Washington D.C. Woman Lands Prep Football Head Coaching Gig

By Jim Halley, USA Today
03.11.10

When Natalie Randolph is introduced Friday morning as head football coach at Coolidge High in Washington, D.C., it will be a big deal for female coaches across the country.

There are roughly 27,000 high schools in the USA, and though record-keeping at that level is spotty, Bruce Howard of the National Federation of State High School Associations said he couldn't remember another woman becoming head coach of a boys football team.

"I can't tell you there's not another one out there, but I haven't heard of one," said Howard, who has been with the national federation for 25 years.

Because football employs more coaches, including assistants, than other high school sports, Randolph's hiring could open the door for more women to coach football and other boys sports.

"I'd say it is a big deal, particularly since it is football," said Pamela Noakes, executive director of the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport. "In colleges, only 2% to 3% of the coaches of men's teams are women, and most of those are coaches of already coed teams like swimming or cross country, the usual ways that women break into the ranks of coaching men."

While Randolph is a pioneer, the numbers of women coaching football are growing at the youth level. Steve Alic, a spokesman for USA Football, the national governing body for youth football, said 4.7% of its coaches are female.

"Girls and women — along with their fathers, sons and brothers — now have clear evidence that the gridiron ceiling can be broken," said Karen Durkin, chief executive officer of the Women's Sports Foundation. "Natalie's hiring will serve as a much-needed catalyst for women in leadership positions across all sports."

Randolph, 29, was an assistant coach at H.D. Woodson in Washington in 2006 and 2007. She played six seasons as a receiver and on special teams with the D.C. Divas of the National Women's Football Association.

She was a track athlete (sprints and hurdles) at the University of Virginia and began her coaching career in 2004 with Track Express Track Club in Largo, Md. She teaches environmental science at Coolidge.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to coach these young men, and I'm flattered at the outpouring of support and encouragement from the D.C. football and academic community," Randolph said in a news release. "I know how important high school football is to these young men, the parents, the school, and the Coolidge community. I plan on taking this opportunity and running with it."

When she was assistant head coach at H.D. Woodson, she showed she belonged, Woodson head coach Greg Fuller said.

"Honestly, I don't think she'll have problems with (the players or the parents), because she knows the game and I think she proved that point," Fuller said. "When she worked with me at Woodson two years ago, she had the utmost respect. She got their attention immediately when she showed the drills she had done with the Divas."

Coolidge begins spring workouts in May with summer practices starting Aug. 8. Randolph will be assisted by Bob Headen, who retired from Woodson after winning eight D.C. Interscholastic Athletic Association football titles in 25 years of coaching. Randolph takes over a program that was 39-36 the past seven seasons, including four playoff appearances.

Images of Gender: Funny or Die

Forehead Tittaes w/ Marion Cotillard from Marion Cotillard

Notes on Persuasive Techniques

Aristotle's Modes of Persuasion
In 350 BCE, Aristotle's On Rhetoric identified what he considered to be the three basic components of a successful appeal.

Logos: Logos is an appeal based upon logic. The idea is that you are more likely to convince people of your position if it is framed in a reasonable manner. In other words, people are most attracted to those ideas that are clearly explained, logically constructed, and based in facts.

Pathos: Pathos is an appeal based upon emotion. People are more likely to be persuaded if base emotions are appealed to. Keep in mind, that the emotions tapped need not be positive. One can be persuaded by feelings of anger or anxiety, just as easily as feelings of warmth or optimism.

Ethos: Ethos is the appeal based upon the credibility of the speaker. This appeal touches on the element of trust. If one trusts the character, motives, and expertise of the person making the appeal, then he or she is more likely to be persuaded.

Fallacies of Logic
These are arguments containing errors in reason. They are extremely common and often very effective. However, the point here is not for you to use these in your argument, but to be able to point them out in opposing points of view.

AD HOMINEM: The Ad Hominem attack will focus on the person, not the argument.

Example: We can’t really take an argument seriously coming from her; she’s totally ignorant on the subject.

RED HERRING: A Red Herring is the introduction of an irrelevant subject, usually introduced in an attempt to drive the argument away (or distract) from its original subject.

Example: Does God exist? Of course, otherwise why would we have so many structures in His honor?

BURDEN OF PROOF: This is the tactic of shifting the Burden of Proof onto the wrong party. One party clearly has the responsibility to prove or dispove something, but instead shifts that responsibility to the opposing party.

Example: You don't believe I saw Bigfoot? Well, prove to me I didn't.

GOLDEN MEAN: The Golden Mean fallacy assumes that given two opposing viewpoints, the correct solution is invariably the middle or "golden mean." This fallacy is based upon the common belief that neither of two diametrically opposed viewpoints can possibly be correct.

Example: This recipe says to use four cups of flour, while another says to use six. I’ll play it safe and use five cups instead.

SLIPPERY SLOPE: The Slippery Slope fallacy is based on the idea that once you take the first step down a path, you will be inexorably drawn down that path until you reach an inevitable and very bad end. In other words, if “X” is allowed to happen, then “Y” is sure to be the end result.

Example: If the government starts to monitor indecency in the media more closely, we’ll eventually get back to book burning!

STRAW MAN: A Straw Man is a misrepresentation of the opposing view, setup in such a way that it is easy to demolish. At worst, it is a complete fabrication which bears no resemblance whatsoever to the original argument.

Example: Vegetarians and vegans make such a big fuss about eating meat because, at the end of the day, all they want is the destruction of capitalism.

LOADED QUESTION: A Loaded Question presupposes something that has not been proven or accepted by all involved. It is posed in such a way that a person, no matter what answer he/she responds with, will inevitably commit him/herself to some presupposed claim.

Example: Are you still a jerk?

BANDWAGON: The Bandwagon is a fallacy in which a threat of rejection by one's peers (or peer pressure) is substituted for evidence in an argument.

Examples: We should end capital punishment; most of our neighbors in the industrialized world have outlawed this barbaric practice.

GUILT BY ASSOCIATION: Guilt by Association draws its power from the fact that people do not like to be associated with people they dislike. If it is shown that a person shares a belief with people he or she dislikes, then one might be influenced into rejecting that belief.

Examples: You enjoy eating fast food? I don't anymore; I suppose my tastes have evolved.

Assignment: Persuasive Essay

For this assignment, you will write a persuasive essay about same-sex marriage. However, you will argue the position opposite of what you chose in class this week. In other words, if in class you said that you were for same-sex marriage, then you must now write a persuasive essay arguing against it.

For this particular essay, do not supplement your argument with outside texts. Instead, the basis of your argument should come from the pro or con sections of the reader. Cite at least three of the following articles to support your thesis:

In favor of same-sex marriages—

• “The Conservative Case for Gay Marriage” by Theodore B. Olson
• “Same-Sex Marriage: ‘A Basic Civil Right’”by James Rotondi
  
• “Same-Sex Marriage: Losing a Battle, Winning the War” by Andrew Cohen
• “Stupidity, Gay Marriage, and the Evolution of Religion” by Dan Agin
• “Why I Fought for the Right to Say ‘I Do’” by Greta Christina

Against same-sex marriage—

• “Why One Queer Person Is Not Celebrating California's Historic Gay Marriage Decision” by Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore
• “Preserve Traditional Marriage for Benefit of Future Generations” by Roger Crouse
• “The Worst Thing About Gay Marriage” by Sam Shulman
• “We Don't Need Gay Marriage” by Mark Vernon
• “Sex and Consequences” by Peter Wood

Points you might consider in your argument:

• What is the historical role of marriage in our society?
• What is a civil right?
  
• Can this debate be framed as a civil rights issue?
• What considerations, if any, should religion be given in this debate?
• What considerations, if any, should science be given in this debate?

Requirements:

• MLA format, including parenthetical citation
• 2.5-page minimum

The best papers:

• Stay within the parameters of the subject matter
  
• Have a concise thesis which clearly outlines a position
  
• Clearly support the thesis with solid evidence and a logical structure, citing at least three articles from the reader
• Conclude with a summation of the argument
• Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
  
• Are in compliance with MLA Style

Due: Monday, March 15 (Draft 1, Bring three copies)

When Do Black Women Get Positive Roles?

Good for Mo'Nique, but let's see strong mothers on film.

By Mary Mitchell, The Chicago Sun-Times
March 9, 2010

Whenever I want to make sure I don't spend the evening alone, I make jambalaya.

I make a darn good pot of jambalaya.

Nearly 20 years ago, I picked up a cookbook in New Orleans and I've been cooking cajun every since.

So when the No. 2 son was in town visiting his brother, I knew the only way I was guaranteed to see them both was to stir up the jambalaya.

Besides, Sunday night was Oscar night. The award program has always been a guilty pleasure.

Growing up, I was like other girls across America. I fantasized about being up on that stage, clutching that gold-plated statue and giving an emotional acceptance speech.

What better night to have jambalaya.

This year, I partook of all the Oscar festivities, including watching the red carpet fashion show.

The best Oscar moment was when Geoffrey Fletcher won for Best Adapted Screenplay for "Precious."

"This is for everybody who works on a dream every day," he said, fighting back tears.

But I'd be lying if I said I was rooting for Mo'Nique to win an Oscar for her role in the movie.

"Precious" is based on the novel Push by Sapphire, which creates a sexual abuse victim that is a composite.

Reviewers had nothing put praise for Mo'Nique's brutal portrayal of the physically and sexually abusive mother.

Still, the character is an incredibly harsh stereotype of a poor black mother.

But it was the right choice for Mo'Nique.

Her career can only go up, and like other actors and actresses who have accepted controversial roles, she makes no apology for it.

"It can be about the performance and not about the politics,'' Mo'Nique said in thanking the Academy for the honor.

This was Mo'Nique's first dramatic role, and in her acceptance speech, she thanked Hattie McDaniel, the first black Oscar winner, for paving the way.

Obviously, Hollywood has come a long way since McDaniel won for playing Scarlett O'Hara's loyal slave in "Gone with the Wind."

But I can't recall the last time I've seen the kind of "strong black woman" that the late Coretta Scott King once described in a movie.

"Our heritage of suffering and our experience in having to struggle against all odds to raise our children gives us a greater capacity for understanding both suffering and the need and meaning of compassion, King said in 1971 interview with writer Alice Walker.

The interview is referenced in Fierce Angels, a recently released book written by Sheri Parks of the University of Maryland.

"We have . . . a kind of stamina, a determination which makes us strong," King said.

Mo'Nique's vile role was the direct opposite of Sandra Bullock's character in "The Blind Side."

Ironically, Bullock hasn't gotten much love from the Academy during her long career. But she won an Oscar for playing a mother who welcomed a homeless black teen into her home.

Any other year, I would have embraced this film.

But after "Precious," a film about a black teenager being left to fend for himself on the streets was too overwhelming.

Based on a true story, Bullock's role celebrated the humanity of the white mothers who have opened their doors to these broken kids.

And she acknowledged as much in her acceptance speech by thanking the "moms that take care of the babies and the children no matter where they come from."

"The Blind Side" is a biting reminder that too many black children do not have the love of either parent.

But it is not my idea of entertainment.

If this trend continues, I shudder to think what Hollywood comes out with next.

So this year's Oscar night was a little strained.

One thing made me happy, though.

By the time the Oscars signed off, the pot of jambalaya was empty.

This shrimp, chicken, and andouille sausage-laden rice meal has become a family favorite.

It is also my saving grace.

Cooking up a scrumptious meal, setting it on the table and watching my family enjoy it is still my way of showing them love.

Nothing against Mo'Nique or Bullock, but I wish Hollywood would produce more films about black people who do something other than abuse their children.

Images of Gender: Calvin Klein

Join Jimmy Kimmel's 'Handsome Men's Club'

By Rick Porter, Zap2it.com
March 8, 2010 1:43 PM ET

Jimmy Kimmel's post-Oscar show on Sunday (March 7) featured newly crowned Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz, Robert Downey Jr. and Keith Urban. Plus Patrick Dempsey, Matthew McConaughey, Sting, Lenny Kravitz, Rob Lowe, Gilles Marini, John Krasinski, Taye Diggs, Josh Hartnett and Ben Affleck, among others.

McDreamy, McConaughey, Lowe et al are all members of the "Handsome Men's Club" -- and Kimmel himself is the president. Hey -- his show, his club.

To say more would kind of spoil the very funny video below. But watch out for "He's wearing Spanx!," Krasinski's enthusiastically pro-Kimmel stance and Kravitz's singing support. And Ted Danson via video linkup.

Here, then, is the inaugural televised meeting of the Handsome Men's Club.

Week 7

The greatest thing you'll ever learn is
just to love and be loved in return.

—Nat King Cole, "Nature Boy"

Week 7

M 3.8
READ: CR—“Why One Queer Person Is Not Celebrating California's Historic Gay Marriage Decision” by Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore, “Preserve Traditional Marriage for Benefit of Future Generations” by Roger Crouse; GL, p. 44-94
IN-CLASS: Reading discussion; Preview—PowerPoint presentations; Presentation sign-ups

W 3.10
READ: CR—“The Worst Thing About Gay Marriage” by Sam Shulman, “We Don't Need Gay Marriage” by Mark Vernon, “Sex and Consequences” by Peter Wood; GL, p. 95-143; eR—“The Sanctity of Marriage” from This American Life
IN-CLASS: Reading discussion; Lecture: "The Fundamentals of Persuasion;" Preview—Persuasive essay
DUE: Journal 3

UPCOMING:

Week 8

M 3.15
READ: CR—“A Jury of Her Peers” by Susan Glaspell, “The Way Up to Heaven” by Roald Dahl; GL, p. 144-189
IN-CLASS: Writers workshop
DUE: Persuasive essay (Draft 1, Bring three copies)

W 3.17
READ: CR—“This Blessed House” by Jhumpa Lahiri, “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway; GL, p. 190-216
IN-CLASS: Reading discussion; Watch—“The Woman with Two Breasts” from Coupling (2000)