Breaking our innate cycles of hedonistic adaptation is essential and necessary to a more fulfilling contented and or happy life because with such practice we can better acknowledge and counteract these “mental glitches” as mentioned in”the Yale Happiness Class distilled”, counteracting these glitches improves our perceptions, point of comparisons, and our tendencies to proportionately value our own contingencies in comparison to those in a
What do you most want to prove about this theme?
Primarily the purpose of Vargas’s endeavor in which he appropriated citizenship for his own sake and how these efforts assist himself and others.
What’s one aspect you believe is significant about this theme?
Survival contains multiple fragments of sacrifice and determination, so emphasizing these various struggles Vargas phased and the solutions he came up with seems significant.
Information
Introduction to Passage #1: Vargas is not considered a lawful permanent resident, so when he was filling out the applyment form at the Chronicle; he decided to break the law for the sake of opportunity and independence from his Lolo and Lola. Although there could be consequences and risk from doing so; Vargas pursued the job regardless, for he knew that he was qualified and being undocumented was just a situation he was forced into from his own family.
Passage #1 (Quote): “I needed the job. Sweating under my brow, a couple of drops staining the form, I checked box number one. Naive as it sounds, I remember thinking: Yes, I am lying. But I am going to earn this box.” (Vargas 71)
Comment on Passage #1: How does it connect to theme? What do certain words/phrases imply (not directly state) about the theme? How so?
Introduction to Passage #2: Vargas took a leap of faith and decided to publish an article that essentially confessed his undocumency despite a lawyer calling it “legal suicide.” Furthermore, these efforts required a lot of courage, for they could impose an unfortunate situation for Vargas. However, Vargas was determined to let the world know, for storytelling portrays and informs the public of the experiences faced and his confession creates a sense of awareness for the community.
Passage #2 (Quote and page #): “Telling the truth—admitting that I had lied on government forms to get jobs—meant that “getting legal” would be nearly impossible.” (Vargas 123)
Comment on Passage #2: How does it connect to theme? What do certain words/phrases imply (not directly state) about the theme? How so?
nformation
Introduction to Passage #1 (events leading up to the quote): In ‘Dear America’ vargas talks about how he struggles with both emotional and physical intimacy
Passage #1 (Quote):”I’ve started separating myself from people, even from my closest friends” Pg(187)
Comment on Passage #1: How does it connect to theme? What do certain words/phrases imply (not directly state) about the theme? How so?
Vargas argues that the separation hasn’t only cut him off from his family, but also undermined his ability to form loving relationships at all. “Separating myself” implies how immigration wounded him by separating him from his loved ones.
Introduction to Passage #2 (events leading up to the quote) Jose feels that when he came to the United States he lost the relationship he once had with his mom.
Passage #2 (Quote and page #):”The truth is, i’m not the only one who lost a mother” Pg (227)
Comment on Passage #2: How does it connect to theme? What do certain words/phrases imply (not directly state) about the theme? How so?
Jose talks about not being able to bury things we lost with things we can buy because the truth is he feels a loss he cannot express. “Not being able to bury things we lost” suggest that the separation process that took place immigrating really affected him and made him uncertain about himself
The text explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the emotional and physical toll of undocumented status, as depicted in Jose Antonio Vargas’s Dear America. Vargas’s determination to survive and achieve independence is evident in his decision to falsify government forms to secure a job, despite the legal risks. His bold choice to confess his undocumented status publicly demonstrates his commitment to raising awareness about the struggles faced by immigrants.
ReplyDeleteThe psychological impact of immigration is also a key focus. Vargas’s isolation from friends and family highlights the emotional sacrifices required to navigate his circumstances. His reflection on losing his relationship with his mother underscores the unresolved grief and uncertainty experienced by many immigrants. Ultimately, the text emphasizes the importance of resilience, storytelling, and courage in overcoming systemic barriers and inspiring change.
PIE Exercise 3
ReplyDeleteTheme: Breaking our innate cycles of hedonistic adaptation is essential for a more fulfilling and contented life. This practice allows us to better acknowledge and counteract “mental glitches,” as mentioned in The Yale Happiness Class Distilled. By doing so, we improve our perceptions, points of comparison, and the way we value our own circumstances.
What do you most want to prove about this theme?
The primary purpose of Vargas’s actions was to secure opportunities and independence despite his undocumented status. His efforts not only served himself but also inspired others in similar situations.
What’s one aspect you believe is significant about this theme?
Survival requires sacrifice and determination. Vargas’s struggles and the creative solutions he employed highlight the significance of resilience and courage in the face of adversity.
Information and Analysis
Introduction to Passage #1:
Vargas, an undocumented immigrant, was not a lawful permanent resident. While applying for a job at the Chronicle, he chose to falsify his application to gain independence from his grandparents (Lolo and Lola). Aware of the risks, Vargas still pursued the job, believing his skills outweighed his undocumented status—a situation forced upon him by his family.
Passage #1 (Quote):
“I needed the job. Sweating under my brow, a couple of drops staining the form, I checked box number one. Naive as it sounds, I remember thinking: Yes, I am lying. But I am going to earn this box.” (Dear America, Vargas, p. 71)
Comment on Passage #1:
This passage reflects the theme of survival and determination. Words like “I needed the job” and “I am going to earn this box” show his resolve and willingness to take risks for self-reliance. It implies how survival often requires making difficult choices to overcome barriers.
Introduction to Passage #2:
Vargas later made the bold decision to publish an article confessing his undocumented status. Though a lawyer warned him it was “legal suicide,” Vargas prioritized storytelling to raise awareness about the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants.
Passage #2 (Quote):
“Telling the truth—admitting that I had lied on government forms to get jobs—meant that ‘getting legal’ would be nearly impossible.” (Dear America, Vargas, p. 123)
Comment on Passage #2:
This quote connects to the theme by emphasizing Vargas’s courage and his willingness to risk personal consequences for a greater purpose. The phrase “meant that ‘getting legal’ would be nearly impossible” reveals the heavy price of truth-telling in the face of systemic barriers.
Introduction to Passage #1 (Emotional and Physical Intimacy):
In Dear America, Vargas discusses how his undocumented status affects his ability to form relationships.
Passage #1 (Quote):
“I’ve started separating myself from people, even from my closest friends.” (Dear America, Vargas, p. 187)
Comment on Passage #1:
This passage highlights the emotional toll of immigration. The phrase “separating myself” suggests how Vargas’s undocumented status isolates him from both his family and deeper connections, illustrating the psychological cost of his circumstances.
Introduction to Passage #2 (Relationship with His Mother):
Vargas reflects on the loss of his relationship with his mother after immigrating to the United States.
Passage #2 (Quote):
“The truth is, I’m not the only one who lost a mother.” (Dear America, Vargas, p. 227)
Comment on Passage #2:
This quote shows the lasting impact of separation. The phrase “not being able to bury things we lost” signifies the unresolved grief caused by immigration. It underscores the deep emotional sacrifices made by Vargas and others like him.
Conclusion:
Vargas’s story demonstrates how breaking cycles—whether of hedonistic adaptation or systemic challenges—requires resilience, sacrifice, and determination. By sharing his experiences, he sheds light on the struggles of undocumented immigrants and inspires others to pursue their own survival and happiness.