For example, Eben doesn't have to do what he does. He chooses to express his sincere values on controversial, topics, but demonstrates understanding in meeting each student where he or is in the path to passing the imagination test. He doesn't want to reveal everything at once, but uses judgment in deciding what texts to read and topics to discuss on this path. He argues with us, but doesn't tell us to get out his classroom because we disagree. He plants a seed but a seed that will be "sustained" in memory due to the dramatization, albeit not created but genuine. He is radical and has been extremely effective.

The reason why I started this thread is because there are some issues that people don't speak out on, because they are afraid of societal reaction. They don't take risks and remain safe. They conflate legality with morality and do not truly think for themselves. However, just speaking out on issues that are divisive is radicalism. Remaining silent just exacerbates the problem. No matter what your opinions are on the military, enough people don't speak out about these issues or do not attempt to understand the social psychology and the staging behind what the military does. We applaud the military on airlines because they are "serving" the country, yet use capital punishment or kill someone (e.g. John Brown) who was protecting others against an unjust government. The video spoke of how this casting takes place. America always convinces citizens to fight against darker skinned individuals by creating the other and then attacking countries that it used to support (e.g. Iraq, Libya). If we attempted to attack England, for example, there would be a lot more opposition because the "other" would be harder to create. The government uses the subconscious to tap into many people's sense of "superiority" that is not openly expressed and works constantly to create/sustain this notion.

But not enough people are communicating about these issues and at least discussing their views. Wiki is a great medium, tapping into what the digital age has caused: the loss of the art of in-person conversation, but we cannot lose the latter. Both have to work together.

The kid who died in Florida reminds me of the times that I am confused for being a criminal. I went to a Columbia party last semester and being the only African American in the line, the bouncer asked for my ID. In one of the Columbia housing buildings, I was told to "hold it" by security so they could find out my identity. I could have been shot before too. Even my former students when I taught in the past reminded me that I may be mistaken for a gang member if I wear certain color(s). This "criminal" image has been created of African Americans and purposefully through dramatization and casting. It is so hard to see people die unjustly and in prison disproportionately. It pains me to see people in the Middle East suffering because of American imperialism. I am hoping law school will give me more tools to pass the imagination test. I don't know if I can hear about another Trayvon Martin, keeping in mind there are many cases like his that aren't reported. One of my high school students, when I taught in Oakland, CA, was shot in the head and killed at his 18th birthday party in an area that is festering with violence. Shots were fired outside my school, and even at my deceased student's funeral there were gunshots.

I think it's okay to lead people non-verbally as well ("wink" or nodding for approval") but I am not willing to wait. I have a limited time on this earth and things have to change. When we become too passive, injustice slips through our fingers. Something was planted in me at an early age that has never left me. I have seen so much injustice allowed to go on without much opposition. This has to stop, and the ironic part about it is that it won't take that long if we all use what we have learned and will learn in law school about how to advocate/persuade to fight for justice.

I couldn't continue to see my high school students reading on 4th grading reading levels due to systemic, institutionalized racism/deliberate dumbing down of America's youth. Change will be incremental until the system is changed. I couldn't let my family go another generation without having a college graduate. I couldn't abandon injustice like my father abandoned me. But it's not really about me because my life is a lot better than many people I hear about or see or teach. It's about using what you have to be courageous before it's too late. Before people become "robotic" and reactive instead of proactive.

Radicalism may sound intimidating or taboo, but it's just not being afraid to stand up for what you believe in. It is the best way to solve problems, if done the right way. I truly believe that. I'm tired of waiting. We are the ones we've been waiting for.