Finished with the class, what a great experience! I have learned a lot about this international, cosmopolitan, revolutionary, gritty and dynamic city. I think one thing I enjoyed was how history, when expressed away from a conservative, or revisionary lens, can be used to build a collective consciousness and pride for ones area without skipping the taboo, negative or controversial. I see that in this course. Professor Allison, you have educated me and helped me build some pride in living in Boston. The class videos, links and games were great, so were the modules. I really enjoyed modules 4 to 7 that showed how Boston exploded into world prominance from its trade with China, becoming a center for shipbuilding, the filling of the back bay, establishment of cultural institutions and parks. I also enjoyed the lessons on African Americans, Irish and Jews in Boston. Lewis Haden was dynamic (the carrying a torch under a floor of gunpowder story during the Fugitive Slave Act says it all). The analysis on Boston Busing was very eye opening. Finally, I liked the section on the Boston accent. I think people should keep it and not kill it with classes. I would say the same thing to anyone from New Orleans, the south and Pittsburgh. The Boston accent transpires race as I have heard many people regardless of color or ethnicity speak a wicked sthongh accent. Its made me appreciate my Miami accent, which accentuates and emphasizes the last syllables in words in a Latin cadence. In regards to sports, cannot wait for Red Sox opening day. Being a diehard Dolphins and Heat fan since I was a kid, I wont be cheering too loudly for the Celtics and Patriots (although I respect these two organzatiions by leaps and bounds compared to the New York teams). For the nexnext class one thing I would love to know more about is the History of Latinos in Boston as well as Brazilians, Portuguese and Cape Verdeans. The history of the Vietnamese in Boston would be a dynamic topic too. Again, thank you for allowing me to take the class. I really enjoyed it and have gotten a lot out of it. I was able to see that everything that occurs in the city is in cotinuum for future events. The historical long wharf gets bigger and longer as we add new pieces.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 15:35:06 +0000
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