Cyber-Assignment due January 27, 2009
Post your summary/analysis here for the Introduction to Dreams from My Father.
Today in class we discussed themes taken from the Intro to Dreams.Students shared their lists with each other and the entire class.
We then discussed, as already mentioned various impressions gathered from the text. I told students to keep a reading log. In the reading log reference the themes, defined as "the subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation", when they arise in the text. Put the page numbers next to the theme. For instance, every time there is a reference to education, put the page number next to your theme: education. You can subdivide your themes into smaller components like higher education vs. elementary.
Post your summary/analysis here for the Introduction to Dreams from My Father.
Today in class we discussed themes taken from the Intro to Dreams.Students shared their lists with each other and the entire class.
We then discussed, as already mentioned various impressions gathered from the text. I told students to keep a reading log. In the reading log reference the themes, defined as "the subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation", when they arise in the text. Put the page numbers next to the theme. For instance, every time there is a reference to education, put the page number next to your theme: education. You can subdivide your themes into smaller components like higher education vs. elementary.
posted by Professor Wanda's Posse at 12:11 PM
35 Comments:
Paola Garcia
English 1A 8:00-8:50
summary/analysis of the Introdution
Barack Obama’s states in the introduction of the book Dreams from my father that this book was originally done with a different purpose. The author had planned to address a broad list of topics such as the civil rights. But the more he wrote, the more he kept thinking and meditating about all the memories from his childhood. Although these recollections had more significance that all the theories and arguments he wanted to pursuit; he was not confident about writing a book with his personal background. However he was aware that the book was pulling in that direction.
From that point on Obama introduces us to the struggle he has faced his entire life. First of all, he is caught between two worlds; as he describes it “the tragic mulatto”; this situation is the result of the mixture by his African and American heritage. Second he illustrates examples of how the skin color still affects society in number of ways reaching unimaginable points such as a play ground. The Author concludes the introduction by sustaining the reality of the book; this piece of literature is an inside journey. A voyage that wants to fill the wholes left by his father and find the significance of being an African American.
Throughout the introduction, it is very clear the importance that the family has for Barack Obama; as well as the social awareness that he possesses. His high education level is well presented in every written word. The descriptions and analogies are so precise that the images come to the mind while one is reading. In the same aspect, this part of the book captures the reader by making a sensational craving for the story; which will show the significance of growing up as a minority and all the challenges he faced in order to become the President of the Harvard law review; along with the fact that four years after the publication of this book he became the first African American president. Despite the fact that he didn’t know this, it is for sure that all his experiences brought up the strong and charismatic characters that lead him to this point.
English 1A, 9-9:50AM
Group Members - None
In the introduction of "Dreams from My Father" written by Barack Obama, he wrote this book as America had a hunger for a positive outlook on racial differences. He had the opportunity to write his personal memoir when he was a student at Harvard. In the last year of law school Obama thought about how the book would flow from the beginning to the end. He writes about the civil rights litigation, racial equality, personal experiences and thoughts. What stood out the most to him was the story of his family ( pg. xiv ) . They did not want to be caught up in gang activity, and be involved in underfunded schools or community. He dedicates his book to his mother, and other relatives that are all over the world . I look forward to reading how Obama overcomes racial issues throughout his life.
Reanita Mitchell
English 1A 8-850
Summary to the introduction of "Dreams from My Father"
In the introduction passage of Dreams from My Father, Obama states his purpose, which was to utilize his family and his own experiences to possibly generate a positive outcome from the racial ties of America; the acceptance of not only African American events, but diverse cultures; lastly, a general understanding of the segregated world of the “mulatto”. Obama states, “I originally intended a very different book.” As he went along writing, different ideas arose from his childhood and family experiences arose which basically molded the book into what it is now.
Obama addresses an essential fact in which he is trapped between two worlds. A number of people had a difficult understanding who he was which resulted in an underestimation of his character. As he got older, he learned to accept the events of his childhood instead of erasing and modifying the original occurrences. Obama states, “I don’t fault people their suspicions. I learned long ago to distrust my childhood and the stories that shaped it. It was only many years later, after I had sat at my father’s grave and spoken to him through Africa’s red soil, that I could circle back and evaluate these early stories for myself. Or, more accurately, it was only then that I understand that I had spent much of my life trying to rewrite these stories….all in the hope of extracting some granite slab of truth upon which my unborn children can firmly stand.” This passage entails that Obama accepted his past, which should not only teach America, but cultures of different nations, to do so as well.
Obama expresses the love and dedication he has for his family; As well as the importance of his beginning origins of Chicago and his political and well-educated achievements. His resolution of his difficulties with race definitely will be an expectation of what is to come in the book along with the theories of how his family helped shaped his character. We could strongly say, Obama is the epitome of what America should really stand for- integrity, courage, and intellect.
Ezra R. Mandolph
English 1A 9-9:50 a.m.
Summary to the Introduction of "Dreams of My Father"
In the introduction to "Dreams of My Father", written by Barack O'bama, here is the portrait of a man torn between two worlds of racial oppressive issues and the optimism of a changing world omid our history as Americans. In the openning of this introduction, O'bama takes the reader on an intellectual journey that is, in some way or another, attempting to make the reader fully aware of some of the realities that afflict the common world America. With hopes and dreams of unvailing the eyes of most socially blind peiople, O'bama is trying to find a way to express himself without fear of ridicule and rejection from the reader. To me it honestly seems like a case of "Tell the truth, but never express your true thoughts".
Just by reading this introduction, I feel that this book is a vision as well as a reflection of what makes him human. There's a part of this introduction where in which he states that his past leaves him feeling "exposed" or "even slightly ashamed". These are certainly mortal feelings for a man that, to the naked eye, is embarking upon a lively-hood of someone who has to have the appearance of immortality. Most books that are semi-autobiographical generally gives praise or accolaids to the person who is writing about his/her self. But this introduction expresses how, he being of two cultures but accepted by neither, can rape a human being, even a child, of that innocence. And this is, to me, the innocence taken of a person, no matter race or creed, who deals with the termoils of ostricism in a society where it is commonly deemed immoral for such behavior in the land of the "free".
In reading this book I am seeking two things in a reflective and introspective nature. That is what his life is truely about, and what in his life is honestly applicable to my own life. And secondly I'm seeking to further understand his drive to embrace, share, and endure through trial and tribulation, and victorious triumph in the story of his "Race and Inheritance" as I'm sure it will do for myself as well as all other readers.
Andre Stephens
English 1A – 9:00 – 9:50
January 27, 2009
Summary of the Introduction of Dreams from My Father
Obama’s decision to write Dreams from My Father was made after being elected Harvard Law Review’s first black president. Obama started out intending to write a book about his civil rights work and grassroots organizing in Chicago because those were the things he was involved in. His plans changed when he began remembering his childhood. It was the childhood experiences both good and bad that helped shape his life. There were many times he would get questionable looks from people trying to figure out what he was instead of who he was. At an early age, Obama refused to let the fact that his mother was white help him fit in with other whites. He seems to compare some of what he experienced as a boy growing up with his wife’s young cousin whose classmates refused to play with him because of the complexion of his skin. Obama’s journey to find his father is what helps him find purpose for his life as an African American.
01/27/09
Hassan Moore.
Eng. 1A
In the introduction to “Dreams from My Father”, Barack Obama explains that this, his first published book, is a chronicle of his voyage into his past, and his discovery of a more complete self. He had initially envisioned a more technical book, one that demonstrated his vast political knowledge, in an adroit and concise manner.
But soon he became overcome by the specters of past memories and emotions, and the book evolved into a much more emotional work.
He uses great details in expressing his feelings on racial relations, and states that racism and inequality is a disease of humanity as a whole.
That it is not only the oppressed who suffer, but also the oppressor, who tarnishes their soul. Hate diminishes the person who hates at the same that it degrades the hated.
Until greater equality and compassion can be achieved in our lives, all of society will suffer; the rich and the poor, the villain and the victim.
In the process of illustrating his need to write a retelling of his history, Barack Obama spoke on the fact that, sometimes when reliving the past, there is a temptation to guild what actually occurred. It is often human nature to only recall the parts of history that make us comfortable, something he strived to overcome while writing this book.
Reading this introduction gave me broader insight into Pres. Obama’s way of thinking, and bolstered my trust in his leadership of our country.
Andre Stephens
English 1A - 9-9:50
In response to Jeremy, I also look forward to reading how Obama broke racial barriers and overcame obstacles to get to where he is today. His story is an inspiration to us all and shows what is possible.
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Summary of intro to “Dreams of my father” Eng 1a. 1/27/09
When Obama began writing “Dreams from my Father” his intent was to highlight the areas of social injustice and racial inequality. Within the first pages it transformed. “Dreams from my Father” is an excerpt of a particular issue and matter in Obama’s life. He writes of the innocence lost when he realized that he was not treated as an equal human due to his race and color. He uses stories told to him by his family, particularity his mother and grandparents, in an attempt to discover the missing father in his life. Obama gives the deepest gratitude to his family for helping him discover his father through himself.
Obama introduces several themes in which he will continue to expand upon throughout the book. These include innocence and the natural rights of every human. Also racial inequality for all races not just blacks but also many Asian cultures living is his home of Hawaii. He searches the physiological implications of a “missing” or “empty” parent and in turn finds himself. He emphasizes the importance of family and their impact of molding and shaping his life and self.
Barack Obama is not creating an autobiography but an account on certain aspects of his life, mainly the stories of his father to create the man he is today. Through evaluating racial inequalities, innocence, and the stories he is discovering not only his ancestry but also his inherited characteristics and morals.
Obama is on the search for his soul being. The book states on its cover, “A story of Race and Inheritance”. Obama is looking for a missing part of him. Our ancestry is not only our chemical makeup but our emotional and moral makeup as well. Through stories and accounts Obama will attempt to find the missing piece of himself as an African American man as well as an American man.
Rebecca Evans Eng 1a 9-10 1/27/09
Student response to Hassan introduction of “Dreams from my Father”
Hassan, this is a beautifully written summary. I enjoyed your poetic prose throughout.
It is interesting how his writing transformed. I think emotionally and subconsciously he needed to search this aspect of his life. In the first chapter Obama admits to being weary of addressing his past. I imagine his uncertainty came out of fear. When one delves into something brand new there are many plausible consequences and it is too easy to only see the negative. Throughout the book he can and will find the positive gifts of his past and of himself.
In using racial inequalities to bring to light his chronological evolution as an African American he is also bound to highlight the fact that “racial inequality is a disease of humanity,” (Hassan). This reminded of his recent inauguration speech when he spoke of the need to reach a negation of peace, “and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.” (Obama). It is also key that you mentioned the fact that his grandfather enhanced his stories to find himself at piece.
Jennifer Gonzales
Eng 1A
9-950a
1/27/09
My Summary/Analysis of Dreams from My Father Introduction
In Barack Obama's Dreams from my Father Introduction he introduces how his original intentions for this book would have been very different. It would have consisted of a list of political topics ranging from civil rights litigations to affirmative action and afrocentrism. Instead, he decided to take a more personal approach by using his childhood and family memories. He was heavily influenced by his own history; how he was raised by his mother and grandparents, stories he remembers about his father, growing up as a mulatto, lessons he learned and the events he experienced growing up. All these themes make up what we may call his memoir/autobiography.
His book will elaborate many things that took place in his life. Mainly in his search to finding his father. While on his journey he will experience and learn a lot about his past and future. He is slowly gathering the missing pieces to the puzzle that he had been trying to solve since childhood. We will learn much about his father and how it altered the way Obama lives and serches his life.
Obama states in his book that we may call his book a memoir, autobiography, family history or whatever is labeled on his book, but he disagrees. He feels that this book will be more like a safe that is preserving his history. Taking into account everything he has learned and what he believes in that make him the person he is today.
Summary of the Intro to Barack Obama’s autobiography “Dreams From my Father.”
Obama’s introduction reflects back on his thoughts and where he was in his life when he penned this book. He became the first President of the Harvard Law Review, which I gather is a periodical that circulates in the lawyer realm. Publishers are calling him and wanting him to write a book about his life. Obama planned out a book of essays that would reflect on racial issues, with personal stories and opinions intermingled within. The book turned into a memoir of sort, focusing on his father, and his experiences growing up in a single parent home, a mix of white and black ethnicity. He also proved that this book is relevant now, telling a story of Michelle’s relative that was separated on the playground because they were black. Obama embarks on a journey to find his family, and his identity which ultimately leads to an autobiography of his life in Chicago Illinois. He closes with giving the reader a disclaimer, about the actual truth in the events and people in the book, and then he thanks everyone who had been a part of the book, publishers, family, agent etc.
He mentions some of the same themes in the preface; family, Chicago, Harvard, and many historical references. Obama knows how to keep the reader engaged. He tells his story in a way that is easy to read, not too many big words and in grammatical language you can understand. Obama uses many metaphors, and similes to connect his points together. He creates images in our head which helps us to understand his life better.
Barack Obama, I predict, will leave a mark on history, that no one can measure. He already stands out as the first President of Harvard Law Review, the 3rd black Senator since the reconstruction, and now the 44th President of the United States. He has a great presence; on paper, in person and in oration. He was a lawyer, so he has been trained to manipulate words and in public speaking. Nations around the world were rejoicing when he was sworn into office. Obama’s life was just training and preparation for his Presidency.
nely Ruiz
english 1A
9-10
In the preface of the book, "Dreams from My father" written by Barack Obama, talks about political ramifications. And he also mentions that what influenced for writing his book. The influences include everything from his life, such as marriage, his law practice. And his preface also includes his backdrop between 1995-2004 and that issues are still relevant. He spoke of his mother's character. And because of his mother death, he rethinks the types of his book that he wrote.
I like his intro because I can know more about him. I can see why is so successful and why he can become the Presidency of the U.S.
SzeHo Fung
English 1A
9-10
Cesangary Tzinzun
English 201A 9-9:50am
Summary/Analysis of Introduction
In Barack Obama’s introduction to “Dreams from My Father”, he had a different intention to the book, and this for being his first written book before he graduated from law school, after being elected as the first African American president of Harvard law review, brought Obama a lot of his childhood memories. He adds that after his election he got a lot of publicity from a lot of newspaper, so he decided to take a year of from school to get his taught together.
As he began to write his childhood memories came to him, as he remembered his grandmother describing the father he never knew, he over hear his wife’s six year old cousin telling his parents that a kid wouldn’t play with him because of his skin color. He adds that when people don’t know him assume his full black and he has to put out the fact that his mother is white, by doing that he felt he made himself part of the whites.
As he concludes his introduction to the book, Obama expresses the love he has for his family, and how dedicated he is to them. Also that he thanks his wife Michelle for always encouraging him. He adds that he owes his family support he would have never finish this book and he hopes he can show how much he loves and care for them in every page of the book.
Bridgette Copprue
Eng1A 9-9:50am
27, January 2009
Summary of "Dreams from My Father"
Introduction
Indecisive as to what he wanted to write or how he wanted to write this book, while still in law school; Obama briefly describes his meager yet large accomplishment of being elected as the first African-American president of Harvard's Law Review as seen through the oracles of society.
Racism prevalent, if not more than it had been during his father's life, he still experienced the turmoil of a heavy heart with some degree of disappointment. Knowing and realizing that his life's journey had not been one of longevity as Dr. King stated in his "I Have A Dream" speech; he was not blind sighted by his elite lifestyle bestowed upon him by his White mother and grandparents. Only when he stopped explaining his true identity; did he see the side of mankind that most Black folk already adhered too.
Pondering what he was going to tell his children or how he was going to tell them of their heritages of both races-their Blackness and their Whiteness. Seeing his wife, Michelle's little six year old cousin, experiencing the degradation because of the color of his/her skin and the sadness of not really understanding "why" we can't be friends, my White ones alone with my Black ones?
Growing up without a father, self worth or not, certainly tearing at him; whether he would be able to raise and teach his children; what he lacked from not being taught by his own father. Only what was told to him by his mother and grandparents. Endeavoring in a political career; unforeseen, and succeeding, led to his triumphant election as the third African-American to the Senate in U.S. history.
The family that gave so much love and taught him integrity; his Mother, siblings and Grandparents are forever in his heart of hearts along with his wife and two lovely daughters, not necessarily in that order.
Bridgette Copprue
Eng1A 9-9:50am
27 January 2009
Response to Classmates' Summaries of Introduction of "Dreams from My Father"...
It's almost impossible to pick one summary to comment on; because I think they all are very good. Each point of view could be taken as the writer conveyed it; as well as many different points of view. Go class! I like the fact that I am in a class, full of eager, ready to learn more, sharing what they know with everyone. And...the instructor, Prof. Sabir, she 's "the reason for the season"!(someone quoted this and its my sentiments exactly)
Hassan, you are a great writer...you explained very well the introduction. Your words were very elegant and carefully choosen.
i enjoyed very much reading your post.
PAOLA GARCIA
Munkhjin Munkhbaatar
English 1A
9-9.50
summary/analysis to the introduction
In the Introduction of Barack Obama's " Dreams from My Father", he writes about his personality and how it formed his character. Also he writes about what he did from 1995 to 2004. He wrote Dreams from My Father while he was attending a law school. Mostly he writes about his family, achievements, education and his first step into the politics and I think that's why it is called an Introduction. His story is pretty impressing and interesting. He is one of the first brave African- Americans who decided to make changes in the US. It brought me a hope someday we will see a day that Asian- American will become a Senator. The second part he talks about how he started his life buying a new house in Chicago and how he got two beautiful daughters. Pretty much he writes about what happened to him and to world during 1995 - 2004. He states about the health insurance for poor people and also he writes about that the government sends innocent men to death. He writes about 9/11 "History returned that day with a vengeance and the past is never dead an buried.... it isn't even past". I like the fact that Barack Obama explains it the desperation and disorder of the powerless. At last he writes about his mother and how he loved her.
Anthony Dominguez 8-8:50am Eng 1A
Summary/Analysis to introduction of "Dreams from My Father"
I started by reading the preface, in it Obama mentions that as he re-reads some of his passages in the book he thinks of different ways he could’ve wrote it; making it shorter, not focusing on certain ideas, or different choice of words but, overall he thought the book well represented his voice. As I was reading the book I couldn’t help but criticize some of the ways he chose to write things. It started by me thinking he’s a first time author so I shouldn’t expect too much but after reading a few pages of the first chapter, I found myself already finished with it because I was into his story--so it turns out he’s not bad at all. It’s hard not to read the introduction with a little more respect for what he’s saying already knowing his current accomplishment. What I like about Obama is his consistency. He still seems a real, open-minded, and relevant to today’s problems in the introduction as much as when I first started paying attention to him. In the introduction he says that he didn’t advertise his mother’s race at the age of twelve or thirteen because he felt as if he would be ingratiating himself to whites. People would try and judge him and he acknowledged that as they tried to guess what the problems were that troubled him, there was no need to because they are the same problems that trouble all of us, the troubles that we see everyday and by at least being aware of them then change would begin to happen. Even thirteen years before he became president Obama was aware of these troubles that plagued America and it’s interesting to see his early perspective on things. I feel like I get the chance to learn more about this person and his life even before he knew the things that he would accomplish. I get the feeling that I’ll get a better understanding of how he got to become president and other than that, how he dealt with the problems that everyone in the world deal with.
Nina Wooten
Eng. 1a
8-9am
Obama provides an overview of a story of race and inheritance in the introduction of Dreams from My Father. The opportunity was granted to write this book while he attended graduate school. It seems as though Obama was skeptical about publishing a book about his life because he proclaims his past left him feeling exposed and slightly ashamed.
Family is one aspect that seems to really be important to Obama. He didn’t grow up with his father but was very close with mother, grandmother and siblings to whom he feels that he owes the deepest gratitude to. His wife Michelle inspires him and encourages his best impulses. Although he values his family, he was skeptical about revealing his life story because of the reactions he thought he’d receive unappealing reviews and criticism.
Growing up he dealt with the struggles of being mulatto, living in a single parent household, and never knowing his father. All of these aspects have contributed to the man he is today. They also contributed to the reason for writing his book. I think the book is going to explore many areas of his life that may be puzzling to most and somewhat awkward. Like how a many truly feels when his father is absent, or the struggles of a black man in America who was destined for greatness. I do feel that those we read this book after the inauguration will form opinions of Obama because of the lack of knowledge and his struggles to become a successful black man.
Jose Vasquez
English 1A 9:00-9:50
1/27/09
In the book Dreams from my father Barack Obama talks about the reason why he wrote the book. He talks about how he would change the content of the book if he had a chance. Obama started writing the book when he was 33 years old while he was teaching at Harvard law school. Obama says that in the book he wanted to talk about his life and his struggles as a person of color living in the United States. In the book he wanted to write about the civil rights and the struggles of people that came before him.
Barack Obama talks about the stories that he wanted to include in the book. He wanted to include stories that his mother and grandmother told him about his father. His father was from Africa and his mother was a Caucasian woman from Hawaii. Obama did not know his father because he died when he was two years old. His father died in a car accident and he feels that he missed a great part of his life not knowing his father and growing up with him. It seems kind of weird that Obama wrote this book and gave it the name Dreams of my father even though he did not interact with his father. It seems like a very interest book to read because it seems kind of confusing by the way that he explains things.
Anna Trinh
Eng. 1A
8-9am
Barack Obama’s memoir Dreams from My Father was originally supposed to be about racial advancement in society, where and how it had all started, and how it got to where it is today. It was intended to be a book of facts, of racial movements in history. It was not until he began to write did he realize that it would eventually turn into a book about his past and his parents’ past. They would be stories that his grandmother told, stories of his father, a person he never really knew.
I think to dedicate an entire book to writing and telling the world about his family’s past and their hardships and experiences, Obama holds family in a very high regard. He even makes mention of how his reviewing his own history as well as his family’s will hopefully “extract(ing) some granite slab of truth upon which (his) unborn children can firmly stand.” And though Obama stated that his past leaves him feeling exposed and vulnerable, and even ashamed, he has chosen to share his story and his family’s story.
The title of Barack Obama’s book, Dreams from My Father “A Story of Race and Inheritance” in a way predicts what will be the main themes of this story. It will trace his childhood to his adult life and the different things he experienced growing up as a “mulatto” and a black man in America. He will tell us how those experiences shape him and what perspective he has of the world because of those experiences.
Gerrell Knox
Eng.1A 9-9:50
Summary of intro.
As Barack Obama began to write this book it was originally meant to be about something else. Obama speaks of wanting to write about the struggles of racial inequality and the poor; he wanted to tell his story of himself breaking down those bariers to be able to help those who can't necesarily do it on their own. Eventually the book came about to be more autobiographical, and about the struggles he had to deal with growing up and throughout his life. One obstacle that jumped out at me was how he said it was hard for him to fit in with either of his nationalities, not only due to race but also because he couldn't fit in and understand the economical struggles of blacks because he never had to deal with it.
I'm very excited to continue reading this book because I'm curious to understand the struggles that our new president had to go through to become the person he is now. I'm also very intrested in finding out the role his father played in his life.
Aiko Nillo
English 1A
8-8:50 a.m.
Barack's introduction in Dreams from My Father reflects on how this book came to be. He was a student at Harvard Law School and was just elected to be the first black president of the Harvard Law Review. Due to his color of his skin this made headlines and he was asked to write about his personal experiences.
When Barack was preparing to write this book, he imagined it would be filled with essays about racial equality, where he would assert his on experiences. Then and there is where this book came to be. He begins to reflect on his past and what he and his family encountered of racial injustice. He also begins the search of the truths behind his family's image of his father.
His experience with racial injustice is different from the common African-American. Due to his Caucasian background and his upper-class status. But the struggles are of the same issue, racial equality.
donnovan jiles
English 1A
9-9.50
In the introduction of Barack Obama book “Dreams of My Father” speaks about his reasons for writing the book. While teaching at the Harvard University law school he first wanted the book to be about civil rights and the turmoil African American went through during that time in America. He wanted to highlight the men and women how fought for equal rights because with out them he probably wouldn’t be in the position he’s in now. Obama speaks a great amount about his family and their history in the introduction. Obama didn’t grow up with his father in his life so he shared stories that his grandmother told him about his father. He continued with explaining how his father died in a fatal car accident. Obama also talks about growing up in a single parent home and the struggle being African American with a Caucasian mother. Continuing he spoke about him not understanding many of the problems that African Americans face because he wasn’t expose to the culture. So far the book is really interesting and I’m looking forward to reading more.
Mesha Shavers
In the introduction of Dreams of my father, Barack Obama states his intentions were set on a different book so, after law school he proceeded to organize his thoughts and emotions. And in doing so he seemed to have struggled with his identity, he mentions his divided soul and how he felt like he was trying to fit in with the whites. In his book he talks about one of his accomplishments on being elected president of the Harvard Law Review and his life in Chicago. He also states he was slightly ashamed of exposing his past afraid of scrutiny I suppose. All in all he’s learned to accept who he is and his personal journey is depicted in Dreams of my father.
Family is really important to Mr. Obama he retells the stories his grandparents once told him of his father. His family kept him well informed and made sure he remembered good thoughts about the man his father was. Although he may have left Barack and his mom, he left with good sentiment. He has given us the opportunity to learn who the man behind the big name really is and invited us in to his life to share his memories.
Hong Tang
English 1A 9-10AM
The Dreams From My Father was first published in 1995 after Obama was elected the first African-American president of Harvard Law Review. Obama tells his own life story in a thoughtful and reflective way. It outline the story behind Obama. Obama's introduction in Dreams From My Father reflects on how he first became conscious of racism and what it means to be an African-American. This is the story of Obama of mixed parentage finding himself and where he belongs. He includes partial details from stories he heard. Overall, he experienced during his childhood.
This is the story of Obama of mixed parentage finding himself and where he belongs. The book is very much about race and his search for his own identity in America. His story is familiar to anyone who has seen good kids lose their way and then return to the values they learned as children later in life.It adapts a compelling tale of cultural inheritance, human nature, human experience, life lessons, and personal growth.
Personally, I've went through many struggles in life and with that I understands more of life. I understands people does have the ability to choose their path in life. However, you must put efforts into it in order to have a better outcome of it. The experiences of racial injustice of Obama's story brings a strong connection to my family's story. I remember hearing stories from my parents repeatedly saying segregation were very strong at their hometown. Each story in life brings a message to each person, giving us an opportunity to see life different.
Carmen Truong
Professor Sabir
English 1A
9-9:50
In the book “Dreams From My Fathers” written by Barack Obama, the introduction addresses his background from the beginning where it all started for him. Barack Obama was a typical, normal every day person like any other human being who struggle to pay bills and take care of his family.
As his life continues on, he has elected as the 3rd black Senator in the US history. He has mentioned about his lovely kids, and his mother who has passed away after he published his book. And finally Obama became to be the President of the United States.
Personally I think He has developed what he is today, to me because he has experienced the surroundings of the individual’s acts and behaviors. He states that his wife’s cousin was in school while other students who refused to play with him because she is black. Therefore, he has learned that the world is unfair and he might want to fix it. He may want to be the man who stood up and help the economy.
Bianca Chouteau
English 1A
9:00-9:50am
In the introduction of “Dreams from My Family” Barack writes about getting the book started, racial things that took place in his life and his thank you comments to his family and the people who helped him with preparing the book.
Barack didn’t go with his first mind. Originally he was going to write a different book, different topics then the ones from what he actually wrote about. He had begun writing the book when he was in law school. He became the first black president of the Harvard review due to that it brought him publicity. However, progress had been made. He took a year off from school and wrote all of his thoughts. As he began writing he reminisced on stories his mother told and voices from his grandmother.
It was a shame how nobody wanted to play with Barack’s wife cousin because he was black. His parents felt that maybe they shouldn’t have moved to the suburbs. They only wanted him to be safe and go to a good school. When people didn’t know Barack well they figured out his nationality because he never told his mother’s race. From all of this he had to take, that’s how he wrote his book.
Carla Poindexter
Eng 1A 9-10
In the introduction of "Dreams from My Father" Obama revisted information he shared with us in his preface. For example, he was a student at Harvard Law School. Obama was the first African-American president of a law journal at Harvard Law School. The author birthed the idea for the book while still a law student. Also, as Obama began to write the book he debated whether or not it was a good idea to write a book about race.
Obama did introduce a piece of information about his Father. Obama's Father was buried in Africa. I believe Obama failed to mention much about his Father in the introductiion due to limited information about him. Due to a lack of first hand experiences, Obama's maternal family members shared stories with Obama about his Father. Later in his life the author began to piece together the stories of his Father for a hightened sence of understanding.
Overall, this book is about a man's quest for his own manhood. Obama also mentioned as he wrote the chronical he hesitated to include his personal battle with belonging and his absent, and now deceased Father. Eventually, Obama decided to look past his own insecurities and share his American experience with the world.
Carla Poindexter
Eng. 1A 9-10
Response to Bianca Chouteau's summary.
It is important to thank peolpe who have hepled you along the way. One of my favorite things to do is to say thank you. I am also big on reminding my daughter to say please and thank you. Obama takes time to thank his family and friends.
I have not figured out exactaly why it is best. But, it is best to go with your first mind. A test taking skill I learned in high school was to always go with your first mind and choose that answer. I am glad that Obama listened to his conscience and wrote the book about his life at the view point of racial identity and having a Father who he knew very little about.
I think moving to the suburbs can be a big decision for an African-American person or family who is moving from an urban area. There are suburbs that are safe and have good schools with Black people already living there. We must be aware of the race factor. We do not want to cause our children undo harm by making a decision that is ultimately not a good decision at all. Futhermore, there are plenty of nice neighboorhoods were a black child or any other child will not be treated like an infection.
Man Quach
Eng 1a
9:00-9:50
In the introduction of "Dream of my Father" Obama shared with us how and when did he start to write this book. Amazingly he started thinking about the book when he was still in law school. Unliked most president whose write an autobiography about themselve, in Obama's book, he included a lot about what he had experienced in his childhood and he connect then to us. He also mentioned how his mother had been a big help to him, she would be the one that get to read all his writing before they are published. She the one that tell him those stories about his father, who seem like a stranger to him.
Whitney Felton
English 1A
8-9am
Reading the introduction to Dreams of my Father really enlightened me about Barack’s struggles and previous accomplishments. I did not know that he was the first black president of Harvard law review, and I can only imagine the kind of sacrifices that he had to make in order to achieve his goals. Obama states that there were some words that were chosen poorly to describe something. He reads his book some odd years later, noticing where improvements could have been made, and where things were left out. Knowing that even the president of the United States could make grammatical errors, or have poor use of vocabulary is very comforting to me because I still make those very same mistakes, and it also shows me that Barack is not perfect. This introduction also shows me how close he is to his mother, and how strong of a bond they had with each other. It is really sad that he had to lose both his mother and his father, but it is the struggles in your past that creates a strong future.
Mokhtar Mohamed
English 1A
Dream of my father
Barack Obama indicated in the introduction of the book Dream of My Father that he had a different meaning of writing this book. He attempt to talk about many things such as the civil right, and racial equality. Barack obama explained to us in the introduction of the book about how he was felling when he wrote this book.
Additionally Obama point out in his introduction what the book will be about. He addresses his family situation in the earliest. Also he included short stories of some of his friend how suffered discrimination by other people that have different ethnicity. The author explained that the skin color of African American has to do a lot with the discrimination and harassment against them. According to Obama “my wife’s cousin only six years old, has already lost such innocence… his first grade classmate had refused to play with him because of his dark.”
By reading the introduction I expect that the book will be all about Obama’s life from the childhood. Also I predict that he talked much about his experiences throughout his life, and the hard chalices that he had faced.
In the book Dreams of my father Barrack Obama, he states that this book was intended to be different. He talks about politics, the struggle living as a melano caught in both a worlds black and white, his experience and Harvard law school, and most of all he talks about his family and reflects on his childhood. I can not wait to read further in this book to see the history of our president Barack Obama.
English 1A
Tipton
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