Wake up, Ashton. Amari didn't look up from his drawing as he spoke. This is America. Supposed to be the land of the free, but we free? Nah. We got rules everywhere we step. No running, no cursing, no playing, no yelling, no staying up late, no this and no that. Now, grown-ups, they're the free ones. And if it's not grownups all up and down our backs, it's teachers.Amari flicked his hand into the air, his eyes rolling up to the ceiling. She put us here, he said. She didn't say, You all want to come to the art room?' She said, 'Y'all going to the art room' That's freedom? That's power?
In your own words, summarize what he's talking about. How does Woodson continue to use the meta/ self-aware commentary for effect in these paragraphs?
Short summary
In these paragraphs, Amari is expressing his frustration about the lack of freedom in America, particularly for children. He points out the numerous rules and restrictions that govern their everyday activities, from running to staying up late. He also feels controlled by authority figures such as grown-ups and teachers. Amari questions the idea of freedom and power when he is not given a choice in going to the art room. Woodson continues to use meta/self-aware commentary by having Amari question the concept of freedom and power, highlighting the irony and limitations present in their lives.
