Name: Jordan Rodriguez

Professor Orwig

English 110

Date: 2/26/2024

The text “Heavy” by Kiese Laymon is designed in order to appeal to its intended audience using personal narrative and how it relates with them emotionally. It delves into Kiese’s experiences growing up and how he dealt with racism and racial identity, as well as self image. This expert talks about the expectations that people have for him since his mother is a writer, and so he is expected to be a really good writer too. His coach also has high expectations for him. He criticizes his weight, and does not think he has the self discipline to be a basketball player. Disappointing multiple people and not meeting their expectations is hard to deal with mentally, as you don’t have the support system one needs. As a student you need people who do believe in you to gently push you to your goals, rather than criticize you for all of your shortcomings.

Kiese is expected to be a writer since his mother is a great writer. ’ ‘“I might be going to Millsaps College,” I Told her. “They’re recruiting me for basketball.” “Oh lord,” she said. “I’m talking about revolution and this child is talking about playing some ball at Millsaps.”’ Ms Walker is disappointed in him as a writer herself, likely because she does not see playing basketball as a real career. And since his mother is a writer, she expects him to follow suit. People often expect children to follow what their parents do, especially if they are successful at it. This is something that I think the majority of kids can relate to, even if you do not relate to his situation exactly. A lot of kids are compared to their parents successes and careers, and there are preset expectations that will exceed. 

Kiese Laymon wrote this story himself in order to share his own personal narrative and experiences. His story helps those who don’t relate understand what himself and many others go through, and those who do have a story that they can relate to. These people will positively impact those readers, and make for a great discussion for others who do not relate. Having something that you relate to makes you feel more comfortable and better about what you went through and your identity. It was published on October 16, 2018 by Scribner, which is fairly recent. Kiese publishing the story as an adult rather than earlier in his life as a child shows he believes in the importance of the story. 

In conclusion, this text is powerful in its message and relatable for anyone who has dealt with large or unfair expectations. It is especially relatable to me as a college student since my parents have high expectations for my education and career. Digital design is not always seen as a “real job” in a similar way to playing basketball professionally.