- What are the unique challenges Cadogan faces as he walks each city (Kingston, New Orleans, and New York City)? What do we learn, indirectly, about each city from Cadogan’s personal experiences?
One thing we learn indirectly through Cadogans experience is that every city has its rules and that for him “it was the arbitrariness of the circumstances that required them, an artiines that made me feel like a child again.” As he traveled he had to come up with rules for himself to avoid harassment from those around him. Cadogan would get stopped in the street for running, waving or even just wearing the wrong clothes. That is something that has never happened to me and probably never will so the fact that it happens to some people (who in the circumstance are not doing anything wrong) is really shocking and wrong.
- What rules or restrictions have you placed on your own movements–walks on campus, or around your hometown–with your own safety in mind? In what ways do you connect personally to Cadogan’s piece (be specific)?
One thing that I do is try to pay attention to who is around me when I’m out alone so that I know what’s in my surroundings. I connect this to the part of the reading where Garnette says he prides himself on his abilities to be aware and notice the details of things around him. I’d say I use this ability everywhere to try to keep my own safety in mind.
- Describe a time when you felt unsafe while walking or traveling. What factors made you feel unsafe? How did you respond? Describe your interactions with those around you (if applicable).
Recently I was walking at a park near my house (alone) which was a bad idea. As I was walking some older guy stopped me to ask a bunch of questions and I kept trying to walk away but everytime I started to leave he would ask another question. Then he asked if I had any form of social media or ways to reach me. Stupidly because I wasn’t thinking clearly I gave him my instagram but as soon as I left I blocked him immediately. What saved me from this interaction was my dad eventually calling me to tell me he needed the car, I had no idea he was going to call me, it was just perfect timing. Usually I don’t mind talking to people but this interaction made me feel very uncomfortable for a long while even after I left. I was alone in the middle of the woods with an older man much bigger than me and it was quite scary.
- How does Cadogan’s narrative inform you about his experiences with racism in America? How does his first-person narration connect to larger discussions and issues related to racism?
I liked reading his article and I think that it did a good job of informing us about racism in America. I think this because in his writing we are not just being told that racism happens and that we shouldn’t be racist but rather we are hearing first hand experiences and how they affected him as a human being. His first person narration can connect to a larger discussion because even though these are just his stories, through them he implies that it happens to most people of color and that in certain places he can’t just simply be himself.
