While reading Black Swan Green, I find myself trying to decide if Hangman is good or bad for Jason. I know it makes him have to edit his sentences constantly before the words even leave his mouth, and I know it also give him serious public speaking anxieties, but consider the flipside: Jason now has a wide spread vocabulary because he reads through the dictionary to find substitute words to bypass Hangman. He also is able to, for now, securely fit in the middle group of the social hierarchy. If Jason was capable of voicing his mind, he would most likely be considered a nerd and would not be as popular as he is now. (Which still isn’t very popular). I know I can’t even imagine the daily struggles Jason must go through to deal with his speech impediment, I’m just trying to find a bright side to this unfortunate situation.
Even more than just making him good at wordplay, Hangman keeps Jason on his toes and ensures that he won't be able to fit in at school, to some extent. This seems like an important benefit to me.
ReplyDeleteEven more than just making him good at wordplay, Hangman keeps Jason on his toes and ensures that he won't be able to fit in at school, to some extent. This seems like an important benefit to me.
ReplyDeleteI think that while there is definitely a bright side, Hangman instills a net negative influence on Jason's life. Imagine not being able to say what you want to say. It would be incredibly limiting and frustrating, is all I can say.
ReplyDeleteI think that having a disability or anything the deviates from "normal" is something you learn to live with. It's not something that's good nor bad. Yes one can benefit from it and can make that something that separates the individual from the crowd into a source of power. But there are also cons as you've stated. I don't know, I just never think--or try not to-- of a disability as something that ...is a add on? It's just a part of a person. Like I wouldn't wonder if having black hair is a benefit or con?
ReplyDeleteYes, but in a sense, what ever traits we have as humans, they define us as a person. Like having black hair can affect how much you go outside, the color of clothes you wear, the way you treat your hair, ways you can manipulate your hair, etc. I think, although this disability Jason has is helping his expand his vocabulary, it will also put him at a disadvantage in the world. Although we don't mean to, and some people don't think this way, many tend to see the disabled as helpless and dependable. I think that, as Jason grows up, he may run into people, like Craig Salt, who won't take him seriously because of his stammer.
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