From the beginning of the novel, Okada writes in a close third perspective centered around Ichiro; on the other hand, chapter six starts and continues in a close third that focuses on Kenji. How does the switch to Kenji’s family arc add to the conversation about the relationship between the issei and nissei that Ichiro presents?
What does Mr. Carrick represent in the novel? Is his function in the narrative problematic?
What does Mr. Carrick represent in the novel? Is his function in the narrative problematic?
How does Ichiro and Kenji’s pasts affect their discussion on the concept of “the American,” race, and ethnically congregated communities?
“The Jews, the Italians, the Poles, the Armenians, they’ve all got their communities.” (147)
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ReplyDeleteIchiro and his family is in stark contrast to Kenji and his family and really represents generational conflict. There is a deep divide of ideological differences between the generations in the Yamada household. Ichiro's mother only seems to acknowledge him because of his refusal to serve in the war but Kenji's relationship with his dad is that of (reluctant)acceptance and support. It is this acceptance and flexibility that is keeping the Kanno family together.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to Mr. Carrick, he is one of the characters who is actually sympathetic to those like Ichiro. I believe he represents the irony behind internment and patriotism. Is it so wrong for Ichiro to refuse to serve when his country had put it's Japanese citizens and residents into camps?
I think that Mr. Carrick's character is in the novel to show that there was a small minority of America critical of America's actions. I don't see his function as problematic but I see him as a glimpse of hope for Ichiro.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Kenji wants to see America move on from racial conflicts. I believe that immigrants seek these congregated communities because of comfortability and a sense of inclusion. There are factors of culture, language, and accessibility of needs that lead to ethnically congregated communities.
ReplyDeleteThe shift from close third on Ichiro to Kenji highlights the different dynamics within immigrant families. Through the close third shifts we can see the different factors that affect the relationship between Ichiro, Kenji and their fathers. With Ichiro we see how the intense grip on Japanese culture to the point of rejecting American culture causes tensions between the mother and the rest of the family and how that tension affects the relationship between Ichiro and his father. The mother’s instability and the father’s drunkenness don’t create an environment for healthy conversations, thus, keeping Ichiro bitter and causing the family’s tensions to increase. On the other hand, we see how Kenji’s family, although still going through some kind of struggle, have a more functional relationship. There are no overbearing tensions from others in the family that affect Kenji and his father’s relationship. They have also had conversations that strengthened their relationship. The shift was able to give us such intimate details on both characters and, thus, giving us a larger perspective on relationships within immigrant families.
Mr. Carrick represents a physical embodiment of a counterargument to Ichiro’s woes and worries. Ichiro constantly worries about how his decision will prevent him from ever being approached, hired, or accepted. Mr. Carrick shows him that there are people in the world who do not care about his decision as much as Ichiro believes. He demonstrates a ray of hope in Ichiro’s despondent life.
The strain between their Japanese and American identities in their pasts (the war, public rhetoric) cause Ichiro and Kenji to regard Americanism as separate from any other culture. They view American values and the values of their “hometown’s” culture in opposition. They don’t regard ethnic enclaves as an ideal way of being American.
Regarding the novel No-No Boy, I couldn't agree more with Amira's statements. First of all, Ichiro's life is defintely much more intense than Kenji's. Ichiro's life is always convoluted and full of disruptions while Kenji tries to keep his life on point and rather structured. Ichiro's social identity is still fractured and dissolved after what happened during the World War 2 era. The constant betrayal of the homeland he immigrated to made him want to return to his home country. Thought his beliefs constantly contradict with his mother's who is on the opposite side of the spectrum. In other words, his mother loves America, Ichiro doesn't. Through different viewpoints, we see paramount points of views from both characters. On the other hand, Mr. Carrick is the complete polar opposite of Ichiro. Mr. Carrick represents the sunny side up of Ichiro's constant levels of dismay and sadness. Mr. Carrick thinks that Ichiro is looking too deep into the rabbit hole.
ReplyDeleteThe shift to Kenji's family shows the differences between Japonese American families. In the case of Ichiro, the relationship with his father was not good because he celebrated and remember the problems in the house by drinking. He wanted to find a solution to the problems in the house by drinking. Now in the other side Ichiro's mother decided to considered that all the problems will b'e resolved by believing that japan won the war and she will go to her country. However Kenji's family was passing through difficult situations too but they have a different point of view of how to resolve problems and the same time maintain a relationship with the members of the family.
ReplyDeleteMr. Carrick represents the little light in the middle of the storm in the novel, because he show Ichiro that they are other news things he has to experience. Even though Ichiro's decision of leaving the army Mr. Carrick wanted to show him there is still hope.
Kneji wants to make clear everybody look for the nationalities because they feel identified with it.Now the immigrants look for the community they correspond because of their culture, language and for new opportunities.