Le Romain Rolland Webzine

Le magazine du Lycée Romain Rolland

2 juillet 2020
de romainrolland
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Monday 25th of May, George Floyd leave us and provoked a thunderbolt in the world history.

Who was George Floyd and what happened this day?

George Floyd was a man of 46 years old; he was an American but especially a member of the African American community. While he was living in Houston, he got condemned to five years of prison for robbery. When he finished to serve his sentence, he moved to Minneapolis in the Minnesota State and started a new life. He started a new job as truck driver and his neighbourhood described him as “a man of peace” so everything was good for him. The day when he got killed by Derek Chauvin, George was with two friends, a man and a woman. The man entered in a tobacconist’s and tried to buy cigarettes with a bill of 20$ that was looking fake for the owner. The man gets out and ask to George to try again to see if this time it would work. The owner noticed the supposed fake bill again and warned the police. When the police arrived on the place, George Floyd was in his car, they told him to get out and then they handcuffed him, and they asked him to sit on the ground. Next, the third cop and murderer Derek Chauvin has arrived, and he proceed to a ventral cladding, he has put his knee on the throat of George Floyd and stayed like this during almost ten minutes. George Floyd was suffering, he said to Derek “I can’t breathe, please…” and he answered that he should calm down and do not move. But the situation became worse and worse so the policemen asked to the population to get out of here and they called the ambulance for a stage three emergency but this was too late, George Floyd dies out of suffocating after 8 minutes and 46 seconds of suffering. Unfortunately for the policemen, a woman took a video of the scene and posted it on internet, and this is the origin of all the protests that happened after his death.

But why the United States of America suffers so much of racism ?

Let’s talk about the history of the United States.

To understand the violence and the discrimination endured by the black community in the United States, we must go back a little bit in the history. So, as we all know, North America was the second step of the triangular business and it was the land of slaves. A lot of these Africans that got captured by slavers was meant to work in the plantations of North America. And they will have to wait until the end of the Secession War, the 9th April of May 1965 to discover what freedom is, even if they were still persecuted after this. So, we can tell that the over presence of racism in the United States is due to the mentality of the old generations that was considering black people as incompetent slaves only made to serve white people.

“We have had enough “

This is the sentence that everyone pronounces since the terrible death of George Floyd and big protests happened all around the world.

Protests all around the world and reactions.

First, at Minneapolis during the first protest, the police precinct got burned by the demonstrator and this first act of anger show that a limit has been reached and that the world won’t ignore the violence of the police now. In France, some protests with thousand of people happened to claim justice for George Floyd but some affairs resurfaced about the death of Adama Traoré which is a very controversial affair because the version of the police is different of the version from the family and people restarted this fight they left a few years ago for the justice of this young man too.

We can also talk about the numerous reactions that set off this event in the sport or music environment.

A lot of celebrities, actors, singers or even athletes like Drake, Omar Sy, Paul Pogba, Michael Jordan, Serena Williams or Naomi Osaka gave their support to the family of George Floyd and to the protest that still go on today.

Trump and the United States police at the center of critics.

After the death of George Floyd, the politic of Donald Trump and the power of the police got called into question. And once again Donald Trump overused his best social media and got banned another time by Twitter because his tweet was considered as an incitement to racial hatred.

To conclude this article, I would say that the impact that the George Floyd affair got is due to the video that shocked all the world and this is a precious thing. Without this video, this affair would have been an affair forgotten in a few weeks, without the impacts that are going on our society. The fight of the African American community continues along with all the people that wants a better world !

25 juin 2020
de romainrolland
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Georges Floyd

THE TIMES

A world struggle

On 25 May, George Floyd, a 46 years old unarmed black man, was arrested outside a shop by the Minneapolis police. He was attempting to buy cigarettes with a counterfeit $20 bill. He died after being restrained by white officer : Derek Chauvin, who kneeled on his neck for almost nine minutes while he was pinned. Mr Floyd said repeatedly : « I can’t breathe, please, please, please », and pleading for his mother. George Floyd is described by Mr Lillard, his friend, like a person of peace.

Now, Chauvin has been charged with his murder and sacked.

According to a study published in 2019, based on figures compiled by Fatal Encounters, a consorium of journalists, and those of the National Vital Statistics System, which collect all the data on mortality in the United States, African-Americans were the most at risk population. Indeed, researchers value that 1 in 1,000 of them will die from police violence. Black men are 2.5 times more likely than white people to be killed by police. Among women, this rate is 1.4.

The USA has behind it, and still suffers the consequences today, 264 years of slavery and almost 100 years of racial segregation, especially with the Jim Crow laws. The struggle of the civil rights movement, begun in 1950, to obtain the end of inequalities between white and black American was long. Some laws to abolish segregation are created with President Kennedy in 1960’s like laws against public place segregation, job discrimination and laws in favour of access to university, mixed-race marriages, right to vote or access to housing. But today, racism and a lot of prejudices still remain.

Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, critized Mr. Trump for sowing division in the country and has called for real police reform, after meeting Mr. Floyd’s family. Obama paid tribute to George Floyd and call to change. Liverpool players took a knee around the center circle at Anfield in a message of support following the death of George Floyd. Moreover, some Manchester United players protest against racism. Michael Jordan give 100 million of dollards to an organization fighting against inequalities, wishing to denounce rooted racism. There a lot of demonstrations against the murder of George Floyd, Trump has menaced to deploy an army to end them. The #blacklivesmatter move a lot in social media to fight injustice.

The world is changing. Let’s fight for George Floyd, for all African-Americans, against racism and police brutality. Together.

L.C.

25 juin 2020
de romainrolland
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Lettres de confinement

Les elèves ont écrit des lettres pendant cette période si particulière du confinement : ils s’adressent à un lecteur fictif ou réel et expliquent ce qu’ils ont vécu, leurs activités, leur ressenti…

 

My dear friend,

I hope you’re doing well. I know the situation we are all living can be difficult for a lot of us, even me. I would like to talk about how I feel, a little bit. I don’t want to seem egoist, but I know you’re not going to judge me. I trust you and I know I can be weak, and sensitive about everything we are living with right now.

First of all, I would like to talk about the isolation. I am not someone who enjoys going out a lot, with my friends, my family or alone. I am a home lover and I like spending time in my house, reading or playing videogames. So, when our country was put in quarantine, it didn’t affect that much. I was thinking that it wasn’t going to change a lot for me in my life. But that was at the beginning. After almost a month, it started to become unbearable. I realize the fact that I was with my friends during most of the day, going to high school and spending time out of my house with other people. I’d never thought I would say that one day, but I was missing human contact. It’s really hard to stay alone, without your friends or people who came often at your house. I realize how hard it was to be alone. In a way, it’s an interesting experience to know how we react to loneliness, but it can also be awful to some people. It’s even harder when you see a lot of people enjoying their lives in the streets or at parties when you’re doing your best to stay at home and don’t go out because you’re not a selfish human who only thinks about his own joy. I was very angry because of that point especially.

Then, I will come up to another negative thing quarantine has brought to us. The decrease of motivation. I’m not only talking about school, even if it is also the fact. I’m talking about everything. I will talk about me but I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who living it like this. First, obviously with school. At the beginning, it wasn’t that hard because we were all saying that it wasn’t for a long time. But now, we don’t have exams anymore, we’re nearly all know if we have or not our diplomas. So, because of that, keeping the motivation to work, staying concentrate during hours and hours in front of a computer, it’s not easy for everyone. But it also the fact for a lot of activities. Personally, I would love to learn Japanese. With the lockdown time, the time wasn’t the problem. I could have learnt the alphabet and then how to talk, but I couldn’t find the motivation to do it. It was the same for physical activities, finding motivation was even harder than the exercises themselves. It probably isn’t only because of the lockdown but I’m sure it didn’t help either.

To finish, I would like to approach something more positive than the two previous points. Lockdown give us time. I think especially about the parents who are working a lot and who don’t have time to play with their children. Work at home give them the opportunity to spend time with their family or to find themselves again. This big amount of free time gives a chance to some people to express their creativity, to improve their art’s skills. It isn’t only bad things. It allows all the people who can’t take the time to live or do what they like to spend their time in everything they want to. It’s an opportunity and, for some people, even a chance to try new things.

I’m sorry if my letter wasn’t the happier but I needed to talk about those things. It was important for me. Thank you for reading this, I’m feeling better. Be careful, times are tough.

20 juin 2020
de romainrolland
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Dear Miss Jacquet,

It’s been almost three weeks that the end of the lockdown has been announced and to be honest, my vision of life has changed. Despite the fact that this period has been intense for me with the virtual classrooms, I learnt that there’s no need to live a life at 200mph everyday and that relaxing and taking some time for us is really good. And for me that vision works with a lot of things, as humans, we should learn to leave our Earth alone by reducing our consumption of clothes, food etc… The unlimited needs of humans push us to consume more and more but with the lockdown , I think that everyone learned to live with less things and became aware of the fact that the most important things in our lives are the love of a person, the love of our families and of our friends.

The lockdown also confirms my vision of the future, in my opinion we should reduce our emission of carbon, our consumption of food and clothes really fast because our planet can’t hold the rhythm. It makes me determined to act for the environment later by joining an NGO like Greenpeace. Concerning me, I have some habits that I need to apply in my everyday life like: practicing more sports like running or workout and to eat more fruits because it’s a challenge for me since a long time ago and I want to change this. I also want to be more sociable and to enjoy my youth with my friend way more than before.

On top of that, summer is coming and I can’t wait to enjoy my holidays!

Take care of yourself, see you in September!

Léandre

19 juin 2020
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Dear Nicolas,

It’s been a long time since we’ve not met each other and I hope that you’re living well your quarantine life.

Regarding me, I live this lockdown time very well, I could spend way more time with my family and especially with my father and my stepsister. Even if there are ten years of difference between her and me, I try to play with her. I think that I never played this much to doll’s tea set and dolls since the quarantine. I also watched a lot of movies in the evening with my family, I’m very lucky to have five other people with me in my house. I also got a lot of time to give to video games.

During the Easter Holidays, I set up a daily training and playing routine in order to get better and better at Apex Legends. This week I will be passing some tests to join a semi-professional team. I’m kind of stressed when I think about it, but I got nothing to lose, it’s up to me to prove what I’m capable of to reach the top. And I’m thinking about it, but we never played together even if we both think about it when we’re talking.

I’m not gonna lie but I miss you and all the others, I remember the mornings we spent laughing in the study room instead of working properly. I also miss your revolution projects in the class of Sir Al-Mukhtar, you’re the funniest guy I never known to be honest. Fortunately, there’s still the virtual classrooms that let us talk with everyone and these classes can be really funny sometime, even if you’re always coming up late because you’re still sleeping at 9am.

I really hope that we can see each other really soon because being far from our friends is really hard.

Take care of you, of your family and of Darwin, see you soon!

Your friend, Léandre.

17 juin 2020
de romainrolland
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Clamecy, Wednesday the 17th of June 2020

Dear Miss Jacquet,
I hope you are well, as well as your family. I am writing to you to tell you about my upcoming plans for the summer, as well as my projects for the next school year.
First of all, as we know, the summer will officially be here in a few days. Every year, it is a time very special for most people, and I include myself. It is a possibility to think about something other than school or work, and to concentrate on other activities that one finds pleasant. Some of these activities for me will be to read, watch movies, complete puzzles, play cards… Some other activities a bit harder will be to take my driving theory test, and complete official papers. But the most important activity to me will be to spend quality time with my family and friends.
A couple of my good friends will be having their birthday during this summer, and as they will have 18 years old, I will try to make their day count, with the help of our group. We will also go and spend time at each-others house, when and if possible, and simply chat, play games, eat, drink together, and make the most of our time while reunited.
Furthermore, my sister and her family will also come over in August, staying true to what they do each year. That means making barbecues, walking through small cities of the Morvan we enjoy, chatting together, and playing with her children. Nonetheless, people with whom I will try to spend the most of my summer with will be my parents. They are very dear to me, and I always love doing simple things with them, like doing the dishes, watching and reacting to tv-shows together, drinking coffee outside, might it be while talking, or silently enjoying the present moment.
I will cherish these small moments in time, because I will be going away to a big city next year.
At the end of August, once my parents will have helped me find an apartment, I will have to pack up and move from my parents’ house. Starting a new school year, but now in a university, in the big city of Dijon, to learn psychology; that is what I’m going to do.
On the one hand, I am very scared. I will have to be all alone in a big city, where it is busy day and night, where there is constant movement and noise. I will have to be in my home alone, go out alone, and stay strong even if I’m not
comfortable. I will have to pay my bills, manage my finances, take public transports, attend class, work hard, and socialize as best I can. On the other hand, what scares me also excites me. A lot. It means becoming an adult, learning, from school and from life, living, with what I have and how I want. It also means being able to learn what I’ve been wanting to learn since I’m 9 years old. During next year, it will be a beautiful possibility to expand my
comfort zone, to broaden my mind and to become stronger as an individual. Going to university also means being with a few very good friends, and meeting new people, which is both terrifying and thrilling.
To put in a nutshell, the summer will be the calm before the storm. Only, I love calmness just as much as storms. They both have something to offer : precious moments, important lessons, memories to hold on to.
So, here you go, I have said everything I thought about on my projects for the summer and next year in this last assignment I am giving to you. I hope you will enjoy your summer, and that it will be a rejuvenating season
for you and you family before going back to school again.

Sincerely yours,
Senior student of 2020.

30 mai 2020
de romainrolland
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Saturday, the 30th of May 2020

Dear Miss,

First, I hope you and your family are well. I will tell you how the lockdown changed my vision of life. It has many benefits : it allows me time to think to a lot of things and to discover new activities. I think it was the perfect time to reflect on the planet, what we want to defend, what we really like and focus on ourselves without the judgement of the other people.

For me, the lockdown has allowed to develop my creativity. So, my future goal is to maybe to write a whole novel, or, in any case, never lost the creative part of me. Also, I would like to discover many cultures, many things about the Earth…

Before the lockdown, I was already receptive to the question of ecology, but even more now. I realize how much it’s important to eat local, consume less and better, buy second-hand, etc. I think it’s an essential struggle. Moreover, I found out about feminism, social construction and injustice.

Then, the lockdown taught me to enjoy each moment with friends and family, because it’s very precious. About work, it comforted me in the idea to do the work for school but also dedicate time to things I really like.

As well, it was the first time that I follow the news diligently, and I want to continue. I followed more specifically the Youtube channel HugoDécrypte, who did a short video about actuality everyday. Besides, my favourite accounts are Douze Février and MyBetterSelf. Douze Février is a badly burned person who is very inspiring and MyBetterSelf shares recipes and her self-employed life. They both help to personal development. About music, I learn to really listen and understand lyrics. By the way, Loïc Nottet has two albums which tell each a different story.

Finally, the habits that were beneficial and I want to keep reading at least one hour per day under the sun in my garden, exercize sport and organize myself.

Two of my fears are to not succeed to find again a social life and returning to school.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

LC

18 mai 2020
de romainrolland
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Chevroches,

the 18th May, 2019

Dear friend ,

I hope you and your family are okay ! I’m writing to you to talk about my lockdown. You know the coronavirus spreads all over the world , our president announced the end of the lockdown but I feel like it’s not really a good decision even if we do the barrier gestures because some people will not respect them.

Anyway during the lockdown we had to stay at home!

I liked the lockdown because I’m not a person who spends a lot of time outside but I miss my friends so much, we do not really have topics to speak of because we don’t do anything interesting so I hope the situation will be better .

I don’t do anything special, I’m busy because of the homework that teachers give us. During this lockdown I did what I do in vacation.

Firstly, I listened to Kpop as always but during the lockdown I discovered many new Kpop groups ( TOO, Cravity,…) and some groups/soloist that I love did a comeback so I was really happy!! I litteraly can’t get over of these songs :

  • Wannabe by Itzy

  • Oh my god by (G)I-dle

  • Spit it out by Solar

  • break all the rules by Cravity

  • Hey mama ! By EXO-CBX and so on and forth

Besides I learned some Kpop choreography particulary Wannabe’s choreo by Itzy, it’s so difficult but I enjoyed learning this choreo !

Secondly, I watched a lot of Korean dramas , I even watched again one of my favorite drama , I’m watching « Goblin » these days ! Besides , I’m still learning Korean thanks to Korean dramas. I know I love so much South Korea, I would like to there one day !

My mom also cooked a lot (not me because I’m too bad at cooking) so I ate cakes that she baked. Sometimes, I went into my garden too because it’s better to go out when we can .

I hope I’ll see you as quickly !

xoxo

Your friend,

X

18 mai 2020
de romainrolland
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Lockdown letter

Monday, the 18th of May 2020

Hello,

How do you live this lockdown time in Pari ? I think it’s easier for me than for you because I live in the heart of the Morvan, in the countryside. Moreover, I have a garden and nobody in my family is diseased by Covid-19. Last Monday, that was the end of the lockdown, but that changed nearly nothing for me, because Burgundy is ‘ red’, so we must still limit our trips.

During the quarantine, I did a lot of new things and I have started Physical Activity. For example, I learnt to cook new breakfast, which is my favorite meal! Also, I re-red the Harry Potter books, and watched the movies in original version. As usual, I drew : I have drawn the portraits of some of my friends and family. In addition, at the beginning of the lockdown time, I wanted to write a « novel », but I couldn’t find an idea. At last, I came up with an idea, so I will begin as soon as possible. Finally, I have taken care of my pets and wild cats, near my house. As well, I did a big sorting, listened to music, took pictures, called or wrote to my friends and family, etc… Of course, I must do my homeworks !

That’s a very good experiment for me, I’m quite solitary, so I like doing things by myself. This taught me to be even more independant, and to better organise my life. This allows to focus on our life and ourself, to call us into question, to re-etablished our priorities and reaffirmed at all levels.

Finally, this lockdown time allows to take more time with our families : I laughted a lot with my sister.

So, I hope you and your family are well, I’m getting ready to receive your answer !

See you later

Love

LC

15 mai 2020
de romainrolland
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Friday, May 15, 2020

Dear Manon.

Hey, it’s not been long since I wrote to you about the Covid-19. However, some things have happened.

Since May 11 we start our deconfinement, and to tell the truth I am afraid. I’m afraid it’s too early, I’m afraid we have to change things, I’m afraid I’ll find my life back and it’s not for me.

I also wanted to tell you about birthdays. My dad, my mom and my sister had to celebrate their birthday confined and I admit it was great. I was able to spend the day with them and enjoy their moments and it’s been a long time since I’ve had the opportunity.

However, my friends are really starting to miss me especially my best friend because we have never been separated so much and I do not know when we can meet again. Even if we are a the end of the lockdown our area is in the red zone which means that we still have a lot of risks and it is advisable to stay at home as much as possible.

Lately with my class, we train a lot for the oral which should be maintained, I work a lot on it at the moment because I really want to succeed because you know I am very shy and I want to prove to myself that I can do it. The fact that I work at home allows me to take the time to work on it.

I also take advantage of staying at home to take care of myself. I take the opportunity to do things that I want like watching series, drawing, watching movies, enjoying the sun …

Before confinement, with a friend we laughed a lot and she talked to me about making a comics about our life and our moments spent together. Since I have a little more time I could actually start this comic and I found it funny to write our adventures, I’m just starting but I have a lot of ideas.

I don’t have much to say because I stay at home to avoid the risks as much as possible. I hope you enjoyed this letter, I hope to be able to see you again soon.

See you soon.

Kyra