Essay07/06/25
David Liu
Problem/Solution
Fresh water shortage has become one of the most serious problems in the
world nowadays. Some people have even predicted that it could be the trigger of the next world war. If people are living in a country with sufficient fresh water like Canada, they may not realize it. However, if people have a dwelling in the countries such as Australia, China and the most of the countries in the African continent which lack fresh water, they must have the same opinion. It was reported that in Australia, millions of animals including the state treasure kangaroos died last year due to drought. And in China, over two hundred million people now depend on contaminated river water which contains a lot of harmful materials like heavy metal, agricultural chemicals and even human fasces. By drinking such water, several thousands people die each year, and another several million people get sick. And in Africa, the condition is even worse. Drought has already become the nick name of the continent. Therefore, always keeping enough fresh water with us is an urgent task. Here are the three most commonly proposed solutions to this worldwide problem: reduce, reuse and recycle.
The first solution, reduce fresh water usage is something that almost all the countries have been carrying out for several decades. For instance, in Japan, many households have got used to putting a piece of brick in their toilet’s water tanks. By doing such a small thing, they can save 10% of fresh water every time when they finish answering the nature’s call. Meanwhile, main toiletry makers like TOTO Inc. has developed a multifunctional water-saving tank for both public and private: if it is a pee, people turn the lever down which means only half of the water will passes through; if it is a pile of dog dirt, people turn the lever up which means the whole tank water will flush. Besides, there is a faucet right on the water tank and the water automatically flows out after turn the lever down or up, so people can wash their hands with it. The water then directly drops into the tank and stops automatically when the tank is full. Half a year ago, a Japanese bio-tech research center even invented a waterless toilet—using sawdust instead of water to decompose the human being’s solid waste. In Australia, most people have learnt to take a short shower by limiting the size of hot water tanks which are built in bathrooms. In China, Beijing local government has replaced flush toilets with waterless ones in most public washrooms for gentlemen. In Canada, we are also doing the same things to save fresh water. We might already have noticed that in newly-built swimming pools, when take a shower before entering the pool and after swimming, we can only find buttons and rain showerheads but no traditional taps in shower rooms. When we push the button, the water can only keep running for three minutes and then, it stops automatically. However, there are still many people in some countries who do not pay attention to saving fresh water. In China, for example, when go to swimming pool, many people only turn on the faucets but never turn off them even though they finish their showers. Regarding this mater, I strongly recommend that Chinese authorities learn from Canada to change the whole shower facilities in every swimming pool.
Another solution to this problem is to reuse water. We can use the same water several times without affecting our daily life or health. Most Chinese people are doing their best on this matter. For example, in some cities suffering from water shortage like Shanghai, a large number of house wives never throw away the water which was used once only for washing their clothing; instead, they put it into a big bucket for the next usage--mopping the floor. And this is not the last stage. After that, they take the ‘second hand’ water to water their flowers or clean their toilets. These house wives usually save two hundred US dollars worth of water each year!
The best solution, then, is to recycle water. There are two meanings of water ‘recycling’. One is not to dispose of used water directly into rivers or into the sea to prevent polluting the water resources. The other is, to collect and treat it in a special pond, and then use the treated water again and again. For instance, in the capital city of China—Beijing, a city with fifteen million population which is extremely short of fresh water, people can find three kinds of water pipes installed in almost all the modern apartments: filtrate, fresh water and ‘middle water’ (a created word standing for recycled water under treatment of low level of hygiene.) You may wonder what the purpose of the ‘middle water’ is. The answer is simple: for flushing the toilets. By doing this, now Beijingers are proud of saving several million tons of fresh water every year!
It is clear that although the earth has another name ‘the water planet’, most of it is unsuitable for human beings. With the population over six billions, we
can no longer waste a drop of fresh water now. Everybody has the responsibility to reduce, reuse and recycle it. If we ignore this problem, a worldwide water-scrambling war will happen in the near future. Believe it or not.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
Diana Chung: Afghan Mission
Diana Chung
June 8, 2007
Because of You, the World is Better
From the House of Commons to the conversations people have during a dinner, one question that often arises these days is: should the Canadian soldiers return from Afghanistan? Opinions vary as we view the problem form different points of view. Suppose Canada continues the mission instead of returning; there will of course be more casualties since the world is not perfect, but staying there will make a difference. Maybe ten or twenty years from now, the changes Canadians have made in Afghan society will be so obvious that whole world cannot but notice the positive changes in the Central Asia. Canada would also be recognized as the universal peace-maker because we give hope to those in need of help – those who suffer in societies where abuse of power and lack of freedom are everyday realities. These are assumptions of course, and as we analyze the situation from the opposite side, returning to Canada can also be a positive move in terms of the short term benefits we can receive. The government would not have to spend millions of dollars on military, thus focus more on our political issues such as the global warming or even tighten U.S – Canada relationship. Of course, families of the soldiers would definitely be happy to see their children come back safe and sound. Unfortunately, people do realize the fact that we could make more difference, as seen by the progress during the last five years of military service. Although a big Afghan mission resulted in the loss of many lives of Canadian soldiers and tears among their family members, Canadian mission in Afghanistan should continue because Canadians can make a difference, serve as the leader in peace-keeping, and also reveal the true identity of Canada.
James Laxer in his opinion article about Canadian mission in Afghanistan indicates that Canadians are highly skeptical about the mission in Afghanistan. Public polls and surveys suggest equal balance of two sides – opposing the mission and favouring the mission. He, however, raises concerns on the fact that realities of the mission have been “deceived from the very start.” The mission was first intended by the Chretien government to tighten the bond with the Bush administration after 9/11 attack. They had thought, Laxer says, that the mission would last only for a short period of time and that the roles of Canadians in the Afghan would not be influential. But as the Bush government attempted the first war with Iraq in 2003, obvious decision was made – the mission would last longer than originally intended. This decision was made due to Chretien’s refusal to assist the Brush administration in the Iraq war. Laxer also refers to deploying of more troops as the strategy to “cozy up Washington”. The position on Canada’s Afghan mission changed once more with the election of the Conservative minority government lead by Steven Harper. He also indicated that this mission once again was used by the Canadian government to gain and maintain healthy relationship with the Bush administration. Laxer also addresses the point that many casualties and deaths have occurred during the mission since 2001. He stresses the fact by comparing the number of casualties of other countries. He refers to this tragic result as “the political process that has never been transparent”. Canadians definitely have been deceived by the Chretien, Martin, and Harper government, Laxer says, about the issue of mission in Afghanistan. Laxer also believes the mission is not making any progress like the war in Iraq – terrorism has been more promoted through the Islamic region than ever before. He also compares the current mission to the failure of previous invasions of Afghanistan; there is no hope in settling the country in Central Asia. Lastly, Laxer mentions his definition of mission as helping Afghan economic system through support of money. Among the two components of funding, military and construction aid, 90% of the money was received by the military to carry on their violent mission. ‘Why not spend millions of dollars on reconstruction instead?’ is the question Laxer wants to ask Harper. He also argues that withdrawing from Afghanistan will “enable Canada to pursue a more independent foreign policy”, the one that is not hopelessly controlled by Washington.
Even though the so-called “deceptive mission” was not intended for long, as a peace-keeping and peace-making nation, Canada has immensely contributed to the way Afghanistan has changed. It is not true, as Laxer said, that we have not made any difference in Afghanistan except for more chaos. The Canadians overseas in Central Asia have and still are contributing effortlessly that has led to successful progress. Just within five years of mission, Afghans were able to experience the love of life, and most significantly, they gained hope, the hope that their country will not suffer from any more violence. Compassionate support from our courageous warriors will lead to more success and eventually recover the political and economical environment Afghanistan had before, or maybe even better. In contrast to Laxer’s view on “failure of mission”, I strongly believe that the mission in Afghanistan will not end in failure but rather will go down history as a resounding success because Canadians have contributed and supported many other countries before, including South Korea in the 1950’s to help regain peace. Canadian soldiers have always sacrificed themselves with passion and never given up. Laxer pointed in his article that “like previous invasions of Afghanistan, this one is ALMOST CERTAIN to end in failure, leaving an even more despoiled country to sort itself out”. There is nothing further from truth than this statement. The previous invasions were all done by foreign occupiers who pursued their own interests, aiming to colonize Afghanistan. However, labeling a liberating campaign under UN mandate whose only goal is to bring democracy to a war-ravaged country is certainly a misnomer. Leaving Afghanistan will not only leave the country in desperation but will abandon them in an isolated world where child hunger, poverty, political and economical unbalance will be perpetuated. Afghanistan needs help. Yes, there are other countries in mission but Canada’s contribution has a bigger and more influential role in peace-making. Certain objections must, of course, be considered: thousands of Canadian soldiers experienced tragic incidents where many of them closed their eyes before stepping once again on Canadian soil. However, Canada is not the sole country that suffered from loss of sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, and husbands and wives. In fact, deaths of comrades influence other Canadian soldiers to continue on their mission to help make Afghanistan a better country, fulfilling their duties to their friends. AS Prime Minister Harper mentioned in his speech during his visit to Afghanistan, the progress we Canadians have made was tremendous and it “could not have been possible unless our men& women in uniform put themselves on the line”.
Canadian mission not only benefit Afghanistan but also motivates other countries to support and help the country regain its political economical balance. Canada can be described as the leader in international efforts in Afghanistan. We provide development assistance, deploy diplomats, and send development workers, troops, and civilian police all to secure a better future for the Afghans. Although Afghanistan is a dangerous country, we must help them uncover the violent veil that hovers over the Central Asia as our Canadian forces provide secure environment for them all. The PRT, Provincial Reconstruction Team, assists in development affairs and “such achievements come only through the environment our troops are building [in Afghanistan], and from the training and mentoring they are providing the Afghanistan coalition, through this mission”. At this point one may wonder about the cost we put in for the mission, Undoubtedly, millions of dollars are used in supporting Afghan mission; however, the money is nothing compared to the amount of work Canadians have done overseas to motivate other countries to help Afghanistan. Canada is considered as a role model and a mentor for countries like Australia who provided 400 additional personnel to NATO-led mission. We should of course appreciate their support but be more proud of ourselves by making a huge difference in the progress of the mission which may lead to an earlier stabilization of the Afghan society. Australia also offered troops, resources, development and political efforts. In this way, Canada and other supporting countries of Afghanistan raise awareness of the desperate help Afghanistan needs. In addition, the mission also leads other countries by showing dedication. Our dedication and commitment reinforce other countries in mission and help them in case of need. We also motivate other NATO countries to continue with making a difference in Afghanistan. Even though European mission was “grudging form the start” as Laxer points out, the efforts of Canadians puts them in the missionary pathway that we all take.
Most importantly, the mission defines and reveals the identity of Canadians, making us unique compared to every other country and making us a proud nation. Opponents of this position argue that not all Canadians feel the same way. By this, they mean that families and casualties and soldiers who passed away will live in tears and sorrow. This argument however is not correct, for family members give moral support to each other and feel even more proud of their children for establishing a better social environment in Afghanistan. Through support, Canadians bond as one and stand strong as a nation that does not collapse when overcoming an obstacle in our way. Furthermore, Canadians and people around the world, especially people in Afghanistan become thankful to the Canadians soldiers and respect them for the sacrifice they had made. Because of them, Afghanistan experienced the institution of democratic elections, respect of human rights and freedom for women, development of education systems by construction of schools, health care facilities, and also the basic functional economy. This respect is evident even from a letter of a young girl to Royal Canada Dragoons in Pakistan border who stated “my mom wanted a country that was safe and where I would be able to learn, so we came to Canada. Thank you so much for staying to make my country a better place and tell your soldier friends that I said thank you”. The government is trying to maintain a good relationship with the U.S. through its participation in the Afghan mission this argument is not sufficient since the problem here does not lie on what the government had done but the enormous contributions and sacrifice Canada is making. The problem is not about the government – to truly understand the true nature Canadian mission in Afghanistan, one must consider advantages and disadvantages of the situation.
Thousand of people come together to say with one united voice to the soldiers in Afghanistan that “Canada is proud of you, and we are behind you.” Every week, sometimes everyday, news reporters notify people that a Canadian has died in an accident in Kandahar. Although this is not an exciting news, Canadians must consider the fact that we are saving more lives by sacrificing, more lives of those who do not live in the environment like ours. If of course would be a pleasure for soldiers to rejoin many of their families in their family pictures and laugh and share great moments with their friends. However, they suffer from separation from their families and the fear that they would not be able to smile and laugh with them anymore. Although it could be a disadvantage for some Canadian families, soldiers should and must continue on with the Afghan mission because as a leader of peace-making country, Canada encourages other countries to assist in the mission, and help uncover the dark veil that Afghan currently has. People around the world appreciate our contribution because when we all work together – Canada, NATO, and Afghanistan - we achieve real results.
June 8, 2007
Because of You, the World is Better
From the House of Commons to the conversations people have during a dinner, one question that often arises these days is: should the Canadian soldiers return from Afghanistan? Opinions vary as we view the problem form different points of view. Suppose Canada continues the mission instead of returning; there will of course be more casualties since the world is not perfect, but staying there will make a difference. Maybe ten or twenty years from now, the changes Canadians have made in Afghan society will be so obvious that whole world cannot but notice the positive changes in the Central Asia. Canada would also be recognized as the universal peace-maker because we give hope to those in need of help – those who suffer in societies where abuse of power and lack of freedom are everyday realities. These are assumptions of course, and as we analyze the situation from the opposite side, returning to Canada can also be a positive move in terms of the short term benefits we can receive. The government would not have to spend millions of dollars on military, thus focus more on our political issues such as the global warming or even tighten U.S – Canada relationship. Of course, families of the soldiers would definitely be happy to see their children come back safe and sound. Unfortunately, people do realize the fact that we could make more difference, as seen by the progress during the last five years of military service. Although a big Afghan mission resulted in the loss of many lives of Canadian soldiers and tears among their family members, Canadian mission in Afghanistan should continue because Canadians can make a difference, serve as the leader in peace-keeping, and also reveal the true identity of Canada.
James Laxer in his opinion article about Canadian mission in Afghanistan indicates that Canadians are highly skeptical about the mission in Afghanistan. Public polls and surveys suggest equal balance of two sides – opposing the mission and favouring the mission. He, however, raises concerns on the fact that realities of the mission have been “deceived from the very start.” The mission was first intended by the Chretien government to tighten the bond with the Bush administration after 9/11 attack. They had thought, Laxer says, that the mission would last only for a short period of time and that the roles of Canadians in the Afghan would not be influential. But as the Bush government attempted the first war with Iraq in 2003, obvious decision was made – the mission would last longer than originally intended. This decision was made due to Chretien’s refusal to assist the Brush administration in the Iraq war. Laxer also refers to deploying of more troops as the strategy to “cozy up Washington”. The position on Canada’s Afghan mission changed once more with the election of the Conservative minority government lead by Steven Harper. He also indicated that this mission once again was used by the Canadian government to gain and maintain healthy relationship with the Bush administration. Laxer also addresses the point that many casualties and deaths have occurred during the mission since 2001. He stresses the fact by comparing the number of casualties of other countries. He refers to this tragic result as “the political process that has never been transparent”. Canadians definitely have been deceived by the Chretien, Martin, and Harper government, Laxer says, about the issue of mission in Afghanistan. Laxer also believes the mission is not making any progress like the war in Iraq – terrorism has been more promoted through the Islamic region than ever before. He also compares the current mission to the failure of previous invasions of Afghanistan; there is no hope in settling the country in Central Asia. Lastly, Laxer mentions his definition of mission as helping Afghan economic system through support of money. Among the two components of funding, military and construction aid, 90% of the money was received by the military to carry on their violent mission. ‘Why not spend millions of dollars on reconstruction instead?’ is the question Laxer wants to ask Harper. He also argues that withdrawing from Afghanistan will “enable Canada to pursue a more independent foreign policy”, the one that is not hopelessly controlled by Washington.
Even though the so-called “deceptive mission” was not intended for long, as a peace-keeping and peace-making nation, Canada has immensely contributed to the way Afghanistan has changed. It is not true, as Laxer said, that we have not made any difference in Afghanistan except for more chaos. The Canadians overseas in Central Asia have and still are contributing effortlessly that has led to successful progress. Just within five years of mission, Afghans were able to experience the love of life, and most significantly, they gained hope, the hope that their country will not suffer from any more violence. Compassionate support from our courageous warriors will lead to more success and eventually recover the political and economical environment Afghanistan had before, or maybe even better. In contrast to Laxer’s view on “failure of mission”, I strongly believe that the mission in Afghanistan will not end in failure but rather will go down history as a resounding success because Canadians have contributed and supported many other countries before, including South Korea in the 1950’s to help regain peace. Canadian soldiers have always sacrificed themselves with passion and never given up. Laxer pointed in his article that “like previous invasions of Afghanistan, this one is ALMOST CERTAIN to end in failure, leaving an even more despoiled country to sort itself out”. There is nothing further from truth than this statement. The previous invasions were all done by foreign occupiers who pursued their own interests, aiming to colonize Afghanistan. However, labeling a liberating campaign under UN mandate whose only goal is to bring democracy to a war-ravaged country is certainly a misnomer. Leaving Afghanistan will not only leave the country in desperation but will abandon them in an isolated world where child hunger, poverty, political and economical unbalance will be perpetuated. Afghanistan needs help. Yes, there are other countries in mission but Canada’s contribution has a bigger and more influential role in peace-making. Certain objections must, of course, be considered: thousands of Canadian soldiers experienced tragic incidents where many of them closed their eyes before stepping once again on Canadian soil. However, Canada is not the sole country that suffered from loss of sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, and husbands and wives. In fact, deaths of comrades influence other Canadian soldiers to continue on their mission to help make Afghanistan a better country, fulfilling their duties to their friends. AS Prime Minister Harper mentioned in his speech during his visit to Afghanistan, the progress we Canadians have made was tremendous and it “could not have been possible unless our men& women in uniform put themselves on the line”.
Canadian mission not only benefit Afghanistan but also motivates other countries to support and help the country regain its political economical balance. Canada can be described as the leader in international efforts in Afghanistan. We provide development assistance, deploy diplomats, and send development workers, troops, and civilian police all to secure a better future for the Afghans. Although Afghanistan is a dangerous country, we must help them uncover the violent veil that hovers over the Central Asia as our Canadian forces provide secure environment for them all. The PRT, Provincial Reconstruction Team, assists in development affairs and “such achievements come only through the environment our troops are building [in Afghanistan], and from the training and mentoring they are providing the Afghanistan coalition, through this mission”. At this point one may wonder about the cost we put in for the mission, Undoubtedly, millions of dollars are used in supporting Afghan mission; however, the money is nothing compared to the amount of work Canadians have done overseas to motivate other countries to help Afghanistan. Canada is considered as a role model and a mentor for countries like Australia who provided 400 additional personnel to NATO-led mission. We should of course appreciate their support but be more proud of ourselves by making a huge difference in the progress of the mission which may lead to an earlier stabilization of the Afghan society. Australia also offered troops, resources, development and political efforts. In this way, Canada and other supporting countries of Afghanistan raise awareness of the desperate help Afghanistan needs. In addition, the mission also leads other countries by showing dedication. Our dedication and commitment reinforce other countries in mission and help them in case of need. We also motivate other NATO countries to continue with making a difference in Afghanistan. Even though European mission was “grudging form the start” as Laxer points out, the efforts of Canadians puts them in the missionary pathway that we all take.
Most importantly, the mission defines and reveals the identity of Canadians, making us unique compared to every other country and making us a proud nation. Opponents of this position argue that not all Canadians feel the same way. By this, they mean that families and casualties and soldiers who passed away will live in tears and sorrow. This argument however is not correct, for family members give moral support to each other and feel even more proud of their children for establishing a better social environment in Afghanistan. Through support, Canadians bond as one and stand strong as a nation that does not collapse when overcoming an obstacle in our way. Furthermore, Canadians and people around the world, especially people in Afghanistan become thankful to the Canadians soldiers and respect them for the sacrifice they had made. Because of them, Afghanistan experienced the institution of democratic elections, respect of human rights and freedom for women, development of education systems by construction of schools, health care facilities, and also the basic functional economy. This respect is evident even from a letter of a young girl to Royal Canada Dragoons in Pakistan border who stated “my mom wanted a country that was safe and where I would be able to learn, so we came to Canada. Thank you so much for staying to make my country a better place and tell your soldier friends that I said thank you”. The government is trying to maintain a good relationship with the U.S. through its participation in the Afghan mission this argument is not sufficient since the problem here does not lie on what the government had done but the enormous contributions and sacrifice Canada is making. The problem is not about the government – to truly understand the true nature Canadian mission in Afghanistan, one must consider advantages and disadvantages of the situation.
Thousand of people come together to say with one united voice to the soldiers in Afghanistan that “Canada is proud of you, and we are behind you.” Every week, sometimes everyday, news reporters notify people that a Canadian has died in an accident in Kandahar. Although this is not an exciting news, Canadians must consider the fact that we are saving more lives by sacrificing, more lives of those who do not live in the environment like ours. If of course would be a pleasure for soldiers to rejoin many of their families in their family pictures and laugh and share great moments with their friends. However, they suffer from separation from their families and the fear that they would not be able to smile and laugh with them anymore. Although it could be a disadvantage for some Canadian families, soldiers should and must continue on with the Afghan mission because as a leader of peace-making country, Canada encourages other countries to assist in the mission, and help uncover the dark veil that Afghan currently has. People around the world appreciate our contribution because when we all work together – Canada, NATO, and Afghanistan - we achieve real results.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Wang-Tai Lee: Globalization
How has globalization affected my country of origin?
By
Wang-Tai Lee
There were two kinds of international movement after World War II. Moscow was the heart of the "communism-international". Washington DC was the super power of world's free market. When Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, globalization along with capitalism value flew to all over the world. Because my home country, Taiwan, has had close relationship with USA & Japan, our economic system has globalized since the early 1970s. Actually the process of globalization has had some positive and negative effect in Taiwanese society.
We have taken great advantage of globalization. It has caused economic growth and has created jobs, many traditional farm villages have become prosperous modern cities; also it has created national and local wealth. Furthermore there have been many political and social advantages. Those ideas like social justice, democracy, rule of law, labor union, consumer protection, environment protection, etc., have been brought into Taiwan gradually by the four winds of globalization.
Naturally, everything has its downside. Political and social chaos came afterward. First, the economic growth created a great deal of middle class then it caused the demand of political reform, and that came along with serious conflicts in some issues. As a result , traffic volume increased, cities became crowded, air and water were polluted. During economic quick boom from 1970 ¡V 1990, Taiwaness became rich, and over consuming was the main flow of the current, and waste and greed flooded everywhere.
Thomas Friedman stated in his latest famous book " World is Flat" that globalization made the world from round into flat. Money, people, goods and services can come in and go out from one country to another country freely. I believed that even though the road of globalization is flattened, it still has many bumps, the space among the bumps are for the local cultural to survive. Therefore, I hope this bumping road will never have to be paved which can keep this world better.
There were two kinds of international movement after World War II. Moscow was the heart of the "communism-international". Washington DC was the super power of world's free market. When Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, globalization along with capitalism value flew to all over the world. Because my home country, Taiwan, has had close relationship with USA & Japan, our economic system has globalized since the early 1970s. Actually the process of globalization has had some positive and negative effect in Taiwanese society.
We have taken great advantage of globalization. It has caused economic growth and has created jobs, many traditional farm villages have become prosperous modern cities; also it has created national and local wealth. Furthermore there have been many political and social advantages. Those ideas like social justice, democracy, rule of law, labor union, consumer protection, environment protection, etc., have been brought into Taiwan gradually by the four winds of globalization.
Naturally, everything has its downside. Political and social chaos came afterward. First, the economic growth created a great deal of middle class then it caused the demand of political reform, and that came along with serious conflicts in some issues. As a result , traffic volume increased, cities became crowded, air and water were polluted. During economic quick boom from 1970 ¡V 1990, Taiwaness became rich, and over consuming was the main flow of the current, and waste and greed flooded everywhere.
Thomas Friedman stated in his latest famous book " World is Flat" that globalization made the world from round into flat. Money, people, goods and services can come in and go out from one country to another country freely. I believed that even though the road of globalization is flattened, it still has many bumps, the space among the bumps are for the local cultural to survive. Therefore, I hope this bumping road will never have to be paved which can keep this world better.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Nilufar Alibaeva: Globalization
Globalization
By
Nilufar Alibaeva
“Globalization” is rapidly becoming one of the popular “buzz words” of our day. But what does it mean? According to one popular view, globalization is the “inexorable integration of markets, nation states and technologies” (T.Friedman, The Lexus and the Olive Tree). However, this process has advantages and disadvantages in every country. Similarly, globalization has had some positive and negative effects on Uzbekistan.
Globalization has had some positive effects on Uzbekistan. Because of globalization progress of technology has been developing. For example, for many years public and private transportation was uncomfortable and difficult to use. However, in the present time Uzbekistan has different kinds of world models of cars, buses, airplanes and among others. Next example is using new foreign technologies to build modern and comfortable buildings. Globalization has influenced on social evolution in my country of origin. Many years, Uzbekistan was closed country. People couldn’t go to foreign countries or invite specialists to exchange of views or experiences in Education System. But now, education in Uzbekistan is agreeable to the world standards. Also Uzbekistan communicates with other countries; students from foreign countries come to Uzbekistan to exchange knowledge. Similarly, people from Uzbekistan freely go abroad.
Globalization has had some negative effects on Uzbekistan. World ideologies have negative effect on Uzbek culture. Children spend a lot if time in front of computers and TV sets. They take all information from them and preserving traditions and custom has become less interesting. People want to wear, eat, and conduct themselves as a majority of the world. Moreover, Uzbeks are going to lose their native language too. The language of more powerful countries extends over the whole world, and people in Uzbekistan begin to use these languages in every day life. The most terrible effect from globalization in Uzbekistan is using children as a worker. In Uzbekistan children in some families start to work from early childhood because of poverty. Besides, their parents force them to work, because they can not support family.
In conclusion, we can see that globalization can affect every country in different ways. Without globalization, country can not develop. On the other hand, globalization could destroy some aspects of life. Our responsibilities are to make this process easier and decide what to accept and what to avoid.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Maugham's Razor's Edge
The Razor’s Edge
by
Jasmine Chung
The novel, The Razor’s Edge by William Somerset Maugham tells of a young man named Larry Darrell, who struggles to find the meaning of life. He lives an insecure life in an atmosphere where he his pressured by his fiancée Isabel and her family to settle down in a normal life. Larry and Isabel are struggling to maintain a well-adjusted relationship. They both seek happiness in different ways. Larry plans to ‘loaf’ in Paris and eventually travels around the world to understand the purpose of life and what it means to live blissfully. On the other hand, Isabel believes that money is the only way to reconcile with Larry. This is a good example of how the word ‘happiness’ can be defined in many ways. This story is about a group of people who are seeking happiness in different ways.
William S. Maugham’s ironic novel tells the story of Larry Darrell; an attractive American who spent two years of his life in World War I. Larry’s former fiancée is a beautiful Isabel Bradley who is struggling to maintain a balanced relationship with Larry. When Larry returns home from the war, he is still in shock by the death of his friend, who lost his life to save Larry that made him unwilling to talk. He wants to spend more time to settle his past to understand the meaning of life and to discover why evil exists. The goal of Larry and Isabel is simply to be happy; however they seek happiness in different ways. Larry’s method of being happy is to understand the purpose of life and to gain knowledge from real-life experience; therefore, he move to Paris for two years and eventually travels around the world. In contrast, Isabel had her own definition of life – it is to live in wealth pleasing those around her. In addition, Maugham introduces two other characters who also seek happiness in their lives. Elliott, Isabel’s uncle, is a wise man who manages a happy life by attending parties. Similarly, Sophie MacDonald, a victim of circumstances, lost her family in a fatal accident and overcomes her depression through debauchery drinking. This is an interesting novel that discusses how opposite people strive to obtain happiness in their lives.
Isabel Bradley is one of the main characters who is struggling to find happiness to satisfy her life. Throughout the story, Maugham describes the definition of happiness from each character’s point-of-view. Isabel stated,
“I’m young, I want to have fun. I want to do all things that people do. I want to go to parties, I want to go to dances, I want to play golf and ride horseback. I want to wear nice clothes. Can’t you imagine what it means to a girl not to be as well dressed as the rest of her crowd?” (71).
Isabel is a very sensitive character who worries about what other people think of her. She wants to live a luxurious life married to a wealthy husband with a successful career. She also desires to please people around her and to show them that she belongs in the high class society. In addition, Isabel is a narrow-minded and impatient woman who wants to find comfort and happiness her way without any conflict of challenge. Before Larry moved to Paris, Isabel was very optimistic about her relationship with him. However, she “[g]ave him up for a square-cut diamond and a sable coat” from Gray Maturin, a successful broker (205). When she married Gray, she gave birth to two children and obtained the freedom to spend money on anything she wanted – her ideal happy life. Money was significant to her because she believed that without money, there is no purpose in living. However, his fate was not all happy. Her happiness quickly came to an end when Gray’s business went bankrupt; therefore, they had to manage to live with a low income. When she was experiencing financial difficulties, she realized how Larry felt and regretted having misunderstood him in the past. Fortunately, Isabel received Elliott’s fortune when he passed away. Aside from her complex financial outcome, she also had an unaccomplished love for Larry, she married Gray even though she had strong feelings towards Larry and stayed in love with him for the rest of her life, regretting many decisions she had
The novel, The Razor’s Edge by William Somerset Maugham tells of a young man named Larry Darrell, who struggles to find the meaning of life. He lives an insecure life in an atmosphere where he his pressured by his fiancée Isabel and her family to settle down in a normal life. Larry and Isabel are struggling to maintain a well-adjusted relationship. They both seek happiness in different ways. Larry plans to ‘loaf’ in Paris and eventually travels around the world to understand the purpose of life and what it means to live blissfully. On the other hand, Isabel believes that money is the only way to reconcile with Larry. This is a good example of how the word ‘happiness’ can be defined in many ways. This story is about a group of people who are seeking happiness in different ways.
William S. Maugham’s ironic novel tells the story of Larry Darrell; an attractive American who spent two years of his life in World War I. Larry’s former fiancée is a beautiful Isabel Bradley who is struggling to maintain a balanced relationship with Larry. When Larry returns home from the war, he is still in shock by the death of his friend, who lost his life to save Larry that made him unwilling to talk. He wants to spend more time to settle his past to understand the meaning of life and to discover why evil exists. The goal of Larry and Isabel is simply to be happy; however they seek happiness in different ways. Larry’s method of being happy is to understand the purpose of life and to gain knowledge from real-life experience; therefore, he move to Paris for two years and eventually travels around the world. In contrast, Isabel had her own definition of life – it is to live in wealth pleasing those around her. In addition, Maugham introduces two other characters who also seek happiness in their lives. Elliott, Isabel’s uncle, is a wise man who manages a happy life by attending parties. Similarly, Sophie MacDonald, a victim of circumstances, lost her family in a fatal accident and overcomes her depression through debauchery drinking. This is an interesting novel that discusses how opposite people strive to obtain happiness in their lives.
Isabel Bradley is one of the main characters who is struggling to find happiness to satisfy her life. Throughout the story, Maugham describes the definition of happiness from each character’s point-of-view. Isabel stated,
“I’m young, I want to have fun. I want to do all things that people do. I want to go to parties, I want to go to dances, I want to play golf and ride horseback. I want to wear nice clothes. Can’t you imagine what it means to a girl not to be as well dressed as the rest of her crowd?” (71).
Isabel is a very sensitive character who worries about what other people think of her. She wants to live a luxurious life married to a wealthy husband with a successful career. She also desires to please people around her and to show them that she belongs in the high class society. In addition, Isabel is a narrow-minded and impatient woman who wants to find comfort and happiness her way without any conflict of challenge. Before Larry moved to Paris, Isabel was very optimistic about her relationship with him. However, she “[g]ave him up for a square-cut diamond and a sable coat” from Gray Maturin, a successful broker (205). When she married Gray, she gave birth to two children and obtained the freedom to spend money on anything she wanted – her ideal happy life. Money was significant to her because she believed that without money, there is no purpose in living. However, his fate was not all happy. Her happiness quickly came to an end when Gray’s business went bankrupt; therefore, they had to manage to live with a low income. When she was experiencing financial difficulties, she realized how Larry felt and regretted having misunderstood him in the past. Fortunately, Isabel received Elliott’s fortune when he passed away. Aside from her complex financial outcome, she also had an unaccomplished love for Larry, she married Gray even though she had strong feelings towards Larry and stayed in love with him for the rest of her life, regretting many decisions she had
made in the past.
Another character in the story is Elliott Templeton. A generous man, Elliott sustained a happy life through parties and fame amongst noble societies. As Maugham observed, “He took no interest in people apart from their social position” (9). As he tried to make close connection with rich, noble people, in returned, he hoped to gain popularity. What is more, Elliott sought happiness in his own peculiar way. He developed a routine of partying and hobnobbing with the royalties and celebrities. He was an asset to all parties and often threw expensive parties where he tried hard to please the important guests. In fact, Elliott had such a hunger for fame that he even used religion and Catholic to church to achieve status. As Maugham explained, “His conversion, combined with the generosity he showed in his contributions to Catholic charities, opened several doors that had been closed to him before” (11-12). Through his donation to the church, the nobilities began acknowledging him for his contribution towards his church. Finally, Elliott took leave of life in his own way. As time elapsed, Elliott’s health deteriorated, and he soon because paralyzed. Before his death, his final wish was to be invited to the Edna Novernali’s grand party to which he wasn’t invited. However, he later received a fake invitation letter through Maugham’s conspiracy and died happy. The irony of his death is shown in the novel because Elliott knew numerous celebrities and royalties, yet, he died lonely in his bed, silently, wishing to enjoy the company of royalties in paradise.
Sophie MacDonald is a third character who wallowed in corporal and worldly pleasures to cope with the tragic deaths of her husband and her baby. Her main goal was to overlook the past and enjoy life. She and her husband, Bob MacDonald, were a happy couple who enjoyed their married life with a baby girl. Unfortunately, a fatal accident suddenly crushed Sophie’s perfect life. Due to her unexpected loss of her family, Sophie became insecure with herself and did not care how the world mistreated her. In order to recover from the tragedy, she selected a path that was rarely chosen by people. Instead of trying to live a fulfilling life, she kept herself busy by drinking, dancing, partying and spending time with men. This was the only way for her to stop dwelling on the past and to move on. When Sophie experienced a great depression from the loss of her family, she assumed that everything was terminated and there was no chance to improve her life. Sophie, being naturally unbalanced, Larry decided to find a doctor who would look after her and cure her completely. Having lost a husband and her family, at one point, she agreed to marry Larry because she needed him to guide her through difficult situations and Larry wanted to be the support that she needed. Nevertheless, Sophie could not shun the tragic outcome that awaited her; she could not resist the temptations of her old life style and fell back on her decadent habits. In addition, she cancelled her wedding and ran away from Larry because “[w]hen it came to the point [she] couldn’t see [herself] being Mary Magdalen to his Jesus Christ” (218). Sophie underestimated herself thinking that she was not worth of Larry and would cause a great distress to him. Having gone through another unsuccessful relationship, Sophie no longer had faith in herself and began smoking and drinking. Sophie’s death was no less tragic than her life. One day, she was found dead with her throat slashed by her sailor friends.
Finally, the most important character, Larry Darrel, seeks to find the true meaning of happiness and life by challenging himself and traveling around the world. The issue arose when Larry was serving as a pilot in World War I: “I want to make up my mind whether God is or God is not. I want to find out why evil exists. I want to know whether I have an immortal soul or whether when I die it is the end” (69). The death of his friend was such a climatic event that he began to question himself for answers about life and death. This question began to annoy Larry; therefore, in order to make himself satisfied, he wanted to travel the world, find answers to his seemingly unanswerable questions, and discover wisdom. The fact that he was on this journey and being involved around spirituality made him happy, tranquil and calm. While the other characters used money to satisfy their lives, Larry decided to follow a challenging, yet meaningful road, avoiding money. Larry stated, “Money to you means freedom; to me, it means bondage” (284). He believes that money cannot fulfill one’s life because not everyone has infinite amount of money they can spend. Also, if one has financial difficulties, he or she will feel as if money is slavery because one will believe that without money, the society will view him or her as someone who lives amongst low status. However, Larry proved them wrong by managing a stable life with just $3000.00 annually. The method Larry chose in order to learn the purpose of life was to loaf in many different places around the world. Larry was filled with excitement for the mysteries of the world, was still young, uneducated and ventured out into the world. Larry began his adventure by working at a coal mine where he befriended a fellow miner named Kosti, who often spoke about mysticism. Kosti was the first person to introduce spiritual knowledge that Larry was seeking. Although he was an unstable, uncivilized man, he was the first stepping stone that guided Larry’s journey. The next encounter was with a Benedictine in Bonn. Father Ensheim appeared as a knowledgeable and open-minded person who helped Larry to learn about himself. In addition, he introduced Larry to the existence of evil. He wanted to know why there was evil in the world; however, the monks were intelligent but their answers seemed inadequate to Larry. He continued his journey to India where in his enlightment, he understood everything that he wanted to understand. He did not find absolute and definite reason for the existence of finite and necessity of evil. Maugham said, “This long quest of yours started with the problem of evil. It was the problem of evil that urged you on. You've said nothing all this time to indicate that you've reached even a tentative solution of it” (279). Larry’s journey finally came to and end and what he gained from the journey was not absolute but it satisfied him. He discovered the knowledge of the world. Most importantly, he found true, pure happiness. Although the author did not describe Larry’s final life as the ultimate success, with the knowledge he regained from the unpredictable experience, Larry moved to New York and accomplished his first book that described his life as a loafer.
William Somerset Maugham uses a unique approach to the novel by inserting himself as a minor character who is constantly in and out of the lievs of the major characters such as Larry Darrell, Isabel Bradley, Sophie MacDonald and Elliott Templeton. This is a novel about the man’s pursuit of the meaning of life which is as long as history itself, yet this quest is the most challenging. Maugham suggests the path to true happiness is difficult to follow; in fact, it is as difficult as walking on the edge of a razor.
Another character in the story is Elliott Templeton. A generous man, Elliott sustained a happy life through parties and fame amongst noble societies. As Maugham observed, “He took no interest in people apart from their social position” (9). As he tried to make close connection with rich, noble people, in returned, he hoped to gain popularity. What is more, Elliott sought happiness in his own peculiar way. He developed a routine of partying and hobnobbing with the royalties and celebrities. He was an asset to all parties and often threw expensive parties where he tried hard to please the important guests. In fact, Elliott had such a hunger for fame that he even used religion and Catholic to church to achieve status. As Maugham explained, “His conversion, combined with the generosity he showed in his contributions to Catholic charities, opened several doors that had been closed to him before” (11-12). Through his donation to the church, the nobilities began acknowledging him for his contribution towards his church. Finally, Elliott took leave of life in his own way. As time elapsed, Elliott’s health deteriorated, and he soon because paralyzed. Before his death, his final wish was to be invited to the Edna Novernali’s grand party to which he wasn’t invited. However, he later received a fake invitation letter through Maugham’s conspiracy and died happy. The irony of his death is shown in the novel because Elliott knew numerous celebrities and royalties, yet, he died lonely in his bed, silently, wishing to enjoy the company of royalties in paradise.
Sophie MacDonald is a third character who wallowed in corporal and worldly pleasures to cope with the tragic deaths of her husband and her baby. Her main goal was to overlook the past and enjoy life. She and her husband, Bob MacDonald, were a happy couple who enjoyed their married life with a baby girl. Unfortunately, a fatal accident suddenly crushed Sophie’s perfect life. Due to her unexpected loss of her family, Sophie became insecure with herself and did not care how the world mistreated her. In order to recover from the tragedy, she selected a path that was rarely chosen by people. Instead of trying to live a fulfilling life, she kept herself busy by drinking, dancing, partying and spending time with men. This was the only way for her to stop dwelling on the past and to move on. When Sophie experienced a great depression from the loss of her family, she assumed that everything was terminated and there was no chance to improve her life. Sophie, being naturally unbalanced, Larry decided to find a doctor who would look after her and cure her completely. Having lost a husband and her family, at one point, she agreed to marry Larry because she needed him to guide her through difficult situations and Larry wanted to be the support that she needed. Nevertheless, Sophie could not shun the tragic outcome that awaited her; she could not resist the temptations of her old life style and fell back on her decadent habits. In addition, she cancelled her wedding and ran away from Larry because “[w]hen it came to the point [she] couldn’t see [herself] being Mary Magdalen to his Jesus Christ” (218). Sophie underestimated herself thinking that she was not worth of Larry and would cause a great distress to him. Having gone through another unsuccessful relationship, Sophie no longer had faith in herself and began smoking and drinking. Sophie’s death was no less tragic than her life. One day, she was found dead with her throat slashed by her sailor friends.
Finally, the most important character, Larry Darrel, seeks to find the true meaning of happiness and life by challenging himself and traveling around the world. The issue arose when Larry was serving as a pilot in World War I: “I want to make up my mind whether God is or God is not. I want to find out why evil exists. I want to know whether I have an immortal soul or whether when I die it is the end” (69). The death of his friend was such a climatic event that he began to question himself for answers about life and death. This question began to annoy Larry; therefore, in order to make himself satisfied, he wanted to travel the world, find answers to his seemingly unanswerable questions, and discover wisdom. The fact that he was on this journey and being involved around spirituality made him happy, tranquil and calm. While the other characters used money to satisfy their lives, Larry decided to follow a challenging, yet meaningful road, avoiding money. Larry stated, “Money to you means freedom; to me, it means bondage” (284). He believes that money cannot fulfill one’s life because not everyone has infinite amount of money they can spend. Also, if one has financial difficulties, he or she will feel as if money is slavery because one will believe that without money, the society will view him or her as someone who lives amongst low status. However, Larry proved them wrong by managing a stable life with just $3000.00 annually. The method Larry chose in order to learn the purpose of life was to loaf in many different places around the world. Larry was filled with excitement for the mysteries of the world, was still young, uneducated and ventured out into the world. Larry began his adventure by working at a coal mine where he befriended a fellow miner named Kosti, who often spoke about mysticism. Kosti was the first person to introduce spiritual knowledge that Larry was seeking. Although he was an unstable, uncivilized man, he was the first stepping stone that guided Larry’s journey. The next encounter was with a Benedictine in Bonn. Father Ensheim appeared as a knowledgeable and open-minded person who helped Larry to learn about himself. In addition, he introduced Larry to the existence of evil. He wanted to know why there was evil in the world; however, the monks were intelligent but their answers seemed inadequate to Larry. He continued his journey to India where in his enlightment, he understood everything that he wanted to understand. He did not find absolute and definite reason for the existence of finite and necessity of evil. Maugham said, “This long quest of yours started with the problem of evil. It was the problem of evil that urged you on. You've said nothing all this time to indicate that you've reached even a tentative solution of it” (279). Larry’s journey finally came to and end and what he gained from the journey was not absolute but it satisfied him. He discovered the knowledge of the world. Most importantly, he found true, pure happiness. Although the author did not describe Larry’s final life as the ultimate success, with the knowledge he regained from the unpredictable experience, Larry moved to New York and accomplished his first book that described his life as a loafer.
William Somerset Maugham uses a unique approach to the novel by inserting himself as a minor character who is constantly in and out of the lievs of the major characters such as Larry Darrell, Isabel Bradley, Sophie MacDonald and Elliott Templeton. This is a novel about the man’s pursuit of the meaning of life which is as long as history itself, yet this quest is the most challenging. Maugham suggests the path to true happiness is difficult to follow; in fact, it is as difficult as walking on the edge of a razor.
Comparing the Kite Runner and Unlighted Lamps
By
Jasmine Chung
The short story Unlighted Lamps by Sherwood Anderson begins with Dr. Cochran’s eighteen-year-old-daughter, Mary Cochran, who is struggling to fit in her society with a single dad who is lacking in communication. She is confused with her father’s serious health conditions, and she is afraid to think about herself and her future life. She is going through a difficult time when she needs to expose herself to the public and to pursue a satisfying career. The novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is a powerful novel which describes the unsettled relationship between Amir and his dad. Amir was once the son of a rich business man but when Civil war begins to rage in Afghanistan, Amir and his dad flee to the United States. The author describes the changes in the relationship between Amir and his dad as time elapses. Also, Amir determines to win the kite contest in order to build a stronger relationship with his dad. These two stories are similar in terms of the relationship between the children and the father, the personalities of the children and the symbolism.
The relationship between Mary and Dr. Cochran and Amir and his father are both unsettled. In Unlighted Lamps, Mary describes her father as a cold and quiet man. “The habitual silence” of her dad and the confusion about her mother’s past have affected her attitude and made her life a lonely one. “She doesn't want to be seen walking with me”, her father told himself. Mary is embarrassed of her dad and always keeps a distance from him. Since she grew up with a single dad, the family was not as close and loving because Mary thought of him as a cold man. In the story, there is no communication between Mary and her father. She is confused because she cannot identify who she is and also know about her mother. The people around her knew who she was better than herself, and she was not comfortable talking to her father, given the rumors about her mother. The lack of communication is isolating and drifting the two characters further apart. Especially at this stage of Mary’s life, she needed a mother who could support her future, and her dad was not willing to be a good mother at the same time. Similarly, Amir has doubts with the same situation because he is uncertain about how he feels about his dad. His father was a rich, talented businessman who expected too much from his son. Since they were different, they also lacked in communication similar to Mary and Dr. Cochran. Amir has never felt the love from “Baba” which caused him to become weak and uncertain. Like Mary, Amir has never met his mother before but has adapted the values and attitudes of his mother.
The short story Unlighted Lamps by Sherwood Anderson begins with Dr. Cochran’s eighteen-year-old-daughter, Mary Cochran, who is struggling to fit in her society with a single dad who is lacking in communication. She is confused with her father’s serious health conditions, and she is afraid to think about herself and her future life. She is going through a difficult time when she needs to expose herself to the public and to pursue a satisfying career. The novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is a powerful novel which describes the unsettled relationship between Amir and his dad. Amir was once the son of a rich business man but when Civil war begins to rage in Afghanistan, Amir and his dad flee to the United States. The author describes the changes in the relationship between Amir and his dad as time elapses. Also, Amir determines to win the kite contest in order to build a stronger relationship with his dad. These two stories are similar in terms of the relationship between the children and the father, the personalities of the children and the symbolism.
The relationship between Mary and Dr. Cochran and Amir and his father are both unsettled. In Unlighted Lamps, Mary describes her father as a cold and quiet man. “The habitual silence” of her dad and the confusion about her mother’s past have affected her attitude and made her life a lonely one. “She doesn't want to be seen walking with me”, her father told himself. Mary is embarrassed of her dad and always keeps a distance from him. Since she grew up with a single dad, the family was not as close and loving because Mary thought of him as a cold man. In the story, there is no communication between Mary and her father. She is confused because she cannot identify who she is and also know about her mother. The people around her knew who she was better than herself, and she was not comfortable talking to her father, given the rumors about her mother. The lack of communication is isolating and drifting the two characters further apart. Especially at this stage of Mary’s life, she needed a mother who could support her future, and her dad was not willing to be a good mother at the same time. Similarly, Amir has doubts with the same situation because he is uncertain about how he feels about his dad. His father was a rich, talented businessman who expected too much from his son. Since they were different, they also lacked in communication similar to Mary and Dr. Cochran. Amir has never felt the love from “Baba” which caused him to become weak and uncertain. Like Mary, Amir has never met his mother before but has adapted the values and attitudes of his mother.
Amir and Mary are similar personality wise. Both characters are trying to obtain freedom and to break free from the confusion in their family. Unlighted lamp describes how Mary is not sure of her identity. She is living an oblivious life and hears stories about her mother’s past. She is unsure if they are true; therefore, she needs to pursue her life into the real world and to get away from silence. The story explains how much Mary likes the noisy and big cities. Cities symbolize distraction. Mary wants to live in cities because they attract her so much that she can forget about her dad and be comfortable. She also thinks it is a good chance to discover her identity. The kite runner explains the significance of the kite contest. Amir was desperate to win and to prove to his dad that he could be confident too. The kite flying high is a symbol of freedom. “The wind was perfect… blowing just hard enough to give me some lift, making the sweeps easier.” The kite was blowing just perfectly, and freedom is the right to do whatever one wants to do without restriction. Amir can relate to the kite because he keeps his sorrows to himself but he needs to express his feelings without any contradiction, for example, his father.
Lastly, the two titles: The Unlighted Lamp and The Kite Runner are similar due to the symbolism. The purpose of the two titles are that the characters are in search of communication and spark. The Unlighted Lamps symbolizes the darkness preventing the love between Mary and his father as well as misunderstanding each other. Darkness symbolizes ignorance between them because Mary always avoided her father by spending time in the city by herself, and Dr. Cochran never made any effort to communicate with his daughter. The symbolic meaning of darkness may be the unhappiness due to lack of self-motivation, and the courage to show love and affection to one another. From Dr. Cochran’s view, the burnt out cigarette may represent Dr. Cochran’s wasted life in which he failed to express his feelings towards Mary. As for The Kite Runner, the title symbolizes Amir who wants to expose himself as a famous writer; however, his father denies him and pulls him back. Even though the kite symbolizes freedom, it can also symbolize disagreements. The kite is flying freely in air; however, it is controlled by the string which is Amir’s father, and the kite symbolizes Amir. He knows what he wants to do with his life, but he fails to do so because of his father. Amir’s father is forcing him to become someone he is not. In reality, if the controller of the kite pulls the string, the kite is forced to fly low; instead, if the strings are loosened, the wind will pick up the kite, and it can fly higher in air.
As a result, both families do not understand each other, and they do not maintain balanced relationships. The two families in the story share the same pain because of the lack of communication and the need to pursue one’s dream. The atmosphere of the stories both begin with feelings of uncertainty and darkness. Unlighted Lamps by Sherwood Anderson and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini can be related in various ways such as the meaning of its titles, themes and the character’s personalities. Through this book, the readers can easily learn how much it means to say “I love you” to someone you love.
Khaledi's Kite Runner by Jasmine Chung
The Kite Runner: History of Amir’s life
Can people be jealous of their best friends? People can be jealous of one another because of their appearance, smartness or even the amount of attention they receive from other people. As jealousy starts to build up within people, they may do anything to be on the same level as their friends just to receive other people’s attention, and that can cause a huge struggle in their friendships. To be friends with someone, one does not need to find similarities in every single aspect because everyone is different. Friends are there to support each other not to compete against each other to win someone’s respect. Many friendships break due to jealousy and mistreatment. Khaled Hosseini, the authour of a novel The Kite Runner clearly explains the idea of how people can easily be separated through forces of violence and jealousy. The protagonist Amir narrates a story of his life, a Pashtun boy from Kabul who is haunted by the guilt of betraying his childhood friend, Hassan, a servant of his but also his best friend. Amir’s personal history and his relationship with Hassan are quite revealing in understanding the character development in Amir.
The novel begins with a man named Amir who tells the tale of his life, beginning with his peaceful, innocent days as a young, wealthy boy who enjoyed spending time with his servant Hassan. The two were best friend although Amir often shunned admitting it, for Hassan was much loser in social status. The story unfolds with Amir seeking attention from his Baba, his father so he manages to win the kite contest to gain respect from him. Hassan does everything in his power to capture the kite. When Hassan does not return with the kite, Amir goes out to look for him. He finds himself standing near a dark alley witnessing his best friend getting bullied by some upper-class teenagers near their neighborhoods. Amir hides out and betrays Hassan. Amir selfishly finds a way to get rid of Hassan and his father from the house. For the rest of his life, Amir tries to find a way to forget about his past by immigrating to the United States, a nightmare that changed his whole life.
Amir cannot break free from his unsettled memories of his past. As a young child, Amir is served breakfast every morning by Hassan; then he is driven to school in gleaming family mustang while his best friend stays home to clean the house. Although Amir was smart and well-educated, he showed jealousy towards Hassan. Amir and Hassan grew up together and shared special brotherhood even though they were two opposite people. Amir was a troubled and flawed character who was not gregarious while Hassan was outgoing and brave. Amir became jealous of Hassan when his Baba would admire Hassan more than himself. He felt as if Hassan was intruding in with the father-son relationship. Baba treated Hassan more like his son because he had all the qualities that Baba wanted from his ideal son. The stronger relationship between Hassan and Baba caused Amir to commit terrible sins against Hassan. He was afraid to be Hassan’s friend, and he constantly tested his loyalty. Ironically, it had been Amir who could not trust himself; he used Hassan as his shield. Hassan respected Amir and did everything he could “a thousand times over” for Amir. For example, on the day of the kite running contest, Hassan helped Amir Gain respect from Baba by winning the competition for him. Hassan did not care if Amir received all the credits for winning the kite contest because if Amir was happy, he was too. He was already grateful that Amir would read him stories under pomegranate tree and help Hassan to be educated.
The stronger jealousy caused Amir to send Hassan away by lying to Baba that Hassan stole all his birthday gifts. To escape the Soviet Invasion, Amir and his father left Hassan and his father behind to flee to California. Amir embraced America because this was a chance for him to start a new life with a professional career. He thought America would give him no sins and memories. “[t]he past claws its way out.” Amir learned that one cannot erase their special memories completely and easily. During his new life in California, he never forgot about his childhood years with Hassan; he realized that his past memories were always with him in his heart even if he lived on the other end of the world. He would see two identical kits flying on top of him. Suddenly Hassan’s voice whispered in his head and the thought of Hassan running to catch his kite for Amir recalled in his head. “There is a way to be good again” (2). The kites flying in the sky have symbolized the strength of their never-ending friendship. The part of Hassan was still in Amir as if they have shared a special brotherhood relationship. “[t]here was a brotherhood between people who had fed from the same breast and kinship that not even time could break.” The fact that they were fed from the same breast meant that they were related in blood; half brothers. As he thought about Afghanistan, he realized all the little activities they enjoyed doing as little kids such as reading stories under trees and climbing trees. He realized how cruel it was for him to torture Hassan even when he kept protecting the sensitive Amir from neighborhood bullies. The fact that even though at the time when they were young, Amir pushed away Hassan, after twenty years, he realized without Hassan, he would not e where he is today and what he is today. Their relationship was never forgotten after a long period of time.
In the novel, the relationship between Hassan and Amir helped Amir to be the man he is today. During his childhood, he could not meet his father’s expectations. He was an intelligent boy but made serious mistakes that left a huge struggle between him and Hassan. “I thought of the life I had lived until the winter of 1975 came along and changed everything. And made me what I am today” (2). Amir felt distant from his father because Hassan interfered in their family relationship. Over the years, anger and jealousy grew in him that forced Amir to send Hassan away. The kite running tournament was the triumph of Amir’s life. Hassan was brutalized by upper-class teenagers because of his religion and his physical appearance. Amir’s failure to defend Hassan haunted him for the rest of his life. As the Russians invaded Afghanistan, Amir and Baba moved to the United States to escape the brutal war. He called America his real home. As a grown man, Amir atoned for the sins from Hassan by returning to his country to find and adopt Hassan’s son named Sohrab. During his trip to Afghanistan, he sees images of families trying to survive under the tyranny of the Taliban. During his journey, he met his old enemies who bullied Hassan and Amir decided to fight back for the harm he caused to Hassan. Amir wanted to show Hassan that he was ashamed for the way he had treated him. When Amir adopted Sohrab, he lived in California; however, there was a silence between them because Sohrab was the one who was emotionally damaged. Later on, the kites bring the two closer together similar to how it brought Amir and Hassan together. By protecting Sohrab and relating his past with him, he was able to relive the moment of his childhood he had spent with Hassan. “Do you want me to run that kite for you? For you, a thousand times over” (39). Finally, Amir was able to put a smile on his face because he knew that Hassan would always be with him and Sohrab.
Amir sometimes felt as though he had not come from his father’s blood because of his lack of courage and pride and could not accept the fact that Hassan was better than him. His anger separated the two brothers apart. Hassan was very understanding towards Amir, and when Amir acted rude towards Hassan, he always accepted it and was always loyal to him. He was dedicated to make Amir’s life happier first. This novel teaches us about pride and friendship through the relationship of Amir and Hassan.
Can people be jealous of their best friends? People can be jealous of one another because of their appearance, smartness or even the amount of attention they receive from other people. As jealousy starts to build up within people, they may do anything to be on the same level as their friends just to receive other people’s attention, and that can cause a huge struggle in their friendships. To be friends with someone, one does not need to find similarities in every single aspect because everyone is different. Friends are there to support each other not to compete against each other to win someone’s respect. Many friendships break due to jealousy and mistreatment. Khaled Hosseini, the authour of a novel The Kite Runner clearly explains the idea of how people can easily be separated through forces of violence and jealousy. The protagonist Amir narrates a story of his life, a Pashtun boy from Kabul who is haunted by the guilt of betraying his childhood friend, Hassan, a servant of his but also his best friend. Amir’s personal history and his relationship with Hassan are quite revealing in understanding the character development in Amir.
The novel begins with a man named Amir who tells the tale of his life, beginning with his peaceful, innocent days as a young, wealthy boy who enjoyed spending time with his servant Hassan. The two were best friend although Amir often shunned admitting it, for Hassan was much loser in social status. The story unfolds with Amir seeking attention from his Baba, his father so he manages to win the kite contest to gain respect from him. Hassan does everything in his power to capture the kite. When Hassan does not return with the kite, Amir goes out to look for him. He finds himself standing near a dark alley witnessing his best friend getting bullied by some upper-class teenagers near their neighborhoods. Amir hides out and betrays Hassan. Amir selfishly finds a way to get rid of Hassan and his father from the house. For the rest of his life, Amir tries to find a way to forget about his past by immigrating to the United States, a nightmare that changed his whole life.
Amir cannot break free from his unsettled memories of his past. As a young child, Amir is served breakfast every morning by Hassan; then he is driven to school in gleaming family mustang while his best friend stays home to clean the house. Although Amir was smart and well-educated, he showed jealousy towards Hassan. Amir and Hassan grew up together and shared special brotherhood even though they were two opposite people. Amir was a troubled and flawed character who was not gregarious while Hassan was outgoing and brave. Amir became jealous of Hassan when his Baba would admire Hassan more than himself. He felt as if Hassan was intruding in with the father-son relationship. Baba treated Hassan more like his son because he had all the qualities that Baba wanted from his ideal son. The stronger relationship between Hassan and Baba caused Amir to commit terrible sins against Hassan. He was afraid to be Hassan’s friend, and he constantly tested his loyalty. Ironically, it had been Amir who could not trust himself; he used Hassan as his shield. Hassan respected Amir and did everything he could “a thousand times over” for Amir. For example, on the day of the kite running contest, Hassan helped Amir Gain respect from Baba by winning the competition for him. Hassan did not care if Amir received all the credits for winning the kite contest because if Amir was happy, he was too. He was already grateful that Amir would read him stories under pomegranate tree and help Hassan to be educated.
The stronger jealousy caused Amir to send Hassan away by lying to Baba that Hassan stole all his birthday gifts. To escape the Soviet Invasion, Amir and his father left Hassan and his father behind to flee to California. Amir embraced America because this was a chance for him to start a new life with a professional career. He thought America would give him no sins and memories. “[t]he past claws its way out.” Amir learned that one cannot erase their special memories completely and easily. During his new life in California, he never forgot about his childhood years with Hassan; he realized that his past memories were always with him in his heart even if he lived on the other end of the world. He would see two identical kits flying on top of him. Suddenly Hassan’s voice whispered in his head and the thought of Hassan running to catch his kite for Amir recalled in his head. “There is a way to be good again” (2). The kites flying in the sky have symbolized the strength of their never-ending friendship. The part of Hassan was still in Amir as if they have shared a special brotherhood relationship. “[t]here was a brotherhood between people who had fed from the same breast and kinship that not even time could break.” The fact that they were fed from the same breast meant that they were related in blood; half brothers. As he thought about Afghanistan, he realized all the little activities they enjoyed doing as little kids such as reading stories under trees and climbing trees. He realized how cruel it was for him to torture Hassan even when he kept protecting the sensitive Amir from neighborhood bullies. The fact that even though at the time when they were young, Amir pushed away Hassan, after twenty years, he realized without Hassan, he would not e where he is today and what he is today. Their relationship was never forgotten after a long period of time.
In the novel, the relationship between Hassan and Amir helped Amir to be the man he is today. During his childhood, he could not meet his father’s expectations. He was an intelligent boy but made serious mistakes that left a huge struggle between him and Hassan. “I thought of the life I had lived until the winter of 1975 came along and changed everything. And made me what I am today” (2). Amir felt distant from his father because Hassan interfered in their family relationship. Over the years, anger and jealousy grew in him that forced Amir to send Hassan away. The kite running tournament was the triumph of Amir’s life. Hassan was brutalized by upper-class teenagers because of his religion and his physical appearance. Amir’s failure to defend Hassan haunted him for the rest of his life. As the Russians invaded Afghanistan, Amir and Baba moved to the United States to escape the brutal war. He called America his real home. As a grown man, Amir atoned for the sins from Hassan by returning to his country to find and adopt Hassan’s son named Sohrab. During his trip to Afghanistan, he sees images of families trying to survive under the tyranny of the Taliban. During his journey, he met his old enemies who bullied Hassan and Amir decided to fight back for the harm he caused to Hassan. Amir wanted to show Hassan that he was ashamed for the way he had treated him. When Amir adopted Sohrab, he lived in California; however, there was a silence between them because Sohrab was the one who was emotionally damaged. Later on, the kites bring the two closer together similar to how it brought Amir and Hassan together. By protecting Sohrab and relating his past with him, he was able to relive the moment of his childhood he had spent with Hassan. “Do you want me to run that kite for you? For you, a thousand times over” (39). Finally, Amir was able to put a smile on his face because he knew that Hassan would always be with him and Sohrab.
Amir sometimes felt as though he had not come from his father’s blood because of his lack of courage and pride and could not accept the fact that Hassan was better than him. His anger separated the two brothers apart. Hassan was very understanding towards Amir, and when Amir acted rude towards Hassan, he always accepted it and was always loyal to him. He was dedicated to make Amir’s life happier first. This novel teaches us about pride and friendship through the relationship of Amir and Hassan.
Parenting in Two Cultures
Differences in raising a child in Korea and Canada
The perspective of a Korean mother
Jasmine Chung
Teacher: Ali Dorostkar
March 9, 2007
Differences in raising a child in Korea and Canada:
The perspective of a Korean mother
INTRODUCTION
Raising children abroad is different from raising children in one’s native country. Raising children in different countries will allow the parents as well as their children to gain new experiences and to learn a new culture and linguistic background. However, many problems arise for the newly immigrated families. Immigration involves enormous adjustments for families. Parents’ lack of English provides limited support to their children and the social, educational, economical and personal differences between two different countries create many obstacles for them to overcome. This research paper is to introduce the different positive and negative facts of raising children in Canada and Korea and to offer some recommendations on how parents can raise their children more effectively.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
When asked about their reasons for selecting a certain country, most of immigrated parents replied, “[t]o help their children to obtain better education, to secure a better economic future, to grow up in a safe environment, and to reconnect with family” (Pierra, Chapman, Stein 3). P. Anisef and K.M Kilbride have studied the parenting issues of newcomer families in Ontario and their findings have shown that the parents were able to be more optimistic about their children’s future in Canada and were hoping for their children to pursue a better life than they themselves had. 100% of the immigrant parents were hoping for their children to learn English since this language is used internationally; therefore, they can live a secure economic future such as having professional jobs.
Parents’ lack of communication and social skills can cause weak relationship with their children. Many school teachers have noticed that newly immigrated parents cannot participate in social activities with their children at school due to lack of English skills which leave their children with “complex educational and health system” (The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, 2004). Given their limited English, parents cannot help their children with homework or even encourage their children to be involved in after-school activities. The language barrier has caused parents to feel “helpless, alienated, and unable to advocate on behalf of their children” (Ibid). On the other hand, when children begin to fully speak English, they sometimes feel embarrassed with their own parents because they cannot speak English. Immigrant parents are more aware of the community and without knowing the parents of their children’s parent; they often do not feel safe to send their children to parties, sleepovers or to the movies. (University of North Carolina: Pierra, Chapman, Stein 14).
Majority of the immigrant parents believe that their children benefit much more from the American school system. According to the research of the University of Carolina: Becoming an American parent, many of them have had positive impressions of the school system in North America because teachers show high expectation and care towards their child. Teachers in North American schools have interviews or meetings with parents to discuss their children’s progress at school. However, some parents have difficult time understanding the teachers and interpreters were not available. The study of Carol Schadelbauer have recommended that school and community-based organizations should work to provide parents support groups and literacy programs for adult to ensure that there are not left behind. Most importantly, Canadian and American educational systems are placed on hands-on training through workshops, travel programs and other activities. Many opportunities to participate in helpful programs and activities have accelerated the students social interactions with their peers.
Finally, for newly immigrant parents, one of the most difficult challenges they need to adjust to is finding the appropriate balance between work and family. The study of P. Anisef, K.M Kilbride investigated the economic difficulties of immigrant parents. Due to their lack of spoken-English, the availability of jobs is rare and has decreased their self-confidence. On the other hand, some have noticed that their families have become closer since they are unemployed. According to Perriera, Chapman and Stein’s survey, parents need to improve communication more frequently with their children to be attentive to their children’s needs and to speak openly and honestly about any of their issues. This study aims to illustrate the pros and cons that immigrant parents can face while raising children in a different country and suggest some helpful ways that can benefit their children and themselves.
METHOD
Participant
The case study for this research paper is based on my mother, Sally Lee. She is forty-two years old raising three children in Canada with her husband. Two of her children are teenagers who are in grade nine and eleven and a son who is in grade six. Her birth place was South Korea, but she moved to Canada with her family in August 2001. She has been married for seventeen years. Her past job was a mom and currently remains as a home-maker to take care of her children in Canada.
Sally came to Canada in order for her children to learn English and to meet various people from diverse backgrounds. In addition, she wanted her children to gain self-confidence and to communicate and be sociable with people of different races or nationalities.
Her language skills are still developing and she has been attending English school for adults. She had some difficulties for the first few years due to her poor English in a new environment.
I am closely related to this person because she is my mother who has been taking care of me for fifteen years. Through the experience of living with her, I have seen some changes in her personal life as well as her attitude towards her children.
Data collection
My data collection technique was interviewing my participant on topics relevant to my research question.
There are four different parts to my questionnaire: economic differences, social differences, personal differences as well as educational differences that my mother has experienced since moving to Canada. Each category included two to four open-ended questions.
Under the social differences, I asked questions based on communication problems, influence from friends and differences in the amount of free time her children spend. As for educational differences, the questions were based on the differences in the educational systems, problems in school and the changes her children experienced since moving to Canada. Thirdly, regarding personal differences, I mainly focused on Sally’s attitudes towards her children when she was in Korea and Canada. The last category was about the economic differences she noticed when she was raising her children in Canada and Korea.
When I was interviewing Sally, I had some difficulties because I could not translate some sentences well into Korean; therefore, sally was confused or could not understand what I was asking. Also, it was difficult for her to express ideas deeply in Korean or in English.
It was interesting for me to interview Sally about this topic because I was able to understand the main reason to why we moved to Canada and the amount of sacrifices that my parents had in order to make our lives beneficial.
FINDINGS
In this selection, I will explain the results of the questionnaire I received from my participant about raising children in Korea and Canada, and how it will relate to my research. My findings are divided into four main categories: social, educational, personal and economic differences. In this selection, the reader should be aware that some categories will overlap and relate to one another.
Social differences
Have you ever lived in a foreign country where you could not understand its language? When Sally’s family moved to Canada in August 2001, she faced communication problems for a period of time. She was often frustrated and wondered if moving to Canada was the right choice for her family. She handled this problem by reaching out for help from her friends who had lived in Canada for a long time. In addition, she gathered information from Korean communities regarding how parents can help their children with their school work even if their English was poor. Sally knew that she would have to live in Canada for a long time; therefore, she decided to attend an English school for adults and improve her language skills. On the other hand, her children did not experience a huge problem with communication at school because they learned through ESL programs at school. Teachers gathered all students who were new to the country and helped them expand their knowledge of English language.
Country far different from one’s native country changes the way one spends his or her time individually and as a family. In Korea, Sally’s children barely had any free time due to constant education within and out of school. Sally was a strict Korean mother who wanted her children to achieve beyond excellent in almost every area of education whether it was math, science or music. After school, her children would go to extra curricular activities to learn piano, English, math and Korean regularly. Also, at home, Sally would tutor her children until late at night. She said, Korean students who are in middle and high school mostly stay out past 12:00 midnight studying or they spend majority of their day at the library. This shows that education wise, the competition is greater and tougher. Nonetheless, in Canada, Sally noticed that children have more free time. In Korea, all parents support their children at school but in Canada, it is up to the children. If they want to be academically successful, they try their best; however, if they choose not to, they do not take school seriously. Moreover, competition in Canada is not as great as Korea. This is advantageous because more free time gives her children less stress at school and gives them abundant amount of time to think ahead of their future.
Educational differences
According to Sally, there are both positive and negative facts about the education system in Korea and Canada. Korean education system consists of longer hours of school. It varies from day to day; for example, on Monday, the school will start from 8:35 to 4:30 and other days will start from 8:35 to 3:00. Also, students attend school six days per week including Saturday. Furthermore, it is mandatory to take all subjects at school; therefore, they do not get the choice to pick courses they want. Middle school and high school are hardest and the most stressful years for the students because they need to prepare to write a university entrance exam. In addition, in good universities, the professors determine admission by considering all of a student’s marks throughout their high school years. She says, the teaching method is strict in all courses and does not involve hands-on activities. In contrast, she noticed that Canadian education involves more hands-on teaching with a lot more discussion during classes. From grade nine, Canada offers course selection. This means that if a student does not want to take grade 12 math, they have the choice not to take it. Course selection offers student free time to focus on their specific subject that they want to master throughout university. However, some negative facts are that students are struggling to adjust to first Year University because there is a huge gap between grade twelve and first Year University. The teaching environment in university becomes much stricter than it was in high school; therefore, many students who did not study hard fail.
The educational systems of both countries contribute positive facts; however, many serious negative facts can arise. In Korea, due to students’ having no free time, they often get too stressed which leaves great impact on their health. Furthermore, an unexciting teaching system makes students not pay attention during classes. There should be more discussion and activities at school to engage students’ attention. Some of the negative facts in Canadian education system is opposite from Korean system. Sally believes that teachers should be stricter and should care more about their students. For example, some teachers do not care if students skip classes. More importantly, she believes that during high school, the teachers should introduce students into stricter learning environment so students will not suffer through university.
Since the educational system differ from each other to great extent, Sally has noticed some changes in her children since they have moved to Canada. Firstly, their math skills have dropped in Canada, but they have improved in other subjects such as English. In Korea, students learn math earlier at a faster speed: grade nine math in Canada is the same level as grade seven or eight math in Korea. Children’s English has improved greatly because it is the main language and all courses are taken in English. Canadian schools have allowed her children to learn a new language: French
In her opinion, she prefers a mix of Korean and Canadian educational systems. She assumes that if schools were stricter but less strict than Korea, then students will not have difficulty in their transition from high school to university.
Personal differences
Sally talked openly about her personal changes towards her children since she has moved to Canada. When she was in Korea, she focused on them indirectly. For example, she did not have to make lunch everyday and drive them to school. She mainly focused on their academic performance. She also explained that parents choose the university for their children because it is a way for their children to thank their parents for taking care of them. When she was in Korea, she was much stricter on her children due to greater competition at school; she worried about her children’s grades and if she was unsatisfied with it, she did anything she could to improve their marks by sending them to tutors and after-school activities. Ever since she moved to Canada, she has spend too much time taking care of her children by making lunch and dropping and picking up their children from school. She is less strict to her children; she feels that it is her children’s responsibility to improve their own marks.
Economical differences
Raising children involves spending countless amount of money. When she was living in Korea, she spent more money on their children for education. Tuition fees for middle schools, high schools and especially universities are much more expensive. Most of the finance go under their extra curriculum fees. Extra curricular activities are the most expensive, although they are tax-free. On the other hand, in Canada, the schools are funded by the government and university tuition are less expensive; therefore, the money is predominantly used for food, clothing and other items. However, basic needs in Canada are taxable
CONCLUSION
Analyzing the differences of raising children abroad and in their native country was very interesting especially interviewing a participant that has experienced similar situation. This research paper allows everyone to understand that each country has its own unique culture, and we can benefit through this experience. Also, it gives an overall view of the educational, economical, social and personal differences one may experience through raising children in a new country.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Diana Chung: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
The Kite Runner
Diana Chung
Edited Date: May 25, 2007
Finished Date: May 27, 2007
“And happily ever after” is what everyone wants. In order to gain a happy and satisfactory life, people deal with challenges and tragedies throughout their lives. In The Kite Runner (2003), Khalid Hosseini tells the story of Amir who experiences both family and social challenges until he finds peace in his life. The story of what he does and how he seeks and finds satisfaction in life is a lesson for everyone who wants to find a way to be good again. As Hosseini shows in this novel, the process of becoming an adult and adapting to the reality of the world has always been a complex journey, and different types of relationships among people are the most important components of life as they sometimes negatively affect people’s behaviours, yet assist in developing abilities to understand others affectionately. The father-son relationship, friendship, and social structure are the salient themes portrayed more significantly in the novel The Kite Runner.
The novel is told by Amir, one of the main characters, who is an Afghan living in Fremont California flashing back his childhood in Kabul in the 1970s. He and his Hazara servant, Hasaan, spend many hours together, Amir reading stories to Hasaan, and Hasaan respecting and supporting Amir’s talent. However, Amir’s love for literature bothers Baba, his father, who tries to make his son more like himself – active and courageous. Nevertheless, Amir continues to show his love for literature and eventually composes his own stories and still reaches for Baba’s love. Amir’s journey to seek Baba’s love is in relation to the death of his mother; Amir thinks Baba holds him responsible for his wife’s death. Later, Amir gains attention from Baba by becoming the winning a kite competition. He also starts struggling with conflicting emotions, having watched Hassan being physically and verbally abused by Assef, a neighbourhood bully. Amir realizes that he has betrayed and disrespected Hasaan after he and Baba move to the U.S. after the Russian invasion to Afghanistan. There, he lives in a small apartment with Baba and makes extra money selling used goods at a flea market where he meets his future wife Soraya. Years later, Amir embarks on a successful career as a novelist and goes to Pakistan after receiving a letter from Rahim Khan, a former business partner of his father’s, who cheers Amir by saying “there is a way to be good again.” From Rahim Khan, Amir learns that Hasaan and his wife were killed by the Taliban and that Hasaan was actually his hidden half-brother. Despite his anger at having been deceived all his life by Baba who had taught him that lying is the greatest sin, Amir accepts Khan’s request to go to Kabul to search for Hasaan’s son, Sohrab. Baba’s dishonesty scars Amir, for his father always reminded him to be good, free of sin, but Baba himself had lied to his own son. It is at Assef’s house, now a Taliban leader, where Amir finds Sohrab and is injured by Assef though he feels a catharsis for the wrongs he had done to Hasaan twenty-six years before. After escaping back to Pakistan and recovering from injuries, Amir offers to adopt Sohrab and return to America. The story ends with the scene where he runs the kite for Sohrab showing that Amir indeed is the real kite runner.
As all parent-children relationships are not always peaceful, Baba and Amir in The Kite Runner also deal with both difficulties and pleasant experiences of father-son relationships. Baba and Amir’s troubled relationship begins in Afghanistan where there is lack of communication between them. This leads Amir to wonder and worry about Baba’s thoughts simply because of Baba’s silence; for example, when Amir tells Baba that he wrote his own story, Baba simply nods and gives a thin smile: “ ‘well, that’s very good, isn’t it?’ he said. Then nothing more” (33). Since there is no frequent communication, there are obvious signs of lack of expression of love. Consequently, Amir is insecure and afraid of Baba which also causes Amir to feel the absence of his father. For example, water running in Baba’s bathroom demonstrates that Amir is aware of Baba’s physical existence but is isolated from Baba; therefore, Amir longs for love and comfort. As a result, Amir tries to communicate through secret glances during the kite competition. Amir keeps “stealing glances at Baba on the roof, [wondering] what he was thinking. Was he cheering for [him]? Or did a part of him enjoy watching [him] fail?”
( ). Baba on the roof symbolizes high figure and also represents the big gap between Amir and Baba, for Amir is on the ground and Baba is high up on the top of the roof. Baba’s expectations of his disappointment with his son also contribute to the unmerciful father-son relationships. Baba demands Amir to play like a boy and be courageous as he was in his childhood; however, Amir disappoints Baba by enjoying reading and writing. Baba does not appreciate Amir’s “non-boyish talent”, for “he’s always buried in those books or shuffling around the houses like he’s lost in some dream” (23). Baba is so disappointed that he mentions to Rahim Khan that he cannot even believe Amir is his own son: “If I hadn’t seen the doctor pull him out of my wife with my own eyes, I’d never believe he’s my own son” (25). Although buried in Baba’s criticisms, later, Amir earns Baba’s love. He wins the kite competition which makes Baba feel proud of his own son. Amir’s feels reassured as soon as he sees Baba hollering and clapping for him which is the “single greatest moment of [his] twelve years of life” ( ).
Father-son relationship changes in the U.S. as Amir grows older. In a role reversal, Amir becomes a guardian of Baba who suffers from culture shock. Such incidents include the misunderstanding at a Vietnamese couple’s store. When Baba is asked for license (ID) for cheque, Baba in shock replies “What kind of country is this? No one trusts anybody” (135). Baba dirtied the store by throwing oranges, jar of beef jerky, and glasses on the floor. Amir, who now takes care of Baba, apologizes to the store owners and pays for the damage. Since Baba is insecure about living in a foreign country, Amir comforts Baba by suggesting going back to Peshawar. Baba’s show of love towards Amir is an indication that their relationship has improved. This is evident when Baba says “besides I didn’t bring us here for me, did I?” (137). He also supports Amir going to college and writing stories, the one thing he loves the most. He is now proud of Amir – the fact that Baba puts his hands on Amir’s definitely shows love and comfort Amir had always longed for in his childhood.
The bond between Amir and Hasaan stronger than piece of solid metal as it is the true friendship that brings them together. Despite their master-servant relationship, it is Hasaan who is Amir’s mentor mostly because he taught Amir how to be confident. The monster in the lake from Amir’s dream symbolizes fear of failure, fear of Baba, and his need to be loved. These feelings almost lead Amir to withdraw from the kite competition but Hasaan strongly convinced him that there is no monster. Hasaan comforts Amir’s nervous mind with a smile and a soft voice: “Remember, Amir Agha. There’s no monster, just a beautiful day” ( ). Another way Amir gains confidence is by the respect Hasaan has for his literary talent. Hasaan offers to listen to Amir’s story even in early morning and always mentions that he “will be a great writer” (36). In addition, faith acts as the most important ‘glue’ that bonds Amir and Hasaan together. Hasaan’s loyalty is shown through the sacrifice of himself for Amir – “For you a thousand times over,” he says, before Hasaan further sacrifices himself in the dark alley. He is bullied by Assef and other neighbourhood upper-class boys, but he does not lose his loyalty to Amir: “Amir Agha won this tournament…this is his kite” (77). The kite Hasaan brings back benefit Amir for being acknowledged by Baba but also leaves an impression of Hasaan as a “sacrificial lamb”.
Hosseini also emphasizes the presence of inhumanity and class differences in Afghanistan through his characters. Man’s inhumanity to man still exists in many parts of the world, especially Afghanistan where people are continuously tortured simply because of their ethnic background. Assef bullies Hasaan, a Hazara lower-class boy, physically and verbally that leaves a deep scar in Hasaan’s heart. Through being inhumane, people seek for power and strength. They commit unacceptable sins such as killing the innocent and taking away their freedom similar to the atrocities of the Taliban. Social class is another indication of unfair society of Afghanistan. The story describes two main social positions – the minority Hazara (slaves) and the majority Pashtuns that Amir and Baba belong to. The victims are the Hazaras who are not considered human but more like animals. Others speak of Hazaras as if they are less worthy and do not belong to Afghan society. For example, the general, Amir’s father-in-law refers to Sohrab as “The Hazara boy” in a humiliating manner. Also, Amir did not help Hasaan when bullied by Assef for the reason that he was a Hazara. Amir was confused whether he had to treat Hasaan as a friend or a servant. The abuse of power is also evident in the story; for instance, the Talibans torture innocent citizens, for they are less powerful then themselves. They treat others as slaves and use them as objects to meet their needs and gain personal satisfaction.
Everyone’s journey of life is different; however, Amir’s path is unique in that involved struggles of father-son relationship, friendship, and the inhumanity of the society. Amir is a dynamic character since his behaviour changes through the course of time, from childhood in Afghanistan to adulthood in the U.S. Amir as a boy seeks for love and comfort from his dad and struggles to maintain his friendship with his servant, yet at the same time influenced by the way Afghan society is structured. In the U.S., Amir learns to peacefully handle the relationship with his father through a role reversal. He also uncovers the truth about Hasaan and himself which guides him to be “good again” and to pay for the wrong he did to Hasaan almost three decades ago. After all, Amir indeed is the true kite runner who “became what [he is] today at the age of twelve, on a frigid, overcast day in the winter of 1975” ( ).
Diana Chung
Edited Date: May 25, 2007
Finished Date: May 27, 2007
“And happily ever after” is what everyone wants. In order to gain a happy and satisfactory life, people deal with challenges and tragedies throughout their lives. In The Kite Runner (2003), Khalid Hosseini tells the story of Amir who experiences both family and social challenges until he finds peace in his life. The story of what he does and how he seeks and finds satisfaction in life is a lesson for everyone who wants to find a way to be good again. As Hosseini shows in this novel, the process of becoming an adult and adapting to the reality of the world has always been a complex journey, and different types of relationships among people are the most important components of life as they sometimes negatively affect people’s behaviours, yet assist in developing abilities to understand others affectionately. The father-son relationship, friendship, and social structure are the salient themes portrayed more significantly in the novel The Kite Runner.
The novel is told by Amir, one of the main characters, who is an Afghan living in Fremont California flashing back his childhood in Kabul in the 1970s. He and his Hazara servant, Hasaan, spend many hours together, Amir reading stories to Hasaan, and Hasaan respecting and supporting Amir’s talent. However, Amir’s love for literature bothers Baba, his father, who tries to make his son more like himself – active and courageous. Nevertheless, Amir continues to show his love for literature and eventually composes his own stories and still reaches for Baba’s love. Amir’s journey to seek Baba’s love is in relation to the death of his mother; Amir thinks Baba holds him responsible for his wife’s death. Later, Amir gains attention from Baba by becoming the winning a kite competition. He also starts struggling with conflicting emotions, having watched Hassan being physically and verbally abused by Assef, a neighbourhood bully. Amir realizes that he has betrayed and disrespected Hasaan after he and Baba move to the U.S. after the Russian invasion to Afghanistan. There, he lives in a small apartment with Baba and makes extra money selling used goods at a flea market where he meets his future wife Soraya. Years later, Amir embarks on a successful career as a novelist and goes to Pakistan after receiving a letter from Rahim Khan, a former business partner of his father’s, who cheers Amir by saying “there is a way to be good again.” From Rahim Khan, Amir learns that Hasaan and his wife were killed by the Taliban and that Hasaan was actually his hidden half-brother. Despite his anger at having been deceived all his life by Baba who had taught him that lying is the greatest sin, Amir accepts Khan’s request to go to Kabul to search for Hasaan’s son, Sohrab. Baba’s dishonesty scars Amir, for his father always reminded him to be good, free of sin, but Baba himself had lied to his own son. It is at Assef’s house, now a Taliban leader, where Amir finds Sohrab and is injured by Assef though he feels a catharsis for the wrongs he had done to Hasaan twenty-six years before. After escaping back to Pakistan and recovering from injuries, Amir offers to adopt Sohrab and return to America. The story ends with the scene where he runs the kite for Sohrab showing that Amir indeed is the real kite runner.
As all parent-children relationships are not always peaceful, Baba and Amir in The Kite Runner also deal with both difficulties and pleasant experiences of father-son relationships. Baba and Amir’s troubled relationship begins in Afghanistan where there is lack of communication between them. This leads Amir to wonder and worry about Baba’s thoughts simply because of Baba’s silence; for example, when Amir tells Baba that he wrote his own story, Baba simply nods and gives a thin smile: “ ‘well, that’s very good, isn’t it?’ he said. Then nothing more” (33). Since there is no frequent communication, there are obvious signs of lack of expression of love. Consequently, Amir is insecure and afraid of Baba which also causes Amir to feel the absence of his father. For example, water running in Baba’s bathroom demonstrates that Amir is aware of Baba’s physical existence but is isolated from Baba; therefore, Amir longs for love and comfort. As a result, Amir tries to communicate through secret glances during the kite competition. Amir keeps “stealing glances at Baba on the roof, [wondering] what he was thinking. Was he cheering for [him]? Or did a part of him enjoy watching [him] fail?”
( ). Baba on the roof symbolizes high figure and also represents the big gap between Amir and Baba, for Amir is on the ground and Baba is high up on the top of the roof. Baba’s expectations of his disappointment with his son also contribute to the unmerciful father-son relationships. Baba demands Amir to play like a boy and be courageous as he was in his childhood; however, Amir disappoints Baba by enjoying reading and writing. Baba does not appreciate Amir’s “non-boyish talent”, for “he’s always buried in those books or shuffling around the houses like he’s lost in some dream” (23). Baba is so disappointed that he mentions to Rahim Khan that he cannot even believe Amir is his own son: “If I hadn’t seen the doctor pull him out of my wife with my own eyes, I’d never believe he’s my own son” (25). Although buried in Baba’s criticisms, later, Amir earns Baba’s love. He wins the kite competition which makes Baba feel proud of his own son. Amir’s feels reassured as soon as he sees Baba hollering and clapping for him which is the “single greatest moment of [his] twelve years of life” ( ).
Father-son relationship changes in the U.S. as Amir grows older. In a role reversal, Amir becomes a guardian of Baba who suffers from culture shock. Such incidents include the misunderstanding at a Vietnamese couple’s store. When Baba is asked for license (ID) for cheque, Baba in shock replies “What kind of country is this? No one trusts anybody” (135). Baba dirtied the store by throwing oranges, jar of beef jerky, and glasses on the floor. Amir, who now takes care of Baba, apologizes to the store owners and pays for the damage. Since Baba is insecure about living in a foreign country, Amir comforts Baba by suggesting going back to Peshawar. Baba’s show of love towards Amir is an indication that their relationship has improved. This is evident when Baba says “besides I didn’t bring us here for me, did I?” (137). He also supports Amir going to college and writing stories, the one thing he loves the most. He is now proud of Amir – the fact that Baba puts his hands on Amir’s definitely shows love and comfort Amir had always longed for in his childhood.
The bond between Amir and Hasaan stronger than piece of solid metal as it is the true friendship that brings them together. Despite their master-servant relationship, it is Hasaan who is Amir’s mentor mostly because he taught Amir how to be confident. The monster in the lake from Amir’s dream symbolizes fear of failure, fear of Baba, and his need to be loved. These feelings almost lead Amir to withdraw from the kite competition but Hasaan strongly convinced him that there is no monster. Hasaan comforts Amir’s nervous mind with a smile and a soft voice: “Remember, Amir Agha. There’s no monster, just a beautiful day” ( ). Another way Amir gains confidence is by the respect Hasaan has for his literary talent. Hasaan offers to listen to Amir’s story even in early morning and always mentions that he “will be a great writer” (36). In addition, faith acts as the most important ‘glue’ that bonds Amir and Hasaan together. Hasaan’s loyalty is shown through the sacrifice of himself for Amir – “For you a thousand times over,” he says, before Hasaan further sacrifices himself in the dark alley. He is bullied by Assef and other neighbourhood upper-class boys, but he does not lose his loyalty to Amir: “Amir Agha won this tournament…this is his kite” (77). The kite Hasaan brings back benefit Amir for being acknowledged by Baba but also leaves an impression of Hasaan as a “sacrificial lamb”.
Hosseini also emphasizes the presence of inhumanity and class differences in Afghanistan through his characters. Man’s inhumanity to man still exists in many parts of the world, especially Afghanistan where people are continuously tortured simply because of their ethnic background. Assef bullies Hasaan, a Hazara lower-class boy, physically and verbally that leaves a deep scar in Hasaan’s heart. Through being inhumane, people seek for power and strength. They commit unacceptable sins such as killing the innocent and taking away their freedom similar to the atrocities of the Taliban. Social class is another indication of unfair society of Afghanistan. The story describes two main social positions – the minority Hazara (slaves) and the majority Pashtuns that Amir and Baba belong to. The victims are the Hazaras who are not considered human but more like animals. Others speak of Hazaras as if they are less worthy and do not belong to Afghan society. For example, the general, Amir’s father-in-law refers to Sohrab as “The Hazara boy” in a humiliating manner. Also, Amir did not help Hasaan when bullied by Assef for the reason that he was a Hazara. Amir was confused whether he had to treat Hasaan as a friend or a servant. The abuse of power is also evident in the story; for instance, the Talibans torture innocent citizens, for they are less powerful then themselves. They treat others as slaves and use them as objects to meet their needs and gain personal satisfaction.
Everyone’s journey of life is different; however, Amir’s path is unique in that involved struggles of father-son relationship, friendship, and the inhumanity of the society. Amir is a dynamic character since his behaviour changes through the course of time, from childhood in Afghanistan to adulthood in the U.S. Amir as a boy seeks for love and comfort from his dad and struggles to maintain his friendship with his servant, yet at the same time influenced by the way Afghan society is structured. In the U.S., Amir learns to peacefully handle the relationship with his father through a role reversal. He also uncovers the truth about Hasaan and himself which guides him to be “good again” and to pay for the wrong he did to Hasaan almost three decades ago. After all, Amir indeed is the true kite runner who “became what [he is] today at the age of twelve, on a frigid, overcast day in the winter of 1975” ( ).
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