Limited Literacy

In the past, black people couldn't learn how to read and write. Back in the Depression Era, kids of African-American ethnic background weren't able to go to school. It was a cruel act, I know. But that was part of the law in those times which many citizens had to fight against. Although the others couldn't read, I was able to. I became very much literate, and when the time came, I thought my own son, Zeebo, the eldest of my children. He was the garbage collector in Maycomb. I had observed how he put the literate skills I taught him to good use. Zeebo was able to read the hymns for the coloured Catholic church. When all the others couldn't read, Zeebo would lead the church hymns, and all the others would follow. Isn't that marvelous? The civilization was quite tough. Times like these are tough. If you may be wondering how I thought Zeebo how to read, it's quite a story. He was taught from the Bible and also one book called "Blackstone's Commentaries". That one book was the item that taught me also. It was back on those earlier days in the Landing where I was before I came to Maycomb. The Finch kids wanted to more more about me, because that was just how they were. Always curious. The school programs in the 1930's were quite unfair. It was one of those issues always talked about. But time keeps moving forward, and many things begin to change. When the years were going to head into reaching the 21st century, the law had changed into the kids of both white and black descent went to school together and education was given to everyone. It's true that many problems that citizens face are solved as time goes by. The future is more clear.

http://www.enotes.com/1930-education-american-decades/education-african-americans
http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/sepbutequal.htm

Separated In Church

Many things are separated in this world. One of these things happened back then was that they separated white people from coloured people in many places. Such as, the church. But I decided not to follow this rule, on one day when I chose to take Scout and Jem to my church. As soon as we walked through the doors, I could tell by the kids' face that they were nervous. But I knew it was okay for them to be here. Those two were also curious, like for why there weren't any hymn books. As soon as the mass started, I could see the looks from the eyes of everyone who was seated. I knew this wasn't going to be easy, but I felt confident. I got some rude words from some of the people, like Lula who came to me telling how bad it was for the Finch kids to be there. I heard her exact words. She said: "You ain't go no business bringin' white chillun here-they got their church, we got our'n." (pg. 119). But I didn't tolerate that remark. So, I did the appropriate action and stood up for myself, saying: "It's the same God, ain't it?" (pg. 119). Scout and Jem were a bit frightened, but I knew I had to assertively battle Lula. I did what I had to, battling against segregation. During a time back when everything was separated between whites and blacks. There were segregated schools, theatres, fountains, you name it. I can see why they do that, but I choose not to follow it. A Church is for people to worship God in their religious faith. Every Christian Church has that purpose, so it doesn't matter for whites and blacks to be in different ones. I was a combatanant in segregation, one of the hard perils of human history. And I had been the bravest I could be.


http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/segregation
http://www.madison.k12.ky.us/district/projects/Kill/SEG.htm

Dinner With No Class

Whenever you have a guest in your home, you need to treat him/her with respect. I needed to prove that the time Walter Cunningham came to visit for dinner. I had cooked a lovely meal for this occasion. I was working on the meal while everyone else was eating. They began to talk about many things related to many subjects. However, it shocked me to see Scout being judgemental of Walter. Walter askes for molasses, so I went into the kitchen and got it from the fridge. I got the pitcher and handed it to Walter. When that happened, no one did anything. They just stared. As soon as Walter poured molasses, Scout began to shout about how strange that was. She started saying "But he's gone and drowned his dinner is syrup." (pg. 24) As that little girl was commenting on how he is, I was infuriated very much, so I demanded to talk to her. When I dragged Scout into the kitchen, I let her know upset I was for what she did. I said "Yo' folks might be better'n the Cunninghams but it don't count for nothin' the way you're disgracin' 'em-if you can't act fit to eat at the table you can just set here and eat in the kitchen!" (pg. 24-25) What happened at dinner was like on of those sit ins at the restaurants. Back when the coloured folks would go to the restaurants and the whites were disgusted for them being there. Those things happened at times like this in the 1930's. I can't stand for anyone to disrespect others in their company. That's just who I am. I'm sure that events like this may come in the future. Until then, I'm keeping an eye out for the Finch kids to see if they don't provoke others not in their class.

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAjimcrow.htm
http://academic.udayton.edu/race/02rights/jcrow02.htm