Introduction
"Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda," written by American author Becky Albertalli, was published in 2015. The story is about a 16-year-old boy, Simon Spier, who hid his homosexual identity from the public. However, Simon secretly communicated with a guy named Blue through email. They fell in love with each other, and they told each other their secret, including the fact that they are both gay. Yet, Simon's secret email got seen by a classmate Martin, and he started to blackmail Simon in order to get some benefit. As a teenager, Simon faced the biggest crisis of his life, but he grew up and learned lessons at the end of the story.
Feedback
I chose this book because I have heard of the film adaptation "Love, Simon." Although I only watched the movie trailer, I have been interested in this story for a while. In addition, since it is youth literature, the words the author picked would be much easier. While reading the story, I felt like I went through the joy, the awkwardness, and the pain with Simon. While Simon was in a dilemma over whether he should come out, and who should he talk to first? I can understand his feelings somehow. When in puberty, we all longing for friends' recognition. We were afraid once we did something not expected from others, we would be denied. I am glad that Simon has Blue as his pen pal; otherwise, it would be difficult for him to hold these secrets alone.
This book not only talks about Simon's self-identity but also elaborates on "friendship." At the beginning of the story, Simon always hung out with Leah and Nick. Then, Abby added in, which created some kind of uncertainty because Nick had a crush on Abby, but Leah had a crush on Nick. What's worse, Simon decided to tell Abby he is gay before telling Leah, which deeply hurt Leah's feelings. Through this book, I feel like I am back in high school because these difficulties would be seen not worth mentioning now, but for 16 years old boys and girls, it is a BIG DEAL. Even though a little childish, it is authentic and cute.
In addition, this book raises a very interesting concept: "Everyone should have to come out. Why is straight the default?" For me, I have never thought about "come out" because I am straight, but why should homosexuals have to explain their personal affairs? I didn't realize the absurd until I read this plot. Furthermore, when Blue finally revealed his identity to Simon, Simon felt shocked because he had never assumed Blue would be black. However, Simon reflected on himself immediately, "White shouldn't be the default any more than straight should be the default." I have to admit that I would make the same mistake from time to time; as a result, I think this is an issue worth thinking about because we should not make any assumptions or preconditions on anything. If we did so, our thinking would be framed. Once we gave something or someone a "label," it would be hard to take it off. Hence, this plot is also a reminder for me not to have preconditions of anything, and I should always keep my mind open, willing to accept everything even though that would reconstruct my mindset.
To make a conclusion, I like how the author described the story. She didn't make a harsh accusation on how LGBTQ people's rights are damaged; instead, she used the teenage boy character Simon to elaborate on every little tiny thing that happened to him and how he felt. In this way, I can put myself into the character to think, if I were him, how would I do? After reading this book, I think we all need more understanding and consideration of these so-called "the minority," maybe it would sound arrogant, but I guess that is the only thing we can do.
Hi! Iris.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your blog, I likewise watched the "Love, Simon trailer." It is fascinating how the character expresses the mood at a young age.
In addition, I have an equal perspective of friendship during 16 years old. I was so frightened of being hated and gossiped about by other classmates; friendship seems to evolve the core of my life as if friends equal your values. Regardless, ages grow, and in my sentiment, it is not so essential to care about who talked behind your back. In contrast, I acknowledge the purpose of life is "BE YOURSELF" because it is impossible to modify others' stubborn minds.
Back to the fiction, I really like the literature that stands out for the "minor groups," including gender equality, LGBTQ people, and so on. It is a course to display the fellows that "Respect for others, can let a person respect," causing human equality is what we purpose and prompt it.
-Joyceline
Hello, Iris
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your log, I went to the Internet to search for this movie and some movie reviews. We all know that the issue of sexuality has always been very controversial in today's society. Still, the main point of controversy has always only existed in "Is the gender correct?" rather than people's real emotions. In fact, homosexuals are not abnormalities in my mind. They have the right to choose their lovers. Thus, there is no right or wrong between heterosexuals and homosexuals; it is just the different choices. As you said, "Why should homosexuals have to explain their personal affairs?" An explanation is a kind of absurd action in this issue.
Next, I totally agree with what you put forward that we have always had a pre-set position on something. It is difficult for us to look at this matter with a fair and justified attitude because presuppositions and labeling often appear inadvertently in our lives. We must constantly remind ourselves to correct our attitudes to avoid committing irreversible crimes error.
" Why be ashamed of who, what you are? " That's what I, as the majority think mostly. To those minorities, they may not think in the same way as I do. I think that's why we have to be open-minded and understanding. By doing so, I believe there will be less discrimination or unfriendly looks in the world.
ReplyDelete"we should not make any assumptions or preconditions on anything. If we did so, our thinking would be framed" it hit my heart a lot. Some people always love to guess something or label something we never knew and start gossiping about it then make the thing bigger. I really hate these kind of people, but the fact is I also sometimes guess something and gossip about it even thought I don't know about the truth. Since I read your log today I told my self again that I need to be aware of my behavior and stop label someone just by looking one side of their personality.
ReplyDeleteHigh school friendship as you said, are authentic and cute. It's an age where we still developing our mindset and values for applying the local society. Instead of talking about the trendy concept, I still believe gender and self identify are so important during the period in high schools. Lessons, seminars or talks, in my experience, are not that highly influenced to pupils. Conversation with in-school social worker are more significant. If there's a liberal perspective on campus, students likely gathering in their office and discussion space. Help them ponder more on where they stand on.
ReplyDelete