Free Sample Essays > Film and TV
Zooman and the Sign
is upset about her parents, she acts out to get attention; and because of Jinny’s behavior, her mother sends her outside, not knowing the danger, and she is killed.
Fuller’s creation of the Tate family is an excellent portrayal of family life. Most parents do not give their children the “benefit-of-the-doubt” and assume they know nothing about what is going on in the home. This play presents that children know more than their parents think they do; and many times children get upset, as Jinny did, about their parents’ problems and misbehave. This “attention getter” causes chaos because the children do not know how to express themselves properly. It also shows the sibling relationship of Victor and Jinny. Even though they fought, Jinny and Victor shared a close connection before her death.
This portrayal is significant to black life or life in general, because parents need to be aware of the surroundings or house where they raise their children. Fuller’s presentation, as a whole, is well made and described wonderfully. Individuals who may watch this play should be touched in some way. Each character and the message given, is for black communities to learn how to Love more or incorporate communication; so that our children will become young adults and be able to live harmoniously in this world.
The community in this particular play illustrates the closeness, yet distance of neighbors. If Reuben had not placed the sign up, would he have gotten any results? No. The society in which we live has become as stagnant as dishwater. “It takes a village to raise a family,” is statement used in many black communities, but as you can see, the “village” is no longer around. Many people keep to themselves in order to avoid havoc, but some times, as in Zooman and the Sign, silence is the worst murderer.
Zooman and the Sign deserves three (3) stars. After reading this play, one can feel the emotions of each character, but after seeing the play, one should be able to understand and feel the emotions. This play was written well and a performance on Florida A & M University’s campus should be done. Many young adults on campus would be able to relate to the story and in some way might be inspired to make a change. It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and this play could be that spark to start a fire of better community involvement and outreach programs for African-American youth.