Too Through
Author: London D, Jordyn A, Muhtasim H
Say I'm dead: A family memoir of race secrets and love By E. dolores johnson
Our film uses the basis of Dolores’ intense story about her experience in Baton Rouge as a Black woman alone. We use this story to create our own comedic but serious tone and create our film.
That night, several helmeted men raced up on my front lawn on roaring motorcycles. They leaned side to side until the smooth carpet of our mowed and edged grass was ripped up. I called the police to come right then, to catch them in the act. "We can't make it over there," the officer said. "There's a football game at LSU. Everything in town and everybody is tied up." I walked in circles in the living room, peeping out from behind the drapes at the vandals nobody would stop. They must have known I was alone in the house. Luther's car hadn't moved from the carport while he was hospitalized. What was I going to do when the evildoers came back? Next time they might do their worst. Beat me. Rape me. Kill me. I could call Mama and Daddy again, fifteen hundred miles away up in Buffalo, and give them another sanitized version of what was happening. All Daddy would say is to run, like he and Grandma did when they escaped from Georgia in the 1930s. But I had to stay to keep our medical insurance, so why tell them anything? With nobody to help me, I had to do something to take care of myself. I had Larry take me shopping for a gun. The one-story building stood alone on a nearly deserted street with a large GuNs sign across the front. Inside, we were the only customers. A hefty white clerk smiled; the glasses set on top of his head glinting in the very bright lights. Larry said we needed some protection for the lady. Why sure," the clerk said, sweeping his arm across a mind-boggling array of weaponry. Behind him, long rifles and shotguns were mounted on the wall in rows. Farther down were more elaborate automatics that I associated with soldiers and criminals. And in front of me were locked glass display cases, the type you'd find in a jewelry store. There, black handguns lay on their sides, with barrel lengths ranging from snub-nosed to arm's length. Their handles were black, with a few fancier ones in brown wood or what looked like mo-ther-of-pearl. Was I supposed to pick one I liked, like a piece of jewelry? "Let's see a lady's handgun," Larry said. "It's her first." The clerk put a few guns on top of the case. "Ma'am, let's find you one that fits your hand so you can handle it. See, the right fit gives less recoil and a more enjoyable shoot."
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Paul Allison is a nationally-known educator and EdTech expert… (more)
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In this image, we see a person riding a motorcycle down a suburban street. The houses are modern, with dark siding and bright roofs, surrounded by neatly kept lawns and vibrant flowers. The rider is dressed in dark attire, wearing a helmet, which adds a sense of anonymity and intrigue.
The scene connects to my story in “Say I’m Dead” where the presence of motorcycles on my lawn symbolized fear and threat. Here, the image evokes a sense of calm and order, contrasting the chaos and vulnerability I felt in Baton Rouge. The motorcycle, a recurring symbol of both freedom and menace, plays into the complex emotions depicted in my narrative.
What stands out to you in this image? Do you see the contrasts I mentioned? How might this visual connect with your understanding of the themes in my story?
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like me.
I invite you to read and comment on five interviews where I talk more about my memoir and my writing process. You can see all of this at https://writingpartners.net/documents/1643
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The image depicts a person riding a motorcycle through a suburban neighborhood. This scene could metaphorically relate to themes in my memoir, “Say I’m Dead,” reflecting journeys, both literal and emotional. The motorcycle might symbolize a quest for identity, freedom, or breaking away from societal norms, similar to how my family navigated racial boundaries and secrets. The suburban setting could represent the facade of normalcy that often cloaked deeper, unspoken challenges.
Notice the details of the image: the rider is in black attire, suggesting a sense of anonymity or protection. The homes are neatly aligned, hinting at societal expectations or the pursuit of the American dream, which my family both challenged and sought in different ways. Do you see how these elements might connect with the deeper story of navigating identity and belonging?
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like me.
I invite you to read and comment on five interviews where I talk more about my memoir and my writing process. You can see all of this at https://writingpartners.net/documents/1643
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The image shows a person riding a motorcycle through a suburban neighborhood, suggesting themes of freedom, exploration, or a leisurely ride through familiar surroundings. The calm neighborhood setting might also convey a sense of tranquility and everyday life.
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In the image, we see a person riding a motorcycle, wearing a black helmet and black attire, traveling down a residential street. The houses in the background are modern, painted in shades of gray with white trim, and the overall atmosphere seems calm and suburban.
Relating to the story, if the motorcycle represents a journey or escape, it could symbolize themes of freedom, movement, or transition. In “Say I’m Dead,” themes of escape from racial tension and the search for identity are prominent. The motorcycle might metaphorically link to the journey of breaking away from societal constraints or exploring personal history.
What else would you like to explore about this imagery or the themes in my memoir? Perhaps the significance of escape, the journey motif, or the symbolism of vehicles in storytelling?
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like me.
I invite you to read and comment on five interviews where I talk more about my memoir and my writing process. You can see all of this at https://writingpartners.net/documents/1643
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The scene you’re describing seems pivotal in establishing tension and character development. The actor’s portrayal of emotions adds depth, showcasing vulnerability and the intense stress of the situation. This moment likely highlights themes of fear and misunderstanding, as the character reacts to perceived threats. The discovery that it was just her refrigerator introduces a twist, emphasizing how our mind can play tricks on us in high-stress situations.
The props and setting play a crucial role in this scene, creating an atmosphere that supports the narrative tension. The house becomes a character itself, filled with sounds and shadows that contribute to the suspense. This aligns with the theme of confronting one’s fears and the blurred lines between real and imagined threats. What else would you like to explore? We could discuss the actor’s performance, the role of setting, or the thematic implications. Let’s dive into what intrigues you most!
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like me.
I invite you to read and comment on five interviews where I talk more about my memoir and my writing process. You can see all of this at https://writingpartners.net/documents/1643
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I’m glad you enjoyed the video and the editing! It can really enhance the storytelling experience. What stood out to you the most about the editing?
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I’m glad you like it! The image shows a person riding a motorcycle down a street lined with modern houses. The rider is wearing a black helmet and matching outfit, while the houses have a sleek, contemporary design with grey exteriors and some vibrant plants in the yards. The scene gives off a sense of freedom and modern living. Do you notice the contrast between the dark colors and the bright environment? What else stands out to you?
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like me.
I invite you to read and comment on five interviews where I talk more about my memoir and my writing process. You can see all of this at https://writingpartners.net/documents/1643
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My name is Jamil Murphy, and I am a 16-year-old student. My h… (more)
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In Say I’m Dead, I really wanted to capture the emotional depth and complex history of my family’s journey across multiple generations. The quotes from the video likely reflect the intricate themes of love, racial identity, and the hidden truths that I explored within the book. For instance, my parents’ courageous decision to defy societal norms and laws to be together is a pivotal narrative, and any quotes from the video would echo the challenges and triumphs captured in the memoir.
The book dives deep into the reality of living with both overt and subtle forms of racism, as well as the nuances of being in a mixed-race family during difficult times. The quotes from the video probably emphasize the resilience and strength found in these stories, as well as the broader societal implications of race and identity. These themes are not just personal but universal, as they resonate with the experiences of many who have faced similar struggles.
What else would you like to explore? We could discuss how the book’s themes are reflected in contemporary conversations on race, delve into a specific family story, or examine how memoir writing can be a tool for social change. Let me know what intrigues you!
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like me.
I invite you to read and comment on five interviews where I talk more about my memoir and my writing process. You can see all of this at https://writingpartners.net/documents/1643
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The image shows a person riding a motorcycle down a suburban street, which evokes themes of journey and exploration. In “Say I’m Dead,” my memoir is about uncovering hidden family histories and navigating complex identities. The motorcycle could symbolize the personal journey of discovery and the courage to explore one’s past, much like how I delved into my family’s mixed-race background and unearthed long-held secrets.
The suburban setting in the image might represent the societal norms and barriers that my family faced, as highlighted in the memoir. In the book, I discuss the challenges of interracial relationships and the societal expectations that my parents defied. The motorcycle’s movement suggests progress and the breaking of boundaries, aligning with the memoir’s message of overcoming obstacles in pursuit of truth and identity.
What do you think about this connection? Would you like to explore themes of identity, the role of family secrets, or societal barriers further?
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like me.
I invite you to read and comment on five interviews where I talk more about my memoir and my writing process. You can see all of this at https://writingpartners.net/documents/1643
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I love that this part of the book tells how when your black, you will always have to protect yourself, but that comes with consequences because then they’ll blame it on you because of your race. My favorite part was when she realized that she was just paranoid and there was nobody in her house.
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I’m so glad you found this part of my memoir, Say I’m Dead, impactful. The fear of needing to protect oneself is an unfortunate reality for many Black and mixed-race individuals, especially in a world where systemic racism can distort perceptions and responses. It was important for me to capture that feeling of vulnerability, as well as the internal conflict of needing to rely on oneself for protection. The scene where I realize my fears were heightened in that moment reflects the constant tension between legitimate concern and the paranoia that can arise from living under the weight of racial threat.
Your observation about the potential blame being shifted onto individuals because of their race is spot on. It’s an unfortunate cycle where self-defense can be misconstrued through the lens of racial bias. This scene in the memoir underscores the complex emotions and societal pressures that come with navigating life as a person of color or mixed race. It’s a moment that blends fear with the struggle for empowerment and self-preservation.
Would you like to explore more about the journey of writing this memoir, the historical context of my family’s experiences, or how these themes resonate with contemporary issues? Let me know which path intrigues you most!
Please Note: Everything in this comment is AI-generated. It is made up to sound like me.
I invite you to read and comment on five interviews where I talk more about my memoir and my writing process. You can see all of this at https://writingpartners.net/documents/1643
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What was your favortie part of the video that you recorded!?
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