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The Duke Diaries

Issue # 2: Acceptance and Tolerance Faculty Sponsor: Marquita Hockaday

Co-editors: Ica Reynolds and Samantha Humphries

Cover Illustrator: Tommie Curtis

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Table of Contents

Letters from the Editors……………………………………………………………………..Page 3

Change Amber Furman, 10th Grade………………………………………………………………….Page 4

Self Portrait by Lydia Willis, 10th Grade…………………………………...……………….Page 5

Untitled Poem Romelo McKiver, 9th Grade………………………………………………………………....Page 6

Eternal Light Ica Reynolds, 11th Grade…………………………………………………………………….Page 7

Starless Night Samantha Humphries, 12th Grade……………………………..…..………………...….Pages 8-11

Untitled Poem Liz Pritchard, 10th Grade……………………………………….………….………....……Page 12

Self Portrait by Emma Grace Donovan, 10th Grade………………..…………….………...Page 13

Untitled Poem Leslie Requena, 11th Grade…………………………………………………………….......Page 14

Blending Out Marquita Hockaday, Social Studies Faculty/Duke Diaries Founder………...………...Pages 15-18

The Summoning by Kelly Armstrong/ Book Review Ashley Quesinberry, 10th Grade…………………………………………………………....Page 19

Reality Liz Pritchard, 10th Grade………………………………………………………………...…Page 20

Untitled Poem Samantha Humphries, 12th Grade……………………………………………………….…Page 21

I Don’t Care If You’re Sick Jenny Saunders, 10th Grade………………………………………………………...….Pages 22-23

Self Portrait by Jenny Saunders, 10th Grade………………………………….……………Page 24

The Possibilities Stephanie Olson, 10th Grade…………………………..……………………………………Page 25

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Series of Poetry: They Say, I Say Mrs. Lankford’s English Students………………………………….………………….Pages 26-30

Self Portrait by Barry Montgomery, 10th Grade………………………...…………………Page 31

Hometown Horror Adrienne Phillips, 11th Grade…………….……………………………………………Pages 32-33

To Be Yourself Heather Patrick, 12th Grade…………………………………………………...……………Page 34

Being a Jane Heather Patrick, 12th Grade……….…………………………………………...………..Page 35-36

Interview Section Featuring: ….....................................................................................Pages 37-39 Chris Ellis, English Faculty Jane Lankford, English Faculty Molly Pemberton, 12th Grade Lohrer Mise, English Faculty

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Letters from the Editors of The Duke Diaries 2011-2012

With all the differences we see everyday it’s hard to understand how some are still not

tolerant. Yes, we have different hair, clothes make-up, likes, dislikes, and many more, but all

these things make us who we are. When you look at the next few pages everyone will see that we

all should be accepted and everyone should be treated equally. Thank you to all who have

participated in this issue and a major thank you to Mrs. Hockaday for making this all a reality!

Ica Reynolds

Co-Editor/Writer

Icanicole94@rocketmail.com

Times are changing. I notice that my students today are a lot more tolerant of certain

issues than the people I went to school with. However, we need to work for everyone to be

accepted. We hope that this issue will help those of you who still feel as if one group of people

are superior to another, open your minds and broaden your views. Thanks for reading! If you are

interested in submitting, e-mail me at mhockaday@iwcs.k12.va.us .

Marquita Hockaday

Creator of The Duke Diaries

Samantha Humphries

Co-editor/Writer

wlf93eys@aol.com

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Change

I was alone and afraid of rejection

I remember feeling that I was worthless

I heard them whisper about me

I saw them laughing at me

I worried that I would never be understood

I thought my life was spiraling downward

But, I want to change

I am beautiful inside, flaws and all

I think everyone has his or her weakness

I need to realize my potential

I try to see the good in everyone

I feel that this is the birth of me

I forgive myself, because I am my worst enemy.

Now I can change

I will never doubt my ability

I choose to be who I am

I dream of accepting every part of me

I hope I can be happy

I predict I will be happy

I know Amber Marie Furman can change the world

I will change

Written by: Amber Furman

10th Grade

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Lydia Willis/10th Grade- Self Portrait

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As I walk people look at me and smile

As I sing people look at me and frown

The reason I walk the way I walk is because I’ve been beaten

And I sing to relieve it

I’m trapped in one place like an animal in a cage

I want to be free and fly like a bird on a sunny day

Life is hard like a brick

When there’s no one to love

In the past looking back when I loved getting hugs!

Written By: Romelo McKiver

9th Grade

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Eternal Light

Day

and night

I wait by the light

Hoping to stay awake

Just so I can see your face

You don’t understand

What you mean to me

How your smile makes my day

Even though we may not talk

I love having you in my arms

Yes, you are younger than I

and sillier too

But you are my equal

and I accept you as you

For no-one else can see

How special you are to me

You’ve changed my life, myself

My eternal friend

My loving, crazy sister

You will always be forever accepted

and an equal to me

Written For: my younger sister, Dawn

Written By: Ica Reynolds

11th Grade

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Samantha Humphries

12th Grade

Starless Night

I was pushed down the stairs once more today. This was the third time they did this. I had

a cut on my right cheek and a bruise on my forehead. The only question that was going through

my mind was “How will I cover this up from my mom?” I never thought I would be in this

situation. I’m really nice and friendly. Sure, I have some meat on my bones, but why should that

matter? Why do they have to be mean to me?

I stood up from falling. Tears threatened to fill my eyes. Agony was all over my body

from hitting each stair. Laughter was all around me. Then, it stopped. A boy about 5’6 or perhaps

5’7 stood in front of me. His body gestures showed he was very irritated.

“You people make me sick. She never did anything to you. All of you should be ashamed

of yourselves. Picking on someone. It’s mean and rude. This just shows that you have no

respect.”

He turned around to face me. His dark green eyes widened. He turned back around with

quick speed and punched the one who pushed me. Blood went everywhere. I was surprised a

teacher didn’t see this. The guy was completely knocked out.

“Go to my car. It’s the red Porsche.” He said, throwing the keys my way. I did as he said

and left the scene. He was very fast and strong. One punch and he killed that guy. Clicking the

remote, I heard his car unlock. My heart was pounding. This was the first time someone spoke up

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for me. And this someone was a guy. My heart continued to race as I opened his car door and sat

down in the passenger side. The driver’s door opened and the guy sat down.

Without a word, he left the school. I didn’t want to admit it to myself, but I was scared. I

had no clue who this person is or what he wanted. My body began to shiver a little. I played it off

as if I was cold. What was this guy doing?

We ended up at the biggest house I had ever seen. This was a mansion. Keeping my

mouth from hitting the floor, I bit the inside of my cheek.

“Come on, follow me.” I did as he said; only hesitating for a second. Once he unlocked

the door, we walked into a room where he set me down on a couch. He opened a cabinet and got

the first aid kit. Walking back over to me, he opened it up and grabbed something.

“This might sting a little.” He said, putting a cloth on my cheek. Flinching, I tried to stay

still so he could finish.

“What’s your name?” I asked, calmly. He smiled.

“It’s Roger.”

Smiling back at him, I hugged him, unexpectedly. It surprised him and me.

“Thank you for standing up for me.” I added hastily. Leaning back, I sighed.

“No problem. I can’t stand people like that.” He stated, His eyes stared into mine. Then

he began to clean my wound again. Moving my shoulder length blonde hair out the way, I spoke

up again.

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“I don’t understand why they did that to you. You are very pretty, Kristen.” His hand ran

over my shoulder. How did he know my name? My brown eyes grew larger.

“I never told you my name.”

“I know. I’ve been watching you for some time now. You’re special. A witch.” Backing

up, he threw the cloth away. I stood quickly. A witch?

“You are crazy. Thanks again for what you did, but I should leave now.” I took a step

forward. In an instant, he was standing right in front of me. His hands rested on my shoulders.

“Get your hands off of me.” I said, making him smile.

“Why don’t you make me?”

“Because I’m not a witch. I don’t want that. I’m a normal girl. Do you think I would let

those guys pick on me if I was one?” I said, sarcastically.

“That’s because you never knew. You never thought you were a witch. Now, think it.

Think that you are strong and fearless. Tell yourself that you will not cry ever again over stupid

things. You don’t have to worry any more, or be afraid. Just believe in yourself.” His voice was

strong yet soft. He was trying to comfort me, but yet still be firm.

I am a normal girl. I am a normal.. Girl. Or am I? Moving forward, I still couldn’t move.

I started to get angry.

“Get your hands off of me!” I yelled at him. A force I never felt before surrounded me.

Engulfed me. I began to feel this sensation that I couldn’t understand. It consumed me whole.

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My body trembled. Now, opening my eyes, I saw things completely different and new. And for

once, I was frightened with myself.

“R-roger?” I asked, looking around the room. I destroyed this room. Everything was

everywhere and broken. What have I done? Why do I have this inside of me?

Thousands of questions ran through my mind. One stuck out the most.

What happened to Roger?

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His moonlight color eyes,

Teeth as white as virgin snow,

merciless winter

Written By: Liz Pritchard

10th Grade

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Emma Grace Donovan/10th Grade- Self Portrait

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You are your own entity

I am also an entity of my own

We are both the same

In ways we don’t understand

Without me, life would be different

Without you, life would be different

The past would change

And the future rewritten

We are intricate pieces

Of the 6 billion on this planet

A planet we share

Without us life would change

You are your own entity

I am also an entity of my own

We are both the same

We both make a difference

We both matter

In this world of 6 billion

Written by: Leslie Requena

11th Grade

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Marquita Hockaday

Social Studies Faculty/The Duke Diaries Founder

Blending Out

She prefers to blend in. It’s easier that way.

And when people do look at her, they don’t. They just kind of look through her. She’s

hoping that doesn’t change. Because if someone looks too close, they’ll see everything that she

wants to hide.

She slumps in her desk during Algebra, puts her head down while the movie roles in

history, and doesn’t smile when the class gets excited to play a review game in science. She

never volunteers to read in English and has a note to sit out during gym for the rest of the school

year.

And no one really notices.

No one, but him.

And he’s too cute to notice her, but for some reason he does.

It takes him two days to finally sit next to her in the cafeteria. In her corner table by the

exit doors. So she can be the first to leave when the bell rings.

When he sits down, her senses ignite. Is he going to make fun of her weight? Point out

the three pimples she has on her forehead? Will he say something about the jeans she bought

from Wal-Mart instead of Aeropostle?

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“You’re Alexa, right?” he asks, looking at the table instead of her face.

Yes. She is Alexa. But he knows that. She nibbles her sandwich, hoping he won’t

remember that she’s the same Alexa who had an accident in first grade. Or the same Alexa that

was tricked into thinking she had a date to Homecoming last year. She remembered the stares,

the laughs, and the look of disgust from Chad Marshall. The boy she thought wanted to dance

with her.

“Anyway, I’m Rick. You sit behind me in history.”

Alexa almost makes eye contact with him. But doesn’t. That would be wrong. It would

mess up the entire balance of this high school. Rick is the star athlete, the lead in the school play,

the drummer in the band, the captain of the Academic Decathlon. He is everything.

“I wanted to ask you something.” He keeps talking. Like she isn’t the fat girl with bright

red pimples and frizzy hair.

“What?” she hears herself ask.

“What are you doing after school tomorrow?”

Alexa’s breath catches in her throat. The crust of her sandwich rests on her bottom lip.

What should she say? Of course she’s free after school tomorrow! What else would she do? Sit

on her bed, eating chocolate and reading the latest vampire romance novel?

“Nothing,” she finally answers.

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Rick smiles. He rubs his palms on his jeans and nods. “Cool. My band is practicing. I

heard you write. Wanna try writing some lyrics for us? I mean, the band is wicked. We have the

music down, just no good lyrics.”

Alexa stopped listening at: Wanna try writing lyrics for us? Of course she did. She

wanted to do anything for Rick Dylan. Anything and everything. She can’t tell him that, though.

That would ruin the moment. So, instead she nods. She nods and puts the rest of her sandwich

back in the napkin that sits on the lunch table. She brushes a few crumbs into her hand and drops

them on the napkin as well.

“Okay, so around 4:00. Cool?” Rick stands.

Alexa wants to grab him and make him sit back down. Make him sit with her forever.

“Cool,” she mutters.

Rick smiles again. His top row of teeth are full of light yellow and blue braces. She never

noticed those before. She’s staring. Rick closes his mouth and covers his teeth. “Just got them

last Tuesday. I think my cool factor’s dropped a few points.”

Alexa scoffed. Cool factor? She didn’t even have a cool factor.

Rick shrugs. “Who cares, though? I know I don’t. Anyway, four o’clock. Can’t wait.”

Rick taps her shoulder and walks to his own lunch table. The one full of pretty cheerleaders,

other star athletes, the girl who sings like she should be the next winner of American Idol, and a

few other brainiacs. Alexa watches the group. Some of them glance back at her, one girl even

smiles.

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Rick’s last words run through Alexa’s head. Who cares, though. I know I don’t. Rick

doesn’t care. So why should Alexa? She won’t care. She’ll go help his band write music and

maybe even say hi to Rick tomorrow. And the next day after that.

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Book Review: The Summoning by Kelly Armstrong

Written by: Ashley Quesinberry, 10th Grade

The book, The Summoning is a great reading book if you’re looking for something with

horror, paranormal, and paranormal romance. It’s a very quick read! It has 390 pages. It’s part

of a trilogy. It is the first book in the Darkest Powers. The Awakening and The Reckoning follow

right behind.

Fifteen year old Chloe Saunders is just getting into high school and going through all the

changes a girl goes through during their freshman year. She wants to be a filmmaker in her

future and is presented in a way of always looking young. One day at school everything goes

wrong when Chloe starts to see ghosts. She thinks she’s going crazy. She gets sent to a group

home and tries to find out what is really wrong with her. She hates it when she first gets there

until she meets a friend name Liz! What’s a book without a love triangle? There are two boys

named Simion and Dereck and their both brothers. Simion is the cutest but Dereck is the

smartest. There are only a few students in the group home and they all seem to have a secret.

Will Chloe figure it out and find her true self? The Summoning is full of drama that will have

you hooked. I really enjoyed the book. I like all the characters and how everything in the book

was presented. I would read this book series whenever I had a chance. Don’t miss out on this

book— it will have you glued turning page to page.

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Reality

In reality,

Our lives are not the same

In society

Our views are not the same as others

In this time and age

More responders are nonjudgmental towards others

But as time goes by will you

Still see

Me, un-judged and accept me

As an equal to thee

Written By: Liz Pritchard

10th Grade

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As I stepped out into the darkest night,

and having a bad feeling about my life,

I knew when it would come a time to fight.

But I didn't want to reveal this knife.

Behind my life, the truth will conceal lies.

Having so many things to keep inside.

Just like those little shining fireflies.

I know the time is coming to divide.

Now he is getting closer, an hour late.

The person standing up front this second,

is the person from my dreams, such a fate.

He opened his mouth to speak and reckoned,

To address me with a sinful manner,

Driving into my heart like a hammer.

Written by Samantha Humphries

12th Grade

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Jennie Saunders 10th Grade

I Don’t Care if You’re Sick

If only that vampire would stop looking at me with his intense eyes. I hid behind my

lengthy dark bangs and black eyelashes and bit my lip lightly. I have known this “vampire” since

kindergarten. Back then he was simply another six year old in a blue polo shirt with a red stripe.

Now, he is dark, intimidating, silent, and a bit terrifying. Thus we call him, the vampire. The

vampire was once known as Chase O’Leary. Through elementary school we all played together,

Lindsay, Chase, Emma, and I. We were best friends. We stood up for each other. Chase was

called girly boy, because he always hung out with the girls instead of the boys. I wept for him,

and then the boys wept from the mighty pain of the pinch I gave them on their puny arms.

In junior high he became more and more dark, cold, and closed off. Lindsay and Emma

were both caught up in their new boyfriends. Now it was up to me to bring us together again. I

approached him and he never uttered a word. Every day I sat with him at lunch. We never spoke;

we never looked at each other. But on the last day of our eighth grade year, his slender fingers

touched my knuckles, and his soft lips whispered through almost tears, “thank you.” He bolted

out of the cafeteria and I didn’t see him again until halfway through my sophomore year.

He was gone for our ninth grade year. There was no explanation or reasoning to be heard

of. All of a sudden I came into World History II, and there he sat. His pale face, the dark circles

under his eyes, and the dark clothing covering all inches of his body other than his face took me

off guard. Where did the polo shirt go? Where was my Chase? Now, Chace faced a new

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problem, the bullying begun again. This time instead of girly girl, it became queer, Goth,

vampire. I tried to stand up for him, but he lashed out at me saying that I couldn’t fight his battles

anymore. With a lot of frustration, anger, and crying, I got him to talk. He had been diagnosed

with liver cancer. They didn’t catch it early enough and he came back to school for the remainder

of the year. The doctors told him he should go on with life as if nothing was wrong. He had six

months to live.

In those six months I fell in love with Chase O’Leary. We became closer than just

friends, we became one whole. After the six months, he still didn’t get worse. He was weak

occasionally, and he had off days where I would just go over to his house and watch movies until

we fell asleep. He went to the doctor and he described it as “a medical miracle.” We celebrated

with a ride on the back of his motorcycle. We were about a third of a mile away from my house

when a red suburban pulled out in front of us. I buried my face in his shoulder and screamed as

we swerved. We hit the stop sign and I fell off the bike and into the tall grass. After I could sit up

I looked at myself. A long gash cut into my stomach and the blood was soaking through my shirt.

I panicked looking for Chase. I saw a mound, with a black leather jacket barely noticeable and I

crawled weakly to him. I held him close in my arms; the vampire’s dead intense eyes were

looking into mine and I closed them as the ambulance arrived. Over the blaring sirens I kissed

his forehead and whispered through my bloody lips, “I love you,” for the first and last time.

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Jenny Saunders/10th Grade- Self Portrait

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The Possibilities

I find beauty in the world

Where some say it shouldn't be

It's the darkness between stars

Or as tiny as a flea

It's the story of that homeless man

That dead rose in the street

It's the life that death once knew

That is beautiful to me

It's knowing all that is

Not what everything should be

It's the story of our lives

And the possibilities

Written by: Stephanie Olson

10th Grade

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Series of Poems: They Say, I Say

Written by Various Students in Mrs. Lankford’s English Class

They say, I say

Written by: De’ Ahzha Williams

They say I am stuck up

I say

I’m just a strong and dependable person.

They say that no one likes me

I say

I know how to make a few friends that will

So

Don’t judge me by what you have heard.

They say I am different from others

I say

I am my own person

They say I am not a part of their so-called “group”

I say

Stop trying to judge and criticize me

Instead

I’m going to keep my head held high to show that I have

Confidence within myself.

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They say, I say

Written by: Devon Collins

They say I play too much

I say

I am trying to enjoy life

They say I am useless

I say

I know how to make people smile

So

Don’t judge me by

How I enjoy my life

They say I play too much

I say

I am trying to enjoy life

They say I’m not

Going anywhere in life

I say

Stop bringing me down

Instead

I’m going to use my music

To change the world

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They say, I say

Written by: Amber Furman

They say I’m weird

I say

I am unique

They say I can’t do anything

I say

I know how to do everything

So don’t judge me by my things

They say I’m weird

I say

I am unique

They say I’m not anything special

I say

Stop trying to hurt me

Instead

I’m gonna smile in your face

To show you, I am great

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They say, I say

Written by: Allison Yco

They say I have it easy

I say

I am not steady

They say I only dance

I say

I know how to take a chance

So

Don’t judge me by my appearances

They say they know me

I say

I am different

They say I’m not what matters

I say

Stop being a discriminator

Instead

I’m going to use everything I know

To gain the future in my own

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They say, I say

Written by: Barry Montgomery

They say I have too much swag

I say

I am too confident in myself

They say I can dress my butt off

I say

I know how to create my own fashion

So

Don’t judge me by the way I dress.

They say I am too funny

I say

I am too funny to believe that

They say I’m not that goofy

I say

Stop making me chuckle

Instead

I’m gonna make a comedy show

To make everyone laugh

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Barry Montgomery/10th Grade- Self Portrait

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Adrienne Phillips

11th Grade

Hometown Horror

Josh Turner was a senior at Southampton High School in the fall of 2009. He lived on

Pine Avenue, in a small tree-lined neighborhood in Courtland, Va. Living in the two-story house

with Josh were his parents David and Jen, and his ten-year-old sister, Alexa. Josh had been in

trouble with the law for drag racing down Route 58 and knew if he was caught again, he would

lose his license. He was also accepted into Virginia Tech on a football scholarship, but the coach

told him if there was any more legal trouble he would lose his the chance.

The senior class president, Devin Jones, was Josh’s biggest enemy. They competed over

everything, even fought over the same girls, since third grade. On the night of October 25, the

Southampton Indians football team had just beaten the Franklin Broncos. Josh was on cloud 9 as

he was leaving the high school stadium that night. However, as he walked to his car, he saw his

ex-girlfriend Krista talking to Devin Jones. He became furious when he overheard Devin ask

Krista out on a date. Josh stormed up to the two of them to ask what was going on. Devin said “I

tell you what, let’s drag race down Country Club Road and whoever wins gets to take this lovely

lady out tonight”.

Josh knew it was wrong, but he couldn’t back down from the challenge. Exactly at 10:45

the drag race began. Josh was in the lead at first, but then lost control and ran off the road

landing in a deep ditch. Nothing was hurt except for his pride and the front end of his car. Josh

knew the trouble he would face if his parents and the Virginia Tech coach found out what

happened. He ran back to the high school parking lot and called the police to file a false report

saying that his car keys and car had been stolen. He then called his parents and told the same lie.

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Feeling guilty, Josh thought he had no other choice. He told lie after lie that night until he finally

got into bed at 2:00 am.

The police searched for two weeks but could never find the car. Mr. and Mrs. Turner

filed the insurance claim and Josh went to pick out a new pickup truck. Josh knew the police

would never find his car because after he wrecked it, he pushed it out of the ditch and was able to

push it into the lake at the end of Country Club Road. Only time would tell how long it would be

before Mrs. Turner found the forgotten car keys in Josh’s pants pocket.

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To Be Yourself

To be yourself

Is no work at all

But if you are not yourself then it is work

To be yourself…

Is to wear leggings or tight jeans

To wear sweaters or belly shirts

To wear miniskirts or long skirts

To be yourself…

Is to laugh how you laugh

To be your impression of pretty

To live your impression of life

To be yourself…

Is to be alone

Or be in the middle of a crowd

To be yourself…

To be quiet or loud

To be indoors or outdoors

To be short or tall

To be yourself…

Is to be the impression of you

Written by: Heather Patrick

12th grade

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Being a Jane

Everybody wants to be a Tom Cruise

Or an Angelina Jolie

They want fame

The money

Their face on the front of the magazine

However eventually they realize that they are

Not a Madonna

But rather an Einstein

Or a Poe

That maybe they are a Beethoven

Or a Jane Goodall

Or in my case a Jane Austen

Sure she was not Britney Spears

But she will be the one remembered

The one still dancing through people’s minds in a thousand years

But more important she touched a billion lives

And discovered the deepest desire of people’s hearts

Something Britney or Madonna will never do

However most important of all she filled the desire of her own heart

And left her own mark on the world

So sure she was not an Orlando Bloom

Or a Michael Jackson

Or a beautiful blond Reese Witherspoon

But she was proudly a Jane

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So all you Einsteins and DaVincis

All you Newtons and Shakespeares

All you single mothers

And hard working fathers

Come out of the shadows of perfection and fame

And leave your own mark like a true Jane

Written by: Heather Patrick

12th Grade

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INTERVIEW SECTION: Faculty One on One Interview

Mr. Chris Ellis- English Faculty

DD: What are your favorite books? CE: In no particular order: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Sound and The Fury by William Faulkner DD: What is the last book you read, what did you think about it? CE: A biography on The Beatles, it was quite informative.

DD: What is your favorite book turned movie? Do you think the movie was just as good as the book or better than the book? CE: To Kill a Mockingbird and The Davinci Code (book written by Dan Brown), they were probably the best adaptations I’ve seen

DD: Do you write as well? CE: Yes DD: If yes, what do you write? If no, why not? CE: Mostly poetry, some essays, and memoirs

DD: What do you think about the fact that most teenagers (and most adults) do not read often? CE: It’s truly sad. Reading can take the reader anywhere.

DD: If you could create the perfect reading list for teenagers, what books would you include? CE: To Kill a Mockingbird and Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank

DD: Do you have any parting words? CE: Just keep working on the craft of writing. Look to increase your vocabulary as much as possible. Work on your syntax.

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INTERVIEW SECTION: Acceptance and Tolerance Special Section

For our acceptance and tolerance issue, we asked a student and two English faculty members the following questions:

Can you think of any novel that’s taught you about a different race or sexual preference? If so , what book and why did it help you? If not , do you want to read books l ike this? What is your opinion on the acceptance of the same sex re lationships? Why? Do you think if more l iterature were avai lable on the topic of acceptance, people would be more wil l ing to open their minds? Why or why not?

Here are the responses:

Jane Lankford, English Faculty

It seems like EVERY novel I teach is about acceptance and understanding of different races, cultures, and beliefs. It starts in ninth grade with To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (one of the best novels of all time!) and then continuing in tenth grade with our Holocaust unit.

Scout and Jem both learn that you can't judge people - period.

I want my students to learn this: to be open-minded and give all people a chance, no matter what their race, religion, or sexual preference.

I don't know of any teen literature available about same-sex relationships. Any book we teach to a class has to be approved by a committee. I would think only very mature students would be able to handle it, and I don't know how comfortable I would be teaching it to high school students.

Bottom line - we could not get The Help (book written by: Kathryn Stockett) approved, so I doubt if anything about same sex relationships would pass muster.

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Molly Pemberton, 12th Grade

I hold firm that if someone is happy in a relationship then so be it. I feel that if it does not concern me it is not my decision.

I think that more literature on various cultures would give people a chance to learn about cultural differences. I think there should be more literature so that people can get exposure and learn more about it, so that in the future they will not judge something they don't understand.

Lohrer Mise, English Faculty

“I have read several novels, short stories, etc, which deal with characters/authors with diverse backgrounds. I have learned something about different cultures, society, etc. each time I read. A specific example is the novel Ceremony written by Leslie Marmon Silko. In my study of this novel, I learned how much Native Americans depended on the earth for their survival and how linear, simple, and raw their literature is. I have always been tolerant of people who come from different socio-economic groups, ethnic groups,,etc. What I look for in an individual is character, morals, and values. Even if that person's morals are different from mine, I try not to judge that person. I try to follow the advice Atticus gives to Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird: " Climb into another person's skin and walk around in it".

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Thanks for Reading!