Ben Waybright

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

https://t.co/nHjvunFLi5
#xuengl205

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

@engl205 I think the dystopian genre really elevates the struggle of everyday life that the characters go through. This is a key element to get the message across that with struggles and hardships comes an elevation in life at some point.

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

Speech Sounds was a very depressing short story. However, this story does give a good story on never giving up. Rye was on the brink of ending her story before she met Obsidian. This shows when you go through enough struggles, the grass eventually becomes more green. #xuengl205

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

@PLampertius I think this was a classic story of ableism. Halder being “normal” while Bibi having an ailment just allowed him to really use anything to take advantage of her and save himself money. He knew she was struggling and he didn’t care. That’s why he didn’t feel it necessary to tell.

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

I feel bad for Bibi. She appears to have seizures which is very common. Labeling that as “unstable” and “hysterical” is an over-exaggeration that many took, and that one label alone made Bibi not wanted by men. Labels are never the true meaning of a disability. #xuengl205

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

@GraceBagadiong1 I completely agree. The observance of her sexual features over her disabilities has to be disheartening. When you want people to see what makes you like everyone else and not stand out is ignored, those disabilities become invisible to some extent.

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

“She can’t be disabled, She’s sexual” is just awful to read. Just because someone has sexual traits doesn’t mean they cannot be disabled. It also goes the other way around, just because someone is disabled, does not mean that they cannot be sexual as well. #xuengl205

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

@Maria70993484 I found that interesting as well. I think that power dynamic is very ableist because Maico can see and knows that the blind man really cannot do anything about it. I think when anyone is put into a situation of struggle, this ableist side will arise from no where.

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

After reading Republica and Grau, I’ve realized that people sometimes resort to begging as a job and not out of necessity. Maico’s father making him join the blind man and learn the ins and outs of begging made it seem like a profession in some sense. #xuengl205

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

@rori_kaitlyn I honestly think it was for image. They most likely didn’t like eachother and Mr. Cruger most likely didn’t see the kids ever. He only benefited because he became a “father” which allows him to proclaim things he wouldn’t have before as just a husband.

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

I can’t even imagine the true pain that Miss Wilmarth went through everyday knowing what she looked like and how she was reminded every day by Mr. Cruger. The best thing that happened to Miss Wilmarth the entirety of her time was receiving those flowers. #xuengl205

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

@dendadis I think they stole these small items because they were most likely something that people of higher class would not have noticed instead of stealing a watch or jewelry. Those small items are also something that the cleaning ladies might eventually use.

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

I found it weird in the short story how Dr. Blum made her stop “laying any guilt or duty trips” after the kids made the mess with the toys. I think this comes from a level of wealth that believes that their kids should not take any responsibility for their actions. #xuengl205

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

@mccanne1xu They ended up putting others out of homes and jobs, which only extends the cycle that is poverty. When they deceived the mother by saying the housekeeper had TB, they removed her from a stable living. Poverty can make people cut throat even if they don’t want to be.

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

It’s interesting watching Parasite how easily the family got in with the Park Family just through word of mouth and a recommendation from Min. It’s also interesting how the park family is really gullible and worry free due to their wealth. #xuengl205

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

@GraceBagadiong1 I think these experiences show just a fraction of what some go through to survive on a daily basis. Especially in “If you ever find yourself” I found it hard to even image what this mother and daughter were going through just to get food in their body.

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

“Middle class feels like the one percent when you’re stuck below the poverty line.” This quote really speaks to the divide of classes with America. Not only can this be seen between the lower and middle class, but also between middle and upper. #xuengl205

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

@Eric51402 I also agree in how he started off by questioning himself and why he was restricted in some aspects of his life, but now he isn’t asking anymore questions and he is being himself more than ever before.

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

“Know that you’re not ready but this is not about being ready, it’s not even about being fierce or fearless, it’s about being free.” This quote is about drag but I think it could apply to life. Don’t worry about being ready for what comes your way, just be yourself. #xuengl205

[Ben Waybright @BenWaybright25]

@GabrickMeghan I think it is an important aspect of this story to incorporate every window into the life that Michael has to deal with on a daily basis. Race, gender, and sexuality have all been major themes of this book but they are also major themes of Michaels life.