Post #7

Although I did learn about the experiences of Kurdish children and how they differ from those of American children, I was disappointed that I was not able to interview or survey any Kurdish folks. I learned that I have it better off then a lot of Kurdish kids. I never had to seriously fear chemical warfare or be concerned that my parents will be forced into the military. And here in America kids don't call me "terrorist" or say I'm gonna blow stuff up, but sometimes they cal me a mick or a leprechaun or greasy pikey.

Post #6

For further research I suggest surveying a Kurdish population which would help get a better understanding of their situation. I also think it would be interesting and helpful to survey people from Iraq, Turkey, Syria, and Iran to see how the Kurdish people and Kurdistan are viewed by the countries they wish to break away from. Based on what I have learned I hope that Kurdistan can be officially established as country so the Kurdish people can be liberated from the oppressors.

Post #5

My research shows that the experiences of Kurdish children with parents in the military and American children with parents in the military are very different. Only 9% of American students surveyed almost never got to see their parents while 18% got to see their parents fairly often, often, or very often. And most students (73%) didn't even have parents who had been in the military. The Kurdish boy R.'s father was taken against his will into the Iraqi army and didn't see hs family again for 6 years.

Post #4

This was a survey of 96 high school freshmen. 32 of these were male and 64 were female. 40 were Black, 40 were White, 2 were Asian, 2 were Latino, 7 were Mixed and, and 5 were other. 73% of parents have never been in the military. 10% got to see their parents very often. 3% got to see their parents often. 5% got to see their parents fairly often. 9% saw their parents almost never.

Post #3

Children of War is a collection of the stories of Iraqi children. I focused on one story credited to a teenage boy called "R.". He is a Kurdish refugee now living in Canada. His family lived in a small village with little money. He recalls conflicts between the Iraqi army and Kurdish Militias. Things got worse after his father was taken by Iraqi soldiers in the night and forced into the Iraqi army.R. didn't see his father again for six years. He recalls refugees passing through his village with stories of gas, violence, and death. his family eventually joined the refugees and left their home for Iran. Once in Iran they stayed in a refugee camp for four years. He describes it as being very crowded and everyone was cold and hungry. His family eventually came to Canada where his father joined them later. After the September 11 attacks R. was taunted by other Children at school, being called things like"terrorist".

Ellis, Deborah. Children of War: Voices of Iraqi Refugees. New York: Groundwood Books, 2009. Print.

Research Question (post #2)

How do the lives of Kurdish children differ from those of American Children?

Post #1

I am investigating the experiences of Kurdish Children. I chose this topic because I was sympathetic to Kurdistan's struggle for independence and wanted to know what it was like for kids to grow up in such a hostile environment. I want to learn more about these issues so I better know how to help. I also hope to raise awareness of these issues with my project.