Johanna Fuenning - Post-it Note Story
 (This submission is also available in a Word Format at the end of the page) Johanna Fuenning November 12, 2006 Post-it Note Story Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Non-cooperation is an attempt to awaken the masses, to a sense of their dignity and power. This can only be done by enabling them to realize that they need not fear brute force, if they would but know the soul within.” We all have a voice. A voice that beats like the soundings of a drum, prompting us to live each day as an expression of ourselves. Ideally, we would all exist and proudly march throughout the world without fear of acceptance, rejection, or persecution. But unfortunately, as the workings of history will attest, there have been and will be times when the jaundiced, warped motives of men attempt to silence the individuality of our words. In “Resisting Terror” by Peter Ackerman and Jack DuVall, we are shown two historical instances in which the voices of ordinary women rival two of the most famous, prejudiced dictators of all time. It was their story, these women of Germany and Argentina, that inspired me to speak. As a part of an English Honors class, my means of speaking out was to present the essay of “Resisting Terror.” I began by providing students with brief historical backgrounds of 1943 Germany and 1976 Argentina. With this information, we specifically analyzed the events of the Rosenstrasse and the Plaza de Mayo. In both cases, we read personal accounts and diary entries from the monumental yet surprisingly unrenowned protests. The verbal descriptions of the suffocating atmospheres and heart-wrenching losses were aided by a PowerPoint. Besides providing clarity and flow to my presentation, the PowerPoint contained pictures that emotionalized the women’s stories and ignited sympathy for their situations. To conclude the class session, I offered the argument of “Resisting Terror,” which was one of resistance, hope, and action. If left in such a state as detailed above, the class would have indeed been informed of two examples of non-violent resistance, but with no physical connection to the events, they would have remained distant sympathizers. And so, to create immersed empathizers and to illustrate how one can become a part of an effective whole, I asked the class to, at five points throughout my presentation, offer a reaction in writing. I clarified that their responses were meant to communicate their feelings and did not have to relate directly to what we were discussing. As they jotted down sentences and fragments of thought on multi-colored post-it notes, anonymity was requested to promote honesty. At the end of the hour, I collected their post-it notes and announced that the result of their reactions would be revealed during the next class period. Upon our next meeting, students curiously eyed the stack of papers that I placed in front of them. Glancing at the papers’ random, mix-matched text, the group unanimously agreed that this was nothing close to what they had been expecting. I had used their individual expressions to create a piece of poetry that intermingled all of their voices. Each voice was designated a specific font, and thus, the students could track the exact path of their words throughout the poem. Even though they had all responded individually, without concurring over whether their statements were in agreement or contained flow, their united voice produced simple, beautiful poetry. As you read their unconscious creation-the post-it note poem-I must forewarn you to not let the ideas and themes in the poem overshadow its original intent. The purpose of this activity was not simply to write a poem about our world and the issues in “Resisting Terror.” Rather, it was to demonstrate what we can do as a joined body of people. Words are powerful. And we all have access to words. Whether we speak in a free nation or in an afflicted country, whether we act as liberals or conservatives, whether we are labeled brilliant or average, we all can contribute to the collective power of the human voice. The Post-It Note Poem: Fight to Keep Your Life: ThE Power of Your VoiCe How can dictators kill millions upon millions And still rule a country and in Hitler’s case, Wage war? What happened to allow the Oppressors to gain the power They abused? It’s really scary that people, Like General Jorge and Hitler, can come to power. How do they do it? How did it get to that point? What kept you from being a victim of this? Nothing was done to help all of the innocent people, Caught in this political mess. Governments who treat their people like that are stupid. The treatment was horrible and we complain being in America. Holy Crap. Rosenstrasse 2-4: The separation of families was very harsh. They had no way of defending themselves. I feel really sad about what the German soldiers did to the men. Why didn’t the men try and bust out? I AM SO WORRIED FOR THE WOMEN. Those women were very brave, Very brave and supportive of what they believed in. They could have been killed for that but they still did it. They stood outside in cold weather to fight for the release of their family members In this building. It was incredibly brave But when it was happening, It would seem like they were not making any progress. They could have been shot. I worry that, Though few people could even imagine this in the USA, It could happen someday- Les Desaparecidos: It’s been 30 years and people are still looking for answers… It’s hard to believe that after so many years Since the disappearance of the individuals in Buenos Aires, That there are those who are still looking. I cannot really imagine what it would be like to know My wife or daughters had been taken away- To not know where they were or how they were doing… I don’t know how it feels to have lost a child, But I never want to experience losing mine. It shows you the power between a mother and child. I wonder what could cause a mass murder like this to occur and why; Why the dictator would let it continue instead of finding a different way to satisfy his political goals? Has anyone that took place in this felt guilt and told what was happening? I think more needs to be done in finding these people. Where did they go? Where are the bodies? I bet the government kept records on who they took and killed- Hasn’t anyone in the government figured out how wrong this is? The records should be released to give the families a peace of mind. I HOPE THE RELATIVES THAT ARE LOST WILL BE FOUND. MAY GOD STRENGTHEN THE PEOPLE TO CONTINUE THEIR SEARCH FOR THEIR LOST LOVED ONES. THOSE TWO GENERALS, HITLER AND JORGE, ARE EVIL PEOPLE THAT NEED TO BE DEALT WITH. THANK GOD THEY DON’T EXIST ANYMORE. I don’t think September 11th can even be compared to Germany and Argentina. Even after that event, I did not feel in danger at all. I DON’T REALLY HAVE ANY THOUGHT ABOUT 9/11, BUT AS A HUMAN, I CAN’T LIVE WITH THAT. There is a reason why these men are fighting for us now, Men who would not want a war here like in Iraq. IT WOULD BE TOO HARD TO LIVE IN A PLACE WHERE EVERY DAY PEOPLE ARE DYING FROM TERRORIST ATTACKS. We wouldn’t be able to handle it. I know that is why I personally do support the war. Since 9/11, I have had a lot of thoughts like the ones you Describe… I know, only for that moment, we all experienced fear, Even those who may always be on the strong part of their feelings. I wonder too if I could hold up my sanity enough to resist. Je ne sais pas. I would have taken a stand against terrorism. Just like Iraq, the US had a similar problem -- the revolutionary war -- Because of that, we are still a superpower. I feel that as a citizen of the United States, Yes, I do take for granted my freedom at times. We are very ungrateful – We should be grateful for what we have. We should all be thankful. Yes, we have more freedom, but it also allows bad things Like racism. It goes both ways. I have, and will continue to strive to be thankful, and to Take part cheerfully in the democratic process! Cherish it. Spend time helping a stranger or donate time to a worthy cause. I THINK IF WE CAN STAND UP FOR THINGS THAT MATTER MOST TO US AND OTHERS, THIS COUNTRY WILL BE GREAT. Things could be as bad as in Iraq, But if they fight for freedom, someday they’ll get it. When you give up your fear of death, you create Hope for life And take a stand to make a better life.
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