Page 20-21
"I want the teacher visit my boy. I want the teacher make him know he's not a hog, he's a man." -Miss Emma
During the trial of Miss Emma's godson, Jefferson, the defense attorney referred to Jefferson as a hog. By saying that he meant Jefferson is stupid and worthless. Jefferson received the death penalty, and while Miss Emma is upset by that she's even more upset that Jefferson will die considering himself a hog. I think this shows how susceptible African Americans were in believing whatever white people said about them during the time period of the 1940s. This is because society taught people, like Jefferson, at a young age that they are below white people and should just listen to what they say.
I think it is important to Miss Emma for Jefferson to see himself as a man because she wants him to die with pride. While it seems pointless to teach a man on death row anything, it's important to those who believe in an afterlife. Miss Emma wants Jefferson to go to heaven and for him to be able to believe in a higher entity, he must first have faith in himself.
I find it shocking how cruel things said about people, weren't considered cruel at all during this time. Now days, for a lawyer to call their client a hog, would be derogatory and wouldn't be seen as appropriate. It just shows how much the standards in society has changed over the past 70 years, and how such behavior is now seen as shameful.
=
"008481_36.jpg." Kosmix. Web. 8 Jul 2011. <http://content.internetvideoarchive.com/content/photos/201/008481_36.jpg>.
"3834502558_c18501c7d6.jpg." Heritage Hog Breeders Club. Web. 8 Jul 2011. <http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3458/3834502558_c18501c7d6.jpg>.
Interesting quote choice, and it reminded me of an episode of Law and Order SVU. One kid gets off with the "I couldn't help myself" defense. irresistible impulse or some such defense. Makes you wonder if we have come far enough--but that's fiction for you. (if you're curious-after much googling I found out it's episode 3 from season 9)
ReplyDeleteSo what's the importance of the quote here? Why is the Miss E so hung up on this? What does this racial cruelty speak to? And, heck, what is the value of an education to a dead man anyway? If he's so easily swayed why not just send someone in to say, "Oh by the way, you're not a hog."
Dig a little deeper kiddo but good start.
Thanks for the comment! You're questions are helping me to know what to explain more in the posts now. When I was typing this post I realized it's hard to figure out all I want to say in 75-125 words.
ReplyDeleteNext time I'll try to get more into the reason behind what was said than the context it was said in. I always struggle at beginnings of writing assignments. Hopefully the more post I do, the more I'll get the hang of what I need to be looking for.
hmm looking at the paper work...I think it says 125-200...soo that might help :) Another thing is that the first 50 pages of any book, there is a lot of set up and introduction. The heart of the matter might get introduced, but it's not until you've seen something 3 more times that you might say, "It's official, this is important."
ReplyDeleteI have the rubric right beside me (which I've been referencing and writing all over, because I am the biggest nerd ever) and for the quotes it says 75- 125 words and the reading response says no less than 125 but then below says 150-200. But if you want to give me more words to type, I'll take them!
ReplyDeleteHow strictly are you grading the word count? I've been trying to make sure I'm exact but if I'm one, or say 10 words over, is it going to count against me?
And if you can't tell by now, I'm a night owl. My best work I do at 1:00 A.M. So my post should usually happen in the middle of the night. Sorry.
You are correct madame! IT is 75-125. You want more words, go for it, but be careful to be precise. I don't shoot people for giving me more content if it's good, but I do so loth fluff. Like my subway sub, I want extra meet and veggies--not bread. So at most, try to keep it less than 250-300.
ReplyDeleteAs for the night owl status, I usually go to bed around 2 a.m. in summer. So no worries.
Ahhhhhhh the pictures are broken....hmmm make sure you're using the img coding for html not just copying and pasting.
ReplyDelete