Comments by Olasubomi Okin

What is the origin of the word nigger

Fri, 26 May 2023 08:39:37 -0400

"Not a nigger on the street." This sentence is relevant to the discussion as it relates to racism and the discriminatory use of the term nigger. It provides an understanding of the history and culture surrounding the use of the word. Background knowledge: To truly understand this text, it is important to have a general understanding of the history and culture of racism in the United States. This includes an understanding of the development and use of the term nigger and its implications on African Americans. It is also important to understand the evolution of language and its impact on people’s beliefs and behaviors. Re-reading this text can also help you gain more insight into the nuances of the language used and how it has impacted social and political conversations. I invite you to read and interpret the text again and to add any additional knowledge that you have after re-reading the text in a reply.

Why was Claude Neil killed?

Fri, 26 May 2023 08:31:28 -0400

This sentence is important because it provides the context for the text which is about the lynching of Claude Neal and how it was experienced by the white families in the area. Additionally, it brings focus to the issue of mob violence and the way that it impacts people in different communities. Claude Neal’s death was a reminder of the deep-seated racism that had been brewing in the Cuthbert community since the 1890s. This sentence is important because it explains that Neal's death was a result of racism and that the racism had been present in the Cuthbert community for a long time. It furthers the discussion around the issue of race and the idea that violence is often the result of deep-seated racism. Despite efforts by organizations like the NAACP, Grant Daley of the American Federation of Labor, and prominent black leaders like Mary McLeod Bethune, the concerns of African Americans were often minimized or ignored. This sentence is important because it begins to explain the larger issue which is that African American concerns were often not taken seriously and that leaders like Bethune were often unable to have their voices heard. In order to understand this text more deeply, it is important to have an understanding of the social context in which the text is set. Additionally, it is important to understand the history of racism in the United States and the impact of racism on the African American community in particular. Background knowledge about lynching, mob violence, and the efforts of civil rights leaders such as Mary McLeod Bethune is also necessary to fully understand this text. By re-reading this text and taking the time to absorb its full message, you can make a more informed analysis of the text and bring to light further details that could be hidden within its words. The account of Claude Neal's lynching is a sobering reminder of the consequences of racism and the actions of mob violence, there are many more stories like this and we all have a part to play in preventing their recurrence.

Explain why people were being lynched?

Tue, 23 May 2023 14:21:24 -0400

. . This quote from the text reveals a powerful and cruel insight to the brutal and marginalizing treatment of African Americans, reflected by how the characters refused to see a fellow human and instead treated them like an animal. This moment is a timely reminder of the extreme racism and violence inflicted against African Americans and serves as a stark reminder to not forget our past and instead to strive for understanding and respect in the present. Let us join together, re-read the text and find other universal lessons and understandings that reflect a call for justice, equality and respect.

Why is this a recurring statement?

Mon, 22 May 2023 13:40:35 -0400

Jim*

Mon, 22 May 2023 13:37:28 -0400

SLEPT

Mon, 22 May 2023 13:36:23 -0400

Explain City's amusement of the typewriter

Tue, 16 May 2023 22:10:48 -0400

The text highlights the importance of advancements in technology and how they give us all a chance to express ourselves and have our words seen. With the laptop, even if you wrote something that had never been seen in a book before it still respected your work and gave you a moment to shine. Technology can give us a chance to rewrite or erase our errors and take pride in what we create. It creates a platform for our voices to be heard with an air of importance. We can all agree that advancements in technology open up a new world of opportunity and growth. It encourages us to strive for more in our creative process and find solace in the feeling of satisfaction from the end result.

Why does City doubt that Shalaya would want to be with him in he future?

Sun, 14 May 2023 22:46:22 -0400

City has come to terms with the idea that no matter how hard he tries, a long-term relationship between him and Shalaya is unlikely – he's too old and doesn't fit her ideal of perfection. We see a moment of understanding, realism, and acceptance between City and Shalaya. The writer encourages the reader to feel the gravity of City's realization that perfection is unattainable, and to accept and appreciate the beauty in imperfection. Instead of being consumed by the need to attain what may seem like ideal perfection, readers are invited to embrace the beauty of life's flaws and imperfections.

This statement brings to light the reason why the book was titled "long divisions".

Mon, 08 May 2023 14:52:51 -0400

How is the thought of having a black president in the future a thing of worry?

Mon, 08 May 2023 14:52:26 -0400

City being sweet is quite a rarity and I appreciate seeing this side of him.

Mon, 08 May 2023 14:51:57 -0400

Broskie got game!

Tue, 16 May 2023 21:17:17 -0400

Roast?

Mon, 08 May 2023 14:50:42 -0400

Humor alert?

Mon, 08 May 2023 14:50:09 -0400

Personal Identity

Fri, 05 May 2023 19:45:10 -0400

City's conduct was extremely heinous as he projected himself as a fool, resulting in a significant blow to his confidence. Moreover, his public failure might have contributed to a retrograde perception of black people, further obstructing their battle towards combating the stereotype of being intellectually inferior. Therefore, indulging in such disparaging conduct to derive any amusement seems unjustifiable, as it becomes an integral part of one's self-identity during such a predicament.

You are point with your assessment and I think this persists in contemporary race relations.

Fri, 05 May 2023 19:42:00 -0400

Racial Inequality

Fri, 05 May 2023 19:39:45 -0400

I believe that City experiences a realization of injustice and racial inequality. Following the competition, he receives criticism from various sources, including family members, for his actions that brought embarrassment. However, the discovery of Soo Sad in his grandmother's shed reveals her own retaliatory actions, stemming from the injustices inflicted upon her family. At the performance, City faces a decision - to continue being oppressed or to assert himself, and he chooses the latter. While some struggle to differentiate between ignorant behavior and using a bold action to convey a significant message, I think City's decision aligns with the latter.

Race relations and Genealogy

Fri, 05 May 2023 19:40:35 -0400

The social and cultural context in which City was raised as a black person in America meant that it was highly probable he was born into a Christian family. As such, it was almost inevitable that he would undergo the rite of baptism, as is customary in many Christian denominations. However, despite this cultural expectation, City himself may not necessarily have fully comprehended the significance of being baptized, or why it was an important ritual to undergo as a believer. It is possible that this baptism was perceived more as a social and cultural obligation, rather than a deeply personal and spiritual experience. Nonetheless, this experience highlights the intersectionality of race and religion in American society, and how cultural expectations can shape an individual's religious practices and beliefs.

Family History and Personal Identity

Fri, 05 May 2023 19:28:56 -0400

The sentiment conveyed through this sentence is quite poignant--despite acknowledging his grandfather's alcoholism, City remained emotionally attached to him as his grandchild. This underscores the notion that irrespective of past indiscretions, familial love endures unchanged.

"This appears to have been a challenging situation. Personally, I would prefer not to be in the same position as City."

Fri, 05 May 2023 19:25:17 -0400

Classism

Fri, 05 May 2023 19:17:51 -0400

Grandma raises the topic of a particular racial group's generational advantage and expresses concern over the injustice of individuals who possess such advantages displaying animosity towards those who are struggling to achieve even half of the former's affluence. I have to agree with grandma on this note, it is nothing short of evil to hold such stance.

Satire with a twist of reality.

Wed, 03 May 2023 11:17:48 -0400

I understand Uncle Relle's opinion that individuals who belong to a lower socioeconomic class do not engage in reading as a leisure activity due to the financial constraints that prevent them from affording books or other reading materials. Consequently, according to Uncle Relle's perspective, reading is considered a luxury that is exclusive to those who have the necessary resources to access literary materials.

I like how City alludes to this book inside of this book.

Wed, 03 May 2023 11:09:51 -0400

What an interesting way to diverge from answering the question.

Wed, 03 May 2023 11:03:21 -0400

Thanks for sharing, I didn't know that was the meaning of the expression.

Wed, 03 May 2023 10:59:15 -0400

This is quite an helpful lens to view the usage of the word. As an African in America, I still find it tricky navigating the complex of the word.

Wed, 03 May 2023 10:57:22 -0400

This reminds me of a very recent video of a white rapper using the N word in a rap battle. Unlike in city's case, the rapper got served immediately.

Mon, 01 May 2023 08:53:45 -0400

https://twitter.com/DailyLoud/status/1650618527060033536?s=20

Thanks for pointing it out. The political climate of the time would've definitely incited such admonitions from people like Coach Stroud. But I also don't appreciate how Coach is content with the "freedom" that is susceptible to how a white person feels.

Mon, 01 May 2023 08:00:17 -0400

This statement suggests that City may be conflating admiration and pride with romantic love when it comes to Lavender.

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 20:10:28 -0400

Gender Expectations

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 19:21:25 -0400

This statement highlights the harmful impact of societal expectations of masculinity and body image on young Black boys like City. City's mother, who subscribes to these expectations, shows an unhealthy preoccupation with his body weight and appears to believe that losing weight will make him more "manly". This type of attitude reinforces harmful gender norms and can contribute to body image issues and low self-esteem in young boys. By alluding to buying diet drinks to nudge City into losing weight, City's mother is perpetuating a culture of body shaming and reinforcing the idea that one's worth is tied to their appearance. This portrayal exemplifies the need for a critical examination of societal expectations of masculinity and body image and for promoting body positivity and self-acceptance regardless of one's gender or appearance.

City is really a funny character to crack such joke after getting whupped

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 19:09:32 -0400

Exploration of Family History

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 19:47:35 -0400

This statement highlights the Longstanding family history of whuppings within City's family. The practice of whupping, which has been used as a form of discipline for generations, has not only failed to bring about the desired change or tutelage, but has also perpetuated a cycle of violence and trauma. Despite enduring numerous whuppings during his childhood, City continues to be subjected to this form of punishment, which suggests that the cycle may continue into future generations. This portrayal underscores the need for a critical examination of the use of physical discipline as a means of teaching and the need for alternative forms of discipline that prioritize the wellbeing and autonomy of children.

Lol, what a dire situation

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 18:57:03 -0400

From experience, the slender ones hurt the most and leave the meanest scars. Thicker ones hurt but doesn't sting as much as the slender and flexible ones

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 18:56:33 -0400

Totally agree with you. City was very detailed in description.

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:12:31 -0400

This lends credence to my initial annotation suggesting the notion of Grandma's code switching.

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:06:01 -0400

Racial Dynamics

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:01:20 -0400

Taking note of Grandma's change of attitude in front of white woman. City's introspection suggests that Grandma is cautious around her white counterparts and is willing to be subservient in demeanor to get by without hassles.

Lol

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 08:53:49 -0400

I agree it must've been awkward.

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 11:24:07 -0400

PAUSE!

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 11:22:08 -0400

A man can love another without being homomsexual and given the fact that his proceeding sentence clears the air about not liking LaVander in a romantic way, I don't think City is homosexual.

Mon, 08 May 2023 15:02:50 -0400

Agree with you on that

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:26:24 -0400

What happened to LaVander when he walked in to the room filled with other contestants? What did he mean by the sentence "they got us"?

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:25:51 -0400

It is from the song juicy by B.I.G

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:18:58 -0400

I commend your creative use of imagery but I didn't need to read this City!

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 09:58:25 -0400

And you stood there watching?....jeez!

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 09:56:31 -0400

Another satirical statement. At this point, I am beyond convinced the Kiese Laymon can make it as a stand-up comedian if he chooses. His sense of humor is brilliant.

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 09:47:18 -0400

LaVander's excessive use of the phrase "all things considered" gradually becomes infuriating.

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 20:14:05 -0400

I like how City talks about this book inside the book. Brilliant piece.

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 12:22:44 -0400

Laymon Use Of Satire

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 12:22:06 -0400

Laymon uses satire to comment on the legacy of racism and its impact on black identity. The character of Mama, a black woman who is ashamed of her race and tries to pass as white, represents the internalized racism that many black people struggle with due to centuries of oppression and marginalization. Laymon also critiques the way white people often appropriate black culture without truly understanding or respecting its significance.

Laymon's Use of Satire and commentary

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 12:21:18 -0400

Laymon uses satire to poke fun at the literary world and the way writers are often celebrated more for their identity and marketability than for their actual writing. The character of Kamikaze serves as a parody of the stereotypical “tortured artist” who is more concerned with self-promotion than with creating meaningful art.

Laymon's Use Of Satire

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 12:20:31 -0400

Laymon continues to use satire to comment on the absurdity of certain cultural practices. The portrayal of the beauty pageant, which City’s girlfriend participates in, is a commentary on the way women are objectified and exploited for their physical appearance. Laymon also critiques the way black people are commodified and marketed in popular culture, as represented by the fictional “We Global” music label.

Laymon's Use of Satire

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 12:19:52 -0400

Kiese Laymon employs satire to criticize how modern media is shallow and influences individuals’ thoughts and actions. City, the main character, is engrossed in a viral video frenzy that holds no significance, serving as a representation of the vacuous consumerist society that he resides in. By ridiculing this trend, Laymon highlights how people’s attention is diverted to insignificant content instead of engaging with substantive issues. Laymon implies that media’s trivialization perpetuates a shallow culture that can’t contemplate on essential concerns. By doing so, he stresses the need to re-examine the impact of the media on society.

I like how City talks about this book inside the book. Brilliant piece.

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:53:54 -0400

Satire

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 19:51:08 -0400

I like City's response here. Feigning ignorance of the word's meaning whilst dissing black people is quite a humorous combo.

Example of Satire

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 19:54:33 -0400

City humorously mocks his hip size. These type of jokes are uncommon in this novel.

I reckon, Laymon uses befitting similes and metaphors to drive his jokes home.

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 19:43:00 -0400

The paragraph is indeed funny. City's humor is nearly unmatched, I also like that he owns his flaw.

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 20:43:46 -0400

Reckon. He makes relevant allusion throughout the book(s).

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 20:44:31 -0400

I have to agree with you on this.

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 20:35:39 -0400

LaVander Peeler

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 09:50:05 -0400

LaVander Peeler is an infamous character in Long Division. He is a tall, muscular, and handsome African-American man with a deep voice. He is confident and charismatic, but also can be aggressive and confrontational particularly those who challenge his authority or beliefs.. Peeler's confidence and charisma make him a magnetic figure, drawing people towards him and making him an influential figure in the black community.Despite his negative traits, Peeler also serves as a mentor and friend to the protagonist, City. He offers City guidance and support, helping him navigate the complexities of race relations and social inequality in the book's setting. In this way, Peeler represents a figure of hope for City and other black characters in the novel, offering a path towards empowerment and self-realization.

Laymon Use Of Satire

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 19:33:23 -0400

Laymon's Use of Satire and commentary

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 19:32:54 -0400

Laymon uses satire to poke fun at the literary world and the way writers are often celebrated more for their identity and marketability than for their actual writing. The character of Kamikaze serves as a parody of the stereotypical "tortured artist" who is more concerned with self-promotion than with creating meaningful art.

Laymon's Use Of Satire

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 19:32:19 -0400

Laymon continues to use satire to comment on the absurdity of certain cultural practices. The portrayal of the beauty pageant, which City's girlfriend participates in, is a commentary on the way women are objectified and exploited for their physical appearance. Laymon also critiques the way black people are commodified and marketed in popular culture, as represented by the fictional "We Global" music label.

Laymon's Use of Satire

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 19:31:45 -0400

Agree, it was a well fitting reference.

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 10:56:55 -0400

Connection

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 10:53:04 -0400

As someone who's had teachers who were friends with my parents, this is relatable and not necessarily a fun experience.

Now why would he?

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:52:16 -0400

That was a sucker punch

The use of imagery in this sentence was brilliant.

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:43:44 -0400

I also agree with City here. LaVander's uttering isn't dynamic.

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:41:16 -0400

I think he is just trying to dramatically pull the audience's attention back into the crispiness of his waves before getting to work.

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:39:02 -0400

I totally agree with you on this one. Peeler's Uncle Ruckus.

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:37:24 -0400

Now that's hilarious!

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:35:44 -0400

Connection

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:33:41 -0400

I am not going to lie, for about 2 years, I kept confusing Aleajandro's name with Francisco's. It happens unconsciously and I am quite ashamed of it. (My fault broskies if you're reading this)

No cap bro, that was a violation.

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:27:42 -0400

The flyest* ninja

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:28:07 -0400

LaVander Peeler

Okay City...

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:07:11 -0400

In a comedy sketch, it usually is.

City

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:01:58 -0400

I am just taking note of City`s point of view and his opinions on himself. He seems to think very highly of himself and take pride in his status at his school. His CW(Class Wittiest) title also explains his very interesting humorous descriptions used earlier in the book.

Agree, his description was acutely humorous.

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 09:49:41 -0400