The Watson's Go to Birmingham Part 2

Tuesday October 3, 2017

Hello fellow readers.  What are the Watson's up to now. Byron did get off of the frozen mirror.  I have quickly realized that Byron is a bully and I thought to myself you know I thought I was going to be more like Byron.  I have since realized,  I am not.  Maybe I more relate to Kenny.  You see Kenny is being taught by Byron how to bully.  Kenny lacks in self confidence.  Hence so do I.    We find out that Kenny is a good reader.  Kenny was proud of his ability and his talents, but wanted to hide it from the other kids, and did not want anyone to find out.  He is the brother to the King of Clark Elementary after all. How can you be smart and be the brother of the King of Clark who teases people for that very reason.  It seems to me as I am reading the book that Kenny lives a life in Byron's shadow.  I think that Kenny is afraid of being his true self.    Have you ever been afraid to show your true talent?  I have many times.  As teens we just want to fit in.  We do not want anyone to make fun of us, and we hide our true selves sometimes. Kenny is teased because of his lazy eye.  It's easy to find something different or wrong with other people. I fight that everyday with controlling my nerves and my tics.  I hide it so well that others would never know I had these issues.  I have quickly realized that it is Kenny who is the character I relate to.  It seems as though we are quick to judge others for their differences, rather than accept their uniqueness.  Kenny feels relief when a new family moves in.  Yes! Finally someone for everyone to pick on.  This is where Rufus comes in.  Rufus is from Arkansas, and has a southern accent.  He is dirty and he is poor.  As much as Kenny would love for Rufus to take his place for being bullied,  he quickly realizes that friendship with Rufus is a better answer.  I think this is a great call on Kenny's part.  It is a lot easier to make a friend and keep a friend than it is to bully and be constantly unhappy.  Who wants to live like that? My questions to you are-- Do you hide your true self?  Have you ever been bullied?  How did you cope with these situations?