Talking Point #1

Amazing Grace by Jonathan Kozol

1. "Have you read about George Washington? ...I don't even know the man" (p. 4)
Here he is having a discussion with Cliffie, who says that his role models are Michael Jackson
and Opera. I think this quote is a good one to use as an example because the children in these
areas don't seem to understand the significance of history, but then again should they? It
definately doesn't seem like George Washington has a profound influence on him, and people like Oprah and Michael Jackson do.

2. "Somebody had power. Pretending that they don't so they don't need to use it to help people-
that is my idea of evil" (p.11)
I thought this quote went well with Johnson's reading about those who have power, but don't
acknowledge it.

3. "My teacher says, "We came here in chains and now we buy our own chains and we put them
on ourselves, every little store sells chains. They even have them at check cashing.." (p.12)
This was a very strong quote, I felt that this showed how the black society was trapped,
even if they are "technically free" in this area, they don't have the resources to succeed,
therefore they are stuck "buying" their own chains, living in misery.

I truly felt that this piece was one of the saddest that we have read this semester, almost every story that we encountered in this short essay was gut wrenching to reach, I can't image what it would be like to live it. I felt that there was tragedy after tragedy, and that these people had nothing to look forward to. This and many reasons is why we can't break the cycle of poverty and racism.

This mostly reminded me of Johnson's piece of white power, and those who have power and ignore it or don't acknowledge it. But those who don't have power, suffer everyday and know the extent of their powerlessness. I felt that if those who did have power, could lend a hand that everyone would be better off.