- References are made to all of the following at the beginning of the book: student life in the United States in 1968; the 1968 Democratic National Convention; Dr. Benjamin Spock; the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr.; Do internet research on these historical topics and explain what effect they have on the meaning of the novel.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
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In 1968, college students throughout the country were protesting. They were protesting the Vietnam War, Black Rights, Women’s Rights, and the government in general. In the same year the Democratic National Convention was marked by a great deal of demonstrations and excessive force used by Chicago police officers to break up protesters. Dr. Benjamin Spock was a pediatrician who wrote the book Baby and Child Care which was studied by new parents nationwide. He promoted the idea that parents should be more lenient with their children. Many thought his ideas lead to the protests in the late 60’s because those young adults had been raised without structure. Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in California while campaigning for the 1968 national election. This occurred only a month after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. who had been a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. These events set the tone for The Namesake because they provide a sharp contrast to the Ganguli’s life. While the world seemed to be falling apart around them they clinged to the structure of their Indian culture where children obey their elders and grandparents name their grandchildren.
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ReplyDeleteIn 1968, students in the United States were protesting. For example, at Columbia University, they occupied the buildings on campus in protest against researching weapons, the Vietnam War, and building a gymnasium with restricted access on a public park. These demonstrators were beaten and arrested by the police. Also in 1968, the Democratic National Convention fell apart over disagreements about the Vietnam War and fights broke out. Anti-war protestors fought with the police on the streets, who beat and gassed them. Dr. Benjamin Spock was known for his book Baby and Child Care, in which he encouraged parents to be more caring and flexible with their children, and to trust their parenting instincts. He was blamed for the anti-Vietnam War Movement because his book had created a generation of rebellious children. Sirhan Sirhan assassinated Kennedy, who had supported Israel in the Arab-Israel War. Sirhan Sirhan believed that Kennedy played an important role in oppressing Palestinians. Martin Luther King Jr. was a nonviolent leader of the Civil Rights Movement. His assassination caused unrest and a national mourning. The Civil Rights Act of 1968 was passed as his legacy. These events have an effect on the meaning of the novel. The protests and rebellious nature are similar to Gogol while he was in high school. He smoked pot and went to parties, while his parents expected him to study. The split between supporters and non-supporters of the Vietnam War sort of symbolizes Gogol’s inner conflict over his name and cultural identity. The United States was in state of unrest when Gogol was born, and so was Gogol as he grew up.
ReplyDeleteStudents in 1968 were liberal for the time, protesting capitalism, authority, racism, anti-semitism, and sexism. This relates to The Namesake because Ashima and Ashoke represent a time when these social issues such as sexism and racism were ordinary, as Ashima is expected to take care of the house and children while Ashoke is the breadwinner. Also the couple experiences racism as many Americans would speak to Gogol instead of them since they did not look nor act “Westernized”, leading the Ganguli’s to befriend mostly other Bengali people. Contrastly, Gogol is like the protestors since he strays away from the everyday routine and familiarity of his home and culture and instead changes his name, moves away, and dates American girls. The 1968 Democratic Convention was held to pick a candidate to run for the Democratic Party when President Johnson announced he wouldn’t be running again, during a year of violent protests. This sets the tone for the political unrest within America which would make it harder for immigrants such as Ashima and Ashoke to adjust to living in this new surrounding and could symbolize the unrest Gogol felt growing up in America with Bengali traditions. Dr. Benjamin Spock is the author of Baby and Child Care, a book which taught mothers “you know more than you think you do”, which contrasts to the attitude of Ashima, who would prefer to have her family’s help in parenting, right down to the name of her child. These differing attitudes also show the difference between raising a child in India and raising a child in America which Ashima needed to adjust to. The assassination of both John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. represent the social and political restlessness of America as those opposed to change attempt to fight the growing protests of racism and war. These major historical events add to the turbulence within the country which is representative of the turmoil Gogol feels himself as he needs to choose whether to deviate from his parents and become “Westernized” or to continue to be the person his parents want him to be and remain loyal to his Bengali roots.
ReplyDeleteIn the Namesake, the year that the author Jhumpa Lahiri decides to set the first set of events is 1968. This particular year was a turbulent one for America as it was filled with racist division, shocking events, and the expansion of new radical ideas. These ideas were the direct result of a cultural movement in America surrounding non-white races and freedom movements from previous restrictive time periods in America. What influenced these movements were speeches from radical figures like Malcolm X, which preached violence among other things. The first event to kick off the decade that had major influences for the Americans was the Battle of Khe Sanh, which was one of the most publicized and controversial battles of the Vietnam War. This would kick off the dozens of substantial events of the war during this year, escalating ties between people and their political leaders. This was further Expressed during the in the New Hampshire Democratic primary where a deep divide lead to a close race between Lyndon B. Johnson and his antiwar opponent Eugene McCarthy. These impacts drew tension that snapped with events such as the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, which both had an influence on racial tensions and about the ongoing war in Vietnam. These events have a significant impact on the meaning of the novel as it affects the way that the Ganguli family is received by the outside characters in the book as well as their personality style towards the outside world. Furthermore, it also negatively impacts the adjustment to a new life for the family as opposing parties would be more likely to express violence and lack even a communal sense for the newcomers.
ReplyDeleteIn 1968, students in school wanted to be treated better in school because of the struggles of racism and sexism to the young. There were many protests and riots by students and because of the sudden changes that are occurring in America, people are beaten and brought down. The Democratic National Convention was serious and had the police involved to try to control the protests. This relates to Gogol, as a non white, because he fears that he is too different from his American friends and wants to fit in with them without being left behind. Gogol forces himself to change and adapt with his American school life. Benjamin Spock’s book Baby and Child Care focused on the idea that children are individuals and should be able to live their own lives in the world. Ashima’s parenting is different from Spock’s book because she wants Gogol to be like her and Ashoke. The parents want their child to have some Indian traditions despite not being in India. The assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. was huge because leaders that people looked up to were killed. This caused America to become even more troubled and more riots took place. All the changes taking place in America during this time relates to The Ganguli’s as they have to get used to living the American style but they are troubled with their own identities.
ReplyDeleteIn 1968, students at Columbia University were protesting about the discrimination that blacks were facing from whites, sexism and the Vietnam War. The protesting eventually lead to three school officials being taken hostage for 24 hours. This is related to the novel because Gogol and his family were discriminated against because they were different. In the novel, it says, “ For by now he is aware, in stores, of cashiers smirking at his parents’ accents, and of salesmen who prefer to direct their conversations to Gogol as though his parents were either incompetent or deaf” (67-68). The 1968 Democratic National Convention was another protest in which Vietnam war protesters went to war with police officers while the Democratic Party was in disagreement over matters concerning the war. This is similar to the novel since Ashima and Ashoke “went to war” to keep their children involved with their Indian culture and customs. Dr. Benjamin Spock was the author of Baby and Child Care in which it taught parents to care for their children with love and flexibility and no matter what, trust their parenting, or as they say motherly, instincts. This relates to the novel because Ashima tries to raise her children so that they follow their Indian customs and culture instead of allowing them to experiment and live a life that combines their Indian culture and American culture. The assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took the world by shock because they were looked upon respected by many Americans because they fought for equality for everyone. Similarly, when Ashoke died, it came as a shock to Ashima and Gogol. Neither one of them was expecting this considering the fact that he seemed to be perfectly healthy and had just called Ashima to say he was going to the hospital after having stomach pains. With all of this happening in America the year Gogol is born, it foreshadows the struggle, like those of discrimination, that Gogol will endure in his future.
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ReplyDeleteIn 1968, many protests among teenagers broke out around the nation. Things regarding war, civil rights, and other topics were addressed during these protests. Later on, a man by the name of Dr. Benjamin Spock wrote a book called Baby and Child Care, which taught parents to trust their parental instincts, but also to find ways to trust their children and parent with more lenience. His outlook is said to be the reason for the outbreak in protesting teens, due to the fact that they were taught to be rebellious after knowing of the author's message. During the summer of 1968, Robert Kennedy was assassinated, right after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. , which sparked even more riots and protests across the nation. The reason for Robert Kennedy's assassination was said to be due to the fact that he was "instrumental" in the oppression of Palestinians. It is show that these events have an effect on the novel due to Ashima and Ashoke's do their best to adapt to life in America, and keep their cultural differences from interfering with their lives in America.
ReplyDeleteIn 1968, students protested for Civil Rights and against the Vietnam War in Columbia University. These affected the story of the novel by saying that life as an immigrant in the U.S. may have been dealt with many racism and opposition. The assassination of Martin Luther King really impacts this since it shows that people were trying to get rid of the Civil Rights Movement and against the protests for all races. Again, being that the Gangulis from another country, they were looked down upon at times. Such as when the cashier looked at Ashima weirdly when she said something grammatically incorrect in English. Dr. Benjamin Spock was known for being a proud member of the Sane Nuclear Policy which was against the Vietnam War. He was singled out for prosecution for being a conspirator against the U.S. Spock’s book, The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care, also got some opposition since it was thought to be anti-Vietnam War. The book taught that children should be cared for in their own special way since all children are different. It allowed a more liberal way to treat babies. This must have impacted the Gangulis in how to raise their children. Both the DNC of 1968 and Robert Kennedy’s assassination shows the opposition of the anti-Vietnam War subjects. Many agreed with the war and therefore viewed others as inferior, including immigrants which may have included the Gangulis kids when they were at school and for the parents when at work.
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ReplyDeleteDuring the year 1968, the United States was faced with the issues of sexism, racism, discrimination, and overall inequality. Two of the most common rights fought for were Women’s Rights and Black Rights. Throughout the entire year, Americans of all nationalities, genders, and races protested for what they believed should be granted to them. These events particularly relate to The Namesake because the novel tells the story of Indian immigrants coming to America. Once Ashima and Ashoke arrived in America, they were uncomfortable and unfamiliar with the different aspects of American life. One of the greatest struggles the family had to face was racism, in which they would often be mocked because of their accent, or judged because of the clothes they wore. Also, the Democratic National Convention existed during this time (1968) yet it began to crumble due to disagreements over war, especially the Vietnam War. With this being said, issues over racism and war were greatly prominent in the United States, in which the assassinations of both Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. come into play. Thus, I would have to agree with Gianna and her blog because I agree that the deaths of these two men, who are now so important in American history, demonstrate how unwilling Americans are able to change or adapt to help/benefit others in need. Americans more than often, only care about their race being superior to others. The Namesake is also different from certain events that occurred during 1968 because when women or blacks, or any other group of people fought for equality, they were often violent and had to be restricted by police and authorities. It wasn’t often that a protestor would change to become just like an American, instead they viewed themselves as equal. In the novel however, Gogol changes to become more like the Americans, and decides not to show or display his Indian heritage. Overall, I believe the author chose to set the story during this time to emphasize all the struggles that were going on during this time, in addition to the struggles and hardships that immigrants had to face on their own.
ReplyDeleteReferences are made to all of the following at the beginning of the book: student life in the United States in 1968; the 1968 Democratic National Convention; Dr. Benjamin Spock; the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. each of these events pose a different meaning in the novel. In 1968 there were many protests that broke out throughout the nation, these protests were against the Civil Rights and against the Vietnam War at Columbia University. In the book this would show many conflicts that would occur later on in the book such as racism which was apparent whenever a member of the family would try to board a plane. The assassination of Martian Luther King Jr. impacts the novel greatly. The 1968 Democratic National Convention there were many debates that became very intense to which fights broke out on the convention floor, and delegates and reporters were beaten and knocked to the ground. This major in the Namesake because it symbolizes the fight Gogol has with his parents on issues like his name, dating Americans, as well as many other conflicts.
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ReplyDeleteDuring 1968, America was not at ease within itself. There were conflicts over an array of issues, including the Vietnam War, race, women’s rights and so on. The 1968 Democratic National Convention took place in Chicago, where no one within the party could agree on a stance regarding the Vietnam war, along with hundreds of riots and prostestors. During this time Dr. Benjamin Spock’s published book prompting a more lenient relationship between parents and children were thought to have influenced the young adults during the year 1968, as they believed his book created unstructured upbringings for these young adults-which caused their liberal ideas and protests. The assassination of Kennedy took place in this year as well by Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian, who believed Kennedy played a huge role in their oppression. During this year of chaos, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a civil rights activist, was also assassinated, causing much unrest in not only his community, but the country. All of these events take place during the year Gogol is born, and this cultural and communal unrest is similar to the live Gogol lives as he grows older as he is at inner conflict with himself (just as the DNC was about the Vietnam War) and how he behaved (unlike most Indians, he partied frequently, resembling rebellion).
the year 1968 is usually associated with unrest within the country. like fallon states above, the united states dealt with sexism, racism, discrimination, inequality, etc. one person commonly associated and known for fighting for equal rights is martin luther king junior. he was the most important voice of the american movement, which worked for equal rights for all. Gogol and his family were all immigrants to America, a foreign country to them with new faces, new cultures, new laws. as immigrants, they're obviouslyy not treated as equal as white Americans who were born and raised in the country. uncomfortable and unfamiliar with their new home, Gogol and his family faced racism and unequal rights, in 1968, The Democratic National Convention also occurred, held during a year of violence, political turbulence, and civil unrest, causing riots over civil rights in many cities following the assassination of Rob F Kennedy and MLK. not only did immigrants face discrimination, but woman, blacks, etc all fought for equal rights. in the novel, Gogol and his family all face these struggles, but Gogol adapts and becomes more of an American, and get used to ttheir culture more than his own for those purposes.
ReplyDeleteWithin 1968, the United States was consumed of inequality. Issues of racism and sexism were prevalent, and the Women’s Rights and Black Rights movements occurred. Americans of various races within this time period fought what for what they deserved. These events connect to The Namesake because the novel provides the worldwide struggle that immigrants share when moving to a new country, such as America. When Ashima and Ashoke had traveled to America, they were forced to adapt to the “American lifestyle” and adjust to American customs. This family often had to deal with racism, mockery due to their accent, and being judged due to their appearance. The Democratic National Convention existed during the year of 1968 also. This event ended up becoming a failure because of issues over war. As mentioned previously, war/racism was prevalent during this time within the U.S., demonstrating how the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. tie into this. The Namesake is also differs from events that took place during the year of 1968 because when women or blacks (for example) fought for their rights, they were often violent and had to be restricted by police and authorities. These protesters didn’t wish to be American, rather they viewed themselves as being equal to them. On the other hand, within the novel, Gogol strives to be “more American” and masks his Indian heritage. Ultimately, I think that the author set the story during this time to exemplify the entirety of the struggles that were prevalent along with the conflicts that immigrants had to endure themselves.
ReplyDeleteIn 1968, there seemed to be sparks of rebellion flying left and right. The 1968 Democratic National Convention was supposed to be held to elect a new democratic candidate for office. President Lyndon B. Johnson announced he would not be running again. This event had followed the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and of John F. Kennedy. Rebellion must have been in the air, because at the convention, protest broke out. The country at this time was fighting, racism, sexism, the war, and etc. Dr. Benjamin Spock wrote a book that implied woman know more than they think they do about child raising. This is where we see a connection with the novel. Ashima was very afraid to raise a child especially since she did not have the support of her family back home and because her husband was also working. Gogol was very far from his culture as a youth. He went to parties, dated girls his parents didn’t like, changed his name. It doesn’t take a licensed psychiatrist to realize he was rebelling. The country called America was completely drenched in the idea of rebellion in 1968 which is when Gogol was born.
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ReplyDeleteIn 1968, people were protesting issue such as Black rights as well as Women's rights. From these matters happening in the country at the time the Ganguli family was present, there was much tension and civil unrest in the country, which adds to the stress of living in such a country at the time. The Black rights matters give a hint to the family about how they will or can be treated if black people are being treated differently and unfairly. Also, for Ashima and Sonali, career, social, and political life is a struggle for them as people are protesting for Women's rights at the same time people are protesting against them as well. The Assignations of famous leaders such as Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. sparked an uproar which only added to the civil unrest and tension in America at the time. For the Ganguli family, these situations all occurring at the same time contributed and kept adding on to the unrest in the country and made them feel more uncomfortable to live and be able to handle the country.
1968 was the time of the women's rights movements and the black rights movement. This was a very rebellious time especially for college students for college students still finding themselves. This relates to Ashima and Ashoke because when they moved to America, they were forced to adopt American ways. They had to deal with racism because they were often judged for their accent and culture. In 1968 the democratic convention also took place which ended in failure because of the war. War and racism resulted in the assainations of JFK and Martin Luther King Jr. The Namesake also differs from these events in history because Ashima was able to get a job in the library which helped her adopt American customs and Sonia spread her wings and went to California. The blacks and women protesting didn't wish to
ReplyDeleteSimply be Americans, they wished to have rights. Opposing this, Gogol wished to be American and develop his idenitiy. He wishes to mask his Indian culture. In the end, he learns to accept his Indian heritage. These events and struggle in 1968 relate to the struggle the Gamgulis faced as immigrants.
The novel taking place during this time helps further emphasize the trials and tests that the Gangulis faced during their initial move to the US and their quest to fit in with their new home is exemplified even more since they mirror such a time of conflict and radical changes within the US as well as time of radical change within the Ganguli family. The late 60's and so on were a time of social reform in America, the civil rights movement was in full swing, the country was making strides to change and evolve into a more diverse and accepting nation, mirroring the Gangulis evolving into a more diverse family, who looked to keep their Indian roots intact while inheriting new, American cultural traditions themselves.
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ReplyDeleteAll the events referenced in the book have the similarities that they were protesting against some sort of discrimination whether it was race of sex. All those event tie to how Gogol and his family were made fun of or discriminated against because They were not American. For example is ties to the emotions gogol felt when he would see people smirking at his parents accents. The 1968 vietnam war reflect on the “war” or the struggle between choosing the american culture or accepting the indian culture as well as the “war” between parents and children in accepting the indian culture.
1968 was the year when students all over the country protested about the Vietnam War, Black Rights, Women’s Rights, and the Government. This relates to The Namesake because at the time of Ashima and Ashoke, they lived a time where the woman of the house takes care of the house and children while the man goes out to bring back money. In this time, being sexist and racist were part of the social norms. The protesting relates to The Namesake because Gogol is constantly in a conflict with his Bengali culture and American culture, so he often argues with his parents. The Democratic National Convention was when the Chicago police officers broke up protesters violently with excessive force. This relates to The Namesake because this event made a great disturbance in the American government and symbolizes that Gogol feels a disturbance with how he is living in America with a different culture. The assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy both had an influence on racial equality and caused many riots and protests. This relates to The Namesake because it symbolizes a conflict that happens which in Gogol’s case, his name, culture, tradition, and more.
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