It's a Matter of Perspective

What I enjoy most about reading, is that I am able to explore the world from someone else's point of view. Jasmine's perception of America is very different from mine. When she first arrives in America she notices trash cans lined on the edge of a clearing. She says, " So much trash in America!" (128). To me, trash piled into cans lined on the street, seems very orderly rather than overwhelming. I looked up photos of slums in Mumbai where trash engulfs the street, and my first response was, "Look at all that trash in India." Whereas for Jasmine, the trash mounds may seem systematic. These contrasting view points remind me of the HSBC adverts that line the walls of airports. 

http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?id=12812&t=1

The ads are designed to highlight the fact that people can have contrasting views of the same image. I think this variance stems from distinct life styles. The reason Jasmine and I have opposite views might be because whatever we aren't accustomed to seems alarming.

When Jasmine is wandering the streets and encountering other immigrants she says, "I had been in America nearly a day and had yet to see an 'American' face" (129). I am curious as to what Jasmine believes is "American." To me, America is a melting pot encompassing people from all over the world. I think the defining "American" is more of a racial and ethnic blend than purely Northern European.

Most immigrants view America as a place where dreams come true. People flee to America hoping for a "better" life. But better is a subjective term and differs from person to person. The elder people that Jasmine speaks to in New York complain, "Our sons are selfish. Our daughters want to work and stay thin. All the time, this rush-rush" (147). I think the fast pace life of the city is exciting. A world where women can work without discrimination seems ideal. However, the 'old-folks' from India are familiar with different customs and don't find this modern lifestyle intriguing.

Everyone has a different perspective on life due to their background and how they have been raised. Whether or not you agree with someone else's opinions, it is important that you recognize the many sides of every situation.