In the beginning chapters of the novel, Refugee, Alan Gratz introduces his characters, Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud, as well as their current situations in their homelands at specific time periods. Gratz specifically writes about Mahmoud blending in as a cloak of invisibility to help him survive his situation. He writes about Josef and those who wear the yellow Star of David armbands as being invisible and how the Cubans were unseen, forgotten and starving. How could it be positive and how could it be negative to be invisible in these situations?
Throughout the novel, Gratz writes about interactions between the Hitler Youth and Josef, Mr. Nasser and the Bishara family, and the Fernandez family, the Castillo family, and the tourists at the Bahamas. Why did Gratz include these interactions?
Dear Mrs. Reis,
ReplyDeleteThank you for working with us. Megan, Alex, Kaitlyn, and I are excited to work with you.
Blog #1
The act of invisibility could be both positive and negative. For the characters, Josef, Mahmoud, and Isabel, Alan Gratz, the author of Refugee, clearly pointed this out.
For starters, invisibility for Josef helped him. Gratz explicitly stated on page twenty-two, “He laughed, and Josef smiled. Here they were, talking like two regular people, but Josef hadn’t forgotten he was Jewish. He hadn’t forgotten that if he were wearing his armband, this man wouldn’t be talking and laughing with him. He’d be calling for the police”. This textual evidence backs up our claim by proving that choosing invisibility helped Josef because it kept him safe. Alex, Kaitlyn, Megan, and I can infer that it probably also made Josef feel accepted since the man talked to him like a human being. To us, Josef probably felt real and most likely saw the reality of the situation.
For Mahmoud, invisibility kept him safe too. When Mahmoud kept himself from being “seen”, it kept him physically safe, and it kept him from finding himself attached to people. On page seventeen, Gratz explicitly stated, “If the bullies didn’t notice you, they didn’t hit you.” He also stated on the same page, “It was better not to have friends in Syria in 2015.” This textual evidence backs up our claim by proving Mahmoud’s state of mind. Alex, Kaitlyn, Megan, and I can infer that even though Mahmoud was making decisions, he was kind of similar to Waleed; he was a robot too. It is so upsetting to us to realize that children in different parts of our world deal with this. So, we do understand why someone would choose invisibility.
On the other hand, invisibility for Isabel was negative because like other Cubans, she was just not seen; in fact, they were starving. On page seven, Gratz explicitly stated, “The cat was so tiny it could only nibble at the beans. Its tummy purred like an outboard motor, and it butted its head against Isabel’s hand in between bites.” This textual evidence backs up our claim by showing a comparison between the Cubans and the cat. Alex, Kaitlyn, Megan, and I can guess that Gratz was telling his readers that if people stay invisible, they will die. So, choosing visibility was key because it could keep them alive. It would be difficult, but if one wants to survive, sometimes visibility is the answer.
In the end, depending on the situation and the time, one may have to choose invisibility versus visibility. People have to weigh the pros and cons, but if they want to survive, sometimes taking the tough road like choosing visibility is the best option. What do you think?
Alex, Kaitlyn, Megan, and I look forward to your response.
I think that it may be beneficial to be invisible for these groups of people for certain times. One reason is that no one notices you. A person is able to go and do whatever she wants without someone bothering or calling them out. Yet, I think that it there would be negative consequences. I understand that individuals face a silent or pointed persecution during this invisibility. The stares, pointing, and ignoring is just as detrimental to a person. I think that they are ignored unless they are found to be good targets. The invisibility almost becomes a larger target and bullseye on them, such as wearing the yellow stars was for the Jewish population during World War II. I am not sure anyone knows how it would feel unless it happens to them. How would you feel if a whole group of people totally ignored you always? I want you to think that means that others would ignore your calls for help, food, getting on a bus, going to the bathroom, and answering questions. That may not seem like much, but I want you to remember that as soon as you tried to do these things on your own without permission the target comes into play for you. Also, as an observer, would you follow the crowd and ignore or would you help? Would you do anything or ignore? Individuals had to face many difficult choices during these times. It is important to remember that choices do have consequences for all.
ReplyDeleteDear Mrs. Reis,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your response to our first blog. Kaitlyn, Alex, Megan, and I appreciate it.
Here are the answers to your questions:
In your first question you asked us, “How would you feel if a whole group of people totally ignored you always?” Alex, Kaitlyn, Megan, and I would feel left out. Being by yourself would feel lonely that is why it is important to not leave people out.
“As an observer, would you follow the crowd and ignore or would you help?” “Would you do anything or ignore?” Megan, Kaitlyn, and Alex said that they would follow the crowd because they feel it is safer. Megan, Kaitlyn, and Alex understand that stepping out can be difficult and hope when they are older, they feel more confident and stepping out and standing up. I think that I would help because I would not want to be left out by myself. I have been left out many times, and I hate that feeling.
BLOG # 2
ReplyDeleteThroughout the novel, Refugee, by Alan Gratz, he wrote about specific interactions. Why did he put these interactions into his novel? Gratz wrote about interactions to prove that there are some decent people out there in the world, and there are people who are willing to actually help in desperate times. Unfortunately, some people do not help at all. On page 127, Gratz explicitly stated, “ How long have you lived in Turkey? Mahmoud asked Mr. Nasseer. ‘Sixty-seven years now.’ Mr. Nasseer said smiling at Mahmoud in the rear view mirror.” Further on page 127, Gratz stated, “‘I will take you to it,’ Mr. Nasseer said, ‘and if it is not there, you can come back and stay with me.’” This textual evidence shows that not everyone is evil. Some people are kind-hearted, and it provides hope to Mahmoud's family.
Likewise, Gratz shows there is true kindness even in Josef’s situation. The Hitler Youth could have punished Josef or sent him to a concentration camp, but instead, he helped him. On page thirty-four, Gratz explicitly stated, “They came to the door of the Jewish train car, and the Hitler Youth spun Josef around. He glanced over his shoulder to make sure no one was listening. ‘What were you thinking?’ the boy whispered. Josef couldn’t speak. The boy thrust the armband at Josef’s chest. ‘Put that on. And don’t ever do that again,’ the Hitler Youth told Josef. ‘Do you understand?’” This evidence backs up our claim by proving that not all Germans believed in Hitler’s rule of law. Some had to be invisible in order to survive, but this boy came out of his invisibility in a small way that made a huge difference. It possibly saved his life and the life of his family. Gratz is telling us again that in desperate times, some people may step up to save others.
In Isabel’s situation, the tourists showed sympathy and compassion. When people are confronted with the truth, some may defy and help. On page 177, Gratz explicitly stated, “ Soon the rest of the tourists were hurrying back and forth to the café, buying bottles of water and bags of chips and tossing them into everyone’s hands on the boat.” This evidence backs up our claim by proving that kind-hearted people do exist. Our group talked about this situation, and we would hope that we would defy the authorities and help anyone who was starving or ill. Gratz is probably telling us to be visible and help. It is all about helping one another, human to human. What do you think?
I do believe it is important to help one another. Also, I think that the inference is that it is important to know and understand that individuals have to make difficult choices in life. In the readings, it has shown that a person can do nothing, but in the end there are positive and negative consequences with that. There are times to listen and learn, but there are also times to stand up and be visible just as the group has noted. I do believe that it is vital to learn from all situations. Most of the time learning occurs from watching, listening, and then practicing. These individuals learned that it is important to be helpful and kind to others. I understand that I continue to learn at my age. Also, I think at times then and even now that individuals are silent, because they are afraid of what others will say or do to them. Do you think that is true? I think it is important to listen, learn, and be respectful, but is it alright to speak your mind or do what is right in a positive manner? In the face of possible such hostilities and negative consequences to you, what could you alone have done, or are there different ways to go against such large group negative actions? Remember, to go review what you saw, heard, and practiced. These are issues that each of you may face as you get older. Think of each of the examples that you provided, and the age and time did not matter. To sum up, please remember to use what you are learning for good and to grow as a person.
DeleteDear Mrs. Reis,
ReplyDeleteThank you for responding. Megan, Kaitlyn, Alex, and I could hardly wait to receive your response and can't wait for your next one.
Here are the answers to your questions:
“Also, I think at times then and even now that individuals are silent, because they are afraid of what others will say or do to them. Then you asked us “Do you think it is true?” Megan, Kaitlyn, Alex, and I all think that it is true that others are afraid of speaking their mind to others because they are afraid of being bullied or brought down by their fellow students or just people in general.
“But is it alright to speak your mind or do what is right in a positive manner?” Megan, Alex, Kaitlyn, and I think that it is okay to speak your mind or do what is right in a positive manner because it's okay to have an opinion. But, it must be polite to not hurt someone’s feelings around you or hurt them in any other way.
“What would you alone have done, or are there different ways to go against such a large group of negative actions?” Megan, Alex, and I think that they would go against a large group of negative actions with a group of maybe two or three people with them to back them up on what were trying to say to stop the negative actions that the large group of people were saying or doing. Kaitlyn thinks that she would go by herself to confront a large group of people and their negative actions.
Blog # 3
ReplyDeleteMrs. Reis,
Megan and Alex combined their response since they were so similar. Kaitlyn and I wrote our own ideas.
Megan and Alex:
In the novel, Refugee, by Alan Gratz, Mahmoud realizes the following: “They only see us when we do something they don't want us to do.” Gratz is saying that every time refugees do something others do not want them to do, people see it because it interferes with their lives. If it does not affect them, it does not bother them, but the minute the refugees’ actions interfere, some people feel angry.
Sara:
In the novel, Refugee, Gratz is trying to point out to his readers that even though people are different our differences should be celebrated. People need to be tolerant of others. Gratz explicitly stated on page 214,“This wasn't what the tourists had paid for. They were supposed to be on holiday, seeing ancient ruins, and beautiful Greek beaches, not stepping over filthy, praying refugees.” On page 213, Gratz also stated, “Mahmoud was supposed to focus only on his prayers, but he couldn't help but notice the uneasy looks the tourists were giving them, the frowns of displeasure. Like Mahmoud, his brother, and this man were doing something wrong.” This evidence backs up my claim by proving that these people do not tolerate others. Some people think that other people who differ from them should be ashamed of the way they are, but Gratz is trying to make a point to his readers that just because you are different you should not change who you are for other people.
Kaitlyn:
Gratz is pointing out that he wants his readers to understand that being invisible is something that can be decent and horrible at the same time. On page 214 Gratz explicitly stated, “ They only see us when we do something they don’t want us to do”. Also, on page 214 Gratz stated, “The thought hit him like a lighting bolt. When they stayed where they were supposed to be - in the ruins of Aleppo or behind the fences of a refugee camp - people could forget about them.” This proves that being invisible can be decent and horrible at the same time because if they stay in the refugee camp, they could have shelter, food, and possibly be safer. On the other hand, the refugees may never move forward. Therefore, being seen or visible is better because moving forward makes change.
What do you think?
I think each of your responses is quite insightful. I believe that each of you has seen a different aspect of what Gratz’s writings mean. I see where being invisible does have its merits. I totally agree, it gives a person that chance to do things without anyone bothering them, and a person is allowed to be free without judgement when being invisible. Last, I see that being invisible can be good and bad at the same time. People may like independence, but they also are saddened with the lack of human connection. I think that all three responses are correct. My reading and understanding adds another layer. Do you think that the situations are a sign of total control? The people only see what a person does if it pleases them or maybe causes conflict. Often, The negative results of persecuting individuals have long term effects. Do you believe that people are more afraid to stand up for others if they see so much persecution? Do you think that it is a form of bullying? Individuals that treat others as invisible have much more motives than just the simple idea of ignoring. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteDear Mrs. Reis
ReplyDeleteKaitlyn, Megan, Alex, and I appreciate the time you take out of your day to respond to our blog.
Here are your questions that you have asked:
Do you think that the situations are a sign of total control?
Do you believe that people are more afraid to stand up for others if they see so much persecution?
Do you think that is a form of bullying?
Here are our answers:
Kaitlyn, Megan, Alex, and I think that the situations are a sign of total control because if they choose to not see the refugees, they are choosing to not engage with them. Whether that means helping or not helping them in their situation.
We all think that people would be more afraid if they saw persecution because they would be concerned for themselves and their families or that they would be injured in the result of helping other families in need.
We all agree that it is a form of bullying because it is causing harm to someone or something.
We look forward to blog question 4. Thank you!
Blog # 4
ReplyDeleteDear Mrs. Reis,
Thank you for our last response. We really appreciate it and cannot wait to see what you think Lito is inferring. We each have our own beliefs therefore we have our own separate paragraphs.
Sara:
Lito is inferring that he wanted to change his family’s future by giving them a chance at survival and freedom. Now that Lito is a refugee himself, he realizes that manana is not promised to anyone. Lito jumped into the water to distract the coast guard from capturing his familia and he was willing to risk his own life to save them. In the novel Refugee, by Alan Gratz, on page 277 Gratz explicitly stated, “Help!’ he cried waving his arms at the Coast Guard ship while at the same time swimming away from it. ‘Help me!’ he yelled. ‘He jumped in to distract them!’ Papi realized. ‘They’ll come for us first!’ Senor Castillo said. ‘No, he’s in danger of drowning. They have to rescue him!’ Amara cried.” This evidence backs up my claim by proving that Lito would do anything for his family, even if it means risking his own life to save their dream of living in Miami. Family means everything to Lito!
Megan:
Lito is inferring that he wants his granddaughter to be visible. Lito regrets not standing up and being visible on the St. Louis. He wishes that he would have helped out the families more than what he did. His hope for Isabel is that she does not make the same mistakes he did. Therefore, Lito would die to save his family from going back to Cuba.
Alex:
Lito was inferring that he did not help refugees on the St. Louis when he was younger. So he could not help them now, but he can change the outcome for his family who are now refugees. So he changed for the better so his family could be safe. On page 276, Gratz explicitly states, “‘Don't you see?’ Lito said. “The Jewish people on the ship were seeking asylum just like us. They needed a place to hide from Hitler. From the Nazis. Manana, we told them. We’ll let you in manana. But we never did”. Lito was crying now, distraught. ‘We sent them back to Europe to Hitler and the Holocaust. Back to their deaths.” Lito had finally noticed at this moment that he cannot let what happened to the Jewish people happen to them. At this moment he had changed.
Kaitlyn:
Lito is saying if he could go back and change something in life, he would have went to el norte when he had the chance. Gratz states on page 100, “‘I could have pulled the strings’, Lito said. ‘Called in favors. Gotten me and your grandmother off the island’ then you would’ve been born in el norte’ Ivan said”. This textual evidence backs up my claim by proving that Lito regrets not going to el norte when he had the chance. He feels that if he would have went, his family would not be in this position. Lito wants Isabel to learn this valuable life lesson...make yourself visible and put family first.
Our group finds it interesting that we each can read the same quote but come away with different interpretations. We are curious to see what you think Lito is inferring!
I think that it is important to note that each of you have valid points and supported with evidence. So, each of you is correct. I want you to understand that each of us may have different inferences, but there was a common denominator in each of your answers. My first question to the group is what was the common denominator- inference each of your responses had? When I read Lito’s narrative, I think that he matured and decided to stand up for what he believes in no matter the consequences. More importantly do you think that it was difficult for him to make that choice? At times, individuals have to make hard choices that are not pleasant, but in the end the outcome is worth the consequence. For example, I often talk to my students about studying for a test, and going over material for a period of time of more than a few minutes. The results for those that struggled and studied the results are usually positive. For those students that chose not to study, results are not usually so positive. This is an example that a person your age faces, now imagine a person of any age facing the consequences of helping and not helping. Each of you will have to think and figure out if decisions are worth the consequences now or later. I think it is important to learn from whatever we experience. As Lito shows, he learned and grew as a person. Also, he thought about more than himself. Would you be able to grow and learn from this kind of lesson?
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