[Haley Reading Groups Spring 2022]
By now, we're seeing that Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah is a really inventive, far out thinker who takes tidbits from current events and our contemporary society and stretches those ideas to some really dreadful conclusions in a near or distant future.Along those lines, Adjei-Brenyah's "Zimmer Land" showcases an amusement park where patrons role play in environments where they ultimately shoot (with fake bullets) people who they view as threats. The protagonist of the story is a black man. He is the most popular target of park visitors who are interested in acting out situations where they kill an alleged threatening or confrontational black man.
Adjei-Brenyah's work isn't classified as horror fiction, but the implications of some of the stories are scary.
Here are two questions:
1.) After reading the story, what's one good question that you would be inclined to ask Adjei-Brenyah about his approach to storytelling in "Zimmer Land" or about how his mind as a creative artist works in general? (Respond with just one sentence)
2.) Why are you interested in that question, or what good or useful response do you think your question would prompt? (Respond with just one sentence)
73 comments:
Did the author name Zimmer Land after George Zimmerman, the man who shot and killed Trayvon Martin? This leads me to believe that he adds a lot of current events and elements to his writing, which I think makes it more realistic and relatable.
-Carah F.
After reading "Zimmer land," I would want to know if personal experience is Adjei-Brenyah's inspiration that guided the story or if media helps generate his creative mind. I am interested in this question as the story is very unique and creative that it made me wonder the inspiration behind it, if any.
Samantha A.
What experiences or personal conflicts have helped influence the author's writing? I'm interested to know this because a lot of his stories have a sense of realistic horror to them and can be relatable to current concepts we face now.
McKenna C.
I would ask Adjei-Brenyah what’s the backstory that made him write about an amusement park that was influenced by racial events? I’m interested in the backstory because I want to know how he produced this idea like, was he watching the news about all the blacks getting killed and thought sarcastically; they need an amusement park to stop their urge to kill.
My question after reading would be "What role does civilian policing serve in society?" It seems that Zimmer land is just a place where people come to pretend to be heros in the most discriminatory way.
Linda H.
1. What made you think to create Zimmer Land to be a good place for people to release their inner racism?
2.I’m interested in this question because Zimmer Land promotes racism, yet racism is profitable. It make sense that it should be their cash cow, but why was Isaiah so in denial about what it was promoting?
Alexis H.
While reading this chapter, my first question was "How is this theme park legally allowed to operate?" Its objective and daily operations seem to deliberately promote racism and false narratives. I ask this especially due to the fact that kids are allowed the witness these disgusting acts.
Zion C.
What made you want to story tell real-life sensitive events into a racist game? I think my question would prompt a response along the lines of him bringing awareness to issues black people have to continuously face from racist individuals.
While reading this chapter, my first question was "How is this theme park legally allowed to operate?" Its objective and daily operations seem to deliberately promote racism and false narratives. I ask this especially due to the fact that kids are allowed the witness these disgusting acts.
Zion C.
After reading this story, I would ask Adjei-Brenyah, what made you want to also include the main characters struggle with love, on top of dealing with racism. I am interested in this question because I wanted to know if the author was trying to bring some type of light/distraction (as in not working for Zimmer Land) to the traumatic the story.
- Alexis S.
I would ask Adjei-Brenyah what he has been through that prompted him to write this story. I would like to know this because the imagery and pain he conveys in this story is haunting.
How much of the events today, influenced this story?
I ask this question because it’s very identical of the events that we see taking place. When the first patron thought he hurt the young black man, he states that he tired right kill him. When we know that isn’t the truth. But that is the narrative that we see pushed today. People excuse murder with “fear for their lives” and “they had a gun.” We see a lot of these themes, in Zimmer Land
-Breana Buford
I am also curious as to what the basis to Zimmer Land is and how this is healthy for society. I know the mission said it helps problem-solving, but I think it would be helpful to know why Zimmer Land was a good option over other possibilities.
-Kayla P.
My question would be: Have you ever experienced anything similar to what you tell in your stories that influenced you to write in this manner?
I am interested to know because when people go through traumatizing things, writing it can be a way of coping and sharing with the world.
I would ask how did his experience in Zimmer Land make him a better creative artist? I am interest in this question, because there seems to be a lot going on in Zimmer Land. In this fantasy game what are they fighting for, and what is the ultimate goal of this experience? The story tells about the mission of Zimmerland, but what does that have to do with him being the creative artist he is today?
I would ask what inspired Zimmer Land? I want to know what is the background story behind this and is it due to current events.
Tamia Flowers
My question would be "What made you come up with a story that relates to what is going on in today's time?" I would ask this because I believe that his imagery and imagination came from situations that have happened in relation to racism. People are impacted by these events in different ways, his reaction could have been story-telling.
One question I would have for Adjei-Brenyah is if there were any past experiences, specifically racism, that influenced his writing for this story. Many writers tend to have their stories be inspired by events they have experienced themselves or events they currently see happening in the world.
One good question that I would be inclined to ask Adjei-Brenyah about his approach to storytelling is how did he get to be so creative and does he think that the current social climate of black men being killed in the media has influenced his writing? I would ask this question because I think it's interesting that the writer was able to use current issues to create an insightful and interesting story.
Kiarra Chark
I would like to ask him if he would ever consider writing a full book in a similar style to the short stories in this book.
He's a great writer, The only issue with his writing is his characters. Since these stories are so short, you don't really get invested in the characters themselves, you just relate to the actions and feelings happening around the characters. So I would like a full book similar to the Finklestein 5 where the author can really flesh out his characters.
-Daniel Allison
My question would be "How would an amusement park with the purpose of relieving racist desires in this manor effect people actions toward POC?" I feel like getting a "taste" of acting out racially motivated violence then getting away with it would encourage people to do it in real life.
Kahleea W
I would ask, what does the nature of the bigotry that the executives displayed in "Zimmer Land" say about the current state of racial affairs? I would ask this question because it seems to me that Adjei-Brenyah's was trying to show just how discrete and neutral toned bigotry has become today.
-Walter Carroll
The question that I would ask the author is how can the author take such a serious topic and add such a whimsical flair to it? I would ask this because I would like to know how the author decided to merge a race topic with the idea of a amusement park.
Ebonie Byrd
The commentary about people taking justice in their own hands and calling it Zimmer Land was very profound. I would ask, what audience he thinks most needs to hear the message of the story.
-Will A.
A question I would ask him is, if he had ever been through or experienced violent racial discrimination to produce such a story?
I ask this question because, if so, this story is a type of solution to stop violence racial discrimination, in a way. Instead of real world murderings of minorities or other forms of discrimination, it is carried out in a sort of simulation, where no one is hurt physically, but surely mentally. - Taiye Joseph
I would ask him if he wrote this story because of a specific time when a black man was targeted because he was deemed a threat, or if the influence behind the story comes from a more general compilation of how society tends to view black men as threats? I am interested in this question because it seems like he wrote this story to shed light on the harm that can come from stereotypes and show how black people are targeted based on these stereotypes, it would be interesting to learn about the actual inspiration behind the story.
After reading his story I would want to ask if there is any relation between the story and his own past experience. something like a deeper story to this? This is because of the creativity used and the well-formed storyline.
Elizabeth Kyande
I would like to ask Adjei-Brenyah if he views referencing historical events in his fictional writing as a sort of coping mechanism? Specifically tragic cases like Trayvon Martin’s which it seems the story was loosely based on. I’m interested in this question because as a reader, reading this story almost helped to make sense of these senseless situations that keep taking place in our country. Zimmer Land gave a step-by-step simulation of how these hate crimes take place, and an accurate one at that.
-Chai Curry
I would ask about the significance of Doug being a black man. During the meeting it was mostly Doug that was doing all of the talking as well as dismissing Issiah's concerns; I'm interested in Adjei-Brenyah's purpose/message behind this.
-Jacqueline Smith
I would ask what inspired Zimmer Land? I am interest in this question, because there seems to be a lot going on in Zimmer Land. In this fantasy game what are they fighting for, and what is the ultimate goal of this experience?
After seeing the name “Zimmer Land” is there supposed to be a connection with what happened some years ago? I can see how he adds current events in his stories and what is going on in the world as we speak. He is bringing awareness and speaking about what is happening to us.
Do you write the plot first or consider how you want your readers to feel first? I'm interested because once I realized what the plot was I was expecting to only be intrigued, but instead, I was uncomfortable.
A question I would like to ask Adjei-Brenyah is, "Where do you draw your inspiration from (both from fictional pieces and real-wworld experiences) when writing these stories?". I am interested in this question because this novel, especially the chapter "Zimmer Land" really reminds me of a TV series Black Mirror, and I wonder if he draws his inspiration from the show to see if both pieces have the same goal of portraying the horrors that exist in our society today in a more meaningful and analytical way.
After reading this story I would ask Adjei-Brenyah if there were any other events specifically that contributed to him being inspired to write this story besides the George Zimmerman case which is obviously contributed. I would guess this question would prompt Adjei-Brenyah to give insight into the harsh social climate that many minorities have to navigate and spark an interesting conversation about the frustrations that he may have developed over the course of recent history.
I would ask where did the inspiration come from for Zimmer Land? At first I thought the title was a connection to the George Zimmerman case involving Trayvon Martin, so I would like to know if this inspired the Zimmer Land chapter of our book.
1. Did you pick the theme of amusement parks do the racial history behind places like these such as human zoos?
2. I am interested in this question because during the time of human zoos and amusements parks visiting these places for white people was just another casual fun outing, whereas the black people that were kept at these places were not only locked up because they were viewed as a threat towards white people, but their features were on display for the amusement of white people
Tiana J
I think the question I would ask what reaction does Adjei-Brenyah's expect regarding this story, namely from black men? I want to ask this question because I wonder if he wants black men to be upset or fearful towards the premise, or does he want a different conclusion to be found within the material.
Does black man being the most famous attraction symbolizes police brutality?
I believe the question prompts the idea that police criminalize or judge the threat based on skin color.
Damilola Adebisi
1. A question I would ask the author is what inspires you to write stories like this and what intentions do the author want his audience to have about his stories?
2. Why I asked these questions is because the stories the author writes are always very interesting and peculiar too. At the same time it seems like it has a deeper meaning the author wants us to understand. I think it would be quit interesting to know the author process to writing some of his short stories.
My question would be why is this storyline signifcant to you to entail in the book?
I am interested in this question because the Trayvon Martin case was one of the first major cases I was exposed to while growing up.
- Lexis L.
I would be inclined to ask about how he created the metaphorical amusement park and decided to name it "Zimmer Land". It's definitely giving creative genius. I am also inclined to know the experiences that he has had in his own life. I am interested in these questions because I feel like authors/artist who birth the most creative and intriguing work don't just magically come up with it. In some way it must relate to his past or current experiences. I want to know where he was at mentally in order to create this vision.
Jamie Tabron
My question to him would simply be what inspired you to write a story like this and what message were you trying to get to your audience if any ? I came up with these questions because the story was very detailed almost as if to make me think he had some type of personal connection and i'm curious in regard to it.
I would ask if he believes that Zimmer Land would do more good to our society than harm? It isn't farfetched for someone to think that a racist person would translate their Zimmer Land activities into their daily life and enact that same harm upon an innocent person.
1) After reading Zimmerland, I'd be inclined to ask the author what current institutions he thinks are present that enable people to freely speak/ act out on their racism.
2) I'm interested in asking this because I'd hope that he could draw a parallel to some of the therapies that are currently offered where people get to speak on their most private and dangerous thoughts with no repercussions.
Josephine Kanyi
I would ask Adjei-Brenyah about the rules prompted for "Zimmer Land's Mission. particulary the first two rules. Im interested in asking this question becasue I feel the park goes against what people should be learning about towards this relevent problem in society. Its clear that everyon is going completely against the rules. People are displaying their racism and learning nothing about themselves are what is "Right" or "Equitable".
-Chelsea Cooper
I would ask Nana Kwame what her childhood look like? I chose this question because I believe that his personal experience may have influence his writing, which appears to be very creative to me.
- Geonel M.
After reading his work I would ask Adjei-Brenyah what inspired Zimmer Land. Could it be a direct relation or reference to the trials of George Zimmerman after Trayvon Martin was killed? Overall I guess how many real world true stories influenced the authors fictional creation. I would ask this question because whenever an author names or places references about an actual event in fictional stories, it is there for great significance. And, calls the audience to do the necessary background research to find the truth behind such stories.
I would ask why did you only involve the kid at the end of the story and what was the reasoning for him standing behind his dad? I’m interested in this because I know kids are usually vulnerable at a young age and I wonder if this would scar him or lead him to believe in stereotypes or just both.
-Tiffany Ellison
My question is " how would Zimmerland play out in the real world today?" In thinking about this question, I realize that there are some real-life examples such as the police and prisons system targeting black men in similar ways as the story and in history with the sundown states and Tulsa massacre.
- Dasmin W.
1. Is this something that he has experienced firsthand to some extent?
2. The world although advertised as safe for most, still has sick individuals to this day who will do that in front of someone's face as if it is a joke, and I could understand how using it in a story would allow it to be talked about more often because it isn't okay.
-Brooke Harris
1. I would ask him 'What current events inspired him to write such a story?
2. I believe this question would give more of an incite into how he feel personally about the current system in place to that enable to do such things.
The question that I would ask is: "What was your thought process and/or inspiration for creating 'Zimmer Land'?"
What raised this question is the fact. that "Zimmer Land" sounds very close to the name of George Zimmerman who killed Trevon Martin with racial motive and "Zimmer Land" is a place dedicated to racism.
I would ask him if he created this park following closely to real-life events. I'm curious about this because when reading this story, I am immediately reminded of the scenario that resulted in the murder of Trayvon Martin, and the title of the chapter, "Zimmer Land," is similar to the man who committed the murder, George Zimmerman.
1. Is this story influenced by real world events?
2. I can see how this story would be influenced by real world events where an innocent black man is killed like for example the death of Trevon Martin or even Ahmaud Arbery.
-Richard Haley
The question I would like to ask Adjei-Brenyah about his approach to storytelling in "Zimmer Land" is what real life experiences he has that influenced the story. I'm interested in this question because the imagery and how well the story was told.
Fatima Bashir
I'd ask him why is the way you went about writing the story significant to what you may have experienced in real life. I'm interested in this because even though this story was a fiction, it would seem to be like this fiction is based on real-time events, whether they happened in the past, is happening in the present or will happen in the future.
1. Was the inspiration for “Zimmer land” based on real events or is this based on his experiences as a black man in America?
2. I’m curious about this because it would explain his thought process behind creating such a detailed story.
The question that arises for me is:
"Did capitalism's profiting off of racism inspire Zimmer Land?"
Capitalism's exploitative and racist roots has created the system we see today in America, which profits heavily off of systemically oppressing people.
- I'Lysa Walker
Ashanti Y.:
After reading "Zimmer Land" I couldn't help but notice the similarity in Zimmer Land and Zimmerman which makes me wondering if that's where the inspiration came from. So my question would be is there any connection to that?
My question would be what is the outcome of having an amusement park like "Zimmer Land". Does it make people more inclined to act that way in the real world. Or is it a way for people to "get it out of their system" (like the man who would always come to kill Isaiah).
-Darius C.
A question I would ask the author is what made you come up with the concept of the story? I ask that because the events that happens in this story relates to real life events that happen in todays world, but he goes so deep into it that it feels like something he personally went through.
A question I would have for the author is why did he decide to narrate this story in a video game like manner? I feel like a potential response could be that he wanted to make a connection between the events that take place when this happens in real life. When something serious happens like an innocent black man getting murdered, often times the actions from individuals involved are video game like and should never happen in real life.
-Ehriana C
My question would be, What led you to choose zimmer land to be an amusement park rather than other options? This questions interests me because it will show how intersect-able aspects of our life can be, even the ones we rarely think about.
Torian H
I would inquire if he was attempting to depict how he felt about the senseless killing of Black people in America, as it could be argued that some take America as a playground to just kill Black people based on an alleged imposing threat. I'm interested in this question because I think it would give insight to the author's intent, as well as spotlight the realities of our world.
Jania G.:
One question I would ask is if this story was based on a certain event that has happened. I am interested in this question because I am curious to find out if the story was based on the shooting of Travon Martin or an accumulation of events.
Meghan N.:
1.) After reading the story, what's one good question that you would be inclined to ask Adjei-Brenyah about his approach to storytelling in "Zimmer Land" or about how his mind as a creative artist works in general? (Respond with just one sentence)
The question I would be inclined to ask Adjei-Brenyah refers to what experiences helped shape the title of "Zimmer Land" ?
2.) Why are you interested in that question, or what good or useful response do you think your question would prompt? (Respond with just one sentence)
I am interested in that question, because as a content creator myself, we are inspired to tell what we have expericned and translate them into stories.
My question after reading this story would be why is the amusement park is name Zimmer land? The concept of this place was demeaning and celebrated a man who killed an innocent young black kid. The author in my opinion to me chose this name maybe to show how senseless killing are a attraction or game to a few.
I see the many similarities to what happens in America, the story could have been inspired by Travon Martin or the incidents that have between police and the communities of color. The question I would ask the author is what was the meaning behind the story and what impact was he wanting the readers to left with ?
After reading this story, many questions personally came up for me, because I feel like a lot of things were included and referred to and had deeper meaning than just the surface level understanding of it. I'd want to ask about the writer feeling the need to include the concept of "selling your soul", I think this was really significant, but I'd want to know what personal reasons writer, Adjei-Brenyah had for referring to it like they did. The line, "People say, "sell your soul" like its easy. But your soul is yours and it's not for sale. Even if you try, it'll still be there, waiting for you to remember it (pg. 100-101)". I feel like this was haunting to read, and so significant and powerful for setting the tone of Zimmerland and the Black people that work to be the targets of it. And honestly, I feel that there could be many ways to interpret these lines. Personally, I feel that it was included for symbolism purposes, to provide us with more insight and perspective on the loss of Black lives being taken away within the Black community. Also, we often get used as essential models in America, and our rights and humanity, however, doesn't always get viewed as essential like the ideas and creations that come from us do. In other words, our creations and ideas that we bring, our spirits that exists within them, represent our souls, and they are not for profit or for sale, because they represent us and our history. But I'd want to know how the writer intended for us to take this line as readers.
After reading the story, one thing i would definitely ask AdejeiBrenyah how she got her inspiration for the story. Was the story based on her personal experiences . So was this theme park the best idea? How would it affect society. This is important because it helps give insight on personal experiences and how they affect us, our lives, and perspectives.
Rotrisha Epps
Kai S.:
1.) After reading the story, what's one good question that you would be inclined to ask Adjei-Brenyah about his approach to storytelling in "Zimmer Land" or about how his mind as a creative artist works in general? (Respond with just one sentence)
I would ask how he intends for his work to affect people.
2.) Why are you interested in that question, or what good or useful response do you think your question would prompt? (Respond with just one sentence)
I'm wondering if he had an intention while writing this work, or if the themes became clear after.
Good question that I would be inclined to ask Adjei-Brenyah about his approach to storytelling in "Zimmer Land" or about how his mind as a creative artist works in general is experiences or personal disagreement have helped control the author's writing? I'm interested to know this because a lot of his stories have a recognize and accept the true nature of a situation and try to deal with it in a practical way horror to them and can be relatable to current concepts we face now.
Alex C.:
What I would ask the author is if these stories are based on real events or if these are just stories he has made up.
I’m interested in this question because it’s interesting to learn about past events in history. So if the stories are based off of real life events it allows the reader to feel more attached to the story.
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