In A Young Boy Becomes Man of the House, author Russell Baker describes his life after his father dies unexpectedly at a young age. His mother, after realizing that she will not be able to depend on an ex-boyfriend to take care of her family and her children's college, decides that she will have to make Russell "the man of the family." At the ripe old age of 8 years old, Russell is pushed to do things like "the man of the family" would. He has to get a job and put some of his earnings in savings and some for household expenses. He has to dress, go to church, and treat women like a gentleman. He was also punished like a man whenever he did something wrong. His mother would unnecessarily beat him because he wouldn't cry and therefore, as she thought, he didn't feel remorse for what he had done wrong. No matter how mad his mother made him or pushed him, he loved his mother.
This was a very interesting story. It was also kind of hard for me to relate to. I don't know what it is like to live in a single-parent home or to have to grow up fast like Russell Baker did. I did have to work as soon as I was old enough to have to pay for my own things, which I honestly didn't mind and I'm actually very glad that I did. It has made me into a better person I feel like. However, in this story, I just feel like 8 years old is way to early for a child to have to grow up. I feel like he missed a lot of his childhood by having to become "the man of the family." It honestly makes me sad that this little 8 year old boy had to become so responsible and demanded upon.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Wow, this story sounds sad. I cant believe that a mother would force her child to be the man of the house and then beat him on top of that. I hope this particular boy ended up having a good life. Stories like this just make you realize that every family is so different. Parents all raise thier children so differently and when teaching those children you have to put that into concideration.
This article is very depressing. I can only imagine what it would be like to walk a mile in his shoes. It is important for future teachers and teachers alike to remember we will have students in this same situation. Therefore, these students may not be interested in learning due to the situations they are forced to deal with. By understanding this concept future teachers and teacher alike can encourage all students to do their best, and make the classroom the least stressfull as it can be. This in return will allow for the best from all students.
Post a Comment