This is my favorite story we've read in class so far, for many reasons. First off, it was interesting the entire time, and I didn't have to push myself to stay up and finish it. I chose to do so. And secondly, I really liked the feminism undertones. I actually saw those from the first time I read it, and it's what made me appreciate it the most.
When we were having a discussion over this story in class, one group said that they felt Connie almost deserved what happened, and that bothered me enough to speak up. (Though you all probably know it, I'm not very comfortable talking in this class). I in no way felt that was the intention of the story. How can we as people, who do not know all one can about another, say they deserve a horrible thing, just because of their actions? Shouldn't we be allowed to make our own choices? Yes, Connie isn't what we'd call a role model of what society expects a teenage girl to be like, but she was herself, which is far better. No one should be abducted and most-likely raped because of that.
I also disagreed with this because of how the story made me feel once I was done reading it. The last thought to cross my mind was "Oh, I should be less like myself, so I don't attract creepy people". I hate to say this (and scare the crap out of many) but we all have probably been watched by someone less than desirable. Someone who could hurt us if they wanted to. The most innocent people are hurt everyday, and no one ever says they deserved it. Reading this story made me want to be more of an individual, and not be scared. It really tapped into my borderline feminism beliefs (if you couldn't tell). I see Arnold Friend as a representation of the notion women are weak and therefore should have no major role or rights in society. This story made me want to fight that, because it is in some ways still very much alive.
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