Having spent a week investigating aspects of growing up poor in Rural America, we're going to swing to the other side of the class scale for a bit. We'll spend the class Monday looking at Born Rich, a documentary created by Jamie Johnson--that's him below. The young rich have their set of problems as well as the young poor--though the problems are vastly different. We will be able to squeeze in most of the documentary if get a prompt start. If you'd like to look at it in advance, see it below.. You'll meet some other heirs and heiresses--including one whose father got a lot of air time during the recent election. Hint: You're Fired!!!!
Interested in a sequel. You';ll see it below. Jamie Johnson is a bit of a rebel, and you'll see what his interest in income disparity has cost him by watching these two films.
For Thursday, November 22Happy Thanksgiving
On Thursday, November 22, Americans of many races, classes, and ethnicities will join in the most nearly universal meal served in the United States. From mansion to cottage to homeless shelter, turkey and all the trimmings will form the centerpiece of the nation's communal meal. Vegetarians, should they wish to do so, can substitute a Tofu Turkey for the tradidional Tom. I will be gathering with old friends, with whom I've shared this feast at least thirty-five times in thirty-nine years. I won't ask you do do any reading, but if you have some time, you might watch ahead to perpare for Tuesday's class.
I wish to you, your family and friends, a glorious holiday, as much football as you can stand, and whatever else proves relaxing and beneficial to mind and spirit. Teaching my course on New England several years ago, I ran across this little Thanksgiving meditation. The illustration is by Norman Rockwell, from his "Four Freedoms" series, illustrating "Freedom from Want".
As I was Musing on my Bed being awake as Usual before Daylight; recollecting the Many Mercies and good things I enjoy for which I ought to be thankful this Day; some of which I have Noted after rising as follows viz:
The Life & health of myself and family, and also of so many of my Children, grand Children and great grand-children' also of my other Relations and friends & Neighbors, for Health peace and plenty amongst us
For my Bible and Many other good and
Useful Books, Civil & Religious Priviledges,
For the ordinances of the gospel; and for my Minister.
For my Land, House and Barn and other
Buildings, & that they are preserv'd from fire & other accidents.
For my wearing Clothes to keep me warm, my Bed and Beding to rest upon.
For my Cattle, Sheep, and Swine & other
Creatures, for my support.
For my Corn, Wheat, Rye Grass and Hay; Wool, Flax, Syder, Apples. Pumpkins, Potatoes, Cabages, tirnips, Carrots, Beets, peaches and other fruits.
For my Clock and Watch to measure my passing time by Day and by Night.
For Tea, Sugar, Rum, Wine, Gin, Molasses, peper, Spice and Money for to bye other Necessaries and to pay my Depts & Taxes &c.
For my Lether, Lamp oyl & Candles, Husbandry Utensils, & other tools of very sort &c &c &c.
Bless the Lord O my Soul and all that is within me Bless his holy Name. Bless the Lord O my Soul and forget not all his benefits, who Satisfieth thy mouth with good things, &c.
Samuel Lane, 1793
I'll try to get the material for the week after thanksgiving online by Monday. If I don't succeed, I'll send you an e-mail when it is ready.
