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In chapter 28, Simon calls his dad out on the jokes he makes about gay people. In chapter 30, Simon's dad apologizes for this. He says "'But rein us in if you need to, okay? Rein me in'" (Albertalli, 247). He then says "'I know I didn't make it easy for you to come out. We're very proud of you. You're pretty brave, kid'" (Albertalli, 247). This is an example of a healthy relationship between a parent and their child, in which the parent is able to apologize to their child if they have wronged them. This may seem like a small detail, but it can be rare, as I have personally witnessed.

The language Simon’s dad uses makes this apology especially inconceivable. To rein someone in suggests that you are controlling them; it is an authoritative action. In this case, his dad is suggesting that Simon make him see his point of view if he is at fault. In some cultures, it is seen as an insult if a child has power over a parent, such as in Hispanic cultures. Simon calling his dad out would have been seen as “talking back” and as disrespectful. Even the language of being proud of your child and calling them brave is rare for fathers in Hispanic cultures, for it is seen as “unmanly” to express yourself to this extent and admit fault.

I choose to highlight this particular moment in the text in order to recognize that not all children receive this amount of support from their parents, especially if they come out. This dialogue may serve as a model for how parents of LQBTQ+ children may communicate with them, but one must note that this is not an accurate portrayal of the experiences of many.

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Love, Victor is a spin-off show of Becky Albertalli's Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. It follows Victor, a Hispanic boy whose coming out experience with his family was not as accepting as Simon's. Having watched the first season when it first aired on Hulu, it was an important piece of media, for it was rare in that it centered on the experiences of a Hispanic member of the LGBTQ+ community. Not only was it significant in terms of representation, but it was also a portrayal of coming out to your family that many people experience.

This clip linked shows when Victor came out to his family. Even though him and his sister Pilar don't always get along, she immediately hugs him and tells him she loves him. Throughout that first season, although the was much tension in their relationship, I saw that Victor's parents loved him. So, as the audience, I was disappointed with his dad's reaction to question Simon and his mom's reaction to literally walk away from his coming out. However, confrontation or avoidance is what coming out experiences are often met with.

“Love, Victor - Victor Comes out + Family Reaction (Full Scene 1x10-2x01).” YouTube, 12 June 2021, https://youtu.be/NPAmYs8Esw4.

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Love, Victor - Victor comes out + Family reaction (Full Scene 1x10-2x01)

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Martin is the one who was blackmailing Simon, but Simon finds himself becoming friends with Martin despite this. However, when Martin outs Simon, Simon is justifiably angry and doesn't want anything to do with him. Yet Albertalli spends time describing how sorry Martin is and even includes an email that Martin sends Simon in which he tries to explain his actions. While reading these parts, I kept on asking myself if the reader was supposed to empathize with Martin.

Martin is a complex character in that although he harmed Simon in this way, he seems remorseful, such as when Simon is bullied in school. Martin's apology letter is idealistic in that most people that are bullied don't get an apology letter from the bully. Yet I think Martin's character is an example of what not to do, for the novel completely fleshes out his actions, as in why he did what he did and why he's sorry about it.

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"'You're going to be something, you and that language you speak on paper.' She drew her other hand waving. 'I love what you have to say, Hollis Woods.'
I sat there, hardly breathing'" (Giff, 53).

This interaction between Hollis and Beatrice on the first day they met is significant because it was important to Hollis and crucial for her confiding in people and letting herself be loved again. We know it was important to her based on her reaction, for it is described that she had tears in her eyes and a lump in her throat when Beatrice had complimented her earlier, and now she so surprised that she is barely breathing. And one can understand why, for finally there is an adult in her life that meets her without thinking the worst about her and instead actually believes in her. Throughout the book, Beatrice is like a teacher to Hollis, showing her more art techniques. This is a relationship Hollis didn't have with her teachers at school, that helps her be confident in herself.

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While reading Pictures of Hollis Woods, I was noting the things in her life that helped her open up to be able to accept the love of the people who wanted to be her family. Throughout the book, art was a major resource for her, so I wanted to investigate how exactly art was able to help her to this extent. This article discusses three specific ways art helps troubled youth, and the second way they mention I can see through Hollis' experiences. They note that art of any kind can promote healthier emotions. Specifically, it can reinforce self-esteem.

For much of the book, Hollis understandingly has low self-esteem, for the people in her life were unreliable and thought the worse of her, from her foster families to her peers and teachers. She blamed herself for anything negative occurring; she saw herself as a problem because everyone else did. It was in art that she had high self-esteem because she knew she was talented, and this was increased when the people close to her, like Josie and the Regans, complimented her artwork.

The article notes that in particular, art helps with social self-esteem. We see this with Hollis, for it is through art, such as when she draws the people she loves, that she feels that she has something to offer in her relationships. The study highlights that art especially allows for non-verbal expression in a safe way. In the book, we also seen that Hollis doesn't often verbalize how she's feeling, but through art she was able to express her love for Josie and the Ragans.

“Special Report Troubled Youth and the Power of Expressive Painting.” Art & Creativity for Healing, https://art4healing.org/reports/special-report-on-art-and-troubled-youth/.

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Special Report on Art and Troubled Youth - Art & Creativity for Healing

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An Art for Healing Special Report - Read how exposure to visual art can help today's troubled youth, with examples and quotes from our workshops!

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With Josie, Hollis had to take responsibility because of Josie's condition. At such a young age, Hollis was worrying about money and food, as well as Josie herself. This made Hollis feel like she had something to offer, and she let herself form a bond with Josie as a result. However, no child should be put in this position and so I wanted to explore the consequences of growing up while having to be the adult. This article explores the term "Parentification," and it provides both negative and positive effects of it.

West, Mary. “What to Know about Parentification.” Medical News Today, 28 Apr. 2022, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/parentification.

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A parentified child has responsibilities placed on them that are inappropriate, considering their age and abilities. These responsibilities can include practical duties, such as paying bills, or emotional support, such as acting as a confidant.

Parentification can have effects on a child. Parentified children may experience anxiety, depression, and other psychological and physical effects. The impact can be lasting and might continue into adulthood.

In certain cases, some degree of parentification may have positive effects, such as building resilience and competency.

Overall, receiving increased support and having therapy a person overcome the negative effects.

Below, learn more about parentification, including the types, the signs, and strategies for overcoming the negative effects.

Parentification refers to the roles of a child and parent being reversed. Instead of providing emotional and practical support, the parent relies on their child for this.

Parental responsibilities, such as raising siblings and managing the household, are forced on the child. These responsibilities do not typically fall on children, and they can exceed the child's abilities, given their age and resources.

Parentification when a family system experiences high levels of stress, and a caregiver is unable to perform their parental duties. These stressors might include:

drug abuse, including alcohol use disorder

divorce

economic instability

persistent neglect

physical disability or illness

physical or sexual abuse

Parentification can be parent-focused or sibling-focused. And either type can be instrumental, emotional, or both.

If parentification is instrumental, a child may be forced to take on practical duties, such as paying bills. If it is emotional, the child may have to take on responsibilities, such as mediating conflict between family members.

It is important to note that in cases of parentification, the duties are age-inappropriate and excessive.

Parent-focused parentification

In this case, a child might these parental duties:

earning money for the family

managing the family's finances

acting as a confidant

providing comfort to other family members

mediating conflict or being a peacemaker

Sibling-focused parentification

In this case, a child may have inappropriate responsibilities that involve:

being the primary caregiver for one or more siblings, who may have health conditions that require extra care

bathing, dressing, and grooming siblings

providing comfort in difficult situations

shows that parentified children or teenagers may experience or demonstrate:

depression

anxiety

hyperactivity

disruptive or antisocial behavior

aggression

feelings of shame

feelings of isolation

disturbances in interpersonal relationships

substance abuse

a range of physical symptoms

Parentification may have negative and positive outcomes. The duration of parentification and cultural factors can influence these outcomes.

Negative effects

Adults who were parentified during childhood or adolescence might experience:

substance misuse

one or more eating disorders

symptoms of dissociation, such as losing track of time and forgetfulness

symptoms of personality disorders, such as difficulty managing emotions or challenges relating to self-image

A person experiencing any negative effects of parentification may benefit from discussing it with a healthcare professional, such as a mental health professional.
Find resources for free online therapy.
suggests that parentification may affect academic achievement, and experts have suggested various theories about the nature of this effect.

Some have found that children who care for an ill parent, for example, have little or no time for homework and receive no support in keeping up with their classes. This can lead to lower grades.

Other has shown that children and teenagers who have experienced parentification have tendencies toward alcohol use disorder and perfectionism.

Positive effects

has found that parentification may sometimes lead to an increase in competency and maturity. This may be true when the child's duties do not exceed their capabilities and when the parent expresses appreciation.

An older study looked into the long-term effects of parentification on children with a parent who has HIV. During the 6-year follow-up, there was an association between parentification, improved coping skills, and reduced substance use.

The following steps can help prevent parentification:

Make sure duties are age-appropriate. When tasks are suitable for a child's age and abilities, it encourages them to develop responsibility. For example, a younger child might feed a pet, and an older child might help prepare a meal.

Do not delegate parental responsibilities. This might include managing finances and making decisions during challenging periods.

Maintain boundaries. This might involve not relying on a child for emotional support or treating them as a confidant. For example, during a separation, avoid making negative comments about the co-parent to a child.

For anyone struggling with steps, a counselor or psychologist can help.

Family therapy may also be beneficial. Therapists can with parents and children to encourage dialogue and build healthy relationships. This therapy aims to amend the parentification and prevent it from occurring in future generations.
Learn where to access therapy without health insurance.
suggests that receiving support from peers, teachers, and other family members can help a person overcome the negative effects of parentification. Receiving greater community support can also be very beneficial for caregivers.

Therapy may also help address the reversed relationship between the child and parent. For example, some suggests that CBT may be beneficial for people who experienced parentification in their childhood or teens.
Learn more about different therapy types here.
A parentified child has practical or emotional responsibilities that exceed their resources or abilities. This reflects a reversed relationship between a parent and child.

The causes of this reversal might a parent's illness or economic instability, for example.

Parentification can have negative effects in the short and long term. Receiving appropriate support, which may include therapy or counseling, can help someone overcome these effects.

To prevent parentification, make sure that a child's duties are age-appropriate and that healthy boundaries are in place, even during very challenging periods.

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Parentification: Causes, signs, and more

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A parentified child has responsibilities placed on them that are inappropriate, considering their age and abilities. These responsibilities can include practical duties, such as paying bills, or emotional support, such as acting as a confidant. Parentification can have effects on a child. Parentified children may experience anxiety, depression, and other psychological and physical effects.

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Throughout the novel, it is clear that Junior’s parents are unreliable due to their alcoholism. However, this is not an aspect of the book one should focus on, for it is not productive to the point Alexie makes on how the United States has failed the Native Americans that they have placed in reservations. We see this point such as when Junior comments on the education system in the reservation and the role of white people on the reservation. I don’t think Alexie intended for the reader to blame Junior’s parents for the circumstances he is in, for Junior notes “Yep, my daddy was an undependable drunk. But he’d never missed any of my organized games, concerts, plays, or picnics. He may not have loved me perfectly, but he loved me as well as he could” (Alexie, 189). Junior at such a young age understands that his parents are trying the best that they can. Junior’s parents are alcoholics, but one should note that they, like others on the reservation, drink to numb the pain they feel because of poverty, hunger, and death. For example, it is his family's response to get drunk to deal with the death of his sister Mary. By remembering that alcoholism is a disease that was brought about by these high-pressure situations that Native Americans are placed in, one can focus on a more productive conversation on the lasting effects of colonialism.

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Although it is not the main focus of Sherman Alexie’s novel, there are times in the book when he comments on the gender norms that are damaging to boys. When his team lost a basketball game, Junior explains that “We all cried in the locker room for hours. Coach cried, too. I guess that’s the only time that men and boys get to cry and not get punched in the face” (Alexie, 196). There is a drawing of Junior and Rowdy jumping into a lake, with a caption that says “Boys can hold hands until they turn nine” (Alexie, 217). In both of these instances, Alexie, through Junior, is expressing that society makes boys suppress their feelings. They are not to cry and show “weakness,” but of course there may be “manly” exceptions. It controls what boys can be openly emotional and upset about. In the picture of them at the lake, they are probably holding hands because they are being brave together, but they may also be afraid. Yet Junior’s caption suggests that this sense of security through physical touch is seen as inappropriate as boys get older. It may be seen as a sign of weakness to need your friend to this extent.

Junior’s tone in both these quotes demonstrates the ridiculousness of these statements.  Boys aren’t literally restricted from holding hands with each other once they are nine years old. Boys don’t always get punched in the face when they cry about anything other than losing a basketball game. This demonstrates to readers that perhaps things don’t have to be this way, and opens up a conversation about hurtful gender norms.

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There has been a controversy on whether or not Sherman Alexie should have included the racist joke on page 64, especially regarding if he should have included the n word.

It was described as a kick in the face to Junior, and it was shocking to the reader who knows that that word should not be used. But the reality is that even today some kids and adults do not understand why that word shouldn’t be used and they still use it. Hopefully, by seeing Junior's reaction to this word, readers understand the severity of this word. Here, Junior was so offended that he punched a classmate that he was so afraid of. The stakes were high; he usually lets insults go, but he couldn't let go of a racist joke like this one.

If one is teaching this book in class, one should have a conversation with the class about racist language that is so often normalized. Growing up, many of the kids around me used that word and did not understand how that word could be insulting. Even now as an after school teacher, I have heard students use that word. If a teacher explained the history of that word and how language like that is harmful and normalizes a racist discourse, then hopefully this message would get across to students.

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When we were discussing this book in class, I was initially surprised by the idea that it contained biblical allegory. I had watched the movie of this book when I was a kid, and I hadn't caught on to this it all (despite all of my time in catechism class). However, when I finished reading the rest of the book, I immediately took note of a lot of this biblical allegory. This video explains these connections and argues that in a lot of ways, what is created now is just retellings of past stories that we may contribute to.

Yet I still wondered what Lewis' reason for this biblical allegory was. This video emphasizes the relationship between Aslan and the four siblings as representing Jesus' relationship to his people. The witch and how she tricked Edmund was also pointed out to represent Satan's relationship to those fallen who go to hell. With this, the question that Lewis is asking the reader is clear: which relationship, which path, will you seek out?

Joly, Reshma. How Is the Chronicles of Narnia a Christian Allegory? YouTube, 12 Sept. 2021, https://youtu.be/XsNkYu5tZLE.

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how is the Chronicles of Narnia a Christian allegory?

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One controversy of the book is whether or not is it too full of fear with the violence portrayed. In the end of chapter 12, it is described with much detail how Peter kills the wolf during his first fight. However, there is also great emphasis on the children being afraid and overcoming this fear.

Right before he takes action, it is said that "Peter did not feel very brave; indeed, he felt he was going to be sick. But that made no difference to what he had to do" (Lewis, 105). He and his sisters were in danger, it was a matter of life or death, so he had to take action despite his fear. Here this violence isn't glamorized, instead it is necessary to sending the message across to face your fears.

This scene also emphasizes expressing the vulnerability that comes with facing your fears. The narrator says that afterwards the siblings were kissing and crying "But in Narnia no one thinks any worse of you for that" (Lewis, 105). This reminds kids that it's normal to feal scared, and to express this, despite the popular belief at the time that children should be seen and not heard.

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Growing up, and maybe even a little now, I personally never liked Edmund as a character especially because of how quickly he was able to betray his siblings. It seems unrealistic that they would forgive him so easily. However, now being able to see the biblical allegory that accompanies the book, I can see why Lewis did this. I don't think forgiveness comes easy to anybody, especially kids and for a betrayal as devastating as this one. However, if Lewis's purpose was to bring children closer to Jesus Christ, then this is an example of the forgiveness that Jesus offers his followers. Perhaps it may at least encourage children to be more compassionate with each other.

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Alice is a brave girl who explores the unknown and eventually finds her voice. However, one must note the character flaw that she had to overcome in order to thrive in Wonderland. Instead of arriving to this new place with an open mind, Alice judged Wonderland based on her own world. To be fair to Alice, the creatures of Wonderland also judge her based on what they know to be true. However, by recognizing that her being able to adapt to this new world is what let her feel more comfortable and confident in it, one can see why one should also approach new places this way. For example, in chapter six Alice feels unsteady because of the Cat's disappearing and reappearing. By chapter eight, she overcomes this and is able to learn to communicate with him. She now has someone who will listen to her in this new place because she made the effort to get to know him.

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Ouran High School Host Club Episode 13 - Haruhi in Wonderland!

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Why is Alice's Adventures in Wonderland still so relevant in pop culture today?

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Why is Alice's Adventures in Wonderland still so relevant in pop culture today?

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There have been many references to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in pop culture, such as in tv show episodes and in songs. In particular, I was reminded of when one of my favorite animes growing up had an entire episode dedicated to it. At the time, I was confused to its connection to the plot of the show, for I had never read the book before, so I regarded it as a "filler" episode. However, now I can see the way in which the protagonist, Haruhi, was able to figure out her place in this foreign land like Alice herself. She is the scholarship kid that was uninterested in befriending her wealthy classmates because of the predisposed ideas she had on them. However, she reflects on how now she actually thinks of these people as her friends and is glad she was able to get to know them once she made the effort to understand them. Of course, this wouldn't have been possible if her classmates hadn't also gotten to know her despite the classist notions other classmates hold.

Like Alice, Haruhi was able to navigate an uncertain time (but in the modern world) by being open minded in order to get to know the new people around her. Although this book isn't one of my favorite's that we have covered in this course, I think it is comforting to be reminded that in new situations, you can choose to be brave and go forward, and you can choose to be openminded and learn. That is what makes Alice still so relevant today, why shows and songs express courage through Alice's journey.

“Ouran Highschool Host Club Episode 13 English Dub.” YouTube, 7 Aug. 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20gpiKdeoOM&list=PLbIZgi65tb5ICAKF_5zGvo7qVsNyu1R8J&index=13.

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“They’re putting down their names,” the Gryphon whispered in reply, “for fear they should forget them before the end of the trail” (Carroll, 152). In this quote, the subjects of the King and Queen are being stripped of their individuality. Here, they only serve the King and Queen, and if they don’t they are punished. In this eleventh chapter, the inhumanity of this is expressed when the King tells the Hatter that he’d execute him if he was nervous. In this same chapter, a guinea-pig is also physically suppressed when it cheers. This is a political commentary on an unfair justice system where individual liberties aren’t allowed for the benefit of the ruler.

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How much hope is too much hope? Both Charlie Bucket and Hollis Woods had unlikely happy endings in very common situations. Many children in low-income families are worried about where their next meal is coming from at such a young age. Like Charlie, they learn to make sacrifices for their families. However, these children are not finding a golden ticket. And in the United States, there are hundreds of thousands of children in foster care. Not many of these children are adopted into loving, wealthy families like Hollis is. Many children age out of the system and may even end up homeless. Is it beneficial for these children to read such extraordinary, but unrealistic stories of hope? Some children may blame themselves for not achieving this. Other's may develop an unhealthy reliance on this false hope. However, the alternative to hope is no hope, which could be just as detrimental. The reality is that most of us, even as adults, rely on hope of what the future can be. It is unfair to take this from a child. After all, many readers read to escape reality temporarily.

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At the end of chapter 13, the five children with the golden tickets were waiting to be let into the factory, and there was also a crowd waiting. The four privileged children are described by this audience, and then Charlie. They note that Veruca Salt's father bought half a million chocolate bars...and then they note that even though it's freezing outside, Charlie doesn't have a coat on because he probably can't afford one. I see this as a social commentary on the wealth disparities that existed at the time and continue to exist today. Dahl was able to do this through parallelism of these four privileged children and Charlie. It makes the reader reflect on our society in which some families are starving while others have more than they will ever be able to consume.

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In chapter 16, Willy Wonka goes into a biased and detailed description of how the Oompa-Loompas lived before they worked for him. He starts by saying "'And oh, what a terrible country it is! Nothing but thick jungles infested by the most dangerous beasts in the world – hornswogglers and snozzwangers and those terrible wicked whangdoodles'" (Dahl, 72). He describes their previous life based on what he knows and makes it seem like he saved them from a barbarous lifestyle. This resembles an argument made for colonialization, in which the colonizer is seen as a savior in order to justify the exploitation of a group of people. Here specifically, Wonka is justifying paying them in cacao beans, which he has a surplus of, instead of wages. The question remains whether it is intended that the reader agree with this argument or critique it.