Sonia Nazario: "Enriques Journey" Visions and Voices Presentation

Sonia Nazario came this past week to speak about her book Enrique's Journey. The book is based on the true story of boy from Honduras who lived with his mother until he was about 6 years old. Him and his mother lived in poverty and they often struggled to find food sometimes. Enrique's mother did not want to raise her child under the poor conditions anymore and she wanted a better life for both of them. To try and make life better for them, Enrique's mother sent Enrique to live with his grandparents and she went off to America for opportunity so that she could one day come back and have enough money to provide for child like she wanted to. It was hard for Enrique living with his grandparents because although they took care of him, he still missed his mother very much and wanted to be with her. His mother would call him frequently and always end her conversations with him in "I love you" or "I miss you" and those words coming from her meant so much to him. Ultimately, Enrique was not happy with his life so he set out on a journey to reunite himself with his mother in America, but he would have to go through a perilous route to get there. The journey to America from Honduras was unlike any journey in the world, especially for children. There had been already been this extensive route to America that had been attempted by many kids to find their mothers and this route was known by many people who lived along the route. The popularity of this route caused many bandits to steal and kill from these poor children who were on their search to find their mothers. One of the main ways for transportation to America from Honduras was on the train. Since these children, including Enrique, were too poor and young to afford a ticket, they would catch the train when it made turns (a train is at its slowest when it makes its turns) and attempt to climb to the top and ride them all the way to America. The tops of the trains would be burning hot as it went through the Southern parts of Mexico and freezing cold through parts of Northern Mexico. Many kids did not make it because they would fall off the train, crush their legs trying to jump on the train, or get beaten by bandits off the train. In the end, after many attempts (because he had been deported many times) Enrique had finally made it to America to find his mother.

The Switch to Benjamin Oliver Davis

I have decided to switch to an all black segregated unit similar to the Buffalo Soldiers.This unit went by the name of the Tuskegee Airmen and they were an all black air force unit who fought in World War 2. The Commander of this unit and the person who was a major inspiration behind the unit was General Benjamin Oliver Davis who was also a pilot in the unit too. Benjamin Oliver Davis is a pioneer, a person who overcame tremendous adversity, and his character on and off the battlefield influenced America to integrate African Americans into the United States. This is very significant to American history because eh paved the way for nearly every non-white soldier in the army today. His legacy continues today and he is great positive example not only for African Americans, but all Americans.

The 92nd Infantry "Buffalo Soldiers"

The topic I am choosing to write about will be on the 92nd Infantry Division "Buffalo Soldiers". They were an all African American unit in the United States Army that fought in World War 1 and 2. Their division was created in 1917 in Kansas and included African American soldiers from all states. The "Buffalo Soldier" moniker was coined by Great Plain Native Americans in the 19th century. The Native Americans believed their skin color and relentless, unyielding attitudes in fighting resembled the very Buffaloes that roamed the plains during that time. The name was popularized throughout the century and was inherited by the division.
The Buffalo soldiers are important in United States history because they fought in wars that are very significant to our country and our world. World War 1 was a war that involved many of the worlds countries; if the United States had not won that war then our society would be very different today. The second war was World War 2 which involved Hitler and his attempt to eliminate every non-Aryan through world domination. If Hitler had been successful in his attempt, a lot of diversity among people today would not even exist.
The 92nd Infantry Division fighting in these important wars displayed their dedication and courage to America and with all of the holidays and recognitions we give soldiers, it would only be right that the Buffalo Soldiers be put in history books too because they made the same sacrifices as every other soldier in America did.

Social Network Activism and the internet

Movements could make better use of social activism by broadcasting strikes and marches on their page so people can see the efforts they are making in their movement. Also, making a website about the movement would be helpful too, for example social activism could devote a part of the website to provide background information on the movement. Background information would include answers to questions like how did the movement form when did it start and why is it necessary to have the movement. They can also use the internet to create flash mobs and post notifications for meetings so everybody will show up and you can post updated information about the movement too. These uses of the website could get larger groups of people more acquainted with the activism that is occurring and it can allow people who have interest in the movement to get involved and help it. Also it can organize meetings and emergency situations faster.

 Many Television shows and internet websites were very influential in helping Haiti and helped allow quicker reaction to the earthquake

Forms of social network activism

I have not participated in any social movement before but I do feel that there have been many movements before my time that I would have participated in. For example, i would have been an avid participant in the civil rights movement if I were alive during that time because I believe in the equality for all in a society and all that it does for people. I would also be involved in Mahatma Ghandi's peace movement if I were alive during that time because I believe that violence isn't always the best way to handle a situation. It is movements like these that I would participate in because they have true meanings attached to them and they are movements that I can relate to personally.

 Martin Luther King's influential speeches and marches combined with the cause that these people were fighting for would have inspired me to get involved if I lived during their time.

Mahatma Ghandi's self control and intellect in his speeches and writings would also have drawn me to his movement if lived during his time

Effectiveness of Tiger Woods advertisment for Gillette

Tiger Woods is one of the best spokespeople that Gillette could find for their advertisement. He is successful, very wealthy, and has made various business deals with different companies. Gillette is a company that sells shaving and hair care products. A clean shaven man is representative of a man who is ambitious, self authoritative, and serious about their success because believe it or not, appearance is an important part of your success in the business world.

Tiger Woods and Gillette

Out of the infinite amount of advertisements that are displayed on television, and the diverse number of demographic groups that they appeal to, I chose to speak about Tiger Woods and his endorsement with the company Gillette, a company that advertises safety razors. The controversy surrounding Tiger Woods and him losing his contract with Gillette allowed me to further analyze and understand what demographic Gillette is appealing to and the type of person they want representing their product. From observing Gillete’s commercials and the people they choose to display in them, I assume their impression of a clean shaven man is representative of a man who is successful, loyal, and hardworking. This is why when issues about Tiger’s infidelity arose, Gillette chose to end his contract with him because he was no longer living up to the image that Gillette wanted its models to portray.