A Thousand Splendid Suns Blog #4

1. React/Reflect/Respond to Part Four of A Thousand Splendid Suns. (300 words) DUE 4/29

2. After completing Blog #4 respond to a classmates Blog #4  (at least 25 words each) by 4/29.

A Thousand Splendid Suns Blog #3

1. React/Reflect/Respond to Part Three of A Thousand Splendid Suns. (300 words) DUE 4/27

2. After completing Blog #3 respond to a classmates Blog #3  (at least 25 words each) by Monday, 4/27.

A Thousand Splendid Suns Blog #2

1. React/Reflect/Respond to Part Two of A Thousand Splendid Suns. (300 words) DUE 4/23

2. After completing Blog #2 respond to a classmates blog #1 and #2 (at least 25 words each) by Sunday, 4/26.

A Thousand Splendid Suns Blog #1

React/Reflect/Respond to Part One of A Thousand Splendid Suns. (300 words)

The Kite Runner Blog #4

1. Imagine that a violent conflict has suddenly erupted near your home:

In the early morning you are jolted awake by the sound of gunfire. At first you think that you are dreaming, but then you realize the sound of gunfire is getting louder, closer. From your window you can see your neighbors running by, struck with fear. Suddenly you realize it is not a dream, war has broken out in your country and danger is near. You have no choice but to flee on foot and  you are unsure if you will ever return. You have three minutes to gather what you can carry in a small backpack or bag, what do you bring?

2. Which item on your list do you think was the most important? Why?
3. Would you really be able to survive with the items that you chose?
4. You just reached the border of a neighboring country where you will be able to find safety, but a guard has demanded you show identification before being allowed to cross the border. Did you include a form of identification on your list? What happens if you don’t have identification?
5. Try to remember the scene in The Kite Runner where Baba and Amir arrive at the Russian Army checkpoint. Think about the Russian’s demands and Baba’s response. Does war negate human rights and human decency? Why or why not?
6. Respond to at least one classmates post. (at least 25 words)

The Kite Runner Blog #3

As documented in The Kite Runner, fundamentalism, specifically the Taliban’s method of enforcing religious law, had a significant impact on the lives of women and children in Afghanistan. From watching Baba, Amir and Rahim Khan’s stories, we also learned that fundamentalism created a huge crisis involving refugees and internally displaced people. In addition, scenes with Assef showed us that those individuals that came into contact with the Taliban endured some of the most brutal, inhuman and degrading treatment that the world has ever witnessed.

1. Recall the scene from The Kite Runner where Amir goes back to Afghanistan and reaches Ghazi Stadium and sees the Taliban set up for public executions on the soccer field up until the scene where Amir meets Assef again. Then think about what you do from the minute you wake up until about 5pm on school days.
2. Read the Taliban’s Rules and Punishments (Handout 4.1) and reflect on the rules you break on a daily basis and the possible punishments under the Taliban regime. (200 words)
3. Respond to one classmate. In your response include a reflection on the end of the film.(at least 100 words)

The Kite Runner Blog #2

As we saw in The Kite Runner, the Soviet invasion of 1978 caused severe problems in Afghanistan. One major issue was that after this coup, the status quo in the country could not effectively be moderated by a strong central government. Instead, what has arisen since then are mini-states within a state that have made it easy for foreign occupation. Foreign occupiers have often used a ‘divide and conquer’ strategy rather than taking on the central government. As external players strengthened relationships with regional leaders, the central government significantly weakened, thus creating an anarchic situation in Afghanistan and an opening for human rights abuse.

1. Brainstorm a list of at least 10-15 human rights that everyone should have.
2. It was mentioned in The Kite Runner that the Taliban banned music, movies, TV, card playing, singing, dancing, boxing, kite-flying, education for girls and much more. To use Baba’s terminology, what basic human rights do you believe the Taliban stole from Afghan citizens?
3. Would you say that any of the challenges in Handout 3.1 directly affected any of the characters of the film? If so, how?
4. Respond to at least one class member's post. Please include your reaction to ANY portion of the movie we watched yesterday. (at least 100 words)

Response should be thorough and thoughtful.