A Fine Line Between Relatable and Condescending

    I am just going to come right out and say it: these first few chapters of Stamped… I hated them. Author Jason Reynolds relies heavily on the use of slang and comedy to, I would assume, ease the weight of the information being discussed, and create a more relatable connection between himself and readers. I mean, comparing the name Gomez Eanes de Zurara to a cheerleading chant (Reyonds 4)? Really? I find that many adults believe using slang or more causal, comedic language will better resonate with younger generations. However, as a member of one of these younger generations, I can confidently say that being addressed in this way can oftentimes come off as condescending, as though the author is talking down to readers.

I recognize that those with less exposure to conversations about race may appreciate Reynold’s approach, sort of easing into it, if you will. And that for some, comedy is the best approach to alleviate the discomfort that comes with learning and talking about some of these challenges. But then I ask myself, why do we fight so hard to make these conversations more digestible? As if sandwiching (no pun intended) topics of diversity and justice between laughs is the only or most appropriate way to reach so many individuals. While The Color Purple may be a more severe example—not all novels are so explicitly detailed from the get-go—the emotional vulnerability of Alice Walker’s writing is so important. She does not shy away from the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may make some.

Now I am not without some criticism for Bronx Masquerade; Nikki Grimes, who preaches a great deal about defying stereotypes does not actually prove to eliminate any. The book does, however, show change within the students themselves; the poetry slams provide an outlet for them to become more comfortable in their own skin and overcome challenges they have faced as a result of their home lives and the social climate of the school. That, in my opinion, is what makes the piece so moving. Middle and high school can be such challenging years, so many secretly long to just fit in. Even now, as a college student, I was able to find bits and pieces of the story that resonated with me, both looking back at my younger self and today. Grimes is not implying that poetry has the power to change the whole world (the racial stereotyping, the broken homes, the hate towards anything or anyone different than the social norm), only that it has the power to change one person’s world. Or in this case, eighteen people’s worlds.