Toni Cade Bambara's The Lesson

Being African American in America is one of the hardest things a person will ever have to endure. Luckily, those who are born in America and are able to dodge the “African American” bullet, naturally have a greater advantage than African Americans. Do not mistake this opinion as self-hate, pity, or even a cry for sympathy. In Toni Cade Bambara’s “The Lesson”, it is implied that the children of the story are wild, African American city kids who are growing up in poverty. Although I find “The Lesson” to be very interesting and full of my favorite literary devices, (such as imagery, euphemisms, and diction) I am slightly offended by the portrayal of the characters and their actions. I am bothered by the negative light shed on the issues with poverty,

For starters, the choice of language Sylvia used. After thorough research, I was able to further understand that African Americans have developed their own language known as ebonics. However, when ebonics and vulgar language are overused in text, it seems that the writer is feeding the stereotypes that are commonly focused towards African Americans or African Americans. The story also mentions how it is odd that Miss Moore speaks proper english. Considering that I am African American, and I speak proper english - for the most part I find it offensive. Even as a child, my parents corrected my language. I surely didn’t feel the need to curse and insult y peers every other statement. I realize that the author, Toni Cade Bambara is writing from her perspective which includes her own reality. Truthfully, the diction in the story was quite entertaining but if the characters were white children would it still be as entertaining? Would it be acceptable for a young caucasian girl with broken english to say “bitch” or “faggot” in casual conversation? I find it inappropriate and ill humored. Moderation is key, if Sylvia’s slang and vulgar language weren’t used as much - maybe it wouldn’t come off so harsh. It is not amusing to read about younger African American girls with a vocabulary of an old depressed sailor; nor is it amusing to read about children of my culture who seem to have no regard for

In the story, one of the children -Mercedes seems to be a bit more well of than the others. When Rosie Giraffe , another child in the group notices a paper weight for $480 it boggles the group. Miss Moore explains to the children the use of a paperweight and each of the children react differently. Flyboy - explains that he doesn’t even have a home so he definitely doesn't have a desk. Whereas, Mercedes does have a desk and Rosie Giraffe isn’t too pleased to hear about Mercedes’ desk. The kids react to the prices of the toys differently. Later, Flyboy discovers the $1,195 sailboat I mentioned. It sent the children into shock. The kids couldn't fathom the thought of someone spending that much on a toy. While their reaction is very realistic and understandable, their responses are a bit much. Keep in mind the children haven’t even entered the store yet, they’re still looking on the outside. Nevertheless, when it was time to go inside the children were hesitant. Once inside, there was another toy that had an overwhelming price. As reality sets in it angers the children - or at least Sylvia. The fact that the truth angered the children so much didn’t sit well with me. Why are these children depicted as angry African American kids? Being poor would naturally anger anyone who lives on a strict budget. The kids then go on to share how $35 could go far for their families. As the