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JANUARY 2014 EDITION

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Page 1: Curio.camedia.curio.ca/filer_public/db/d6/dbd6234b-e2bc-45a0-99... · Web viewAfghanistan: A Soldier’s Story, March 2009 The Hidden Wounds of War, February 2008 Related CBC Videos

JANUARY2014EDITION

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CreditsNews in Review is produced by CBC NewsResource Guide Writers: Sean Dolan and Marc KeirsteadHost: Michael SerapioPackaging Producer: Marie-Hélène SavardAssociate Producer: Francyne DoraisSupervising Manager: Laraine Bone

Visit us at our Web site at our Web site at http://newsinreview.cbclearning.ca, where you will find News in Review indexes and an electronic version of this resource guide. As a companion resource, we recommend that students and teachers access CBC News Online, a multimedia current news source that is found on the CBC’s home page at www.cbc.ca/news/.

Closed CaptioningNews in Review programs are closed captioned. Subscribers may wish to obtain decoders and “open” these captions for the hearing impaired, for English as a Second Language students, or for situations in which the additional on-screen print component will enhance learning.

CBC Learning authorizes the reproduction of material contained in this resource guide for educational purposes. Please identify the source.

News in Review is distributed by:

CBC Learning | Curio.ca, P.O. Box 500, Stn A, Toronto, ON, Canada M5W 1E6 • Tel: (416) 205-6384Toll-free: 1-866-999-3072 • Fax: (416) 205-2376 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.curio.ca

Copyright © 2014 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

News in Review, January 2014

1. Typhoon Haiyan: Destruction in the Philippines (Length: 14:43)

2. Military Suicides in Canada (Length: 18:25)

3. JFK: 72 Hours That Changed America (Length: 19:46)

4. Lady Gaga: Icon of Our Era (Length: 13:34)

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CONTENTS

In This Issue........................................................................................................2

Typhoon Haiyan: Destruction in the PhilippinesMinds on......................................................................................................................................................4Setting the stage..........................................................................................................................................4Video review................................................................................................................................................6Did climate change play a role?...................................................................................................................8Debt relief as humanitarian aid?...............................................................................................................10Canada responds.......................................................................................................................................11

Military Suicides in CanadaSetting the stage........................................................................................................................................12Video review..............................................................................................................................................15

JFK: 72 Hours That Changed AmericaSetting the stage........................................................................................................................................18Video review..............................................................................................................................................22

Lady Gaga: Icon of Our EraMinds on....................................................................................................................................................25Setting the stage........................................................................................................................................25Video review..............................................................................................................................................27Friend of the LGBT community..................................................................................................................29Who’s your icon?.......................................................................................................................................31

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IN THIS ISSUE

Typhoon Haiyan: Destruction in the Philippines (Length: 14:43)With wind speeds gusting over 300 km/hour it was the strongest typhoon to ever make landfall. Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines in November 2013 leaving a wake of death and devastation. More than 6 000 people were killed and as many as 10 million were left scrambling for food, water and a place to live.

News in Review Study Modules

Superstorm Sandy, January 2013Pakistan’s Catastrophic Floods, October 2010The Copenhagen Climate Change Summit,

December 2009A Call for Action on Climate Change,

March 2007New Orleans: Six Months After Katrina,

April 2006A Mean Season: Four Hurricanes Hit Hard,

November 2004

Related CBC Videos

The Antarctica Challenge: A Global WarningExtreme Weather, Episode 1: Wind and WaterExtreme Weather, Episode 2: Fire and IceIn Pakistan: SpecialThe Polar Explorer

Military Suicides in Canada (Length: 18:25)Post-traumatic stress syndrome, more commonly known as PTSD, can take over the life of someone suffering from the disorder. In recent years, more than a hundred Canadian soldiers have taken their lives due to PTSD and people are calling on the military to do more to help people suffering from it.

News in Review Study Modules

Healing the Invisible Wounds of War, December 2011

Canada and the Afghanistan Legacy, May 2011Afghanistan: A Frontline Report, November

2010Afghanistan: A Soldier’s Story, March 2009The Hidden Wounds of War, February 2008

Related CBC Videos

Broken HeroesLife + Death in Kandahar

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JFK: 72 Hours That Changed America (Length: 19:46)A half century ago, U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. Despite the official story that he was killed by lone gunman Lee Harvey Oswald, many are still convinced there were others involved. In this report from Peter Mansbridge, details of the shooting and the aftermath are explored in depth.

News in Review Study Modules

9/11: The Day That Changed the World, October 2006

Related CBC Videos

Conspiracy Rising Voices from the Brink: The Cuban Missile Crisis

Lady Gaga: Icon of Our Era (Length: 13:34)She is one of the biggest pop performers of our day, with award-winning songs that dominate the charts. Lady Gaga is no shrinking violet when it comes to controversy either. It’s not only the meat dress and her other bizarre costume choices; she has also spoken out against perceived injustice and spearheaded a movement of self-empowerment. Gaga continues to both entertain and surprise.

News in Review Study Modules

Teen Suicide: Breaking the Silence, November 2011

Related CBC Videos

Best of News in Review: Bullying Awareness#bullyPROOFParis Hilton Inc: The Selling of Celebrity

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News in Review – January 2014 – Teacher Resource Guide

TYPHOON HAIYAN: Destruction in the Philippines

MINDS ON

Did you know that typhoons, hurricanes and cyclones are essentially the same thing? These extreme weather events just have different names based on where they originate. Storms developing in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific are called hurricanes. Storms emerging in the Northwest Pacific are called typhoons. Meanwhile storms that come to fruition in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean are called cyclones. All three weather events involve high winds, heavy rainfall, massive waves and flooding.

Wouldn’t it be a lot simpler to just use one term when referring to these storms (i.e. call all of them hurricanes)? Why would some countries be opposed to selecting one term over another?

SETTING THE STAGE

It may have been the worst storm in recorded history. With winds approaching — and at times surpassing — 300 km/hour, torrential rainfall and massive storm surges, Typhoon Haiyan swept through the Philippines leaving over 6 000 dead, thousands more missing, scores of others injured, and thousands upon thousands homeless. Authorities believe that at least 11 million people were affected by the storm.

Typhoons are nothing new to the Philippines, but Haiyan was particularly powerful and shockingly devastating. According to some reports, there were so many people killed in the city of Tacloban that corpses littered the streets with some bodies dangling from trees, unceremoniously deposited there by either the fierce winds or the violent storm surge.

Typhoon Haiyan did more than bring devastation to the archipelago of the Philippines. The storm managed to bring the topic of climate change back to the headlines. This happened largely due to the efforts of a Filipino diplomat named Yeb Sano who delivered a speech to delegates at the UN’s climate change conference in Warsaw, Poland. Sano pulled no punches as

News in Review CBC Learning ∙ ∙ newsinreview.cbclearning.ca 4

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he directly linked the ferocity of Typhoon Haiyan to the world’s changing climate. To accentuate his point he staged a hunger strike for the two-week duration of the conference, imploring delegates to finally take meaningful steps toward reducing harmful greenhouse gases.

While scientists are reluctant to support Sano’s claim, many observers are wondering if Sano might be right and Typhoon Haiyan is just one example of the remarkably powerful storms that will become more common as our planet continues to warm.

An archipelago is a group, cluster, or collection of islands. The Philippines is made up of over 7 000 islands with the population of the country living on 2 000 of those islands.

To consider

1. How powerful was Typhoon Haiyan?

2. Do you support Yeb Sano’s claim that Typhoon Haiyan can be directly linked to global climate change? What do you think of his choice to resort to a hunger strike to capture the attention of delegates at the UN conference on climate change in Warsaw?

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VIDEO REVIEW

Pre-viewing

When Typhoon Haiyan hit the city of Tacloban, wind speeds exceeded 300 km/hour. The high winds were followed by a 5-metre storm surge that washed over most of the city. With a population of 220 000 people, Tacloban suffered over 2 500 deaths with close to 90 per cent of the city either damaged or destroyed by the typhoon.

If a storm of this magnitude hit your town or city, what kind of devastation would you, your family and your friends face? Imagine one per cent of the population dying, many more getting hurt or becoming ill, and over 90 percent of the place you call home being laid to waste. Describe how this prospect makes you feel. Share your insights with a person in your class.

While viewing

1. How many people did Typhoon Haiyan leave in a state of hardship? How many people are believed to have been killed by the typhoon?

2. How many islands make up the nation of the Philippines? Why is it more difficult to provide emergency assistance to a nation of islands than a unified mainland nation?

3. What was the Filipino name for Typhoon Haiyan?

4. How did Rosy’s children help her build a house that was strong enough to survive the typhoon?

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5. What happened to the coastal houses in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan?

6. What is the nickname for the area of the Philippines that is seen as the most vulnerable place in the world when it comes to tropical storms?

7. What kinds of houses need to be constructed if the Philippines hopes to combat future tropical storms?

The World Meteorological Society names storms. In the case of the tropical cyclone that hit the Philippines on November 8, 2013, the WMS named the storm Typhoon Haiyan. The Philippines has its own naming system and called the storm Typhoon Yolanda. The archipelago faces an average of 19 typhoons a year.

Post-viewing

Canada’s 500 000 Filipinos, whether they are ancestors, immigrants or on work visas, send roughly $2 billion back to relatives in the Philippines in a given year. This is a part of a larger $26 billion pot of cash that Filipinos living abroad funnel back to their ancestral homeland. When Typhoon Haiyan struck, electricity, communication systems and basic infrastructure were destroyed in some areas. What impact do you think the typhoon had on the ability of Filipino’s living abroad to communicate and support their families?

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DID CLIMATE CHANGE PLAY A ROLE?

Minds on

The United States has been the single largest producer of greenhouse gases since 1850. Currently China is leading the world in greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, it has become clear that Canada will not meet the greenhouse gas reduction targets agreed to when the government signed the 2009 Copenhagen Accord — a major international agreement on climate change. All three nations are major economic powers, as well as leading global polluters.

Do you think countries like the United States, China and Canada should be obligated to financially compensate poor nations ravaged by extreme weather that may have been caused by climate change?

Yeb Sano’s impassioned speechJust days after Typhoon Haiyan swept through the Philippines, Naderev “Yeb” Sano made an impassioned speech to delegates attending the UN conference on climate change in Warsaw, Poland. Sano, a Filipino diplomat, told delegates from over 200 countries that he would go on a hunger strike until UN member nations came up with meaningful actions to help slow the pace of climate change. “What my country is going through as a result of this extreme climate event is madness,” he said. “We can stop this madness. Right here in Warsaw” (Toronto Star, November 12, 2013).

Discord in Warsaw While Sano’s speech was met with a standing ovation, the prospect of meaningful action proved to be elusive over the course of the two-

week conference. Wealthy nations were almost in constant disagreement with developing nations on many of the key issues. Environmental groups were also frustrated by the lack of progress made by delegates as the conference wore on. In fact, developing nations and environmental groups walked out of the talks on separate occasions, demonstrating the level of discord surrounding the conference.

The climate change debate is overThe only real consensus coming out of the UN conference came with the acknowledgement of one fact: the climate change debate is over. The link between greenhouse gases and the overall warming of the planet is now scientific fact (The   Guardian , November 13, 2013). November 2013 was the 345th straight month where the average global temperature exceeded the 20th century average. Unless all nations unite to fight pollution and reduce emissions, greenhouse gases will continue to warm the Earth and the weather will continue to become more volatile.

Extreme weather is comingClimatologists are quick to point out that different areas of the world will experience extreme weather events due to the warming of the planet’s oceans. These extreme weather events might include heat waves and droughts as

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well as bitter cold and blizzards. In other words, the frequency of destructive storms like typhoons might not increase, but their strength and ferocity will. As the oceans warm, the weather will continue to change and become much more deadly. These types of scientific conclusions are the ones that inspired Sano to make his impassioned speech and to stage his hunger strike.

The road leads to ParisThe conference in Warsaw was the stepping stone for a major international climate deal scheduled to be signed in Paris in 2015. If a consensus can be reached, the Paris deal will establish a new set of rules regarding greenhouse gas emissions and compensation for those nations bearing the brunt of global warming’s most damaging consequences. Fortunately the UN conference in Warsaw did manage to keep the international dialogue going,

making the likelihood of a large-scale deal in Paris a possibility (however remote). Delegates agreed to a provision called the Warsaw Mechanism — a pledge to help poor nations suffering through climate-change related events like droughts, floods, cyclones and desertification (when fertile land turns into desert). They also agreed to take steps to preserve the world’s tropical rainforests.

However, when asked if he felt meaningful action had been taken at the conference, Yeb Sano was quick to voice his disappointment. The Warsaw meetings lacked the urgency needed to slow the pace of climate change. As he concluded his hunger strike at the end of the conference, Sano expressed his hope that the lessons coming from the power and fury of Typhoon Haiyan would be taken to heart so that some kind of profound and enduring agreement can be reached in Paris in 2015.

To consider

1. What was the subject of Yeb Sano’s speech to delegates at the UN climate change conference in Warsaw?

2. Why is the climate change debate officially over?

3. What is the Warsaw Mechanism?

4. Do you think the nations of the world can come to a consensus on climate change at the Paris meeting in 2015?

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DEBT RELIEF AS HUMANITARIAN AID?

Debt repaymentIn the wake of the devastation brought by Typhoon Haiyan, the Filipino government paid $1 billion to nations to which they owed money — part of an $8.4 billion debt repayment schedule for 2013. In 2104, the Philippines will pay another $8.8 billion toward their foreign debt. Tim Jones, a reporter for the U.K.-based newspaper The Guardian, asks the question: why not forgive the Philippines their debt so they can focus their resources on rebuilding their nation in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan? (The Guardian, December 23, 2013)

Poverty MattersJones’ article appeared in his Poverty Matters Blog on The Guardian’s website. The article also highlights the following facts:

Much of the Philippines debt stems from the rule of dictator Ferdinand Marcos who ran the country from 1965 to 1986. Marcos borrowed massive sums of money from foreign nations and is believed to have stolen $10 billion from Filipino coffers.

Close to 16 million Filipinos live below the poverty line.

The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank promised to lend (not give!) the Philippines close to $2 billion for reconstruction efforts — thus exacerbating an already intense debt problem.

The Philippines does not qualify for most international debt relief schemes because the annual average income of Filipinos is close to $3 000 (the average income in Canada is a little under $50 000). By international standards, this makes the people of the Philippines too rich to receive debt relief grants.

Tim Jones makes the point that, while approximately $100 million was pledged by the international community to help the Philippines in the immediate aftermath of the typhoon, ten times that amount went to debt repayment in the short time between the typhoon’s touchdown in November and the end of the calendar year. Perhaps the aid effort could be seriously bolstered by a campaign of debt forgiveness that sees the Filipino government focus on reconstruction without the burden of foreign debt hanging over their shoulders.

To consider

Should wealthy nations and institutions forgive at least part of the debt owed by the Philippines while the nation attempts to rebuild in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan?

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CANADA RESPONDS

Canada has an excellent reputation for humanitarian aid in the face of natural disasters. While many nations promise money and resources, Canada makes sure the money and the resources make their way to those who need help the most. In other words, Canada goes beyond promising help: they make sure the help promised becomes a reality. Does this make you proud to be a Canadian or is this just the morally correct thing to do and, therefore, nothing to be proud of?

Deep roots in CanadaWhile the government of the Philippines scrambled to respond to the devastation wrought by Typhoon Haiyan, Filipino Canadians waited anxiously for news regarding loved ones caught in the path of the storm. Over the years more than 500 000 people have come to Canada from the Philippines, so the sense of worry was profound and the images emerging from the worst hit areas did not help matters.

Leading the chargeThe Filipino community in Canada led the charge with food drives and fundraisers — many of which emanated from their local churches. They coordinated their efforts with global humanitarian aid agencies that were working diligently to bring relief to the areas that needed it the most.

Strong government responseMeanwhile, the government of Canada put together disaster relief resources as soon as they could. Initially pledging $20 million in aid, the Harper government went a step further, agreeing to match donations made by Canadians — which eventually totalled $35 million. They also agreed to prioritize immigration requests coming from those hardest hit by the typhoon. Finally, Canada deployed the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to the Philippines. A team of over 300 Canadian Armed Forces personnel produced close to a half million litres of purified water, treated over 6 000 injured or ill Filipinos, cleared over 100 kilometres of road and delivered 230 000 pounds of food and supplies to some of the hardest hit areas.

In 2010, the Philippines became Canada’s largest source of immigrants, surpassing immigration from both China and India.

To consider

How did Canada respond to the devastation brought on by Typhoon Haiyan? Was the response adequate or should Canada have done more?

Minds on

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SETTING THE STAGE

Every November 11 Canadians in all parts of the country pause and remember the sacrifices of the military throughout numerous conflicts. Canadian students are taught about the exploits of our soldiers in the Boer War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War and, more recently, the war in Afghanistan. Canadians remember battles such as Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, Dieppe, Normandy and Ortona. Students read about the bravery of Canadian troops, and the military is held up as an organization that defends our rights and freedoms. Yet through all these commendations few Canadians are aware of the long-term impact of war on military personnel.

Earlier wars and mental healthDuring World War I the use of new weapons, such as poison gas, and the improved use of artillery and machine guns wrecked havoc on troops. Soldiers were forced to spend days in wet trenches enduring constant bombardment. A number of soldiers developed severe mental health issues that were known as shell shock. Soldiers suffering from this condition exhibited shakes, lack of concentration and an inability to fight. At first the military accused these soldiers of trying to avoid military service and branded many of them as cowards. Little thought was given to the fact that these soldiers might be psychologically wounded.

During World War II similar cases appeared (called combat fatigue) and although there was more sympathy for these wounded soldiers, they were still looked down upon as lacking the moral and physical strength to be true soldiers.

Afghanistan war veteransIn 2001 Canada committed its military to the war in Afghanistan in response to the attacks on

9/11 in New York. For the next 11 years Canadian troops engaged in military action against the Taliban forces. 158 Canadians were killed. There were numerous wounded soldiers who returned to Canada for further medical care. As in previous wars, some soldiers began to exhibit mental health issues related to their time in an active combat zone. Not only front line troops experienced these issues but also support staff, such as doctors who had to deal with the very serious wounds suffered by our troops.

The effects of PTSDThe medical profession had studied these types of cases for decades and labelled the condition as post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). The condition can surface after a traumatic event such as a car crash, a mugging, a natural disaster, childhood abuse and, we now know, combat. People who experience this trauma often relive the event and react as if they were once again involved in the action. These individuals can exhibit behaviours such as irritability, constantly being on guard, lashing out at others, difficulty sleeping or withdrawing from friends and loved ones. Depression is a common result and can even lead to suicide.

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JANUARY 2014 — MILITARY SUICIDES IN CANADA

PTSD and suicideAs more Canadian troops returned home from Afghanistan, the number of PTSD cases increased. By 2011 it was becoming clear that not only did many soldiers suffer from PTSD, some could no longer adjust and committed suicide. In that year alone there were 22 reported cases.

As disturbing as these statistics are, it was not until four soldiers committed suicide in the same week that the press and general public began to ask questions not only about what causes PTSD, but also about the treatment troops can access. During the week of November 24, 2013 Warrant Officer Michael McNeil, Master Corporal William Elliott, Master Bombardier Travis Halmrast and Master Corporal Sylvain Lelièvre — all veterans of the war in Afghanistan —committed suicide.

A former general speaks outA few days after Lelievre’s death, it was reported that Senator Roméo Dallaire, a retired lieutenant-general, crashed his car on Parliament Hill. Dallaire reported that he had not been able to sleep after hearing of the suicides and may have fallen asleep at the wheel. General Dallaire is one of the most famous examples of PTSD. He was the commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission sent to Rwanda in 1993 to attempt to stop the civil war. General Dallaire’s forces were outnumbered and he was unable to stop the mass killing of civilians. When he returned to Canada he left the military and

attempted suicide four times. He has since become a strong advocate for soldiers suffering from PTSD and has pressured the government and the military to acknowledge that a crisis exists and that immediate action is required.

Canada and elsewhereThe new year unfortunately has seen the suicides continue. On January 9 the husband of retired corporal Leona MacEachern announced that his wife’s death in a car accident on December 25 was actually a suicide. She had left a note to her husband indicating she had given up hope.

PTSD is not unique to Canadian troops. The British military reported that more British troops have died by suicide than were killed in action. The United States military estimates that 11% of Afghanistan veterans and 20% of Iraqi veterans suffer from PTSD (National Institutes of Health, Winter 2009).

The government respondsAdvocates for soldiers suffering from PTSD have called upon the Canadian government to increase services and assistance to these individuals. The government responded by detailing the programs that are available to the military. Returning soldiers can access programs that provide health benefits and job retraining. The programs include psychological counselling, substance abuse programs and financial advice. Veterans are also eligible for financial assistance after they have completed a rehabilitation program and are either unable to get a job or acquire a low paying job. In the 2007 federal budget, the government committed $9 million to establishing 10 clinics that provide services for injured veterans. The programs that have been established are meant to not only address veterans’ psychological injuries but also

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JANUARY 2014 — MILITARY SUICIDES IN CANADA

to assist families in dealing with their injured relatives.

Even with support systems available, soldiers suffering from PTSD are often embarrassed or afraid to inform their superiors. Many soldiers feel they will be stigmatized or dismissed from active duty. There have been cases where some soldiers were discharged just before they were eligible for full military pensions.

Families seek supportNot all soldiers who suffer from PTSD commit suicide. Some manage to continue working in

the military in other assignments that do not involve combat. Some, however, turn to drugs and crime to help deal with their issues. These actions not only affect the soldier but also impact family and friends. Families have seen their sons and daughters leave for missions as confident well-trained soldiers and return a shell of their former selves. PTSD sufferers can lash out at people around them or shut themselves away refusing to interact. Families, left feeling helpless and scared, are crying out for assistance for their loved ones and themselves.

Canada officially ended its military role in Afghanistan in 2011. Yet the impact of this conflict continues to be felt as many of our veterans deal with the trauma and pain of their experiences. It is clear that war has immediate effect on nations and soldiers but its long-term effects can remain for years.

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JANUARY 2014 — MILITARY SUICIDES IN CANADA

VIDEO REVIEW

Pre-viewing

1. Have you experienced a traumatic event that had a lasting impact on you? How did it affect you?

2. How might military training not fully prepare you for the realities of combat?

While viewing

1. Why might the military not monitor all returning soldiers for possible PTSD symptoms?

2. How does the culture of the military cause some soldiers with PTSD to hesitate in seeking assistance?

3. Why would Minister McKay be so anxious to get a report from his department regarding the incident where a soldier was charged for taking some sick days?

4. Why might some soldiers suffering from PTSD fear being released from the military?

5. What is the one area of support many soldiers would like to see adopted by the government?

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JANUARY 2014 — MILITARY SUICIDES IN CANADA

Post-viewing

1. a) There are some programs being offered to veterans experiencing PTSD. Make a list of what you feel should be included in these programs to assist the veterans?

b) After you have completed your list of ideas, check the Outward Bound site that outlines its programs to help veterans — www.outwardbound.ca/results_index.asp?Category=88. How did your list compare to the Outward Bound Program?

2. a) There has been some criticism of the government for not providing enough assistance to returning veterans. Develop a list of complaints mentioned in the video regarding the government’s response and then compare it to existing governmental programs.

Complaints about government inaction Government programs for veterans

Possible sources New Veterans Charter: www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/news/did-you-know/new-veterans-charter Guide to Benefits, Programs, and Services for Canadian Armed Forces Members and their Families:

www.forces.gc.ca/en/caf-community-benefits-ill-injured-deceased/guide.page

b) Are the complaints justified, or do the government programs address the complaints? If not, what should the government do to better resolve these issues?

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JANUARY 2014 — MILITARY SUICIDES IN CANADA

3. a) In 2013 General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, posted a video on the Armed Forces website encouraging soldiers suffering mental health issues to seek assistance. Watch the video and identify how the general tries to use the culture of the military to encourage soldiers suffering mental health issues to seek help: www.forces.gc.ca/en/index.page

b) Keeping in mind what you have learned in this CBC News in Review report, do you feel the general’s video will be effective in dealing with PTSD sufferers? Why or why not?

4. Some soldiers suffering from PTSD have resorted to crime to deal with their mental health issues. Should they be given more lenience when it comes to convictions and sentencing?

Arguments for leniencyArguments for imposing the same criteria on all

charged with crimes

5. Currently soldiers who die in combat have death benefits given to their families. Should soldiers who commit suicide due to PTSD also be given the same consideration? Why or why not?

During World War I, a number of Canadian soldiers were executed for cowardice and desertion, but they may have suffered from what we now call PTSD. Many of these soldiers have now been pardoned.

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News in Review – January 2014 – Teacher Resource Guide

JFK: 72 Hours that Changed America

SETTING THE STAGE

September 11, 2001 will always remain a defining moment in history for millions. Shock and disbelief still affect those old enough to remember this horrible tragedy. For an earlier generation the event that had a similar impact was November 22, 1963. It was 50 years ago in Dallas, Texas that John F. Kennedy (JFK), a young, vibrant president was assassinated.

The world was stunned, and for four days, millions stayed by their television sets watching coverage of the events. A suspect was soon arrested but was just as quickly murdered. These horrible events set off a series of conspiracy theories that questioned how one person could successfully kill the most powerful man in the world and how the alleged assassin could also be killed so soon after his arrest.

JFK’s White House yearsKennedy had been U.S. president for only three years when he was assassinated. Elected to the office at the age of 43, he was seen as a bright light who would usher in a new decade of prosperity and peace. He had all the required characteristics: a war hero who had saved many of his crew from a gun boat sunk by the Japanese in World War II; a Harvard University graduate; a member of a powerful family with a father that had been U.S. Ambassador to Britain; husband to a beautiful and dignified wife; and the first Catholic president.

Though his tenure as president was short, Kennedy had dealt with major crises, including confronting the Russians over their installation of nuclear missiles in Cuba. The president demanded the Russians remove the missiles and ordered a blockade of the island. The Cuban Missile Crisis ended when the Russians backed

down. Kennedy also faced the emotional issue of segregation. On more than one occasion during this turbulent time in the U.S. civil rights movement, Kennedy ordered the police and

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JANUARY 2014 — JFK: 72 HOURS THAT CHANGED AMERICA

national guard to protect black protesters and students. By 1963 he was gearing up for the upcoming presidential election, confident he would win a second term. To help solidify his support in the south, he agreed to travel to Texas.

Big crowds in DallasOn Friday, November 22 Air Force One, the presidential plane, landed in sunny Dallas. The president and Mrs. Kennedy were pleasantly surprised to see a large friendly crowd greet them as they descended from the plane. There had been concerns that there might be protests against the president. One organization had even printed wanted posters of the president.

Considering the friendly crowds and the beautiful weather, the president insisted on leaving down the presidential limousine’s bubble top, normally raised for his protection. Along the route, the crowds cheered the presidential couple. Texas Governor John Connolly, seated just ahead of the president, was prompted to lean back and say, “Mr. President, you can't say Dallas doesn't love you.”

It sounded like firecrackersShortly thereafter the presidential cavalcade passed the Texas Book Depository. As the car passed a road sign a loud noise reverberated in the square. Some people thought firecrackers had been lit. However to the secret service agents riding behind the president the sound was all too familiar — a gun shot. The president grabbed his throat and leaned towards Mrs. Kennedy. Almost immediately a second shot was fired and the president was struck in the head. His skull exploded and he fell against Mrs. Kennedy. She crawled onto the back of the car, but a secret service agent pushed her back into the limousine. He spread-eagled himself across the back seat to try and protect the couple. It was only at this point that he realized

that not only had the president been shot but also the Texas governor.

Kennedy’s last momentsThe limousine sped up and headed for Parkland Hospital where doctors were told to prepare to attend a gunshot victim. The president was removed from the car and taken to the emergency room where a number of physicians worked to stabilize him. However, it quickly became apparent that the gunshot had done severe damage and there was little hope of saving the president. Two priests were summoned to provide the president with the last rites. At approximately 1:08 the president was pronounced dead. Vice President Lyndon Johnson was quickly taken back to Air Force One where he was administered the oath of office and became the 36th president of the United States.

Shock around the worldAll across the U.S. and around the world, people reacted with shock and dismay. This event so traumatized people that most can even today remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard the news. People immediately turned on their televisions for the latest news. For the next 48 hours millions were transfixed by the images and news reported from Dallas.

Shortly after President Kennedy was shot the police forces began searching for suspects. A number of people in the plaza where the shooting had taken place indicated shots had been fired from the sixth floor of the Texas Textbook Depository. Other witnesses reported they heard shots coming from the grassy knoll located ahead of the presidential car. Police searched the sixth floor of the depository and found a rifle and boxes stacked as a perch where a person could aim the rifle. Police were able to account for all the employees except one — Lee Harvey Oswald.

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JANUARY 2014 — JFK: 72 HOURS THAT CHANGED AMERICA

Oswald once a defectorOswald had been a member of the Marines and was considered a good marksman. He had left the Marines after becoming disillusioned with the military and American foreign policy. He defected to communist Russia. The Russians were suspicious of Oswald and thought he might be an American spy. While in Russia Oswald met a Russian girl and married her. After a brief time he decided that he wanted to return to the United States. When he returned, he joined the Fair Treatment for Cuba organization that demanded the American government stop its aggressive actions towards Cuba and its economic boycott.

Oswald had left the depository before the police arrived. They issued an all-points bulletin. When he was spotted by J.D. Tippit, a police officer who confronted him, Oswald pulled out a pistol and killed the officer. He hurriedly moved on and entered a movie theatre. The police were informed, and when they confronted Oswald, he tried to shoot the arresting officer but his gun jammed. The police took Oswald to the Dallas police station and charged him with the murders of Officer Tippit and President Kennedy. Oswald denied he killed anyone and claimed he was framed for these crimes.

Official mourning beginsMeanwhile President Kennedy’s body was flown back to Washington and plans were made for his funeral. His body lay in state in the White House, and the next day it was taken to Capitol Hill where thousands of citizens paid their respects. A full state funeral was scheduled for Monday, November 25. Many people watched as Mrs. Kennedy and her children accompanied the body to the Capitol and knelt by the coffin. All were amazed with the composure Mrs. Kennedy exhibited during these difficult moments.

A second assassinationOn Sunday in Dallas the next chapter in this drama would take place. The police announced that they intended to move Oswald to a more secure location. The press were allowed to witness the transfer; the downstairs garage was filled with television cameras, news broadcasters and the police. In front of a worldwide audience, Oswald was led out towards an armoured car when a figure lunged from the crowd and fired. As pandemonium ensued, police grabbed the shooter (later identified as local nightclub owner Jack Ruby). Oswald was rushed to the same hospital where President Kennedy had been treated. Doctors worked on Oswald but were unable to save him. Within two days, a president had been assassinated and his alleged shooter had also been killed. This was fertile ground for conspiracy theorists (see following page).

The end of CamelotThe assassination of President Kennedy affected Americans who saw this event as a loss of innocence. During Kennedy’s early years in the White House many commentators compared this youthful president and his young family to the happy, prosperous leaders of the mythical

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JANUARY 2014 — JFK: 72 HOURS THAT CHANGED AMERICA

kingdom of Camelot. Now it seemed that positive elements of that time died with the president. Would history have been changed if Kennedy had lived? Would the U.S. have gotten involved in the devastating war in Vietnam? Would civil rights have been implemented

sooner with this president? These are the “ifs” of history and one can only speculate. Yet no one can deny that the events of 50 years ago still impact a generation who will never forget where they were on that horrible day.

Was Oswald a lone gunman?

Over the decades discussions of President Kennedy’s death have often focused on whether or not Oswald was the assassin, if he acted on his own, if he was part of a larger conspiracy, or if he was set up and silenced. Conspiracy theories have included:

Organized CrimeWhen he was a senator, Kennedy was involved in committee hearings investigating organized crime. JFK and his brother Robert pressured members of the mob and exposed many of their illegal activities. Threats had been made against the Kennedys and some theorists feel the mob used Oswald and then had him silenced by Ruby.

The Cuban ConnectionIn 1959 the Cuban dictator was overthrown and replaced by populist guerrilla leader Fidel Castro. At first Castro sought friendly relations with the United States. However he resented American interference and soon aligned Cuba with communist Russia. In 1961 President Kennedy approved an invasion of Cuban exiles against the Castro regime. However the exiles were defeated at the Bay of Pigs, with many either killed or captured. Again, conspiracy theorists suggest that Castro wanted revenge and recruited Oswald, a known sympathizer to assassinate the president.

The Grassy KnollWhen the first film reports of the assassination were shown, a number of people were seen pointing to the grassy knoll that was located further down the street from the book depository. Witnesses claimed they had heard shots come from that direction. This theory seemed to be supported by film taken by a bystander which showed the president grabbing his throat after the first shot and his head jerking back after the second shot. This head movement convinced some that a shot had come from the front of the car.

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JANUARY 2014 — JFK: 72 HOURS THAT CHANGED AMERICA

VIDEO REVIEW

Pre-viewing

1. What do you consider to be the most significant event in your life? What criteria did you use to identify the event?

2. When a mysterious or traumatic event occurs people often tend to reject simple answers and seek more complicated answers. Why do you think people act in this manner?

While viewing

1. What impressions do you have of John F. Kennedy as you watch the video? What image did he present?

2. Why was the assassination seen as more than just the unfortunate death of a person?

3. As you listen to the video how can you tell that this event had a profound impact on people?

4. What consequences did the assassination have on the city of Dallas?

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JANUARY 2014 — JFK: 72 HOURS THAT CHANGED AMERICA

Post-viewing

1. a) Since his assassination, JFK has been idolized as a young, vibrant leader struck down in the prime of his life and presidency. Does he deserve this place in history? Interpretations have changed over the decades. Examine the editorial written the day after his death and compare it to the one written in 2013.

Attributes listed in 1963 Attributes listed in 2013

Possible sources Editorial in 1963: www.washingtonpost.com/r/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/11/19/Editorial-

Opinion/Graphics/historynov23.pdf Assessment in 2013: millercenter.org/president/kennedy/essays/biography/9

b) How was he judged in 1963? Has that opinion changed in 2013?

2. It did not take long after the assassination for conspiracy theories to be developed. Assess the theories summarized on the website below. Use the accompanying organizer to help you.

Theory Arguments presented Problems with the theory (if any)

Who killed JFK? 50 years of conspiracy theories: www.theweek.co.uk/us/jfk-anniversary/55933/who-killed-jfk-50-years-conspiracy-theories

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JANUARY 2014 — JFK: 72 HOURS THAT CHANGED AMERICA

b) Do you think JFK’s assassination was a conspiracy? If so, which theory do you think is the most convincing?

c) Examine this site supporting the theory that Oswald acted alone: oswald-is-guilty.blogspot.ca/. What do you believe?

3. The assassination is being officially commemorated in the United States yet many Canadians also paused to reflect on the event. Why would Canadians care about event that took place in another country?

4. Is there a current leader who you think matches the charisma of Kennedy and whose death would have a similar impact?

5. Try to find someone who was living in 1963 and ask if they remember where they were when Kennedy was killed. What recollections does the person have of those days in 1963?

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News in Review – January 2014 – Teacher Resource Guide

LADY GAGA: Icon of Our Era

MINDS ON

If you came home from school one day and told your parent’s that you had become a “little monster” — a follower of Mother Monster — and that you love the fact that your pop music idol has the guts to actually wear a dress made of meat to an awards ceremony, you’d likely be greeted with some confused (and perhaps grave) parental expressions. For Lady Gaga fans — the little monsters of the world — their Mother Monster is a living celebration of our individual uniqueness. And the confusion expressed by parents over their son or daughter’s choice of music idol is no different from the confusion expressed by previous generations of parents who watched their kids fall for Elvis Presley, David Bowie, Madonna or Tupac Shakur.

Why do you think parents (and even teachers) tend to struggle to understand the music stars that teenagers idolize? Is it the message in the music or something in the performers persona that they object to?

SETTING THE STAGE

She’s the poster child for unpredictability and shock. She is an ever-changing entity that morphs from one seemingly bizarre image and ideal to the next. She is the self-proclaimed Mother Monster — and the little monsters who follow her are legion. She is Lady Gaga.

Pop SuperstardomBorn Stefani Germanotta in Yonkers, New York, she has always possessed a flare for the dramatic and a love of music. Growing up in New York City, Germanotta spent her adolescence dreaming of fame and working tirelessly on her music. After a brief stint at

New York University (NYU), she abandoned her studies to pursue a career in music. Soon the Lady Gaga persona was born and, with a lot of hard work and a little luck, she earned a record deal. Her debut album The Fame sold 15 million copies and saw four singles hit number one on the charts — a music industry first for a debut record. She was just 22 when this happened. Since then, Lady Gaga has released three more albums, earned five Grammy Awards, generated over a half billion dollars in concert ticket sales, and positioned herself as one of pop music’s top performers.

A perpetually transforming imageBut it isn’t the music that separates Lady Gaga from other performers; it’s her perpetually transforming public image. First of all, her

outfits are both outrageous and bizarre, ranging

To see the huge range in her provocative clothing choices, see Billboard’s Lady Gaga’s 100 Most Outrageous Outfits: www.billboard.com/photos/1504992/lady-gagas-100-most-outrageous-outfits

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JANUARY 2014 — LADY GAGA: ICON OF OUR ERA

from pseudo pre-French revolution garb to abstract, futuristic costumes. At the 2010 MTV Music Video Awards, Lady Gaga showed up in a dress made of raw meat. The next year she showed up at the same awards ceremony dressed as a man and insisting she be called by the name Jo Calderone. One can never predict what Lady Gaga will wear from one public appearance to the next. Secondly, her behaviour is often provocative. In 2011, she was carried into the Grammy Awards in an giant egg and stayed there until her performance of Born This Way later that evening. On the Monster’s Ball tour she performed part of her concert each night with blood smeared on her face and torso. She has worn several famous bras including one adorned with replica machine guns and one that shot fireworks out of it. Beyond the theatrics, some of her song lyrics are so overtly sexual, and her concerts and costumes so racy, that she once had a sold-out show in Jakarta, Indonesia, cancelled because authorities feared that religious extremists — who referred to her as “a kind of devil” — would bring her harm.

Advocate and activistLove her or hate her, Lady Gaga attracts people’s attention. And the people who love her can’t say enough good about her. Her ever-changing persona is evidence of her dedication to her art. She is an outspoken advocate for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LBGT) community. She has been vocal in her support of gay marriage and in her opposition to the U.S. government’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy for homosexuals serving in the military. Gaga was part of a movement that contributed to the removal of the policy banning openly gay people from serving in the military. More recently she has dedicated her efforts to anti-bullying initiatives.

Pop icon, artist, musician, activist and philanthropist are all terms used to describe Lady Gaga. Whether she is an “icon of our era” or not remains to be seen. What is abundantly clear is that Lady Gaga is not likely to leave people’s collective radar anytime soon.

Lady Gaga Fast Facts

Total album sales worldwide – 23 million; singles sales – 64 million

Five Grammy Awards, three Much Music Awards and 13 MTV Video Music Awards

Concert ticket sales from her first three tours – $612 million

Net worth – $80 million

38 million Twitter followers

58 million Facebook fans

* all stats accurate up to June 2013

To consider

1. How does Lady Gaga separate herself from other pop stars?

2. Why is it fair to say that Lady Gaga is more than just a musician? What else does she do to contribute to society?

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JANUARY 2014 — LADY GAGA: ICON OF OUR ERA

VIDEO REVIEW

Pre-viewing

1. Are you a Lady Gaga fan? If you are a fan, explain why you like her. If you are not a fan, explain why you don’t like her.

2. Try to find someone in your class that holds a position that is opposite to yours when it comes to Lady Gaga. For example, if you aren’t fond of Lady Gaga, find someone who likes her and try to understand why they are a fan. Summarize what you find out.

While viewing

1. How many Grammy Awards had Lady Gaga won before the release of artRave: The ARTPOP Ball?

2. What is Lady Gaga’s actual name? Where did she grow up?

3. According to Time magazine, a reader’s poll listed Lady Gaga above U.S. President Barack Obama as one of the most influential people of the past decade. True False

4. What is the nickname that Lady Gaga uses to describe her fans?

5. What role does shock play in Lady Gaga’s presentation of her image to the world?

6. According to Lady Gaga, what is the best way to earn applause? What efforts does she make to make sure she does not receive cheap applause and false praise?

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JANUARY 2014 — LADY GAGA: ICON OF OUR ERA

7. a) Lady Gaga’s single off ARTPOP is called Do What They Want. True False

b) According to Lady Gaga, what is the song about?

8. How does Lady Gaga demonstrate that she is an advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights?

10. Why might some people consider Born this Way to be Lady Gaga’s anthem or theme song?

Lady Gaga got her stage name when producer Rob Fusari compared her vocal style to Freddy Mercury of Queen. A fan of Queen, she assumed the name Lady Gaga based on the song Radio Ga Ga.

Post-viewing

Check out Lady Gaga’s music. Listen to three of her songs (i.e. Do What U Want, Applause, Born this Way, etc.) and answer the following questions:

- What do you think of the rhythm and melody of each song? Do you enjoy Lady Gaga’s style of music?

- Review the lyrics of each song. What are the songs about? What is the central message of each song? Would you describe each song’s message as positive or negative?

- Based on your song analysis, are your surprised that Lady Gaga is a superstar or are the songs powerful enough to warrant her pop icon status?

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FRIEND OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY

Minds On

Before Lady Gaga became a pop sensation, she was Stefanie Germanotta, a tremendously gifted musician and songwriter who was able to leave her studies at university to pursue a career in music. Germanotta learned to play piano at a young age and began writing songs and performing at “open mic nights” in her teens. Her musical gifts allowed her to earn early admission to an exclusive art school that was part of New York University (NYU). By the time she left NYU, Germanotta was transitioning from standard rock performances to more eccentric shows in New York’s Lower East Side. Meanwhile she was writing songs for a record label whose high profile acts included the Pussycat Dolls, Britney Spears and Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas. Eventually, hip-hop recording artist Akon signed Lady Gaga to his label after hearing her sing and recognizing her vocal range. Shortly after that The Fame was released and Lady Gaga was on the road to becoming a superstar. Keep this in mind as your read the following article.

The creation of Lady GagaWhile Stefani Germanotta was experimenting with the Lady Gaga persona in burlesque clubs in New York’s Lower East Side, she received a lot of support from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. In fact, many people believe that, had it not been for the openness of the LGBT community to her artistic expression, Germanotta would never have been able to evolve into the Lady Gaga phenomena.

Born this WayThe support of the LGBT community has been something that Lady Gaga has never forgotten. When she received the Much Music Award for her Born this Way video in Toronto in 2009 she thanked “God and the gays” — an international shout out to her LGBT friends and fans. She has used her celebrity to draw attention to the U.S. government’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy regarding homosexuals serving in the

military. The policy maintained that gay service personnel should not be asked about or reveal their sexual orientation. Any personnel who revealed they were gay would be kicked out of the military. Lady Gaga and the LGBT community

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fought the policy through protests and legal challenges, with the policy eventually coming to an end in 2011.

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Fighting the BullyMore recently Lady Gaga has focused her attention on the issue of bullying. She was shocked to hear that 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer of Buffalo, New York, committed suicide after a period of prolonged bullying. Classmates repeatedly hurled insults at Rodemeyer, including accusations that he was gay. In one of his final online posts, Rodemeyer quoted lyrics from the song The Queen by Lady Gaga and paid tribute to the pop star before taking his own life.

Since Rodemeyer’s death Lady Gaga has been a vocal opponent of bullying. When she had occasion to speak with U.S. President Barack Obama, she shared her concerns about the prevalence of bullying in society and called for laws making bullying illegal. She also came to the aid of a Toronto-area student who was fighting bullying at his own school. Jacques St. Pierre, a grade 12 student, took the experience of being bullied in elementary school and transformed it into a bullying awareness campaign at the Etobicoke School of the Arts. Taking full advantage of his position as student council president, St. Pierre organized a school assembly addressing the damage done by bullying. He went even further, reaching out to the greater community for support, sending dozens of e-mails to a variety of high profile personalities including Lady Gaga. To his surprise, Lady Gaga responded with a video message encouraging him to keep up the fight against bullying.

To consider

1. Why does Lady Gaga give credit to the to the LGBT community for her rise to stardom?

2. What is the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy? How did Lady Gaga and the LGBT community contribute to the policy’s downfall?

3. What cause is Lady Gaga’s currently fighting for? What is she doing to try to eradicate this social problem?

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WHO’S YOUR ICON?

Minds On

An icon is a person or thing that becomes a symbol of something people greatly value or truly respect. If Lady Gaga is to be viewed as an “icon of our era,” she must symbolize or represent some attitude or disposition that people hold in some great esteem. With this in mind try to determine why Lady Gaga has achieved iconic status. What does she symbolize? What is it about her persona that makes people practically worship her?

Your iconWhile Lady Gaga may be an icon for an army of “little monsters,” she is not everybody’s icon. Think of the people you hold in such high regard that you are influenced by the things they do and say. In this case, we are not talking about people you know and love, like your family and friends. Instead we are talking about people you admire and respect from afar for the great things they’ve accomplished. These people are like magnets to your attention and contribute greatly to your beliefs and values. This person’s thoughts and deeds touch something deep inside you.

With this in mind, identify one person who holds icon status in your eyes.

Activity

Prepare a one-page report on the person to whom you grant icon status. Please include:

The person’s name

A picture or photograph

A brief description of the person’s accomplishments

A brief explanation of why this person is your icon

Follow up

Share your icon profile with your classmates in a class discussion.