Once riding in old Baltimore,
Heart-filled, head-filled with glee,
I saw a Baltimorean
Keep looking straight at me.
Heart-filled, head-filled with glee,
I saw a Baltimorean
Keep looking straight at me.
Now I was eight and very small,
And he was no whit bigger,
And so I smiled, but he poked out
His tongue, and called me, "Nigger."
And he was no whit bigger,
And so I smiled, but he poked out
His tongue, and called me, "Nigger."
I saw the whole of Baltimore
From May until December;
Of all the things that happened there
That's all that I remember.
From May until December;
Of all the things that happened there
That's all that I remember.
What influence(s) has the white child had that would lead him to speak this way to another child? Explain.
How/where does the mood of the poem change? Why?
What does the speaker mean when he says "he saw all of Baltimore" once he was called a "nigger"? What could this mean?
Which young characters in TKAM does this poem connect to (text-to-text)? Explain this connection using evidence from both works.
Brandon Antolino per.3
ReplyDeleteA white child would have many influences t ocall another child who is black the "N" word. He would have most likely been brought up in a racist family who taught him to be racist and hate the blacks. Back in those days if a white child was caught playing or even assosiating with another black child they would have been beaten. These kids had no else to believe but the colored people were bad. The mood goes from happy to sad with one word "N". This qoute could mean that he saw what blatimore really was like. it opened his eyes to show all of the hattred towards his color. This could connect to scout because she has to deal with people calling atticus a "N" lover. whoch in this poem this child is being called a "N" lover. This is showing the connection between the two.
Scott Bartman- period 4
ReplyDeleteThe child who said this to the poet was influenced by famiily and other people who she is surrounded by describing others as "niggers". The mood of the poem changes when the author is called a nigger, It goes from a very happy mood to a sad mood. It is sad when the poet said this is the one thing that they remembered. They could have had a great time yet they chose to remember this single incident. The speaker means when he says "he saw all of Baltimore" once he was called a "nigger" that this one incident in his mind shows how all the people of Baltimore are rasist and have prejudice against black people. This one person in the speakers mind represented the whole of Baltimore. This poem relates to to kill a mockingbird because the Finch family is called "nigger lovers" because they support Tom in court. The speaker is bieng picked on because they are black.
Kevin Alvora- Period 6
ReplyDeleteA white child could have many influences to call another child a nigger. He could have heard others saying it and he said it on his own. Or he could be living with a racist family which could have told him to call black people that. The mood changes when the other kid called the person a nigger becasue it was all a sweet poem talking about the persons car ride and then she was called a N word and the person changed their whole perspective on where they were. This could mean that after that day this person realized how Baltimore really was and saw how much hattered there was in this city. This poem relates to to kill a mockingbird becasue Atticus is called a Nigger lover becasue of whathe is doing for Tom Robinson. The author is being discriminated agasinet becasue of the color of their skin.
Period 3
ReplyDeleteThe child's siblings and parents have a effect on their vocabulary and views. If the family doesn't care for equality then the child probably won't, and the values of the person will change dramatically. The tone of the poem shifts when the poet says "but he poked out...", at first the child was happy, then the line was said and then the child plain and boring. Once he was called a n@#$%& he saw Baltimore as a whole meaning the place he was, was extremely racist and prejudice. This poem is like Scout from and outsiders point of view, where she is not discriminated against. She was called a "n@#$%& lover"
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePeriod 3
ReplyDeleteThe child who said this to the poet or author was influenced by people who she is surrounded by describing others as "niggers". The mood of the poem changes when the poet is called the "N" word. It leaves from happy to sad mood. It was sad when the poet said this is the one thing that they remembered. They chose to remember this single moment. The speaker means when he says "he saw all of Baltimore" once he was called a "nigger" that this one moment that reveals how all the people of Baltimore are racist. This one person in the poet 's mind represented Baltimore. This poem relates to to Kill A Mockingbird because the Finch family is called "nigger lovers" because Atticus is supporting Tom Robinson in the case of him raping a white girl. The poet is treated like this because their all African American or black.
The child most likely learned to disrespect African Americans from the people around them and their parents. Parents actions and words influence the child who looks up to the adult and how they grow. If a child is raised near a respectful, polite family, when they get older they will most likely have the same behavior as the people did that were around them when they were children. If a child is raised in a bad area and there parents do not treat them properly, then the outcome of there behavior will be different. I think how parents behave around there kids is very important because kids usually look up to their mom and dad and try to be like them! This related to Kill A Mockingbird because Atticus is not prejudice against other races. The town that they live in is divided by black and whites and the whites tended to be against blacks. The Finch family isn't and that will impact Scout and Jem because they aren't being raised in a negative environment against one race.
ReplyDeleteKiana Comizio Period 7
ReplyDeleteThe reason that the white child called the other child a "nigger" is because he was influenced by society to discriminate against African American's. During that time period white people acted immorally towards African American's to the point where it became a social norm. Since mostly all white people used offensive terms this white boy probably felt justified to call the African American boy a "nigger". The mood of the poem changes where the poet writes "but he poked out his tongue..." because it goes from a cheerful mood to a serious mood. The fact that the poet used the word "but" also proves the mood of the poem chances because it is used to show a contrast. The speaker says "he saw all of Baltimore" once he was called a "nigger", this could mean that because a little boy felt it was okay for him to use the word "nigger", then discrimination must be accepted in society. This poem connects to Scout Finch, in TKAM, because she faces discrimination by other white children who call her dad a "nigger lover" because he defends an African American. Scout like the boy in this poem faces racism at an early age.
Jacob mckinsey period 6
ReplyDeleteIn this poem the white child probably herd their parents and other using it to describe black people in a negative way so he must have thought it was ok to say it also. This happens because children try to be like their parents when there young so they mimic how they act and what they say this maybe be a good thing if u have very clean and polite parents but very bad if u have dirty uncaring parents. The mood of the poem changes from pleasant and joy full to disturbed and unpleasant because of what the little white kid said to him/her. What “he saw all of Baltimore” means is that after the white kid called him nigger he saw Baltimore for what it truly was as a city and the true racism of the country back then. This is like in the book “To Kill A Mockingbird” and how Scout now see the world and racism though the court of tom Robinson. This is show because like when Scout was discriminated at the black church and treated differently for her color just like this kid is being called names for being a different color.
Olivia Barbulescu Period 7 – The little boy that called the narrator “nigger” could have come from an extremely racist and discriminative family. Often children learn from their surroundings, so if the people around the boy were racist he would naturally act that way as well even if it is not the right way to be. Between lines seven and eight the mood changes from a happy and smiling attitude to a crude behavior, someone sticks out their tongue and calls names. Once the speaker was called “nigger” he was able to understand the racism around him. Also, he probably felt that if a young boy was calling him crude terms, probably all of the people residing within Baltimore were doing the same. This connects to Scout and Jem in To Kill a Mockingbird because they do not see any problem socializing and having fun with black people. Aunt Alexandra has a major problem with Calpurnia and the fact that Scout and Jem went to the black church once, but Atticus had taught his children to love people for who they were, not the color of their skin.
ReplyDeleteJake Trotta per 7- the child was influenced by society and his peers. this resulted in the child calling the other child a nigger. the mood of the poem changes from just smileling and being happy to the child calling the other child a nigger. this poem connects to tkamb because when ms dubose called scout father , atticus, a nigger lover scout got curious.
ReplyDeleteChris G- Period 7
ReplyDeleteA white child like in this poem would have his parents to most likely thank for saying something like that. He probably talked to his parents and they told him to stay away from those Negroes or something like that. The poem seemed very peaceful until 3 quarters of the way down when the kid called the author a "Nigger". Words like those really do change the way people think. The poem seemed all nice and then all of a sudden someone says a word like that. When the speaker says that he saw "All of Baltimore" once someone called him a "Nigger" he means that Baltimore showed their true colors. What they really feel towards other races. Although Scout is not black, the poem connects to her. As Scout grows up, she realizes that the world isnt as peaceful as she thought it was. There are people out there who are mean and rude and just absolutley terrible. The speaker had seen "All of Baltimore" just as Scout begins to see All of the World.
Carlye Uretta Period 4- A person that could have influenced the white child would be the parents. Considering segregation, discrimination and racism play a huge role in this poem the parents most likely told the white child something stero-typical about the black child in order for the white to dislike the black. The mood of the poem changes when the author writes "And so I smiled, but he poked out" In the beginning it was a very joyful and happy poem and after that line it went down hill and began to speak about a black being discriminated against by a white. When the speaker says "he saw all of Baltimore" once he was called a "nigger" the speaker is trying to saw that Baltimore showed who they really are and their strong feelings towards different races. This poem is very connectable to Tom Robison because, rumors spread throughout Maycomb, and made Tom seem like such a horrible person for one reason being his skin color, people pointed fingers at him because he was black. Thus showing Maycombs true colors and feelings towards different races.
ReplyDeleteMAx Uretta Period 7- One influence that would make the white child speak to another child in such a harsh and discriminating way is the time period. During the 1940s kids grew up being around people hating on blacks and if you grow up to something like that you become accustom to it. Whatever you grow up around is going to influence that way you act. The mood of the poem changes at the word nigger. This was is just such a strong hate word that should never be used and is extremely wrong to say, it puts the mood from happy and childish down to sad and angry. The meaning of the word is what changes the poem. I believe that once he heard this word, he understood all of Baltimores ethnics and what the people believed was right and not right. This could mean that most of Baltimore supports segregation and the use of the word nigger. One character that the poem connects to in TKAM is Scout Finch. The poem and story connect because in the poem someone is being made fun of by a white person because of their skin and in TKAM Scout is being made fun of by white children because her father is defending a "nigger". In the poem and book there is one person being made fun of by white children and both are involving race and segregation.
ReplyDeleteHarrison Steins- Period 7
ReplyDeleteA white child at that time was exposed to racism in hundreds of different ways. But they may have been raised with parents or relatives who think this way, it is much harder to deny what your parents think at an age in which you cannot even come up with an opinion one way or the other, all you do at a young age is try to emulate your parents and if being racist goes along with that then young children do not know any better. The mood of this poem goes from being very happy and upbeat to suddenly shaken and turned around. The poem ends with a mood that is very depressing and causes a feeling of pity and empathy. This is because the young child has just been called an offensive term. The speaker means that his eyes were opened up to a more vial bart of Baltimore that his eyes were shielded to before he was harassed, when he says he say all of Baltimore now. This connects to scout because she has just been exposed to a more "real" world when people call her daddy a "nigger lover". This is conflict in which she realizes that there are people in the world that are not as nice as her dad, such as the one who called this boy a nigger.
Rebecca O.
ReplyDeletePeriod 4:
I think that a white child might have learned how to speak this way from their parents, or just society because in a racist community, inappropriate words like "nigger" are thrown around all the time without realizing it can hurt someone very close. Also, when a child says this they might not know what it means and they might just observe and listen to the other things people are saying.
The poem changes during this line "His tongue, and called me, "Nigger." It had an upwards of a positive attitude, until that line. It changes because that is what a white child saying to an african-american.
What it means is, he didn't see the whole feeling of Baltimore, and when the child called him a "nigger" he saw that Baltimore had another side, and it wasn't a good side that he has seen before.
What happened in To Kill a Mocking Bird was very similar. Scout said about Tom Robinson that "he was just a negro" and didn't think much of it, it was quite similar to the poem because she didn't feel that it was a wrong thing to say.
James Delia-Period 6
ReplyDeleteThe author of this poem got their views from family members and other people that are in his/her surroundings who are racist. The mood of the poem changed after the author was called a "nigger," because it was one thing he remembered from Baltimore. The mood went from the author being happy in Baltimore and seeing another kid, until the other kid called him a name. This was the only thing the author remembered, which is the sad part. When the speaker said "he saw all of Baltimore," he is trying to say that this place is all racist against blacks. This relates to the book, To Kill A Mockingbird," because the whole Finch family is called "nigger-lovers."
Katie Stevens. Period 4- The influences the child had, which led to speaking this way to another would most likely be society of that time and/or family members. Society is filled with many racist people, who influence others to act racist. A family member(s) can influence their own child to be racist because a child would always try to respect and listen to their parents and their decisions especially based on society circumstances. The mood changes in the poem when the author says "...but he poked out his tongue, and called me, "nigger." The mood changed from being friendly and joyful to disgraceful and dirty. Racism is a rude and disrespectful lifestyle people choose to act upon because their biased attitudes of "stereotypical" behaviors of a group of individuals. When the author says, "He saw all of Baltimore," once he was called a "nigger," he was interpreting that the child saw the perspectives and sides of all individuals of society. The child heard the rude racist comments from another individual, which represented the voice of many others in the community. This poem relates to the book, To Kill A Mockingbird because the whole family was dealt with rude comments and descrimination because Atticus chose to defend a black man in court. White people in society treated the Finch family with disrespect because of their choice and are called "Nigger lovers."
ReplyDeleteDaniella Lagani Period 7-
ReplyDeleteThe white boy was probably influenced by his community. His parents probably talked negatively towards black people so that could be the reason he talked this way to the black boy. Since this white boy lived with these influences he might have not known how badly he was insulting the other boy. The mood of the poem begins to change on line 7 and continues on to line 7 when it says “but he poked out His tongue, and called me, "Nigger." Before that the poem has a happy and excited mood but after that line the mood shifts into mood of displeasure. When the speaker says "he saw all of Baltimore" once he was called a "nigger,” He means that from this one little kid he knows how the whole community of Baltimore feels about black people because this boy must of learned this language from his society. This poem connects to the character of Mayella because she does not know how to treat black people. Her father disrespects them so Mayella learned to treat black people harshly.
Sydney Mueller (Period 3)
ReplyDeleteChildren get their behavioral patterns from their parents, which meant his white child must have heard his parents say this in his household numerous times because he knows the meaning and the word. This child must also have the racist views of his parents and other adults around him because he is old enough to start to comprehend what is happening around him in his society. The society that he has grown up in is a very prejudice one, especially in a major city such as Baltimore because there is various mixture of races. The mood of the poem changes from a complete innocence between two children to sudden hatred directed to one child, a form of bullying is being expressed through one simple action. When this child first saw the white boy they simply smiled, but this poem tells the boys reaction as disgusted that a “nigger” was talking to him. This part changes the mood of the poem because it shows a division in the way two people can think, and gives the reader a feel that tension is present. When the speaker says “he saw all of Baltimore” in that one word he means that he saw the views of the people of Baltimore being expressed. He saw how he was going to be treated differently in that society because of his color, he wasn’t going to be given the proper respect because the African Americans were regarded as a lower class in society. One young character in To Kill a Mockingbird that can be related to this scenario is Scout Finch. Scout has never been revealed to the reality in society about the diversity between African Americans and whites because Atticus has tried to bring her up as a well rounded girl who loves all types of people. When Scout first hears Atticus being referred to as a “Nigger lover” she knows that its an insult because she can feel the mood change around her when someone calls her father that. The society of Maycomb is slowly being revealed to Scout in these few actions, just like in the poem where the speaker said “I saw the whole of Baltimore” in the one word spoken to him. Scout doesn’t see the problem with socializing with all types of people, but Maycomb believes their society should consist of two separate social classes. These conflicts create a text-to-text connection, in the poem the speaker is simply trying to give a friendly smile and is immediately put down by another child just because of his color.
Nicolette Forgione Period 3 - The influences that the white child had that would've led him to be harsh and mean towards the black boy probably came from his parents. Parents are usually the people who influence their children and teach them how to behave and what to be afraid of/what to like and who to trust/not to trust. Back then it was normal for kids to be taught to treat black people like they were animals and not humans and they were brought up to call black people "niggers" so what the white boy learned from his childhood is the reason he spoke that way to the black boy. At first, the mood of the poem is happy and welcoming but as you read on you can see that the black boy is confuses and insulted by the way the white boy stared at him and stuck out his tongue and called him a nigger and also because he saw how black people were treated and how they had no freedom or rights within their own town and they weren't accepted by anyone but their own race. What the speaker meant when he said "he saw all of Baltimore" once he was called a "nigger" is that he not only witnessed it being said to himself but he witnessed it being said to all of the black people and noticed that it was normal for the white people to be treating them in that way and how it was okay that they were physically hurting and mentally hurting the black people in Baltimore. This relates to Scout in "To Kill a Mockingbird" because Scout's father Atticus was seen as a "nigger-lover" because he was defending Tom Robinson, who happens to be black, in a trial. Scout and her whole family were judged because Atticus was defending a black man and in the poem, the black boy was instantly judged by the white boy because of his skin color.
ReplyDeleteDominique Loguidice (Period 4)
ReplyDeleteDuring this time, most adults thought similarly of African Americans. The little boys parents as well as the adults around him could have very much influenced him to treat another boy of a different color this way. His parents probably taught him that blacks weren't as important or successful as whites leading him to acting this way towards one. Also, the little boy could have been influenced by society and their thoughts and beliefs. The mood of the poem changes right in the middle of the poem. The poem starts off positive and happy, which allows the reader to think good thoughts about the poem, but when the other uses the word "nigger" the whole mood changes. It suddenly becomes harsh and mean. When the reader says he saw all of Baltimore, he meant that he saw the whole picture of Baltimore. That everyone inside it was the same. They were all racist and from right then and there he could immediately see how everyone thought of him. The young characters that this connects to in "To Kill a Mockingbird" is Tom Robinson. Tom is a negro himself and is immediately unfavored because of his race and color, which is makes it hard to gain overall favor in the upcoming trial. In Baltimore, this would be a similar situation when dealing with a person of color.
Michael dragone period 6
ReplyDeleteThe kid who said this to the poet was incourage by his/her famiily and the community she/he live in where people call blacks "niggers" The mood of the poem changes when the author is called a nigger, It goes from a very happy mood to a sad mood. It is sad when the poet said this is the one thing that they remembered. They could have had a great time yet they chose to remember this single incident. The speaker means when he says "he saw all of Baltimore" once he was called a "nigger" that this one incident in his mind shows how all the people of Baltimore are rasist and have prejudice against black people. This one person in the speakers mind represented the whole of Baltimore. This poem relates to to kill a mockingbird because the Finch family is called "nigger lovers" because they support Tom in court.
Period 7
ReplyDeleteThe Youngster was influenced by his peers and the society he lived in. This resulted in the youngster calling the other youngster a ni**er. The mood of the poem written above changes from just being nice and joyful to the youngster calling the other youngster a ni**er. this poem connects to to kill a mocking bird because when Mrs. Dubose called atticus a ni**er lover scout got curious.
Brian Ganis Pd-3
ReplyDeleteThe white child has most likely been influenced by his peers, parents, teachers, etc. During this time period, hatred and cruelty towards African Americans was considered normal. Although i think what he said was wrong, at that time it was acceptable. The mood of the poem changes as soon as they boy calls the other child a "nigger." The mood changed from peaceful and anxious to disturbing and realistic. When the speaker says he saw all of Baltimore, he is saying that he realized that in Baltimore African Americans are treated poorly. However because of his age and innocence he too thinks this is acceptable. This poem as a incredible correlation to the scene in To Kill a Mockingbird, when Scout says to Dill. "He's just a nigger." Even-though Scout has an outstanding vocabulary and conducts herself in a very mature manor. This scene shows how unaware she really is. If she said that today, she would be perceived as ignorant, racist and mean.
Tory T period 6-
ReplyDeleteThe white child probably had racist parents who taught him that not everyone was equal. This made the white child feel the need to put down the black child by calling him a name. The poem changes mood at the lines "And so I smiled, but he poked out/His tongue, and called me, "Nigger."" It changes here because it shows the different mood of the two children and how they acted. One in naive while the other is entitled. The author writes how even though he saw baltimore all he could remember was the prejudice it had there. This connects to Scout and how she was naive and didn't know what a nigger was. She is like the small black boy because the black boy didn't understand what was happening.
Sam O period 6 the person in the poem is influenced by the world and people around him. The tone goes from happy and joyful to rude and mean. this is shown by using mean terms like nigg** Tis woiuld be considered insalting and nasty.
ReplyDeleteJillian Roos , Period 4
ReplyDeleteLiving in an environment when most people refer to african american's as 'niggers' the children pick up words by their parents, children at school, and basically anyone who has the ability to talk. The poem above reflects on the Novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" how children of such young ages are influenced by the people around them to use such racist and offensive words in a casual matter. The Author, Harper Lee, makes the characters emphasize on the word 'nigger' to show that it is used so often that the offense taken to the word isn't very slim. Scout is told that Atticus is a , "nigger lover" even though scout is a very smart girl she doesn't realize the strong meaning behind the word 'nigger' because it is so commonly used.
Nicole D'Annibale (Period 4)
ReplyDeleteThis white child has had influences in their society to lead them to speak this way towards an African American child. The parents of the white child could have also thought about African Americans this way and taught it to him or her. Segregation was probably occurring when this poem was written to show how different races interacted. The mood of this poem changes from happy to sad when the poet writes "…but he poked out his tongue…". When the speaker says "he saw all of Baltimore" once he was called a "nigger" means that after hearing a brutal remark like that, he realizes the personality of the entire society in the city. The speaker becomes aware that African Americans are treated poorly due to the color of their skin. In a text-to-text connection, this poem relates to Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird because she is revealed to discrimination when people call her and her family "nigger-lovers" because her father is defending an African American. In the poem, a white child calls an African American a "nigger". Both Scout and the speaker of this poem were exposed to racism at an early age.
Shannon Zuccarelli period 6:
ReplyDeleteThe white child had the influence of his parents in Baltimore that would make him speak like that to another child that isn’t white. The white child also has the influences of the town of Baltimore, and people around him who are racist. The mood changes in the eight line, where it says that the child was called “nigger.” It changes from a sweet, and calm mood to a disappointing and more negative tone, because the author wanted to show that even as children, there can be racism if not brought up in an area of equality. The speaker means that he had experienced all of Baltimore, the good and the bad but only called that once and it’s all that stuck out in his memory. This could mean that you never know who, when or where you might be called names and facing racism, if it is only one time. This poem could connect to Scout and Jem’s relative, Francis, because he called Atticus a “nigger lover.” Francis has parents who aren’t very fond of blacks, and which is why Francis is annoying Scout and being disrespectful to Atticus.
Matt Miles period 7-
ReplyDeleteThe child who said this to the poet was influenced by famiily and other people who she is surrounded by describing others as "niggers". The mood goes from very happy to sad because the man is called a nigger. The poet gained affection from this because it was the last thing the man remembered. The speaker means when he says "he saw all of Baltimore" once he was called a "nigger" that this one incident shows that Baltimore people are racists and will never overcome that. This one person in the speakers mind represented the whole of Baltimore. This poem relates to To kill a mockingbird because the Finch family is called "nigger lovers" because they support Tom in court just like in the poem because the speaker is being called a niggerlover as well.
Ariel Coonin period 6:
ReplyDeleteThe white child has been influenced by the racist south that he lives in. He is young and innocent. People like him are easily influenced by their environment and interactions with other people because they have not encountered many people and base their social skills off that of their parents. His parents were probably very racist and that is why he would use such an awful word. The mood of the poem changes when the white boy sticks out his tongue and calls the poet the “N-word”. It goes from a happy, pleasant trip to Baltimore and turns to a shocking moment where the poet receives discrimination for his race. This changes the author’s entire view of his vacation. When he was called a “nigger” this triggered him to not want to see any more of Baltimore. Once he heard one racist comment from a little boy, he did not want to see any more. This one comment really affected him, especially coming from a little boy. This connects to what we learned about Scout in the past few chapters. We find out that since she is young and innocent, she is easily influenced by her surroundings and since she lives in the racist south she is subconsciously racist. This is evident when she talks to Dill and tells him to calm down because Tom Robinson is just a “negro”.
Gabriella B(period 3)- Growing up during this time many people were racist towards African Americans. The white child's views and vocabulary most likely was influenced by his parents and other adults around him. The beginning starts out as the black child being happy and full of glee, but after being called a “n*****” the mood of the poem changes. The mood changes because the boy knows that he was called a hurtful name. When the author says they “saw all of Baltimore” it could mean that the black child saw what Baltimore was really like. He learned that many people were racist toward African Americans, no matter how old they were. This poem can be connected to the Finch family because they are called “n***** lovers” through out the book by many people because Atticus is defending Tom Robinson. Being called this name is something the family has to deal with just like the young black child has to deal with it in this poem.
ReplyDeleteFederica Balboni Period 3
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming that during the time period there was segregation and racists which lead to whites believing that they are superior to blacks which influences one to write such words within the poem. Children aren't as racists as their parents are because they are younger and don't know much more then what they are taught. The mood changes when he says"So I smiled but he poked out his tongue and called me "Nigger." Clearly the african american was trying to be friendly and smile but the white child had the need to comment on his race. When he says "he saw all of baltimore" once he was called a "niger" he means that he saw the true colors of people and how they are racists against once skin color and will speak and talk to them differently. This can connect to Jem and Scout because there father is a "nigger lover" also known as not racists towards blacks so they aren't mean to black children because thats how they were taught.
Melanie Straface period 6-
ReplyDeleteMany things can influence a white child which would lead him to call another kid such a harsh and derogatory word. The child who said this probably didn’t really know what he was saying or how bad that it is because they were probably taught that it was the right way to treat African American growing up. Since the boy has heard it being said by many people in society he thought it was only normal for him to call the other boy a “nigger”. The mood of the poem changed from a happy moment to a sad one once it said “He poked out his tongue, and called me, “Nigger” After those lines the tone dramatically shifts and instead of talking about Baltimore in a positive way, he started saying negative things. When he says “I saw all of Baltimore “once he was called a “nigger” means that after that moment he looked deeper and even though Baltimore was very pretty he realized that it also had hatred, and prejudice people living in it. In the book this can be connected to how Scout feels when everyone in Maycomb calls Atticus a “nigger lover” because he was defending, Tom Robinson, a black man.
Jacee C (period 7)-
ReplyDeleteThe only reason this little kid had for calling another child such a word, os probably because of his parents views and that he probably herd them said it before. So he is just taking after his parents. the mood of the poem going from a happy poem into a sad one, right when the poet says "nigger," after its said it changes the poems tone and you cant help but feel angry when reading through the rest. Just by that one kid being so judgmental, the poet says, "he saw all of Baltimore." This is because having to kids saying it means more then the adult, because kids don't have a filter and they say whatever they please. And most of what they say, they'd herd it somewhere else. therefor you know the neighborhoods views on African Americans. This poem connects to Scout in the TKAM book, because Scout is so young and she doesn't really have her own views on life. But because her dad, Atticus is so caring and thinks everyone is equal, Scout follows him an does the same. Making Scout a lovable kid for all races. Even though there are some people inside Maycomb that are not the best, Scout will earn who is good and who is bad in the end and decide for herself.
Michelle Aguirre Per.3- In a society where you hear a term being commonly used, anyone could unknowingly pick up that term and use it casually, disregarding the fact that it is actually offensive. This white child has probably grown up in a white supremacist society where it was acceptable to treat African Americans unfairly. The mood in the poem shifted from positive to negative within the two lines that say “And so I smiled, but he poked his tongue, and called me, ‘Nigger’”. What the speaker was trying to say when he says “he saw all of Baltimore” once he was called a “nigger” is that with the one bad impression he got, he can already assume what the whole town will be like. This means that a society is characterized by the way one acts and speaks, defining everyone within that society/town. In To Kill A Mockingbird this poem connects to Tom Robinson as he is discriminated and blamed unfairly for bad things that need an explanation like the rape and beating of Mayella, just because he’s African American, just like the boy who was called a “nigger” for no reason.
ReplyDeleteEmma LaBarbera-Period 7:
ReplyDeleteI believe that one influence the white child could have had was from the way he was raised by his parents or family. Often, children acquire their thoughts or opinions from the people that raised them. I also believe that the white child could have been influenced by his society in making african americans lesser than whites. I believe that the mood of the poem at first started out as someone who was anxious to go somewhere new, like Baltimore, but the poems mood instantly changed to something of sadness and confusion when the author wrote, "but he poked out his tongue and called me "Nigger"." I believe that the author means by saying "he saw all of baltimore" when the white child called him a "Nigger" because once he realized how that one child acted towards an african american person, he knew that all of society acted that way as well. This poem relates to Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird because like the young african american boy, Scout defies the social norm and must deal with the common racial discrimination towards Atticus by defending an african american, Tom Robinson, in a court case. Many people call him a "Nigger lover" and Scout's innocence unlike the white child in this poem, is protected from society and from others views because she is still young enough to harbor her own emotions and have her own opinions.
Daniel Quinn Period 4-
ReplyDeleteI think the biggest influence that a child would have to say this to another child is from there parents. The white kid was probably taught by their parents to treat blacks that way, so that is why they said what they said. The tone/mood of the poem changed when the speaker smiles to the white kid. At this point it goes from happy to sad. When the speaker says he says he "saw all of Baltimore" when he was called a "nigger" is that he now knows how every one feels about him. Because he was called this, he has now experienced what he feels is everything. This relates to Scout in TKAM because she hears people call Atticus a "nigger-lover," so she has also experienced racism like the speaker of the poem.
Roma S. (pd.4)…The white child was influenced by close encounters like their family, friends, and the friends family. A child looks up to its elders as an example as to what they would want to be. If their father or mother is being racist to African Americans, the child will follow in their footsteps since they were raised and influenced that way. The mood change happens after the author is called a nigger. The mood goes from being a free and happy story to a gloomy recollection of negativity. When the author said that he saw all of Baltimore once he was a nigger, he meant know that he wasn’t blind sited anymore. He saw the true and reality of Baltimore and the prejudice people that lived there. Atticus has been called a “nigger lover” ever since he was appointed to defend Tom Robinson in court. Maycomb has never been so against him before this point in time. This is like how the boy was never patronized like this before until he moved into a new territory of hatred and racism.
ReplyDeleteConor McGillicuddy - Period 3 -
ReplyDeleteThe white child was raised by an ignorant and racist family. He has become accustomed to prejudice because his family has raised him with twisted moral values. He is just a just that mimics how his parents act. His parents can be held accountable for his terrible deed. The mood of the poem takes a sudden and dramatic turn for the worst when the poet is called "Nigger". The simple word conjures images and ideas of racism, slavery and oppression that has existed for hundreds of years. The term brings about a cloud of uncertainty, hatred and fear for the reader. What once was a simple poem has just become a racial-equality and anti-prejudice statement. The word hits the reader like a hammer and has true power behind its syllables. This is the unfortunate point for the young black boy because this is his rude awakening into the world of racism and hatred. The Little boys now has the idea that Baltimore is a racist city with low moral standards and low tolerance. He feels strongly that racism is a problem in the world and that the people of cities like Baltimore need to change their attitude and behavior. Prejudice of any kind is a terrible, wrong and malicious deed that no single person should commit. By raising awareness of such injustice, the author hopes to shake racism and eradicate it from the world. The poem relates closely to the character Scout. Scout has her realization about racial injustice in her town of Maycomb when her father is called a "nigger-lover". Although not sure on its exact meaning, Scout knows it is a terrible term that should not be uttered by a single mouth. Scout slowly comes to terms with the fact that she lives in a racist town that convicts black people for crimes that they did not commit. She has an awakening that people are racist in her town as the little boy found out that people are racist in his town of Baltimore.
Tristan Votta Period 6:
ReplyDeleteThe white child in this poem was probably influenced by his parents and other family members. His family is probably racist, and the child is most likely accustomed to hearing racial slurs, such as this one. To actually call another child, “Nigger” proves that he hears the term often, and thinks nothing of it even though others may find it extremely degrading and offensive. The mood of the poem changes when the poet writes "But he poked out/His tongue, and called me, “Nigger,” because the poem goes from a cheerful tone to a tone that is more serious. When the speaker says he saw all of Baltimore, when he was called, “Nigger,” it shows he believes this one child represents the entire city as being a place of prejudice. In the novel TKAM, the protagonist, Scout, can relate to this poem. She can relate because she faces prejudice at a young age, just like the author of the poem. One instance of this is when a student at her school calls her father, “A nigger lover.” Just like the author of the poem, Scout has had to face racism at a young age.
the child in this peom is speaking this way is because he sees things how things are the way he might have lived.not realy becaue themood have chnge to sad to not sure mood. when it says he saw all of voltimore is bc he sees how racism have change every peron to hate colored. scout and jem because there father tries to help african amrican and thy didnt know how much the people in there town was racist.
ReplyDeleteluis barrera pr 7
Keith Lometti period 7
ReplyDeleteA child may speak this way to another child if it is the way that they are brought up and the people they listen to. The mood of the poem changes when the author says he was called a nigger. The author means that when he was called a Nigger, that he saw that all of Baltimore treated him and other black people with the same racism that the man he innocently smiled at. This poem can relate to Jem and Scout in the book To Kill A Mockingbird because if they were not raised by a man as good as Atticus, they would probably be racist like the rest of their family and most of the people in the town of Maycomb.
Kyle Lometti period 3- The white child speaks this way to the black child because in society's view he is better. Because during that time period in the south white people were better and had authority over blacks. The mood changes when the white child says nigger because you dont expect such a young child to be speaking in such a manor. When he says he saw all of Baltimore from that child it means that child represented society's view about him and that everyone else in Baltimore has the same views as the white child. I think the black child relates to Burris Ewell becuase he was saying that Atticus was a nigger lover. Scout and Burris were in first grade when this happened. And just as in the poem it is strange that children of such a young age are speaking this way.
ReplyDeleteSydney Rheingold Period 6-The white child in this poem was probably influenced by his parents and other family members. The child's parents were and probably are very racist when it comes to african americans. In their house hold they probably talk about them in a very negative way which kinda gives the child a chance to talk to them in that way also, which makes the child think it is okay to talk to anyone like that, which wont get the child very far in life. The mood of the poem changes when the poet says "but he poked out his tongue" it goes from a happy mood to a very serious mood. The poet used the word "but" which proves the mood of the poem changed because it is used to show a contrast in writing. This poem can be connected to Tom Robison because, many different rumors spread throughout Maycomb, which made Tom seem like such a bad person but only because of his skin color being black, people strongly disliked him because he was a different color then the rest of the people in Maycomb. Which shows how people act and think in their city.
ReplyDeleteOriana Flecha
ReplyDeletePeriod 7
Something that would influence the child to speak the way he did to the other child is the white child's parents. During the time period that segregation took time in, parents encouraged their children to discriminate and be against blacks. So the white child's parents lead him to speak that way to another child. The mood changes in the poem when the word "Nigger" is said. It changes because the meaning of the word is harsh and cruel and the before that word the poem was a happy mood but after it was a sad mood because of the meaning of the word. I think this means that the rest of Baltimore also speaks this way to black people and that Baltimore is a town that follows segregation and the boy in a way is a symbol for the town and how the town acts and functions. This poem connects to Scout Finch because in TKAM and in this poem a white child is using the word nigger to hurt somethings feelings. In the poem the white child is referring directly to the person and in TKAM kids call Scouts father a "nigger lover". So in those two pieces of work, the word nigger is used to hurt someones feelings