Comments on: Capitalism, Socialism, Communism, and Napoleon

By: Blue Cereal

Blue Cereal — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 13:22:56 +0000

In reply to Melissa. Floundering & Matching

Thank you! And I'll check out this link.

As to losing track of the source, I find that to be true of much of what I use. When it's most maddening is when I need to re-create something or flesh it out and can't figure out where the part I already have came from to begin with :-)

By: Blue Cereal

Blue Cereal — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 13:21:37 +0000

In reply to Jennifer Williams. Because Humans...

I've been accused of being cynical that way, but I find that a bit more honesty with my students regarding the flaws and failures in the system (and most of the individuals shaping it) actually reduces their cynicism - because it seems we're less full of ****. Humans ARE weak and stupid. Recognizing this can only help us move forward more effectively - knowing that the line between civilization and state-of-nature savagery is thin and tentative, and requires persistent care to maintain.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 21:25:59 +0000

I think you are doing a great job.
I really like your explanation. I found myself floundering today trying to explain the difference between socialism and communism during a discussion about The Crucible and McCarthyism with my students. I think your examples are perfect.

I use this powerpoint and have turned them into cards. I have the students play a memory style matching game with them. Thought you might like it. (I didn’t make them originally sadly, but I long ago lost where they came from.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IWCnAfh81XlvNbaRClDKZv637ZtQ8karugPh0buJbcc/edit?usp=sharing

By: Jennifer Williams

Jennifer Williams — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 16:56:51 +0000

Actually looks as freshmen
Actually looks as freshmen-friendly as you can make it. Minor suggestion: on the socialism cow, add “who has none” or “who had no cows” after “neighbor.” Just for clarification. (I’m trying to think like a freshman.)

When I did a philosophy club at school, we hit political theories. We discussed merits and weaknesses. I asked, “Why doesn’t this work in reality?” Our rote answer became, “Because humans are weak and stupid.” We even thought about putting that on a T-shirt.