Zoo Island Note Source

Self-respect & Dignity

• P 17: “Whities” looking at them as if they are animals – father complains about it …”as if we’re a bunch of monkies”


• P17: “Don’t swear in front of the kids, pa” – “I’ll bust them in the mouth”


• P17: “Let it go.  It’s nothing to make a fuss over” – anger is beneath their dignity


• P18: “They don’t take us for a bunch of lazy bones.”


• P18: Father boasts about being able to pick thistles without gloves


• P19:  Give the kids credit for always thinking & inquiring


• P 18: Set up a mailing system so they are all equal


• P19: By having their names on a piece of paper, they will be part of something & be worth something


• P21: Don Simon doesn’t give detailed answers – shows dignified restraint


• P19: Don’t seem to care that the town has more luxuries than they have.


• P20: When Don Simon talks, people listen


• P19: The people who refuse to answer the census questions – their dignity may have been endangered by the questions – the children respected their desire not to answer.


• P20: “Don’t be afraid.  Just go out there and ask them” – the children can stand up for themselves, have confidence


• P22: Don Simon names the island – he respects Jose’s idea and Jose respects Don Simon by naming the island.


• P22: Says “thanks” to Don Simon for his cooperation


• P22: Jose goes out to the sign every morning: feels part of the community.


• P22: Don Simon: “…you know you’re not only here but that you’re alive”