| The Kool-Aid
Wino Summary By Gretchen Walker This story is about a large poor family. Within the family, everyone contributes to the family income except for one boy and the very young children. The boy cannot work because he is ruptured and the family cannot afford a truss. Instead of working, the child stays at home and becomes a Kool -Aid wino along with having specified housework. I believe this child has a negative character because of his lack of contribution to the family income, his selfishness and irresponsibility. There is a specific ritual involved in obtaining and preparing the Kool-Aid. It takes quite a bit of energy to walk six blocks, but to walk six blocks through thick grass will take even more. I know it is a difficult thing, having just had knee surgery on both knees. It is very difficult for me to walk that kind of a distance, yet I can still maintain a paying job. Since this child is able to walk through this thick grass as well as lift and shake a one-gallon jar filled with fluid, then he can do small odd jobs for income. He could deliver small packages to local places or even deliver food for a food establishment with the assistance of a wagon. The child's mother feels he is well enough to give him housework. Since she feels it is okay for him to do that, then he could make money washing dishes or doing light cleaning duties for other people or businesses for a small income. Some people may argue that this child doesn't need to be at work with his illness or that his obsession with Kool-Aid is a good thing because it takes his mind off of his illness. Having a job to bring in money would help both issues. He would bring in money to help the family and help to buy a tuss as well as keeping his rnind focussed on a job instead of his illness. There is also a bonus to him working. He would accomplish something that he can be proud of, hence building his self-esteem. I believe that the boy is selfish because upon completion of his organized preparation of the Kool-Aid, he did not offer any to his friend. Furthermore, instead of using the nickel to help buy a truss or help the family, he used it on himself. Yes, I agree with the opposing side of this argument, we should all do things for ourselves. However, in a poor fmiily, there are many things you can do that cost nothing. Such things as going by yourself and playing make believe, reading, or getting some exercise, and maybe even writing or drawing. He used his imagination in making the Kool-Aid, he should use his imagination on things that cost nothing. I also feel that this child is irresponsible because instead of helping at home, he had to do something for himself first. He walked right over his siblings that needed their diapers changed. Knowing that he is physically able to lift that gallon jar of fluid, he certainly should be able to help change a diaper and then throw it away. His mother had asked, in a very sickly voice, to do the dishes. He was so concerned with his own self-gratification that he put off doing the dishes. Others may say that he had no business changing diapers, because of how unsanitary it is, inferring that it could cause infection when combined with his illness. Let me tell you about the power of washing hands. My entire family was sick for about twelve days with high fever and vomiting. Due to my frequent hand washing, I didn't get the illness. Quite simply, all the boy needed to do was wash his hands after helping. This child
exhibited some very negative qualities, therefore,
expressing his negative character. In my opinion, since
he was not working for money, when an opportunity
presented itself, he should have contributed to the
family. Such as his friend giving him the nickel. There
are plenty of escapes from reality that cost nothing. He
did not need to spend the money on the Kool-Aid, when the
family unit really needed it. Back
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