african american coming of age novels

african american coming of age novels

Title: African American Coming of Age Novels: Exploring Identity, Racism, and Resilience

Introduction:

African American coming of age novels hold a special place in literature, providing a powerful platform for exploring the unique experiences, struggles, and triumphs of individuals within the African American community. These novels depict the complex journey of self-discovery, identity formation, and resilience faced by young African Americans in a society marred by racial inequality. In this article, we will delve into the genre of African American coming of age novels, highlighting some prominent works and discussing the recurring themes that define this literary tradition.

1. “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison:
Toni Morrison’s groundbreaking novel, “The Bluest Eye,” explores the devastating impact of racism and societal beauty standards on the life of a young African American girl named Pecola Breedlove. Set in 1940s Ohio, the novel delves into Pecola’s desperate desire for blue eyes, as she believes possessing them will make her beautiful and accepted. Morrison’s powerful narrative exposes the immense psychological toll that racial self-hatred and societal pressures exert on young African Americans.

2. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas:
Angie Thomas’s critically acclaimed novel, “The Hate U Give,” follows the story of Starr Carter, a sixteen-year-old African American girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed childhood friend by a white police officer. This thought-provoking novel explores themes of racial identity, police brutality, and the struggle for justice. Through Starr’s courageous journey, Thomas sheds light on the complexities of navigating racial tensions and the importance of finding one’s voice in the face of adversity.

3. “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson:
Jacqueline Woodson’s memoir-in-verse, “Brown Girl Dreaming,” offers a deeply personal account of her coming of age as an African American girl in the 1960s and 1970s. Through evocative poetry, Woodson explores themes of racial segregation, the Civil Rights Movement, and the power of storytelling. The memoir beautifully captures the complexities of identity formation and the role of family, community, and literature in shaping one’s understanding of race and self.

4. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston:
Considered a classic in African American literature, Zora Neale Hurston’s “Their Eyes Were Watching God” depicts the protagonist Janie Crawford’s journey toward self-discovery and empowerment. Set in the early 20th century, the novel explores Janie’s search for love, independence, and her own voice in a society burdened by racial and gender inequalities. Hurston’s lyrical prose and rich storytelling celebrate the resilience and strength of African American women.

5. “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker:
Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Color Purple,” tells the story of Celie, an African American woman who endures harrowing abuse and oppression throughout her life. The novel, set in rural Georgia in the early 1900s, portrays Celie’s journey towards self-acceptance, empowerment, and liberation. Through Celie’s narrative, Walker addresses themes of racism, sexism, and the power of community and sisterhood in overcoming adversity.

6. “Go Tell It on the Mountain” by James Baldwin:
James Baldwin’s semi-autobiographical novel, “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” delves into the life of John Grimes, a young African American boy growing up in 1930s Harlem. The novel explores John’s struggles with religion, sexuality, and a strained relationship with his father. Baldwin skillfully intertwines themes of race, religion, and personal identity to shed light on the complexities of growing up in a racially divided society.

7. “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie:
While not exclusively an African American coming of age novel, Sherman Alexie’s “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” features a young Native American protagonist named Arnold Spirit Jr., who attends an all-white high school off the reservation. The novel offers a poignant exploration of identity, race, and the challenges faced by marginalized youth. Through Arnold’s journey, Alexie addresses themes of cultural assimilation, poverty, and the pursuit of dreams.

Conclusion:

African American coming of age novels provide a powerful lens through which to explore the complexities of identity formation, racial inequality, and resilience in the face of adversity. From Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” to Sherman Alexie’s “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,” these novels offer profound insights into the unique experiences of young African Americans and other marginalized individuals. By delving into these works, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and the ongoing struggle for racial equality and social justice.

how to be good at pubg xbox

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, popularly known as PUBG, has taken the gaming world by storm since its release in 2017. It quickly gained a massive following and became one of the most played games on both PC and mobile platforms. It didn’t take long for PUBG to make its way to the Xbox platform, and it has been a hit ever since. With millions of players worldwide, PUBG has become a competitive game where players battle it out to be the last one standing. But becoming good at PUBG on Xbox is no easy feat. It takes skill, strategy, and a lot of practice to excel in this intense battle royale game. In this article, we will discuss how to be good at PUBG Xbox and dominate the battlegrounds.

1. Master the Controls and Settings

The first step to becoming good at PUBG on Xbox is to familiarize yourself with the controls and settings. Unlike on PC, where you have the freedom to customize your controls, PUBG on Xbox has a fixed control scheme. Spend some time in the training mode to get used to the controls and adjust the settings to your liking. It is crucial to have a comfortable control layout as it can greatly affect your gameplay. Experiment with different sensitivity settings to find the one that works best for you.

2. Know the Map

Knowing the map is vital in PUBG as it allows you to plan your movements and strategize accordingly. The map in PUBG Xbox is vast, and it is crucial to know the terrain, buildings, and loot locations. Spend some time exploring the map in the training mode to get a better understanding of it. Familiarize yourself with the hotspots on the map where you are likely to encounter other players. Knowing the map will give you an advantage over your opponents and help you make better decisions in the game.

3. Choose Your Landing Spot Wisely

The first few minutes of a PUBG match are crucial, and choosing the right landing spot can make all the difference. When you jump out of the plane, you have a limited amount of time to choose your landing spot. It is vital to choose a spot that has a good amount of loot but is not too crowded. Landing in a high-traffic area can increase your chances of getting killed early on. On the other hand, landing in a remote area with minimal loot can put you at a disadvantage. Finding the right balance is the key to a successful landing.

4. Loot Efficiently

Looting is a crucial aspect of PUBG as it provides you with the necessary weapons, armor, and items to survive. However, looting can be time-consuming, and it is vital to do it efficiently. As soon as you land, prioritize looting for weapons and armor over everything else. It is also essential to have a good understanding of the weapons in the game and know which ones are best for close-range and long-range combat. Managing your inventory efficiently is also crucial, as it can save you valuable time during intense situations.

5. Play with a Squad

Playing with a squad can significantly improve your chances of winning in PUBG on Xbox. Having a team of players who communicate and work together can be a huge advantage in the game. When playing with a squad, make sure to communicate regularly and coordinate your movements. Assign roles to each team member, such as the leader, the sniper, and the medic. Playing with a squad also allows you to revive your teammates if they get knocked down, giving you an extra chance to win.

6. Use Sound to Your Advantage

Sound plays a crucial role in PUBG, and it is essential to use it to your advantage. The game has excellent sound design, and you can hear footsteps, gunshots, and vehicle noises from a distance. Pay attention to these sounds and use them to locate other players. You can also use sound to deceive your opponents by making them think you are in a different location. Sound can be a powerful tool in PUBG, and mastering it can give you a significant advantage in the game.

7. Know When to Engage and When to Retreat

Knowing when to engage in a fight and when to retreat is vital in PUBG. Engaging in unnecessary fights can put you at a disadvantage, especially if you are not fully equipped. On the other hand, retreating from a fight can give you time to heal and regroup. It is crucial to assess the situation and make a decision based on your surroundings. If you have the upper hand, go for the kill, but if you are at a disadvantage, it is better to retreat and fight another day.

8. Stay on the Move

Staying in one place for too long in PUBG can be dangerous, as it makes you an easy target for other players. It is essential to keep moving and change your position regularly to avoid being spotted. When moving, make sure to use cover and always be aware of your surroundings. You can also use vehicles to move around quickly, but be cautious as they can attract unwanted attention. Staying on the move not only makes you a difficult target but also allows you to explore the map and find better loot.

9. Use Grenades Strategically

Grenades can be a game-changer in PUBG, and it is essential to use them strategically. There are different types of grenades in the game, such as frag grenades, smoke grenades, and stun grenades. Each grenade serves a specific purpose, and it is crucial to know when to use them. For example, using a smoke grenade can provide you with cover when crossing an open area, while a stun grenade can disorient your opponents and give you an advantage in a fight. Keep a good supply of grenades and use them wisely to gain the upper hand in battles.

10. Practice, Practice, Practice

Last but not least, practice is the key to becoming good at PUBG on Xbox. The more you play, the better you will become at the game. Take advantage of the training mode to practice your shooting and movement skills. You can also join custom games or play with friends to improve your gameplay. It is also essential to learn from your mistakes and analyze your gameplay to identify areas where you need to improve. With regular practice, you will see a significant improvement in your PUBG skills.

In conclusion, becoming good at PUBG on Xbox takes time, dedication, and a lot of practice. Mastering the controls and settings, knowing the map, choosing the right landing spot, looting efficiently, playing with a squad, using sound to your advantage, knowing when to engage and retreat, staying on the move, using grenades strategically, and practicing regularly are all vital in excelling at PUBG. With these tips in mind, you are well on your way to dominating the battlegrounds in PUBG on Xbox. So, gear up, drop into the game, and may the odds be in your favor.

among us safe for kids

When it comes to online gaming, one of the most popular and talked about games of recent times is ‘Among Us’. This game has taken the internet by storm, with millions of players around the world, including kids. With its cute and colorful graphics, simple gameplay, and fun social interaction, it’s no surprise that Among Us has become a hit among kids. However, with any online game, there are concerns about safety, and parents may wonder if Among Us is safe for their children to play. In this article, we will delve into the world of Among Us and explore its safety for kids.

Firstly, let’s understand what Among Us is all about. Among Us is a multiplayer game developed by InnerSloth, where players are divided into two teams – crewmates and imposters. The crewmates have to complete tasks on a spaceship while trying to figure out who the imposters are. The imposters, on the other hand, have to sabotage the crewmates and kill them without getting caught. The game involves a lot of teamwork, strategy, and deduction, making it an exciting and engaging experience for kids.

At first glance, Among Us may seem like any other harmless game, but with its online multiplayer feature, there are potential safety concerns that parents need to be aware of. The game allows players to communicate with each other through chat, which can be both text-based or voice-based. This means that kids can interact with strangers while playing the game. This raises the question – is Among Us safe for kids?

One of the biggest safety concerns with any online game is the risk of online predators. With the rise of online gaming, there has been an increase in cases of online grooming and exploitation of children. As a parent, it is essential to educate your child about the potential dangers of talking to strangers online. It is also crucial to monitor their gameplay and ensure that they are not sharing personal information or talking to people they don’t know. Among Us has an age rating of 10+, which means it is not recommended for children below the age of 10. However, even for children above 10, it is essential to set guidelines and supervise their gaming activities.

Another concern with Among Us is cyberbullying. The game involves social deduction, and players often accuse each other of being the imposter, leading to arguments and conflicts. This can sometimes escalate into cyberbullying, where players may use offensive language or make fun of others. As a parent, it is crucial to talk to your child about the importance of being kind and respectful to others, even in a virtual setting. You can also enable the chat filter in the game settings to filter out any inappropriate language.

Among Us also has a report and ban system in place to tackle any instances of bullying, harassment, or inappropriate behavior. Players can report other players for their actions, and if found guilty, they can be banned from the game. This system is in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for all players. However, it is always better to prevent such incidents by educating your child about online behavior and monitoring their interactions.

Apart from these concerns, Among Us is relatively safe for kids to play. The game does not have any explicit violence or graphic content, making it suitable for children. The graphics are cute and cartoonish, and there is no blood or gore involved. The game also has a simple and easy-to-understand gameplay, making it accessible for kids of all ages. The controls are also straightforward, and the game does not require any personal information from players, making it safe from a privacy perspective.

Moreover, Among Us has a strict anti-cheat policy, and developers regularly update the game to fix any bugs or glitches. This ensures fair gameplay and prevents any cheating or hacking, making it a safe and enjoyable experience for all players. The game also has a feature where players can customize their in-game name, which means kids can use a pseudonym and not reveal their real name while playing.

Another aspect that makes Among Us safe for kids is the option to play in private games with friends. This means that kids can play with their friends and known acquaintances, reducing the risk of interacting with strangers. Private games also have the option to disable chat, making it a safe and controlled environment for kids to play.

It is also worth mentioning that InnerSloth has a strict code of conduct for players, where they prohibit any form of hate speech, discrimination, or harassment. This ensures that players are held accountable for their actions and promotes a healthy and safe gaming community.

In summary, Among Us is relatively safe for kids to play, but it is essential for parents to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions. It is recommended for parents to have open and honest conversations with their children about online safety and monitor their gameplay. Parents can also set restrictions on in-app purchases and screen time to ensure a healthy balance. With proper guidance and supervision, Among Us can be a fun and safe game for kids to enjoy.