Most recent public comments by Nicholas Curtiss-Keyes https://nowcomment.com/users/133745 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347061?scroll_to=3069166 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347061?scroll_to=3069166 From a Social Power/Marxist perspective, we can see that this choice speaks to a larger power dynamic that is at play in our society. The use of the n-word is a direct challenge to centuries of oppressive language and discrimination against black people. Reclamation of the word speaks to how black people take ownership of their own language and their own identity in spite of the oppressive systems that have sought to strip them of these things. We should consider how this language is used to assert agency and power while challenging the existing power structure. How does the reclaiming of the n-word affect how the working class is represented? How does it affect how black people are represented in the public sphere? How does it reflect the ways in which black people can resist and challenge the existing oppressions they experience? Reread this text and see if you can find answers to these questions in the text or clues to help us answer these questions. Thu, 18 May 2023 14:02:36 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347061?scroll_to=3069165 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347061?scroll_to=3069165 Thu, 18 May 2023 14:02:36 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347061?scroll_to=3069162 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347061?scroll_to=3069162 I keep seeing the word “niggardly” throughout the book, at first I thought it was just a fun word City had created but now I wonder if it’s actually down south slang. Thu, 18 May 2023 14:02:36 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347061?scroll_to=3067634 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347061?scroll_to=3067634 The first sentence is important because it is the main idea around which the discussion revolves. It inquires into the role of race and gender in religion and how it is sometimes used to maintain certain inequalities. This sentence not only brings up the idea of challenging how society views religion, but it also brings to the surface the idea of questioning the historic perception of Jesus in Western society, who is often represented as a white man with blue eyes and wavy brown hair. The second sentence emphasizes the challenge of traditional conceptions of Jesus, which are often contradicted by historical evidence. This sentence also acknowledges the potential power of certain ideologies in dictating the way people think and behave, and how it can be denied of its true representation. The background knowledge important to understanding this text is an understanding of the role race and gender has played in religious beliefs, particularly in Western societies. It is also important to be familiar with the idea that certain ideologies can be used to manipulate beliefs and influence how people act. Moreover, it is important to understand the importance and power of questioning traditional norms and ideologies related to religion. By re-reading and engaging with this text, you will further reflect on the implications of equating the historic Jesus to a white man, and how it can be used to promote inequalities. As a young African American male who grew up in church and questioned some of the rules systems, you can unpack the importance and power of challenging the status quo in religion and how it can better represent us all. Mon, 15 May 2023 14:55:46 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347061?scroll_to=3067633 https://nowcomment.com/documents/347061?scroll_to=3067633 This is why I sometimes question religion because out of all things Jesus is presented as a white man, with blue eyes, and wavy brown hair. Who’s to say Jesus was really white? I think sometimes it’s bender to bend certain ideologies and how someone wants the people of a society to act, praise, and steer away from. Mon, 15 May 2023 14:55:46 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346612?scroll_to=3061687 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346612?scroll_to=3061687 Tue, 02 May 2023 14:58:10 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346612?scroll_to=3061684 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346612?scroll_to=3061684 Tue, 02 May 2023 14:55:47 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346612?scroll_to=3061679 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346612?scroll_to=3061679 So he was “getting nice with himself” at school like his principal was accusing him of doing? Lol WHAT? Tue, 02 May 2023 14:51:28 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346612?scroll_to=3061673 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346612?scroll_to=3061673 This isn’t the only time things like time travel has been mentioned in the book. Some instances I noticed was in the beginning of the book with the quote from Andre 3000 and then with the book seeming to relate a lot to the present but being written before. Thu, 18 May 2023 21:59:04 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346612?scroll_to=3061648 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346612?scroll_to=3061648 I find humor in the grandma because she’s a lot like my grandma, my grandma is also somewhat southern and has the same ways and similar ideologies and sayings. Tue, 02 May 2023 14:39:43 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346612?scroll_to=3061646 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346612?scroll_to=3061646 Thu, 11 May 2023 08:39:53 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346612?scroll_to=3061642 https://nowcomment.com/documents/346612?scroll_to=3061642 Tue, 02 May 2023 14:35:40 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3060002 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3060002 The author uses imagery in this sentence to let us into the mind of City and show more of City’s identity. City goes on to give further descriptions off LaVander body comparing himself, he seems insecure but also like he payed a lot of attention to LaVander, this reveals a lot about City. Not only insecure but maybe homosexual and has a love hate thing for LaVander. Fri, 28 Apr 2023 10:13:36 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059985 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059985 They touch and hint on the topic of how the system works in America, and how Americans will sometimes give other people (african americans) a spot to show representation but seeks average because they don’t want them to be too good/“better”/ or “the best” This is how they try to keep us below them, but still keeping things and people civil. City is supposed to be that average African american that is only invited for representation but thinking there’s not a possibility of him winning. *They don’t see him as a “threat”* Fri, 28 Apr 2023 10:10:33 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059984 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059984 Although both understand that their win proves something to america, their motives are different. LaVander is doing it more so in spite of white people and selfessiously proving his better than African Americans and that he’s special whereas City is doing it for better representation for people like him. Fri, 28 Apr 2023 10:09:02 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059980 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059980 She called his brush a “prop” Fri, 28 Apr 2023 10:06:26 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059976 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059976 I can connect to this because I have read few books where it felt authentic without feeling forced, along with the language in this book and how the author isn’t afraid to go there and make different audiences uncomfortable. It’s raw. Fri, 28 Apr 2023 10:04:41 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059971 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059971 The way the author writes the book authentically represents the life of an teenager and african american in general, the cultures, the language (how they talk) which is highlighted through the narration. Fri, 28 Apr 2023 10:04:02 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059969 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059969 This is a reoccurring topic and phrase in the book said in different ways. That as an African American we have to constantly break barriers and that how we represent ourselves not only reflects on us but the whole community. I think the author is trying to communicate that to the reader. Fri, 28 Apr 2023 10:01:45 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059965 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059965 LaVander’s relationship with his dad, I think that’s where his self hatred and side remarks against black people come from. Although his dad means well he tries to erase the black culture of aave, and teach him about code switching which is a defense for a lot of black people so they aren’t looked at as less than capable, smart, etc. This quote represents culture and race in America and how sometimes as black people we conform to speaking a certain way because it has been combated against us. Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:59:47 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059961 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059961 I wonder if this book will actually change how he views things and cause some type of character development. Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:56:33 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059959 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3059959 I don’t know why City gets so defensive about LaVander calling him and homosexual to the point he has to make it overly clear and prove why he’s not, there may be some truth to it and that’s why he’s getting defensive. Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:52:00 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3054503 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3054503 I wonder if City is autistic the way he notices the small details of certain things that others would ignore or not catch. Tue, 18 Apr 2023 15:19:29 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3054502 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3054502 This may be foreshadowing future events to where this book actually changes the trajectory of City’s life. Tue, 18 Apr 2023 15:17:06 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3054496 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3054496 He basically straight up describes the cover of the book we’re reading now, I wonder if that is to further show that this is somewhat of true story of his life or someone close to him. It feels a bit meta, and maybe satirical mocking the book we’re reading. Tue, 18 Apr 2023 15:14:12 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3050807 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3050807 Kiese uses satire through the character LaVander Peeler, reflecting on the real world and how ignorant some black people that pander to white society looks. Thu, 13 Apr 2023 09:20:15 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3050804 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3050804 A lot of allusion is used in this book, from in the beginning mentioning Andre 3000 and now Lil Wayne two well known names in hip hop. Thu, 13 Apr 2023 09:08:51 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3049584 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3049584 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 15:33:33 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3042711 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3042711 I think we (black people) shouldn’t be limited to our use of the N-word because it’s something we have reclaimed and took power over, however I do understand the professor point of view. When the N-word is put into music or books and non black readers are consuming it they may feel entitled to say the word themselves which I think is not ok. Fri, 31 Mar 2023 09:16:49 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3042681 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3042681 This lets me know that he doesn’t embrace who he is and his culture much, trying to please white people which he is probably surrounded by a lot. Fri, 31 Mar 2023 09:08:28 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3042676 https://nowcomment.com/documents/343951?scroll_to=3042676 I wonder if this quote suggests that there will be time traveling going on in the book or if it’s not literal and just suggesting that the character will go through regret and worry some about the past/future. Fri, 31 Mar 2023 09:05:03 -0400