Reading Response #10, Choosing our Own Focus

I'm currently reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett. My focus I choose was how Aibileen's owner, Mrs. Leefolt  decided that Aibileen was no longer allowed to use the same bathroom as her family. I chose this focus because I think Aibileen should've said something. I think if Minny, her friend was in her spot, she would've said something. Aibileen always stays quiet, and I wish in certain situations, she didn't.

Mrs. Leefolt came up with this idea from Mrs. Hilly, another lady from the Benefit that the ladies did. She convinced her to make a separate bathrrom for Aibileen to have when she had to use the restroom. She did this because Mrs. Hilly put in her mind that sharing ANY bathroom in the house with a black person was disgusting. I think that in a way this is unfair to Aibileen because Mrs. Leefolt doesn't even use the guest room bathroom. Aibileen always cleans the bathroom after anyone uses it, so whats the point?Mrs. Hilly told Mrs. Leefolt that black people carry diseases and that a white person could easily catch it. Mrs. Hilly said she wants a law requiring white people to build outside bathrooms that their black employees must use.

In conclusion, I think that its unfair the way some white ladies treat their slaves. Especially how Mrs. Leefolt actually did it.  One lady at the Leefolt house, Skeeter said " "Maybe we ought to just build you a bathroom outside, Hilly" Skeeter asked Aibileen that day, "what do you think about them going to make you a bathroom?" Aibileen never got to answer but I think she should have. Skeeter would of listened to everything she would've said. I think Mrs. Leefolt should pay Aibileen a little more respect. Aibileen does everything for her. Cleans, cooks, watches her daughter. What more could she ask for?

Critical Thinking Question #2, Reading Response #9

SOCIAL ISSUE QUESTION: Is this story fair? Why/why not?

BOOK: Girls against Girls by Bonnie Burton.

I recently finish Girls against Girls by Bonnie Burton. I strongly agree with everything in this book. The author explains everything that does really happen to us girls.  I do think this story is fair. The author gives a reasoning to everything she states. For example, if Burton states her idea about something, she will give a few reasons of why the person does what they do. The author gives tips and how to react to certain problems. Not only do I think this book is, but it's also very helpful. It's a good source and "turn to book," especially if you need help or have a question about something. 


Another example is when Burton has a topic on Verbal Abuse. She talks about the topic in general. Then how it works and why the person does it, why it sucks, ad what to do. She even gives real peoples advice/quotes. The story is very fair and has many interesting facts. I think its good for girls themselves to read books like these because many issues/problems that come up in the book, happen in everyday life.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. My opinion is that this book is fair. In the book, there is real scientific theories about why we act the way we do, our war tactics, steps to take things when they get out of hand, and advice on how to band together.This book really highlights things that girls should truly understand. These are all of the reasons why this book is very helpful and fair. Make sure you check this book out!

Critical Thinking Question- Reading Response #8

Girls Against Girls by Bonnie Burton

Critical Thinking Question- How does this book help you to think about social issues you care about or causes you are committed to?

         I’m reading Girls Against Girls by Bonnie Burton. This book discusses many issues I am aware about. One problem that comes across in the book is gossip. Gossip is an important issue I feel strongly about. Everyone some point in life comes across gossip. Sometimes you might not even know its considered gossip. For example, ‘I don’t like her shirt.’ This to you might just be a comment or opinion, but is also really considered gossip. You have to be careful about what you say. That's where ‘think before you speak’ comes in. I think this book highlights gossip really well. Gossip is something that sometimes just comes out of our big mouths.

         I personally love that we are doing a reading response on a question/s we come across everyday. On page 36, the author states “Gossiping always seems like fun---- when it sabot other people.” I agree with this because us girls sometimes don't know how to keep our mouths shut. Gossiping for all girls in general becomes a habit. Girls in general like to bond, and the way we do it most of the time, is by talking.

         This book doesn't only explain gossiping as an issue. It also included scenarios that really happen and I can definitely relate to most of them. It included subjects such as gossiping, bullying (cyber and verbal), dumping (a best friend for another), and many other topics teens or any people can relate to. Us girls should stick together and not go against each other.