Spy Vs. Spy project
Description:
For this project, we work in a group of a few people. From there we picked what topic we wanted to be in relating to the Cold War. (During that time, many Russian Immigrants were coming to American and trying to turn it into a communistic state. This is also known as the Red Scare.) After we got our topic, we had to write and argument to participate in a Mock Trial (a fake trial), and go against the other side (prosecution or defense). When we were done with the argument, we went to trial, with a jury and everything. The jury decided who won the case and who made the best argument. What I got out of this project was answering questions on the spot, and also shaping strong arguments.
Summary:
My group got assigned the case of the Rosenbergs. The Rosenbergs were a couple in the 1900's who were arrested and brought to the electric chair for the act of espionage (Going against their own country). My side was on the defense, so we were agreeing that it was a good idea that Rosenbergs were brought to the electric chair. Although I don't believe in my side, we ended up winning the case, but I learned a lot from this project.
Reflection:
I really enjoyed this project because it was facinating to be on trial. I loved our cases, and how we got to feel what it was like to almost be a lawyer. I especially liked figuring out all of my evidence to create a piece that was conveying to the jury. I would do this project again in a heartbeat, and winning the trial was the cherry on top for all of our work.
How does hope and fear motivate society?
Well, hope motivates society because it motivates you to do more. To almost go above and beyond when you have hope. The feeling of people believing in you really makes a difference on your day to day life. With encouragement, you are more likely to succeeded. Fear however, can corrupt your brain into tricking you. It's what makes us not want to do things or stay in your safe bubble, and not go out of your comfort zone. It's what keeps you from actually living, and society is very much affected by this.
What does it take to convince a jury of one's peers?
It takes practice and evidence. Without either of those your done. You first need your claims and evidence. If you don't have anything to back up your claims no one will know where you got it from, or if it's even true. After you have all of that, you need to practice. The famous saying, practice makes perfect, is true. You must go over your terms to make sure everything is good and inline. Once you have that, your ready to present and convey your jury.
How is your individual topic still relevant today?
The Rosenberg's are still relevant today because they are still being talked about. A lot of people still have a strong opinion of whether the couple should have been executed or not. Their sons, Michael and Robert Meeropol and still alive and talking about their parents and how they dealt with it.