Blog 2.4 The Chicago Tribune said the following about A Lesson Before Dying: “This majestic, moving novel is an instant classic, a book that will be discussed and taught beyond the rest of our lives.” Ernest Gaines explained, “I write for the African-American youth in the country, especially in the South, so that they can know who they are and where they came from and take pride in it…[And for] the white youth of this country, and especially the South, because unless he knows his neighbor of three hundred years, he only knows half of his history.” What do you think he meant by this? Do you agree with him? Explain. 150 words.
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2019-2020 English I Honors 
When Ernest Gaines writes “I write for the African-American youth in the country, especially in the South, so that they can know who they are and where they came from and take pride in it…[And for] the white youth of this country, and especially the South, because unless he knows his neighbor of three hundred years, he only knows half of his history” I think he means that the book is a real representation of what would happen back in the time period, and that it should be read to remember those who were affected. I agree with him because I think awareness needs to be spread about the mistreatment and prejudice that happened in the 19th and 20th century.
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When Ernest Gaines writes “I write for the African-American youth in the country, especially in the South, so that they can know who they are and where they came from and take pride in it…[And for] the white youth of this country, and especially the South, because unless he knows his neighbor of three hundred years, he only knows half of his history” I think he means that you have to know not just the history of white people but also the history of African American people to know all history. I also think it means that African American people should take pride in their history. I agree with this because I think everyone needs to know about how badly the African Americans were treated throughout history so it does not happen again.
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When Ernest Gaines wrote the quote, “I write for the African-American youth in the country, especially in the South, so that they can know who they are and where they came from and take pride in it…[And for] the white youth of this country, and especially the South, because unless he knows his neighbor of three hundred years, he only knows half of his history.” I think he means that white people can never know the full life of a African-American simply because the two lifestyles are so drastically different. I also think he wrote this because he wants those African-Americans to take pride in who they are and where they have come from, because it’s not an accident that they are on this Earth. I do agree with this comment because I believe that the lifestyles are completely different, it would be hard for an African- American to understand my history as me to them, because they haven’t lived the life I have.
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When Ernest Gains explains, “I write for the African-American youth in the country, especially in the South, so that they can know who they are and where they came from and take pride in it…[And for] the white youth of this country, and especially the South, because unless he knows his neighbor of three hundred years, he only knows half of his history.” I think what he meant when explaining this is that white people don’t know the experiences that African Americans experienced back three hundred years and so on, and don’t know what they fully endured, I also feel like when he talks about your neighbor he metaphors that just because you’re their neighbor does not mean you fully know them as your neighbor or who they really are. I think he also wanted those who are African american to be proud of their origin and be proud of who they are and who they came from, and how drastic their lives are now from then and to reflect on how important that is.
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What Ernest Gaines meant by this quote is you have to know where you come from and what’s happening around you to figure out who you are. I personally agree with Mr. Gains because if I didn’t know about my family history I wouldn’t know why I have the nose I do or why I talk different than everyone else or where my music ability came from. As well if i didn’t know what was going on around me I could easily repeat it. For example there are multiple occasions through out history that if we didn’t know about we are likely to repeat like the holocaust or slavery.
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When Ernest Gaines stated “I write for the African-American youth in the country, especially in the South, so that they can know who they are and where they came from and take pride in it…[And for] the white youth of this country, and especially the South, because unless he knows his neighbor of three hundred years, he only knows half of his history.” I think that he meant that in that time period and even now, white people do not know the difficulties of the black people and what they had to go through for the white peoples benefit. I agree with this statement because I believe that god placed everyone on this earth for a reason. Everyone is equal and should be treated equally.
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When Ernest Gaines stated, “I write for the African-American youth in the country, especially in the South, so that they can know who they are and where they came from and take pride in it…[And for] the white youth of this country, and especially the South, because unless he knows his neighbor of three hundred years, he only knows half of his history.” I think he meant that we must know all our history. Everyone should know what African-American people have experienced in our history in order to not repeat it and understand their history. Also, African-American youth should be able to take pride from where they come from. Nobody should look at history from only one perspective, but in multiple ways to never repeat and learn from our ancestors. Nobody should overlook the oppression that took place in the past. They need to bring awareness to those who need it most, both now and in history.
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