Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Haley Reading (Group A2) Nafissa Thompson-Spires's “Whisper to a Scream”

[Haley Reading groups Fall 2021

By Lakenzie Walls and Howard Rambsy II

In Nafissa Thompson-Spires's final story, “Whisper to a scream,” we meet Raina, a young black high school student who makes ASMR videos. She deals with online harassment and self-esteem issues because of unusual interests. Her routine of whispering fairy tales and stroking feathers into her microphone gives her a large online following.

In one instance, Raina receives a message from a user she suspects is one of the guys from her high school. The comment suggests she wear her “Dorsey uniform in the next 1” (119). She makes a conscious effort to ignore racist and sexist comments online. Despite the online harassment, Raina continues posting content because she “worked best in short frames, quiet silvers, fragments” (134).

There are a number of fascinating or important moments in this story. Identify just one and briefly explain why you found that one most interesting or significant to consider in a short story. Please provide a page number. 

116 comments:

Niobe Young said...

An important event that happened was when carmen, the main characters mother was trying to make amends with her daughter after offending her with size 12 clothes knowing that rein wears a size 14 with offering to take her to pilates class and shopping for anywise as an apology. Her mother can't even comprehend that she her daughter gets judged enough online doing what she loves and she really has no escape because when she goes home her mother does the same thing.(page 131)

ryan parham said...

An important event I found was when Reina was talking to Dom and said that he wanted to do faceless video chatting. The reason I found this so important is because Reina was agreeing to do faceless chatting even though she felt weird about it. So many people have done questionable things because they like someone so the fact that she felt a little uncomfortable with the way he wanted to chat but, still went through with it was important to me. (page 135)

La’ Raye said...

On page 131, the mother Carmen wanted to apologize to her daughter Rein because Carmen offended Rein with her clothes size. Carmen got her a size twelve when Rein is a size fourteen and Carmen knew that, and felt really bad. So as an apology Carmen decided to take Rein shopping and a pilates class! Rein already gets judged, bullied, and made fun of for making ASMR videos, then she comes home and gets offended by her own mother. She loves making her ASMR videos and tries to ignore all the hate. But, it's sad that her own mother offends her too because she gets enough hate online on her ASMR videos.
-La'Raye Littlepage

Anozha Singletary said...

An important occurrence that took place in the story was when Reina’s mother began to realise that she was wrong and she began to try to make amends on Page 131. Parents do not always recognize that as a teenager we are impressionable, meaning that their words and actions stick to us like glue as well as stick in our minds, and it is a hurtful feeling for someone you love to think badly of you at that stage.
-Anozha Singletary

Anonymous said...

On page 124 I found it interesting that she was talking to her boyfriend through a screen and that they met through her video comments. It's a little unnerving through the small details about her boyfriend making it seem as though something dark is going on in his life.
-Gabriel Scott

Alexis Price said...

Carmen gets Raina a size 10/12 and she knows she is a size 14 I feel that this is an important moment because she knows that she is a size 14 and said she has 2 weeks which basically she is saying she has 2 weeks to lose weight and fit a size 10/12

Zariyah Reid said...

Zariyah Reid 11/11/2021
One of the most fascinating scenes from the short story "Whisper To A Scream" was on page 126 when Raina described how Carmen reacted after the incident in Catalina with Kevin. Raina goes on to describe what kind of questions Carmen approached her with and I found those questions fascinating because being silenced as a young girl is traumatizing and more common than one may know. Carmen made Raina feel as though their relationship was insecure from a young age because she didn't believe her. As a young girl Raina more than likely expected if no one else then her mother to believe her at the very least. Carmen asking questions such as "Did you do anything to make him think he could touch you like that?" must have been heart breaking and extremely surprising. Situations like that will make a young girl feel silenced. That silence will also be carried with that girl as she grows into a woman just like Raina. Those sorts of incidents are misleading and wrong and I wanted bring awareness to that specific part of the story because I felt that it was important.

sierrea mcniff said...

What I found interesting was the scene on pages 133-134. Raina is filming a video for her ASMR channel but this video is different from all her others. In this video, she is being honest with her subscribers about how she really feels about herself and everything around her. She even begins crying and saying, "I'm tired of faking this whispery voice and doing everything for everyone else and worrying about how I look..." Furthermore, she says, "Screw everyone who thinks they can just treat me any kind of way, even my mom and boyfriend." After her rant, she decides whether or not to post it on Youtube. This is very relatable. I have typed out full rants about how I feel about everything. Though, just like Raina in this story, I choose to not post my rant. It's much easier to lie and say "Everything is going good" than to be honest about everything and have more stressed added on.

Damien W said...

On page 133, Raina starts to explain how she feels in a video she thought about publishing. In the video she explains how people make fun of her. Some days she feels good and looks good, other days she doesn't feel that. People make fun of her so much she has low self-esteem and that is taking a toll on her. Depression and anxiety kicks in and she states "Screw everyone who thinks they can treat me any type of way, even my mom and boyfriend". I think this paragraph was important because it shows us what happens when you talk badly of another person. You never know how they can truly feel.
~Damien W

Curtis Scott said...

on page 131 in the book, it was saying that Raina knew dom was real and close to her age though once he said seventeen and once he had said fifteen. they never hung out in person dom lived in Connecticut but she had seen his whole face early on in live video chats when they used to talk like normal people. I feel like that's that will keep Raina safe from being hurt because anyone can try to be someone else as it calls for being catfish. -Curtis Scott

Valarie M said...

Out of the whole chapter I found page 122 the most interesting. I say that page 122 is most interesting because Raina talks about how she feels as if she is not safe around the school bully that lives down the street and who goes to her school. Also, she talks about how her mother cares more about what people think of her daughter rather than the safety of her daughter. I found that so interesting because you don't see a lot of parents out here trying to teach their children about predators and perverts nowadays. Most parents try to escape a world that has sick-minded people and instead of teaching the young for their safety they just push it away like it's never going to happen. In this case, Raina's mom is downgrading her daughter. She is making it seem as if what her daughter is putting out is not okay when she should be trying to help her daughter and make sure she is okay. - Valarie McDonald

Shaniyah Robinson said...

An important occurrence was when Raina's mom came into her room without knocking first but then proceeded to try to make up with her by saying they could go shopping and to pilates. Her mom is making it seem that her reason for going shopping is to cheer her up but in reality, she cares more about her daughter's appearance than her feelings. She wants Raina to be open with her and talk but when she does she gets lectured or it goes in one ear and out the other. - Shaniyah Robinson

Amir Madison said...

I found it pretty interesting that Raina met her boyfried through the phone and they still haven't met in person. It's also weird that he doesnt really have a strong desire to meet her in person,"but if you're really my boyfriend, it would make more sense to actually see each other, or at least more of each other" and Dom responds by saying "I'll think about it" (124) and he ends the call.

Anonymous said...

On pages 133-134 an occurrence that I considered important and significant to the story was when Raina was at first making a video that talked about mostly herself and how she felt. After beginning to upload this video though Dom (her boyfriend) started calling her and her mom then ran into her room constantly questioning her why she was crying which then just led to Raina canceling the upload and overall deleting the video ending with the text saying she only worked best in "short frames, quiet silvers, and fragments" This is significant to me because this occurrence in this story shows how Raina because of what is going on around her and in her life may feel like she is not really good at anything except what she routinely does, and it also shows sadly how little support she receives, but it is also significant because Raina's situation can also reflect many other people who may feel the way she does.
-Madisen W.

Jordan W. said...

I believe that one of the most interesting parts is when the author says "Today, I'm not going to te,l you a fairy tale, but something I've been thinking about, about myself," she began. I struggle with a lot of things, she said. Sometimes, I think I'm beautiful and smart, but then one little thing knocks me down, and I don't know who I am." And more of what she says after because I think that is smart of her to get her confidence in trying to be herself and not trying be something else, as well as her having the confidence of trying something new.

Leea S. said...

What I found to be significant is that on (page 135), was when Raina was talking to Dom. When he asked to do a faceless facetime, Raina did it even though she felt a bit weird about it since she has never seen his face before. I think even though, doing a faceless facetime was very questionable, and Raina felt weird about it, it was important to me that she was able to do that despite how she felt.

Kailiah W. said...

In the story, I found the scenes where Carmen attempted to make amends with her daughter significant. Carmen suggesting size 12 clothing despite Rein wearing a size 14 upset Rein and Carmen soon apologized. Rein endures harsh judgement and teasing from strangers just to come home and have her own mother judge her some more (p.131)

Aerin T. said...

One part of the story that I found interesting was on page 126. The author talks about how Kevin tried to feel up on Raina and twisted the story to make it seem like Raina was at fault; and how her mother, instead of seeing if her daughter was okay, just started to assume Raina provoked Kevin. This stood out to me because it happens a lot today, where someone will be sexually harassed and get blamed for what they were wearing.

Shelby Taylor said...

What I found to be significant in this story is on page 135, as it says, "It was only after her popularity increased that he started asking her to make it 'more like an ASMR video,' quiet and without her face." This was when Dom suggested that Raina would do this more often. This makes me feel like Dom doesn't like Raina the way that she is. I think this is an important subject to talk about as this happens in real life as guys are asking their girls to change their looks and personalities to make what they want as a girlfriend.
- Shelby Taylor

Me-Na S. said...

an interesting moment in the book was while Raina was finished talking to her boyfriend this text states, "knowing her other would not be home for another two hours at least, Raina checked the comments." this narration stood out to me the most because Raina has a channel that not everyone supports especially her mother and knowing how the mother views her channel. could be assumed that she doesn't need her mother's commentary while going through her because she may feel that is her way of balance between negative comment between fans and her mother this being her way to deal with it different.

Paul Olubodun said...

Paul Olubodun-
On pages 124 and 125, Riana is going through some of the comments she gets on her page. This is important to me because it seems like some comments I would see on a youtube video. At first, they didn't seem too bad, but the last comment from her classmate was kind of a terrible thing to say to someone.

Madison Wilkins said...

The most interesting part of this short story is when Raina has an online boyfriend who does not have the desire to meet her in person. It seems that Rina feels more passionate about her boyfriend than vice versa. Her boyfriend does not make any efforts to see Raina in person. I thought this was interesting because she continues to find interest in her boyfriend despite the signs he shows Raina. (page 135)

Jessica Rhodes said...

There are many short stories I could use but one particular story I would like to use is on page 97 where Lisbeth and her husband wanted to change their daughters name at the age of 7. I feel as if that would be confusing to the daughter not only are you changing her name but her identity also which is not okay and doesn't allow for her input on her own name change.

Maurice King said...

One part of the story that I found interesting was on page 126. What happened was Kevin trying to make it seem like it was Reina's fault for him wanting to feel up on her and the mother took Kevin's side instead of her own daughter's side. I have heard and seen this happen a lot of times and this makes me sick seeing people getting away with it.

Anonymous said...

Ty'Ria Rounds
I think an important part of the story was when the main characters mother tried to apologize to her by getting her pilates classes. I think this is important because it is an important issue. Her mother doesn't understand the hate that she gets online and that it is hurtful.

Anonymous said...

The important moment for me was when Raina almost, broke out of her self-esteem shell. This moment was big for me because any adolescents female having; problems with self-esteem knows how draining, depressing ,and exposing it could be. Her facing her shadows in standing up for herself was almost going to be a relief. But, she renegade. In my opinion
was because she wasn't ready to let that part of her life be shown more vividly. Especially to her half almost half gruesome audience. { This took part in pg. 133}

Jarrod Rhodes said...

An important scene that I found on page 133-134 was where Raina has finally released her anger towards everyone who made her life difficult. The moment she finally said her peace, her loved showed up, as if they actually care about her. The book illustrates how important it is to seek for help.
Jarrod Rhodes

Anonymous said...

One moment in the story that stuck out to me was when Carmen Rein's mom bought her the wrong size clothes on purpose trying to force her to lose weight.(Page131) I just felt bad for her because just imagine if you got taunted all time just for being you and the one place you are suppose to feel a little comfort , which is in your own home, with your own family, you can't. Even though her mom tried to make up for it for taking her shopping that's still not fair to her.

-Jasmyne Whitehead

Britney Wallace said...





One important scene I found was on page 126 where Raina talks about the time, she informed her school as well as her mom about the incident revolving Kevin. Kevin had made a lie telling everyone Rania had flashed her breast towards him when he had tried to touch them and she pushed him away. When she told her mom, her mom asked if she did anything to provoke his actions. Her response was a big shock to me after her daughter did nothing to deserve the unwanted attention. This conversation between the mother and daughter reminded me of problems we have in society where women are often blamed for “asking” for the attention that men give, and then blamed when we do not like it. - Britney W.

Jania M. said...

An important scene for in this story is on at the end of page 131-132. This stands out to me because some parents simply do not know how to sit down with their children and have a one-on-one conversation. They believe that doing things you don't want to do will make you happy, yet sometimes all you want is their attention. As a result, teenagers find alternative activities that may or may not be beneficial but provide an outlet for them.( Jania M)

Heaven Watkins said...

An important scene that stooks out to me in this story is on page 131 and counited on page 32 it states "Raina's mind browsed the possible answers to this tone-deaf statement: Thats because you're never home; you don't listen anyway; maybe because everything you say is a lecture; maybe because you care more about how I look than how I feel; I think Kevin's posting anonymously on page. sexually harassing me, again and what will you even do about it? and her mom's reply we can go shopping. This is very important to me because African American young women really don't have anyone, they can talk about these kinds of things with it gets brushed away and this is how things happen to them.

Calviana S. said...

Everyone has stereotypes that they feel each race should have. It’s crazy to think that Raina doing ASMR gives her many attacks from different people that don’t even know who she is as a person. Page 134 breaks my heart as Raina explains her emotions on the situation and as she breaks down having to explain why she records videos of herself doing what she likes to do, no one should have to explain that.

Calviana S

Ian Lindsey said...

One instance of the story I found to be interesting was on page 133. Raina had started to come out of her shell for once and started to become independent. She didn't care about what Kevin, Kevin's friends, Dom, or even her mother thought. She voices how tired she was of holding herself back and how she felt relieved making the script and video. She had found a way to relieve her stress by making the video and deleting it and she will most likely keep doing this until she is ready to upload it. -Ian L.

Ayanna Townsend said...

A particular scene that stood out to me during the section A Whisper to a Scream was when Raina first began experiencing what it is like to be discriminated against because of her race and her weight in the fifth grade. More specifically, in the book it says that Raina’s best friend could “no longer hang out with the only black girl. Because her dad said it was kind of like the fox and the hound and how they had to go their own ways…” (Thompson-Spires, 122) That scene in the book was fascinating to me because it showed that no matter the age, people will always find ways to make others feel unwelcomed in society for things that they simply cannot control.

Ayanna T.

Anonymous said...

A scene I found significant is where Raina tries to tell Carmen that she was harassed by Kevin, and she starts to slut-shame her on 126. After telling Carmen about how Kevin tried to grab her, she asks Raina whether she did anything to solicit the situation. She asks Raina, "Did you give him any ideas?". I think this shows how bad of a mother Carmen is. Instead of comforting your daughter after basically being assaulted, you question her. It was a really sad moment in the story and showed why Raina feels so alone.-A'Nya Wilkes

Unknown said...

The part in the story that I found most interesting was when Raina finally stood up for herself. Page 133-134 when she went into detail about trying to please people and putting others needs before hers that really struck me. I found all those things interesting because I like when people finally stick up for themselves and tell somebody off, who deserves it.

Nyah Marcano said...

Nafissa Thompson-Spires story " Whisper To A Scream" had many intresting and significant parts to it. One that stuck with me the most was on page 126. This is when Raina explains how she was constantly sexually harassed at school, and how when she rejected Kevin at school he then lied saying she flashed him only making her harassment worse. This part stuck with me because it shows how often and casual it is for women, especially women with bigger chest, to be harassed in out society. This idea is continued throughout the story with the fact that her own mother doesn't show any concern for the harassment when it is now worse and online. She pushes the idea to Raina that it is her fault because of the content she makes online.

-Nyah Marcano

amarie m said...

One important moment in this story on page 128-9 when Raina's mother ,Carmen, got back from shopping and talks to Raina about the family commercial and basically criticizes her about her new video and her weight. I feel like this was important because not only are the viewers making fun of her but also her mom she won't take her serious. She enjoys making videos and understands that people can be weird but also her mom should respect her daughter and take her weight into consideration by buying her correct size and not telling her she could drop weight in a matter of weeks just to fit in a dress. Raina is a child who deals with a lot it seems coming home to hear someone nag and pick on you more won't gain anyone any self-esteem so not only is her school life toxic but also her family too. Being criticized by strangers is hard enough but it makes more of an impact when its by someone you love.

Airyanna Swanson said...

One scene, that really struck out to me was when Raina was dealing with sexual harassment online (pages 121 - 122). How she was talking to her mom about how uncomfortable experinces that she is dealing with right now. And her mom sorts of dismiss her . Another thing, that stood out to me was when Raina finally decides to stand up for herself against the internet trolls. She goes into details about how she would always put other people needs before hers and trying to be a people pleasure (pages 133 - 134). I can relate to Raina the most when she said that she was tired of having to put herself last. Because, going up I would always use to do things that would make everyone else around me happy, even though I was not happy. Even if I was going through something and really needed support. I would always use to brush aside what I was dealing with to try and help others and not take care of myself first.

Sarai WB said...

An important event was when Raina's mother gave her the wrong size knowing what size she wears. This is important because it goes to show parents don't really know their children like they think they do or they simply don't care to make time for them. The mother ends up trying to make amends with her saying shell take Raina shopping. I just think no child would wanna go shopping or do anything with their parent who forgets little things such as clothing sizes.


-Sarai W.B.

Unknown said...

The part of the story that I think is important to include in a short story is what happened on page 131. Carmen who is the mother tries to apologize to Rein who is her daughter. She is apologizing for getting Rein a size 12 when she knows that she wears a 14. Rein is very upset because she already gets judged online about things like that and it hurts even more for her own mother at home to judge her about the same thing. The mother tries to apologize and make it up to her by taking her shopping.

-Dakahi L

Destiny M. said...

The most fascinating thing i found was page 122, This stood out to me because her mom was more focus on her body or her looks then the nasty comments she was receiving online.

Destiny M. said...

The most fascinating thing i found was page 122, This stood out to me because her mom was more focus on her body or her looks then the nasty comments she was receiving online.

Unknown said...

One of the most interesting moments in this story was the moment when Raina's mother Carmen knowingly bought Raina a size 12 when she knows that Raina is a size fourteen, and continues to say that Raina has a few weeks to wear it, hinting that Raina should lose weight in that time to be able to fit into the clothes. I found this moment important because it really showcased how Raina was not only judged at school but also at home.

Cierstin N

Caleb W. said...

The story that stuck out to me was paragraph one on page 121. Starting a new hobby can be a nervous thing sometimes depending on what it is. It can be a nervous thing because you don't want to be judged or face the judgment of your peers. She found something she enjoyed and something that was helping others in her eyes so it was worth it to her. Just because of a few haters that doesn't mean give up. I can relate to this because I am a music producer and I was nervous to tell my peers because of fear of judgement especially until I felt that I was good enough. The feeling of being judged Because regardless you get hate and nobody really wants to deal with that.

DeAndre W. said...

The most significant part of the story is when Raina said "...but sometimes Raina felt, briefly, that everyone wanted or saw only a piece of her, not a whole, that she was mere flesh, a series of keywords to help identify her:"(Thompson-spires, 125)

This part is significant because throughout the story this feeling she has get heavier and heavier on her. This exact feeling stopped her from uploading what she really wanted. "... she worked best in short frames, quiet slivers, fragments. Everyone said so"(Thompson-Spires, 134) Because how everyone else treated her she gave up on what she really wanted to pursue. This happens a lot today. Many of us have dreams but no one to believe in us so we give up or just settle for less.
- DeAndre W.

Jalen Q. said...

One important part of this story was on page 132 where Raina is telling her mom that she doesn't actually care how she feels, but how she looks. Throughout the entire story Carmen is constantly criticizing Raina and her hobby. The only time she genuinely seemed to care was at the very end of the story.

Anonymous said...

3 things I wanted to comment on about this part of the story. 1) I think it was very important that Raina stood up for herself. 2) I found it very disrespectful when the boy said “he would cut off Raina's breasts. If you say stuff like that, you are just a sick individual. 3) I feel like the person that Raina met online is fake because that person has no desire to want to meet her.

Kamari Washington said...

Honestly, the situation that Riana is going through could be happening to all of us in a way, with no one who tries to listen to you. People will try and find some reason that doesn't exist to justify another person's harmful and disgusting actions, often distancing themselves from their friends and loved ones who've been hurt deeply. Not a day goes by where I don't have that creeping feeling my life could turn out the same, the only truth I can tell myself being a lie of who I really am.

Brandon Wiles said...

The part of the story I found most important was on pages 132-134. This was the part where Raina plainly and obviously stated all that she felt wrong in her life; and this is where we get to see her true self. I find this most important because it helps you sympathize with Raina and really makes you feel what she feels. In particular the part that I really like is "on days like this, Raina sometimes fantasized about running away, saving her money, taking her equipment, and finding a community of people who really see her, not the family brand, not the extra 30 pounds, not the untouched edges of her hair or her web tags, with her, whoever she was, her whole head and body fit into the frame of her own design. But she knew this community didn't likely exist."(132) This is really relatable, and I feel like there are so many people who feel this way. And then the way she made the video of her pouring her heart out and coming to tears just to delete the video is just so jarring. This hits so hard because it just makes you think of how bad her confidence and self-esteem are broken that she decides no will care anyway.

Anonymous said...

I think that pages 124 and 125 contain the most important parts of this story. In these pages, it is shown that people watching Raina's videos are mostly happy with how she is doing things. I think positive feedback is the most important thing a person could have when creating content videos. Not counting the more inappropriate comments that have been said. -ArTerrious T.

Kehajana Tallie said...

A part of the story that I found interesting was on page 123 when Raina is doing a faceless facetime with Dom. Dom preferred her onscreen persona than the real her. This was important to me because it shows that you should date someone who wants the real you. You should't have to stop being yourself or turn into someone else to please them.

Tateaundra W said...

A moment in the story I found interesting was on page 128 and 129 when her mom came home with shopping bags with different clothes for Raina for the commercial but they were a smaller size than what she actually wears and carmen her mom responded by saying that she had two weeks left basically saying that she still has time to lose weight to fit the clothes. This was interesting to me because it shows that you can be body shamed by anyone including family and it hurts that it comes a lot from her mom even when she has to endure it on social media and school instead of being an uplifting mom and admiring her hard work on YouTube.

Jason Newman said...

What I found most interesting in the story "Whisper To a Scream" was when Raina made a different type of video on page 133. In this new video, she becomes emotional and explains her true feelings. She explains how she feels like one little thing can knock her down. She then goes on to say that she wont let people treat her anyway they want to anymore. She then ends up deleting the footage and not uploading it. I think this is very interesting because it shows exactly what she wants to say to everyone but doesn't because she doesn't want to show that side of herself.

Xavier Stacker said...

One of the most important events in the current reading was on pages 133-134. Raina had finally gotten to say release all of her feelings about the future, the lack of a good maternal figure, all of the harassment from schoolmates, and more. Then at the end of it all, she deletes the footage of her saying everything, which leaves no one actually understanding her problems.

-Xavier Stacker

Lauren M said...

the part of the story that intrigued me the most was on page 131 when Raina’s mom got her a smaller size than the one she wears. implying that she needed to lose weight in order to fit it. and then continued on to page 132 where Raina explains that she feels that her mom only cares how she looks not how she feels. this was important bc many parents aren’t supporting their children the way they should.
- Lauren M

Anonymous said...

The most significant part of the story that I found is when Rayna fantasizes(132). She talked about wishing to run away and get away from her family. She wishes to find new people to fit in with and find the version of herself that is not molded by family pressure. I think this is important because feeling lost is something that Raina struggles with and it would benefit her greatly to start over.

-Dayevion M

swither@siue.edu said...

What stud out to me was page 133 and 134 because she went into detail about how to try and not, please people all the time and putting others needs before hers that really caught my attention. This really stuck to me because I have seen people that I know that have gone through this type of situation and I would tell them to talk to an adult of stand up for themselves.

- Sydney. W

Sealaya W. said...

Something I found interesting was on page 123 when Raina was video-chatting with Dom. Dom had requested to not have their faces in the camera and seemed to only like her persona from social media. I found this interesting because social media has such a big influence on people and everyone seems to be focused on their personas on social media and the opinions of others weigh heavily on their self-esteem. Raina is already experiencing cyberbullying as well as issues at school. This can easily affect her mental health in a negative way and this is a realistic situation.

Marquis P said...

Quite honestly, I found this entire story interesting. It touches heavily on how much of an effect media can have on teens, and the struggles of finding self-identity. Perhaps Raina's mother imposes attitude towards her daughter out of "tough love," however, it just seems too overdone. Page (122) is important because we see how Raina views her mother's own mindset. "It bothered her that her mother felt more concern over anonymous perverts or racists typing lewd comments from remote places than she felt for the bully down the block, the one at her school"

Jayla Walker said...

One fascinating event from Thompson- Spires "Whisper to a Scream", occurred on page 133-134 when Raina was filming an ASMR video for her YouTube and began to rant about how she was tired of things occurring in her life. This caught my attention because I felt like it was a powerful moment and I feel like it something everybody can truly relate to in their own way.
-Jayla Walker

Akuchukwu. O said...

On page 132, what stood out to me the most was when Raina's mum got her size 12 clothes knowing fully well her daughter wears a size 14. It stood out to me because parents are very inconsiderate about what kids want or need. Raina's mum considers her daughter's looks before her feelings, which is very sad.

Sydney Laneice Piggott said...

I thought that page 133 and 134 was important because it was a moment of emotional release for Raina. In these pages she decides to stop being afraid of being honest about her feelings. This is important to me because its a breaking point for her emotionally. This is showing how she wants to do better and grow as a person.

Unknown said...

The scene that stood out to me the most had to be on page 126. Raina was slut shamed for something she didn't do. In order to kinda save his embarrassment, Kevin made up a lie about her and said she flashed him, when in reality she turned him down and pushed him. This has to be the most important scene, because this incident caused her to feel completely unsafe around him which is in no way okay. He even threatened to cut one of her breasts off near her locker. There was so much sexism and important details on this one page, that it's so difficult to choose just one to discuss.
- Damen Ward

Josiah Olden said...

The entire story itself was quite interesting because it highlights the negative impacts that social media has on teenagers. Reina truly enjoys sharing her content on the internet but she is constantly hit with cyberbullying and bullying at her school. Not only that, but her mother also attacks her unknowingly when she brought home clothes that were two sizes smaller. It seems that Reina is completely surrounded by negative energy and she has nowhere to go.

Audriahna M said...

When reading the story whisper to scream pg 133 when raina starting breaking down everything that was going on within her. listening to her Getting emotionally and physically close with her fans really related to me.

Erin Myers said...

Nikiyah T.:

One of the most fascinating scenes is on page 134 when Raina explains her emotions about all the backlash, she gets from people about her ASMR videos, that she enjoys doing. I think that is ridiculous and very common in the African American community. we get judged for doing things we enjoy because people feel like certain things aren't for certain groups of people.

Makiah Lewis said...

An important part in the book was how Raina never met her boyfriend. It was a little strange how he acted as if he did not want to meet her. It was also interesting how her mother wanted to change how she was by taking her shopping. I feel like the mother honestly felt bad for her daughter and wanted to help in any way that she could.
-Makiah Lewis

Isiah Miller said...

One thing I found particularly impactful is how some of the characters feel a need to change the way they act and talk because of the setting they find themselves in. I've always thought it unfortunate how black people sometimes feel the need to express themselves in a more proper manner when they're in a setting where white people are the majority. (Page 71)

Charlesha W. said...

I think an important part in the book to me was when Dom wanted to do a faceless video call with Raina. I think this was important because it just shows we as people tend to do things we aren't really comfortable doing and how we should start choosing not to do things we're not comfortable doing even though we may want to.

Gabrielle S. said...

Something that Stood out to me was how light was shed on the tendencies that people have of doing things that they are not completely on board of because of pressure. Raina felt uneasy about it but still did it in the end. And it's not a problem talked enough about because it's all something we experience in our everyday life. Page (135)

Sam Msengi said...

I think a scene that really and truly stood out to me was when Raina snapped out of anger on others. Really showed how every stone, no matter how tough they seem on the outside, errodes and is prone to crumbling and losing that self control no matter how put together you perscribe yourself on the outside. We can all be vulnerable at points, with our own highs and lows.

Ciaunna M. said...

A line that stood out to me was when someone dm Raina and told her "Your stories, your voice, these are the only things that have helped me sleep." This stood out to me because often times what our parents think has no purpose actually benefits others. This specific dm helped Raina prove to her mom that her videos wasn't just silly but they actually helped people. - Ciaunna M.

DeMarco Smith said...

An event that I think is important is on pages 133-134 while she is recording a video she finally starts to speak on how she really feels about what people think of her. This goes to show that she has it in her to stand up for herself this shows she is growing as a person and won't let anyone belittle her because of what she does and believes.

Deaunzze T said...

An important part in the book to me was when Raina's mother bought her a size twelve pants when she knows that her daughter wears a 14. This only shows that not only can people online be a cause for lowering self esteem, but your own family can in real life too.

- Deaunzze T

Devin Perry said...

Something that I found that was pretty interesting was the Raina and the meeting her boyfriend situation. They met over the phone and they have yet to meet in person. But the part that really stood out to me is that it seems that he has no interest in meeting her in person. He seems to dodge her and even ends one of their phone calls. Page(124)

-Devin P

Kiara Umana said...

On page 128, Raina had eaten a piece of chicken and some Brussel sprouts before her mother entered with clothes she knew were too small for Raina. It says that she was even still hungry after the snack, but wanted to wait until her mother left the room to eat more. Her mother had ended up pausing her thoughts with the dresses that were too small and it justifies why Raina was waiting to eat more food. Her own family gives her a reason to have low self-esteem.
-Kiara U

Erin Myers said...

Starteese S.:

One important event that happened that I also find kind of insensitive is when the mother Carmen gets Raina a size 10/12 and knowingly she is a size 14 then she says she has 2 weeks to fit the size meaning she basically has 2 weeks to lose weight. I think this is important because some parents are insensitive about their child being a lil bigger than the other children and they can be around the bush as far as calling their child fat.

Terence Smith said...

One thing that I found very interesting was on page `133-134 when she goes into her camera and starts to talk about the things that she's not good at and also how she basically is explaining that she is not perfect and that she has insecurities like everyone us and basically saying screw everyone who thinks that they can treat her however they want, and how she's tired of doing things for everyone else or caring what everyone else thinks. and this was very interesting to me because a lot of us can relate to that, wanting to be the best we can be but sometimes you got to learn that you can't please everyone and that you shouldn't care what anyone else thinks of you because you are who you are at the end of the day and let people know that your not going to sit there and let someone treat you any type of way and that doesn't just include friends that is family members as well because even her own mother couldn't see that her daughter is hurting and she needs some guidance because life is not easy.

Erin Myers said...

Kevyere M.:

An important moment that stuck out to me in this story, is when Raina puts aside how other people may feel about her and really discussed her personal issues that affect her as a whole. She then comes to realization that she needs “to stop being afraid to tell the truth.” In this moment she is done living for other people(Pg. 133).

Erin Myers said...

Jordan R.:

On page 124 I found it interesting how Raina never met her boyfriend and he wanted just to have a facetime call with her. It’s like he was uncomfortable with showing Raina the real him or he was afraid what she would think of him. And another seen that stuck out to me is was that when Raina’s mother tried to take her shopping to change her appearance. I feel as if she could have encouraged her daughter to love herself as me is and let her know that anyone that wanted to love her should also love her for who she is! Another thing is that in the story the characters tended to change based on the certain people they hang around or just around period. I feel it unnecessary for a black person to want to act and sound white just because they are around majority white people.

Erin Myers said...

Abigelle W.:

A moment in this story that I found important was on page 133-134 when Raina is talking about how tired she is of faking the whisper voice and caring about how other people are looking at her and doing things for everyone else. Then she says how she's tired of how she gets treated by her mother and her boyfriend. She says, "Screw everyone who thinks they can just treat me any kind of way, even my mom and boyfriend. I think this is an important moment in the book because you should not care about what people think of you. You should be free to live your life how you want it because it's YOUR life, not the next persons' life.

Martaejia Murphy said...

an important event I found is when carmen wanted to apologize to her daughter because she offended Rein with her clothes size.She didn't get her the right size knowing she knew her actual size . Making her feel bad

Janya Sanders said...

"They had never hung out in person- Dom lived in Connecticut... when they used to talk..." (131) "Raina's mind browsed the possible answers to this tone deaf statement... Carmen left with a huff..." (132) This section was interesting because it made me analyze and think about the type of relationship Raina has with her crush, Dom and how its affecting her relationship with her mom. Its also interesting because I can relate to Raina being frustrated with her mom for not trying to actually listen and understand her.

Vashanti R said...

I found page 123 most interesting when speaking on her hair. Her viewers went up when her hair was shown in the videos, at an unnatural state though. When she attempts to wear her hair natural it doesn't flow as long as it does straightened due to shrinkage. There is always a toll on women due to their appearances. Something as simple as your hair shouldn't provoke people to watch you. In this generation it seems like we can't do anything without being judged. A prime example being Raina being made fun of by her class mates because of the content she chooses to produce.
-Vashanti R

Erin Myers said...

Trista M.:

the scene from the reading that stuck out the most to me was when her mother bought her a size 10/12 that she knew was too small for her. her mother knew that she wore a size 14. this shows that she not only has to deal with the bullying online and at school but that she also has to deal with it at home. it also shows why she went off on everybody, she couldn’t get an escape from the comments.

Anjel Vela said...

An important event I found was when Reina was talking to Dom and said that he wanted to do faceless video chatting. This is a perfect example of people changing their comfortability level for the people that they like or have a relationship with. Reina felt that it was weird to do d]faceless video call but she did it anyways.

Anonymous said...

A moment I found most significant in this story is when Raina suggests to Dom that they transition back to how they used to video chat. On page 124, Dom replied, "I just think it might change things, like, too much...I like things the way they are now." Dom is supposedly Raina's boyfriend and yet he has little to no interest in actually seeing her face anymore or focusing on any other aspect in her life other than her content (that only shows her chest on camera). He brushes her off whenever she talks about anything other than her youtube. To me, this is adding onto, and is a result of, Raina's self-esteem issues. Raina is unable to recognize how foul Dom's behavior is towards her because she is not fully confident in herself. While her videos attract rude and nasty comments, they also attract strangers that find her appealing. The videos are just a coping mechanism because she is not very fond of her reality- the school she goes to and how she gets singled out because of her looks. The very things that she is insecure about in real life, she uses them to her advantage over the internet.


- Jaisha Sims

Erin Myers said...

Mackenzie L.:

Page 126, Second paragraph

When the mother was asking Raina if she sis anything to intice the grouping done by Kevin it made me angry. This is something I feel alot of young black girls go through this. We are taught at a very young age to hide our bodies because of the men around us, to change our cloths if uncle pedophile was coming over. I once was punished for being catcalled like I had any control over it. Things like that lead to people asking " well what were you wearing " when talking to a rape victim.

Erin Myers said...

Kizito N.:

When reading “Heads of the Colored People: Whispers to a Scream”, a scene I found significant to the story would be on page 122 when Raina talks about her level of safety in school, and how she feels very vulnerable and exposed at Dorsey. Raina also mentions how her mother disregards her concern at school and concentrates more on other people’s perception of Raina. This is a very interesting anecdote because it shows how sometimes parents can’t relate to the perspective of their child which makes it difficult for them to accurately assess problems going on in their children’s lives. Raina’s mother doesn’t realize that her pursuit at a resolution is doing more harm to her daughter’s life than good. Whether it is an act of miscommunication or an act of blatant disregard, there won’t be any progress of conflict resolution until there is a consensual understanding.

Erin Myers said...

Sandy S.:
The most significant thing I found in the short story was that she can't escape being picked on because her mother makes fun of her weight and when she's trying to make ASMR videos which is something she loves and enjoys she gets harassed while doing that as well.

Omari Riley said...

A scene that I felt was important to me was on page 133 when Reina made a video talking about her personal issues she struggles with. She talks about how she's tired of people walking all over her and goes on about how others think of her. It really shows that people do not know deep how effects of bullying are. Reina kept everything in and then let it out on camera but never posted it. I think it was a moment for her to show that she does have a voice

Unknown said...

What I found interesting is that she relied on other people's advice on what she should wear and other such things for her own YouTube channel. She is in contact with Dom because he gives her advice about how to “better her channel” and get more views. But he wants to have a faceless conversation feels as if he is not being sincere about what he says. (135) – Meikiyia R.

Chris Rhodes said...

One fascinating or important moment in this story that stuck out to me was on page 122. When Raina was explaining how she felt stereotyped, objectified, and unsafe by her friends and the students at Dorsey during the lecture. Why I found this to be one of the most interesting or significant parts of this short story because even through all the hate and adversity, Raina continues to make YouTube videos. It's just a reminder to not allow people to ruin your passion.
- Chris Rhodes.

Erin Myers said...

Cicily L.:

An important moment that happened is when the main character Carmen is given some clothes that aren’t her size from her mother.(page132), this is important because she’s gets enough hate online and for her mother to do that to her on purpose is really unsettling. This is showing that Carmen gets hate no matter what.

dorien phillips said...

an important moment in the reading for me is page 132 where she recieves hate online and getting big clothes from her mother making it seem like she gets hated on no matter what

dorien phillips

Janelle said...

What was important to me was on page 133 she was finally ready to talk about her feelings for a change and let people know the real her but then in the midst of her debating if she wanted to post the video or not she quickly deleted everything and decided to settle for less instead of embracing who she really is. That really stood out to me because it seems to me that she still feels unheard even when she does express her feelings to her mother and friends and why would she get a different response from the internet if the people she's close to doesn’t even care.

Erin Myers said...

Raven S.:

A scene I found important was on page 126 where Raina talks about the time, she told her school as well as her mother about the incident with Kevin. Kevin had made a lie telling everyone Rania had flashed her breast towards him when he had tried to touch them and she pushed him away. When she told her mother, her mother asked if she did anything to make him do that. Her response was shocking. After her daughter did nothing to deserve those actions. This made Raina release her anger to everyone who made her life difficult.Stuff like this happens in today’s world; where women are often blamed for the attention that men give and then blamed when it’s not liked.

Unknown said...

India Phillips
Raina is posting ASMR videos on youtube and she's getting a lot of black lash in the comments about her size. people are talking about her size when her videos just consist of her doing what she loves.Eventually Raina speaks up for herself and says she doesn't care what anybody has to say about her.

-India Phillips

Unknown said...

-Jonah WOlfe
AN important event that happens was in page 126 in which Raina accuses Kevin of touching her inappropriately and when he was pushed he had told everyone that she was a slut that showed him her boobs. This is important as many times woman are not listened too when sexually assaulted and often times they are attacked and victim blamed by others just like how it is mention in page 126 when Raina's own mother asks her if she had done anything to make him think he could touch you.

Erin Myers said...

Devin W.:

3 things I wanted to comment on about this part of the story. 1) I think it was very important that Raina stood up for herself. 2) I found it very disrespectful when the boy said “he would cut off Raina's breasts. If you say stuff like that, you are just a sick individual. 3) I feel like the person that Raina met online is fake because that person has no desire to want to meet her.

Erin Myers said...

Leroy P.:

A scene I found significant is the part in the story when Raina finally stood up for herself. she went
into detail about trying to please people and putting others needs before hers that really struck me
because it happens everyday, all the time around us. I like and found all those things interesting
because I like when people finally stick up for themselves and tell somebody off, who deserves it.

Rashad Pipkins said...

Something that I found important in this story is when the mother got Rein the wrong size clothes, and tried to make up for it. This is important because it is a representation of how some parents in black households sometimes don't really know their child.

Erin Myers said...

Taniah P.:

An important event was when Reina was talking to Dom, that he wanted to do faceless video chatting. This was important to me because Reina was agreeing to do faceless chatting even though she felt weird about it. In my opinion I wouldn’t do faceless chats because innocent that someone is hiding something from. They could be catfish in you or they’re not so much ready to see what you look like. Meeting someone that doesn’t want to see your face is it very skeptical and very questionable.

Erin Myers said...

Kaylin P.:

I think an important moment that was featured in this story was on page 126, when the author recaps on the situation that started the constant harassment her classmate Kevin does to her. In the story, her and Kevin started as friends but that became no more when in 6th grade he touched her inappropriately and when she disregarded him and felt uncomfortable, he spread the rumor that was was a “slut who had flashed him her boobs” (Thompson-Spires pg 126). As specific as this conflict was, this happens all the time in real life. Most women get sexually harrassed and no one believes them when they try to tell the truth or confront someone about this traumatic experience. This flashback sheds light on how often this happens in society today and how this is a huge problem. This is why it is very significant.

Erin Myers said...

Jaden M.:

Page 128/129 has an important part to play with the story. Carmen, Reina’s mother, went shopping earlier that day and got some clothes for Reina but in a size 10/12. This upsets Reina because she knows that her mom knows she’s a 14 but she tries to give her those clothes to get her to lose some more weight. This is significant to earlier in the story with Kevin and the 2 other kids bullying Reina. They have made comments when they were younger about Reina being on the chubby side and being big breasted/having a big butt and they use that to bully her.

Erin Myers said...

Emyia K.:

The part in the story that I found most interesting was when Raina finally stood up for herself. Page 133-134 when she went into detail about trying to please people and putting others needs before hers that really struck me. I found all those things interesting because I like when people finally stick up for themselves and tell somebody off, who deserves it.

tyra OLIVER said...

what i feel like when raina and dom was talking was a good part. raina was feeling weird to see his face. page 135.

tyra oliver

Gerald Quincy Powell said...

A very important part of the book that I found interesting was in the page 133-134 part of the book. I felt like I could relate when she said she has her days where she feels she looks good , and other days she feels like she doesn't really. I thought it was interesting for the approach she took towards the situation with the questioning if she should post it. This part of the book shows how relieving getting your anger out can be.

Gerald Powell

Erin Myers said...

Sarah R.:

An important scene that I found on pages 133-134 was where Raina has finally released her anger towards everyone who made her life difficult. The moment she finally said her peace, she loved showed up, as if they actually care about her. The book illustrates how important it is to seek help.

Erin Myers said...

Theon'Janae P.:

One of the most interesting moments in this story was the moment when Raina's mother Carmen knowingly bought Raina a size 12 when she knows that Raina is a size fourteen, and continues to say that Raina has a few weeks to wear it, hinting that Raina should lose weight in that time to be able to fit into the clothes. I found this moment important because it really showcased how Raina was not only judged at school but also at home

Erin Myers said...

Zaria W.:

In Whisper to a Scream (Pg. 129), Raina and Carmen have a dialogue about the clothes that Carmen bought for Raina, which were too small, in which Raina states, “I’m a fourteen. You know that.” And Carmen replies, “Yes, but you have two weeks… they’re all twelves. At least look at them. I spent an hour of my day looking for pieces that would be flattering.” I thought that this scene was particularly important because it highlights Carmen’s emotionally abusive tendencies. I believe that this is an important factor in understanding Raina. Throughout the story, it is conveyed that Carmen says a lot of things to invalidate Raina’s experiences, but it’s conveyed so subtly, you almost wonder if what Carmen is saying to Raina is really that bad. This, however, is one of the clear or blatant examples that conveys that Raina has been emotionally neglected and manipulated by her mother. Instances in the story like this, along with her relationships with her father, Dom, and her feelings toward school help me to understand her actions in the story, such as why she lets Dom control their relationship, or why she doesn’t feel comfortable being emotionally vulnerable with either of her parents.

Erin Myers said...

Jordyn P.:

Every aspect of Raina’s life seems to be a persona that she has to fake for the happinessof others. She is continually doing things that other want her to do, all while she is strugglingwith her own identity. From her parents, to her viewers, to her bullies at school, there is nosafespace that Raina feels she can go to feel herself.

Erin Myers said...

Sophina K.:

The most important moment to me is when the story mentions on page 126 about how Kevin wasn’t always a jerk and as soon as he got to sixth grade, he started being mean to a lot of other girls and talking about their big boobs. Kevin had also spread a rumor about Raina being a slut. The reason I found it interesting because I can relate to her situation.

Erin Myers said...

Jimmiela P.:

On page 126 I found Raina's mother saying, "Did you do anything to make him think he could touch you like that" interesting. I say that because as a mother I feel like if your daughter comes to you about a man potentially sexually harassing or molesting her, that the last thing you should do is make her feel as if it was her fault. In that situation I feel like it should have been handled differently making it very significant in the story for me.

Erin Myers said...

Zoriah M.:

On Page 131, a significant event in the story occurred when Reina's mother realized she had made a mistake and began to try to make amends. Parents don't always understand that we're impressionable as teenagers, which means their words and actions stick with us like glue even in our minds, and it's difficult to have someone you care about think negatively of you at that age.