I admire the restraint both women demonstrated. Neither Momma nor Cofer should have reacted any differently when disrespected with such rude and childish behavior. In the book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, as stated in the story Momma showed great restraint when, "She sang on. No louder than before, but no softer either. No slower or faster"(31). It's as if she turned to God to find strength to restrain herself from acting out on those girls by singing hymns, and found great power from something greater than herself. She had the option of running and hiding but she courageously stood her ground. By the same token, Cofer showed great restraint. She clearly states, “I had really wanted to push the jerk into the the swimming
