Log #4

I’ve already finished the previous novel named “The Help.” It was related to the issue of racial discrimination toward black people. Although the plot was attractive, the drawback was that it was written in the perspective of black maids. In order to let readers get close to the situation, the grammars were used in “black” way, which actually confused me a lot whether my English contained lots of mistakes.

       The second novel is “Slumdog Millionaire.” It’s actually recommended by the upper classmate because she says that there’s a connection with my previous novel. Therefore, I give it a shot. Most surprisingly, after reading the first chapter, my soul seems to be sucked into the plot immediately. It’s the first time I don’t feel any distraction around me while reading, while thinking and I’m eager to read one chapter after anther when I grab the book. It hasn’t occurred to me that an English novel has such strong power to control my mind. Throughout the plot, I can feel the emotional richness and surprises coming out impressively.

       The novel starts with a boy named Ram Mohammad Thomas who is a poor orphan and also contestant on the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”, being arrested and tortured by the police. Although it’s one question away from the grand prize, he, considered as a “slumdog,” is suspected to cheat on the show. It’s because the police don’t believe the waiter as him, having little education, has the ability to answer all twelve questions correctly. After depicting the current situation, Thomas starts to recount, through flashbacks, the incidents in his life which fortunately provided him with each answer.

After reading this, I’m confused and annoyed that why those who don’t have expected appearances or statuses are more easily to be doubted or untrusted even though they don’t do anything wrong. Although they have promising talents, their first impressions seem to be the foregone conclusion, and people tend to put stereotypes on them. Take Chen Shu-chu for example, she is merely a vegetable vender in a traditional market, but by judging on her outer appearance and social status, no one can ever expect that she has such kindness to donate almost all of her savings to help those who are in need, not even expecting her to be one of the most influential people around the globe. As for me, I’ve met a boy who has such good personality and treat me well, but he’s not “literally” a handsome guy and he’s not tall as well. However, when I’m around him, I feel a sense of security, but everyone tells me that I deserve the better one by merely looking at his appearance. It’s so unfair to simply judge everyone skin-deep. How sad and annoying to hear those words and how cruel the reality is!