Question: What would people be willing to sacrifice in times of hardship?
When people are struggling a human being is capable of doing anything it takes to survive. People may sacrifice something that they dearly love or even sacrifice one's respect or pride, and that is way deeper and emotional than sacrificing something materialistic. In the book Rain of Gold we met a young boy named Juan, who left his mother and family at a very young age so that he would take the blame for a fight he was never involved in. In return, his family would receive a lot of money so that they would never have to starve or struggle. He sacrificed his own freedom for the good and wealth of his family. After many years and being a bit more of a man, Juan reunited with his family and found that his sacrifice was not worth everything he went through. With his family still struggling he had to do something, once again, to provide for the family. Gambling and playing cards was the easiest and fastest way to make money in California. Even though he was young he sacrificed being a bit scared and timid and played the dangerous world of gambling like a man should for his family. "He was just ranking in his money, feeling good and indestructible, when the Filipino got up to leave, saying that he had to go to the bathroom." (pg. 234) Juan knew that this place was the other men's turf and that he could be in big trouble, but that's the sacrifice and challenge he chose to take on in order to try and alleviate the hardships that his family was going through. We all know what happens after the Filipino comes back from the bathroom, but the point is that Juan was willing to sacrifice his well being or even his life to give it all to his family. That's something that a mother and family can truly appreciate. So... What would people be willing to sacrifice in times of hardship? Depends, how far are you willing to go?
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I think you have a good point that sacrificing ones respect and pride is deep and emotional, but I have another point of view. Yes, sacricificing your pride and respect is one of the hardest things to do. But sacrifising material things also take a big toll on a person. Especially in the situation that Juan and his family are in. They have to work really hard for their material posessions. and having to sacrifice those posessions can really hurt. They might have to work for weeks to get one item and for them to have to sacrifice that item can devistate them. Basically, having to sacrifice materials can be as hurtful as sacrificing pride and respect.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to comment further on the point you made on how far are you willing to go.. Juan went pretty far with knowing he had to take baby steps into the pool hall, but he got greedy. He was suppose to take some money to help pay for rent and supply for his family, but his old ways in Montana caught up with him. He wanted to prove to his nephews so bad that their "gente" are not worthless as they think they are and he wanted to roll up with a nice car to prove it. Sometimes a persons motivation on how far they'll go gets the best of them.
ReplyDeleteI like to further comment on your really great solid response. Like you said,Juan did sacrifice his life for the well being of his family, but reffering back to my answer I and realting both I also think he did it for and ego boost. Since he was taught by on of the best poker players,I think he in a sense wanted to "show off" his skills.But what eneded up happing was that he is also willing to sacrifice his well being for an ego and pride boost.
ReplyDelete"People may sacrifice something that they dearly love or even sacrifice one's respect or pride, and that is way deeper and emotional than sacrificing something materialistic." This is a powerful idea. Your connection to the text supports this idea, and you analyze this connection with strong support. Great!
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