Eraser Tattoo, By Jason Reynolds

In Eraser Tattoo, written by Jason Reynolds, it can signify the importance of having solidarity in a relationship, as it can strengthen the sacrifices of love and losses that have been made. Shay and Dante’s relationship that they experienced, despite the emotional sacrifices and economic issues that they face, will strengthen their love and unity in their relationship. How the perceptions of gentrification will attempt to weaken their bond. The experiences that Shay and Dante face, from their hardships of economic struggles to the emotional sacrifices, will signify a role in strengthening their solidarity that will ultimately be the love and loss. In Eraser Tattoo by Jason Reynolds, dating couple Shay and Dante are forced to undergo the sacrifices

Furthermore, as Shay and Dante are spending their final moments together, they witness a new and young couple moving into where Shay had spent over twenty years of her life. Shay and Dante spend their moments watching their neighbourhood change completely as the new couple appears. The couple are described as white and young. This can demonstrate how the class dynamics will not only physically separate Shay and Dante, but will damage the emotional aspects of their relationship. For instance, Dante grumbles as the new home owners carry their boxes up and into the Shay’s old home. He and Shay stepped down so the couple could step up. “I just don’t know why they couldn’t say excuse me,” Dante grumbled loud enough for the other couple to hear but not enough for them to respond.” Dante feels that he is being deemed as less important, this is how the gentrification is affecting the community of Brooklyn, New York that he was once apart. By the new homeowners, not excusing themselves as they walk past Shay and Dante, it can present a symbol for not having a sense of belonging. The gentrification that Shay and Dante experience, as demonstrated by the new couple that is moving

Shay's home provides a significant amount of cherished memories and moments. With how Shay’s family is moving out of her home, it can illustrate feelings of loss and alienation that they are experiencing. How the perceptions of gentrification will attempt to weaken their bond. Moreover, the young couple that Shay and Dante are witnessing can present these ideas of success and privilege by moving their items into Shay’s former home. This can demonstrate how Shay and Dante’s relationship is being placed under gentrification, that is making it harder for them to stay together as it is exemplifying their emotional sacrifices of separating. However, despite these challenges, Shay and Dante’s love towards each other continues to persist throughout these sacrifices that is ultimately separating them due to their social class dynamics continuing to strain their