Week 6- Black Shack Alley
Zobel’s “Black Shack Alley” was an amazing read. Following the life of José we see his slow innocent realization of poverty and the world he was born into. José represents the numerous challenges and discrimination due to his race and socioeconomic status, but José is determined to improve his circumstances. I really liked how this text went into great detail about the interactions and memories of José’s childhood. Through this, José unfolds his memories but also depicts his shifted perspective of his reality.
One theme that I really appreciated in this text was the value of education. Despite growing up in poverty and facing significant obstacles, José recognizes education as a means of escaping the cycle of poverty and oppression that surrounds him. Through his determination to get an education, José understands how powerful education really is as it can transform his life. Due to this, it seems that José sees education as a pathway out of this life and a way of empowerment. José’s motivation also seems influenced by his grandmother Ma Tine who instills the value of education. She encouraged him to be educated in the face of adversity as she too understands its value. José’s dedication to his studies throughout the text represents how education can be a tool for social mobility, especially in the face of oppression and inequality. As we look at the world today many of us are privileged to receive an education. Sometimes when things get hard in school or when I feel overwhelmed I think to myself I am living someone’s dream life and I am so grateful to even have this opportunity. Education is so important. It is so powerful and many people around the world are in a position where they cannot receive it. Whether it is due to political issues, discrimination, sexism, and much more. Being educated is a privilege and I think sometimes we forget that.
Furthermore, I really cherished the relationship between José and his grandmother. I feel as if she was a central pillar in his story. Ma Tine serves as a form of love but also guidance. Ma Tine helps José navigate the challenges he faces growing up in poverty. Despite the limitation of her resources Ma Tine never stops encouraging José’s dreams and education. Ma Tine also guides José through life, by teaching him resilience and courage based on her life experiences. Ma Tine plays a major role in shaping José’s identity. She provides him stability in tough times through her sense of comfort but also strength. Through their bond, Ma Tine is not only a loving grandmother but also a symbol of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
Overall this novel explores crucial themes like classism, resilience, and the power of education. Through José’s journey, there is a depiction of life under colonial rule but also a spirit of a better future.
My question for this week is: How do you think your life would be changed if you were not in school right now? What life do you think you would be living right now? What would you be doing?
Hi Jasmeen. I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on the privilege of education in Black Shack Alley; I totally agree! Honestly I never even imagined a reality where I would not get a post-secondary education. I know I am extremely privileged to be able to have the access and opportunity to go to University. If I was not in school right now I would probably be working and living at home but I always knew I wanted to continue my schooling after high school.
Jasmeen, I’m glad you liked the reading. I think memory and autobiography are an important way of cementing identity in that they allow us to rethink what we were. You are right that in the case of José, the use of memory serves as a way to pinpoint when he say the importance of education.
Thanks for your comment
Hi Jasmeen, to answer your question, If I were not in school right now I feel like I could see myself spending more time exploring hobbies but also at the same time pursuing internships to gain practical experience in my field of interest.
Hi Jasmeen! To answer your question, I believe my life wouldn’t be as fulfilling without school. I thrive on routine, and school provides that structure for me. Without it, I’d likely feel aimless and uncertain about my future direction. Education, in my view, serves as a crucial foundation that allows individuals to carve out opportunities for themselves—opportunities they might not have had otherwise. This is also illustrated through M’man Tine’s insistence on Jose dedicating himself to his studies and valuing his education.