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. Bopp,
ReplyDeleteCaleb, Trenton, Dalton and I are happy to have you as our community volunteer. Thank you for taking your time to work with us. We look forward to it.
Blog #1
How could it be positive and/or negative to be invisible in the situations of Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud? In Josef’s situation, it could be positive because if he does not talk or make himself visible, he may have the chance to leave Germany and travel to Cuba. On page six, Alan Gratz, the author of Refugee explicitly stated, “But the Nazis had told them to get out of Germany twice now, and the Landau family wasn’t going to wait around to see what the Nazis would do next.” This textual evidence backs up our claim by proving that staying invisible during that moment could keep them safe. Trenton, Dalton, Caleb, and I can infer that this moment was important because it was their safe way out so keeping quiet and following orders kept them alive at the moment. On the other hand, being invisible can be negative. It can be negative if Josef never speaks up because the same situation could happen over and over again. If people want change, they must speak up even if it can cost them their lives. Take the American Revolution. The British kept putting taxes on the Colonists, so the Colonists retaliated by boycotting the goods that Britain kept shipping. Because the people fought back, Britain sent troops to stop the retaliation, but in the end, the Colonists overthrew the king and won their independence. This shows that change can happen, but people must work together; there is power in numbers.
In Mahmoud's situation, it was positive to be invisible too. In order to keep himself from physical harm or even to stay alive, Mahmoud had to be invisible while living in Syria. Gratz explicitly stated on page seventeen, “If the bullies didn’t notice you, they didn’t hit you.” On the same page, Gratz wrote, “ Head down, hoodie up, eyes on the ground. The trick was to be invisible. Blend in. Disappear.” This textual evidence backs up our claim by proving that the strategy of invisibility was a way of life. Trenton, Dalton, Caleb, and I can guess that this strategy is still used today because Assad is still in power. On the other side of it, being invisible in Mahmoud’s situation can be negative as well because if he never stands up to the bullies and is just invisible to where he does not care about others anymore, the bullies will most likely continue their hatred. On page seventeen, Alan Gratz explicitly stated, “Within a year they had drifted apart not even speaking to each other as they passed in the hall.” This textual evidence backs up our claim by proving that if Mahmoud continues to stand back, his connections with others beside his family will just break. This is horrible because people need people to help solve problems. It goes back to what we said earlier...that there is power in numbers.
For Isabel, invisibility is negative. This is true because if Isabel chooses invisibility, she may starve and die. On page eight, Gratz explicitly stated, “Without Russia’s gas, they couldn’t run the tractors to change the fields over to food, and without the extra food, the Cuban people began to starve.” This textual evidence proves that if the people could not solve this problem or if it could not be fixed, the Cubans would run the risk of starvation. Our guess is that is why Isabel chose to be visible. Isabel is a problem solver and a fighter. Because of these qualities, most likely try her best to save her family and other families. Isabel’s visibility is a positive because she is making change. What do you think?
Trenton, Dalton, Caleb, and I look forward to reading your response.
Dear Deacon, Caleb, Trenton and Dalton,
ReplyDeleteWow! You had great thoughts regarding the positives and negatives of being invisible in the situations we find Josef, Isabel and Mahmoud. Josef is a pretty bold guy it seems, and it’s through that boldness he experiments with seeing if he is invisible or not. He had experienced absolute humiliation at the hand of his teacher who had him stand up front of the class to show how obvious it was to tell if a person was a Jew. In this situation, he wanted to crawl in a hole, or be invisible. Yet, when he is on the train, my heart started pumping as he removed the arm band and went into the car with the Germans. Clearly, he seemed invisible, although he was talking to people and making purchases. They could not tell he was not one of them. Being invisible created safety for him, and yet, it also made him very lonely and he desired to have human contact. He missed the friends he could no longer be friends with due to this crisis.
Isabel tried to stay invisible and wanted her father to as well so that he would not be in trouble. He had already been to jail. At the same time, she wanted to do whatever she could to get out of Cuba! Her grandfather wanted her dad to “lie low” instead of attempting to escape again, as he had tried and failed several times. So, she “slipped away” with her trumpet and cat. She didn’t want her family to see her while she sold her trumpet to get gas so she could help her family escape. In this case, being invisible was positive because they likely would not have allowed it. But without it, they couldn’t start their journey to a better tomorrow in America.
Mahmoud needed invisibility in a positive way where he would not be harmed. They followed the rules so they would not be noticed by others and stay out of trouble. But sometimes, they were unsure who was friend or foe. Had it just been them, they could have stayed invisible longer, but when the guys with guns came along and got in the car with them, that makes them more noticeable. You would rather be invisible than shot at. And where we stopped reading, Mahmoud talks about the huge group of refugees fleeing and they were invisible because those who were bombing and fighting were too busy to stop and notice them.
I like how you talked about the fact that if people stay invisible then change won’t come. It definitely takes some seriously brave people to sacrifice their lives for the sake of others and their futures. I appreciate that you took note of that, and that things worth changing mean you have to step out of your comfort zone and be noticed.
Dear Mrs. Bopp,
ReplyDeleteTrenton, Caleb, Dalton, and I greatly appreciate you taking the time out of your day to reply to our response. Thank you for your thoughts and ideas, and we agree with you. Trenton, Caleb, Dalton, and I are thankful for the brave people who sacrifice for our lives too, and we learned that if we want to make change, we must be visible.
We look forward to our next blog!
ReplyDeleteBlog #2
Dear Mrs. Bopp,
Caleb, Dalton, Trenton, and I are excited to work on blog two with you and can not wait for your response!
In the novel, Refugee, by Alan Gratz, he included the interactions with the Hitler Youth because he wanted the readers to see the different perspectives to help understand the troubled journeys throughout their lives. He wanted his readers to understand that not all Germans followed Hitler’s rule of law. For example, on page thirty-four, Gratz explicitly stated, “‘Put that on. And don’t ever do that again,’ the Hitler Youth told Josef. ‘Do you understand?’”This textual evidence backs up our claim because if the Hitler turned Josef in, Josef and his family could have been sent to a concentration camp or even killed on the spot. We can infer that even though the Hitler Youth seems to follow Hitler and his rule of law, he does not believe in it. Why else would the Hilter Youth help Josef? It is clear to us that Gratz is telling his readers that some people had to be invisible to survive their situation. This was the case for the Hitler Youth but he was willing to come out of invisibility because he sympathized with Josef’s plight.
Gratz included the information about Isabel and the tourists and giving them enough food and water to make it to Florida alive. This shows the readers that compassion for others sometimes fuels actions. On page 177, Gratz explicitly stated, “Before they could get they could get the engine started one of the tourists tossed down a bottle of water to Señora Castillo. 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 there are people who will defy authority and try to help those in need, especially in life and death situations. It makes us question what we would do if we were in a similar situation. We would hope that we could make a difference for the better.
Even further, Mr. Nasseer was willing to help the Bishara family by giving them a place to sleep. Since Mr. Nasseer was a refugee too, he could relate. On page 127, Gratz explicitly stated, “‘You take a boat to Greece? Tonight?’ He also said, ‘If it’s there, I will take you to it and if it’s not there you can come and stay with me.’” This evidence backs up our claim by showing that Mr. Nasser knows what it feels like to be a refugee so he was willing to help so the Bishara family does not have to go through what he went through. This tells us that people who can relate or try to relate may make a big difference for others. Maybe, Gratz is telling us to try to relate to others in order to help others. What do you think?
Dear Deacon, Trenton, Caleb and Dalton!
ReplyDeleteBeing able to relate to others and showing empathy is a great way to connect with people. Fear sometimes keeps us from showing our compassion or empathy because we do not know if we will be shunned for it or punished in some way at times. In the refugee situation, I think Mr. Gratz does want us to see that people are kind and compassionate and want to help those they see are in need. People may feel conflicted about what the "rules" are and how they feel as a person. We can even understand why countries don't just let anyone in "willy-nilly" without checking them out first, as they could be dangerous or have diseases, etc. At the same time, we do not like to see others suffer. In the cases you have mentioned, Mr. Gratz shows us that even though there are rules to be followed, people are willing to step up and be helpful to give encouragement to those in the struggle. There is a saying...where there's a will, there's a way. If we are willing to help, we can usually find a way to do so. In my job, the company puts certain rules in place, but if I see someone who needs financial help, even if I can't personally do it because I am employed there, then I can seek out my church or a different organization that can. I have friends who are going to a refugee camp in Greece this March to help with refugees - maybe they can't help here in the US but they can get to the refugees somewhere else. All that to say, maybe something this big won't come up for you in your life, but you can use the everyday problems you see around you to be a light to someone else and help them out. No one has ever regretted showing kindness and compassion.
Dear Mrs. Bopp,
ReplyDeleteTrenton, Caleb, Dalton, and I appreciate your response to blog 2 and look forward to our next blog!
Blog 3
ReplyDeleteDear Mrs. Bopp,
Trenton, Dalton, Caleb, and I are excited to work on blog three with you.
In the novel, Refugee, by Alan Gratz, he explicitly stated, “They only see us when we do something they don’t want us to do.” The point that Alan Gratz is trying to make is that when some people see other people do something that they do not find “normal”, they may think it is the wrong thing to do. Sometimes, when it affects someone’s life, people notice and may not be accepting either. On page 214 Gratz explicitly stated, “ The tourists 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 that when some people see difference, they may not think it is right; they may assume it is wrong. Even further, when it negatively affects or interrupts someone’s life, some people are unhappy about it. Mahmoud and his family were received disgusted looks just because they are refugees. They looked dirty and disheveled, and they were practicing their religion that others may not understand or may not associate. It was also interrupting their vacation so that may be why the tourists were upset too. Gratz included this quote to tell his readers that different is not always terrible. You should never judge someone about anything unless you know what they have been through. It is important to understand someone’s situation.
What are your thoughts?
I remember the first time I read the statement, "They only see us when we do something they don't want us to do." And, I thought, that is so true! It's that way all around us because when people blend in and are acting the same as we perceive to be normal and right, we can just zone out around them. However, when people do something we perceive to be not just out of the ordinary but it threatens our comfort zone, we really take notice, and as you stated, judge them or the situation. In this particular instance with Mahmoud, not only are they sticking out like a sore thumb because they praying, (and religion can be a very sticky topic when it isn't in line with your belief system), they look like their reality - no sleep, no bathing, stressed out, etc. When people are on vacation, they do not want to be reminded of their real-world problems. They want to put real world out of their mind. Now they are faced with the uncomfortable feeling of living the good life while others are suffering! Maybe they even feel guilt at not helping them in their situation. I was also thinking, in Josef's situation, that when his dad was rambling on and on and acting out, Josef was worried that people would be afraid and therefore, not allow them into Cuba because they were afraid of his stability. But can you even imagine what they have seen and experienced? If we could be in their footsteps, we could understand and be compassionate and we wouldn't judge so harshly and feel so threatened. Instead, our hearts could be broken and our minds would search for ways to be helpful. I love that you guys thought that thought, too...less judgement and more digging in to find understanding.
ReplyDeleteDear Mrs. Bopp,
ReplyDeleteIt is hard for us to imagine being a refugee since we have not been in that situation. However, we have discussed “walking a mile in someone else’s shoes”. We hope that if ever in need of assistance, there would be someone to help. From reading this novel, blogging, and class discussions, we hope to become more aware of not being quick to judge people.
Dalton, Trenton, Caleb, and I greatly appreciate your response and look forward to blog 4.
Blog #4
ReplyDeleteWhy did Lito jump off the side of the boat? Why does Lito want Isabel to change the world?
Lito jumped off the boat because he did not want his family going back to Cuba after all that they have been through. Lito also jumped because he felt badly about turning his back on Josef and the other passengers so he wanted to try and make things right by helping his family reach America. On page 227 Gratz explicitly stated, “I'm not going to make the same mistake twice. Take care of your mother and baby brother for me.” This textual evidence backs up our claim by proving that Lito cared for his family and since he could not go back to help Josef and the other passengers on the MS St.Louis, he wanted to make it right with his family. Lito also wants Isabel to change the world. In order for her to do this, Lito may have to leave so Isabel can stand up, stand out so she has no regrets. Lito does not want Isabel to make the same mistake he did. On page 277 Gratz explicitly stated, “ He kissed Isabel on the cheek, surprising her and then stood up and and jumped into the ocean.” This evidence backs up our claim because it shows that Lito truly sacrificed himself so his family could possibly make it to Miami and live a life of no regrets. Yes, Gratz has pointed out that he wants people to be visible and help others. But, he is also pointing out that we need to always try to help others if possible so we do not live with regret. There is no shame in helping others.
I don't know about you, but when the author shared about Lito having been on the boat with Josef, my mind was blown. You might say hindsight is 20/20, right? We don't see things as clearly when we are in the moment, unless we get to experience it again, and now he is. He sees the ability to allow someone to find freedom, the family he loves! He would do anything to help them accomplish this, including self sacrifice. Without that sacrifice, his family wouldn't have made it. Change for them would not have come. He also wants to inspire his grand-daughter to make the most of the opportunity she is being given. If she had gone back - there would have been even more hopelessness and grief due to the failure. If they had, had to go back, they would know how hard it is to survive and get to America, so maybe they would be less willing to try again. In this way, she has literally a whole knew world to explore and a whole new life to strive for! I'm sure Lito was sad to leave his family, but at the same time, ecstatic that they have the opportunity to live the "American Dream". I know, as a parent, I want to make life for my family better than they would have it without me. I want to be able to bless my kids and grand kids in ways that maybe my parents could not. I also want to see other people live to their potential and have opportunities, and maybe I can be a small part in helping by sacrificing my time or money. I have really enjoyed reading this book with you and seeing your insights. I hope you remember these things and look at people through different eyes and for ways to be generous with your time and money to influence change for the better!
ReplyDeleteDear Mrs. Bopp,
ReplyDeleteWe greatly appreciate your response to our blog!
We felt the same way when we made the connection that Lito was a police officer on the St. Louis with Josef.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, experience, and advice throughout this blog.