Most recent public comments by Maya Johnson https://nowcomment.com/users/133701 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3072636 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3072636 . . Hi there! I'm a Marxist and I believe this text can be examined from a social power/Marxist lens to better understand how it comments on or represents class conflict. I think the quote, "they got It down in the brush on the other side of the branch," is telling of a social level of ignorance, discrimination and violence that persists against the lower classes regardless of their race/gender etc. By referring to the black person as an "it," it is suggested that the one being hung has no individual identity in the eyes of those with power and that behavior is the same regardless of who is at the receiving end. From a Social Power/Marxist perspective, this suggests that the powerful are oppressing the powerless in a dehumanizing way. My Marxist questions for you are: 1. How does this text reinforce traditional beliefs about social class and power? 2. What messages does this text imply about the fairness of the justice system? 3. What is the author’s attitude toward the lower classes, based on their choice of language to describe class disparity in the text? Can you read the text again and respond to these questions? Fri, 26 May 2023 21:27:28 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3072635 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3072635 (pg. 147). This is an important plot point in the text as it reveals that despite Allie's joy of experiencing the burning, Lizzie is left out and disconnected from this experience. Allie is also questioning why Lizzie is staying inside instead of joining the ritual. This could indicate potential conflict between Allie and Lizzie in the future, as Allie's words suggest that she believes Lizzie is hiding away from the community and what it believes in. Another major plot point occurs when Lizzie meets the mysterious figure in her forest. The figure referred to as "something old and terrible" (pg. 148) offers Lizzie a power - the power to make her dream about Allie burning come true. While Lizzie ultimately refuses this power, this plot point reveals the idea that she is aware of the potential consequences of her actions and that she must make responsible choices with her newfound understanding of her dreams and the power they can bring. Based on these plot points, it is likely that in the future, Allie will continue to question and challenge Lizzie's beliefs while Lizzie remains determined to make wise, responsible choices. What do you think will happen in the story next? Why? Fri, 26 May 2023 21:19:52 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3071055 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3071055 Lizzie looked similar to her young daughter, Little Bessie. So I’m assuming that she has blonde hair, fair skin. Her job was to stay home, cook, clean, and take care of her children like she was doing for her sick daughter. Tue, 23 May 2023 14:16:36 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3071045 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3071045 I agree with his idea, although I’m not sure if it was a group per or one person but the central idea we get from this blurb here is that black people or a person is being hung and people in the town are going to watch. Tue, 23 May 2023 14:14:57 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3071032 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3071032 I could only imagine the fear black people in the area had hearing about or even witnessing the lynching of someone who may belong in their own personal communities. And then you have a little white bot coming home to his mom and talking about it to his mother likes it’s some amazing spectacle. Thu, 25 May 2023 13:44:07 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3071026 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3071026 Was the black person’s toe cut off at the lynching? Did Little Jim take the body part as a souvenir?? Tue, 23 May 2023 14:07:16 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3070434 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3070434 I find it entertaining how the author is able to write out how slang and AAVE is said. Mon, 22 May 2023 13:34:03 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3070432 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347657?scroll_to=3070432 I need to research the Claude Neal lynching to find out more information. Mon, 22 May 2023 13:30:14 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3068139 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3068139 I think it's funny that he apologized for "beating the walk out" of someone. (I will be using this phrase lol). This sentence also digs deeper into the roots that City has in Melahatchie. This means that City could be related to a person and he would never know because there are unclaimed children in his bloodline. It's interesting to think we could all have family members that we may not know about. Tue, 16 May 2023 20:58:21 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3068129 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3068129 City saw his grandfather as the only source of connection to his past, the living personification of his family’s history and legacy. In times of uncertainty and challenge, Big Shank was a dependable source of wisdom and guidance. He loved his birth city and famil—its people, their music, and their dance—and City found himself attached to something that was greater than himself by following the same path. Big Shank was a source of hope for City, since his own father had been absent and they did not have a clear relationship. Tue, 16 May 2023 20:50:40 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3068109 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3068109 I feel like City has a false sense of happiness and doesn't allow himself to all the emotions he experiences. Here he says usually when he's sad he finds ways to distract himself. I feel like as I read more City discovers more and more about the real world and the struggles that comes with being a black man in America. He's becoming more in touch with reality and learning real life lessons. Tue, 16 May 2023 20:32:08 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3068104 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3068104 I also agree that City wanting to spare Soo Sad's life is compassionate considering the awful things he's done to him. I wonder if in a way Soo Sad represents how City feels right now about his new commitment he's about to make. City feels trapped and like he's going to die, and I'm pretty sure if he isn't going to die for sure, Soo Sad probably thinks he's going to die too. Tue, 16 May 2023 20:24:28 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3068083 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3068083 This may be kinda dry humor-wise, but I think it's a common experience when adults use the incorrect word, or try to say something and it doesn't make sense, but they're serious. This made me smile a bit because I've definitely said," You mean...." Tue, 16 May 2023 19:57:32 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3068082 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3068082 This statement from City's will is a bit puzzling. From the text, it's clear that City is not LaVander's biggest fan - why would he choose to leave something of great value to him? It could be a gesture of respect - perhaps LaVander has done something that City greatly appreciated and this is City's way of expressing his gratitude. It's also possible City wanted to impart a lesson to LaVander - maybe he hoped by giving him something of value, it would help him realize that things don't always make you happy, contrary to what society may have you believe. Whatever his intentions, it's certainly an interesting situation, one that reminds me of the Oscar Wilde quote, "The only thing to do with good advice is pass it on. It is never of any use to oneself." It also brings to mind a scene in the movie The Hunger Games, in which Katniss gives away her most valuable possession, her bow, to show gratitude to someone who had helped her along the way. In a way, City's will might be similar - a way of passing on something of value, even if it's not something the recipient may truly appreciate. Tue, 16 May 2023 19:51:33 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347062?scroll_to=3064674 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347062?scroll_to=3064674 I’m confused about what time period they’re in now because in the last chapter City was just talking about Obama Mon, 08 May 2023 14:29:39 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347062?scroll_to=3064673 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347062?scroll_to=3064673 I like how Laymon adds a new element of mystery to his novel to make it interesting Mon, 08 May 2023 14:29:00 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3063806 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3063806 I think that the moment City realizes what true injustice is. Ever since the contest he's had people from all angles telling him that what he did was wrong and it embarrassed his family. But then he finds Soo Sad in his grandmother's shed, she also acted out of anger and wanted revenge for how her family's been wronged. On the stage, he made a decision, to either continue to be oppressed and let people walk over him or to stand up for himself, and he chose the latter which in theory isn't wrong. I think many people are having a hard time distinguishing between doing something ignorant and doing something to get an important message across. Fri, 05 May 2023 19:50:45 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3063770 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3063770 City talking about Soo Sad not knowing his name reminds me of how in police brutality movements, the phrase "Say His/Her Name" is used a lot. Also black people are often judged for their names in society for being "ghetto" and parents sometimes give their children "white names" to make their lives easier in a racist world. In short, names hold a lot of significance in the black community. Fri, 05 May 2023 18:31:50 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3063751 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3063751 This paragraph is really graphic and descriptive, I wonder what may come out of this interaction? Fri, 05 May 2023 17:48:17 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3063749 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3063749 I recognize pig's feet to be a traditional food in black households that has history back to slavery, as slaves were given scraps to eat, and they had to find a way to survive. I can also personally relate as my grandmother also indulged in these kinds of foods. I think this is a a good example of culture and family history because the foods we eat hold a lot meaning and connect us with our families. Pig's feet is a food that his grandmother ate and passes this on to City, so he is connected to his southern roots by the foods he eats. Fri, 05 May 2023 17:39:59 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3063748 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347058?scroll_to=3063748 I like that City appreciates his roots and is proud of where he comes from and who he's related to, which is a blue-collar man who creates things with his hand for a living. Fri, 05 May 2023 17:35:31 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060270 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060270 Fri, 28 Apr 2023 19:42:11 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060260 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060260 City strikes again with his humorous way of talking about people. But he also talks about a common stereotype that black people are or look like "monkeys". I feel like nowadays it's another insult or phrase that the black community has reclaimed to crack jokes at one another. Fri, 28 Apr 2023 19:24:01 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060255 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060255 Is the book Long Division in the text a book City's and the other characters' lives? Fri, 28 Apr 2023 19:19:36 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060250 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060250 Earlier on I wondered why City's mom decided to send him to his grandmother's after what happened at the competition. But now I know it was because his grandmother serves as another authority figure in his life, a tougher version of his mom. I this is a more modern take on gender roles in a family. Usually fathers are seen as tough and authoritative, and the parent to more likely provide discipline. Fri, 28 Apr 2023 19:09:14 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060248 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060248 That was a bold move from City Fri, 28 Apr 2023 19:04:04 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060246 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060246 I can relate to the moment you know you're about to get punished and you're nervous Fri, 28 Apr 2023 19:00:51 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060237 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060237 I wonder who Tom Henry is and if his character has anything significance to City or any of his ancestors? And what is the importance of the stuffed monkey? I find it odd that two grown men are in the woods together carrying around a stuffed animal? Fri, 28 Apr 2023 18:51:02 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060235 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060235 I think that this is a good example of code-switching and City witnesses what it is first hand. On most occasions, in the black community code switching is a tool used to make communicating with people outside of their culture easier and safer. Code switching especially during his grandmother's younger days was an important survival tactic used so black people could better blend into the world around them. Fri, 28 Apr 2023 18:47:20 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060232 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346610?scroll_to=3060232 It's sad but funny how City described his own mother, and compared her to her white counterparts. I feel like if she heard that she would take offense that her son says she lacks black features. Fri, 28 Apr 2023 18:41:47 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3054256 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3054256 I'm curious to see how City will use his small amount of recognition later on in the book. Tue, 18 Apr 2023 09:59:18 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3054228 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3054228 I think that City's speech had an effect on the other contestants like Stephanie because she also spoke out about the discrimination she was facing while being entered in this competition Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:26:24 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3054212 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3054212 I remember in another one of Kiese Laymon's work "Hey Mama" his mother tells him to stop being political and speaking out on social media, and in this book, now it's City's grandmother who disagrees with him speaking out on TV Tue, 18 Apr 2023 09:42:22 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3054205 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3054205 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 09:37:26 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3051785 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3051785 I wonder what Shayla means about changing the future? She never lists anything specific when she says it, but maybe she could be referring to problems in society? I also wonder how far into the future she means, is she talking when they’re adults or when they get a few years older? Fri, 14 Apr 2023 17:12:08 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3051204 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3051204 I like the way you defined LeVander as a person, and I think the pic you were able to create also captured his loneliness as well, as he isn't well liked by anyone. Thu, 13 Apr 2023 19:47:08 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3051197 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3051197 Throughout the book so far I have gotten to know City as a humorous, sarcastic, and witty person. He makes slick remarks about LeVander, but also finds unique ways to express his feelings or to describe someone or something. In another light I also find City to be self conscious because he carries around a hairbrush fix his waves, and talks a bit about his weight. Fri, 14 Apr 2023 19:54:32 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3051132 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3051132 In my own experience I do notice that some adults do act like they have a bunch of knowledge on topics that they don't, or always think that they are right. I wonder if LeVander also has this attitude because he learned it from his own parents? Thu, 13 Apr 2023 18:18:06 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3051124 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3051124 From City's description of Shayla, he really loves Shayla and respects her. One thing I picked up on is that he describes both LeVander and Shayla as people who are "know-it-alls". However in LeVander's case he sees this as a negative thing because he hates him, but for Shayla he admires it. Thu, 13 Apr 2023 18:08:21 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3051120 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3051120 Here is a good example of satire in the form of comedy. Here City uses himself as the butt of the joke. Another thing I noticed about how the author uses satire is he commonly uses similes or metaphors to make the joke. In this example he compares his hairline to a smurf house. Fri, 14 Apr 2023 19:43:00 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3050058 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3050058 I feel like this in-depth description of the book cover may tell us that City may have an interest in the book later. Wed, 12 Apr 2023 11:33:45 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3050053 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3050053 I find some similarity to the "The Hate U Give" as Khalil also had a hairbrush, and got killed by the police over it. Wed, 12 Apr 2023 11:27:32 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3050051 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3050051 Schools are always implementing policies and punishments that are counterproductive to the curriculum or what they are trying to teach the students. Wed, 12 Apr 2023 11:24:16 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3050035 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3050035 I was really curious about the character's name, but now we know his actual name Wed, 12 Apr 2023 11:11:31 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3050021 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3050021 I'm not sure where the analogy LeVander started with was going? Also, it seems like LeVander is taking everything to heart, as opposed to City where he makes jokes in a lighthearted manner. Wed, 12 Apr 2023 11:00:38 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3050013 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3050013 City is very comedic throughout the whole story Wed, 12 Apr 2023 10:55:18 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041624 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041624 This was quite humorous for me to read. It takes me back to a time where kids in school would also stand in a circle and have what we called "roast battles". Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:48:03 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041612 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041612 I think this quote might come up later in the book and be a possible theme Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:45:04 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041583 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041583 The author has a way of writing his characters that makes them familiar and the readers are able to easily picture the person. Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:40:24 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041569 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041569 I think that LeVander attempting to intimidate City is an example of him tiring to assert his dominance as a man. Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:37:52 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041546 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041546 Ok this paragraph was a lot and I can see why everyone hates this kid. He has the same ideologies as white people in the 1850s that "black men are less intelligent". I feel like this is self hate or LeVander having inner conflicts with the way he views himself and how white people view him. Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:35:22 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041527 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041527 Fri, 31 Mar 2023 09:06:40 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041520 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041520 I feel like the principal had good intentions but his actions are over the top and unnecessary. Instead of having tacos/burritos he could find other ways to make the students feel welcomed Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:28:54 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041015 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041015 Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:00:31 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041006 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041006 Tue, 28 Mar 2023 09:58:13 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041001 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3041001 Tue, 28 Mar 2023 09:56:39 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3040981 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3040981 I feel like at this point they are both in a way invalidating each other's "blackness "City is saying that his style doesn't really seem associated to his race. LeVander calls him white based off of the neighborhood and type of house he lives in. Tue, 28 Mar 2023 09:54:16 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3040951 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3040951 Tue, 28 Mar 2023 09:50:26 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3040949 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3040949 I'm a little confused here because from the description of both characters are black?? Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:02:05 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/341099?scroll_to=3021277 https://nowcomment.com/documents/341099?scroll_to=3021277 I’ve seen a lot on social media about those who are mixed race and experience hardships of fitting in with their racial identities. Many will say they act “too white” or “not black enough” and this causes an identity crisis. I do find this film to be overall interesting to learn the dark rooted history and specifically how women were treated during these times. Black women have undergone tremendous amounts of pain and suffering and are objectified and exploited for their bodies. I also learned a lot about the history of colorism through watching this, and why in the black community if you’re mixed, you’re seen as having “good genes” and treated with privilege. Thu, 02 Mar 2023 14:57:13 -0500