Family Story

 I, along with many other people, would consider my grandpa to be an extremely “crazy” or active person. From the beginning, he has always stood up for what he thinks is right. This is because when he was a child, he grew up relying on himself alone for support and guidance in life. He says his parents focus more on alcohol than he and his sisters. His parents constantly went across the street to drink with their friends. While they were gone, he say he and his sisters melted butter over lightbulbs, rolled marbles down the roof, then climbed down the roof to get them out of the gutter, etc. . He was left unsupervised, which was how he came to rely on himself. Later on in his life, he went to an all boys catholic school , directly across the street from a mortuary; he says the area constantly smelled of burnt skin. At his school, he succeeded in properly learning. He only regrets not passing geometry, which he still has not passed(he attempted to take a college class last summer, but it did not work out). 

He persisted in life for success; he up ended going to Stanford for a college education. He eventually met his wife here. Afterwards, he was sent to Vietnam in the navy eight years before the war started to find landing locations on the coast for the future war with Vietnam. Luckily, he was not killed because the second day after arriving at Vietnam, he became friends with many of the locals, who were supporters of the Viet Cong. He did this by simply playing volleyball on the beach. While there, he traveled down the coast, constantly looking for landing locations. When the war was near, he reached the capital of Vietnam; the day before he reached it, the Viet Cong had sprayed the hotel he was going to stay at with bullet fire. Also, they dug one foot deep trenches throughout the road systems so no one could move around easily. Luckily, my grandpa was unharmed and left before the war actually started. 

After leaving, he, along with many of his friends, etc. began to protest the war. I guess you could say at one point he became the classic image of a “hippie.” He was particularly involved with protesting in Alameda. He bought his house in Alameda during the early 50’s for an extremely cheap price, about twenty-thousand dollars, and has stayed here ever since. He raised his four daughters here too. They all became something of what my grandpa is like; I guess you could consider “crazy.” His family has always had a reputation in Alameda for being like this, or maybe a little too liberal. 

Later on in his wife, he and his wife both became involved in psychology; they basically both became therapists. I remember the backyard of his house used to be landscaped as a relaxing japanese themed garden; this is because he built a house in the back for their practice. I remember I was at his house once, he one of his patients had to use the bathroom, so she came into the main house. We had a dog on the side, which had a cat door that connected the side of the house to the bathroom. When she used the bathroom, my dog stuck his head through the cat door, which is right by the toilet, and the patient screamed bloody murder, running out of the bathroom and hiding in a closet. 

Later on, around the start of the twenty-first century, his wife developed a severe form of brain cancer. He tired everything he could to save her; both of them went to find help throughout the country, but they could not stop it. She died a couple hours after a halloween night. This changed his life dramatically.

Afterwards, he became an avid painter and still is. He has tried everything from realism to cubism. It is a huge joy to him. He can find inspiration in almost everything. He bought a house in Mendocino County; this is a huge source of his inspiration. The house came with ten acres of land, all of it beautiful rolling hills, different types of tress, and vineyards. What I find very funny about it is that throughout the area around of his property, there are pot fields scattered around other property’s, hidden behind trees. I accidentally walked in one once and was chased by a man; luckily he was too out of shape to run quickly. Anyways, my grandpa paints much of his property, and gives many pieces of his art to friends and family. Besides painting, he also like making wooden sculptures. Besides painting, a big source of his inspiration is swimming, which has been a big part of his life since he was a boy. He says when he was young, the swimming pools were segregated that he swam in. 

Besides his everyday activities, he has run for city council in one in the past couple of years. He unfortunately lost, but seemed to be fairly popular with voters. He is also still fairly involved with Alameda’s city council meetings. He makes his voice known to many. His last big “project” was his protest against suncal in Alameda, who wanted to develop the base. As you can tell, he can be very active in the community.

The amazing part about it is that he is eighty years old. He seems much younger to me. My favorite part about him is that he is always extremely lively and energetic. He is not the type that retires and watches T.V. all day. He will always find something interesting and fun to do in his life that will keep him healthy and entertained. He is a huge role model to me. I hope to be  like him when I am older and live and interesting and entertaining life like him too. 

jlc post

I am comparing "Two Kinds" to Amy Chua's relationship with her kids.

"Chinese parents demand perfect grades because they believe that their child can get them. If their child doesn't get them, the Chinese parent assumes it's because the child didn't work hard enough. That's why the solution to substandard performance is always to excoriate, punish and shame the child. The Chinese parent believes that their child will be strong enough to take the shaming and to improve from it. (And when Chinese kids do excel, there is plenty of ego-inflating parental praise lavished in the privacy of the home.)"

I find that between these two readings, the common problem occurring in both is the high expectations the parents have of their children. Both parents feel that their children have the potential to achieve greatness throughout their lives, but by believing this, strain and resentment are put on their children.

In "Two Kinds," Jing-mei and Waverly Jong felt resentment towards their mothers because of the stress put on them. Jing-mei was expected to be perfect by her parents(this supports Amy Chua's article). She began to resent her parents for this. She also did not go to college as a form of resentment. Weverly Jong also felt resentment towards her parents. Specifically, she was a good chess player; her mother constantly bragged about her and used her as a source of pride. Her mother also claimed credit her Waverly's success. Waverly grew tired of this and eventually quit playing chess. Both stories problems resulted from the stress put upon Jing-mei and Waverly.

I feel that the two stories support the accusation of Asian parents expecting too much of their children. When this happens, obviously children develop a resentment towards their parents.

JLC Post

The introduction to the second section of Amy Tan's Joy Luck Club foreshadows resistance between family. In the introduction, a mother tells her daughter not to ride her bike outside of her vision. The girl complains bitterly to her mother about that; the mother explains the twenty-seven malignant gates and say how bad things can happen to her outside of the house. The daughter in turn, ignores her mother, and falls the second she lands on her bike.

In "Rules of the Game," and "Voice From the Wall," resistance is shown between mother and daughter. In the first chapter, Waverly feels resentment towards her mother because she constantly braggs about her chess playing skills. Waverly did not understand her mother's pride in her skill. Instead, she only saw her mother bragging. In the second chapter, Lena manipulates her mother's speech when being forced to act as a translator. This in turn leads to her mother's messages being manipulated into new meanings.

In both chapters, both daughters face resentment or anger towards their mothers. They are both confused as to why events in their life are occurring. This all ties in with the introduction to part two because when the daughters do not follow the book about the twenty-seven malignant gates, their lives are affected for the worst.

Joy Luck Club-Quickwrite #2

I feel that both An-mei and her mother would both put family honor as an importance in their lives.

An-mei grew up with her grandmother; throughout her life living with her grandmother(Popo), she was infused with senses of family honor in her morals. Popo constantly "controlled" her life by means of telling her to respect the family. For example, An-mei was told that the paining of her father was watching over her, so she needed to behave. One of the biggest examples An-mei dealt with was that of her mother; Popo told her that her mother was a ghost and that mentioning her name would be an insult to the family. Even though An-mei wanted to see her mother, she followed her grandmother's orders and soon forgot about her.

Although An-mei had to put family honor as a big emphasis in her life, a part of her still felt rebellious to the idea of it. In chapter two, a story was told of a recollection about her mother. In the story, her mother wants to desperately see her, but is not allowed to. An-mei wanted to too. In the chaos of the situation, a bowl of boiling soup spills on her neck. An-mei uses the scar that formed from the burn to be used as remembrance of her mother. She still has a feeling of love for her mother.

When Popo became very ill, An-mei's mother came to visit her. She made the sacrifice of cutting a piece of meat from her arm and putting it in a bowl of Popo's soup. This is considered very respectful and is meant to make the ill person become better. Even though Popo did not let her daughter see An-mei, she still had deep respect for her mom. An-mei wanted to see her mother, etc., but still followed the rules of Popo based around family honor.

In the end, the both put family honor as a big emphasis in their lives. This is because they are trained to think this way; it is a big part of their morals.

Why Chinese Mothers are Superior Responce

"For example, if a child comes home with an A-minus on a test, a Western parent will most likely praise the child. The Chinese mother will gasp in horror and ask what went wrong. If the child comes home with a B on the test, some Western parents will still praise the child. Other Western parents will sit their child down and express disapproval, but they will be careful not to make their child feel inadequate or insecure, and they will not call their child "stupid," "worthless" or "a disgrace." Privately, the Western parents may worry that their child does not test well or have aptitude in the subject or that there is something wrong with the curriculum and possibly the whole school. If the child's grades do not improve, they may eventually schedule a meeting with the school principal to challenge the way the subject is being taught or to call into question the teacher's credentials."

I am in strong support of the Western parents view of education. Children have the room to make mistakes in life. That is what the point of education is for. Children should not be expected to learn in school at the rate a college student is expected to do so.For example, throughout my school career, I have made many mistakes. That is because high school is meant to prepare you for college. My mom actually understands that. She does not punish me unnecessarily.

I feel that a big part of high school for the student is too also find their independence. Students need to learn for themselves; if parents are constantly pushing them to do better in their lives, they will grow to look for that in their future lives. Yes, parents need to guide their children, but they need to give them independence at the same time. They need to allow their children to know that they are in control of their lives. The choices they make will determine their future lives. They will not have someone to baby them through situations for the rest of their lives. Children need to be given the choice to explore their freedom and make learn how to take control.

If they are putting their child through ASTI, logically they should understand what I just explained. It is a chance for them to explore high school and college at the same time. They need to decide and choose if it is right for me and if they will succeed, not their parents

Egypt and Animal Farm

Animal Farm Chapter 11

Chapter 11

The name Animal Farm stood in distance, with its name now a past recollection; and its  true significance and dream gone. Napoleon proclaimed that the farm be named Manor Farm, the prior name of the farm which was ruled by the tyrant Mr. Jones. Board by board, the name Animal Farm was removed from the entrance, removing the symbolism of the rebellion and Old Major’s teachings. Manor farm was slowly written in its place, its white paint dripping in the rain. Next the seven commandments were reduced to only one; “all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” A sense of acceptance washed over the animals; Animal Farm was over.

Napoleon walked out. Two hooves arrogantly walked forward; he really had become a human. Behind him, two humans walked out, both wearing smug looks.

“Thank you for the business Mr. Napoleon.”

Napoleon replied with the best smile a pig could muster. “It is always my pleasure gentlemen.”

Suddenly, an angry squeal erupted from his mouth. “What are you looking at animals? Get back to work!”

Hurriedly, the other animals obligated. They were all very hungry and tired. Many collapsed on the ground, whimpering and crying for food. All were forced to work until next day; Napoleon planned to trade much of the harvest tomorrow.

Napoleon saw many of the other animals collapsed on the ground. Again, and angry squeal was released from his mouth. This time though, a dogs bark was heard in the background. The animals hurriedly got to their feet, but it was too late. Viciously, the dog jumped on one of the goats. Blood splattered the ground.

Silence. In the background, wind could be heard rushing through ancient evergreens, a stream merrily splashed along a sandy bank, and baby birds could be heard asking for food.

    “Get to work now!”, Napoleon scream.

    “No!” and with that the animals flung themselves upon Napoleon. Shrieks of pain could be heard from amidst the movement. After continuous blows, Napoleon was pronounced dead.

    In unison, the animals triumphantly yelled “For Animal Farm!” Napoleon was dead and they were free at last.

The animals stared at Napoleon's cold and still body in complete silence and awe. None of them could say anything  they were too overwhelmed with what they did. Then all of a sudden, Walter the old pig,  spoke up and said,

“Well are you guys just going to stand here and look at it or help get rid of it?”

The rest of the animals looked at him as if he said something stupid. Walter looked back at them as they did not move.  

“Don’t look at me! Clover, place your head under his back and pick him up; goats, go under him and lay his legs on top of you; other pigs, help me pick up his feet.”

The animals did what Walter said and picked him up gracefully. The animals saw the lake across the farm and decided to throw him in there. They carried his dead body until they reached the lake and threw him in there. As they saw Napoleon’s body all the way down in the lake, the animals wondered what they were going to do next now they do not have to take orders from anyone anymore.

As the animals gathered back to the farm, they now realized that they no longer have to take orders or be part of a monarchy. The animals decided to keep Animal Farm, but not as a place to make the animals slaves but for the animals to make plans so that there would not be another tyrant trying to take over. Their new leader was Clover, the older horse who made the rules fair for this group of animals and for the next generations.