4 Between the line questions for "Streets of Memphis"

1. What things may change if the story took place in 2008?

If the story "Streets of Memphis" took place in the year 2008, there might have been a higher level of violence. Instead of Richard's mom given him a stick to fight the gang of boys, she could have given him another type of weapon such as a gun or knife. This action would create a bigger conflict because the damage done to the gang of boys by a gun or a knife would more severe than a stick. So if the story took place in 2008, there would be a major change in violence.

2. What problem(s) from the story can you relate to?

The problem I can relate most to that was in the story is gang violence. Even though I'm not a member of a gang, nor do I live in a community where there are gangs, I see a number of videos and movies that have gang violence. One show on television called "The Wire" is about a area in Baltimore, Maryland were there is all types of violence including gangs. In one episode, two different gangs of girls fought in school and faced the consequences. As a student in a public school, I see many situations where two gangs of kids that don't get along fight or abuse each other. This is why I can relate to the gang violence in the story.

3. Based on the story, how old would you place Roger?

Since Roger was just learning how to defend himself, I predict he is about 8 years old. Roger didn't know how to react to the gang of boys until his mother gave him a stick and told him to fight. Roger's mother was trying to teach him to be a man because she expected him to be the man of the house anyway. She wanted Roger to become aware of life and reality without much of her help. Even though Roger was still consindered young, he became a man once he fought the gang of boys back.

4. If you were in Roger's position, what would you have done differently to deal with the gang?

If I were placed in Roger's position, I would have tried to avoid the gang and violence. If there was another way to the store, I would have took it. The gang would not see me and maybe my trip would be successful. Also, I would have asked a friend or adult to walk me to the store. Maybe the gang would become startled by me walking with someone. Violence is an easy resolution but the after facts could be dangerous. Avoiding violence is safer and that is what I would do in Roger's situation.