Stephanie Kai
Why does Junior say “it sucks to be poor…” (13)? What does “poverty teach you”? Explain.
It sucks to be poor because poverty killed one of his best friends and lowered his self-esteem. In “why chicken means so much to me,” he explained the death of his dearest dog, Oscar, and how helpless he was after all. His dog was the only thing he could “depend on” and he “honestly” thought that “Oscar was a better person than any human.(9)” Plus the fact that he was bullied on daily bases, he cherished his dog even more. However, when Oscar was dying, his mother simply said “I’m sorry, but we don't have any money for Oscar.(10)” and there was “nothing” Arnold “could do to save him.(10)” It indeed “sucks to be poor,” especially when watching your best friend dies and not being able to do anything. Later in this chapter, he also exclaimed that Indians are “just poor(13)” and they are “stupid and ugly”people who “deserved to poor.” Although this is not true, he was very talented in art and he had a great personality, if he said those negative things every day, he would gradually start to believe it and become a cynical person who does not do anything to contribute to the society. And everything is because of poverty. It does suck to be poor.
What do you think your attitude would be like if your family were to be poor? Why do you think he could keep a positive attitude despite poverty? Do you think there are reasons why it sucks to be poor?
I think that if my family was living in poverty my attitude would be very annoying to deal with. I would complain 24/7 because I would always compare myself to people living in a better condition (just like junior but more). Junior also says that it "sucks to be poor" and I would agree with him if I was in his condition. Since there was nothing I (junior) could do about it, I would just complain all day long.
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ReplyDeleteI agree that when he is hearing those negative things repeated time after time day after day it sinks in and becomes reality but I also disagree a little over a different point. I disagree over the implied thought that says his abilities don't matter in the long run for warding off those putdown comments. I think that when his abilities give him anything along the lines of a good grade or good basketball game, that would boost his esteem and therefore help in warding off the putdowns. I think that something that should continue to be discussed is the varied effects his grades and achievements might have related to bullies and pick me ups.
ReplyDelete- Peter L