In “We Real Cool,” the speakers make choices that seem exciting, bold, and rebellious, even though those choices lead to consequences. Write about a moment in your own life when you followed what looked cool or fun, only to realize afterwards that it wasn’t the smart or responsible path. What influenced your decision, and how did your perspective change later?

Prompt: In “We Real Cool,” the speakers make choices that seem exciting, bold, and rebellious, even though those choices lead to consequences. Write about a moment in your own life when you followed what looked cool or fun, only to realize afterwards that it wasn’t the smart or responsible path. What influenced your decision, and how did your perspective change later?

Prompt Response: One moment in which I followed what was "cool" at the time was in elementary school. During this one particular phase, many of my peers were beginning to learn and use swear words when adults wren't in the room. In my juvenile mind, most of the swears I "learned" didn't feel like real words, which left me skeptical of those who taught me them. Regardless, I too began to use some of the words, albeit much less discretely. One day at home I accidentally said one right when my mom was outside my room and unfortunately she came in and scolded me. I was grounded for a few days after that which I remember to be quite unfun. All in all, this taught me that not all knowledge is good knowledge and just because others are doing things doesn't mean you have to join in to be accepted.

Summary: Today we annotated and discussed the poem "We Real Cool" in class.

Reflection: I felt the poem was very impactful and powerful. I believe it captures the dramatic effects of children trying to grow up too quickly, and puts the consequences in blatant terms.