"I want what you want. I want a future." -152
I believe this is a very important line in the book. Many immigrants don’t know what their future is going to be like, or where it is headed. It is hard to live a life when you don’t know where you are going to end up. I think this is a main reason why Aisha broke down. Aisha did a great job with the speech and I am glad she did it because it gets her voice heard, one step closer to the future. It is sad, but I think many people, such as immigrants, in the world don’t know where their future is headed. I think one way to take action is to buy fair trade products. You know the workers are paid fairly. (Until we watched the part of the movie “Wetback” it hadn’t occurred to me that immigrants left their country because of a failing economy, and because it was their last option. They must have been very desperate...) I am glad that Aisha and Nadira pulled through! I thought it was interesting that the last sentence of the book was “Go.” The last sentence makes me think. I think that they are going to start their life in a new, more positive way!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Log 12 (A breakthrough)
“Above the sky looks gray and soupy, like water before a storm. A few pale, weak stars glimmer through.” –page 146
I think this sentence is reflecting their future. I interpret the sky as their future and gray describing it. I think their future is very vague right now, and they don’t know where it is headed. It could change directions at any moment. However I believe the weak pale star represents a break through in their future. It could be a success at getting residency, Nadira staying strong, Abba and Aisha gaining hope, or hearing news about Ali-Uncle. I didn’t like that the author used the word “soupy” because it gave me a yucky feeling…
I am curious what Aisha is going to do-if she is ever going to go back to school and gain hope. She ripped her unopened college letters to shreds! It is kind of hard to believe that she let all of her hard work and future collapse. I hope that she is going to recover and be herself, but stronger, by the end of the book. I hope she gets out there and finishes high school, and goes to college. I think she has a tiny chance of being that star that breaks through their vague future, a 1% chance, but definitely with the support of Nadira. Right now it seems that Nadira is the backbone of her family and has all the hope. Nadira seems like the most likely candidate to be that star, a 95% chance. She is already breaking through. I didn’t like that Aisha was mean to Nadira, saying she didn’t make a difference with the judge. I believe she did, and Aisha could have been supportive, instead of saying negative things that might break her down too. I want Nadira to finish saving her family, but it might take both of them to do so. (Aisha and Nadira could write a book or talk about the lives of illegal aliens and help others that are in a similar situation.) Hopefully they’ll get the future they want, deserve, and worked hard for. I think they want their future to be in America, not Canada or Bangladesh. Where do you guys think they want their future?
P.S. I found this chapter quite bland, even though it was very eventful. The last few chapters are blending together, things aren’t popping out like they used to, and time is lost…
I think this sentence is reflecting their future. I interpret the sky as their future and gray describing it. I think their future is very vague right now, and they don’t know where it is headed. It could change directions at any moment. However I believe the weak pale star represents a break through in their future. It could be a success at getting residency, Nadira staying strong, Abba and Aisha gaining hope, or hearing news about Ali-Uncle. I didn’t like that the author used the word “soupy” because it gave me a yucky feeling…
I am curious what Aisha is going to do-if she is ever going to go back to school and gain hope. She ripped her unopened college letters to shreds! It is kind of hard to believe that she let all of her hard work and future collapse. I hope that she is going to recover and be herself, but stronger, by the end of the book. I hope she gets out there and finishes high school, and goes to college. I think she has a tiny chance of being that star that breaks through their vague future, a 1% chance, but definitely with the support of Nadira. Right now it seems that Nadira is the backbone of her family and has all the hope. Nadira seems like the most likely candidate to be that star, a 95% chance. She is already breaking through. I didn’t like that Aisha was mean to Nadira, saying she didn’t make a difference with the judge. I believe she did, and Aisha could have been supportive, instead of saying negative things that might break her down too. I want Nadira to finish saving her family, but it might take both of them to do so. (Aisha and Nadira could write a book or talk about the lives of illegal aliens and help others that are in a similar situation.) Hopefully they’ll get the future they want, deserve, and worked hard for. I think they want their future to be in America, not Canada or Bangladesh. Where do you guys think they want their future?
P.S. I found this chapter quite bland, even though it was very eventful. The last few chapters are blending together, things aren’t popping out like they used to, and time is lost…
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Log 11
“His eyes flicker impatiently.” -page 130
I wanted to talk about this sentence, which may seems so insignificant compared to the events that happened in the chapter: Nadira saving her father.
This sentence popped out at me. At first it popped out at me because it was very descriptive. However, on the other hand when I decoded this sentence I found something very meaningfully and deep. This sentence in the chapter and in the whole book seems very insignificant. It reminded me that sometimes I feel insignificant, just another human being on this planet. It reminded me that sometimes I feel helpless, and that I think I can’t help the world become a better place, even though I want to. I want to grow up and perhaps be someone big and important like Jeff Corwin. Jeff Corwin is my hero!!! What is very interesting to me is that Jeff said sometimes he feels powerless. That really stuck out because it sends a message that I can overcome this feeling of helpless (that maybe many people do), and do something great in my life and help make the world a better place like Jeff does.
Here’s the link to the video where Jeff mentions feeling powerless. It is at the very end of the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Uiq_T3cG6w&feature=related
I wanted to talk about this sentence, which may seems so insignificant compared to the events that happened in the chapter: Nadira saving her father.
This sentence popped out at me. At first it popped out at me because it was very descriptive. However, on the other hand when I decoded this sentence I found something very meaningfully and deep. This sentence in the chapter and in the whole book seems very insignificant. It reminded me that sometimes I feel insignificant, just another human being on this planet. It reminded me that sometimes I feel helpless, and that I think I can’t help the world become a better place, even though I want to. I want to grow up and perhaps be someone big and important like Jeff Corwin. Jeff Corwin is my hero!!! What is very interesting to me is that Jeff said sometimes he feels powerless. That really stuck out because it sends a message that I can overcome this feeling of helpless (that maybe many people do), and do something great in my life and help make the world a better place like Jeff does.
Here’s the link to the video where Jeff mentions feeling powerless. It is at the very end of the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Uiq_T3cG6w&feature=related
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Log 10 (Nadira blew it again!)
“It’s like a map that suddenly becomes clear-lines start feeding into the other.”
“What if it doesn’t work? What if they don’t care about my great big discovery? Maybe I have to do something else—something bigger, guaranteed to save Abba.” –page 117
I thought this was a very important paragraph in the chapters we read. I think it is very significant because Nadira made a great discovery, however she immediately second-guessed herself! She thought no one would care about her brilliant plan or if it would work. That is such a shame and she probably brought down her own confidence. Immediately after her discovery, she didn’t use it, and instead called the sly Tareq. I think she called Tareq because at the time she thought it was “guaranteed” that it would save Abba, however that doesn’t seem like her… After she almost followed through with her plan with Tareq-she backed down. I thought that was an excellent move. She was in a bad environment with guns and it didn’t seem like the right thing to do to save Abba; Tareq’s way seemed like he was cheating. (Unfortunately Tareq may be in trouble because it seemed like bad men were there to.) In the process with Tareq, she lied to Ali-Uncle. I thought this was a big deal because Ali-Uncle is so nice and Nadira learns so much from him. I bet Ali-Uncle sensed by her body language that she was lying, but didn’t say anything. This chapter was fast paced and decisions were made fast. If Nadira followed her instincts and used her original brilliant plan, she might have not been in this mess. I am now very curious what her original brilliant plan was. It bet it was related to maps in some way, figuratively or literally, because in the text it said so. (Calling Tareq doesn’t seem like it relates to maps…) This event of (maybe) taking action too quickly reminds me of the sentence, “The boat can’t wait for the tide.”
P.S.
I also noticed another sentence that related to water. (A a storm relates to angry water).
“Suddenly I can feel it, his words of patience telling me to choose right, even when the storm comes.” –page 122
“What if it doesn’t work? What if they don’t care about my great big discovery? Maybe I have to do something else—something bigger, guaranteed to save Abba.” –page 117
I thought this was a very important paragraph in the chapters we read. I think it is very significant because Nadira made a great discovery, however she immediately second-guessed herself! She thought no one would care about her brilliant plan or if it would work. That is such a shame and she probably brought down her own confidence. Immediately after her discovery, she didn’t use it, and instead called the sly Tareq. I think she called Tareq because at the time she thought it was “guaranteed” that it would save Abba, however that doesn’t seem like her… After she almost followed through with her plan with Tareq-she backed down. I thought that was an excellent move. She was in a bad environment with guns and it didn’t seem like the right thing to do to save Abba; Tareq’s way seemed like he was cheating. (Unfortunately Tareq may be in trouble because it seemed like bad men were there to.) In the process with Tareq, she lied to Ali-Uncle. I thought this was a big deal because Ali-Uncle is so nice and Nadira learns so much from him. I bet Ali-Uncle sensed by her body language that she was lying, but didn’t say anything. This chapter was fast paced and decisions were made fast. If Nadira followed her instincts and used her original brilliant plan, she might have not been in this mess. I am now very curious what her original brilliant plan was. It bet it was related to maps in some way, figuratively or literally, because in the text it said so. (Calling Tareq doesn’t seem like it relates to maps…) This event of (maybe) taking action too quickly reminds me of the sentence, “The boat can’t wait for the tide.”
P.S.
I also noticed another sentence that related to water. (A a storm relates to angry water).
“Suddenly I can feel it, his words of patience telling me to choose right, even when the storm comes.” –page 122
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Log 9 (follow up)
This reminded me of the talk with the Reyna Grande, the author of Across a Hundred Mountains. She had a similar situation. She was living with an abusive father in the United States. When she was in college she talked to her teacher, and told her about her abusive father. Then her teacher took her out of the terrible situation because she didn’t want her to drop out, and took her to live in her home. That is an amazing story! It paid an incredible amount that Reyna spoke up. In life, it can be very important to speak up, and speak your mind. You might be benefited, and your voice might contribute to a better world.
P.S There has been a lot of talk about Nadira talking to a teacher to get a different perspective of her situation. I’ve blogged about it in log #8 and commented on Puja’s blog posts regarding this matter.
P.S There has been a lot of talk about Nadira talking to a teacher to get a different perspective of her situation. I’ve blogged about it in log #8 and commented on Puja’s blog posts regarding this matter.
Log 9 (Nadira Blew it!)
“Mr. Friedlander edges closer. ‘Nadira, you can tell me. There’s so much going on these days. In the news. Have you or Aisha have been harassed?’” page 111
I thought this was Nadira’s golden opportunity to talk to a trusting teacher about her tough situation. I thought it was “golden” because Mr. Friedlander started and opened up the conversation, and asked if she is okay. She should have spoke her mind and told him about her tough situation, but instead she LIED! I believe Nadira should have told Mr. Friedlander the whole story, (despite her parents not wanting to give out any personal information to anyone but family). She should have told him because she’d get a lot off her mind, and talking it out might have eased her mind a little too. I bet Mr. Friedlander would not do anything bad to her, like report her visa status or something, but instead be a great help. With his different perspective he could “save the day”, (not literally), but he could give great advice and suggestions on what she should do, and maybe speak with someone in the law. This scene was also very vivid. I can imagine the intensity in the room. The phrase that stuck out to me the most is, “Mr. Friedlander edges closer. ‘Nadira, you can tell me.’” This also shows that he cares, and wouldn’t want to do any harm, but help.
I was pretty sure that Nadira wants to tell someone, because on page 29 she said, ““But sometimes I feel like shaking their sleeves and blurting out, Ask me. Please.” Why did Nadira back down?! Someone asked her, like she wanted, and she had the perfect opportunity to talk it out with her trusting teacher. I am so confused, why did she back down?! I am kind of upset and disappointed in Nadira that she didn’t talk it out. I wonder what her reason was not to... Nadira didn’t have the guts to tell the truth to a trusting teacher, but instead had the guts to lie to him. In another situation she had the guts to lie and pretend she was selling cookies to spy on a manicurist that worked for Lily’s father. She did it in order to help Lily, but even went into her house. This seems so backwards!!!!! With a lot of thought I think it’s her best solution for now to talk to her teacher. I really want her to talk to her teacher and see what happens. If she doesn’t by the end of the book, I’d be sad… In my mind she had the perfect opportunity but blew it away.
I thought this was Nadira’s golden opportunity to talk to a trusting teacher about her tough situation. I thought it was “golden” because Mr. Friedlander started and opened up the conversation, and asked if she is okay. She should have spoke her mind and told him about her tough situation, but instead she LIED! I believe Nadira should have told Mr. Friedlander the whole story, (despite her parents not wanting to give out any personal information to anyone but family). She should have told him because she’d get a lot off her mind, and talking it out might have eased her mind a little too. I bet Mr. Friedlander would not do anything bad to her, like report her visa status or something, but instead be a great help. With his different perspective he could “save the day”, (not literally), but he could give great advice and suggestions on what she should do, and maybe speak with someone in the law. This scene was also very vivid. I can imagine the intensity in the room. The phrase that stuck out to me the most is, “Mr. Friedlander edges closer. ‘Nadira, you can tell me.’” This also shows that he cares, and wouldn’t want to do any harm, but help.
I was pretty sure that Nadira wants to tell someone, because on page 29 she said, ““But sometimes I feel like shaking their sleeves and blurting out, Ask me. Please.” Why did Nadira back down?! Someone asked her, like she wanted, and she had the perfect opportunity to talk it out with her trusting teacher. I am so confused, why did she back down?! I am kind of upset and disappointed in Nadira that she didn’t talk it out. I wonder what her reason was not to... Nadira didn’t have the guts to tell the truth to a trusting teacher, but instead had the guts to lie to him. In another situation she had the guts to lie and pretend she was selling cookies to spy on a manicurist that worked for Lily’s father. She did it in order to help Lily, but even went into her house. This seems so backwards!!!!! With a lot of thought I think it’s her best solution for now to talk to her teacher. I really want her to talk to her teacher and see what happens. If she doesn’t by the end of the book, I’d be sad… In my mind she had the perfect opportunity but blew it away.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Log 8 (Thread of Hope)
“And me, I don’t know what to do with myself anymore. I can’t figure out how to get us through this—to pick up the thread of working together, to continue our fight. None of it seems possible.” –page 95
In this sentence when I read the word “thread”, it made me think of a thread of hope. Their hope has been growing weaker and weaker until now only a thread is left. Nadira is in a tough situation because she seems like the only one holding on to that thread of hope, and has the potential to make it stronger, except she doesn’t know how. Nadira said, “I don’t know what I’m trying to find out, but it’s inside me someone where.” –page 96 Why did Aisha give up hope and Nadira did not? I think that Nadira didn’t get all down in the dumps because younger people have this attitude like, I can save the world type of thing, and they go for it. The older you get, you (probably) think more realistically, and realize how it’s unlikely you can save the world, and just stop trying. I think Nadira has this young people attitude and Aisha sees things realistically, and doesn’t bother trying if the odds are really against her.
I hope Nadira figures out a way to help, but it seems like the situation is in the hands of the law and immigration officers. It seems like more of a grown up problem. My advice to Nadira for now is to work hard in school, and tell a teacher about the situation because they could help a lot. (See my response to Puja’s blog post for more info.) Albert Einstein once said, “No problem can be solved from the same consciousness that created it. We must learn to see the world anew.” This quote exactly matches the situation. Nadira could try and see the situation in a different perspective, but I think it’s her best bet is to talk to a trusting teacher who hasn’t heard of the problem. The teacher could be honest, caring, understanding, supportive and eager to help—just what Nadira needs. Nadira can’t go on having Aisha weighting her down, because eventually it may break Nadira down too. Nadira has the power to become independent and help get her family out of this mess!
In this sentence when I read the word “thread”, it made me think of a thread of hope. Their hope has been growing weaker and weaker until now only a thread is left. Nadira is in a tough situation because she seems like the only one holding on to that thread of hope, and has the potential to make it stronger, except she doesn’t know how. Nadira said, “I don’t know what I’m trying to find out, but it’s inside me someone where.” –page 96 Why did Aisha give up hope and Nadira did not? I think that Nadira didn’t get all down in the dumps because younger people have this attitude like, I can save the world type of thing, and they go for it. The older you get, you (probably) think more realistically, and realize how it’s unlikely you can save the world, and just stop trying. I think Nadira has this young people attitude and Aisha sees things realistically, and doesn’t bother trying if the odds are really against her.
I hope Nadira figures out a way to help, but it seems like the situation is in the hands of the law and immigration officers. It seems like more of a grown up problem. My advice to Nadira for now is to work hard in school, and tell a teacher about the situation because they could help a lot. (See my response to Puja’s blog post for more info.) Albert Einstein once said, “No problem can be solved from the same consciousness that created it. We must learn to see the world anew.” This quote exactly matches the situation. Nadira could try and see the situation in a different perspective, but I think it’s her best bet is to talk to a trusting teacher who hasn’t heard of the problem. The teacher could be honest, caring, understanding, supportive and eager to help—just what Nadira needs. Nadira can’t go on having Aisha weighting her down, because eventually it may break Nadira down too. Nadira has the power to become independent and help get her family out of this mess!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Log 7 Part 2 (Observation: Boat and some form of water comes up AGAIN)
“I’m dreaming about sitting by a river and a boat…” -page 80
I wanted to point this sentence out because in a previous chapter there was a sentence that was about a boat and the tide. It seemed like it was a big coincidence, but after some thought the author probably planned it out. I am not sure what the author wants the boat, the river/the tide to represent to the reader. (I talked more in depth about what the boat and tide represents in a previous log.) It may become clearer later in the book, but it is extremely important to notice. Boat and water will probably come up in the same sentence again. I think it would be cool when the book is over to find all the sentences with the words: boat and some form of water, and try to figure out the riddle. The riddle is to find out what the boat and the form of water represents. (There will probably be many different perspectives. It would be interesting to know what the boat and some form of water represents to the author, and water in general.)
I wanted to point this sentence out because in a previous chapter there was a sentence that was about a boat and the tide. It seemed like it was a big coincidence, but after some thought the author probably planned it out. I am not sure what the author wants the boat, the river/the tide to represent to the reader. (I talked more in depth about what the boat and tide represents in a previous log.) It may become clearer later in the book, but it is extremely important to notice. Boat and water will probably come up in the same sentence again. I think it would be cool when the book is over to find all the sentences with the words: boat and some form of water, and try to figure out the riddle. The riddle is to find out what the boat and the form of water represents. (There will probably be many different perspectives. It would be interesting to know what the boat and some form of water represents to the author, and water in general.)
Log 7 Part 1 (Immigration officers barge into her Uncle's house)
“Who is it?” he shouts.
“Immigration, sir. May we please come in?”
-page 80
I had a few questions regarding this scene. 1. Why are they barging in the house doing a “routine check-up” in the middle of the night? I think they did that to catch them off guard. 2. I am pretty sure they aren’t doing a “routine check-up” and found out where some illegal immigrants lived-the question is who told them? 3. When they were at the station the supervisor said, “We’re just trying to make it easy for you folks.” I think that is probably a lie, because now with her Uncle and Father are both in jail. Who is going to make the income to support her Uncle’s family? Will they ever get out of jail? What was the reason behind her saying that? Puja noted in her blog that they only took her Uncle and not the rest of the family. I am curious why they did that in both her Uncle’s situation and her father’s…
“Immigration, sir. May we please come in?”
-page 80
I had a few questions regarding this scene. 1. Why are they barging in the house doing a “routine check-up” in the middle of the night? I think they did that to catch them off guard. 2. I am pretty sure they aren’t doing a “routine check-up” and found out where some illegal immigrants lived-the question is who told them? 3. When they were at the station the supervisor said, “We’re just trying to make it easy for you folks.” I think that is probably a lie, because now with her Uncle and Father are both in jail. Who is going to make the income to support her Uncle’s family? Will they ever get out of jail? What was the reason behind her saying that? Puja noted in her blog that they only took her Uncle and not the rest of the family. I am curious why they did that in both her Uncle’s situation and her father’s…
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Log 6 (Communication)
“And if I say something good, then it is like watching my own garden grow, and that is the greatest pleasure ever. That’s what Aisha and I are doing. We’re planting a garden with our words.” –page 79
I think Ali-Uncle is a huge positive influence in Nadira’s life. She notices a lot of his sudden actions. She realized that he is so graceful, and wise. Nadira carefully takes in what he has to say and learns from his lessons. The sentence I chose was Nadira paraphrasing a conversation she had with Ali-Uncle. I like this sentence because it gave me a new perspective about words and communication. Communication and getting your voice out can be very important and useful in the world. I believe many people take for granted that they are lucky to be able to communicate with others and the world. Their voice can contribute to making the world a better place. Many people don’t have a voice, and aren’t heard. (Like Nadira’s family.) With our voice, we can help others that don’t have one, and help their story be heard. Words can be like treasures—unless you use them the wrong way. If you chose your words carefully and thoughtful, and are passionate for what you believe in, then your writing or speaking can take you far in life. Words are the seeds to start your garden; a garden of passion and determination.
I think Ali-Uncle is a huge positive influence in Nadira’s life. She notices a lot of his sudden actions. She realized that he is so graceful, and wise. Nadira carefully takes in what he has to say and learns from his lessons. The sentence I chose was Nadira paraphrasing a conversation she had with Ali-Uncle. I like this sentence because it gave me a new perspective about words and communication. Communication and getting your voice out can be very important and useful in the world. I believe many people take for granted that they are lucky to be able to communicate with others and the world. Their voice can contribute to making the world a better place. Many people don’t have a voice, and aren’t heard. (Like Nadira’s family.) With our voice, we can help others that don’t have one, and help their story be heard. Words can be like treasures—unless you use them the wrong way. If you chose your words carefully and thoughtful, and are passionate for what you believe in, then your writing or speaking can take you far in life. Words are the seeds to start your garden; a garden of passion and determination.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Log 5 (boat can't wait)
“The boat can’t wait for the tide, nah?” he asks in Bangla. –page 45
I found this line interesting. Water keeps reoccurring throughout the book in all sorts of forms. “The boat can’t wait for the tide”. The way I decoded it is that Aisha and Nadira are the boat. They aren’t waiting for the deportation to take its course, the tide, which results in their impatience and early action setting them back. That would be the same as if a boat sailed out of a dock, even though a raging storm was taking place; and all the supplies fell into the water and the boat flipped over. The boat going out early and not in the right conditions set back the journey. Now a huge amount of time and lot more work has to get done in order to set sail again.
I think that phrase exactly matches Aisha, and Nadira’s heated talk with Mr. Rashid. I think Aisha’s early action by having a heated talk with Mr. Rashid set back their journey to get their father back, and a legal status. (I think her action was driven by impatience. That talk was a set back and realization, because he said there would be a bunch of complicated work to get done. I thought it was important that Nadira realized: “I noticed all the folders in the usually neat office: stacked upon his desk, on extra chairs. Our family is just one folder, I realized, and a not very important one.” That talk, which I think was out of despair, resulted in Aisha realizing how much trouble there were in. She broke down, telling Nadira that she was scared for Abba. That’s only the second time Nadira saw her break down. In this case, it may have been better if the boat waited for the tide.
I found this line interesting. Water keeps reoccurring throughout the book in all sorts of forms. “The boat can’t wait for the tide”. The way I decoded it is that Aisha and Nadira are the boat. They aren’t waiting for the deportation to take its course, the tide, which results in their impatience and early action setting them back. That would be the same as if a boat sailed out of a dock, even though a raging storm was taking place; and all the supplies fell into the water and the boat flipped over. The boat going out early and not in the right conditions set back the journey. Now a huge amount of time and lot more work has to get done in order to set sail again.
I think that phrase exactly matches Aisha, and Nadira’s heated talk with Mr. Rashid. I think Aisha’s early action by having a heated talk with Mr. Rashid set back their journey to get their father back, and a legal status. (I think her action was driven by impatience. That talk was a set back and realization, because he said there would be a bunch of complicated work to get done. I thought it was important that Nadira realized: “I noticed all the folders in the usually neat office: stacked upon his desk, on extra chairs. Our family is just one folder, I realized, and a not very important one.” That talk, which I think was out of despair, resulted in Aisha realizing how much trouble there were in. She broke down, telling Nadira that she was scared for Abba. That’s only the second time Nadira saw her break down. In this case, it may have been better if the boat waited for the tide.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Reflections and Connections to the Movie "Wetback"
This gives me a new perspective on the hardships crossing borders. I never really realized how many sacrifices people make to cross the borders to try and have a better life. Many die. The immigrants are so determined, and long for a better life, and work to reach their goal, even when their world is falling down. I think it’s very important that we are learning their perspectives. I learned that immigration is due to many things, but mainly a failing economy. I’ve heard that there are many starving people in the world, but it never really clicked. In the video one man said something like, “I only want one good meal, but that’s impossible.” That stuck with me. I never really realized how lucky I am to have good food. I feel sad for the people who try their best in life, but can’t live their dream, and can’t support themselves and families.
Labor issues also came up in the movie. Workers in Niagara, and many parts of the world including our country, aren’t given the fair amount of money in return for their hard work: farming, making clothes, picking fruits, coffee, cacao, etc. I had an idea that unfair labor may be closely linked to immigration in some ways. It is crazy how many people in the world don’t do things for the greater good and let people suffer because of money and greed. The video so far has helped my understanding of immigration because the visuals were so powerful, like the men drinking water that was falling from roof gutters while on their journey to a new country…
This video connects with Ask Me No Questions because in both cases they want a better life, and are trying to reach their goal, even though there are many risks involved. Both parties are trying to be silent and are trying be unseen and unheard by the government and others. The characters from the book and the men in the video both long to succeed, and live healthy, happy lives. Maybe someday those hard working, “unseen”, life-sacrificing immigrants will get a voice and live better lives.
Immigration is such a complex topic—it’s hard to break it down because there are so many factors involved.
Labor issues also came up in the movie. Workers in Niagara, and many parts of the world including our country, aren’t given the fair amount of money in return for their hard work: farming, making clothes, picking fruits, coffee, cacao, etc. I had an idea that unfair labor may be closely linked to immigration in some ways. It is crazy how many people in the world don’t do things for the greater good and let people suffer because of money and greed. The video so far has helped my understanding of immigration because the visuals were so powerful, like the men drinking water that was falling from roof gutters while on their journey to a new country…
This video connects with Ask Me No Questions because in both cases they want a better life, and are trying to reach their goal, even though there are many risks involved. Both parties are trying to be silent and are trying be unseen and unheard by the government and others. The characters from the book and the men in the video both long to succeed, and live healthy, happy lives. Maybe someday those hard working, “unseen”, life-sacrificing immigrants will get a voice and live better lives.
Immigration is such a complex topic—it’s hard to break it down because there are so many factors involved.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Log 4 (Borders)
“But Uncle, Abba says that this is just a bad time, but we can always go across the border and start again.”
“Borders!” He yells. “What do you know of borders! Do you know what happened to my grandmother when she fled West Bengal? They murdered her! Neighbors turned assassins. Those Hindu mobs, they came upon her in the road, and they killed her. And not just her, but two of her children! Little boys, younger than you! What about that? You think you can just start again? I see you there! Sitting around , fat and lazy! What are you going to do?” –page 44
I found these paragraphs very powerful. It may seem like her Uncle was being very harsh, but I think it was the best way to get his important point across. These paragraphs leaped out of the page because they were so powerful—the stage was set just right for the meaning to be at its best. This gave me a huge perspective on borders. Borders are such an important topic/subject/situation in many places in the world . I feel like borders aren’t talked about enough because there is an insanely huge amount of them and so many problems, wars, etc. to know about regarding borders. 192 countries are members of United Nations, so that can give you a sense of how many borders there are. There’s probably so much history to behind them. I think the history would trace back from a long time ago. It would be very interesting to learn about.
Again, this paragraph was so vivid. I felt like this sentence was extremely powerful: “You think you can just start again?”. This sentence really gives me a sense of borders in the real world. I agree with him. They can’t just start again. It seems so unrealistic. On another note, I was thinking if he said the same paragraph in a friendly tone and not in a heated argument; I think the meaning of it would be completely striped away. I think her Uncle has every right to state his important thoughts. I think this event will make Nadira stronger and more aware in the long run, but she mentioned it did start a chain reaction of bad things happening in her day. (It must have been a very difficult situation for her. If I were in her situation I would probably have to fight back tears.) Her Uncle seems like the kind of guy who doesn’t talk much, but when he has something to say, it is very important and meaningful. Sometimes I feel like her Uncle in that sort of sense, (not in the harsh way).
“Borders!” He yells. “What do you know of borders! Do you know what happened to my grandmother when she fled West Bengal? They murdered her! Neighbors turned assassins. Those Hindu mobs, they came upon her in the road, and they killed her. And not just her, but two of her children! Little boys, younger than you! What about that? You think you can just start again? I see you there! Sitting around , fat and lazy! What are you going to do?” –page 44
I found these paragraphs very powerful. It may seem like her Uncle was being very harsh, but I think it was the best way to get his important point across. These paragraphs leaped out of the page because they were so powerful—the stage was set just right for the meaning to be at its best. This gave me a huge perspective on borders. Borders are such an important topic/subject/situation in many places in the world . I feel like borders aren’t talked about enough because there is an insanely huge amount of them and so many problems, wars, etc. to know about regarding borders. 192 countries are members of United Nations, so that can give you a sense of how many borders there are. There’s probably so much history to behind them. I think the history would trace back from a long time ago. It would be very interesting to learn about.
Again, this paragraph was so vivid. I felt like this sentence was extremely powerful: “You think you can just start again?”. This sentence really gives me a sense of borders in the real world. I agree with him. They can’t just start again. It seems so unrealistic. On another note, I was thinking if he said the same paragraph in a friendly tone and not in a heated argument; I think the meaning of it would be completely striped away. I think her Uncle has every right to state his important thoughts. I think this event will make Nadira stronger and more aware in the long run, but she mentioned it did start a chain reaction of bad things happening in her day. (It must have been a very difficult situation for her. If I were in her situation I would probably have to fight back tears.) Her Uncle seems like the kind of guy who doesn’t talk much, but when he has something to say, it is very important and meaningful. Sometimes I feel like her Uncle in that sort of sense, (not in the harsh way).
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Free Log (Vultures)
“In this country we are still only visitors. We must be very careful. If we offend or break the law, we may bring the wrath from our hosts.” He sighs. “Boys like Tareq, they don’t think. They just do. They’re not good for our community. They’re vultures feeding off our fears.” –page 36
I found this paragraph very powerful. I linked a picture of a vulture because its body language was the perfect fit in this paragraph. If you look into its eyes you can see it is very intense, ready to pounce. It also seems a little fearful and sorrowful. This picture is perfect because it makes this paragraph complete and also describes Tareq very well. I also think of Tareq as a tiger because that’s his nickname and it fits him very well. In this case, tigers and vultures same similar qualities, which I find very interesting.
I found this paragraph very powerful. I linked a picture of a vulture because its body language was the perfect fit in this paragraph. If you look into its eyes you can see it is very intense, ready to pounce. It also seems a little fearful and sorrowful. This picture is perfect because it makes this paragraph complete and also describes Tareq very well. I also think of Tareq as a tiger because that’s his nickname and it fits him very well. In this case, tigers and vultures same similar qualities, which I find very interesting.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Log 3 (Nadira's knack for describing characters)
“Ma calls him Bagh’a, which means “tiger” in Bangla, because he’s got this wide face with narrow eyes and a fearsome temper.” –page 33 (Describing Tareq)
“His name is Tim, and he has hair the color of orange wheat and freckles on the backs of his hands. He’s so tall he had to stoop a little when he shook Abba’s hand.” –page 39
I’ve noticed that Nadira has a knack for describing people. From reading her introductory sentence of a character I get a clear image of the person and their personality. She also describes the characters’ actions in such a way that contributes a lot to their personalities. I can picture Tim as a nice man because the tone she used to describe him was very friendly. I also think the phrase “orange wheat” stood out as friendly, and as a result, contributed a lot to the friendly tone. On the other hand I can picture Tareq as a hotheaded guy because she used the phrase “fearsome temper”. Nadira also did an excellent job describing his nickname and face; it contributed a huge amount to him being hotheaded. I love the contrast between Tareq and Tim. When I read the descriptions one after the other I get very vivid, powerful images. I think picturing the contrast of the two side by side creates even more powerful images than reading about them in different pages in the book.
“His name is Tim, and he has hair the color of orange wheat and freckles on the backs of his hands. He’s so tall he had to stoop a little when he shook Abba’s hand.” –page 39
I’ve noticed that Nadira has a knack for describing people. From reading her introductory sentence of a character I get a clear image of the person and their personality. She also describes the characters’ actions in such a way that contributes a lot to their personalities. I can picture Tim as a nice man because the tone she used to describe him was very friendly. I also think the phrase “orange wheat” stood out as friendly, and as a result, contributed a lot to the friendly tone. On the other hand I can picture Tareq as a hotheaded guy because she used the phrase “fearsome temper”. Nadira also did an excellent job describing his nickname and face; it contributed a huge amount to him being hotheaded. I love the contrast between Tareq and Tim. When I read the descriptions one after the other I get very vivid, powerful images. I think picturing the contrast of the two side by side creates even more powerful images than reading about them in different pages in the book.
Zuckerman’s Second Awesome Idea (extra entry)
I took this sentence from Zuckerman's post to DavVaughn's blog post #3 and responded to it because I thought it was very interesting and extremely well worded.
"I also think that the stress level should open peoples eyes to the skills of others, not shove them deeper into the shadows."
I am not sure if I agree with the first half, because how would stress lead to people acknowledging other people’s skills? In this situation it looks like it is going to be true. Nadira seems like she will shine above the stress and her skills will probably be acknowledged—so it will probably become true in this book. Nadira might also improve and/or gain new skills because I believe people gain/improve skills from stressful situations. I love and definitely agree with the second half of the sentence. It is excellently worded and it is important when going through hard times to not be negative with others, and definitely “not shove them deeper into the shadows”. I think the sentence is very important because it states several key points, and gave me a new perspective and way of thinking of stressful situtations.
"I also think that the stress level should open peoples eyes to the skills of others, not shove them deeper into the shadows."
I am not sure if I agree with the first half, because how would stress lead to people acknowledging other people’s skills? In this situation it looks like it is going to be true. Nadira seems like she will shine above the stress and her skills will probably be acknowledged—so it will probably become true in this book. Nadira might also improve and/or gain new skills because I believe people gain/improve skills from stressful situations. I love and definitely agree with the second half of the sentence. It is excellently worded and it is important when going through hard times to not be negative with others, and definitely “not shove them deeper into the shadows”. I think the sentence is very important because it states several key points, and gave me a new perspective and way of thinking of stressful situtations.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Zuckerman’s Awesome Idea
“I have never thought about the world as a place with no boundaries. Never thought of it as a place where anything can come from anywhere.”
Zuckerman’s idea is very relevant to the book and our lives. I too, usually imagine our world as a world with boundaries. This makes me think back and realize that there once was a time when there were no boundaries. There was a time when people and animals roamed the Earth. Now a days everything seems to be just so. This country is located here, and this country is over there… People have been fighting over land… Earth is such a different place. It is important to realize how Earth has changed to prepare for the future. We must take action so that not all land will be “touched” by mankind, meaning no modernization, settlements, etc. It would be a shame to completely lose all the natural beauty of Earth. I think this idea of boundaries will come up again and again and be a big theme in the book.
Zuckerman’s idea is very relevant to the book and our lives. I too, usually imagine our world as a world with boundaries. This makes me think back and realize that there once was a time when there were no boundaries. There was a time when people and animals roamed the Earth. Now a days everything seems to be just so. This country is located here, and this country is over there… People have been fighting over land… Earth is such a different place. It is important to realize how Earth has changed to prepare for the future. We must take action so that not all land will be “touched” by mankind, meaning no modernization, settlements, etc. It would be a shame to completely lose all the natural beauty of Earth. I think this idea of boundaries will come up again and again and be a big theme in the book.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Log 2 (chapters 3 and 4)
“A few years later the men with ledgers got their way. When the British left as rulers, a new map with new borders was laid upon us. This was called Partition. Bengal was finally lopped in half: one part belonged to the new nation of India and held mostly Hindus. The other part, where we lived, held mostly Muslims and belonged to the other new nation, Pakistan. It was a funny kind of map, since Pakistan lies more than a thousand miles away with India in between.” –page 21
What struck me the most in chapter 3 is that British men split Bengal into two parts to separate their religions and races. (That is how I interpreted it...) I think the British men created the tension that is now between the split up country. I wanted to know why did they split it into two parts? 1. I don’t think they belong there, intruding and messing with another country. 2. The country does not belong to them. 3. What is the purpose-do they want to take control? And 4. What is the point in creating tension and breaking the harmony between a country where the people share the same love and passion for it? I guess many people in the world don’t do things for the greater good, which is really a shame… After reading this chapter the British seem out of place. (It would be interesting to get a British person’s perspective.) I am a little puzzled after reading this section because I don’t understand how the British divided up the country, and I don’t know the country’s name… Chapter 3 was full of details. Personally I like reading about Nadria’s reflections on her country, borders, and stories rather than the current events that are taking place in the book.
What struck me the most in chapter 3 is that British men split Bengal into two parts to separate their religions and races. (That is how I interpreted it...) I think the British men created the tension that is now between the split up country. I wanted to know why did they split it into two parts? 1. I don’t think they belong there, intruding and messing with another country. 2. The country does not belong to them. 3. What is the purpose-do they want to take control? And 4. What is the point in creating tension and breaking the harmony between a country where the people share the same love and passion for it? I guess many people in the world don’t do things for the greater good, which is really a shame… After reading this chapter the British seem out of place. (It would be interesting to get a British person’s perspective.) I am a little puzzled after reading this section because I don’t understand how the British divided up the country, and I don’t know the country’s name… Chapter 3 was full of details. Personally I like reading about Nadria’s reflections on her country, borders, and stories rather than the current events that are taking place in the book.
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