Toni Cade Bambara's "The Lesson" and Economic Justice for the Holidays

Instructor: Andrews | Wednesday December 21 | 7:30-9:00 PM ET | ONLINE

As the holidays approach, and many get excited about presents and cheer, we start to again see reminders–in the form of think-pieces and social media posts–that for some kids, the myth of Santa Claus may lead to a painful awareness of economic inequality that they conflate with their self-worth. Toni Cade Bambara’s 1972 short story, “The Lesson,” tells the story of a group of young kids from Harlem taken by a well-meaning neighbor to FAO Schwartz, a high-end toy store in Manhattan–where they suddenly realize that other kids get presents that cost more than the rents of the apartments they live in. Exploring both the intense pain as well as the anger and political realization that emerge from coming face-to-face with the experience of economic injustice, Bambara’s story serves as the perfect launching point for discussing the ongoing realities of economic injustice, how it can affect our holidays, and what lessons we can learn from literature. We ask that you read the short story (~5 pages) or listen to it (~15 minutes) in advance. The discussion will include a brief explanation of economic justice, and a chance to share our own experience, in addition to a guided analysis of the story.

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