Monday, March 16, 2009

What is the What Post #6

Quote #1: "This program has been a part of my life for so long, since Pinyudo, when the SPLA commanders would blast its reports from Africa across the camp."

This quote was said by the narrator, Achal, or page 417.

Quote #1 Significance: I chose this quote because I think it shows how Achak is trying to keep his Sudanese traditions. Also, I think it really shows how his experiences are a large part of who he is, and he can never forget any of his experiences, no matter how small. Although it isn't a main part in the book, I think this quote shows how his experiences are part of him.

Quote #1 Personal Connection: I connect to this quote because I have done something before that reminds me of other experiences. Major experiences in your childhood you will never forget, and they will become part of you. Also, I think this quote can directly relate to anyone because everyone has a different custom that they are used to.

Question #1: What do you think this quote shows about Achaks current and past life?

Quote #2: "Dorsetta, I pretend that I know who I am now but i simply don't. I'm not an American and it seems difficult now to call myseld Sudanese."..."We have been weakened by our time in America, perhaps."

Quote #2 Significance: I chose this quote because I think it shows a lot about the common immigrants story.  It shows how they are caught in between two different culutre. They have been Americanized, yet they keep some cultural ties, but they probably feel like they are neither American or their home country anymore.

Quote #2 Personal Connection: The person who I interviewed explained this in her answers as well. She said that she is caught on a "periphery" between two cultures. I think that is exactly what this quote is saying, that a lot of immigrants face the struggle of identity, and that is a part of almost every immigrants struggle in America.

Question #2: How do you think Achak feel being in between two cultures? Do you think he likes embracing both, or do you think he would perfer his home country?

3 comments:

lindsay m said...

Quote 1:I agree with youwhen you said that this quote shows how his experiences are a large part of who he is, and how you say that he can never forget the experiences, becasue he really cant.

Question 1:Like I said, I agree with you how it says that it is a big part of his life, and he will ever forget those times.

Queote 2:I also agree with you how you say they are americanized, becasue they really are, and everyone who comes to america becomes "Americanized" but still keep some of their culture.

Question 2:I think that Achak likes getting to expierience 2 different cultures. I think he likes being semi safe at home, and not have to worry about getting discriminated because of his color. but i think he likes the freedom of america, and getting to drive, and work, and have a cell phone.

Lincoln D. said...

Quote#1 response comment: The expression "you can take the (something) out of the (something) but you cant take the (something) out of the (something)." Is true. People like to have something to cling to so that they can remember home. When you don't have an actual object you use a tradition or custom.
Question#1: It shows that no matter how much he wants to forget or tries to move on he will always remember his life in Sudan.

Quote#2 response comment: Identity is the one thing that no one can really take away from you. you have complete control over it and when you can't decide on one that can be problematic.
Question#2: I don't think that anyone can be fully part of two cultures. When you have to choose that choice can be very hard.

Lincoln D. said...

Quote#1 response comment: The expression "you can take the (something) out of the (something) but you cant take the (something) out of the (something)." Is true. People like to have something to cling to so that they can remember home. When you don't have an actual object you use a tradition or custom.
Question#1: It shows that no matter how much he wants to forget or tries to move on he will always remember his life in Sudan.

Quote#2 response comment: Identity is the one thing that no one can really take away from you. you have complete control over it and when you can't decide on one that can be problematic.
Question#2: I don't think that anyone can be fully part of two cultures. When you have to choose that choice can be very hard.