So, my Contemporary Novel professor is a piece of work. Here's the latest:
We read Sandra Cisneros' novel "Caramelo" for this week. I didn't like it. But, that's beside the point. The book is about a Mexican-American girl who grew up in Chicago but went to Mexico every summer to visit her grandmother. Most of the book takes place in Mexico.
During class, we were discussing who the audience of the book is. I suggested that it was primarily for Mexican Americans and Latin Americans. My professor objected to this suggestion by asking the question, "But do those people really read novels?" I responded, "Why wouldn't they?" He then said, "Well, it's about literacy and having leisure time." Ummmmm, there are millions and millions of people living in Mexico, not to mention all of Latin America. I'm fairly sure a significant number of those people can read a book. And that they are not slaving away in the fields for 16 hours a day or whatever it is he thinks they do. I mean, Whaaaaat?
Next week we're discussing a novel about a black slave-owner in Virginia. I can't wait to hear what he says about that!
5 comments:
one word...yikes!
in 97 when i was in the poorer parts of mexico city living, most of the folks were reading something on the micros and metros when they were on their way to wherever they were going.
most of it was mexican manga type books. but they were reading.
how have you not just yelled in that professor's face? how does he have a job!!! it is disgusting.
maybe he would have understood your point if you'd just offered to burn all copies of the book.
I mean whats the point of writing it if its target audience isn't going to read it.
so wait... who is the target audience? americans?
because the way you describe it none of the characters seem to be all that likable.
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