In this story two of the characters seemed to have had different experiences at the toy store. Sylvia, the main character, was observant and put on a false bravado through most of the story. Despite having a dislike or “hatred” for Miss Moore, she seemed to absorb all the information she was giving to the children. Even reciting it back with a cynical tone. The story reminded me of myself as a child. I was bold and loud and aggressive. I remained in my comfort zone which were the borders of my neighborhood. Like Sylvia, I was confident when I was there. It was familiar and everyone lived similar to how I did; In poverty, in the street with friends misbehaving. Going into the toy store she expressed a feeling of shame. She said she’s never felt shy before and she didn’t know why she was feeling funny about being there. The experience for her friend Mercedes was very different. Mercedes seemed comfortable and assured that she could even come back to this highly expensive toy store and possibly buy something for her birthday. Immediately I could separate how Sylvia and Mercedes life experience was very different. Especially after all the children shared the lack of study space and furniture because they were too poor to afford a luxury like that even though Mercedes explained how she had a nice study desk with personalized stationary gifted to her by her god mother. I believe the shame Sylvia felt was the feeling of not belonging. Not being part of that world where a toy clown that merely flips and does pull ups on a bar could be equal to the expense of a household bill. Unlike Sylvia, Mercedes pushed her way passed everyone in the entrance to the store and did not feel the need to huddle in the corner with the kids because she did not feel out of place. I admired Sylvia and her awareness of what she was feeling and even at the end when she proclaimed ” but aint nobody gonna beat me at nuthin.” I internally cheered her on.
One thought on “Melissa Cordero Week 4 Discussion”
Melissa, thank you for jumping in early here. You’ve gotten Week 4 off to a great start.