Comments by R Shelton Most recent public comments by R Shelton https://nowcomment.com/users/94399 Powerful Line https://nowcomment.com/documents/231819?scroll_to=2546000 https://nowcomment.com/documents/231819?scroll_to=2546000 This line holds so much insight into Janie's life. This alone explains her absent parents, Nanny's worries about her growing up, and more. Such a turn in events and thus the start of Janie's life. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:54:23 -0400 The Strain of Marriage https://nowcomment.com/documents/231819?scroll_to=2545995 https://nowcomment.com/documents/231819?scroll_to=2545995 Even though I do not believe in Nanny marrying Janie to someone so much older than her, in this paragraph we can see a little bit of Nanny's doubts and worries. When Nanny speaks of Janie becoming like her Mother, she is obviously agitated and stressed. She has worked hard to raise Janie and does not want to see her in sorrow. Nanny also briefly expresses her own struggles with raising a child while being so old herself. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Different Life https://nowcomment.com/documents/231819?scroll_to=2545991 https://nowcomment.com/documents/231819?scroll_to=2545991 As Kali said in another comment on this paragraph, who raises you is a leading factor in the type of person you will become in life. Here in this text, I wonder how different the choices Janie would have made if she had her parents with her instead of just Nanny. She even calls her Nanny because of the other children she played with so it already apparent that Janie is a very mold-able person. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Connection to Present Day https://nowcomment.com/documents/231819?scroll_to=2545984 https://nowcomment.com/documents/231819?scroll_to=2545984 It is crazy that this book was written in 1936, and even now in 2021 we are still seeing very similar conversations come up and be discussed. The dialogue in this paragraph is something that many AFAB's still face to this day. The fact that people feel the need to judge and comment on what people wear or look like is astounding to me. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Drastic Measures https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377710 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377710 The fact that Quartez believes it will take a student/ teacher getting massively affected by COVID to make the schools understanding is awful. We should never have to sacrifice peoples lives to make others understand what has been laid before them in scientific fact. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Society https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377708 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377708 Quartez states that he is "appalled but not surprised," that schools are reopening doors to education even with the unsafe environment. I think this shows a major flaw in our society and in our education system that our educators are not surprised by the unsafe measures taken by the schools. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Student Inclusion https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377707 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377707 Quartez speaks about the conversations he has with students and how he converts their words into poems. In an way, he is allowing them to have a voice and to be louder than they can on their own. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Representation https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377704 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377704 I never struggled to find myself in literature. As I get older I get more and more aware of this fact. As someone who is white, I will never truly understand the struggle to find representation in literature. And the idea that a large majority of teachers are White/Caucasian is another point that I never questioned and just accepted that that's the way it is. I was mistaken. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Agents from New York https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377689 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377689 The almost unrestrained joy on Quartez's face when Daniel mentions the agent he signed with is rather inspiring. From the way he continues to talk about those two agents who reached out to him, you can see the dedication and relief of having that hard work pay off. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Community https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377686 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377686 The lengths that people have gone through to create community in such a hectic time are nothing short of brilliant. As simple as a text line might be, it brings back a little sense of that community that would have been otherwise lost. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Poverty to literacy https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377685 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377685 I found it interesting how Quartez spoke of his students and their literacy knowledge. He states that it is expected that his students can not read and have mediocre writing skills because they are poor, yet this is not the case. The amount of money one has does not dictate the amount of skill they might posses. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Ubiquitous https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377684 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377684 Ubiquitous - present, appearing, or found everywhere. Quartez uses this word to describe how when there are groups of black kids, there is an expected lack of literacy skill. A strong word for a strong subject. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Connecting in the Classroom https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377682 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377682 I can not measure in an form how much I miss the ability to really connect with classmates. Covid has put up walls that can not be broken through with the same connections we students used to thrive on. We can no longer just 'be' together. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Before I could read https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377666 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377666 Quartez reads, "Before I could read, I learned to fear a cops trigger finger." How is it that was as a society have allowed ourselves to sink to such depths? Fear such as that should never be instilled in one so young, and yet how many youth today are living that reality? Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Dehumanization of the Classroom Space https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377651 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377651 As DGK talks about the dehumanization of everybody in the classroom space when a teacher is told not to smile on the first day, I was struck with the comparison to what we have been going through recently. A believe most students will agree that having class through a screen is about as dehumanizing as it gets. Not being able to see a smile? Now we can not see anyone but ourselves. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Appeal to Pathos https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377650 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377650 The idea that new teachers are warned not to smile on the first day is astounding. Smiles are one of the most easily shared forms of positive emotion and kindness. The idea that teachers are told not to smile at the minds they have been tasked to mold for fear of coming off as 'passive' is overwhelming. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Mind Grenade https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377649 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377649 I found the wording interesting here. Often the word grenade has a rather negative connotation, related to bloodshed and violence. Here, we can see Quartez turn it into something more positive and exhilarating than terrifying. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Grow up like me https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377648 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377648 How common now is the phrase, "I hope he doesn't grow up like me." So many parents say this because they want better than what they made for their kids. And yet, so many kids look up to their parents. They see the worlds their parents have created and see paradise, because their parents have done their best. It never hurts to reach higher, but why do you have to? Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 More Choices https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377647 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377647 Once again we have a skilled poet explaining his choice of wording. As Quartez describes his relationship with the word ocean, it allows us to gain insight on where he envisions the poem leading the reader. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 "write away these issues" https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377644 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377644 I found it interesting that Quartez chose to say a bit about not writing away the issues. I feel like sometimes in writing and media, the stories are often skewed for the entertainment value, instead of presenting them as hard cold truths. Quartez's using his voice to allow the issues to become louder is just a nice change to hear from the day to day norm. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Research https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377642 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377642 Personally, I had no clue about the effects of COVID on different races. It never crossed my mind to research something like that. It brings to light the question of how much do we really know? And how much of the population is ignorant to details like this? May it be willful or not. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Far Too Long https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377641 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377641 For people like Quartez, who is a parent and educator, I often wonder if he even thought about the fact that COVID could still be happening now. As we have now around the one year mark of COVID's more devastating reign, I wonder if he could have predicted this and if he would have done things different giving the titles/responsibilities he has. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Relationship https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377640 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377640 When Quartez first joins the meeting, DGK refers to him as brother. While at first this my be taken as just slang talk, DGK then goes on to speak about the growth that he has seen Quartez undergo. I believe this may point to a deeper connection then what first meets the eye. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Rainbows https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377638 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263250?scroll_to=2377638 Here is a great example of CHOICE. As Telina describes her viewpoint on rainbows, it allows us to understand a little better her viewpoint when creating this poem. Poetry is one of those forms that is very much up to the reader to interpret the meaning, but at the same time the feelings ad understanding of the author shines through. Her choice to include rainbows is reliant on how she views them and what they could mean for others. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Who was it really? https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2376812 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2376812 This sentence made me wonder, was it really the teacher and her ways that allowed him to understand more French, or was it the shared struggles of Sedaris and his classmates that allowed him to make the push forward? Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 How is it really? https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2376809 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2376809 Here we see once again that the teacher is ridiculing her students. It makes me wonder if the entire class really was like this or if Sedaris specifically meshed together certain scenarios to set a certain mood/tone in the writing. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Hidden background info https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2376792 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2376792 This maybe a quick remark to show a quick peak into Sedaris' home life and how he grew up. Maybe a strenuous relationship with his mother? With the knowledge that this is part of a larger book I assume this may come up again later. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Attack? https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2376786 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2376786 I found it interesting that Sedaris chose to describe the teacher like she is a predator waiting to strike on unsuspecting students. This seems to be another choice made to allow readers to relate back to the text. Setting up the teacher as a villain against the students allows readers to relate via teachers they dislike, since most have had at least one teacher they do not exactly mesh with. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 First Day Jitters https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2376781 https://nowcomment.com/documents/263224?scroll_to=2376781 Sedaris is speaking of something most people have gone through at least once, lack of confidence, specifically on the first day of school. He is stating something that most people can relate to and have experiences of their own to compare to. He is also setting up for a major contradiction when these same confident French speakers express their struggles. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Straight A's to Straight Failing https://nowcomment.com/documents/262700?scroll_to=2370748 https://nowcomment.com/documents/262700?scroll_to=2370748 Jayden, I have also seen many people fall victim to the stresses of life. Escpecially since quarantine has began I have seen many of my friends, and even some myself, go from straight A's to failing classes. As home life gets more and more difficult, the energy and drive to complete work drastically decreases. We are humans, we can only do so much. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Step on Someone Else https://nowcomment.com/documents/262700?scroll_to=2370744 https://nowcomment.com/documents/262700?scroll_to=2370744 One line from London states that, "Capitalism raises you but you have to step on someone else to get their." Time and time again we are shown how true this is. In many portions of our life, economic, social, political, ect. we are shown how stepping on people and using them for personal gain will help you succeed in life. Why is this? Why are we almost groomed to believe that the only way to succeed is to tear others down? We can succeed while lifting others, while being a community and working together, as cliche as that sounds. So why is one path so much more prevalent? I believe it may be because it is easier to tear people down than to stick together. It is easier to destroy the bonds than to take the time to form them. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 A gazelle https://nowcomment.com/documents/246973?scroll_to=2301957 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246973?scroll_to=2301957 Mitch can imagine Morrie, as a gazelle or not, free. Free to do what he wants, not stuck in a body holding him captive and stealing his moments, every breath slow and painful. Wouldn't that be wonderful? To be able to detach and truly be free. To run and jump like a gazelle with nothing holding you back? Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Jealousy https://nowcomment.com/documents/246973?scroll_to=2301880 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246973?scroll_to=2301880 Jealousy can be a hateful emotion if it is let free, turning one against another. Maybe this jealousy is what caused Mitch such over whelming guilt later in life when his brother got sick. The private jealousy that he couldn't control, but now, how can you be jealous and angry of a sick person? Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 The Pain No One Mentions https://nowcomment.com/documents/246973?scroll_to=2301845 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246973?scroll_to=2301845 When someone starts a family, the painful thought of them leaving rarely comes up. You don't have a baby and think, "I am going to love and nurture this child till the end of time, and one day, one of use will leave and the other will be struck with overwhelming emotions." It is just not what happens, and yet, in the back of our minds, unspoken, the knowledge is there. The memories and joy are worth the pain, so silent the thought stays. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 Mothers are suffering https://nowcomment.com/documents/246060?scroll_to=2266533 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246060?scroll_to=2266533 Some say the first touch of a child to parent is one of the most important things in the child's life. The first connection to another human being. With Covid, that chance for connection is, in a way, stolen. And the mothers are left alone in a room, wondering where they're newborn child is. That's not even mentioning the emotional turmoil of birthing a child in general. The hormone fluctuation is immense and the added stress of Covid is likely to increase the chances of postpartum depression. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 We as a nation (America) have been struggling through this pandemic for approximately a year now, and yet we still continue to do so. How long will we struggle? How much suffering was caused by our own ignorance, our unwillingness to listen and comply? https://nowcomment.com/documents/246060?scroll_to=2266516 https://nowcomment.com/documents/246060?scroll_to=2266516 The patient in this photo is laying on their stomach to help with breathing, (as the caption states). What caused the doctors to try such a thing? We still know so little about the virus, and each time we gain a footing, it mutates, and the solution slips from out grasp once again. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 And more? https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187504 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187504 It may also be a self reassurance. While he is trying to console the boys, he may also be reminding himself that things sometimes have to change and life goes on. He can not always be there for them. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:43 -0400 A good point https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187502 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187502 Lucien does seem rather jittery and nervous in this scene. Jack saying such a thing probably makes him feel special and distracts him from the unfamiliar-ness of it all. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:42 -0400 Lucien in his head https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187499 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187499 May this be how Lucien hears himself or how he wishes to talk, it does not matter. I find that as Lucien looks directly into the camera he is no longer talking to the court, but rather us. He is directly speaking through the screen and reminding us that he is here. It is eerie, yet breathtaking Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:42 -0400 The Pressure https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187497 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187497 I noticed something in this scene that surprised me. As the boys argue, Jack takes a seat in the corner. As he sits, he slumps against the wall, looking tired and defeated. This look may partially be the guilt of yelling at the boys seconds earlier, or it may be defeat from the chaos around him. Very few times do we see Jack this defenseless and vulnerable, it seems that, for a moment, Jack is lost. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:42 -0400 Relationships https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187487 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187487 I believe this scene is one of the best at showing Jack's relationship with the boys, specifically Norman. Here we see Norman and Jack sit down as Norman nervously tries to ask if Shela can come over to his "pad." This highlights the almost fatherly relationship he has with these boys. The co-dependence they require to function is eye-opening. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:42 -0400 The Medicine Cabinet https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187482 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187482 As Jack checks that his boys are taking their medication we see something slightly worrying. It seems that Barry has not been taking his medication. As the viewer, we can assume it is from the stress and anxiety of his father coming to visit, as he earlier mentioned the fear his father causes him. Yet looking closer, I noticed something. Jack seems disappointed. Because of the situation this makes sense, however Jack does not see nervous or surprised. It seems like he expected Barry to stop taking his medication. It begs the question, how often does Barry drop his medications like this? Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:42 -0400 The Truth https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187478 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187478 Throughout the session, Jack has been angry and defensive, not wanting to let his wife and therapist see how much the job gets to him, however, something changes. Jack's wife turns to him and says, "...these dear, sweet, damaged guys are eating you up alive." You can see Jack deflate. I see two possible reasons, first is that he knows. He knows how much the guys are taking from him and he does not know how to stop it. Or, it is the bluntness. No one has stopped him outright and told him this. Sometimes when you are in the thick of it, it is hard to see what is really happening. And even if he does know, sometimes someone else acknowledging it is what it takes. Trusting your own mind can be hard sometimes. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:42 -0400 Therapy Session https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187475 https://nowcomment.com/documents/240008?scroll_to=2187475 In this scene, Jack admits to needing a new job. He is very aggressive and defensive. He pointedly states that he deserves better, the guys deserve better, and so on. The therapist cuts in and says, " What about your wife? Maybe she deserves better." Jack instantly agrees. He knows that he is not always there and that his wife needs more from him, however he seems almost stuck. It is like he can not convince himself to let go of the boys.He knows things need to change, but he does not have the will to do it. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:42 -0400 The direct target of men as an audience and what it means. https://nowcomment.com/documents/238756?scroll_to=2176219 https://nowcomment.com/documents/238756?scroll_to=2176219 The poem specifically targets men as the audience. This is because of the toxic stigma around men showing emotion. The “admonishment” (urge/advise) is a push for men to embrace emotions in a healthy and safe manner. Seeking help is hard, expressing emotions in such a vulnerable manner can be a challenging and sometimes slow and tedious process, however it is always worth it to be able to share and release build up. Men often have less of a chance to do this and this poem is making a large push to remind men that they are loved and valid. Thu, 09 Sep 2021 10:50:42 -0400