QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AND WRITING

1. Considering that Oatman is a young, large (more than 300 pounds) African American man, what are some of society’s stereotypes that would follow Oatman around? When he speaks of reading Jane Austen for dramatic irony, he sets up a deliberate contrast between his own physicality and the light touches of academia. What impact does this contrast make as you hear him speak? What stereotypes do we have of Jane Austen readers and the like? How are such stereotypes limiting?

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 7 - QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AND WRITING: Considering that Oatman is a young, large (more than 300 pounds) African American man, what are some of society’s stereotypes that would follow Oatman around? When he speaks of reading Jane Austen for dramatic irony, he sets up a deliberate contrast between his own physicality and the light touches of academia. What impact does this contrast make as you hear him speak? What stereotypes do we have of Jane Austen readers and the like? How are such stereotypes limiting?
2. He describes education as the “rabbit hole” through which he snuck his 300-pound frame. What story does that allude to? How does that allusion help convey the discomfort and confusion he felt upon entering this new world?

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 7 - QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AND WRITING: He describes education as the “rabbit hole” through which he snuck his 300-pound frame. What story does that allude to? How does that allusion help convey the discomfort and confusion he felt upon entering this new world?
3. At one point, Oatman says, “It’s odd to educate oneself away from one’s past.” What does he mean by this? Does your own education move you away from your past? How? Be specific. He also describes himself as being almost alone in his new world. Do you feel alone in the world of education, or is this a world in which you’re comfortable already? Explain why.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 7 - QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AND WRITING: At one point, Oatman says, “It’s odd to educate oneself away from one’s past.” What does he mean by this? Does your own education move you away from your past? How? Be specific. He also describes himself as being almost alone in his new world. Do you feel alone in the world of education, or is this a world in which you’re comfortable already? Explain why.
4. At the end of the audio essay, Oatman predicts a future for himself as a professor; he also foresees that he may be the only African American person in his own classroom. How did this strike you? What does that say about the educational prospects of young African American men and women? He also adds that he would be “the only representative of the underclass.” In your opinion, is Oatman being overly pessimistic, or do you think he is being accurate? Defend your answer.

   Question

   uZxg83qH9uNZ3NUqyV8wT7hdxc9/5MQeJeZaOsQNhvI0w6Xk3EOeDQ1B873FE1s7

   Chapter 7 - QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION AND WRITING: At the end of the audio essay, Oatman predicts a future for himself as a professor; he also foresees that he may be the only African American person in his own classroom. How did this strike you? What does that say about the educational prospects of young African American men and women? He also adds that he would be “the only representative of the underclass.” In your opinion, is Oatman being overly pessimistic, or do you think he is being accurate? Defend your answer.