Prompt:

Have you ever experienced the excitement of visiting a new place only to be disheartened and disillusioned? In this powerful narrative, Audre Lorde tells of her eighth-grade graduation visit to Washington, D.C., a place that should symbolize liberty, justice, and equality. However, the reality is actually a heartbreaking lesson in racism and denial. As you read Lorde’s story, note the powerful descriptive details that help to move the narrative forward, illustrate the characters, and illuminate the message. Share at least one of these descriptive examples in your discussion post, and comment on how the idea of a place can sometimes be very different from the reality.

Lorde, A. (2013). The Fourth of July. In J. Nadell, J. Langan, & D. Coxwell-Teague (Eds.) The Longman Writer, 9th edition [VitalSource digital version] (p. 169). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.