Alex Barrios
Professor Conway
ENG 201 Sec. 0517
September 14, 2022
Personally, Sylvia’s attitude towards her peers and to Ms. Moore contrasts to her friend Sugar but it’s relatable and understandable. Sylvia wasn’t all too interested nor was she concerned with the social and economic inequalities that were going on at that time period. She showed agitation towards Ms. Moore who is an educated and older woman that simply wanted the kids to know that there is more to experience out in the world. Sugar, who was more open and receptive to the lessons, asked questions and showed curiosity.
She was aware that the toys were so expensive that even if you were to combine the allowances between all the kids.
However, Sylvia only focused on taking the money for herself, which perhaps says a lot about her mentality. She was raised to spend money on what’s necessary only. That any toy regardless of the price was simply a luxury that she could never afford and that her passive-aggressive attitude could simply be her feeling jealousy and resentment towards her current circumstances and to Ms. Moore for reminding her of the hard reality that black people were living in during her time.
One thought on “Alex Barrios Discussion 4”
Hey Alex,
I liked your response. Personally, I find it sad how Sylvia is so aware of spending money. Sylvia knows that there are certain things she could never afford and doesn’t have the capacity to have even if she wants them so she tries to get it in other ways, like when she half-jokes about stealing. I think it is interesting that though they are in the same grade and good friends, Sugar has such a different mentality. She is more calm and just open to the fact, that yes she can’t afford certain luxuries, and that’s unfair. However, Sugar is more at ease with that fact and doesn’t seem as angry as Sylvia does about it. But they are both definitely dealing with a lot at such a young age.