AF-Introduction

Introduction The Task The Process The Due Dates The Topics Evaluation Resources

**Introduction:**
For the last few weeks our class has been studying //To Kill a Mockingbird// talking about the importance of developing **tolerance;** //however//, as we've discussed, **tolerance** itself is not enough. Having tolerance, respect, love, being a nice person is not enough to be a **//good//** person. Along with all of these qualities a person must take action, must take a principled stand, **//do good//**, in order to //**be**// **//good//**.

You see, it's not enough to simply have principles--principles must be acted upon in order to have meaning. To paraphrase a famous quote, atrocities will be commited, [|are still being commited], whenever good people fail to speak out against prejudice and injustice.

The problem isn't only that our memories are short, and we forget the past and its horrors; as a people //we fear taking action//, even if that action is only raising our voice and speaking truth to power.


 * //And this is what a hero is, isn't it?//** Think of the people throughout history who we as a people have called our heroes. They were small ones, the weak ones--the outcasts and the [|marginalized]. In other words, they were us. The only difference really is that rather than merely thinking their thoughts or grumbling from the shadows they //risked recognition// in order to have their voices heard and their actions felt.

By remembering, by writing, by speaking out, we can begin to be the heroes that our communities need.

Continue to The Task.