Listening

Listening: A Letter to Sylvia

Dear Sylvia,

There are many different ways that you can learn. This can include learning from people that you do not even like and at times may not think is helpful. It is important to listen to the adults in your life since they will tell you things that you do not know and will help answer those difficult questions that will lead to a better understanding of the world.

Taking advantage of the resources available is important. Especially when you have a person in your life like Miss Moore, who is willing to make time for you and take you places like FAO Swartz. When she says, "Imagine for a minute what kind of society it is in which some people can spend on a toy what it would cost to feed a family" (345). This is a statement that is critical to the lesson that she is sharing with you. The allusion towards social inequity is something that directly affects your life because you can't afford to buy something that costs so much. But the toys in the store are not out of the reach of many people in New York City and this is something that you did not know about because you did not take the time listen to what Miss Moore was trying to teach you.

A lesson can be learned from anyone, take the time and pay attention to what they have to say. When you talk back and create conflict with people in your life, you are missing out on a alternative point of view that will help you evaluate things in a differently. When Miss Moore is explaining how the money in this country is not divided equally, your response is "Don't none of us know what kind of pie she talking about in the first damn place" (344). This is a perfect opportunity to speak up, letting Miss Moore know that you do not understand the point she is trying to make. By doing this, you will learn about the different social classes in America and how the pie has a direct impact on you life. This understanding will allow you to comprehend the lesson and reduce you level of frustration with the situation.

Anger is s very powerful emotion and at times you let your feeling get in the way of how you react

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