Chance

Explore how the name "Chance" is applicable to the events in the chapter. On what does the city take a chance? On what does Williamson take a chance? On what does Tusani take a chance? As you evalute the characters you have encountered, what larger societal issues are uncovered in this chapter? As Williamson takes a chance with Chance, what does she place at risk? Because there are several issues and conflicts presented in this chapter, you may choose to explore another aspect of interest to you.

Mona

On page 202 Williamson says to her niece, "Little girl, if you're gonna survive in this cruel world, you're gonna have to be a lot smarter and stronger than your mother." As you reflect on this chapter, to whom does this advice also apply? Use evidence from the chapter to support your response.

Joseph

There is something about Joseph that intrigues Lisa. Although she is fully aware that he is married and he tells her, "You're too young and you deserve more than to be waiting on some old married man," she decides to wait anyway (177). Not only does she wait, she pursues a relationship with an unavailable man, ultimately contradicting her beliefs. She says, "I was in love--deep, deep love--with a married man" (189). So the question becomes, why Joseph? What does Williamson's actions reveal about her character in this chapter? How do you view her at this point in the text?

JUST A THOUGHT: The role of Women...

"So there I was: big, beautiful, dark young, and dumb." (166) Williamson allots a great deal of time discussing the "things" women possess which could help them advance in society. If you were to critique this text from a feminist perspective, what is your reaction to her mother's ways, or Mona's interactions with men or Williamson's acquistion of an education and the "angle" it gives her. When you reflect on the role of women in today's society what seems to be more important, "book sense" or "street smarts"? Use evidence from the text to support your answer

Nikki

Relationships are the hallmark of chapter three. Heatlthy or not, we see the relationships individuals partake in have a profound impact on the decisions they make. What seems to be equally important is the ways in which the characters view themseleves because this perspective also reflects the quality of the interactions with others. Identify and evaluate one of the relationships you deem significant in chapter 3. Describe what you found interesting about the relationship and explain how the character is shaped, if at all, by the relationship in which they are engaged. If the relationship has an impact on them, explain how. If not, explain why. Or you can choose to discuss another point that you found important in this chapter. You decide.

As I digress...from MIKE BROWN to ERIC GARNER

At a moment when millions and millions of people in this country—and around the world—are confronting fundamental questions of what's wrong with this system that over and over and over again murders Black men and lets the police go free, many wonder if all this can be fundamentally changed, and if so, how... Share your thoughts here. The same rules apply. Write your post and respond to two peers. Don't simply address the problem. POSE SOLUTIONS!

Nathan

College is considered a "different world" for several reasons. Although Nathan is referring to Woodson's text, Mis-Education of the Negro, when he tells Souljah, "It'll definitely open your eyes to whats going on in the world," this statement encompasses the experiences and exposure Souljah receives during her tenure at an institution of higher learning. Having read chapter 2 of No Disrespect, discuss the underlying theme, as you have interpreted it, with evidence from the text. Remember you must respond to a peer's post to receive full credit. Challenge each other's views. Question each other's perspective. Push each other to think deeply about the issues and concerns being raised.