Don't Kick Someone that is Down

(https://brilliant.org)

The adage, “do not kick someone that is down” is a vital message that is seen throughout history and literature. The short story “Thank you M’am” (read it here!) by Langston Hughes was published in 1958 (http://americanliterature.com); however, the story demonstrates that the poor boy, Roger, should not be punished for a minor incident of attempted theft. Mrs. Jones used her power to support Roger and lead him in the morally correct direction rather than simply reporting him to the police to face disciplinary action. Mrs. Jones sympathetic reaction to Roger was the ideal manner to handle the situation because Roger will not likely commit unhonorable, illegal acts in the future, he is given a sense of hope, and he will reciprocate similar acts of compassion in the future.

Mrs. Jones’ lesson to Roger will resonate with him for the rest of his life because of the vulnerable state in which he received the message. Mrs. Jones was in a clear sense of power because Roger had, “sweat popped out on [the boy’s] face and he began to struggle” (Hughes 2); Mrs. Jones used this power to scare Roger to amplify the tone of her message. Roger is a poverty stricken fourteen or fifteen year old boy with a dirty face, minimal adult guidance, and in need of new clothes. Roger’s fear stems from the unpredictability of Mrs. Jones’ actions; Roger is unsure whether he will be reported to the police. Instead of a harsh disciplinary response, Mrs. Jones feeds, cleans, and gives Roger ten dollars. Mrs. Jones’ final reminder is, “because shoes come by devilish like that will burn your feet” (Hughes 4). Mrs. Jones kindness in caring for the boy left him in a state of shock as he could barely verbalize “thank you” (Hughes 4). The imagery of Roger being overcome with gratitude and surprise suggests to the reader that Roger will respect Mrs. Jones’ message because of the compassion that she showed Roger when he was most vulnerable, and the prospect of hope that she provides.

For a short time, Mrs. Jones treats Roger like her own son; it appears that Mrs. Jones genuinely cares about Roger’s well being. The hope and support Mrs. Jones offers Roger is more constructive than any punishment that she or the police could have given Roger. Not only did Mrs. Jones provide Roger with tangible goods, such as ten dollars for a new pair of shoes, but she developed Roger’s character and values in manner that he had never been taught before. Initially, Roger’s only goal was to run away from Mrs. Jones, however their relationship mature over the course of the story. When Roger thought, “He could make a dash for it down the hall. He could run, run, run, run, run!” (Hughes 3) he resisted the urge and remained with Mrs. Jones, which demonstrates Roger’s growing sense of trust in Mrs. Jones. Roger begins to believe that some people are naturally well meaning and caring of others; Roger has likely not experienced this level of support before in his life. Mrs. Jones has taught Roger the characteristics of compassion, kindness, and integrity, which provides Roger with the hope that there are still good people in the world, and he can escape poverty; Mrs. Jones passes this along in good faith that Roger will reciprocate these ideals in the future.

Mrs. Jones handles Roger with tact, respect, and care that Roger will impart on others in the future. Mrs. Jones does not speak to Roger as a lesser human; instead, she speaks to Roger as a parent figure. She does not place herself on a pedestal and suggest that she has never done anything wrong, nor does she “ask the boy anything about where he lived, or his folks, or anything else that would embarrass him” (Hughes 3). Mrs. Jones further demonstrated her good faith and upstanding character by trusting Roger to independently purchase sweet milk for the cocoa, while understanding that Roger may just run away. At the end of the story, Mrs. Jones addresses Roger, “Eat some more, son,” (Hughes 4) as if they share a familial connection. Given the trusting, supportive relationship between the two, and the appreciative, tongue-tied farewell, Roger will carry Mrs. Jones message with him for the rest of his life.

Roger begins the story as a directionless and confused street orphan; however, the guidance of Mrs. Jones developes Roger’s character to understand the character traits of compassion, kindness, and tact. Mrs. Jones provided Roger with a punishment more constructive and helpful than any law enforcement can provide. Mrs. Jones altered Roger’s life drastically and lead him in an ethically responsible path. Instead of kicking Roger when he was down, Mrs. Jones helped him up; this is a timeless character trait that everyone should impart upon their daily lives.

Watch this Ted Talk to learn how to help people up: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chXsLtHqfdM

Carry it forward.