In the story “Show and Tell” the blending of
cultures is epitomized with the introduction of Cao to the classroom of
American students. Billy is the main
antagonist of Cao he constantly picks on him, making fun of anything he can
manage, “my daddy said them VCs don’t wear shoes” (25). Cao doesn’t even know that Billy is making
fun of him but Robert and Mr. K understand that Billy is attempting to torment
Cao. When Billy starts to attack Cao
accusing his dad of giving Billy’s dad a huge scar Robert stands up for Cao,
“Leave him alone, Billy” (26). A
vengeful Billy then turns his torment to Robert accusing him of “protecting his
new boyfriend” (26). Robert ignores this
insult and feels he is responsible for taking care of Cao and making him feel
welcome in America instead of a stranger.
While Robert might not literally be Cao’s boyfriend he stands up for him
like a family member someone closer than an acquaintance he just met. Robert subconsciously takes Cao under his
wing and teaches him how to tell people to leave him alone and how to combat
the prejudices of those around him. He
treats Cao like his little brother, protecting, teaching, and guiding him along
a path that will lead him to what he wants or what he desires, acceptance. Their sibling like relationship is epitomized
when Robert explains Cao’s story to the class as he points to each drawing on
the board, creating an emotional but concise story.
---Jeremy B.
I agree that Robert and Cao's relationship is significant and portrays an integration of cultures. Robert does seem to take on the role of big brother guiding and protecting Cao. Because their relationship is so important in understanding the "blending of cultures" (as you refer to it), I wanted to expand on your concluding point which marks an important time in Robert and Cao's friendship. Robert is able to bring to life Cao's story, even though Cao does not use words to convey his message. There is a mutual understanind between the two; Robert is able to understand Cao's sorrowful story even if he does not share the same experience. This moment in "Show and Tell" is pertinent to your idea of the "blending of cultures". Their ability to understand each other suggests that cultures are able to surpass their differences. It is interesting that this moment of cultural understanding is juxtaposed with Billy's dislike for Cao. Perhaps this juxtaposition functions as a message that cultural differences can be broken.
ReplyDelete- Gaby F.
I had never considered looking at Robert and Cao as having a sibling relationship. I felt, at first, that Robert and Cao shared a special bond and that Robert could have been seen as Cao's guardian angel. I like the idea of a sibling relationship better because siblings can have a certain feeling of obligation of protection toward each other. Robert can be seen as Cao's link to the American culture because he is the one that makes Cao feel comfortable within this new environment. It is interesting to see how Billy and Cao react differently to Cao. Billy's vision of Cao is clouded by his father's experience in the war, but Robert has no such qualms. Robert and Billy can represent the different types of struggles that Cao will have to overcome during his transition into American culture.
ReplyDelete-Kristena R.
Jeremy, this is an interesting take on the sibling relationship. For me, I did not examine it with as much depth as you. Robert is Cao's link to the American culture. Because of this relationship, both are able to join the culture, and are better able to attain closure and move on with their lives. There seems to be an understanding between the two regarding the pay off. They both are able to strengthen their ties with the new culture, and between each other.
ReplyDelete-Kristen P.
I do agree with your comments about Robert and Cao forming a sibling like relationship. I found it interesting how Lam had them bond over their love of comics in the story; it reminded me of how Japanese manga artist Osamu Tezuka once commented that comics could transcend countries and races. It also was nice to have a "good" counterpart to Billy, whose attitude towards the Vietnamese is no doubt painted by the war stories his dad told him. It also shows a positive portrayal of interracial relations; by befriending each other, Cao and Robert show how the US and Vietnam may one day become good allies in the future; after all, things like that start off small. Cao and Robert a nice example of that.
ReplyDelete--- Neil G.
I have to agree with some of the other posters, in that I did not see a sibling bond form between the two. I found their relationship to be one of bonding between outcasts, wherein their differences are the very thing which brings them together. I felt that when Cao first arrived, Robert was wary of him, not because he was different, but because he was weighing the pros and cons of taking on a friend which may only bring him more trouble and stigma. Through their love of art, and comics, they do eventually come together, and together they find strength - Robert to stand up to Billy, and Cao to stand up to the whole class and his situation. There is strength in numbers, drawing upon each other for emotional support, and while Robert did not treat Cao like a younger brother, they were almost like comrades...soldiers fighting in their own battle.
ReplyDelete- John G.