Bronx Book Review

Steve Ericson

Language

English

Race

Caucasion

Steve's race was a big identity marker for him. He is at a school where he is one of the minorities.

Banks Article

"A major goal of multicultural education is to provide all students with the skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed to function within their community cultures, within the mainstream culture, and within and across other ethnic cultures" (Banks Article).

This part of the article relates for a few reasons. First, when the students, in the book Bronx Masquerade, are reading their poetry they are beginning to open up about who they really are. This quote is saying how students need to learn about all cultures and accept people for who they are rather than just what they look like. In the book that is what is slowly starting to occur.

"Either that boy's been hanging out with some brothas, or he wish he had. He must've grown up round here, the way he talks. But I hope he ain't studying on hanging out with me. We can peacefully coexist, but I don't have no white boys in my crew" (page 121).

This quote was said by Tyrone because he was hesitant towards all white people. I thought this was an interesting quote because usually you hear racism as a term used where white people are not respectful to black people, but in this case it was reverse racism.

Sexual orientation

There was not enough information provided

Religion

Not specific but he did mention God

Ability

No disabilities

Class

Middle Class

This is probably one of the most important factors for him. Steve grew up in New York City so when he was younger he had the privilege to go to Broadway shows. This is how he knew he wanted to be a set designer, even though his parents are not too fond of his plans in life.

Quote

"The first time my folks set me down in front of a Broadway stage to watch a musical, and I saw walls rising into the ceiling and staircases disappearing into the floor, I knew: I wanted to be a set designer, and I wanted to work on Broadway" (page 114).

Age

Junior In High School

This is not a category that is as important, but still has an impact on his life. Since this is taking place in a classroom, junior year of high school, the students are not always the friendliest. Steve just wants to be himself because he is proud of who he is. However, he is a minority in this school which is never easy for someone of his age because people can be mean.

Gender

Male