Examples from Oroonoko and A Modest Proposal Still Relevant Today

Task:

 

I want you to find a specific example from each assigned text of something that you feel is still relevant or at least resonant to the world we live in today.  You will tell me what that example is, and then you will explain why it is still relevant or resonant. So, I expect to see the following in your first post:
1. One example from Oroonoko that has some relevance or resonance to life today.
2. One example from "A Modest Proposal" that has some relevance or resonance to life today.
For this first week, to give you some examples, you might look at the relationship between Oroonoko and Imoinda and see something that you think relates to couples today.  Or you may find a theme or idea in "A Modest Proposal" that, while different today, is still very present in the world we live in.  I am not looking for a "right" answer as much as I am looking for you to have completed the reading and to have some thoughts on what you read.  Keep in mind that this format also means that plagiarized answers, where people cut and paste what someone else has written (or badly attempt to paraphrase by simply changing a few words), generally show up pretty obviously, as I can tell folks are simply regurgitating what they find on websites. 
Requirements and Due Date/Time:
There is one deadline for Weeks #1-3, so this week's initial post and classmate responses are due no later than midnight, Central Time, on Sunday, June 13th.
Because some students have plagiarized from other students in the past, you won't be able to see your classmates' postings until you've made your own original post.  If that causes any of you anxiety because you're wondering if you're on the right track with your comments, I'm happy to review things via email if you'd like some reassurance.
Grading:
I will be grading on the fact that you have all components of a weekly discussion (initial post and two classmate responses), have met at least the minimum word counts, and have a specific example from each author or assigned text for the week (either as a direct quotation or specific paraphrase) that you then discuss in light of how that situation or idea is still relevant today.  If I find any evidence of plagiarism (using another person's words or ideas as your own) I will fail you for the assignment.
A Few Final Reminders:
A reminder that these should be your own ORIGINAL posts.  I understand that you may need to consult some outside sources occasionally to help you understand the texts (keep in mind there are notes in the weekly modules to help with that), but there should be no cutting and pasting of any online material (even if you change a few words) or using ideas that are clearly not your own.  If you are found copying and pasting material (which is plagiarism--even if you change around a few words) or found quoting or paraphrasing extensively from online or secondary sources (which is failing to follow directions), your grade will be lowered accordingly.
Also, this should hopefully be obvious, but please try and be respectful of your classmates.  I love to see some debate or differing opinions, as it shows you're actually engaging with the texts, but I do want people to be respectful and polite and will intervene accordingly if necessary.
I won't weigh in heavily as you work on these, as I'd like these to be your own interactions, and I find if I post that students then tend to read my comments as the "right" reading and won't always post their own original perspectives.  I will weigh in while grading regarding ideas I think are particularly strong or which are weaker and need more development.