“Sometimes it takes a really bad thing to bring about positive change.”
Mr. Kazilly utilizes this statement to help his pupils comprehend why it is important to study historical events that involve suffering and injustice. Individuals can develop empathy, critical thinking, and a strong commitment to preventing similar injustices from happening again by acknowledging past crimes. According to the quote, great societal upheavals frequently occur as a result of events such as bombings, burnings, and lynchings. These incidents serve as reminders of human depravity and the critical need for progress. Students are encouraged to learn from the mistakes of the past and to actively contribute to making the world a better place by diving into the darkness of history. The quote highlights the transformative power of adversity as it serves as a catalyst for reflection, education, and the pursuit of justice.
“IT’S FUNNY—WHEN Dad was in California, Mom’s house was where I lived. It was home. But now I don’t really feel like I have a home—it’s more like I live at Dad’s place. Or Mom’s place. I never say “I’m going home” anymore. It’s “I’m going to my mom’s.” Or “I’m going to my dad’s.” Going. Not staying. Actually, it’s not funny at all.”
This quote expresses the narrator's sense of displacement and loss of a solid home environment as a result of their parent's divorce. The opening sentence, "IT'S FUNNY," suggests an ironic tone but as the narrator continues, it becomes clear that the scenario is not amusing. When their father was abroad, the narrator considered their mother's house to be their home but now they feel as if they don't have a true home. The use of sentences such as "I live at Dad's house." Or Mom's place" highlights their absence of a consistent sense of belonging. This quote captures the emotional turmoil and loss experienced by a child caught amid their parents' separation, highlighting the longing for a sense of belonging and stability.
“Well, it’s easy to be mean. And hateful. I’ve heard . . . uh . . . my parents say horrible stuff to each other.” I pause. It’s like the whole class is breathing with me. “But it’s harder to be nice. It’s sometimes really, really hard.”
The stated phrase illustrates the speaker's recognition of the ease with which negativity and hatred can pervade people's lives. The mention of their parents' bitter conversations implies that the speaker has direct knowledge of the damaging effects of mean-spiritedness. The pause and collective gasp in the classroom suggests that this attitude is shared by the entire class as though they have also encountered comparable scenarios. By stating that being pleasant can be tough, the speaker emphasizes the difficulties of exercising kindness and compassion amid negativity. This observation is significant because it acknowledges the work required to choose love over hatred, emphasizing that establishing a positive and sympathetic attitude necessitates a conscious commitment to rising above the ease of negativity.
“The world looks at Black people differently. It’s not fair, but it’s true.”
The speaker, the protagonist's father explicitly admits to the prevalence of racial discrimination. This quotation emphasizes the racial inequities and hardships that Black people confront in their daily lives. By stating that it is "true," the father emphasizes the pervasiveness of this prejudice, recognizing that society's opinion of Black people is frequently impacted by bias and stereotypes. The remark provides a beginning point for a discussion about the need of recognizing and resolving racial injustice as well as the need to develop a more inclusive and fair society.
