Jerry Craft’s New Kid connects with Bulman’s theme of individualism in pop culture and education. Throughout the graphic novel, Jordan struggled with parts of his identity. He had to become accustomed to being one of the only kids of color in his school. He couldn’t relate to the interests and hobbies of other students in his school and was desperate to find another person of color he could identify with. For a long time, he felt out of place. There was a picture in the book that had his friends from his private school and his neighborhood friends kind of playing tug of war Jordan (Jordan was metaphorically the rope). I feel like that image in the book perfectly illustrates his struggle battling two parts of his life. In the end, Jordan realizes that he doesn’t have to compromise or choose one over the other. His experiences in the private school is partly what made him and “New Kid” have a different meaning at the end of the book.
Bulman's concept of individualism in pop culture and education is related to Jerry Craft's New Kid. The comic novel depicts Jordan's struggles with several aspects of his identity.In the coming-of-age story New Kid, the main character gains self-assurance, adjusts to new situations, and forms enduring bonds. Jordan, who attends a school where he feels out of place, characterizes his inner self as being in a constant state of free fall.
I think the target audience of this book are middle schoolers. Middle school is the moment in adolescents' lives when they begin to learn more about how complicated and messy the world is and where they begin to develop more agency for themselves. This book helps comfort young readers, especially kids of color, by giving them a main character they can relate to, one who struggles to acclimate to a new environment and wanting to feel belonging. It also shows young readers how racism is still very much a problem; appearing in various forms. And teaches that it’s important to stand up for yourself and others when being unfairly treated; that empathy and kindness are important.
Hannah: I feel that everyone, but especially white people, would benefit the most from reading "New Kid." It's important so that we can avoid microaggressions and make sure everyone feels included regardless of their race, situation, etc. All of my K-12 education occurred in private school, and prior to high school I'd say about 96% of the students and staff were white in the schools I attended. I remember doing the White Elephant gift exchange game in eighth grade, with us being told that you can only participate if you bring a gift. Sounds fair enough, but it was awkward for the two kids who didn't participate who had to sit outside the circle and watch us give each other candies and sodas. A few of us who got food shared it with them, but it felt more out of obligation than anything else. We were kids, yes, but that was an experience that really slapped us in the face with "the world isn't equal, even here" and we probably could have been nicer to them. I feel like Americans are already really bad at dealing with our feelings regarding monetary inequality, but if we had read "New Kid" we probably could have been more prepared to deal with that.
People that might benefit from the book "new kid", might not be just new african american students at a school lacking in other African students. This book can also be interpreted as from any student standpoint who feels that there is a lack of students like him at the school, such as asians, indians or even white people. Anyone can benefit from reading this book that is in a similar situation, because seeing their problems through other races would show how we are all humans and everyone can go through similar situations. Something that we have talked about in class that I would like to say about the book is unfair schooling. In chapter 6, Jordan meets a new friend named drew. Drew is having a conversation with jordan when he ends it with, "see you dawg." The teacher over hears it and calls him Deandre, which is what she has been calling him by. Drew gets upset with her as she is clearly being irrational and tells her to stop calling him the wrong name. She uses her power of authority over him and he leaves. The lack of agency the student has to where he gets in trouble and the teacher gets away is ridiculous when she is clearly in the wrong. she is clearly abusing power and Drew should be able to talk to the principal or his grandma about it but they won't listen.
New Kid by Jerry Craft is good for students who are new to a environment and feel like outsiders. The book follows Jordan, a seventh grader trying to find his place at a mostly white private school. It’s relatable for anyone who has felt like an outsider.
New Kid follows the journey of Jordan Banks, a young African American boy who attends an private school where he is one of the few students of color. Students of diverse backgrounds can find validation in Jordan's experiences as he struggles with feeling different and learning to navigate spaces where he is the minority. The novel also addresses themes like fitting in and identity making it relatable for students who are experiencing similar challenges during their formative years.
I think this book is good for students of color who feel different in a new school or environment and are having trouble fitting in. Any student having trouble with change in their social life would find this book very helpful when looking for comfort. But the most important students when talking about this book are students of color who might be having trouble fitting in in a PWI.
I think that a lot of students and people could benefit from reading the book new kid. This book really was pretty interesting to watch the character development and the story unfold of a new kid of color at a new school that’s predominantly white. At first I didn’t really know how to react with all the racist comments and things being discussed in the story when Jordan first started attending RAD. However, through the story I think that Jordan learned a lot about agency and how you’re able to stick up for what you believe in. I think a common theme in the book that kept getting repeated was “this is what the world is like “, I noticed that both Jordan and his friend drew had repeatedly said that their parents or grandparents just told them to accept that what the world is like. But Jordan and his friends were able to stand up for what they believed in and not except the status quo. I think this could apply to so many people who have given up hope for change in the future in both education and society.
Jerry Craft's "New Kid" is a perceptive graphic novel that would be helpful to a variety of readers, particularly those in middle and high school. It chronicles the struggles of seventh-grader Jordan Banks, who is one of the few children of color attending a prominent private school. Young readers who could have similar problems of feeling in or out of place will find the book especially pertinent because it tackles significant questions of race, identity, and social dynamics. Parents can use it to start a conversation about race and cultural differences, and educators can use it to encourage conversations about diversity, empathy, and inclusion in the classroom. Its captivating structure, which strikes a mix between fun and serious issues, will also appeal to fans of graphic novels. All things considered, the book offers insightful viewpoints on human development and belonging, making it an excellent read for anybody wishing to investigate questions of social justice, race, and identity.
Rachel Wolburg: I think New Kid is a perfect graphic novel to represent the idea of individualism. Jordan, our protagonist, is starting a new school, and for the first time, it appears to be his first time in a wealthy, affluent private school. This, of course, comes with a very different group of people from what he’s used to, and as the story progresses, he struggles through the year to figure out where he belongs and who he is. There's even a scene where his grandpa gently reminds him that he doesn’t have to keep his friends separate because of their skin color and different experiences. As the story moves forward, you can see Jordan become more comfortable at the school he’s at and with the people he’s befriended. Personally, I see this book being great for all ages though I will say some of the underlying themes may be difficult for young children to grasp or be easily glanced over. It’s the type of graphic novel that I feel you could read over and over and come out with a clearer understanding and maybe even realize there were subtle things you missed.
I think everyone could benefit from reading New Kid but, I believe the people who would benefit most are POCs who grew up in predominately white schools/areas and people who use microaggressions consciously or without trying to. For POC who grew up in predominately white areas, like myself, reading this book was funny and comforting in a way by knowing I wasn't the only one who experienced these uncomfortable situations. I think this book also highlighted microaggressions, how they affect people, and the potential consequences if those microaggressions aren't checked.
New Kid by Jerry Craft is a great read for middle and high school students, especially those who can relate to the challenges of fitting in. The story follows Jordan Banks, a kid of color who navigates life at a mostly white private school, dealing with issues like race, identity, and feeling out of place. It would be especially helpful for students of color who may face similar struggles in school, but it can also help other students understand what it's like to be an outsider. For students at diverse or predominantly white schools, the book offers a chance to see things from someone else’s perspective and encourages empathy. Teachers and parents can also benefit from reading it, as it opens up important conversations about diversity, inclusion, and the challenges kids face when it comes to race and identity. Plus, the book is a relatable coming-of-age story about friendship and self-discovery, so it will appeal to anyone who enjoys stories about growing up. Overall, New Kid is a book that speaks to readers of all backgrounds, offering both an entertaining story and important life lessons.
A target audience for New Kid are definitely middle/high school students, as both a significant stage for them developmentally. Students entering middle school experience a greater sense of agency, individualism, and a less restrictive social environment, which can lead to both positive and negative development. People of color in particular benefit from reading this graphic novel since many face prejudice or other uncomfortable situations in middle/high school, but is not solely beneficial to them. Many students in general feel the struggle to fit in or figure out who they are throughout their time in school and would benefit from reading "New Kid."
I think anyone will benefit from reading the story, especially white staff. New Kid subtly explores black family dynamics and microaggressions within schools. The graphic novel highlights the role of educators in either perpetuating or mitigating these harmful behaviors. By examining how Drew navigates these experiences, we can better understand their impact on identity and self-esteem. I think the book serves as a “nice” way to emphasize the importance of cultural competence and inclusivity.
Christine: I think everyone can benefit from reading New Kid because I feel like there are so many lessons and commentaries packed in the story that at least one will be relevant to you. As others have said, it might be especially beneficial for white people to understand the microaggressions and stereotypes they reinforce surrounding Black people and other minorities without realizing it; additionally, it’s also a great read for people who are racial/ethnic minorities in a community because it can be very validating and heartening to see your lived experiences of being seen as an “other” illustrated in a story. I do think anyone of any ethnicity can benefit from reading New Kid for the ethnic stereotypes because it definitely is not just white people who stereotype other ethnicities. In terms of stereotypes, I really noticed Ramon’s experience. Andy constantly mentions tacos to Ramon whenever they interact as if Ramon’s Mexican, but as it turns out, Ramon is actually Nicaraguan (which he had previously mentioned to Andy). Although I can’t relate in the exact same way, there have been a few times in my memory (and I’m sure many more for my parents) where someone will say, “Namaste” to us. Although the sentiment might be rooted in good intentions, it quite frankly misses the mark because Hindi is not our language (though my parents did learn it in school). I also feel this irritation whenever someone asks if I’m vegetarian with the clear underlying assumption being that I’m Hindu (which I’m not). The stereotypical Indian based on those two characteristics is essentially North Indian (though there’s a lot of other religions and languages within that category too), which is why I can understand Ramon’s irritation because there’s so much more to a country’s people (or a grouping of continents’s people in Ramon’s case) than just the most visible or well known group. You also can see this type of abstraction, or reducing people to a few stereotypes, in how a teacher suggests a gritty book about the struggles of poverty to Maury when his family is actually well off. You then see Maury handing that same book to Jordan because he assumes Jordan will relate to it better, which displays the important nuance that people of an ethnicity can buy into their own stereotypes too. I think minority parents can benefit from reading New Kid because they often can have a perception that their kids need to excel in school and in their career (“play the game” as Jordan’s mom put it) in order to make strides for diversity and inclusion. Although there is merit to this thought, sometimes it can turn into putting yourself into uncomfortable environments and putting up with stuff you shouldn’t have to in the present day in order to supposedly make a difference in the future, and I think tension on what’s to be tolerated versus challenged in the present, which is touched on in New Kid, is something worth discussing. I think the compartmentalization that we see in how Jordan initially keeps his friendship with Drew and Liam (as well as his neighborhood friend) separate is important for everyone to read; to me, it’s especially important for minorities to recognize how they feel they need to hide parts of themselves to fit and for white people to realize that and consider how to make spaces conducive for letting people be their whole self.
I think that middle school students would really benefit from reading this graphic novel. This applies to two separate groups of middle schoolers: those dealing with bullying, loneliness, or racism as well as the perpetrators themselves. Middle schoolers are in a really awkward stage of life where they are trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be around. This book can serve as a story for those in middle school to see another kid's realistic experience. I think it would be a good wake up call, in a fairly approachable and non-intimidating way, to middle schooler who engage in name calling or other behaviors that put other students down (which is very common during this stage of life). It can also be comforting to people who feel lonely and take being made fun of personally, this shows that it happens to many other people as well.
I think that anyone can benefit from reading New Kid but I think it is mostly for kids going through middle school and especially those in private schools. For those in private schools, reading New Kid shows the struggles that Jordan goes through being surrounded by a mainly white school, showing a different experience in private school than most. New Kid also can benefit all young people in school. New Kid displays a lot of the struggles that kids in school go through like trying to fit in and make new friends, which a lot of young people can relate to.
Aubrey: While New Kid captures a wide audience, I feel it would benefit specifically white people of any age. This graphic novel has a playful and youthful tone that can bring one back to their childhood by looking back on what was hip, what was bugging us, and what mattered at the time. The story overall addresses important, raw, and truthful situations that occur everyday in many black students’ lives and in other black lives; calling one kid another student’s name because they “look alike”, associating basketball and KFC (before explanation from Ashley) with African Americans, looking down upon financial aid students, and misjudging one based on the outside. The story given is very eye-opening, thought provoking, and impactful. I feel that this novel has a grasp on readers that allows them to process what they just read after each page, and reflect on the actions and words written that tell us to be kind and open-minded.
I believe that a variety of people can benefit from reading New Kid as it touches on important issues such as micro aggressions and what it may feel like to be a minority apart of a majority white school. As well, this book touches on class issues and what it may feel like as well to be poorer in a school of richer individuals. People of color may find it beneficial to read this book as it gives them a source of relatability as well as for white people, it could benefit them to read such to understand the struggles minorities face. For me personally, this really opened my eyes to maybe how the minorities around me felt when I attended a private and predominately white middle school.
I think the people who would benefit from reading this book would be for students who are new and not used to another environment going into a different school and really not knowing anybody and being one of the few students of color in whatever grade you are in. I feel like what connects with it is that we have covered a lot of in these past couple lectures about the advantages and disadvantages of each race privileged and this kinda ties with what we discussed in a couple lectures about being in places with uncomfortable situations and kinda being the only race at a specific school which brings a lot of relation on what the book is about
I think younger people of color who grew up in a predominantly white or not diverse school/area would benefit from reading this graphic novel. While reading this, I could relate to some of the emotions and situations that Jordan was put through and it helped me to realize I’m not the only one experiencing this and that things can get better and change! This book helps to visualize what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes and there’s definitely some hidden context which I picked up on and I liked. I also think that white people may benefit from reading this because it shows another perspective that they may not have realized was happening. This graphic novel also shows the reasoning behind why certain acts may upset people of color and just how much one thing can have a positive or negative impact on someone’s day.
New Kid is a great book for middle school students, teachers, and anyone dealing with changes or feeling out of place. It’s helpful for kids starting at a new school or trying to fit into a new environment because it shows the challenges of being yourself in a new situation and environment. The book is also important for kids from different backgrounds, as it talks about experiences like being treated unfairly or feeling different. Teachers can use it to learn more about kindness, understanding, and how to make everyone feel included. With its fun pictures and relatable story, New Kid is a great read for both kids and adults.
Anyone who has felt out of place or struggled with fitting in can benefit from reading New Kid. The story looks at themes of identity, friendship, and understanding, offering valuable lessons about empathy and the importance of embracing differences. It's especially impactful for kids navigating new environments or dealing with stereotypes.
I think middle school kids and high school kids could benefit from reading new kid, it covers a lot of topics that concern racial disparities on how minority kids are treated in school, this could help them see how It shouldn't be that way, so they could stand up for themselves, For example when then white female teacher keeps calling Jordans friend Deandre. This covers things like implicit biases and the experiences of young black children in school, facing platitudes of racial discrimination while at school.
This book is overall great for anyone, it can show everyone a different perspective on private schools with being a minority. Following that, this book can also be great for minorities to connect to this book because this book is in perspective of a black new kid at a predominantly white school, and show how minorities don't receive the same treatment / opportunities and being a new kid overall. With that, some people can connect to the book better than others. Overall, I did like the book.
I think middle schoolers can really benefit from reading New Kid. Middle school is when a great deal of the questions about identity come into play. By giving them a character that they can relate to and identify with, young adolescents can learn to recognize parts of themselves and others.
I believe that New Kid as a book was a great way to show representation for younger kids everywhere. Growing up, I was in to book like Dork Diaries, Smile, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Which all never focused on the struggle of being a minority in America and how that truly affects the reality around you. With New Kid, we were able to see our characters have actually intersectionality when it comes to their race, and how that causes for them to be seen in the world. While being shown their talents and great traits from them, which seems to be a lot to ask for in pop media these days.
I believe this book is especially important for students who may not have much exposure to people from different racial or cultural backgrounds. New Kid offers an opportunity for these students to better understand the complexities of race, privilege, and what it feels like to be the "other." Teachers and school staff can also benefit from reading New Kid. The book provides a lens through which educators can reflect on how schools often perpetuate subtle, everyday forms of racism and biases.
Jerry Craft’s New Kid connects with Bulman’s theme of individualism in pop culture and education. Throughout the graphic novel, Jordan struggled with parts of his identity. He had to become accustomed to being one of the only kids of color in his school. He couldn’t relate to the interests and hobbies of other students in his school and was desperate to find another person of color he could identify with. For a long time, he felt out of place.
ReplyDeleteThere was a picture in the book that had his friends from his private school and his neighborhood friends kind of playing tug of war Jordan (Jordan was metaphorically the rope). I feel like that image in the book perfectly illustrates his struggle battling two parts of his life. In the end, Jordan realizes that he doesn’t have to compromise or choose one over the other. His experiences in the private school is partly what made him and “New Kid” have a different meaning at the end of the book.
Bulman's concept of individualism in pop culture and education is related to Jerry Craft's New Kid. The comic novel depicts Jordan's struggles with several aspects of his identity.In the coming-of-age story New Kid, the main character gains self-assurance, adjusts to new situations, and forms enduring bonds. Jordan, who attends a school where he feels out of place, characterizes his inner self as being in a constant state of free fall.
ReplyDeleteI think the target audience of this book are middle schoolers. Middle school is the moment in adolescents' lives when they begin to learn more about how complicated and messy the world is and where they begin to develop more agency for themselves. This book helps comfort young readers, especially kids of color, by giving them a main character they can relate to, one who struggles to acclimate to a new environment and wanting to feel belonging. It also shows young readers how racism is still very much a problem; appearing in various forms. And teaches that it’s important to stand up for yourself and others when being unfairly treated; that empathy and kindness are important.
ReplyDeleteHannah:
ReplyDeleteI feel that everyone, but especially white people, would benefit the most from reading "New Kid."
It's important so that we can avoid microaggressions and make sure everyone feels included regardless of their race, situation, etc. All of my K-12 education occurred in private school, and prior to high school I'd say about 96% of the students and staff were white in the schools I attended. I remember doing the White Elephant gift exchange game in eighth grade, with us being told that you can only participate if you bring a gift. Sounds fair enough, but it was awkward for the two kids who didn't participate who had to sit outside the circle and watch us give each other candies and sodas. A few of us who got food shared it with them, but it felt more out of obligation than anything else. We were kids, yes, but that was an experience that really slapped us in the face with "the world isn't equal, even here" and we probably could have been nicer to them. I feel like Americans are already really bad at dealing with our feelings regarding monetary inequality, but if we had read "New Kid" we probably could have been more prepared to deal with that.
People that might benefit from the book "new kid", might not be just new african american students at a school lacking in other African students. This book can also be interpreted as from any student standpoint who feels that there is a lack of students like him at the school, such as asians, indians or even white people. Anyone can benefit from reading this book that is in a similar situation, because seeing their problems through other races would show how we are all humans and everyone can go through similar situations. Something that we have talked about in class that I would like to say about the book is unfair schooling. In chapter 6, Jordan meets a new friend named drew. Drew is having a conversation with jordan when he ends it with, "see you dawg." The teacher over hears it and calls him Deandre, which is what she has been calling him by. Drew gets upset with her as she is clearly being irrational and tells her to stop calling him the wrong name. She uses her power of authority over him and he leaves. The lack of agency the student has to where he gets in trouble and the teacher gets away is ridiculous when she is clearly in the wrong. she is clearly abusing power and Drew should be able to talk to the principal or his grandma about it but they won't listen.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteNew Kid by Jerry Craft is good for students who are new to a environment and feel like outsiders. The book follows Jordan, a seventh grader trying to find his place at a mostly white private school. It’s relatable for anyone who has felt like an outsider.
New Kid follows the journey of Jordan Banks, a young African American boy who attends an private school where he is one of the few students of color. Students of diverse backgrounds can find validation in Jordan's experiences as he struggles with feeling different and learning to navigate spaces where he is the minority. The novel also addresses themes like fitting in and identity making it relatable for students who are experiencing similar challenges during their formative years.
ReplyDeleteI think this book is good for students of color who feel different in a new school or environment and are having trouble fitting in. Any student having trouble with change in their social life would find this book very helpful when looking for comfort. But the most important students when talking about this book are students of color who might be having trouble fitting in in a PWI.
ReplyDeleteI think that a lot of students and people could benefit from reading the book new kid. This book really was pretty interesting to watch the character development and the story unfold of a new kid of color at a new school that’s predominantly white. At first I didn’t really know how to react with all the racist comments and things being discussed in the story when Jordan first started attending RAD. However, through the story I think that Jordan learned a lot about agency and how you’re able to stick up for what you believe in. I think a common theme in the book that kept getting repeated was “this is what the world is like “, I noticed that both Jordan and his friend drew had repeatedly said that their parents or grandparents just told them to accept that what the world is like. But Jordan and his friends were able to stand up for what they believed in and not except the status quo. I think this could apply to so many people who have given up hope for change in the future in both education and society.
ReplyDeleteJerry Craft's "New Kid" is a perceptive graphic novel that would be helpful to a variety of readers, particularly those in middle and high school. It chronicles the struggles of seventh-grader Jordan Banks, who is one of the few children of color attending a prominent private school. Young readers who could have similar problems of feeling in or out of place will find the book especially pertinent because it tackles significant questions of race, identity, and social dynamics. Parents can use it to start a conversation about race and cultural differences, and educators can use it to encourage conversations about diversity, empathy, and inclusion in the classroom. Its captivating structure, which strikes a mix between fun and serious issues, will also appeal to fans of graphic novels. All things considered, the book offers insightful viewpoints on human development and belonging, making it an excellent read for anybody wishing to investigate questions of social justice, race, and identity.
ReplyDeleteRachel Wolburg:
ReplyDeleteI think New Kid is a perfect graphic novel to represent the idea of individualism. Jordan, our protagonist, is starting a new school, and for the first time, it appears to be his first time in a wealthy, affluent private school. This, of course, comes with a very different group of people from what he’s used to, and as the story progresses, he struggles through the year to figure out where he belongs and who he is. There's even a scene where his grandpa gently reminds him that he doesn’t have to keep his friends separate because of their skin color and different experiences. As the story moves forward, you can see Jordan become more comfortable at the school he’s at and with the people he’s befriended. Personally, I see this book being great for all ages though I will say some of the underlying themes may be difficult for young children to grasp or be easily glanced over. It’s the type of graphic novel that I feel you could read over and over and come out with a clearer understanding and maybe even realize there were subtle things you missed.
I think everyone could benefit from reading New Kid but, I believe the people who would benefit most are POCs who grew up in predominately white schools/areas and people who use microaggressions consciously or without trying to. For POC who grew up in predominately white areas, like myself, reading this book was funny and comforting in a way by knowing I wasn't the only one who experienced these uncomfortable situations. I think this book also highlighted microaggressions, how they affect people, and the potential consequences if those microaggressions aren't checked.
ReplyDeleteNew Kid by Jerry Craft is a great read for middle and high school students, especially those who can relate to the challenges of fitting in. The story follows Jordan Banks, a kid of color who navigates life at a mostly white private school, dealing with issues like race, identity, and feeling out of place. It would be especially helpful for students of color who may face similar struggles in school, but it can also help other students understand what it's like to be an outsider. For students at diverse or predominantly white schools, the book offers a chance to see things from someone else’s perspective and encourages empathy. Teachers and parents can also benefit from reading it, as it opens up important conversations about diversity, inclusion, and the challenges kids face when it comes to race and identity. Plus, the book is a relatable coming-of-age story about friendship and self-discovery, so it will appeal to anyone who enjoys stories about growing up. Overall, New Kid is a book that speaks to readers of all backgrounds, offering both an entertaining story and important life lessons.
ReplyDeleteA target audience for New Kid are definitely middle/high school students, as both a significant stage for them developmentally. Students entering middle school experience a greater sense of agency, individualism, and a less restrictive social environment, which can lead to both positive and negative development. People of color in particular benefit from reading this graphic novel since many face prejudice or other uncomfortable situations in middle/high school, but is not solely beneficial to them. Many students in general feel the struggle to fit in or figure out who they are throughout their time in school and would benefit from reading "New Kid."
ReplyDeleteI think anyone will benefit from reading the story, especially white staff. New Kid subtly explores black family dynamics and microaggressions within schools. The graphic novel highlights the role of educators in either perpetuating or mitigating these harmful behaviors. By examining how Drew navigates these experiences, we can better understand their impact on identity and self-esteem. I think the book serves as a “nice” way to emphasize the importance of cultural competence and inclusivity.
ReplyDeleteChristine:
ReplyDeleteI think everyone can benefit from reading New Kid because I feel like there are so many lessons and commentaries packed in the story that at least one will be relevant to you. As others have said, it might be especially beneficial for white people to understand the microaggressions and stereotypes they reinforce surrounding Black people and other minorities without realizing it; additionally, it’s also a great read for people who are racial/ethnic minorities in a community because it can be very validating and heartening to see your lived experiences of being seen as an “other” illustrated in a story. I do think anyone of any ethnicity can benefit from reading New Kid for the ethnic stereotypes because it definitely is not just white people who stereotype other ethnicities. In terms of stereotypes, I really noticed Ramon’s experience. Andy constantly mentions tacos to Ramon whenever they interact as if Ramon’s Mexican, but as it turns out, Ramon is actually Nicaraguan (which he had previously mentioned to Andy). Although I can’t relate in the exact same way, there have been a few times in my memory (and I’m sure many more for my parents) where someone will say, “Namaste” to us. Although the sentiment might be rooted in good intentions, it quite frankly misses the mark because Hindi is not our language (though my parents did learn it in school). I also feel this irritation whenever someone asks if I’m vegetarian with the clear underlying assumption being that I’m Hindu (which I’m not). The stereotypical Indian based on those two characteristics is essentially North Indian (though there’s a lot of other religions and languages within that category too), which is why I can understand Ramon’s irritation because there’s so much more to a country’s people (or a grouping of continents’s people in Ramon’s case) than just the most visible or well known group. You also can see this type of abstraction, or reducing people to a few stereotypes, in how a teacher suggests a gritty book about the struggles of poverty to Maury when his family is actually well off. You then see Maury handing that same book to Jordan because he assumes Jordan will relate to it better, which displays the important nuance that people of an ethnicity can buy into their own stereotypes too. I think minority parents can benefit from reading New Kid because they often can have a perception that their kids need to excel in school and in their career (“play the game” as Jordan’s mom put it) in order to make strides for diversity and inclusion. Although there is merit to this thought, sometimes it can turn into putting yourself into uncomfortable environments and putting up with stuff you shouldn’t have to in the present day in order to supposedly make a difference in the future, and I think tension on what’s to be tolerated versus challenged in the present, which is touched on in New Kid, is something worth discussing. I think the compartmentalization that we see in how Jordan initially keeps his friendship with Drew and Liam (as well as his neighborhood friend) separate is important for everyone to read; to me, it’s especially important for minorities to recognize how they feel they need to hide parts of themselves to fit and for white people to realize that and consider how to make spaces conducive for letting people be their whole self.
I think that middle school students would really benefit from reading this graphic novel. This applies to two separate groups of middle schoolers: those dealing with bullying, loneliness, or racism as well as the perpetrators themselves. Middle schoolers are in a really awkward stage of life where they are trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be around. This book can serve as a story for those in middle school to see another kid's realistic experience. I think it would be a good wake up call, in a fairly approachable and non-intimidating way, to middle schooler who engage in name calling or other behaviors that put other students down (which is very common during this stage of life). It can also be comforting to people who feel lonely and take being made fun of personally, this shows that it happens to many other people as well.
ReplyDeleteI think that anyone can benefit from reading New Kid but I think it is mostly for kids going through middle school and especially those in private schools. For those in private schools, reading New Kid shows the struggles that Jordan goes through being surrounded by a mainly white school, showing a different experience in private school than most. New Kid also can benefit all young people in school. New Kid displays a lot of the struggles that kids in school go through like trying to fit in and make new friends, which a lot of young people can relate to.
ReplyDeleteAubrey:
ReplyDeleteWhile New Kid captures a wide audience, I feel it would benefit specifically white people of any age. This graphic novel has a playful and youthful tone that can bring one back to their childhood by looking back on what was hip, what was bugging us, and what mattered at the time. The story overall addresses important, raw, and truthful situations that occur everyday in many black students’ lives and in other black lives; calling one kid another student’s name because they “look alike”, associating basketball and KFC (before explanation from Ashley) with African Americans, looking down upon financial aid students, and misjudging one based on the outside. The story given is very eye-opening, thought provoking, and impactful. I feel that this novel has a grasp on readers that allows them to process what they just read after each page, and reflect on the actions and words written that tell us to be kind and open-minded.
I believe that a variety of people can benefit from reading New Kid as it touches on important issues such as micro aggressions and what it may feel like to be a minority apart of a majority white school. As well, this book touches on class issues and what it may feel like as well to be poorer in a school of richer individuals. People of color may find it beneficial to read this book as it gives them a source of relatability as well as for white people, it could benefit them to read such to understand the struggles minorities face. For me personally, this really opened my eyes to maybe how the minorities around me felt when I attended a private and predominately white middle school.
ReplyDeleteI think the people who would benefit from reading this book would be for students who are new and not used to another environment going into a different school and really not knowing anybody and being one of the few students of color in whatever grade you are in. I feel like what connects with it is that we have covered a lot of in these past couple lectures about the advantages and disadvantages of each race privileged and this kinda ties with what we discussed in a couple lectures about being in places with uncomfortable situations and kinda being the only race at a specific school which brings a lot of relation on what the book is about
ReplyDeleteI think younger people of color who grew up in a predominantly white or not diverse school/area would benefit from reading this graphic novel. While reading this, I could relate to some of the emotions and situations that Jordan was put through and it helped me to realize I’m not the only one experiencing this and that things can get better and change! This book helps to visualize what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes and there’s definitely some hidden context which I picked up on and I liked. I also think that white people may benefit from reading this because it shows another perspective that they may not have realized was happening. This graphic novel also shows the reasoning behind why certain acts may upset people of color and just how much one thing can have a positive or negative impact on someone’s day.
ReplyDeleteNew Kid is a great book for middle school students, teachers, and anyone dealing with changes or feeling out of place. It’s helpful for kids starting at a new school or trying to fit into a new environment because it shows the challenges of being yourself in a new situation and environment. The book is also important for kids from different backgrounds, as it talks about experiences like being treated unfairly or feeling different. Teachers can use it to learn more about kindness, understanding, and how to make everyone feel included. With its fun pictures and relatable story, New Kid is a great read for both kids and adults.
ReplyDeleteAnyone who has felt out of place or struggled with fitting in can benefit from reading New Kid. The story looks at themes of identity, friendship, and understanding, offering valuable lessons about empathy and the importance of embracing differences. It's especially impactful for kids navigating new environments or dealing with stereotypes.
ReplyDeleteI think middle school kids and high school kids could benefit from reading new kid, it covers a lot of topics that concern racial disparities on how minority kids are treated in school, this could help them see how It shouldn't be that way, so they could stand up for themselves, For example when then white female teacher keeps calling Jordans friend Deandre. This covers things like implicit biases and the experiences of young black children in school, facing platitudes of racial discrimination while at school.
ReplyDeleteYaseen Salih
DeleteThis book is overall great for anyone, it can show everyone a different perspective on private schools with being a minority. Following that, this book can also be great for minorities to connect to this book because this book is in perspective of a black new kid at a predominantly white school, and show how minorities don't receive the same treatment / opportunities and being a new kid overall. With that, some people can connect to the book better than others. Overall, I did like the book.
ReplyDeleteMichelle Barrientos ^^^ (I forgot to put my name)
DeleteI think middle schoolers can really benefit from reading New Kid. Middle school is when a great deal of the questions about identity come into play. By giving them a character that they can relate to and identify with, young adolescents can learn to recognize parts of themselves and others.
ReplyDeleteI believe that New Kid as a book was a great way to show representation for younger kids everywhere. Growing up, I was in to book like Dork Diaries, Smile, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Which all never focused on the struggle of being a minority in America and how that truly affects the reality around you. With New Kid, we were able to see our characters have actually intersectionality when it comes to their race, and how that causes for them to be seen in the world. While being shown their talents and great traits from them, which seems to be a lot to ask for in pop media these days.
ReplyDeleteI believe this book is especially important for students who may not have much exposure to people from different racial or cultural backgrounds. New Kid offers an opportunity for these students to better understand the complexities of race, privilege, and what it feels like to be the "other." Teachers and school staff can also benefit from reading New Kid. The book provides a lens through which educators can reflect on how schools often perpetuate subtle, everyday forms of racism and biases.
ReplyDeleteNicole
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