Perpetuation of Stereotypes or Window for your Students?

When learning and covering African American literature our class raised the topic of “who is structuring these pieces of literature?” To assist us in breaking down “Bronx Masquerade” by Nikki Grimes, our teacher read us a poem called, “Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea, by Joyce Carol Thomas. The girl in the poem questions or is cautious of who is structuring the situation in the story and how she is functioning within society. When I tried to understand where the girl was coming from I felt as though I may have needed to re-assess my understanding of “Bronx Masquerade.”

I began to wonder what the expected roles of African American characters were in this story. It then became a question of if the characters are stereotypical representations of African Americans or if they are a “real’ portrayal of a Bronx school setting? Tyronne is depicted as having no appreciation for the education system or a hope of wanting or having a future within the first 7 pages. Is this stereotypical or a necessary character presented so the story can break down the stereotypes in the classroom through poetry?

Then our student teacher, Cat, brought up the fact that the teacher himself was very stereotypical. He is white and plays the hero role of saving all of his students in the ghetto through on lesson. Is it realistic to think all students would be interested in poetry or be saved in one year by one of their teachers?

Although I do feel like this book maybe read by students who can use this text as a mirror, I don’t think this book is realistic in its plot. I do think that this book contains some negative images that are repeatedly perpetuated, causing a negative idea about African Americans or their character in society. I feel that these stereotypical representations or “expected roles” hurt this books quality and validity as a piece of diverse literature.