Talk:The Bluest Eye

message: Plot Summary- way oversimplified, could be elaborated on more (Include Soaphead church, add in a better description of Pecola and her desire for blue eyes, when the book takes place)
Controversy- look for a 2017 case to make more recent
Elaborate more on Morison's background
Add Frieda on the character list  — Preceding unsigned comment added by Vtl6 (talk • contribs) 13:57, 3 October 2017 (UTC)
thread_title: Edits

message: *  Internalized racism, oppression, sexual abuse, sexism, and female identity are stitched throughout the novel The Bluest Eye as well as within the journal by Neelam Bhardwaj. She takes those complex and weighted issues and discusses how Toni Morrison encapsulated those sensitive subjects openly. Bhardwaj also presents racial beauty's destructive implications on characters within the novel that unfortunately mar their own preserved notions of self both psychologically and emotionally. Sean.Robi733 (talk) 18:35, 15 March 2021 (UTC)
thread_title: Annotated Bibliography

message: There have been numerous attempts to ban this book throughout high schools and libraries in the U.S. so I think an additional section focusing on censorship should be added. This section could included specific cases of censorship as well as reasons why this book has been challenged and banned. 
Also, the background section could be expanded on to include more information about Morrison's life.
Jm3038 (talk) 17:30, 2 November 2016 (UTC)
replies: text: The Bluest Eye appears on the ALA's list of most frequently challenged books 1990-2000, see: http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bbwlinks/100mostfrequently.htm It's certainly been challenged multiple times.  CKarnstein 21:32, 11 April 2006 (UTC)
thread_title: Censorship

message: From the article: "In the story, Pecola drinks out of a cup with Shirley Temple on it since she wanted blue eyes like Shirley Temple and believed drinking from it would turn her eyes blue. In reality, Temple's eyes are actually brown." 
Why is there a citation needed for this? One only has to look at an image of Shirley Temple, from any point in her life, to see that they are brown. --Glisteningsquid 18:46, 27 April 2007 (UTC)
thread_title: Shirley Temple's eye color

message: :Image:BluestEyeCover.jpg is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.
Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.
If there is  other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page.  Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.
BetacommandBot 02:57, 26 October 2007 (UTC)
thread_title: Fair use rationale for Image:BluestEyeCover.jpg

message: There's a lot of information about the interpretations of this novel, but I have no idea whether it is original research or not since the sources listed under the References section are not directly linked to the information. One might assume these works are the source for the interpretations, but there's no way of knowing unless one goes to read those works. A lot of this article could be at risk for deletion because of the lack of citations. --Roseclearfield (talk) 20:13, 3 March 2012 (UTC)
thread_title:  In-line citations needed 

message: There should be a section in here about critical reception of the novel. Starting with initial reactions and then later analysis of the novel, there has been lots of talk surrounding the novel that should be included. Jmg370 (talk) 17:19, 2 November 2016 (UTC)
replies: text: The critical reception section should also include literary analysis. The Bluest Eye has had a good deal of analysis, like that of Allen Alexander, J. Brooks Bouson, and Steven Luebke. I plan on incorporating these responses as well as researching for more literary analysis. Jrr108 (talk) 17:30, 2 November 2016 (UTC)
thread_title: Critical Reception

message: Combine the Bibliography and Reference sections into the singular Reference section. What in the page is referenced in the Bibliography section? As mentioned before, Reference section also needs to be cleaned up.Jmg370 (talk) 18:11, 9 November 2016 (UTC)
thread_title: Bibliography/Reference

message: I plan to add to my previous research of a censorship case in Northville, Michigan and research another censorship case in Broomfield, Colorado. I can also contribute to the literary interpretations section and write about literary interpretations either explaining the effects of white beauty standards on the characters in the novel or African American motherhood. I have also found sources regarding the critical reception of Morrison's novel so I can add a critical reception section and explain how the novel has been received since its publication.
Jm3038 (talk) 04:01, 12 November 2016 (UTC)
thread_title: Additions to Censorship/Critical Reception/Literary Interpretation Sections

message: In the Censorship section, I plan to discuss one instance when the book was challenged in Howell, MI in 2007 by a group called LOVE (Livingston Organization for Values in Education). Eventually, the book was allowed to remain in the English curriculum, where it was used in an 11th grade English class, but I still think it would be an important, recent case to add. Also in the censorship section, I'd like to include a sentence or two about 3 times when the book was censored in the 1990s (information from Foerstel).
I would also to create and contribute to a "Themes" section, adding in subtopics of "Religion" (Alexander), "Shame" (Bouson), "Media and Culture" (Kuenz), and "Duality" (Page).
Bibliography
Alexander, Allen. "The Fourth Face: The Image of God in Toni Morrison's the Bluest Eye." African American Review 32 (1998): 293-302. Literature Resource Center; Gale. Web. 
Bouson, J. B. "‘Quiet as It’s Kept’: Shame and Trauma in Toni Morrison’s the Bluest Eye." Scenes of Shame. Eds. Joseph Adamson and Hilary Clark. Albany: State U of New York P, 1999. 207-236. Literature Resource Center; Gale. Web. 
Foerstel, Herbert N. "Banned in the U.S.A. : A Reference Guide to Book Censorship in Schools and Public Libraries." Westport, US: Greenwood Press, 2002. 230-231. Web. 
Hans, Casey. "Feds: Books Don't Violate Laws." Ann Arbor News (MI): A3. Mar 16 2007. Web. 
---. "Group Wants 3 Books Banned." Ann Arbor News (MI): A1. Feb 16 2007. Web. 
Kuenz, Jane. "The Bluest Eye: Notes on History, Community, and Black Female Subjectivity." African American Review 27 (1993): 421-31. Literature Resource Center; Gale. Web. 
Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye. 1st ed. New York, New York: Random House, 1970. Print. 
NCAC Staff. "Award-Winning Books Challenged in Michigan School." National Coalition Against Censorship. Ed. Chris Finan, Joan Bertin, Ricci Joy Levi, Judith Platt, and Mary Ellen Aria. February 6, 2007 2007. Web. November 13, 2016 <http://ncac.org/update/award-winning-books-challenged-in-michigan-school>. 
Page, Philip. "The Break was a Bad One: The Split World of the Bluest Eye." Dangerous Freedom. Jackson: UP of Mississippi, 1995. 37-59. Literature Resource Center; Gale. Web. 
Jrr108 (talk) 03:15, 14 November 2016 (UTC)
thread_title: Additions to Censorship Section and Creation of a "Themes" Section

message: This article is a useful source for those trying to understand the Bluest Eye. The plot summary highlights the most important parts of the novel, the characters are thoroughly analogized and the themes are explained in great detail.
This is a very great page on The Bluest Eye. The summary is very concise and well written. I would strongly recommend this page to a friend interested in the novel. The character's summary was also very brief and down to the point. I very much enjoyed learning about the author and the authors intentions. Overall this was a very professional page with great informative information.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by Shalynkauzlarick (talk • contribs) 15:35, 6 October 2017 (UTC)
thread_title:  Article Evaluation  

message: This article is a great source for those looking to gain more knowledge on The Bluest Eye. The way the information is displayed in an organized and clear fashion makes it easy for readers to find the correct information they are looking for. The abundance of embedded links and citations allows readers an opportunity to read more about topics relative to this text. 
Overall, I think this page is a very informative source and the information presented in this article is easy and enjoyable to read; well done. 
Ericaveldman (talk) 19:28, 10 November 2017 (UTC)
thread_title:  Article Evaluation 

message: I suggest changing the paragraph for Claudia to the following paragraph because Claudia with the additional information below, Claudia's role and importance is emphasized:
       Claudia MacTeer: The narrator of the majority of the novel. She is the child of Pecola's foster parents and is Frieda's sister. She is not only Pecola's fostering sister but she is also her friend. She can be seen to be an extremely independent and passionate 9 year old. Although she is unaware of all the major social issues, she is one of few, if any, characters that feel sympathy for Pecola. 
There is lack of charcters mentioned that had an impact in the story. Cholly's father had a key scene and I believe his name is worth mentioning in this article. 
        Samson Fuller: Cholly Breedlove’s father who abandoned Cholly before he was born. After Aunt Jimmy dies, Cholly runs off in search of Samson in Macon, Georgia where he is left distraught and disappointed.
Mimifrancis123 (talk) 11:54, 14 November 2017 (UTC)
thread_title:  Additions to "Character" Section 

message: To The Bluest Eye article I am going to add:
- change the sentence which starts with because in the intro as I am not sure it is okay to start a sentence with Because 
- change the wording of some of the sentences in the summary paragraph as to me they do not make sense 
- I am also going to add a chunck to the adaptations section as "Guthrie brings Toni Morrison's 'Bluest Eye' from page to stage with poetic power" was not talked about in this page. I am going to add this because I think it is important to have a variety of adaptations at hand as well as this is a very recent production (2017). 
- I may add to the character of Frieda because I feel she deserves more than just one sentence 
- There are also characters missing such as, Henry Washington and Samson Fuller and I think it is important to add these characters in order to make the character list complete 
- I think I will also add to the controversy cases as I have found one from 2014 that is not on their however, I need to look for more information on it as I have only found a few sentences on it so far. I think it is important to have as many cases as possible to see how challenged this book is. 
Bibliography: I found these articles during the Wikipedia research days in the library but am not sure whether I will use all of them yet 
Censorship dateline: Schools.(2013). Newsletter on Intellectual Freedom, 62(5), 184-185. Retrieved from http://proxy.library.georgetown.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,uid&db=ofm&AN=102304898&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Censorship dateline: Schools.(2013). Newsletter on Intellectual Freedom, 62(5), 184-185. Retrieved from http://proxy.library.georgetown.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,uid&db=ofm&AN=102304898&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Keung Hui, T. (2014). Common core critics attack use of ‘The bluest eye’ in schools.
Schultz, C. (2013, Oct 06). Connie schultz: Let's ban the book banners instead. Sun-Journal (Lewiston, ME),
“Guthrie brings Toni Morrison's 'Bluest Eye' from page to stage with poetic power.” Star Tribune, www.startribune.com/guthrie-brings-toni-morrison-s-bluest-eye-from-page-to-stage-with-poetic-power/420264103/#1.
CCallagy (talk) 02:16, 21 November 2017 (UTC)
thread_title:  Proposed revisions to article: 

message: The "Controversy" section has a case titles, "Buncombe County" and it looks short and not conclusive. I will add to this case with more details. Also, under the same section, it is lacking a current controversy so I will add one from 2017 to show that this book is still being challenged and that it is still very relevant.
The "About Author" section also seems to lack Toni Morrison's credibility and background as such a well known author. I will add more background information that establishes her more as a credible writer.
The section titles, "Characters" has Soaphead Church listed and his characterizations seems a little off and missing information to show the important role this character played in the novel. I will add and change some of the wording especially the first sentence which is lacking the proper citing. 
I will change the order of the characters listed because Pecola, the main character of the book should be the first character on the list. I changed her from third on the list to the first. Also I plan to add the age of Pecola and how her community impacted her life.   — Preceding unsigned comment added by Mimifrancis123 (talk • contribs) 21:56, 11 December 2017 (UTC)
thread_title:  Possible Additions and Edits 

message: Works Cited
“BANNED: The Bluest Eye.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, Sept. 2017, 
www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/banned-bluest-eye/.
Carey, Tamika L. RHETORICAL HEALING: the Reeducation of Contemporary Black 
Womanhood. STATE UNIV OF NEW YORK PR, 2017.
Iyasere, Solomon Ogbede, and Marla W. Iyasere. Toni Morrison. Salem Press, 2010.
Lemert, Charles C. Social Theory: the Multicultural and Classic Readings. Westview 
Press, 1993.
Rhodes, Jane. “Race, Media, and Black Womanhood in the Early Twentieth Century.” 
AAIHS, African American Intellectual History Society, 24 Apr. 2017, 
www.aaihs.org/race-media-and-black-womanhood-in-the-early-twentieth-century/
Roynon, Tessa. Toni Morrison and the Classical Tradition: Transforming American 
Culture. Oxford University Press, 2014.
Seward, Adrienne Lanier, and Justine Tally. Toni Morrison: Memory and Meaning. 
University Press of Mississippi, 2014.
Simpson, Ritashona. Black Looks & Black Acts: the Language of Toni Morrison in The 
Bluest Eye and Beloved. Peter Lang, 2007.
�
Plan for revising Bluest Eye Wikipedia page
I plan to shorten certain sub-sections under the article’s “Controversy” section in order to prevent negative feedback for “The Bluest Eye” from being overrepresented.
I plan to revise the “Author’s Intentions” section to remove unnecessary information regarding how the novel was written (e.g. “...she would work on the novel in the evenings.”)
I plan to add onto the “Black Girlhood” and “White Lifestyle Standards” sub-sections under “Analysis” because those are huge themes within the novel and the page could benefit from additional analysis.
I plan to read through individual sections to fix small grammatical errors and help improve clarity where possible.
I plan to add a bit more detail to the plot summary while maintaining its current conciseness in order to include some important details from the novel that were not mentioned.
Chaunguyenle (talk) 17:49, 20 November 2018 (UTC)
thread_title:  Plan for Article Revisions 

message: - In the header section, add information about  Morrison’s fame as an African-American female author who has won a multitude of awards and acclaim for her novels’ exposures of the hard life of a black American. Also, discuss when the book was published, given the context of the time, and note that it was Morrison’s first book published. 
- Add a genre section:  This section would be especially important to this novel as Morrison is an acclaimed and famous author whose content and style are unique to her novels. The section would also discuss Morrison's use of multiple narrators, and the use of Dick and Jane to further clarify the complexity of the narrative. 
 -Edit wording in the reception page so that it is less subjective and biased. 
- Add more positive reception about the novel to keep the reception section more balanced. 
- Reorder the article's structure to better meet Wikipedia's criterion for balance so that the article flows in a cohesive way. 
- Add citations for the additional information so that the article remains reliable:
Romagnolo, Catherine. Opening Acts: Narrative Beginnings in Twentieth-Century Feminist Fiction. Lincoln, NE: U of Nebraska P, 2015. Web.
Roynon, Tessa. The Cambridge Introduction to Toni Morrison. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012. Web.
Vasquez, Shalene A. M. "In Her Own Image: Literary and Visual Representations of Girlhood in Toni Morrison's the Bluest Eye and Jamaica Kincaid's Annie John." Griot: Official Journal of the Southern Conference on Afro-American Studies, Inc. 31.2 (2012): 24-40. Web.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by Lgiordano18 (talk • contribs) 17:58, 20 November 2018 (UTC)
thread_title:  Proposed Edits to "Bluest Eye" Wikipedia Page  

message: Neelam Bhardwaj's article https://www.arcjournals.org/pdfs/ijsell/v4-i8/14.pdf discusses race within the context of American Culture and its unforgivable dehumanizing effect on any race though her primary focus is within African-American culture because of the background of the author, Toni Morrison. Bhardwaj discusses how racism is a nebulous topic because of how there is a debate among scholars to it's exact definition alongside an absence of a unified agreement on what constitutes discrimination. Unfortunately, those topics have yet to yield an agreed consensus however, bringing forth those topics allows for a deeper dissection of them in an understanding setting. Unbalanced economic divide within the home is mentioned within the article in relation to the Breedlove and Macteer families. One family resides with a gracious social standing yet both are African-American homes so that cloud of prejudice remains though it is distilled between the two. The Breedlove's broken home life is made evident when the Macteers lose one of their children. The Macteer's search with urgency while when Pecola runs away the Breedlove's do not notice her absence. Bhardwaj also discusses how oppression harbors depression, self loathing and rage amongst children who are presented with a concept foreign to them, racism. Identity being attached to beauty is stripped from Pecola because of the color of her skin which is a vile disposition that many African Americans are blindsided by especially in the southern states. Until the guilty can be reprimanded and the wicked expunged will the innocent regain their freedom. Sean.Robi733 (talk 5:51, 3 May 2021 (UTC)
thread_title:  Identity  

message: In the second paragraph of that section, it says "the novel takes place in a time of post-World War II sentiments." That is inaccurate. After the "Dick and Jane" primer quotation, the first sentence of the novel reveals that it takes place in 1941. Or rather that that the story will end in 1941, and that it tracks the year leading up to the fall of 1941.
The article cites Debra Werrlein's essay when saying it takes place in a time of post-World War II sentiments. I do not have access to this essay to verify whether Werrlein is the source for this error or if the error comes from the contributor to the Wikipedia article. Jayreed2 (talk) 15:31, 29 June 2023 (UTC)
thread_title:  Check Secondary Source in "White Lifestyle Standards" Section