Interpreting an image

The picture seems to show a separation between two groups of people - the better dressed ones on the upper level, and those on the lower level who seem more rough in appearance.  However, there is a well-lit bridge right in the middle of the picture, with nobody on it.  Because of the ladder on the right-hand side, it seems like both groups will have access to the bridge.  Perhaps it leads them off of this ship into a better life - in America, I'll guess.

Here is a link to more information.

American Foreign Policy 1898-Present

As our class shifts our focus from the domestic issues that enveloped the United States in its young history to America's role in the world from 1898 to the present, it is important for us to have a sense of the major foreign policy concerns facing the United States today. Ultimately, we will be using the history that we learn to understand, judge, and recommend the choices and decisions for the government to follow in its relationships today.

Three important current foreign policy considerations for the United States are the ongoing war in Afghanistan, Iran's potential nuclear programs, nuclear missile tests by North Korea and the civil unrest in Syria. As we move ahead in this unit you will be asked to make specific connections between these events and the events of the past.

In order to set the context for these connections, today your task will be to form a basic understanding of the current status of two of the three events. For each event, you should have a separate blog post. Each post should not just contain reactions to the event but additionally notes and specific details from the stories, articles and videos you see.  Further, you should keep track of any questions that you have about that event.  Click the links below to be taken to the NY TIMES TOPICS site containing current information and updates about each event. We suggest that you begin by reading the overviews that appear at the start of the page and then browse the different articles, videos, graphics, or other multimedia presentations.
The War in Afghanistan
Syria
Iran
North Korea

When you are finished posting on these topics, you should begin your reading for the weekend.  Calendar is posted here on the blog and in the Imperialism/WWI folder on the website.  If you do not have the new binder, the readings are also posted on the website.  Note the journal/notetaking that is required and defined in the footnotes on the calendar.  You do NOT have to complete the corresponding study guides that are also included in the PDF file for the Imperialism reading.

Race Relations Contd...

Greetings all and Happy Second Semester!
Over the last several weeks we've been exploring the implications of race relations and the Civil Rights Movement on the development of American society and how it relates to the idea of "What it Means to be an American".  Over the next few days, we are going to go beyond the 1960's to continue our exploration of how race continues to make an impact on American identity and culture today.
Thus, today in class, your task is to read about several racial incidents that occurred in the United States sometime between 1980 and today.  Skim through all and choose a few to read thoroughly.  Work to get a sense of why these incidents might be considered important.  What kind of impact might they have on the communities in which they took place?  What impact might they have on whites? on African Americans?
Respond to the articles and answer these questions in a detailed, thoughtful post on your blog.  You do not need to respond to each article individually but should use examples from several in your response.
List of links:
Older-
Eleanor Bumpurs
Michael Griffith
Yvonne Smallwood
Edmund Perry
Amadou Diallo
Newer-

Voter ID Laws
Whites Only Sign

Interracial Marriage

Panera Racial Bias

Gingrich v. Williams at S.C. debate

Racial Incident at MSU
Racial Incident at Williams College