Anticipation IM Questions

Picture Response
The picture represents how it is to be invisible, even when you demand to be seen. The man is invisible to the rest of the world, as he is merely a figure to everyone else. However, it seems to be the brightest place, with lights hanging everywhere. I find this picture beautiful, with great meaning behind it. It is definitely not something I’ve seen before, although I do get the purpose of it. It shows how the white society viewed people of color as inferior, with no meaning. The truth is that they were also people, who had great minds and ideas. This man might feel frustration because to a white society, he is invisible, and means nothing. No matter how many lights he hangs up, and how visible he might be, to them he isn’t. He remarks how his spot is brighter than any place in New York, including Broadway and the Empire State Building. When they see him, they see what they have already formed in their minds, due to stereotypes and influence. A white woman might see an African American male walking down the street and she immediately might think he is dangerous because of what she has been taught to believe. This is most likely not true, but it is not visible to her because of her prejudgments. Stereotypes and prejudgments have always been a part of our society, and have affected many, whether it is their futures or well-being. The invisible man captures the frustration of his true self not being visible to others, and them only seeing what they have been taught.

Song Response

The song has a sad tone, with deep frustration and sorrow. Louis Armstrong embodies his emotions with his trumpet, which sounds like a gloomy tune, capturing his feelings toward not being treated with respect. He demands to know why he was born “black and blue,” referring to his skin complexion and emotion. He is certainly frustrated that he is not seen the same way as the white society based solely on the color of his skin. He might have the same views as them, or same interests, but he would never be like them, which is why he “ain't got a friend”. He also emphasizes how he is worthless, with the image of a mouse laughing and scorning him as well. This highlights his low value he has for himself, and how he believes he doesn’t even get as much respect as a mouse would. It mirrors the photograph because he too feels invisible like the invisible man. When someone sees him, they see nothing but a stereotypical African American male. Even if he plays his trumpet and sings with his all, he will still be invisible. He demands that his true character be seen, but it won’t because prejudgments have already been made. Both are dispirited with not being seen, although Armstrong seems to not want to identify with people of color. While the Invisible man demands to be seen as he is, Armstrong does too, but with the desire of not having been “black and blue”.

Passage Response

I do not completely relate to this passage, but I do know what it is trying to say. I have not faced discrimination to the point of being excluded from what one thinks is the ideal place in society. Racial discrimination has not really happened to me because many would not guess I am of Mexican descent. However, I’ve seen it all around me, and I know it happens with no question. My parents have experienced it, and face the stereotypes of immigrants. Some of my peers have come across some offensive comments. It is a reoccurring topic in our country, and long battle that has not been won or overcome. The closest I’ve come to being frustrated with society happened in elementary school, where I was bullied because of how I dressed or acted. I had few friends, barely any of them close. I remember crying when I got back from school, and would hold it or else they would taunt me, telling me I was a “crybaby”. I tried to act sick so I could go home early, and would only get frustration from my parents because they thought it was just an act. My 7-year-old self cried, wondering why I didn’t have a best friend. But I tried to make myself feel better by thinking there was better ahead, and that I was only upsetting myself, because at the end of the day those mean girls would not care whether I was good or not. The best you can do is being the better person and move on because the future awaits you.