Impossible?

[Alex Gandy]

In Ch. 9, as Atticus tells Scout that they will not win the trial, he explains that “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.”  Do you agree with Atticus’s idea that impossible causes are worth putting effort into?  Why or why not?

Do you think he is right that he will lose his battle?

[reese.svetgoff]

I agree with Atticus's idea that impossible causes are worth putting effort into. As Atticus states, it's not about the end result, it is about doing the right thing to be able to respect yourself. What you learn and gain on your journey of achieving your imppossible goal is much more important than the end result. In this case, Atticus says he will gain the respect of himself and his children by doing the right thing by accepting his case. I think he is correct that he will lose the case because they are living in a recist town going against an all white jury, while defending a black man. Although there is always a chance of winning, I believe that the fixed mindsets of the jury will sadly overcome the rightousness of Atticus.

[Igor Do Nascimento]

i completely agree that impossible causes are worth putting effort into, because the majority of the time what is judged to be impossible is just difficult, and whoever was trying to do that "Impossible" just didn't have the guts to keep fighting and called it impossible. how many things were impossible one hundred years ago that today can be accomplished with relatively easy? and besides there is not a better feeling than doing what others judge as impossible and you prove them wrong and that nothing is impossible.

I believe that there is not such a thing as the impossible there is just the limitations of time and where you live at, and as time goes on those impossible things are being broken apart and being solved.


"It always seems impossible until its done"
-Nelson Mandela

On Mon, May 6, 2013 at 3:02 PM, Alex Gandy <alexga...@gmail.com> wrote:

In Ch. 9, as Atticus tells Scout that they will not win the trial, he explains that “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.”  Do you agree with Atticus’s idea that impossible causes are worth putting effort into?  Why or why not?

Do you think he is right that he will lose his battle?

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[Meagan Kelly]

I think that Atticus is completely right in doing this because even if it doesn't work out the way he wants it, he has brought awareness to this situation, not only of Tom Robinson's case, but of racism as a whole. I think that no matter what you should follow through with what you want the most, because through personal experience I've learned that doing something that means a lot to you is more important. I had to make a decision of trying out for stampede or Pacesetter Officer. I've dreamed of being an officer on Pacesetter's literally my whole life. But I was a coward because I didn't think I would make it even though it meant more to me. I tried out for stampede and didn't make and now I regret not trying out for officer because I wanted it so much more than I wanted stampede. That's the same thing for Atticus because he could do the easy thing and not do the case and feel bad about failing Tom Robinson or he could do the hard thing and not necessarily get what he wants for Tom Robinson but help somewhat in the problem of racism.

On Mon, May 6, 2013 at 3:02 PM, Alex Gandy <alexga...@gmail.com> wrote:

In Ch. 9, as Atticus tells Scout that they will not win the trial, he explains that “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.”  Do you agree with Atticus’s idea that impossible causes are worth putting effort into?  Why or why not?

Do you think he is right that he will lose his battle?

--

[Alex Gandy]

LOVE Reese's addition of what we learned earlier in the semester about fixed mindsets.  I think that is the perfect way to think about this town - people who are fixed and can't see beyond the way things have always been.

I appreciate the idea too about everything being about respecting yourself.  I think about that so much in life.  If I can't look at myself and still respect myself, it's NOT ok.  In this way, I relate to Atticus's statement that he wouldn't be able to hold his head up or tell his kids what to do.  I could never stand in front of a room of students if I wasn't living up to the way I tell them to live. Hypocrisy is the flip side of not trying, and hypocrisy is the worst.

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[Sydney Kane]

Walt Disney once said "its kind of fun to do the impossible." If no one ever tried to accomplish something that is "impossible," the world wouldnt be where it is today. How do you think people felt in 1969 when NASA wanted to go to the moon? People must have thought it was EXTREMELY "impossible" to go to the MOON. "THATS CRAZY!" The world also managed to put internet, phone, messages, email, music, and games, all in one tablet that is 7.6 millimeters thick and about 5 inches long. Do you think we would have that if Steve Jobs just gave up on the idea because he thought it was "impossible?" NO!!  It really bugs me when people just give up on something that just needs a little more effort, drive, and motivation to accomplish.The idea of going to college to pursue a career in Musical Theatre so I can one day hopefully be on broadway seems "impossible!" BUT ITS NOT! I'm doing it BECAUSE I'm motivated to accomplish it!  The word "impossible" is SO overrated. Nothing is ACTUALLY "impossible", unless you're trying to become a fairy and fly around with pixie dust. Now THAT is "impossible." Whoever is reading this is probably annoyed by how much I am using the word "impossible." Its aggravating how many times I've used it. Because I have over used the word so much in one paragraph, it doesn't really have the same effect as it did in the beginning. When people keep saying that word over and over again...its just an excuse! Instead of complaining about why they cant...they should just try so they CAN do the "impossible that's not really impossible." I think that Atticus has the right mindset about why he would lose the case...but I think that he has the ability to win so he could accomplish the "impossible."

[Meagan Kelly]

I love how Reese added the fixed mindset. You're totally right about how the judges and people in the town are fixed mindsets about race. Atticus is trying to pry into their growth mindset side and show them that black people aren't who white people think they are. And Sydney, your email gave me chills! I love that your so dedicated to your musical ambitions and it's exactly how Atticus feels about this case. How would you feel if people weren't letting other people sing because of their race or ethnicity or any kind of reason? You would feel betrayed right? The people you have something in common with such as being white or Jewish in your case are reprimanding other people from doing something that you consider your life and what makes you happy. What if you had to watch someone live there life without being allowed to sing music? You would feel responsible for taking a stand and trying to change it and even if it's "impossible" to change their minds, it's worth trying because music is something you care about. It's the same with Atticus and Tom but instead of singing it's living a life. Tom can't live a normal life because of his race and Atticus hates seeing people take away his right to live because someone made up a lie about him.  

Sent from my iPhone

On May 6, 2013, at 4:11 PM, Sydney Kane <sydne...@gmail.com> wrote:

Walt Disney once said "its kind of fun to do the impossible." If no one ever tried to accomplish something that is "impossible," the world wouldnt be where it is today. How do you think people felt in 1969 when NASA wanted to go to the moon? People must have thought it was EXTREMELY "impossible" to go to the MOON. "THATS CRAZY!" The world also managed to put internet, phone, messages, email, music, and games, all in one tablet that is 7.6 millimeters thick and about 5 inches long. Do you think we would have that if Steve Jobs just gave up on the idea because he thought it was "impossible?" NO!!  It really bugs me when people just give up on something that just needs a little more effort, drive, and motivation to accomplish.The idea of going to college to pursue a career in Musical Theatre so I can one day hopefully be on broadway seems "impossible!" BUT ITS NOT! I'm doing it BECAUSE I'm motivated to accomplish it!  The word "impossible" is SO overrated. Nothing is ACTUALLY "impossible", unless you're trying to become a fairy and fly around with pixie dust. Now THAT is "impossible." Whoever is reading this is probably annoyed by how much I am using the word "impossible." Its aggravating how many times I've used it. Because I have over used the word so much in one paragraph, it doesn't really have the same effect as it did in the beginning. When people keep saying that word over and over again...its just an excuse! Instead of complaining about why they cant...they should just try so they CAN do the "impossible that's not really impossible." I think that Atticus has the right mindset about why he would lose the case...but I think that he has the ability to win so he could accomplish the "impossible."

--

[BLAKE GRABSKY]

I agree with what you said, Reese. It's worth putting effort into impossible-seeming causes. However, I think that what someone gains and learns along a journey is equally important as the end result. Basically, it's okay (and sometimes beneficial) to make mistakes along the way, but it's less okay, or not okay at all, if you didn't learn from those mistakes and ultimately failed. I still think that Atticus should take Tom's case because it's the right thing to do. Atticus might not have much confidence in winning the case because of the all-white jury -- that's why he considers it impossible to win the case.  Atticus is an excellent lawyer, so I really don't know how the case will turn out, but I agree with you again that the fixed mindsets of the jury will probably be the reason why Tom may be labeled guilty.

[reese.svetgoff]

I agree with Meagan, in that sometimes the easy thing isn't necessarily the right thing to do. Although he may fail, he will be able to say that he did his best, as Atticus always does. Plus, failure is just a learning tool for future references. I also agree with Sydney that nothing is "Impossible." When I first realized this, my mind was blown away with disbelief. Although now that I have accomplished something I once thought was impossible, I now see that the word "impossible" is just a synonym for "difficult." Thank you all, I do try to have a growth mindset. :D

On Monday, May 6, 2013 3:02:00 PM UTC-5, Alex Gandy wrote:

[Ali Quarles]

I agree with Reese. Sometimes, we have to do the right thing, no matter if you fail or look stupid. The hardest thing to do is to be alone and stand up for what you believe in, but Atticus knows it is the right thing to do. We all have to start out somewhere, and if your voice is strong enough, others will follow.

Alison Marie Quarles

On May 6, 2013, at 3:02 PM, Alex Gandy <alexga...@gmail.com> wrote:

In Ch. 9, as Atticus tells Scout that they will not win the trial, he explains that “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.”  Do you agree with Atticus’s idea that impossible causes are worth putting effort into?  Why or why not?

Do you think he is right that he will lose his battle?

--

[Shaye Murray]

I completely agree with you Sydney! The only truly impossible things in life are the things you didn't even try to do in the first place! Atticus has a chance to win, though it may be slim, but for it to be impossible he would have to not even be trying and fighting for the case. 

And as Reese brought up: Atticus's respect for himself and others is what is driving him to follow through and defend Tom. He doesn't care about what happens in the end as long as they fought for what was right.

On May 6, 2013, at 4:11 PM, Sydney Kane <sydne...@gmail.com> wrote:

Walt Disney once said "its kind of fun to do the impossible." If no one ever tried to accomplish something that is "impossible," the world wouldnt be where it is today. How do you think people felt in 1969 when NASA wanted to go to the moon? People must have thought it was EXTREMELY "impossible" to go to the MOON. "THATS CRAZY!" The world also managed to put internet, phone, messages, email, music, and games, all in one tablet that is 7.6 millimeters thick and about 5 inches long. Do you think we would have that if Steve Jobs just gave up on the idea because he thought it was "impossible?" NO!!  It really bugs me when people just give up on something that just needs a little more effort, drive, and motivation to accomplish.The idea of going to college to pursue a career in Musical Theatre so I can one day hopefully be on broadway seems "impossible!" BUT ITS NOT! I'm doing it BECAUSE I'm motivated to accomplish it!  The word "impossible" is SO overrated. Nothing is ACTUALLY "impossible", unless you're trying to become a fairy and fly around with pixie dust. Now THAT is "impossible." Whoever is reading this is probably annoyed by how much I am using the word "impossible." Its aggravating how many times I've used it. Because I have over used the word so much in one paragraph, it doesn't really have the same effect as it did in the beginning. When people keep saying that word over and over again...its just an excuse! Instead of complaining about why they cant...they should just try so they CAN do the "impossible that's not really impossible." I think that Atticus has the right mindset about why he would lose the case...but I think that he has the ability to win so he could accomplish the "impossible."

--

[Angelica Pasaran]

So cliche` but nothing is 'impossible', or at least that's how I like to think of it. That's why I agree with Atticus, impossible causes are worth putting effort into. Whether it's a small or big outcome you should always put effort into whatever it is you are doing. I'm hoping that he will win the case, because Atticus has a way with words and can be so moving. So the all white jury could have a change in heart.  --- On Mon, 5/6/13, Alex Gandy <alexga...@gmail.com> wrote:

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[Amy Schmitt]

If a cause is impossible, I do not think it is worth the effort for most people. However, Atticus's cause, as unlikely as it may be, is not an impossible one. I think something is worth putting effort forth if it something that you believe in. If you can put your entirety into a cause, no matter how hopeless the outcome may be, it would do some good. It could ease one's conscience because knowing that everything that could've possibly been done was, then at least you can go to sleep knowing you had nothing to do with the unfavorable outcome. I think that Atticus will lose the case if he keeps thinking like he will!

[dali...@gmail.com]

I do not believe that just because something is impossible it is not worth trying it. I agree with Atticus's ideas of trying but I don't agree with the idea that he will loose because winning is not his goal. At the end he will win because he did what no one had done: and that is a victory. By seting the example of doing the impossible he will win the peoples heart and understanding. I do belive that sometimes trying the impossoble may not lead us to success or to winning but that just depends on our definition
of success. At the end we are all winners and it starts by trying the impossible.

-----Original Message-----
Date: Monday, May 06, 2013 3:02:21 pm
To: fg...@googlegroups.com
From: "Alex Gandy" <alexga...@gmail.com>
Subject: Impossible?

*

In Ch. 9, as Atticus tells Scout that they will not win the trial, he

explains that ?Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we
started is no reason for us not to try to win.? Do you agree with
Atticus?s idea that impossible causes are worth putting effort into? Why

or why not?


Do you think he is right that he will lose his battle?

*

[Alex Olazaran]

I agree with Reese that you have to do the right thing even  if it won't work because in the end what matters the most is that you can live with yourself and Atticus would not have been able to if he didn't take the case. I do however disagree that in this situation Atticus will gain much on his journey. He will probably lose all the respect from the white community and have to suffer horrible pains going through the case, but like before mentioned, he had to take it for his conscience.

On Mon, May 6, 2013 at 4:03 PM, reese.svetgoff <reese.s...@gmail.com> wrote:

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[Mikayla Lewison]

I honestly don't believe in the word "impossible." If something was so impossible no one could accomplish, no one would ever want to try. Atticus' case is not impossible. If only Atticus was white, he'd have a fighting chance. Although he's black, it doesn't mean he can't try just as hard on the case as if he was white. The chances are less likely he will win the case, but if he had no chance at all, he wouldn't want to try.

---

From: Amy Schmitt <amycoo...@gmail.com>
To: fg...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Thursday, May 9, 2013 4:59 PM
Subject: Re: Impossible?

[Sarah Park]

Reese has made a really good point. The race is not about the start or end results, but the journey it took to get there. The things you learn along the road can be even more important than what comes to the end. Like Atticus, you need to just go for it and try the impossible because who knows, maybe you will be the possible. Everything has to start somewhere so why not start with you? Maybe you can be the start of new things. The journey it took for you to maybe end racism, or maybe even recent things like bullying. You may not be able to end all these things alltogether, but the things you did to get there will trigger the thoughts of others, like in the Book Thief.

[Kennedy Curley]

I think Atticus is right about impossible causes being worth the fight. In this situation, the impossible cause seems to be trying to convince an all-white jury that Tom Robinson is innocent. In addition to the Tom Robinson case, however, Atticus is fighting for something greater. He's fighting to cure Maycomb's disease, which is racism. Even if it is impossible for him to prove that Tom Robinson is innocent, he still has a chance of having an impacting society's beliefs on racism, which will have a major impact on how black people are treated in the future. I disagree with him about how he will lose the case, though. He acts like him and Tom Robinson have a 100% chance of losing, and my opinion is that you never know until it's official. We see cases today that surprise the nation.

[Jansen Rees]

I agree with Meagan. Just because it is easier doesn't make it the right choice. Choosing the easier choice can end in regret. If Atticus doesn't stand firm in his defense and defend Tom Robinson, he will end up regretting it in the end. I liked her point when she said "no matter what you should follow through with what you want the most." Even though Atticus thinks it is impossible he is still trying because he feels it is right and it is what he wants. He wants to make a difference and through this trail he might be able to. 

On Fri, May 10, 2013 at 4:10 PM, Sarah Park <ha.y...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Caroline McCoy]

Atticus is right about the fact that even though you may not stand a chance, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to win. With the Tom Robinson case Atticus is at least fighting for what's right, whether or not he actually will win that is the right thing to do. Of course there are always those few exceptions but for the most part at least you can learn something for the next time, or maybe somehow in a different way than what you thought, you'll benefit from putting effort into that impossible cause.

[Gissel Glez]

Atticus from my point of view is right, because his quote shows that when someone sees something impossible to achieve can fail but they has the courage to try either way. He also gives an explanation that people stand up for what is right even though it seems that they can be defeated later on. The quote shows that it is better to give a good fight even when you know that things are not in your favor. Atticus tried his best in fighting back and to make himself look better even when he knew that his case was already lost and had no way  of winning. 

---

From: alexga...@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 6 May 2013 15:02:00 -0500
Subject: Impossible?
To: fg...@googlegroups.com

In Ch. 9, as Atticus tells Scout that they will not win the trial, he explains that “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.”  Do you agree with Atticus’s idea that impossible causes are worth putting effort into?  Why or why not?

Do you think he is right that he will lose his battle?

[Wil Kahlich]

I think that Atticus' means that not actually succeeding in freeing Tom, but the impact he is having by standing up against the racism that is so ingrained in that community it what is really important. He knows that he can really put the idea of treating other races with equality in people's minds. He can make them THINK. He knows he probably won't win the case, but he certainly is aware of the difference he can make in the mindset of those around him. He knows that all he needs to be is the spark, and hopefully people will begin to think about what it means to be a human, and how we're all the same. Such a simple concept, but in this time period, it was rather revolutionary.

--
-Wil

[Caren Aguilar]

I think in atticus's point of view, that he wants people to know that he did not do this because he thought he would win, he did this for the moral aspect more then the trial aspect. If he didn't do this then he would have brought an injustice to his kids edication or how they view atticus, he dosen't want his kids to deffend him based on that he is a wusse.

---

From: Gissel Glez <gisse...@live.com>
To: "fg...@googlegroups.com" <fg...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Fri, May 10, 2013 7:45:09 PM
Subject: RE: Impossible?

[Ashley Muchin]

Impossible causes are worth putting 100% effert into. Doing the impossible is the only way people learn and progress in life. If people never tried the impossible, we wouldn't have half the things we have today. People once thought that flying was impossible but they were proven wrong in time. Nothing is totally impossible. The things that we think are impossible today might not be impossible later in life. It just takes time.

On Mon, May 6, 2013 at 3:02 PM, Alex Gandy <alexga...@gmail.com> wrote:

In Ch. 9, as Atticus tells Scout that they will not win the trial, he explains that “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.”  Do you agree with Atticus’s idea that impossible causes are worth putting effort into?  Why or why not?

Do you think he is right that he will lose his battle?

--

[Robert Cooper Flickinger]

I agree with Reese. The fact that your not going to win is no reason to not try to win. If you try really hard you can make a huge impression on whoever your fighting against. You can make them think differently. You also can respect yourself for trying to do the impossible.

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[Siqi Huang]

I like Atticus’s idea because trying still counts. Even though making an effort doesn't necessarily mean that it will come true, it still makes a satisfying mark on the inside. Impossible doesn't always mean that it’s impossible, I remember seeing a quote that says: even impossible says I’m possible. Doing an impossible task may have the smallest whit of winning it nevertheless makes an impact. Maybe Atticus had some hope into breaking this norm of racism. His action of defending for justice will never die out but certain boundaries meet reality so at that circumstance, I don’t think he will stand much of a chance at court even if every listener agrees. 

---

From: alexga...@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 6 May 2013 15:02:00 -0500
Subject: Impossible?
To: fg...@googlegroups.com

In Ch. 9, as Atticus tells Scout that they will not win the trial, he explains that “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win.”  Do you agree with Atticus’s idea that impossible causes are worth putting effort into?  Why or why not?

Do you think he is right that he will lose his battle?

[Ethan Frechtman]

The only way any tradition or system gets changed, is when one person dares to question it, and point out its flaws. For that reason, I completely agree that while a cause may seem impossible, you are nothing if you don't even try. Even though I think that Atticus will lose the trial because the rest of Maycomb is still stuck in its traditional ways, he will ultimately get the ball rolling, and others may not be so afraid of making their opinions known.

On Mon, May 6, 2013 at 3:02 PM, Alex Gandy <alexga...@gmail.com> wrote: