Agenda for 6/1 and 6/2

Complete the following assignment (using the resources/link to answer the questions) and upload to "Assignment #25 - Stop and Frisk"


1. Read this article on the policing tactic called Stop and frisk. 

• In a few sentences, describe/explain what "stop and frisk" is.
• Why do some claim the practice is racist?

2. Go here to see a data visualization of all "Stop and Frisk" stops by the NYPD in 2012. 

• Read the introduction. How many stops were recorded in 2012? How many stops does each "dot" represent? How many total "dots?"

• Click "The Suspected" tab at the top of the page. 
• Which NYC borough had the most stops?
• Which race was stopped the most?
• Which age group has been stopped the most?
• Which sex has been stopped the most?
• Put these together. What is the profile of the average person stopped by "Stop and Frisk?"

•  Click on "The Stops" tab.
• What were the five most common reasons for stops? What does "furtive" mean?
• Was it more common for the person to be frisked or not?
• What were the three most common reasons that a person was frisked?
• Was it more common for force to be used or not?

• Click on "The Outcome" tab
• In how many stops was contraband (illegal items) found?
• In how many stops was a weapon found?
• In how many stops was a gun found?
• In how many stops was an arrest made?

3. Watch this video about Stop and Frisk in NYC victim?

• What was the main point (message) of this video?
• What does the video suggest the impact of Stop and Frisk is on the relationship between police and members of the community?
• How does the NYPD "encourage" officers to make Stop and Frisk stops? Why do many officers who disagree with it, still make "250s"?

4. Use the 6 short opinion articles from the NY Times Stop and Frisk debate to answer the following questions:

• What are the primary arguments in support of "Stop and Frisk?" Provide at least three pieces of specific data that supports the policy. 
• What are the primary arguments against "Stop and Frisk." Provide at least three specific pieces of evidence to support arguments against the policy.
  

5. What is your opinion of the policy?

• Which arguments are most convincing to you?
• If you agree that it should be used, what would you say to a law-abiding New Yorker who is stopped 5-7 times a year for no other reason that the color of his skin and the neighborhood in which he lives? 
• If you disagree with the process, what would you say to those people who live in dangerous areas of NYC and are desperate for the police to be as active as possible in preventing violent crime?

6. Do you think the policy would have the support it does if 87% of the people stopped were White instead of Black and Latino?

Sociology Final Exams (Seniors only)

Hello Seniors!

Sorry, I cannot be there for your last few days in sociology, but I've got my hands full at home with little Addy.

I want to remind Seniors that your final exam papers are due soon.

• Gold Day Sociology Seniors - due Friday 5/29 at 8:00 am

• Maroon Day Sociology Seniors - due Wednesday 6/3 at 10:45 am

Be sure to read the assignment description (attached to the assignment on eBackpack). Please email me with any questions you have.

Your papers should be passed into the "FINAL EXAM" assignment on eBackpack.

Enjoy your final days as high school students!

Mr. Parise

Sub Plans Day and Day 2

Day One:

1. View "Botany of Desire"

• link to film on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIChx00z7aw

Day Two: 

1. Finish "Botany of Desire"

2. Complete viewing questions. Submit to "Assignment - Botany of Desire" on eBackpack.

Agenda for 5/19

1. Deadly Shoot-out among biker gangs in Waco, TX. Why are they destroying their community?

2. White-On-White Crime Strikes Again In Waco


3. The problem with the "white culture of violence"

4. Bill O'Reilly - "President Obama and the Race Problem"
 
5. FBI 2010 National Crime Statistics - who really commits the most crime?   

6. The "Affluenza" defense. What was the role of race and/or class?

HW - Assignment #23 (Maroon), Assignment #24 (Gold) - respond to each question below in a paragraph. 

1. Why do you believe race is often suggested as a cause of criminal behavior for blacks in America, yet race is almost never suggested as a reason for the criminal behavior of whites?

2. Do you believe Ethan Couch (see item #6 above) would have received the same sentence if he were black and/or poor. Discuss what you think the role of race and class was in his sentencing. What do you think played the biggest role in his sentence, race or class? Do you believe that our justice system is truly "blind" in terms of a person's race and class?

Agenda for 5/18

1.  The political influence of "for-profit" prisons.

2. For-Profit Prisons Are Bad, But the Drug War Is the Problem

3. Finish "The House I Live In."

• Click here for a digital copy of the documentary if you were absent. The film is also available on Netflix.

4. Work on "The House I Live In" viewing questions (Assignment 23). Important info about this assignment:

• Due: 5/22 (Friday)
• This assignment will count as a TEST GRADE!
• Paragraphs will be graded on accuracy, thoroughness, effort and how well you support your claims with evidence/details. 
• Each question should be answered in a substantial paragraph.
• Your answers should be typed.
• Answers should be in YOUR OWN WORDS - plagiarism will result in a zero on the assignment.
• Click here for a list and short bio for the people featured in the film.
• Click here for a document containing the major stats presented in the film.
• 10 pts/question (70 pts total)
• Late assignments will be deducted 7 pts per week late (one letter grade per week).

Here are the questions you must answer:

1. The film introduces you to lots of different people whose lives intersect with the War on Drugs. Which stories stuck out in your mind as you were watching? Which characters did you feel close to, who did you like? Were there any “good guys” or “bad guys” in this film? Which characters and stories surprised you? 

2. Think about the story of Anthony Johnson and his family. Who were Anthony’s father’s role models? Who were Anthony’s role models? What challenges does a kid face growing up with an incarcerated parent? Can you explain how the cycle of drug use, drug dealing, and incarceration gets passed down through generations? Think about the way Shanequa Benitez, who grew up in the same housing project as Anthony Johnson, talked about the practical necessity of selling drugs to get by. Why do you think it’s so hard for a kid to break free?

3. Who were the early drug laws designed to target? When did the “War on Drugs”
begin officially?

4. The film shows footage of politicians speaking in favor of harsher drug legislation, even though evidence suggests that harsh laws don’t help the problem. Why are politicians supporting laws that don’t work?

5. How has the drug war changed
the role of law enforcement? How
does the pursuit of drug crimes bring money into police departments? What negative impact does this have on non- narcotic police operations? How has the drug war changed the relationship between police and the community?

6. Were you surprised by the statistics in the film, i.e. to learn that the US has the highest prison population in the world? The film talks a lot about what’s wrong with the system, but it leaves it up to the audience to imagine a different reality. After watching this film, what would you propose as an alternative to incarcerating people for addiction and drug-related crimes?

7. The House I Live In is a documentary film that makes a provocative statement. Why do you think Eugene Jarecki made this film? What is the central message and the purpose of the film? Who is its intended audience? How do you think the filmmaker wants you to feel after watching?

Agenda for 5/15

1. Portugal's approach to fighting drug abuse - decriminalization of ALL drugs

2. Ten Years Ago Portugal Decriminalized All Drugs. What Happened Next?

3. Marijuana Laws in the US

4. Colorado - one year after legalization

5. A better way to treate opiate addiction?

• "An abstinence-only treatment that may have a higher success rate for alcoholics simply fails opiate addicts. “It’s time for everyone to wake up and accept that abstinence-based treatment only works in under 10 percent of opiate addicts,” Kreek said. “All proper prospective studies have shown that more than 90 percent of opiate addicts in abstinence-based treatment return to opiate abuse within one year.” In her ideal world, doctors would consult with patients and monitor progress to determine whether Suboxone, methadone or some other medical approach stood the best chance of success. "

6. Harm Reduction programs - your thoughts?

• Needle exchange programs

• Methadone clinics

• Drug "Safe House"

HW - "The House I Live In" viewing questions

• Due: 5/19 (Tuesday)
• This assignment will count as a TEST GRADE!
• Paragraphs will be graded on accuracy, thoroughness, effort and how well you support your claims with evidence/details. 
• Each question should be answered in a substantial paragraph.
• Your answers should be typed.
• Answers should be in YOUR OWN WORDS - plagiarism will result in a zero on the assignment.
• Click here for a list and short bio for the people featured in the film.
• Click here for a document containing the major stats presented in the film.
• 10 pts/question (70 pts total)
• Late assignments will be deducted 7 pts per week late (one letter grade per week).

Here are the questions you must answer:

1. The film introduces you to lots of different people whose lives intersect with the War on Drugs. Which stories stuck out in your mind as you were watching? Which characters did you feel close to, who did you like? Were there any “good guys” or “bad guys” in this film? Which characters and stories surprised you? 

 

2. Think about the story of Anthony Johnson and his family. Who were Anthony’s father’s role models? Who were Anthony’s role models? What challenges does a kid face growing up with an incarcerated parent? Can you explain how the cycle of drug use, drug dealing, and incarceration gets passed down through generations? Think about the way Shanequa Benitez, who grew up in the same housing project as Anthony Johnson, talked about the practical necessity of selling drugs to get by. Why do you think it’s so hard for a kid to break free?

3. Who were the early drug laws designed to target? When did the “War on Drugs”
begin officially?

4. The film shows footage of politicians speaking in favor of harsher drug legislation, even though evidence suggests that harsh laws don’t help the problem. Why are politicians supporting laws that don’t work?

5. How has the drug war changed
the role of law enforcement? How
does the pursuit of drug crimes bring money into police departments? What negative impact does this have on non- narcotic police operations? How has the drug war changed the relationship between police and the community?

6. Were you surprised by the statistics in the film, i.e. to learn that the US has the highest prison population in the world? The film talks a lot about what’s wrong with the system, but it leaves it up to the audience to imagine a different reality. After watching this film, what would you propose as an alternative to incarcerating people for addiction and drug-related crimes?

7. The House I Live In is a documentary film that makes a provocative statement. Why do you think Eugene Jarecki made this film? What is the central message and the purpose of the film? Who is its intended audience? How do you think the filmmaker wants you to feel after watching?  

Agenda for 5/14

1.  The political influence of "for-profit" prisons.

2. For-Profit Prisons Are Bad, But the Drug War Is the Problem

3. Finish "The House I Live In."

• Click here for a digital copy of the documentary if you were absent. The film is also available on Netflix.

4. Work on "The House I Live In" viewing questions (Assignment 23). Important info about this assignment:

• Due: 5/20 (Wednesday)
• This assignment will count as a TEST GRADE!
• Paragraphs will be graded on accuracy, thoroughness, effort and how well you support your claims with evidence/details. 
• Each question should be answered in a substantial paragraph.
• Your answers should be typed.
• Answers should be in YOUR OWN WORDS - plagiarism will result in a zero on the assignment.
• Click here for a list and short bio for the people featured in the film.
• Click here for a document containing the major stats presented in the film.
• 10 pts/question (70 pts total)
• Late assignments will be deducted 7 pts per week late (one letter grade per week).

Here are the questions you must answer:

1. The film introduces you to lots of different people whose lives intersect with the War on Drugs. Which stories stuck out in your mind as you were watching? Which characters did you feel close to, who did you like? Were there any “good guys” or “bad guys” in this film? Which characters and stories surprised you? 

2. Think about the story of Anthony Johnson and his family. Who were Anthony’s father’s role models? Who were Anthony’s role models? What challenges does a kid face growing up with an incarcerated parent? Can you explain how the cycle of drug use, drug dealing, and incarceration gets passed down through generations? Think about the way Shanequa Benitez, who grew up in the same housing project as Anthony Johnson, talked about the practical necessity of selling drugs to get by. Why do you think it’s so hard for a kid to break free?

3. Who were the early drug laws designed to target? When did the “War on Drugs”
begin officially?

4. The film shows footage of politicians speaking in favor of harsher drug legislation, even though evidence suggests that harsh laws don’t help the problem. Why are politicians supporting laws that don’t work?

5. How has the drug war changed
the role of law enforcement? How
does the pursuit of drug crimes bring money into police departments? What negative impact does this have on non- narcotic police operations? How has the drug war changed the relationship between police and the community?

6. Were you surprised by the statistics in the film, i.e. to learn that the US has the highest prison population in the world? The film talks a lot about what’s wrong with the system, but it leaves it up to the audience to imagine a different reality. After watching this film, what would you propose as an alternative to incarcerating people for addiction and drug-related crimes?

7. The House I Live In is a documentary film that makes a provocative statement. Why do you think Eugene Jarecki made this film? What is the central message and the purpose of the film? Who is its intended audience? How do you think the filmmaker wants you to feel after watching?  

Agenda for 5/13

1.  The political influence of "for-profit" prisons.

2. For-Profit Prisons Are Bad, But the Drug War Is the Problem

3. Finish "The House I Live In."

• Click here for a digital copy of the documentary if you were absent. The film is also available on Netflix.

4. Work on "The House I Live In" viewing questions (Assignment 21). Important info about this assignment:

• Due: 5/19 (Tuesday)
• This assignment will count as a TEST GRADE!
• Paragraphs will be graded on accuracy, thoroughness, effort and how well you support your claims with evidence/details. 
• Each question should be answered in a substantial paragraph.
• Your answers should be typed.
• Answers should be in YOUR OWN WORDS - plagiarism will result in a zero on the assignment.
• Click here for a list and short bio for the people featured in the film.
• Click here for a document containing the major stats presented in the film.
• 10 pts/question (70 pts total)
• Late assignments will be deducted 7 pts per week late (one letter grade per week).

Here are the questions you must answer:

1. The film introduces you to lots of different people whose lives intersect with the War on Drugs. Which stories stuck out in your mind as you were watching? Which characters did you feel close to, who did you like? Were there any “good guys” or “bad guys” in this film? Which characters and stories surprised you?
  2. Think about the story of Anthony Johnson and his family. Who were Anthony’s father’s role models? Who were Anthony’s role models? What challenges does a kid face growing up with an incarcerated parent? Can you explain how the cycle of drug use, drug dealing, and incarceration gets passed down through generations? Think about the way Shanequa Benitez, who grew up in the same housing project as Anthony Johnson, talked about the practical necessity of selling drugs to get by. Why do you think it’s so hard for a kid to break free?

3. Who were the early drug laws designed to target? When did the “War on Drugs”
begin officially?

4. The film shows footage of politicians speaking in favor of harsher drug legislation, even though evidence suggests that harsh laws don’t help the problem. Why are politicians supporting laws that don’t work?

5. How has the drug war changed
the role of law enforcement? How
does the pursuit of drug crimes bring money into police departments? What negative impact does this have on non- narcotic police operations? How has the drug war changed the relationship between police and the community?

6. Were you surprised by the statistics in the film, i.e. to learn that the US has the highest prison population in the world? The film talks a lot about what’s wrong with the system, but it leaves it up to the audience to imagine a different reality. After watching this film, what would you propose as an alternative to incarcerating people for addiction and drug-related crimes?

7. The House I Live In is a documentary film that makes a provocative statement. Why do you think Eugene Jarecki made this film? What is the central message and the purpose of the film? Who is its intended audience? How do you think the filmmaker wants you to feel after watching?  

Agenda for 5/12

1. When It Comes To Illegal Drug Use, White America Does The Crime, Black America Gets The Time.
2. Race and Drugs - a sociological study

• read pages 1-6

3. Continue "The House I Live in"

• Click here for a digital copy of the documentary if you were absent.

HW - using the article from item #1 above, and what we read (pages 1-5) from the article in item #2 above, write a paragraph explaining why black Americans experience drug arrest and incarceration at far greater rates than white Americans, despite the fact that the majority of drug use is by white Americans? Submit your paragraph to Assignment #22.

Agenda for 5/11

1. What is civil asset forfeiture?

2. Continue watching "The House I Live In." Click here for a digital copy of the documentary if you were absent.

•  take notes on the movie questions as we watch

Agenda for 5/8

1. The Drug War, Mass Incarceration, and Race - fact sheet

2. War on Drugs Statistics - fact sheet

3. Begin watching "The House I Live In" - a documentary on the effect of the War on Drugs America. Click here for a digital copy of the documentary if you were absent.

• What are some unintended consequences of fighting a "war on drugs?

Agenda for 5/7

1. When It Comes To Illegal Drug Use, White America Does The Crime, Black America Gets The Time.

2. Race and Drugs - a sociological study

• read pages 1-6

3. Continue "The House I Live in"

• Click here for a digital copy of the documentary if you were absent.

HW - using the article from item #1 above, and what we read (pages 1-5) from the article in item #2 above, write a paragraph explaining why black Americans experience drug arrest and incarceration at far greater rates than white Americans, despite the fact that the majority of drug use is by white Americans? Submit your paragraph to Assignment #22.

Agenda for 5/5

1. The Drug War, Mass Incarceration, and Race - fact sheet

2. War on Drugs Statistics - fact sheet

3. Begin watching "The House I Live In" - a documentary on the effect of the War on Drugs America. Click here for a digital copy of the documentary if you were absent.

• What are some unintended consequences of fighting a "war on drugs?"

Agenda for 5/4 (May the fourth be with you!) - Gold

1. In-class Quiz

• Read this article about the debate surrounding drug testing for welfare recipients in Maine.
• What is your POV on this issue? Discuss and explain your opinion in a substantial paragraph. 
• Be sure to provide specific reasons for your opinions. 
• You must also include one quotation from a person quoted in the article that you AGREE with, AND a quote from a person quoted in the article that you DISAGREE with. Be sure to explain why you agree and disagree with the quotes.
•  Due by 8:45 am. Submit to Assignment #20

2. Read this article from Time Magaznie called Pot Kids about parents who medicate their epileptic children with a low-potency form of marijuana oil to treat seizures.  

• After reading the article, explain your POV on this issue. Discuss and explain your opinion in a substantial paragraph.
• You must also include one quotation from a person quoted in the article that you AGREE with, AND a quote from a person quoted in the article that you DISAGREE with. Be sure to explain why you agree and disagree with the quotes.
• Due on 5/6 at the start of class. Submit to Assignment #21. 

Agenda for 5/1

1. More on laws that require drug testing for welfare recipients. What about drug testing the politicians? How did Trey Radel vote on a proposed federal law requiring welfare recipients to get drug tests?
2. In-class Quiz

• Read this article about the debate surrounding drug testing for welfare recipients in Maine.
• What is your POV on this issue? Discuss and explain your opinion in a substantial paragraph. 
• Be sure to provide specific reasons for your opinions. 
• You must also include one quotation from a person quoted in the article that you AGREE with, AND a quote from a person quoted in the article that you DISAGREE with. Be sure to explain why you agree and disagree with the quotes.

3. Finish "Drugs in America - Keynote"

4. Clip from Botany of Desire