Roots RAL (3)

Chapters 60 - 90 - SPOILERS FOR SURE

I am loving this book **so** much.  I seriously am glad that I've pushed myself to read it and can't wait to watch the mini series (maybe over spring break?).  We have a copy of it at my school, although I'm surprised because I think that the material in one large dose might be too hard for our students.  I mean, hell, I've been reading Night John by Gary Paulsen with my students and they are completely ignorant to most of slavery's history, including before and after the Civil War.

Tangent.  My b.

Unfortunately I'm not really in the writing mood but know if I procrastinate this much later I'll never get it done.

I've really enjoyed Kunta and am sad because we've moved away from his story.  I cannot reiterate how thankful I am that Haley continued to make his reaction to the other blacks authentic.  I understood the incredible frustration and confusion, to want to be a part of a community but still be disgusted by some of its practices, even if the practices are out of ignorance.  He didn't betray Kunte as a character (a person?) with high fives and welcome to the slave tribe man hugs.

Also, there were some passages that really stuck with me.  This one in particular:

"I heard Massa Jefferson say slavery jes' bad for white folks as for us'ns, an' he 'gree wid Massa Hamilton it's jes' too much nachel diff'rence fo' white an' black folks ever to learn to live wid one 'nother peaceful. Dey say Massa Jefferson want to see us set free, but not stickin' roun' dis country takin' po' white folks' jobs - he favor shippin' us back to Africa, gradual, widout big fuss an' mess."

Immediately I thought: dang, how far have we really come.  Both sincerely and well, facetiously.  I mean, people STILL have ignorant biases about culture and stereotypes.  My guess is right now the universal negativity is geared toward the middle east, and maybe not so much the stupid "oh their terrorists" (which yes, it's disturbing and disgusting how many students will make this comment because they've HEARD IT FROM HOME)...but moreso not understand because of their religious differences.  And quite honestly, didn't it strike anyone else reading this that the white folk were the most concerned with bringing in Africanism voodoo shizat.  (I'm thinking of Kunte counting the moons and rains in his gourd to keep track of his age). BUT ALSO what this passage made me think of is immigrants and how everyone (why that's not a hyperbole is it?) is all we can't have THESE PEOPLE taking our jobs...and in the above quote one of the significant reasons for shipping the black back to Africa was the job factor.  So what gives?

Finally, as I mentioned, we lose our time with Kunte and begin to get acquainted with his daughter a wee bit, but mostly his grandson, George.  Ugh.  I had such a terrible time reading about the cock fights.  *cringe* Any type of animal abuse disgusts me.  And also, I know for a fact students in my school - moreso their parents - have taken part in cock fights so having these visuals to go with the student faces.  Just stab my eyes out, will you.

So that's it.  We'll see you on the flipside.