Talking Points #2, Aria

"What they seemed not to recognize is that, as a socially disadvantaged child, I considered Spanish to be a private language"

This quote introduces to us Rodriguez' perception of the languages he's grown up with. In a way, society quickly taught him that the use of Spanish was not suitable for the classroom or anywhere outside of his house. At an early age, society has altered his perception so that he believes certain traits and inherited customs he would otherwise be proud of should be hidden away. Further in the article it is explained that such a thought pattern leads to a significant  learning disadvantage. Because of this, Rodriguez felt out of place growing up.


"Without question, it would have pleased me to hear my teachers address me in Spanish as I entered the classroom. I would have felt much less afraid."

Continuing with the initial quote, Rodriguez makes a greater effort to convey his sense of discomfort in the classroom as a young Spanish-speaking student. He states that even if this were the case, it wouldn't have solved his problem. English was still what had been drilled into his head as the "language of the public society". That he couldn't have been kept from learning it, as the longer it took, the farther the gap between him and English-speaking students would have widened.

"But the special feeling of closeness at home was diminished by then"

 

Not only did learning English take its toll in the form of time and effort, it slowly drained from Rodriguez' love of home life and the quality of bonding with his parents. He lost his sense of individuality, his eagerness to be home. The learning of English was very much a trade. As the language barrier closed between him and his teachers, it widened between him and his parents. Though Rodriguez had lost his sense of personal individuality, he mentions that he was compensated with the ability to define his public individuality.


Points to share:

Although Rodriguez is proud of his public success and accomplishments, he sounds somewhat regretful when considers what his private and personal language used to mean to himself and his family. He mentions that he had lost the precious and nostalgic sounds he used to to share in his own home. However, it was also his comfort with the new language of English that allowed his realization that he may not have otherwise came to: he is indeed an American citizen.  His parents were also compensated for what they had lost. They had grown more publicly confident. Thoughts on raising bilingual children have come a long way, but the success still comes with great struggle at the expense of both parents and children.

Talking Points

Amazing Grace
Jonathan Kozol

Quotes

"God told us, 'share'!"

This quote throws us into a very particular perspective. It allows us to look at this child with a special sense of innocence. It provides to us a perfect contrast with the environment we're reading about. It allows us to believe that this particular environment is not a product of its people. This child has a charming and ideal personality, despite being subject to such constant depravity.

"I wonder if she's starving herself so that she'll qualify, so that they'll say, 'This woman's sick enough, she qualifies'"

This further amplifies our sense of sympathy. It nearly severs any connection we have to these people. To be put into a position where you aren't sure you're going to be on earth for much longer, and yet you're still too healthy for said special service. In a world where we're constantly told to speak up, that there is help around the corner and that people will make accommodations, the idea of living in an area where the polar opposite is the case is mind boggling.

"The dealers are sometimes jittery. They look at you with a strange smile. It's not just hatred. It's as if they're laughing at their lives - and yours"

The above quote gives us a sense of the chilling cynicism that those that live in the area are forced to constantly be around. Because of passages like this quote, we get sense of the determination necessary to thrive in such a harsh environment.

Throughout this text is the consistent recurring theme of struggle - the idea that your environment is absolutely toxic. Thriving is hardly encouraged, and keeping a clean and positive attitude is something nearly impossible. This reminds me of a certain piece of poetry, The Rose that Grew from Concrete. It's about learning to breath in the fresh air despite the waste around you, and despite circumstances, proving that the science of becoming a product of your environment can be shattered. Surrounded by apathy, one line is of particular relevance. "Long live the rose that grew from concrete, when no one else ever cared"

About Me

Hi there,

My name is Nick Daglis. I'm... sort of an awkward individual. Always trying to figure things out - like why I feel a certain way, how I can change my attitude for the better, or improve in some other facet. I'm a pretty anxious person.This blog may prove to be one of the most frustrating tasks on my weekly agenda. Largely because I struggle to organize my thoughts, constantly erasing, retyping, and cutting things out because nothing seems to look or feel right. Keeping cool is a constant struggle.

While I'd love to say otherwise, I haven't done anything too exciting over the summer. Mostly working, trying to keep in touch with old friends, make some new ones and save some money.

I'm taking this class because it's mandatory for the curriculum. Though, I'm pretty ecstatic that after three years of post high school schooling  I get to take classes that are actually relevant to my future career.

When I'm not in class I spend a lot of time in my dorm. My roommate withdrew so I get a pretty good amount of space to myself. I mentioned just a few sentences back my struggles with anxiety, I spend most of my time fighting it. I listen to instrumentals, ASMR whisper sessions (that is, videos designed to trigger your ASMR, autonomous sensory meridian response) watch slice of life style programs and I love to enjoy paintings and photography of landscape - whatever I can do to bring me into a relaxed state of mind.

Aside from that I'm an open minded person. I love trying new things and meeting new people.

Here's a picture of a Fjorde, I think they're pretty neat. 


Until next time.