I enjoyed reading these stories because they are different from what we have been reading. Also, I enjoyed reading stories that were written for children. I really enjoyed reading the story "The Heritage." I think many children would be able to relate to this story. When I began reading the story, it was evident that it was going to be about an African American girl because there were numerous references to her "brown face." I was wondering if this was common during this time to reveal the characters in the stories as African American. I know from further research about The Brownies' Book that anyone could read these stories, but many of the stories were written by African Americans for an African American audience. This story was easy to read and would be easy for a child but was also easy to relate to, espcecially for children going to school. Through the story of Julie, you can get the sense that school can be tough and can make you want to give up, but with strength and determination you can succeed. I also think that Mother Mason's character could be influential for a child reading this story. She shows Julie that she has been given a gift to go to school and obtain an education. Her parents were not allowed to get an education and they are living that through her. Julie says ""Is it true that I am not struggling alone, and that I have my whole race to work for?" I think this is a powerful question that Julie asked. She is working for her race. She is working to prove that her race can be successful and can achieve anything. She is succeeding for those who weren't given the chance to succeed and shes succeeding for future generations.
I believe stories like this one were published to inspire African Americans. It was a way for African Americans to speak out about their race and to reflect on the past. I think stories like this one can help motivate the African American society to go for their dreams and do it because they can and not because they are being held back. Also, I believe that stories with a "happy ending" helped African Americans have hope to strive for the best that they deserved.
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7 comments:
There is a clear inspiring tone throughout these works whether its stories like this or the children's stories. The poetic justice at the end of the tales really adds a lot to the inspirational message.
I enjoyed the story about Julie but I do feel like a great deal of pressure was put on her. I think it is unfair to tell one person especially a young person their whole race is relying on them. I think it might scare many children into thinking they have to be perfect.
The Heritage was one of the most outwardly inspirational stories in The Brownie’s Book. I liked that this story was used to motivate and inspire African American children to take school seriously and to value their opportunities for education. Probably most African American children at this time were not encouraged by their white teachers to excel in school. This story sends a great message to children who may not otherwise be encouraged academically.
Like we taked about in class, Julie's statement that she has her entire race to work for so that she doesn't disappoint them is sort of an extreme statement. However, I do agree with you that this is a very effective story because it sends children the message that education is vitally important. Therefore, I don't think that the exaggeration necessarily stands out to children as much as inspiring them to pursue an education for themselves.
I agree with you. I think that this book had a very clear agenda and cause. They wanted to increase racial pride and these works cleary did that.
Obviously Mother Mason’s statements gave Julie a look at reality and taught her valuable lessons. This story clearly emphasizes the importance of receiving an education, but I think the underlying stress is on not giving up when things get tough. This is evident when Mother Mason told Julie that her two years left of education is nothing compared to the three hundred years of slavery that blacks endured. That comparison defiantly would put things into perspective for me.
"The Best of the Brownies' Book" was a really nice change of pace. It's nice to see what was published for children during this time period. Like I have said in other posts it's ashame it didn't last longer. I thought the whole thing was very good.
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