The Lesson

 "Do we know what money is like." 

This is, single-handedly, one of the most powerful lines in the story. The funny part is, I don't even think it was meant to be. Toni Cade Bambara wrote an incredibly sad story. Maybe it was just meant to be honest. But to me, it's sad. If kids are lucky enough, they never have to realize just how much things cost until their adults, because they've never really wanted in life. But kids who have seen their parents struggle and have gone without the things they've needed, are more aware of it. The kids in this story don't seem to be aware of it until their teacher points it out to them. She was right in doing so.

It's disgusting that we live in a world where some people are able to spend thousands on toys that their kids don't want, and hundreds on a paperweight for decoration, but parents can't afford to buy beds for their homes. There's an apparent inequity in the distribution of wealth in this country. Black and POC are more likely to work during their life, for more of their lives, but only see a small percentage of the money come back to them in the end. At some point, all of us realize it. Miss Moore wanted her students to know it then, however, because she wanted them to see the reality of things. Why they felt uncomfortable in certain places that white people didn't. Why they didn't even feel secure enough to walk into the store. Why they felt embarrassed to play around in the store. Why the pricetags on the toys made them feel weird. Why they feel shame. 

It was easier for them to start joking around, pretending that nothing happened after they left F.A.O Schwarz. Rather that, than accept what they now all know. That while everyone's lives are different, some people live differently. That's why it was easier for them to feel betrayed by Sugar. Better that than by world and systems that they are now starting to realize, really isn't built for them. 

Yes, this story is very sad. 




Comments

  1. ElizabethFebruary 1, 2023 at 8:49 PM

    I agree with you, this story definitely isn’t a happy one, but it does make the reader—as well as the kids in the story—start to think about economic inequality and how awful it really is. It was a hard realization for the children to make, but it allows them to make a choice to either do something about it, or accept it as the way it is. Great post overall.

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  2. AnonymousFebruary 9, 2023 at 7:37 PM

    I couldn't have said it better! It was such a powerful story and flawlessly illustrated the economic inequalities and disparities in America. It feels sad and unfair that the children have to learn about these issues now to be prepared for what's ahead, but by doing so, it eloquently helps not only the children in the story understand privilege but the reader too. Ms. Moore is helping them come to understand systemic racism and inequality so that they don't just accept things as they are. In awakening them to injustice they can see it for what it is. It''s a sad reality that they have to understand there aren't equal opportunities, there's low social mobility, economic oppression, and that reparations are long overdue.

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