ISP Blog Post #3

Issue: racism
I have read several books and seen several movies that show the racism in the southern states back in the olden days. I studied 'To Kill A Mocking Bird' in 10th grade, and this book, plus I have seen 'The Help'. These resources have all given me a better understanding of the majority mind set of people in the south through 1700s through the 1900s. Most of the people in this time did not see Africans as people but more of animals. They lived in poverty and were treated horribly and did a lot of physical labour on plantations.
I think that these issues caused major problems for Africans and non Africans. For the Africans it is more obvious that these issues harmed them. For the white people that had this attitude, they missed out on a lot of great people and cultural traditions they could have learned. Even today there are people that are still highly racist and I think that affects them because they are not living their lives to the fullest potential. I could not imagine looking down on someone because of the color of their skin.
I think the racist attitude continues to cause harm to people throughout modern day society and change is needed.
An example of modern day racism is that one of the black teens that was recently shot and killed in the southern states, was shot by an officer from a known racist police station. There were e-mails found being sent back and fourth with racial slurres and photos. Some were even about Obama and his wife.

ISP Blog Post #2

I feel that so far in the book that the author has used foreshadowing, gender equality, race equality, and timing very well.
All of these 'themes' fit together quiet well. Because Aminta is female and not white and the time that the book takes place in is long ago, you know that not many good things are really going for her. She is constantly surrounded by loss of friends by seperation and by death. I think that the fact that she lost everything then gained back her husband might tell us that she will get some dreams in her life coming true. I think the dream will be that she will make it back to Africa and possibly back to her village.
I found that as I read the book that I became very attached to Amintia. Her character is very comforting, almost motherly like, which I find very comforting.
Overall I am really enjoying the book and the way the author has wrote it. I find it predictable but not too revealing. I found that I knew when the bad things were going to happen but not what they were going to be.

ISP blog post #1

For my ISP I'm reading The Book of Negros by Lawrence Hill. Before reading this book I predicted that it would have to do with slavery and people being oppressed and controlled. I didn't expect the book to take place in two different countries, I assumed that the setting would be in the southern USA. When reading through the part where Aminata is being captured, there is a glimpse of hope that she might escape. Of course this is not what happens but who really wanted her to kidnapped and taken to work as a slave? For most of the reading so far I ave been wondering what will life be like for Aminata? Will she escape slavery? Will she ever return to Africa? Will she be able to be with her husband? Will her child be taken away? Will karma come for the plantation owners? Is she going to live out her days on the plantation? All these questions run through my mind every time I pick up this book.
One connection I have made in the book is that Aminata is always saying that she crossed 'the big river' and 'is on an island'. Eventually, when she learns english, she learns that she actually crossed an ocean, and is not exactly on an island but a big piece of land.
I got really bad vibes from Appleby. He seemed like a real creep, which he proved when he raped Aminata. He seems to have a lot of control issues or self esteem issues because he doesn't like Aminata being with another man. This is also proved by the fact that he even kept slaves as his own; he wanted something or someone to control in his life.
My impression of the author is that they're a very kind hearted person, but they have seen a lot of bad things. For example, Aminata has not really changed her personality or what she wants in life dispiate being through a lot of horrible things happening to her. This gives me the impression that the author is probably just as strong a person and doesn't let bad things ruin their day.
This novel is based in a time when racism was alright with most people, and a lot of people kept slaves. This speaks to us today because it teaches us about our history and what mistakes should not be repeated. It also shows why people are the way they are today; we don't agree with racism or keep slaves and are very careful with the language we use.
As a reader I am really good at choosing which times are good for me to read and which are not. If I am overly tired I know I can still read but I won't retain any of the information so I usually read in parts of the day when I'm more awake. The boring parts of books for me are usually when the action slows down or there are no dramatic events. To get through these parts of novels I usually have to lie to myself and say that this book is really good and shouldn't stop. Sometimes I tell myself that I can't afford to stop because I nee to get the book done.
Over all I'm really enjoying this book so far. I really hope Aminata, her son, her husband, and the other salves will be freed by the end.