Miss Moore’s character is presented as a kind, good-hearted, educated black woman that wants to help the people in her community, specifically the children. This alone brings about a sense of jealousy within her community because of how she carries herself and the life that she chooses to live. In the story we are told that the people in the community talk about her and not in a good way, she chooses to do things differently such as not going to church and throughout history we see how important religion is in a black community. But that doesn’t stop Miss Moore from living her life and sharing her knowledge with the kids, she still remains kind and this shows that she really does have a good heart.
Sylvia is one of the kids that Miss Moore extends her knowledge with but they don’t always see eye-to-eye because of Sylvia’s pride. Sylvia is shown as this independent kid that won’t hold her tongue back on anyone. But as we get to know her character more she lets her guard down a bit and she starts to see the lesson that Miss Moore wants to teach them.The trip to FAO Schwarz was definitely an eye opening experience for all of the kids and it really showed them what society is like for different groups of people.
Before even entering the store the kids noticed how the people around them dressed from the way adults in their community dressed, it was more luxurious and expensive. Miss Moore blended in well with these people but the kids were so amazed by everything. The lesson that Miss Moore taught them after being in the store was an eye-opener for all because the money that people spend on useless stuff in that store could be spent on far better things and experiences than if they were back in their community. It really showed them the economic inequality within their society and that allowed Sylvia and Ms.Moore to come to common grounds.
One thought on “Hanna Etwara Discussion 4”
Hi Hanna. I agree I think the visit to FAO Schwarz opened up the children’s eyes to a life they’ve never lived before. Seeing the prices and knowing in the back of their minds there prices were unaffordable for them really made them question why that is. Specifically, Syliva hated Miss Moore but eventually understood the lesson that Miss Moore was trying to teach them about inequality. Miss Moore puts a lot of effort into teaching the children in her community so they too can start to think about the world in a different way ans what they want to be able to achieve in life.