You’ll notice there aren’t many notes because I want you to make like a detailed car and shine! Make connections to the novel, your life, society overall, etc. Remember, I’m submitting Midterm grades before Friday, 10/13, Noon. You may want to end on a high participation note. I’ll put a Midterm Participation grade (out of 100) on Canvas tomorrow. If you have an 85 or above, you’ll get a grade; otherwise, your final grade will be out of 900.
Plan for the Day
- YA vs Adult literature
- Suicide Prevention and Counseling Services
- Finish Colson Whitehead’s Zone One
- Planned Obsolescence (p. 4)
- Sexuality in the Novel
- Babel-17 and Language (preview)
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and UNC Charlotte Resources
Before discussing some of the heavier themes in the book, please know that your health (mental and physical) is extremely important to me, your family, and the University. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, or any other mental health concerns, I highly encourage you to see a professional to help. The University has resources for those who want them. Please know the Christine F. Price Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides support for students. I do know they have after-hours phone counselors available by calling 704-687-0311. It’s never too early or late to get help, so please use the resources available.
Additionally, you can dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24 hours.
Suicide References in Zone One
Towards the end of the novel, Mark Spitz references people who took their own lives early in the outbreak. His Lieutenant also commits suicide (p. 251).
Mark Spitz also refers to Mim as being “the healthiest relationship he ever had, and not because they had a lot in common” (p. 241). On pages 246-247, Mim and Mark Spitz discuss hope.
Why is the topic of suicide a major one towards the end of the novel?
YA vs Adult Literature
Many of you are familiar with Harry Potter, Hunger Games, and other YA series. What are some differences you notice between YA fiction and Zone One?
Planned Obsolescence
Early in the novel Mark Spitz mention’s his uncle’s place and all the cool things he has (p. 4). Planned obsolescence: the process of manufacturing goods that will eventually become outdated or “worn out” because of use, fashion, and/or updates. The “Conclusion” to my Video Games and American Culture book, asks “How does our unconscious acceptance of planned obsolescence contribute to the need to replace good technology for want of a newer model? And what of the environmental costs of more and more e-junk?” (p. 135). If you need a visual, here are two from Charlotte:
Next Week
Keep up with the syllabus and read Babel-17. We’ll discuss the first half (Part 1 & 2, pp. 1-107) on Monday, and the rest on Wednesday. Don’t forget to do your Weekly Discussion Post.