November 20, 2024 • 16 mins
In Episode 17 of The Hood Debutante, host London Bambi takes a deep dive into the life of Picola Breedlove, the unforgettable protagonist of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye. Picola’s story reveals the devastating consequences of societal rejection, generational trauma, and the internalized self-hatred that stems from impossible standards of beauty and worth.
London examines the layers of abuse Picola endures—from her father’s betrayal to her mother’s coldness and the ridicule of her peers. Highlighting the pivotal moment when Picola is struck by her mother at work, only to watch her console a white child instead, this episode exposes the heartbreaking intersections of race, beauty, and identity in Picola’s world.
Through a careful analysis of her longing for blue eyes, London Bambi unpacks the deeper meaning behind Picola’s yearning for love and belonging in a society that denies her humanity at every turn. Claudia and Frieda’s brief moments of kindness offer a glimpse of what compassion could mean, even if it isn’t enough to shield Picola from the cruelty of her reality.
“Picola’s Revenge” is a sobering exploration of how society places its burdens on the most vulnerable, and a call to recognize and reject the projections that aren’t ours to carry. Join London Bambi as he uses Picola’s journey to challenge us to reclaim our worth beyond the judgments of others.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:13):
Let's roll up, it's a new high Good laughs and some good vibes It's a safe space to talk about All the dope things that's on our mind From world travel to philosophies We stay stylish, come and rock with me It's a good time, we got Make champagne, which is reality.
Um, we do it for the culture.
Gotta show them what we can be.
This is the high life.
Yeah, we oh so fancy.
(00:35):
Keep it a G cause we are family. 7 00:00:38,679.999 --> 00:00:39,580 It's the hood debutante.
With London Bambi. 9 00:00:41,260.1 --> 00:00:52,410 Um Yo, what's up rockstars? Wait a minute, I'm sorry.
That yo was a little bit aggressive.
(00:55):
I'm sorry if I, sent chills down your spine with that.
Yo, yo, yo.
Okay, let me, will this back in? Let me, will this back in.
I came in a little bit too hot.
Yo, what's up? Rock stars.
How are you? how are you guys doing today? My apologies if I, yelled in your ear and you having your earbuds or any headphones and that was uncomfortable for you.
(01:16):
I apologize.
I did not mean to assault your ears like that, alright? Because this podcast needs to have that ASMR type of feel.
You know, I want you to be relaxed when you're hearing my voice.
So, my apologies for coming in hot.
So, hey friends, how you doing? I think part of that was I was excited that I got through the intro.
(01:39):
Because you guys know I normally like to try to rap the intro.
.999And act like I can rap it better than the person I paid to actually create it for me. 24 00:01:46,20.099 --> 00:01:49,385 So, Which we know I can't do, but I get really, really excited.
And yeah, I didn't do it today.
I let my man do his job.
And to me, a win is a win. 28 00:01:56,634.999 --> 00:02:10,335 With that being said, guys, welcome to another episode of the Hood W Zunk podcast with Me, your host, London Bambi.
(02:10):
And today we're examining a story that illuminates the toll of society's expectations, prejudice, and projection on a most vulnerable. 30 00:02:18,744.999 --> 00:02:29,625 In this episode, which I titled Pecola's Revenge, we'll explore the life of Pecola Breadlove, a character that was created by one of my favorite authors, Toni Morrison, her book.
the bluest eye, whose experiences reveal the weight of rejection, cruelty, and society standards that she was forced to carry along.
(02:39):
Alright? Pakola's story is that of a young black girl whose longs for love and validation, yet faces indifferences and abuse from nearly everyone around her.
This episode isn't about retribution, but rather about examining the structure of society and the family that shaped her.
Questioning how often society places its burden on those least equipped to bear them.
(03:01):
.999Through Picola's journey, we will confront the painful truth of what happens when society's insecurities become the individuals to carry.
.9So let's step into Picola's world and witness how her story unfolds.
Story serves both as a reflection and a cautionary tale.
For those of you who have read the Bluest Eye, you probably know where I'm going, you know what this story looks like and the weight of it.
(03:24):
And for those of you who have not read the Bluest Eye, I do encourage you to read that book.
Don't worry, I'm not gonna give the full book away.
I don't even think I'm really necessarily.
talking about direct incidents, maybe one I will talk about in this episode, but for the most part, you, you could still read it.
You're not going to, It's not going to be a spoiler, really.
(03:46):
.9995I mean, you're going to get the, the, the sense of how the book feels, the weight of the book, but, I'm not even sure if I can say this, we'll just say it's a minor synopsis. 45 00:03:54,619.9995 --> 00:03:55,9.999 Okay. 46 00:03:55,369.999 --> 00:03:58,900 Just look at this podcast as my view of the book.
I've read this book a couple of times and each time I've read this book, I feel something has been revealed to me.
So, these are just my thoughts on the book.
(04:07):
All right.
So read the book if you haven't read the book, it pretty much is what I'm trying to say.
.9Alright, so with that being said, I'm going to give you guys time to get settled, do what you need to do, get you something to drink if you need to grab a water, a wine if you need something to eat a munch on while you're listening, do that, or just simply settle into a comfortable position if you're comfortable.
(04:28):
commuting while you're listening to me.
Try to zone in, but still be aware of your surroundings and just relax.
.999So to give you time to do that, I'm going to put on our jeopardy theme music.
Are we ready? Here we go.
Dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun dun dun dun dun dun Duh, duh, duh, duh.
(04:59):
Alright, you guys should be settled and have everything you need.
And we can jump in.
.001Now, Piccola Bread Love grows up in a world marked by poverty and instability and a societal structure that consistently tells her she isn't enough.
She's a young black girl in the 40s America navigating a world that both isolate and devalues her.
(05:21):
Her family struggles profoundly, not only with financial hardship, but with emotional turmoil.
Her father, Choli, is a man who has been shaped by abandonment and prejudice, whose On Unresolved Traumas turns inward, poisoning the very relationships that should offer him solace.
Her mother, Pauline, finds herself drawn to a world she can only glimpse in the movies.
(05:43):
A world that looks nothing like her reality.
In this environment, Piccolos becomes a silent witness to the struggles of her family.
Internalizing attention, resentment and instability surrounding her.
Her family doesn't just fail to protect her, they inadvertently reinforces the message that her very existence is a burden.
Pakola isn't just a child without love.
(06:05):
She's a child whose worth is consistently denied. 70 00:06:09,499.999 --> 00:06:18,349.999 This book, I will say I've been wanting to kind of speak about for a while because, I think Pakola's story is one that's interesting that everybody needs to hear.
And I want to make sure that I approach their story with, respect because some of the topics that we're going to talk about is, again, heavy as weight.
(06:29):
So it was kind of difficult to even come up with some sort of, blueprint for this podcast because it was like, how do I talk about these subjects? But keep in mind that, you know, although Pakoda is a, fictional character that translates to the real world on some levels.
So I'm trying to be really, really careful as I step into this episode because I do want you guys to hear what I'm saying.
(06:53):
And, I am interested in some of your feedback after this episode airs.
.001I guess we're going to start off with the, the core of Pakola. 76 00:07:03,45.001 --> 00:07:03,495.001 Okay. 77 00:07:03,545.001 --> 00:07:09,65.001 the tragic core of Pakola's story lies in how others project their own struggles onto her. 78 00:07:09,715.001 --> 00:07:12,795.001 Her father's Choli represents the ultimate betrayal. 79 00:07:13,135.001 --> 00:07:14,965.001 He assaults his own daughter, y'all. 80 00:07:15,365.001 --> 00:07:18,395.001 A horrific act that shatters her remaining innocence. 81 00:07:18,425.001 --> 00:07:28,655.001 This moment is devastating, but the more I think about this moment, because it drives me crazy, it makes me throw up, I'm starting to think that this is not an isolated act of cruelty.
(07:28):
.002It's the result of a man that's crushed by his own traumas. 83 00:07:32,155.001 --> 00:07:36,975.001 A man whose anger and confusions are directed at the one person he should protect. 84 00:07:37,275.001 --> 00:07:38,844.901 Choli's violence is a reflection of that. 85 00:07:38,865.001 --> 00:07:50,955.001 Reflection of the cycles of trauma a tragic consequence of the abandonment and hatred he experienced himself Pauline, Pecola's mother, is similarly caught in a cycle of self loathing. 86 00:07:51,405.001 --> 00:07:58,95.001 She's absorbed society's standard of beauty and success, which only deepens her own insecurities. 87 00:07:58,155.001 --> 00:08:03,95.001 Instead of nurturing her daughter, Pauline treats Pecola as a reflection of her own failings.
(08:03):
Pauline's sense of inadequacy drives her to see Pecola as a burden, as something that diminishes her rather than someone she could uplift. 89 00:08:13,305.001 --> 00:08:17,365.001 Outside her home, Pecola faces cruelty from her peers as well. 90 00:08:17,595.001 --> 00:08:22,535.001 Her classmates call her ugly, isolating her and making her an easy target. 91 00:08:22,585.001 --> 00:08:31,335 These children may be young, but they've already internalized societal messages about beauties and worth, which they in turn project onto Pecola. 92 00:08:31,995.001 --> 00:08:39,515.001 In a way, Pecola peers, they kind of mirror the adult world, reflecting their values and prejudice they've absorbed and learned to enforce. 93 00:08:41,670.001 --> 00:08:46,650.001 One of the most Okay, like I told you guys, I want to be careful when I talk about this book. 94 00:08:47,160.002 --> 00:08:56,850.002 So one of the most shocking scenes in a book illustrating Pakola's place in the world involves her mother, Pauline, and her job as a maid for a white family. 95 00:08:57,390.001 --> 00:09:04,60.002 Pakola only two fucking friends in the book, Claudia and Freda, they go to Pakola's mother's job to look for her. 96 00:09:04,885.002 --> 00:09:05,725.002 when they get there. 97 00:09:05,845.002 --> 00:09:18,265.002 Cola, she accidentally dropped this freshly baked pie, which results in an explosive reaction from Pauline, her mother, instead of confronting her daughter who is clearly distressed, Pauline Slaps Cola and then turns around and 'cause. 98 00:09:18,635.002 --> 00:09:26,125.002 So this little white girl who witnessed the incident, the little white girl is the daughter of the family that Pokola's mother is the maid for. 99 00:09:26,185.002 --> 00:09:29,785.002 Cause Pokola's mother, she loves this job and she loves this family. 100 00:09:30,15.002 --> 00:09:31,435.0015 Remember they come from poverty. 101 00:09:31,435.0015 --> 00:09:34,105.002 They are, they're marginalized people. 102 00:09:34,115.002 --> 00:09:40,745.002 They live on the other side of the tracks, but when she's in their house, you know, she feels like she's worth something. 103 00:09:40,765.002 --> 00:09:42,145.002 You know, she feels happy. 104 00:09:42,145.002 --> 00:09:43,65.002 She feels proud. 105 00:09:43,105.002 --> 00:09:45,765.002 So her mother is really protective over this family. 106 00:09:45,765.002 --> 00:09:57,185.002 And this moment is heartbreaking on multiple levels for me because here is Pakola, her own daughter, standing there in shame and in fear, yet Pauline's response is to confront the white child instead. 107 00:09:57,525.001 --> 00:10:01,585.002 Pauline's action reveals her deeply ingrained sense of inadequacy. 108 00:10:02,645.002 --> 00:10:07,385.002 has been shaped by societal standards that favor whiteness, wealth, and beauty. 109 00:10:07,535.002 --> 00:10:15,605.002 To Pauline, the approval of her employers and the maintenance of her role as the perfect maid take precedence over her relationship with her own daughter. 110 00:10:15,955.002 --> 00:10:20,45.002 Pauline's reaction reinforces Piccola's feelings of worthlessness. 111 00:10:20,435.002 --> 00:10:25,284.902 She sees that her own mother would rather console a stranger's child than offering her a secret. 112 00:10:25,365.002 --> 00:10:29,385.002 semblance of love or like any understanding. 113 00:10:29,395.002 --> 00:10:32,555.002 It's like this moment isn't just about a drop high. 114 00:10:32,575.002 --> 00:10:38,755.002 It's about how Pecola is denying even the smallest comfort from the one person who should care for her unconditionally. 115 00:10:39,520.002 --> 00:10:47,490.002 It's a vivid example of how society's ideas and values seep into family dynamics, damaging relationships, and warping self perceptions. 116 00:10:47,510.002 --> 00:11:03,310.002 Like, yeah, again, I don't want to give away too much of the book, but just so you can know, that is another scene that you're like, wow, that you're confronted with in this book, okay? Now, Pakola begins to wish for blue eyes. 117 00:11:03,330.002 --> 00:11:04,340.002 Believe in that. 118 00:11:04,600.002 --> 00:11:05,790.002 They would change her life. 119 00:11:05,800.002 --> 00:11:14,70.002 She thinks that if she could look different, if she can embody the beauty standards that she's been taught to idolize, then she will finally be accepted. 120 00:11:14,330.002 --> 00:11:21,350.002 Blue eyes for Pacola symbolize love, safety, and value, but her desire for blue eyes isn't really about appearances. 121 00:11:21,570.002 --> 00:11:24,460.002 It's about escaping the consistent pain of rejection. 122 00:11:24,460.002 --> 00:11:25,510.002 That's what I believe. 123 00:11:25,830.002 --> 00:11:30,40.002 Like when I said, I think the more I read that book, that's what I, it's not really about the blue eyes. 124 00:11:30,310.002 --> 00:11:33,90.002 I think this internalized self hatred runs deep. 125 00:11:33,360.002 --> 00:11:37,630.002 Piccola has been told in so many ways by so many people that she is unworthy. 126 00:11:37,810.002 --> 00:11:43,610.002 Her blackness, her features, and her very identity became in her mind a reason for her suffering. 127 00:11:43,670.001 --> 00:11:52,180.003 Society has made her believe that her beauty, by an extension and worth, are qualities defined by a standard that excludes her. 128 00:11:52,700.002 --> 00:11:54,250.002 Piccola wishes for blue eyes. 129 00:11:54,895.002 --> 00:12:00,285.002 Symbolic of her desire to be free from pain inflicted by the world that can't see her value. 130 00:12:00,375.002 --> 00:12:10,205.002 And that's what I believe why Pokola really wanted blue eyes because she associated that with, you know, everything that was far from her that was causing her that pain. 131 00:12:10,535.002 --> 00:12:16,885.002 Now, I want to circle back to the two people that I said was her friend, which is Claudia and Freda. 132 00:12:17,365.002 --> 00:12:20,265.002 Because amid the bleakness, they are the light. 133 00:12:20,575.002 --> 00:12:28,195.002 There are her only two friends, and I believe their name was Claudia and Freda, I think McTeer, I believe was their last name. 134 00:12:28,195.002 --> 00:12:36,185.002 Now, these two young girls, though they lack the ability to fully comprehend the depth of Pecola's suffering, they feel a natural empathy towards her. 135 00:12:36,395.001 --> 00:12:45,435.002 Claudia, in particular, senses that the world's standard of beauty and worth are fundamentally flawed, and She resists them in her own unique quiet way. 136 00:12:45,785.002 --> 00:12:53,815.002 Their friendship with Pakola is a source of brief relief, a reminder that compassion and connection still exist in a world that often feel relentlessly cruel. 137 00:12:54,335.002 --> 00:13:00,955.002 Claudia and Freda tries to support Pakola to show her kindness in ways that are possible within their own limited understanding. 138 00:13:01,285.001 --> 00:13:08,845.002 Their empathy, like, It stands in contrast to the indifferences of the adults around them, like, to be honest. 139 00:13:09,155.002 --> 00:13:14,905.002 But, yet, their friendship isn't enough to shield Pakolas from the overwhelmingly forces of rejection she faces. 140 00:13:15,555.001 --> 00:13:21,175.001 Pakola's story illustrates the impact of societal burdens on individuals, especially the most vulnerable. 141 00:13:21,325.001 --> 00:13:23,890.002 Her experiences shows easily. 142 00:13:23,900.002 --> 00:13:27,760.002 Society expectations, biases, and judgments are internalized. 143 00:13:28,80.002 --> 00:13:30,190.002 Pecola wasn't born with self hatred. 144 00:13:30,190.002 --> 00:13:33,530.002 She learned it through the consistent rejection and isolation. 145 00:13:33,840.002 --> 00:13:43,290.002 Her story reflects how society values are often imposed on those who are already marginalized, forcing them to carry the weight of others fears and insecurities. 146 00:13:43,640.002 --> 00:13:47,130.002 This reflection raises a question for each of us, I believe. 147 00:13:47,500.002 --> 00:14:04,515.002 What burdens have we absorbed that aren't truly ours? How often do we internalize society expectation and allow them to shape our own birth? Pecola's story highlights consequences of failing to question these values and letting society pressure define us and others. 148 00:14:04,515.002 --> 00:14:08,515.002 The title Pecola's Revenge isn't about vengeance in a literal sense, I would say. 149 00:14:08,955.002 --> 00:14:13,705.002 It's a call to recognize one's worth beyond the standards of society imposes on us. 150 00:14:13,765.002 --> 00:14:19,955.002 Piccola may not have had the chance to refine her self worth, but her story is a reminder that we can. 151 00:14:20,285.002 --> 00:14:28,55.002 We can resist the narratives imposed on us and see our own value as separate from society's https: TheBusinessProfessor. 152 00:14:32,815.002 --> 00:14:40,950.002 com In a world that places value on appearances, statuses, reclaiming our own worth is its own form of revenge. 153 00:14:41,0.002 --> 00:14:46,230.002 A way of refusing to be shaped by standards that was never meant to serve us. 154 00:14:46,685.002 --> 00:14:51,275.002 Okay, and yeah, that's all I pretty much want to say again. 155 00:14:51,285.002 --> 00:15:08,835.001 I don't want to give away the book, but I wanted to Talk about pakola on the hood every time because she has been on my mind and I feel like now I can introduce her to a whole different audience I think a lot of people I know read this book But I have come across some people who haven't read this book and I do Want you guys to read it. 156 00:15:09,235.001 --> 00:15:14,215.001 And that's why this podcast is going to be no more than 20 minutes. 157 00:15:14,565.001 --> 00:15:15,445.001 All right, guys. 158 00:15:16,540.001 --> 00:15:21,810.001 Thank you for joining me on this episode of The Hood every time for discussing Picola's bread love. 159 00:15:22,360.001 --> 00:15:24,930.001 Her story for me isn't an easy one to confront. 160 00:15:25,20.001 --> 00:15:34,90.001 And when you read the book, you'll understand why, but it forces us to question how we view ourselves and others, how to see beyond the projection society places on us. 161 00:15:34,320.001 --> 00:15:44,940.001 Let's take Picola's story forward with us as a call to resist the pressures that aren't ours to carry and to see the value in ourselves, not only ourselves, but others and each other. 162 00:15:45,535.001 --> 00:15:47,745.001 We need to be free from society's judgment. 163 00:15:47,825.001 --> 00:15:48,335.001 Okay. 164 00:15:48,395.001 --> 00:15:50,485.001 That's the, that's, that's the purpose of this podcast. 165 00:15:52,665.001 --> 00:15:53,695.001 All right, guys. 166 00:15:53,885.001 --> 00:15:58,205.001 Until next time, embrace your own self worth and take care. 167 00:15:58,205.001 --> 00:15:59,805.0005 This is London Bambi. 168 00:15:59,805.0005 --> 00:16:01,675.001 I will see you next weekend. 169 00:16:02,5.001 --> 00:16:12,955.001 I'm going to sign off and I'm going to go have a glass of wine because again, this was, this podcast probably has been the toughest episode to record so far because of. 170 00:16:13,140.001 --> 00:16:25,20.001 How much I care about Pecola character, um, how much I care about this book in general and what this book kind of represents to me and what this book is still representing to me. 171 00:16:25,20.001 --> 00:16:31,870.002 Like I, I've read this book a couple of times and I'm pretty sure I'm going to read it a couple of more times and more will be revealed. 172 00:16:32,200.001 --> 00:16:34,820.001 And yeah, so that's the first book. 173 00:16:34,820.001 --> 00:16:35,100.001 Oh wow. 174 00:16:35,230.001 --> 00:16:39,50.001 This is the first book I'm also introducing on the hood debutant. 175 00:16:39,615.001 --> 00:16:44,695.001 So, yeah, this is Hood W Tomford's book recommendation, I just realized that. 176 00:16:44,695.101 --> 00:16:46,985.001 Anywho, I'm rambling now. 177 00:16:47,35.001 --> 00:16:49,055 I love you guys and I'll see you Signing off.
Let's roll up, it's a new high Good laughs and some good vibes It's a safe space to talk about All the dope things that's on our mind From world travel to philosophies We stay stylish, come and rock with me It's a good time, we got Make champagne, which is reality.
Um, we do it for the culture.
Gotta show them what we can be.
This is the high life.
Yeah, we oh so fancy.
(00:35):
Keep it a G cause we are family. 7 00:00:38,679.999 --> 00:00:39,580 It's the hood debutante.
With London Bambi. 9 00:00:41,260.1 --> 00:00:52,410 Um Yo, what's up rockstars? Wait a minute, I'm sorry.
That yo was a little bit aggressive.
(00:55):
I'm sorry if I, sent chills down your spine with that.
Yo, yo, yo.
Okay, let me, will this back in? Let me, will this back in.
I came in a little bit too hot.
Yo, what's up? Rock stars.
How are you? how are you guys doing today? My apologies if I, yelled in your ear and you having your earbuds or any headphones and that was uncomfortable for you.
(01:16):
I apologize.
I did not mean to assault your ears like that, alright? Because this podcast needs to have that ASMR type of feel.
You know, I want you to be relaxed when you're hearing my voice.
So, my apologies for coming in hot.
So, hey friends, how you doing? I think part of that was I was excited that I got through the intro.
(01:39):
Because you guys know I normally like to try to rap the intro.
.999And act like I can rap it better than the person I paid to actually create it for me. 24 00:01:46,20.099 --> 00:01:49,385 So, Which we know I can't do, but I get really, really excited.
And yeah, I didn't do it today.
I let my man do his job.
And to me, a win is a win. 28 00:01:56,634.999 --> 00:02:10,335 With that being said, guys, welcome to another episode of the Hood W Zunk podcast with Me, your host, London Bambi.
(02:10):
And today we're examining a story that illuminates the toll of society's expectations, prejudice, and projection on a most vulnerable. 30 00:02:18,744.999 --> 00:02:29,625 In this episode, which I titled Pecola's Revenge, we'll explore the life of Pecola Breadlove, a character that was created by one of my favorite authors, Toni Morrison, her book.
the bluest eye, whose experiences reveal the weight of rejection, cruelty, and society standards that she was forced to carry along.
(02:39):
Alright? Pakola's story is that of a young black girl whose longs for love and validation, yet faces indifferences and abuse from nearly everyone around her.
This episode isn't about retribution, but rather about examining the structure of society and the family that shaped her.
Questioning how often society places its burden on those least equipped to bear them.
(03:01):
.999Through Picola's journey, we will confront the painful truth of what happens when society's insecurities become the individuals to carry.
.9So let's step into Picola's world and witness how her story unfolds.
Story serves both as a reflection and a cautionary tale.
For those of you who have read the Bluest Eye, you probably know where I'm going, you know what this story looks like and the weight of it.
(03:24):
And for those of you who have not read the Bluest Eye, I do encourage you to read that book.
Don't worry, I'm not gonna give the full book away.
I don't even think I'm really necessarily.
talking about direct incidents, maybe one I will talk about in this episode, but for the most part, you, you could still read it.
You're not going to, It's not going to be a spoiler, really.
(03:46):
.9995I mean, you're going to get the, the, the sense of how the book feels, the weight of the book, but, I'm not even sure if I can say this, we'll just say it's a minor synopsis. 45 00:03:54,619.9995 --> 00:03:55,9.999 Okay. 46 00:03:55,369.999 --> 00:03:58,900 Just look at this podcast as my view of the book.
I've read this book a couple of times and each time I've read this book, I feel something has been revealed to me.
So, these are just my thoughts on the book.
(04:07):
All right.
So read the book if you haven't read the book, it pretty much is what I'm trying to say.
.9Alright, so with that being said, I'm going to give you guys time to get settled, do what you need to do, get you something to drink if you need to grab a water, a wine if you need something to eat a munch on while you're listening, do that, or just simply settle into a comfortable position if you're comfortable.
(04:28):
commuting while you're listening to me.
Try to zone in, but still be aware of your surroundings and just relax.
.999So to give you time to do that, I'm going to put on our jeopardy theme music.
Are we ready? Here we go.
Dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun dun dun dun dun dun Duh, duh, duh, duh.
(04:59):
Alright, you guys should be settled and have everything you need.
And we can jump in.
.001Now, Piccola Bread Love grows up in a world marked by poverty and instability and a societal structure that consistently tells her she isn't enough.
She's a young black girl in the 40s America navigating a world that both isolate and devalues her.
(05:21):
Her family struggles profoundly, not only with financial hardship, but with emotional turmoil.
Her father, Choli, is a man who has been shaped by abandonment and prejudice, whose On Unresolved Traumas turns inward, poisoning the very relationships that should offer him solace.
Her mother, Pauline, finds herself drawn to a world she can only glimpse in the movies.
(05:43):
A world that looks nothing like her reality.
In this environment, Piccolos becomes a silent witness to the struggles of her family.
Internalizing attention, resentment and instability surrounding her.
Her family doesn't just fail to protect her, they inadvertently reinforces the message that her very existence is a burden.
Pakola isn't just a child without love.
(06:05):
She's a child whose worth is consistently denied. 70 00:06:09,499.999 --> 00:06:18,349.999 This book, I will say I've been wanting to kind of speak about for a while because, I think Pakola's story is one that's interesting that everybody needs to hear.
And I want to make sure that I approach their story with, respect because some of the topics that we're going to talk about is, again, heavy as weight.
(06:29):
So it was kind of difficult to even come up with some sort of, blueprint for this podcast because it was like, how do I talk about these subjects? But keep in mind that, you know, although Pakoda is a, fictional character that translates to the real world on some levels.
So I'm trying to be really, really careful as I step into this episode because I do want you guys to hear what I'm saying.
(06:53):
And, I am interested in some of your feedback after this episode airs.
.001I guess we're going to start off with the, the core of Pakola. 76 00:07:03,45.001 --> 00:07:03,495.001 Okay. 77 00:07:03,545.001 --> 00:07:09,65.001 the tragic core of Pakola's story lies in how others project their own struggles onto her. 78 00:07:09,715.001 --> 00:07:12,795.001 Her father's Choli represents the ultimate betrayal. 79 00:07:13,135.001 --> 00:07:14,965.001 He assaults his own daughter, y'all. 80 00:07:15,365.001 --> 00:07:18,395.001 A horrific act that shatters her remaining innocence. 81 00:07:18,425.001 --> 00:07:28,655.001 This moment is devastating, but the more I think about this moment, because it drives me crazy, it makes me throw up, I'm starting to think that this is not an isolated act of cruelty.
(07:28):
.002It's the result of a man that's crushed by his own traumas. 83 00:07:32,155.001 --> 00:07:36,975.001 A man whose anger and confusions are directed at the one person he should protect. 84 00:07:37,275.001 --> 00:07:38,844.901 Choli's violence is a reflection of that. 85 00:07:38,865.001 --> 00:07:50,955.001 Reflection of the cycles of trauma a tragic consequence of the abandonment and hatred he experienced himself Pauline, Pecola's mother, is similarly caught in a cycle of self loathing. 86 00:07:51,405.001 --> 00:07:58,95.001 She's absorbed society's standard of beauty and success, which only deepens her own insecurities. 87 00:07:58,155.001 --> 00:08:03,95.001 Instead of nurturing her daughter, Pauline treats Pecola as a reflection of her own failings.
(08:03):
Pauline's sense of inadequacy drives her to see Pecola as a burden, as something that diminishes her rather than someone she could uplift. 89 00:08:13,305.001 --> 00:08:17,365.001 Outside her home, Pecola faces cruelty from her peers as well. 90 00:08:17,595.001 --> 00:08:22,535.001 Her classmates call her ugly, isolating her and making her an easy target. 91 00:08:22,585.001 --> 00:08:31,335 These children may be young, but they've already internalized societal messages about beauties and worth, which they in turn project onto Pecola. 92 00:08:31,995.001 --> 00:08:39,515.001 In a way, Pecola peers, they kind of mirror the adult world, reflecting their values and prejudice they've absorbed and learned to enforce. 93 00:08:41,670.001 --> 00:08:46,650.001 One of the most Okay, like I told you guys, I want to be careful when I talk about this book. 94 00:08:47,160.002 --> 00:08:56,850.002 So one of the most shocking scenes in a book illustrating Pakola's place in the world involves her mother, Pauline, and her job as a maid for a white family. 95 00:08:57,390.001 --> 00:09:04,60.002 Pakola only two fucking friends in the book, Claudia and Freda, they go to Pakola's mother's job to look for her. 96 00:09:04,885.002 --> 00:09:05,725.002 when they get there. 97 00:09:05,845.002 --> 00:09:18,265.002 Cola, she accidentally dropped this freshly baked pie, which results in an explosive reaction from Pauline, her mother, instead of confronting her daughter who is clearly distressed, Pauline Slaps Cola and then turns around and 'cause. 98 00:09:18,635.002 --> 00:09:26,125.002 So this little white girl who witnessed the incident, the little white girl is the daughter of the family that Pokola's mother is the maid for. 99 00:09:26,185.002 --> 00:09:29,785.002 Cause Pokola's mother, she loves this job and she loves this family. 100 00:09:30,15.002 --> 00:09:31,435.0015 Remember they come from poverty. 101 00:09:31,435.0015 --> 00:09:34,105.002 They are, they're marginalized people. 102 00:09:34,115.002 --> 00:09:40,745.002 They live on the other side of the tracks, but when she's in their house, you know, she feels like she's worth something. 103 00:09:40,765.002 --> 00:09:42,145.002 You know, she feels happy. 104 00:09:42,145.002 --> 00:09:43,65.002 She feels proud. 105 00:09:43,105.002 --> 00:09:45,765.002 So her mother is really protective over this family. 106 00:09:45,765.002 --> 00:09:57,185.002 And this moment is heartbreaking on multiple levels for me because here is Pakola, her own daughter, standing there in shame and in fear, yet Pauline's response is to confront the white child instead. 107 00:09:57,525.001 --> 00:10:01,585.002 Pauline's action reveals her deeply ingrained sense of inadequacy. 108 00:10:02,645.002 --> 00:10:07,385.002 has been shaped by societal standards that favor whiteness, wealth, and beauty. 109 00:10:07,535.002 --> 00:10:15,605.002 To Pauline, the approval of her employers and the maintenance of her role as the perfect maid take precedence over her relationship with her own daughter. 110 00:10:15,955.002 --> 00:10:20,45.002 Pauline's reaction reinforces Piccola's feelings of worthlessness. 111 00:10:20,435.002 --> 00:10:25,284.902 She sees that her own mother would rather console a stranger's child than offering her a secret. 112 00:10:25,365.002 --> 00:10:29,385.002 semblance of love or like any understanding. 113 00:10:29,395.002 --> 00:10:32,555.002 It's like this moment isn't just about a drop high. 114 00:10:32,575.002 --> 00:10:38,755.002 It's about how Pecola is denying even the smallest comfort from the one person who should care for her unconditionally. 115 00:10:39,520.002 --> 00:10:47,490.002 It's a vivid example of how society's ideas and values seep into family dynamics, damaging relationships, and warping self perceptions. 116 00:10:47,510.002 --> 00:11:03,310.002 Like, yeah, again, I don't want to give away too much of the book, but just so you can know, that is another scene that you're like, wow, that you're confronted with in this book, okay? Now, Pakola begins to wish for blue eyes. 117 00:11:03,330.002 --> 00:11:04,340.002 Believe in that. 118 00:11:04,600.002 --> 00:11:05,790.002 They would change her life. 119 00:11:05,800.002 --> 00:11:14,70.002 She thinks that if she could look different, if she can embody the beauty standards that she's been taught to idolize, then she will finally be accepted. 120 00:11:14,330.002 --> 00:11:21,350.002 Blue eyes for Pacola symbolize love, safety, and value, but her desire for blue eyes isn't really about appearances. 121 00:11:21,570.002 --> 00:11:24,460.002 It's about escaping the consistent pain of rejection. 122 00:11:24,460.002 --> 00:11:25,510.002 That's what I believe. 123 00:11:25,830.002 --> 00:11:30,40.002 Like when I said, I think the more I read that book, that's what I, it's not really about the blue eyes. 124 00:11:30,310.002 --> 00:11:33,90.002 I think this internalized self hatred runs deep. 125 00:11:33,360.002 --> 00:11:37,630.002 Piccola has been told in so many ways by so many people that she is unworthy. 126 00:11:37,810.002 --> 00:11:43,610.002 Her blackness, her features, and her very identity became in her mind a reason for her suffering. 127 00:11:43,670.001 --> 00:11:52,180.003 Society has made her believe that her beauty, by an extension and worth, are qualities defined by a standard that excludes her. 128 00:11:52,700.002 --> 00:11:54,250.002 Piccola wishes for blue eyes. 129 00:11:54,895.002 --> 00:12:00,285.002 Symbolic of her desire to be free from pain inflicted by the world that can't see her value. 130 00:12:00,375.002 --> 00:12:10,205.002 And that's what I believe why Pokola really wanted blue eyes because she associated that with, you know, everything that was far from her that was causing her that pain. 131 00:12:10,535.002 --> 00:12:16,885.002 Now, I want to circle back to the two people that I said was her friend, which is Claudia and Freda. 132 00:12:17,365.002 --> 00:12:20,265.002 Because amid the bleakness, they are the light. 133 00:12:20,575.002 --> 00:12:28,195.002 There are her only two friends, and I believe their name was Claudia and Freda, I think McTeer, I believe was their last name. 134 00:12:28,195.002 --> 00:12:36,185.002 Now, these two young girls, though they lack the ability to fully comprehend the depth of Pecola's suffering, they feel a natural empathy towards her. 135 00:12:36,395.001 --> 00:12:45,435.002 Claudia, in particular, senses that the world's standard of beauty and worth are fundamentally flawed, and She resists them in her own unique quiet way. 136 00:12:45,785.002 --> 00:12:53,815.002 Their friendship with Pakola is a source of brief relief, a reminder that compassion and connection still exist in a world that often feel relentlessly cruel. 137 00:12:54,335.002 --> 00:13:00,955.002 Claudia and Freda tries to support Pakola to show her kindness in ways that are possible within their own limited understanding. 138 00:13:01,285.001 --> 00:13:08,845.002 Their empathy, like, It stands in contrast to the indifferences of the adults around them, like, to be honest. 139 00:13:09,155.002 --> 00:13:14,905.002 But, yet, their friendship isn't enough to shield Pakolas from the overwhelmingly forces of rejection she faces. 140 00:13:15,555.001 --> 00:13:21,175.001 Pakola's story illustrates the impact of societal burdens on individuals, especially the most vulnerable. 141 00:13:21,325.001 --> 00:13:23,890.002 Her experiences shows easily. 142 00:13:23,900.002 --> 00:13:27,760.002 Society expectations, biases, and judgments are internalized. 143 00:13:28,80.002 --> 00:13:30,190.002 Pecola wasn't born with self hatred. 144 00:13:30,190.002 --> 00:13:33,530.002 She learned it through the consistent rejection and isolation. 145 00:13:33,840.002 --> 00:13:43,290.002 Her story reflects how society values are often imposed on those who are already marginalized, forcing them to carry the weight of others fears and insecurities. 146 00:13:43,640.002 --> 00:13:47,130.002 This reflection raises a question for each of us, I believe. 147 00:13:47,500.002 --> 00:14:04,515.002 What burdens have we absorbed that aren't truly ours? How often do we internalize society expectation and allow them to shape our own birth? Pecola's story highlights consequences of failing to question these values and letting society pressure define us and others. 148 00:14:04,515.002 --> 00:14:08,515.002 The title Pecola's Revenge isn't about vengeance in a literal sense, I would say. 149 00:14:08,955.002 --> 00:14:13,705.002 It's a call to recognize one's worth beyond the standards of society imposes on us. 150 00:14:13,765.002 --> 00:14:19,955.002 Piccola may not have had the chance to refine her self worth, but her story is a reminder that we can. 151 00:14:20,285.002 --> 00:14:28,55.002 We can resist the narratives imposed on us and see our own value as separate from society's https: TheBusinessProfessor. 152 00:14:32,815.002 --> 00:14:40,950.002 com In a world that places value on appearances, statuses, reclaiming our own worth is its own form of revenge. 153 00:14:41,0.002 --> 00:14:46,230.002 A way of refusing to be shaped by standards that was never meant to serve us. 154 00:14:46,685.002 --> 00:14:51,275.002 Okay, and yeah, that's all I pretty much want to say again. 155 00:14:51,285.002 --> 00:15:08,835.001 I don't want to give away the book, but I wanted to Talk about pakola on the hood every time because she has been on my mind and I feel like now I can introduce her to a whole different audience I think a lot of people I know read this book But I have come across some people who haven't read this book and I do Want you guys to read it. 156 00:15:09,235.001 --> 00:15:14,215.001 And that's why this podcast is going to be no more than 20 minutes. 157 00:15:14,565.001 --> 00:15:15,445.001 All right, guys. 158 00:15:16,540.001 --> 00:15:21,810.001 Thank you for joining me on this episode of The Hood every time for discussing Picola's bread love. 159 00:15:22,360.001 --> 00:15:24,930.001 Her story for me isn't an easy one to confront. 160 00:15:25,20.001 --> 00:15:34,90.001 And when you read the book, you'll understand why, but it forces us to question how we view ourselves and others, how to see beyond the projection society places on us. 161 00:15:34,320.001 --> 00:15:44,940.001 Let's take Picola's story forward with us as a call to resist the pressures that aren't ours to carry and to see the value in ourselves, not only ourselves, but others and each other. 162 00:15:45,535.001 --> 00:15:47,745.001 We need to be free from society's judgment. 163 00:15:47,825.001 --> 00:15:48,335.001 Okay. 164 00:15:48,395.001 --> 00:15:50,485.001 That's the, that's, that's the purpose of this podcast. 165 00:15:52,665.001 --> 00:15:53,695.001 All right, guys. 166 00:15:53,885.001 --> 00:15:58,205.001 Until next time, embrace your own self worth and take care. 167 00:15:58,205.001 --> 00:15:59,805.0005 This is London Bambi. 168 00:15:59,805.0005 --> 00:16:01,675.001 I will see you next weekend. 169 00:16:02,5.001 --> 00:16:12,955.001 I'm going to sign off and I'm going to go have a glass of wine because again, this was, this podcast probably has been the toughest episode to record so far because of. 170 00:16:13,140.001 --> 00:16:25,20.001 How much I care about Pecola character, um, how much I care about this book in general and what this book kind of represents to me and what this book is still representing to me. 171 00:16:25,20.001 --> 00:16:31,870.002 Like I, I've read this book a couple of times and I'm pretty sure I'm going to read it a couple of more times and more will be revealed. 172 00:16:32,200.001 --> 00:16:34,820.001 And yeah, so that's the first book. 173 00:16:34,820.001 --> 00:16:35,100.001 Oh wow. 174 00:16:35,230.001 --> 00:16:39,50.001 This is the first book I'm also introducing on the hood debutant. 175 00:16:39,615.001 --> 00:16:44,695.001 So, yeah, this is Hood W Tomford's book recommendation, I just realized that. 176 00:16:44,695.101 --> 00:16:46,985.001 Anywho, I'm rambling now. 177 00:16:47,35.001 --> 00:16:49,055 I love you guys and I'll see you Signing off.
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