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After reading this memoir by James McBride I think many people share their personal stores as a powerful form of self expression and healing. when people open up about their experiences they usually find a sense of release and understanding that can be good for coping with past traumas or significant life events. kind of like turning the page on a chapter of their life and getting themselves ready to keep going and start the next, I think when people share and vocalize their journey and story it helps one process their emotions more fully. I think sharing your story can provide closure. it allows an individual to put their experiences into words which can make them feel more manageable. To me this act of closure is like a form of coming to terms with events that have shaped them. by sharing their stories with others not only do they unburden themselves but also have the opportunity to maybe even help other readers who might be going through similar situations kind of like a way of saying this is where I've been and this is where I am now telling readers that might feel stuck that there is progress that they can also make. I think another reason many share their stories is to preserve and honor important parts of ones life. its a way to keep memories alive and pass on knowledge. For many, its important that their experiences are not forgotten but instead serve as sort of like a legacy for others that are on similar paths its a deep way to connect, learn and grow.

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A quote that stood out to me was when James was thinking about his experience in Louisville and remembering what his sister jack use to tell him all the time. shed tell James that, "you have to choose between what the world expects of you and what you want for yourself" (McBride 161). this stood out to me because its about the tough choices many people face when our personal desires clash with the expectations placed upon us by family, culture, or society. its a strong reminder to say true to ourselves even when times are hard.

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in these chapters of the memoir the social issue of religion takes the center of the stage as Ruth's decision to convert to Christianity and her decision to raise her children in a devoutly religious household is explored. this choice not only impacted her own life but shapes Jame's and his siblings lives. the memoir dives into the challenges of navigating different religious beliefs within the family and the impact of religion on their sense of identity. Today religious diversity and freedom are still very important topics. we strive for a society that respects and values different religious beliefs and promoting tolerance and understanding among individuals of various faiths

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Yes the differences are presented between different classes are clear. In Delaware there is lots of segregation between the rich and the poor. the characters like Ruth, James and his siblings are aware that they are not the same as the rich. Like their academic opportunities, They understand what is available for them is not the same as what a rich white person can get because they are more financially stable. Or how their living style isn't the same as others because of their class.

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1. I don't think the author has a specific audience. If it resonates with you then apply it to your own experiences. I am apart of that audience having to deal with Racial problems and conflict with ones self.

2. some readers might interpret the text differently because of their religious beliefs or race or personal values. in the book the authors mother was pretty strict about religion with her kids. some might not agree with her actions due to what they believe.

3. I've had personal experiences that help me feel more sympathy for the characters and understand more how they feel. Dealing with issues because of what race you are can be very draining. although they weren't as serious as their issues they do impact you hard so I can only imagine how much it impacted them.

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a social issue that arises was the impact of social class, James family was living in poverty stricken neighborhoods and faced struggles with limitations that came with their socioeconomic status. they experienced being financially unstable, lack of access to resources, and limited opportunities.

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a quote that stood out to me was when James went home from school to ask his brothers if they were black or white but then got tricked and put into the dark to scare him he says that, "the question of race was like the power of the moon in [his] house" (McBride 94). Its like a metaphor on how even if race wasn't openly discussed it still had a huge influence on James family just like the moons gravity affects the tides.

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reflecting on these chapters I noticed how much James struggles with his own racial identity much like many do today. I also notice how his mother navigates a society that isn't always accepting of her interracial family. Although I've never experienced this its something i've learned about the characters and how some people may still be affected by things like this today.

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1. The author uses a pattern of switching back and fourth from his pov and his childhood to his moms pov when she was little. It shows the differences in the way they lived.

2. The author's diction gave the memoir so much life. It helped us understand how people were spoken to back then. it gives the work a much deeper and helps readers kinda understand what is was like growing up in those times and what many had to put up with

3. There are many tones and moods throughout the memoir so far. One mood I feel more is like anger. lots of anger is shown in many ways some of those being racial issues or issues the mom or james had.

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Find a quote in this chunk that stood out to you. Please also include a picture or GIF to further describe this quote.

A quote i found that stood out to me was when james mother was explaining to them what God looked like or what he was what color he was, "god is the color of water." it shows a lot about the perspective she has on race and religion.

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Choose at least one of the following social issues that were present in this reading chunk. Discuss how this social force was present in a characters life. (Your response should be at least 5-6 sentences).

Race/Ethnicity

In this chunk of the memoir James writes of the racial issues his mother had to go through being a polish Jewish immigrant. At these times Jewish people faced prejudice and discrimination due to antisemitism being prevalent. she faced many issues with that and on top of it she was also married to a black man. At these times interracial relationships weren't a big thing which many looked down on her for. Ruth's family did not approve of this marriage they disowned her for it.

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In what ways was this chunk a window or a mirror? Use the following questions to guide your response, but really we want to hear your personal thoughts and reactions to this chunk!

I also have dealt with racial issues and growing up in poverty just like James mother did it wasn't as cruel but similar in ways.

My family grew up similar to ruths. my parents are big on education they want me and my siblings to make the best out of ourselves so we wont have to live the way we did.