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Holiday Fun!

To create a holiday movie with html code to embed on your blog, google search: jibjab. You might have to copy pictures to your Lindsay folder so that you can upload them to your e-card. Copy and paste the html code to a new post on your blog, and don't forget to comment me when you are done!

The Impact of Fundamentalism on Human Rights

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. We will be examining the severity of the Taliban's fundamentalist tactics as depicted in The Kite Runner and explore the impact the Taliban had on the human rights of individuals in Afghanistan.

Start by defining the words fundamentalist and fundamentalism.

After you have read The Taliban's Rules both Rules Regarding Females and Rules Regarding All Afghans - choose one law from each list that you think is the most oppressive and write a short paragraph on each.

The Kite Runner

Write a short review of the first half of the book in a short paragraph. You make talk freely about the book or specifics, for example: who is your favorite character so far, or your most hated, and why? What are some of the larger themes covered in the novel? Additionally, include a review of today's discussion - many of you expressed that it was your favorite discussion thus far - please discuss why this is in specifics, for example: What are a few of the questions you asked of the "characters" today? What did you think about their responses?

Precious / Push Questions

Choose at least 3 (or more for extra credit) questions and post responses on your blog! You can use evidence from both the movie and/or the novel.

1. What type of person do you believe Precious is? Based on the circumstances in her life, what would you expect from Precious?

2. What about Precious' character leads her to overcome her situation and not be complacent?

3. Is Precious a movie about what we all can overcome or is it merely an examination of one girl's life and circumstances? Why?

4. Can you relate to Precious or her life? In what ways?

5. The book and movie are virtually free of men. What message does this send you about roles of men and women in Precious' life?

6. What are the roles of men and women, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, and friends in your life?

7. What is the role you play in other people's lives?

Answer all 3 of the following questions:
1. Did Precious' story make you think about what your role is to those around you, no matter how well you know them? Do you feel a responsibility to assist others?

2. Like the investment of time that BluRain makes in Precious, what investment have you made in someone's life? If you haven't made that investment, what is stopping you?

3. Has someone made the investment in you? Who?

The Kite Runner - Ethnic groups in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has approximately 8 major ethnic groups residing within 34 provinces or mini-states, each having its own distinct cultural and political identity. The 8 major ethnic groups are the Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, Turkmen, Nuristanis, Aimaqs and Balochis. Using the reading from class, please answer the following questions on your blog.

1. What is the population of Afghanistan?
2. How many major ethnic groups are there in Afghanistan? Which groups do Amir and Hassan belong to?
3. What are the two official languages of Afghanistan? How many other languages are spoken in Afghanistan?
4. What is the major religion in Afghanistan?
5. Which two ethnic groups are the largest in Afganistan?
6. What is the main language of the Pashtuns?
7. Why are the Pashtuns so influential in Afghanistan?
8. Approximately how many Tajiks are there in Afghanistan?
9. Where do most Hazaras reside?
10. Which ethnic groups were historically best known for farming?
11. Which ethnic groups are best known as nomads or for camel breeding?
12. Which Muslim sect to do the majority of Muslims in Afghanistan belong to?
13. What are the Tajiks best known for?
14. What sect of Muslims do most Hazaras belong to?