The movie, Life is Beautiful, portrays a serious matter through the eyes of an individual who brings humor and happiness to situations. Roberto Benigni, the writer and director of this movie also plays as the main character. I find it extremely inspiring how his sense of humor leads him through life. Throughout the beginning of the film the character, Guido Orefice, puts himself in funny and crazy situations just to be around the girl he loves. For example, he shows up at a children school and pretends to be the Italian inspector. Amongst asking the woman her whereabouts on the upcoming Saturday he also shares the incredible sight of a belly button. Guido is able to win her over with his charm, humor, and persistence.
After the two lovebirds get married they then have a child. It is a baby boy named Giosué whom Guido and Dora love very much. This story is during the Great Depression though therefore this happy family is forced to an internment camp and Dora is separated from her husband and son. At least Guido gets to protect his son and stay with him. And since he is just a child Guido convinces Giosué that it is all a game. When the German officers come in, Guido tells his son that they are explaining the rules and that they must survive to win the big prize! Even in a time of crisis and desperation Guido is able to lighten the mood and protect his son.
In reading History and Memory in Life is Beautiful by Ryan Scoot I found it interesting that the author touched upon the fact that the story is a family story. It has been shared from generation to generation. And family stories can be altered by memory which reminded me of the earlier piece we read Memory and Imagination and I was reminded that i must always remember that stories are often altered by the writer but only in the intent so the reader better likes it. Life is Beautiful is a great depiction what internment camps were really like for Jewish people. Even though Guido protects his son by telling him it is all a playful game, he cannot hide the truth forever.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Concept of a "Border"
As John Washington employs in The New Colossus: Exploring the Idea of Border, a border can possess several different meanings. A border can be a simple line drawn on a map or it can be a terrifying experience for an individual to cross. A border stretches as far from the simple border around the University of Arizona to the borders that surround the United States. Although they are contrasting, each so-called border blocks out someone or something.
The author of this piece is extremely biased to the idea of an individual being "dumped" back to their home town. Johh Washington has experienced several first hand encounters with migrants who are tattered and worn. Those who have risked everything to come to America in hope to better their family.
It can be determined that the author chose to put himself in a position where he would be seeing to gruesome aspects of migration. Yet in choosing to volunteer at Nogales, Washington has seen how harshly migrants are treated and subsequently has this opportunity to share a taste of what he has witnessed. In choosing to share with others the extremities he has witnessed, hopefully action can be taken to lesser the treatment of migrants. Although there are reasons as to why they are treated in such a way, it is still inhumane. I wish that migrants would learn how brutal the experience will be and that less will partake.
Washington brings in several specific examples to prove his point. For example, he brings up "the line of control" which is the border between India and Pakistan and how it has sparked wars and violence since its existence. Washington is iterating that borders cause violence, although they are necessary Washington hopes to bring awareness to citizens of America of the extremities of borders. Washington has several accounts where he meets an individual who has gone through more than they can handle. He sees their pain and hears their cry. I know if I was in that position I would want to help them and bring them back to health. But it is not as easy done as it is said. If an individual is here illegally there is no other chose but to "dump" them based on our laws. Washington brings up the Halloween costumes sold in local stores last Halloween of an illegal alien. This proves how America feels that illegal aliens are not worthy to be here. Yes it is illegal and legal actions will be taken. But if a child sees that costume they will feel as though the matter is comical and that illegal aliens are somehow aliens and inhuman. Washington brings up several strong arguments as to support his claim that no human should merely be "dumped" as if they are garbage. Hopefully this essay will bring more awareness to American's the extreme measures that are taken towards migrants.
The author of this piece is extremely biased to the idea of an individual being "dumped" back to their home town. Johh Washington has experienced several first hand encounters with migrants who are tattered and worn. Those who have risked everything to come to America in hope to better their family.
It can be determined that the author chose to put himself in a position where he would be seeing to gruesome aspects of migration. Yet in choosing to volunteer at Nogales, Washington has seen how harshly migrants are treated and subsequently has this opportunity to share a taste of what he has witnessed. In choosing to share with others the extremities he has witnessed, hopefully action can be taken to lesser the treatment of migrants. Although there are reasons as to why they are treated in such a way, it is still inhumane. I wish that migrants would learn how brutal the experience will be and that less will partake.
Washington brings in several specific examples to prove his point. For example, he brings up "the line of control" which is the border between India and Pakistan and how it has sparked wars and violence since its existence. Washington is iterating that borders cause violence, although they are necessary Washington hopes to bring awareness to citizens of America of the extremities of borders. Washington has several accounts where he meets an individual who has gone through more than they can handle. He sees their pain and hears their cry. I know if I was in that position I would want to help them and bring them back to health. But it is not as easy done as it is said. If an individual is here illegally there is no other chose but to "dump" them based on our laws. Washington brings up the Halloween costumes sold in local stores last Halloween of an illegal alien. This proves how America feels that illegal aliens are not worthy to be here. Yes it is illegal and legal actions will be taken. But if a child sees that costume they will feel as though the matter is comical and that illegal aliens are somehow aliens and inhuman. Washington brings up several strong arguments as to support his claim that no human should merely be "dumped" as if they are garbage. Hopefully this essay will bring more awareness to American's the extreme measures that are taken towards migrants.
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