They Call Me an African

One of the most popular questions popular questions during the seminar for this chapter was: Do you think Biton has given up? Why?
In my opinion, Biton has not given up. Instead, he has accepted the reality that he is now in South Carolina, and will never return to his homeland. This is his life now, and he knows it. When I picture someone who has given up, I would use words like these to describe them: slumped, defeated, ashamed. Instead, Hill says Biton "stood tall and straight. His skin was oiled and shiny" (Hill, 128). Biton is clearly still the proud man he was when he was chief of his village. Furthermore, Aminata's final interaction with Biton is similar to that with her father. When taken into captivity, her father stood tall and fearless, much like Biton. The last words both men utter to Aminata were her name. We know that Aminata's father was a proud man who died an honorable death, so it can be inferred that Biton has not given up, and maintains his dignity.

And my story waits like a restful beast

I've come to think Lawrence Hill's favorite animal may well be a lion. He makes multiple comparisons to the beast in his novel The Book of Negroes, at least. He describe the mountains of the African coast as an enormous powerful lion (page 63), and often refers to the belly of the slave ship as a lion's anus. On page 116, Aminata says, "But I have long loved the written word, and have come to see it in the power of a sleeping lion. This is my name. This is who I am. This is how I got here. In the absence of an audience, I will write down my story so that it waits a restful beast with lungs breathing and heart beating." This piece of text reminded me of a Charles Spurgeon quote: "The Word of God is like a lion. You don't have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself." In the same way, Aminata's story is powerful. It is so powerful it doesn't need to be read aloud to move mountains. However, as soon as someone begins to turn the pages, the beast awakens. It pounces, and scratches at your heart. Unlike the paper it is written on, Aminata's story is alive. It is a resting beast.

The Book of Negroes Title

I do not feel the title The Book of Negroes is an inappropriate title because it corresponds with the name of an actual historical document that is crucial to the plot. Although I do not think it's inappropriate, I do think there may be a more fitting title, one that is more likely to win more readers. Censorship is the practice of withholding parts of media that are deemed unacceptable. In the United States and other countries, the tile was censored to Someone Knows My Name. The most blatant form of censorship is book burning. The cover of the book was burned by a Dutch group to protest the title, not the content. I don't think the title is so out of place that it merits a book burning. Personally, I think that the title Aminata would be a a much better, less provocative fit.

Quick Write #6.

Which essay do you like best? Support your answer.

Unfortunately, I can't properly answer this question because I only read 51% Minority due to a concussion. However, I did find this essay quite intriguing. I would not call myself a feminist in the modern sense of the word, not in the least. Actually, I'm my beliefs are probably the opposite. Still, the facts don't lie. Women are not seen as equals (to men) in society, and that's that. Women make less money than men, and are more likely to be the victim of domestic violence. Women are often viewed as brainless and surely must be submissive to their husbands views. No politician would ever dream of targeting their platform to women since they'll just vote the same as their husbands, if they even vote at all. Worst of all, in Canada, women make up 51% of the population. Personally, I don't think each and every female should quit shaving, dress in menswear, and take to the streets with angry signs. I think change starts in the heart and the home. Something needs to change though. Props to Anderson for making her point known, even if we don't see eye to eye.

Meet ME!

Howdy all!

My name is Claye. I'm a senior in high school. Although the last four years have been great, I can't wait for college! I don't know what to say though: Geaux Tigers, or Gig' Em Aggies! Or, maybe even War Eagle? Anyways, I'm super athletic. I love basketball, and have fostered a love for gymnastics, especially on the vault and high beam. You can almost always find me rockin' out to some twangy country, and I may just be two-steppin' by myself. I love Habitat for Humanity, and my camp in the heart of the Colorado Rockies which I've been going to for 13 years now. Just saying that makes me feel old! Academically, I am interested in science and math, especially human anatomy. Although my grades would never show it, I'm fascinated by American history. I've never been the greatest English student, but my favorite books are The Help and The Outsiders, by Katherine Stockett and SE Hinton, respectively. My goal for English class this year is to further develop my writing style and voice.

Welcome to my blog!