Post them and explain the possible thesis and research ideas you have for each one in the Comments section of this post.
Thanks!
Mike
Brainstorm Examples:
THE VALUE OF DOGS: One theme I really valued in Holding On was the special relationship some of the characters had with dogs, and especially coon dogs. I think I could use two of the profiles from the book to help show this relationship. I could broaden the theme in research by thinking about how dogs play varied but important roles in American culture. I know seeing-eye dogs are so valuable for disabled people. I think I could explain and prove that. I know also dogs are used in drug enforcement. I would research this and try to show the effect and value of dogs in our personal lives and also in our communities.
CIVIL RIGHTS and CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE: The Geneva Tisdale and Harold Cotton profiles made me really think about how individuals have to take a stand in their local communities before we ever see change on the national level. How many other unknown heroes are out there who integrated businesses and local communities and even engaged in civil disobedience to do it? I will investigate the role of civil disobedience in culture and I think I can use Berry for this as well. My thesis might be that civil disobedience has its dangers, but is a vital part of civil rights and progress.
Changes in Agriculture
ReplyDeleteChanges in Music
Changes in Transportation
1. The Value of Dogs
ReplyDeleteI will discuss two profiles from the book as well as researching the importance of dogs throughout time. I will also show the sentimental value of dogs in society and research the prevalence of dogs in todays society as well. My thesis will be that dogs play an important role in todays society and are no less important than the life of a human.
2. Civil Rights
I will discuss three profiles from the book as well as talking about the treatment if African Americans through time and the advancement and accomplishments made by blacks despite discrimination and prejudice as well as talking about important black figures in history.
3. Womens Rights
I will discuss three profiles from the book as well as talking about the treatment of women throughout time and the advancements and accomplishments they have made up to current day. I will talk about important female figures in history and will attempt to prove that women can do anything that men can do.
I really like your idea of women's rights. There are a few profiles that would really go along with that idea, and I think this could make a really good paper.
DeleteI like the one for women's rights. Very few women actually earned respect throughout the ages and its amazing to see how times have changed. The discovery of the DNA structure was by a woman, and they gave the credit to a man! That was not cool!
DeleteI like your thesis idea focuses on the civil rights movement. I like to learn more about what made African-Americans unique during the time. Also, I like that you mentioned their advancement and accomplishments they made.
Delete1. The Skill of Listening
ReplyDeleteBy using a couple profiles in Holding On and also incorporating In The Presence of Fear, I will focus on how the skill of listening is a skill and how it has faded throughout time. I think listening is important and that would be my thesis.
2. Power of a Utopia
There are a few profiles in Holding On that can back this thesis up, and a lot of In The Presence of Fear that focuses on a Utopia theme. I would show both sides of how a Utopia could be beneficial and harmful. But my focus would be on the potential long run damage of a Utopia.
3. Value of History
This is a powerful value to appreciate because history teaches us a lot. The entire book of Holding On show how history can not only be interesting but helpful. There are a few topics in In The Presence of Fear that say how we need to move on from history, but I think the opposite.
I think there value of history is very important and more people need to study it so we don't repeat it. I think that was a good topic.
DeleteI think since many of the "Holding On" profiles were about people who were older, the historical events that took place greatly affected the person they were. Whether it was wars or racism, they all impacted the people in "Holding On".
DeleteI think that the power of a Utopia is a very cool idea and very creative. I would be very interested in seeing the research that is found for this topic. it is definitely a creative theme and not something that i would usually think of.
DeleteI like your listening idea i think to that people don't take them to listen anymore and how we can learn a lot by just taking in the wisdom of others.
Delete1. Inspiration through passion
ReplyDeleteI will share four profiles from Holding On prior to this theme. I would like to research more on how individuals find a hobby that is not important and they become passionate by doing it and that hobby becomes a dream career they do for a living. This thesis supports what average people would do the rest of their life if their expectations or goal do not meet.
2. Support from family
Here I will share three profiles from Holding On. Researching on someone's family or heritage is a very curious topic to learn how they became popular for something. This thesis lets us learn the true historical backgrounds of what an individual’s family members were like in their past experience.
3. Civil rights
This theme will let me share three profiles from Holding On. Based on the history of what African-Americans faced and overcame, this makes me eager to research that why did it happen to this racial group and not to other races. Therefore, what made them unique during the time to cause discrimination? Also I would be interested to know their dreams for what they did or committed, just like Martin Luther King Jr. This thesis discusses the values from a culture's POV.
Very good topics Ruchir. I really like the inspiration through passion topic.
DeleteI also think family is very important and we need to keep some of our own family traditions alive.
Delete1. The value of American history
ReplyDeleteBy using several profiles from Holding on, I will discuss important landmarks and monument across the United States that constantly remind us of events that have changed our nation to what it is today, and why it's important for us to learn the history of our great nation.
2. The importance of civil liberties
There are plenty of profiles in holding on that I could use to support this claim. With this notion, I will write about the fights and struggles for civil liberties from the birth of our country to present.
3. The history of entertainment
I will discuss the history of all types of entertainment throughout the centuries and how it has morphed into what we call modern entertainment.
I also thought about doing the history of entertainment because the entertainment profiles in Holding On seemed interesting and it would make an interesting paper
DeleteI definitely think that the history of entertainment would be a fun topic to research and a very informative lesson on how our culture has changed over time. cool idea. I would totally consider doing this topic.
DeleteI like your idea on entertainment I think there were countless examples of people who practiced a lost form of entertainment that can be delved into deeper in history meaning etc.
DeleteI really liked your first idea. In Holding On, there are a lot of places mentioned that are not obvious places to visit. If you could find more landmarks that are unusual but have a good purpose then it would make a great paper.
DeleteI think the history of entertainment would be a great one because I can think of so many profiles off the top of my head that would be excellent support for that.
DeleteEntertainment sounds good because I like the entertainment world and it's everywhere as a daily part of our life.
DeleteI think the value of American History is a good topic. This could be taken in several different directions, so you should be able to find plenty of information.
DeleteI also really like the civil liberties idea, because I you could find plenty of information for this topic too.
I like entertainment. I think its neat that technology has changed so much and the use for jobs for old entertainment has fallen out, but yet so many people are trying to keep those jobs and still encourage that type. (Not that I mind, I take an interest in things no one uses anymore because its "outdated".
DeleteI like your thesis idea that describes the value of American History. I agree with your opinions you wrote and share here. American history is very essential to citizens and also makes everyone interested to know what happened before. You should choose this thesis to write. You can research and tell us from your own words.
Delete1.) Faith/ Religion
ReplyDeleteResearch could be done to see how over time different religions have moved into the U.S. and the effect they have had on American culture.
2.) History
Many profiles talk about History, and research could be done on American history to show the importance of where American has come from to where America is now.
3.) Ethnic Groups
There are many different profiles that talk about an ethnic group, and the different traditions and values that they have. Research could be done on the different ethnic groups in America and how they all effect American culture.
I like your topic on ethnic groups. I would be good to talk about discrimination of different ethnic groups and the achievements that they have made despite of it.
DeleteFaith and Religion kept many people in "Holding On" hopeful. This is definitely one of the most powerful topics presented.
DeleteI like your idea of faith and religion because this book discusses a lot of different beliefs and there are many more in America that weren't discussed. Going off of what you said, you could also talk about the unfair treatment of religions throughout history.
DeleteLike Logan said Faith is a very powerful theme within this book, especially faith in God. This can be tied into probably half if not more of the profiles.
Delete1. The value of family. A lot of profiles in holding on are about family whether they are going to their family for advice or protecting their family. Discussing the importance of family unity.
ReplyDelete2. The value of Religious Freedom. A couple different profiles in holding on talk about their religious beliefs and their beliefs aren't necessarily the same as the ones we have so we could talk about different religions and the beliefs we have.
3. The value of history. Obviously things change over time so we could talk about the major events in history from back then to now. A lot of things happened in holding on in the different profiles that had to do with history.
The topic of that value of family is one that is very prevalent in the book and is a very good idea overall. I really like this idea.
DeleteI really like your idea of family. I think that plays such a strong role in many of the profiles in the book on how some of these people got to where they are and are doing what they do because of their family.
DeleteThe value of family is a great one because you could put in a lot of great support from the book and it's something that many of us could relate to.
DeleteI think the value of family is a good topic. Family is something that has been around forever and it has effected American culture in different ways over time.
DeleteOoh, family is a GREAT one! The value of family seems to have gone down over the course of several decades. so to due research on how important it actually is today would be perfect! Family is everything! People today stick their work and their time and their spare time on business and friends rather than family and that just isn't right. GREAT research topic.
Delete1:Arrange Marriage
ReplyDelete2:Obama-care
3:Abortion
1. Freedom of Religion- many people came to America for the freedom of religion and I think in today society that many idea has been over looked
ReplyDelete2. Work ethic- the idea of work ethic has been apart of this country forever but i do think our country is getting away from working what we want and expecting it to be given to them.
3. The idea of dreams- the idea of having dream is important but pursuing those dreams is even more important.
I like that you used the value of work ethic! I didn't even think of that one and I feel that it was a huge part of the book!
DeleteI agree with the idea of dreams. Growing up, everyone has dreams. As we get older, it seems, for most people, these dreams fade away and become memories of dreams.
DeleteThe people who built things in "Holding On" should be most respected. They spent their hard-earned dollars on exhibits for themselves and for the community. A good work ethic is something to be appreciative of.
DeleteDreams sound really good to think about because a lot of the profiles in the book concern people who wanted to do something and they did, just like we have dreams as well.
Deletei liked the idea of dreams. its a cool topic and very different from your other two theme choices. there is a lot of room for expansion with this topic and lots of room for creativity. i would love to see where you go with and possibly even attempt it myself.
Delete1. Old Traditions: I will discuss two profiles in Holding On that talk of certain individuals who hold onto their own religious traditions of the past and how old traditions have brought about changes throughout life.
ReplyDelete2. Self-taught Work Ethics: I will discuss a couple of profiles in Holding On about people who have learned how to do a particular skill themselves and how these ethics have an impact on our society.
3. Civil Rights/Civil Disobedience: I will discuss a couple of profiles from Holding On about people who had to live through times of civil rights and civil disobedience and how in today's world it has changed and of seeing how people in certain groups have earned rights and freedom.
I like that you used the value of Old traditions! Many profiles in holding on had their own traditions and did things their way. I didn't even think of that!
DeleteI like your idea on old traditions I think it is fascinating to see how people have things passed down from generations and generations that they hold on to and cherish
DeleteCivil Disobedience definitely played a big role in our history. It shaped many things in our culture and is great for challenging our preconceived notions.
Delete1. Religion
ReplyDeleteReligion has been part of the United States history since it was founded. Many people have used religion as there rock in life and many stories in holding on show this.
2. Nature
Many people value Nature and all that it does in this world. Some more then others as we read in holding on.
3. Family
People always will have a family and that family is normally always there when they need it. Many stories in holding on talk about family and the power of it.
I like the nature topic. It was shown in most every holding on story and has a big influence on people.
DeleteI like the idea of nature I didn't think about that idea, but it is very important to some of the people in the book. Without nature they would be out of a job or home. great idea.
DeleteI really think the family topic is important especially in today's society where we see less and less importance of valuing family.
DeleteI like your thesis idea that focuses on Religion. You made a point by saying it is a "rock in life". To me, this means something essential or valuable and I like to learn more about each different religion based on their cultures, ethics and rules.
Delete1. Living off the Land
ReplyDeleteI would use several profiles throughout Holding On to support the theme that we have separated ourselves from nature and that we need to get back to our roots
2. Work Ethic
There are countless profiles in Holding On that would support this theme of self-reliance and achieving your dreams through your own grit.
3. Faith and/or Religion
Faith and religion played a large role for many people throughout Holding On, so it would be interesting to compare and contrast between those religions and how they practice their faith.
The idea of going back to what we have come from is a great idea. I totally agree and can see how this would tie nicely into the book.
DeleteI too like the idea of living of the land and getting back to our roots.
DeleteLiving off the land would be awesome! We have definitely grown apart from nature.
Delete1) Native American Heritage
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of studies done on our history that mainly focuses on our reaction to Britain, World War 2, Native Americans, and so on. Even though we have all of these different accounts of our culture in THAT aspect, we don't really learn too much about the culture and traditions that a lot of Native Americans are holding onto today.
2) Determination
A lot of the stories in "Holding On" show the people to be determined to hold onto their goal or their hobby even though they get a lot of pressure from other people to stop. I thought it would be interesting to explore that area and see just how they can be so determined.
3) Dedication
Even without reading "Holding On' I can recall certain people in history who were very dedicated to their work. In fact, they loved it so much that they work with that dedication until they day the die. (Literally). This theme is represented a lot in "Holding On" where many people have committed themselves to things and refuse to give up on it, such as building a structure, writing a diary, or even pursuing a job that's nearly dead to society.
I really like the dedication idea and really seeing why and how people become so dedicated to their ideas.
Delete1.Pride - Charlie DeLeo lights the torch at the Statue of Liberty in New York City. He has such an amazing sense of pride in his job. I think we sometimes forget the importance of having pride in ourselves. We easily confuse being vain with being prideful. We should always have pride in ourselves no matter what job we do.
ReplyDelete2.Need to Succeed - In America we are very lucky to have a lot of opportunities at our disposal. In Holding On there were multiple stories of people who followed their dreams instead of the practical things. It isn’t always easy because everyone has bills to pay and a lot of times these people do not have any education past high school. They need their businesses to work.
3.Throw away culture - Today we live in a time where if something breaks, we don’t fix it we just buy a new version. Sometimes things take a little work to be usable. I think almost everyone in Holding On showed the importance of making things work. When people’s jobs became obsolete they continued to fight for their jobs. Hobos are not all that popular today but some people are still making it work. Even with today’s society changing everyday.
Your third topic is a good idea, many of the profiles in Holding On would be good to use to show that things that many people think of as trash is really someones treasure.
DeletePride would be a great topic to discuss. Holding on surely has plenty of profiles you can use to support this notion. I believe this could work. Finding outside sources about this topic would not only be a learning experience, but also a novel sensation.
Delete1. FAITH IN GOD: Throughout "Holding On" there were several profiles that expressed a belief in God. Some of those profiles were more powerful. Moreese Bickham's profile was very inspirational. Other profiles such as Reverend Blackmon, Dewey Chafin and Barbara Elkins, Augustina Martinez, and Joe Merrill and Hilda Wilkinson all display a faith in God that affects them ever single day. I can include these profiles as well as outside research about how faith in God has gotten people through the toughest of times. This research can show the power of God and faith.
ReplyDelete2. ENTREPRENEURSHIP/HOBBIES LEAD TO CREATION/DO WHAT YOU LOVE: There were a few profiles in "Holding On" that showed the investments and hobbies of ordinary Americans. Miles Mahan, Donald Bean, Dick Falk, Jim Bishop, Matt Kennedy, and Bill Seward all either were the head of a business or created or built something that was their hobby. All of these profiles as well as other Americans have spent their hard-earned money on something that they love. My research would include looking at why America needs entrepreneurs and people who bring what they love into the culture. This creates a melting pot of all kinds of things which makes our country so diverse.
3. TRADITIONALIST VALUES: Most of the profiles in "Holding On" were covering elderly people who had experienced a lot. Some of these older people were open to changes in their lifestyles while others resisted and held on to their traditionalist values. Roberta Blackgoat, Harold Cotton, Leslie Kornfield and Joe Erber, Lydia Emery, Mike Gashwazra, and Dan Barlow valued what they did and who they are over the changes taking place in society. I would research how society has changed and evolved, either for the better or for worse, and how things have remained the same which is beneficial to society. I would look up how holding on to the past benefits us.
I think faith in God would be a interesting notion to talk about. I did notice that there were several profiles where they mentioned God in one way shape or form that helped them or at least guided them to invest in their hobby or way of life. As a Christian, I would love to hear or at least read the paper you would write about on this topic.
DeleteI also think faith was a big part of this book. You could definitely see in those profiles how much God made them stronger and better people.
DeleteI like your third idea about traditionalist values. It would be very interesting to write a paper about old traditions verses knew traditions. And also talk about why those things have changed over time.
DeleteFor the idea of traditionalist values, I am not entirely sure if keeping them would be a good or bad thing. The idea is thought provoking and I would love to see how this would do in the essay.
DeleteHaving faith in God is an important aspect for some people in the book because they feel as if God wanted them to do what they do. Good topic to think about and analyze.
DeleteValue of getting back to nature: Many of the values displayed in many great American novels like the grapes of wrath were displayed in the profiles in holding on like Mike Gashwara and how he valued the purity of living of the land without the modern conveniences of today's society.
ReplyDeleteThe value of passion and doing what you love: Basically one of the major themes of the book was doing what you love because it makes you happy and gives you fulfillment from the story on the first page of the hobo to the last page of the women who collected the bells.
Religious Freedom: Many profiles were based on how people were exercising there right to practice their religion openly, like Dan Barlow but as we saw you can discuss the problem with how we can draw limitation on peoples beliefs and if this is constitutional
The value of passion and doing what you love would be a great topic to read. I found that in life there is no better way to live life then doing what you love to do. Regardless, if it leads to a life of poverty. At least you're living the life you want. If you're doing what you love then there's no need to worry about what you don't have in life, because you have all that you need to be happy. This would be an inspiring paper to read.
DeleteI love your idea about the value of getting back to nature. It seems like a lot of people have become so urban, which is understandable. But learning to appreciate what nature provides for us, which is so beautiful, is truly important.
DeleteI really like how John put that. Finding a passion and following may be really hard for some people but i think we has humans should all try to find that in our own lives and to do what we love most.
Delete1. DIY/self taught: we see a lot of profiles in holding on that express the theme of being self taught. two examples would be Jim Bishop and Evangeline Calvin. I am interested in finding out the value of doing things for yourself, I would like to research how hands-on activity and or learning affects the development of character.
ReplyDelete2. Creativity as a life extender: when we discussed this topic in class on Monday it immediatly intriuged me. there are a myriad of profiles in which we discussed people holding on to the value of creativity and self- expression. i would be very interested in researching the actual affect that creativity and self-expression have on our help and our life span.
3.Health care: in Holding on we come across many healers and health care professionals as well as many who are suffering due to a health issue. i think it would be interesting to research our current healthcare situation in regards to taking care of those who cannot help themselves (ex: the elderly) and then try to find an ethical way to care for these individuals. We need to start a program that benefits the elderly, and does everything possible to make their lives enjoyable because we will all be in that situation one day.
I like your DIY/self taught idea. It is a strong skill to be able to do something entirely on your own, as well as prideful. It seems that most people today are always looking for the easiest solution not the best solution.
DeleteI think the topic of DIY would be a great one, because so many of the interesting people in Holding On taught themselves their skill, which makes them so unique. I agree that researching how hands-on activity affects development of character would be insightful and helpful.
DeleteDIY is a good one because it plays into individualism which is a cornerstone of our culture.
Delete1.Following your dreams: I saw a lot of people in Holding on going away from what society says you need to do and following what they love. I think one could find a lot of good research on people who have no confirmed to society and has followed their dreams no matter what. One person that I can think of is Steve Jobs, he would be a great example.
ReplyDelete2. Carrying on family traditions: Several stories i this book showed people carrying on the same traditions and jobs that their parents had. Or carrying on the family business. I think this is something that is dying out in America and you could research some larger companies that just started out as small family businesses and grew to large companies.
3.Inner drive: I think a lot of pole in Holding On showed a similar quality that was a drive within themselves to not stop until they are happy. Many people had outsiders telling them they will fail or they were stupid but they keep going despite that because of that drive. It has helped people start business and travel all over the world. I think you could find research on plenty of people who are known for having a drive that won't stop that have went on to become successful.
Hands on experience- Not everything can be learned from a book. Nor should anyone solely rely on getting their information from books. Sometimes figuring it out on your own is the best way.
ReplyDeleteEntrepreneurship/sole proprietorship- There are many examples of "mom and pop" shops in "Holding On." To me, I feel that these "mom and pop" shops that have so much to offer are fading away. Companies such as Walmart target these small businesses and offer them a lump sum of money in an attempt to buy them out. Thus, they lower the competition in the area and consumers are forced to purchase items from Walmart.
Getting out of the mainstream of things- I think we, a society, have become so caught up in what others are doing, that we take focus away from ourselves.
I really like the idea of hands on experience. Your right sometimes you have to figure things out on our own. This would be a good topic to write about
DeleteI like your idea about not being so mainstream. I also believe people in this country have become very focused on being economically stable that they play the 'what if' game and end up staying in the mainstream for their own comfort.
DeleteI also thought about doing family businesses just because they are so scarce nowadays, it would be interesting.
DeleteI like your hands on experience idea, a lot of profiles in holding on figured things out on their own and did things their own way without relying on anyone else. Great topic to write about.
Delete1. Nature/ Land: going back to the land or a more natural way of thinking and living is heavily shown in a lot of the profiles and what can be some of the benefits of doing so.
ReplyDelete2. Family: Why family is important and how our culture may be moving away or no longer as important and holding on shows many family oriented profiles.
3. Self-value/ work: many of the profiles show how that person has come to do what they love and how they have little to no regrets about choosing what they love to do and why it is important to why we try our hardest to find that ourselves
Self-value is a popular American theme. Just about every aspect of success in America is measured by personal gain as opposed to gain through a group effort. Individualism is also important to us. Other cultures value conformity more than ours and it makes us unique in some ways.
DeleteThe importance of unconventional education: We see quite few examples of people who are self taught and the benefits that it has for them or society as a whole. Unlike normal academia these people bring new ideas into the cultural canon
ReplyDeleteIntegrity over personal gain: This is see in the case of Lydia Emery and a few other profiles where the person puts their sense of self worth over that of money or success.
Character development through adversity: Quite a few of the profiles demonstrate a growth of character due to negative or difficult experiences of these people and how these events had affected them in the long term.
Character development through adversity would be a very powerful paper. Success is a common outcome from hardships and strong character.
Deletethe three things i would like are Freedom of religion, Health care and Civil Right. these three are important the world we live today because, if we don't have freedom of religion can't live. we need place we can keep our faith. Health care we always need health care are the part of our life. civil right is freedom of human being
ReplyDelete