Tuesday, August 28, 2007
#1: "Just Walk on By" or "The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society"
After reading both selections, respond in a paragraph to either the "Journal Entry" prompt on p. 244 of Patterns or to these questions "What examples are most effective in the Kozol essay? Why?" You may respond to other students' comments in your posts as well.
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11 comments:
I have read stories like Staples describes; but I cannot recall personally being in a situation where I felt threatened or I threatened (that I know of) someone else. The expression “Life isn’t fair” holds true in this story. What Staples describes is sad, but true. In his generation, especially in places like Chicago and New York, I imagine it was a black/white issue. That is, where white people were scared or intimidated by black people. However, today, in my generation, I think the pendulum is swinging; and all races are vulnerable to being perceived as threatening—especially in certain places, like walking around at night, in airports, or any crowded place. Unfortunately, that is the world we live in, and everyone must be vigilant to their surroundings.
I can't relate to just walk on by, but i understand where he is comming from. Even in this modern time there is still a huge fear of colored people. But it isnt as bad as back then because we have more races then back then. People are still intimidated and afraid of colored but now there are other races that people are afraid of. so its not just colored people anymore.
It was very enjoyable reading the story by Staples. Staples has tthe ability to put the reader in a pair of his shoes throughout the story. From the way he was treated versus the way he was dressed to being a passive by-stander in an agressive act.
As a female, I constantly feel threatened. I carry pepper spray, I don't answer the door if I'm home alone, and I certainly don't go walking the streets of a big city in the middle of the night. Anyone who watches the news can understand why women are so cautious these days. I will say, however, that my fears have nothing to do with ethnicity. If I'm alone in a dark ally, and I see a suspicious man walking towards me, I don't care what color he is... I'm runnin!!!
I agree with what Erynne said about how if I were to see any guy while I was out on an empty street at night I’d be scared. It would have nothing to do with ethnicity, though. I think it’s great that Staples tries to calm people by whistling classical music. It’s also kinda funny. As for Kozol’s “The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society” I find it interesting to realize just how large a part reading plays in my life. I do wonder, though, are there that many illiterates because they choose to not learn how to read, or because we don’t offer them the opportunities? I mean, do they truly desire to learn but do not have an opportunity, or are they just being lazy? Hmmm. There is probably some of both.
Personally I thought Kozol's examples that showed the physical danger of being unable to read were his most effective. From the Drano bottle label at the beginning, to the example of the instructions for using a prescription and the example of the medical clinic with the many forms to sign and nobody explaining what they say, it really helps him drive home the threat to those who are unable to read. The amount of things for which you need the ability to read is absolutely stunning.
Though I am a black male, I do not feel I have ever been in a situation such as those presented in Staples' "Just Walk on By." Sure, I've heard tell of racial profiling and stereotyping like his examples, but if I am out late at night, I am with my family or friends. I don't really think anyone gets too scared of the tall, black guy when he's walking down the street holding hands with his mom.
Kozol's "The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society" really hit home with me. How often do I take for granted the fact that my family and I can read? I love reading. It not only helps with every day tasks, but it opens up a whole different world. Through reading anyone can travel to Spain, climb Mount Everest, or even "fly to the second star on the right and straight on till morning." The paragraph that strikes me the most is (page 258) the one about the man whose car had broken down. All that he could tell the policeman trying to locate him was that he was on a one way street. Although I'm not very good at it, I can find my way around tolerably well. I can't imagine how despairing and humiliating it must have been for that man to admit that he had no clue where he was. Knowing that there is illiteracy in our country, the question is what are we doing about it?
This passage helps you to understand a different side of life that not everyone knows about. I don't ever feel threatened by anyone just because of their race or size. It's horrible that people feel uncomfortable with someone else because they are a different race. Staples has an awesome introduction that makes you think he is a predator but in actuallity he is the victim.
In "Just Walk on By", the most effective example in my opinion was when he was mistaken for a burglar. Just because a black man is running down the street, doesn't mean he did anything wrong, and people shouldn't just jump to conclusions. If someone saw a white person running down the street would they automatically think they were a burglar? Probably not.
I cannot relate at all to "The Human Cost of an Illiterate Society." I have always loved to read. But I think that many of us take this for granted, because we were required to go to school and taught how to read. I've never really thought about all the things I couldn't do if I couldn't read, but this pretty much rules out every thing. This article was a real eye opener!
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