Importance of Safe Spaces

        A section of the book Melissa by Alex Gino that stood out to me was the scene in the principal office. Melissa had stood up to Jeff for his bullying, Jeff punched her causing her to throw up, and now they are having meetings with the principal. In the office, Melissa looks at the wall decor and notices a sign that says, "Support safe spaces for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth." Heartbreakingly, Melissa wondered where she could find a safe space like that, and if there would be other girls like her there (Gino 125). Here I think Gino is pointing out how there needs to be more safe spaces and they need to be visible and better advertised to those who might need them. The sign suggests that the principal wants the school to be a safe space or at the very least her office. But for Melissa, school and her home are not safe places in which she can be herself without fear of bullying and unacceptance. At the end of the novel, Melissa gains a safe space in her friend, Kelly's room where Kelly supports her and helps her to express herself as a girl. It shows that it does not need to be complicated to create a safe space, only that there needs to be open and accepting vibes in the place. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Fine Line Between Relatable and Condescending

Image
     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 o
Read more

Action Now

       It is interesting how King and Kolvenbach connect. In each, they are calling for action now. Both address their fellow people, King is writing to black people and supporters of the Civil Rights Movement, and Kolvenbach is speaking to Catholic, Jesuits. In his speech, “The Service of Faith and the Promotion of Justice in American Jesuit Higher Education,” Kolvenbach acknowledges that a huge component of the Jesuit faith is learning and education. Jesuit institutes have developed greatly and are creating groundbreaking discoveries and new technologies. Education is great but it is nothing without applying it. If learning was all that mattered, there would not be these impressive institutes. Now Kolvenbach is not saying that education is unimportant or worthless, but rather that it is not enough. And just like how education is not enough, so too is faith. It is all fine and dandy that you believe in God’s word and the teachings of Jesus Christ, but you are cutting yourself short
Read more

Fisk Kolvenbach and King Response

  Kolvenbach and King Response   Both of these readings tackled the same issues, but the one that stuck out to me the most was the necessity of hands-on or first-hand experience in order to better understand how oppression impacts people and how to better fight for justice. King writes that “I don’t believe you would have so warmly commended the police force if you had seen the angry violent dogs literally bitin g six unarmed, nonviolent Negroes. I don’t believe you would so quickly commend the policemen if you would observe their ugly and inhuman treatment of Negroes here in the city jail; if you would w atch them push and curse old Negro women and young Negro girls; if you would see them slap and kick old Negro men and young boys, if you would observe them, as they did on two occasions , refusing to give us food because we wanted to sing our gra ce together” (King 5). The lack of experience that the religious leaders criticising him have with regards to the real tre
Read more