Throughout this course, we have read a lot of books, poetry, and short stories and watched a couple of movies, and much of it had one common element: Abuse. Abuse ties into the theme of this blog because the person doing the abusing is quite often a family member. And when a person suffers abuse, it can shape or alter their identity.
Dream Homes-- Joyce Zonana's father's mother, Rose, emotionally abused Joyce's mother, Nelly, by competing with her for Joyce's father Felix's attention. She was a constant, wailing, complaining, lamenting, nagging presence that eventually caused Nelly to flee to her own family in Brazil. Joyce was abused by one of her Harvard professors, whom she shacked up with for two years, who raped her "night after night" (Zonana 137). Joyce moved into her "professor-lover's New York apartment and lived with him for two dark years, typing his dissertation for him, dropping out of college," and starting her on a downward spiral that lead her to many years of apartment hopping and more lovers than one could shake a stick at (Zonana 138). But, Joyce persevered, and became a professor and a published author.
Smoke Signals-- Victor Joseph's father, Arnold, abused alcohol and (most likely because of that) also physically abused his wife and son by hitting them. Then Arnold abandoned his wife and son to run off and live alone. This all emotionally scarred Victor who grew to resent his father.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian-- Junior suffered verbal abuse from the other people on the reservation (because he decided to change schools), who were like part of his extended family. And alcohol abuse played a big part in Junior's life. Junior's father abused alcohol. Alcohol led Eugene's friend to kill him. The driver who hit Junior's grandmother was drunk. The reader doesn't know what will happen in Junior's future, but one can hope that he would see how alcohol abuse affected his life and his loved ones and choose to avoid it.
Shadow Tag-- Gil and Irene abused each other in various ways throughout this book. Irene started writing terrible things in the fake diary because she knew it will hurt Gil. She also abused alcohol. Gil hit Irene and the children and forcefully had sex with Irene. Gil also found an unusual way to abuse Irene; he painted abuse onto her portrait. In the end, Gil was so tormented by what he read in the diary that he went insane and was eventually put into a mental institution. Irene felt that she couldn't call the police when Gil raped her. Perhaps since she had dealt with Gil's abuse for so long, things like that had become the norm in their relationship. At the end of the book, Gil even led Irene to her death, albeit inadvertently.
"Cora Unashamed"-- Jessie suffered emotional abuse at the hands of her mother, who ignored her most of her life and only showed an active interest in her when she forced Jessie to have an abortion. The emotional turmoil Jessie went through after being forced to have her child aborted took its toll on her life.
Push (the novel) and Precious (the movie)-- Precious endured so much abuse at the hands of the people who should have loved and protected her. Her father repeatedly raped and twice impregnated her. Her mother verbally and physically abused her and also allowed her father to have his way with Precious. Strangers became more like family to her than her real family was. But through all of her suffering, she grew stronger and eventually managed to break away from the situation.
Whether the abuse was mild or severe, and whether it ended in tragedy or growth, it was a big theme in many of the material we have covered in this Multicultural American Literature course.
1. Do you think that the abuse in any of these families stemmed from the fact that they were multicultural? If not, then where might it have originated? If so, what part of the multicultural experience led to the beginning of the abuse?
2. Which case of abuse do you think had the biggest impact (positive or negative) on a character's identity?
3. Can you think of any other instances of abuse in the works we have covered in this class?
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Push Discussion
In the book, Push a lot of key themes are brought to light. The novel speaks on abuse, identity, self esteem, education, parenthood, sexual abuse, and the future. The main character Precious experiences all of these themes in different ways in the book. It is very clear to the reader that she hasn't had a easy life and a lot of these themes that have happened in her life is not by her own choice. When I first read the book many questions ran through my mind that I wanted to be answered and now I can ask them.
Precious mother: Mary was by no means an innocent person and that was portrayed well in the book. It was impossible for me to find any type of sympathy for her even when she was talking from her own point of view. Why did she allow Precious to be abused and also contribute to the abuse as well? In my opinion, I feel that she had no power because she was also uneducated, living in the projects, depending on government help, and her "man" was abusing their daughter and having kids with her. She abused Precious to gain some sense of power because in reality she had none and was a weak individual. What do you think?
Precious Education: So many things I could say about Precious education. While reading the book I found myself taking many breaks because it was so hard to read the things she was going through but also to read it the way she talked...illiterate. It made me appreciate my own education and the benefit I had of my mother supporting it. What kind of affect does the abuse have on Precious education? Also what role did her mother play with her education?
Race and Prejudice: Race and Prejudice both play a very important role in the novel. Why does Precious perceive whites and blacks a certain way? She goes through a lot in her life. What has the most affect on Precious prejudice? Sex? Upbringing? History? Ignorance?
This novel is filled with a lot of questions and some are answered and many you have to find the answer for yourself. As hard as it is to believe that someone went through so much in there life it's not impossible. Leaves me to ask the question... Will Precious become a statics or an individual? Yes, I know the way the book ended but it doesn't answer that question. Can she even be a individual with so many odds against her. I believe she could but a lot of the world would say she has too many cards stacked against her already to really be a function member of society.
Liz W.....
Domestic Violence
The novel "Shadow Tag", by Louise Erdrich was an excellent read. There were so many different issues that were explored in this novel. Sexuality, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, as well as Domestic Violence. Irene and Gil had a tumultuous relationship. They loved each other, but were also very dependent on the behaviors of the other partner in the relationship. That type of codependency in turn cost them their children, the loss of their relationship and their lives.
Gil was very abusive, physically, emotionally and mentally. He was physically abusive with his children, as well as verbally abusive; the same with his wife, Irene. A lot of his abuse affected the mental stability of the lives of his wife and children. Stoney his small child was a kindergartner,withdrawn; Florian an uber intelligent, introvert, and substance abuser;Riel was a troubled adolescent who lived her life through daydreams. All of these characters were affected by Domestic Violence, in one form or another, and it played out in their lives from childhood through adulthood.The example that these parents set for their children would plague them for years to come.
Domestic Violence affects 2 out of 4 families in the United States alone.
WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic Violence is defined as violent and emotional abuse behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control another; Parents, single or unmarried, gay, lesbian, heterosexual or other wise. Some examples of Domestic Violence are as follows: Name calling (curses or expletives), fighting (hitting, pushing, punching, pinching, wrenching, pulling, tugging), sexual assault, keeping tabs or stalking the other partners, checking emails, messages, phone logs to be used as tools for keeping the person from going outdoors (leaving the home). Keeping individuals from working, spending money. Controlling money, or withholding money. Put downs, threatening physical harm, damage to the person/people, like suicide or homicide. Psychological, emotional and financial abuse aren't considered criminal, but these practices can lead to criminal behaviors.
WHO CAN BE A VICTIM?
Anyone can be a Victim of Domestic Violence. Any one of any race, creed, religion, sexual preference, ethnicity,culture, education, and marital status. Children in the home are often victims as well. Children are often abused and neglected. Children may show no signs of abuse outwardly but as with any one being abuse the emotional scars often lead to them acting out on their emotions and behaviors.
CYCLE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Physical: Threats
Manipulation
Using Children
Economic Abuse
Using Male Privilege
Sexual: Intimidation
Isolation
Emotional Abuse
Denying and Blaming
Sexual Assault
Unfortunately Domestic Violence is NEVER a one time Event, its a continuous reoccurring cycle.
GET HELP
*CALL the Police. 911
*Find the support in family, friends, coworkers.
*File an Emergency/Personal Protection Order with the courts.
*Create a safety plan for getting away for yourself and any children involved.
*Seek Medical Attention.
*Find a safe place.
*If you have been physically abused: take photos, tell the police the number of times, show all bruises, tell them of any prior abusive situations, take all precautions. PRESS CHARGES ON YOUR ABUSER.
Contact the National Domestic Violence helpline@ 800-799-7223
Care enough for yourself and the lives of your children to end the Domestic Violence Cycle. Get help, get out!!
www.domesticviolence.org
Gil was very abusive, physically, emotionally and mentally. He was physically abusive with his children, as well as verbally abusive; the same with his wife, Irene. A lot of his abuse affected the mental stability of the lives of his wife and children. Stoney his small child was a kindergartner,withdrawn; Florian an uber intelligent, introvert, and substance abuser;Riel was a troubled adolescent who lived her life through daydreams. All of these characters were affected by Domestic Violence, in one form or another, and it played out in their lives from childhood through adulthood.The example that these parents set for their children would plague them for years to come.
Domestic Violence affects 2 out of 4 families in the United States alone.
WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic Violence is defined as violent and emotional abuse behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control another; Parents, single or unmarried, gay, lesbian, heterosexual or other wise. Some examples of Domestic Violence are as follows: Name calling (curses or expletives), fighting (hitting, pushing, punching, pinching, wrenching, pulling, tugging), sexual assault, keeping tabs or stalking the other partners, checking emails, messages, phone logs to be used as tools for keeping the person from going outdoors (leaving the home). Keeping individuals from working, spending money. Controlling money, or withholding money. Put downs, threatening physical harm, damage to the person/people, like suicide or homicide. Psychological, emotional and financial abuse aren't considered criminal, but these practices can lead to criminal behaviors.
WHO CAN BE A VICTIM?
Anyone can be a Victim of Domestic Violence. Any one of any race, creed, religion, sexual preference, ethnicity,culture, education, and marital status. Children in the home are often victims as well. Children are often abused and neglected. Children may show no signs of abuse outwardly but as with any one being abuse the emotional scars often lead to them acting out on their emotions and behaviors.
CYCLE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Physical: Threats
Manipulation
Using Children
Economic Abuse
Using Male Privilege
Sexual: Intimidation
Isolation
Emotional Abuse
Denying and Blaming
Sexual Assault
Unfortunately Domestic Violence is NEVER a one time Event, its a continuous reoccurring cycle.
GET HELP
*CALL the Police. 911
*Find the support in family, friends, coworkers.
*File an Emergency/Personal Protection Order with the courts.
*Create a safety plan for getting away for yourself and any children involved.
*Seek Medical Attention.
*Find a safe place.
*If you have been physically abused: take photos, tell the police the number of times, show all bruises, tell them of any prior abusive situations, take all precautions. PRESS CHARGES ON YOUR ABUSER.
Contact the National Domestic Violence helpline@ 800-799-7223
Care enough for yourself and the lives of your children to end the Domestic Violence Cycle. Get help, get out!!
www.domesticviolence.org
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
The Impact of Drugs and Alcohol
We recently finished reading the book Shadow Tag in Dr. Olmsted's class, so our group decided to each take a common problem among families and do a little research to show the true impact of the choices and decisions of parents.
We live in a time that drug and alcohol abuse is rampant across the nation.
According to the NSPCC website, the risks to children in homes where parents abuse drugs and/or alcohol include "an increased risk of violence in families where parents abuse substances. Children can also suffer from lack of boundaries and discipline, and live chaotic lives. This can seriously affect their psychological and emotional development, and may cause problems with their relationships later on in life."
In addition to parental use of drugs and alcohol, studies show an increased number of teenagers across the nation are abusing prescription drugs, arguably the fastest growing problem drug in the country, and in Kentucky. It ranks second on the most commonly abused drugs list behind marijuana.
The website drugfree.org features an article on teen prescription drug abuse. For the full article, click here.
The article says "as many as one in five teens say they have taken a prescription drug without having a prescription for it."
What are your thoughts?
Do you have experience or know someone who has first-hand experience with drug and/or alcohol abuse in their home that you would like to share?
We live in a time that drug and alcohol abuse is rampant across the nation.
According to the NSPCC website, the risks to children in homes where parents abuse drugs and/or alcohol include "an increased risk of violence in families where parents abuse substances. Children can also suffer from lack of boundaries and discipline, and live chaotic lives. This can seriously affect their psychological and emotional development, and may cause problems with their relationships later on in life."
In addition to parental use of drugs and alcohol, studies show an increased number of teenagers across the nation are abusing prescription drugs, arguably the fastest growing problem drug in the country, and in Kentucky. It ranks second on the most commonly abused drugs list behind marijuana.
The website drugfree.org features an article on teen prescription drug abuse. For the full article, click here.
The article says "as many as one in five teens say they have taken a prescription drug without having a prescription for it."
Like in Shadow Tag and most of the other books and stories we have read in class feature alcoholism. I found the following statistics at www.learn-about-alcoholism.com.
Alcoholism in Families
Children who are raised with one or both parents with alcoholism are at increased risk of developing life-long emotional problems.
In addition, research sponsored by the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse reveals that children of alcoholic parents, especially sons of alcoholic fathers, are four to nine times more likely to have problems with alcohol than children of non-alcoholic parents.
The American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry reported that most children of alcoholics also have experienced some form of parental neglect or abuse attributed to the disease.
For more information, including more problems children in an alcoholic home face, visit the website here.
What are your thoughts?
Do you have experience or know someone who has first-hand experience with drug and/or alcohol abuse in their home that you would like to share?
Monday, November 1, 2010
Push by Sapphire
I first read Push the novel last fall just for my general reading. It had been out since 1996 but was just getting attention from the Hollywood world and also the literature world. I've read a lot of different books in my time but I must say Push is a very hard read. It's not just hard because of the graphic nature or the horrible things that happens to the main character, Precious it's also because of the way it was written. It was written just as how the narrator talks and also her educationally level she is, illiterate.
The fact that she is illiterate might seem unimportant to others and also none phasing but it is. I've never had a harder time reading a book as I did with Push. The book is only 192 pages but it seems triple the size of that when you are reading it through the eyes of someone who can't read or write, and her life seems to be ever more difficult than her mission to achieve her education. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read and also to the people who don't like to read. It's inspiring and at the same time chilling to read.
It took me about a day and a half to successfully read the book with understanding and it left me feeling all sorts of different emotions. This book covers every aspect of life including rape, child birth, obesity, illiteracy, child abuse, abandonment, hope, inspiration, and lastly love. This book is worth the read but defiantly want be an easy read, I encourage you all to breathe and expect it to be semi rough in the middle but the final outcome will be awesome.
P.S. The book, in my opinion, is totally different from the movie and much better!
Liz W-
The fact that she is illiterate might seem unimportant to others and also none phasing but it is. I've never had a harder time reading a book as I did with Push. The book is only 192 pages but it seems triple the size of that when you are reading it through the eyes of someone who can't read or write, and her life seems to be ever more difficult than her mission to achieve her education. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read and also to the people who don't like to read. It's inspiring and at the same time chilling to read.
It took me about a day and a half to successfully read the book with understanding and it left me feeling all sorts of different emotions. This book covers every aspect of life including rape, child birth, obesity, illiteracy, child abuse, abandonment, hope, inspiration, and lastly love. This book is worth the read but defiantly want be an easy read, I encourage you all to breathe and expect it to be semi rough in the middle but the final outcome will be awesome.
P.S. The book, in my opinion, is totally different from the movie and much better!
Liz W-
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