Being black, and latinx at the same time, would this have affected his double consciousness/ could this have added another layer to his double consciousness?

was this particular to his situation at the time? Being a black man in the 70s-80s, was he able to find success other than just being in the right place at the right time? the definition of the american dream varies from person to person. As a first generation woman of color child of immigrants, my definition of the american dream would be to be able to have the equal opportunity to succeed despite being a person of color along with my other identifiers; to be considered an american person of color rather than a person of color in america and be able to succeed as any other might. JMB was a black man in the 20th century where clear racism and prejudice existed, would he have found success had he not been in the right place at the right time, would he have found it sooner if he were in other circumstances?

I find that many times, while being special, ambitious and talented, many people are unable to succeed in America. Those heavily affected by this include first generation of child migrants. JMB was special, and he was able to succeed despite many barriers and obstacles even after his death, while many who are special may not be given the same opportunities, such as child migrants who have lived in the states for the majority of their lives. Being a successful black man in the time of JMB's rise was rare, it is interesting to see how certain identifiers still hold some back in terms of success now, and in the past.

reminds me of the ted talk which mentions the word Wašíču- lakota word for european people, also means the man who takes the best meat for himself.

the mention of a rat gives me a sense of mess and destruction. also reminds me of the ted talk when the speaker mentioned the poverty many native american indians live in.

Its interesting that the author can write poetry without having to be in the mind of poetry but cannot read poems in the same way when they are not in this state of mind.

i think it is interesting that the author compares math to writing because math is something that is very definite and usually has one clear solution. On the other hand, writing is so interpretive, there are many ways to look at one piece of any type of literature.

the native american voice is already so silenced and ignored, i cannot begin to imagine how difficult it is for native american women to be/feel heard

we always underestimate children, they think just as much as we do, just as deeply. we don't give them enough credit.

technology > love

Looks like he has put an emotional attachment to the water and salmon to symbolize his grandmother