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?
Blog #1
ReplyDeleteDear Mrs. Meese,
Mazie, Gene, Keegan, and I appreciate the time you are giving up to work with our group. We look forward to your responses.
Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud were all invisible in both positive and negative ways. Being invisible for Josef could be positive because hiding from the Nazis would be easier than the alternative. In the novel, Refugee, by Alan Gratz he explicitly stated on page four, “Don’t be so quick to grow up, boy,” the Brownshirt told Josef. “We’ll come for you soon enough.” This evidence backs up our claim by proving being invisible would make it easier for Josef to hide from the Nazis; in fact, it would possibly keep him alive. One can infer if Josef stayed in his country, he would be taken just like his father when he grew older. Common sense tells us Josef and his family needed to flee their country as soon as possible before they came for Josef too; it was a matter of survival. Being invisible could also be negative for Josef because he may not have been able to protect his family since his father was taken away. Gratz explicitly stated on page three, “The Brownshirt ignored Papa and nodded at the other men. Two Nazis yanked Josef’s father to his feet and dragged him toward the door.
This evidence backs up our claim by stating since his father was taken away, he thought it was his responsibility to take care of his family. It would only be natural for a young boy to try to step into his father’s shoes. Mazie, Keegan, Gene, and I can infer that Josef would do anything to keep his family safe since there is nothing more important than family. Common sense tells us Josef is eager to grow up and take on his own responsibilities so to do this he must choose invisibility and/or visibility depending on the situation.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, being invisible could be a positive for Isabel because she could stay away from the rioting. Gratz explicitly stated on page twenty-eight, “The policeman’s eyes flashed from anger to surprise, and then back to anger. He reared back again to hit Isabel, and she flinched. But the blow never came. Another policeman had caught his arm! Isabel blinked. She recognized the new policeman. He was Luis Castillo, Iván’s older brother.” This evidence backs up our claim by proving Isabel could have easily been hit by a policeman because she made herself visible. Mazie, Keegan, Gene, and I understand that Isabel was trying to protect her father from being arrested again. Isabel knew that if her father was arrested again, it would hurt the family, and his life could be in danger. In the end, Isabel would do anything to keep her family together, even if that meant taking a hit for her father. But, on the other hand, invisibility could be a negative for Isabel because nobody may notice she and others were starving. In the novel, Refugee, Gratz explicitly stated on page seven, “The kitten wasn't too much different from her, Isabel realized: thin, hungry, and in need of a bath.”
This evidence backs up our claim by explaining Isabel may starve if she stays in a state of invisibility. We can infer if Isabel was invisible, she would not have all her needs met; therefore, Isabel could be a different person if she chose to be invisible. At this point in 1994, Isabel had a fight in her that would soon go away if she chose to be invisible.
ReplyDeleteEven further, being invisible for Mahmoud could be positive because he may not be beaten up by bullies. Gratz explicitly stated on page sixteen, “With a battle cry that would have made wolverine proud, he launched Khalid’s attackers. And he had been beaten up as badly as Khalid. From that day forward, Mahmoud and Khalid were marked. The two older boys became Mahmoud and Khalid’s own personal bullies, delivering repeated beatdowns between classes and after school. That's when Mahmoud and Khalid and learned how valuable it was to be invisible.” This evidence backs up our claim by showing that when Mahmoud decided to be invisible, the bullies did not bully them anymore. We can infer Mahmoud had been through so much emotionally and physically, including the missile attacks that happened daily as well. Unfortunately, Mahmoud had seen more than most children his age, and violence changes people. Common sense tells us Mahmoud may grow up to be strong and independent because he had already been through so much that he was maturing quickly or he could end up like Waleed… emotionless. Gratz explicitly stated on page thirteen, “ His teeth looked too big for his head, and when he smiled he looked like a cartoon squirrel. Not that Waleed smiled much anymore. Mahmoud couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen his brother laugh, or cry, or show any emotion whatsoever. This proves that when Mahmoud chose to be invisible, there was a chance he would feel nothing, because he turned into a “nothing”. Gratz may be telling his readers that in times of war, people respond in different ways.
Some may be visible and fight back, some may be invisible and hope the troubles fade, but some may turn inward because of the shock, especially for one so young.
ReplyDeleteOverall, for some people, it may be better to stay invisible for their safety. But, for some, fighting back or being visible is the answer. It really depends on the situation; in our opinion, this is what Gratz is pointing out when he repeats the theme of invisibility.
What do you think about our response? Mazie, Keegan, Gene, and I look forward to your response.
Grace, Mazie, Keegan, and Gene,
ReplyDeleteYou asked what I think about your response. I think it was well-thought out, well-researched, and well-written. Thank you for you "visibility!" This book brings out so much inner conflict, forcing characters to weigh their options. I would usually think that in life, it is easier to be invisible because it means not taking risks. In Gratz's book, however, being invisible and being visible both risks. I keep thinking back to pages 12 and 13 where the author describes Mahmoud as being "under the radar" for survival. While I would probably choose survival if I were in his situation, survival comes with the cost of losing you sense of connection with other people and even your own identity. I have some friends who are going to work in a Syrian refugee camp in Greece at the end of this month. One friend was there 2 years ago. She talked about a person she met, Umbrella Boy, who had left his family and traveled alone from Afganistan to the refugee camp in Greece at age 17. How invisible he must have felt to be in a camp filled with refugees, but alone with no one to care for him and no loved ones to connect with him. Gratz's story is a good reminder for me to think about those in our school and community to are choosing to be invisible because it is a safe choice. Maybe a connection in the form of a smile or friendly,"hello," would make them feel more visible, connected, and valuable as a human being.
Mazie, Gene, Keegan, and I appreciate your response and look forward to working on blog two with you!
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ReplyDeleteDear Mrs. Meese,
Mazie, Gene, Keegan, and I appreciate the time you are giving up to work with our group. We look forward to your response.
Gratz could have included the interaction between the Hitler Youth and Josef because it helps show that once the armband is in sight he became visible again. In the novel, Refugee, by Alan Gratz, he explicitly stated on page eighteen, “The bright yellow Star of David the Landaus wore were like magical talismans that made them disappear.” This evidence backs up our claim by proving the armband can make them turn invisible; people do not see them because they were considered inferior. One can infer that Gratz wanted to show that when Josef had his armband off, the concession stand man saw him as like himself, a fellow German. This man talked to him and sold him a newspaper. But once Josef dropped the armband and the Hitler Youth found it he took him to the door of the Jewish train car and Josef became invisible again. Common sense tells us Gratz wants to show the symbolism of the armband; it truly marked people.
Gratz might have included the interaction between Samih Nasseer and the Bishara family because it helps show that people have gone through the same obstacles. If so, then they are more likely to help them. In the novel, Refugee, by Alan Gratz, he explicitly stated on page 127, “‘You are Syrian, yes? Refugees?’ the man asked. ‘I know what it's like I am a refugee too, from Palestine.’” This evidence backs up our claim by showing Mr. Nasseer had sympathy for Mahmoud’s family since he walked a mile in their shoes. One can infer that Nasseer can understand what Mahmoud’s family has gone through and knows how hard it is. Common sense tells us Gratz might be trying to show that you have to have gone through everything they did to truly understand.
Gratz might have included the interaction between the Fernandez family, the Castillo family, and the tourists at the Bahamas because he wanted to show that some people do not agree with the government. In the novel, Refugee, by Alan Gratz he explicitly stated on page 175, “Behind the officers, one of the tourists who knew Spanish was translating for the others. Some of them looked upset and started arguing with the authorities.” This evidence backs up our claim by stating not everyone agrees with the government's actions toward the refugees. One can infer Gratz wanted to include the situation between the tourists and the authorities because Gratz wanted to show that they did not want to leave the families with nothing in the middle of the ocean. Common sense tells us that the tourists might have witnessed other refugees come to the Bahamas and be denied access to the island. These people probably empathized with Isabel’s family and friends so they did what they could to help.
Thank you for reading our response, and we are looking forward to your next response.
Grace, Mazie, Keegan, and Gene.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your thoughts about why Gratz included the interactions. During a time when the Nazi’s were strong, dominant, and hateful, the Hitler Youth momentarily steps out of his position of authority and offers Josef protection and assistance. Showing the compassion deep in his heart, it seems as if he drops his “Nazi Youth hat,” and puts on his “compassion hat.” He talks to Josef like a peer when he asks, “What were you thinking?” Just for this instance, he takes Josef’s perspective and can feel Josef’s fear and vulnerability. He chose compassion and gave Josef hope as he proceeded on his journey.
In the exchange between Mr. Nasser and the Bishara family, Mr. Nasser states, “I know what that’s like.” I feel that, out of the three exchanges, Mr. Nasser is most able to take the perspective of the refugees, for he himself had been a refugee for sixty-seven years. I find it interesting that, even though Mr. Nasser was a successful business man, he continued in a state of waiting and hopefulness to go home. Perhaps Gratz included this exchange to help us learn to see the positives in a bad situation and never give up hope.
Since I actually traveled to the Bahamas last summer, the interactions with the tourists were the most striking to me. I remembered playing in the ocean and laying on the beach. What would I have done if a little rickety boat full of wet, dirty, smelly refugees drifted up to shore? Gratz brings out a basic compassion for human beings. The refugees are having to choose between life and freedom. Gratz shows that the tourists questioned the authorities in an attempt to bring about compassion. The Cuban families’ lives were in the hands of the authorities, yet they were bound by law to either turn them away or deport them. I can’t help but wonder if they were able to take the refugees’ perspective like the Hitler Youth was, but, since they were being watched by a crowd, didn’t feel that they could act on the compassion in their hearts. By providing relief for the refugees, the tourists offered them hope and a chance at life.
I believe Gratz is showing that most people are able to see someone else’s perspective and are willing to act to offer help and hope. We can try to think that we are superior to others because of wealth, ability, or status, but in all reality, each of us is just a person vulnerable to life’s ups and downs. Neither the Hitler Youth nor the tourists had been in the same position as the refugees, but they understood that the refugees were people, just like them, and acted on the compassion in their hearts. They took the refugee’s perspective as best as they could, reached out, and offered hope for the journey. We may not see refugees in Robinson, but we have students and community members who are desperately needing us to see life from their perspective, reach out a hand, and offer hope for the journey.
My friends are leaving for the refugee camp in Lesbos on February 27th! It is a real place overcrowded with real people like you and me. I will let you know how their trip is going if I have any communication from them. I am not sure if I will or not. I look forward to Blog #3.
Mazie, Gene, Keegan and I appreciate your response and are excited to start on blog three!
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ReplyDeleteThe point that Gratz might be trying to make by saying, “They only see us when we do something they don't want us to do.” could be because the tourists were expecting to see ancient ruins and Greek beaches so it might have thrown them off when they got on and saw refugees. In the novel, Refugee, by Alan Gratz, he 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.” This evidence backs up our claim by proving the tourists thought they were going sightseeing, but instead they saw a sight that they did not want to face. The refugees probably looked tired and scared. Other refugees could have also been floating in the ocean treading water similar to Mahmoud and his mother. Treading water takes up alot of their energy so it makes sense they would be tired, and after everything the refugees have been through no wonder they would look scared. The tourists might not have been through the things the refugees have been through, just the fact that the refugees are dirty and on the ferry. They made a judgement based on only what they witnessed, not fully understanding someone’s plight or understanding the differences in all of us. This is most likely what Gratz is telling his readers. We need to walk a mile in someone’s shoes, and we need to accept differences. What are your thoughts?
I agree with your claim that "the tourists made a judgment based on only what they witnessed, not fully understanding someone's plight or understanding the differences in all of us." If they had known all that the refugees had gone through, they might have shown more compassion, as did the tourists that Isabel encountered in the Bahamas. Having seen the little boat with holes coming across the ocean, the Bahamian tourists were able to catch a glimpse of more of the background besides just the picture of what was happening at that particular moment in time. The tourists had intended on putting aside the cares of life and take time to focus on beauty, comfort, and maybe even luxury. They were faced with the discomfort of people who detracted from their beautiful surroundings and understanding of their environment. I think of all the times I have made a judgment or assumption based on what I see at that moment. For example, thinking that someone is unfriendly because they don't smile at me at Wal-Mart, when I don't know that their mother had just been diagnosed with cancer or they are dealing with their children's poor choices that are weighing heavily on them. I might think they don't respect others enough to clean up before they come to town, when they have been up all night caring for the sick in their family and, in their exhaustion, just made a quick trip in for more medicine. My opinion is that we should give others a little grace, remembering that we don't always know their situation.
ReplyDeleteMy friends arrived in Lesbos last weekend. They encountered an alarming situation. The government and the citizens who live on Lesbos are not wanting more refugees to come on the island. They have supported and helped refugees for several years now when countries around them have not. They have taken so many refugees, but are finally at their breaking point. Greece is no longer accepting refugees, but there are still boatloads of refugees that have made the difficult journey similar to Mahmoud, but are being turned away with nowhere to go. There are riots in the streets and violence toward those who are there to help refugees (such as my friends and other missionaries and humanitarians). My friends flew to safety in Athens yesterday and are going to help in another refugee camp there. They are afraid that they won't be very helpful, since most of the relief workers will be in the same place. While I am relieved that my friends are safe, my heart breaks for the people who have no hope and are being turned away - seen when they are doing something Greece doesn't want them to do.
Dear Mrs. Meese,
ReplyDeleteWe agree that the Bahamian tousrists had a firsthand view of the refugees.
Thank you for the information on your friends. Mrs. Fuller had shared pictures they had posted on social media. We are also glad they are safe but upset that refugees are being turned away.
We look forward to blog 4.
Blog #4
ReplyDeleteLito is inferring that he feels badly for not helping the passengers on the MS St. Louis when he had the chance. In the novel, Refugee, by Alan Gratz, he explicitly stated on page 221, “I'm just doing my job.” Josef looked deep into Officer Padron’s eyes, searching for some sign of help, some hint of sympathy. Officer Padron just looked away.” This textual evidence backs up our claim by proving that Lito wishes taking action and helping the passengers on board the ship when he could. Lito had the opportunity to help the passengers, but instead he just insisted on doing his job. One can infer Lito now knows he made the mistake of not helping. Lito told Isabel he did not want to make the same mistake twice. Common sense tells us that Lito wanted to take action unlike when he was with Josef on the MS St. Louis. He did not want to go the rest of his life regretting not helping his family. He is already living with the guilt of not helping the passengers, and he did not want to live with the guilt of not helping his family. On the boat with his family, Lito kept repeating the word, mañana. Mañana was repeated on the MS St. Louis when the Jews were wondering when they could get off the ship. But, for the Jews, tomorrow never came, and Lito blames himself for not helping.
Thank you for reading our response, and we are looking forward to your next response.
I absolutely agree. How sad for Lito that he has lived with this guilt for so long. It is also so sad that he lost his life in effort to give his family a better tomorrow. This is a good reminder for us to do what we can each day to help others. Don't wait until "manana" to make a difference in someone's life. It might mean not going along with your friends when they ignore someone who has friends. I think of "following orders" as going along with friends for your age. Don't be afraid to stand up and show kindness to others. It will keep them from waiting for manana and keep you from living with something you regret.
ReplyDeleteI am glad your teachers are telling you about the group. they have lots of stories and I hope you will get to hear from them some day.
Thank you for your advice on showing kindness to others. We also hope to hear from the group when they return.
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