SOAPstone: Birney Montana

Subject: This photographs seems to be the entrance of a bar for white people only. There is a sign in the middle of the small wall that states "POSITIVELY NO BEER SOLD TO INDIANS." Also, there is another signs that reads "We don't give credit or loan money. Please don't ask." A smaller banner on the left then reads "God Bless America. We are proud to be Americans." Lastly a small shelf appears to be holding several cigarette packs of multiple different brands.

Occasion: Segregation is thriving in the south during this time period (1941). There is racism and the black and white races are completely separated. This photo demonstrates an example of how the two races were separated, even in leisurely activities such as going to bars. This picture must have been taken right before the Civil War when discrimintion against blacks still occurred. Lastly, the banner stating "God Bless America..." is also another hint of how the right race felt superior as they were "proud to be americans" even when consistently segregating and discriminating.

Audience: Again, the targeted audience for this picture is definitely students and/or teachers who want to learn or teach America's history and what went on it its past. This photograph was probably targeting people younger than around the age of 70 who didn't live during this time. Also, a photo such as this one is probably for the white race rather than the black race who probably know and realize what their parents and grandparents had to live through.

Purpose: Specifically in this example, the photo is meant to describe and inform just how extreme, serious, and real the segregation was in the south. With the "American" banner next to the no coloreds sign, this photo can easily portray truly how the white race felt they were superior to the inferior black race.

Speaker: It's safe to say that some anger is behind the camera in this photo. Choosing to take a picture of a sign referring to the black race as "Indians" who America killed off earlier in its past clearly demonstrates what the black race was thought of. Also, the photographer seemed to include the "American" banner in the picture which basically states "we're proud to be american" and we're proud to discriminate against the blacks too. Definitely some anger and astonishment is seemed to be felt by the photographer in this photo.

Tone: Overall, this photograph seems to be angry while giving off vibes of how unbelievable the whole segregation chapter in our history is. Again, comparing blacks to indians who were killed, and the whites stating they're proud of who they are call fully illustrate a feeling of anger and suprise shown through and from this picture.

SOAPstone: South Carolina

Subject: In this photo, the side of a what looks like a main road is apparent w trees and tall grass in the background of the picture. A sign on the side of the road states "Brengrille Inn: Cabins for Colored." Next to the sign is a one of the cabins the sign is referring to. However, this cabin appears to have been neglected for half a century. Diminutive and in harsh condition, with advertisements on the front, these homes are still set aside for the colored population. There are holes in the door and the roof isn't installed securely appearing to cave in soon. Large weeds and grass surround the cabin giving the appearance that this cabin's yard has never been cared for.

Occasion: This picture must have been taken during the Civil War in the south when segregation still occurred. As the sign states, "Cabins for Colored," this photo demonstrates an example of just how the two races were completely separated. The cabin in this picture also portrays the life style of the blacks. Colored people were given the bare minimum, as shown here; just a roof and walls and not much else.

Audience: The audience for this picture is most likely people of age 75 and younger who didn't live before and/or during the Civil War. This photograph is probably targeted for both the white and black race who are trying to get a "taste" of their past. Students would be targeted to learn and experience the segregation as parents would be marked to see the lives of their parents and ancestors (if colored).

Purpose: This photograph's intentions are definitely to inform and describe the colored race's lives and even possibly in comparison to the white race. With the sign designated for coloreds only demonstrates exactly and on what terms the two races were separated. In this case, in living space. It also displays, again, the condition of the coloreds life styles. With an old, neglected cabin on the side of the road, from this picture you can see just how they were mistreated.

Speaker: The photographer must be a person studying the time of the Civil War or teaching it. They could also be a Caucasian that feels sympathy for the colored race and wants documentation so history doesn't repeat itself. This photographer may also be a person fighting for the rights of colored people by taking photos of their harsh living conditions.

Tone: Actually, this photo, in my opinion has more of a softer, suddle tone. No violence is apparent just racial statements by the sign and condition of the cabin. I can see how a white photographer took this picture just to state that the white race is guilty; that this is not right. This photo was possibly taken after the war and segregation and now the caucasians are basically admitting that they are guilty and that they really did treat the black race in this way. This photo could also be a treaty of the photographer saying that "Yes, this is the end. We know what we have done wrong and it won't happen again. Ever." Promoting peace and admitting they (the white race) are guilty, this photo most definitely has a quieter, honest tone to it.

SOAPstone: Eutaw, Alabama

Subject: A very old, tired lady is shown in this photograph. She seems to be sitting at a desk from where the picture is being taken. 2 beds appear behind her with intricate, detailed quilts covering them. Behind her is a wall full of what appears to be old newspaper articles and periodicals. Her eyes are closed as she is probably extremely tired from the 90 years (or so) she has been living. This room appears to be the bedroom in a small cabin with a window on the lady's right side letting light in.

Occasion: With the neat quilts and possessions on the far wall, this photo was most likely taken after the Civil War ended. During this photograph was most likely the time when blacks were finally freed from plantations to work and pursue lives of their own. This family apparently moved to a cabin along with an elder most likely a grandmother.

Audience: A picture such as this one is most likely intended for people of all ages that are learning and/or studying the end of slavery and the road to equality for the black race. Maybe people of lower to middle classes are targetted more by this picture as they can relate to the living conditions of this old lady.

Purpose: I believe that the old lady and information in this photo are trying to demonstrate and describe the living conditions of the black race right after the civil war. The wall full of articles behind the woman are most likely trying to portray how blacks must have keep record of their history and how it has now been changed. The articles may be from recent newspapers about the Civil War and author's opinions about what the outcome would be. This photograph could also be to inform that some did survive slavery, like this woman here, and how people did make it through the harsh conditions nonetheless.

Speaker: The photographer appears to be a family member or close relative of the lady sitting in this photo. The speaker most likely was also part of the war and is celebrating in a way by taking a picture of a survivor and possible articles explaining their success in the background. Family, their home, and current news (or possibly old memories) seem to be important to the photographer based on the photo (s)he chose.

Tone: A sense of relief and excitement is seen in the picture. Not necessarily by the woman's mood, but her posture and face expression show a sense of relief and ability to finally rest. With the beds made, and sunlight coming into the room, a sense of joy is felt as if a new day and time has finally come for this race of people.

SOAPstone: Eutaw, Alabama

Subject: This picture shows a birdhouse atop a large, what seems to be tree trunk. The birdhouse is extremely large and elegant. Actually before I read it's description, I thought that the birdhouse on to was possible an actual home for humans. The picture is taken up on a hill looking over a pasture, or possibly a plantation. It seems to be a backyard with the birhouse and seats for sitting and viewing. A fence is seen in the distance which is possibly the boundary line of the yard. There are several large trees and tall grass is seen throughout the entire picture. The birdhouse is white and has windows with vines surrounding it that wind up the tree trunk from the ground.

Occasion: During the 1940's when this photo was taken (1941) slavery was very abundant and thriving in the south and in Alabama. This photo is most likely taking a picture of a plantation owner's yard with its detail (seats, birdhouse). Slavery is probably occuring in the place and time of this picture and the background of this picture is most likely the owner's plantation and slaves.

Audience: A photo such as this one explaining slavery and inequality is most likely for students learning and gaining information about this time in U.S. history. The white race is a probably audience for this picture as it most likely shows the backyard of a white plantation owner's yard. However, this picture could also be intended for the black race as they are also part of this time period, however, on the other side of the slavery story.

Purpose: This photo is most likely trying to inform of the life on a plantation throught the eyes of a plantation owner's. It shows the luxury of an owner's yard in the shade of the large trees, up on a hill with possessions such as birdhouses and seats. It could also be used to compare the lives of the slaves and slave owners based on the environment they live in; in this case, their yards and free space.

Speaker: First, the photographer must be into nature and scenery. He took a picture of what looks like a backyard with numerous trees and tall grass stretching down a hill and into a large pasture. As a second look, the photographer could also be interested in woodwork and crafting as (s)he is possibly taking a picture of the intricate birdhouse (s)he just made. Lastly, I believe that the author (photographer) is most likely a white plantation owner taking a picture on what looks like a pleasant summer's day of his backyard and plantation.

Tone: Joyous and peaceful seems to be the moods that jump out of the this photograph. Shadows are seen, meaning it's sunny which supports the positive, joyous mood. Also, the peaceful tone is expressed in the vacancy of this picture. There are 3 empty chairs and a birdhouse without any birds apparent in this photo. As far as we can see, there is little wind, noise, and movement which describes the more placid tone of this picture.

Imagine Tomorrow Review

1. Absent at WSU
2. Feedback for Magnet Teachers about the Imagine Tomorrow Process
To start, I really appreciate how you started this project. Mr. Greene posted an assignment online to just get our brains flowing on the concepts of saving energy. After giving one recommendation for making a cleaner, greener, better school, I think the way you addressed this competition was effective and not overwhelming. Anxiety makes kids panic which is totally unnecessary for this contest. Anyways, after slowly addressing the idea of "Imagine Tomorrow" and WSU, giving us our first or second choice of the project we wanted to pursue was also positive. After choosing our ideas, however, it got slightly hectic. Not knowing what to research and with standards that weren't defined well enough, it was hard to find a path to start going down. Then the research proposal was thrown on when we had little to no research done. I think next year the deadlines need to be further apart especially after the research stage to give the students time to sort out and think about the information all the students in the group recieved. Also, the research proposal must be addressed more clearly so we know exactly what it asks for (some kids didn't even include a methods and materials section, like me, because we weren't sure what that was asking). After a path was found and an experiment was thought out, the teachers gave just enough support and time to complete everthing that needed to be finished. Also, the freedom you gave us is well appreciated because leaving the classroom and doing out work was definitely a necessity to finishing by the required deadline of the contest.
3. Considerations and Tips for next year
Given: start earlier
Must give ideas (possibly from the projects this year) so the brainstorming stage and research isn't so broad and confusing. It's much easier to know exactly what the competition is asking so the research can be guided. Also, more conferences would be helpful. Such as after we turned in our basic research questions we wanted answered just to be reassured if we were on the right track, or not. Definitely stick to an "entire group" overall project (this year: greener school) because it helps keep the stress down to know everyone is all under the same guidlines and ideas. Furthermore, a combined topic is beneficial so the groups can converse amongst themselves and possibly retrieve information from other groups for their own specific topics.