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 "Gettin' Above Your Raisin'" 
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Joined: Thu Aug 28, 2008 9:51 am
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Most of our sixth graders have been away at Space Camp for the past few days. There were about eight students that did not attend. What better to do than show a "curriculum-based" film? I showed the film October Sky to the sixth graders and was reminded about several of conversations from class...primarily the story of Deby's cousin and the ongoing conversations of instances of "gettin' above your raisin'". One of the students in the film was very bright in the areas of mathematics and science and had a deep passion for rockets. His father was never really supportive because they lived in a coal mining town of West Virginia and most young men were simply expected to finish school and enter the mines. When this young man, Homer, won the Science Fair, he was offered numerous scholarships to attend college. His father was TOTALLY against the idea of him leaving home and not staying to work in the mines. In a somewhat heated and spur of the moment conversation, Homer expressed his gratitude to his father for raising him and providing for him as well as explaining that the famous scientist he looked up to was not his hero (hint, hint, Daddy!), only a good scientist. Once Homer spilled his guts, his father began to open up a little more and even began participating in Homer's dream. Homer graduated from college and went on to work with NASA. His father eventually died of black lung disease from working in the coal mines. If you haven't seen this film, check it out! It's based on a true story and is very inspiring, especially to audiences that may feel "trapped" in our rural society. Just wanted to share another example of our many conversations about social class and influences! Have a great weekend!

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Michael A. Robbins
robbinsma@appstate.edu


Fri Nov 14, 2008 4:45 pm
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