Sophia Morales Discussion 4

Ms. Moore’s decision to bring the eight children in this story to an expensive toy store, in what seems to be a predominantly white neighborhood, is made in an effort to showcase the inequality that exists in the United States’ economy, and each child reacts to this trip differently. Although Sugar and Sylvia seem to be most alike in their mischief and mannerisms, they have opposite reactions to being inside the store and seeing some of the prices on the displayed items. Prior to entering the store, the two are in alliance in terms of behavior, “‘Can we steal?’ Sugar asks very serious like she’s getting the ground rules squared away before she plays. ‘I beg your pardon,’ say Miss Moore, and we fall out. ” They are both hesitant to enter the store, feeling as if they don’t belong, yet as they enter the store, their behavior changes. Sugar becomes intrigued by the items, which angers Sylvia, “We just stare at that price tag. Then Sugar run a finger over the whole boat. And I’m jealous and want to hit her. Maybe not her, but I sure want to punch somebody in the mouth.” It’s clear Sylvia is doing everything in her power to preserve her tough persona while Sugar is showing an actual interest in what Ms. Moore is attempting to show them. Sylvia is angered by this trip, likely unconsciously trying to avoid coming to terms with the truth these price tags are teaching the children. When they return to their neighborhood, Ms. Moore asks what the children thought of their trip to the store and the implied but very clear differences in economic status and Sugar responds, to Sylvia’s dismay, by saying,” ‘I think,’ say Sugar pushing me off her feet like she never done before cause I whip her ass in a minute, ‘that this is not much of a democracy if you ask me. Equal chance to pursue happiness means an equal crack at the dough, don’t it?’ Miss Moore is besides herself and I am disgusted with Sugar’s treachery.” While Sugar is actually receptive to the reasoning behind the trip, Sylvia is upset that Sugar is even entertaining Ms. Moore and spends the rest of the story trying to avoid ‘the lesson’ Ms. Moore effectively taught.