Fences Background Project by Austin Oberle https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh en-us 2022-05-12 13:28:02 UTC 2022-05-23 15:04:55 UTC hello@padlet.com 1) Why do you think Wilson felt inspired to create a play cycle that portrays the African American experience throughout the entire 20th Century? oberle_austin https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2184849102 Wilson was inspired to create a play revolving the experiences that African Americans go through in life because of his childhood. He wanted to create a story explaining the obstacles black people face in America. Since not everyone in the U.S is an African American, many people haven't experienced the things they have. He wanted to give them an inside look on how things work. ]]> 2022-05-15 23:43:03 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2184849102 2a) Research and summarize 3 historical events to impact the lives of African Americans in 1950s Pennsylvania. oberle_austin https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2184861384 During 1957, black people were fleeing their home towns because of the racial issues that were going on. Things like the Jim-Crow laws and segregation played a big role in their actions. Many of them moved into Pittsburgh where they made local communities within themselves. The city then took over the land that they were living in,, leaving thousands of black people with nowhere to go and no home to live in. ]]> 2022-05-15 23:59:47 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2184861384 2b)Research and summarize 3 historical events to impact the lives of African Americans in 1950s Pennsylvania. oberle_austin https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2184874115 The Freedom House Ambulance service was founded in the Hill District where most black people moved to. When they got there, police officers would be the ones to respond to every call. People would be thrown into the back of the car and driven off to the hospital with little sympathy. When this group started they were able to make a difference in their community. ]]> 2022-05-16 00:17:19 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2184874115 2c) Research and summarize 3 historical events to impact the lives of African Americans in 1950s Pennsylvania. oberle_austin https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2184897118 This group of people back in the 1950's came together to create opera. It was their passion and it helped connect the women in their community. They were later dispatched when one of their group members had died.]]> 2022-05-16 00:40:54 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2184897118 4) Research why Wilson designed this fictional neighborhood, examine the images below, as the setting for 9 of his plays. oberle_austin https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2184910635 Wilson didn't grow up in such a great neighborhood. However, this inconvenience made him use his creativity and use it as the neighborhood in his books. This special touch allows him to connect deeper with his books than he did before. ]]> 2022-05-16 00:55:11 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2184910635 3) Based on the title of the play and the knowledge of the social & historical context of the play, what predictions can you make about the characters and plot? oberle_austin https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2184918826 Based on the title of the book I can tell that it will mainly be based around events that happen in a specific neighborhood. Based on the pages we've read in class, the characters seem to have constant arguments with one another. This affects their behavior towards them in the future and the events that will take place. ]]> 2022-05-16 01:04:21 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2184918826 5) Research August Wilson’s life. Then read or listen to at least two interviews. Then, determine why Wilson desired to write about the difficulties African Americans families face. oberle_austin https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2184931882 Wilson grew up in a rough neighborhood where there were a lot of racial issues that he had to deal with. Since many black people were being forced upon in many ways, Wilson wanted to bring light on it. He even went to the extent to use his neighborhood in the books that he was writing, with the characters who go through the same problems he faced. It shows people out there that if you keep pushing ahead, things will get better and work out for you. ]]> 2022-05-16 01:17:44 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2184931882 1)How do you predict these different symbols may relate to the play? How do fences empower? How do fences oppress? What cultural, social or political messages do they convey? youngjayveon https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185019756 These symbols may relate to the play the fences by giving us a deeper understanding of not only the book title but, how it might affect the tone. I think later on in the book we will see a race conflict where African Americans can't fully spread their culture so the term fences come into play. Fences empower because it makes someone feel as if they are protected and nothing can get through to them. Usually if you have a fence it is around your house. We consider our houses to be our everything and having something to protect that makes us feel stronger. This might also imply that there are barriers to their American dream. For example, when Troy mentions he can't get the higher status of a truck driver in his job because of his race. Implying the fences are keeping him from accessing a better life. On the other hand, fences can also oppress too because it keeps people out. Having a metaphorical fence up might mean that you are basically ignorant and you won't let anything break you or your opinions. The social message that fences have is have something to protect yourself but don't be ignorant when ti comes to learning]]> 2022-05-16 02:41:11 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185019756 2) If you hear the term “fence” what image comes to mind? What thoughts or feelings do you associate with fences? How does the meaning of “fence” change depending on the context? youngjayveon https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185042998 If I were to hear the term fence the first thing image I would think about is a protective fence. Mainly because that's the way I look at my fence around my house blocking off other people away from my "everything". Some feelings that I associate with the word fence is power, confidence, and satisfied because like I already stated a fence should provide you with protection. Depending on the context the word fence may change from keeping others out from you or keeping yourself away from others. ]]> 2022-05-16 03:05:45 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185042998 3) Research the character types that Wilson crafted. Wilson wrote about the intimate details in African American life, and included characters who could be judged as anti-heroes. Explain why this takes courage to expose the intimate and negative aspects of one’s culture. youngjayveon https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185089747 August Wilson once had dreams to become a pro-baseball player but those dreams soon came to an end because of racism. So he built this fence to protect his property and family away from the discrimination. Though it does not say how he tried to write his characters, we can infer he wanted to make his characters face societal problems with racism just like his family did. Wilsons portrayal of African American anti heroes can take courage because it might make people judge you with the cost of knowledge of one's culture. These white people already thought of the African Americans as negative so making a book with black anti heroes which portrays them as the bad guys as well will only further prove their opinion on why Blacks are bad. A good example of an anti hero is Fences is Troy Maxson because he is rude to his family and feels the need to control everyone but, he also fought for equality and never backed down from our fight.]]> 2022-05-16 04:05:32 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185089747 4- “What I saw was black life presented on its 4) 4) What I saw was black life presented on its own terms, on a grand and epic scale, with all its richness and fullness, in a language that was vibrant and which, made attendant to everyday life, ennobled it, affirmed its value, and exalted its presence.” ~ August Wilson on Romare Bearden’s Art (Fishman 134) Analyze the following art pieces by Romare Bearden. Determine their symbolic meaning. Infer a potential thematic topic that connects to the depiction in each piece. Explain how the pieces connect to one another. youngjayveon https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185641749 In art piece one it seems to be three African Americans sitting down doing their thing. This may symbolize the fact that they want to remain unbothered, and they are protected. In the context of the book August Wilson wanted to give us a interpretation of the fences, which was trying to keep away from the outside discrimination. In image two it depicts what seems to be a typical black household that would be in the movie. I think this image was placed here just to give us an idea about what may go on when they are behind the fence.]]> 2022-05-16 12:48:57 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185641749 What were the Negro Leagues? What was the color line in relation to the Negro Leagues? sorokarorion https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185734719 The Negro Leagues were leagues of professional African American baseball teams in the 1920's to the 1940's, when non-whites were not allowed in the major leagues. These leagues were entirely organized by non whites, predominantly African Americans. The National Negro League was established in a meeting in Chicago, 1920, "Nevertheless, the Negro National League (NNL) was established during the two-day meeting... A few weeks later the Negro Southern League", the NNL and the NSL were the first real Negro Leagues. The Negro Leagues consisted of mostly Latinos, African American, and Black athletes in the 1920's, until Latinos slowly were accepted in the 1930's into the major leagues, until the 1940's when African American and Black athletes slowly trickled into the major leagues. ]]> 2022-05-16 13:41:49 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185734719 Family And Community Relationships hardytravon https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185755429 1. Research the tools a parent/guardian must pass on to their children. Why may it be difficult for a parent/guardian to provide these tools? 

Speaking from experience my mom would say the only im supposed to provide travon is food, clothing , a roof over your head , and to make sure you are in good health . In this article it says that parents only need to provide to their children three key thing is to practice knowledge , attitudes , and other life practices .
It may be hard for some parents to provide this for their kids as they didn't grow up that way and might live a certain way the child dosen't wanna grow up in . Cause some parents suffer from homelessness , addiction , and past abuse .

]]> 2022-05-16 13:53:26 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185755429 What's, "playing numbers"? sorokarorion https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185765697 The the 1950's in the USA, "playing numbers", means to play an illegal betting game. The numbers game was a the most played lottery game before the lottery was legalized. Numbers game patrons usually came from the lower class. The game consisted of patrons choosing a number 0-999, and betting an amount usually between 0 and 1 dollar, a 10 cent bet would have a return of 54 dollars.]]> 2022-05-16 13:58:56 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185765697 2. Research and explain how the habits or past of a parent/guardian can impact the development of a child. hardytravon https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185766480 The past habits of an adults life can impact the way their child grows up as the way the adult grew up can stick with them for their rest of their lives . In the document children's bureau they state that " Child development starts physically , emotionally , socially , and intellectually . If the parents themselves didn't grow up with these key characteristics how are they supposed to help their kids get better with these skills . This is why it's important for parents to grow up and learn these things cause it can effect their kids in many ways you couldn't think of.]]> 2022-05-16 13:59:24 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185766480 1- Research the following Blues 1- 1a) Research the following Blues songs. Summarize each song, analyze and conclude the overall message, cite 2-3 stylistic lines that help t o build the theme and predict why each song may be referenced in this text. For the prediction, be sure to justify your inference. youngjayveon https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185772246 In this song the singer is talking about his dog blue essentially stating to us all the things he did like get opossums, and be there for the owner. The owner loves this dog very much and he hopes to see Blue in heaven. I feel like he overall message of the song is that you need to do everything to its complete power until you die, which is exactly what Blur did. He was mourned after and maybe it's referring to fighting for the rights to equality in the work place. The song states "Ol' Blue he died and he died so hard
That he graveled little holes all over the yard" the theme is never giving up and maybe the holes in the yard surrounded by a fence I assume mean something.]]> 2022-05-16 14:02:38 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2185772246 "Old Dog Blue" youngjayveon https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2188787193 Essential saying the same thing as the first song with a little more direction this song talks more about the obedience of the Dog representing mans bestfriend. This can connect to the theme because Troy had two befriends that are ride or die mush like Blue is. Some lines that show this theme is "I'm goin' back to where I'm come - I'm goin' back to Giles County" exemplifying the connection he may have towards his home, a place where him and Blue once were free.]]> 2022-05-18 04:04:36 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2188787193 Identify and summarize 5 historical events that impacted the lives of African Americans during the 1950s sorokarorion https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2189349294 On July 10th, 1951, the first black family to move to Chicago was harassed out of moving in by a white riot crowd. The husband was beaten and the family had to get an order from a federal judge granting permission to move in and police protection while doing so. This harassment was a message that the African American and Black population were still not welcome with white people.
On April 30th, 1953, racial segregation was made unconstitutional in Washington D.C. The SCOTUS ruled refusal of service in stores because of skin color. 
On August 28, 1955, two white men kill a 14 year old black boy, Emmett Till, for allegedly whistling at a white woman on the street. This murder has gone down as one of the most horrific hate crimes of all time. Till's body was found mutilated.
On December 20th, 1956, the Montgomery Bus Boycott ended. On this day, the supreme court ruled segregation on public transportation unconstitutional. Busses were ordered to desegregate immediately.
On September 3rd, 1958, President D. Eisenhower signed executive order 10730, which ordered National Guard troops to enforce desegregation of Central High School, in Little Rock, Arkansas. The troops had to escort nine black students and protect them from a white angry mob.

]]> 2022-05-18 11:47:57 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2189349294 "Jesus be a Fence all Around me Everyday" by Gloria Bailey - Sam Cooke youngjayveon https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2189549938 This singer is stating that he wants Jesus to be her fence, basically protecting her and keeping her a way from the discrimination while he fights her battles. He can be a fence to everyone that might feel unprotected by the prejudice people in the society. Some lines that help build the theme of protection is "Jesus be a fence all around me everyday
Jesus I want you to protect me as I travel along the way" depicting her reliance on the fact that he can protect her, she can put her faith in him, he is her "fence". I think this song is referenced because it talks about fences and protecting. In this case the fence in the book is keeping troy out from being able to find a better job so it's ironic that these two different meanings contrast from eachother.]]> 2022-05-18 13:59:18 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2189549938 Research and read at least 2 critiques of Wilson’s writing. His plays were widely read and seen by people of all backgrounds. How might his plays have shaped the way non-black Americans look at the African American experience? How does embedding blues music connect to the messages he portrays? youngjayveon https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2189776810 In a piece called Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom he created, Frank Rich rated it as and said “This play is a searing inside account of what white racism does to its victims — and it floats on the same authentic artistry as the blues music it celebrates. Harrowing as ‘Ma Rainey’s’ can be, it is also funny, salty, carnal and lyrical. Like his real-life heroine, the legendary singer Gertrude (Ma) Rainey, Mr. Wilson articulates a legacy of unspeakable agony and rage in a spellbinding voice.”  Frank once said again about Fences that, “Fences leaves no doubt that Mr. Wilson is a major writer, combining a poet’s ear for vernacular with a robust sense of humor (political and sexual), a sure instinct for crackling dramatic incident and a passionate commitment to a great subject.” The way he influenced non black readers was significant because he gave a new insight and lense for people that dont live that life or experience those experiences to get an idea of what living life as someone that has to deal with those problems in that era. 


]]> 2022-05-18 16:09:41 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2189776810 The Hill District in 1957 sorokarorion https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2196031777 The Hill District in 1957 was a Pittsburgh, PA, predominantly black community that was growing in success as African Americans and Black citizens. It was also home to the first ever black built and owned Negro Baseball league. The hill district was destroyed in 1950's and over 8000 people were displaced with no accomodation.]]> 2022-05-23 14:58:40 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2196031777 Institutional racism sorokarorion https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2196042082 Institutional racism is racism that is embedded into a nation's public systems to disclude a specific group of people from such systems. Institutionalized racism often results in poverty and homelessness, starvation, wrongful convictions, illiteracy, and mass illness. Institutionalized racism can destroy families. From not making enough money, to not being able to read or write, institutionalized racism is actually meant for this purpose. Someone who is trying to define themselves will be shut down by this racism. They simply will not be able to receive the education and opportunities that other groups have access to.]]> 2022-05-23 15:04:55 UTC https://padlet.com/oberle_austin/mrjuxd03cckq3jnh/wish/2196042082