I Will Always Write Back

Despite the cost of taking photographs, Martin decides that it is important to send photographs to Caitlin of the entire family wearing Caitlin’s gifts as an expression of their gratitude. Martin also wants to send these photographs for a second reason, which is to show the reality of his family’s poverty through images. While he can explain his poverty through words, images provoke a more visceral response for someone who may not have immediate context for his circumstances. One of the most pivotal images for Martin is the sight of utensils under the family bed. In an accompanying message, Martin explains to Caitlin that the location of the utensils is where he and his siblings sleep at night. The description, along with the image, translates the severity of Martin’s level of poverty for Caitlin, who has the privilege of sleeping in her own bed and has a kitchen for her and her family’s utensils. As Martin anticipates, this image and accompanying description resonates with Caitlin.

Caitlin continues to challenge her own perceptions about racial and cultural difference. However, she experiences a set of mishaps through her attempts. In her brief participation in the African American Awareness Club, she exhibits a lack of awareness of how uncomfortable it might be for two white teenagers to join a space reserved for African American students. She is put off by the club’s message, which explicitly indicts white people as a group that has marginalized African Americans. Rather than sympathize with their views, Caitlin expresses confusion at their message about oppression. Her attitude is an expression of racial blindness: the belief that racial and ethnic differences are insignificant and don’t have an impact on one’s treatment in society. While her intention is based upon a belief in shared connection, her dismissal of the African American students’ critical message shows that there are still substantive factors of racial and ethnic differences that she has yet to understand.