Robot Stories
The Asian American Film we watched in class called “Robot Stories”, consisted of four short “clips” having to do with robots interacting with humans. The theme that I got from this film was that although technology may change during the future (such as in Robot love, Clay, and My Robot Baby), the human heart remains the same. I enjoyed these movies and found some commonalities with the themes we have gone over in class. Interracial marriage and biracial actors were a theme in the last two short films, Robot Love, and Clay). These stories gave the tone of loneliness, and the desire to feel “apart of something”.
My favorite short story was Robot Love. At the rate we are going today, I cannot even imagine where technology will be in the future. We have already begun to build robots, forming the most intelligent technologically developed devices anyone could ever imagine. The title of the robot on the box said “iperson”, which I found to be clever due to the iphone and everything else made to make life a little easier. The film portrayed life in the future, where robots would take place of workers doing a more efficient job. Throughout the short story, the robot seemed to gain human feelings. He soon discovered another robot worker in the building across form his and watched her work. They seemed lonely and desperate for any type of contact which they were not receiving. Instead they were ignored and considered inhuman. Towards the end of the film, the two robots found each other, which seem strange because usually I would think robots would be made with no heart. I believe that there is an underlying message to this short film. We spoke in class about “biracial loneness”, and how in this film, the robot is searching for someone much like himself because he has been ignored by the others. This was a beautiful portrayal of a lonely life seeking comfort in another much like them.
I also found Clay to be interesting. The idea of being able to put memories onto a disk is something of the future, but much like the man in this story I’m not sure I would want to live forever. It’s better to be able to hold your own memories and keep them in your heart, than to put them on a disk. In the end the old man dies on a rock in the lake which he searches for clay to make his sculptures. He seemed happy and at peace, knowing he could now rest. He did not want to be living a lie, for he knew that his wife was not real despite the fact her could still see her and talk to her. He wanted something real, and able to touch much like his clay sculptures.
End of “My Year of Meats”
In the end of “My Year of Meats”, things seemed to go downhill quickly. I enjoyed this book, it kept my interest and I found myself wanting to read more to find out what would happen next with Akiko and Jane. The last chapters were critical in this book, Jane and Akiko went through some very difficult times and the Dunne’s slaughterhouse was a pivotal point proving the effects of DES on humans. Jane and Akiko met up in the end and their lives were finally at a happy place; Akiko left her abusive husband, and Jane was fired from the job she knew was wrong.
The Dunne’s slaughter house was absolutely disgusting. While Jane was interviewing Gale, she came to the startling conclusion that Rose was deformed, with breasts and her period all at the age of five. This was the final straw, DES was harming people. When Rose came into the office and Gale gave her a Popsicle out of the fridge with her hormone dust covered hands, I could just imagine her licking the Popsicle along with all the chemicals she was covered with. This was what threw Jane over the edge. She could no longer be a part of BEEF Ex, lying to the world that meat is healthy and should be apart of everyone’s diet.
Jane’s miscarriage was expected but the manner in which it happened was very sad. Jane would most likey never be able to have a child again to her deformities, and the fact that she tried so hard with her job only to lose her child was very sad. Right after Jane had her miscarriage, Akiko became pregnant. This shows in interesting tie between Akiko and Jane; One loss, and one gain. I was very proud of Akiko that she gained the strength to leave her husband and travel to America. She had nothing and had no idea where she would stay and what she would do, but she had faith that her life would be so much better without being oppressed by her ruling husband. I hated John for all of the things he did to her. The rape scene was quite startling, and the fact that Akiko picked up the pieces and moved on with her life shows her inner strength, that after all she is not the timid girl we all thought she was.
This book is a portrayal of the abilities for women in today’s world. Women like Jane can have great jobs and women such as Akiko can move to America and survive without a man. Jane was a strong women, living on her own she did no need a man. Akiko was also a strong woman; she did not crumble when the world around her seemed to be caving in. I really enjoyed this book and though it was a great depiction of Asian American woman today.
My Year of Meats II
While reading through the chapters of “My Year of Meats”, I find myself waiting for the sections on Akiko. I find Akiko’s life to be very interesting. She is timid and shy, always agreeing with and obeying her husband, but at the same time she possesses a strong presence. Her illness (bulemia) is the only thing in her life she feelsthat she can control, and she enjoys when her husband is away so that she can have peace and quiet. Akiko’s husband “John”, I have found to be quite the jerk in our readings for this week. Not only does he get drunk and try to have sex with Jane on their business trip, but he beats Akiko and treats her like an animal. Akiko’s job for John, is to wacth the “MY American Wife!” show during the day and fill out a survey, then make the meal for John when he returns home from work. On one ocassion, Akiko writes a 2 for “Authenticness” and makes lamb chops for dinner (which John is totally against because they are Australian). John hits Akiko for her faults, sending her into the television and hitting her stomach. After this, Akiko gets her period, but hides it from John.
An interesting fact in this book is about the “estrogen” injected in animals during the middle 1900′s to make them gain weight quicker. Jane told us about the facts and how after a while, preganat women were even being perscribed to take this “estrogen” pill to make their babies stronger. But in realiety, the pill was also used as a morning after pill (go figure). The health effects were detrimental, and many children were born with certain cancers and could possibly even be fertle. Jane then began to think, she is a “larger” woman and was unable to have children due to a cancer that she had, much taller than her parents and her mother could have taken these “estrogen pills” as perscribed by her doctor. Why is meat being pushed so much when the side effects are dangerous? Many farmers refused to obey the new laws prohibiting the drug, and still used it on their livestalk for quicker, fatter, and more money producing results.
I found it interesting how Janes “fling” had gotten her pregnant when she was possitive she could not. We were given alittle background on Jane’s previous marriage and its failure due to her being “sterile”. At around this book I thought it started to pick up and becom interseting. Would she keep the baby and tell Sloan? On his visit to the city to see her, she was hoping to tell him but did not. What will happen next? I am enjoying this book, I find it very intersting and up to date. I want to keep reading more!
My Year of Meats
So far in the book “My Year of Meats”, we get two different people and the story of how their lives will eventually come together. This book is more “with it” and up to date with the times, being the most latest released book we have read so far. I like how the book is straight forward, the facts are stated and there are no mysterious symbols and questions like “what is real and what is fake.” The book opens up with two characters Akiko and Jane, who have to do with the TV show “My American Wife!” The show is about America and the meats and traditions that are served at the American table. The two character’s lives at this time are surrounded by the “meats” and their paths will eventually cross.
Akiko is a small frail woman living with her husband whom wants to have children. Akiko’s husband “John” wants to fatten her up with meat so that she will get her period and bear him children. Akiko is oppressed, but chooses to stay that way not only because of tradition but because it is all she knows. Akiko has bulimia and through her poems she expresses the ability to have control over what she eats by “throwing it up” afterwards. Maybe this is Akiko’s way of standing up to her husband in the most subtle way. Does Akiko really want children? Or is her husband the one who forces it upon her? This is something Akiko could control, but she continues to stay thin and unable to bear children. One incident when Akiko went to get condoms was quite interesting in that she was so afraid that she had to degrade herself by buying condoms out of a vending machine. The fear of going to the store to buy them was too much to handle. John refused to buy them and made it Akiko’s job to do so. Is John having an affair behind Akiko’s back? He rarely seems to be present and seems unconnected with his wife, Akiko. I am interested to see what happens to Akiko next.
Jane is a producer for the show “My American Wife”. She seems strong and very into her work; it consumes much of her life. The man whom she sees is quite mysterious, always changing his look so Oh and Suzuki do not notice him. The two don’t notice, possibly because Jane says “All Americans look the same”. This is interesting because usually whites are the ones who say “Asians all look the same”. The stereotype is only one of the many in this book. How will Akiko and Jane come together? Their stories are similar but very different, and as we read on we will find out about their crossed paths.
End of Native Speaker
Toward the end of Native Speaker, all of Henry’s emotions and fears come together. So far throughout the book, Henry has seemed to be a bit of a mystery not fully showing the reader his inner thoughts regarding his job and Lelia. In one of the last chapters, Henry and Lelia get back together and Lelia asks him what is it that he does, and that Jack has been worried for him. Henry suddenly lets out everything that has been bottled up inside of him, confessing to Lelia how he’s gotten in far too deep and can no longer go back on the Kwang project. Henry is afraid and scared, for he has found no incriminating evidence on John Kwang. Must Henry ruin an innocent man? Henry’s job reminds me much of a mob, in that once you are in there is no escaping. Henry must go through with the project whether his morals think it right or not. This shows an unraveling of Henry’s character; he has a conscience despite what Lelia wrote in her note to Henry in the beginning of the book.
Henry’s home life has much to do with the person that he has become as an adult. Henry confesses to Lelia how his parents never showed him affection and how he wished he could be more like white and black families, sharing bonds between his parents. The Korean culture (and Asian cultures we have learned about) believe in respect and filial duty towards ones parents. The relationship between whites and Koreans for example is quite different. Maybe Henry is who he is and has had trouble with his relationship with his wife because he is unable “untrained” to show her his affection. This subject can also be found in the other books we have read such as Woman Warrior. The parent’s role and only role is to be a parent.
In the last chapters, the title “Native Speaker” seems to be verified. When Lelia moves back in with Henry Lelia takes students to the house and teaches them speech. The way in which the author explains the sounds and their importance is quite stressed. Speech can show who you are as a person. The dialect is what sets us apart from one another, an example being languages and how differently sounds and words are spoken. Henry tried so hard as a child to speak perfectly, whispering to himself the words he had learned that day. Henry was diligently trying to be a native speaker.
Native Speaker III: Who is Henry?
Moving toward the end of Native Speaker, I learn more about the relationship between Henry and John Kwang. Henry describes his interest in Kwang from their sharing of Korean roots. Henry has transformed himself into part of Kwang’s “group”, setting up events for his political campaign almost fooling everyone around him in believing he too loved and cherished Kwang. In reality, Henry is setting up for his demise. The section of Native Speaker where Kwang was giving his speech and was almost “attacked” (which we later found to be gas put off by children”, I was almost positive Kwang was going to get shot. Kwang’s beautiful speech was an innovating three page portrayal of his desire to make life for the people a little more easily. Kwang’s compassion was quite moving, and yet there was still a reason for his assassination. Henry’s job was to get as close as possible to Kwang, studying his every move, in the process he accumulated almost a love for the strong presence that Kwang possessed. What will happen to Kwang as the story unfolds? What is so bad about him that the CIA must keep close tabs on his activity?
Henry’s job is also the focus of why his marriage with Lelia has failed, but not only his job but also how he was raised. Henry spoke of how in Korean culture, Koreans are constantly aware of what other think being sure not to insult or disrespect anyone. Many times feelings are not shown, but bottled up inside. Mitt’s death started with the downfall of Henry’s relationship. After Lelia returned from the islands and Henry came to return Mitt’s tapes, Lelia and Henry came into conversation about why Henry never speaks of Mitt. Although Henry is deeply hurt by the death of their son, he does not show his emotions, especially toward Lelia. Henry earlier had stated how many nights he would lie awake thinking of his son, but the next day it seemed to be suppressed by the busy days. Lelia had grown too far apart with Mitt’s death and the incapability to communicate their feelings toward the incident with each other. Henry was only reacting to how he was raised; his feelings were never shown from either of his parents. Even when Henry’s mother died, his father seemed to move on and show little pain, although he knew he was hurt inside. Lelia was America, and was not used to a different culture. Lelia took Henry’s lack of emotion as a lack of love towards her; thus leading her to run away to the islands and have an affair. There is no doubt that Lelia still cares for Henry, but she seems unable to get inside his mind. Henry is a mystery.
Native Speaker II
In the chapters we read this week in Native Speaker, Chang sets the tone for the narration of Henry’s life. So far, we have no information of Henry’s profession other than the fact he deals with Korean immigrants, leading an almost secretive “double life”. Henry brings us back to the beginning of his marriage and the birth of his son. The mood is dark, almost depressing. Henry and Lelia’s first home, as Henry describes as a large dark open space that even the cat hides from, sets a dark dreary mood. I imagine an empty open space with a large window bringing in a dreary rainy day. The word choice may show Henry’s past to be nothing but a big empty space. One particular event was when their son slipped and hit his head on the bathroom floor. Almost believing to be dead, they rushed him to the emergency room to come to the conclusion he was fine and “hard headed”. Many deaths were brought up in Henry’s past. Lelia’s deceased uncle had left them the house and a coworker of Henry’s had lost his wife to cancer. Why is the word choice in this book so dark?
Henry speaks of his profession as tiresome, examining how he went through a time in his life when he was depressed. Henry’s job entitles him to pretend. Put on a false face to those around him by lying cheating and fooling those who should know him best. Lelia had left Henry long ago with her long trips and vacations. If Henry is fooling those around him, does it get to a point where he believes his own lies? We begin to get to know Henry and see inside his mind. So far, he does not seem to explain his feelings in his own words, but from how he explains his life and the people around him.
Native Speaker
The first two chapters of “Native Speaker” introduce the main character and his life as a Korean American. In our readings from Takaki on Korean Americans, Japan tried to overthrow Korea in the 1950’s and a flow of Koreans were immigrating to the United States thinking there were better opportunities. As skilled workers in the technology field and medical field, for Koreans coming to America was not so promising afterwards. Eventually enough Koreans immigrated to the United States setting up a “Korea town” with super markets, restaurants, hospitals, and factories much like the Chinese and Japanese immigrants had.
In the first few chapters of Takaki, an interesting quote stood out, “I should have warned my American wife”. Obviously this shows us that our narrator was Korean and met and married an American woman, later realizing he should have cautioned her about his field of work. What could be so bad about his life that he in the end regretted not telling his wife? Henry, the narrator, spoke little of his profession other than that he worked with illegal immigrants. Most likely, he found them and took them out of the country. In the letter Lelia gave him after she left the country, she wrote towards the bottom “hypocrite, spy”. Henry most likely takes Koreans out of the countries that do not belong. But how can he do this when he himself is Korean? And probably was or once was an illegal alien? Something about Henry’s past was so critical, that it led his wife to leave him.
The second chapter opens up with how Henry met his wife Lelia. It was interesting how the end of their marriage was the beginning, later following the beginning. Henry and Lelia met and clicked right away. Lelia’s beautiful speech was what seemed to draw him in, hence the name “Native Speaker”. One interesting quote was when Henry kisses Lelia and asks “Have you ever kissed a Korean before”. He seemed so aware of their differences, pointing them out in an awkward way. Lelia seemed to think nothing of it responding “No, I guess not”. The obvious intermarriage in this book, so far seems to have a lot to do with their separation. Henry was Korean, acting as a hypocrite sending immigrants out of the state when he has no more of a right than the immigrants do. This possibly could have been the end of their marriage.
I enjoyed reading the first two chapters of this book because there is no confusion of what is “real or fake”. All of the facts are put out on the table and pretty easy to understand. Henry seems like a strong person with an interesting secret that we will shortly find out as the story moves along.
Vietnamese Americans
Vietnamese Americans are quite different from Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino Americans we have been reading about. While the Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino came over to America for better job opportunities, wages, and work conditions, the Vietnamese were forced into this country without a choice. They came to America without a plan, not knowing where they would live, work, or if they would ever return to their homeland again. Their religion is also diverse in that they are of French and Catholic decent. The Vietnamese we do not generally hear about, but from what I read, their lives had been quite troubled arriving later into America from the years 1960 up until the 1980’s.
In the short reading “Christmas ‘95” by Isabelle Thuy Pelaud, the author describes life with a French father and a Vietnamese mother. This piece focuses on interracial marriages and how the mother and father are quite separated; father speaks to his friends on one side of the room, and mother does the chores and cooking in the kitchen. One quote that stuck out was on page 10 where it says “each of us holding firmly onto our masks”. This quote can mean a number of things and looked at from numerous angles. I found the masks to be the different ethnicities or races that one must put on to be accepted. The narrator must put on the face of a Vietnamese of her mother, the face of a French for her father, and many other masks I order to accommodate her lifestyle as a French Vietnamese living in America. How does the French and Vietnamese come together and make it work? The many different roles can be quite confusing. The narrator’s mother plays the role of a Vietnamese housewife in the kitchen doing chores. Her father was a typical French man “refusing to sit down” due to his “high” authority. Where is the line drawn? I find it interesting how these two completely different people could be married and live under the same roof.
The Vietnamese may have had no other chose that to be forced into America, but they did what was necessary to survive. In Takaki’s passage on Vietnamese Americans he went over the horrifying incident when in their country they were bombed and driven out. America was the only way.
Immigration Blues
Out of all the Asian American groups we have studied so far in class, Chinese and Japanese American, Filipino groups have been portrayed as a culture most like our own. According to Takaki’s passage about Filipino’s, not only were they educated in schools to sing the star spangled banner and taught by American teachers, but the Philippines were considered part of the American Republic. But when the Filipinos entered America in the early 1900’s they were denied citizenship and put into the category of “Orientals” despite their education and American decent. While in America, they were discriminated as “little brown men” and constantly harassed for taking the whites jobs and taking the whites women as well. The Filipinos were known as “sexually passionate” and their barbarian like ways were dangerous. Their threat was soon acknowledged and the Filipinos were soon deported. Has Americans jealousy toward Filipino’s caused an outbreak of anger towards them? Or is skin yet another wall blocking one’s freedom?
The Filipino’s came to America much like the Chinese and Japanese, in search of the American dream. To their disappointment, life was not much easier in America. Most Filipino’s worked on farms picking asparagus, cabbage and other vegetables rather than Chinese and Japanese Americans who worked in stores and factories. Jobs were more difficult and painstaking, with longer hours and worse conditions than back home. Living quarters were shacks often with no blankets and dirt floors, not bringing their families due to their Spanish and Catholic background traditions (mothers and families should stay at home). How can someone live this way? Soon the Filipinos were wishing they had never left their homeland. In the passage “Immigration Blues” by Bienvenido Santos”, it is a story of an old man living in American who had lost his former wife. Marriage of convenience was a popular topic in this passage as well as in Takaki’s excerpt on Filipino Americans. During the time Filipinos were being deported from America back to the Philippines, there were absolutely no job opportunities back home, therefore many married Americans so they were guaranteed to stay in American.
In the passage “Immigration Blues”, the life of a Filipino was portrayed through Alipio, who was an old retired Filipino man living in America. Different foods and differences between men and women are shown in this short story, viewing the life and traditions of Filipino Americans. Alipio’s former wife married Alipio because he was older and an American citizen. His visitor’s sister, Monica, also came to see Alipio in order to become an American citizen because she was being deported. This shows the relationships between Filipino’s and the desire to stay in America where they have settled and made a life. When all else has failed, marrying a stranger in order to keep the life one has been winning is one’s last hope
