So What Are You, Anyway? By: Angelica and JD Lawrence Hill

Lawrence Hill Hill is a novelist, journalist, educator, and documentary writer. Born 1957 in Newmarket, ON. Important contributors to Black culture in Canada. Among Canada's most successful writers. Earned bachelor's degree in economics from Université Laval in Québec City and a master's degree in writing from Johns Hopkins University.

Lawrence Hill (Cont’d) He is a Member of the Order of Canada. Received five honorary doctorates from Canadian university. Inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame. His novels tend to operate at the intersection of fiction and history. Hill’s first passion was running, and as a boy he dreamed of winning an Olympic gold medal in the 5,000 meters .

Vocabulary/ Language Burrows: a hole or tunnel in the ground made by a rabbit, fox, or similar animal for habitation and refuge (Paragraph 1) Sprawl: to be stretched or spread out in an unnatural or ungraceful manner (Paragraph 10) Drambuie: a brand of liqueur combining Scotch whisky with heather honey and herbs (Paragraph 39) Kahlua: a brand of coffee-flavored liqueur, made in Mexico (Paragraph 39)

Vocabulary/ Language (Cont’d) Grand marnier: a brand of French liqueur having a brandy base and an  orange flavor (Paragraph 39) Negro: a member of the peoples traditionally classified as the Negro race, especially  those who originate in sub-Saharan Africa (Paragraph 54) Mulatto: the offspring of one white parent and one black parent (Paragraph 79) Shirley Temple: a non-alcoholic cocktail of ginger ale and grenadine, garnished with a maraschino cherry: a child's drink, served especially to a girl (Paragraph 94)

Example sentences: The puppy's legs sprawled in all directions. The unemployed, poverty-stricken white man must be made to realize  that he is in the very same boat with the Negro. The colour is between olive, brown, and  bronze, somewhat like that of the mulatto.

Context/Background The setting of this story was in Toronto, in the plane on seat 12A. This was set during the 1970’s. Mostly Racism is the main point in this story as Carole (a mixed girl black and white) was questioned by these two white couples named Henry and Betty Norton. Questioning the girl with inappropriate questions made her uncomfortable. Things like asking her what colour her father was, asking her what her race was, and also saying that the doll of hers named Amy is a “Negro Doll”. The girl isn’t comfortable about it and afterwards at the end the two couples had to say that she is a “sensitive” girl.

Plot It starts off with Carol (young girl) settles in seat 12A in the plane. Carole travelled by herself to her grandparents. She was seated with these couple named Henry and Betty Norton. They were asking questions on the young girl and at first thy were just basic questions like where are you from and all that. Afterwards they realized her skin color and thought that she is a mixed child, and at first, they hesitated to ask her of what her race was but they decided to ask her anyways. She didn’t like the fact that they asked her about her race, and afterwards they asked her about what his dads skin color was and if she could describe what it is. And same with her mother. The two couple were asking her inappropriate questions and she felt stupid about her answers and tears started coming down her face. They fond out that she is a mixed and started calling her “a mulatto” and other passengers started to realize what was happening and were looking at them The stewardess finally came and ask Carole if she wanted to sit with her, and said she would make her a special drink called “Shirley Temple”. She went with the stewardess and felt better clutching Amy, and as she walks passes the couple she heard Mrs. Norton saying to her husband “My god, talk about sensitive.”

Setting • Toronto, Canada •. In an airplane, Seat 12A • Setting • Toronto, Canada • In an airplane, Seat 12A • In the 1970’s Characters • Carole- Protagonist • Henry and Betty Norton- Antagonist’s • Stewardess

JD’s Statement I liked the reading for I felt it had a lot of truth to it. Even though it’s a fiction story, the events that happened in the story are quite real. I think the author wanted each and every reader to feel empathy and compassion for the victims of racist comments and actions. Even though the setting of this story took place in the 19hundreds racism still exists today so I feel this story will forever remain relevant. It was good that people in the story defended the little girl instead of joining in on it.

Angelica’s Statement In my opinion the reading was captivating; it put a vivid imagination in my head about the issue. I liked how Mr. Hill used the past and history as his style of writing. I liked the reading because the message was clear. I am curious if Mr. Hill ever experienced being pointed out of the crowd because of his colour. I agree with the ending with the little girl being moved somewhere away from the two old arrogant passengers.