Roses in December

I read some time ago in a Catholic publication that every Catholic, especially young people graduating from catholic schools should know the names and the stories of Jean Donovan, Dorothy Kazel, Maura Clark, and Ita Ford. What do you think he meant by that opinion. Had you ever heard of Jean Donovan before viewing "Roses in December?" Do you agree with the sentiment that every catholic should know their names? Explain your answer, and include your impressions of Jean.

Racism in America

We viewed the clip from "Katie" on "Race in America," and have been discussing racism in class. Katie Couric open the show with the question, "Why is it so hard to talk about race in this country?" Travis Smiley responds, "Racism is still the most intractable issue in this country. For a lot of reasons, we don't want to go there, to have the kind of difficult, unsettling conversation that causes us to face these inconvenient, hard truths about the fact that in the most multicultural, multiracial, multi-ethnic America ever, we still don't see each other at equals." Do you agree or disagree with with Mr. Smiley? Do you agree with some of his points, if so which ones (same if you disagree). Why do you think he believes that a conversation about race would be so unsettling and difficult? What would make such a conversation easier and smooth? Please respond in at least a one page thoughtful, thorough essay.

Dead Man Walking

How were your own beliefs or feelings regarding capital punishment affected by watching "Dead Man Walking," please explain if they were or were not affected and explain why. Also, please include at least two new insights you learned about the application of the death penalty in the United States today.

Restorative Justice

"Most modern justice systems focus on a crime, a lawbreaker and a punishment. But a concept called “restorative justice” considers harm done and strives for agreement from all concerned — the victims, the offender and the community — on making amends. And it allows victims, who often feel shut out of the prosecutorial process, a way to be heard and participate." In the article "Forgiven" by Paul Tullis the concept of "restorative justice" is applied in the case of 19 year old Connor McBride who shot and killed his girlfriend Ann Grosmaire. What do you think of this as an alternative to the traditional criminal justice system? Is it realistic? Is it more in keeping with Catholic Social teaching? Explain your response.

Hotel Rwanda

Hotel Rwanda In the movie Hotel Rwanda, Paul thanks Jack (cameraman for BBC) for risking his life and filming the killing. Paul hopes Jack’s bravery will bring help. Jack replies: “If people see this footage, they’ll say ‘Oh, my God, that’s horrible,’ and then they’ll go on eating their dinners.” 1. Was Jack right? 2. Why do you think people are so indifferent to the suffering we are able to view on the evening news? 3. If Jack was right, would you try to get people to help? How?

Justice Topics

What do you consider to be the most critical or pressing social justice issues in our society today? Discuss two issues.