Curricular Response

One challenge I faced while reading Kindred was confronting the uncomfortable and painful themes surrounding slavery and systemic racism. The vivid descriptions of violence and oppression made me feel uneasy, yet they were essential to understanding the protagonist’s experiences. To work through this discomfort, I reminded myself of the importance of learning about these harsh realities and discussed my feelings with my group, which helped me process the material in a meaningful way.

Something I admired about Butler’s writing style was her ability to evoke strong emotions through detailed and realistic storytelling. Her narrative forced me to confront these topics directly, making the story deeply impactful. However, I occasionally found the pacing uneven, especially during some of the shifts between Dana’s modern life and her journeys to the past, but re-reading those sections helped me maintain the flow of the story.

Core Competency Self-Assessment

Strength:

I worked cooperatively with other members of my group and was willing to help with any task. For instance, I facilitated discussions about the uncomfortable themes in Kindred, ensuring everyone had a chance to express their thoughts and feelings. This helped our group explore the book’s deeper meanings.

Area for Improvement:
I need to improve my focus during important group discussions by minimizing distractions. This includes staying fully present, actively participating, and contributing meaningfully. My goal is to ensure I am fully engaged in both the tasks and the conversations.