The issue of social inequity has been prevalent at all times. Many writers discussed this issue throughout their works. Examples of such works can be Recitatif, A wall of fire rising, and The lesson. In these stories, the authors describe the lives, financial and political struggles, obstacles, and self-doubt of the characters. For example, in Recitatif, the writer describes the adversities of the lives of two girls living in a shelter, Twyla and Roberta. While meeting successful Roberta years later, Twyla noted that “everything is so easy for [the wealthy]” (Mays, 2016, p.108). Roberta now lives in a beautiful house and does not have to worry about any problems.
In another story, A wall of fire rising, the author describes the life of a man who tries to provide for his family and reach freedom. The man wants to “just be something new,” but freedom seems unattainable, unlike in the situation with wealthy people (Mays, 2016, p.73). The last story, The lesson, sheds light on the life of children in the poor neighborhood and how they learned about the disparity in the toy shop where rich people whose “money […] should last forever” could afford the toys and poor people never had a chance (Mays, 2016, p.333). Thus, the stories all show a disparity between races were people of color have to live in poor conditions and simply wish for freedom and financial stability, and rich people take this for granted.
Additionally, the stories end abruptly, making the reader think about what happened next. For example, in The lesson, in the end, Miss Moore asked the children what they thought about the situation when “some people can spend on a toy what it would cost to feed a family of six or seven” (Mays, 2016, p.335). Later Sylvia says that no one will beat her at anything and I assume that through that experience she realized how unfair the situation was and that she was going to be successful.
Recitatif also ended abruptly making the reader think of possible hints or situations that could give the answers. The story ended with the phrase “What the hell happened to Maggie?” who was one of the workers in the orphanage (Mays, 2016, p.115). The older girls pushed the poor woman, and assuming from what Twyla said, she probably knew something or participated in this foul action. Thus, both authors want the readers to guess what happened next and make their assumptions.
The three answers I decided to share were those about a woman carrying a heavy pile of wood, a person kicking a dog, and young people kissing in a park. I always adhere to the code of ethics and also equality. Therefore, I do not find the first situation acceptable just because such things are “never done by men” and believe that such tasks should be divided equally or carried by the strongest partner (On-Line cultural training resource for study abroad, n.d.). In the second situation, I do not think that every dog can be considered “wild and vicious.” I view causing harm to weaker creatures as “wild and vicious” (On-Line cultural training resource for study abroad, n.d.). The last situation can simply be found disrespectful if it crosses the line. I do not think that men and women should not touch each other, but I believe that it should not be obscene.
References
Mays, K.J. (Ed.). (2016). The Norton introduction to literature. United Kingdom: W.W. Norton.
On-Line cultural training resource for study abroad. (n.d.). University of the Pacific. Web.