Funny in Farsi: Post #3

Funny in Farsi

Quote 1: “In Iran, people learn to swim on their own, if they learned at all. My mother, like most women of her generation, never learned to swim.” -Firoozah- Page 68

Significance: This quote relates to the question, “What hardships do the characters endure as they make a new life?” In Firoozeh's country they didn't know how to do a lot of things like you can do here in America, like swimming. Firoozeh's dad was the swim instructor of the family so he could have taught Firoozeh's mom but its not something that most women of her culture did. Firoozeh's siblings probably learned to swim because they had more chances and they were motivated. This quote really shows that Firoozeh's mom didn't want to do what most Americans do and thats why she wanted to go back to Iran.

Personal Connection: I can connect to this quote because when my mom came to the United States she didn't want to learn how to swim but its not like she didn't know how to swim when she was younger. My dad can connect to Firoozeh's dad because they are both swim instructors of the family. My brother and I both know how to swim but it's not something were so interested in.

Question: If you were in Firoozeh's situation would you really care what your mom decided to do?

Quote 2: “During our Thanksgiving meal, my father gives thanks for living in a free country where he can vote. I always share gratitude for being able to pursue my hopes and dreams, despite being female.” -Firoozeh- Page 75

Significance: It relates to the question, “Why have the characters in your book come to America?” Firoozeh is an Iranian girl who is glad to be in America because she can have the chance to be somebody. Firoozeh's dad also is thankful for living in a country where he is able to vote for president. Firoozeh thinks that she shouldn't be discriminated against whether shes male or female, poor or rich, dark or white because she believes that everybody should have an equal opportunity. The importance of this quote shows that everybody shouldn't take being in America for granted.

Character Judgment: I think that Firoozeh is lucky to be in America because not a lot of people in her country have the opportunity to come here. Firoozeh is the type of girl who is motivated to learn and will try her best throughout all her years in school. I think that Firoozeh is brave, smart and intellectual because she shows it when she talks about her life in Iran compared to her new life in America and the reasons why she is glad to be in America. Firoozeh always makes the right decision and she knows what she wants in life. Even though she has nobody to look up to besides her dad she still learns about her culture and being an American.

Question: Why are you thankful for being in America?