Reflection Four for Skippyjon Jones

Analysis Summary

Skippyjon Jones, at first glance the book seems cute and colorful with many happy faces.  However as you read and analyze the text, we can see that Mexican chihuahuas are portrayed as inferior to one white, blued eyed cat.  It creates stereotypes against Mexicans.  I am Mexican and even though I don’t take offense that easily I can see that this book is derogating Mexican culture.  It makes me uneasy just thinking of the way some of these characters are portrayed.

Impact Assessment

One of my focal students is a newcomer from Mexico.  If this student was to read this book I am almost sure that he would feel as if this book was mocking his culture.  I am sure that these stereotypes would make him uncomfortable especially if other students make comments on how he behaves. It would be traumatic to him to a great degree if these comments can be traced back to the book.

Alternative Texts

“Mango, Abuela and me” is a good example of how culture could be presented.  The story begins with a little background history of where abuela comes from. Even though abuela can’t communicate with her granddaughter the author does not depict her as inferior to any other race. Abuela eventually ventures out and starts to communicate with the neighbors who speak another language different from hers.

"Rene has two last names" is another book that does a good job complimenting perspectives of cultural and social context. This book talks about a student who comes from El Salvador and has two last names.  It also talks about where his last name comes from. The narrator continues saying that to him having one last name makes him feel like a hamburger without the meat. Therefore, having two last names complete him. Even though at school they just call him using just one last name that did not bring him down because his two last names are in his heart.

Guiding Questions

1. How is culture portrayed better in Rene has two last names compared to Skippyjon Jones?
2. How is language less problematic in Mango, Abuela and me compared to Skippyjon Jones?
3. How are Characters better portrayed on Mango, Abuela and me than Skippyjon Jones?
4. How is Historical more relevant in Mango,abuela and me than in Skippyjon Jones?
5. How are the Illustrations represented, compared to Rene has two last names and Skippyjon Jones?