(January 18, 2022 at 10:45 am)Spongebob Wrote: @Irreligious AtheistOf course, such a judgment could keep you safe, no?
I want to point out that another major theme of the book (New Kid) was the importance of being open to trying new things. Jordan was reluctant to try the new school, he was reluctant to attend the art class even though he considered himself an artist, he was reluctant to try sports. But those things were better than he expected and he learned from them. Alexandria was reluctant to allow people to see her scar for fear they would make fun of her, but that turned out to be not an issue. Liam was reluctant for Jordan to visit his home because it was grandiose and he feared Jordan would judge him, but Jordan responded well and their friendship flourished. Even Ms Rawls was quick to judge Jordan's sketch book and reluctant to go a little deeper to understand his point of view, but eventually listened to him and came to understand him better. This was demonstrating how people can have pre-programmed expectations about other people, but that listening and considering can open them up to understanding. I think this is where you are, IA. You are just projecting your programmed expectations onto this book. Reducing this book to a simple and inane lesson that blacks need to stand up for themselves is wildly flawed and ignorant. Its like saying the theme of Star Wars was beware of people wearing white space suits.
"Imagination, life is your creation"