Reflection One for Skippyjon Jones

Analysis Summary

This text can be seen as problematic because cultures are being misrepresented. A fictional story of a siamese cat that yearns to be a chihuahua is centered around stereotypes of the Mexican/ Spanish Speaking culture, specifically the language. It also idolizes the idea of segregation. One example can be found on page 3 as it can be restated as “no self-respecting cat ever slept with a flock of birds”.

Impact Assessment

In regards to my focal student, the ideas being perpetuated in the text of SkippyJon Jones can create a space for him to think that the misrepresentations of hispanic culture are true. It is important to point out that my focal student is hmong, so he may not feel as though the misrepresentation is offensive to him. However, it unintentionally can create a space for him to think that the use of misrepresenting culture and using stereotypical phrases and languages is okay, because it is being displayed in texts he is exposed to. It also can affect this specific student in regards to the representation of segregation. Because he is hmong, and the district in which he is placed in is predominantly hispanic, he may think it is okay for him to be excluded based on his cultural background as he sees the same actions taking place in the collection of books he's reading.

Alternative Texts

Pete the Cat is a great alternative for the problematic text because it highlights a blue cat that relates to student’s lives, with a variety of sing-alongs. Another alternative text in respect to culture is My Two Border Towns, as it shows a real representation of hispanic families speaking correct Spanish.

Guiding Questions

1. What are some images you see that are related to life at home?
2. How does culture representation in this book relate to some of your cultural practices?
3. How does this story connect to your 5 senses?