Personal Pyramid

The ancient Egyptians believed that when they died, they needed to be buried with items that they would need in the next life.  Some of these were items that would be of use to the pharaoh and others were things of personal importance.  Imagine that you are an ancient Egyptian.  Select 5 items that you would need for "survival" in the next life (things you can't "live" without).  Select 5 additional items that you would want to have with you for sentimental/personal value if you were planning your next life like an ancient Egyptian.  Be sure that you have a total of 10 items (5 useful/5 sentimental).  List these items and give at least one sentence of explanation as to why you selected each item. 

Please understand that I am not trying to influence your belief in what happens to you after this life... I am simply interested in having you think about what 5 things you couldn't live without and what 5 things would bring you the most emotional comfort to have with you.  If the concept of an "afterlife" offends you, imagine that you are soon to be stranded on a desert island.  Complete the assignment with the 10 items you would take there with you if you had time to pack.

"Blood of Rwanda" poem by NC poet Freda Denis-Cooper

Click on the title above to go the the NPR web site and listen to this poem about the genocide in Rwanda.  If you are unable to listen to the clip, the transcript of the poem is available for you to read.

After listening to/reading the poem and the poet's comments, spend some time reflecting on the information you have gained this week about the mass killings in Rwanda in 1994.  I'd like to hear from  you on two topics this week:

•  What is your response to the video (or reading if you didn't view the film) and the guest speaker?  What things would you say to Mr. Rutayisire if you had the opportunity to speak one on one with him?
• The poet claims that the blood of Rwanda is "on our hands".  She implies that the USA (and the world powers in general) played a role in the violence because nothing was done to stop it.  Do you agree with her opinion?  Why or why not?