Read "Forty-five a Month" (254). Post by Friday 12pm.
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The stories that you should reply to in this post:
Forty-five a Month (254)
Free and Equal (261)
A View of Affirmative Action In the Workplace (269)
The Lottery (321)
Stone-Throwing in India: An Annual Bash (329)
Janushinka (419)
Honor Bound (425)
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ReplyDelete"Forty-five a Month" is a story describing a man's situation in life. The man, Vencat Rao, often works long hours, in India, for a pay of 40 ruppes. Therefore, Vencat Rao had liitle time to spend with his family. When Vencat Rao told his daughter he would take her to the cinema, he was going to leave work early and possibly quit in the process. At work Vencat Rao went to the manager to give his resignation letter, only to be told of a possible raise, taking back the letter.
ReplyDeleteVencat Rao neglected his family for money, which is ironic because his work was for his family. Unfortunately, this is the reality of todays society. Money is the only way for people to live comfortable lives. People have to work, sometimes in unfair conditions,to earn money. Ever hear the phrase "money can't buy happiness"? Well, money would make me happy, as I believe it is a necesary factor to sustain happiness. People can be happy without money, but without money, life can be unbearably hard.
Summary
ReplyDeleteThe story "Forty-five a Month" by R.K. Narayan is a story about a young girl named Shanta, her father Venkat Rao and her mother. This is a very fleeting story that touches on a father and daughter relationship that is strictly limited because of Venkat's heavy work load in that he had to work all day and come home at seven or eight at the night. By finishing work at seven, he could not have a chance to bond with his daughter because she sleeps at that specific time. This is a sad story because Venkat would tell Shanta to get dressed to go to the cinema by five o'clock, so she would get very excited and be dressed, but in the end of the day, her father would let her down because he never came. It is sad because she would try really hard to convince her teacher to allow her to leave school early and she would even walk around the streets to search for her father's office. Ultimately, Shanta got her hopes up for nothing. Venkat had once again told Shanta to get dressed to go to the cinema, but his manager had provoked him into working past 5:30 so he couldnt take his daughter to the theater. It is disappointing because Venkat saw Shanta sleeping with her hair combed and her dress on when he came home. If I was Venkat, I would quit the job a long time ago even if I had a five rupee increment because forty five rupees isnt a lot of money and I would rather bond with my family and search for a better paying job with less work load.
1st review:lunatichigh1327
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that money is the only way that people can live comfortable lives because I would rather live in a big house than a small house. I dont agree with your sentiment that Venkat neglected his family for money because it clearly states in the book that he wanted to go to the cinema but his manager was always the one to convince him to stay at work such as " you must rectify it immediately" as to examine two hundred vouchers.
After reading the story “Forty-Five a Month” I felt connected to the little girl in the story, she waits for her dad from noon to night, when I was little, my parents had to work everyday so they didn’t had time to take care of me, basically I was raised by my grandmother, as a result I have the same experience as the little girl in the story. It is sad that the girl went to sleep with her dress on, she probably fall into sleep while waiting for her dad, when one has a high expectation, one is obviously going to have higher disappointment. I felt disappointed at the father since he did not make his promise come true because of extra five rupees in his salary, I believe that the father were try to work hard to earn more money, so the family can have a better living condition but a promise is a promise he can’t broke it especially to his own child. This story spoken about the real worlds, where sometimes we only sees money in our eyes, busying at work and forgetting that there are something more important, like family and friends.
ReplyDelete2nd review: Rong Li
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in that when one has a high expectation then one can have a high disappointment because when your hopes are high for an exciting event and the event doesnt occur than one would definitely experience great disappointment.
@Rong Li
ReplyDeleteIt is bad to break a promise. If it were me, I would have confirmed a vacation date before making a promise. I think the problem with Vencat Rao was that he could only keep his promise if he quit or give up his raise. The problem is money, somtimes it distracts us from the present.
@Brian Nguyen
I beleive you interpreted my words differently from what meant to say. I think Vencat Rao worked for his family thinking money was more important for the family than spending time with his daughter. He did not neglect his daughter for money, but to help his family.
R.K. Narayan’s "Forty-five a Month" is a story about a young girl named Shanta and her father Venkat Rao. Wenkat promised Shanta that they will go to cinema by five o'clovk. Shanta is happy because she is able to spend a time with her father. So, she gets home early and she is waiting for her father come. However, Venkat has to work hard to earn 40 rupees. Venkat tries to keep the promise, but unfortunately, he can't do it.
ReplyDeleteThis one touches me because it reminds my childhood. For seven years, I had to wait for my father to come. At that time, my family lived in Korea and my dad lived in New York by himself. I, like Shanta, waited for dad to come. My dad, who wanted to be with us, wasn't able to come several time. When I was young, I remembered his face by looking at his pictures. But when I was third grade, my dad finally came to Korea. we never expected that my dad being changed. Dad, who used to be thin man, became chubby man in five years. We, including our relatives, were so shock that we could not talk to him for moment.
After that we had to accept the truth about him.
Once in year he visited to us. After two years, my family reunited. We've live together for almost five years.
Like my family, there are some people who lived seperately. However some of them had to do because they had to earn money to support their family.
@lunatichigh1327- I agree that money is the reality of todays society. However, I disagree that money is the only way for people to live comfortable lives. When people make more money, their greedies or envies are getting bigger. If you went to Africa countries, you probably think Africans live in poverty or poor, unhappy. No, they are happier than us. Even though, we have better living standard, they have higher happiness' standard. How do I know this? Because I went to Tanzania and Kenya for short term mission last summer.
@Brian Nguyen -I understand how you feel. However, you need to understand background of the story. At that time forty rupees or five rupees were big money for Indians. Like two dollars was big money for few decade year ago, forty rupees a month was fine job. Vanket wanted to quit the job. However, if he didn't work then his family would be suffer. He didn't want but he had to do.
@Rong Li- I definitely gree with you. Higher expectation bring higher disappointment!
ReplyDelete3rd review: Stephanie Minah
ReplyDeletelike other summaries, they all touch on the same concept of Venkat trying to keep his promise but he couldnt make it a reality. pretty good story about your father in Korea, I had to overcome a similar adversity in which I couldnt see my dad up until now
@lunatichigh1327
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that money is important especially in today’s society. We need and want money. We all believe money can’t buy happiness but without money none of us will be happy. There is no way would live without money. Without money we have to worry about what we going to eat and where we going to live tomorrow. The reason that the father broke his promise was to support the family with better income, which is something necessary to support the family. Money is the key element for us to survive in everyday lives.
@Stephanie Minah
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. It is the reality, our parents work everyday to earn a good living and we are getting education in order to have a better future which means to have a good job and earn nice amount of money in future. It is all involve money; money makes people work like cows especially the people of the past generations. Money can separate or united a family.
@Stephanie Minah
ReplyDeleteYou went to Tanzania and Kenya, but they are better off than most of the countries in Africa. Making money does not necesarily mean greed or envy. People make money every day, but do not get greedier bacuase they have money. My parents earn money and do not get greedier, they are just determined to keep our financial lives the same. Also, I think money is the only way to keep a comfortable life. Without money you would not have a house nor basic necesities.
The short story "Forty-five a month" is in some ways sad but it happens in the real world more than once. Vencat Rao is a father in search of trying to reach out to his daughter. Like many fathers he fails to do so by disappointing his daughter Shanta. Shanta awaits in the hope that her father will be home by 5PM to take her to the cinema. Only to be disappointed again. Eventually goes to bed while her father is trying to get out of work. I can connect to Shanta; it was my middle school graduation, and my dad had said he would try to make it in time. Graduation had started and he was nowhere in sight. All I saw was my mother and sister. I had hopes that he would make it, eventually the ceremony ended and I moped around for half an hour or so. My mother had to nearly drag me into the car where we drove to the restaurant, and my dad met us up there. His boss had been too much and didn't want to give him a break for one measly day.
ReplyDelete"Forty-Five a Month" was a very touching and heart breaking story. Even though I cannot personally relate to the little girl's (Shanta) absence of her father, I could imagine how painful and disappointing it must be not to be able to see your father because he is working. Every time her father would tell her to be ready at 5:00 for the movies Shanta, would rush home to get ready and make sure she looked her absolute best because that time with her father meant the world to her. Shanta's family was not like most family's where her friends had everything they desired Shanta's father worked for a forty rupees which was not nearly enough for all the hours he put into his job. As much as he wanted to he, was not able to afford luxuries and or spend time with his family, and this hurt him the most. I think that no parent wants to be absent from their child's life or wants them to be missing out on anything but at the same time their job is what keeps their family surviving. This short story taught me to appreciate being able to see both my parents everyday and for the close relationship we have with one another because some kids are not as fortunate to see much less hang out with their parents. It is unfortunate that a lot of jobs consume people so much that their family ties slowly crumble because their presence is lacking.
ReplyDeleteBrian Nquyen- i agree with you, she raises her hopes only to find nothing but disappointed. In a way it's not her father's fault but its the way life is for that family. But ur definately right, if i was the father i would quit my job too. In fact i would have quit a long time ago due to the lack of kindness from my boss. It seems that the boss doesn't care whether or not everything is all going well in Vencat's life or not.
ReplyDeleteRong Li: You're right, it's a sad scene when Shanta knocks out with her beautiful dress on. It's not like she did it purposely after all she wanted to keep it in perfect condition for when her father came and took her to the cinema. Things don't always work out the way you want them to and it sucks.
Lunatichigh1327: I just realized & ur absolutely right it is ironic how Vencat decides to not quit his job for his family but then he never spends time with them. So it's like he supports them but doesn't have time for them. Sad but true in so many families in the world. The one's who end up getting hurt are the kids.
This story was just too sad. I've experienced what it's like to look forward to something and then realize a while after that i'm waiting for nothing. Vencat worked to provide for his family but at the end he still chose money over them. I feel bad for his daughter because she expected him to come home and he never did. My dad made promises to me before and didn't keep them so I know how his daughter feels.
ReplyDelete-Arianne Miclat
@rongli-
i agree with you. i was a daddy's girl when i was young and i only saw my dad every 3 months because he lived here in america while i lived in philippines. he didn't get to take care of me but he never forgot about me though so i'm glad. and i agree with higher expectation equals higher disappointment.
Reviews
ReplyDelete@Diana Llanos
I agree with Diana in the efforts that Venkat Rao is trying to make to spend some quality time with his daughter. He makes appointments with her almost everyday to tell her to be ready be five for the cinema but this only ends up in a broken heart more for the father because the daughter still has hope that he will take her. This is seen when Shanta sleeps with her pretty dress waiting for her dad to take her. Sometimes you should just take a risk and leap to go where your needed most.
@Rong Li
I strongly agree with your response in that money should not be the obsession of everyone's life. One must set up their priorities straight beginning with family first. The father had constantly broken his promises to his daughter whom never lacked doubt in that her father wouldn't take her. Finally, when his heart was so torn he decided to renounce from his job when, his boss gave him a five rupee raise. This should not have been his only standard in staying with his job.
@Brian Nguyen
I agree with Brian in his opinion of the story because he felt it was sad and disappointing. Shanta's father's constant promises only broke my heart more each time I got deeper and deeper into the story. It was not fair to Shanta that she would put all her time and effort into getting ready and be filled with all the hope in the world that this day her father would take her. I was especially disappointed at the end when the father made a plan to quit so he could spend more time with his family but instead changed his mind when his boss raised his salary. This showed me that although the father regrets breaking his promises money is more important in "keeping his family."
I think "Forty-Five a Month" was an extremely heartbreaking and depressing story. I liked the way Narayan used short dialogues when Shanta Bai was debating the time with her teacher. When Shanta was waiting for her father the first time, I felt hopeful that he woul not let her down, although I assumed by the mood of the story that she was going to be let down anyway. Again, I was hopeful when Shanta's father promised to take her to the cinema, and I was so dissapointed when he didn't tell his boss off. In my opinion, he definitely did not to the right thing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with lunatichigh1327: "Vencat Rao neglected his family for money, which is ironic because his work was for his family." I hadn't thought of that, it's a really good point. "Well, money would make me happy, as I believe it is a necesary factor to sustain happiness. People can be happy without money, but without money, life can be unbearably hard." I also mostly agree with that, i'm kind of torn with the phrase "money doesn't buy happiness". It can but it can't at the same time, I think it depends on how you use that money.
I completely agree with Vanessa Salgado: "This short story taught me to appreciate being able to see both my parents everyday and for the close relationship we have with one another because some kids are not as fortunate to see much less hang out with their parents." It really makes me appreciate my life and the people in it much more than I usually would. It's awful that most people take their family for granted, they don't realize how lucky they really are. I think everyone's guilty of that, which sucks.
I also agree with Brian Nguyen, "If I was Venkat, I would quit the job a long time ago even if I had a five rupee increment because forty five rupees isnt a lot of money and I would rather bond with my family and search for a better paying job with less work load." I would have quit a long time ago also if I were him. Family is the most important thing.
The stort forty- five a month written by R.K NArayan is a stroy that expresses the relatinship of a daughter and her father. One of the main things the daughter, Shanta wanted to do was spend some quality time with her father. Shanta was so excited to go home becaus eher fatehr promised to take her to the movies. SHe stood outside wating for her fathe to arrive in the hot sun. This just showed how anxious she was. But what was sad was that the father wasn't able to make it because of work. Shanta was scared to even lay down because she didn't want to mess up her dress. I agree with the response Mirit said because when you read this story it's very heartbreaking and depressing. Looking at how the father felt at the end tells it all. I also agree with Brian. This story can relate to my childhood. When i was young my mom always promised to take me places but always forgot or didn't have time. Rong Li makes another good point because money is very powerful and can make people work like cows. The father had to work all day despite what he promised his daughter.
ReplyDeleteThe story "Forty-Five a Month" is about a man named R.K.Narayan rpomised his daughter that his taking her to go to the theater, but he didn't, because he was busy working. And then, he promised to her daughter that he is going to take her daughter to the theater again. This time, he did not go again. when he got home, he saw his daughter felt asleep with her hair bound and her pretty dresses on. I think this story is sad because the father had disappointed his daughter twice.
ReplyDelete@Rong Li-
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that people have higher disappointment when they had a higher expectation. I had the same experience that Shanta had when I was little. My mother had promised to take me to the park in the weekend. So I finished my homework on the Friday night. And I expected my mother would take me to the park. But, she forgot about what she had promised. Instead, she went shopping with my aunt. I felt disappointed at that time. And i think people should not promise anything when they can't keep.
@Mirit-
ReplyDeleteYou made a good point that the story was heartbreaking and depressing. And I like the way that the author used the dialogues to tell about Shanta debate the time with her teacher. This short dialogue tell us about that Shanta was very care about the time and she was excited about going to the theater with her father.
@Arianne Miclat-
ReplyDeleteYou are right that the story is a sad story. And the father worked to provide his family. Also, he broke the promises he made for his daughter. He shouldn't choose money over his family bacause a family is always worth more than money.
"Forty five a month" was okay. It was a bit sad and depressing but I felt that Black Hair was much more depressing. I can not really relate to this story but i know so many people can. So many parents are forced to work more hours to support their families causing them to spend less time with their loved ones. I think everyone has been disappointed by a loved one before and can relate to the little girl. I did find it sad though when she got all dressed up to go to the movies and her father was never able to take her.
ReplyDeletelunatichigh1327: I really like "what money can't buy happiness" means to you. i have always really thought that you don't need money to be happy and just by having money is not going to make you a happy person. i like that you see this saying in a different light than i do. I have never even thought of it in that way. It is so true though that in the world that we live in, it is really hard to live a comfortable life without money.
Brian: I feel the same way - i would quit if i was the father. It is great to make more money but at the end of the day, family is much more important. i would rather have less money and spend a lot of time with my family than have a lot of money and never see my parents.
sincerelyaerie: I liked that you were able to relate to this story. I find a lot of times when i read something that I tend to relate it to myself and or people i know. i am sorry that your dad made promises to you that he couldn't keep.
@ Li Jun Chen
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, that the story was sad, and thank you for sharing the your own experince. I know how you feel when your mom had broke her promise. I have the same experince where my mom promise to bring me to my cousin's house for a sleep over but at that day she had forget about it which make me felt very disappointed at her. Never make a promise that you can't keep!
@briannguyen-
ReplyDeletei agree with you. i'd quit if i was the father also.
@mirit-
i believe that the story was heartbreaking. if i had a daughter, i would keep my promises to her.
The short story "Forty-Five a Month" written by R.K Narayan is about Venkat Rao and his daughter Shanta. In the story, Venkat promised to take Shanta to the cinema one evening. Shanta was very excited and got her hopes up. She rushed out of school to go home and get ready so she wouldn't be late. Once again Venkat had to stay late at work and Shanta's hopes were destroyed. venkat promised himself that if they wouldn't let him leave work at five, he would give his boss the resignation. Not only did he break his promise to his daughter, but he also broke his promise to himself. His boss offered him a rase so he wouldnt resign. If i was Venkat i wouldnt have accepted the raise and quit. Also, i wouldn't make promises that i know i couldn't keep. All these promises only led to disappointment for Shanta. Throughout the story, Venkat put his job before his family. Although you need money to survive a good life, he forgot about his family and consequences. Although i can't relate to this story, i can tell how sad and disappointing this was for Shanta. Sometimes you don't realize that you are neglecting you family for your work.
ReplyDelete@ lunatichigh1327
I agree with what you said about the quote "money can't buy happiness." Money might not be able to buy happiness but without money its hard to survive a happy life. Venkat should not have teaken the raise and should have left to go take his daughter to the cinema.
@ Rong Li
I agree with you when you say "When one has high expectations, one is obviously going to have higher disappointment." This is true in many ways. Never get your hopes up for something that's not going to happen. Shanta kept giving her dad more chances and believing that he was going to come home early from work to take her to the cinema, but he never did.
@ Vanessa Salgado
Sadly its true that many jobs take parents away from spending time with family and friends. Although they realize this, sometimes they have no choice but to continue working to support their families.
From the very beginning of the short story "Forty-Five a Month by R.K. Narayan, you can tell that Shanta is very excited to leave school so her father can bring her to the cinema. She left school early and as soon as she got home she put on her prettiest, most favorite dress, green ribbions and powdered her face and waited for her father to arrive. When night fell, he still did not come. The father on the other hand, feels unhappy and useless. He feels like his chold cannot enjoy her childhood like the other childern. He ends up comming home at nine and finding her all dressed up and asleep. he realizes that it would be impossible for him to ever bring her to the movies because her just got an increment.
ReplyDeleteI find it very sad that Shanta is unable to spend any time with her father. I can easily relate to her, because i barely see my own father around. I don't think people should ever put their work before their families.
However I like how the author focused on the daughter's point of view of the story and then the fathers.
Mirit, I agree that it was very depressing. When I was reading it, I thought he would end up quiting and comming home to his daughter. But instead he stayed for an extra 5 rupees.
Vanessa, I think it is wonderful that you have never experienced the absense of your own father. You are very lucky. There are many children out there who would cherish a moment with their dads.
Rong Li, I agree with you, many people let money control every aspects of their lives. I personally think that people work too much. Some people never take time off to enjoy life and watch their childern grow up.
I did not like this story very much, but it certainly wasn't boring. I just felt strong empahty toward this child.
the story "Forty-Five a Month" by R.K. Narayan is a ver touchign father doaughter story. I found this sotry really sad. I also flet really bad for the daughter because she couldnt spend time with her father. I, like chuchu, really liked how the author used the daughter's point of view more than the father's point of view. I agree with the quote lunatichigh1327 used, "Money cant buy happiness" i feel that the father should have spent more time with his family than more time making money which ment nothing to him. I also agree with mirit, i really found this story depressing too.
ReplyDeleteThis story was an upsetting, father-daughter story. At first I thought this would be a happy story of the memories with someone's father. I soon realized that this story is the unfortunate relationship between work, father, and daughter. I thing the best way to handle this situation is to tell your boss before hand. Still, knowing you have a high demanding job, you shouldn't make any promisis.
ReplyDelete@ChuChu...
It is unfortunate that you don't spend time with your father. Everyone should have both their parents in their lives. Luckily, even thought my dad works everyday, I have a good relationship.
@Mehak...
I also felt bad for Shanta because she got so excited for her dad's company. She got her hopes up and they all got shattered.
@Mirit...
Like everyone elso, I also felt depressed after reading this story.
The story "Forty-Five a Month" by R.K. Narayan tells the lives of many families, not only from India, but from all around the world. I was defninitely able to relate with little Shanta, being about 7 yrs old and having my mom leave to work at 8am and not be back till 8pm and my father leaving at 9pm and not being back until the next day to take me to school. We weren't able to go out a lot except for maybe on weekends if I didnt have too much homework to do and I would spend most of my time silently playing or watching tv in my room. In my case, the situation got better and my mom's home by 6 or maybe even a bit earlier and my sister doesnt have to go through what I did. In the story however, it can be inferred that the situation only got worse.Like all the other stories I've read so far, I was very touched.
ReplyDelete@ChuChuLIKESCheese: I use to concur with your situation and I also like how the author focused on the diferent points of views because you can really get a full understanding on what's going on.
@Vanessa Salgado: I agree with what you said about being closer to your parents because you get to see them everyday. Now that my mom gets out of work earlier, we are able to bond more and do "family" activities like baking and stuff.
@Stephanie Minah: I really sympathize with your childhood situation because my mom lived in Florida for about 4 months and I had to stay here in New York living with my aunt and grandma being only 4 years old. I missed her so much and I would call everynight so I cant imagine what I would've been like if I would've had to live without her for such a prolonged period of time like you did with your father.
-Ingrid Palencia
The story was very touching, I never really had to go through that type of thing. My mom was with me my whole life. and I always saw my father before I went to sleep, This story was really hard for me to imagine.
ReplyDelete@briannguyen
i agree with you. I would have thought long but think my children are more important and haver quit the job.
@Mirit
Like everyone else, I also felt depressed after reading this story. It really breaks your heart.
@ChuChuLIKESCheese
I agree i liked it when he wrote about different point of views
Though this story was rather depressing; I don't believe it's as depressing as the other one. However, I also didn't like this story because it was dark. It led me to believe a different side of human beings; a rather darker side to reality. The fact that Shanta waited until she fell asleep in her clothes and didn't bother eating much, overwhelmed me a little. That poor child and that despictable father. Well, it's not entirely his fault but it's such bad timing!
ReplyDelete@Jeanette, I agree with you that in a high-demanding job, you shouldn't make promises. But I don't agree with you that the best way to handle the situation would be to tell your boss beforehand. I think it depends on the boss because there are cruel bosses that forces you to work overtime and you won't have a say in it unless you want to be fired. Matter of fact, the person should be glad that they can work at any job. (Especially if it was during our time period. HAH!)
@Chuchu, I agree with you 100% because it's the same thing with my family. My parents are so consumed with their work that we hardly have any family outings. When we do, they're usually "forced" and nobody's really enjoying it. It's actually really sad because of all the expectations from the empty promises and disappointments. :c
@Arianne, I've come to realize that when you're not constantly seeing and conversing with your father (or parents or anybody) you don't resent him. Rather, you feel awkward when you do see him and you don't really know what to talk about anymore. :c
I feel the story touches perfectly on how we tend to live our lives in a constant rat race, we put teh very real need for money, status, etc, ahead of the simpler pleasures in life. Its a bit more pronounced in India with huge amounts of competeition, but you see a similar attitude in New York. We are, after all, the city that never sleeps, and for a lot of families that means staying at work longer, out of sheer neccesity. there is a point where it can become too much though, and stress can have a huge imact on your health, causing some serious medical conditions. It pays to take a break now and again, especially for someone with a family. One of the perspectives in Greece is that during the mid afternoon everything basically closes down for the equivalent of a seiesta, then to reopen later in the day. it gives people a chance to rest and unwind, and I certainly think there are many poeople who need that luxury, something this fast-paced lifestyle prevents
ReplyDelete"Forty Five a Month" is a story about a Indian family where both parents work to run the family and in doing that start loosing their close relation with their children. They work for a better futur of thier children while they ironically are just wrecking their present by moving further away from their children. This situation in a family is not inly restricted to India, it happens all over the world and is pretty common. But trhis story really was really touching.
ReplyDelete@ Prax
ReplyDeleteI agree to your idea on how we are spending our lives as if we were competing in a race. This competition in our professional lives has a great impact on our personal life and health.
@ Maham
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that it could be hard for us to imagine such a situation where we hardly see our parents but we have to realize it's true and we should appreciate on how lucky we are to be close to our parents.
@ Rong Li
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that high expectations bring high disappointments but I don't believe that the girl had high expectations. She was wanted to be close to her parents and I don't think that is too much to ask
"Forty-five a month" by R.K. Narayan is a very realistic story. Its very ironic how parent's work so hard for their children's brighter future, meanwhile they dont realize that theres more than just money that requires a good upbringing; i believe its the values and traditions that you can only learn at home with your family. this particular story is somehow related to each of us, just in different aspects. I dont have any personal experience where any of my parents had to leave but i could predict that having the company of both mother and father in my life has truly made it a pleasure and a sense of fulfillment. The absense of either of my parents would have drastically change the way my life runs. In this chaos of life and the race to earn money many times we tend to forget what and whom we really do it for; in this case even though the father worked day and night for his daugher he wasn't providing her with the most significant thing which doesnt need to be bought with money, some quality time and his fatherly love. The constant reminder of "money is everything" many times puts a person in a situation in which its not easy to realize how there is more than just money and it can never overcome family.
ReplyDeleteChChu: I most definetly agree that a person should never put money or work before family because then the most cherishable aspects of life become useless and unregonized.
lunatichigh1327: Although in this case its a little difficult to agree wiht the fact the money can buy happiness; i still agree that money is an important factor that plays a major role in every individual's life and its hard to deny that. Its necessary to keep everything balanced in life.
Mirit: i also thought that this was a very heart tendering and upsetting story. It gave a very negative and sad vibe throughout.
the short story "Forty-Five a Month" implies the life of many children. Parents who are extremelly busy and spend most of their daytime at their offices give almost no attention to their children when they mostly need it. it is important to always keep your promises no matter to who you promise. a promise it's like a crystal line of rust that once broken it cannot be rebuilt again.
ReplyDelete@ Maham
ReplyDeletei was raised by my mother and she would work, but i never felt like she was ausent at all becaue the times we spent together when she would schedule some of her busy time for me we would have lots of fun.
@ Prax
ReplyDeleteyou are rite at some point but you have to put yourself in the persons shoes. immagine if the person has no choice and that is the only job that will pay him/her the most. it is not their fault.
To everyone
ReplyDeleteGuys an advice to all ya
Before you think about havin children, think how it will affect your job, and if you will know how to manage both of them together because they will be part of your life..
don't let your children with their babysiters 24/7 you will miss great things about ur child, you will not be part of their remembrances when child.
think about it
in Free and Equal, a man named Ramesh thinks that because he is indian he is not capable of guetting a job if competting with other Americans. many people unfortunatelly think in that way. they think they are not capable of doing things that others do. they just beleive that they are not as good and equal as others. they don't beleive that they have the same equality of outcome as others. an example i had recently was on the day of the Auditions to the multi-cultural show at our school where i was watching other candidates auditioning and waiting for my group to be called my friend turns to me and tells me that the group performing was better than our group and we should give up, that we had no chances. my response was "they might be good, but we can be as good as them." don't let yourself down because others seem better in one aspect that might not be your strong hability but always think like this :" i can always be as good as anyone"
ReplyDeleteIn "Free and Equal" the story shows how Ramesh has difficulty getting a job. His theory that it's cause he's Indian. Throughout half the story i realize that he accepted the fact that he'll never succeed in getting a job. "who will hire me when Americans are available" (Ramesh 265). Meaning he has accepted defeat. My personal opinion he shouldn't have because he has as much right as any other man. His friend says "You must not think like that. You are as good as any of them" (Rani 265). Coming to America isn't easy, you face many obstacles while you're trying to achieve your goals. It isn't always easy. Giving up is the one thing your not allowed to do and should almost never do. In the end he does get a job, and Ramesh is surprised to know that he got it and the others didn't. This story wasn't as sad as the other but it was a story that happens every so often in the United States of America.
ReplyDeleteAugusta; i agree with you Ramesh does think that just because he's Indian it lowers his chances of getting a job. You're right when you say that most of them think that way cause it's true. Especially for those who have come from another country.
ReplyDeleteThe story “Free and Equal” by Lalita Gandbhir was about an Indian man named Ramesh. He had been out of job for past three month; he had gone from one job affairs to another. He felt sad and hopeless that instead of him supporting the family, his wife is the one that support the family now. Every time he comes out of the job affairs, he felt disappointed by not have any job offer. At the job affair he met a man name Bruce who Ramesh believe to be the “true” American, meeting him had give Ramesh some happy and sad feeling. He was happy that he had make a friend during the job hunting, the sad part was that Ramesh think there will be competition between him and Bruce, since they both need a job. Ramesh think that no one will hire him, because he’s a foreigner. This story had reflected our economy situation today where many had lost their jobs and had difficulties to find a new one. Money help us see the real world, since Ramesh was a foreigner, he will never be treated like a “real” American. He might be smarter and have more experiences than the Americans and get the jobs that were not offered to the Americans, but he can never be treated as one of them.
ReplyDeleteSummary
ReplyDeleteThe story "Free and Equal" by Lalita Gandbhir is about an Indian man named Ramesh, who had experienced various events to finally end up with a job. In the story, Ramesh had dressed nicely with a suit on to go to a job fair after going six months without a job. He was an engineer who had occasionally went job hunting. When he arrived to the job fair at a hotel, he met a man named Bruce at the parking lot who he became friends with. Bruce and Ramesh had similar qualifications thus there was some sort of competition because Bruce was an American and Ramesh was a Indian immigrant with a strong accent. When Ramesh went to fill out job applications, a woman at the job booth had told him to fill out the application with irritation. That proves that the woman didnt treat foreigners like Americans. Ramesh self-esteem is very low in that he thought that no one will hire him when Americans are available. He doesnt think about his strengths which are that he is well qualified and as good as any of the engineers. There are various conservative people out there who wouldnt treat aliens equal because of their differing tradition and religious aspects. Eventually, a company had found interest in Ramesh's qualifications and soon hired him. In life, you cant always take things so seriously because it will only come back to haunt you. It would be better for Ramesh to have a mentality in which he wouldnt care what people said and thought about him but would still continue to strive for his goal and commitment.
1st review:Rong Li
ReplyDeleteYou summarized the story well and I agree with your sentiment that Ramesh might be better than the American engineers but he wouldnt be treated like them or get the similar jobs like them because of the conservatism of people.
2nd review: Augusta
ReplyDeleteIt is true that foreigners think that they arent capable of doing things native people can and your thinking that you can do better than anyone can help bolster confidence.
3rd review: Diana Llanos
ReplyDeleteI agree that a foreigner coming to another country is very hard because they have to adapt to another language and culture. Yes Ramesh is as equal as any other man and he should think that if the Americans came to India to find a job, then they would undergo the same obstacles he had to face when in the U.S.
@Brian Nguyen
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, that we should not care about what others think of us, it will just bring our self-esteem down but unfortunately we care a lot about what others think of us. We also judge others by their appearances, cultures and backgrounds.
Because of the economy today, I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people could relate strongly to Free and Equal by: Lalita Gandbhir. Ramesh is an Indian man who is forced to go to job fairs to look for work. I think this story shows how a person can be so successful and then end up with little. It is so much like today's world. Ramesh was forced to more or less take any job he could get to support his family. I did like the character Bruce because I think it helped show that you are not alone in the world and that even though people are different - some might have similar problems to you.
ReplyDeleteRamesh's way of thinking about himself annoyed me a bit. I didn't like the fact that he doubted himself and didn't think he was good enough. I think so many people do this and don't even realize it. Everyone should feel proud of the things the accomplishment in their life and have more confidence in themselves.
Augusta: I love your positive way of thinking and it is true - so many people think that way. That really annoys me because in a way you are giving up on yourself. I always have felt that if you put your mind to something you will be able to achieve anything.
Diana: I really like what you wrote about Ramesh - that he has just as much right as any other man. I also agree with you when you wrote that a person should never give up.
Rong Li: I found it interesting that you pointed out that the fact that Ramesh is a foreigner and will never be treated like a real American. I do find it some what ironic that Ramesh is not American but he is smarter and more experienced than most Americans. Sometimes it makes me think that people from other places outside of the U.S. are more hardworking despite that they have more chances to overcome.
the story "Forty-Five a Month" by R.K. Narayan gives us an insight on the way some family houses are till this day. i feel as though i was able to connect with the little daughter because i have lived with my mother since i could remember and my dad lives in brooklyn. He has always since i was a little girl promise me things such as picking me up to take me shopping or something as simple as calling me back. so i was able to really relate to the little girl in many ways.
ReplyDeletecolochaquis814 i 1000 percent agree with you because i remember when i was a little girl my mom worked two jobs so i wasnt really able to see her when i got home from school but 8 years later things are wonderful she gets home at 530 and is home before me.
ReplyDeleteBrian Nguyen your insight to the story is everything i would say wrapped up into one.
ReplyDelete@Madeline
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, that most of us are lacking self-confidence, we don’t believe that we can do great in our life; we look down at our abilities. We should believing in ourselves and never give up , we just need to work hard to achieve our goals. When there is a will, there is a way. Rewards will only give to the one who puts in efforts to make their dream come true, we should be proud of our accomplishment; no matter there are small or big.
@Diana llanos
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, there are a lot story like “Free and Equal” in our life. Everyday there is at least one person lose his/her job and has difficulty to find a new one. Especially the newcomers, they face many obstacles in a new country, not only that they have to adapt the new environment and culture, but also they have to face unequal treatments. No one will want to hire them, unless they have some special qualification that the Americans don’t have.
Free and equal was a nice story about not giving up. I understand it was hard for Ramesh to find a job. Being an immigrant is hard because you feel different from all the other people. While you have accents and everyone else speak english fluently, it is hard to belive that you will get a job. I think people should not get discoouraged that fast because you never know until you try. However, his persaverence paid off in the end he ended up with a job.
ReplyDelete@madeline...
I agree with you when you said you like Bruce. He is a very good sybol of other people ,not only Ramesh, who are struggleing for a job. Bruce seemed like a person that would make Ramesh feel good about himself.
@Brian...
I agree when you talked about the women who was tring to spell Ramesh's name. His self- esteem was low to begin with and this incident made him feel even more rotten. This kind of thinking is what makes him so wothless.
@Diana..
Coming to America is hard. Especially learning languages, culture and enviroment. Also, on top of that, you have to find a job. I couldn't imagine the hard work and the time it took to find a job.
"Free and Equal" describes the hardships of a foreigner looking for a job. Ramesh beleived he would not get the job beacause of his ethnicity, but I believed it was an excuse. The reason Ramesh blames his ethnicity was to protect his pride and dignity.
ReplyDelete@Brian Nguyen
I agree with your response that a more postive mentality could be better. Sometimes thinking you are wrong will end up reducing chances of success.
@Rong Li
A person can work harder than anyone and still not be recognized. People have difficulties talking with other people because they are different. Money helps us see the statuses in society, another difference between people. Talking to people of different social classes can be hard because of the knowledge you are different.
@madeline
Ramesh's thoughts resulted from the negative results he received when applying for jobs. Not everyone has a mindset strong enough to stay positve in the face of adversity.
after i read this story, i think the author of the story of "Free and Equal" shows a good point of not giving up easily.
ReplyDelete@Rong Li-
ReplyDeletei agree with you that the money can help you to see the real world. in this story, Ramesh did not treated as the others because he was a foreigner, and i think it is so not fair for him. He should be treated equally, because people are born with equal.
In the short shtory free and equal the husband, Ramesh was struggling thoruhgout the whole story to achieve his goal of finding a job. At one point he felt depressed for the fact that his wife Rani received a full time job and he was jobless. He felt somewhat betrayed by Rani because she was supposed to be home comforting Ramesh. But what Ramesh had to understand was nobody in the house was working and Rani needed to provide some money for the family. Throughout the whole story Ramesh stayed dedicated to find a job. He went to a fair and decided to quit, butt eventually went on with it. Ramesh viewed himself as an immigrant who had a lower status than everyone else looking for an engineer job. I definetly agree with Jeanette because coming to America leads to many harships, especially learning a new language. Birna also brings up a good piont because we shouldn't really look at what other peopel think of us, we should stay on task and look forward to achieve our golas. Madeline also brings up a good point becuase during these rough economic times it's almost certain that several people especially immigrants are capable of relating to this story becuase many people probably have went through the same situations. Overall in my point of view this story was very touching, and can be used as an example for everyone striving to do good in life.
ReplyDelete@jeanette-
ReplyDeletei agree with you that people should not get discourage not until they tried. i think this story is a good story and it shows us that not to giving up somthing until you tried, and you have to put some afforts.
@Diana llanos-
ReplyDeletei agree with you. i could see how hard people could find a job. esapcially the immigrants. they really had a difficulties with their jobs, and the people did not treat those "new people" very well. and they have to overcame these obstacles in their life every day.
The short story "Free and Equal" by Lalita Gandbhir describes the struggles one man goes through in search of a job. As a foreigner Ramesh, is convinced his lack of employment has been because he is an Indian living in an American country where company's would prefer an American employee. As a result of being laid off Ramesh attends several job fairs in hope of getting hired. However, in the end it is Ramesh who is able to get an interview for a potential job and not his American friend Bruce who is searching for a job in the same field. It is easy to make up excuses as to why you can't do something or to blame someone for your flaws. It takes true confidence to acknowledge one's greatness and use that to continue to reach one's goals despite any obstacles. Ramesh lacked the confidence in himself that he could get a job based on his skills and not on where he was from. Even though, he did not believe he was good enough for the companies, his wife trusted Ramesh skills and what he was capable of. It is important to be proud of where you come from and what you know because no matter what qualifications someone else has applying for the same job if you have confidence in yourself that will shine through in any instance.
ReplyDeleteReviews
ReplyDelete@ Madeline
I agree with your statement about how people often lack confidence in themselves and it is not necessary because everyone should be proud of who they are and what they know. It is a bad habit to get into because your lack of confidence will reflect in your presentation to others and in any work you do.
@ Jeanette1005
I liked how you believed in Ramesh's perseverance because it was how he was able to get the job. It is true that being a foreigner makes it a little harder to accomplish your goals but it should only make you that much more enthusiastic in trying to your full potential to get what you want in life.
@ Augusta
I agree with you in your opinion about how people put up a wall because since they are foreigners they automatically assume they are not good enough. People should not stop at the first difficulty because if they did we would not have some of the brightest foreign intellectuals that make up society.
The short story "Free and Equal" by Lalita Gandbhir is about an immigrant man named Ramesh who is in search for a job. He lacks the confidence and motivation for a job. He thinks that because he is an immigrant, he will not have a chance of getting a job between an American man. His wife Rani is working a full time job and is supporting the family. He feels hopeless and useless. however towards the end, Ramesh is competing for a job with his American friend. When he recieves the job, he realizes that he is not seen for his race or ethnicity, but for his passion adn talents.
ReplyDelete@ Jeanette: You're right, this story is heartbreaking. I can relate to how hard it is to adapt to a new surrounding with different people. I feels as though immigrants are always seen as unequal to the white American.
@Diana llanos: Adapting to your surroundings is difficult, especially learning a new language and adjusting to new ways of living. If people just judged immigrants on the color of their skin and their accents during an job interview rather than their qualifications, dedication or passion. Then i am ashamed.
@ Rong Li: Many immigrants work much harder because they have to in order to be taken notice of. Many work hard and no one sees them at all. I believe that people are all equal and should have equal oppurtunitits. There are people who work every day of their life and still did not recieve the reconition they deserve. If only humans can close their eyes and view the world blindly.. the we've all be truely equal.
I think the story "FREE AND EQUAL" was a good story because it shows determination (something that us students need, lol). Even though Ramesh felt conscious of his own abilities because of his race, at the end, he got the job and he realizes that ethnicity doesn't matter and that your talent and skills is what matters.
ReplyDelete@lunatichigh1327-
i agree. i think he was just making up excuses because he wasn't confident.
@li jun-
i agree. giving up seems like the easiest thing to do, but picking yourself up and trying harder when everyone expects you to crumble is true strength. in this case, he was the only one who expected that he wouldn't get a job because of his race, but at the end he realizes how silly he was being.
@jeanette-
i agree. i was lost when i first came to america because i didn't know how to speak english well but i adjusted even though it was sorta hard for me.
Free and Equal is about a talented Indian man who starts to loose hope in himself when he remains jobless for over six months. And he starts to blame this on him being an Indian and not free and equal to white American men. Because he doesn't work his wife becomes the breadwinner of the house and that causes her to give less attention to him. He seems to loose his sense of pride. Even in the end when he gets the job he still doesn't think himself as Free and Equal.
ReplyDelete@lunatichigh1327
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that he wasn't confident enough and was pissed off that he didn't get the job and started to make exuses.
@Madeline
I agree that being successful doesn't mean everything as you may loose everything in a flash like Ramesh
@Augusta
I like your perspective that any one could be good as everyone if they just belive in themselves
@
Ramesh's experience reflects the current issues with the job market, and how truly difficult it is for some people to find work when faced with similar obstacles. it also deals with the idea of personal confidence, the roommate Alexander poses the scenario, at least how i interpreted it, to remove oppression one only has to see himself as equal to his oppressor. Ramesh seems not to have acknowledged that even at the end when he has the job, he continues to doubt himself.
ReplyDeletein "Free and Equal" i believe that this story a lot of people can relate to because many people come from other countires and feel like they are inseperior to people that were born and raised in AMerica. My mother can first hand relate to this short story because when she moved to America from England when she was about 11 years old she had to leave all her friends behind make new ones and she felt as though she was very different from the other kids because she couldnt speak the way everyone from America spoke so she felt as though she was in a disadvantage agaisnt everyone that lived here.
ReplyDeletePrax i agree with what you said because now a days where in a recession where some people are being layed off of work and it takes them some time to find a new job. And if your in a competition with someone else you have to make sure that you have better qualities that when the next person has to get the job.
ReplyDeletelunatichigh1327: "Free and Equal" describes the hardships of a foreigner looking for a job. Ramesh beleived he would not get the job beacause of his ethnicity, but I believed it was an excuse. The reason Ramesh blames his ethnicity was to protect his pride and dignity.
ReplyDeleteI always like what you said because sometimes it shouldn't be an excuse to say that you cant get a job just because of your ethnicity or where your from. you should try your hardest to get the job and not use your religion or where your from as a crutch.
@Madeline- i agree with your point n his confidence, perhaps the willingness to see himself as equal to his completion was directly related to how he was perceived by his potential employers.
ReplyDelete@jeannette- ill concur with that, an accent can be a liability in an interview, depending on the perceptions of the interviewer.
@Augusta- i enjoyed your comparison to the multicultural show, competition is a matter of your faith in yourself outshining your competitors.
The short story "Free and Equal" written by Lalita Gandbhir is about a talented yet jobless Indian man who has doubts in himself. At one point in the story, Ramesh is at a job fair where he meets an American named Bruce. Bruce was looking for the same type of job, and had the same qualifications except Bruce had more experience. As they applied for the same job Ramesh thought he had no hope because he was an immigrant. It turned out that Ramesh got the job and the American did not. At the end he finally realized that he was free and equal but his wife Rani was putting doubts in him again. This short story is a perfect example of hard work. Never give up and never loose faith in yourself.
ReplyDelete@ Diana Llanos
I agree with the fact that coming to America isnt easy. Coming here, you have to learn a new language, get comfortable with your new surroundings and learn to live life as an American. Although you may have hardships because you dont know the language or customs perfectly, you have to deal with it. To get agead in life you should never give up.
@ Noorulain
I agree with you for saying that Ramesh still doesnt think he is free and equal even after he gets the job.
@ Vanessa Salgado
I agree it is important to have trust in yourself and be happy with who you are. No matter where you are from, what you know or who you are against. You need to have confidence in yourself to get where you want to be.
I think the short story "A view of Affrimative Action in the Workplace is about how many jobs were traditionally male dominated. But as time goes on, more women are entering these positions also. The same thing goes for man entering women jobs. The story gives examples of jobs that were unfair, such as the New York Police Exam. Today there is less of a demand for physical strength and physique. I personally did not enjoy this story. However i do agree that job positions should be based on skill and qualification rather than race or gender.
ReplyDeleteThen again, i can also contradict myself by saying that in order to be a police person ( i don't want to say policeman or policewoman) You need strong physical physique and strength, and biologically men are stronger than women.
i feel as though "A view of Affirmative action in the worklace" is a nice short story that goes into depth about how unfair affirmative action truly is. It is basically giving everyone that is a minority a pass, even if they have low physical triats and a low written marks compared to people that have a greater mark to get into the company. even though it gives minorities a chance to get into companies that they wouldnt neccesarily get into, they go about it in a unfair way. There should be a different method to have minorities work in places they normally wouldnt get into. Also men and women working in the oppposite sex occupation can finally get the job.
ReplyDeleteSummary
ReplyDeleteThe story "A View of Affirmative Action in the Workplace" by Michael Gnolfo is an informative story about Affirmative action. Affirmative action is great for women and members of minority groups that have been rejected from employment because it is a plan or program that promotes their employment. It has helped the minorities find more opportunity in the workforce. It was a nondiscriminatory plan or program that hired people with the correct qualifications and achievements but is now racist because it replaces one form of dominance with another. Nowadays men have jobs that have been traditionally female occupations and women have jobs that were male occupations. Affirmative action has become racist in that its goal is to hire minorities not well qualified people. Minority or non-minority, we are all humans and we should be hired into the workforce through the concept of qualification.
1st review: Chu chu
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that in order to be a policemen, you need strength and physique because how can a tenuous policemen catch and put a strong smuggler under handcuffs. Also policemen need to be skilled at using guns to hit bad people.
2nd review:Kayla
ReplyDeleteYour summary best fits the story in that men and women now have jobs that were of the opposite gender and it is definitely true that minorities have to go through rough times to be hired and that it is unfair.
3rd review:grklexi93
ReplyDeleteIt is true that minorities have to undergo rough experiences in order to be employed to a job of interest, unlike non minorities in which the job search is more smooth for them then that of minorities.
The story “A View of Affirmative Action in the workplace” by Michael Gnolfo, the story is short, but very true. In today’s society, men, women and the minorities are being treated equal. Traditionally women and the minorities can’t have the same jobs as the man, the males always get better jobs and high salary than the female and minorities. The female and the minorities can only get the jobs that were left over, the jobs that the males didn’t want to do. In nowadays, everyone is treated equal (in most of the case), which the males can have the jobs that were traditionally dominated for females and the females can get the jobs that were traditionally for males. Today we don’t have to choose an occupation that is base on our gender; we can pick a job that we like. The affirmative action has encouraged increase employment in women and minority groups. Don’t judge a book by its cover or judge a person by the gender.
ReplyDelete@ Brian Nguyen
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, that the companies should hire people that fit their qualification, not their gender. Males, females and the minority groups should have same opportunities for jobs. Individuals should be hiring based on their knowledge and qualification. We all should be treated equally.
@Chu Chu
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point, it is true that several jobs have some unfair requirements, where having strong strength and physiques are far more important than the education individuals receive. It starts to change now, women can have same jobs as men, and there is less demand in strength and physique.
Brian: I'm so glad that nowdays, men and women are treated as equals at the workforce. There are many males who work as nurses and women who work as firefighters.
ReplyDeleteKayla: For a long time now, women have been seen as staying home and taking care of the household. But now that more women are taking over male populated positions, women aren't seen as minors anymore. I still don't think that men and women are fully equal because for every dollar the average man makes, the woman only makes 78 cents ( I read that in some article). But at least we are getting closer and closer to being completely equal.
Rong: I completely agree. Women can do everything men can do, and they can do it better. :D
I think “A View of Affirmative Action in the workplace” by Michael Gnolfo, is a short story about how gettign a cretain job was sexist and a program called affirmative action was created to minimize discrimination ebtween sexes men and women could be treated much more equally than before. I feel that women are still discrimintated against men when it comes to certain jobs.
ReplyDelete@Chuchu: I agree with you on how this story was not really enjoyable. And also how you need a lot of physical strength to be a policeman.
@Kayla: I feel that your summary was really good and it was straight to the point of the story. (like brian)
@Rong: I agree with you when you say dont judge a boo kby its cover or dont judge a person by their gender.
@ Mehak
ReplyDeleteWhat you say is very true. Women are still discriminated from men, there is still certain type of jobs that favors men over women, and sometimes the women can get the job but have lower salary than the men.This is the real world!
Michael Gnolfo's "A View of Affirmative Action in the Workplace" describes how the jobs were unfair to women and minorities. Even though I didn’t enjoy it, it is the reality of the world. The purpose of affirmative action is to decrease the discrimination and sexism. However, the sexism and discrimination still exists in certain jobs.
ReplyDeleteChuChu: I also did not enjoy this story.
Mahak: I agree with you when you state that women are treated as inferior to men. I heard from someone (the businessman) that men can get higher job than women. IT IS NOT FAIR, but someone says, get use to it.-_-
Rong Li: Yeah, I agree with you that don't judge by people's appearance.
The story Affirmative Action in the Workplace written by Michael Gnolfo serves as an example for everyone looking to be treated equal in the job world. Now and days women an people in minority The author views affirmative action as an improvement in AMerican society. Now males are working in jobs that were labeled as female jobs such as nursing. Also females are working in male labeled jobs such as pilots and telephone technicians. I agree with Stephanie because not all jobs are open to all men and women. Some jobs still discriminate. Brian also brings up a good point that minorities have to undergo rough experiences and times in order to successfully become employed. I also agree with kayla becuase at some points Affirmative Action can be unfair and grant people with jobs despite the fact that they fail to reach the requirements. Overall this story was very informative and interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe story "A View of Affirmative Action in the Workplace" is a short story which tells us the very true life. Affirmative Action is any plan or program that promotes the employment of women and members of minority groups. In the past, the men always have the better occupation than the female and minorities. and it was traditionally that men have a higher salary than the woman. Today, males can get the jobs that were traditionally for the female; and the females can get the same job the males has. In my opinon, the people should not discriminate others by their race, gender, religion or anyone for any reason.
ReplyDelete@Rong Li-
ReplyDeletei agree with you that "Don’t judge a book by its cover or judge a person by the gender". because i think gender does not do anything with your working skills, and discrinating is bad.
@Brian-
ReplyDeletei think it is true that men have jobs that have been traditionally female occupations and women have jobs that were male occupations. mens work in the bakery and the women could get the same jobs as the males have.
@Stephanie Minah-
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that this story is described how the jobs were unfair to the women and the minorities in the past.
@chuchu
ReplyDeletei agree with you i didnt really like this story as much as the others
@stephanie Minah
i agree with you 100%, stephanie, i dislike how people are sexist and just because your "this" gender you are based on that.
@Brian
i agree with you i know many people that are guys, that work as a nurse.
For me, "A View of Affirmative Action In the Workplace" is a lot different from the other stories we have been reading so far from "Across Cultures". It is pretty much a short non fiction story. Normally I tend to prefer to read fiction but I did find this short story interesting. I found the beginning very inspiring when Gnolfo talks about the fact that "women and minorities have increasingly found more opportunity where none existed for them. Traditional role separation is disappearing." I think at times in my life, I have not always realized how lucky I am to live in a time where women have more freedom and independence. I am so lucky to have opportunities that women in the past might not have been able to have. I love the fact that women's traditional role in society is changing each day." After all we could have possibly have had a female vice president (even thought I don't really like Sarah Palin, I do give her credit for opening new doors for woman everywhere.)
ReplyDeleteLi Jun Chen: I very much agree with you when you say that people should not discriminate others by their race, gender, religion for any reason. Such a powerful statement.
Stephanie Minah: I agree with you when you say that sexism and discrimination still exists in certain jobs. I think that people are still going to discriminate others by their race, gender, etc. It is sad but we don't always live in a perfect world.
Chu Chu: I think that positions should always be based on a person's skills and qualification. This story was a bit boring for me as well but I found a lot of it very inspiring.
@ChuChuLIKESCheese i agree with you we might not ever catch up with the fact that guys do get paid more for certain jobs then women but in the end sooner or later we'll all be completely equal.
ReplyDelete@Brian i always agree with your blog about minorities.
The short story "A View of Affirmative Action in the Workplace" written by Michael Gnolfo is about a plan that promotes employment of all kinds of people. Throughout history, men usually got better yet harder jobs with more pay and women got easier jobs. The minorities usually got the jobs that nobody else wanted. Nowadays, everyone is treated equal no matter their gender, race, religion or ethnicity. Everyone gets a job based on their qualifications. Also, many females now have jobs that society thinks only males should have and males have jobs that only females should have.
ReplyDelete@Rong Li
I agree that people shouldn't be judged by there gender just like you should never judge a book by its cover you should never judge a person by their gender.
@ Stephanie Minah
Although the Affirmative Action exits, many jobs today still have the discrimination and sexism.
@ Madeline
I agree that women are now lucky to live in a time person where we have freedom and independence and have more opportunities than women of then past.
The short story "A View of Affirmative Action in the Workplace" is about a plan which was intended to provide fairness to minorities but is turning tointo plan which is rasist and sexist. Being hired should be based on merit and qualifications and not on one's background or sex. By trying to make work places "fair" it is just causing the workplace to loose its effeciency with hiring non-qualified people just to fill the quota.
ReplyDelete@ChuChu
I found it interesting that you didn't like the story as I just think it is because that this story is different than the one's we have been reading.
@Madeline
I agree that living today we sometimes forget how lucky we are to live in a world where women are given respect if not equal respect compared to men.
@Stephanie Minah
I agree with you that even after the affirmative Action plan there is still unfortunately rascism and sexism in business and industry.
"A View of Affirmative Action in the Workplace" by Michael Gnolfo lays out the difference between men and women in the job world. Though times have changed and it’s not a male driven society anymore (well, I hope so) many people still carry out the traditional and customary idea that men still are dominating. It’s hard to believe that even after so many years and after so much have changed somewhere within us still lies the fact that in one way or another men are physically and mentally stronger than women, although history have many times proved us wrong. Especially, after WW2 the importance of women has promptly increased after recognizing the various strengths within a woman and how they can be equally qualified to be anything that a man can be. Though people these days tend to be quite sexist among each other it is very significant to first examine the qualities and traits within the person before judging them because of their gender. Some of us seem to visualize men and women from a highly different perspective but if we look within ourselves we all have the ability to do what others can and even better, but it’s just the matter of determination and willingness.
ReplyDeleteChu chu:
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with your point that at times this philosophy of ours might conflict in physically terms but then some qualities of women substantially overcomes this physique matter.
Mehak:
Despite all the changes we have gone through its still visible how at times men are more favorable over women.
Noorulain:
I agree with the fact that people should be hired due to their qualifications and be given the position that they deserve not because of their gender.
"A View of Affirmative Action in the Workplace" this story tells us about laws passed by teh government. some seem to only benefit society while in the other hand have its negative side. the afirmative action is an example in how these laws have a good and a bad side. although it promoted equality to women and minorities it is also a "racist, sexist instrument".
ReplyDeleteif you were a women your job will automatically be a nurse, a teacher, a waitress, a secretary. women were seen as incapable to hold jobs such as drivers, politicians, doctors and so. times have passed and fortunatelly women and minorities have reached some sort of equality because there is now a president woman. as the author said "No barries exist to an individual with skills to perform a job"
the story "A View of Affirmative Action in the Workplace" was about a plan for job employment. it shows the comparison between male and female when having jobs. men always get the better jobs and women get the jobs that dont pay much. but today, it isn't like that anymore. everything or most things are equal now and its way better.
ReplyDelete@noorulain-
you're right, people should be hired based on their qualifications. if they were hired based on their gender, then what's that point right? cuz yuo might not be fit for that job but still have it. its pointless.
@madeline-
i agree with you. women are respected better today and we shouldnt forget how lucky that that's come to be.
@rong li-
i agree with you. people shouldnt be judged by their gender. it should be about skills and knowledge and abilities.
at chuchu:
ReplyDeletei agree with what you said about men having women's jobs. people in general when deciding what career to follow think like, oh i can't be a nurse, that what will my peers say and think, no i can't be a nurse. this whole separation of jobs was and still to some people a big subject to be discussed.
there are some people that believe that women should never enter in politics.
@ madeline:
ReplyDeleteit is true what you said about how lucky this generation is. unless you (as a woman) likes to follow orders you feel lucky. back in the days women were not supposed to question men's actions or to contradict them, just to follow. immagine someone telling you when to speak, to sleep, to go out?
women in past times were an instrument to men and their liberty was taken away.
@ rong li:
ReplyDeletei stongly agree with your opinion. as the author said it is not women who present the great qualifications to fulfill a men's job but "the most qualified individual"
I believe that Ramesh was feeling inferior compared to his wife because she has a job and he doesn't. Not to mention he's the one who brought her into the States so in a way, he probably feels useless and discouraged. I really like Bruce, I don't know why or what it is that I like about him but I think he's really superb. I think it's probably because he congradulated Ramesh at the end even though he didn't get the job but his friend did. Rather than being upset and discouraged, he was more optimistic and said that it was more pleasing to hear that somebody got in rather than having no chances at all.
ReplyDelete@Sharif, I agree with you that he might've felt betrayed by Rani because it's typical for the woman to stay home and be the motherly figure. However, in this case, it was as if the roles were reversed therefore, it can obviously lead to some misinterpretations for Ramesh.
@Jeanette, I agree with you that you shouldn't give up because you won't know till you actually try but I think it's normal for people to be scared of trying. Considering that you have several disadvantages compared to people, perhaps lacking inexperience or skills. I personally can assume that it's perfectly normal to feel this way; it's human nature, after all.
@Brian, I have to agree with you that people tend to have these stereotypical ideas. I beleive it's burned into our brains before we even acknowledged these ideas. It's human nature to doubt and accuse others because of their differences therefore, I think it's fairly common in life. However, that doesn't mean that I think it's a good thing because it really isn't. Though every body does it, it doesn't mean that it should be done. I also thhink that companies should do a background check on people, not because of their race, but rather becuase of their "criminal" acts or something of that sort.
It's obvious that today's society, there are less requirements compared to the past. Perhaps it's because of this reason that we're having such a hard time right now. Compared to the past, our regent exams and other state exams were far more advanced. The state actually lowered the requirements for graduation because people aren't graduating. They also lowered the standards of our tests and they even curved some exam grades. I believe that a more competitive organization is more desirable because with competition, there will be advancements. Mr. Parascos was actually the person who taught me this and I'll be using his example: there is only one bakery in town. Since there's only one bakery, they can have lower standards but high pricing. Then another bakery moved into town, right across from the previous bakery. Now there's competition, the new bakery is freshly furnished with all these cool gadgets and pretty decorations. The old bakery then will have to step it up a notch and renovate themselves so that they don't lose customers, etc. Do you understand what I'm trying to say here? Basically, competition is GOOD. Obviously, discrimination is BAD therefore, there should be a compromise. The compromise would be that the "most qualified individual" (270) would be preferred because they would be striving for the best.
ReplyDelete@Brian, I don't think the word should be "racist" because it's not really being racist but just discriminating according to their minorities. I mean, minorities don't just depend on race. I can be their education, religion, culture, etc. Otherwise, I agree with you completely because people should be hired through qualifications rather than having sympathy on the minorities. Not that it's a bad thing but it seems as if the program was taken to emphasize how the minorities are pitiful and how we should take initiative to help them. By the way, I chuckled when you said, "Also policemen need to be skilled at using guns to hit bad people."
@Mehak, Ahahas! You sound like a feminist, no offense but yeah, you really do. It's probably because you sued the word "sexist" and how you still believe that women are still discriminated. I'm not going to disagree with you because it's true in some cases but we have come a long way since the 1800s. We were seen as weak, fragile, gentle, orderly and having good manners, etc. It's pretty funny to think about nowadays because we're the complete opposite (in some cases).
@Rong Li, I think it's because men are more capable in terms of strength and endurance that they are seen more superior to women. Then again, it's been scientifically proven that women have less fear for pain and have more endurance than men (one example would be childbirth labor). Hehe ^o^! I laughed when you said, "This is the real world!" because it's so true. If I had a choice when I was a zygote, I would've chosen to be a man too. Darn my chromosomes. Ahahas. There are just so many advantages in being a man. For one thing, you guys can pee standing up (HOW COOL IS THAT?!!). I wish I can do that. :(
I think free and equal was really a good story it was real interesting and really into reality . You mostly have seen this type of relationship once in your life
ReplyDelete@jeanette
I agree ,people shouldn't be discouraged until they have tried
@Diana llanos
I agree with you,it is so hard to find a job especially these days
@Rong Li
I agree , money is so much in to our lives it either makes u happy or sad
The short story "A View of Affirmative Action in the Workplace" is about a plan which was intended to provide fairness to minorities but is turning tointo plan which is rasist and sexist.
ReplyDelete@ChuChu
Really thats interesting but it proves the fact of how much this society has an effect on u
@Madeline
I agree that living today we sometimes forget how lucky we are to live in a world where women are given respect if not equal respect compared to men. We always seem to forget this factor
@Stephanie Minah
I agree with you that even after the affirmative Action plan there is still unfortunately rascism and sexism in business and industry. You can never stop it no matter how hard you try it will still be there
Summary
ReplyDeleteThe story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson is about a one day lottery event in a town of roughly three hundred people. During every lottery, all the townspeople would gather up in the town-square. The event was headed by Joe Summers, who was a jovial man with no children, and its postmaster was Mr. Graves. Summers had brought and put a black box on a stool. The black box is traditional to the lottery in that it was still used since the first people settled on the village. Summers had stirred papers and put them into the black box in which the townspeople would pick out to see if they won. Chips of wood were substituted for paper because the population of the town was augmenting. Summers didnt do most of the traditional customs before the lottery but he saluted people who came up to draw from the box. The village seems to be patriarchal because when Summers said "who would draw for Clyde Dunbar?", Dunbar's wife said that she would do it but Summers said "dont you have a grown boy to do it for you?". That means that the male was the dominant gender in that society. Then Summers started the lottery by calling out family names for the representatives of each family to come pick a paper. The town really liked the lottery in that of Old Man Warner because when he heard that some places had quit lotteries, he said that they are a pack of crazy fools. The lottery is extolled in that of the saying "Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon." Then Mrs. Hutchinson accuses Summers of being unfair in that he didnt give her husband enough time to take a paper he wanted. So he allowed the whole Hutchinson family of five to retake papers. Mrs. Hutchinson found a black spot on her paper. Then the townspeople ran with stones. It is unfair for only the Hutchinson family to be rushed to take papers out of the other 295 people.
Woah. First of all, what kind of sick tradition is that? I mean, it sounds not only cruel but also meaningless. Maybe I'm reading it wrong but are they throwing rocks at the person who picked the paper with the black dot on it? That's absurd. I'm surprised people are actually continuing this ritual/ceremony. This is like some sick scene out of Saw.. well, not as severe, bloody and gorey as Saw but the whole idea of people getting a thrill from watching another person get hurt. Not to mention the anticipation and impatience for this lottery draw. What a dark tradition. I actually assumed they were going to kill the person when I was reading it. Ahahas. Guess it wasn't as bad as I thought. x]
ReplyDelete@Brian, I agree with you that the males were seen as the dominant figure. I noticed it as well when I was reading this story. It makes sense though, no offense, because they're planning on throwing rocks at the "lucky" person.
I actually had to read "The Lottery" twice to understand what was going on. The title is disturbingly ironic, it makes you think that someone in the town is going to win something, not lose everything.
ReplyDeleteAmy -- "First of all, what kind of sick tradition is that?" I know, I'm still confused as to how something like that could ever even be contemplated, let alone done in a community.
I'm actually still not sure what the story is about. I THINK they're killing Tessie in the end, but nothing is specific enough in this story for me to tell.
1st review: Amy
ReplyDeleteHey I didnt even realize that the people were throwing rocks at Mrs. Hutchinson. Nice job for noticing that.
2nd review:Mirit
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the title is ironic in that Mrs. Hutchinson is supposed to win something but it turns out that she could lose her life.
The story "The Lottrery" by Shirley Jackson, the story was pretty ironic. I think the story had reflected the modern way of belief. Some people out there is daydreaming about wining a lottery. The story had told us that whether we are past or present, we are always greedy, looking for the easiest way of gaining money.
ReplyDeleteOMG!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI had heard this story few years ago!
Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" contains twist and suprise ending.
The village people had a 'lottery' to choose a person. And then, they throw a stones at Tessie Hutshinson.
Even though it is the tradition for village people, it's mess up. I mean, how can they commit the murder? Do they know what they doing? Children and adults did foolish acts as Old Man Warner had said.
Amy: I agreed with you that village people's tradition is meaningless and cruel. Even though it continues for 77years, they kept doing it for nothing
Mirit: It definitely is ironic! As I read this one, I expected that some will win, but as they pick a Hutchinson family, I said, "oh shit, is this story that town people stone at person?"
You already know my answer. Anyway, no one won or lose exept the population of the willage decrease to 299 people.
Brian: you mention that Old Man Warner saying some town people are a pack of crazy fools. It applies to not only the other villages but also Hutchinson's village. They are really crazy fools even the children do not know they murder the person.
3rd review: Rong Li
ReplyDeleteIt is true that people are greedy and are always looking for a way to gain money because money can help augment their living standards.
@ Amy
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that there are sick traditions not just in the story but also in our real life.
1st Review: The story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson was such a twisted and disturbing story. I would of thought from the title of the story someone would of ended up winning a lottery not losing their life.
ReplyDelete2nd Review: Brian Nguyen I LOVE THE WAY YOU BASICALLY TOLD THE WHOLE SHORT STORY IN YOUR OWN WORDS ; NICE WAY TO SUMMARIZE IT.
3rd Review: Stephanie Minah you are to funny i feel the same way the people in that town is so twisted and out of there damn mind.
@ Mirit
ReplyDeleteYou make a very good point, sometimes things doesn't turn out to be the way we want them to be. Expected the unexpected!
@ Stephanie
ReplyDeleteI like the way how you sum up the story, I agree with you that the village's traditions was cruel. It is a very blindly belief.
i am actually unclear about this story. Each year in the villiage, everyone gathers around a black box and they pick out papers. If the paper has a black dot on it, then stones are thrown at you. I'm not sure if they throw stones until the person dies, Tessie Hutchinson picked the black dotted paper. If i am not mistaken.. Her husband turned aganist her and forced the paper out of her hands and someone gave her children stones to throw at her. However this story wasn't boring.
ReplyDeleteAmy: I agree with you absolutely! It is sick and wrong in so many ways!
Mirit: Its a horrible twists of events.
Brian: I still can't believe that people would do that! its so cruel and inhumane. What type of tradition involves murder?
@everyone, LOOOL ! I love how everyone's confused about this story. Phew. Guess it wasn't just me. Yay! :)!
ReplyDelete@Mirit, I agree with you that this story is ironic. I never thought about it but when you said it, it just suddenly hit me. People do expect to win something in a lottery and not the other way around. I guess Lady Fortune does play a role. Ahahas. When people think lottery, they probably do think of money (because of the overused idea of the megamillions.. oh man, those ads..). Except when I think of lottery, I think of chance. I guess the people were given a chance not to become the target? LOL. I'm not really sure but that town is weird beyond compare, especially if this so-called "tradition" has been followed for 77 years. When I think of traditions, I think of having fun, festivals, laughter, kids running around, a LOT of food, etc. This story just painted an entirely different picture of tradition for me. :(
@Rong Li. I actually didn't pay attention to how real life compares to this story (which makes no sense because this story is.. true, isn't it?). I actually still can't figure out any other "real life" MODERN traditions we have other than some old ones? Wait. I guess sadism counts and those gorey movies. -shudders- Maybe even the electric chair! Wow. Never noticed, seriously. That's rather brain-boggling. I do know that some traditional ones would be like those sacrificial rituals. Man, we human beings are really whacked up in the head. ;(
i loved the story "The Loterry"
ReplyDeleteit tells about a custom this group of people in this town has. when your hear the word loterry, the first thing you think of or the thing you associate the word loterry with is money or prizes. but in this short story, the lottery was a tragedy. every year, these people from this town make this type of elections just to hurt other or maybe sometimes kill themselvesn the unfortunate person who picks the wrong paper, the marked one, won the loterry or will loose his or her life. and that happens year after year. the ritual is brutal and sad at the same time, because until now in our days there are people, or group of people who truly beleive in rituals like that.
can you immagine living in a town where you know that every year someone has to die?
who will it be you may ask urself when the time or day of the lottery aproaches?
my mom, dad, siblings, or me?
i would be truly scared
The story "The Lottery" was a very informative story and a story that can be related to by many people. Most likely everyone has dreamed of winning the lottery and what they will do with all that money. In the story you probably won't want to win this specific lottery because if you do, stones will be thrown an you. Everyone expects the word lottery to mean luck and chance, but little do people know, winning the "lottery" can have bad consequences as shown in the story. I definetely agree with Amy Apple because chances are that when people think of lottery they think of money when the word lottery can also mean chance. Kayla also brings up a good popint because no one would ever think winning the lottery means death. Mirit also brings up a good point about the story because it may be necessary to read the story twice in order to get a grasp of the meaning of the story. It was somewhat confusing at first. Overall the story was pretty wierd to me because stoning someone doesn't seem very pleasant.
ReplyDelete"A View of Affirmative Action in the Workplace" by Michael Gnolfo was an interesting short story on the positive and negative affects of minority groups and women with more opportunities in the working field. Even though many can argue on the negative points affirmative action has brought to those applying for a job, affirmative action has improved our society's standards and outlook on people's professions. Now with this plan male and female have equal opportunities to apply for what use to be male/ female dominated jobs. This has taught society to accept whatever profession one undertakes because anyone who wants to and is capable of doing a task can not based on gender or any other superficial qualification.
ReplyDelete@ Kayla
ReplyDeletei no rite?
i also though it was gonna be like that
but it ended like brutallity
n the author would never give like clues, trough the whole story, he will give like details about how the ritual was, but nevar giving specific clues that someone was to be stoned
@ amy
yo. u sooo rite, that ritual is sick, and people acutally still do that, some rituals that i know actully require the sacrifice of people, but in a brutal way
@stephanie minah
people are just ignorant you know.
of course they are aware of that
but now they are eaching their sons and daughters to practice that.
and in that way this will never end.
Nonsense. humans killing each other FOR NOTHING AT ALL
I thought "The Lottery" was a story to represent the personas in the world. Every person in the story acted enthusiastically and never expressed any feelings of disgust.Nobody attempted to stop the implied stoning, similar to situations such as bullying and gossip. These personas are identical to current society; if something is considered enjoyable by the majority, it is harder to turn into the minority that dislikes it. It seems necesary to create a persona in order to not be shunned by peers.
ReplyDeleteI think "The Lottery" is a sad story. In this story, people believe they can get a good harvest after they killed someone from the lottery.
ReplyDelete@Mirit-
me too. i actually had to read "The Lottery" twice to understand this story.
@Rong Li-
i agree with you, "The Lottery" is an ironic story. the villagers throw the stones to the person who win the "lottery" and they think they will get a better harvest after they did that. and even the children throw the stones too.
@Sharif-
i agree with you that winning the "lottery" can have bad consequences. in this story, Tessie got the paper with a black dot, so she got killed in the end of the story.
Reviews
ReplyDelete@ayesha
I agree with your opinion on how customs and tradition pull people to think that men should carry the weight in a marriage (money wise) and that they are physically and mentally more capable. However, modern traditions should put people on a different perspective, that the majority of tasks men do women can do just as good.
@madeline
I strongly agree with your response because we are very fortunate to live in a society where women do not have to be limited to just staying at home. Society has progressed (for the better) for women suffrage and that is why today we are able to do so many things that were once unheard of for females.
@Augusta
I feel that you are right about how affirmative action has brought us to a greater society but also in how it can be very "sexist and racist." Companies may only want someone because they are lacking in a minority as part of their structure rather than if they are the most qualified for the job. It should not simply be about "looking good" in having minority groups, women, and men in a working place, it should be about their intelligence an efficiency in that field.
"The Lottery" was a puzzling short story. I did not understand the purpose of this absurd tradition. Winning a lottery is something everyone looks forward to and hopes to gain, however, in this story it is the complete opposite. The winner of this lottery is unfortunate because they have to stand there openly while their town members and family throw stones at that person. The word lottery stands for hope in getting something better and positive feelings, unluckily ,the simple word lottery in this short story has dark and harmful effects. One would never think that present traditions could still mean disturbing acts of violence that could put someone's life at risk, because of past generations failure to understand that these "sacrifices" are not honorable or "fun."
ReplyDeleteI find "the lottery" to be a sad story, just like every other story in this book it leaves me emotionless and feeling so bad for the people in the story. The sad part is that these things occur in life a lot more than you would expect them too. Theirs bullying out their, and it's everywhere. There doesn't have to be an age limit or anything for those things
ReplyDelete@ madeline- I agree with you because your right in other countries it's very different. Woman don't have as much priority and we should be happy that we live in a country that isn't that sexist
@ kayla- yes, i didn't think it would end that way although i've learned to expect sad endings from most of these stories not all of them but most.
@ Rong li- idk what they were thinking but throwing stones was going a bit overboard. I mean come on that's too much and even kids join in. what is this world well the world in that story coming to.
I had read this book before. It makes you think a lot about how one word to u can make another person have a totally different perspective. So no 2 people ever see anything the same way even when they think they do they still think differently.
ReplyDelete@Rong Li-
i agree with you, "The Lottery" is an ironic story. the villagers throw the stones to the person who win the "lottery" and they think they will get a better harvest after they did that. and even the children throw the stones too.
@Sharif
i agree with you that winning the "lottery" can have bad consequences.
@ amy
your sooo rite, that ritual is sick, and people acutally still do that, some rituals that i know actully require the sacrifice of people, but in a brutal way
Reviews
ReplyDelete@lunatichigh1327
I deeply admire your in depth analysis of how the traditions in this story relate to what modern day people do with gossiping and bullying. It is very true, that it is very easy to agree with what everyone else is doing because it is the general thing to do. However, being the person who speaks out for what they feel is unjust despite the majority's agreement takes courage and knowledge which is what no one in this story demonstrated.
@ChuChuLIKESCheese
I agree with the confusing aspect of this whole story. I was equally unsure if the members of the town threw stones at Tessie Hutchinson until she died or just until she was badly injured. I also did not understand why her children and husband had to be involved in this horrible and unfortunate tradition.
@ Rong Li
I completely agree with your opinion on how people are always looking for the easy way out. Now a days people do not want to work hard for their earnings or make sacrifices for their loved ones, with the lottery people find an easy escape. Getting and getting everything one has always wanted will not make you complete because it is the value of all the hard work and effort put into one's winnings that makes it that much more meaningful.
LOOOOLL! I was just rereading some of these and I noticed something..
ReplyDeleteBoth Maham and Augusta said, "You're sooo right. That ritual is sick, and people actually still do that. Some rituals that I know actually require the sacrifice of people, but in a brutal way." Same choice of words and even the same placing of words! :O
What a concidence, hm? =P
This is an example of how people have different perspective of the same thing. Personally i wasnt able to understand the story itself and the weird tradition that was mentioned. It was hard to understand why someone would be unfortunate to win a lottery, it sounds pretty weird to me.
ReplyDeleteI find this story very interesting. I never would have thought that winning a lottery would be a bad thing but i guess the world is full of different perspectives and traditions. To be honest I didn't get the tradition and its purpose. I would have and everyone around me would have static if I had won the lottery but of course not that kind. I liked how the author played with the word lottery. I wonder if this story is true.
ReplyDelete@Ayesha
I agree with u about when u said that the world is full of different perspectives. I also like how u were honest about how you felt of the story.
@Mirit
I agree with u when u say the story was ended weirdly and it also left me confused.
@Amy
I agree with u when u say that the tradition is meaningless and cruel.
I found the first few pages of "The Lottery" pretty boring but the last two pages I really enjoyed. I love how ironic this story was (I love ironic stuff!). Most people would love to win the lottery (like my mom!) but in this town, you pray to God that you don't win. I love how shocking the ending of this story was. I find that a lot of books that I really enjoy had shocking endings or leave you thinking "Oh my god, did that really just happened?". I liked how the author (Shirley Jackson) made it seem like winning the lottery was so great thing and described the town as being so happy and great. I liked the fact that the town was full of traditions that had been passed down for generations - until I found out that the tradition was killing the person who wins the lottery with stones. Overall I liked the idea of the story but I felt that Shirley Jackson took a little too long to get to the point. It is weird that the story is so detailed, yet you really don't know what the town is really like until the end.
ReplyDeleteAyesha: I agree with you. I had to re-read certain parts of the story to fully understand what was going on. I knew what was going on but it seemed so weird and different, that at first I didn't really understand it either. I have hear of a lot of cases of certain people that win the lottery which had unfortunate and horrible experiences though. In my opinion, winning the lottery is not always a good thing.
Diana: I didn't realize it until you said it, but you are so right - all of these stories are a bit depressing and sad. A lot of these stories make me feel like you felt. I often felt bad for the characters in the stories. I hope we read some more happy stories. I guess though we can not always just read stories about rainbows and butteries because that is really not like the world we live in.
lunatichigh1327: I agree with you when you said that this story represents people in the world. I did find it shocking that no one ever expressed any kind of feeling of disgust and that do not did anything to save Tessie or people like her. It is really sickening when you think about it.
The "Stone-Throwing In India: An Annual Bash" can be easily compared to "The Lottery". What's with these crazy traditions? They're sick, weird and really new to me. Perhaps it's because of the fact that they're so different that I find the traditions appalling. I, for one, am not going to follow these traditions even if I do find them slightly interesting. There was one part that really stood out to me: "I have seen people with eyes bulging out, ears sheared off, noses broken, teeth shattered, skills and legs fractures to bits. But we've never been able to stop it. My God, the people like it." (332). It didn't just stand out because it was so descriptive but also because it describes this tradition perfectly. This ritual is literally sadomasochistic. The people don't even know the reason behind the ritual yet they continued it as if it was the most natural thing in the world. I found the the "origin" of the battle a little vexing. They said that it began as a love story and ended as a tragedy. The vexing part of it was the tree. The tree being the main object of the game was so random and it didn't really make any logical sense to create a game based on the couple and this tree. There was no significance towards this ritual. I've also noticed that they said, "Enter" this and "Enter" that frequently. This particular style of writing made me believe I was watching a script of a play or broadcast because it was as if it was their "cue" to enter. Surprisingly, though I found this story very frustrating and vexing, it wasn't as bad as the other one. Rather, this one hinted irony as well because the so-called "plan" backfired. So, I'm going to have to say that I actually enjoyed this one because even though it's also cruel and brutal, it's rather interesting to uncover this whole stoning tradition.
ReplyDeleteStone Throwing in India: An Annual Bash, gives the reader an very detailed description about an annual event that takes place in India every year. The event is called the Gotmaar Festival and means "stone hitting".
ReplyDeleteIt is an ancient, unique and brutal tradition that has been going on for so long that people don't remember when it first started or why they continue to follow this tradition. I could not believe it when I read that people throw stones at each other for six and a half hours!! Thousands of people get together every year to try to kill each other because it is "fun" and a tradition. It is truly heartbreaking that people would try to kill each other, for no real reason. No one should even kill anyone, period. The fact that people actually look forward to this event every year is really sickening. The fact that the government thinks that the best way to minimize the killings is by videotaping it, is just insane. I really don't think that anything is really being done to stop this. Can't anyone come up with a safe and good tradition to follow?? Even though this story was very depressing and heartbreaking, I think it is the most interesting story we have read yet. It really informed me about a tradition that I never even knew existed.
Amy: I think this story helps explain a lot of the things that happened in "The Lottery". I agree with you when you wrote that these traditions are sick, crazy and weird. These traditions are really appalling and heartbreaking. How can a person get pleasure by hurting others? The quote you include in your summary, really stood out for me as well. It does really describe the tradition perfectly. It is so strange that the people don't even know why they continue to carry on this tradition.
@Madeline. Woah, first of all. I didn't even realize they threw stones at each other for six and a half hours! Didn't even notice, ahahas. Though I have to disagree with you that no one should kill anyone because it's not true. People often have exceptions to kill another person. I can't think of any at the moment (LOL!) but I'm sure there are some. The government did try to minimize the kills though. They were sincere in their attempt to stop this ritual; however, the plan backfired. :(
ReplyDeleteThe story “Stone-Throwing in India: An Annual Bash” by Mark Fineman, it is a very superstition story similar to "The Lottery". An ancient Pandhurna tradition, the annual event is the stone throwing. People were divided into two groups and gathering huge pile of rocks and try to kill or hurt as many people as they can for six and half hours. It is very very ironic when the event end the people from two sides will drop their rocks and come together shaking hands with the opponents and nursing each others’ wound then back to normal life. I think this tradition is very unique and brutal; people will act as nothing happen when the sunset comes, when the “game” is over. I think this tradition will not going to happen in today’s society, we can’t go out and killing people and after all act as nothing happens, shaking with the one that kills your family or friends are pretty ironic. The sarcastic part is when there is videotape; people care less about killing people but more about how they look like in the video. “My own brother bought five different outfits and changed clothes five times during the stone-hitting because he want to look good for the camera”(331). It is so sad when people think it is ok to kill others, they found it very reasonable. That’s the difference between educated and uneducated, the difference between modern and ancient people.
ReplyDelete@ Madeline
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with you, no one should ever kill anyone whether you like them or not. The story is definitely heartbreaking when people are killing each other for no reason. It is extremely sad when people in India found the annual event as an entertainment.
The "Stone-Throwing In India: An Annual Bash" made me recall the other one we just read. at first when i read the loterry i thought "maybe it a fiction, it has to be, who with sanity would do such thing?". now i am preety sure that people just do cruel things sometimes with no motivation. it is sad to see that some people beleive in cruel and unusual punishments and they reply that will satisfy thier Gods and Ancestors. isn't God suppose to want y our good? how come now people hurt and kill others saying that it's because of their God's will?
ReplyDeletesome traditions just seem to me sooo insane.
the practice of vodoo it's one. people who practice vodoo say that in order for you to achieve something you have to kill someone from your family. it is just umbeleivable
@ Rong Li
ReplyDeleteI did find it amazing how that people acted like nothing happened after the "game" was over. I would never be able to be part of something like this - it is not right in anyway. I did find it really sad as well that these people think killing is okay and even reasonable.
rong li
ReplyDeletei really understand the way you think but i disagree with you in one point. when you wrote
"I think this tradition will not going to happen in today’s society"
i really think it does happens until today although it was banned, i think people still do it.
@ Amy:
ReplyDeletei really didn't like the story that much because of the brutality on it. but i like to acknowledge others people's traditions. this actually happened in india, untill it was banned, and it is called Gotmar Mela, and the people who throw stones at each other are residents from rival indian villages, i always though that it was kind of any one, fathers throwing rocks at sons, mothers at daughters and so.
@ madeline
ReplyDeletei really loved the way you composed ur summary. it took me all the words i had. i make my words the same as yours.
i loved the way you gave the exampleas and details. good way to do it. : )
Augusta: I really thought that "The Lottery" was a fiction story as well, but I guess after reading this story, it is non fiction. It is really unbelievable what some people's traditions are. I totally agree with you when you said that it's sad that some people believe in cruel and unusual punishments. I also agree with you when you wrote that people just do cruel things with no motivation. I don't think people should do cruel things even if they have the motivation. Thanks for what you said about my summary. That was so nice. Thanks. :D I love how you put a lot of your opinion into your summary.
ReplyDelete@Rong Li. You are absolutely right about the irony. In normal life situations, I wouldn't be very nice to you if you suddenly threw a rock at me. Maybe I will treat your wounds after I beat you up, but I'm not going to be very nice about it. Matter of fact, I'll probably be very hostile. Anyways, the main point is that those people are major mood-swingers. Ahahahas. ;)!
ReplyDeleteSummary
ReplyDeleteThe story "Stone-Throwing in India: An Annual Bash" by Mark Fineman is about the pernicious Gotmaar Festival, which is an anuual event in Pandhurna, India. The festival is a stone hitting bonanza which is an ancient Pandhurnian tradition. It is uncivil because at the end of each festival, there would be four people dead and nearly six hundred people wounded. It started ever since a young couple had tried to flee across the Sawargaon river which caused for them to be stoned to death near a tree. Even the police can't end the madness, even though the government had banned the slingshot. People like Anil Sambare and Dr. Ratan Singhvi think that the event is pathetic and useless and they want to end its existence. This story is just like the Lottery in that people were being stoned to death. If I was Prime minister of India, I would definitely order for my armed forces to enter the village during the festival and stop the nonsense, I would further educate the people various virtues that could reduce the killing, and if my forces cant end the madness, then I would order for them to spread methyl isocynate, DDT, and lindane in the crowd so the madness could end. I would use the deadly gases every time the Gotmaar Festival begins so that the people would learn that they shouldnt throw rocks and that the people should be afraid of government.
1st review: Madeline
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that people shouldnt kill anyone just because of an ancient tradition. I dont care if its an ancient tradition, the people need to realize that this is reality not a game, so they need to know the consequences for killing people.
2nd review: Rong Li
ReplyDeleteI agree with your sentiment that the story is ironic because in the Gotmaar festival, people would kill each other and when it ends, people would shake each others hands and be back to normal.
@ Amy
ReplyDeleteYou make a very good point and I agree with you that this story is very brutal but pretty “interesting”. People throwing rocks at each other, and yet this tradition is weird and cruel. The author was pretty descriptive abut the setting make the story more attractive.
3rd review: Augustus
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that god is supposed to want to see your goodness in that god only wants to see peace not to see his people kill each other.
@ Augusta
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that some traditions out there are pretty insane. Killing other with no particular reason beside that it is a tradition. I do believe there is still some superstition tradition out there today, but there will fewer, since most of the people today are educated, so they will know how distinguish the bad tradition with the good ones.
Tradition does not die out easily. Look at traditions of the past, slavery is a well known example. After slavery was abolished there was still a need to persecute minorities, a tradition for kept by people for years. I believe "Stone-Throwing in India: An Annual Bash" was written to show tradition stays alive
ReplyDeleteThe "Stone-Throwing In India: An Annual Bash" it is really like the last story we read. it tells us alot about the real world and how we should understand that their is alot bad happening in the world that we have no clue about.
ReplyDelete@ Amy
You make a very good point and I agree with you that this story is very brutal but pretty “interesting”.
@ Augusta
I agree with you that some traditions out there are pretty insane.
@ Madeline
I absolutely agree with you, no one should ever kill anyone whether you like them or not.
"Stone-Throwing In India: An Annual Bash" was a very interesing story. I find it rediculous that people would do these horrid thing. Four people dead for having fun. That nuber is too much. 612 people are injured because of it. The descriptive details of the injuries stand out greatly. I would never kill someone dilliberatly. This story reminds me of the Lottery.
ReplyDelete@lunatichigh1327...
You are right about how traditions take time to die out. There are always going to be people that keep with the tradition. It is just how they were raised.
@Brian...
I liked your comment about your plan if you were the prome Minister.
@Amy..
I agree that people do these rituals and traditions and they don't know the origin behind it. The history of this tradition would be quite interesting.
i think the story "stone throwing in india: an annual bash" was a very sad story. i don't know how this "tradition" continues because don't people care if others die? it's a lot like the story "the lottery". i think it's a very horrible tradition and i don't think it should even exist anymore.
ReplyDelete@jeanette-
i agree with you. it's a very ridiculous thing to do. i dont know how people come up with these things.
@maham-
that's true. we should all recognize what's really happening to the world.
@amy-
this story IS brutal and interesting. but it's so wrong.
Traditions are meant to be healthy celebrations that unite modern day culture with ancient. However, in "Stone-Throwing in India: An Annual Bash" the tradition they practice once every year is rather a barbaric one that puts people's lives at risk. This annual event is called the Gotmaar Festival which means stone hitting. Instead of preserving the many other rich civil traditions in Pandhurna, India people cannot let this practice go. They find the intellectuals that try to put an end to this savage act "trouble makers" or "evil." Once a year people gather on opposite sides of the river jam and throw stones at each other for a whole day until they are badly injured or dead. I did not appreciate the practice of this dangerous "game" because no one has the right to take someone's life away even if its part of centuries of tradition. The reason societies further develop is to encourage the modernization of man and their knowledge of what is animalistic and what is proper. Society matures as technology and people get educated and realize that what was once considered okay is not anymore. Despite the country's long time history with certain customs if it puts someone at risk or is just ridiculous one can put an end to it and always begin new traditions.
ReplyDeleteReviews
ReplyDelete@ jeanette1005
I agree with your idea that this tradition is ridiculous because it does put peoples lives at risk. We are a modern society with growth and development comes maturity and knowledge of what is right or wrong. Just because this long time tradition has been fulfilled for so many years does not mean things can't change now.
@ sincerelyaerie
I feel that you are right in that this is a sad story. It is unfortunate that people still practice savage ancient traditions simply because the country has practiced it for so long. Injuring someone or worse killing them by throwing stones should not be happening now a days. In Pandhurna, India people actually look forward to this dangerous and ridiculous practice.
@ Maham
I agree with your point on the lack of knowledge that we have of worldly
affairs. We should be more informed of these horrible practice and try to put an end to them because it is only hurting innocent people.
@Amy-
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. "The Lottery" and the story of "Stone-Throwing In India: An Annual Bash" are related to each other. These two stories are about the odd traditions of stoning.
@Madeline-
I agree with you. this story is really heart-breaking. people were throwing stones to each other for six and a half hours. and they were doing this for "fun" and tradition. omg, it's just a crazy tradition.
@Jeanette1005 -
i agree with you. this story reminds me about "The Lottery" too. these two stories are having in common that they both stories are about the stoning.
This story "Stone throwing in India" was very similar to the other story previously read last week. Both stories explain deadly traditions which are considered normal in their societies. In the tradition in the story stone throwing is also involved and this action can lead to deadly consequences. Four died, and several were wounded due to this stone throwing. I definetley agree with the statement that Vanessa said because traditions are meant to be healthy, not deadly. Also Augusta also brings up a good point because this story was very sad and hard to believe. In this society nobody probably would ever think of stone throwing as a tradition. Aerie, you also bring up a good fact because while reading this story a person may think that nobody in this society cares if someone else dies. Overall like " The Lottery", this sotry was very wierd, and confusing, and hard to beleive.
ReplyDeleteThe story "Stone-Throwing in India: An Annual Bash" by Mark Lineman is very similar to "The Lottery" where in the end of a festivity there is a stoning done to a group of people but not like in the lottery 4 people are stoned to death and a huge amount of people are wounded from this annual activity.
ReplyDelete2nd Review: lunatichigh1327 i agree with what you said some traditions till this day even though we might not like whats going on it still happens and no one is aware of the fact that it should be banned because its been going on for god knows how long.
3rd Review: Maham i also agree with your review this story gives us a input on the traditions that goes on across the world that we normally wouldn't know is taking place.
Lols; whoops. I forgot I had to do another person. >.<
ReplyDelete@Kayla. The thing that bothers me is that everyone not only loves being sadistic but they can't WAIT for this annual event. Think Christmas for little kids. It applies to both stories and I agree with you that in this particular story, more people are maimed or killed. (Great business for the doctors! Lols, jk. Cold joke... ) Though I find this tradition awful and unappealing, I still hold my stand on appreciating these traditions. No matter how eccentric and brutal they are, I still think that since it's part of a certain culture, we should appreciate these old traditions. We shouldn't judge them because even though our culture's different from theirs, it doesn't allow us the right to mock or ridicule them.
The story "stone throwing in India" is a story about a rural village in India which follows a unique and barbaric tradition. Every year the villagers throw stones at each other. Every man was for himself. No one even remembers for sure how this started but it is thought that a young couple ran away from thier village so villagers started throwing stones at them while the other village threw back at the villagers. Now the stonethrowing has become a game for the villagers and whoever wants to stop it are seen as traitors. Everybody waited for the day as they saw it as fun, which is totally insane. The government even didn't try sincerely to stop it as they knew if they were hard they would loose voters and eventually the power. I believe it is insane how people actually feel good hitting each other and nobody is trying hard to do any thing.
ReplyDelete@sharif
I agree with u that both stories we read were brutal and deadly but dtrangely considered normal traditions in thier societies.
@Vanessa Salgado
I agree with u that traditions are supposed to be healthy celbrations of the past but i guess that is not true in all cases.
@Rong Li
I agree that it was vwierd how people didnt care that they were hurting each other but worried more about how they looked on video.
The short story "Stone-Throwing in India: An Annual Bash" written by Mark Fineman is very similar to another short story we read, "The Lottery" Both these short stories show traditions in a particular village that people from other places around the world would find strange. In this story the villagers throw stones at eachother pretending it was a game. I think this tradition was weird because I cant understand why people would like to throw stones at eachother.
ReplyDelete@ Sharif Aidara
I agree with you that this story was weird, confusing and hard to believe. People throwing stones at eachother isnt something you see everyday.
@ Maham
You're right, there are many traditions around the world that we aren't familiar with and find very peculiar.
@ Augusta
I agree, many traditions are crazy and unbelievable. Why would you want to make it a tradition to harm people intentionally?
“Stone throwing in India” illustrates a very bizarre and scarce tradition in which people throw rocks at each other. This is a day-long event that people in India look forward to for a period of time. Although this tradition cannot be traced back, everyone celebrates it without a reason. It is called the “Gotmaar festival” and it is celebrated with great enjoyment despite the fact of how many people are dead and wounded by this event. In my opinion it’s slaughter of many lives unnecessarily. There isn’t any definite reason for celebrating this day in such a chaotic manner therefore it shouldn’t be allowed. However many of us fail to recognize the value and importance of a human life, thus they tend to gratuitously slay humans like that. But the saddest part is that the government is not attempting to do anything. Despite the fact that the story was overall very harsh and unpleasant it made me realize how I’m unaware of some many traditions around the world. It was quite intriguing to learn how our traditions and customs vary from others. On the contrary, I enjoyed reading the story and It was fascinating being exposed to various traditions around the world.
ReplyDeleteMaham: Its significant to aware of traditions around us but unfortunetly we lack the knowledge.
ReplyDeleteAmy: I also agree that though the stroty portrayed many brutal and malicious aspects it was still quite interesting.
Augusta: Its true how some traditions can be so weird and unsual.
"Stone Throwing in India" is a fascinating look at an obscure and rather unusual ritual. Yearly, the village attempts to stone to death the group on the opposite side of the river, and vice-versa. Under a western view it can be seen as a barbaric practice, and is for the most part only carried out for the sake of tradition. little mind is paid by the rural people in terms of the casualties sustained by some- several deaths a year factor into the festivities. An added issue surrounds its presence in the age of the video camera, where bravado is often the force that compels youths to enter the fray of stones. There is a similar, though much less severe practice on my fathers island of Chios. Every easter, in the town of Volissos in the north of the island, the two churches in town fire rockets at one another in an attempt to hit the opposite bell tower- there are never any casualties, and its all in celebration.
ReplyDeleteThe short story "Stone-Throwing In India: An Annual Bash" was about an ancient tradition where villiagers gather together and throw stones at each other. Many people are hurt and injured, some are even killed. The tradition spreads throughout the villiages and the practices increase. However after the battle between two sides, the two sides would get together and nurse each others wounds. This shows that they still respect and care their opponents.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Prax, this ritual is strange, in fact i never heard of it until i read the two short stories. i was so suprised. I mean, i never knew people even had violent traditions. except human sacrifice of course.
I however disagree with Norulain, i think they do try hard to hurt each other. Otherwise no one would be killed occasionally.
This actually did intrest me to a great extent, Amy. For some reason i enjoy reading about brutal and violent rituals and practices. It is exciting and makes me want to know more. I guess you can say it intrigues me.
@ Ayesha
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree with everything that you have said, I have one caveat: You mentioned that because we don't have a reason to celebrate something, then it shoudlent be allowed or done. I would disagree with that logic, as it takes some of the vibrancy out of some festivals, even some holidays.
@ Nurlain-
Im with you on feeling the insanity of rather senseless violence.
@ Amy-
I think your statement regarding the respect of other cultures is a very kind and understanding one, and for most cultural matters perspective is everything.
"The Lottery" describes a ritualized form of murder, by stoning, that takes place in a nameless, description less area. I think the fact that the setting remains rather ambiguous is an important, but subtle point made by the author. This allows for the placement of the theme, one of group selection of a scapegoat, in any town or area across the country. It gives it the ability to "happen anywhere". To scratch the surface of the story would be to highlight the tenancy of societies to pick and choose scapegoats with little or no basis on their actual attributes (winning a "lottery").
ReplyDeleteAgain!!!
ReplyDelete"Stone Throwing in India" is similar to the last story that we read. The townpeople called this event "Gomataar Festival." However, it is kind of ironic that two villages throw stone each other and some people got hurted, injured or killed. After the festival, the people started nursing each other to show their respect.
I don't understand that this festival became popular to other villages. I don't think it's fun when one of the family, relatives, or friends got killed during the festival.
@ Amy: I agreed with you that these traditions are sick, crazy and weird.
@ Brian: Yeah I want to stop them!!!
@Prax: Umm I agreed that there are some traditions that we never heard of. We might not learn 'strange' tradition from people, books, and other. Even though "The Lottery" and "A Stone Throwing in India" could be stange and sick to us, some would not feel strange.
The essay, "Janushinka" written by Hana Wehle, was certainly heart-breaking and profound. Janushinka is a little girl who's was "destined" to die before she even knew how to live. This is mainly because of the setting and historical context: concentration camps during Hitler's time period. The things the Jewish people had to go through were cruel and inhumane. Not to mention the subject is often uncomfortable to talk about. Henry and Pepinka were the parents of Janushinka. This little girl was the sole reason they bear with the torment of the concentration camps. Even though Henry was unbearably hungry and suffered evident physical changes, he tolerated it. "The subhuman conditions in the camp were sapping the strength of Henry's frail body. His walking had become visibly slower, his back stooped increasingly and he was more listless." (422). He had hope that they would last through this tragedy. "He tried to straighten his haggard body and across his face the cruel play of fear and hope was gone. The words rolled from his mouth like pieces of gold: "Janushinka's fever has subsided-she ate the soup!" Henry's and my eyes connected in a new alliance with life. In his face lingered a flicker of hope." (422). Wehle found herself guilt-free because she had to cut a portion of her mother's and her soup to give to Janushinka. After that though, in a way, it was as if Henry knew that it was OK for him to leave [die] because he probably assumed that once Janushinka's OK, he'll be happy even if he's dead. It was rather admirable of him to bear with it till his last breath. However, it was heartbreaking to hear that in the end, Pepinka died with Janushinka because of the daily selections. They suffered so much yet as if "destined", their "fate" were pretty much put out for them: death. I can't help but feel sympathy towards that family. I really liked the line, "Janushinka had to die, before she even learned to live." (423). There was a really horrific scene in which Wehle describes the latrine. "..a large wooden barrack, used by prisoners under the watchful eyes of the SS guards. Inside the large area of one side were the women, on the other side were men, exposed to one another in utter humiliation. The entrance was always crowded with prisoners waiting for their turn. For some of them it was too late: they collapsed into their own excrement, unable to life themselves from the muddy ground." (420). For a moment, I pondered to myself whether or not the people actually felt the humiliation. I mean, according to these conditions, they shouldn't concern themselves about their nakedness. They should be more aware of their other problems and conditions such as fatigue, hunger, etc.
ReplyDeleteSummary
ReplyDeleteThe story "Janushinka" by Hana Wehle is about Wehle's experiences and survival in the Auschwitz concentration camp. Madam Wehle was deported to the Familien-lager section of Auschiwitz. She had to stay in the latrine barrack which was a prodigious vicinity replete with men and women who were exposed to one another. In the camp, Wehle knew a man named Henry, who was her father's cousin, along with his wife, Pepinka, and daughter,Janushinka. There was an exorbitant amount of love between the family of three in that Janushinka was Henry's and Pepinka's precious jewelry. Henry's hope was ephemerally supplanted because Janushinka was very sick and because he didnt have a sufficient amount of food. Soon, Wehle would obtain a full bowl of soup to share with her mom and Henry. Henry would then find a way to bring the soup to Janushinka in the children's block. He didnt care for his health, so as long as Janushinka was healthy, he could die peacefully. In the end, Pepinka was to decide if she would leave her child to work or to die with her child so she decided to die with Janushinka. Pepinka picked the right choice because why would someone live with guilt for the rest of his or her's life and it is better to die with pride.
The story “Janushinka” by Hana Wehle was an extremely sad story. The main character Janushinka was a little girl, who brings happiness, love and sunshine to her parents’ lives. When the Germans marched into their city, the family’s fate had changed completely. They were all brought to the concentration camp and being separate from each others except the mother and the child. Things get worse everything, Janushinka is sick from pneumonia which kills the hopes for the family. The saddest part of the story is when the father was just started to change since the child’s health is getting better, but Pepinka was forced to choose either to leave the sick child behind or die with her. No matter what choice she picks, at the end both her and the child die. The child die before she learns how to live and unable to see her parents for the last time. I guess good or happy things don’t last long; there is always something that makes us give up our happiness or something that’s important to us. When you get something, you lose something!
ReplyDelete1st review: Amy
ReplyDeleteI concur with you that Henry's action was admirable in that since he gave up his portion of soup to Janushinka, he thought that it was okay for him to die as long as Janushinka was healthy.
2nd review: Rong
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that happy things dont last long or when you get something, you lose something because that is how life is supposed to be.
@ Amy
ReplyDeleteI agree that Henry’s action was very admirable, but he is the father of Janushinka. It is reasonable for him to give up his portion of the soup to his child. From this action we could see that Henry loves Janushinka a lot, he rather die to save Janushinka. I think that’s how deep the parents’ love has on their children, sacrifice themselves to protect their children.
I think "Janushinka" is a story to show how life can be terrible. Wehle uses this story as an autobiography, describing the horrors of the holocaust. Although depressing, a theme that can be drawn from the story is life is unfair. The theme is clearly shown in the ironic outcome of Pepinka's death, caused by the wellbeing of her child.
ReplyDelete@Brian Nguyen
I do not think it is better to die with pride because once you die there is nothing left, in other words, pride is worthless after death. I can not empthasize with Pepinka because I am not a parent. Maybe she felt strongly enough to die with her child, but from my opinion, as a 17 year old, I would have chosen to live. The whole point of the word "redemption" is for humans, to help relieve the guilt of their past.
@Rong Li
"There is always something that makes us give up our happiness" is true, nobody can be happy forever. In order to gain something, something else of equal value must be exchanged, for example, time for skill. In order to become happy, a person must know sorrow because the only way to know you are happy is if you know how it is to not be happy.
3rd review: lunati
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the main theme of the story should be that life is unfair because of the two choices Pepinka had to choose.
@Amy Apple
ReplyDeletePeople are embarrassed by whatever they think is embarrassing. Most people are embarasssed when seen naked, regardless of circumstance. To be aware of the present situation would not change the emotion you would feel in a moment. Humiliation can be felt during fatigue and hunger, so a person can be embarrassed in a concentration camp.
The story "Janushinka" written by Hana Wehle was a story mainly about a young girl full of enthusiasm that fills up her parents heart with happiness. Everything was going well until the family was captured by the Germans and forced into a concentration camp. As time passed Janushinka, the young girl gained a sickness which crushed her parents heart. The Germans were cruel to the family seperating the young girl form her family during this time of sickness. overall the main theme of this story was that sometimes the good things don't last long in life so cherish them as long as you have them. This story was very touching and it brings several emotions in the reader's head. Throughout the story the father chose to give up food for the girl and try to help her as much as he could. I agree with what Brian said. The father's actions towards the young child were great and brave. Also Rong li brings up a good point. The father is very admirable throughout the story. I also agree with Amy because certainly this story is very heart-breaking.
ReplyDeleteThe story "Janushinka" written by Hana Wehle is a emotional story about the holocaust, it talks about a family being capture by Germans and having to go through many challenges. Such as being separated from the child's family.I think the theme of this story is to happy of what you have and the people around you. I really like this story and I agree with Amy, it was really heartbreaking. I also agree with Sharif about how good things doesn't last long and we should cherish everything we have.
ReplyDeleteHana Wehle’s “Janushinka” was about a little girl named Janushinka and her parents, Henry and Pepinka. The setting was the Holocaust and the place took in Auschiwitz-Birkenau. This essay showed the parents' toward to the children in some ways. For examples, Henry said that if his daughter could be alive, he'll be happy. Unfortunately, because of daily sections, Pepinka decided to go to her death together with her child at the end.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that I can do like Henry and Pepinka. I mean most of people like people of Holocaust, would not, or could not think about the other but themselves. I am trying to be honest. Pepinka could have a choice to live. But she chose to die with her daughter. When I read the ending, it was not only heartbreaking but also challenging me that I can sacrifice for my child even the choice has to deal with my life.
@ Amy- When I read this I also was heart-breaking and almost cry. And I agree with you that poeple should be more aware of their problems and conditions.
@ Bong Li- It is 100% true that there is always something that makes us give up our happiness.
ReplyDelete@ Staphany- I agreed with you when you said that be happy of what you have and the people around you.
@Brian. I disagree with you that Pepinka died with pride. I don't find it prideful to die with my child. Rather, I think it's what I'm obligated into doing, not BECAUSE I wanted to die with pride. Do you get what I'm trying to say here? Lols.
ReplyDelete@Rong Li. I also disagree with you about the fact that it's reasonable for Henry to give his portion to his child. I think what I said was correct, that he was admirable. He could've chosen to abandon the child. He had the right to at the moment. You can't question your values in circumstances like that. In such a situation, it's expected that values would be ignored and that every man's for himself. However, Henry didn't chose to abandon his family and rather, he made it his priority and also his strength of will, to give portions to the child.
..I just realized what a realistic (some may say cruel but I think realistic would be the word) mindset I have. D=
@ Sharif
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that we should cherish our lives, be happy and thankful of the things we have and happy that our family is still with us. Be happy for what you have!
@Sharif. I don't disagree with you but rather, I would like to add towards your point. The theme would be the idea of "fate". I actually can't think of anything to back it up but I feel as if in some way, that's what the theme would be. I mean, Pepinka had a choice, Janushinka didn't have a choice, Henry's choice was limited and so were the other prisoners of the camp. Choices, choices, choices. However, if you think about it, like several people pointed out, the choices all led to the same conclusion. Maybe I'm over-thinking this but I believe that it's trying to say that having faith isn't always going to end up into a happy ending. Fate would always play an important role and sometimes, even if you THINK you have a choice, in reality, you don't and that you're going against the forces of nature. The funny thing is that if it wasn't during this particular historical time period, perhaps things would've turned out for the better. However, it's because of these factors that I can conclude that people are pulled by forces of nature.
ReplyDeleteThen again, this novel is open to different interpretations of the "message" the author was trying to present.
@ Lunatichigh
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point that life isn’t fair. Sometimes we just don’t get everything we want, there is nothing for granted, we have to earn what we want. Life can be terrible sometimes, but it can also be wonderful sometimes.
Unfortunetly this was one of the most heart-breaking and sorrowful story although i think it indirectly taught us a lot in a sense. For us to look back to these times where people suffered so severly and the tragic family's story.
ReplyDeleteRong Li: I most difinetly agree with the fact that to gain something, you have to lose something
Stephany: its very accurate to remember to cherish everything we have instead of crying for things we long.
Lunatichigh: i also agree that life isnt fair. Its probaly to an extent true that we have to earn for the things we want but then also at times other factors also play into this.
This story was very heartbreaking but it shows what they say about parents and the fact that the children to the parents are worth so much more, even more than their own lives
ReplyDelete@Amy
I agree that i was very close to crying and then i thought about what my parents say that they would sacrifice their life to save mine
@ Sharif
I agree with you that we should cherish our lives. Be happy for what you have!
@ Nurlain-
Im with you on feeling the insanity of rather senseless violence.
The story "Janushinka" by Hana Wehle its about one of Hana's experiences. it also implies the changes a child can make in a couple's life. Hana noticed that to Pepinka and Harry, Janushinka was their source of happiness, she was the reason why they smiled. unfortunatelly they were dragged into a refugee camp were the conditions were limited. Harry's family could barely eat and Janushinka as a consequence of that was ill. Hana did her best to support them, specially Janushinka by giving them food, but there was not enough. along with the loss of health, Harry lost his faith and hope.
ReplyDeletethis is a very heartbreaking story because we never immagine ourselves into a situation like that. a situation were we barely have what to eat, a situation were our parents don't eat to give us food which is not enough to make us satisfied but to keep us alive.
although there was sadness in the story i enjoyed reading it.
@ Sherif::::
ReplyDeletei strongly agree when you said that good things don't last long in life, and sometimes we only realize how great they were when we no longer have them
@ Rong Li::::
i agree with you and would like to add something to what you said about when you give something you loose something. it is true, life is about making sacrifices and some are preety hard to do it, but still we have to do it in order to play this game calle LIFE
@Brian:::
i see your point of view but, the choices given to Pepinka were one more devastating than the other. she had to choose between the bad or worse. there was no better choice between the ones given to her. both choices were cruel
Like most of the stories found in "Across Cultures" i think we can all agree when i say about 80% of the stories are mostly sad and heartbreaking. Even for those who usually don't get emotional while reading a book. The story takes place during the time period of the Holocaust and those times were harsh. The most heartbreaking scene in this short passage was when the father says he would be willing to give his life or do anything in order for his child to stay strong and continue living. These scenes occurred in real life ages ago.
ReplyDelete@ Augusta -
Your absolutely right because it's true none of us can imagine ourselves in that position where it would be happening to us. Since we would never imagine something like that when we hear of it, it becomes heartbreaking to most of us.
@ Ayesha-
It did make me look back at time and wonder how things must have been way back then. Funny you should mention it but when you read things of the past for a few seconds you tend to space out and imagine what it would have been like.
@ Brian Nguyen-
Everything reminds me of the past and the concentration camps. Such horrible places, but him willing to die in order for Janushinka to be safe is really touching.