Ok, so I didn't really want to simply repeat the discussion we had in class today, which is kind of difficult since we covered pretty much everything that was important. However, while I was reading there was a character that stuck out who wasn't ever really explained- Tia. Tia is the daughter of Maillotte, Christophine's friend (Rhys 13). She is black. The reason I found her particularly intriguing is because the relationship that Antoinette and Tia share is so simplistic and a good representation of similar relationships that existed in America between blacks and whites.
After Tia and Antoinette became friends, they met together "nearly every morning" (Rhys 13). They played together and got along as well as any children do, but the turning point is when there is an argument over the bet of the pennies (Rhys 14). Antoinette says, "Keep them you cheating nigger. . . . I can get more if I want to," and the response from Tia is: " That's not what [I] hear.. . [I] hear all [you] poor like beggar." After that, Tia steals Antoinette's clean and freshly pressed dress, and Antoinette walks home hating Tia.
The separation and finalization of whatever friendship they had was displayed and pg. 27, after Antoinette's house had been set on fire. "Then, not so far off I saw Tia and her mother and I ran to her, for she was all that was left of my life as it had been. We had eaten the same food, slept side by side, bathed in the same river. As I ran, I thought, I will live with Tia and I will be like her. Not to leave Coulibri. Not to go. Not. When I was close I saw the jagged stone in her hand but I did not see her throw it. I did not feel it either, only something wet, running down my face. I looked at her and I saw her face crumple up as she began to cry. We stared at each other, blood on my face, tears on hers. It was as if I saw myself. Like in a looking glass."
This just reminded me that young children are often blinded from the same prejudices that thrives in the world of adults- that is, until one day when they come to the realization that it is a part of their culture, and they refuse to see the need for change.
Anyways, I thought this relationship was so simplified in this matter, I thought it needed to be expanded upon further than what had been said in class.
You'll get a real comment later, but now I have the Chia Pet jingle running through my head. THANKS FOR THAT.
ReplyDeleteLOL I didn't get the whole Chia Pet thing until I read Julie's comment. That's awesome! =D
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you wrote this and I think you're right. It's so sad, and I could feel the pain when she says this, and that really put it into perspective. Here are these two little girls that used to be best friends - and it even describes everything that they did together, as opposed to segregation in the U.S. where everything was separated - who are torn apart.
By the time the fire happens, Antoinette had obviously forgotten about the pennies and the dress and just wanted to be with Tia and Maillotte because they would comfort her. The last thing that she expected was rejection, but there it was looking her in the face. She was colorblind, she didn't see a difference. Antoinette was the one who was right.
Great post!
I agree. It's amazing how children are so forgiving, yet so naive. This reminds me also of so many movies that I've seen with similar instances in them. Even today, we think that racism isn't a big issue, but it totally is. The minority always gets singled out, whether it's black, white or something else, and we feel the repercussions because of it. Sad, but true.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great insight to glean from the story and then share with all of us who happen upon your blogging. How subtly we can convey to impressionable children the stereotypes and prejudices we as parents and adult authorities unintentionally model for our youth. The story demonstrates this well, for Tia absolving into tears conveys regret and certainly a dose of confusion stemming from social pressures she was surrounded by.
ReplyDeleteVery much enjoyed your insight! It is interesting how the relationship between kids is relatively unshaped by skin color, and it is awful when we learn that these relationships are often ruined by parents and other impressionable types. It is a sad story, but one that unfortunately continues to happen today.
ReplyDeleteIt is so true about kids not knowing anything about racial prejudice until they're taught to see differences. Certainly says something -- not only about our society now but for centuries before us.
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