our groups even closer.

"The Help" final entry

The opportunity to read "The Help" for class was extremely rewarding for me. Despite my homework load, I was able to find time to read this novel. It was time that I looked forward to because I was immediately drawn in to the novel.  I enjoyed taking the time to enjoy the prose while also understanding the content. I was expecting this novel to take me at least a few months to finish. However, I finished "The Help" in less than a month because I could not put the book down. It was extremely intriguing, moving, exciting, and upsetting to read. From the novel, in addition to learning many lessons about life in general,  I was able to understand how difficult life was for these maids at this time. They went through terrible situations everyday. Yet, they still had to  keep their heads high and treat the women with respect. I have no experience that could even compare to what these women went through. However, I was able to share in many of the same emotions that the characters felt. The novel taught me to recognize that there are more similarities in people than differences. While Aibileen and Miss Skeeter may seem different from one another, they are able to connect on many levels.  They can look past skin color; they recognize how much they have in common. I feel that the purpose of "The Help" was for everyone to realize that we are just two people. There is not a lot that separates us. I had originally assumed that there are so many differences between myself and my peers. However,  I can now see by looking just a little more closely, how similar we are. The novel helped illuminate the idea that we are all connected in some way. We should recognize this bond instead of emphasizing a difference.

"The Help" entry five

"The Help" ends with Aibileen as the narrator for the final chapter. As she leaves Miss Leefolts house, she knows she will not be returning. She is extremely emotional because she knows how much she will miss Mae Mobley. However, at the same time she feels free. She recognizes that she will not be able to work for another white women, but she feels that she should continue writing. To herself, she says "Maybe I ought to keep writing, not just for the paper, but for something else, about all the people I know and the things I see and done. Maybe I ain't too old to start over, I think and laygh and cry at the same time at this" (444). This realizes that she feels she can start a new type of life. She is free from her former life of serving others. It is her time and place to do something for herself. Whether that means writing of her daily experiences and observations or finding work in a completely different field, it is up to her. In her career as as a maid, she has been told what to do. However, it is now her time to decide what she wants to do. I am left feeling that Aibileen has lived a life dedicated to the good of others. Yet, she is hopeful. Her life is not over. Conversely, it is now her time to determine what is significant to her.

"The Help" entry four

Through the chaos of "Help" being released and available to read, I am moved by the amount of selflessness that both Miss Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny possess. When Miss Skeeter reveals that she has been offered a job in New York from Miss Stein at Harper's Magazine,  she explains that she cannot possibly take the job. She knows things are getting really bad with the book and does not want to leave Aibileen and Minny in a bad position. Yet, it Aibileen and Minny who are the ones encouraging her to to take the job. They remind her that she has been dreaming of this job and that there is nothing holding her back. It is the courage she gains from both Aibileen and Minny that enables her to say "I'm going. I am going to New York" (425).  As the novel comes to a close, I am starting to realize the amount of respect that Miss Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny have for one another. Despite the extremely tough and dangerous times, they stay true to who they are. They are there for one another for both the highest and lowest points of the process of  the creating "Help." It is a rare relationship to have had developed, especially in the South at this time, yet it is pure. With the upcoming controversies on their book on the rise, they will do what they know is right.

"The Help" entry three

After the chaotic months and months of putting together interviews, the copies of the manuscripts have been sent to the editor, Miss Stein. Miss Skeeter received a phone call from Miss Stein saying that they were going to publish the interviews into a book. Through the interviews, the maids have shared intimate details of what it has been like working for a white woman and their family. Now that the novel is being released, I am most struck by Aibileen and her feelings on the release. She is the first maid who agrees to be interviews and serves as a main contributor to receiving assistance from other maids. Although she is excited, she is also nervous for the novel to be released to the public. She has the potential to lose so much, yet she feels like she has done her part in sharing her story and opinions. I am most struck about the fact that while she constantly feels disrespected by Miss Leefolt, her relationships with the children are genuine. She feels like the mother to these children; she loves them and knows how special they are. When she reflects upon the fact that others may realize that she is one of the interviews, she may never be allowed to work for a white woman again. However, this is not what concerns her the most. Rather,  she realizes that "...After the book come out, if folks find out it was us, I probably never get to see these kids again" (390). This illustrates how much she cares for the well being of the children. She is terrified to lose them and the thought of never seeing them again causes her anguish. She wonders who will be there for the children. I find this to be very striking; Aibileen's work is much more than just doing domestic responsibilities and being a caretaker. It is not her role to develop close relationships with the children. Yet, she does which displays her capacity for love and compassion in life.

"The Help" entry two

As I read "The Help," I can see the amount of dedication Miss Skeeter has to the maids that she has interviewed. Her original idea of talking to maids to understand what it is like to work for a white family seemed completely out of reach. However, from what began as only Aibileen agreeing to do an inteview has turned to many other maids agreeing to tell their stories. It is amazing that word spreads so fast and sooner or later, it seems like the whole maid community knows about Miss Sketer is doing. It is evident that she wants these interviews published so that she can inform people. She values change and believes in civil rights. Therefore, she wants to display the inequalities. However, I keep wondering why the maids would risk their lives to be apart of an interview. What do they have to gain? They could be killed. My question was answered through Callie, a maid who shared her story with Miss Skeeter. She says "If any white lady reads my storym that's what I want them to know. Saying thank you when you really mean it, when you remeber what someone done for you..." (260). This quote struck because it is evident the amount of compassion that Callie feels when she says this. The principle of saying thank you can go a long way; sometimes a smile or a genuine thank you can brighten up someone's day. Sometimes, I feel that today we take a lot of things for granted. However, life is not about taking what is given to you. Rather, it is about appreciating the lessons we can learn from others. This principle is demonstrated perfectly as Callie explains. Most of the maids and "help" were treated with no respect whatsoever. However, it is the small things that help make a difference. Anyone who is not doing anything to convey the inequalities and unfairness that went on during the time is practically condoning the behavior. While it is unclear whether or not the interviews will be published  for sure, the maids and Miss Skeeter are doing their part to help inform and promote fairness and change.

Students and the Fourth Amendment- Article Responses

'Sexting' Suit Tests Searches of Student Cell Phones
After reading about this pending court case, I was shocked to hear that a school official searched through the phone finding inappropriate pictures. While there is clearly tension between the privacy rights of students and the interest of school administrators in maintaining discipline, a school official has no right to explore a student's phone without probable. While the student may have been on the phone during school, she was not doing anything else wrong.  The school does have the right to take away her phone because she broke a school rule. However, it was not that she was engaging in any harmful behavior regarding drugs or alcohol on a school campus.  Therefore, the school did not have the right to search through her phone.  When she gave the phone to the official, she did not give up her rights. Furthermore, the school crossed the line because it was not like the pictures were on the main background of the phone. In order to get to pictures, someone must go through multiple steps and buttons. As the student states, search of the device, “is akin to browsing through someone’s address and appointment book, opening and reading letters sent by U.S. mail, and rummaging through a family photo album or viewing home videos.” This concept is completely accurate because technology has been more advanced than ever. With the iPhones, blackberries, etc, these smartphones give people many capabilities. Therefore, the school did not have the right to search through this phone given the fact that there was no probable cause that would disrupt the school enviorment. In class, we discussed many different cases regarding the fourth amendment in a school setting.  Legal searches are necessary when there is probable cause for inappropriate behavior. For instance if a school administrator is given a report that a member of the cheer leading team is selling drugs, they have the right to go check their locker. After all, the locker is school property.
While there are many situations in which a search is important and justified, this is not true with this case. In this case, the cell phone was her own possession and there was no information given about illegal activity occurring.

Students and the Fourth Amendment

I am in favor of drug testing in schools because the purpose of these tests is to protect the welfare of all the students. While some may argue that the fourth amendment violates Fourth Amendment rights, it is evident that drug tests are constitutional. This has been proven from a legal standpoint in other fourth amendment cases. For example, N.J. v. T.L.O demonstrates the idea that students do have privacy rights, the Fourth Amendment rights and ideas are reduced in a school setting. This is because administrators and staff play the role as an guardian in the school student. As a result, they are watching out for students welfare. This principle can be applied to drug tests in a school setting. There are several court examples that directly reveal that drug tests are constitutional. This has been seen in Veronia v. Acton when the court said a suspicionless drug test of athletes was constitutional. In addition, the Court in Board of Education v. Earls further stated that suspicionless drug testing of students involved in any other activities was constitutional.  By drug testing students in general, the school shows that they care about the students. The school is doing its part to create a safe, disciplined and drug-free learning enviorment. The reason for these tests are to help those who are in need. In fact, if someone is tested positive, the school is getting them the help they need. Ultimately, the school is preparing the student for their future. It may seem that the whole concept of drug testing is unconstituional, the collection methods are both private and unobserved. When it comes to the results, the privacy and confidentitality protections are in place for students and the school district. In other words, the students are being looked out for. By not doing anything about the drug use, the school is practically condoning it. Therefore, it is their right and rersponsibility to drug test students in an effort to elimininate drug use and help students in general. Schools spend thousands of dollars every year to help enhance the school enviorment, but the most important contribution would be adding drug tests. On average, a student drug test will only cost between $10.00 and $30.00. This is worth the money because it is assisting students.

"The Help" entry one

Through the first ten chapters of "The Help," I find myself captivated as each chapter unfolds. It is unlike any other novel I have yet to encounter because there is not one consistent narrator throughout the novel. Rather, every other chapter or so is written in the viewpoint of one of the main characters. This allows the reader to understand more than one perspective on the same issue. One of the most fascinating aspects to the novel thus far is Miss Skeeter's perseverance. Coming out of a college with solely a degree and no husband, Miss Skeeter could live life disappointed. The opposite is true. While her mother is insistent on her daughter being married, Miss Skeeter continues to try start a career in journalism, writing columns and articles. She lands a starter job as a writer who writes responses regarding household jobs. However, she gets in touch with a prominent editor who insists on her writing about something different that will interest people. Miss Skeeter develops the idea of interviewing the black women who work for white families. These women fulfill household duties from cleaning and cooking. The black women are known as "The Help." The idea she comes up with is very dangerous as she knows. She confides in one of her friend's helpers, Aibilieen. Initially, Aibileen refuses to talk to Miss Skeeter about what it is like to work for a white woman. However, Miss Skeeter does not give up and eventually Aibileen agrees. Now, Aibilieen is trying to talk another one of her friend's to doing an inteview.