2/28 Response

Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo is certainly a horse of a different color in relation to different books of the ethnographic and research variety. Boo writes her story as one would write a fictitious novel, making it all the more interesting and enriching. Even now, though I feel slightly embarrassed by this fact, I find myself referring to persons real and actual as characters before giving myself a mental slap on the hand for doing so. In regards to style, I hope to carry some of this over in my essay- but some of what? Simply, I would to carry over some of the interest Boo can spark, as well as her creativity in language.  My favorite passage that exemplifies this is when Boo talks about the prosecution of Robert the Zebra Man on pages 235-237. As per the importance of the content, I find it is great in spreading awareness. Awareness of what? Many things. The potential lives and struggles of those less fortunate than ourselves. What, sometimes, freedoms we enjoy every single day can cost-- and can cost, sometimes, people we know nothing of. It makes you greatly consider what can truly be going on in the world. In this case, we were simply shown it by learning the lives of the Annawadians.

Criticisms I have on Behind the Beautiful Forevers would be as follows. On a note of possible improvement, that there should be some way and time in which Boo reminds us that these are real people and situations. Though the way she wrote made everything very fresh and readable, as I mentioned before- I often forgot that the people we spoke of were real and actual! Even the very beginning of the book is written in this fashion. It was not so much dehumanizing of the situation, but it seemed to be put it in a whole different world. The police came in the night for Abdul and his family, and he would hide among the garbage in the moonlight. A daring escape by one of our protagonists! -But wait, we forget, he is not simply a 'protagonist', he was, in fact a real person. From the beginning, I struggled to remind myself of this with Boo's alluring novelistic style.

On note of things that are executed quite excellently is the same thing I have heralded all through this post, as well as criticized briefly, which is Boo's use of creative language and style. She is able to paint scenes in your head and make you care about the people of Annawadi. She can project feelings to you in a way that is genuine. For example, I cite again the pages 235-237. Boo references the irony that makes the children of Annwadi laugh, in that justice had finally come into an almost lawless place in the name of horses that were still treated better than anyone else; and I find that I too laughed and felt this twinge of irony in my chest as opposed to just recognizing it. I will applaud any author that can bring such emotion forth in me in something that is of a seemingly more academic subject. Hats off to the missus Katherine Boo!

All in all, it is a read I quite enjoyed and hope to draw inspiration from in my own ethnographic work.

Boo response

Something that really impresses me about the way Boo writes is how she tells the story without any indication of all the research that went behind it. She refrains completely from telling us how she found the information or the conversations she had with the characters, and instead, masterfully puts the facts together to create an interesting storyline. She doesn’t explain how she experienced the circumstances or how she knows how the characters react to them, which I could imagine would be extremely challenging. She indulges in the characters personality and thoughts in such a deep way, describing them precisely and intricately, showing in a discrete manner just how much effort she put into really understanding how they thought about the situation and what was going on in India. For example, when describing Manju, I admire the way she describes her thoughts and feelings as if she is inside her head. On page 62, she dives into Manju’s character, saying, “Manju wasn’t too interested in money. She hungered for virtue, a desire that was partly a fear. When studying, she sometimes fingered the sea on her neck from a night, years ago when she’d stolen money from her moth to buy chocolates.” It really shows me how carefully Boo paid attention to even the littlest of character traits from all involved in the book.

On the other hand, I think I would like to know a little bit more of what Boo was thinking when she was writing all of this. To be able to see inside her head would add a lot to the story, for me. I am curious of how she connected to these people and just what she did to get on such a personal level with them. 

For 2/28

I would say that the most important thing I learned style wise from Katherine Boo would be how to write in an unbiased way.  It’s very difficult to write about something without accidently getting a thought of your own mixed in.  This can saw the reader’s opinion on the topic to however you presented it, so it is important to try to keep things neutral so that the reader can make their own decisions on the topic.  I think one of the most difficult times to keep a neutral outlook when writing is during a fight: but Boo is able to on pages 88-89 during the fight between Fatima and Zehrunisa.  Then again one page 93 when Kehkashan and Fatima fight the reader is not told anything that would make them choose one side of the fight over the other, they get to choose who they think is right on their own.  Behind the Beautiful Forevers overall has made me more aware on how some people have to live in order to survive, which makes me more thankful that I am as fortunate as I am not to have to live as they do.  My only criticism is that from the way I was reading the book I kept forgetting that this actually happened, to me it felt more like Boo created everything she wrote about.  Usually I don’t have this problem when reading nonfiction books.  I’m not sure if it was just the way I was reading it or if it was because of the style Boo used.    

Post for 2/28

For me the most important thing I learned was that slum-dwelling people are just the same as the rest of us, but perhaps with a bit more grit. And I think the "grit" part of the equation can be misconstrued by those of a "higher class." Knowing what I know about poor rural people and urban people alike, there's such a common thread of doing what's needed to survive, with so much of everything else being just background noise. For them, it's much more about basic survival than it is about etiquette, morals, "proper" language, and other things that those in the upper echelons of society place such a heavy importance on.

Boo created a true sense of narrative with her stories, which aids in keeping the reader's interest and attention. Her method of weaving in personality traits, habits, and thoughts of the people she studied was very well done. She never made the descriptions of these things very overt, it always felt like it was casually mentioned. But doing this throughout the whole book really got you to know the characters by the end.
She also did a great job of describing the events that took place in the book (Fatima's death, the court trials, Abdul's stint in the juvenile detention center) with the perspective of multiple characters. This helped the reader fully understand the ramifications of the events, and how each character viewed the event and it's consequences. I will admit that at times I felt a little disconnected from the people I was reading about, and I feel that the narrative style may have contributed to that a little. I'm not sure how I would change her method to fix this feeling; perhaps a change in perspective or multiple perspectives, instead of a constant third person?

Due 02/28/13

The most important thing I learned from reading this book was how similar all cultures are no matter how different the customs and languages may be. Each culture has unique characteristics that make them particular, yet reading this novel made me think about the similar situations that can occur in every other culture. Saying that the United States is the opposite of Annawadi would result in a massive fallacy. Though we cannot completely relate to what living in a slum might be like, we can clearly see that what happens in slums is no different than what happens in parts of the United States.  Similar types of people exist in the midst of our own culture; both good and bad. Katherine Boo clearly illustrated each character in a way that allowed the reader to think about the manner in which some of the individuals acted as a result of their surroundings. I admire Boo’s writing style because she not only included narrative, but she also tied in the facts of this culture in very subtle instances. In the description of Manju, Boo describes Manju’s aspirations, desires, scenarios and thoughts that mold together to create an overall depiction of Annawadi from Manju’s perspective. Katherine Boo does this for most of the characters; this type of narrative is fascinating because it shows perspective from so many different characters. A great part of my criticism is positive due to the great enjoyment I received in reading this novel. Slight disappointment occurred at the end of the story when Boo decides to close the novel awaiting Abdul’s trial. I felt like it was cut short since the overall story is so descriptive. At the same time, the way it ended made me put in to thought what could have occurred, how it would have affected Abdul, and what Abdul’s life might like now.

due for 2.28

The most important thing I learned personally, was a deeper understanding of social interaction within slum life in India. Boo did a very effective job of describing and communicating the discussions, arguments and overall interaction of the different characters within this book. She weaved together the different families she centered on through their social interactions and made their status and individual demeanors tastefully present. The style of her book was very back and forth, she would move from family to family but always made connections. Sometimes the connections were so subtle that you wouldn't even notice that she was now centering on another character. This was especially apparent with Asha's storyline. Asha's character was a central part of the Annawadi community and her appearance in many of the slum's ongoings was an effective glue that held all of the different characters together. The main criticism that I am temped to make may come from my own personal preferences as it applies to novels. I deeply appreciate and admire the great feat Boo accomplished by weaving all of these true stories together and her obvious extensive interviewing that made this book so detailed and personal. However, it was emotionally confusing at its close because it read so much like a novel, but it wasn't. It was all based on very real people and very real situations and real people's lives do not have novelistic endings. So while it read as a fiction novel for the most part, it was not able to have a storybook ending which is what made the book feel as if it did not have a true close. Personally, it was hard for me to cope with the way things ended, but that is what makes it all the more emotionally cutting. These are real people and the events in this book really did happen and thats a realization that we all need to come to. So I suppose that this criticism is also in part, praise. The part of me that loves novels with surprising or ironic or happy endings, felt rather empty at the end. However, the part of me that values elegant and raw presentation of life across the world deeply valued Boo's work.

due before class on Thursday, Feb. 28

What was most important to you about what you learned from reading Behind the Beautiful Forevers?  Please respond in terms of both the style and content of Katherine Boo's writing, and explain the importance to you.  Also, what criticisms of the book's style and content are you tempted to make and why?  Please cite specific passages and give their page numbers to support all your responses.  250-350 words.

Four Questions

1.     Many countries are becoming westernized, would you say that India is? (If so give please examples of how it is.) How do you feel about it?

2.     Are there many nonreligious celebrations in India? What are some of them, and what do you do during them?

3.     Is it possible for a very poor person to become rich in India?  Are there only special circumstances or opportunities that can let someone move up in class, or could it happen to anyone?

4.     Would you say that most people are happy living in India? What are some things most people like and dislike about the county?        

4 Questions

1.  What are the relationships like between you and other family members?  Do you talk to each other often?  How many people are in your family?

2.  What kinds of things do you like to do for fun?  How often do you do these things?

3.  What is your school system like?  How many hours a day do you spend at school?  How much time do you spend studying?

4.  What are some places in your neighborhood that you like to go to?  What do you do while you're there?  Why do you like these places?

4 Questions

1.) What are your feelings and opinions on the state of the caste system? Is it still important in Indian society today, or is it going away? Has it negatively or positively impacted you personally?

2.)  In American society right now there seems to be a widening gap between the very rich and the very poor. This means that rich people appear to be getting richer, and those that are poor or middle class are staying the same or even getting poorer. Is there a feeling of any similar type of change taking place in India? In your opinion, are things getting worse for Indian society as a whole? Or is there positive change taking place, where perhaps more poor people are finding ways to increase their status?

3.) What is the general feeling among college students toward India's government? Is it positive or negative? Is this different from how their parents and grandparents generally view the government?

4.) If you had to pick one American musician or band that you would say is the most popular in India, who would it be?

4 Questions

1) What do you think are the biggest differences between the people in America and the people in India?

2) How much education do you have at this point? How much schooling do you have left? How important do you feel your education is to you?

3) How much influence does your family have in your life? Do you support your family at all? If not, describe your current relationship with your relatives.

4) Please compare and contrast America and India as countries and as cultures.

2/18 Four Questions

Four questions as inspired by Katherine Boo's Behind the Beautiful Forevers  to be directed to the New Dheli student contacts (with annotations of why these questions were chosen in relation to the text).

1.) What are your thoughts on religion? Does your personal religious background and experience effect your everyday life? Please explain.

In response to the topics of religion referred to in the book.

2.) Tell me about your educational background; what was the school you attended like?

In response to the ideas of education in the book, and where it can get you in life.

3.) How about your career; what work have you done in the past? What is your intended career? How did you come to the decision to work these jobs?

In response to the idea that sometimes your education (to be discussed in question 3) can shape your future. As well, what brings people to work in certain jobs, as Abdul worked his family trade and Sunil became a theif to survive. What makes people chose certain things?

4.) What are your views on politics in India? List any particular thoughts that come to mind and elaborate.

In response to the ideas of corruption discussed in the text.

Four Questions Due 02/19/13

1. Has religion influenced your education in any way? If so, explain the impact it has had in your learning process within your culture.

2. What are the major categories you would use to define your idea of culture? And why do you find yourself using those categories in your definition of culture?

3. In our class, we have discussed the idea of "culture in the midst of chaos", meaning that when a specific culture goes through chaos or a tough situation it reveals or portrays how that culture truly behaves. Can you identify with this notion or describe an instance when this has occurred?

4. What are your aspirations? How has your culture/family/religion influenced what you want to pursue for your dreams and future career?

4 qs

• How do you define the culture of the area you live in? 
• Is religion practiced within your school? Does your school talk about or acknowledge religion, or is it against the law? 
• What kind of clothing do you wear? Do you have a required uniform at school? Do you think your clothing reflects who you are as a person?
• How do you picture the culture of the United States?

Four Questions

1. What religion do you identify with and how does that affect your life as a student? Do you take time out of your class work to pray or participate in your faith?

2. What is the social structure like where you live? Are different social classes easily identified? Do men and women have equal opportunity in your opinion?

3. What are you studying in school? Is it a field/subject that you discovered that you liked on your own? Did your family influence what you are studying? Did your university help you to choose what you are studying?

4. Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? Do you want to stay in India? What career would you like to have? Do you see a family in your future?

for post due February 18

After you have read all of Behind the Beautiful Forevers, consider what questions you have about Indian culture as prompted by the book, questions that you would like to e-mail to student contacts in New Delhi.  Keep in mind that those students may know nothing about the book, and may know little of what goes on in Mumbai or in slum areas anywhere in India.  If you are asking something about an incident in the book, you need to first explain what that incident is.  Review aspects of culture that we have discussed and worked with in class, and see if there are questions you have related to those.  You are free to ask anything, as long as you do so in a respectful manner.  Please write these questions in a more formal way than you usually might.  Avoid any slang terms that might confuse your respondents.  Please list your four best questions as your post for this time. 

50-75

My main impression of Manju is that she is a smart young lady. Her genuine curiosity and kindness are, I feel, some of her best qualities. For example, when the outcast dancer comes to the temple, Manju wants to stay and watch the performance. In contrast to Asah, Manju is not seeking to exploit the dancer in any way, she just wanted to watch out of genuine curiosity. In addition to that, teaching the students on a regular regiment also demonstrates her sense of responsibility over greed for the money given to the family from the government.

Manju really reminds me of one of my family friends, Mary Gelder. Mary worked with my mother for a time and they really bonded, so when my mom switched jobs, we all kept in touch. Now Mary lives a few blocks from my grandmother’s house and for a while she hired my dad to help her teach computer classes to the kids on her street. She paid my dad after he lost his job and financed the renovation of her basement into a spacious computer lab with six brand new computers, software packages, and two new cameras. In addition, since she is a very talented pianist, she teaches piano lessons for free out of her home.  She has also made huge contributions to each of our college funds while encouraging us to do well in school and complete high school.

I feel like the main things that make up Manju’s identity are common courtesy and the will power to better herself. She demonstrates this while teaching the children and in her silent rage about Mr. Kamble’s heart valve loan, which Asha denies.

p. 50-75

Manju is a really interesting and strong character. She is very obedient to the things her mother asks her to do, like preparing herself for marriage. She wants to be accepted by her mother, yet she has a strong desire to rebel against her. Manju doesn’t want to be anything like her mother. She longs for the deeper things in life, which her mother lacks, like virtue. Because her mother is so focused on the finances of the family, Manju couldn’t care less about money. She desires to be a successful and independent teacher and fears that marriage will prohibit her from her dreams. I think Manju is oblivious to how significant she is within the slum. She is said to be more beautiful that she knows, yet continues to be nice and caring.  Manju is very hardworking and dedicated to making something of herself. She believes in imperfection. She sees beauty even in her unfortunate condition.

Manju reminds me of my mother, a lot, actually. My mom always felt rebellious towards her mother because she wanted my mother to be perfect and womanly. My mom didn’t care about being girly or picture perfect; all she cared about were her studies and being independent in life. I think this rebellion had a really positive affect on my mother, like it did Manju. It caused her to believe in free spirits become very helpful and caring towards those who needed it. I think my mom might have been slightly more obvious with her terms of rebellion, though. Judging by the stories I hear, my mother wasn’t interested in pleasing her mother as much as Manju was, but she also didn’t have the threat of an abusive mother.