The Pen or the Sword? The Power of Voice - Reading Critically, Writing Persuasively

-- Martin Luther King, “The Power of Nonviolence” Then we had to make it clear also that the nonviolent resister seeks to attack the evil system rather than individuals who happen to be caught up in the system. And this is why I say from time to time that the struggle in the South is not so much the tension between white people and Negro people. The struggle is rather between justice and injustice, between the forces of light and the forces of darkness. -- Martin Luther King, “The Power of Nonviolence” It's time now for you and me to become more politically mature and realize what the ballot is for; what we're supposed to get when we cast a ballot; and that if we don't cast a ballot, it's going to end up in a situation where we're going to have to cast a bullet. It's either a ballot or a bullet… I'm nonviolent with those who are nonviolent with me. But when you drop that violence on me, then you've made me go insane, and I'm not responsible for what I do. -- Malcolm X, “ Ballot or the Bullet”

The Pen or the Sword What do you believe is the best course of action – the pen or the sword – to make change in a society? After you have supported the side you believe in, address the counterargument – with reasons that people would believe in the opposing viewpoint.

Journal Extension -- Saudi News Today, January 29, 2011 The old saying goes that the pen is mightier than the sword. The new saying might be that the keyboard is mightier than the bullet. That's one of the lessons of the extraordinary events currently unfolding on the streets of Egypt, and before that earlier this month in Tunisia, where the role of social-networking websites like Facebook and Twitter appears to have been central in fomenting the mass protests challenging long-standing regimes. -- Saudi News Today, January 29, 2011 Do you think social media makes it easier or harder to enact social change, to shed light on social issues?

Can writing change the world? When we think of the potential for writing to bring about social change, we tend to think of books and articles, at least at school. But in a literate world, we are surrounded by text in almost every human activity. Before we dig into to the journalism and literature that has sought to bring about a better, more equal world, let’s look at some of the media that you may not immediately think of as the pen being mightier than the sword. What are some other forms of “writing” that have the potential to bring about change?

At each station -- MUSIC, MOVIES, COMICS, VIDEO GAMES, BROADWAY MUSICALS Review the list of the top influential “texts” compiled by various publications For one piece that you are familiar with, list the title and a detail from the piece on the butcher paper; briefly argue why you think the piece should or should not be on the list TO ARGUE EFFECTIVELY -- Claim + Reason “BECAUSE” + Evidence SPECIFIC SUPPORT Ready Player One has great potential to change society because it warns of the destruction of our natural environment with the stacks of inoperable cars, paralyzed by energy depletion. Do the same for one piece that you are unfamiliar with List one or two other pieces that you think should be on the list Rank the media on a scale of one to five on its potential to change the world (five being most influential), be prepared to defend your ranking

Clint Smith, The Danger of Silence, Ted.com What are some areas of silence in our own community?

Let’s discuss Do you agree with Smith’s argument that… silence inhibits social change more than activism promotes social change and more than hate speech inhibits social change Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in a 1968 speech where he reflects upon the Civil Rights Movement, states, "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends." Are there examples from our own time that support or overturn Smith’s argument?

To speak out or to remain silent This may be personal, so you can choose to keep this journal to yourself. However, try to remain true to Smith’s four principles -- read critically, write consciously, speak clearly, tell your truth. What are some issues facing our community (or beyond our community) that often remain unspoken. Could anything change if we gave up our silence? What changes could manifest in you, in your community?

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