Siding with the Children

Almost anyone from all different cultures, societies, races, jobs, sports, schools, etc etc, can relate to the children in any of these stories. The feel of oppression is often felt by many, whether you're being lied to or hearing sugar-coated truths like in the story "Gorilla, My Love", or facing discouragement from the ones who govern you, kind of like what was portrayed in "Everyday Use". 

Everyone has been a subordinate in some way, shape, or form, and have felt the feeling of being kept from shining, excelling, and working to the best of their abilities. More importantly, in the time period of this written story, being deprived of freedoms and facing prejudices everyday is like being deprived of your best abilities, as a human being. Shedding good light on the children represents our moral responsibility to respect ALL others and treat everyone equally.

Everyone has a little bit of Hazel (from "Gorilla, My Love") in their character. Strong-willed, smart, able-bodied, but oppressed. The one symbol of Hazel's father putting his belt back on serves a message to all of us. We don't need to keep putting down who indeed share the same intellect.