Comments for WOW Currents http://wowlit.org/blog A blog dedicated to current events, research, & issues pertaining to the use, publication, & reviews of children’s & adolescent literature Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:43:36 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 Comment on Living Between Two Cultures: A Digital Literature Discussion of Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez by Phara Fils-Julien http://wowlit.org/blog/2010/03/01/living-between-two-cultures-a-digital-literature-discussion-of-return-to-sender-by-julia-alvarez/comment-page-2/#comment-589 Phara Fils-Julien Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:43:36 +0000 http://wowlit.org/blog/?p=470#comment-589 I somewhat disagreed with Ryan#45 as far as the hyphen neglect the fact that Mari is a person and that they are more than cultures. To me your culture is what define you somewhat and make you stick out from someone else. Being of Haitian decendent define me as a person. Our different cultures and backgrounds make us who we are. The hyphen just connect both worlds and make them intertwined. I somewhat disagreed with Ryan#45 as far as the hyphen neglect the fact that Mari is a person and that they are more than cultures. To me your culture is what define you somewhat and make you stick out from someone else. Being of Haitian decendent define me as a person. Our different cultures and backgrounds make us who we are. The hyphen just connect both worlds and make them intertwined.

]]> Comment on Living Between Two Cultures: A Digital Literature Discussion of Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez by Phara Fils-Julien http://wowlit.org/blog/2010/03/01/living-between-two-cultures-a-digital-literature-discussion-of-return-to-sender-by-julia-alvarez/comment-page-2/#comment-588 Phara Fils-Julien Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:41:40 +0000 http://wowlit.org/blog/?p=470#comment-588 Amy #30. I agree with her post, when you are married you joined your name and husband with the most part with a hyphen. You don't want to loose the person you are although you accept to be another person; you kind of want to build a bridge where both worlds could unit. Mary in the story doesn't want to loose or forget where she came from because she will feel as if she is been a traitor. Amy #30. I agree with her post, when you are married you joined your name and husband with the most part with a hyphen. You don’t want to loose the person you are although you accept to be another person; you kind of want to build a bridge where both worlds could unit. Mary in the story doesn’t want to loose or forget where she came from because she will feel as if she is been a traitor.

]]> Comment on Living Between Two Cultures: A Digital Literature Discussion of Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez by Phara Fils-Julien http://wowlit.org/blog/2010/03/01/living-between-two-cultures-a-digital-literature-discussion-of-return-to-sender-by-julia-alvarez/comment-page-2/#comment-587 Phara Fils-Julien Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:16:54 +0000 http://wowlit.org/blog/?p=470#comment-587 Although I was born in the US and raised in Haiti, I always considered my self as Haitian. The hyphen represent where both my Haitian world and American world unit together. The hyphen brings both of my worlds together and helps me to embrace both cultures without feeling any sense of betrayal to my native country. My father always remind me that I am Haitian first and American second whenever we are having a discussion about both culture. I always referred myself as Haitian-American, maybe it's because I always want people to know I am Haitian first. You always want to stay true to where you came from. The hyphen gave me a sense of security of knowing that I am staying loyal to both countries and not feeling any sense of betrayal. I am tried my best to always remind myself that I am a Haitian-American everyday, and the hyphen between the two plays a major part. In that hyphen both worlds are joined together and I am able to do things as an American and Haitian. I think without that hyphen maybe I will have felt that I am betraying one of these cultures Although I was born in the US and raised in Haiti, I always considered my self as Haitian. The hyphen represent where both my Haitian world and American world unit together. The hyphen brings both of my worlds together and helps me to embrace both cultures without feeling any sense of betrayal to my native country. My father always remind me that I am Haitian first and American second whenever we are having a discussion about both culture. I always referred myself as Haitian-American, maybe it’s because I always want people to know I am Haitian first. You always want to stay true to where you came from. The hyphen gave me a sense of security of knowing that I am staying loyal to both countries and not feeling any sense of betrayal. I am tried my best to always remind myself that I am a Haitian-American everyday, and the hyphen between the two plays a major part. In that hyphen both worlds are joined together and I am able to do things as an American and Haitian. I think without that hyphen maybe I will have felt that I am betraying one of these cultures

]]> Comment on Living Between Two Cultures: A Digital Literature Discussion of Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez, Part 2 by Fatima Casas http://wowlit.org/blog/2010/03/08/living-between-two-cultures-a-digital-literature-discussion-of-return-to-sender-by-julia-alvarez-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-586 Fatima Casas Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:57:59 +0000 http://wowlit.org/blog/?p=475#comment-586 This is by far one of my favorite scenes from the novel. This scene evoked in me a range of feelings, from feeling disappointed to complete happiness and a sense of pride. Mr. Rossetti’s comment was really disappointing to hear and, sadly, there are many people that still feel that way. They view and regard immigrants as low life criminals that have no business here. When the reality is far from that, there are many immigrants here that are not criminals and that come here to better their lives and provide their children a better future. Which has been the case of immigrants long ago and present immigrants. There are also many immigrants here that are willing to go through the process of becoming legal residents but the process is a long one and visas are limited. Thus they are faced with an obstacle, crossing the border illegally, which many feel is worth overcoming in order to have a better life. Having lived in both, Mexico and the United Sates, allowed me to see and experience the reasons why many people come to the United States and the harsh realities that they face upon arriving here. They face discrimination, hunger, and abuse. Yet despite that, many immigrants are hardworking people that are willing to take on any job to provide for their family, many jobs that no one wants to do but need to be done. It is to this that Mr. Bicknell refers to when he states that this country was “built by people who gave up everything in search of a better life, not just for themselves, but for their children. Their blood, sweat, and tears formed this great nation.” What many citizens of this great country forget is how big of a role immigrants have played on the United States. Immigrants have long been a part of this country and have made many great contributions. When I read Mr. Bicknell’s response to Mr. Rossetti I couldn’t help but smile and feel proud of his response. I thought it was a great idea by Alvarez to have an Anglo character be the one to bring up such a point. I loved how his response became the voice of the community and how it encouraged Mr. Rossetti to have a change of heart. I feel that as a teacher Mr. Bicknell provided the people and students at the town meeting with a different perspective and point of view to a very controversial topic. I see his character as portraying a critical teacher because he raised a valid point of view that should be taken into consideration before decisions are made regarding the lives of others. He exemplified tolerance and empathy towards others, which are qualities that embody what a citizen is. As a future teacher I feel that our roles if a situation like the one described in the book is to emerge, is to provide students with insights and perspectives of both arguments. We must also not show preference over one argument in order to allow the students to make their own decisions. But most importantly we must instill in our students the importance of tolerance and empathy towards others and to place themselves in the lives of others before making a judgment. Which is why I loved Mr. Bicknell’s response because that is exactly what he did. His response was not biased and it allowed the audience to see a different side. This is by far one of my favorite scenes from the novel. This scene evoked in me a range of feelings, from feeling disappointed to complete happiness and a sense of pride. Mr. Rossetti’s comment was really disappointing to hear and, sadly, there are many people that still feel that way. They view and regard immigrants as low life criminals that have no business here. When the reality is far from that, there are many immigrants here that are not criminals and that come here to better their lives and provide their children a better future. Which has been the case of immigrants long ago and present immigrants. There are also many immigrants here that are willing to go through the process of becoming legal residents but the process is a long one and visas are limited. Thus they are faced with an obstacle, crossing the border illegally, which many feel is worth overcoming in order to have a better life. Having lived in both, Mexico and the United Sates, allowed me to see and experience the reasons why many people come to the United States and the harsh realities that they face upon arriving here. They face discrimination, hunger, and abuse. Yet despite that, many immigrants are hardworking people that are willing to take on any job to provide for their family, many jobs that no one wants to do but need to be done. It is to this that Mr. Bicknell refers to when he states that this country was “built by people who gave up everything in search of a better life, not just for themselves, but for their children. Their blood, sweat, and tears formed this great nation.” What many citizens of this great country forget is how big of a role immigrants have played on the United States. Immigrants have long been a part of this country and have made many great contributions.

When I read Mr. Bicknell’s response to Mr. Rossetti I couldn’t help but smile and feel proud of his response. I thought it was a great idea by Alvarez to have an Anglo character be the one to bring up such a point. I loved how his response became the voice of the community and how it encouraged Mr. Rossetti to have a change of heart. I feel that as a teacher Mr. Bicknell provided the people and students at the town meeting with a different perspective and point of view to a very controversial topic. I see his character as portraying a critical teacher because he raised a valid point of view that should be taken into consideration before decisions are made regarding the lives of others. He exemplified tolerance and empathy towards others, which are qualities that embody what a citizen is. As a future teacher I feel that our roles if a situation like the one described in the book is to emerge, is to provide students with insights and perspectives of both arguments. We must also not show preference over one argument in order to allow the students to make their own decisions. But most importantly we must instill in our students the importance of tolerance and empathy towards others and to place themselves in the lives of others before making a judgment. Which is why I loved Mr. Bicknell’s response because that is exactly what he did. His response was not biased and it allowed the audience to see a different side.

]]> Comment on Living Between Two Cultures: A Digital Literature Discussion of Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez by Nicole Gruenfelder http://wowlit.org/blog/2010/03/01/living-between-two-cultures-a-digital-literature-discussion-of-return-to-sender-by-julia-alvarez/comment-page-2/#comment-584 Nicole Gruenfelder Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:32:15 +0000 http://wowlit.org/blog/?p=470#comment-584 I agree with both comments made by Ryan, about Mari. She was able to point out to her sisters that there is more to the hyphen than a mere label. Being Mexican was part of their heritage, and would always be part of them, no matter what they chose to believe, but they were also American. The flowers and the roots was a very strong metaphorical representation that served its purpose. I also agree that Amserican society as a whole has a tendency to overlook the beauty of embracing more than one culture, rather than foresaking one for the other. I agree with both comments made by Ryan, about Mari. She was able to point out to her sisters that there is more to the hyphen than a mere label. Being Mexican was part of their heritage, and would always be part of them, no matter what they chose to believe, but they were also American. The flowers and the roots was a very strong metaphorical representation that served its purpose. I also agree that Amserican society as a whole has a tendency to overlook the beauty of embracing more than one culture, rather than foresaking one for the other.

]]> Comment on Living Between Two Cultures: A Digital Literature Discussion of Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez, Part 2 by Karina Rodriguez http://wowlit.org/blog/2010/03/08/living-between-two-cultures-a-digital-literature-discussion-of-return-to-sender-by-julia-alvarez-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-583 Karina Rodriguez Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:41:28 +0000 http://wowlit.org/blog/?p=475#comment-583 Mr. Bicknell had every right to stand up for what he believed in. I agree in what you said Delia about the different waves of immigration to the U.S. This country did not only have immigrants from one sole country. There are people of different nationalities all over America. People come and go from all over the world. It is nothing new to us, and Mr. Bicknell wanted to remind people of that. As educators we should be able to give both sides of a story and give the whole story versus leaving out parts to inform students. If our students are informed of such issues like immigration, then they can make informed decisions for themselves regarding their own opinions. Mr. Bicknell did what he thought was right and what many teachers are afraid to stand up in because of such controversy on the issue of immigration. Personally, as a future bilingual educator, I find it critical that we address these issues since the majority of our students will have ancestors or themselves be immigrants coming from a different country. Mr. Bicknell had every right to stand up for what he believed in. I agree in what you said Delia about the different waves of immigration to the U.S. This country did not only have immigrants from one sole country. There are people of different nationalities all over America. People come and go from all over the world. It is nothing new to us, and Mr. Bicknell wanted to remind people of that. As educators we should be able to give both sides of a story and give the whole story versus leaving out parts to inform students. If our students are informed of such issues like immigration, then they can make informed decisions for themselves regarding their own opinions. Mr. Bicknell did what he thought was right and what many teachers are afraid to stand up in because of such controversy on the issue of immigration. Personally, as a future bilingual educator, I find it critical that we address these issues since the majority of our students will have ancestors or themselves be immigrants coming from a different country.

]]> Comment on Living Between Two Cultures: A Digital Literature Discussion of Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez, Part 2 by Beth Scherer http://wowlit.org/blog/2010/03/08/living-between-two-cultures-a-digital-literature-discussion-of-return-to-sender-by-julia-alvarez-part-2/comment-page-1/#comment-582 Beth Scherer Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:06:56 +0000 http://wowlit.org/blog/?p=475#comment-582 I agree with Carlos. It was great that Mr. Bicknell spoke his mind at the meeting because that was an appropriate setting in which to do so. In the classroom, however, students need to understand that the teachers opinion is not the only opinion, and should be given the information needed to come up with their own beliefs. I agree with Carlos. It was great that Mr. Bicknell spoke his mind at the meeting because that was an appropriate setting in which to do so. In the classroom, however, students need to understand that the teachers opinion is not the only opinion, and should be given the information needed to come up with their own beliefs.

]]> Comment on Living Between Two Cultures: A Digital Literature Discussion of Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez by Ryan http://wowlit.org/blog/2010/03/01/living-between-two-cultures-a-digital-literature-discussion-of-return-to-sender-by-julia-alvarez/comment-page-2/#comment-581 Ryan Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:15:07 +0000 http://wowlit.org/blog/?p=470#comment-581 It is interesting to note that, for Tyler (and thus white American culture at large) this hyphen is really more of a source of conflict between acceptance of different cultures and bigotry and prejudice. Mari and Tyler are both actively engaged in working to promote cultural acceptance, but more importantly are motivated by a developing conscious between right and wrong. Both individuals question the status quo (and enact changes if they can. The true triumph in the lives of these young people is their developed moral compass. It is interesting to note that, for Tyler (and thus white American culture at large) this hyphen is really more of a source of conflict between acceptance of different cultures and bigotry and prejudice. Mari and Tyler are both actively engaged in working to promote cultural acceptance, but more importantly are motivated by a developing conscious between right and wrong. Both individuals question the status quo (and enact changes if they can. The true triumph in the lives of these young people is their developed moral compass.

]]> Comment on Living Between Two Cultures: A Digital Literature Discussion of Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez by Jenn Duffy http://wowlit.org/blog/2010/03/01/living-between-two-cultures-a-digital-literature-discussion-of-return-to-sender-by-julia-alvarez/comment-page-2/#comment-580 Jenn Duffy Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:43:44 +0000 http://wowlit.org/blog/?p=470#comment-580 Carlos #48- For Mari’s family it means that there will be division and a constant form of tension. For Tylers family I feel that the hyphen is something that they will simply discuss, but never fully experience. I agree with this because Tyler and his family can never understand what the hyphen truly means- what it means to be divided culturally. Although they take in Mari and her family they dont understand how it is to live in the fear they had too. The hyphen has two different meanings for the families. Maris family has the hypen to represent how divided they actually are and the fear they are constantly living in. Carlos #48-
For Mari’s family it means that there will be division and a constant form of tension. For Tylers family I feel that the hyphen is something that they will simply discuss, but never fully experience.

I agree with this because Tyler and his family can never understand what the hyphen truly means- what it means to be divided culturally. Although they take in Mari and her family they dont understand how it is to live in the fear they had too. The hyphen has two different meanings for the families. Maris family has the hypen to represent how divided they actually are and the fear they are constantly living in.

]]> Comment on Living Between Two Cultures: A Digital Literature Discussion of Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez by Jenn Duffy http://wowlit.org/blog/2010/03/01/living-between-two-cultures-a-digital-literature-discussion-of-return-to-sender-by-julia-alvarez/comment-page-2/#comment-579 Jenn Duffy Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:38:14 +0000 http://wowlit.org/blog/?p=470#comment-579 Ryan #45- I agree with Ryan in saying that the hyphen does in fact neglect that she is a person. Mari and Tyler are more then their culture. Although their culture divides them in that they have two different lives it also connects them. The hyphen does take away the importance in their lives in that they are a person. A person cant be defined as their culture. Their culture helps define who they are but they are a lot more then their culture. Ryan #45- I agree with Ryan in saying that the hyphen does in fact neglect that she is a person. Mari and Tyler are more then their culture. Although their culture divides them in that they have two different lives it also connects them. The hyphen does take away the importance in their lives in that they are a person. A person cant be defined as their culture. Their culture helps define who they are but they are a lot more then their culture.

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