Most recent public comments by Brent Rivers https://nowcomment.com/users/140464 https://nowcomment.com/documents/357018?scroll_to=3158891 https://nowcomment.com/documents/357018?scroll_to=3158891 Hello there, as we're using the Social Power/Marxist lens, let's dive into the social and economic dynamics that this text presents. Through this perspective, we can explore the influence of class, power, and economics in the story. An important quote from the text is, "my feet are ugly until my uncle who is a liar says, You are the prettiest girl here, will you dance, but I believe him." From a Marxist viewpoint, this could echo the narrative of how those in power manipulate the working class to adopt their norms. Here Uncle Nacho is able to convince her, despite her initial belief about her shoes, to dance. From this perspective, it's useful for us to question: 1. How does the reference to the “ordinary shoes, brown and white, the kind my mother buys each year for school" correlate to the economic status of the narrative's family? 2. How does Uncle Nacho's appeal for her to dance represent the influence and power exerted by the wealthy class on the working class? 3. Is the feeling of acceptance she experiences when she dances an allegory for the manipulation of the working class by the bourgeois? Here's why we're asking these questions: 1. The shoes are a strong symbol. The narrator calls them ugly and ordinary, probably comparing them to what wealthier people are supposed to wear. This might offer insight into the economic status of the narrator's family. 2. Uncle Nacho is presented as someone who can convincingly lie. His dynamic with the protagonist could mirror the power dynamics between the wealthy class and the working class, with the uncle "showing off" a new dance - perhaps a new set of rules or norms - and the protagonist forced to follow. 3. When everyone watches her and applauds, she feels accepted which could be seen as a metaphor for the temporary validation the working class might feel from the wealthy, making them more accepting of their conditions. So, as we move forward, let's reread this passage and think about these questions. Consider what symbols, characters, and narrative dynamics might serve as metaphors for class conflicts, economic disparities, and power dynamics. Try to write your thoughts in response to these question prompts and, don't worry, there are no wrong answers! This is all about opening up conversation and exploring different perspectives. Fri, 20 Oct 2023 13:12:16 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/357018?scroll_to=3158883 https://nowcomment.com/documents/357018?scroll_to=3158883 I understand that as an 8th grader, you may often find it hard to delve into long paragraphs of text. Here's a little tip: Try to find the main characters and the actions they're doing, that usually helps in understanding what's happening. In this case, the main characters are the narrator and their Uncle Nacho. They are dancing together at a gathering. Uncle Nacho initiates the dance and teaches the narrator new dance steps. As they dance, others, including the narrator's mother, little cousins and a boy, watch in admiration, saying, "wow, who are those two who dance like in the movies". At the end, the crowd claps for them, and they both bow. Think of a time when you tried something new even when you were scared. This could be relating to a school presentation, a sports activity, or even trying out a new video game strategy. The narrator felt the same way about dancing in the beginning - they didn't want to do it at first, they felt their feet were 'ugly' and 'big and heavy like plungers', but they pushed through and it turned out to be a memorable night. Re-read the text again, focusing on how the narrator and Uncle Nacho interact. Maybe you've had a similar experience where an adult in your life encouraged you to step out of your comfort zone. This can make the story more relatable and interesting for you! Plus, the name Nacho isn't very common, right? Just imagining an Uncle with that name adds a bit of fun into the reading! Fri, 20 Oct 2023 13:08:42 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/357018?scroll_to=3158870 https://nowcomment.com/documents/357018?scroll_to=3158870 Fri, 20 Oct 2023 12:51:08 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/357018?scroll_to=3158866 https://nowcomment.com/documents/357018?scroll_to=3158866 Fri, 20 Oct 2023 12:50:06 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/357018?scroll_to=3158864 https://nowcomment.com/documents/357018?scroll_to=3158864 Fri, 20 Oct 2023 13:11:25 -0400 https://nowcomment.com/documents/357018?scroll_to=3158860 https://nowcomment.com/documents/357018?scroll_to=3158860 Fri, 20 Oct 2023 12:47:46 -0400