Global Concerns Classroom’s Comments (group member since Jun 27, 2016)

Global Concerns Classroom’s comments from the Global Concerns Classroom 2016-2017 Reading List group.

Do Conor’s early motivations to volunteer seem more altruistic or egoistic? Why do you say this?

Do you empathize with the parents of the Little Princes children and others? Do you understand why they gave their children up? What might you do given similar circumstances?

At the beginning of Little Princes, Conor did not see himself as a global humanitarian, yet his visit to Nepal changed everything. What is it about him (and others like him) that sets him apart from those who don't volunteer or get involved? Can you compare his character to others introduced in the story?

Have you seen the documentary before or after reading Half the Sky? How did that complement your experience? Any significant differences?

The writers address the idea of cultural imperialism: “If we believe firmly in certain values, such as the equality of all human beings regardless of color or gender, then we should not be afraid to stand up for them; it would be feckless to defer to slavery, food-binding, honor killings, or genital cutting just because we believe in respecting other faiths or cultures.” How do you respond? How do we walk a tightrope in terms of telling another culture what they believe is right or wrong?

The book was first published in 2009. Do you think anything has changed? Have you heard of the “movement” before reading Half the Sky? Do some research on the issues you find most interesting to see if the situations have changed.

Even though the book focuses on Africa and Asia, many of the problems addressed occur in Europe and the U.S. as well. How are these issues similar across regions, and how do they differ?

The authors do rely on stories to bring the issues to life. Which ones stood out? Which situations, images, atrocities have stayed with you? What proposed solutions excited you or seemed most promising?

What motivates people like William to attempt the unthinkable? How would you describe him to someone who's never heard of his achievement?

Many Americans criticize public schools and some even question the need for them. Others argue that money doesn't matter when it comes to education. How does William's experience address our own debates on the subject? Think about his school, and compare it to American schools. Might William's life be different if he had access to education without having to pay? How so?

Compare William to his father and to his mother. How are they alike? How did his parents shape William's outlook?

Malawi is an extremely poor nation. What are the causes of this poverty and what exacerbates it? How might these causes and influences be overcome?

What is the role of magic in the story? What about education? Contrast the two. Is there room for both in a culture? What about education and religion? How do the two impact each other? How did William's religion influence his outlook?

What complex impact has Malala’s experience and story had in Pakistan?

What are some of the serious women’s rights issues in Pakistan and around the world?

Malala gave an address to the United Nations. Choose a quote from her address and explain why it’s particularly meaningful or memorable: https://secure.aworldatschool.org/pag...

Why are her actions significant in terms of the worldwide struggle for human rights (in particular, women's rights)? If you could have spoken to the Nobel Prize committee, what would you have said in her support?

If you were a 16-year-old girl in Pakistan, could you have imagined doing what Malala did? What do you admire about Malala?