CSUF Im Not Leaving Book Report

User Generated

vzrfum

Writing

California State University Fullerton

Description

Read the introduction and Chapters 1 - 9 in I'm Not Leaving.

Write about two big ideas. What stands out to you? In what ways might Carl be considered a successful leader?


Unformatted Attachment Preview

1 LEAD 383 Spring 2020 I’m Not Leaving Part 1: Intro and Chapters 1-9 Write about at least two big ideas and their implications from this part of the book. You might want to consider some of the questions below. Chapter 1 What was Carl’s dilemma? What factors might have convinced him to stay or go? Carl writes, “Simply being there is often the most powerful factor in making the right decision.” What does he mean? Chapter 2 A. Wilkens writes that the presence of UN (UNAMIR) forces “…caused people to fall into a false sense of security” (p. 17). To what extent might the presence of the UN been both beneficial and detrimental? B. Why might people ignore or minimize the potential danger? To what extent were their reasons to be more optimistic and hopeful? Chapter 3 A. What were some of Carl’s duties and challenges the first few days as the genocide unfolded in his neighbor and later in his network of aid workers? To what extent were his actions heroic or simply the work that might be expected given his multiple roles such as father and leader of missionary/aid workers? B. It is chilling for most who live in more affluent countries to conceive of genocidal acts, especially in their own neighborhood. How might the shock of the violence have affected people both inside Rwanda and outside as the news of the atrocities reached the international community? What might have mitigated the shock and corresponding willingness to respond by economically and militarily powerful Western countries? Chapter 4 A. According to Carl, “This family’s children play with our children” was a powerful declaration with profound implications. Why was it so impactful? What does it say about the Wilkens and their neighbors? B. For many if not all, the decision to stay or go was one sided. All Americans and most non-Africans (Europeans, Indians, etc.) decided to go. Ironically, Carl maintains that it was not a difficult decision for him and his wife Teresa. It was indeed a one-sided decision, but unlike his peers, it was obvious that he would not abandon the Rwandans. What factors influenced his decision? To what extent are these factors crucial in any such significant and life-changing decisions? C. As just about all Westerners fled Rwanda, Carl recalls thinking “If people of Rwanda ever needed help, now is the time. Instead everybody is leaving.” What are some implications of this statement? What were some factors that might have influenced this unilateral and immediate abandonment by individuals, institutions, and governments? D. Carl’s decision to stay in Rwanda involved declaring “I have refused the help of the United States Government to leave Rwanda.” He writes that the statement “… engraved itself permanently into my memory.” How did this declaration change his ideas about being an American? What do you think 2 about the change? To what extent was he a “good American” when he chose to stay in Rwanda? Do you think he still loves his country? Chapter 5 A. Wilkens notes that some Rwandans were able to also make the decision to flee or stay. For example, Pastor Seraya and his wife decided to stay and move into the Wilkens’ home. To what extent might their motivation to stay and help have been similar to Carl’s? B. To what extent do you agree with Victor Frankl’s assertion that even in the grimmest and most inhumane of situations, any person can “…decide what shall become of him – mentally and spiritually?” Or are choices diminished so much that they become meaningless in the face of atrocities? To what extent are we able to remain human in the face of such inhumanity? Chapter 6 This vivid report was on April 24, two weeks after the genocide began. What does it suggest about what the world knew of the genocide? Could there be any doubt that genocide was occurring? What are the implications? Chapter 7 A. When Carl is questioned by the Hutu soldiers, he says, “This is my country, and I didn’t evacuate with the other people because I came here to live with the people no matter what” (p. 43). Why do you think Carl responded with these words? B. Carl described the soldiers as “polite and decent.” He later wished them courage with their work and as they left he shook their hands as he said good-bye. What are your reactions to Carl’s interactions with the Hutu soldiers who were possible perpetrators of genocide? What do such interactions suggest about the complexity of a genocide? Chapter 8 A. It is common for people to become bored when they are simply “stuck” or “just sitting around” at home. How is Carl’s “cabin fever” different from common boredom? What drives his motivation to act? B. What experience leads Carl to reach this conclusion: “I’ve decided I would do well to be slower in forming opinions and faster in looking for the different sides and components of any situation” (P. 49). While this may be important wisdom, why might it be uncommon? C. While Carl is deeply religious, he notes that “My understanding of God’s protection is constantly expanding” (p. 49). For instance, initially Carl and his wife Teresa had concluded that security came from a faith in God. But after a few weeks of living in a genocide, Carl thinks that “God’s plan of protection doesn’t revolve exclusively around miraculous interventions” (p. 49). Instead Carl notes “I will experience authentic security when I choose to care for others first instead of expecting to be cared for” (p. 49). What may have caused this change in perspective? What does this say about Carl’s views of God, his faith, serving others, and the possibility of death? 3 Chapter 9 A. Carl is again directed to leave Rwanda on April 21, but this time as an ADRA missionary and by the leader of his Seventh-day Adventist church: “This directive is given after much prayer and consultation. It is a decision and not a request” (p. 9). What are the key elements of Carl’s response to this directive? Should he comply? To whom does Carl believe he ultimately answers? What are the implications of this perspective, especially for Carl and his actions in Rwanda? B. Since the genocide began, what conclusions has Carl reached about the roles of God and mankind? Where was God during the genocide? To what extent to you agree with Carl’s suggestion that God was reflected in the actions of the Spanish nuns? C. What is the connection between faith (i.e., the depth and clarity of your religious convictions) and choosing to be a more active rescuer? To what extent are people more likely to stand up and respond, rather than stand by and do nothing, when they have stronger moral clarity, such as well-defined and strong religious beliefs?
Purchase answer to see full attachment
Explanation & Answer:
300 Words
User generated content is uploaded by users for the purposes of learning and should be used following Studypool's honor code & terms of service.

Explanation & Answer

Attached.

1
Running head: I’M NOT LEAVING

‘I’m Not Leaving’
Student’s name
Institution’s name
Date

2

I’M NOT LEAVING
‘I’m Not Leaving’
I’m not leaving was a book written by Carl Wilkens’s based on his experiences and what transpired
during the genocide in Rwanda that claims a lot of lives of Rwandans. It is a collection of 8 hours
cassette recordings made during that time when he decided that he will ...


Anonymous
I was having a hard time with this subject, and this was a great help.

Studypool
4.7
Trustpilot
4.5
Sitejabber
4.4

Related Tags