First Day response- janice chan

Upon reading Edward P. Jones, “The First Day”, I felt that it was really relatable. When the narrator states “then she shakes her head and says we were at the wrong school, that we should be at walker-jones.” This shows that when the narrator and their mother went into the school, the women at the school was quick to judge them even though there’s usually more than what meets the eye. I thought that women at the school discriminated against or stereotyped them based on what she assumed and because of the area they lived in. I personally think this left a strong impression on me because I believe it has happened many times to many, myself included. Even if you are quick to judge you shouldn’t, go out of your way to act upon it and make them feel lesser than you because there’s no reason for them to. I think the author’s entrance to the school was unfair because they discriminated against her in a way that people should not be treated. An element of this narrative that could be possibly a theme because it’s showing the audience and readers how this discrimination and unfairness can affect everyone. 

One thought on “First Day response- janice chan

  1. Thanks for alerting us to themes of discrimination and judgment in this story. I agree with you that there are often unspoken barriers or obstacles in educational institutions that can make people feel unwelcome or intimidated, as the mother in this story does.

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