In the old Pepelau, Hawaii, there was a camp for Filipinos and there’s a camp for Japanese, as well; however, there’s one Japanese family that despite the separation between the two cultures lived over at the Filipino camp; that was Makot and his parents. Makot was an outcast Japanese teenager. Most of the Japanese kids his age bully him because he always had more money than them spend and because of the way his family lived. People at the Japanese camp couldn’t understand how Makot’s father could afforded to have a car when only “the whites” had cars; also, Makot’s father would always be riding on his car, therefore, it was obvious he wasn’t the one supporting the family but Makot’s mother, which was another big “No, no!” during those times. Makot couldn’t be friends with kids his own age for all of those reasons, and so he began hanging out with younger kids, buying their affection and friendship with candies and special treats. However, once he was sure of the children loyalty, Makot began to mislead them from what they knew to be right.
Makot was a very lonely teenager who had to deal with the rejection of many people; however, he also made bad choices all on his own, which didn’t help to his reputation of being a bad influence for those who follow him. This makes me feel sympathy for him as the reputation of his parents, as well as their misguide dance had turn Makot into an undesirable person to have around. They’ve provided him with money without teaching him the responsibilities that come with it, since they live in a very poor community; Makot parents’ also failed on teaching him the importance of respect and to choose to do what’s right over wrong.
Parents have an enormous influence on their children’s character, and the education that Makot was receiving from his parents doesn’t seem to be the best. During the short interaction that Makot had with his mother, he didn’t seem to have much respect for her and to me that’s really sad. My personal relationship with my parents is one of the most important things in my life. Makot appears to be ashamed of his parents as he immediately understood when Kiyo told him they couldn’t be friends anymore because of his parents, even though, Kiyo didn’t understand what was wrong with Makot’s parents.
Hi Estela,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, it's very sad that Makot has no respect for his mother. And for Makot to hound Kiyoshi about why his parent's won't let him hang out with Makot, until Makot's parents were brought up is even more sad to me. Makot totally understands why he is made fun of, and why his peers don't want to be friends with him, and it's not his fault at all.
Hi Estela,
ReplyDeleteYour comment, "Parents have an enormous influence on their children’s character, and the education that Makot was receiving from his parents doesn’t seem to be the best. During the short interaction that Makot had with his mother, he didn’t seem to have much respect for her and to me that’s really sad" is insightful!
In Makot's case, I wonder how children are able to have a healthy relationship with their parents, one characterized by mutual respect, when the child cannot respect the parent's choices and when the parents are clearly not acting lawfully and morally.
Thanks for your insights.
Lauren
Hello Estela,
ReplyDeleteI feel really bad for Makot. I feel the reason why Makot doesnt respect his mother is becuase they let him talk to them like that. That poor kid has no structure. When you said "Parents have an enormous infuence on their children's character." I totally agree with this. If the parents dont care neither is the child.
Mattie
Hi Estela,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your insights with us. And I do agree with you when you said " Parents have an enormous influence on their children character.....etc!" This was well said!
Hi Estela,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with us about the closeness of your family, I also think it is very important. There is so much support from my family that I couldn't imagine my life without. I think it's sad for anyone to not have a good relationship with their family because it's really important, no one should do it alone.