"This reading is focused on a Vietnamese "live in cook" named Bihn that works for two famous Americans that live in Paris. In this story he is the narrator. He explains his experience about his life as a chef in Paris. It was really interesting because he shares his story with the reader. He explains many societal issues such as race, gender, and sexuality. This story was written in the 1930's and even though I didn’t read the book I can assume that the Chef is homosexual. My question is if homosexuality was not accepted in some cultures and during this time period, and in some cases homosexuals can't even have a job or even a normal career because they are being judged; How did he manage to work as a Chef? He also had a language problem as it was hard for him to understand some of the farmers. For example, in some of the conversations they were asking him questions that were not appropriate and that made Bihn feel uncomfortable such as “Will you marry three or four asiatique wives”? or “Are you circumcised”? Do we think that sometimes in our society we assume and ask questions based on people's appearances?
I definitely believe that race, gender and sexual orientation are three mayor issues that revolve in society. And of course, back then people would keep their homosexuality to themselves because it wasn't really out there. However, it is still not accepted by everyone and homosexuals continue to be discriminated; they are restricted in society, limited to playing certain roles. Because society is so judgmental, it makes us think that it's okay to make assumptions and generalize when everyone is different. This is when the term stereotype kicks in. People "judge a book by its cover" like the saying goes. I think that we should be careful with what we say because we can offend others, unintentionally. I like Nancy's observation: how did Bihn get a job as a Chef? I wonder the same thing.
I think he said the reason for him drinking a lot. I cant remember the page, but its when he talked about the price of wine in the village and since everyone drinks why cant he?
I think he said the reason for him drinking a lot. I cant remember the page, but its when he talked about the price of wine in the village and since everyone drinks why cant he?
Well i think Binh drinks alot because he's feeling lonely. He is an immigrantall alone in a country with no family or friends, no one that can relate to what he is going through. I know how he feels because i am from another country and at first you feel lost and know really know where u fit in, almost as if your standing in a room sourrounded by people talking really loud and your screaming at the top of your lungs and no one can hear you or even notice you.
I agree that he feels lonely and, as you rightly note, being an immigrant and not speaking the language are mitigating factors. Does he also drink in Paris? If not, do you think his Meadames might be to blame for his loneliness and drinking? Think back to the first sentence with which "Live- in Cook" begins.
"Live in Cook" Nancy Vargas
ReplyDelete"This reading is focused on a Vietnamese "live in cook" named Bihn that works
for two famous Americans that live in Paris. In this story he is the narrator.
He explains his experience about his life as a chef in Paris. It was really
interesting because he shares his story with the reader. He explains many
societal issues such as race, gender, and sexuality. This story was written in
the 1930's and even though I didn’t read the book I can assume that the Chef is
homosexual. My question is if homosexuality was not accepted in some cultures
and during this time period, and in some cases homosexuals can't even have a job
or even a normal career because they are being judged; How did he manage to work
as a Chef?
He also had a language problem as it was hard for him to understand some of the
farmers. For example, in some of the conversations they were asking him
questions that were not appropriate and that made Bihn feel uncomfortable such
as “Will you marry three or four asiatique wives”? or “Are you circumcised”? Do
we think that sometimes in our society we assume and ask questions based on
people's appearances?
I definitely believe that race, gender and sexual orientation are three mayor issues that revolve in society. And of course, back then people would keep their homosexuality to themselves because it wasn't really out there. However, it is still not accepted by everyone and homosexuals continue to be discriminated; they are restricted in society, limited to playing certain roles.
DeleteBecause society is so judgmental, it makes us think that it's okay to make assumptions and generalize when everyone is different. This is when the term stereotype kicks in. People "judge a book by its cover" like the saying goes. I think that we should be careful with what we say because we can offend others, unintentionally.
I like Nancy's observation: how did Bihn get a job as a Chef? I wonder the same thing.
I think that escape might be a reason why Binh drinks, but what do you, Michelle, think he is trying to escape from?
ReplyDeleteI think he said the reason for him drinking a lot. I cant remember the page, but its when he talked about the price of wine in the village and since everyone drinks why cant he?
ReplyDeleteI think he said the reason for him drinking a lot. I cant remember the page, but its when he talked about the price of wine in the village and since everyone drinks why cant he?
ReplyDeleteWell i think Binh drinks alot because he's feeling lonely. He is an immigrantall alone in a country with no family or friends, no one that can relate to what he is going through. I know how he feels because i am from another country and at first you feel lost and know really know where u fit in, almost as if your standing in a room sourrounded by people talking really loud and your screaming at the top of your lungs and no one can hear you or even notice you.
ReplyDeleteI agree that he feels lonely and, as you rightly note, being an immigrant and not speaking the language are mitigating factors. Does he also drink in Paris? If not, do you think his Meadames might be to blame for his loneliness and drinking? Think back to the first sentence with which "Live- in Cook" begins.
ReplyDelete