In the first couple pages of Black Boy Richard seems like a very mischievous boy. He is setting things on fire (4) and disobeying his mother and father. As I read on I realized that his actions may have to do with how his parents treat him. I don't think Richard should be considered a "bad boy" because he's oblivious to the fact that he is doing things that are considered "bad".
The people that Richard associate with and the environment he lives him is the main cause of his obseen behavior. The men in the bar are making him drink(20), his mother shows him how to fight with the gang (17), his father's remarks encourages him to kill an innocent kitten (11), and his parent's neglect causes him to discover things for himself and sparks his curiosity. Inside Richard is a sweet young boy who needs someone to teach him and listen to what he has to say.
5 comments:
Madeline- I thought that your use of examples was great. I also really liked how you used many different possible sources of Richard's behavior. I especially liked your closing statement, which seemed to tie things together. Good job!
Madeline I agree with your post, I too believe that Richard commits such horrible actions because of the unstructured and unsafe environment he is living in. However, don't you think that he is aware that he is a bad boy? Anyways, I really like that you said his parent's neglect leads him to have a lot of curiosity, because I think that's very true. Very thoughtful post!
i really like how you thuroughly explained your examples and your reasoning. i also really like how you showed different perspectives on richards actions, like how he just needs someone to show him wrong from right. i think you did a good job showing your ideas!
Madeline~
It seems that most people believe that Richard's parents should be blamed for his behavior. I definately think that they should've given him more structre when he was growing up. Also, he could be acting in obscene ways because of his lack of education. By the way, I love the pink blog! :)
I agree with you that Richard is always in the wrong environment. He tends to be too curious which leads him into trouble. I also agree that he has a horrible relationship with his parents because he was beaten, but I don't think that he didn't actually learned right and wrong from being beaten, but instead he learned to not say much to avoid being beaten.
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