Response Paraph - Theme: So Far from the Bamboo Grove

The memoir So Far from the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kawashima Watkins teaches readers to never give up, even during the most desperate situations. Because the Kawashima family is faced with many challenges due to World War II, Yoko, Ko, her mother, and her brother all learn to persevere to overcome obstacles. When the train Yoko, Ko, and Mrs. Kawashima were on was bombed, they decide to leave the train and walk to the far-off Seoul train station. To prevent themselves from being identified, Yoko, Ko, and their mother all put on Korean Communist army uniforms. Even though Yoko is badly wounded in both her ear and chest, she still persists and continues on with their journey to Seoul. Later on, Yoko also has to go through classmates laughing and taunting her because of the way she looked and her actions. In addition, even out in the cold winter snow with a broken shoe, Yoko also helps her sister by selling little handmade crafts to earn just a little bit of money for food. Yoko's brother, Hideyo, shows the same spirit of never giving up. He keeps walking and walking toward the Seoul train station, even though he barely has any energy left, and then faints at his limit. This book has taught me an important lesson of to never giving up and to persevere, even in the most difficult times.

Response Paragraph: Reaction - Amnesty International

The Amnesty International USA website's "refugee" section talks about Iraq's displacement crisis. Many refugees are struggling to survive outside of Iraq. Although some of them have been allowed to stay in other countries temporarily, they still fear going back to Iraq, where they could face death threats and worse. The Palestinian group is probably being hit the hardest. They have been specifically targeted and are not even allowed to leave the area.

I feel that the treatment people in Iraq are receiving is terrible and disgraceful. Although I know it's almost impossible, I wish for peace, or at least no wars or fighting. Some people are forced to flee just because of their religion! Even though some may think that people who believe in other religions are "stupid," that does not give them the right to treat others so harshly with death threats and more.I also believe that everyone should be allowed to choose where they want to live. Palestinians should not be forced to stay in Iraq. They also should not be denied access to other countries. In addition, I feel bad for those who have lost relatives and friends due to the fierce attacks in Iraq. However, I believe that Amnesty International is doing the right thing by trying to help these poor people resettle in safer places. I hope that the people in Iraq who are suffering because of this "displacement crisis" will soon have a nice place to live in and lead a successful life.