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Greenwich Village has gone way, way upscale since the beginning of this century, though there are still some icons of the various forms of radicalism which had, and still do, to some degree, populate that area. One example is the Stonewall Inn, where riots in favor of gay rights took place in 1969. To some extent, the politics of the left still dominates this area, though not to the extent of the days of yore. To get a flavor of it, you can look in The Villager, the area's newspaper, by clicking the image below.

By now you probably realize this book is different from other books in this course--perhaps different from anything else you've read before. Aside from brief introductions and transitions, the primary material chapter by chapter consists of words of persons who lived through and participated in the events the chapters describe. This makes it both easier and harder to look for resources. For example, you'll have no trouble at all finding information on the Almanac Singers, either using Google (don't forget its sub-categories) or Archive.org. It will be less easy to find information about specific persons who have contributed their memories and ideas to the book. But difficult doesn't mean impossible. Check what I found after a little poking around for information about Gordon Friesen. So get to work, Dr. Watson and Sherlock.

No new readings for today.

I want to accomplish a couple of things. First, I want us to think together about a number of the pictures preceding Chapter four. I'll have some equipment ordered so we can put them on the screen at the end of the table. Choose which seem most interesting and meaningful to you. We'll follow your interests for a good portion of the class.

Second, I want to check up on your current project plans. I don't know how many are planning to try making music videos and how many are planning on trying their hand at websites. I also want to ask how many could use some help. If enough do, then I will see if I can get someone from Information Technology over to give a demonstration

Read, in Dunaway and Beer,

Chapter 5: "Am I in America?" The Red Scare. pp. 76 - 106

You'll find the problems/benefits of this chapter very much similar to those we considered on Monday. A little digging beneath the surface will proved gold, if not the mother load. Take for example the section on the Peekskill Riots of 1949. I was in grade school way back then. Some of the people in this class may be from Westchester County, though I don't think anyone is from Peekskill. Am I right or wrong? Take a look at the faces in the picture below. What do you think? Imagine what those trying to attend the concert thought. Click to read the article from which I borrowed the picture below.

Let me tell you the story of a line that was held,

And many brave men and women whose courage we know well,

How we held the line at Peekskill on that long September day!

We will hold the line forever till the people have their way.Hold the line!

Hold the line!

As we held the line at Peekskill

We will hold it everywhere.

Hold the line!

We will hold the line forever

Till there’s freedom ev’rywhere.

Words by Lee Hays; Music by Pete Seeger (1949)