"What common conversation/theme is shared in each of the texts we have read in this unit? How do you respond to these themes as a reader? What passages or ideas were most relevant or powerful for you? Which were the most difficult for you? Explain your answers."

The common theme of all of the passages that we have read are becoming proud of who/what you are. In American Born Chinese both the monkey king and Jin learn how to accept who they are and that they are at their best when they are just being their selves. In The Bluest Eyes Pecola ends up going crazy and thinking that she has her beautiful eyes. From page 145 to page 150 in American Born Chinese the Monkey King learns that after five hundred years of being stuck under a pile of rocks he could have gotten out anytime he wanted if he just went back to being a monkey. On page 221 Jin finally understands everything that has been happening to him and learns to be just himself. This is the part of the story that brought all three parts together. In the Bluest Eye Morrison shows that when a person is determined and has a single mind set they can be pushed to the break as Pecola was.

Personally I believe that a person should be happy with who they are, and if they aren't they should change themselves to be happy. Even with this they should understand that they were made as they are for a reason, be it millions of years of evolution or some God type figure. They can accept themselves for who they are. But there are many people who aren't happy with themselves and they aren't doing anything to change it or they have a distorted view of the world. These people need to change to be happy. Both stories were good, I enjoyed the Graphic Novel more than the novel but that was a personal preference.

I believe that the passage that was the most relevant to me was from American Born Chinese. The section on Wong Lai-Tsao touched me the most. He wasn't a traditional monk in any sense but he did have a kind heart and helped the villagers. It reminded me of some Greek stories on the lesson of humility. He is rewarded for his kindness.

I didn't understand why Pecola's father needed to rape her twice. I know he was in the wrong mind set but it's his daughter for Christ sake.

Sorry it's late. I don't use the internet much outside of class.