Since my career focus is in law enforcement, I rather enjoyed this piece. What stood out to me was the fact that Claire had to constantly justify why she was working in the youth authority. The point when this became clear that that is what she was doing was when she was talking to Tika. Tika kept asking Claire how she can stand working in the youth authority. Claires response isn’t that she can stand it because she wants to try to help kids, instead her response is “I work seven to three. Im home when the kids gets off the bus. I have bennies.” Which are all statements about how the job makes her life and the life of her kids better.
I would have to say that character was the main literary element used in the story. To me, almost every character had a meaning behind them. Claires nephew represents the gangster lifestyle, the lifestyle that she is trying to keep her son out of. Tika to me represents the idea that it’s the governments fault that young kids commit crime, this can be seen when Tika tells Claire, “They’re determined to put everyone of color behind a wall.” Her son would either be innocence or hope, since he has not shown any signs of wanting to enter the gangster lifestyle. Claire feels that Ray getting her sons head shaved threatens that because that look is part of that lifestyle, which is why she gets so upset by the whole thing. Claire represents the role of the protector. She takes a dangerous job working at the youth authority because it will benefit her family. Because of the job she is home when the kids get home from school, she can afford to get the piano her son wants, piano lessons, and she has benefits. She is essentially working in the prison in hopes that one day her son wont end up there.
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Wow I never thought of this point of view of Straight's story. I definitely agree--each character did have some significant meaning in this piece. Clarette's narration painted a portrait of each character and what they symbolized in her world. With each new day she spent on the job, she gained a view of the type of young man she didn't want her son to become. With the history of and the circumstances surrounding her brother's parenting style, do you think that her nephew Alphonso is capable of undergoing reform? Will he one day be able to see beyond the fast bill and the bling?
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your interpretation of symbolism in each of the characters. Tika was most interesting to me. It was wonderful irony that Tika was always preaching about how to better society in such a self righteous way. The concern for her son is also an interesting point. He illustrates how one's surroundings can shape a person unless they have a role model who points them into another direction.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your point of view on the story. I totally agree with how she became so upset when Ray Jr. shaved his head. I agree with you that it was a symbol that no matter how hard she tires to prevent him from taking the road to the YA, he is still on the path. It also agree with you that no matter what she does, her sons role model Ray Sr. beleives it is more important for the "look" for his son more than what the hair cut represents.
ReplyDeleteGood use of symbolism! You pointed out things that I didn't think of. I agree with you in regards to the haircut. I also think that it is true that no matter what "look" his son has, unless his character is changed/impacted by a positive role model (not his dad), he will stay on the same path that he is on.
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else, I really didn't notice the symbolism myself. It really makes sense the way you put it. It was interesting how Claire really wants to do everything possible to keep her son from ending up in the place she works at.
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